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Close to Home 6

By: Fillydelphian on Dec 7th, 2012 | syntax: None | size: 16.63 KB | hits: 203 | expires: Never

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>”Anon, are you ready?” Celestia asks as you walk out to the large hangar jutting out of the north face of Canterlot's mountain seat.
>She's standing on the deck of an ornate airship, surrounded by ponies manning various stations aboard.
Yeah, I guess so...
>You hesitate, looking at the vessel, and mutter under your breath.
All aboard the Hindenberg...
>Celestia watches you approach the ship. For a moment you pause and look back at the guards by the hangar entrance, narrowing your eyes in scrutiny. They don't budge or acknowledge you.
>Once you climb aboard the ship, Celestia nods to the pony at the helm.
>As you make your way to the bulwark where Celestia is standing, the airship releases its moorings and begins floating out of the hangar.
>It's been two weeks since you came back to Canterlot and you're now accompanying the Princess to Manehattan, where the Pegasus Racing League's Grand Prix is being held.
>You can see the eager anticipation in her violet eyes when she turns around and looks out over the land passing below.
>A gust of wind sends the deck wobbling and causes you to stumble into her.
Sorry, Princess.
>”Don't be,” she laughs. ”First time on an airship?”
>You steady yourself on the bulwark, doing your best not to look down.
I don't like heights...
>”Really? You seemed fine back when-” She looks over her shoulder at a passing stallion. “When I took you back from Luna's room.”
I uh...different situation. I di'n't have time ta let it get ta me.
>”Are you blushing?”
>If you weren't before, you are now. Celestia looks like she's holding back some riotous laughter.
>”Well, try to bear with it. We're a ways away,” she says.
How long's the trip?
>”Six hours.”
...Awesome...
1/11
>Some time later...
>The airship floats over the bustling metropolis of Manehattan, casting its shadow on the streets below.
>You come out of your cabin with Celestia behind you, laughing at a story she's been telling.
>”So then the ambassador looks at the state the place is in and he just melts down! He starts yelling and screaming about not being treated 'the way his station dictates' and actually storms into my throne room, swarm of guards behind him, demanding an audience! You can imagine his face when I told him he'd walked into the broom-closet and not his chambers!”
Friggin' Deah, right?
>”Exactly! You think some unicorns here are prissy? Once when I was there they insisted I wear-”
>Celestia glances up to see the crew assembled before the two of you. She quickly shifts her gaze between them, you, and the door the two of you have just come out of.
>After a beat, she clears her throat awkwardly.
>”Um, yes. What news, Captain?”
>The ship captain steps forward. He's a navy-blue unicorn with blue-green eyes and a light green mane.
>”We're five minutes from the docks, Your Highness. If you could gather whatever things you've brought on board, we can have you disembark at your earliest convenience.” He shoots you a quizzical look.
>”Thank you, Captain. Come on Anon, you have to see the city from the air before we go down,” Celestia says as she grabs your hand with a thrum of magic and pulls you to the bulwark once more. You give one last glance back at the crew.
You don' think they uh...
>”What?”
...Nevuhmind.
>”You're doing it again.”
Doin' what?
>She nods at your arms.
>”You always rub your hands together when you're nervous.”
>Your hands fly into your pockets.
2/11
>The Port of Manehattan is utter chaos. The airship descends onto a mooring platform amidst a swarm of workers scurrying to and fro about their business. The Princess walks gracefully down the gangway, drawing the attention of every po[spoiler][/spoiler]ny in the area.
>You follow behind her, doing your best to look like you belong there.
>Looking out into the growing crowd you see a familiar pink poof poking up from the mass of manes. You peer at it, not sure if it's who you think it is, until-
>”ANON! OVER HERE! HEY! ANON!”
>Celestia looks back at you with a grin. “Looks like you've got a welcoming committee of your own,” she says as the pink pony starts to bounce up and down uncontrollably.
>The two of you make your way towards Pinkie and you see that the rest of your friends are there with her. She immediately launches herself forward and latches onto you, babbling with incoherent excitement.
>Applejack steps forward and puts her hoof out. You tap it with your fist while Twilight rolls her eyes and walks up to Celestia.
>”Good ta see ya'gain, par'ner.”
Good ta see ya too, AJ. You guys doin' alright widdout me?
>”We've managed,” Rainbow Dash replies. “You doing okay at your desk job?”
>You cast a quick glance at Celestia before turning back.
Pretty good.
>Applejack grins knowingly and jabs your side.
>”So're you ready to see the Wonderbolts win?” Rainbow says smugly.
Yuh pretty confident theah, Dash. Gonna make the Phoenixes winnin' even bettah.
>”Wanna bet?” She leans forward, bristling. You lean in to meet her, narrowing your eyes. Pinkie hangs off of you, looking between you and Rainbow.
Ten bits and losah hasta buy drinks aftah tha race.
>”You're on.” You shake her hoof, gripping it roughly.
3/11
>After prying Pinkie Pie off of your torso, you notice Celestia standing beside you.
>”I don't want to cut this short, but we really should get settled in. You can catch up with everyone tomorrow, alright?” she says.
Sounds like a plan, Princess.
>You follow Celestia away from the docks. Twilight watches you go, looking somewhat confused. Once you're out of earshot you come up right beside the Princess. Her carriage waits just ahead.
They don' know about my bein' gone, do they?
>Celestia looks at you sidelong while she gets in.
>”Do they need to? It was hard enough convincing the right people in Canterlot that you'd been in the Deer Republics the last four months.” She looks you in the eye as you climb into the carriage after her. “I don't want to have to do that again. Ever.”
You don't hafta worry. 'S outta my system. Month in th' gutter'll do that to a guy.
>”I know. It must have been hard.” She looks at the tall buildings wistfully as the carriage rolls past.
But I'm back now, and there's no reasin fuh me ta leave anyway, Celly.
>”I know...”
Don't staht that again, Princess. I toldja it wasn't yuh fault.
>”Still, I-”
So're we almost theah?
>She shakes her head and looks ahead.
>”Almost. It's right up this street.”
>The carriage stops in front of an impressively decorated building and you follow Celestia out.
>Her penthouse is one floor above your suite. It has a view of practically the whole city. You keep your blinds drawn.
>You lie on your bed for a few minutes until there's a knock at the door. Celestia is standing there when you open it, looking antsy.
>”Dinnah?”
It's three in the aftanoon.
>”...Lunch?”
>You hear her stomach rumble.
...Shuah.
4/11
>The next day.
>The stands are packed. The noise of the crowd rises and falls like waves. You sit in the Royal Box with Celestia on one side, Rainbow Dash and the rest of your friends on the other.
>With a burst of fanfare, the two pegasus teams take the stage.
>”Ready to lose?” Rainbow asks as the crowd goes wild.
Can't wait ta have yuh pay fuh my drinks tuhnite, Dash.
>”Quiet, you two! They're startin'!” Applejack yells over the noise.
>An announcer comes over the speakers. “Fillies and Gentlecolts! Welcome to the Four-Hundred and Eighty-Eighth Pegasus Grand Prix!”
>The racers take to the starting blocks.
>”We're happy to bring you this race between the reigning champions The Wonderbolts and the surprise wild-card finishers The Phoenixes!”
>The crowd erupts.
>”And have we got a race for you today! Three laps through the skies of Manehattan! The prize: the coveted Hurricane Cup! Now put your hooves together and make some noise!”
>Another announcer comes over the speakers. “The racers are at their starting blocks waiting for the green flag to drop...”
>There's a tense pause as the flag waves over the starting line. After what seems like an eternity it finally falls and the racers take off in a streak of color.
>”And they're off! Spitfire taking an early lead on the first straightaway with Soarin pulling up right behind and the Phoenix rookie Windshear snatching the third position!”
>You lock your eyes on the large screen showing the racers' progress, letting out a loud yell every time your team takes the lead.
5/11
>An hour later the racers finish their second lap.
>”And coming up on the third turn, it's Spitfire in the lead with Windshear hot on her tail! Fleetfoot is coming up behind along with Soarin and- It's Bluebolt out of nowhere, taking third position! The Phoenixes are still in this!”
You ready with those bits, Dash?
>Rainbow grips the edge of her seat. “Shut up! It's not over yet! Spitfire's still-”
>”Windshear takes the lead coming into the straightaway! She's followed by Bluebolt and Spitfire! Oh, the Wonderbolts captain does not look happy!”
>You lean forward, watching the screen closely. Out the corner of your eye you see Celestia's wings flare out.
>”It's the home-stretch! Windshear in first position as Spitfire retakes second position from Bluebolt! Misty comes back from a slow start to take third position! They're neck-and-neck coming up on the finish line! Spitfire coming back from that mid-lap sluggishness like a meteor! It looks like it's going to be a photo finish, folks!”
>You grip the railing, gritting your teeth. The racers streak past the finish line faster than you can register who was in front.
>A weighty pause ensues before the announcer comes back.
>”It's Spitfire! Spitfire by a hair's breadth, followed by Windshear and Misty! The Wonderbolts have taken the Hurricane Cup yet again!”
>Rainbow leaps from her seat, cheering. You fall back as Celestia's wings droop in disappointment. The rainbow-maned pegasus taps your shoulder, beaming.
>”Looks like drinks're on you, government boy!”
Looks like it.
>Your group gets up and files out of the stands.
6/11
>”...So meet us at the Flying Bridle on Fifth Street at eight, got it?” Rainbow repeats as you come out the exit.
I got it, I got it. I'll see ya then.
>Rainbow looks positively ecstatic.
>You turn to walk to the carriage with Celestia when you see a stallion approaching you.
>”Councilor Anonymous?” he asks.
Yes?
>He pulls a scroll out of his bag and gives it to you.
>”From Canterlot.”
Right, thanks.
>You toss him a gold coin and climb into the carriage.
>”What's the scroll for?” Celestia asks, looking at it curiously.
Just some Council business, Princess. I'll handle it when I get back ta the room.
>She looks back out at the stands. “I can't believe we were so close to winning...”
Right? Thought we had it in the bag till Spits got her second-wind...
>The carriage rolls away from your defeat.
>By the time you get to you room, it feels like you're carrying a brick of lead in your pocket.
>You go to the desk and open up the scroll. It's a message from White.
>”You wanted me to send word if anything out of the ordinary happened, so here you go. There's been talk amongst the Guard about some of the nobles. Blueblood's been on our backs about what he calls 'rising malfeasance in the upper ranks of Canterlot society.' Not sure what he's talking about, but I thought you ought to know. -White”
>You put the message down on the desk and lean back. After letting White's words sink in, you fish around and light up a cigarette.
>As smoke trails up towards the ceiling, you grab a piece of paper and begin to write.
7/11
>It's nearly seven-thirty when you're at Celestia's door.
You shuah ya don' wanna come with? It'll be a good time, ya know. Betta than stayin' in, anyway.
>You feel bad leaving her out, but she hasn't even opened the door.
>”I'll be fine here. I've got business to take care of anyway,” she says through the door. She's clearly feeling down. You decide not to press it further.
Aight, I'll see ya latah then.
>”Yeah...”
>The carriage is waiting for you when you walk out of the hotel. You climb in and take a seat.
>”Just you, Councilor?” the driver asks.
Yep. Flying Bridle on Fifth.
>”I know the place.”
Let's go, then. I got an appointment.
>”Very good, sir.”
>The carriage lurches forward down the cobblestone street. As the sun goes down, the streets and avenues light up and the night life starts to come out.
>You look at the brickwork architecture and wrought-iron fences and find yourself reminded of home.
>”You ever been to Manehattan before, Councilor?” the driver asks.
No, first time.
>”I figured.”
How's that?
>”Only ponies who look up here are the ones who've never been before.”
>You chuckle.
That's a good one. What's your name?
>”It's Stone Brick, sir.”
Nice ta meetcha, Brick. Call me Anon.
>”Very good...Anon.” The carriage slows. “The Flying Bridle.”
Aight. Thanks.
>”What time should I come and pick you up?”
Won't be needed. I'll take a cab back. Go take the night off.
>You toss him a small bag of bits and walk into the pub.
>After a deep breath, you head to the main floor where Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie are waiting at the bar.
Aight, fillies, bet's a bet. Drinks're on me!
8/11
>”...and that's why the Wonderbolts are the best team in the league!” Rainbow Dash finishes her long tirade after a fourth pint.
Yeah yeah...Fer now.
>You gesture at her, glass in hand.
You still tryin' out fuh them?
>”Sure am! I've been training while I get spare time off from the Weather Team.”
>She looks proud of herself.
Nice. Maybe you'll get ta lose ta the Phoenixes next yeah.
>Rainbow turns red. Applejack slaps you on the back, laughing.
>”Hoo-ee! Y'all want sum ahce fer that burn, Dash?”
>”Shut up!” the cyan mare shoots back, pouting.
>You look at the clock and realize how late it is.
Ah damn, I gotta get back ta the hotel. Tonna stuff I gotta do tomorrow.
>The three mares look at each other.
>”Fine, but you'd better come down to Ponyville and visit once in a while,” Rainbow says.
Will do.
>You remember the scroll in your pocket as you get up.
Hey, Pinkie, can ya pass this along ta Twi when ya get a chance?
>”What is it?” she asks.
It's a secret. Just give it to 'er when ya see 'er, aight?
>Pinkie looks at you suspiciously before taking the scroll.
>”Okie dokie! Have fun at the hotel!”
Will do. Take cayah, you guys. Great seein' y'again.
>”Lahkwise, Anon.”
9/11
>Celestia's room is quiet when you walk up to it. You'd at least expected her to be watching something to pass the time.
>For a whole minute after you knock, there's no response. Eventually the Princess pulls the door open and looks at you. She looks like she's spent the whole night moping around.
>You reach down into the bag you brought with you and produce a twelve-pack of the darkest beer you could find at the store.
Still nawt in th' mood fuh company?
>She looks at the beers and licks her lips before, with a thrum of magic, she yanks you into the room.
Glad yuh changed yuh mind, Princess. Still down 'bout th' Phoenixes?
>”A little. I wannid ta go out 'n celebrate when they won but...ahh fak, I couldna even done that...”
Why nawt?
>”Cause I'm friggin rawyalty. Can't affawd ta be seen carryin' on ovah a fakkin' spawts game.”
>You nod in begrudging agreement and crack open a can.
Fair 'nuff, I guess.
>You throw the Princess one.
But hey, no one in 'eah ta give a damn.
>The T.V. bathes the room in a cool light when you flick it on and flop onto the couch.
And I ain't lettin' ya spent th' whole friggin' night mopin'. The Trottin' Dead's on and so help me God we ah watchin' th' hell outta it and finishin' this beeah.
>She walks over behind the couch and hangs her head over your shoulder.
>”You're a persuasive one. Hope you're usin that fuh good on my council and not fer evil.”
We'll find out someday, prob'ly.
>”Thanks fuh coming out 'eah wit me, Anon.”
>She plops down next to you on the couch as the show starts.
10/11
>Meanwhile, in Canterlot:
>”Did the message go out?”
>”Of course. The good Councilor should have received it this afternoon.”
>”Good. That's the first pawn out of the way, then.”
>”What of the guard?”
>”Let him go about his business. I'll have him kept an eye on.”
>”Are you sure that's wise?”
>”That depends. Are you questioning my judgment?”
>”Of course not, my Lord...”
>”Good. You're dismissed.”
>Blueblood walks to the wall overlooking the fields below Canterlot. The moon shines bright in the sky.
>”Run along, Councilor. Your time in the sun's almost up. Best savor it.”
11/11

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>”Anon, are you ready?” Celestia asks as you walk out to the large hangar jutting out of the north face of Canterlot's mountain seat.
>She's standing on the deck of an ornate airship, surrounded by ponies manning various stations aboard.
Yeah, I guess so...
>You hesitate, looking at the vessel, and mutter under your breath.
All aboard the Hindenberg...
>Celestia watches you approach the ship. For a moment you pause and look back at the guards by the hangar entrance, narrowing your eyes in scrutiny. They don't budge or acknowledge you. 
>Once you climb aboard the ship, Celestia nods to the pony at the helm.
>As you make your way to the bulwark where Celestia is standing, the airship releases its moorings and begins floating out of the hangar.
>It's been two weeks since you came back to Canterlot and you're now accompanying the Princess to Manehattan, where the Pegasus Racing League's Grand Prix is being held.
>You can see the eager anticipation in her violet eyes when she turns around and looks out over the land passing below.
>A gust of wind sends the deck wobbling and causes you to stumble into her.
Sorry, Princess.
>”Don't be,” she laughs. ”First time on an airship?”
>You steady yourself on the bulwark, doing your best not to look down.
I don't like heights...
>”Really? You seemed fine back when-” She looks over her shoulder at a passing stallion. “When I took you back from Luna's room.”
I uh...different situation. I di'n't have time ta let it get ta me.
>”Are you blushing?”
>If you weren't before, you are now. Celestia looks like she's holding back some riotous laughter.
>”Well, try to bear with it. We're a ways away,” she says.
How long's the trip?
>”Six hours.”
...Awesome...
1/11

>Some time later...
>The airship floats over the bustling metropolis of Manehattan, casting its shadow on the streets below. 
>You come out of your cabin with Celestia behind you, laughing at a story she's been telling.
>”So then the ambassador looks at the state the place is in and he just melts down! He starts yelling and screaming about not being treated 'the way his station dictates' and actually storms into my throne room, swarm of guards behind him, demanding an audience! You can imagine his face when I told him he'd walked into the broom-closet and not his chambers!”
Friggin' Deah, right? 
>”Exactly! You think some unicorns here are prissy? Once when I was there they insisted I wear-”
>Celestia glances up to see the crew assembled before the two of you. She quickly shifts her gaze between them, you, and the door the two of you have just come out of. 
>After a beat, she clears her throat awkwardly.
>”Um, yes. What news, Captain?”
>The ship captain steps forward. He's a navy-blue unicorn with blue-green eyes and a light green mane.
>”We're five minutes from the docks, Your Highness.  If you could gather whatever things you've brought on board, we can have you disembark at your earliest convenience.” He shoots you a quizzical look.
>”Thank you, Captain. Come on Anon, you have to see the city from the air before we go down,” Celestia says as she grabs your hand with a thrum of magic and pulls you to the bulwark once more. You give one last glance back at the crew.
You don' think they uh...
>”What?”
...Nevuhmind.
>”You're doing it again.”
Doin' what?
>She nods at your arms.
>”You always rub your hands together when you're nervous.”
>Your hands fly into your pockets. 
2/11

>The Port of Manehattan is utter chaos. The airship descends onto a mooring platform amidst a swarm of workers scurrying to and fro about their business. The Princess walks gracefully down the gangway, drawing the attention of every po[spoiler][/spoiler]ny  in the area.
>You follow behind her, doing your best to look like you belong there.
>Looking out into the growing crowd you see a familiar pink poof poking up from the mass of manes. You peer at it, not sure if it's who you think it is, until-
>”ANON! OVER HERE! HEY! ANON!”
>Celestia looks back at you with a grin. “Looks like you've got a welcoming committee of your own,” she says as the pink pony starts to bounce up and down uncontrollably.
>The two of you make your way towards Pinkie and you see that the rest of your friends are there with her. She immediately launches herself forward and latches onto you, babbling with incoherent excitement.
>Applejack steps forward and puts her hoof out. You tap it with your fist while Twilight rolls her eyes and walks up to Celestia.
>”Good ta see ya'gain, par'ner.”
Good ta see ya too, AJ. You guys doin' alright widdout me?
>”We've managed,” Rainbow Dash replies. “You doing okay at your desk job?”
>You cast a quick glance at Celestia before turning back.
Pretty good.
>Applejack grins knowingly and jabs your side.
>”So're you ready to see the Wonderbolts win?” Rainbow says smugly.
Yuh pretty confident theah, Dash. Gonna make the Phoenixes winnin' even bettah.
>”Wanna bet?” She leans forward, bristling. You lean in to meet her, narrowing your eyes. Pinkie hangs off of you, looking between you and Rainbow.
Ten bits and losah hasta buy drinks aftah tha race.
>”You're on.” You shake her hoof, gripping it roughly.
3/11

>After prying Pinkie Pie off of your torso, you notice Celestia standing beside you.
>”I don't want to cut this short, but we really should get settled in. You can catch up with everyone tomorrow, alright?” she says.
Sounds like a plan, Princess.
>You follow Celestia away from the docks. Twilight watches you go, looking somewhat confused. Once you're out of earshot you come up right beside the Princess. Her carriage waits just ahead.
They don' know about my bein' gone, do they?
>Celestia looks at you sidelong while she gets in.
>”Do they need to? It was hard enough convincing the right people in Canterlot that you'd been in the Deer Republics the last four months.” She looks you in the eye as you climb into the carriage after her. “I don't want to have to do that again. Ever.”
You don't hafta worry.  'S outta my system. Month in th' gutter'll do that to a guy.
>”I know. It must have been hard.” She looks at the tall buildings wistfully as the carriage rolls past.
But I'm back now, and there's no reasin fuh me ta leave anyway, Celly.
>”I know...”
Don't staht that again, Princess. I toldja it wasn't yuh fault.
>”Still, I-”
So're we almost theah? 
>She shakes her head and looks ahead.
>”Almost. It's right up this street.”
>The carriage stops in front of an impressively decorated building and you follow Celestia out.
>Her penthouse is one floor above your suite. It has a view of practically the whole city. You keep your blinds drawn.
>You lie on your bed for a few minutes until there's a knock at the door. Celestia is standing there  when you open it, looking antsy.
>”Dinnah?”
It's three in the aftanoon.
>”...Lunch?”
>You hear her stomach rumble.
...Shuah.
4/11

>The next day.
>The stands are packed. The noise of the crowd rises and falls like waves. You sit in the Royal Box with Celestia on one side, Rainbow Dash and the rest of your friends on the other.
>With a burst of fanfare, the two pegasus teams take the stage.
>”Ready to lose?” Rainbow asks as the crowd goes wild.
Can't wait ta have yuh pay fuh my drinks tuhnite, Dash.
>”Quiet, you two! They're startin'!” Applejack yells over the noise.
>An announcer comes over the speakers. “Fillies and Gentlecolts! Welcome to the Four-Hundred and Eighty-Eighth Pegasus Grand Prix!”
>The racers take to the starting blocks.
>”We're happy to bring you this race between the reigning champions The Wonderbolts and the surprise wild-card finishers The Phoenixes!”
>The crowd erupts.
>”And have we got a race for you today! Three laps through the skies of Manehattan! The prize: the coveted Hurricane Cup! Now put your hooves together and make some noise!”
>Another announcer comes over the speakers. “The racers are at their starting blocks waiting for the green flag to drop...”
>There's a tense pause as the flag waves over the starting line. After what seems like an eternity it finally falls and the racers take off in a streak of color.
>”And they're off! Spitfire taking an early lead on the first straightaway with Soarin pulling up right behind and the Phoenix rookie Windshear snatching the third position!”
>You lock your eyes on the large screen showing the racers' progress, letting out a loud yell every time your team takes the lead.
5/11

>An hour later the racers finish their second lap.
>”And coming up on the third turn, it's Spitfire in the lead with Windshear hot on her tail! Fleetfoot is coming up behind along with Soarin and- It's Bluebolt out of nowhere, taking third position! The Phoenixes are still in this!”
You ready with those bits, Dash?
>Rainbow grips the edge of her seat. “Shut up! It's not over yet! Spitfire's still-”
>”Windshear takes the lead coming into the straightaway! She's followed by Bluebolt and Spitfire! Oh, the Wonderbolts captain does not look happy!”
>You lean forward, watching the screen closely. Out the corner of your eye you see Celestia's wings flare out.
>”It's the home-stretch! Windshear in first position as Spitfire retakes second position from Bluebolt! Misty comes back from a slow start to take third position! They're neck-and-neck coming up on the finish line! Spitfire coming back from that mid-lap sluggishness like a meteor! It looks like it's going to be a photo finish, folks!”
>You grip the railing, gritting your teeth. The racers streak past the finish line faster than you can register who was in front.
>A weighty pause ensues before the announcer comes back.
>”It's Spitfire! Spitfire by a hair's breadth, followed by Windshear and Misty! The Wonderbolts have taken the Hurricane Cup yet again!”
>Rainbow leaps from her seat, cheering. You fall back as Celestia's wings droop in disappointment. The rainbow-maned pegasus taps your shoulder, beaming.
>”Looks like drinks're on you, government boy!”
Looks like it.
>Your group gets up and files out of the stands.
6/11

>”...So meet us at the Flying Bridle on Fifth Street at eight, got it?” Rainbow repeats as you come out the exit.
I got it, I got it. I'll see ya then.
>Rainbow looks positively ecstatic.
>You turn to walk to the carriage with Celestia when you see a stallion approaching you.
>”Councilor Anonymous?” he asks.
Yes?
>He pulls a scroll out of his bag and gives it to you.
>”From Canterlot.”
Right, thanks.
>You toss him a gold coin and climb into the carriage.
>”What's the scroll for?” Celestia asks, looking at it curiously.
Just some Council business, Princess. I'll handle it when I get back ta the room.
>She looks back out at the stands. “I can't believe we were so close to winning...”
Right? Thought we had it in the bag till Spits got her second-wind...
>The carriage rolls away from your defeat.

>By the time you get to you room, it feels like you're carrying a brick of lead in your pocket.
>You go to the desk and open up the scroll. It's a message from White.
>”You wanted me to send word if anything out of the ordinary happened, so here you go. There's been talk amongst the Guard about some of the nobles. Blueblood's been on our backs about what he calls 'rising malfeasance in the upper ranks of Canterlot society.' Not sure what he's talking about, but I thought you ought to know. -White”
>You put the message down on the desk and lean back. After letting White's words sink in, you fish around and light up a cigarette.
>As smoke trails up towards the ceiling, you grab a piece of paper and begin to write.
7/11

>It's nearly seven-thirty when you're at Celestia's door.
You shuah ya don' wanna come with? It'll be a good time, ya know. Betta than stayin' in, anyway.
>You feel bad leaving her out, but she hasn't even opened the door.
>”I'll be fine here. I've got business to take care of anyway,” she says through the door. She's clearly feeling down. You decide not to press it further.
Aight, I'll see ya latah then.
>”Yeah...”
>The carriage is waiting for you when you walk out of the hotel. You climb in and take a seat.
>”Just you, Councilor?” the driver asks.
Yep. Flying Bridle on Fifth.
>”I know the place.”
Let's go, then. I got an appointment.
>”Very good, sir.”
>The carriage lurches forward down the cobblestone street. As the sun goes down, the streets and avenues light up and the night life starts to come out.
>You look at the brickwork architecture and wrought-iron fences and find yourself reminded of home.
>”You ever been to Manehattan before, Councilor?” the driver asks.
No, first time.
>”I figured.”
How's that?
>”Only ponies who look up here are the ones who've never been before.”
>You chuckle.
That's a good one. What's your name?
>”It's Stone Brick, sir.”
Nice ta meetcha, Brick. Call me Anon.
>”Very good...Anon.” The carriage slows. “The Flying Bridle.”
Aight. Thanks.
>”What time should I come and pick you up?”
Won't be needed. I'll take a cab back. Go take the night off.
>You toss him a small bag of bits and walk into the pub.
>After a deep breath, you head to the main floor where Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie are waiting at the bar.
Aight, fillies, bet's a bet. Drinks're on me!
8/11

>”...and that's why the Wonderbolts are the best team in the league!” Rainbow Dash finishes her long tirade after a fourth pint.
Yeah yeah...Fer now.
>You gesture at her, glass in hand.
You still tryin' out fuh them?
>”Sure am! I've been training while I get spare time off from the Weather Team.”
>She looks proud of herself.
Nice. Maybe you'll get ta lose ta the Phoenixes next yeah.
>Rainbow turns red. Applejack slaps you on the back, laughing.
>”Hoo-ee! Y'all want sum ahce fer that burn, Dash?”
>”Shut up!” the cyan mare shoots back, pouting.
>You look at the clock and realize how late it is.
Ah damn, I gotta get back ta the hotel. Tonna stuff I gotta do tomorrow.
>The three mares look at each other.
>”Fine, but you'd better come down to Ponyville and visit once in a while,” Rainbow says.
Will do.
>You remember the scroll in your pocket as you get up.
Hey, Pinkie, can ya pass this along ta Twi when ya get a chance?
>”What is it?” she asks.
It's a secret. Just give it to 'er when ya see 'er, aight?
>Pinkie looks at you suspiciously before taking the scroll.
>”Okie dokie! Have fun at the hotel!”
Will do. Take cayah, you guys. Great seein' y'again.
>”Lahkwise, Anon.”
9/11

>Celestia's room is quiet when you walk up to it. You'd at least expected her to be watching something to pass the time.
>For a whole minute after you knock, there's no response. Eventually the Princess pulls the door open and looks at you. She looks like she's spent the whole night moping around.
>You reach down into the bag you brought with you and produce a twelve-pack of the darkest beer you could find at the store.
Still nawt in th' mood fuh company?
>She looks at the beers and licks her lips before, with a thrum of magic, she yanks you into the room.
Glad yuh changed yuh mind, Princess. Still down 'bout th' Phoenixes?
>”A little. I wannid ta go out 'n celebrate when they won but...ahh fak, I couldna even done that...”
Why nawt?
>”Cause I'm friggin rawyalty. Can't affawd ta be seen carryin' on ovah a fakkin' spawts game.”
>You nod in begrudging agreement and crack open a can.
Fair 'nuff, I guess.
>You throw the Princess one.
But hey, no one in 'eah ta give a damn.
>The T.V. bathes the room in a cool light when you flick it on and flop onto the couch.
And I ain't lettin' ya spent th' whole friggin' night mopin'. The Trottin' Dead's on and so help me God we ah watchin' th' hell outta it and finishin' this beeah.
>She walks over behind the couch and hangs her head over your shoulder.
>”You're a persuasive one. Hope you're usin that fuh good on my council and not fer evil.”
We'll find out someday, prob'ly.
>”Thanks fuh coming out 'eah wit me, Anon.”
>She plops down next to you on the couch as the show starts.
10/11

>Meanwhile, in Canterlot:
>”Did the message go out?”
>”Of course. The good Councilor should have received it this afternoon.”
>”Good. That's the first pawn out of the way, then.”
>”What of the guard?”
>”Let him go about his business. I'll have him kept an eye on.”
>”Are you sure that's wise?”
>”That depends. Are you questioning my judgment?”
>”Of course not, my Lord...”
>”Good. You're dismissed.”
>Blueblood walks to the wall overlooking the fields below Canterlot. The moon shines bright in the sky.
>”Run along, Councilor. Your time in the sun's almost up. Best savor it.”
11/11

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