Feared Love United: Chapter 11/Courage

Twilight flew up to Blackwinter and landed on the ground. "Is there a place we can sit to speak?" Twilight asked him.

"Sit?" Blackwinter asked, "Why would we need to sit to speak?"

"I suppose we don't..." Twilight Sparkle quietly stated.

"It is Equestrian custom." Badb added from just behind her mistress.

"Very well." Blackwinter said to her, "But we do not have specially designated sitting places."

"Perhaps the tent." Badb stated, "Ponies are not as good against the cold as Winter Deer are."

"Even one of your god-princesses?" Blackwinter asked. "Nevermind, you have certainly earned our respect. Since we cannot give you hospitality, have your servant summon us when you are ready to receive us."


Blackwinter, followed by his son Blackstag and daughter Whitesnow entered the grand tent setup by the Unicorns and looked about.

"This way." Badb said to them, and walked towards Rarity's palatial tent. "Your tents are grander than our houses." Blackstag stated.

"We rarely see anything so beautiful," Whitesnow added.

"I will pass your praise onto Rarity." Badb replied. "Please, come inside."

"Tents within tents?" Blackstag asked, though not expecting an answer.


Blackwinter and Blackstag stood by the lounge while Whitesnow allowed herself to be seated. "You are seated." Blackwinter stated, "Can we?.. talk?.."

"As soon as the tea arrives!" Rarity shouted from the kitchen.

"And, until then?" Blackwinter asked.

"Try to relax." Badb said with a smile, "I will fetch my mistress."

"Very well." Blackwinter stated, "We will try."

"Father." Whitesnow admonished him.

"I did say I would try..." he quietly answered. He breathed in deeply, trying his best to relax.

"Ponies are fearful things." Blackstag added.

"Blackstag!" Whitesnow admonished.

"'Tis no insult." Blackstag stated, "They have accomplished more than we have, despite constantly being afraid of everything. It is remakrable... and embarassing..."

"You have nothing to be ashamed of." Blackwinter said to him. "We are Winter Deer, and Winter Deer fight. Ponies it seems build empires."

"Imagine what we could do if we were part of their empire?.." Blackstag asked him.

"I know..." Blackwinter replied, and the two paused as they heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs, and paused at how opulent it was to have stairs in a tent. How did such tiny ponies carry it? "Princess." Blackwinter said to her, and then bowed, Blackstag following quickly after.

"You are not my subjects, yet." Twilight said to them.

"And how would we become them?" Blackwinter asked, and Twilight looked at them with surprise.

"We meant no offense..." Blackwinter nervously voiced.

"I... just wasn't expecting it..." Twilight said, as she walked up to the lounge and sat down.

"She was expecting to have to coax you into it." Badb added from behind her.

"Badb?!" Twilight admonished.

"I will not apologize, Mistess." Badb said to her, "You are good at diplomacy, but poor at realizing when you have won."

"I've won?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, Princess." Blackwinter stated. "What would we have to do to join your kingdom?"

"Service." Twilight stated, and then sighed. "I think Spike would be better at explaining this. Badb?"

"Yes, Mistress." Badb stated, and bowed.

Rarity and Ainé, (now dressed as a hostess), appeared from the kitchen, bearing tea. "Spikey-wikey?!" Rarity asked with glee.

"Please, try to contain yourself..." Twilight stated, "though I know how enticing the bellowing, grumbling, growling Spike can be..." Twilight then turned to face the Winter Deer, "In the mean time, let's try to relax."

"I promise I will try." Blackwinter said to her with all sincerity.


The flap to Rarity's palacial tent flew open as spike stormed inside, Halfire a safe distance behind him, though entering before the flap closed once again. Spike practically dashed over to the lounge and sat on the floor.

"Tea?" Rarity asked him, and hearing her voice his face softened, seeing her face made his glow.

"Yes, please." he said with a brilliantly wide and toothy smile. Halfire looked about until he saw Twilight patting the seat beside her. He used his telekinesis to remove his cloak and saddlebags while placing his rifle up against the back of the couch, and sat down.

Ainé mixed his tea before passing it to him.

"Spike?" Twilight asked, and he nodded with a light, affirmative grumble. "Blackwinter was wondering what he could contribute, and why he could not?"

Halfire looked at Spike questionably, but he quickly answered as if he understood the question.

"Logistics." Spike stated. "The simplest solution would be to extend the railroad from the Crystal Empire, but that is far from simple. Until that happens, regular trade would be difficult, at best. The most we could manage would be a post office." He then looked at Twilight, raising his eyebrows, and she nodded.

"Far more succinctly than I could." Twilight said. "Without being able to give something real, you would have to give yourself."

"We are warriors." Blackwinter said firmly.

"Then that's how we would use you." Twilight stated. "We believe we have taken care of the darkness. If we did, you will need something new to fight, and we would want you to protect Equestria's northern borders."

Blackwinter looked at her with what could best be described as shear determination. "It would be our honour."

"Twi." Spike addressed her, and she looked at him, "I would like to lead the engineering team to extend the railway."

"What kind of quest is that?" Badb asked, but Twilight simply looked at him as if she understood.

"One that could help as many people as fighting the darkness?" Twilight asked, and Spike nodded and grumbled.

"He does always grumble, doesn't he?" Badb asked. "And, while I'm at, what is Solace doing?"

"I'm right here." Solace said from behind her, and the Changeling jumped at her compatriote.

"You nearly gave me a heart attack." Badb stated.

"Halfire, would your team join us?" Spike asked.

Halfire looked at him with a start. It took him nearly a full minute to come up with a reply, but in the mean time Spike spent his time smiling at Rarity, whom smiled and blushed in turn. "They are equipology students!" Halfire exclaimed.

"That's not a no." Twilight stated, "And from what I've seen, they can handle themselves as well as any Earth Ponies or Pegasi."

"They... are... used... to toiling in the earth..." Halfire voiced, "and with the rifles... can fight... but not like a Pegasus!.."

"Not like a Pegasus." Twilight stated, "Like a Dragon." she said with a smile.

"He has..." Halfire voiced, pausing momentarily to think, "been training me in the Draconic fighting style..."

"I will sweeten the pot." Twilight said with glee, "In honour of your valour, all who pledge to follow Spike the Noble Dragon will be knighted, and I will dub thee the Royal Dragoons."

"A knightly order dedicated to?.." Halfire asked, "Building railways?"

"We have a need for knights-scholar." Twilight said to him. "The Royal Guard, Night Guard, and Paladins have their purview, and the Wonderbolts can protect Equestria, but can really only help with the things Pegasi excel at."

"What of your own?" Spike asked her.

"My own, what?" Twilight asked.

"What of Baron Tournesol?" Spike continued.

"What of him?" Twilight asked.

"He is teaching the Earth Ponies to fight like Equites." Spike stated. "It might have been entirely through happenstance, but from what I saw, your Royal Guard was becoming more and more Earth Ponyish."

Twilight paused as it finally dawned on her. You could see the comprehension in her eyes at some faraway thing.

"As it stands," Halfire stated, "Earth Ponies lack any sort of knightly order. Whether this is from a lack of volition on their part, I am uncertain, but I am certainly in favour of them having at least one."

"The Crusaders." Spike stated. "They can use their greatshields to protect Equestria. Tournesol was able to protect himself from my Dragonfire, and that immediately earns my admiration."

"One I would be able to do on my own..." Twilight nervously voiced, "but two... I would need to speak to the other Princesses..."

"Then call Harmony Undivided." Spike stated.

"I suppose I can trust you all to help Nifl's Gate in my absence..." Twilight stated.

"We'll be fine, Darling." Rarity said as she snuggled up to Spike.

"That used to be my place..." Solace mumbled.

"He's more than big enough for the two of us." Rarity delightfully said. Ainé looked at them longingly, and Rarity quickly waved her over. Spike found himself clustered between a lovely Unicorn and a pair of Changelings, and he paused.

"You are all... so... cold..." he stated.

"It is a little bit nippy..." Rarity stated, and Spike sighed. He put down his tea and used his arms and wings to hold them close. Twilight looked at him nervously, and he waved her over. Soon he was surrounded by two Ponies and three Changelings.

"We will excuse you." Whitesnow stated, and helped her father and brother to the tent's entrance.


Halfire walked into the stables. A moment later Fluttershy appeared from around the corner.

"Oh... hello..." she shyly said to him.

"Hello." Halfire said with a smile. "I've come in search of Loyalty."

"Oh... well..." Fluttershy stated, "She's... she's not here... and why... why don't you just say her name?.."

Halfire paused as he looked at her. "I feel... my lips... are... unworthy... of speaking her name... I know it sounds like the prattle of an old stallion..."

"Oh... no..." Fluttershy quietly voiced. "I mean... I think it's sweet..." she said, and hid behind her hair. "Oh, right! She's not here! I mean... sorry... I mean..."

Halfire held up his hoof and she paused, "I was hoping you would know where she was."

"Oh, no... sorry..." she voiced, "why would I... be the one..."

"You are her oldest and dearest friend." Halfire quietly stated.

"I'm not..." Fluttershy voiced, "I mean, I've known her the longest... but I wouldn't say I'm her dearest..."

"You don't know how much she cares for you?" Halfire questioned. "Though I suppose she is not the best at showing her fondness..."

"She does?" Fluttershy asked.

"Her fondest memories of her childhood are with you." Halfire added. "She was distraught when you left Cloudsdale."

"She was?" Fluttershy nervously asked.

"I fear I might have said too much..." Halfire voiced.

"Oh, please don't..." Fluttershy voiced.

"Suffice it to say," Halfire continued, "you are dear to her, and where do you think she is."

"Here..." Halfire heard come from the back of the stables, and Rainbow Dash appeared. "I was just tryin' to get a nap... until you... had to start... talking... about how much I love Fluttershy..."

"My apologies..." Halfire stated.

"No!" Rainbow Dash shouted, "Don't apologize. I... am... not good... at this thing..." she paused and looked away, "and Doc... do you... really... think..."

"Oh, dear me..." Halfire voiced. "but what was said cannot be unsaid..."

"Is unsaid a word?" Rainbow Dash asked him, and realizing she was looking at him looked back away.

"No..." Halfire stated, "which is the point, but not the point. If I did not have the courage to say this now I would be nothing more than a colt with more youth than wisdom. Loyalty." he said, and she looked at him, "Rain - bow - Dash he voiced, "I love thee."

Rainbow Dash looked at him with moist eyes. "Why do you have to go and make it all hoity-toity?.."

"Because..." he voiced, and breathed in deeply, "lesser words are unfit to describe you..."

"And what am I?!" Rainbow Dash asked.

"A ruffian," Halfire stated, "bordering on hooligan. You are as flighty as a crake and as brash as a mariner, and more loyal than a hound."

"I honestly do not know what you are saying..." Rainbow Dash pleaded. "Please, just speak English!" she shouted.

"I would rather speak to your heart." Halfire said, and stepped towards her. They were inches apart, and she could not react. Halfire closed the distance and kissed her deeply on the lips such that their tongues intertwined. He used his telekinesis to hold her close for a couple minutes before releasing. The two pulled back and looked at each other, completely unsure of what to say. The only thing they could do was breathe heavily... at least until Fluttershy peeped and they both quickly looked at her.

"Don't... mind... me..." she quietly said, and disappeared into the back. They looked back at each other breathed for a moment before either said anything.

"You seem like some meek little egghead," Rainbow Dash said to him, "but you've got more courage than a Wonderbolt."

"I've learned..." Halfire voiced between laboured breaths, "that if I want something, I have to take it."

"And that something is me?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "I mean, I don't get it? I thought eggheads liked egghead stuff."

"I think the simplest answer is that I do not want to date myself." he answered her.

"Why not?" she asked him, and he smiled. "What's up, Doc?" she asked.

"You just tipped your hand..." he said brightly.

"I what my what?" Rainbow Dash asked. Instead of replying he leaned forward to kiss her once again. They pulled away a moment later looked deeply in each other's eyes. "I don't get anything about you." she stated.

"There's nothing more alluring than mystery." he said, and kissed her once again.

"Oh, my Celestia, Doc!" Rainbow Dash shouted with bated breath, "The things you do to me. I feel like a schoolfilly."

"I feel like you've stoked my inner fire..." Halfire added.

"I never thought I would date a Unicorn..." Rainbow Dash said shyly.

"And I never thought I would once again feel the fires of youth." Halfire added.

"You can't be that old..." Rainbow Dash tried to say.

"You warm my heart..." he answered, "and are too kind..."

"Me?" Rainbow Dash, "Kind? It's like you don't even know me?.." she nervously asked.

"Ah?" Halfire asked her, "Tell me, Loyalty, of your first trip to Twilight Castle?"

"Wasn't I wrestling with Applejack?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Before that." Halfire stated "During the Rising of the Sun."

"No?!" Rainbow Dash asked.

"You hardly knew her, you hardly trusted her, so why? Why sacrifice so much for the Princess?"

"I don't know... I liked Twilight... she seemed to know what was goin' on... she needed help..."

"You were kind." Halfire said with a warming smile. "You are brash and arrogant, but are willing to sacrifice your everything for others. That's kindness." He leaned forward to kiss her once again. Once the kiss broke off she pushed away and moved a few feet apart.

"Okay, you have to stop that..." Rainbow Dash tried to say.

"Do you dislike it?.." he asked, and she shyly looked away. "You are adorable."

"I'm a Wonderbolt..." she quietly said.

"That does not mean you cannot be adorable." Halfire replied.

"And what if I called you adorable?" she asked him, and in reply, he simply stepped towards her and paused. She smiled at him a shy smile, and he smiled such that it seemed to bore into her.

"You prefer..." he whispered, "to call me brave... and I must say... I prefer it, myself... I cannot promise you a quiet life among the social elite in Canterlot... but unless I missed by guess, you do not want that?.. If your apperance at the Grand Galloping Gala is any indication."

"How do you know about that?" Rainbow Dash asked him.

"I'm an equipologist." he said with glee, "I know that by asking questions. The six mares who control the Elements of Harmony, formerly controlled by the Two Sisters, and in the span of aeons, a blink of the eye, previously saved all of Equestria, caused a clamorous calamity at THE greatest celebration among Ponykind? Of course I sought answers. And you are the one I found."

With this, Rainbow Dash could not say anything in reply, and simply stood there, until Halfire turned to leave, "And you're just leavin' me hangin'?" Rainbow Dash asked.

He turned back to face her, "There is but one thing I could do to help you sleep at the moment, and that is perhaps a mite premature..." He then turned to walk away.


Halfire exited the stables and paused, "Sprite, Carys, tend to your mistresses." he shouted without even looking at them, and continued along his way. The Changelings fluttered down and entered the kennels.