The day had finally arrived. The day when my so-called "slave" arrived from the Lycan Empire. It was another cool autumn morning, approximately ten more days until the Grand Galloping Gala, and still no invite for me. Which I was glad of, since I didn't really want to go.
I was pacing on the train station. Zecora and Scarlet were sitting nearby, watching me with varying degrees of concern. The Elements and Spike would have been with me, but they had left for Appleloosa only hours before on the Country Express. I knew which episode was playing out currently, and I would have gone if I could, but I wasn't about to leave when Gemini was arriving on the exact same day. I did, however, caution them to be careful and to be not jump to conclusions. I also told Pinkie not to sing any musical numbers, which confused them.
"My love, relax," Zecora said, coming up and putting a comforting hoof on my back.
"She's right," Scarlet said, flying up to look me in the eye. "Chill out," she finished with a slight poke of my nose.
"I can't help it," I said. "We're not only getting a new member of the household, but one who recently tried to kill me." I took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm sorry. I know what I did was the only real option to me aside from killing, but now…"
"You regret it?" Zecora asked.
I shook my head. "Not at all. I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to incorporate her into the household."
"I could stay with you for a little while, if at least to help you smile," Zecora offered.
"You'd be willing to move in for a while? I'd greatly appreciate that," I said gratefully.
"You're my coltfriend," Zecora said kindly. "It's the least I can do."
"I'll be there too, when I'm not working, that is," Scarlet said.
"Thank you, you guys," I smiled, reaching down to stroke both their manes. "I'm feeling a bit better already."
The distant sound of a train whistle caught our attention, and we all looked. I saw a thin line of smoke rising on the horizon in the direction of the train from the Empire. Taking a deep breath, I straightened and stood there, anxiously awaiting the arrival.
After a couple minutes, the train slid into the station, hissing to a stop and releasing steam onto the platform. The intercom announced the arrival and for any passengers on board to disembark as this was the last stop for this train. Multiple Ponies left the train, most giving me curious glances as they gathered their belongings and walking down the stairs towards the town. Minutes passed, and I didn't see any sign of Gemini.
I was about to walk on the train to search for her after the last Pony left when the caboose door opened and three figures stepped out. Two were Canterlot Royal Guards, and the third was a taller humanoid figure carrying a few bags while at the same time wheeling out a large wooden box.
Straightening up, I walked up, flanked on either side by Zecora and Scarlet. One of the guards, a Unicorn, approached me. "Mr. Bethridge, we are here to help escort your guest to your residence," he said officially, floating a scroll over to me.
I took it and opened it. It was an official order form signed by Shining Armor and cosigned by Celestia herself. I looked back at the guard, then returned the scroll to him. I was going to escort her home without a guard, but it seemed Celestia wasn't going to have it. "I know when not to argue with the Princess." I looked at Gemini, and saw she had both a slightly anxious frown on her face. "Captain Gemini, welcome to Ponyville."
She glared up at me, but somehow the glare didn't quite reach her eyes. It felt more like an act. "I'm not a captain anymore," she growled.
"Regardless, welcome to Ponyville. Now, is there anything I can help you carry? Perhaps this large box-"
"No!" she exclaimed, pulling the box away from me quickly.
"Alright, alright, not the box," I said, hands held up. "What about any other bags?"
"I'll be fine," she said through grit teeth.
"She's been like that all through the trip," the one guard whispered to me.
"Noted," I whispered back before standing back up. "Then in that case, first allow me to introduce you to-"
"Your growing herd?" Gemini snorted, glancing at Zecora and Scarlet.
"No…" I said in a slightly frustrated tone, "This lovely mare is Zecora, a Zebra and my girlfriend. This is Scarlet. She is a Pegasus living with me until she can find a place in Ponyville. I expect you to be on your best behavior around not only these two, but around any other Pony you meet. I can make this an order if it makes you feel better."
Gemini stiffened, before quickly nodding. "Very well…master."
"None of that either," I immediately said, catching a slight twitch from both guards. "No 'Master' shit around me or anyone. My name is Jethro. Call me that."
Gemini nodded. "As you wish, Jethro."
"We'll be having some words when we get back home. Now, if you'll follow me." Turning, I made my way to the ramp.
Zecora decided to make her worries known to me. Switching to Farasi, she said, "My love, are you sure about this? I can ask you to move my treehouse to your property, you know?"
"I know you could," I replied, "And I'm grateful for your offer, but there's no need to take those kinds of measures. Just you staying with me should be enough for the time being."
"And what of Scarlet? She is still recovering, isn't she?"
"She's more or less back to full health," I replied.
This seemed to appease the worried Zebra as we approached my property. "Welcome to your new home, Captain," I said as I opened my gate and stepped through. The guards flanked Gemini as we all stepped through.
"By the Guardian, this is where you live?" Gemini said in slight awe.
"And where you'll be staying. Follow me."
We all walked up to the door and I opened the front door of the mansion, stepping aside. "Hmm…that box you're wheeling might not fit through the door."
"We can lift it, sir," one of the Unicorn guards said.
"Nowolf is touching this box! The contents are fragile!" Gemini said immediately.
"Take it easy," I said, "there's no need to shout."
She took a few breaths, calming herself. "Nowolf is touching this," she repeated.
"And do you expect to bring it upstairs on your own?" I asked. "Your room is upstairs."
She froze and grimaced. Looking at the two wary guards, she finally sighed. "Be careful with it," she muttered.
"Please take care of the box," I said apologetically to the guard.
"Of course, sir," one of them said. Both their identical horns began glowing as they lifted the box.
"I'll show you all to the room," I said, walking into the house. We walked slowly up the stairs, an increasingly anxious Gemini following behind as the two Unicorns carefully lifted the wooden box up. I suspected Gemini was hiding something, and the fact that she looked so nervous made me wonder more what she was hiding inside.
Eventually, we came to the second floor and a hallway with doors on each side. I walked down the hall, walking to the last door which I unlocked with a set of keys. Pushing the large door open, I stepped aside to let the Unicorns carry the box in. Once they set it down on the floor, Gemini quickly entered and deposited the rest of her belongings on the large bed. I nodded gratefully to the guards. "Thank you for your help today, gentlemen."
"We were just doing our duty, sir," the first Unicorn said stoically.
"I take it you don't accept tips," I said.
"No, sir," the other Unicorn said in an identical voice.
"Well, is there any way I can repay you?" I asked.
"We were just doing our duty, sir," the first Unicorn repeated.
"Right…well, I'll let you go, then. Thank you for your help, and tell your Captain I said hello."
"We will, sir," one of them said as the two trotted down the stairs and out the door.
Once they were gone, I turned back to Zecora and Scarlet. "Could you excuse me for a bit? I need to talk to our new houseguest alone."
"Just be careful, my dearest," Zecora said, rearing up to kiss me.
"Yell if you need us," Scarlet said with a nod as she and Zecora walked back downstairs.
I walked into Gemini's new room and closed the door. The bed, which was against the wall, was a curtained one with light blue bedding and a dark blue curtain surrounding it to keep light out. On either side of the bed were a pair of nightstands, each with lamps on them. One had an old styled radio sitting next to the lamp and the other had an analogue alarm clock ticking away. The curtains themselves were a dark gray with an inner white set, the latter of which was shut. On the ceiling stood a large circular light which I turned on.
On the opposite wall from the bed was a large dresser with a vanity mirror. To the right of the dresser was a desk capable of fitting Gemini. On the left of the dresser was an open door which led to a private toilet and shower/bath combo. A fireplace was situated on the right side of the bed, with a painting of a naval vessel hanging above the mantle, depicting Ponies sailing through a fierce storm. Next to the fireplace and in the corner of the room sat an empty bookshelf. Two chairs sat before the fireplace with a small end table between the two.
"Now that we're alone, it's time the two of us talked," I said, gesturing to the chairs. "Sit down."
Gemini glowered at me, but silently did as she was instructed. I took the seat she didn't before holding out my hand towards the fireplace. My hand glowed and the fireplace erupted to life. Before a stunned Gemini could say anything, I continued, "There are a few things we need to discuss. The first of which is your job here."
"What's there to say?" she asked, staring into the fire now with a frown. "I'm your personal slave. I'm to do whatever you wish. Even join you in your chambers if you so desire."
"What is it with you Lycans and sex?" I asked. "I'm in a loving relationship with the Zebra you saw. And only her."
"For the time being," Gemini smirked. "You do know about herds, don't you?"
"I can only guess, but that's not the point-"
"We Lycans have packs, the Ponies have herds," Gemini interrupted. "The Dragons have hoards, and not just of gold and jewels, the Abyssians have-"
"Interrupt me again and see what happens!" I shouted angrily. After calming myself down, I glared at her. "Now, as I was saying before you rudely changed the subject, I'm expecting a few things from you while you're here. Starting with your jobs."
I paused, and when she didn't say anything more, I launched into my prepared speech about her working conditions. "I will have a list of chores for you to do around the house, for which you will be properly compensated. You will work five days a week, with weekends off and certain holidays off. Pony holidays. You will receive twenty free vacation days that you can start requesting after a month here, but only if you do so two weeks in advance, barring an emergency. Speaking of those, you will receive fifteen sick days that can be used for any sickness or injury you might suffer while here. Any hospital visit or dental work you require will be covered by me. Meals will be provided three times a day, even on days that you're off. Unless you eat out, then that's on you. If you work more than five days a week for any reason, your pay will be doubled for those extra days. If I require you to leave Ponyville for anything, your pay will also be doubled. I fully expect you to keep your room at least decently clean, and any cleaning supplies you require will be provided. Feel free to decorate your room however you please. This is your living area, now. Now, are there any questions?"
Gemini was staring incredulously at me by the time I finished. I waited patiently as she formulated a response. Finally, it came. "You…do know what a slave is, don't you?"
"A person, or Lycan in your case, who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them without pay," I replied.
"And yet, you're paying me and giving me all of those added…benefits?!" she asked in shock.
"Slavery is illegal in Equestria," I replied, standing and walking around my chair slowly and deliberately. I moved closer to her and leaned down so I was in her face. "Don't misunderstand, the work will not be easy. Especially one more job I haven't told you about."
"And that is?" she asked a bit uncertainly.
"Combat training," I said. "You will be training me in the art of swordsmanship and general combat for a set time every day."
Her eyes widened. "You…want to learn to fight?"
"I might have won, but had your brave but foolish brother not interfered, you would have won," I said.
"You were choking me out," she growled.
"And I was also weak from blood loss," I stated. "You will be training me daily, and I fully expect you to hold nothing back."
"You'll regret that," she grinned suddenly. "Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I might have powerful magical potential, but there may come a time when magic fails me," I said. "I need to be prepared for that eventuality."
"Hmmm…" She stood suddenly and walked around me, stroking her chin thoughtfully as she looked me over with an appraising eye. "I've got my work cut out for me," she sighed.
"I'm sure you do," I said. "I will leave the type of training up to you, and if you need anything at all, let me know and I'll do my best to accommodate you."
"…You are a strange one," she said.
"There's the warrior spirit I expected," I chuckled. "Now then, today I will give you time to unpack and settle in. I'll bring you lunch and dinner at twelve and five o'clock respectively. I've already ordered a few barrels of meat products which should be arriving in the next few days. For now, I have meat stews that will have to suffice until they do arrive."
"I've had worse," she said.
"I can help you with unpacking some things, if you want," I said, once more gesturing to the wooden box.
"I'll unpack myself," she quickly said.
"Very well." I looked at the alarm clock. "I'll be up at noon with some stew and water. Tomorrow is your first day which will consist of normal chores, which is what you'll do all week, but a week from tomorrow, those chores will be compounded with training. Understood?"
"Understood," she said, standing next to the wooden box, almost a bit protectively.
"Very well. I'll see you at noon with your lunch, then at five with your dinner. Oh! Almost forgot." I reached into my pocket and tossed a small pouch onto the bed, which jingled with coins. "That's some spending money that you'll slowly pay back over the course of your first few weekly payments. Just a fair warning: if you do want to go out to buy anything, you'll need to go with someone. Ponies will not take kindly to a Lycan wandering alone at the moment."
"Fine, I'll keep that in mind," she said impatiently.
"I'll be downstairs if you need anything," I said, turning and walking out. I closed the door, then paused for a moment.
When I heard nothing, I walked away and made my way down the stairs back into the living room where two anxious mares turned as one when I came down. "Are you alright?" Zecora asked, rushing over and nuzzling my face affectionately and worriedly.
I nuzzled her back, wrapping my arms around her and stroking her mane. "I'm perfectly alright, dear," I promised, planting a kiss on her cheek before we pulled apart. "I laid down her new schedule and my plans for her." All of which I'd told the two mares as well as the Elements of Harmony and the Princesses beforehand.
"But training in combat?" Zecora asked worriedly. "Surely somepony else could-"
"A Pony wouldn't work, love," I interrupted her. "Wrong body type. Gemini is closer to me in that way, so she would be better qualified. Besides, I need to be ready in case of any kind of danger that might arise in the future."
"That makes sense," Scarlet said. "Maybe I should learn combat too."
"Combat? Are you sure?" I asked.
"I'm no foal, Jethro," Scarlet said indignantly.
"I never said you were," I said. "Well, if you want to train, who do you want to train you?"
"I can think of a couple choices," she said.
"Well, let me know when you make one. I can pay for it, and-"
"I appreciate it," Scarlet said, "but I want to earn it for myself."
I smiled widely, reached out and stroked her mane gently. "I understand, and I'll respect that. Just know that if you ever need help I'll always be willing to lend a hand."
She closed her eyes and hummed a bit, her wings fluttering slightly at my petting. Zecora came up just then, looking up at me and pouting in the most adorable way. I grinned and placed my other hand on her head, scratching behind her ears.
Just then, I felt a familiar sensation once more flowing up my hands and into my arms. Slight magical energy flowed through me and entered into the two quickly. The two mares seemed to relax as the slight magic flowed into them.
I slowly released them. "Did either of you feel that?"
"Feel what, my love?" Zecora asked.
"Hmm…I felt like something used me as a conduit between you two," I said. "You two are feeling all right, right?"
"I don't feel any different. I look any different?" Scarlet asked, lifting her wings and looking at herself.
"Not really," I said as I looked her over before looking at Zecora.
"I feel quite well," Zecora said reassuringly. "Perhaps you are still stressed?"
"Hmm…maybe you're right," I said. "I didn't sleep that well last night."
"Please go to sleep early tonight then," Zecora said. "I can mix up a sleeping tonic for you."
I smiled warmly at her. "I'll be fine, I promise. I need to get up early and get our new houseguest acquainted with the house, chores and other things. And speaking of her, I should go get her some lunch. I'm giving her the rest of the day to unpack and rest, so I said I'd get her some lunch and dinner."
"May I help?" Zecora asked.
"Thanks, but it's a simple dish," I replied. "Canned soup. Just heat it up on the stove, and you're good to go. She's a meat eater, so she's gonna need meat in her diet."
"Won't that be expensive?" Scarlet asked.
"You're forgetting that I'm richer than God right now," I chuckled. "Besides, I'm planning on using my money, to make money. We're rich!"
Scarlet smirked. "Pfft…we so rich…why we can't afford no ceiling?" she asked, looking up at an imaginary studio ceiling.
I groaned. "Damn it…"
As the day passed, I spent it with the two mares just chilling in the living room introducing them to a show that I intended to show Luna at one point, the Apple TV show For All Mankind. When I'd brought Gemini her lunch, she'd taken it quickly while at the same time barely opening the door. When I went upstairs a second time, I admit that my curiosity and suspicion got the better of me. I quietly made my way to the door and put my ear against it, listening.
"…move it over there," Gemini was saying to herself as something was placed down. "And I'll put this over-" She suddenly stopped and began sniffing.
Which was joined by a second sniffing. What the…who's there?!
"Fool! Don't do that!" Gemini hissed angrily. There was some shuffling as footsteps approached the door. It opened quickly to reveal an angry looking Gemini. "What is-oh, it's you."
"Brought up your dinner," I said. "It's the same as before."
"You're early," she said as she looked at the clock. "It's only 4:43."
"Well, I figured you'd be hungry sooner with all the stuff you've got put away. Can I come in and look around?" I asked innocently.
She frowned, but slowly nodded and opened the door. "It's not complete," she said.
I nodded and looked around. I noticed that the bookshelf was now full, but not with books. Oh sure, there were a few scrolls and books on one shelf, but the rest had other things on them, such as medals, certain jewels, weapons, and other knick knacks. Another picture had been hung on the wall above her bed, a painting of four Lycans. I recognized two of them as Gemini and Mica in younger times, but the other two were older, a male with piercing blue eyes and a graying brown coat of fur, and a female with bright red eyes and a lighter auburn coat. I pointed to them. "Your parents?"
Gemini's tail drooped. "Yeah…their names were Flint and Ruby Grayfur," she said.
I noted the use of the word 'were' and truly felt some sympathy for her. "You got your strength from your father and beauty from your mother, I bet," I said.
"Mother trained me in the art of the sword and father taught me other basic necessities, like how to read, write, do my numbers, and how to maneuver in the political arena," Gemini said.
"And now you're all alone," I said, slowly moving around the room and keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. I was almost positive she had someone in the room with her, but I needed to catch her in the act. "What with your family back in the Empire."
"Yeah…" she said.
"Well, at any rate, the room looks homier," I said, turning back to her. "Anything else I can get you or are you all set for the night?"
"I should be fine," she said.
"Good. Then you won't mind if I do…this!" I went prone next to her bed and looked directly underneath.
"NO!" Gemini screamed in terror as she rushed over to me.
I found myself staring into the scared face of a young Lycan male. One I immediately recognized. "Well, now I know why you were so keen on keeping me away from the box. Come out, Mica."
The trembling teenager came out, looking up at me scared. "Please…don't punish my sister. She did it to save me. I'll take whatever punishment you will give to Gemini, just please-"
I held up my hand to silence him. "Mica Grayfur, you're not the one in trouble with me. And as noble as your attempt to take your sister's punishment is, she's the one who lied to me." I turned towards her. "I expect some answers out of you."
She lowered her head, ears flattened. "You'll get them…"
"Good. Now, let's go downstairs," I said, "there's a lot to talk about."
Two equine mares and two Lycans sat in the living room across from each other on the two large couches on either side of the main fireplace. I sat in a third couch between the two, frowning as I looked at the four individuals. The tension could be cut with a knife. I turned slowly to a now nervous looking Mica. "There's no need for you to be nervous, young man," I said. "It's not you I'm angry with at the moment." I slowly turned to face Gemini. "Now then, why don't you tell me the truth?" Gemini's lips tightened, but she nodded. "Thank you. Please begin."
And so, she told us all. After I'd left the Empire with the other Ponies, Mica had been arrested and sent to the deepest, darkest prison. Gemini had pleaded for leniency against the young male, but Amber had refused. Even her pleas with Amethyst fell on deaf ears. Fortunately, she still had those sympathetic to her plight among the Imperial Guard who helped her with an escape attempt.
I didn't exactly like the next part, but desperation would make anyone do anything for their loved ones. They'd dug up a fresh young male cadaver and during a changing of the guards in the prison, exchanged the body with Mica's. Then, to make sure the body couldn't be identified, they set his cell on fire. The guards who were on duty then were ones in the know about the escape attempt and thus ignored the fire for a while before "noticing", but by then the body was charred beyond identifying.
Gemini told us that Amber took great pleasure in telling her about Mica's untimely death. By then, Mica had been packed away in the wooden box which contained most of Gemini's clothing as well as some of the weapons.
When I heard about the fact that they'd faked Mica's death, I released a breath and relaxed a bit, at least until I realized that it was quite possible this would get back to Amber somehow. "Gemini…do you realize the danger you've put us all in. And not just us, but potentially all of Equestria?"
"He's the only family I had left!" she snapped. "I couldn't let him be killed!"
I sighed. "You do realize I'll have to tell Princess Celestia and Luna about this." When she lowered her head, I slowly added, "I'll ask them to grant Mica emergency asylum and refugee status, but to keep it on the down low. As to who else should know about this-"
"I don't want any more than is necessary to know," Gemini interrupted me.
"You don't get to make that decision," I said, then I forced my face to soften. "Gemini Grayfur, I understand why you did this, I really did. Mica is free to stay here for as long as he needs to, but this situation has to be dealt with carefully. If Amber finds out it could spell all-out war."
"Would it make things better if I left?" Mica said.
"No!" Gemini said, pulling her younger brother into a protective hug. "We've already lost Mother and Father. I won't lose you too!"
"Relax, young man. You aren't going anywhere if I have anything to say about it," I said. "Nevertheless, I still need to tell the Princesses about this. And I doubt they'll be too happy. Then again, maybe they will be." I stroked my chin thoughtfully again. "This house has plenty of bedrooms. You can have one of your own right next to your sister for the time being."
"Thank you," Gemini said, sounding truly grateful.
"Don't thank me just yet," I said, looking at her sternly. "We've got to fix this mess somehow. And not by hiding your brother. Hmm…" I furled my brow, deep in thought for a while before a thought came to mind.
"I know that look, my dearest," Zecora said with a grin. "What is your idea?"
"There are six mares we're going to need to talk to about this, but at the moment they're out of town," I said. "When the Elements of Harmony come back, I'm telling them. For the time being, though, Mica, you're going to have to stay out of sight for the next few days. They should hopefully be back in a few days. I'm afraid I don't have much to offer in terms of meat for you, but hopefully it can tide you over until our first shipment comes in from Griffonstone."
"I'm just glad to be with my sister," he said.
"And alive, I bet," Scarlet chuckled.
Mica smiled sheepishly and nodded. "That too."
"Well, for now I bet you're exhausted and sore from traveling in that box," I said. "Feel free to take a hot bath in one of the spare rooms and get some sleep. I take it you have clothes of your own aside from those?" When he nodded, I chuckled. "Good to know. Go ahead and get settled in. I've still got a few things to say to your sister."
"Thank you, sir," he said gratefully before turning and hugging his sister again.
After the young teen was gone, I turned back to Gemini. "I hope you're ready to accept the consequences of this."
"I wouldn't have brought him with me otherwise," she growled defensively. "What would you have done?" she added suddenly, standing and stomping over to me.
I stood and faced her. "Probably the same thing in your situation." Reaching out I put a hand on her shoulder. I gave her a small smile. "Gemini, you're definitely one of the more honorable Lycans I've seen. You fought for your princess despite her lies which shows some extreme loyalty, you rescued your brother from your Empress, which shows you have a deep sense of love and responsibility for your family, and you're strong, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally."
She shrugged me off, but not too forcefully. She walked passed me, but paused, then turned back. "Despite what my Empress and Princess might want, I don't want to see…to see my country embroiled in war. Because we'd lose…"
"I don't want that either," I said in agreement. "You've had a long day. Go rest, now."
Without another word, Gemini trudged up the stairs. I took a seat and the three of us sat in silence until the door to Gemini's room closed. Zecora was the first to say anything. "Are you doing alright, Jethro?"
"Not really," I confessed, rubbing my temples. "This whole situation just gave me a massive headache."
Zecora walked up, jumped into my lap and nuzzled my face. Scarlet walked up as well, frowning. "I'm not really smart enough to know about stuff like this," she admitted, "but what do you think the Princesses will think about this?"
"I honestly don't know," I replied, wrapping my arms around Zecora's neck and burying my face in her mane. "But I can't really hide this from either of them."
Zecora put her hooves around me, rubbing my back affectionately. "Whatever transpires, my dear, we'll always be here."
Scarlet put a wing on my knee, nodding in agreement before pulling it away. "I think I'll head to bed. Please don't stay up too late?"
"Yes, dear," I joked, causing the two mares to chuckle as Scarlet trotted up the stairs.
Zecora and I held each other silently for a while, just enjoying each other's company. The warmth and softness of her body put me at my ease. After a bit, I heard her begin to hum a familiar tune. It warmed my heart, and I began singing along.
"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you, that gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam, and I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do. You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream."
I felt her kiss my cheek affectionately. "I love you."
"I love you too," I replied, pulling her closer and kissing her deeply. Tomorrow was another day. A day where we could worry about the situation. But for the time being, Zecora was here. She was in front of me. She was my mare. And for the moment, it was enough for me.