Around the world through laziness and boredom

      Ah, the atmosphere of modernity. Stony-plywood homes, roofs made out of hay, and real glass. Sometimes it lies on the streets and back alleys, rather than being inside the window frames, since this city, like any other, had many drink-loving fellows. They found a reason to do so every day.   Thankfully, Clopburg did stand out from the rest of towns by having institutes and other kinds of educational facilities. Even though the folk still remained very much uneducated, they showed more wits and manners. Truly, why would someone pour drinks inside themselves, when they can use it to treat wounds?   Yet, it was very similar to another equestrian town, that Sunshine ran through one day in search of another item - paved road, one-story buildings.. And notes of carelessness, expressed by everything - playing foals, workers tired after weekends, and lots of resentment without treating the causes of complaints themselves.   — Cats pissed all over clothes again! Me barely hanged it just noe!   Everything gained this momentum even further, the closer it got to the town square, as it kept all the layers of society. There were merchants, and troubadours, and other exponents of various realms of art. Despite the Sun going over the horizon, everyone still tried to get each others’ attention before the complete dark; everyone wanted to do so much..   — C’yome h’yere, only t’yoday! Y’eastern instrum’yents! The art’yificer t’yakes orders!   — Me also an artificer! And me art is me wasted liver!   Someone even started dancing at the sounds of a horn and other ponies’ laughs, forgetting about everything in the world. Taverns with open doors only added to the picture and attracted to themselves - everybody wished to forget themselves in the evening - both scholars and labourers. At this rate, it will become a tradition, not simply a bad habit.   However, not everyone could drown in the world of wonders. Especially if every day is like any other - reproaches and scandals. This was certainly not new for those who worked for two individuals at once, and for those who stood out from the rest - sharp mind, unnatural spots on fur, presence of wings..         Perhaps, the little orange pony was not yet flooded by sharp phrases and words because she had a weapon on her belt. Maybe, she slid through active townsfolk gazes because of her size difference and not that much of an unusual fur - one colour, orange.   After all, it slowly became the norm - some ponies accepted that other ponies also exist, and it cannot be dealt with. Even though suppositive freaks were a more daily occurrence in the academic town due to alchemy and spell practises, exceptions always existed. Such folk will always find someone, who can be named the cause for all the troubles.   For example, some warehouse workers already argued with another, very high-profile pony. Truth be told, it resembled more of a verbal diarrhoea, than a conversation. Sun pony already thought of how she would show all the horses their place, when she saw quite a familiar stallion. Little pony obscenely dwelt with rage..   — Hey, you! Leave her be! - Sunshine stood between the stallions and the humiliated creature.   — And who’re you? - yelled disguised Sidewinder.   — Certainly not a changeling, unlike some others!   Should the displeased horse start speaking about the fanged monsters, the surrounding citizens already severely frightened. The attention of all passersby completely pointed at the orange pony, with the workers visibly moved away from the accused stallion.   — Oi, shortie, who are you anyway? - the changeling still played a fool.   — One who can’t stand injustice! - orange mare furrowed her brows - Or did your memory get tossed away after you left me with bandits?!   When the arguing couple stopped talking, their ears immediately sensed the gossip - both of them were thoroughly and violently discussed, and nobody knew for sure, who they should stand with. Someone though, was not afraid to shed their own thoughts out loud, from the crowd:   — ‘S a good thing he did! Freaks should never mate ‘n’ multiply!   — They colourbellied always bring trouble! Trouble!   — Let’s set both of ‘em on fire! ‘Es check who’s right!   — Buglings again! Down with them bodystealers!         The crowd split into two: one part, more dim and dull-coloured, threw words like dung towards Sunshine and protected by her unicorn. The second one mostly kept its silence, because of so few of them around. There were pegasi, and other unicorns.. Rarely appeared simply those who did not agree with the public, but not everyone had the courage to speak out.   — ..Wait! - one of the labourers saw an item familiar to him - See ‘he sword? Is one of, ye know.. House..   — That housebreaker? She’s a lil’ smaller fo’ ‘hat one. - doubted another worker - Ginger, but-   — Yer head’s off or what? Didn’t you understand? No matter, even if ‘tis her sis’ or offspring - ‘tis bad news, no jest around! I’d go nap if I was you, the lawbringers ‘re going wild in the dark. They’ll whip ye or what’s left of ye.   How unpleasant it was to listen to it all. And again, one could not refuse - the silence could do another favour for the winged horse - let them think she is of Empyrean’s family. Let them think they will have it hard if someone tears even a single hair from Sunshine! Not that far from the truth, of course, but still..         The dispute has reached a dead end - both sides could not add anything more. And should someone try to jump at one another after vocabulary’s exhaustion, sentries appeared out of the corners. With no desire to settle anything, they took the most noticeable and rowdy ones with them. Others needed no convincing to disperse and go away.   The square appeared visibly deserted now - even musicians went under the roof. Only two ponies were left in the open - the ones that all the mess was conceived by in the first place. Luckily, they were not punished by anyone - much to their surprise, even the guards did not pay attention to the vibrant pair, or simply appeared as they did not see the brightly-coloured horses.   — Thanks. - quietly said the strange horse - Have we.. met?   — No, but I’d be glad to meet you! My name is Sunshine, what is yours?   The unicorn got slightly surprised after hearing the little protector’s name. The sunny pony surprised no less - either as a joke answer to the puzzling, or at the unicorn’s appearance, that could finally be witnessed through the dim light of street lamps.   Snowwhite fur, pale hair, red eyes.. Everything pointed at albinism. The cutiemark is also curious - a burning book. Probably because of ponies not understanding the mark and her looks, that she was attacked by citizens moments prior. Indeed, what if she is a witch?   The provocative appearance only fueled the rage of those around towards the mare. The pseudo-intellectuals could indeed think that the unicorn’s talent is about burning down libraries and taking knowledge away from this world. When in fact, it may be exactly opposite..   — ..You are late. - suddenly, the tall horse showed her anger.   — What? What are you talking about?   — You were sent by Moonrise? I thought his sister would be taller.. In any case, call me Curio. Curiosity.   — So what? It happened so, true, but I’m here now!         The solar pony felt another one’s contempt and displeasure from the first seconds of acquaintance. Or was the gaze of another red-eyed mare full of distrust? Those ponies should certainly spend more time together - and in situations different from what they experienced just now.   — I know, for how much time the messenger gets by. And I know, that Moonrise could move you to me immediately after getting the letter.   — He made a mistake! - excused the winged pony - Because of me that he-   — Fine. - the unicorn exhaled with difficulty - We’ll deal with it later. The night is settling. We should move somewhere.   A tempting proposition, like the first place that both ponies moved their heads to. Both bright and warm, and something filling being cooked - the local tavern had everything crucial to discuss details and business. Maybe it would be possible to make the snowwhite unicorn more relaxed and talkative there, too.   — How about there? - orange mare pointed at the nearest pub - I’m very hungry, haven’t eaten anything proper for hundred years!   — Too many eyes and ears. - thought the albino horse - But there is not much choice. We will eat, grab a room, and get to work.   There were even more pros than it seemed from the start - other two floors in this three-story building took the role of a hostel. And a room on the last floor could be very useful for anyone - for experiments in peace, and to sleep with ease. But before grabbing the keys, one should tend to other matters - food.         Every nation has their own spear and bread. When it comes to Equestria - every town, every hamlet stood out with something - both with means of enforcing the law, and cookery. New acquaintances took the table furthest from foreign eyes, when the solar pony got attacked by a too diverse menu.   Here and there - buns, salads, and fruit with vegetables separated from everything else. However, for one to understand what was hidden behind the names, they needed to order the food - there was nothing else on the tablets, not even short descriptions or a list of ingredients.   Curiosity did not take her eyes from her companion. The white pony attentively watched movements, gestures and confusion of the winged horse. Seems she finally realised that the little one, for some unknown reason, simply did not understand the local kitchen.   — Think we should get pancakelings first. Or dumplings - amazing with sour cream. Food is on me.   — ..Pancakelings? What’s that? - orange mare shifted her head.   — Pancakes with changeling gel. Delicious when mixed together. Especially if the pancakes are sweet and sugary.   Thoughts about previous experience with insectoid blood discouraged the big-eared mare, and her very noticeable worrying left the unicorn without confidence in her new acquaintance. Was she a pony tied to Moon, or another chitin-faced creature?   — ..I would probably like some simple vegetable soup. - the guest disgusted.   — If you say so. I’ll still order them, just in case. Probably won’t get full with only one dish each.         Not even ten minutes passed, as the table for two got stuffed to the brim with everything and anything. The portions are very generous, and the dishes themselves big and convenient. Only, the looks of those pancakes were concerning - something green is leaking out. And the dumplings that Curio got for herself - a strange thing, indeed. Who in their right mind would stuff fruit in thick dough?   — Who even thought of those, dumplings? - pony still has not touched her food - They’re strange.   — No idea. - the other one spoke with a mouthful - Probably the gods.   — What do you mean?   — Don’t tell me you’re not familiar with astronomy. There is a planet, it has some weird stripes around it. Who else would think of making food that honoured the cosmos in time, where only so few even know what a telescope is?   Winged mare knew about the solar system’s miracles by no gossip. As well as that it was not a planet, but a gas giant, simply a very dim and dark one. However, no point in arguing over it, as it could not be proven. At least, at this moment, with no tools and on an empty stomach.   — You better look into your own bowl, you know.   No point in arguing with hunger and that statement, either. The soup looked very delicious, albeit kind of strange. The grass is there - fine, onion halves - also made sense. But fungi? That appears to be some onion-mushroom brew. Where are other greens, if that is a vegetable soup?   — Where are the vegetables? Only onion’s here out of them all! - red-eyed pony resented.   — Mushrooms - what about them? They’re nothing but subspecies. - Curio did not get her - They also throw vegginity in there.   — Ve- ..What?   — Vegginity. Evergetable. A green vegetable. - she tried to speak while chewing - A good sedative.   So it appears to be half-vegetable, half-mushroom soup. Kind of made sense, yet the knowledge did scare the mare - the fungi were very different from plants, despite their similarities in many aspects. If one tries to eat every vegetable one by one, then the greens would still be very similar to each other and different from the rest. Especially the taste. But together..!   As if all the world’s love was put into the making of this dish. The aroma was much more different than the taste, and only the last thing finally woke the belly up. Now it is clear why the plates had two hooflets under it - for it to be picked up and all the brew to be drinked in an instant. For how long did the little pony starve to eat something such simple and magnificent!         What a relief, as what a sudden burden - who would fill themselves with food so fast, especially when the bowl is one and a half times the pony’s head? Not to mention a hunger-shrunken stomach, not used to such a load. Irregular eating habits made themselves known all the time - the food almost wants to come out.   Which cannot be said about Curiosity. She slowly finished with her own part and was feeling fine. Even after a few pancakes, not to mention that the dumpling plate is almost like the soup bowl in size. However, the unicorn seemingly decided to justify her name and leave the feast to her companion.   — How long have you known Moonrise for?   — I.. I am his sister, don’t you remember?   — Oh, right. Sorry.   Even stranger questions were dropped on the horse, some of which resembled each other by meanings and sense. Other than that, the tone of snowwhite mare’s voice also strongly stood out - appearing the same every time. As if it was an interrogation, not a real interest in someone’s life. Something is not right..   — ..So where were you last week?   — Told you, in Midillia!   — How did you get through changelings?   — They let me through. They are cute!   Those unending attempts at learning something led to nothing, and the gorged horse slowly showed signs of impatience and annoyance, as an answer to the nonsense. At this rate, all the tavern will empty itself, before the albino pony will decide to get down to business.   Be it good or bad, the unicorn seemingly understood everything, and at the last moment decided to take one room for the night, on the last floor. She was generous to the mare for the second time - it appeared that the pale horse already had a room in the same building, opposite to Sunshine's future room.         Wood everywhere, deaf sounds from below, and too squeaky floor and ceiling above. Just like at home. Except, that the mansion would be more in size, and one could do more things than here. But who would forbid so anyway? Knowing the orange pony, she could even get lost in here.   And when Curio let the horse into her room, to finally start working on the common goal, her companion audaciously laid on another one’s bed, throwing off her bags on the floor before doing so. Which did not interfere with discussing business, but highly concerned the white-haired unicorn.   — Listen, why all the questions? - the sleepy pony tried to understand.   — Simple precaution. - the unicorn placed the tray with pancakes on a bedside table - I was confused by your reaction at changelings. And your story is also strange, to say the least.   — Told you, you won’t believe me. But it’s true! I saw how-   — Doesn’t matter. - albino mare interrupted the orange horse - What matters is that you are, indeed, Sunshine. I see it now.   Finally, no more useless formalities and checks! If only the snowwhite horse explained why the solar one was summoned.. Probably, not because of some small item - the unicorn could steal something inconspicuous herself, without discussing it with Moonrise.   — Before I share my knowledge with you, we need to clarify one more detail - payment.   — Everything’s in place! - orange mare spoke with uncertainty.   — Let me see.   Just as the little pony requisitioned the bed for herself, another horse took a peek inside another’s bag, taking out everything it contained. Its contents have not changed at all - dimes, the scroll, a flask, and two smoke balls. The last thing caught curious pony’s attention the most.   — You do understand, that you’ll have to give me more than one smoke bomb, for the delay?   — ..Two? - sunny pony tensed up.   — The recipe. I want to know how to make them. This parchment - is not it. - the white one continued, after waiting a bit - By the way, how are you going to use it anyway?   Oh, the trouble - one could not activate the scroll without a unicorn, and the adventurer did not have a horn. There was another way that worked in theory, but nobody was able to achieve the feat before. In an attempt to get out of a difficult situation, the long-eared horse demonstrated her hooves to her companion.   — Platinum horseshoes? Think it’ll work?   — I have a feeling you don’t know Moon at all. He can make the whole house sing!   — I doubt the house part, but he knows how to enchant letters like none other. Funny story actually, how we met - I deciphered one of his letters, that ended up in some ruins in perfect condition..   — Ruins? You mean, Old Equestria?   — Would love to get there someday. - the pony said each word with a notable annoyance - No, some other forgotten ruins, left after that war.   “Interesting, where did she learn about the war?” - thought the red-eyed pony. Dark-furred sorcerer said that everyone forgot about the past, but this pony remembers it! And she knows about artefacts, probably not that bad with spells either. Such knowledge is not being shared around like that.   — How do you know it all? I’m sorry for the comparison, but you’re like a white crow among the rest.   — Forgiven. - the interlocutor tensed up by the comparison - My family - all to one - are historists. Nobody likes us, as you can see. And because I don’t look like the rest, I can be burned at the stake if I say something truthful.   — Historists? But aren’t-   — Murdered. - Curiosity glanced away, eating one of the pancakes - All this nobility, this.. Majestic and noble filth. They destroyed everything. Everything but me and my knowledge. I want revenge, and I need Moon’s help for that..         Historist’s job is to keep the knowledge, and only then to use it. Like walking libraries. However, ordinary ponies are not good historists - their short lifespan does not let them remember and keep all the information, all nuances and save every single detail.   They turn out to be better historians - the difference is, they are trying to understand the past, compared to the first occupation. Historists behave more like dragons, recording everything they can in their heads. And if a pony should take such a role, it must be an earling to be efficient.   Because of this, that Sunshine’s brother tries to collect and store the books inside his library. Not only there, but also in his head. It is not a hard task for him to learn by heart all the pages of some dusty tome, with only a page-flipping and in first attempt - as a matter of fact, he does exactly that.   However, one could not share the knowledge like so - others do not have the capacities and desire to learn like this sorcerer. That is where his big book depository comes in. Curio is probably one of those who helps him in finding intact unburned volumes, that still have some kind of value.   After all, a private library is too of an expensive pleasure. There is probably nothing more stringent than book shadowing and tracking - even the self-willing use of spells, alchemy and learning to do it all is not punished that hard. No wonder why such precautions are in place.   — ..He needs knowledge, and I need money. So the recipe of such a bomb would be very useful. - the historian suddenly liven up - For the record, where did he learn everything? What made him do what I am doing?   — I am sorry, that.. - big-eared pony hesitated - Hm. He-   — No, don’t, it’s in the past. So, “he”?   — From his words, he wants to.. Bring something back? Give the others an opportunity..?         Unexpectedly, Sunshine’s head began to ache. Pony could not remember those events of her life - something did not let her get inside her own head. Something got in the way of remembering her only kindred soul. Something caused the pain. And in that moment, her flower began to shiver.   — You alright? - curiosed the unicorn.   — Me..? Yes, yes. Just, need to take some rest.   — You’ll have your rest, in your room. The answers first.   — ..No, later. Maybe..   Little pony spoke her last words with a great effort. Like if her energy was sucked away by something. This is certainly not indigestion or overeating - it would be different, though all of it can pressure the head. The pony simply fell asleep, as if there was no conversation at all. Not that Curiosity was bothered by it..   Being left to herself, the sorcerer moved her head away from the orange pony, not paying needed attention to her shivering. Indeed, a lot more interesting to study the magical object; alchemical apparatus stayed in the same room too. Why conduct business with someone incapable, when one can do all by themselves?         However, there was one small dilemma - is it wise to work on something, with someone who would not like it, in the same room? Fortunately, the thought could be realised with one spell - all the equipment can be moved into a separate room, not losing any time and strength. But scaring the changeling in the process.   He did not know what the unicorn had thought of. Telekinesis was fine, but the bug could not understand at all, how and why she summoned some blackness out of nowhere; seemingly tearing the space behind her. Dark void, summoned by the spell, seemed unending - a whole room could be hidden there - maybe even twenty, if not a thousand more.   Despite almost endless possibilities, the wizard took there only what was needed at first - retorts, alembics, flasks and the bombs themselves. For some reason, she was also going to put a fake coin inside the magical luggage, even picking up the bags of sleepy mare for herself in the end. Without knowing about its true identity.   What if it kills the changeling? What if she understands who he is, after she moves him into her pocket warehouse? The company has not yet agreed on anything, but the curious horse decided everything for everyone. “It is time” - the bug could not stay idle for much longer.         Before anything bad could happen, Gambit morphed into his true guise. His crunchy and suddenly heavier body dropped right onto the mare, taking her by surprise. She was going to get out and think of something dangerous with her horn, when the plated insect’s fangs touched the soft-bodied pony’s neck, and all his other limbs grabbed the rest of the body very tightly.   However, contradicting all the logic, the shapeshifter felt.. satisfaction? Why did the whiskered bug hear laughter with a bit of fear? Seems like the albino horse finally believed in the orange pony’s story - in that state of hers, she could never deal with all the obstacles she met. Of course, the bug helped her with everything, and she kept quiet about him!   — ..Ha-ha-ah! Now it all makes sense!   — Don’t move. - insectoid hissed - Explain, what was that. What was this bla-   — Or what? - the horse interrupted Gambit - You’ll kill me?   — Do not test me.   Although both of them begged to be punished, nobody was going to finish the fight. They could do something rash, probably regretting it in the future. Both of them understood that everyone acted in the only way they could, in this very rapidly unfolding and confusing situation.   In the end, the unicorn closed her eyes and stopped resisting, almost completely surrendering and accepting her failure. Yet the fanged insect did not at all weaken his grasp, pushing against her neck with his tongue. Now, the pale horse could not move a muscle, completely.   — Sunshine protects you, and you respond with this?   — I didn’t ask for it! I-   — And she did not ask to be fed. - he completely copied her manner of speech - She did not ask for her own room. But you still did it your way. With a goal; purpose.   The albino mare continued to nervously laugh. After all, not every day an attempt to get profit ends up by being taken hostage in an own room. The horse did not expect to meet the bug at all, especially one like this. One so aggressive, and one so close.   — Parents did tell the truth - to not trust the blue blood. Think I don’t know where you all are from?   — What?   — You all are like sisters! Both Sun and Moon are aristocrats, and they decei-   — Aristocrats deceive peasants. - shapeshifter pushed against unicorn’s neck for a moment - And you deceive yourself. Moonrise helped you, Sunshine is ready to help you even now. Just like that.   The pony silenced all of a sudden. For once, the historian decided to listen to other creature’s words. Is it because they were spoken by someone so extraordinary, who posed a real threat, or because something else influenced the mare? This behaviour did remind Gambit about those labourers so hard..   — I know them. They are different.   — I.. I don’t believe you!   — Don’t. But know, that Sunshine never did harm anyone. But they did harm her and you enough.         Nothing else is left to do, than embrace all the head-tearing thoughts. Nowhere to go, no way to move - only thinking is possible. Thinking about mistakes. Thinking about what in fact stood behind the search of books, magical artefacts and information.   At least, the changeling made such assumptions because of all the sharp feelings that he sensed: strong.. no - storm-like sorrow and drowning grief. The insect decided to let go of the fluffy horse, thinking that he did what he must, not overdoing his job at all. And even the tears have not stopped his mouth:   — You are just afraid to accept what is real. You are not right! You behave like those who mocked you an hour ago!   — Why..? Why don't you let me do what I want? - Curio slowly got up on her legs - Why are you so cruel?   — Because I want to help. You, me, Sunny - all tied together. We must help each other!         No matter how harshly the insectoid behaved, he sensed that he did the right thing. With such an experience, with countless adventures and observations, the bug knew for the most part what bothered others - all the conflicts usually have the same roots. Even though the changeling did not understand the problems themselves, partly or fully.   — Why are you so cruel? - he asked with the same voice that the unicorn used a bit prior.   — I’m not-   — I see through you. - the changeling pressed his face against hers - You did not even realise that I asked this question on purpose. Like how you tortured Sunshine when you tried to catch her words. She did not lie, she was not caught. But you - immediately.   Now, the strength left this red-eyed pony. Not as strong and fast, but it was a lot harder to stand straight - the psychological pressure of this shapeshifter cannot be compared to even the greed of a desert wood. The trembling around whole body made the snowwhite mare land on her thighs.   — While those in Canterlot wipe us, you help them by betraying your own kind. I do not know Moonrise’s story, I am not that familiar with his sister, but I can truly and safely say that they are good. - the fanged bug continued to press his nose against the sitting pony - I feel it. Like I feel your non-acceptance and fear. Accept it. You are making it worse.   — But.. The kin wrote that-   — What did they write?!   It was the first time in the conversation, that Gambit raised his voice and changed his tone of communication. If Sunshine would stay awake, she would certainly get frightened by such rapid aggression, such an angry muzzle, and such an amount of teeth. The changeling seemingly turned into a shark - one could write a horror portrait from looking at him.   — W-word by word - don’t trust the blue blood.   — What does that mean?   — Meaning - don’t trust Sunshine, don’t trust Celestia, trust nobody! Because of the nobleness that it happened, because of them there’s all the trouble!   — Sunshine has nothing to do with those freaks and problems they cause. We are not enemies! Your desire for revenge places us all in one spot!   — But she’s from Old Equestria! Old nobility lived there, that-         Seems like the historist got it. That pony finally understood, how hard she mistook the words that her parents left her. Probably, last words, with no notes and explanations. And only the observant bug, without any actual experience in Canterlot, correctly added two and two, opening the answer to her eyes.   What else did this horse understand her way? What she wanted to understand in an easy and convenient way? How many other things one has to reflect and re-realise in their head, to cause such similar emotional range, like with Sunshine in the desert and other questionable situations?   — That what? - the bug completely did not know what she talked about.   — ..They were murdered. They were all murdered as well. - the unicorn stopped crying and calmed herself in an instant - How did anyone survive?! Where do those two come from?   — How can they be murdered if-   — No, you didn’t understand! All old equestrians were killed. That is why it’s called Old Equestria! ..All of them, one and all. It’s not noted anywhere, even in forbidden books - only the historians and historists know it. Knew it.   Completely confusing all the thoughts, the mare laughed again. Now, not because of desperation, but due to some mania - not a drop of fear or disgust. Complete certainty, unusual calmness.. Tiredness. Something did inspire the horned pony. And at the same time, it worked in the opposite way.   — Ones like my parents. Everything makes sense now. Except.. One thing. Where are Sunshine and Moonrise from? - Curio shook her head - No, doesn’t matter. Does not matter that much. Their intentions are similar to mine, I believe them. I believe you.   — So.. What is next? — I will tell you everything I know. About the artefact.