Limitless Skies Ch7

Chapter 7
Melody of an Ex

                Princess Celestia sat on her throne as she used her magic to unroll scrolls before reading them, signing them, and placing them in another pile. As she was halfway done with a signature, she heard a voice come from behind her throne, “Your majesty?... I need to speak with you.”
Princess Celestia paused as she shifted her eyes to the two guards standing in front of her throne. When she realized they didn’t hear the voice, she continued signing the document before picking up another and whispering back, “Lady Mist… is this a matter of importance?”
The voice replied, “A member of the Cutters… AKA Mr. Rich was found murdered last night.”
After hearing the reason, Princess Celestia rerolled the document she had out as she put it in the stack and replied, “Meet me in my chambers.”

                Then Princess Celestia stood up as she started trotting by the two guards. As she passed them one spoke, “Your majesty?”
Princess Celestia replied, “I’m feeling a little tired, excuse me while I retire to my chambers for some rest.”
The guards followed as one replied, “We shall accompany you.”
Knowing that they were only doing their jobs Princess Celestia replied, “Very well… but I will ask that you stay out of my chambers. I don’t mind if you guard the doors however I would like some privacy if I may.”
The guards nodded their heads as they replied, “Yes your majesty.”

                As Princess Celestia began trotting through the throne room, she could see the shadow of The Reaper as it flew across the outside of the stain glass window. Knowing that there was no doorway that lead outside behind her, she could only mumble to herself, “Someday she’s got to tell me how she does that.”
Not long after that, Princess Celestia approached her royal chambers as she turned to the guards, “Well here I am, be sure nopony disturbs me I shouldn’t be long. The two guards bowed in respect as they replied, “Yes your majesty.”
With that said, the two guards took their place on each side of the door and stood still enough to be mistaken for statues. When Princess Celestia opened the door and looked inside, it seemed like the room was completely empty, but as soon as the door was shut and the sound of the lock was made, The Reaper stood up from behind the bed as she spoke, “Sorry to disturb you your majesty… but this matter has the Cutters concerned.”

                Princess Celestia nodded her head as she replied, “Well if it concerns the Cutters enough to bring me into it, then it must be important. Usually you handle your business yourselves without my involvement.”
The Reaper put the hood of her cloak down as she replied, “True… but the reason we need your help is something far worse than just a simple murder. Last night we found Jedidiah Rich dead in the Everfree forest. We believe he was murdered while accomplishing his mission.”
Princess Celestia nodded her head, “In the Everfree forest? Are you sure it’s murder?”
The Reaper replied, “Yes… the cause of death was a sword blow to the head, while three arrow wounds were also found in his right side.”
The princess was surprised, “Three arrows, and a sword blow? Sound like overkill to me.”
The Reaper nodded her head, “I agree, but according to the way he was found leaves us to believe he was attacked from above with one arrow then from the side with the other two. As we also found bruises on his torso, so we believe he was at some point thrown or dropped during his fight. Either way, the reason I wanted to speak with you is because of his mission.”
“His mission?”

                The Reaper nodded her head as she replied, “Yes, his mission was to guard my daughter until she arrived here in Canterlot.”
The princess was even more amazed, “you mean Silver?... so you found her after all.”
The Reaper smiled, “She kept herself low and out of sight for a while, but we found her. Anyway, we believe that whoever killed Mr. Rich is trying to hurt Silvia too.”
The Princess nodded her head as she asked, “And what makes you so sure of this?”
The Reaper continued, “Because we found out that the incident that killed her squad was a set up.”
The princess though to herself for a second, “A set up? And… you have reason to believe that I’m responsible for it?”

                The Reaper shook her head, “Close… we think it could be one of your guards. However, at this time we are unsure. All we know is that he… or they are a skilled swords pony, a strong archer, and possibly a pegasus. Otherwise we are still trying to gather more clues.”
Princess Celestia nodded her head, as she replied, “I hope that it isn’t true and that my guards are innocent… however, I will keep my eye out for suspicious activity. In the meantime, I wish you luck on finding the culprit. To lose my subjects to somepony who would commit murder is depressing. So what about Silver… is she safe?”
The Reaper shook her head in disappointment, “To our knowledge, she is… but with Mr. Rich’s Murderer on the loose, we have put her aside on our list of priorities. All we can do is wait for her to arrive here.”
Princess Celestia was a little concerned, “Are you sure?... she is your daughter after all.”

                The Reaper replied, “And as my daughter, I’m confident that she will be able to defend herself for the time being. At least until she reveals herself here in Canterlot.”
Princess Celestia asked, “By the way… why is she coming to Canterlot?”
The Reaper smiled as she put the hood of her cloak up and backed into the shadows, “That is a matter that concerns her… just don’t be surprised if you see each other again.”
With those words, The Reaper vanished into the shadows leaving behind noting more than a thought in Princess Celestia’s mind as she mumbled to herself, “Sometimes I wish the Cutters wouldn’t keep so many secrets… maybe the rest of the guards would trust them a little more. Anyway, since I’m here, I might as well get some rest. I wasn’t completely lying about being tired.”

                Just outside Canterlot, Derpy stared in awe at the city as she spoke, “Whoa… that’s Canterlot? It gigantic!”
Allen smiled, “Well, it is big, but it’s not the largest city in Equestria. Manehattan still has it beat. But it is the most luxurious. To be honest it’s more amazing then I thought.”
Silvia was surprised, “Wait… you mean to tell me that neither of you have ever been to Canterlot before?”
Allen and Derpy shook their heads as Allen replied, “No… in fact both Derpy and I have never been any further from Ponyville than Cloudsdale. We never even seen the Princess before.”
Silvia smiled, “Well this will be an adventure for you then won’t it. If all goes well you may not meet the princess but you will at least get to see a majority of Canterlot.”
As the three ponies continued getting closer and closer to the city, Allen stopped as something sitting on the edge of the mountain caught his eye. As soon as Derpy saw him stop, she stopped and asked, “Allen? What it is?”
Both Derpy and Silvia looked in the Direction Allen was looking as they saw a windmill sitting on the edge of the mountain. As they watched the rotating sails on the large windmill, Silvia spoke, “Don’t tell me this is the first time you’ve ever seen a granary windmill too…”
Allen shook his head, “No… I’ve seen them before… I’m just curious about the rotating sails… I wonder…”
Derpy sat and tried to look at the windmill the way he was seeing it as she replied, “Um… what’s there to wonder about?”
Allen shook his head as he replied, “Never mind… just thinking out loud. Let’s keep going, so where are we headed Silvia?”

                Silvia sighed with a hint of disappointment as she replied, “Well… if we want to catch Twilight Sparkle at a good time, then we need to know a little about the princess’s schedule. Sadly, there is only one pony I know who can help us with that, although I'll say it now. She only works during formal events so it might not be as helpful as I hope… then… there is our history… but that’s another matter entirely.”
Allen gave Silvia a curious look, “History? Why did something bad happen?”
Silvia shrugged her shoulders as she replied, “Well… Let’s just say that things didn’t go very well last time we met… I'll leave it at that. But it’s been almost three years now so maybe she’ll be over it.”
Allen and Derpy looked at each other in confusion, but since it wasn’t necessarily their business, neither one asked anything more on the subject as the three ponies both approached the city gate and entered Canterlot. Not long after they were inside the city, both Allen and Derpy marveled at the sight of the busy ponies that were going through their usual city life routine while Silvia lead the way from the large and more luxurious side of the city, to an older and more run down area.

                 It wasn’t long before the three ponies arrived at and old pub in the center of the oldest part of the massive city. As Allen and Derpy stopped just outside the establishment Allen looked at the name of the place and spoke, “Check Inn Pub… that’s a clever name.”
Derpy smiled, “Oh… like check in only the in is spelt like the place you go to rent a room, right? I get it!”
Silvia stopped at the door and turned around, “You two coming? My friend works inside so let’s go.”
The two nodded their heads as they trotted to Silvia and entered right behind her. As soon as the door opened, the sound of a melancholy tune filled the air, as the place seemed to be teeming with very few ponies who were taking a quick minute to clear their minds of their everyday troubles. As the three ponies entered the room, Allen and Derpy paused in awe at the beautiful dark mare who was sitting on the performance stage playing the mellow tune on her large cello.

                 As she sat on stage gently running the bow along the strings, the elegant mare continued playing the song with her eyes closed sending off a mood of serenity that seemed to give everypony watching the performance the same feelings as the tune itself. As both Allen and Derpy watched the mare, Silvia approached the bar as the bartender looked at her, “What can I ge… Oh… Silver. Long time no see.”
Silvia smiled, “Yes it’s been a while hasn’t it Phi Phi, about three years right?”
Phi phi smiled in awkward anxiety as she replied, “Yea… so… what will it be… the usual Moondrop?”
Silver smiled, “Nah, maybe next time, we’re just here to visit.”
The mare gave her a nervous look as she replied, “Well ok… the table in the middle is open… Good luck… you’re gonna need it.”

                 Silvia nodded her head as she trotted to the table and sat down with both Allen and Derpy sitting next to her. As the three sat there, Derpy spoke, “that mare playing the giant violin is really pretty.”
Allen nodded his head as he replied, “I think it’s called a cello… but yea, she does seem to bring a certain charm to her music doesn’t she.”
Silvia could only nod her head in agreement, as she turned to look at the stage like her cohorts. As the dark earth pony continued playing her song with her eyes closed keeping her entire focus on each memorized note, she slowly opened her eyes to take a quick glance over the crowd. Each note was timed perfectly and was on key with the song itself, however as soon as the musician saw Silvia and the party she was with, her cello gave a surprising yet unexpected screech that was not only obvious but it completely halted the song all together. After the note was hit, the room became silent as a cemetery, and the musician stared in surprise at Silver, whom could only smile innocently as she waved back. Sighing in hopelessness, the mare picked up her cello case, placed her large instrument in along with its bow, then closed the case as she spoke to the crowd, “Sorry for the interruption, but I’m going to take a quick break.”
With that said, she laid the case down on the stage as she stepped off with the rest of the room staring at her in confusion.

                 After the musician left the stage, she approached Silvia’s table as Silver spoke, “Octavia! Long time no see. How have you been?”
The mare sighed as she replied, “I suppose I was fine, till a saw you that is… but I suppose I should of expected to see you again in time.”
Silver smiled innocently as she continued, “Aww, don’t be like that Octi. I said I was sorry didn’t I?”
Octavia put her hoof on her face in hopelessness as she replied, “You know Silver… sometimes sorry just isn’t enough…”
As the dark earth pony put her hoof back down, she looked at Derpy who was sitting right next to Silvia and spoke, “So… is this your new, what would you say… squeeze?... She’s cute… in an innocent sort of way.”
Not understanding the reference, Derpy tilted her head slightly as she replied, “Squeeze?”
Blushing slightly, Silvia replied as she shook her head in embarrassment, “Oh no, no… she doesn’t play for our team if you know what I mean.”
Derpy looked at Allen who was also blushing as she asked, “Team? Allen? I don’t play any sports… do I?”
Allen mumbled quietly back as he replied, “Um… it’s a figure of speech… uh… I'll tell you later.”

                 Octavia looked at Derpy and replied with an unconcerned expression, “Oh… I see…”
at that moment, a unicorn approached as she spoke, “Hey Octi! I could hear it from the back room. What was up with that misfire on sta… a… ah… hay… Silver… what’s up?...”
as soon as the Unicorn saw Silvia, her expression of curiosity went quickly to confusion and nervousness as Silvia replied to her question, “Oh hey Vinyl Scratch how is the music business going?”
The surprised Unicorn smiled nervously as she replied, “Oh… it’s going.”
Just then Vinyl Scratch looked at Phi Phi who was behind the bar working as she spoke out loud, “What’s that Phi Phi? You say you need my help?”
Hearing Vinyl’s words, Phi Phi looked at the unicorn in confusion as Vinyl Scratch continued, “Okay I'll be there in a sec!”
Vinyl looked back at the group as she spoke nervously, “Well… I better help Phi Phi out… catch ya later Silver.”
With a hasten step, the nervous Unicorn turned around as she mumbled to herself, “Yikes… drama bomb… I better get out of that blast radius.”
As soon as Vinyl Scratch was out of ear range, Silvia spoke, “Well that seemed a little snobby if you ask me.”
Octavia gave her an annoyed look as she spoke, “I told her what happened… and she agrees that you were being selfish and heartless. I mean how could you do that to me?”

                 Both Allen and Derpy gave Octavia a confused look as Silvia tried to defend herself, “C’mon Octi, you, and I were together for over a year. You know I can’t handle confrontation on that level.”
Allen had to speak up, “Um… sorry to intrude… but what is this about?”
Octavia looked at Allen as she replied, “Miss, I can’t handle confrontation here, decided it was a good idea to break up with me through a singing telegram.”
Derpy was completely lost in the subject, while Allen looked at Silvia in surprise, “A what!?!”
Silvia shrugged her shoulders, “Look if it makes you feel any better, not only did I feel terrible about it… I think he overcharged me. Ninety bits for three lines… I’m gonna cut him the next time I see him.”
Octavia became angry, “THAT’S NOT THE POINT!!! It’s not so much that you broke up with me… it’s the fact that you couldn’t even do it face to face. I knew things between us were starting to fade… but you could at least say it was over to my face instead of paying somepony else to say it for you. I mean, how could you do that… to me of all ponies?”
Silvia sighed in disappointment as she replied, “Look Octi… I know it doesn’t mean much now… but I truly am sorry. And even though I knew it was a long shot. I came here of all places, to ask you of all ponies for help.”

                 Octavia gave Silvia an unconcerned look as she asked, “Really… and why would you need my help? Furthermore… why should I even help you?”
Silvia replied with an apologetic tone, “Because you’re the only pony who can help me… and… this isn’t for me… it’s for him.”
With those words, Silvia looked at Allen as he smiled innocently but kept his silence. As Octavia looked at the same stallion she replied, “Him?… Not to seem rude or anything, but why are you helping him?”
Silvia replied, “Well, a few days ago, he saved my life.”
Octavia nodded her head as she finished Silvia’s sentence, “So, you’re trying to fulfill your life debt by helping him to complete a task… right?”
Silvia smiled, “You always did show interest in my clan’s rules. That’s absolutely right. He has a serious question that will help him fulfill his dream and the only pony I know who might have an answer is Twilight Sparkle.”
Octavia replied, “So you need me to get her usual schedule so you can determine a time to approach her… right?”
Silvia smiled, “Am I that easy to read… or do you just know me too well?”

                 Octavia sighed in hopelessness, “I'd say in this case… both. Well even though I’m still angry with you, I can’t punish your friend for something you did, so I'll help you out just this once. But don’t think this changes anything… you still owe me for that telegram crap, got it.”
Silvia grabbed Octavia’s hoof and held it in front of her as she replied in joy, “Oh thank you Octi! I knew I could count on a friend like you.”
Octavia pulled her hoof from Silvia’s, as she replied, “Yea, yea… just don’t read into it too far. Just be grateful I’ve had time to get over that little stunt you pulled. And… I also heard about what happened to Serene… your actions may have hurt… but I couldn’t imagine losing you like that.”
Silvia tried to hide the depression that was building up as she gave a fake smile, “It’s okay Octi… I’m over that too. I miss her… but I know that she would be happier if I just moved on.”
Octavia gave her a gentle smile as she replied, “Only you could act so tough at a time like this. I'll do what I can, but I don’t think I can get a schedule for you until at least a week. Is that alright?”
Silvia nodded her head, “That would be perfect… in the mean time I can link up with a few of my other contacts and get us a room at the nearest Inn.”
Allen was confused, “Wait… isn’t this an Inn?”
Octavia smiled, “Actually this place hasn’t been an inn for over a century. The owner is just too stubborn to change the name.”

                 As Allen thought to himself, Silvia spoke, “There is a better inn just up the road, and lucky you it’s next to a carpenter’s shop so you should feel right at home.”
Octavia though to herself then replied, “Actually I think that place closed down. You could always check the map over on that wall.”
Silvia nodded her head, “Good idea, it would better help me remember this place anyway, I'll be right back.”
As Silvia stood up and trotted to the wall to read the hanging map, Octavia looked at Allen and spoke, “Excuse me, Mr.?...”
Allen finished her statement, “Oh… my name is Allen Key, and this here is Derpy.”
Octavia smiled, “Mr. Key… thank you… for both saving Silvia’s life and looking after her… I know she may seem tough… but I’m sure you could see the pain in her smile when I spoke of Serene.”
Allen nodded his head, “Yea… I heard the story… we both have.”
Octavia smiled peacefully as she replied, “Well either way… thanks. And I must say you and Derpy make the cutest couple I have ever seen.”
Both Allen and Derpy’s faces turned beat red as Allen tried to reply, “Wh… I… um… we… we aren’t… um… that is…”
Before he was able to say a full sentence in defense, Silvia got back to the table as she spoke, “Yep, according to the map that place is still standing although it’s an iron works place now. Same thing right Allen?”

                 Trying to change the subject, Allen replied, “Oh… ah yea… sort of. Is that where we are off to next?”
Silver nodded her head, “No we are off to the inn next door to it, but you can drop by there if you want. Since we will be in Canterlot for a few days I see no harm in it”
Octavia nodded her head, “Yes… as soon as I discover the opportune time to meet with Twilight, I will let you know. Just… don’t be a stranger. We may have had a rough road, but I would like it if we could make amends.”
Silvia nodded her head as she replied, “I'd like that too Octi… and when this is all over. Maybe we can meet up and have a drink or something.”
Octavia smiled, “Sure… I'd like that. Well, I had better get back to work. I think I may have tugged a string when I saw you so I better retune my cello. Derpy, Allen, it was nice meeting you both. I hope we can get better acquainted the next time we meet.”
Both ponies nodded their heads as Silvia replied, “You take care Octi, I’ll be in touch.”
As the dark earth pony nodded her head in agreement, Silvia, Allen, and Derpy turned around as they started to leave the Pub. Before they were out of the building, Derpy asked Allen, “So, what did she mean by, not playing on the same team?”
Allen blushed as he replied, “Well… ya see Derpy… it’s a little hard to explain… let’s just wait till we’re outside.”

                 After the trio exited through the doors of the pub, Octavia made her way towards the bar as she heard a loud reaction outside, “WHAT!?!?”
Smiling at the loud reaction that could be heard from inside, Octavia sat at the bar as she tapped it to get Phi Phi’s attention. Acting subtle Phi Phi approached the mare as she spoke, “Yes?... What’s up Tavi?...”
Octavia whispered to the bartender as she looked around for suspicious activity, “I’m leaving to report to Fancy Pants. I'll let him know that Silvia and her two companions have arrived in Canterlot and that they are unharmed. It also seems like they know nothing about the pony who set her up and killed Mr. Rich.”
Phi Phi nodded her head, “Understood, did you tell her who she is… or better yet who you are?”

                 Octavia shook her head, “No… I think it would be better to wait till after she finishes her life debt. Besides, I don’t want her to think I was only using her to protect her. It may have been part of my job… but I really did have feelings for her. I'll still get her what she needs, but not as a member of the Cutters. It would be better if I did it the old fashion way. If I get the schedule too soon, she may become suspicious.”
Phi Phi nodded her head as she pulled a black cloak from behind the counter and gave it to Octavia, “Whatever you say Tavi, I'll let you take full control on this one. If the boss comes by I'll pass the word on, in the meantime… watch your back. If somepony is really trying to get Silver, then they will go through anypony in their way to do it.”
Octavia put on the cloak as she replied, “Thanks, but you should worry about yourself more. Anypony who is a match for one of us is a threat to all of us. And we cannot risk losing more members to petty threats. Take care Phi Phi… I'll be right back.”
With that said Octavia left the pub as she trotted into an alley, Put the hood up on her cloak, and vanished into the shadows.

                 Not far down the road, Silvia, Allen and Derpy arrived at the inn that they were on their way to as two ponies watched from the shadows of an alley across the street. As they watched one spoke, “Ok… so what is your real plan Nox? First you want to kill her before arriving in Canterlot, then you want to play mind games with that mare, and now you want to let them get what they came for?”
Equinox smiled, “Oh shade… I though you knew better. What’s worse than never completing your goal?”
Shade thought to himself before answering, “I don’t know… Dying first?”
Equinox shook his head, “Nope… it’s completing your goal… but losing everything else as a result. I’m going to wait for the opportune time to interfere with her life debt, then when all seems well, I’ll move in and screw up their little pity party. In the meantime, we will let them have their fun, and I'll keep playing my little game with miss two sense. And who knows… maybe I won’t have to kill her after all. If the Cutters make their move and Silvia turns them down, then all I have to do is step in and take what’s mine. Nevertheless, we should probably assume she would, just in case. Till then… who is the owner of that metal works shop?”

                 Shade replied, “I think his name is Arthur Drib, a unicorn with a rather sunny disposition.”
Equinox smiled, “Well… at least it isn’t a noble. I’d hate for her to be that close to a member of the Cutters… but I’m curious about this Octavia character. I know her and Silvia have history… but isn’t she the heir to the Melody Family Fortune?”
Shade thought to himself, “Yes… and probably a member of the Cutters too.”
Equinox looked back at the inn across the street and continued, “Then we better watch our backs… killing a member of the Cutters wasn’t my wisest move… but I couldn’t let him find out what we’re planning. If the Cutters find out that I set Silvia up then it could be a problem later. Although…”
Equinox put his hoof on his chin and smiled as he continued, “Right now… Everypony is a suspect.”