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Pristine snow crunched under Monochrome’s black hooves as they trudged through a bare forest at the edge of Ponyville. Even if the path underhoof was hidden, they simply followed the faint hoofprints that were already being covered up by the new snowfall.

The pegasus shivered and blew out some air, watching the white puffs that came with it. It had been two weeks since their mother’s visit, and a little over a week since winter had been brought to Ponyville. They honestly hadn’t been sure if they were going to successfully catch up on their art commissions like they had mentioned to their mother Rainbow, but surprisingly, they had managed. Now it was time to follow through with what they had said and make the attempt to spend more time with their family. Even if their mother and Venture Gale had already flown off on a new mission, at the very least they could visit their mother Daring.

They would be lying if they tried to convince themself that they weren’t hoping Rainbow Dash wasn’t present and that this could just be a normal visit like any other. Two weeks of mental preparation and they were still feeling...nervous. Uncertain of this change.

But they promised themself that they would do this. And they had promised Tank.

Their gaze softened. A visit like this would feel much easier if he were present. Before making the trek to their parents' home, Monochrome had made sure to drop by Tank’s usual hibernation spot, if only to simply say hello and ask him to wish them luck. Obviously Tank wouldn’t be able to while sleeping, but just being able to talk to the slumbering tortoise gave the pegasus a little bit of strength in their resolve.

‘I’m definitely going to need it…’

Up ahead, the two-story house that had been their childhood home came into view. There were half-covered tracks of hoofprints littered all across the yard, as well as solidly built snow forts and an…attempt at a snow-pony. Monochrome couldn’t help but snort in amusement at the lop-sided snowy figure. The rock eyes weren’t even even.

It was cute, nonetheless. And with how recent these tracks looked, it was apparent to them that their mother and brother were, in fact, still home.

Monochrome straightened and steeled themself. It didn’t matter how weird or awkward this bonding-attempt was going to be. It had to be done.
And with that, for the first time despite the knowledge of those present inside, Monochrome knocked.
They waited, and with a loud ‘I’M COMING’ followed by the sound of beating wings, the door opened a crack.

Venture Gale peered out at first. But with a flash of recognition, Ven opened the door the rest of the way. Shock and disbelief overtook the young stallion’s face.

“Monochrome?”

“Hey Ven.” Monochrome nodded back. They trotted past their brother, more than eager to get out of the freezing temperatures into the much more comfortable household. As they kicked off their boots and shrugged off their jacket, they heard the door click close behind them. One glance at Ven revealed that their little brother was still baffled. He stared blankly, as if the pony before him had sprouted a second pair of wings. “...what?”

“You...knocked.”

“Yeah?”

“Did you lose your key or something??”

“What? No, I just...wanted to let you know I was here.”

Ven’s eyes flew open even wider, as if the very idea was a hard one to conceive. Monochrome frowned. Should they feel this bothered that Venture was in this much shock over this?

‘I guess I did make a habit of inviting myself in without telling them…to avoid mom.’

“You didn’t even bring any art supplies with you?” Ven shot Monochrome another bewildered look. This time it was borderline wary. “Is something going on…? I mean, you didn’t knock or say anything the last time you came by.”

They admittedly didn’t quite remember when that was. With a sigh, Monochrome hung their jacket on the nearby coat rack before addressing their brother again. “I just wanted to visit you guys. I kind of told mom that I’d try to once I finished my work, and I did, so....”

“...really? Like, seriously?”

“Yeah.”

Something unrecognizable glimmered within Ven’s golden eyes. Whatever it was, at least his confusion and worry was gone. Something came over Monochrome in that instant. Some sort of...sibling instinct.
“Don’t think I missed that snow-pony outside.” Monochrome raised an eyebrow, though the soft playfulness in their green eyes was evident. “I wasn’t planning on setting up a snow-pony workshop when I decided to drop by.”

Venture blinked, but just as quickly he mock-scoffed and pointed his nose high into the air. “Well excUSE ME, but our snow-pony is like, twenty percent cooler than yours would ever be!”

“‘Twenty percent’?” Monochrome shook their head, a light smile pulling at their muzzle. “You got that from mom, didn’t you?”

“I confirm nothing.”

Mo chuckled, and they didn’t miss the curious look that crossed Ven’s face before it switched into a sheepish smile.
“Um...okay then! W-well, since you’re here...”

It was Monochrome’s turn to give their brother a look of curiosity as the colt nervously tugged at the sleeves of his green hoodie and glanced off to the side. It was even more curious to see their usually confident brother actually look...uncertain.
“I’ve been like...meaning to give you something? I-I just didn’t know when to ask-”

“AHA! I knew I recognized that voice!”

Monochrome couldn’t help but wince at the boisterous voice that had entered the room. They felt their mother Rainbow throw her foreleg around them before they could even turn towards her. Like Venture, she sported a hoodie, although hers was blue with a yellow lightning bolt at the front; Wonderbolt merchandise from her old days. Taking in her face, Mo was greeted with one of her ear-to-ear grins. “I knew you’d come eventually!”

“I did say I’d try to.” Monochrome agreed. Though hesitant, they allowed their wing to slide across their mother’s back in a one-winged hug.

Still awkward, but...not the worst thing.

When Rainbow Dash pulled back, her glittering eyes flashed between her two kids. “Were you about to invite Chromey out on one of our snowy escapades~?” Rainbow pridefully puffed her chest out. “Don’t mean to brag, but we’ve been at it since Winter started~”

“Oh yeah!” Ven perked up. “Do ya wanna come with?? I-if you want to?”

“Sure.”

Both Venture and Rainbow didn’t hide their mixed reaction of surprise and delight at their answer. But what could they say? Having an activity to do together and talk about was so much more bearable than sitting around and awkwardly engaging in conversation. Monochrome casually shrugged back. “Sounds fun. I’m ready when you two are.”

“Awesome~!”

While their mother and brother began moving about to locate their snow boots, Monochrome walked back over to the coat rack. If they’d known they would be going back outside almost immediately, they probably wouldn’t have taken everything off in the first place.

As they reached up for their coat, Rainbow’s voice from behind met their ears.

“Oh hey, Chromey! How did Tank’s hibernation go? After all the fun we had, I bet the little guy tried fighting off the sleep!”

Monochrome’s hoof stilled.

‘...what?’

Forgetting their coat, Monochrome turned towards their mother, shooting her a look. “What are you talking about? I left Tank with you.”

Rainbow Dash and Ven both stared at Monochrome, exchanging confused glances that only created a knot in their stomach.

“We...thought he was with you.” Ven suddenly appeared tense, a tension that was nowhere close to the rigidness that was starting to sink into Mo themself. Rainbow in turn shot Monochrome a look of alarm.

“You mean he wasn’t?! But he hasn’t been here since winter started-!”

“What do you mean he hasn’t been here?!”
Monochrome bore their sharp gaze into their mother, making no attempt to hide the anger in their voice. “Did you leave the front door open? Or left his flight gear on?”

Rainbow Dash’s eyebrows narrowed back. “Wh- no, but-!”

“Then how do you lose a tortoise?!”

It didn’t make sense. Even if she had been that careless, Tank couldn’t wander far. And even if he did, he knew how to return home. He wasn’t an idiot.
Mo’s head spun. No matter how they analyzed the situation in their head, there was no clear answer. But only one thing mattered to Monochrome in that moment.

Ignoring whatever it was Venture and Rainbow were most likely trying to suggest, Mo briskly moved forward, shoving past the two as they scanned the room.

“Tank?! Tank!”

“Monochrome, he’s not here, we-!”

Monochrome shot a harsh look at their mother, who immediately jerked back in response.

“He can’t climb stairs. He can’t open doors. He HAS to be here.”

Without waiting for an answer, Monochrome began their search. They moved into every room, searched every crevice big enough to possibly hide the tortoise. There weren't many, considering just how large Tank was.

He had to be asleep, right? He managed to wander into some unseen corner and the sluggishness that came with winter pushed him to fall asleep. But with temperature fluctuations...that wouldn’t be a proper hibernation. That wasn’t healthy or even safe for him.

‘I can’t believe this...why? Why did I even think she wouldn’t take her eyes off of him?’

The buzz of frustration only had Monochrome marching into the next hall as their mother and brother searched other rooms. The second hall was an all too familiar one. One of the first doorways lead directly into their mother Daring Do’s study, which upon inspection held no sign of the tortoise. Monochrome exited and was ready to enter another nearby room.

That is, until the door to their old room caught their eye.

It was further into the hall, and closed as it should be. The room over the years had taken on a tendency to let in drafts during the winter season. It was an unspoken rule to try keeping the door closed whenever winter came around.

Yet looking at it now, something didn’t settle right within Monochrome.

Skipping the other doors, Monochrome made a direct path to the doorway. But as their hooves stood directly in front of it, they were simultaneously surprised and confused as a frigid chill drifted out from the crack underneath the door and over their legs. Since when did their room ever get this cold?

They turned the knob and pushed the door open, only to wince when they were immediately greeted by a chilly gust of cold air. They pushed on into the room regardless, analyzing the area with observant eyes.

The first thing that caught their eye within the dim room were the billowing curtains; the source of the freezing air that filled the room. The window had been unmistakably left open, most likely due to forgetfulness when the room was last aired out. As cold winter light filtered in from the fluttering blinds, Monochrome then noticed the unusual mess that were their bedsheets, half hanging off of their old bed right below the window and pooling onto the floor-

The pegasus’s eyes then locked onto a familiar shape; a shell, nestled within the messy, crumpled fabric.

“Tank…” Monochrome breathed. The sight of their tortoise helplessly sitting within a dark, cold room sent a lump into their throat. Instead of the comfort of locating him, something closer to disbelief and hurt washed over them.
He was left alone in this room for a week?

Rushing over to him, Monochrome laid down to reach Tank’s level and gently shook the tortoise. His shell was icy to the touch. “Buddy, hey. I know you’re tired, but you need to wake up. We have to make sure you’re okay, okay?”

Silence.

After waiting a beat longer for a response, Monochrome’s shaking became more vigorous. “Tank. Tank, please wake up.”

He was just sleeping. It was cold. This was normal. Whatever unreasonable thoughts that were filtering into their mind were just a result of their paranoia.
And yet the longer Monochrome shook, and patted, and called out to the tortoise, and the longer the silence and stillness of the room hung over them, the more they felt their composure slipping.

“You have to wake up. Tank!”

They couldn’t remember when their calls became louder and more urgent. They barely even acknowledged the sound of hurried hoofsteps as they entered the room. Eventually Monochrome stilled, now realizing that they were breathing heavily, their hooves shaking.

'Don't do this to me...'

He had to be okay.
He had to be.
This couldn’t be happening.

'Please. Dont.'

Monochrome’s head snapped back up as a broken wheeze met their ears. The shell within their hooves lightly stirred, and slowly, Tank’s head began sliding out.
But instead of relief, the sight that met Mo’s eyes next had their breath hitching.

Tank could barely blink his eyes with how red and swollen they were, covered in crust that nearly glued them shut. With each labored breath, his nose leaked and bubbled. Opening his mouth, all that came out was a weak, pitiful wheeze.

“Oh God…” Monochrome whispered, their voice strangled and laced with distress.

Watching Tank struggle to lift his head to even look at them, heat began building behind Monochrome’s eyes. The ache in their chest was becoming too much. They released a shuddery exhale, painful with how their throat was closing up.
Monochrome pulled their tortoise close to them, burying their face into his shell. They could barely stop the painful thoughts that were forming within their mind.

‘He was trapped in here. Cold, and ill.
And no one would have known.’

“I’m here, Tank...” Monochrome's soft voice shook with emotion. Rubbing the back of Tank’s shell, they struggled out another shaky breath. Their friend gave them a feeble wheeze in return, and the sound only sent another painful pang to ripple through their chest.
“Shhh...it’s okay. I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Tank…?”

That voice.
Composure and reason didn’t matter anymore. That stupid, obnoxious voice alone sparked a cold fury that now relentlessly burned within them, pushing aside their grief.

Pulling away from their friend, Monochrome slowly stood back up. They turned to look at their mother who had been approaching, unsure of their own expression as both she and Ven both tensed at the sight of them.

“What. Happened.”

Monochrome’s voice came out demanding and icy. They waited for an answer. Expected an answer. Rainbow’s eyes were wide with worry, and it was clear she struggled to know what to say.

“I...I don't-”

“No.”

Rainbow Dash started as Monochrome stormed towards her. The moment they were in front of her, Mo’s hooves flew up and grabbed at her shoulders, making damn sure she looked them straight in the eye.

“You don’t GET to say you don’t know, because you were the one looking after him. Try again.”

Monochrome watched unimpressed as Rainbow’s mouth pathetically flapped open and close, stunned. “I-I really don’t know, Mono-”

A burst of anger surged through them. It took them a minute to realize they were shouting.

“What do you MEAN you don’t know?! He was locked in here, in the cold, and you don’t know how?! How careless can you be?!”

They could hear Ven yelling their name, but Monochrome ignored him. They chose to pierce their gaze into their mother’s and gave her a quick wake-up shake. “His immune system slows down when he hibernates. If we had left him to hibernate like this, he could’ve died. How do I know? Because I love him enough to do my damn research!”

Rainbow Dash appeared weary and frantic. “L-LOOK, all I remember is him disappearing out of nowhere! I searched the whole house for him, I-”

She stopped.
Monochrome watched as her wandering gaze, deep in thought, abruptly widened. Realization. Monochrome glared at her.

“What?”

“I….I closed the door.”

Her expression quickly fell into mortification. “I just...I was searching and then I- o-out of instinct…”
Rainbow remet Monochrome’s eyes desperately. “I-I didn’t know he was in here-!”

“So you didn’t even bother checking-?!”

“STOP! It was my fault!”

Monochrome paused, their sharp gaze flicking over to their younger brother for the first time. Venture stood there rigid and fearful, yet managed to keep his hooves planted firmly as he faced his sibling.

“I-I was the one who insisted that you...you probably came in again without saying anything a-and took him! S-she only stopped looking because of me!”
Ven’s eyes were rounded with guilt. “You always hibernate Tank, I-I didn’t know you’d actually want her to do it... I-I’m sorry.”

Ven looked ready to shrink into himself, radiating all of the fear and guilt of a child about to be punished.

“...you didn’t. But SHE did.”

The picture was clearer now. Tank wandering into their old room, seeking a place of familiarity as he grew more tired and lethargic from the cold weather. Their mother, searching for him to bring him to his hibernation spot, only to quit once she was convinced Monochrome had taken over the responsibility. And why would she be so easily convinced?

Because it was winter.
Because it was just like she said; she and Ven had been out on their ‘snow adventures’ since winter started.

Monochrome felt their lip curl back from gritted teeth, a familiar yet powerful wave of bitterness washing over them.

“‘Until he had to hibernate’. I specifically said that, yet you couldn’t even get THAT MUCH right.”
Monochrome pulled their head back, scowling down at Rainbow Dash who could only stare up at them with a pitiful look on her face. “Was he not interesting enough for you? Did you get distracted that fast once you had something BETTER to do?” Their grip tightened to the point of trembling. “Like always-?!”

“Monochrome Dashielle!”

Monochrome’s pinned back ears stood up at the voice. Tearing their gaze away from Rainbow, they instead focused on their mother Daring. They had no idea when she had entered the room, or where she had even come from. In their fury, they weren’t sure if this was even the first time she was addressing them.

But she stared at them sternly, giving them a harsh, disapproving look that edged into concern. “You’re upset. But you need to put your mother down. Now.”

Put her down?

With the red fading from their vision, Monochrome refocused their gaze and was finally able to realize that their hooves had at one point moved to clench their mother’s collar. Unconsciously they had been lifting her up by it and forcing her forelegs off the ground.

Within the following tense silence they released her, allowing her to place her front hooves back onto the floor with a soft clack. Yet Rainbow kept her stunned, searching eyes glued onto the floorboards below.

It was then that Monochrome realized their own breathing had become ragged with the amount of emotions they had poured out. Blinking, they faintly felt the prickling of unnoticed tears at the corners of their eyes.

‘...I’m so sick of this.’

Without a word, Monochrome turned their attention back onto Tank. He looked as though he was on the precipice of passing back out, but Mo could only imagine that the yelling had prevented him from doing so. A pang of guilt came into their chest, but at the same time, they knew they had to keep him awake until he got the treatment he needed.

Monochrome’s voice was devoid of emotion when they spoke again,.

“I’m taking him to a vet. Alone.”

With every bit of gentleness they could offer, the pegasus gathered Tank into their arms and made sure he was secure before flapping their wings and lifting off the ground. Before they could even turn, her voice broke through the silence.

“I’m so sorry, Tank…”

Monochrome held the tortoise closer to their chest as Rainbow flew up to face them both. She looked just as exhausted and guilt-ridden as Monochrome felt, yet Mo couldn’t bring themself to care. “L-let me go with you-”

“No.”

It was a curt answer. Before Rainbow could even try to convince them, Monochrome was quick to speak over her, their tone flat. “You’ve officially lost your right to him. So stay away from him, and stay away from me while you’re at it.”

Their mother’s eyes widened. Monochrome didn’t bother to stop as they found themself leaving one last scathing remark.
“Some element of loyalty you are.”

She flinched, but before Monochrome could see anything else from her, they pushed past her and out of the door. Once they made it to the living room, they carefully placed Tank on the nearby couch, quickly pulling on their boots before grabbing their coat.

“Monochrome…”

Monochrome slowed to a stop. They didn’t have to turn their head to know their mother Daring had followed them. Right now, they couldn’t bring themself to look at her. They opted to listen instead, noting the soft, motherly lilt to her voice.
“Sweetheart...this whole situation is upsetting for everyone, you especially. I can’t fault you for being angry. But you don’t have to handle this by yourself-”

“Mom…”

Monochrome willed themself to look at her. Her expression was just as uneasy and concerned as she sounded, which seemed to sadden further at whatever worn expression they now wore. “I just want to be alone right now...sorry.”

“...okay. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to see me.”

Monochrome said nothing more. Once they picked up Tank again, wrapping him up with their coat, they moved towards the open door their mom was now holding open for them. They could only muster a weak nod before leaving her and their old home behind. All that mattered now was getting Tank medical care as soon as possible. Yet despite those focused thoughts, their churning emotions refused to leave them.

‘...I guess there just aren’t many ponies I can count on.’

It was supposed to be a bitter thought. But instead, those words carried a wave of anguish. They really had believed that things could be better.

But they were wrong.

She hadn’t changed. And they themself were no different from the bitter, pathetically lonely pony they had become.

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RELATED:

It just couldn’t be that easy. But in the end, nothing is black and white.

I can’t express how long I’ve waited to build up to this, and how many notes I kept making for this chapter alone throughout the year.

Well guys; this marks the technical end of...“Part 1” of Monochrome’s past arc??? And I say “technical end” and “Part 1” because Monochrome has involvement and roles in both Eventide and Nova ’s past arcs; Eventide when it comes to younger Monochrome. And Nova when it comes to where Monochrome’s past arc carries them after this (so basically, “Part 2”).
So I guess this is the end of Mo’s “solo past arc”?? hHH TERMS ARE HARD. But this is definitely not the last of Monochrome.

We have OFFICIALLY reached my next personal milestone for this story. Golly was it a journey, but I’m so glad I got here….

Two past arcs down? I’m so ready to get into another character’s.
We’ll see who next year~
Stay tuned!

Destinyverse Archives

Feat:
Venture Gale
Monochrome

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Description
PREVIOUS:
______________________

Pristine snow crunched under Monochrome’s black hooves as they trudged through a bare forest at the edge of Ponyville. Even if the path underhoof was hidden, they simply followed the faint hoofprints that were already being covered up by the new snowfall.

The pegasus shivered and blew out some air, watching the white puffs that came with it. It had been two weeks since their mother’s visit, and a little over a week since winter had been brought to Ponyville. They honestly hadn’t been sure if they were going to successfully catch up on their art commissions like they had mentioned to their mother Rainbow, but surprisingly, they had managed. Now it was time to follow through with what they had said and make the attempt to spend more time with their family. Even if their mother and Venture Gale had already flown off on a new mission, at the very least they could visit their mother Daring.

They would be lying if they tried to convince themself that they weren’t hoping Rainbow Dash wasn’t present and that this could just be a normal visit like any other. Two weeks of mental preparation and they were still feeling...nervous. Uncertain of this change.

But they promised themself that they would do this. And they had promised Tank.

Their gaze softened. A visit like this would feel much easier if he were present. Before making the trek to their parents' home, Monochrome had made sure to drop by Tank’s usual hibernation spot, if only to simply say hello and ask him to wish them luck. Obviously Tank wouldn’t be able to while sleeping, but just being able to talk to the slumbering tortoise gave the pegasus a little bit of strength in their resolve.

‘I’m definitely going to need it…’

Up ahead, the two-story house that had been their childhood home came into view. There were half-covered tracks of hoofprints littered all across the yard, as well as solidly built snow forts and an…attempt at a snow-pony. Monochrome couldn’t help but snort in amusement at the lop-sided snowy figure. The rock eyes weren’t even even.

It was cute, nonetheless. And with how recent these tracks looked, it was apparent to them that their mother and brother were, in fact, still home.

Monochrome straightened and steeled themself. It didn’t matter how weird or awkward this bonding-attempt was going to be. It had to be done.
And with that, for the first time despite the knowledge of those present inside, Monochrome knocked.
They waited, and with a loud ‘I’M COMING’ followed by the sound of beating wings, the door opened a crack.

Venture Gale peered out at first. But with a flash of recognition, Ven opened the door the rest of the way. Shock and disbelief overtook the young stallion’s face.

“Monochrome?”

“Hey Ven.” Monochrome nodded back. They trotted past their brother, more than eager to get out of the freezing temperatures into the much more comfortable household. As they kicked off their boots and shrugged off their jacket, they heard the door click close behind them. One glance at Ven revealed that their little brother was still baffled. He stared blankly, as if the pony before him had sprouted a second pair of wings. “...what?”

“You...knocked.”

“Yeah?”

“Did you lose your key or something??”

“What? No, I just...wanted to let you know I was here.”

Ven’s eyes flew open even wider, as if the very idea was a hard one to conceive. Monochrome frowned. Should they feel this bothered that Venture was in this much shock over this?

‘I guess I did make a habit of inviting myself in without telling them…to avoid mom.’

“You didn’t even bring any art supplies with you?” Ven shot Monochrome another bewildered look. This time it was borderline wary. “Is something going on…? I mean, you didn’t knock or say anything the last time you came by.”

They admittedly didn’t quite remember when that was. With a sigh, Monochrome hung their jacket on the nearby coat rack before addressing their brother again. “I just wanted to visit you guys. I kind of told mom that I’d try to once I finished my work, and I did, so....”

“...really? Like, seriously?”

“Yeah.”

Something unrecognizable glimmered within Ven’s golden eyes. Whatever it was, at least his confusion and worry was gone. Something came over Monochrome in that instant. Some sort of...sibling instinct.
“Don’t think I missed that snow-pony outside.” Monochrome raised an eyebrow, though the soft playfulness in their green eyes was evident. “I wasn’t planning on setting up a snow-pony workshop when I decided to drop by.”

Venture blinked, but just as quickly he mock-scoffed and pointed his nose high into the air. “Well excUSE ME, but our snow-pony is like, twenty percent cooler than yours would ever be!”

“‘Twenty percent’?” Monochrome shook their head, a light smile pulling at their muzzle. “You got that from mom, didn’t you?”

“I confirm nothing.”

Mo chuckled, and they didn’t miss the curious look that crossed Ven’s face before it switched into a sheepish smile.
“Um...okay then! W-well, since you’re here...”

It was Monochrome’s turn to give their brother a look of curiosity as the colt nervously tugged at the sleeves of his green hoodie and glanced off to the side. It was even more curious to see their usually confident brother actually look...uncertain.
“I’ve been like...meaning to give you something? I-I just didn’t know when to ask-”

“AHA! I knew I recognized that voice!”

Monochrome couldn’t help but wince at the boisterous voice that had entered the room. They felt their mother Rainbow throw her foreleg around them before they could even turn towards her. Like Venture, she sported a hoodie, although hers was blue with a yellow lightning bolt at the front; Wonderbolt merchandise from her old days. Taking in her face, Mo was greeted with one of her ear-to-ear grins. “I knew you’d come eventually!”

“I did say I’d try to.” Monochrome agreed. Though hesitant, they allowed their wing to slide across their mother’s back in a one-winged hug.

Still awkward, but...not the worst thing.

When Rainbow Dash pulled back, her glittering eyes flashed between her two kids. “Were you about to invite Chromey out on one of our snowy escapades~?” Rainbow pridefully puffed her chest out. “Don’t mean to brag, but we’ve been at it since Winter started~”

“Oh yeah!” Ven perked up. “Do ya wanna come with?? I-if you want to?”

“Sure.”

Both Venture and Rainbow didn’t hide their mixed reaction of surprise and delight at their answer. But what could they say? Having an activity to do together and talk about was so much more bearable than sitting around and awkwardly engaging in conversation. Monochrome casually shrugged back. “Sounds fun. I’m ready when you two are.”

“Awesome~!”

While their mother and brother began moving about to locate their snow boots, Monochrome walked back over to the coat rack. If they’d known they would be going back outside almost immediately, they probably wouldn’t have taken everything off in the first place.

As they reached up for their coat, Rainbow’s voice from behind met their ears.

“Oh hey, Chromey! How did Tank’s hibernation go? After all the fun we had, I bet the little guy tried fighting off the sleep!”

Monochrome’s hoof stilled.

‘...what?’

Forgetting their coat, Monochrome turned towards their mother, shooting her a look. “What are you talking about? I left Tank with you.”

Rainbow Dash and Ven both stared at Monochrome, exchanging confused glances that only created a knot in their stomach.

“We...thought he was with you.” Ven suddenly appeared tense, a tension that was nowhere close to the rigidness that was starting to sink into Mo themself. Rainbow in turn shot Monochrome a look of alarm.

“You mean he wasn’t?! But he hasn’t been here since winter started-!”

“What do you mean he hasn’t been here?!”
Monochrome bore their sharp gaze into their mother, making no attempt to hide the anger in their voice. “Did you leave the front door open? Or left his flight gear on?”

Rainbow Dash’s eyebrows narrowed back. “Wh- no, but-!”

“Then how do you lose a tortoise?!”

It didn’t make sense. Even if she had been that careless, Tank couldn’t wander far. And even if he did, he knew how to return home. He wasn’t an idiot.
Mo’s head spun. No matter how they analyzed the situation in their head, there was no clear answer. But only one thing mattered to Monochrome in that moment.

Ignoring whatever it was Venture and Rainbow were most likely trying to suggest, Mo briskly moved forward, shoving past the two as they scanned the room.

“Tank?! Tank!”

“Monochrome, he’s not here, we-!”

Monochrome shot a harsh look at their mother, who immediately jerked back in response.

“He can’t climb stairs. He can’t open doors. He HAS to be here.”

Without waiting for an answer, Monochrome began their search. They moved into every room, searched every crevice big enough to possibly hide the tortoise. There weren't many, considering just how large Tank was.

He had to be asleep, right? He managed to wander into some unseen corner and the sluggishness that came with winter pushed him to fall asleep. But with temperature fluctuations...that wouldn’t be a proper hibernation. That wasn’t healthy or even safe for him.

‘I can’t believe this...why? Why did I even think she wouldn’t take her eyes off of him?’

The buzz of frustration only had Monochrome marching into the next hall as their mother and brother searched other rooms. The second hall was an all too familiar one. One of the first doorways lead directly into their mother Daring Do’s study, which upon inspection held no sign of the tortoise. Monochrome exited and was ready to enter another nearby room.

That is, until the door to their old room caught their eye.

It was further into the hall, and closed as it should be. The room over the years had taken on a tendency to let in drafts during the winter season. It was an unspoken rule to try keeping the door closed whenever winter came around.

Yet looking at it now, something didn’t settle right within Monochrome.

Skipping the other doors, Monochrome made a direct path to the doorway. But as their hooves stood directly in front of it, they were simultaneously surprised and confused as a frigid chill drifted out from the crack underneath the door and over their legs. Since when did their room ever get this cold?

They turned the knob and pushed the door open, only to wince when they were immediately greeted by a chilly gust of cold air. They pushed on into the room regardless, analyzing the area with observant eyes.

The first thing that caught their eye within the dim room were the billowing curtains; the source of the freezing air that filled the room. The window had been unmistakably left open, most likely due to forgetfulness when the room was last aired out. As cold winter light filtered in from the fluttering blinds, Monochrome then noticed the unusual mess that were their bedsheets, half hanging off of their old bed right below the window and pooling onto the floor-

The pegasus’s eyes then locked onto a familiar shape; a shell, nestled within the messy, crumpled fabric.

“Tank…” Monochrome breathed. The sight of their tortoise helplessly sitting within a dark, cold room sent a lump into their throat. Instead of the comfort of locating him, something closer to disbelief and hurt washed over them.
He was left alone in this room for a week?

Rushing over to him, Monochrome laid down to reach Tank’s level and gently shook the tortoise. His shell was icy to the touch. “Buddy, hey. I know you’re tired, but you need to wake up. We have to make sure you’re okay, okay?”

Silence.

After waiting a beat longer for a response, Monochrome’s shaking became more vigorous. “Tank. Tank, please wake up.”

He was just sleeping. It was cold. This was normal. Whatever unreasonable thoughts that were filtering into their mind were just a result of their paranoia.
And yet the longer Monochrome shook, and patted, and called out to the tortoise, and the longer the silence and stillness of the room hung over them, the more they felt their composure slipping.

“You have to wake up. Tank!”

They couldn’t remember when their calls became louder and more urgent. They barely even acknowledged the sound of hurried hoofsteps as they entered the room. Eventually Monochrome stilled, now realizing that they were breathing heavily, their hooves shaking.

'Don't do this to me...'

He had to be okay.
He had to be.
This couldn’t be happening.

'Please. Dont.'

Monochrome’s head snapped back up as a broken wheeze met their ears. The shell within their hooves lightly stirred, and slowly, Tank’s head began sliding out.
But instead of relief, the sight that met Mo’s eyes next had their breath hitching.

Tank could barely blink his eyes with how red and swollen they were, covered in crust that nearly glued them shut. With each labored breath, his nose leaked and bubbled. Opening his mouth, all that came out was a weak, pitiful wheeze.

“Oh God…” Monochrome whispered, their voice strangled and laced with distress.

Watching Tank struggle to lift his head to even look at them, heat began building behind Monochrome’s eyes. The ache in their chest was becoming too much. They released a shuddery exhale, painful with how their throat was closing up.
Monochrome pulled their tortoise close to them, burying their face into his shell. They could barely stop the painful thoughts that were forming within their mind.

‘He was trapped in here. Cold, and ill.
And no one would have known.’

“I’m here, Tank...” Monochrome's soft voice shook with emotion. Rubbing the back of Tank’s shell, they struggled out another shaky breath. Their friend gave them a feeble wheeze in return, and the sound only sent another painful pang to ripple through their chest.
“Shhh...it’s okay. I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Tank…?”

That voice.
Composure and reason didn’t matter anymore. That stupid, obnoxious voice alone sparked a cold fury that now relentlessly burned within them, pushing aside their grief.

Pulling away from their friend, Monochrome slowly stood back up. They turned to look at their mother who had been approaching, unsure of their own expression as both she and Ven both tensed at the sight of them.

“What. Happened.”

Monochrome’s voice came out demanding and icy. They waited for an answer. Expected an answer. Rainbow’s eyes were wide with worry, and it was clear she struggled to know what to say.

“I...I don't-”

“No.”

Rainbow Dash started as Monochrome stormed towards her. The moment they were in front of her, Mo’s hooves flew up and grabbed at her shoulders, making damn sure she looked them straight in the eye.

“You don’t GET to say you don’t know, because you were the one looking after him. Try again.”

Monochrome watched unimpressed as Rainbow’s mouth pathetically flapped open and close, stunned. “I-I really don’t know, Mono-”

A burst of anger surged through them. It took them a minute to realize they were shouting.

“What do you MEAN you don’t know?! He was locked in here, in the cold, and you don’t know how?! How careless can you be?!”

They could hear Ven yelling their name, but Monochrome ignored him. They chose to pierce their gaze into their mother’s and gave her a quick wake-up shake. “His immune system slows down when he hibernates. If we had left him to hibernate like this, he could’ve died. How do I know? Because I love him enough to do my damn research!”

Rainbow Dash appeared weary and frantic. “L-LOOK, all I remember is him disappearing out of nowhere! I searched the whole house for him, I-”

She stopped.
Monochrome watched as her wandering gaze, deep in thought, abruptly widened. Realization. Monochrome glared at her.

“What?”

“I….I closed the door.”

Her expression quickly fell into mortification. “I just...I was searching and then I- o-out of instinct…”
Rainbow remet Monochrome’s eyes desperately. “I-I didn’t know he was in here-!”

“So you didn’t even bother checking-?!”

“STOP! It was my fault!”

Monochrome paused, their sharp gaze flicking over to their younger brother for the first time. Venture stood there rigid and fearful, yet managed to keep his hooves planted firmly as he faced his sibling.

“I-I was the one who insisted that you...you probably came in again without saying anything a-and took him! S-she only stopped looking because of me!”
Ven’s eyes were rounded with guilt. “You always hibernate Tank, I-I didn’t know you’d actually want her to do it... I-I’m sorry.”

Ven looked ready to shrink into himself, radiating all of the fear and guilt of a child about to be punished.

“...you didn’t. But SHE did.”

The picture was clearer now. Tank wandering into their old room, seeking a place of familiarity as he grew more tired and lethargic from the cold weather. Their mother, searching for him to bring him to his hibernation spot, only to quit once she was convinced Monochrome had taken over the responsibility. And why would she be so easily convinced?

Because it was winter.
Because it was just like she said; she and Ven had been out on their ‘snow adventures’ since winter started.

Monochrome felt their lip curl back from gritted teeth, a familiar yet powerful wave of bitterness washing over them.

“‘Until he had to hibernate’. I specifically said that, yet you couldn’t even get THAT MUCH right.”
Monochrome pulled their head back, scowling down at Rainbow Dash who could only stare up at them with a pitiful look on her face. “Was he not interesting enough for you? Did you get distracted that fast once you had something BETTER to do?” Their grip tightened to the point of trembling. “Like always-?!”

“Monochrome Dashielle!”

Monochrome’s pinned back ears stood up at the voice. Tearing their gaze away from Rainbow, they instead focused on their mother Daring. They had no idea when she had entered the room, or where she had even come from. In their fury, they weren’t sure if this was even the first time she was addressing them.

But she stared at them sternly, giving them a harsh, disapproving look that edged into concern. “You’re upset. But you need to put your mother down. Now.”

Put her down?

With the red fading from their vision, Monochrome refocused their gaze and was finally able to realize that their hooves had at one point moved to clench their mother’s collar. Unconsciously they had been lifting her up by it and forcing her forelegs off the ground.

Within the following tense silence they released her, allowing her to place her front hooves back onto the floor with a soft clack. Yet Rainbow kept her stunned, searching eyes glued onto the floorboards below.

It was then that Monochrome realized their own breathing had become ragged with the amount of emotions they had poured out. Blinking, they faintly felt the prickling of unnoticed tears at the corners of their eyes.

‘...I’m so sick of this.’

Without a word, Monochrome turned their attention back onto Tank. He looked as though he was on the precipice of passing back out, but Mo could only imagine that the yelling had prevented him from doing so. A pang of guilt came into their chest, but at the same time, they knew they had to keep him awake until he got the treatment he needed.

Monochrome’s voice was devoid of emotion when they spoke again,.

“I’m taking him to a vet. Alone.”

With every bit of gentleness they could offer, the pegasus gathered Tank into their arms and made sure he was secure before flapping their wings and lifting off the ground. Before they could even turn, her voice broke through the silence.

“I’m so sorry, Tank…”

Monochrome held the tortoise closer to their chest as Rainbow flew up to face them both. She looked just as exhausted and guilt-ridden as Monochrome felt, yet Mo couldn’t bring themself to care. “L-let me go with you-”

“No.”

It was a curt answer. Before Rainbow could even try to convince them, Monochrome was quick to speak over her, their tone flat. “You’ve officially lost your right to him. So stay away from him, and stay away from me while you’re at it.”

Their mother’s eyes widened. Monochrome didn’t bother to stop as they found themself leaving one last scathing remark.
“Some element of loyalty you are.”

She flinched, but before Monochrome could see anything else from her, they pushed past her and out of the door. Once they made it to the living room, they carefully placed Tank on the nearby couch, quickly pulling on their boots before grabbing their coat.

“Monochrome…”

Monochrome slowed to a stop. They didn’t have to turn their head to know their mother Daring had followed them. Right now, they couldn’t bring themself to look at her. They opted to listen instead, noting the soft, motherly lilt to her voice.
“Sweetheart...this whole situation is upsetting for everyone, you especially. I can’t fault you for being angry. But you don’t have to handle this by yourself-”

“Mom…”

Monochrome willed themself to look at her. Her expression was just as uneasy and concerned as she sounded, which seemed to sadden further at whatever worn expression they now wore. “I just want to be alone right now...sorry.”

“...okay. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to see me.”

Monochrome said nothing more. Once they picked up Tank again, wrapping him up with their coat, they moved towards the open door their mom was now holding open for them. They could only muster a weak nod before leaving her and their old home behind. All that mattered now was getting Tank medical care as soon as possible. Yet despite those focused thoughts, their churning emotions refused to leave them.

‘...I guess there just aren’t many ponies I can count on.’

It was supposed to be a bitter thought. But instead, those words carried a wave of anguish. They really had believed that things could be better.

But they were wrong.

She hadn’t changed. And they themself were no different from the bitter, pathetically lonely pony they had become.

_______________________________________________________________________________

RELATED:

It just couldn’t be that easy. But in the end, nothing is black and white.

I can’t express how long I’ve waited to build up to this, and how many notes I kept making for this chapter alone throughout the year.

Well guys; this marks the technical end of...“Part 1” of Monochrome’s past arc??? And I say “technical end” and “Part 1” because Monochrome has involvement and roles in both Eventide and Nova ’s past arcs; Eventide when it comes to younger Monochrome. And Nova when it comes to where Monochrome’s past arc carries them after this (so basically, “Part 2”).
So I guess this is the end of Mo’s “solo past arc”?? hHH TERMS ARE HARD. But this is definitely not the last of Monochrome.

We have OFFICIALLY reached my next personal milestone for this story. Golly was it a journey, but I’m so glad I got here….

Two past arcs down? I’m so ready to get into another character’s.
We’ll see who next year~
Stay tuned!

Destinyverse Archives

Feat:
Venture Gale
Monochrome

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