Spectre of the Past

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 7

Chapter 1

Good afternoon. For those of you just tuning in, this is Voice of Equestria, with your host Rainy Meadow. Earlier, we had a spirited panel discussion on the role of the Equestrian nobility in the modern age. To recap, while each noble house is represented in the Parliament's House of Lords, membership in a noble house is by and large a mark of status; birthright no longer confers governing authority within their own realms, and in many cases do not even own land after the Land and Property Reformation Act of 176 CE. In a majority of cases, nobles are chiefly preoccupied with high–society events, such as charities, the Grand Galloping Gala, and the Canterlot Garden Party.

Speaking of which, this year's Garden Party is coming up and it looks to be a memorable one. A new house will be present this time around, though the house itself is fairly old. House Argent, famous for having dabbled extensively in espionage during the pre–classical era, was recently discovered to have faked their demise in the aftermath of the Lunar Rebellion so that they could infiltrate and manipulate social, military, and political aspects of Equestrian society. Their existence only came to light after a failed attempt at liberating captive ponies that the changelings had been feeding on, which destabilized the hive and nearly triggered a war.

As a result, House Argent faces a wide variety of criminal charges, ranging from grand conspiracy to trafficking in dark artifacts, though prosecution has been suspended by royal decree on the condition that they serve the crown, refrain from further acts of espionage and repair the damage they caused. Currently a majority of House Argent members are helping provide sustenance for Princess Twilight's changeling refuge in the Castle of the Two Sisters in the Everfree Forest, with Captain Thunderball having taken an administrative role.

In an interesting turn of events, this has rendered House Argent unable to attend the Garden Party themselves. Rather than miss out on one of the most important social events of the year, however, House Argent has, in an act of trust and reconciliation, chosen to be represented at the Garden Party by three changelings.

To say that the nobility is scandalized would be something of an understatement.

The former Adjutant–General of the Hive stood awkwardly under one of the larger trees, on the sidelines of the party, with two bodyguards flanking her. There was a great deal of tension in the air, despite Fancy Pants's best efforts to defuse it, but at least the hostility had reached an equilibrium. The party goers — she had never seen so many snooty unicorns before in her life — were content to ignore their presence instead of actively objecting to it. It was, perhaps, the best that could be expected given the circumstances; a majority of them doubtlessly attended Princess Cadance's wedding, and were captured or forced into hiding due to the invasion.

To be honest, Adjutant felt like the only thing that kept the party in order, and a riot from breaking out into the street, was the distant presence of the Royal Guard and both diarchs — close enough to be reassuring, but far enough to make the attendees feel at ease.

"Why the long face, boss?" The changeling next to her, one of her two bodyguards, asked though a mouthful of cake. "The chocolate cake makes my mouth feel like it's gone to heaven!"

The other bodyguard groaned. "Ace, try to be a bit more professional, will you?"

"What're you worried about, Bonling?" Ace swallowed the remainder of the cake and struck a dramatic pose. The mop of messy purple hair on top of his skull waved dramatically in a breeze that sprang up out of nowhere. "No Canterlot troublemaker is a match for Ace Gambit, bodyguard for hire!"

Adjutant gave a sharp cough. "Ace, it is highly unlikely that anyone will try to attack us less than 50 meters from where the Royal Sisters are having afternoon tea. The Director–"

"You can say his name, you know," Ace interrupted as he picked up a small pastry. "He won't take it as a sign of disrespect. In fact, he seems to prefer it."

"Well, Director...Captain…" Adjutant's face contorted as she took in a deep breath. "Thunderball just wants us to show high–society that we're perfectly civilized creatures."

"Really? I thought it was because he can't stand them and wanted to rain on their parade."

"Regardless of his reasons, we are here now and should make the best impression possible. It would make integration a great deal easier if we had more support, or at least less hostility. I, for one, would like to be able to go into town without everypony shutting their doors, and I'm sure the bookshop would do well to have more customers."

"Yeah, so stop stuffing your mouth and act the part, alright?" Bonling grumbled. "I want this to be over a soon as possible so I can get back to Lyra and Bon Bon."

"Say no more'; Ace Gambit, gentlepony for hire, will make sure that your future shopping trips and hot threesomes will come to pass!"

Ace adopted Bonling's stoic posture with a solemnity normally reserved for tax auditors and pallbearers. Several minutes of excruciating silence passed by as the party carried on around them, until Fancy Pants trotted into view with a less than enthusiastic hanger–on in tow.

"I say, Adjutant," he said in his smoothest, most calming voice, "Have you met Prima Rosa? She supplies flowers to all of Canterlot, and is looking to expand her inventory! You wouldn't happen to know of any interesting botanical specimens in the Everfree Forest that could liven up a party, would you?"

It was normal social protocol amongst ponies to introduce one's self by speaking and offering a hoofshake. Prima Rosa did none of these things and simply forced herself to smile as she stood closer to Fancy Pants than Fleur de Lis would have deemed appropriate.

"Only Poison Joke so far, and that might make things too lively." Adjutant refrained from smiling in a conscientious effort to avoid baring her fangs. Fancy Pants gave a hearty laugh, while Prima Rosa merely nodded along.

"If you're interested, I could put you in contact with the zebra who lives there. She certainly has a handle on the vegetation," Adjutant continued.

A polite cough interrupted the conversation, and Fleur de Lis appeared shortly after, inserting herself firmly between Prima Rosa and Fancy Pants. "Hello, fillies, gentlecolts. Prima Rosa. I think I saw your husband over by the punch bowl; would you care to go over and inform him that his toupee is coming loose again?"

Prima Rosa's eyes bulges and she beat a hasty retreat, while Fleur nuzzled Fancy Pants, bringing a spark of warmth and love to the party. "Darling, I hate to drag you away from your friends, but the others are distinctly uneasy today, and your charms might be better off spread out amongst the other guests."

Adjutant watched Fleur de Lis lead Fancy Pants off and sighed. It was a good effort, but ultimately futile.

"So, what are we going to do for the next few hours?" Ace whispered out of the corner of his mouth. "I can't take much more of this standing around."

Bonling shrugged. "You can make fun of the latest fashion for all I care, as long as you keep it to yourself." She pointed to the other end of the garden, where a mare with a hat so large that it covered her head and horn stumbled her way through the party. "Look at the disaster walking towards Prince Blueblood, she's a good place to start."

The lady in the ridiculous hat — a light blue mare with a mane as pale as snow and all the haughtiness that came with a life near the top of Equestrian society — looked over Prince Blueblood's shoulder and wrinkled her nose delicately at the trio of changelings talking among themselves.

"I can't believe what Celestia was thinking when she let those things into Equestria! Especially after what happened last time." She gave an exaggerated shudder. "Fancy Pants can talk all he wants about love and tolerance, but these aren't griffons or zebra. Do you know that my garden's never fully recovered from having those brutes rampaging through it? My shrubberies will never be the same."

"I know what you mean," Blueblood nodded. "Why, I was forced to spend hours in a filthy basement with this bossing mare who decided it was her duty to keep me there 'for my own safety'. It took me weeks to get the smell out of my coat. The nerve of some of these commoners."

"Outrageous," she breathed. "I swear, things have gone to rot around here since Fancy Pants approved of those rustic yokels a few years back. Things have become so common since, and now these changelings! Here representing House Argent, no less. Why, they're not even a real house; I hear the actual bloodline ran out eight hundred years ago, and the current crop are descended from them in name only. Since when did Canterlot allow a rag–tag group of orphans stand with our oldest houses?"

"Since the Heredity and Inheritance Act of 635, I imagine." Blueblood responded dryly.

"Heavens, what indignity is next, donkeys? Mules?" Her hooves shot to her mouth as she gasped. "Oh heaven forbid, what if we have minotaurs? Prince Blueblood, what is to be done about this? I'll not sit idly by as they overrun our country! Surely a unicorn as intelligent and close to the throne as yourself must have some idea."

Blueblood looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation. "Well, I certainly have my thoughts, but at the moment, I would be more interested in hearing from you, miss…?"

"Bella Donna." She fluttered her eyelashes and wrapped a foreleg around his. "Bella Donna of House Atropa, at your service."

"How appropriate." He leaned into her and flashed his most charming smile, exposing rows of gleaming white teeth. "Shall we depart for a more private setting, my dear?"

The two made a quiet exit from the party and slid into the castle proper, with Bella Donna wearing a grin that would have looked at home on a shark, her hat wobbling with each step.

Chapter 2

Good morning, and thank you for tuning into the Voice of Equestria. I'm your host Rainy Meadow, and today we have a special report on the new changeling colony in the Everfree Forest.

Princess Twilight Sparkle has kindly sent extensive documentation on the colony's operating procedures to Canterlot this morning, and we were lucky enough to obtain access to a copy. The Voice of Equestria will do our best to pass the information onto our listeners.

It appears that the colony will be run as a joint project between the Equestrian government and the changelings themselves. The changelings have elected to choose one of Queen Chrysalis's former advisors as their leader, while Equestrian interests — feeding volunteers, supplies, infrastructure — will be overseen by a director appointed by Princess Sparkle.

Currently, the director is Captain Thunderball — a controversial choice given his background and involvement in the House Argent scandal, but one which the Princesses and changelings both have a great deal of confidence in.

Stay tuned, and we will bring you more updates as we work through Princess Sparkle's writings.

Thursday morning began like usual for Ace. He got out of bed, did a quick series of stretches, and then adopted his favorite unicorn form — unkempt purple mane, ice blue eyes, grey coat with just a hint of mauve, and a lavender shirt collar tying it all together. There was no cutie mark, however. Ace had yet to settle on one that truly satisfied him, nor could he entirely shake the feeling that he should earn it.

Next, he made a quick breakfast for himself, and went outside to check the mail and morning paper. If the paper was a little further away from the house than it had been before he had revealed himself to be a changeling, and if the mailbox was left open due to the mailpony's hasty departure (it was a pity that Derpy was on a different route), he showed no sign of it.

Ace walked back into the house to see that a dull grey pegasus with mustard yellow hair and eyes was already helping herself to the breakfast — oatmeal and toast, with plenty of Golden Harvest's carrot juice to wash it down with. Skeleton Key maintained that she was a growing mare and needed all the nutrients she could get.

"Bills." Ace tossed the mail onto the table. "Looks like the cost of living's going up again. Stupid economy."

"Eh, it's not so bad. There's two of us to split the cost, remember?" Skeleton Key pushed a plate of toast across the table. "Stop worrying so much and eat. You look like you've lost a few pounds ever since you came out."

"Well, it's hard to deal with the fact that half the ponies in town have started avoiding me."

"Yeah, that sucks, but eventually they'll realize you're the same pony on the inside. It just takes some ponies a bit longer to come around." Skeleton Key flipped through the pages of the newspaper until she came to the local events section. "Why don't you take a day off and relax? I hear they're re–opening the swimming pool today."

"Really? I thought they'd never fix what the Cutie Mark Crusaders did to it. I'd never seen so much peanut butter in my life."

"Apparently they took the opportunity to expand the pool, and hire a lifeguard to make sure nothing of the sort ever happens again." She showed Ace a picture of a tan pegasus with a lengthy azure mane flying over the pool. "Life Preserver looks like she's a pretty well–built pegasus — you still have a thing for those, right?"

Skeleton Key laughed devilishly as Ace turned a bright shade of red and snatched the newspaper out of her hooves. It flew across the room and landed in a wastebasket as Ace made a hurried departure from the house. The streets outside were quiet this early in the morning, except for a slight periwinkle unicorn waving at him from outside of a shop that was vacant yesterday.

"Good morning, mister!" Two sea green eyes twinkled as she flipped her pink mane behind her ears flirtatiously. "Can I interest you in any hoofwear?"

Ace ran a hoof through his mane and fixed her with his best smile. "Sure! If anypony's up for shopping, it's Ace Gambit, retail worker for hire!" He looked past her and into the shop. It was empty, save for some boxes. "You must be new in town."

"Yup! Decided to leave home and get my start in live by opening up my own business! You're lucky enough to be here for the grand opening, so I can work in a first customer discount if you buy anything!"

Ace let the mare babble on about her business as she pressed boxes of shoes and boots into his forelegs. He had to admit that they were fairly well crafted, though not name–brand designs. Looking about the shop, he spotted a set of cobbler's tools. She had clearly made her wares herself. Odd; this was the sort of shop normally found in the bigger cities.

"So what made you decide to come to a little town like Ponyville, miss…"

"Stiletto." She turned and showed him a pair of high heels crossed together on her flank. "I know Ponyville isn't exactly Manehattan or New Yoke, but I have to admit, being close to a fashonista like Miss Rarity has been something of a dream of mine. Truth be told, I was hoping to learn a few things from her."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "So you set up a business here?"

"Well, I was originally going to ask if she needed an apprentice, but she gets along fine as–is, and I thought it might be better if I tried to approach her as an equal." She paused and looked around her shop. "But I'm sure this'll work out. I mean, boots are in this year, and the rent's really low. If that bookstore across the street that never gets customers can stay in business, I'm sure I can too!"

Ace's expression became downcast as she mentioned the bookstore's lack of patronage. "Well, I'm sure you'll make a sale, Miss Stiletto. I actually have an appointment at the bookstore, but it's been nice getting to know you."

"Oh, well…same to you," she replied, visibly disappointed at having lost a sale.

Across the street, the lights of the Open Book came to life, signalling that the store was ready for business. The lighting illuminated a sign in the display window: Book Buzz — A Reading Group for All Ages. Wednesday 6:00PM – 10:00PM. Behind the sign were rows of bookshelves, lined with a veritable collection of reading material.

The door chime rang happily — the first time in a week — as Ace was oiling the cash register. He looked up and saw a large brown draft horse walk in. "Hey there, Creme! Any interest in discussing the great works of Equestrian literature every Wednesday night?"

"Um, maybe?" Creme looked around the empty shop. "Who else is coming?"

"Well, I sent Princess Twilight an invitation, but she's really busy. Rainbow Dash got one too, of course, as did Rarity– "

Stiletto poked her head into the shop. "Miss Rarity's joining your book club?"

As big as he was, Creme found himself startling and jumped sideways into a rack of postcards. He cringed as souvenirs of ‘Princess Twilight Sparkle's Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle’ scattered about the floor.

"Oh my," Stiletto gasped. "I didn't mean to scare you!"

Creme straightened himself bashfully. "I wasn't scared, I was just…surprised."

"I'm so sorry about the accident, let me help you clean that up."

Stiletto reached out towards the cards, but Ace quickly arrested her hooves. "No need, I have that covered." He pointed his horn at the mess. "Go Go Gambit Sorting Algorithm!"

The postcards flew off of the ground and arranged themselves neatly on the rack, waiting to be purchased once again. Stiletto plucked one of the less gaudy ones out and laid it on the counter, along with a bit. "I didn't mean to upset anypony, I just got excited when I heard about Miss Rarity. I don't suppose I could join the book club as well?"

Creme opened his mouth to point out that Rarity had only been invited, but Ace quickly cut him off. "Of course! The signup sheet is on the counter."

"Perfect!" She smiled as she jotted down her name. "In the meantime, I don't suppose you have any tips for a new small business owner like myself?"

"I'm afraid I couldn't tell you," Ace shrugged. "The only real sales we've made since I've been here were a large order of general reading material for the Friendship Castle library and two copies of The Doctrine of Chances."

Creme raised an eyebrow. "What does Twilight want all those books for?"

Stiletto tapped her chin with the pen. "Probably because Princess Twilight's going to open up the castle library since Ponyville no longer has one." She paused, and Ace nodded to confirm her suspicion. "Truth be told, I'm more interested in why two ponies wanted a book on probability theory."

"Yeah, that was a weird day. Big McIntosh had his heart set on it for some reason, and half an hour after he buys it, this pinto comes in looking for the exact same book. Well, I didn't have another copy, so I placed an order for it and told her I'd let her know as soon as it came in." Ace tapped his chin, "By the way, how do you send a telegram in these parts?"

"The post office, I imagine." Stiletto pointed down the street. "Well, I'm very glad to have met you two. I look forward to the book club, and do drop by if you ever need anything sewn, stitched, or cobbled."

She grabbed the postcard and went back to her shop, with Ace gazing longingly at her retreating form. "You know what, Creme? I really like this town."

Creme sighed. "She's bound to find out about us sooner or later."

"But we made a great first impression, and that's what counts, right?" Ace nudged Creme between the ribs. "Gotta go on the offensive in this public relations campaign!"

"I hope, for Celestia's sake your relations don't become too public," Creme grinned back. "Otherwise you might scar the kids for life."

Prince Blueblood lounged on a sofa in his mansion, idly tossing grapes into his mouth. Normally, Thursdays were spa days, but Bella Donna had decided to pay him a social visit. It was her first since their meeting at the Garden Party, which had concluded with an intriguing discussion on changeling demographics in Equestria. Blueblood was rather interested in seeing if she would pick up where she left off, but Bella Donna instead regaled him with tales of her adventures in the Crystal Empire.

"And you would not believe the sheer abundance of crystals, dear," she cooed. "Why, I fear Miss Rarity will soon face some stiff competition from up north. Why, I was practically tripping over gemstones when I was up there — even digging the foundations of my new summer home on the outskirts of the city uncovered a small fortune in jewels, as you can see."

She adjusted the absurd, jewel–encrusted hat she was wearing, which took up most of her head. Blueblood was beginning to wonder if Bella Donna was even a unicorn at this point. She certainly kept her head fully covered at all times, and he had never seen her use magic. If it were not for the testimony of her friends, he would have assumed she was an earth pony bluffing her way to the top of society.

"And, of course, I saw the crown jewel of the Empire, the Crystal Heart! They say it broadcasts hope and love all over Equestria!"

"Indeed, I do." Blueblood nodded with a smile. "Auntie Tia was telling me about it just the other day, and of how she hoped to use it to help feed changelings."

Bella Donna's face darkened. "How scandalous! It would be such a shame to see such a beautiful jewel bent to such base purposes. I trust, Prince Blueblood, that you did not approve?"

Blueblood shrugged. "What could I say? Auntie is Auntie, after all."

"I suppose so; it is such a pity that a real pony isn't leading us." She fluttered her eyelashes at him. "Somepony strong, wise, and brave enough to do what must be done."

A faint smile graced Blueblood's lips. "Did you have somepony in mind, Bella?"

"And more." Her voice was husky, and full of passion. "Let us talk no further here, but if you should wish to learn more, come to my humble abode next Wednesday."

Prince Blueblood took her hoof in his and kissed it lightly. "Bien sûr, mademoiselle."

Chapter 3

Good afternoon, and welcome to Voice of Equestria, with your host Rainy Meadow. In today's programme, we will be discussing the finer points of classical symphonies with our guest Octavia Melody, first chair cellist at the Royal Canterlot Orchestra–

Fellow Equestrians, I come to you in the wake of recent events to issue a call to reason. Let no pony deny the perils of consorting with hostile creatures; the hard lessons learned by our ancestors during the Griffon Wars must not be forgotten! We have seen first hand the devastation wrought upon Canterlot on the day of Princess Cadance's fateful wedding, and again when the black swarm struck Ponyville, home of our beloved Princess Sparkle.

As a proud Equestrian, it pains me to question the leadership of our kind and gentle Princess Celestia, but I cannot sit idly by as this alien influence on Equestrian soil grows steadily stronger. If you feel as I feel, if you desire an Equestria run by Equestrians, for Equestrians, then do not hesitate to proclaim your support for the Patriotic Order of the Nation of Equestria and protest against the intrusion of changelings in our society!

— off the broadcast, then! What, we're back?

Listeners, I apologize for what you have just heard. Our radio tower has been hijacked by an unknown source; I wish to assure you that the message in this unauthorized broadcast does not in any way reflect the position of Voice of Equestria!

A well–furnished office in the deepest dungeon of the Castle of the Two Sisters became filled by a violent purple explosion. Princess Twilight Sparkle soon emerged from the smoke, in the center of a scorched stone floor. She stood in front of a solid mahogany desk littered with paperwork, behind which crouched a grey pegasus.

"Your Highness!" He cautiously stood at attention and saluted. "I didn't know you were coming to visit. Is everything alright?"

"Everything's great! Just great!" Several hairs on her mane spang out, and her left ear twitched. "Except for the fact that a group of radicals has undermined Celestia's authority by broadcasting an anti–changeling speech on public radio."

"Your Highness, you need to breathe in deep. Your mane is doing that thing where it–"

“It certainly won't lead to a series of events which spiral out of control and lead to a second civil war, with thousands dead on both sides!"

"I think you'll find, Your Highness, that the Lunar Rebellion came as the result of many conflicting social and political issues that were never fully resolved when the three pony tribes merged–"

"And that will cement my place as the worst princess in Equestrian history! What if Celestia is disappointed in me and revokes my crown? What if she can't risk letting me be a bad example for future generations and de–alicorns me? What if that's not enough and she erases me from the history books?

Thunderball grabbed a glass full of water and shoved it in Twilight's muzzle, forcing her to drink it slowly. "Your Highness, Princess Celestia hardly strikes me as the type to go George Orlov on you. And I hardly think a little subversion will threaten the stability of our country."
Twilight finished off the water, but clutched the glass nervously in her hooves. "I know, but what if this is a sign that I'm just not fit to be a princess?"

"Nonsense. You're smarter than you realize, Your Highness, and what you don't know, you'll soon learn. You have my fullest confidence, and my support no matter what happens, or who gets in your way." He gently led her to the sofa in one corner. "Please, straighten out your mane, preen your feathers, and then we'll come up with a course of action."

"Go Go Gambit Radio Tuner."

Ace Gambit laid his head down on the counter as the spell automatically sought out whatever station would best compliment his mood. It settled on the classical music station, and the opera ‘Death of Hanover’ came blaring over the airwaves. It was just the chaser he needed; the finest of depressing Germane opera.

The door of his shop rattled from somepony's hooves.

"We're not open!" Ace kept his head on the counter, not even bothering to look.

The door became silent, leaving Ace alone with his thoughts. Equestria was a peaceful land ruled by a benevolent sun–goddess, but some days, it did not feel that way. Sure, some ponies were uneasy about the changeling presence, but they had never gone so far as to hijack a radio station and stoop to demagoguery. There was a spate of fiery newspaper articles decrying the hostage situation, and questioning the wisdom of making peace with Chrysalis, but Princess Celestia had managed to allay those fears.

If he wanted to Ace could have walked about Ponyville in changeling form and suffered nothing worse than stares from part of the population — though part of that was no doubt due to Princess Twilight's presence. Even so, the big cities were still free from open conflict.

He supposed that, ultimately, ponies had been living a mostly peaceful existence under Celestia's rule, and many were too used to normalcy to easily handle a disruption in their daily lives. Rather like becoming used to fine food and comfortable accommodations; the longer one lived in the lap of luxury, the harder it became to tolerate anything less. One only needed to look at Prince Blueblood to see the debilitating effects of a lifetime of pampering.

The herd mentality, which kept each pony subtly in tune with the crowd around them, hardly helped matters. It kept society well–ordered, and allowed spontaneous song and dance routines to break out on important occasions. (How this extended to knowing the lyrics of random songs Ace was less clear on — perhaps low level telepathy like the changeling hive mind?)

However, when something was even a little bit off — say, the presence of a pony who was not really a pony — the herd would be put off ever so slightly, and this unease would needle their subconscious minds until trouble broke out. In the meantime, ponies would be on guard against danger, or, in the case of the Flower trio, find a comfortable spot to faint.

He shook his head. Ponies were such strange creatures.

Click.

The lock opened, followed by his door, and the hoofsteps of two ponies filled the shop. Ace looked up to see Stiletto looking at him with concern.

"Excuse me, Ace, but are you alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Ace grumbled. "Not like everypony hates me."

"Oh dear, this isn't about your lack of business, is it?" Stiletto ran her hoof through his messy purple hair. "Come now, just because the shop hasn't been doing so well doesn't mean they hate you! Why, I've been told that Princess Twilight herself has been trying to improve the literary appreciation in Ponyville for years without much success!"

Ace turned to face them, but still kept his head on the counter. "I appreciate Princess Twilight's efforts, but sometimes it feels like a never–ending struggle against a wave of ignorance."

"Nonsense." She took his hooves in her own and fairly dragged him over the counter. "Where's the stallion that organized the book club I've been looking forward to? You just need a break from all of this to recharge your batteries! I say we have a quick breakfast." Stiletto winked coyly. "I'll buy."

Ace's ears immediately perked up. "Sure thing! If anypony's up for a date, it's Ace Gambit, lover for hi– ok, that did not come out right."

Stiletto giggled and led him into the shop. The second story turned out to be her apartment; it was barely furnished, but there was a couch for Ace to sit on. Ace hummed as Stiletto busied herself in the kitchen and gently inhaled the scent of food wafting through the apartment.

Pony food was much more varied and tasty than the fungi, desert plants, insects and small animals changelings subsisted on, and Ace would have lived off of it if he could. Alas, unless he was going to make a large amount of changeling goo, he only needed physical sustenance once a week. Still, the taste and texture of pony food was enjoyable, and eating it in the right company produced a lot of love to feed on (Not that his interest in ponies was predatory — it just happened to be a tasty benefit).

Stiletto trotted into the living room with a look of satisfaction on her face. A small armada of plates and glasses floated behind her. "Tada! Prench toast with whipped cream, mixed berries, and orange juice!"

Ace's heart jumped. "My favorite! How did you know?"

"Because Prench toast makes everypony feel better!, of course," she giggled. "So, feeling better about things?"

"I do now that I have something sweet in front of me." Ace grabbed a bowl of whipped cream and spooned a generous portion onto his toast. "The food is also good."

Stiletto grinned and swatted him in the face with her tail. "I bet you say that to every mare who cooks you breakfast."

"Only the pretty ones." Ace drank in her affection — literally — and fixed her with his most charming look — the one he had practiced for months — before he went in for the kill. "So, want to do anything after I get off? Skeleton Key comes in the afternoon to relieve me, and I was thinking of picking plants in the Everfree."

There was a brief, almost imperceptible moment of hesitation before Stiletto answered. "Oh, no. I'm sorry, Ace, but I have to tend to the shop."

"No worries; there'll be plenty of opportunity for adventure later with Ace Gambit, alchemist for hire!" He struck a daring pose and played off the rejection the best he could, even as he mentally kicked himself for inviting her to a place most ponies considered unnatural.

"Sure, Ace." Stiletto brushed against him as she took his empty plate to the sink. "But for now, we've got jobs to get back to."

Chapter 4

Good afternoon, this is Voice of Equestria with your host Rainy Meadow. Today, our esteemed Princess Twilight Sparkle will be joining us via radio from Ponyville to give us her thoughts on the issue of changelings in Equestria.

Thank you, Miss Meadow, and let me say what an honor it is to be on your program. I've been listening for years, and I've always admired the coverage you've given to Equestria's most important issues. I would have interned with you while I was still in Canterlot, but Nightmare Moon happened, and, well, you know the rest.

Now, I know there's been a great deal of apprehension over the inclusion of our new changeling friends. I want to assure everyone, again, that the changelings who have chosen to settle in Equestria mean us no harm. In fact, many willingly left the hive to peacefully live amongst us for years. I have every confidence that if we welcome them with open hearts, they'll be productive members of our society.

A noble sentiment, Princess, but some ponies are concerned that Queen Chrysalis has long–term sleeper agents who will try their best to subvert Equestria from the inside. In fact, you have Chrysalis's former Adjutant leading the changelings. What measures have you taken to address this potential issue?

I won't deny that the thought has crossed my mind, but we've not had reason to doubt their loyalty, and, indeed, several have already fought against Chrysalis. I think the best thing to do from now on is to extend an olive branch in the name of trust, generosity, and friendship, in the hopes of inspiring a better future.

A moving speech, Your Highness. Now, if you wouldn't mind, would you be willing to clarify some points about changeling feeding habits for the sake of our audience? Some are quite concerned about being 'drained into dry husks', but your latest monogram on the subject has stated that this is not the case.

Well, Miss Meadow, that's certainly an interesting subject...

Thunderball turned off his radio after the conclusion of the hour–long interview with Twilight. Her public speaking skills left something to be desired, but she had stuck to her points with admirable tenacity. The most important thing was that the changelings were receiving constant positive endorsement from the highest level in Equestria.

Changing the public's opinion depended very much on repeated exposure to the desired point of view, preferably from the mouth very important ponies. Prince Shining Armor and Cadance had yet to come around, but Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight would hopefully be enough. It was a pity that Princess Luna had only expressed tepid support, but he supposed it was the best that could be expected given her mindset. She would probably only change her opinion once Chrysalis had been adequately punished (Of course, in her opinion, that would have entailed a gruesome public execution, which Celestia rejected out of hoof).

Now was time to move onto phase 2 of their plan: acclimating the public to the idea of changelings by increasing their exposure. Parliament would be in session next week, and House Argent was entitled to a seat in the House of Lords. This, of course, meant that they would need representation.

Dappled sunlight shone through the canopy of the Everfree Forest as Ace Gambit strolled along the ancient path that lead to the Castle of the Two Sisters. He hummed lightly to himself and rubbed his wings against his abdomen to create musical accompaniment. Most sentient beings would have been far less relaxed in the Everfree Forest, but the place had become much safer after the return of the Elements of Harmony. Now, all one had to worry about was straying from the established paths.

Ace did not worry even when he ventured off of those paths; how else was one supposed to collect rare herbs and magical reagents. He strolled through the tangled woods until he came to a patch of blue flowers growing by the side of a creek. Their blossoms of Poison Joke were soon telekinetically plucked from the stem and dropped into a tightly sealed glass jar, with a sigh of relief and satisfaction.

"What are you doing out here by yourself, Ace?" Bonling soared out of the sky and hovered above the Poison Joke. "It's dangerous. You could get petrified by a cockatrice if you're not careful."

Ace shot her a winning smile. "Don't worry, I've read up on this place. Even learned a counterspell case that comes up!"

"Can you cast it on yourself after being turned to stone?"

"...I see your point." He tossed the jar into his saddlebags and made a beeline for the man path. "So what's up?"

If there was one thing Ace appreciated about Bonling — not that there was just one thing — it was that her soldier–caste upbringing made her incredibly direct. "Adjutant is going to fill in for House Argent at Parliament this week, and we need you to bodyguard again."

If there was one thing that made Bonling hard to deal with – not that there was just one thing – it was that she had no sense of tact. "Can't you get anyling else? I'm not too keen on politics at the moment, and have more than a few things going on in Ponyville. My reading group's going to have its first meeting on Wednesday!"

"Well, seeing as the majority of the colony came from the worker caste, they have neither the numbers or the expertise to guard her properly. Of the few soldiers we do have, most are busy training recruits or guarding the castle. I'm pretty much the only one we could spare."

It was hard to argue with her logic, but cancelling on the book club — and Stiletto — was almost unthinkable. "So why don't you ask the Royal Guard?"

Bonling shook her head. "That sends the wrong message, that we're Celestia's puppets. Not good if we want to convince more changelings join us, whether it be from Chrysalis's hive or others." She gave him a friendly pat on the back. "Look, Ace, I don't like asking you to do this — I know you didn't ask for it, and you just want to settle down peacefully — but we need you. You're brave, one of the few changelings with a talent for magic, and already familiar with Canterlot. You'd be doing the colony a huge favor."

Ace looked down at his hooves and closed his eyes. He would be disappointing Stiletto if he went, but he would be disappointing his friends — and possibly their future in Equestria — if he did not. At the end of the day, their needs outweighed her's — or his own, for that matter.

"Alright. I'll cancel my book club and get someling to cover for me. But this had better be worth it..."

Going to Parliament sounded interesting, at first. How thrilling it would be to see pony politics in action, in contrast to the harsh, authoritarian rule of Queen Chrysalis. Perhaps the changelings could even learn a thing or two from the arguably more successful country. The idea of a government where the common pony got a say in things was intriguing.

"The honorable MP from Manechester would be well advised to cease his discourse on account of being a cretin!"

Then again, perhaps not. Adjutant wondered how anything got done with all the infighting, but perhaps that was the point. Parliament, or at least the House of Lords, seemed like an excuse to give the nobility something trivial to occupy their time and sense of self–worth.

The harsh noise of a gavel banging against its sounding block rang out above the shouting on the floor. Once the shouting had settled down — Adjutant had no idea that a 3% tariff increase on aluminum could be such a contentious issue — the Speaker called for a recess. Adjutant was most happy to oblige, and they soon found themselves in reclining on a sofa in one of the more secluded corners of Parliament.

"I think I see why Thunderball prefers to stay as far as possible from Canterlot," Adjutant grumbled. "The way Prince Blueblood was talking about his ridiculous Cake Registration Act, you'd think they were the most pressing menace to Equestria this decade."

Bonling chuckled. "Heh, can't believe he still hasn't gotten over that."

Ace waved over an attendant wheeling a serving cart piled high with tea and cakes, a perfect midnight snack. "Well, I'll say this much, Canterlot certainly makes me appreciate Ponyville a lot more."

The doors in the hallway suddenly locked shut, much to the surprise of their inhabitants. Bonling and Ace jumped in front of Adjutant, but the servant took off her hat and unleashed a wave of glowing energy that upon the changelings.

Ace had fed off of many emotions in his time, and this was the least palatable of anything he had ever encountered. It was as if he was tasting the distilled essence of fear and hatred. He could not process it; his body rejected it; his mind tried its best to shut it out, but it kept flowing from the unicorn in front of them.

His lungs seized shut, even as his heart pounded in his chest, screaming for more oxygen. His knees shook and gave way. Behind him, he could hear Bonling and Adjutant falling to the floor. Ace found himself praying to gods that he never believed in for the torment to end as he slipped into unconsciousness.

Chapter 5

Noble citizens of Equestria, I would like to speak of the incident that occurred in Parliament late Monday night. What you have heard from the government is true; the three changelings who 'represented' House Argent were attacked by the Patriotic Order of the Nation of Equestria. However, I have come before you today so that you may hear our side of the story.

Let me begin by saying that we do not relish the thought of violence; indeed, we took steps to ensure that no permanent harm would come to the changelings. All of you will be relieved to know that they are currently in stable condition, with one already on the verge of emerging from his coma.

Why did we do it, then? Simply put, we could not stand idly by as changelings set foot in our country's great legislature. Parliament is supposed to be the voice of the citizens of Equestria, and we must take steps to ensure that it is always the case if our country is to prosper. This is a governement by ponies, of ponies, for ponies; other species have no business in its hallowed halls.

I tell you now, we desire no more conflict with changelings, but they must not further encroach upon our sovereign rights! We have made too many compromises already; they invade us, we defend; they infiltrate us, we look the other way; they kidnap our kin, we parlay. I say no more! The line must be drawn here! This far, and no further!

From this day forward, let us brook no further acts of aggression against our great country, let no pony consort with foreign influences, and to all the enemies of Equestria, take heed, for we shall emerge victorious, no matter the cost!

"...EEG readings are stable, but the patient is still co..."

Darkness?

"...frequencies hovering at around 12 Hz, but there are signs of..."

There was a brief flash of light, then all was black again.

"Spike in activity! He's coming to!"

Where was this?

How did it come to be?

The darkness was everywhere. Then came the realization that it was because both eyelids were shut. They instantly sprang open to reveal that the world was a bleary mess illuminated by harsh fluorescent lighting. Ponies in white coats clustered around strange machines next to an uncomfortable bed. A pink blur broke through the crowd of doctors and nurses to wrap her hooves around his neck.

"Discord Q. Draconequus," he groaned, through a parched mouth and sore throat, "What happened to me?"

The world finally came into focus; the doctors, nurses, medical devices, and Stiletto. He realized, with a start, that she had draped herself over his body; his chitinous body. Ace reflexively tried to assume his pony form, but found his magical reserves as dry as his mouth. He feebly dragged his hospital blanket over himselffor all the good it would have done, but he had been snugly tucked in and the blanket refused to budge.

A team of Royal Guards in shining gold armor stormed into the room, sending the medical staff into disorder as they marched up to his bed. Their leader, an orange pegasus, pointed at Stiletto. "Get that mare out of here! This is a restricted area!"

She shot Ace one last look before she was taken away. The doctors swarmed on him once again, each asking a dozen questions. He tried to focus on them, but the onslaught of voices overwhelmed his mind.

"I'm sorry, I need you to give me more space!” He finally managed. "Can you please leave? And send in that mare?"

The head doctor shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to refuse you on both counts. We need to make sure you're not suffering from any after–effects of that attack, and quite frankly, that mare shouldn't have even been able to get in here."

Ace slumped down in his bed. "Fine, if I answer you questions, will you at least try to keep her around? She's...I think I owe her an apology."

The doctor shook her head. "Kids these days...fine, I'll see if I can't put in a word for her, but don't count on it. The guard has this ward is on a security lockdown incase anypony tries to finish the job. They wouldn't even let your changeling friends in."

She grabbed the chart at the foot of Ace's bed and flipped through it. "So, we couldn't figure out exactly what was wrong with you, but we did detect traces of dark magic. What do you remember?"

What had happened to him? Fragments of memories flashed through his mind; he closed his eyes and did his best to stich them into a coherent narriative. "I was taking a break, and waved over a food cart. The servant pushing it took off…his? Her? Well, they took off a hat and I saw this horn, but…" Ace furrowed his brow. "Maybe I'm misremembering, but it didn't look right. Didn't match the unicorn's coat. It was...black, I think, or maybe red? A combination of both?"

The doctor raised her eyebrows as she recorded Ace's words. "Both?"

"Sorry, everything goes fuzzy right about then, because that's when the unicorn started flooding us with negative emotional energy. Gah, I hate thinking about it — you know how changelings feed on love and positive emotions in general?"

"Yes, I was in Canterlot during the invasion." Other ponies Ace had encountered would have said the line with a trace of bitterness or venom, but the doctor sounded as if she were talking about his blood cholesterol level.

"Er, right. Well, we don't respond well to negative emotions — they're frankly toxic to us. As a matter of fact, traditinally the hives has a policy of keeping Equestrian ponies happy, because unhappy ponies mean less food for them."

She raised an eyebrow. "Not your's, I take it?"

"Chrysalis always preferred brute force over traditional techniques." Ace cleared his throat. "Anyways…I don't think I've ever felt such raw hatred coming from anypony, ever. And that's about when we went into mental shock from it." He shuddered from the memory.

The quill continued its journy across the page, unpeturbed by Ace's acount "Well, I wish your companions were awake to corroborate your account, but it seems roughly in line with what other witnesses and the evidence suggest. You'll be happy to know that Lord Blackwell's honor guards busted through a door on the far end of the corridor and scared the intruder off, though they unfortunately chose to escape via teleportation."

"No leads?"

"The Guard tells me they're still pretty much in the dark." She finished jotting down Ace's account and ripped the page off of the clipboard. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to show this to the Guard. I'll see to your girlfriend."

Ace failed to correct her as she stepped outside. He caught a glimpse of the hallway as the door swung open, and saw Stiletto surrounded by guardponies and staring fiercely into the eyes of their commander. The occasional snippet of conversation made their way into the room; Ace caught the words "stable", "blatant violation", and "house representive on official house business."

Five minutes later, Stiletto walked through the door, free from guard interference, and gestured for the nurses to leave. "Doctor says you should give us some privacy. I'll just be a moment, I promise."

Some of the nurses grumbled, but most looked happy to leave. Ace told himself it was because they had a long day, not becaus they had a long day caring for a changeling.

Ace swallowed nervously as Stiletto approached him. Tension built up in his midsection, to the point where his hooves were trembling. The blood rushed from his face as she sat down next to him, leaving his head spinning. He had no doubt that the flesh under his chitin was as pale as a grub.

"Hey there." He put on a weak grin, barely showing off his fangs. "I, uh, bet you didn't expect this?"

"Well, not quite…" She struggled to think of something to say, before lapsing into silence. They looked at each other for an eternty before she reached out and touched his mane. "Don't most changelings have a fin in place of hair?"

"Technically, it's silk, and it's covering my unextended cranial fin." Ace flexed a muscle and Stiletto felt something brush past her hoof inside his mane. "Soldiers don't grow silk; it's more of a worker thing since we use it to make cocoons and webbing."

Ace involuntarily sank into her hoof as she gently toyed with his fin. Despite her obvious nervousness, she was curious, and he could still sense affection wafting off of her. "Um, you're taking this really well…"

"Actually, the fangs are kinda cute," she winked, before punching him in his chitinous foreleg. "Don't think that you're out of the woods yet, though. You should have told me!"

"I...well…" Ace took in a deep breath. "You're right, I should have. I just wasn't sure when the right time was, and I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship. I mean, you make really great Prench toast, and I'd hate to lose that."

"Ass!" She punched him in the shoulder. "If you don't watch your mouth, I'll stuff so much toast down it that you choke."

There were several steps to making a good vodka martini. The most obvious one was to start with high–quality ingredients, such as very dry Prench vermouth and a well–filtered, potato based vodka, preferably one imported from Stalliongrad. Never grain based, though — Thunderball considered any alcohol distilled from grain to be a whiskey, including grain vodka. Underaged, overdistilled, heavily filtered whiskey, but still whiskey nontheless. Vodka was the spirit that remained when the rich body of a whiskey was stripped away. It was whiskey with low self–esteem, willing to mix with anything.

The ratio between the vodka and vermouth was a matter of fierce debate in the cocktail community. Originally, martinis were made with gin and had an equal mixture of vermouth, but the amount of vermouth had steadily decreased since then, with some advocating that the cocktail glass be filled with spirits and waved in the direction of a bottle of vermouth.

Thunderball walked up to a drinks cabinet next to his sofa and pulled out a cocktail shaker. He then opened the bottom cabinet to reveal a refrigerator with a bucket full of cracked ice. (Cracked ice was also important, for the greater surface area allowed the alcohol to cool much faster than if ice cubes were used.) The ice went into the shaker, followed by an 18:1 ratio of vodka to vermouth, with just a dash of orange bitters for flavor.

Four solid shakes later, the mixture was in a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a lemon twist. Thunderball sipped it slowly on the couch as he ran through Twilight's morning schedule. At 7:00 every morning, her alarm clock would sound. She would then hit the snooze button and wait ten minutes before it rang again, whereupon she would turn off the alarm and finally get out of bed. At 7:11, she would head into the bathroom, and depart eight minutes later for the kitchen, where Spike would serve her breakfast and tell her the news.

Thunderball checked his wristwatch. It was 7:20, which meant that it was time to make another vodka martini. He mixed the ingredients again — adding an olive in place of the lemon twist this time — and finished just as a violent violet explosion filled his office again.

"Why didn't anypony tell me that an attack took place?" The glass in his hand rattled from being subject to a close approximation of the Royal Canterlot Voice.

Thunderball offered her the new martini. "Good morning, Your Highness. Would you care for a drink?"

She ignored him and began wearing a hole in the dungeon's stone floor. "This is a disaster! Ponies are actually using violent measures to keep changelings out of Equestrian society! If we don't–"

"Your Highness! If I may say so, this is precisely why I suggested Celestia not tell you about it last night." Thunderball gently guided Twilight to the sofa. "Forgive me, but I was afraid — and Celestia agreed — that you might do something rash. Now, I've been receiving reports, and can assure you that this was not an act by a common pony."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Residual dark magic was detected at the crime scene, and whoever did it scrambled their teleportation signature as they left. We're dealing with an extraordinarily powerful unicorn, not some bigot with a bone to pick over Canterlot." Thunderball sipped his martini. "On the brighter side, the general population is appalled at the attack, and this will, if anything, garner more sympathy."

"I suppose. It's just that this is so…gah, not what I wanted to wake up to, you know?" Twilight looked over at Thunderball and saw him picked up the olive in his empty glass by its toothpick and examined it closely. "Isn't it a bit early for you to be drinking?"

"I've been up all night, so technically, no." Thunderball ate the olive and tossed the toothpick away. "Back to business, the Internal Security Service has launched an investigation, and I'm sure they'll find our pony."

Twilight squeezed her pillow in a manner that would have been lethal had it been alive. "So you're saying that I should do nothing?"

"Oh no, not at all. But you should learn to delegate, Your Highness. We are no longer in the day and age where the monarch has to micromanage the affairs of state."

Twilight's mane twitched. "But taking an active role in things is how I approach a problem! Maybe I should spend more time around Adjutant, Bonling, and Ace? But Adjutant and Bonling are still in a coma in Canterlot, while Ace will be back in Ponyville soon. I'd have to be in two places at once." Twilight looked downcast for a moment, then sprang up off of the couch in glee. "Wait, I know; the mirror pool! I'll just–"

"Alternatively," Thunderball added with indecent haste, "You could just spend time in Canterlot, while I arrange for additional security in Ponyville."

"Oh, right." Twilight grinned sheepishly. "I guess that works too."

Chapter 6

CITIZENS OF EQUESTRIA, THY PRINCESS ADDRESSES THEE DIRECTLY TODAY!

Y–your Majesty, you really don't need to shout.

BUT IF WE DO NOT RAISE OUR VOICE, HOW CAN OUR SUBJECTS BE EXPECTED TO HEAR US FROM SUCH GREAT DISTANCES?

The radio will transmit your voice as spoken from Canterlot to receivers all over the country, Your Majesty. Please stop shouting.

Ah yes, the newfangled sorcery that we have heard so much about never ceases to amaze us! Very well, then, let us continue!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Pay heed to our words, listeners! We shall not suffer the indignity of having our most sacred institutions and dignitaries attacked by rabble–rousers! I hereby swear enmity to those conspirators that would undermine our rule and commit such base acts of treachery against peaceful refugees.

The noose draws close around thy necks, scoundrels, and when it does, thou shalt regret thy actions most dearly when thy turn comes up on the rack!

Wait, what do you mean by 'illegal'? How can it be illegal if the princess does it?

Well, then what will she allow me to do?

What? Not even a little fire?

HOW CAN I BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE UNDER SUCH CONVOLUTED RESTRICTIONS?

The Friendship Express pulled into the Ponyville train station early Wednesday morning. Two passengers stepped off the train; one was a pink unicorn, while the other was an undisguised changeling. Ace looked around nervously at the few ponies present on the platform, but if any of them objected to his presence, they had the good manners to keep it to themselves.

"Ace! Stiletto!" Creme Brulee waved to them from beyond the exit. "Welcome back!"

Ace grinned and hugged Creme. "Good to see you too."

"I heard what happened, and I'm so sorry. I flew in to visit you while you were out, but the guards said I could only get in if I had official business, by order of Celestia."

"It's alright, I was just knocked out for a few hours. It'll take more than dark magic to stop Ace Gambit, bodyguard for hire!" He beat the chitin on his chest proudly.

Stiletto dug a hoof into his side. "Certainly seems to have stopped you from transforming."

"I assure you, any deficiencies in my magical abilities is due entirely to hospital food," Ace declared haughtily. "Now, I believe we have paychecks to earn?"

"You two kids have fun," Creme chuckled. "Drop by the Everfree Castle later if you have time, I'll be planting crops for the colony!"

They waved goodbye to Creme before walking to their shops. Ace came to an abrupt stop in front of the Open Book, and Stiletto took her eyes off of him and followed his gaze to see that the door of the shop had been kicked in. The interior was a wreck of overturned bookshelves and books strewn about the floor. Even the stand of postcards had been knocked down again.

Ace walked in and banged his head against the wall. "Skeleton Key is not going to be happy when she finds out about this. Thank Celestia she's not a morning pony — maybe we can get this cleaned up before she shows up."

Stiletto looked around nervously. "Come on, we should report this to Mayor Mare."

"What'll she do?" Ace laughed. "Dust for hoofprints? Ask Princess Twilight to step in? Call in a special investigative team from Canterlot?"

Stiletto looked around. He did have a point; Mayor Mare was not a detective, the nearest actual police force was miles away, and Princess Twilight did have affairs of state to manage.

"Holy…" A large brown and white pinto wearing a duster and bowler hat stood in the doorway with her mouth hanging open. She shook a hoofful of mane out of her hazel eyes to get a better look. "What in tarnation happened here?"

"Anti–literacy advocates," Ace grumbled. "Here for your book, Deadwood?"

Stiletto gasped and immediately dropped into a fighting stance, with her horn pointed right at Deadwood. "You know this ruffian?"

"Now ladies, I don't know what's going on–"

"Then allow me to enlighten you," Stiletto sneered. "This is Deadwood, member of the Royal Flush gang, and henchpony of Bad Horse."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "The thoroughbred of sin?"

"Consarn it, that's low–down slander!" Deadwood growled back. "I'm an honest mare, pure and simple. Anyone who says otherwise is a dirty liar!"

"Including all those eyewitnesses who saw you blow up Sheriff Scorpio's railway car?"

Deadwood started pawing at the ground. "How about all them ponies I was gamblin' with at the saloon when it happened?"

"We'll leave that to the police!" Stiletto's horn glowed as she field lifted Deadwood into the air.

Her triumph was short lived as Deadwood reached out to the ground with both of her forelegs. Stiletto immediately dropped to her knees, with sweat beading on her forehead as she strained to keep her captive in the air. Ace watched in awe as the ground outside the shop bulged upwards slightly to meet Deadwood's hooves as the pinto drifted ever closer to the ground. Sweat rolled down Stiletto's brow as Deadwood planted all four hooves on the ground, then slowly advanced towards her, panting heavily from Stiletto's telekinetic grasp.

Ace quickly blocked the doorway. "Come on! Break it up! No fighting in the shop!"

Stiletto relented, but kept her eyes locked on Deadwoood. "Fine, but you would be well advised to return what dirty money this scoundrel gave to you."

"Sorry, Stiletto, but she's innocent until proven guilty." Ace pointed his horn towards the books. "Go Go Gambit Book Retriever!"

His horn glowed, but nothing happened.

"What the…no, it can't be, my magic's not that weak." To prove the point, he cast the spell again and pulled 'Lulamoon West Versus the Devil Dogs' out of the wreckage. "Your book isn't here anymore!"

"You mean to tell me the same varmints that trashed your shop stole my book?"

Stiletto gave her an odd look. "You ordered a statistics textbook?"

"I needed it to prepare for the big poker tournament in Los Pegasus next month," Deadwood grumbled. "Had to come all the way back to civilization to buy the darn thing, and now it's gone."

"And you think the group of thugs who broke into here stole it?" Stiletto scoffed. "Perhaps for some light reading as they're plotting their next crime?"

Deadwood flared her nostrils and snorted. "How the hay should I know? It's not like I go around stealing stuff and wrecking shops."

Stiletto crossed her forelegs. "I suppose the Eye of Mexicolt just disappeared on its own, then?"

Ace ignored the bickering mares and opened the cash register. He sighed with relief as he saw that it was still full of bits. "Well, I'm sorry about all this unpleasantness, Deadwood. I can offer you a refund, if you'd like."

He reached for the money, but Deadwood laid a firm hoof on his foreleg. "Don't bother, 'tain't your fault. You don't owe me any debts."

"So I take it you're going to leave immediately and buy a new book?" Stiletto asked hopefully.

Deadwood glared at her. "Naw, I was thinkin' 'bout trackin' down the miscreants who've stolen my stuff." She turned to Ace. "What'd you say, partner? Wanna see to it that some good, old–fashioned justice gets served?"

He slammed the register shut and turned to face her with his most dramatic poise. "You know what? I think I am. No vandal wrecks the shop of Ace Gambit, private investigator for hire, and just gets away with it!"

Stiletto promptly brought her hoof up to her forehead. "Ace, think this through. Are you seriously considering joining this outlaw to try and capture a violent anti–changeling group?"

Ace briefly considered the question. "Well, I've read a lot of detective novels and books on surveillance techniques, forensics, and more!"

"Ace, academic knowledge and issues of Fetlock Holmes does not qualify you to become a private investigator, and you need to get a license for it in any case."

Deadwood winked at her. "Worried I might steal your coltfriend, kid? Not really my style, but I can see why you're concerned."

"I...what? He's not my…" Stiletto quickly shut her mouth as Ace's face fell. "Not that we couldn't be, but we haven't…"

"Aw, relax, I was just teasing," Deadwood chuckled. "But if you're worried, then either get on the wagon or out of the way, I don't much care which."

Stiletto fixed her with a cold stare. "I really should just call a princess down on you, but I'm sticking with Ace. Somepony must keep him out of trouble."

She slid up to Ace and leaned against him. Ace grinned so wide that he bared his fangs. "Alright, looks like we're both coming along."

"Then put 'er there," Deadwood held out her hoof and smiled as Ace and a rather reluctant Sitletto piled their hooves on her's. "Let's get this place cleaned up and ourselves on the road!"

Ace surveyed the shop and tapped his chin. "But my mystery novels always say to look for evidence. Hopefully, whoever did this left something behind."

Deadwood rubbed her hooves together. "You mean like a matchbook from the hotel they're staying at?"

"Oh yes! And we can dust for hoof prints! That's how my detective novels usually go."

Stiletto shook her head "No offence, Ace, but dusting for prints is old fashioned. Detectives use ultraviolet light now."

"Pardon?"

"You know, ultraviolet light. High frequency electromagnetic radiation just beyond the violet portion of the visual spectrum." The other two looked at her in confusion. "It's the reason you get sunburns."

"My, you sure do use your tongue prettier than a twenty–bit whore," Deadwood finally managed.

Stiletto rolled her eyes. "More importantly, it causes bodily oils and fluids to fluoresce upon absorption."

"That sounds really useful!" Ace's horn lit up and a beam of white light shot out onto the cash register. "Ok, so let's start with a basic light spell, modify it to mimic natural sunlight. compare the difference, and…ah! I see, so we'll just remove the visible portion and…"

The beam of light disappeared, but the register looked the same as it did before. Deadwood reached for the blinds on the shop window and plunged the interior into darkness. The spot on the register where Ace had been aiming earlier was bathed in a soft blue light as weeks worth of hoofprints stood out on the surface.

"Eureka! I shall call it the Gambit Evidence Illuminator!"

Deadwood tipped her bowler hat up to look at the glowing prints. "Well, bend me over a barrel and buck me silly! That sure is some fancy learning you got there, Miss Stiletto."

"Just a little trick I learned when I was in grade school. I only remembered it because I use it to check for counterfeit currency." Her horn glowed, and another section of the register became lit up by ultraviolet light. "Come on, we might as well do a sweep of the shop."

"I reckon I won't be of much use, what with me not having a horn and all, so I'll just hang by the door." There was the flash of flame in the darkness over by Deadwood, followed by the glowing ember of a cigarette and the distinct smell of menthol and valerian root. "Gotta say, don't much envy your chances; place like this is bound to have all sorts of prints."

Ace's light bobbed up and down as he trotted through the aisles. "Well, it's good practice even if I don't find anything. I'm always up for learning new things."

"Just keep an eye out for anything that shouldn't belong," Stiletto added from the other end of the shop. "I'd hate to miss something obvious."

"How 'bout this ticket?" Both ultraviolet lights focused on Deadwood, who was standing next to a trashcan holding the stub of a train ticket.

Stiletto immediately snatched it out of her hooves with her telekinesis. "You shouldn't contaminate the evidence! Urgh, it's already got your hoofprints on it."

"Sorry, darlin'. I stepped on it while I was throwin' away my match. Ya'll reckon it's got anything to do with all this?"

Ace glanced at the stub saw that it was for the train from Canterlot, dated the day before. "Probably! Let me check the store records and see if we've made any sales recently."

He walked behind the counter and pulled out a logbook. "Hm, looks like we've made a hoofful of sales since I was gone, but they're all locals, and not the type to take trips to Canterlot."

Stiletto peered over his shoulder. "Well, if our suspect is from Canterlot, it stands to reason that he went back there after the job was done. We might be able to find his name on the passenger manifest at the train station."

"Just a moment, I don't want Skeleton Key losing any more money on this place." Ace scooped up the parts of the doorframe that had broken off. "Go Go Gambit Fixit!"

Chapter 8

Good afternoon. This is the Voice of Equestria, with special guest host Sea Crest. Today, we will tackle the issue of immigrant labor laws in Equestria.

In last decade, the number of griffons immigrating to Equestria for industry, construction, and security work has increased threefold. Thriving griffon communities now exist in most major Equestrian cities. Supporters say that bringing in workers from overseas allows for greater cultural contact and exchange between Equestria and her allies, while others are concerned that foreign labor may depress wages and close job opportunities for native Equestrians.

Joining me now are Equestrian railworker's union representative Rex Rivet and griffon ambassador Artemis Brahe.

Thirty minutes and one cab ride took Ace to a resort on the outskirts of the city overlooking the Canterhorn waterfall. It clearly catered to the Canterlot elite, with refined modernist architecture, a pristine lawn and immaculate staff. Deadwood confidently strolled through the entrance, ignoring the scandalized looks that the other guests gave her, and immediately booked them a room.

It was luxurious by anypony's standards, far better furnished than Ace's home in Ponyville, and nearly as large as Stiletto's shop. The furniture was made of solid teak, the bed had a mattress as soft as a cloud, and the cotton sheets had a thread count higher than his monthly paycheck. Ace bounced up and down on the mattress in excitement, while Stiletto sat herself down at the desk. Her stomach rumbled loudly, despite her attempts at hiding it.

Deadwood chucked a menu at her. "Give room service a try, I got a good feeling 'bout this place."

Stiletto opened the menu and promptly dropped it as if it were a rattlesnake. Ace levitated it to see what was the matter, and felt his chitin turn pale. "Deadwood, a can of water costs more than I make in a day!"

"You mean the fancy stuff imported straight from Prance? Give it a try, it's not bad. Kinda bubbly." She looked at their faces. "What're ya'll worried about, it's on me."

"How can you possibly afford any of this?" Stiletto finally managed.

"Let me tell you something about gamblin', kid," Deadwood chuckled. "It's a racket, but it's easy to make money if you're smart about it. Games like Blackjack, you can win against the house if you count your cards, but the house doesn't like that. Better casinos will offer to foot your tab if you win too much, which is their way of saying 'Alright, you've had your fun, now let us make our money back'. Most will just kick you out and bar you from returnin', and the worst ones — ones run by the mob — are liable to take it personally, if you know what I mean."

Ace gulped. "I'm, er, not sure I want to know what you mean."

Deadwood picked a pencil off of the desk and broke it. "So makin' money off of the casino's only good for small change. If you want big money, you have to get it from other patrons — rich folk who got more bits than sense."

"So your plan is to go swindle some nobles while Ace and I investigate?"

"What's the matter? Last I checked, you didn't want me anywhere near the two of you." Deadwood chuckled. "Now, if you want me to help you two out, I say we pull the fire alarm, kick down some doors, and steal whatever documents we need."

Ace tented his hooves thoughtfully. "I think that's a good plan, minus the public disturbance. Why don't we sneak around when everypony's asleep?"

"We could report this to somepony," Stiletto grumbled, as her stomach started acting up again.

"Room service. Now. Before you faint." Deadwood pressed the menu to Stiletto's chest. "Order enough for the three of us, and don't skimp on nothin'."

Deadwood waited for Stiletto to go to the door and buzz the floor attendant before leaning in close to Ace and lowering her voice. "Now, I have some suggestions for sneaking about..."

The 'entertainment lounge' of the The Cavallo was filled with the soft murmur of conversations and the gentle 'chink' of chips being pushed around. Refined patrons sat around on plush couches and relaxed as fortunes were won and lost around them. Without warning, the lounge doors flew open and banged against the oak walls as Deadwood strolled into the establishment like she owned it.

"Well, ain't this place a hoot," she grinned, looking around at the shocked faces surrounding her. "How ya'll doin' this evenin'?"

She did not wait for a response before walking over to the nearest poker table. "Looks like a mighty interestin' game you got goin' on here. Mind if I join?"

The dealer glared at her over the heads of the players. "I think you'll find, ma'am, that there is a ten thousand bit minimum buy in."

Two thick stacks of bank notes hit the table. "Then you best deal me in."

Everypony's jaws dropped as the dealer counted out twenty thousand bits worth of chips. Deadwood calmly lifted a martini off of the tray of a passing waiter and tossed a dozen red chips into the center of the table. "Well don't just sit there slackjawed, let's get this game started!"

The waiter with the martinis passed around the room several times over the course of the next hour, as the stakes rose at the poker table and more eyes followed the game. When the clock struck eleven, he made his way back to the employee entrance, checked to make sure nopony was paying attention, and quickly walked past the kitchen and to the nearest fire escape.

He pressed up against the door and whispered. "Stiletto?"

"Ace, lower your voice," she growled back. "Whispering makes you hiss, and it's rather distinctive."

"Sorry." Ace opened the door and let her slip in. "Well, Deadwood's got them distracted outside. I think we're good to go."

Stiletto nodded and motioned for him to follow as she snuck into the offices. Most of the lights were off this late at night, though there was the occasional sign of a late night conversation, or the sound of an accountant busy at work. They kept to the shadows and barely made a sound until they arrived at an office door bearing Furioso's name. Stiletto listened at the door for a moment before opening it; the lock sprang open with a click, and they walked into an office geared almost entirely towards entertaining guests than paperwork. Ace paused to admire the sculptures and paintings that decorated the walls and found himself looking at a crooked knockoff Marenet watercolor, while Stiletto made for the heavy oak desk in the back.

There was a rustling sound as she rifled through the drawers, but Stiletto came up empty hoofed. "Well, it looks like Furioso's smart enough not to– Ace, what are you doing?"

Ace reached for the painting and lifted it slightly. "I think I found a safe!"

The painting was quickly cast aside to reveal a small safe set in the wall, with a combination lock keeping its contents secure. Stiletto abandoned the desk to examine the lock.

"Good job. Ready for another lesson?" She pressed her horn to the knob and closed her eyes. "A combination lock is much harder to crack, because you have to align several wheels inside the locking mechanism so that they'll open. Since we can neither see nor feel inside a solid steel door, it will require a great deal of telekinetic finesse to feel out the insides; I'm used to working with small objects, so hopefully I can…"

There was a sharp clunk from within the safe, and the door swung open. "Wow, and I thought I'd have to ask Deadwood to come in and blow it open."

"That was amazing! How'd you learn to get so good at...well, everything?"

Stiletto blushed. "Oh, I just paid attention in school and learned how to use my head. It's nothing, really. Anypony could have done it."

She stepped aside and motioned to the safe. "Would you care to do the honors, Ace?"

"Sure." Ace opened the door and pulled out a heavy scroll of parchment. "Hm, it seems I've got a letter, but it's nothing incriminating. It's from somepony named Bella Donna telling Furioso that she's raised the other half of the money for some griffons that did a job for her."

"Being paid half upfront and half upon delivery is standard operating procedure for a griffon mercenary. We should make a note of this and put everything back together."

The office door flew open with a bang as a dark red unicorn strolled into the room, flanked by two earth ponies and a pegasus wielding a spear in her hooves.

"Or maybe you'll drop dead," he sneered.

"Furioso, I presume?" Ace growled, stepping in front of Stiletto. "Seems like we've got some unfinished business."

Furioso snorted. "You'll forgive me, but I have no idea what you're on about, Mr…"

"Gambit. Ace Gambit. And you've been consorting with ponies who hospitalized two of my friends and wrecked my shop."

"Hey, who says I got anything to do with anyone being in a hospital? Sure your pals didn't trip and fall on a particularly long flight of stairs?" His underlings broke out laughing upon hearing the line. "And just a bit of advice, kid; if you want your shop to stay intact, maybe you should pay up on time."

Stiletto placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Ace, please hand me the letter and let me take care of this."

Ace kept his gaze fixed on Furioso as he handed Stiletto the scroll. The moment it left his hooves, he fired a beam of green energy directly at Furioso. The henchponies recoiled, but Furioso quickly erected a red bubble shield around them. Ace's beam splattered harmlessly off of the magical barrier.

"Get 'em!"

The bubble dropped, and the pegasus was the first to charge at him. Stiletto's magical pink aura enveloped the tip of the spear and bent it down, before releasing the tip. It hit the pegasus in the face, and sent her spiralling into the Marenet painting.

Ace backed up as the two earth ponies closed in on him and fired off another blast. It sailed through his attackers without making contact and hit a light switch near the door. It broke with a crack, and plunged the room into darkness.

A beam of light issued forth from Furioso's horn, and revealed that his henchponies were busy wrestling each other on the floor. "Get up, you oafs! I'm not paying you to fool around! Find th–"

The marble bust of some Canterlot model caught Furioso in the chest, sending him reeling out of the door. The light swung wide as he did so, and revealed that Ace was on the other side of the room. The two earth ponies untangled themselves just as the pegasus shook herself free of the painting. Ace swallowed nervously and grabbed the nearest thing he could lay his hooves on.

He came up with a bouquet of flowers.

The pegasus charged him again, and found her vision filled with thorny roses. She batted them out of her face, only to see Ace step out of her way, and that he had been standing in front of Furioso's mahogany drink cabinet. She spread her wings to halt her flight, but he grabbd her forelegs and swung he into it. Wood splinters, glass, and alcohol filled the air as the pegasus sailed into it.

There was a groan from the back of the room, and everypony stared as the heavy office desk slowly rose several inches in the air before barreling towards the earth ponies. They both dived aside but only one was lucky enough to escape. The other found himself pinned behind the desk as it carried him into several bronze sculptures, which buried him under their weight.

The desk shifted as the henchpony pushed it away with his legs, only for stiletto to leap onto it in one graseful motion and bring her hoof down like a whip. There was a sharp crack as she planted a blow directly on his forehead, knocking him out of the fight.

The remaining earth pony rolled on the ground and came to a stop directly in front of Ace. He delivered a leg sweep that knocked Ace off of his hooves and followed it with a headlock. Ace struggled to breathe and repeatedly punched his assailant in the stomach, but found a knot of solid muscle waiting for him. The deathgrip suddenly vanished as the earthy ponyies legs gave out from under him. Ace pried himself loose and turned around just in time to see Stiletto grab the henchpony by the shoulder and slam his head down on the ground.

A piece of cold, sharp steel pressed into his neck; Ace froze as he realized that it was a knife; Furioso had snuck behind him in all the confusion. In front of him, he could see Stiletto slowly turning away from the unconscious pony in front of her with a letter opener levitating next to her head.

The three of them stood in silence as each party calculated the next move.

Stiletto was the first to speak. "Drop the knife, Furioso. I don't want to hurt you."

"I think you'll find that you're in no position to be giving demands," Furioso snarled, pressing the knife firmly against Ace's chitin. "Espcially not since backup's on the way. Give up now, and I promise death will be the worst thing that happens to you."

Stiletto's eyes shot back and forth between Ace and Furioso, before she relinquished her hold on the letter opener. The glow of magic from her horn did not dissipate however; instead, it focused itself into an impossibly thin needle of energy. The beam penetrated the shield as if it were cloth, and pierced Furioso's horn. The shield around Ace dissipated as Furioso fell back with a cry of pain. Ace turned around and kicked the knife away, before grabbing Furioso by the shoulders.

"Alright, start talking; I want to know about the Patriotic Order," he snarled, as he reached for his back pocket. A glint of silver flashed in the dark room. "Or else you might get whacked."

Stiletto gasped as brought it into the light. "Where'd you get that?"

Ace shrugged. "I picked it up in the kitchen. Thought it might be useful."

Furioso paled as Ace stepped forward. "I–I don't know nothing!"

There was a wet sound as a fish swung through the air and slapped him across the cheek. "Wrong answer. Keep it up, and you'll be sleeping with the fishes." He brought the fish under Furioso's nose. "Last chance. Where do I find the Order?"

"It's all Bella Donna's doing, I swear!" Furioso babbled. "She's the one hiring thugs to go about hijacking the Voice of Equestria and everything!"

Stiletto nudged him in the side. "Come on, Ace, we've got what we need. Let's go." She took old of the fish and bent down to Furioso's level. "Oh, and if there's ever any retaliation for this, I will personally see to it that you will be very sorry. Forever."

She dropped the mackerel on his face as she walked Ace out of the room. The door swung shut behind her, and there was a grinding sound as Stiletto jammed the lock in place. When she turned away from the door, she saw Ace marching determinedly to the exit.

"Ace, wait up!" She struggled to keep up with his pace as he tore through the empty offices. "Are you alright?"

"Perfectly fine, I just have a goal, you know? I miss having a purpose in life, and I think I've just found one."

He stepped out into the lounge, only to find activity winding down and Deadwood out of sight. The other employees were too busy closing to pay them any heed, so they made a beeline for their room. Halfway there, the pegasus from earlier staggered out of the employee entrance and pointed a hoof at them.

"Don't let 'em leave!" she yelled.

The employees around them immediately formed a ring around the pair, while Ace and Stiletto charged their horns. Both sides stood still, neither wanting to trigger a brawl. The silence in the air was broken by the jingling of bits as Deadwood stepped around the corner, cigarette glowing in her mouth.

She took the cigarette out of her mouth and blew a ring of smoke in the air. "Looks like ya'll got quite the conundrum here. How 'bout I pay for the damages and we call it even? Does fifty thousand bits sound good?"

"You!" The pegasus wobbled forward. "I knew there was something wrong with you! Get her too!"

Two burly pegasi advanced on her, but Deadwood calmly placed the cigarette back in her mouth and flicked her wrist. The room went dead silent as a stick of dynamite appeared in her hoof, its fuse dangerously close to her cigarette.

"If there's one thing I learned from runnin' round with Widowmaker," Deadwood grinned, "It's that every problem can be solved with high explosives."

"You're bluffing! You'd blow us all to the moon if you lit that up!" The pegasus sounded nonchalant, but the fact that she was edging towards the pool table undermined her bravado.

Deadwood shrugged, puffed on the cigarette, and touched the glowing embers to the fuse. Sparks flew from the end as it hissed like a snake; everypony's eyes locked onto it as Deadwood flung it high into the air. Pandamonium broke out as everypony dived for cover. Stiletto, seeing her chance, grabbed Ace and weaved through the panicked crowd. Above them, the fuse merrily burned away as the stick reached its apex. It exploded with a deafening roar, filling the air with shrieking balls of light. The fire alarm rang loud enough to wake the dead, and water drizzled down from sprinklers in the ceiling.

"Were those fireworks?" Stiletto shouted at Deadwood, as she flung open the front doors.

Deadwood threw back her head and let out a proud whinny. "Trixie brand pyrotechnics! Work like a charm!"

"I'm surprised at your restraint, considering your reputation for blowing up mines, bridges, trains, elected officials, and 80ft tall mechanical tarantulas."

"You help one archeologist demolish one automated arachnid, and nopony ever forgets."

Ace gave the mares a curious glance. "Are you two talking about Daring Do and the Wild, Wild West?"

Deadwood glanced up at the sky to see a firecloud full of pegasi descending on their location. "Less talkin', more running away!"

Midnight found the trio in one of the back alleys of Canterlot, tending to their wounds. Ace's neck was so swollen that he was having trouble speaking, and Stiletto found that she had a nasty pattern of bruises developing on her left side, though from what she could not recall. Deadwood emerged out of the shadows at the far end of the alley, with a bag of ice and carton full of ice cream in tow.

"Here, this'll help." She handed the ice cream to Ace, and the ice to Stiletto. "Gotta say, you two sure raised Tartarus in there. Get what you were after?"

"Yeah," Ace whispered. "We know who to go after now. I say we find her and–"

"Ace, you're starting to scare me,” Stiletto said slowly. “You've been getting more...well, mercurial ever since we stopped by the hospital. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine; like I told you, I have a mission and I'm going to see it through."

Stiletto bit her lip. "Ace, is there something you're not telling me?"

Ace wolfed down a mouthful of his ice cream. "You think there's something I'm not telling you? How about what you're not telling me?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

Deadwood quickly stepped in front of Stiletto. "Now Ace, you'll want to eat that ice cream right quick–"

"How about the part where you went about thrashing earth ponies twice your size? Or maybe the fact that you shot the Clydesdale who had me in a death grip in the knee through a magic shield?"

Stiletto threw her hooves up in the air. "All I did was simple beam compression! I admit, it's hard to do because energy is inherently repulsive to a degree, but if you have the finesse for it, you can reduce the surface area of a ray and create so much pressure on the target that it simply slides through. It was just basic magic theorry and quick thinking. Any tailor could have done it." Stiletto pointed at Deadwood. "And what about her? She's been lying through her teeth all along!"

Tears welled up in Ace's eyes. "Yeah, but I expected it! I thought you and I were closer than that! No more excuses about how safecracking or knowing obscure criminals is something trivial, I want to know who you are!"

A tense silence settled in the alley as Stiletto found her eyes glued to the ground. She flinched when she felt somepony touch her shoulder, and raised her head to see Deadwood patting her sympathetically.

"Darlin', I think you'd better come clean."

Stiletto nodded. "Alright. I admit, I haven't been entirely forthcoming about my true reasons for moving to Ponyville. While everything I told you was true, I neglected to mention that I'm a distant niece of Captain Thunderball, who invited me to Ponyville."

Ace cocked his head to one side. "You're here to keep an eye on me?"

"Well, he never actually told me that, but I did my own research and came to that conclusion."

"Great," Ace muttered. "My friend is actually just a professional assassin who doesn't even know if she's really supposed to be watching over me."

"I...hey! I'll have you know that preserving plausible deniability is a perfectly valid reason for keeping others in the dark. I make my living as a cobbler, thank you very much, and I'm friends with you because I like you, you ass!" She grabbed his shoulders and crossed horns with him. "Can't you feel it?"

Ace closed his eyes and let her emotions wash over him. He had never taken advantage of her before, but now that she had opened up to him, he could feel pure and wholesome nourishment flowing into his body. It healed him better than any medicine; he could feel the bruises in his body melt away before it.

He opened his eyes and embraced Stiletto in a tight hug. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you, I just...I thought I'd left all the lies and deception behind me when I left the hive, and I don't want to get drawn back into that mess again."

"I'm sorry too," she sniffed. "I just didn't know when to tell you, and then it was suddenly too late."

Deadwood picked up the ice cream and took a generous bite out of it. "Well, ain't this just the most heartwarmin' thing I've seen all day."

Ace glared at her over Stiletto's head. "You're not off the hook either. What's your deal?"

"Ain't got a clue what you're talkin' 'bout, I'm just a simple mare with a penchant for gamblin'. My pappy was a vaquero from Mexicolt, and my ma a 49er from San Anponio. They had me in the li'l border town of Rock Ridge–"

"Drop the act."

"And I confess, I do have a tendency to pursue justice wherever I find cowardice, avarice, and oppression tainting the land,” Deadwoord finished. “Now, I may be a little hotheaded, but I'd like to think my heart's in the right place. Even if I may have faked a lot of evidence to get the both of you to come along with me."

"And you're here because?"

"I owe you changelings one, and I always settle my debts." Deadwood scarfed down the remaining ice cream and chased it with a flask of whiskey. "It was about a year ago, and the good folk of the Red River Valley were looking to string me up for a train robbery."

Stiletto rolled her eyes. "You were innocent, of course."

"As the day I was born. Anyways, I was cooling my hooves in the jail at my wit's end when suddenly the sheriff says that they'd not only collaborated my alibi, but a pony matching my description was seen committing other crimes around town. So, I was sent on my way, with a stern warning not to come back, while they chased down the real culprit."

Stiletto opened her mouth again, but Ace gently squeezed her shoulders.

"Ten miles outside of town, I decided to take a rest and a dead–ringer for your's truly drops out of a low hanging cloud and tells me she's taken quite the liking to my antics. Apparently, her hive has a policy of encouraging peace, love, and whatnot among ponies so they can have a better source of food, and she couldn't bear to see all the good work I'd done go to waste. Thus began a really interesting partnership that only dissolved when she was recalled to the hive due to increased aggression by Chrysalis a couple of months ago. Figured the least I could do was make the world a bit safer for her while she was gone."

Ace looked at her thoughtfully. "There is a hive matching that description in Mexicolt, last I heard. Your story checks out…for now."

Deadwood batted her eyelashes at him. "You still don't trust me after I spilled my guts for you? Do I at least get a hug?"

Stiletto growled.

"Fine, I get the message, he's yours," Deadwood laughed. "But can I ask why he's been mean enough to bite a rattlesnake?"

Ace sighed and looked away. "Chalk it up to disappointment in my new home, and in myself for being so useless when my friends were put into comas that they may never come out of. Whenever I think about what happened to us, I want to hurt somepony." Tears ran down his face. "I just want to do something to stop all this."

"It's ok, Ace." Stiletto stroked his cheek. "We'll find the culprits and turn the over to the proper authorities, alright? You don't have to hurt anypony."

"Yeah, between the three of us, I reckon there's nothing we can't do." Deadwood embraced both of them in a tight hub, and for once Stiletto showed no sign of resisting.

Bella Donna giggled as Prince Blueblood's lips ran across her hooves. "Oh my, they certainly were right to warn me about you and your devilish charms."

"My dear, you have me at a disadvantage; how could a stallion possibly resist a mare like you?" He ran a hoof up her foreleg and cupped her face. "Come, shall we retire to your bedchamber?"

"Oh no, Prince, I fear we must postpone our dalliance for another day," she smiled. "Goodness, is it midnight already? I think we should both go to sleep. We'll have a busy day tomorrow."

"So I hear," Blueblood nodded. "I wish you wouldn't keep me in such suspense, though; surely you trust me?"

Bella Donna raised her eyebrow delicately. "Don't you trust me?"

Blueblood lowered his head. "Well, I must admit, you do seem to have riled up our friends, and scared the nation."

She gave him a pat on the head. "All I do is speak the truth. I have no control over how others respond to it. And they, in turn, react the way they have deemed fit; who are we to question their judgement? Can they all be wrong?"

"I suppose not," Blueblood said hesitantly, "But I would like to know where this is all going. Will everything turn out alright?"

"Darling, darling, of course it will, but I would never dream of ruining the surprise. Meet the others here tomorrow and you will all see." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Siegfried will show you out. Au revoir, my prince."

Prince Blueblood bowed. "Adieu, mademoiselle."

Bella Donna poured herself a cup of tea and smiled. She had the idiot prince eating out of her hoof with little more than winks and innuendo. Soon, all of Equestria would be under her spell, and Celestia would be forced to allow fear and hatred to spread through Equestria, or sacrifice her noble principals as she cracked down on the Patriotic Order. In either event, Bella Donna would come out victorious.

Siegfried knocked on the door. "May I take away the tea set?"

She motioned for him to do so. Siegfried produced a serving platter and piled the teapot and cups on it. As he took it away, he slipped on a small puddle of tea and fell onto Bella Donna. The serving platter and the delicate china tea set it carried fell upon the ground in a cacophony of destruction, along with Bella Donna's hat. Siegfried started to apologize, but gasped at what he saw.

Bella Donna looked at the hat on the floor, then back at Siegfried's stunned face, and sighed. "I wish you hadn't done that."

Chapter 9

Good morning. This is the Voice of Equestria, with special guest host Sea Crest. We're scheduled to have an in–depth about the eruption of Mount Reindeer today, but there's some breaking news from the Crystal Empire you might want to hear first.

The Crystal Heart was stolen last night, and the culprits are still at large! If you have any information pertaining to the crime, please alert the nearest authorities. The Crystal Heart is intended to broadcast hope and love throughout the land, and the consequences of it falling into the wrong hooves can be catastrophic.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

The Thursday morning sun shone brightly over Canterlot, illuminating the mansions in the wealthy northeast district like something out of a postcard. Ace derived little pleasure from the view as he watched Bella Donna's mansion from atop a nearby hill. He sat in the back of a mail wagon Deadwood had procured from somewhere, while Stiletto did her best to deliver mail. It was going to be the neighborhood's worst mail delivery in quite some time, but that was not important. So what if a few letters went astray and a pound cake from somepony's grandmother was currently working its way through Deadwood's digestive tract? They had a crime to foil!

Deadwood was currently taking her turn spying on Bella Donna's estate while Stiletto was out delivering mail. "I gotta say, that mare deserves to be arrested for her crimes against architecture alone. I've been to bordellos with better taste."

"Too bad we're not the fashion police," Ace chuckled. "So, think of a way in yet? I don't think marching up to the door disguised as a postal worker is going to cut it. I'd normally be all for hopping the fence, but they've been getting guests all day, and we're sure to be seen."

Deadwood tossed him another bag full of mail. "You'd be surprised what you can get away with in the right clothing. I once got into a country club by convincing them I was a stripper and that my cake had been destroyed by an inept delivery driver."

"How about we make a tunnel?"

"Sorry, kid," Deadwood shrugged. "These hooves were made for digging, but not through solid rock. How about this: there was this one time I had to sneak into a mining company, so I boxed myself in a crate and had myself shipped in late on a Friday afternoon. The workers left my box in the warehouse and plumb forgot all about me."

Stiletto returned from her latest delivery debacle and stuck her head into the wagon. "There is no way that I am getting into a crate with you. We should just observe them and turn in a list of attendants to the guards so that they can investigate."

Ace frowned. "But you told me last night that Bella Donna's already paid griffons for a job they've done. If we wait for the guard to get involved, it may be too late!"

"Then what're we waiting for? I say we just go in a–whompin' and a–whoopin' everpony in sight until we find out what they're up to."

Stiletto whacked Deadwood on the nose with an envelope.

"Fine," Deadwood grumbled. "You want to teleport us in, darling?"

Stiletto shook her head. "Spells aren't my forte. There's a reason most of my magic consists of creatively applied telekinesis."

"Well, too bad we ain't all changelings, otherwise we could just sneak in."

"Well, we could always go looking for some royal jelly if you want to give it a try," Ace chuckled. "Of course, that might take a few weeks."

Deadwood looked mildly put off by the implication, while Stiletto turned her head towards Ace with a very curious expression on her face. "I heard that Chrysalis was researching some way of mating with ponies. Was that it?"

"No, she was trying to bypass the need for assimilation by using magic to directly obtain, um, 'genetic information'." He studied her closely. "Don't get any ideas. Pony assimilation is resource intensive, needs constant direction from a queen skilled in genetic manipulation, and there's a good chance it won't work anyways — even when it does, the ponies usually doesn't have a strong–enough force of will for their memories and personality to survive intact. It's only ever done when a hive has dire need for new genetic information in their pool."

"I was just curious because the terminally ill might benefit from it." Stiletto added hastily. "So hybrids aren't possible?"

Deadwood stuck her head between the two of them. "Ain't it a little too soon for you two to be thinking about foals?"

Stiletto pushed her out of the way as Ace stammered on nervously. "I, um, well, there was a rumor floating around the hive before I left that Chrysalis had discovered how the power of true love might override biological limitations on – why am I still talking? Why are you letting me talk? Can we change the subject?"

"Wait, how was she planning on even testing that out?" Stiletto asked.

"It, er, may have involved draining true love out of Cadance and seducing Captain Armor?"

Deadwood made a retching sound. "That just ain't right."

Stiletto looked rather queasy herself. "Well, that was certainly–oh look! Prince Blueblood's arrived!"

They turned to see the prince dismount from his carriage and wait around at the gate. After a minute of being unattended, he grew impatient and opened it himself.

"Well, this just got interesting." Stiletto shoved Deadwood into the wagon's harness and drove her down the hill. They came to a stop across the street, in front of the cabs that had dropped off Bella Donna's other guests. The servants chatted idly amongst themselves as they waited for their masters to return, never noticing the mail wagon.

Stiletto tossed Deadwood her mailbag. "Deadwood, busy yourself. Ace, I'm going to need some of your mana."

Ace raised his eyebrows. "Ok, but what for?"

"We're going to eavesdrop." She gave the walls of the wagon a good pat. "You know how your eardrum experiences pressure generated by air waves and converts it into an electrical signals for your brain? I'm going to telekinetically grab onto one of Bella Donna's windows and feel out the conversation inside."

The wagon rocked as Ace bounced on a pile of packages in excitement. "Like a pair of tin cans on a string!"

"Exactly," Stiletto beamed. "Let's cross horns."

Their horns touched, and Ace felt his magic flow through his horn and mix with Stiletto's. She wove them together like a thread, then extended an impossibly thin needle of magic through the fabric of the mail wagon and across the hundred or so yards from their side of the street to touch upon the window of the mansion.

The window pane vibrated with the sound of ponies talking, which in turn disturbed her delicate telekinetic probe. The feedback traveled all the way to their horns and into their eardrums, whereupon a posh Canterlot voice made itself heard.

"The Crystal Heart has been stolen."

Prince Blueblood stepped into the foyer of Bella Donna's villa, noting with disdain how her servant had completely neglected to receive him. The mare herself was absent as well, and her distinguished guests lounged about in her waiting room in mild confusion over the breach of protocol. Indeed, the house itself seemed abandoned; Blueblood could have sworn that the waiting room had not even been cleaned since yesterday.

"I say, this is most irregular," he snorted to Jet Set. "I grant that she has some surprise in store for us, but surely it doesn’t take her entire staff to prepare?

"I agree,” Jet Set replied. “At the very least, a servant and some tea is called for. Whatever this is, it had better be worth it. My wife and I have better things to do than waste our time and money."

Prince Blueblood leaned in closer. "So, what do you suppose she has planned?"

Jet Set's adopted an insufferably smug expression. "Well, I just so happen to have heard on the radio that the Crystal Heart has been stolen. Now, I don't believe in coincidences, so I would say that our friend here has secured it for our sake."

"Better us than the changelings," Blueblood chortled. "I don't suppose we could go and take a peek? I think we've waited long enough for this."

"Normally, I would say it is quite rude to impose on a host's hospitality, but seeing as our reception was abysmal, why not?"

Jet set excused himself from the company of his wife and friends, and slipped out of the crowd with Blueblood. The rest of the house turned out to be as unkempt and deserted as the parlour. When combined with the neo–gothic architecture, it resulted in an oppressive atmosphere. Jet Set's eyes darted from shadow to shadow as he followed Prince Blueblood closer than proper decorum would have suggested. Whenever they paused, he could have sworn their hoofsteps echoed slightly longer than they should have, and there was always movement in the shadows out of the corners of his eyes.

The pair came to the wine cellar door, and Blueblood immediately reached out for the handle. "I wonder whether our surprise is inside?"

Jet Set quickly arrested his hoof. "You know, Prince, I am having second thoughts. Surely we should respect all the hard work Bella Donna has put into this event?"

"Come now," Blueblood scoffed, "Where's your sense of adventure? I'm sure Bella Donna would be gracious enough to allow for her guests to withdraw some of her wine to entertain themselves with, and if they happened to stumble upon a surprise, well, that's nopony's fault."

The prince swung the door open with a creak loud enough to wake the dead, and revealed a yawning black chasm.

Jet Set swallowed nervously. "After you, Prince."

Blueblood's horn lit up the cellar stairs, and they descend a groaning staircase to reach a basement with racks full of bottles and casks. Blueblood inspected the closest shelf and pulled out a bottle. He uncorked it and pressed it against Jet Set's chest.

"Here you go; a '33 De Grave, a very good year for Merdoc. Drink up."

Jet Set quickly took a draught of the wine. "Prince, we don't belong here. What do you expect to find?"

"Answers."

Blueblood's light scoured the cellar. There was a door on the far wall slightly ajar; he crept up to it and motioned for Jet Set to open it with his magic. Jet Set trembled as he channeled mana through his horn, and the door slowly opened up.

Both ponies screamed loud enough to rattle the wine bottles as they bolted out of the cellar. Jet Set tore through the villa until he came to the parlour and crashed into Upper Crust. All conversation in the room ceased as the ponies turned their gaze upon him.

"Everypony run!"

"What is the meaning of this, Jet?" Upper Crust gasped. "And where is Prince Blueblood?"

Jet Set bundled her towards the door. "It must have gotten him! We have to leave! Now!"

A panic swept through the group as each pony rushed for the door, leaving the parlour in shambles. They poured out of the villa and ran into the streets, past a grey mail wagon, and to their cabs. The entire street was clear within five minutes, except for Prince Blueblood's driver, who looked at Bella Donna's villa nervously as he waited for his master.

"Well, partners, it looks like we've got a delivery to make," Deadwood chuckled, as she pulled the mail wagon around the back of the villa.

The trio quickly vaulted over the wall and crept into the house. Deadwood followed Jet Set's panicked wine–spilt trail through the house and tracked it to the basement. They pressed their ears to the door and listened carefully. From within came the sounds of something scraping along the floor below.

"Well, this is it," Ace muttered. "Whatever's down there — whatever got Blueblood — we're going to have to stop it from attacking anypony else."

"Reluctantly agreed," Stiletto sighed. "Deadwood, would you care to do the honors?"

Deadwood kicked the door open and charged down the stairs. She landed on three legs, with her right foreleg held out to ward off attackers. She gasped. "Celestia's teats!"

Stiletto and Ace quickly joined her to see a crystallized unicorn standing close to the bottom stairs. The dark crystal that he had been turned into made it impossible to tell who he really was, but the horrified expression on his face was clear as glass.

Deadwood placed her hat over the pony's eyes. "Requiescat in pace, princeps."

Stiletto smacked Deadwood with her tail. "Keep your guard up, whatever did this to him is still out there. It's likely some sort of cockatrice, basilisk, or maybe even a medusa variant."

A silence descended upon the group as Ace and Stiletto shone light around the dark wine cellar. Hoof prints and scratch marks in the dusty floor lead them to a closet at the far end of the basement. Stiletto grabbed a serving platter as Ace and Deadwood approached the door.

She held the platter so that she could see the door in its reflection, as the great mythological hero Perseus had when he slew the Gorgon Medusa. "Open the door," she growled.

Deadwood flung it open to reveal the body of Prince Blueblood lying on the ground, with a bucket on his head.

"Oh! Um, you wouldn't mind lending me a hoof, would you?" He asked bashfully, pointing at the bucket. "I'm afraid this fell on me while I was searching for a cask of Amontillado."

Ace grabbed the bucket and pulled it off. "What were you doing down here in the first place?"

Blueblood shook his mane back into position and fluffed it delicately. "Why, I just told you, I was looking for some wine for the party!"

"Drop it," Stiletto snorted. "You went looking for Bella Donna with Jet Set. And judging by the scrapes on the floor, you were dragging that petrified pony out of here when we interrupted you. What have you been up to?"

Blueblood straightened up and cleared his throat. "Well, here we have a vigilante, a changeling, and an assassin. Can I trust you with a secret? I've been investigating Bella Donna on behalf of Auntie." He paused as they stared at him incredulously. "Don't look so surprised; you're a femme fatale, you feed off of love, and as for you, your uncle Dive Bomb did the exact same thing to me when I was investigating Nightwish for using mind control songs. Met me at a concert and pulled me into a closet in what was, in hindsight, an attempt at squeezing me for information."

Deadwood leaned in curiously. "Did you…"

Blueblood gave a wistful smile. "Oh yes. There was much squeezing to be had." It then changed into a frown. "He never returned my calls, and a week later, Nightwish’s enchanted necklace went missing. I suppose I should congratulate him at some point for having played me like a fiddle."

The foundations of the house shook as something rammed into it. "Ah, that would be Lieutenant Sentry, here to extract me from the claws of whatever dangerous beast Jet Set imagines to have caught me. Shall we show him into the parlour before he lowers the retail value of this estate?"

Ace and Stiletto exchanged glances and flanked Blueblood as he walked up the stairs, while Deadwood grabbed the crystallized pony and dragged him along. Blueblood strolled into the foyer to see a squad of Royal Guards led by Flash Sentry fanning out into the villa.

"Hello there!" Blueblood announced brightly, as several guards pointed their spears at him. "Lieutenant, there is no tea or cake to be found anywhere. Would you kindly prepare some so that we may discuss the latest news in the lounge?"

Prince Blueblood reclined in Bella Donna's couch as he sipped on a cup of tea that Flash Sentry had just brought in for him. "Ah, hot Earl Grey; undoubtedly my favorite tea. It has a distinctive citrus flavour due to the addition of oil extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange,"

Deadwood took a taste of her cup and promptly spat it into a nearby potted plant.

"Well, it is an acquired taste," Blueblood shrugged. "So, what are you three doing here?"

Ace straightened up in his seat. "Doing what we can to help uncover the conspiracy that's trying to drive me and my friends out of Equestria."

Flash Sentry rolled his eyes. "Did it occur to you that you could simply tell the guard about your suspicions?"

Stiletto promptly facehoofed in the background and drank her tea in silence as Ace blushed. "Well, I wasn't sure if you'd listen…"

Flash Sentry frowned at him. "Ace, you were the victim of a dark magic attack which left two others catatonic, one being an official representative of House Argent. We would have listened."

Prince Blueblood shrugged, "Nevertheless, it does not seem that they have done anything illegal–"

"Actually, I received reports last night from the Cavallo that–"

"Innocent until proven guilty." Prince Blueblood said firmly. "And since nopony is even pressing charges, I suggest we continue operating under that assumption." He waited for Flash Sentry to contest the point, but when no such challenge was issued, he resumed his speech. "I believe that they may be valuable assets to the investigation, especially considering that the Crystal Heart was stolen last night."

Ace produced a scroll from the pocket of his mailpony uniform. "We found a letter from Bella Donna, about paying griffons for some job they completed."

Flash Sentry snatched it out of Ace's grasp. "This is addressed to Furioso! So you three were–"

The letter glowed and flew into Blueblood's hooves. "I am confiscating this letter on behalf of the Internal Security Service, as it pertains to our ongoing investigation into a criminal conspiracy." He ignored Flash Sentry's outraged expression and tucked it into his tuxedo. "This letter matches up very nicely with Bella Donna's property in the Crystal Empire. I am beginning to get an idea of what has happened, but there is one last matter to address."

He pointed to the petrified pony in the corner of the room. "It appears that Bella Donna's servant has been cursed for unknown reasons. Evidently, our suspect is versed in dark magic, and I would like to know the exact nature of the threat we face. I suggest we find Auntie and ask her to cure him."

Ace raised his hoof. "Can I give it a shot? I learned a counterspell for this due to all the cocatrices in the Everfree Forest."

Prince Blueblood looked at Flash Sentry, who waved Ace on.

"Go Go Gambit Depetrification!"

A wave of green magic washed over the crystallized servant, and left flesh and blood in its wake. Siegfried gasped for air as he returned to consciousness, his eyes darting around in terror.

Deadwood grabbed him before he could bolt in fright. "Hang on there, darlin', we're tryin' to help."

"Danke," he breathed. "Mein gott, Bella Donna, she is…she has gone mad! The last thing I remember was purple energy leaking out of her eyes, and her horn, it was... deformed by some disease!"

"So that was why she kept wearing those stupid hats!" Blueblood finished off his tea and handed the saucer to Flash Sentry. "Siegfried, come with me. The evidence that I have collected, along with your testimony, will be enough to convince a judge to issue a warrant for her arrest. Lieutenant Sentry, you and your men will take these three amateurs to the Crystal Empire. I believe you will arrive by nightfall, which will be an excellent time to conduct a raid." Prince Blueblood gave the others a curt nod. "Gentleponies, I wish you the best. May we all see each other again at the Gala."

Flash Sentry saluted Blueblood as the prince and Siegfried walked out to his carriage, escorted by two guardponies. "Insufferable git," Flash muttered under his breath.

"Oh, I agree," Stiletto grinned, "But you can't deny that he has style."

Chapter 10

This is a breaking news report from the Voice of Equestria, from your host Sea Crest!

Scandal has rocked Canterlot today, as many prominent nobles and socialites have been arrested for connections to the Patriotic Order of the Nation of Equestria, Prince Blueblood among them! Official statements are silent on the exact nature of the offenses, but it is speculated that they must be connected to the theft of the Crystal Heart!

As always, we will bring you the latest information as this story develops!

The bright moon peeked out over the horizon as Flash Sentry and seven other pegasus guards landed in front of the Crystal Palace, with a small carriage in tow. Prince Shining Armor and six Crystal Empire guards — two of them unicorns — came forth to receive them. Flash Sentry saluted Shining Armor as he drew near.

"Sir! How are things on this end?"

Shining Armor returned the salute. "No activity at the estate so far, but our records show that Bella Donna has hired fifteen griffon 'laborers' to work on her summer home. We are anticipating having to assault a fixed position."

The carriage door opened and Deadwood stepped out with a cigarette glowing between her lips. She was clad from head to hoof in black synthetic fabric, with a steel helmet on her head, gas mask slung loosely around her neck, and carrying a hose connected to three metal tanks on her back. "Did I hear someone's cowering in a hole like a rattlesnake during a cattle drive?"

Flash Sentry stared at her. "What in Celestia's name do you call that contraption on your back?"

Deadwood chuckled and gave it a pat. "Ain't nothin' to worry 'bout, this here's just a piece of agricultural equipment. We use 'em all the time to clear brush out west."

Behind her, he could see Stiletto and Ace disembark. Whereas Ace had opted to go au natural and rely on his chitin for protection, and saddlebags to carry equipment, Stiletto wore the same gear as Deadwood. Instead of tanks, however, she carried carried a set of knives and a short sword.

Shining Armor brushed past Deadwood and came to a stop in front of Stiletto. "I trust you have a permit for that weapon?"

Stiletto nodded and looked him in the eye. "This cutlass is registered to House Argent for use by their honor guard."

Not content with her answer, Shining Armor reached out and drew Stiletto's cutlass. It left the scabbard with a distinct snicker–snack. "I somehow doubt that; this is a restricted item."

Stiletto's gaze never wavered. "Under the Heirloom and Antiquities Act of 431, ownership of restricted weapons was permitted if the house, clan, or family in question could demonstrate prior possession."

The sword slid back into its sheath. "I'll be checking on that next time I'm in Canterlot." Shining Armor turned his attention to Ace. "What about you, Ace? Sure you want to be here?"

Ace puffed out his chest. "I want to do my part, sir! I'd like to show Equestria that we changelings are serious about being loyal citizens and to help fight for the good of their hive, er, I mean nation. Sir."

"Alright," Shining Armor nodded. "But you may want to stay in the back with the unicorns. Griffons are tough customers, and I'd hate to send you back to the Everfree in a bodybag."

Ace swallowed nervously. "Good suggestion, sir."

Stiletto stepped into the conversation. "If I may ask, how are we planning on taking the house?"

"Good question." Shining Armor motioned for the guard to come closer. "Pegasus fliers in the air will cover the moon with clouds and engage aerial targets, while my mages cast Silence over us. A group that stays close to the casters will be undetectable."

"Sounds like it'll be easier than shootin' fish in a barrel," Deadwood chuckled. "So what're we waiting for?"

The night was pitch black and the moon had been completely blocked by clouds as the guards closed in on Bella Donna's property at the outskirts of the city. The half–finished Tudor house looked rather out of place given the dominant local aesthetic, though the bricks and stone masonry was considerably less brittle than the quartz used elsewhere.

The guards had blackened their armor and bodies with grease and soot, and were almost as difficult to make out as Stiletto, Ace, and Deadwood. The ground team approached from the rear of the house, far away from the road and streetlights. They had made it to the edge of her property when there was a flash of light from the house's second story, followed by a thunderous crack as a bright blue bead zipped through the air and hit the lead guardpony. Electricity surged through his body, and he immediately dropped to the ground.

"Sniper!"

The other members of his team took cover where they could, but the terrain was too well cared for and offered little protection. Shining Armor deployed a blue shield around the injured pony, which drew several more shots. The electrical discharges cackled as they ate away at his shield, until only a tattered veil of magic stood between him and electrocution.

Deadwood launched herself into the air and flew over Shining Armor's head. She landed on the ground in front of him and punched the soil. A shockwave rippled through Bella Donna's backyard as a crater deep enough for a stallion to hide in formed. A second tremor rolled through the earth when Deadwood bucked the lip of the crater facing the house, forming a small hill of dirt.

"Much obliged!" Shining Armor dragged the twitching pony beneath him into the crater.

Ace braved the lightning and tumbled into the crater, while Stiletto gracefully slid in behind him. "What're they shooting at us?"

Stiletto peeked over the lip of the crater. "Crystallized lightning! Pegasi collect it from the highest clouds, and use pellets as ammunition for slings and batteries!"

"That ain't no sling, darlin'. If I didn't know better, I'd say our feathered friends brought a few muskets with 'em."

Shining Armor snorted. "Well, two can play at that game."

He gestured towards his guards, and three dove into the crater with bows drawn. They planted the bows into the hill and drew ice arrows out of their quivers. The walls and windows of the house slowly became covered with ice, but the griffons inside managed to break that ice when it became too thick and continued firing.

Flash Sentry broke out of the cloud above, leading a flight of four pegasi, but soon found a lightening bolt issue forth from the roof and scatter his team. Arrows soon rained down from the sky as well, and the air was filled with magical ammunition and lightning strikes.

Shining Armor stamped his hoof. "They're too well entrenched! We need to flush them out!"

"Yeah! That's more like it!" Deadwood cocked her right foreleg and punched the small hill in front of her. It crumbled and spread a cloud of dust between them and the house. She gave rised the hose above her head and screamed incoherently as she charged out of the crater.

Bullets whistled through the air and detonated against the grass and soil around Deadwood as she zig–zagged towards the house under cover of the smoke grenades. She reared up on her hind legs as she came within spitting distance of the building and pointed the nozzle of her hose at it. A searing plume of flame leapt out of it and illuminated the area around her as bright as day. Squawks of terror filled the air as Deadwood swept the flamethrower over the second story. Burning liquid splattered in through the windows and silhouetted griffons as they ran back through the house.

Many of the guardponies watched Deadwood's rampage slack–jawed, or else seemed mesmerized by the fire. Deadwood laughed maniacally as she lowered the flamethrower, kicked down the door, and marched through a hail of lightning pellets into the burning building, spraying fire to cover her advance. A glass skylight shattered as fifteen griffons tumbled out of the building through it, with a jet of flame licking at their tail feathers. The pegasi above intercepted the griffons. Bayonets and sabers met the trusty spears of the Royal Guards, while Shining Armor's archers shot arrows into into the frenetic melee.

The radio in Stiletto's helmet came crackling to life. "Hey darlin', the chickens have flown the coop, but there's something inside making for the basement!"

"Don't go in, wait for backup," Stiletto barked.

There was only silence.

Ace adjusted the frequencies on his radio, but came up with static. "She's probably gone underground already!" He quickly saluted Shining Armor. "Sir, permission to retrieve her? Stiletto and I are the only two equipped for the smoke–filled environment."

"Granted," Shining Armor growled. "But no more surprises! Just do what's necessary to get her out of there."

Stiletto nodded and checked off her equipment one last time, while Ace hacked up a hoofful of translucent green gel and smeared it over his muzzle and eyes. They ran towards the burning house, with Stiletto in the lead. The doorway sagged and collapsed in front of them as the interior wood framework was consumed by flame. Stiletto swept it aside with her telekinesis to allow entry into the building.

Deadwood had blazed a clear trail of devastation through the interior and even dropped the flamethrower by the stairs to the basement. The door below had been bucked open, and the sound of fighting could be clearly heard above the roar of the flames. Ace and Stiletto raced to the bottom to see Deadwood being thrown in their direction by a burst of purple magic. She managed to flip around in the air and land on all fours next to them, pawing at the ground in anticipation of her next attack.

Bella Donna stood across the room from them, some sixty feet away, blocking access to the pedestal the Crystal Heart rested on. Dark energy was leaking from her eyes, and her wickedly curved horn was pointed directly at them. In contrast to her pale coat, her horn was black at the base and slowly turned red at the tip.

"Well well, some ponies just couldn't leave well enough alone," she sneered, with a voice that was far too deep for a mare. "But you are far too late. Soon I shall absorb all the power that has been collected in the Crystal Heart, and twist it to my ends. A new era shall reign over my Empire and Equestria, one of fear and terror!"

Stiletto immediately dropped her head and fired another thin needle of force at Bella Donna, but she teleported out of the way in a flash of smoke. The needle hit the empty space where Bella Donna's head was as she reappeared next to them. Ace promptly flashed a beam of light at Bella Donna's eyes and pulsed it, while Deadwood slugged her right on the muzzle.

Bella Donna roared in pain and detonated a burst of dark magic in front of her. Ace flinched as it washed over them, but all he felt was a powerful tingling sensation. He looked down to see Stiletto's thin magic aura enveloping their bodies.

"Raw magic may protect you against its own kind," Bella Donna snarled, "But let's see how you stand against fear itself."

Stiletto's crude magical shield cracked as Sombra's horn lit up brighter than the flames surrounding them. Ace's heart raced like a locomotive as his friends quivered in terror and dropped to their knees. He knew they had to keep fighting, but his body refused to listen as visions of terror filled the changeling’s mind.

The fire would eat them alive.

There was nothing to do.

They were doomed.

And there was nothing his feeble magic could do about it.

"I shall not fear. Fear is the mindkiller." Ace repeated the words from one of his novels like a mantra. He had to gather his wits and focus. If he could just get a moment of mental clarity–

"Cute," Bella Donna sneered, as she advanced on them. "But mere words will not save you from my power."

Ace ground his teeth together and forced himself to slowly exhale. As the air left his lungs, so did all thought, leaving his mind wonderfully blank. A chill spread through his body despite the raging fire, and a fuzzy warmth spread through Ace's heart as he reached out for Stiletto's hoof. His eyes glowed with the projected aura of soft white light from his horn that caused all sensation of fear to vanish from the room.

"You have no power here," he said softly.

The burning beams above broke and landed on the floor between the trio and Bella Donna. The basement entrance was already blocked by debris, and it seemed as if the house was teetering on its last legs.

Bella Donna laughed as the inferno raged around her. "Fine! Then I shall complete the ritual elsewhere."

Her body turned into smoke and she fled up through the hole in the ceiling, taking the Crystal Heart with her. Deadwood leapt up to grab it, but her hooves passed through Bella Donna's insubstantial form. Bella Donna's laughter was the only aspect of her that remained.

"Exit's blocked, and I can't clear it," Stiletto yelled from behind him. "We've got to fly out!"

Ace's eyes widened. "But...but none of us can fly!"

Stiletto grabbed him by the shoulders. "ACE GAMBIT! ARE YOU A CHANGELING OR AREN'T YOU?"

He flapped his gossamer wings sheepishly. "Ah, right. But we're weak fliers, and I might not be able to carry both of you."

"Don't sound like a hard decision to me, darlin'." Deadwood lit a cigarette on a piece of burning wood.

"If you think for one second I'm letting you stay in this conflagration," Stiletto hissed, "You truly are the dumbest–"

Deadwood cut her off with a right cross that sent her reeling into Ace's embrace. "Now, do I have to clean your clock and throw the both of you out of here, or do you got enough sense to leave?"

Ace looked up at the hole in the ceiling, and then back at Deadwood. "Goodbye, Deadwood," the changeling sighed.

Deadwood took off her gas mask and stuck the cigarette in her mouth. "Adios, compadre."

The hole in the ceiling lead into a collapsing building filled with smoke. Ace rode the thermals the best he could as he pulled Stiletto up through the sea of flame. He found the same skylight the griffons had escaped out of. He flew through it into the open air and emerged from a cloud of smoke and embers to see the griffons fleeing the battlefield due to Bella Donna's nightmarish presence.

Shining Armor had erected a barrier around the estate, much like he had done in Canterlot, while the guards pelted Bella Donna's gaseous body with arrows and lightning bolts. Ace glided down next to Shining Armor and laid Stiletto on the ground. She grabbed him before he could turn away, and brought his face to her's. He could see her eyes through the gas mask's polarized lenses, and they burned with all the intensity of the midday sun.

"Ace, you've got to stop Bella Donna. I'm too weak, and Deadwood did a number on my jaw," she groaned. "Feed off of my love. Use it to fight Bella. Now."

He recoiled in horror. "I would never– I don't want to hurt–"

"No time to argue! Please, while I'm still conscious."

Ace slowly lowered his horn to hers. "I swear on my chitin, I'm going to pay you back with interest."

Stiletto smiled as her eyes glassed over. Ace seized her freely offered love before she could slip away. He drained it out of her horn like a camel at it's last oasis, until he felt he might explode then and there with the swelling energy within him. His eyes glowed white as he slowly levitated up off the ground as if he was possessed, until he was level with Bella Donna.

"No amount of darkness can hide the light of a single candle," he stated simply, as he lowered his horn and charged at her.

They met in a cacophony of light; an explosion of pure energy rippled through the air and sent everypony, save for those in the crater, flying into Shining Armor's shield. The blast died down to reveal Ace sprawled on the ground with Bella Donna in her physical form again. The unicorn stood up over him and seized a discarded griffon sabre with her telekinesis. As she brought it down upon the changeling, the soil beneath her hooves shifted. A pair of brown and white forelegs shot out of the earth and grabbed Bella by the neck, pulling her down to her knees.

"Take 'er out!" Deadwood yelled from beneath the ground, as she pummeled Bella Donna's head and horn with punches.

Ace looked around for a weapon before he felt something digging into his side; he reached a hoof down to his saddle bags and found Stiletto's cutlass tucked into his belt. He stared at it for a moment (when had she slipped it to him?) before Ace drew it and dove towards Bella Donna with the blade held high. Deadwood gave Bella one last blow to the temple before withdrawing her hooves. Bella Donna barely registered Ace's presence when the cutlass came down with a sharp snicker–snack, severing her horn. The unicorn collapsed on the ground from shock, her magical prowess gone.

"And that's a wrap," Deadwood chuckled, as she hauled herself out of the dirt. Her mane was burnt, her armor melted into a plastic goop in many places to reveal silvery chainmail beneath it, and her coat was badly singed, but she was definitely alive. "Mighty fine job you did there, partner. In fact–"

A bolt of green energy hit Deadwood in the chest and sent her flying back to join Stiletto in the crater. Ace turned his smoking horn away from her and levitated Bella Donna's horn fragment. There was a buzzing commotion around him as ponies drew their weapons and pointed them at him. It hardly mattered. He held the horn and turned it over in his hooves. Such a small thing, to have caused this much trouble. Such a little thing. It seemed so harmless...

Ace's horn disappeared in a burst of green fire as he slowly lowered the cursed horn in its place.

"Ace! No!" Stiletto's voice pierced the night and caused him to pause. He looked over at the crater to see Stiletto crawl out of it with her gas mask off and tears running down her cheeks. "Put it down! Please?"

Ace blinked as the world around him shot back into focus. His own horn reappeared as he looked between her and the cursed horn between his hooves. After a moment of silent consideration, he tossed it away.

"Come on, Stiletto," he smiled wearily. "Let's go home."

Chapter 11

Good morning. This is the Voice of Equestria, with your regular host Rainy Meadow. This last week has been a tumultuous time for Equestria, but fortunately, Princess Celestia herself has come here today to answer our questions. Welcome, Your Majesty.

Thank you for that kind introduction, Mrs. Meadow. It has been a while since I last made an address on the radio, so I hope you will forgive me if I have much to discuss?

Take all the time you need, Your Majesty. I, for one, would love to listen to all you have to say. Shall we begin with the events in the Crystal Empire last night?

Well, as has already been reported, Prince Shining Armor did indeed recover the Crystal Heart from mercenaries hired by the Patriotic Order of the Nation of Equestria. It appears, however, that the founder of the Order, a mare by the name of Bella Donna, was only using her followers to steal the Crystal Heart for her own ends.

At some point, she was in the Crystal Empire and came across a fragment of Sombra's horn, which convinced her to graft it in place of her own. We do believe that the spirit of King Sombra attempted to possess her through it, and carry on his old agenda of enslaving the Crystal Empire.

It sounds as if we owe Prince Armor a great debt once again; I would hate to imagine what the Crystal Heart would do in Sombra's grasp.

We must thank more than Prince Armor. The Royal Guards who risked life and limb to stop Sombra's plans should also be recognized, along with Ace Gambit, a changeling who volunteered to help our official investigation. In fact, I believe it was he who remove Sombra's horn from Bella Donna's head.

What an outstanding act of bravery! I can't imagine what it must have been like for him! Are they all well?

I am happy to say that this incident was resolved with no casualties; even Bella Donna is expected to make a full recovery in time, though her memories may never be what they once were.

What will become of Bella Donna and the ponies who funded the Order?

Well, Bella Donna will reside in a mental institution for now. Any discussion of her culpability will have to wait until we can determine the extent of Sombra's influence on her actions. Her fellow conspirators will be charged as accessories to various crimes, to say the least.

That seems a bit too lenient, Your Majesty; rumor has it that you are going easy on the conspirators because your nephew was caught amongst them

I assure you, Prince Blueblood's involvement has nothing to do with the sentencing decisions; Equestria values mercy and reform over punishment. Besides I had an extensive discussion with him, and am convinced that he merely thought he had been invited to a fancy dinner party.

Somehow, that does not surprise me in the least.

Skeleton Key sat at the Ponyville train station watching the sun peek out over the treetops. The Friendship Express would be arriving from the Crystal Empire any second now, and she wanted to be there when it did. The train soon rolled into the station, and Ace stepped onto the platform, with Stiletto leaning heavily against him. Deadwood followed them out with a collapsible wheelchair, which she quickly unfolded for Stiletto.

"Well, there you go, partner." Deadwood gave each of them a pat on the back. "You two kids take care now, ya' hear?"

Stiletto placed a hoof over Deadwood's forearm. "Are you sure we couldn't convince you to stay, Deadwood?"

"Naw, I've got business to attend out west. But I'll let you know if I drop by." Deadwood shook their hooves and walked back towards the train.

Ace wheeled Stiletto away and sighed in contentment. "I, for one, look forward to a nice, relaxing day at work today."

"Don't celebrate just yet," Skeleton Key smirked, as she walked up to them. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders signed up for your book club yesterday."

"Celestia have mercy," Ace whimpered. "Haven't I been through enough?"

Stiletto raised an eyebrow. "I don't see what the problem is, dear. Aren't they just fillies?"

Ace shook his head as he pushed her towards her shop. "You have no idea…"

Deadwood chuckled as the trio walked off into the distance and fished a cigarette out of her duster, only to drop it as a red draft horse pulled a cart full of apples past her. She fixed her gaze hungrily on the green apple on his flank and whistled.

"Well hello there," she grinned, sliding up next to him. "I don't suppose I could trouble a stallion like yourself to show a newcomer around these parts?"

He considered her for a moment. "Eeyup."

Thunderball poured out two glasses of whiskey and handed one to Life Preserver. She took it in her good foreleg; her other one was wrapped in a cast.

"You know, I didn't ask you to come to Ponyville to race Rainbow Dash."

Life Preserver blushed. "I don't know what came over me, dude. One moment, she was causing a disturbance at the pool, and the next, I was trying to catch up with her in the skies."

"Yes, she can have that effect on others." Thunderball sipped his whiskey. "But you've done a good job keeping an eye on Ponyville. I wish I could say the same about Stiletto, though; Princess Twilight's due to give me an earful about her in ten minutes."

"Is everything cool?"

Thunderball shrugged. "I've been through worse. You just take care of that foreleg and watching out for trouble."

"Aye aye, dude." Life Preserver downed her glass in one swift gulp and saluted him on her way out.

Thunderball savored the rich oak flavor of his whiskey in the little time he had left. A familiar flash of magic filled Thunderball's office at precisely 7:21. He had become so accustomed to Princess Twilight's visits that the spell barely disturbed the tumbler of whiskey in his hoof.

"You're 'security measures' ended up causing quite a lot of havoc, you know," Twilight grumbled as she took her usual spot on his couch.

"Your Highness, I assure you that Stiletto's presence in Ponyville was not part of my plan. I asked her to relocate to Ponyville in case any of our enemies thought now would be a good time to strike at our house. I did not intend for her to go on a misadventure with Ace, and certainly not Deadwood."

"And she just happened to set up shop directly across from Ace?"

"It was the cheapest property that suited her needs."

Twilight cocked her head. "Awfully convenient that the right ponies were at the right place at the right time."

"Stranger things have happened, Your Highness," Thunderball shrugged. "The Bearers of the Elements of Harmony being in Ponyville the night of Nightmare Moon's return, for one."

"So, you're saying that it was destiny which brought them together? That her being there was ordained by fate itself?"

"Yes," he answered, without any sign of hesitation or doubt.

Twilight stared into his deep green eyes for an agonizingly long minute. "Well, that's certainly a bold claim," she said slowly, "But I see no reason to dispute it."

She jostled the contents of her saddlebags and brought out a small bottle of silvery liquid. "By the way, Princess Luna's happy at the resolution of the Crystal Heart Theft and has sent you a congratulatory batch of her special moonshine."

Thunderball's eyes widened as he held the precious liquor in his hooves. "This is...amazing. Are you sure you wouldn't care for a celebratory drink, Your Highness?"

"I'm afraid I'm not in the mood. This whole affair has really given me second thoughts on Equestria. I thought Ponyville, of all places, would have handled changelings better, seeing as we already have three types of ponies living here, and went through the whole 'getting to know strangers' bit with Zecora. But I'm wondering if there's just something inherently wrong with us." She shook her head and sighed. "Well, it's not something I'd care to burden you with at any rate; we've both got a lot of work to do. I'll see you around, Thunderball."

Twilight's horn glowed purple as she prepared a teleportation spell. Thunderball quickly put a hoof on her shoulder. "Your Highness, you always teleport in and out of my office."

"Well, it's more efficient than walking."

"True," Thunderball smiled, "But I really think you should take the scenic route this time."

The aura of magic died down, and Twilight walked out of his office. She had to admit, the castle was looking better than it had in the past thousand years — the hallways were clean, the suits of armor gleaming, tapestries restored, and even the walls had been mended. But surely the successful renovation was not what Thunderball wanted her to see?

As she walked into the castle courtyard, she could see a few changeling nymphs and fauns clustering around the fountain, along with the House Argent foals.

Twilight paused a cardboard box shuffled into view. It was quite an ordinary box that contained oranges in a previous life. Now, it concealed a changeling, whose black hooves peeked out from under it every time it moved. Twilight watched it slowly moved towards her, with the group at the fountain giggled as it made progress.

A lasso whistled through the air and wrapped around the box just before it could reach the fountain. The changeling underneath squeaked in surprise as Apple Bloom galloped into view and tackled her.

"Gotcha, you no good cheatin' varmint!" She declared proudly. "And that's a wrap!"

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo instantly appeared at her side. "Cutie Mark Crusader Assassins, yay!"

Twilight was very confused. "Hey girls. What's going on?"

"We're playing Hide and Go Eek," Apple Bloom declared proudly.

"Don't you mean 'Hide and Go Seek'?

"Nope!" The little pupa stood up and smiled. "You go 'eek' when you're found!"

"Why would…"

One of the House Argent fillies — Foxtrot, if Twilight remembered correctly — stepped forward. "Because you've been killed, duh!"

Twilight stared at the little earth pony. She did not know if it was the absurdity or morbidity of the situation, but she found herself laughing. All her doubts about the future were washed away as she looked at the mixed group of children.

Her eyes sparkled as they looked over the group. "Is there room for one more?"

Chapter 7

Good afternoon. This is the Voice of Equestria, with special guest host Sea Crest substituting for Rainy Meadow, who is currently on medical leave for hearing–related injuries. Get well soon, Rainy!

Today, we have secured an interview with Captain Thunderball of the Equestrian Army, Director of the Everfree Colony, and acting head of House Argent. Captain, may I say what an honor it is to have you here today?

The honor is all mine, Mr. Sea Crest. I must say, I've been looking forward to this interview for quite some time now.

Then let's not delay. I guess my first question is how it feels to transition from a military career to an administrative role with our former enemies.

Not as difficult as you would think. The highest calling of a soldier is to serve Equestria in whatever capacity Celestia demands, be it war or peace, depending solely on what the best interests of the nation are. As long as I can serve my country, I am happy.

Do you find working with changelings to be rewarding?

Yes, I think there's much merit to have them as allies rather than enemies. Certainly, the changelings who have joined us in the Everfree are enthusiastic about their new life with us.

How have they taken the recent attack on your house's representatives? Two of them are still comatose, with only slow signs of recovery.

The community is saddened, of course, but they have the fullest confidence in Equestria that the culprits will be brought to justice, and House Argent will exercise every legal option available to see that this is the case.

Quite frankly, the fact that these cowards call themselves patriots disgusts me. Equestria is more than a group of ponies, or collection of buildings; it is a nation founded on the principles of harmony, and it is acting in adherence to these values that makes one a patriot. Ponies who use patriotism as an excuse to preserve the status quo, or act out their own personal prejudices, are charlatans who seek to bring disorder to Equestria wrapped in the flag and carrying the crown.

The Ponyville train station was a small affair, with an office smaller than that of most Canterlot bathrooms. In it sat money, dozens of records, train tickets, and the ticketmaster, unless it was between the hours of 12 and 1, in which case he was out to lunch. Anyone wishing to purchase a ticket at that time could serve themselves with the roll of tickets he left outside (Payment was on the honor system).

Deadwood pulled a cart full of hay up to the side of the building and conveniently blocked off the side door leading into the office from view of the main street, while a cart full of luggage on the platform prevented any passengers from seeing them. Ace and Stiletto jumped out of the hay and crowded around the door, while Deadwood casually walked behind the cart to meet them.

Stiletto inspected the lock closely. "You know, I've got a lot of practice picking these sorts of locks, since I'm always forgetting my keys. I bet I could pick this one too."

Ace's hoof shot up into the air. "Ooh, teach me!"

"Sure! Just reach out and touch the inside of the lock with your telekinesis. You'll find that this type of lock is composed of a cylinder with channels, each containing a differently sized pin paired with a tumbler. Do you feel it?"

"Yeah! And there's a spring keeping the pins pressing down on the tumblers."

"Right. When a key is inserted, the differently sized pins are raised up on the uneven key surface. This allows the pins to line up with the space where the cylinder meets its housing, which lets the key rotate the cylinder. Go ahead and see if you can align everything."

Ace closed his eyes and felt the tumblers and the cylinder. He raised the tumblers until the pins were brought up to the surface of the cylinder, then turned it to the left. He grinned wildly as he heard a soft click and turned the knob, but the door remained firmly shut.

Stiletto pressed her horn to the door, "Of course, there might be additional locking mechanisms, such as a deadbolt. To deal with those, we have to feel out the other side of the door and–"

The sharp whistle of a train leaving the station filled the air just as Deadwood's hoof planted itself firmly underneath the doorknob. The door flew open with a bang, taking a good portion of the frame with it. Ace's jaw dropped open while Stiletto glared daggers at Deadwood.

"I find that buckin' right there gives enough leverage to bust a door open most of the time," Deadwood shrugged. "Quicker, too."

"You don't think a cracked frame is suspicious?" Stiletto hissed.

"So have your coltfriend mend it."

Deadwood stepped into an office so small that her flank filled the doorway. Ace and Stiletto remained on the lookout while she rummaged around inside. After a moment, she tossed her head back and a clipboard came flying over her shoulder.

Stiletto caught it and immediately began flipping through the list. "Let's see if there's any suspicious characters. Fancy Pants. Pokey Pierce. Cloud Kicker — I wonder why pegasi don't fly? Furioso? I don't recognize that name. What about you, Ace?"

"Pinkie Pie would know for sure, but I don't think that's a Ponyville resident."

"Well, looks like we've got our suspect," Deadwood grinned. "How 'bout I draw us up a couple of tickets and we get on our way soon as the next train for Canterlot rolls in?"

Among the many amenities that the Friendship Express to Canterlot offered were private sleeping compartments. Each compartment had a pair of bunk beds and soundproof walls for the best comfort and privacy on the train. There was no better way to enjoy a trip to Canterlot.

Deadwood tossed her duster onto one of the upper bunks, revealing her body for the first time. Ace stopped in the doorway and watched her climb into the bed. She was still quite a bit larger than most stallions without her long coat, but it was not an ounce of fat to be found on her, just layers of sinew and muscle, like one might find on a draft horse.

Stiletto gave a pointed cough and pushed him into the room. "Might I suggest you take a photograph? It would last longer."

Ace turned deep red. "I–I was just looking at her cutie mark."

"Nothing you ain't seen before, unless you ain't played cards." Deadwood brought her hooves together and then unclasped them to reveal a set of playing cards, and then flipped the top one up to reveal the ace of clubs. "Or are three–leaf clovers particularly rare around these parts?"

The cards in Deadwood's hoof disappeared with a flick of her wrist. "So, what'd ya'll have in mind for entertainment?"

Stiletto sat down on one of the bottom bunks and pulled a pair of knitting needles out of her saddlebags. "I intend to do something constructive with my time."

Ace sat down next to Stiletto and looked up at Deadwood. "Um, maybe you could teach me some sleight of hoof?"

The deck of cards promptly vanished. "Naw, not in the mood. I want to do something fun."

"You mean like visit the bar in the dining car?"

Deadwood shook her head. "Ace, we're in a muffled room with soft beds. To me, that sounds like a prime opportunity for bucking."

Ace's brain suddenly forgot how to work his mouth, but Stiletto promptly picked up the conversation. "Must you be so uncouth?"

"My my, where are my manners? You're invited too, darlin'. Wouldn't want to steal away your stallion." A half–finished wool cap hit her right in the face. Deadwood laid back on her bed grinning like a fiend, and drew her hat over her eyes. "Well, wake me when we get there — or if ya'll change your mind."

"Insufferable," Stiletto muttered. "So, Ace, any thoughts about our little misadventure?"

"Well, it does feel good to be doing something." He paused for a moment. "Ok, it feels awesome to be doing something. Exhilarating. Invigorating. Cathartic, even. Ace Gambit does not sit around when there's trouble ahoof!"

"Still, there's something to be said for taking care of problems through the proper channels. It puts us at far lower risk of encountering anything unpleasant." Stiletto glanced up at Deadwood. "It keeps us away from unpleasant individuals as well."

"You don't trust her?"

"Well, extensive criminal history aside, I wouldn't trust anypony that showed up out of nowhere just offering help under a flimsy pretext. There's always something more going on beneath the surface."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you pop into my life because you wanted to join a reading group?"

"I...well...that was different! I like reading, and I heard Miss Rarity would be there! And I'm not an outlaw!"

"You keep bringing that up, but nopony else seems to treat her like one."

"Well, they simply do not keep up with developments out west. Granted, a good portion of communities actually exist outside of Equestrian territory, but Deadwood is notorious even in Appaloosa or Dodge Junction. If you can name a type of crime, she's probably had a hoof in it."

"Oh, um, I see…" Ace cleared his throat. "So, you seem fairly well–informed; any thoughts on the Patriotic Order of the Nation of Equestria?"

Stiletto frowned. "I have a few, though I'd avoid discussing it until we're at a more private location. Deadwood's probably listening in on us right now."

"Ain't!"

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over Canterlot as the passengers of the Friendship Express stepped off of the train. Canterlot was familiar territory for Ace by now, and Stiletto had obviously received a cosmopolitan upbringing, but Deadwood was as giddy as a colt in a cotton candy factory.

"Why didn't ya'll wake me up sooner? This place is fancier than a Diamond Dog in a tuxedo!"

Stiletto grabbed her by the neck of her coat. "Calm down, we're here for business, not pleasure. We need to find a particular pony in a very big city."

Ace raised his hoof. "We should ask the guards. There's going to be a few at the hospital watching over my friends."

"I reckon you got the right idea. Mind if I pay a visit to the bank and take care of some business while I'm here?" Deadwood checked the nearest clock. "How about we part ways and meet at the hospital? I guarantee it won't be long."

Deadwood barely waited for their agreement before she dashed off down the street, leaving Ace and Stiletto alone at the train station.

"And good riddance," Stiletto muttered once Deadwood was out of earshot. "Come on, let's go to the hospital."

Ace quietly followed behind her for several blocks before Stiletto paused and gently touched his hoof. "Are you alright, dear?"

"It's just…" Ace sat down on a nearby bench. "Being back in the city has brought up memories, you know?"

Stiletto took his foreleg in her's and pulled him back onto his hooves. "I can imagine, but you mustn't let that get the better of you. Harmony, and justice will triumph in the end, as they always have, so long as we never stop pursuing them."

They walked for several more blocks in silence, before coming to a halt in front of the hospital. Ace looked up at the fourth floor of the east wing, and picked out the dimly lit room Bonling and Adjutant were kept in.

"Go on," Stiletto gently urged. "I'll wait for you in the lobby."

Ace nodded numbly and caught an elevator upstairs. None of the doctors showed any signs of recognizing him, nor did the royal guards patrolling the empty hallway.

"Halt and state your business!" One unicorn ordered, leveling his spear as Ace drew near to the changelings' room.

Ace's pony form vanished in a flash of green flame. "It's me, I'm just visiting."

The unicorn's horn glowed, and Ace felt his carapace tingle as a spell washed over it. "Alright, you check out. Take as long as you need — doctors say the patients show slightly more neural activity when talked to, so maybe you can jolt them out of it."

"Thanks." Ace sighed softly and walked into the room.

Two comatose changelings lay in beds next to each other, as still as when he had left them. Ace pulled a chair between the two beds and sat between them.

"Hey." He paused, unsure of what else to say. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm doing ok, and I...this is so unfair, you know? Things are, objectively going so well for me, but I don't think I deserve it, and I'd let you trade places with me in a heartbeat. Neither of you deserve this, and either one of you could do more for the colony than I ever could." He blinked tears out of his eyes. "But I'm going to do what I can. I'm going to find out who did this and bring them to justice. I promise, things will be better when you wake up."

He strolled out of the room and saw the unicorn from earlier standing at attention by the door. "Hey, I don't suppose you'd mind if I asked a question?"

The guard shrugged. "Shoot."

"I'm looking for information on a pony called Furioso. Who should I ask?"

"Furioso? I'm going to assume you're talking about the violinist, and not the head of the North Star crime family."

"Oh, yes, of course." Ace nodded vigorously. "I was hoping to get his autograph."

"Hm, you're out of luck, then; he's out touring Manehattan at the moment. I hear he'll be back next month, though."

"Well, there's something to look forward to! Thanks for the help."

Ace shook his hoof and quickly made his way down to the lobby. Stiletto sat knitting her hat, while Deadwood leaned against a column outside, casually smoking another one of her minty cigarettes despite the sharp looks of disapproval from the hospital staff.

Deadwood tipped her hat at Ace. "Howdy there, partner. Rustle up any news?"

"Plenty!" Ace motioned for them to come close together. "Looks like Furioso's a member of the Canterlot mob."

"A mafioso?" Stiletto stared at Ace. "You seriously want to go up against them?"

Deadwood gave Ace a slap on the back. "Why not? Sounds more fun than a barrel full of monkeys to me."

"Well, I don't know about that, but he's our pony, so unless we want to go home–"

"Which, need I remind you, is perfectly valid course of action."

"–we're going after him."

"Atta boy," Deadwood beamed. "Now, where's this varmint at?"

"Um, I didn't think to ask, but I'm sure we can find out."

Stiletto cleared her throat. "Actually, the Canterlot mafia is suspected of having ties to, and possibly operating out of, The Cavallo, a casino on the outskirts of Canterlot."

Deadwood scratched her head. "I thought them highfalutin Canterlot types didn't like casinos?"

"Well, it's listed as a resort for business and tax purposes, but it's a casino."

Ace cracked his neck. "Then I guess we're going gambling."

Prince Blueblood dismounted from his carriage in front of Bella Donna's Canterlot estate and bid him to leave. He wandered up to it slowly, contemplating his host. Bella Donna turned out to own a small neo–gothic villa, of the time that many nouveau riche ponies bought when they had struck wealth, in a vain attempt at imitating old money. The effort some of them went in order to kiss up to high society was quite impressive sometimes — Bella Donna had imported crystals from the Crystal Empire, plants from all over Equestria, and even a Germane butler in an attempt to come off as a pony of culture and sophistication. The effect on her villa was rather schizophrenic.

The butler, a brown unicorn who introduced himself as Siegfried, quickly opened the gate and showed him in with almost indecent haste. Prince Blueblood found himself ushered into a dining room full of rich ponies and several members of the Canterlot elite — Jet Set and Upper Crust stood out immediately due to how high their heads were held. An appetizer — some variety of autumn apple salad — was already laid out, so he let himself be guided to a vacant seat to the right of the head of the table and began munching away.

Once the other seats had been filled, Bella Donna gracefully stepped into the room, wearing another one of her oversized hats. She took her place at the head of the table and tapped her spoon against a flute of champagne to draw everypony's attention.

"Distinguished guests and dear friends, welcome to my humble abode. I trust that your accommodations thus far have been satisfactory?"

There was a general murmur of agreement from the table. Prince Blueblood kept his misgivings about the amount of vinegar used in the salad to himself.

"The pleasure of your company honors me to no end, but I am afraid that I have not called you all here for leisure. I have talked with you all at length this past week, and I know that you have the same love and devotion to Equestria as I do."

Everypony nodded. Prince Blueblood drank a glass of water to cleanse his palette.

"That is why I must broach the subject of Celestia's plans for the newest member of our great nation."

Each of the guests displayed varying degrees of displeasure. Prince Blueblood put down his glass dabbed his lips with a napkin. Now things were interesting.

"Now, current efforts to feed the changeling population of both Equestria and Queen Chrysalis's hive depend on a number of volunteers — and I use that term loosely, due to the fact that they were coerced — who are interred in cocoons that harvest their emotional energy. However, there are simply not enough willing participants in this program for it to keep Chrysalis's hive at anything above subsistence levels. If Celestia left it as this, it might be acceptable — controlling the food source of our enemy is a great way to keep them obedient. But no, she not only wants to provide our enemy with enough food to prosper, but welcome other hives into the fold."

"Outrageous!" Jet Set pounded the table, sending his plate rattling off the edge. Siegfried dove forward to catch it before it could shatter. If Jet Set noticed the servant's distress, he made no sign of it. "Celestia is giving them enough ammunition to destroy us all!"

"My thoughts exactly," Bella Donna purred. "Fortunately, we have a means of stopping this travesty."

Siegfried promptly wheeled out a serving cart covered in a tablecloth, which Bella Donna pulled off with a dramatic flourish to reveal a glass replica of the Crystal Heart, the type that one could easily find the souvenir shops around the train station (Prince Blueblood had two;. they made for fantastic paperweights).

"My friends I am proud to say that the Patriotic Order of the Nation of Equestria has learned of Celestia's plan to use the Crystal Heart's power to spread love and hope to feed the changelings."

A particularly pudgy pony in a banker's waistcoat frowned. "But surely Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance would not lend their aid so willingly? After all, it was their wedding that Chrysalis attacked!"

"I'd like to think that the rulers of the Crystal Empire would be wise enough learn from their experiences, and not be so easily swayed by Celestia, but I prefer to deal with certainty rather than wishful thinking. The crystal ponies are too generous for their own good, and have petitioned the crown to offer aid. I think we would all rest easier at night if this never came to pass."

She looked over the stunned table. "Now, I have a plan to nip this foalishness in the bud, and all I require is your help in funding our this little endeavor. What say you brave and noble patriots?"

"Hear hear!" Shouted Jet Set.

"Hear hear!" Shouted the fat banker.

"Oh my," thought Prince Blueblood.