Night Patrol

Chapters

Let's go on a trip
Rinin?
A new home
Bits, gems, and a lot of hooves
Thundering hooves
The Crystal Empire
The Crystal Festival
The Crystal war
The Night Hunters
Fall of the Crystal empire
Rebuilding the Divide
Cleaning House
Blood and Fire
Welcome to the Factory
Experiments
Assault on Rainbow Factory
Darkness of the Factory
Deeper in to Darkness
Darkness to Light
Aftermath
The Griffon Kingdom
Something Strange
Wiped Out
Running home
An act of war
First Assault
Scorched Earth
The Seige
The longest Night
The Summer Sun Celebration
Epilogue: The Return
Picking Apples
Battle for the Crystal Empire
Fire vs Ice

Let's go on a trip

Applejack was stumped. How was she supposed to finish reading at least three of the twenty books Luna had left for her to study when most were written in some bizarre fancy language? The only books that weren’t indecipherable were some sort of picture books. She wondered why such books were included in her “studies” but assumed Luna grabbed them by mistake.

Well Ah can’t read them, but maybe looking through the pages will count? Picking up one of the picture books Applejack began lazily flipping through it, her mind barely registering what she was seeing till something in her head clicked.

Wait a darn minute. Are these what Ah think they are? Giving the faded pages her full attention Applejack realized the “picture book” was actually a book about hoof to hoof combat. “The Basics of Hoof Fu, Advanced Armor Combat: Charge and Stomp, and Pony Zen. Heehaw! now this is some learning Ah can get into!”

Turning back to the first page of Hoof Fu Applejack copied the stance as depicted and slowly worked through the basic description on the page. She jumped straight up into the air, kicking her back right leg and her front left leg out at once and accidentally ending up knocking over two tables.

Better clear up some room first.

Pushing aside all of the tables, Applejack was pleased to see she had all the space she needs to practice.

“All right, time for some fancy hoof work!”

Luna awoke just as the sun began its descent. The tingle of her sister’s magic poked at her, urging her to raise the moon. Yes, I know Celestia I’m on it. Luna grumpily got out of bed, walked to her balcony and focused her magic on the moon, her pride and joy, and gently lifted it into the sky.

Once the moon was in place Luna strolled over to the other side of the castle where Celestia’s room was and sure enough it was empty. Celestia was no doubt already back in Canterlot by now. A pang of hurt and loneliness passed through Luna.

Once again I am excluded. I may not enjoy the politics, but she could have at least said goodbye. Then again I suppose I was rather snarky with her this morning. Luna had thought about telling Celestia of her idea for a pony militia or Night Patrol as she preferred, but now-a-days nothing could get done without the noble’s interference. Celestia would probably be against the idea anyways, her line of thinking was that she could protect all the ponies of Equestria alone. An idea Luna shared until last night.

We can only protect so much at once, our subjects need to learn how to care for themselves. For you and I dear sister, may not always be around to do so.

Immortal Goddesses of the sun and moon is what the ponies called the two sisters. To the normal ponies they probably seemed like gods, but even they could die. After all there used to be many more alicorns running about and now there were only three; Celestia, Luna, and their cousin Symphony of the Crystal Empire, though a fourth maybe on the way if Symphony’s letters were any indication.

Shaking her mind clear of their nearly extinct race Luna left Celestia’s room. “I suppose I should let Applejack out of the library now.”

When Luna unlocked the library door she was once again taken by surprise by Applejack who flew right into her, delivering a vicious kick to the Princess’s head!

As Luna lay beneath the orange mare she pondered her own combat skills. Between Applejack's surprise attacks and the cyclopes I’m starting to think I’m getting rusty. I haven’t had a real battle since Discord and that was… fifty years ago?

“Well I am glad you are studying Applejack. I was expecting you to be more engaged with magic theory than physical combat.” Luna shifted around trying to get up, but Applejack was heavy! “Could you please get off me now?”

The orange mare blushed, “Oh sorry Princess, Ah mean Luna. Right Luna, cause that’s what you want me to call ya right?” Applejack said, flustered as she climbed off the Princess of the Night and held out a hoof to help her. “Ah’m sorry for kicking ya in the face. Also Ah can’t read those books yawl set out for me.”

Luna looked up in horror, “You can’t read?” Applejack reared back on her hindquarters from the volume, waving her hooves frantically in the air.

“No, no, no what Ah meant was Ah can’t read the language their written in. It’s all this fancy looking stuff Ah never seen before.”

Luna breathed deep sigh of relief. I was actually scared there for minute. To think that any pony in this day in age didn’t know how to read is simply mind boggling.

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad those stuck up unicorns in Canterlot were wrong about earth ponies… intelligence,” Luna suppressed a chuckle with her hoof, “Honestly, only one in a hundred earth ponies knowing how to read, what a ridiculous statement. Right Applejack?” Luna waited for a confirmation but didn’t get one, “Um Applejack, what’s with that look in your face?”

Applejack shamefully looked away, “Well you see Princess, Ah mean Luna, Ah’m the only one in my family who can read. There are few others in the clan, Ah think five about total. But,” Applejack said cheerfully, maybe a little too cheerfully from Luna’s point of view, “Ah’m sure it’s not like that for all earth ponies. My kin and Ah move a lot so there ain’t much time for book learning and we only work with apples, so there ain’t much reason to learn much else. Ya know…” Applejack said smiling in a way that screamed 'fake'!

Is our education system that bad? Do we even have an education system? Wait, yes we do, but only in bigger cities like Canterlot or Pegasopolis. Are there even earth pony cities of that size? I can’t recall. Why have I never realized this? Luna was absolutely boggled by this realization. Even after all these years the three tribes were still at odds with one another. No, it wasn’t that simple. There were earth pony nobles now too, right? There is… Pudding Head! No, she died a few years ago. Um Smart Cookie! No, she’s gone too. Were they ever replaced?

This revelation troubled Luna. Next time she saw Celestia they were going to have a very serious talk. “Buck up dear Applejack!” Luna shouted cheerfully, wrapping her foreleg around the orange mare’s neck. “I shall see to it that this ‘problem’ is rectified. For any pony of the Apple clan wanting to learn I shall provide the means for them to do so. The castle staff is very well educated. We can host a school here in the castle. Will your family be open to the idea Applejack?”

“Ah reckon they’ll be up for anything you suggest Princess. Since you are a princess and all, plus you’re letting us stay here for free and I don’t think anypony wouldn't want to offend you by saying no.”

Luna hugged Applejack’s neck tightly, boldly shouting, “Excellent news! We shall commence with the preparations. Alas though they will have to wait. In all the excitement I nearly forgot what I came here to do.”

“What’s that Princess?”

“First of all call me Luna, Applejack,” Luna said pointedly. “Second you and me are going on a trip! So pack a bag of supplies for at least a week and meet me in the courtyard in an hour. I have some final preparations to attend too, but I will see if I can’t set up some sort of temporary school with the castle staff before we go.”

“Alright, but where are we going Princess, Ah mean, Luna.” Applejack inquired.

Luna trotted deep into the library, speaking to the orange mare from around the corner, “We are going to Mount Firehorn.” Luna declared dramatically, reappearing with her hoof raised.

Applejack gulped, “Mount Firehorn, you mean the same Mount Firehorn that is said to be home to dragons and other dangerous critters? That Mount Firehorn?”

“The very same, won’t it be fun?” Luna cheerfully trotted off leaving Applejack to fall to her rump with her jaw slack. She stayed like that for several minutes before pulling herself back together.

“Well, Ah guess Ah better start packing. Best get my flame proof boots.”

“Nice boots,” Luna complimented as she approached Applejack. “Vampire bat leather I assume?”

“You bet! Critters were causing a heap of hurt on our crops one year; let’s just say they won’t be again for a very long time.” Applejack chuckled darkly. No bats were gonna steal the Apple family’s crops! Or beavers for that matter, beavers made such nice hats.

Luna assessed the farm pony’s equipment. She had food, water, a small tent, a compass and other odds and ends that would be useful if the need arises.

“You are quite efficient Applejack. Not a single bit of unnecessary baggage.” Luna suppressed a chuckled at the farm pony’s new accessory. “But if I may ask, why are you wearing a beaver hat and not your regular one?”

Applejack blushed as she rubbed her neck feeling embarrassed, “That hat belonged to my Pa, it’s all I got left of him and I didn’t want it to get burned up in case we met some dragons or the wind knocks it into a volcano. Plus it’s getting chiller and this hat is better suited for colder weather. Though I guess it’ll be useless once we get to Mount Firehorn.”

“True,” Luna agreed, choosing not to address subject of Applejack’s father being dead , and instead chose to change the topic, “But it will be cold for most of the journey, so I’m sure your beaver hat will come in use. In fact,” Luna rummaged around her own pack and pulled her own possum hat out. “I will wear my own silly hat as well.”

Luna cracked a smile and waited for Applejack to stop laughing, which only took about five minutes.

“Now that we are calm, let us set out.” Luna ordered as she began cantering down the road, Applejack hot on her heels. “We will keep this pace for as long as we can. No need to go any faster or we will wear ourselves out.”

“Ok, Princess!” Applejack called from behind, having a little trouble keeping up with Luna’s longer strides.

Luna rolled her eyes and sighed, “Please Applejack, stop being so formal, especially when we’re out here on the road.”

“Ah’ll try my best, but it’s kind of a habit.”

Luna thought for a moment, when the most wonderful idea occurred to her. “Very well Applejack, as Princess I order you to break your habit of calling me Princess by the time we return the castle.”

“But!”

“What are you not up the challenge?” Luna taunted. A fierce determination appeared in Applejack’s eyes as the farm mare trotted up to Luna.

“Your darn tootin Ah’m up for the challenge! Ah never back down!”

“Good to hear. By the time of our return I will expect you to be speaking my name properly. After all I’m rather tired of being called Princess, when I am clearly named Luna.”

Applejack fluttered in her steps, but quickly recovered. She thought back to last night and the conversation she and Luna shared before they were attacked. “Do you not like being called Princess, Prin… Luna?”

Luna continued trotting in silence for a while before answering. “Well I guess a little. It is frustrating being called by a title rather than by name. My mother didn’t name me Princess Luna after all, just Luna.” Luna paused again trying to think of the best way to explain. “Being called Princess all the time, it seems that is all ponies see is just a princess and not Luna. Do you understand Applejack?”

“Ah can’t really say. Ah never experienced anything like that but… wait! You stopped speaking fancy!”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Right there that’s what Ah mean, you’re saying Ah and not we.” Applejack pointed out.

“I am? Strange, I only speak like this when I’m alone with Celestia or…”

“Or what?” Applejack inquired, her curiosity burning.

Luna turned and looked fondly at Applejack, “Or with a very good friend. We are friends Applejack, right?” Luna asked, her tone uncertain.

Applejack smiled and nodded, “You bet we are Princess!”

“I thought I said to call me Luna?”

Applejack chuckled “Ah know, Ah know. It’s going to take some getting used too is all. How about this, Ah’ll call ya Luna, you call me AJ! This way we both have to practice not being so formal around each other.”

Luna pondered the suggestion, “AJ huh? Very well, challenge accepted, Appl… AJ.”

Applejack giggled, “Not so easy is it Luna?”

Luna remained silent but smiled none the less, eventually breaking out into laughter as they trotted along.

Applejack collapsed on her bed roll with an exhausted sigh. Her hooves were so tired that they were throbbing!
Ah can’t believe Ah run that far, two hundred miles in five hours; It’s not natural! And Luna doesn’t look tried at all.
It was true, the night blue alicorn barely had any sweat on her coat as she prepared their supper. In fact Luna was hopping around enthusiastically, seeming unaffected by their travels.

“Almost done. I hope you're hungry AJ, it’s not often one enjoys a meal prepared by royalty. Though it has been awhile since I last cooked, I hope my skills haven’t dulled.” Luna shrugged; it couldn’t taste that bad she figured. “Now come and sit with me, so that I may go over your lesson for tonight.”

AJ groaned as she walked over to the campfire. It was still night or early morning judging by the slight peak of sunlight in the east. As a farm pony Applejack was used to waking up early, staying up late was another story. Between all the running and keeping up with Luna’s sleep schedule Applejack was ready to nod off right where she sat, till Luna handed her a hot cup of something.

“What’s this? Some sort of tea?” Applejack asked inspecting the dark liquid.

Luna shook her head, “No, it’s coffee; it’s meant to help keep you awake. It is a little bitter I must warn you.”

Shrugging off the warning Applejack took a sip of her coffee and gagging at the taste. “Ugh, you actually drink this stuff?”
Luna nodded and took a sip of her own brew, “Yes, it helps me stay awake. It is an acquired taste. I’m sure you will grow used to it overtime. I do have some crème you can add to make the taste more tolerable if you liked to try it.” Luna dug through her pack and removed a glass bottle fill with what looked like milk.

Applejack hesitated, wary to try a new brew again, but ultimately took the glass from Luna, “Gotta try everything at least once.” Pouring the crème into her coffee Applejack watched the black liquid turn brown. She cringed at the sight of it.

This looks like shit!

Taking a deep breath Applejack raised her glass with her hooves and drank it down quickly, emptying the cup. She stood perfectly still, analyzing the drink down to every last detail, her eyes widening as the caffeine hit her system. Her exhaustion seemed to melt away, leaving her wide awake. Better yet the drink tasted great!

“Boy howdy that’s the stuff!” Applejack exclaimed shaking in her seat. “Ah feel like Ah could run another two hundred miles!”

Luna chuckles, “As amazing as that would be. I have something better in mind. Come along, I wish to teach you something.” Luna picked up a wrapped package from her bag and led Applejack to a clearing next to their camp.
“Alright Applejack please put these on.” Luna tossed the orange mare the package.

Applejack unwrapped the cloth, four golden grieves each with a big green gem embedded in the center rolled out. Applejack gasped at the sight of them. She wasn’t one for fancy things, but the craftsmanship was simply beautiful. As Applejack put the boots on; Luna began to explain their origin.

“These grieves are made of enchanted metal by some famous blacksmith who has long since passed. I believe his name was Rare something. Anyways many years ago Celestia and I commissioned suits of armor from him for our battle with Discord. Unfortunately the armors were destroyed in our first bout, but Celestia’s boots survived. The boots you are now wearing.”

Applejack gulped and began to hesitantly remove the boots. Luna placed her hoof one the mare’s neck to calm her down. “Relax Applejack, Celestia has long since outgrown these boots and replaced them. I would have given you my boots, but they still fit me and silver would clash with your coat horribly.”

“Ah’m not one for frou-frou stuff, Luna, if you haven’t notice.”

“Yes, yes, nor am I really. still, a mare can look nice every now and then. Now, where was I? Oh yes, those boots aren’t just a fashion accessory, they were made for battle. By focusing your earth pony magic into the gems embedded into the boots you can unleash devastating attacks with mere stomp of your hoof. Observe!”

Luna stationed herself in front of a rock, allowing her magic to be visible to Applejack, when she built it up enough power she slammed her hoof against the rock, shattering it to pieces!

“You can also do this!” Luna shouted slamming her hoof against the ground, creating a shock-wave that shot across the ground for twenty feet before splitting a rock in half! “And also this!” Slamming her hooves down, Luna summoned five spikes of earth from the ground in front of her. “That last one is good for defense and offense, though lacking in range.”

“Whoa. You’re saying Ah can actually do stuff like that with mah hooves?” Applejack was awed. She knew earth ponies were stronger than the other races, breaking stones though, that wasn’t something she ever thought she could do without getting hurt. “Wow, what else can I do?”

Luna smiled as she wrapped her foreleg around Applejack, “A lot my friend, but for now, learn and master these skills first, then I will show you more.”

“You got it!” Applejack excitedly bounded over to a stone and began trying to copy Luna by punching the rock. The results…

“Ouch!”

…Weren’t quite the same.

“Remember Applejack; focus your magic, not muscles. Feel the energy and bend it to your will.” Luna advised. She settled down at the edge of the clearing, giving out hints to the farm mare when needed. Mostly she let the orange mare figure things out on her own, figuring that it would eventually click together for her.

Time and practice, the best kind of learning. I just hope it doesn’t take too much time for her to learn. Luna mused, watching Applejack strike her hoof against the stone for the hundredth time. She was about to have her call it a night when a faint green glow engulfed Applejack’s hoof as she struck the stone. A small crack appeared on the face of the rock, followed by another deeper crack. Applejack struck it again.

Yes, that’s it Applejack! You can do it!

Applejack pulled back her hoof, her body tired and worn out, but she refused to give up! With the last of her strength she swung, but a misstep had her falling forward, her hoof barely scraped against the rock. Much to her shock the entire top half of the rock exploded!

“Ah did it! Ah really did it!” Applejack joyfully cheered as she jumped to her hooves. The sudden movement made her a bit light headed, but a supportive wing stabilized her footing.

Luna beamed with pride as she led the weary orange mare back to their camp, “Well done my friend, you learned much faster than I anticipated.” Luna helped Applejack into her bedroll. “Now rest, you’ve earned it.”

For the remainder of the trip Luna and Applejack would travel and train. During their journey Applejack became more accustomed to staying awake at night, as well as its environment. Luna lectured her on the stars and their meaning, along with how they could be used for navigation. The Princess would also share stories about the constellations in the sky and her past from time to time; both of which left Applejack riveted and eager to hear more.

“We are here.” Luna declared as they came to a stop on top of a cliff. Across the rocky wastelands lied Mount Firehorn. It looked as its name suggested. A giant stone horn, almost like a unicorn's horn, towered over the landscape, spewing fire from its very tip. Applejack gulped at the sight of it.

“Are we really going there?” She asked hesitantly. Ah’m not a coward, but Ah ain’t stupid either!

Luna chuckled, “Oh heavens no! The only thing that could live there are dragons, and I assure you, we are not here for them. No, our destination lies over yonder in the mines where the Steel Hooves and Iron Shoe clans make their home.”

Applejack sighed with relief, “That’s good. Ah don’t think mah fire boots wouldn’t last long up there.”

“Quite true Applejack, now let us continue on our journey is almost over.”

Luna and Applejack trotted long the narrow path. They dodged falling rocks, loose hoof holds and other dangerous terrain till they arrived at the village gate, where they discovered that there was a newly made and much safer road that they could have used.

“I think my map needs updating.” Luna held up the map of the land that was well over fifty years old. “Oh well, at least our way was much more exciting!”

Ah think Ah've had enough excitement for one day. Ah’d be surprise if Ah don’t have some gray in mah mane. Applejack shuddered, checking her mane just in case.

As the two walked towards entrance of the town they marveled at the unique architecture of Firehorn., huge plumes of smoke poured out of the chimneys of forges as unicorn and earth ponies worked the metal ore into useful shapes. From the mine entrances carts on rails were pushed to the refinery, filled with metal ore, diamonds, gold, silver and many other minerals. At the center of it all stood a white coated unicorn mare.

Allure ran Firehorn with a caring, yet iron hoof! Her fine purple mane swished back and forth as she pointed her hoof and barked orders left and right. As she turned to address another group of ponies Luna and Applejack were shown her short cut tail and mark, which was a giant orange rupee. Two gold rings pierced her left ear.

“Come on you lazy lot! We got to get more arms ready before those creatures come back! Rawhide and Tough Hide are counting on us! Are you trying to let them down?” Allure demanded fiercely. The ponies shook their heads and doubled their work pace. “That’s the stuff! Keep it up!” She encouraged as she turned, coming face to face with Luna and Applejack.

“Oh my, visitors! How lovely. I’m sorry for not greeting you at the gate, but as you can see we are in a bit of rush around here. But please come in, come in. let’s go to my abode, so you may rest. I’m sure you are tired from your journey.” Allure trotted towards one stone building, carved in the shape of three diamonds; two on the bottom and one on top. “Welcome to my humble home. I know it’s not much, but please make yourselves comfortable while I make some refreshments. Is cider ok with you two?”

“Cider would be fine, thank you for your generosity,” Luna politely said as she and Applejack took a seat at the table in the room. As Allure poured the cider they looked around at the decoration on the walls. Gems of many sizes and shapes were embedded in the stone structure, a stone staircase lead up to what they assumed was the bed room and through an open door they spotted a bunch of mannequins with armor on them.

“Here we go, one for you, one for you, and one for me.” Allure sang, handing each of them their cider. She took the seat across from them and raised her mug. “To new friends! Huzzah!” The three clanged their mugs together and drank down contents.

“Ah, that hits the spot!” Allure said with a burp. She blushed as she moved her mane out of her eyes. “Sorry, how uncouth of me, and I haven’t even asked you your names yet or given you mine! Oh dear, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s alright. We didn’t introduce ourselves either, so it’s all good.” Applejack assured the white mare. “Ah’m Applejack and this here is Princess Luna.” Applejack pointed to the regal mare, though she wondered how Allure didn’t realize Luna was a princess right away, till she remembered Luna’s wings were covered by her saddlebags.

Allure reared back in her seat, her eyes wide and filled with shock! “A princess… I have a princess in my home! This is… this is the… most wonderful day of my life!” Allure took Luna’s hooves in her own and shook them vigorously. “It so nice to meet you your Highness. I’m Allure Steelhorn, daughter of Raritan Steelhorn, my father made you and your sister’s armor nearly fifty years ago! This is so exciting! To think I would be meeting you myself! Whatever it is you need you can count on me to make it!”

She's enthusiastic and Raritan’s daughter. Ugh, I can’t believe I forgot the name of the stallion that made my armor! I am so ashamed! Luna took a calming breath. She lived for a long time; no one could fault her for not remembering every pony she came across. During Discord's reign things were chaotic and remembering one pony’s name wasn’t something that she had to time to do. Still I feel bad forgetting him, even if the notion is silly. On that note… how old is this mare? Never mind, best not to bring it up.

“So if your father made Luna’s armor fifty years ago…” Applejack interrupted.

Dammit Applejack!

“How do you look so young?” Applejack asked with skeptical eye. She may not be good at math, but these numbers weren’t adding up. “Ah mean you don’t look any older than me.”

Allure politely smiled and answered, “And how old are you Lady Applejack?”

Applejack’s eye narrowed at the way she said ‘lady’, but held her tongue. “Ah’m twenty summers old.”

“Well I am twenty five years old; my father was only fifteen when he crafted the armor. Ten years later he found his special somepony and I was born and here I am twenty five years later; simple to understand, no?” Allure said a little haughty. Applejack’s cheeks burned red as she began her retort.

“AH-hmph!”

Luna quickly placed her hoof over Applejack’s mouth before she could retort. From their travels Luna learned Applejack had quite foul mouth when she felt like she was being insulted. A group of pesky squirrels had been the center of the farm mare's ire after they stole her breakfast one morning.

“Ok, let’s get on to business shall we?” Luna suggested pointedly to the mares. Both of them turned away from each other, crossing their forelegs in a huff. They looked at one another for a full minute before shaking hooves. “Good, now Miss Allure, I have a business proposition for not just for you, but your entire village. I have recently decided to create a militia of sorts and I am in need of armor and weapons, as well as ponies to fill the ranks. I can pay you a fair wage and give you constant work and I would only need a few of your herd to stay at the castle to deal with armor and weapons repair. You would be allowed to rotate the personal as you see fit. How does that sound?”

Allure chewed her lip nervously taking several deep long breaths and then suddenly stood and began to pace the room. Her face shifting from joyous to dread for several seconds before she stopped in the middle of the room and smiled at the two of them.

“If you do would excuse me for a moment, I need to go upstairs.” Luna and Applejack sat in silence as Allure disappeared, several seconds passed when a very happy and very loud squee of joy came from above. “I can’t believe this is happening! This is the best day of my life!”

Luna couldn’t help but smile as Allure worked through her emotions. Nearly five minutes later when Allure came back down with a pen and paper looking only a bit fluttered as she entered the display room. She was in there for another five minutes and came back to the table and sat down. Pretending like nothing had happened.

“Your request is doable, a simple task for our clans, but…” Allure hesitated; chewing nervously on the edge of her hoof as she struggled to find the words. “But it may be awhile before we can set things in motion. We have numerous orders to fill for the ponies of Prance, Saddle Arabia, and the Germania Trakehner ponies. We are just not in a place to fill your order right away, especially with the recent trouble with…” Allure quickly shoved her hoof in her mouth, but it was too late.

Luna leaned across the table so her face was only a few inches away from Allure’s, “Recent trouble with what, my dear? Please tell me.” Luna asked, deeply concerned for her subjects.

Allure lowered her hoof, “Well... there have been attacks on our food supplies and gem reserves. The food is easily replaceable, we usually just trade or buy more, but the amount of gems being stolen is troubling. Without them we can’t buy or trade, since the vast majority of our gems go to the dragons on Mount Firehorn.”

“Why are ya giving Dragon’s your gems?” Applejack interrupted.

“Because Dragons eat gems, we give them some gems and they let us take their scale shedding for our armor; they also allow us to live here. This is their territory after all. We’ve been mining here for years and have finally set up a permanent home, but at this rate we won’t even have enough resources to start another mine in time for the dragons tribute. If we don’t pay the tribute, who knows what they’ll do! Dragons aren’t known for being nice or reasonable.” Allure began to tear up and choke on her breath, only calming down when Luna placed her hoof on her shoulder.

“We will do whatever we can to help your ponies Allure.” Luna assured the white mare. “How long has this been going on? Have you taken any measures to protect your stores? Do you have any clue about who could be stealing from you?”

Allure wiped her eyes, “The robberies started over two months ago. Somepony claims to have seen some sort of creature run off the other night towards the peaks overlooking the town. Two of our fore-ponies, Rawhide, and Tough hide went up to investigate and report back. That was three days ago and they were supposed to be back yesterday. The mountain where the suspects are isn’t so big that it can’t be climbed in a day or two if you know where you’re going and trust me those two know these mountains like it’s their own leg.”

I never imagined things would ever be this bad. What happened to the monthly reports? Surely Celestia must be aware of this or if not her some official! And if they were why wasn’t I informed? This is why we have a system in place! Luna sighed mentally. Another matter I will address with Celestia. Now is not the time for pointing hooves, but for action!
“Fear not Allure, Applejack and I will go check on your foremen and resolve this matter. You just do your best to get that tribute ready and keep yourselves fed.”

Allure smiled gratefully, “Thank so much your Highness, I will prepare you a map and some supplies. Feel free to try on some of my wares, they could come in handy, and there is a swordsmith across the way if you need weapons.”

“Just Luna is fine, and thank you for the offer, but I’m afraid a full suit of armor would only slow us down. If you have some light armor available that would suit our needs just fine.”

“The lighter armor is located towards the back, please have a look. I’ll be right back with a map.” Allure trotted outside and disappeared into the bustle of the town.

Wordlessly Luna walked into the armor store room, Applejack trailing behind her. She paused to inspect the heavy and mid weight armors, admiring their crafthoofship. She really is Raritan’s daughter; the design looks the similar as my old armor. In fact these pieces look better than my armor, sleeker and less bulky. I may have to take a suit home when we're done here.

In the back was the lighter armor Luna was searching for. They were half pieces covering only certain parts of the body, mainly the shoulders, flanks and chest area. Leather padding made up the rest of the armor as well as some chain mail.
Luna rubbed her chin as she inspected the selection, till she spotted one piece she liked. “I believe this would suit you best Applejack, please try it on.”

Applejack took the armor and looked about for a place to change. She glanced away nervously as she asked, “Will right here do? Ah don’t see a place to dress.”

“I see no problem, we are both mares after all, no need to be embarrassed, plus we don’t normally wear clothes.” Luna reminded the farm mare. Applejack blushed and looked away.

“Oh right, Ah forgot. Ah just thought it wouldn’t be proper for me to dress in front of you, you being a princess in all. It’s bad manners in my family.”

What strange way of thinking. Luna thought as she watched Applejack try to put on the armor, try being the key word. “Here let me help you, these things can be rather tricky at times.”

“Ah... thank you,” Applejack stuttered as Luna’s hooves wandered over her coat, tightening buckles and setting the leather straps just right so they wouldn’t bind when she moved.

“Done!” Luna chimed gleefully as she looked Applejack over with a critical eye. “Yes, this was indeed a good choice; it’s almost if it was made for you.”

The armor was made into three parts. The first part was a form fitting dark blue bodysuit the same shade of Luna coat. The suit extended from Applejack’s neck; covering her torso, flank, and traveling down her legs before stopping above her knees. a leather harness was placed over the suit, allowing the metal shoulder and flank plates to be mounted on. The metal was obsidian in color and matched Luna’s crown. Finally two saddle bags attached to the harness and leather headband with metal studs wrapped around Applejack’s head. The farm mare no longer looked a like a plain Jane country mare, but a warrior ready for battle!

“Simply perfect, I’m definitely bringing this piece back with us. Now it is my turn to pick.” Luna searched the racks again and was quickly drawn to a set of obsidian shoulder and flank protectors. She quickly strapped on a harness for pegasus for her wings, locked the armor in, and placed her star blades in the holsters attached to the harness. “All set, let’s go check on Allure and be off. The sooner we rid the town these troublemakers the better.”

Applejack wordlessly nodded and followed the Princess outside.

Allure had just finished gathering the supplies she promised when Luna and Applejack exited her house. They were a very imposing sight, making the workers pause and stare while the fillies and colts of the town whispered in awe with big excited eyes filled with wonder.

They came to a stop in front of her, Luna extending a hoof, “The map please.”

“Of course, Princess,” Allure floated the map over to the Princess of the Night and kneeled, the rest of the town ponies followed her example. “We thank you for your help Princess. Safe travels on your quest.”

“Thank you, but leave the praise until we’ve rid your town of these troublemakers.” With that Luna turned and started heading towards the path up the cliffs. Applejack did a slight bow to the town folk and left to follow Luna.

When the two where high above the town Applejack let out a long breath she hadn’t realized she been holding. “That was intense. It felt like they were looking at me like Ah was some kind of hero of something.”

“In their eyes you are a hero, Applejack The brave knight accompanying her princess into a dangerous situation with no guarantee of coming back.” Luna looked coyly at the orange mare. “This is not the first time you’ve followed me head long into danger, why are you so nervous now?”

“Last time Ah was desperate to save my kin. Ah would have done anything to get them back.” Applejack paused as they approached the top of the path and looked down at the town. “This time Ah’m helping strangers. Not just that but some of them are unicorns. Ah never thought Ah’d be doing something like this to be honest with ya.”

Luna was surprised by Applejack’s words and worked to keep her face neutral when she asked the troubling question on her mind, “Do you dislike Unicorns, Applejack?” Come to think of it that could be why her and Allure started that little squabble. Are the relationships between the tribes that bad even among commoners?

Do Ah dislike unicorns? Ah never really talked to one before today. All Ah know about them is from mah kin and they never really spoke nice about them always talking about how unicorns swindled them and such. But these unicorns are different, they were working with earth ponies and just trying to get by, like me and mah family.

Applejack smiled as she reached to conclusion and answered the princess, “No ah don’t hate unicorns. Ah just never… knew any all that well before is all.”

Luna closed her eyes and smiled, “I see. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know them more as we go. For now let us continue on. We have a ways to go to finish our quest.”

“Right behind ya Princess!” Applejack hollered, running to catch up with the Princess.

Author's Note

Chapter two, everybody, please review and let me know what think. I hope I managed to get Luna and AJ's characters right, I should because they are my favorites. And for those of you wondering, Allure is the Rarity of this time. Rarity isn't my favorite of the mane six, but I do respect her character.

Rinin?

Luna rounded another bend in the trail and came to a flat open space with more paths branching off from the one she was on. She checked the map, looking to see which of the multiple pathways they needed to take. A red line marks the planned path the fore-ponies of Firehorn were supposed to have followed.

They could have gone another way. Something could have drawn their attention and taken them off course. From the map Luna could see that many cave entrances were marked out, but who knew how many more were unmarked. This would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

“How are you fairing Applejack?” Luna asked the earth pony as she came round the bend. The orange mare looked exhausted from their trek, not that Luna could blame her. A climb such as this would be hard for even a seasoned climber. Being weighed down with gear and armor as she was, Applejack was doing well to keep pace with her.

Applejack panted for breath as she sat down to rest. The higher altitude making the air much thinner than the earth pony was used to.

“Ah’m fine princess, Ah'm just a little winded.” A brisk wind whines through the valley, making both mares shiver. “And chilly, can’t forget that. At least mah feathers are coming in so mah hooves should stay nice and toasty for a while.”

“Feathers?” Luna questioned, turning to the orange mare with a raised brow. Applejack raised her foreleg and showed blond hairs growing on the base of her legs.

“Yep, feathers, mah Grandma was a shire pony, runs in the family. Every time around winter Ah start growing these here hairs on mah legs and shed them in spring. Like Ah said their real toasty and soft as silk too.” Applejack demonstrated by rubbing her hoof long Luna’s neck.

That is soft. I wonder if there’s a spell that would allow me to grow feathers of my own? Luna muses. “A very handy gene to have in one’s bloodline, I’m jealous.” The two share a smile before becoming serious again. “On to more pressing matters. We need to choose a route, and I’m not sure we can trust the map. The fore-ponies could have taken an alternate path, and we would be none the wiser. We could wander up here for days and not find them if we take the wrong path.”

“Couldn’t you just fly up and look for them? It would be faster, and I could check one of the other trails well you’re at it.” Applejack suggested.

Luna shook her head. “I could, but the wind and clouds up here make it too hard to fly and conduct a proper search. Let us not forget it’s not just us and the fore-ponies up here. The thieves are here as well, and we know nothing of their ability or numbers. I fear they are cleverer than our last opponents. Tis wiser to stay together.”

“Ah suppose your right when ya put it like that.” Applejack approached the trail carefully, looking around the small mound of soft dirt that lay on the path.

“What are you doing?” Luna asked.

“Ah’m looking for their trail, hoof prints and such, to see which way the might have gone, it’s tough though with all this hard rock around here. Especially since the trail is already a few days old.”

“I see. I shall leave you to then since I have little experience in this field.”

“You don’t know how to track?” Applejack exclaimed, “How can you be over a thousand years old and not know how to track?”

Luna shrugged, looking unfazed by her outburst. “I never took the time learn.”

Well Ah suppose since she’s teaching me stuff, Ah can do the same, only proper. “Well come over here then and Ah’ll show ya.”

Luna trotted over to her with a spring of excitement in her step. The princess of the night was utterly focused as Applejack explained the basics of tracking and looking for signs of disturbed earth and other tips and tricks. By the end of their little lesson, they deduce that the fore-ponies had taken the trail leading to the tallest part of the mountain and set off once again.

The trail was rough, rougher than the previous one. In fact, it could hardly be considered a trail at all. At several points Luna and Applejack had to jump from platform to platform to continue. A few times Luna had to fly them across, making the two wonder how the fore-ponies got across, or if they even took this path at all.

“I think we might have guessed wrong,” Luna said as they climbed the ridge up to the summit of the mountains. The map said there was an abandoned mine at the top of the plateau.

Applejack nodded in agreement, “You may be right, but we’re already here, so we might as well check and see if there’s another path that leads down or something.”

“Agreed,” Luna led the way, the wind roaring in her ears, making it hard to hear, which was why they probably didn’t hear the commotion at the summit where the remnants of the former mining town stood before seeing it with their own eyes. Both mares starred in surprise as a dozen or more dark colored ponies with scales instead of coats and leathery wings surrounded two stallions in armor similar to their own. They were probably the fore-ponies.

One stallion was a tan unicorn with a shortcut blue mane, wearing shoulder and flank plate armor. The other was a big red earth pony with dark orange hair, wearing a scarf and shoulder armor. The two stood flank to flank, facing opposite directions. Both looked worse for wear, covered in cuts and bruises. The earth stallion's right eye had a large cut over it with blood running down his face.

A red pony-like creature broke from the pack snapping its jaws viciously as it tried to chomp on the red stallion’s shoulder. The earth pony stallion thrust his shoulder forwards, hitting the red creature on the nose. It stumbled back, blood running down its muzzle. As it snarled its chest began to glow ballooning as fire spewed from between it’s fangs.

“Watch out!” the unicorn cried, creating a shield just in the nick of time to block the stream of flames that would have roasted both of them alive. Another creature, this one a gray color with an orange mane came barreling in towards their exposed flank. The earth pony whirled around, swinging his pickaxe blindly the gray creature flying out of range of the attack.

The flames died away, and the unicorn dropped the shield to fire at the ashen creature while the earth stallion brought his pickaxe around to attack the red beast, the two stallions keeping each other's blind spots covered.

Six more of the creatures dived down to attack both sides of the stallions, ramming them and dogpiling atop of the two miners. For a moment it seemed the two studs were finally taken down until suddenly one creature was flung from the pile and then another and then a third as the stallions fought their way to the top. The earth stallion swung his pickaxe, hitting a creature in the head with the flat of the pickaxe. The beast let out a loud whimper as it retreated back into the pack.

The stallions realigned themselves, ready for the next wave. The creatures began to steadily back away.

Their teamwork and defense were nearly flawless! I haven’t seen anything like it in years. Luna took note of the attacking creatures’ condition, seeing many of them sporting wounds of their own. A few look like they had broken legs. Yet they still fight, why? Better yet what are they? They look like bat ponies, but they live in the caves far in the east. Bat ponies also don’t have scales. These ponies look more like pony dragons than anything… what a minute could they be Rinin?

The rinin all began to growl, their chests glowing with magic, they intended to attack the fore-ponies all at once!

“Applejack! With me!” Luna ordered as she charged towards the circle of Rinin. “As princess of the night, we order you all to stand down now!” She demanded, her Canterlot voice raised to its fullest volume. Both sides stumble to a halt as the two mares rush in, taking up position beside the stallions. The Rinin cautiously began backing away from the four, then suddenly they all unfolded their wings and swarmed into the sky, roaring as they circled once around the four before retreating into the nearby caves. The four ponies were left standing alone in the abandoned town.

“Well, that was weird. Reckon you scared them off, princess?” Applejack inquired as she kept an eye on the caves, in case it was a ruse to throw them off guard.

Luna frowned, feeling uncertain about the situation. “I do not know Applejack.” A raindrop fell from the sky, and thunder roared in the distance. A storm was rolling in, and fast. “Whatever the cause we must seek shelter. One of these buildings should suffice for now.” As Luna began to walk away, she noticed the two stallions remain rooted where they stood. They looked worriedly at her. “What is wrong?” She asked, “Come with us to shelter so we can better acquaint with one another.”
The earth pony stallion scratched his head, pulling a piece of hay from the folds of his scarf, “Sorry ma’am, just... ah never thought Ah’d see a princess all the way up here, it's taking a little bit to process.”

The Unicorn rolled his eyes, “What my brother means is it’s a pleasure to meet you Princess Luna and... Applejack was it? We’d be happy to join. I’m Tough Hide by the way, and this big brute is my quote ‘twin’ brother Rawhide.”

“Ah was getting to introducing mah self-Tough,” Rawhide said irritably, “Ah’m just saying it’s not every day you see a princess on top of a mountain scaring off a bunch of nasty critters with nothing but her voice. Ah’d always figured- and ah mean no offense when ah say- ah thought you’d be up in that fancy city of Canterlot all the time. Figuring yawl be too busy running things to come all the way out here yourselves.”

The rain began to pour down, soaking the four ponies instantly, Luna sighed as her mane was instantly drenched, making it sag and touch the muddy ground. That’s just great! “Yes, we’re on a mountain. Now can we please go to that shelter over there?” She pointed irritably to one of the last structurally stable buildings.

“Agreed,” Replied the brothers as they all made a mad dash for the building, which happens to be some sort of motel. It was a two-story building half made of wood- how they ever found enough up here was beyond any of them- and the other half carved out of a large rock formation. The kitchen and storehouse were carved into the rock, along with a quarter turned stairway that leads to the second floor. The second story was made of wood with four bedrooms with old ratty beds in each. There was nothing editable left in the storehouse, but there were coal and flint along with some oil in the storeroom. Eager to dry off they lit a fire in the iron stove. While they warmed their chilled bodies Applejack passed out what little rations they had, giving the brothers some cheese and apples.

Rawhide was making his way through a granny smith apple when he asked, “So what brings you two all the way up here? Ah, doubt you came all the way up here just for us.”

“Actually, it is just that,” Applejack’s answer made the two brothers pause.

“You can’t be serious?” Blurted Rawhide. “Why would ya do that?”

“I’m sure they have their reasons brother.” Tough hide interjected, earning a glare from his sibling.
Luna cleared her throat breaking up their silent fight. “We originally came to get a contract for some armor, but after hearing of your town's… problem, I decided to lend a hoof and came up to look for you and discover what creatures were plaguing the town. I must say I was rather surprised.”

“Ya know what those things are Luna?” Applejack asked. "They looked like Pegasi. Well more like monster Pegasi."
Taking a deep breath, Luna prepared herself, “I thought they were only a myth, but the creatures you fought today are called Rinin. They are dragon pony hybrids.”

“Dragon ponies?” Rawhide interrupted with disbelief, “You can’t be serious. Dragons have such huge… ya know… and ponies are so small. Either way Ah don’t see that working.”

“Maybe when they’re teenage dragons? They are closer to pony size.” Tough hide suggested, “Even if such a strange mating ritual did happen, I doubt it’s happened enough to have that many of these Rinin flying around. If so we would have run into them much sooner than now, our clans have been in these mountains for generations, and we have no records or even scary stories of such creatures.”

“Aren’t your kin really friendly with the dragons though?” Applejack asked, thinking back to what Allure had told them earlier. Tough hide shook his head.

“Being in business with dragons isn’t the same as being friendly. We barely speak with them, let alone mate with them! Besides, no pony could hide such a thing for very long without somepony noticing, especially in such a small town like ours.”
“Ugh, good point,” Applejack conceded. “Say, why were you all so late getting back anyway? Allure was mighty worried about you two.”

Rawhide shrugged, “The ah… Rinin, as you call them took out a ledge on the path to get up here. He maybe my brother, but I don’t trust Tough to levitate me across.”

“I only dropped you once and that was when we were colts!”

“Yeah and I weigh three times as much now. Anyway, we had to backtrack to the other side of the mountain. There are a couple narrow slopes there you can use to get up here, takes a lot of extra time, but it safer and they’re not as easy to destroy.”

Luna rubbed her temple fiercely, “We are getting off track. As I was saying, Rinin are dragon pony hybrids that were thought to be a myth Given the proof I’ve seen with my own eyes, we all know that they are in fact not a myth. That being said, we know nothing about them, but given what we do know, I think I know why they are stealing from the village.”

“You do?” The brothers asked in unison. Luna nodded as she went into what she called Celestia’s lecture mode.

“Yes. Now as we all know dragons eat gems and ponies eat fruit, vegetables, etc. Since gems and food were being stolen, we can assume the Rinin eat both gems and traditional pony food. It’s hard to say how their biology works, but they must need both to get the nutrients they need for both sides of their genes.”

“But why steal? Why not ask or trade for the gems or grow their own food?” Tough hide asked.

“They may have nothing to trade, and like Pegasi, they may not know how to grow food, nor can they mine like earth ponies and unicorns can. Besides, if a group of them wondered into your town could you say you wouldn’t be afraid of their appearance? There must be a reason they’re up here, and I’m afraid to think of what it is.” Luna looked out the window to the moon, finding comfort in its presence even if she couldn’t see it through the storm. “Let us rest. I will cast a spell that will alert us if anything tries to enter this building while we sleep. Tomorrow we go into the caves and resolve this matter. They seem to have intelligence, meaning we should be able to come to a favorable agreement.”

“And what if they’re just mindless beasts?” Rawhide asked. “What will we do then?”

“We will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, all you go get some sleep I will join you upstairs after I secure our location.” The two brothers said their good nights and trotted up the stairs, their heavy hoofsteps making a racket on the wooden floor. Luna’s horn glowed as she began casting her spell. As she worked, she took note that Applejack hadn’t moved. “Is there something I can help you with Applejack?”

The orange mare rubbed her growing feathers nervously, looking away from the princess. “Ah don’t know Luna. Ah’m just… worried is all. What if we can’t reason with those Rinin? What will we do with them? Their hurting so many lives, but they’re just trying to survive like everypony else. Ah....ah don’t want to hurt them is what ah’m trying to say.”

Oh Applejack what a kind heart you have. Luna walked over and wrapped a leg around Applejack, bringing her in for a hug. She’s such a brave and mature pony that I forget how young and inexperienced she truly is sometimes.

“I won’t lie Applejack, it is a real possibility that we may have to fight them, but rest assured I will do what I have to to make sure it doesn’t come to that.” Don’t make promises you can’t keep Luna. A voice whispered in the back her mind. “Now go and rest, I will join you shortly.”

“Ok, see ya in the morning.” Applejack yawned and trotted up the stairs. Her hooves were much quieter than the brothers, Luna appreciates the mercy on her ears as she finishes her spell. Using her wings to fly silently up the stairs she entered the last remaining room at the end of the hall.

The bed wasn’t anywhere near as comfortable as her bed back at the castle, but it was still a little bit better than the floor. Not by much though. She sighed as she folded her wings to lie down. She felt the warmth of something nearby and grabbed on to it, pulling it close. So nice and warm….Zzzzz…

When Luna woke up she realized two things. One, the sun was up and the moon was gone, which meant Celestia had lowered it for her. Two, she was holding Applejack like a teddy bear. How in Equestria did this happen? I was sure this room was empty!

Carefully not to disturb the sleeping mare, Luna carefully unwrapped her forelegs from Applejack’s neck and began to slowly ease herself out of bed. I’m not sure what I’m so embarrassed about. We are both mares and friends, but… umm Ahh… I got nothing. No, wait… awkward… yes, this is awkward, and it will be even more awkward if she wakes up and I’m still here!

Just as Luna was close to being home free, Applejack threw her hooves around her neck and burrowed in Luna’s mane. Oh moon pies! Could they get any worse? The sound of hooves against wood made Luna aware that the Hide brothers were awake. Sorry Applejack…

Clearing her throat Luna prepared her ‘wake up Celestia voice,’ or as Celestia nicknamed it ‘the Canterlot voice from Tartarus.’ Taking a deep breath, Luna unleashed her secret weapon.

“TIS TIME TO WAKE THEE UP APPLEJACK, RAISE AND SHINE!”

“Guaha!” Was Applejack’s response as she flew ten feet up into the air, giving Luna the few precious seconds she needed to get out of the bed and play innocent.

After a light breakfast of oats, Luna, Applejack, and the brothers made their way to the caves, With Applejack still reeling from Luna’s wake up call. When asked why she did it, Luna replied, “We were in a mood for a prank, and it seemed rude to pull one on ponies we just met yesterday. Friends are fair game, however.” The three bought her excuse, and Luna promised not to wake Applejack in such a manner again. Though the princess of the night would be sleeping with one eye open for a while, Applejack may not seem like the revenge type, but after years of Celestia’s counter pranks, she wasn’t taking any chances.

“We are here.” Tough Hide announced, drawing Luna out her elaborate counter plans to whatever Applejack may or may not be planning. The cave entrance was one of the old mine shafts, rotting timbers held up the ceiling, several lanterns remains swung gently on iron hooks, and a busted railway ran in the center with a few mine carts on the track filled with dirt and rocks.

“Charming isn’t it?” Luna said jokingly.

“Our great uncle died in this mine.” Rawhide deadpanned. Causing an awkward cricket chirping moment.

Luna coughed, passing a sideways glance at the cricket to shut it up, once it complied she summoned a ball of light on the tip of her horn and walked into the mine shaft. “Let us be off now and get this over with. No need to make the townsfolk worry longer then they have to, right?” The other three nod and follow her into the darkness.

It was dark alright. The light of Luna and Tough Hide’s horns barely light their way, and several times one of them almost set their hoof down on some pointy rusty object long abandoned. As they traveled deeper, they came across a few old storage shacks.

Finding hoofprints in the dirt, Tough Hide and Rawhide entered one of the shacks to investigate. After a brief, tense moment of silence, they give the all-clear for Luna and Applejack to enter. Inside they found the brothers messing with a lantern, Tough Hide lighting it with a small flame from his horn. The three sources of light were enough to clearly illuminate the room which had several blanket rolls laid out like beds.

“I thought this was a storage shack?” Applejack said looking puzzled in the lantern light. “Looks more like a bedroom to me. Real squished ones too, there must be about fifteen blanket rolls in here.”

“It is a storage shack,” Rawhide rebuked, holding the lantern up to the east wall to reveal a smaller room of tools with a big iron box tucked away in the corner. “No sane miner would sleep in a mine.” He held the lantern up to the hole in the wall where another room has been dug out. “These claw marks say they made the room bigger and were using it for sleeping quarters. The bed rolls even have our clan mark on them. We must be getting close.” Rawhide entered the storage area, inspecting the pickaxes and shovels. “These have been recently used.” He noted.

Applejack walked up beside him looking curious. “Do you think they tried mining for gems themselves first?”

Rawhide chewed his lip. “Maybe.”

Tough Hide and Luna exited the addition each levitating several jars. Both earth ponies not realizing the two had walked past them. “Well, I found some of our food. Some jarred peaches and carrots probably stole them from…” Tough Hide froze his eyes fixed at the iron box next to Applejack. Is that what I think it is?” Tough hide asked, inspecting the box for himself.
“It is indeed.” Rawhide replied as he stepped around the confused mare, “Open it up Tough.”

As Tough began working his magic on the locks Luna entered the room. “What are you two up too?” Luna asked, a little unnerved by the amount of sharp pointy objects in the room. Some pony could get hurt in here.

“Getting some insurance. We’ll go along with your peace plan, but in case things go south we’ll want what’s in this here box for protection.” Rawhide answered just as Tough got the last lock off.

“And just what is this insurance?” Luna asks making her way over to the box for a closer look. Her jaw dropped from what she saw. Rows and rows of short red sticks. “This is…”

“Dynamite,” Tough finishes for her, placing a dozen sticks in his saddle bag. “This batch is a little old, but it should still have some pop to it. You find any flint Rawhide?”

“Yep,” The red stallion replied, holding his hoof up and showing off a flint and steel brace adorning his leg.

Luna looked worriedly between the two stallions. “Is this really necessary? You could bring the mine down on our heads.”
“We know princess, trust us we know, we are miners after all.” Tough Hide reminded her, “We know how to dig a mine and how to bring it down. This here dynamite is just to make sure those creatures don’t try to swarm us. I’m sure they like living just as much as we do. I suppose a magic blast would do just as well, but there are certain stones down here that can negate magic, so this makes for a good back up.”

“Yeah, we learned what not to do when Uncle Stout Hide blew himself up.” Chuckled Rawhide.

“Is that the same Uncle you said died here?” Applejack asked in concern. Rawhide nodded, which only increased her unease. “Um… Luna?”

Luna frowned as she thought back to the stone cyclops she had fought, “There are anti-magic stones down here?”
Rawhide raised a brow at the question, “Where else do you get stones? Though I suppose you could make em’ with your magic or something. You can do that, right Princess?”

“No, that’s more alchemy then magic.” Rawhide shrugged and walked out of the tool shack, Applejack following nervously behind him.

“I suppose that’s enough TNT, shall we get going, princess?” Tough Hide asked as he locked the iron box. Luna nodded and they reenter the tunnel.

The four continue down the dark tunnel, it was eerie, to say the least. There was no sound other than that of their own hooves. For all the Rinin they saw yesterday they expected to see at least one of the creatures by now. They had been traveling for almost two hours, maybe longer, it was hard to tell down here.

I still feel the sun in the sky, so it’s still daytime. I am worried about those three and these cramped tunnels. I won’t be able to fight to my fullest. Hopefully, the Rinin prove to be reasonable. I’d rather we not fight, but if they are just trying to survive then what will we do with them after this? Could they live in town? Will the city accept them? Will anypony take them?

The three tribes’ relations were still strained. There were a few towns where two of the three tribes manage to work together, but all three? None as far as Luna knew. Many Earth ponies still resented the treatment their ancestors were subjected to by the Unicorn and Pegasi tribes back before the time she and Celestia came to power. Many in the Pegasi tribe didn’t like the overwhelming Political control the Unicorns held in the government and were made to pay the same land taxes as the Earth ponies, despite the majority of Pegasi settlements being in the clouds. Finally, the Unicorn’s, many in the noble class, held to the ‘master race’ complex and looked down on both the earth and the pegasi tribes as inferior. The fact the rinin were half dragon, dragons a long-standing foe of ponykind, wouldn’t earn them any favors in the eyes of the other tribes.

“Look up ahead! a light!” Applejack pointed, knocking Luna out of her musing. At the end of the tunnel was a beam of sunlight pouring down from the ceiling.

“It must be the main junction, the center point of the mine; it’s where all the tunnels connect.” Rawhide explained as they exited the tunnel and entered the large open chamber. it was dark save for the light from above, and also the hundreds of glowing eyes from the surrounding tunnels. “Ah think we found ‘em.”

“Indeed we have,” Luna whispered. “You three stay here. I will speak with them.”

“Ah’m going with ya,” Applejack insisted, firmly standing next to the princess. Rather than fight with the stubborn mare, Luna simply smiled allowing Applejack to company her. The mare had proved to be good luck in their last adventure, perhaps the same will be here.

“We got your backs. Besides, I doubt we’d be a welcome sight for them.” Tough Hide said as he and Rawhide took up a position at the tunnel entrance, making sure to stay in the darkness of the tunnel. They had a couple of sticks of dynamite ready and waiting in case things went south. Luna only hoped their preparations wouldn’t stir the Rinin into a frenzy.
Luna walked to the center of the junction and adjusted her voice for the echo of the caves. She didn’t want them to think her greeting was an attack. “Hello, ponies of… this mine. I am Princess Luna, ruler of the night. I have come here to speak to you of your actions against the town of Firehorn. Your thievery is hurting the ponies there, and it needs to stop. I wish to discuss how we can resolve this matter in peace.”

From the shadows of one of the other tunnels a large Rinin stallion emerged. Standing as tall as Luna, his coat was grey, while his scales were silvery blue, along with his eyes. He slowly walked towards Luna and Applejack, stopping about five feet away. His hackles raised as he growled at them.

“Get out! Leave us be!” He barked, crouching into an aggressive stance. Luna cursed herself for letting him get so close, he could clear the space between them before she even had a chance to cast a spell or draw her weapons.

She carefully moved in front of Applejack while continuing to speak in a calm, neutral voice. “I can’t do that. Now please, I wish to speak with you peacefully.. Are you the leader of your group?”

The Rinin didn’t back down or change his stance. “I am.”

“What’s your name?” Luna asked, stepping closer. The rinin backed away and dug his claws into the ground, his muscles tense. He was spooked, she would need to play this carefully. “Applejack back away, Rawhide, Tough Hide stay where you are. Everything is ok.”

“I think we have different opinions on that!” Rawhide shouted from the tunnel. She heard hoofsteps, but couldn’t tell which way they were coming from with the echo. Suddenly several more Rinin stepped out of the darkness, standing beside their leader defensively. Slowly she counted without moving her eyes. Four, maybe two more on the ceiling above. “You all stay back!” Rawhide yelled as he rushed ahead, the sound of the flint lighter striking.

“Everypony stay calm!” Luna ordered as Tough Hide also ran out with his brother. The two stallions flanked Applejack who was only four feet behind her. Suddenly something dropped down from the ceiling. Luna strained to look without turning her head and was dismayed to find their exit blocked. The Rinin began to growl, their chests glowing as they built flames inside their bellies. Tough Hide floated several pieces of dynamite while Rawhide waited with the striker, both of them looking nervous as the dragon ponies surrounded them.

“What are we going to do Luna?” Applejack whispered frightenedly.

Luna frowned. “Everypony, please just calm down! We don’t need to resort to violence!”

The red Rinin beside Sixes viciously snapped his jaws, smoke pouring from his nostrils as he seethed, “There’s already been violence!”

“There wouldn’t have been if you vermin hadn’t been stealing our food and gems!” Rawhide barked back. Both the miners and the rinin began to growl, inching closer to one another.

Luna stood her ground, if she backed away now, they’d attack for sure and then they’d all die. “Then let’s not resort to anymore. As far as I know, no pony has been killed yet. We can still settle this peacefully. Now you, what is your name Rinin Leader? This will go much smoother if we can actually address each other properly.”

The Rinin leader rose up from his battle stance, eyes darting around, analyzing the situation and seeing the mutual destruction that would come if things didn’t cool down and quick.

“My name is Sixes.” He answered. With his tail, he tapped the red rinin beside him and gestured for him to move back. The red rinin growled and snapped but did concede and stepped away, as did the others save for the one guarding the exit.

Luna sighed, visibly relaxing, “Good now we can…”

“Wait, Sixes? Like the number?” Applejack blurted out, causing Luna to cringe, thinking negations had already failed. It’s happened before; turns out foreign leaders get really offended if you mispronounced their name or you think it sounds funny. Before Luna could start yelling for Rawhide and Tough hide to light the fuses Sixes chuckled.

“Yes, little pony, like the number, or rather 6666 to be more precious. However that gets to be a mouth full, so ponies have just started calling me Sixes. Now, I believe we have more serious matters to discuss.” Sixes said, turning his attention to Luna. “I believe you are here about, our… appropriating of the town's supplies.”

“Indeed, you must know what you are doing is wrong and the danger you are putting the town in. Surely we can come to a peaceful solution?”

Sixes frowned, “If it were that easy Princess, we would have done it, but it is complicated.”

“How so? If you are willing, we can go down to town and resolve the problem now, and arrange it so you won’t have to steal anymore. We might even be able to speak with the dragons. You being Rinin they might be willing to take you in.”

Sixes furrowed his brow in confusion, “Rinin? What is that? Why would dragons want anything to do with us?”

Luna and Applejack looked at each other and then to the two brothers, who shrugged, not knowing what to say. Luna spoke again, “You are Rinin correct? Half dragon, half pony, or are you bat ponies?”

More Rinin emerge out of the tunnels, Rinin of all shapes, sizes, and colors, from foals to full grown adults, they chatted excitedly among each other before Sixes raised his hoof for silence.

“We don’t know what you are talking about Princess. I don’t remember much of my past or my parents. In fact, I only remember waking up in this cave three or four months ago, it’s the same for all of us.” Sixes turned so his flank was showing, on it was the number 6666 where his cutie mark should have been. “We don’t know our real names or even what we are, all we know is that we woke up here and we all have a number on our flank.”

This… this is… I don’t know what this is! But making sense isn’t one of them! How could so many ponies not know who or even what they are? In fact, how can they all have numbers for marks? After Sixes' big reveal Luna asked if they could inspect more of the Rinin to verify his story. Sixes agreed and soon a long line of ponies was before Luna. Each and every one of them told the same story, there were some variances like some ponies said having wings didn’t feel right, or they felt something was missing. The most disturbing part was their marks; it was like somepony had branded them. Luna saw numbers from 0014 to 0711 and even numbers as high as 9413, however, there were only 150 ponies in the cave. Satisfied, Luna regrouped with Applejack and the brothers, who had long since put away the TNT.

Applejack got straight to the point, “Well, what are we gonna do with ‘em?”

Luna sighed as she looked at them all, “Rawhide, Tough Hide, do you think they could stay in town? They could work for their meals and lodging.”

Tough hide shook his head.

“I’m sorry, princess, but the town can’t support 150 more ponies, at least not all at once. We could take in twenty tops, but any more and we’d run out of supplies and room for them. They could stay up here or in other caves, but that still leaves the food issue and the fact there’s not enough of it, they eat more gems then we can mine, even with their help. Then there are the safety issues that come into play with inexperienced miners.”

“Couldn’t you open a new mine, just for them?” Applejack suggests.

This time Rawhide spoke, “We could, but we’d have to find a vein of gems first, and that’s hit or miss even with spells. Also to open another mine, we’d have to go through the dragons first, and they’ll want their share.”

“Which is?”

“Sixty percent, and at that rate digging a mine just for them to eat wouldn’t be profitable, what with all the tools and equipment and rails we’d have to set up for it. You have to remember mining is our livelihood and as much as I want to help, our workers have to eat and support themselves too.”

“Well shoot, what are we going to do then?” Applejack cursed and stomped her hoof.

“We take them with us.” Luna declares softly. Applejack and the brothers to stare at her. “We take them back to the castle with us Applejack. There are caves in the Everfree behind the castle, and we can build more shelters for them. They don’t just eat gems so we can feed them what we can. I’m sure there is somewhere near the castle where they could dig for gems. The rocky area to the north may have some gems tucked away if the diamond dogs haven’t found them.” Applejack, Rawhide, and Tough Hide all stare at her with their mouths agape. “What, is there something on my face?”

Applejack shook her head and decided since she was the princess’s friend she should be the one to talk to her about her… decision. Pulling the Alicorn into a secluded tunnel, Applejack spoke, “You really want to bring all these ponies back to the castle?” Applejack held up her hooves, stopping Luna’s retort short. “Look it’s your castle, and I can’t stop you from doing this if it’s what you want to do, but what are these ponies going to do there? Hide in the woods? That’s no way to live Luna. Folks might take them as some new monster or something.”

Luna exhales deeply, “I know how they look Applejack. Their different, normal ponies will fear them, but I believe there is a way they can win the love and respect they need to fit in.”

“What are you talking about Luna?”

The princess of the night walked towards the edge of the tunnel and looked out at the mass of ponies before turning back to Applejack with a coy smile, “Well I did say I need ponies to join my night Patrol, and I see 150 ponies that could fill the ranks very nicely.”

“You mean?”

“Yes, I do. Applejack, say hello to your new comrades.” Luna walked into the light, raising her voice for all to hear, “Ponies who dwell in this mine I have an opportunity for you. You may refuse it, but I urge you to hear me out. I must protect all ponies from the dangers of the night, and it is a task too big for even I to do alone. So I ask you, to join me, to fight for me, for Equestria! To fight against the evil in the night! The road ahead will be difficult, ponies will fear you for your appearance, but over time they will respect you for your actions! All I can offer in exchange is food, shelter, and the promise that no matter what fate may be waiting down this path, I will stand beside you. No matter what. Now, what say you? Will you join me?”

The Rinin chatted among themselves, a group of them forming around Sixes. Some were fearful, a few uncertain, while others were filled with hope at the idea of food and shelter. Others were not so inclined.

“What if this a ruse Sixes? A plan to lower our guard and take revenge?” The red rinin snorted, looking distrustfully of the Princess and her group. “There’s no way they’ll just forgive and forget what we’ve done! We have to stand our ground!”

“With what food and weapons?” Sixes shook his head. “We gave all the food to the foals and mares. I haven’t eaten in days and you haven’t either. None of us have. All of us working together couldn’t defeat those two stallions, and now there are four of them, and the princess has both a horn and wings. Her powers must be even greater than the others. If we can get food and shelter from the princess in exchange for serving her then it’s an opportunity we can’t just ignore. There’s more to the world than just this cave and stealing scraps.”

The other rinin fall silent, each of them thinking of a life outside of the mine. It had served as their home for three months since they all found themselves here. If there wasn’t so many of them or so many foals and mares with foal maybe they could make things work, but that wasn’t the reality. They needed a new home. They each looked to Sixes and nodded. The red rinin snorted in displeasure.

“Fine..”

Sixes patted the red rinin on the shoulder and walked over to Luna. “We’ll take your offer under consideration, for now, I’ll go apologize to the townsfolk on behalf of my kin.”

Luna smiled. “I’m happy to hear that.” She looked over to the other rinin Sixes had been speaking with. “I promise I will return him unharmed.” The red rinin snorted and turned away, the others following him deeper into the caves.

“Out of the way, 301.” Sixes ordered the rinin guarding the exit. The rinin bowed and made room for them to pass.

“Don’t ya have names?” Applejack asked as they entered the tunnel to the surface. “Yawl can’t just be calling yourselves by numbers all the time.”

“Some of us have names and some still go by numbers until somepony either names them or they come up a name they like.” Sixes replied as they passed the miner’s shack.

“I don’t suppose you have a clan name then? My full name Applejack Apple of the Apple Clan.”

Sixes chuckled as they step into the sunlight. “That’s a lot of apples, but we do have a name for ourselves, it was scribbled on the wall where we all woke up.”

Luna looked at him with interest. “And what name was that?”

“Shadowbolt.”

A new home

Night patrol ch 4
By Foxgear

Luna observed the town of Firehorn from above, standing at the fork in the trail she and Applejack had taken to the mine, having come back around on the trail Rawhide and Tough Hide took. Each of them felt a little nervous as they looked at their fifth companion, the Rinin leader Sixes. Who was looking rightfully nervous himself as they were but a stone’s throw away from the town now.

Their mission was to bring Sixes down to Allure and hopefully smooth relations between the two clans before the dragons missed their tribute and decided come pay the ponies of Firehorn a visit. A visit from a dragon was never pleasant, especially if it involved tribute.

Despite the need for haste she and her little band of ponies were perplexed on how to introduce Sixes to the town and the fact there were one hundred and forty-nine more of his kind up in the mountains. In the right light the Rinin could pass off as a Thestral, but once a pony got close enough to see his scales and other draconic features, a panic would most likely ensue, followed by a lynch mob.

Luna’s first idea to ease the towns ponies fear was to have Sixes smile. Once he did and revealed his mouth full of razor-sharp teeth she promptly retracted the idea. Most ponies freaked out when bat ponies showed off their fangs. Ponies would probably mistake Sixes as a carnivore instead.

“Perhaps the less the town ponies know, the better. We’ll introduce you as the culprit and move straight to you promising to return what stolen goods remain. We’ll work out the finer details with Allure in private. Is that agreeable?” Luna asked the Rinin, who nodded. Rawhide and Tough Hide flank the Rinin on both sides, while she and Applejack led the way down the mountain to town. Sixes looked like a prisoner, but it was the best way to protect him in case anypony freaked out or wanted play judge, jury, and executioner.

Entering the town, they were met with mixed greetings. Ponies were happy to not only see Luna and Applejack return, but also the brothers. Their expressions took a downturn when they saw Sixes, ranging from confusion, fear, and anger. Some made moves to charge the rinin, but a stern look from the brothers made them back off. One pony picked up a rock, prepared to throw it.

“Put it down, Truss.” Rawhide drawled.

“But he!” The dirty blonde earth pony sobbed, wiping his tears fiercely. “He took our food stores! My younglings have been sleeping with aching bellies, and the missus has been getting thin with foal. I got the right for payback!”

Empowered by their friend's grievances, others joined in their anger bubbling to the surface. “Because of him the Dragons will be on us! They’ll torch the town!”

“Yeah! We should string up the freak! What’s he need all that food and gems for!”

“What the hell is he anyway! Some eviler version of a night devil?”

Luna’s eyes snapped toward the one to speak her most hated slur. The pony in question dropped his stone and backed away as the princess marched towards him, her eyes whited out while her hair began to dance wildly. With her magic Luna clamped the ponies hooves to the ground. The pony squirmed and whimpered as the Princess’s snarling muzzle came into clear focused view. Suddenly the uppity stallion found himself alone as his fellow townsfolk evicted the area.

When she spoke her voice thundered, “Never speak that phrase in thy presence again! Never! Those you call Night Devils are ponies closest to my heart, my children of the night.” The Princess swirled around, meeting the eye of every pony in sight. Boldly she pointed to Sixes and in the same thundering voice declared, “Though not a child of my night, I hold him in the same regard. He has wronged you, yes, and he has come to right those wrongs. No matter their appearance everypony is entitled to a second chance. I expect any pony that lives under the Equestrian banner to believe the same.”

The town ponies muttered quietly, their anger cooled by their fear of the Princess’s wrath. “We’re sorry, Princess. We forgot ourselves.” Truss muttered, meekly stepping out of the crowd. “But you have to understand, it’s not easy living here, and we don’t need a hard life being any harder, ya know?”

Luna took a breath, her pupils returned and her hair settled down. She offered the miner a soft smile. “I understand, believe me I do. I may bear a crown now, but there was once a time in my life where I was desperate and unsure when the next meal would come. Words can only go so far, but believe me when I say, whatever you lost I will repay in double.”

“What a generous offer, I’ll hold you to that, Princess.” Allure chirped trotting out of her home. The white unicorn let out a long yawn. “Sorry, I was taking a nap when I heard a sudden ruckus out my window.” Allure paused once she caught sight of Rawhide and Tough Hide. She smiled and joyfully galloped to the brothers, completely ignoring Sixes while she pulled them into a firm hug. When she pulled away she gave the two a big warm smile and then… BONK! She hit them right on the head! “That’s for making me worry. Next time come back when your supposed to!” She didn’t give them the chance to apologize, “Never mind that now, did you find our thief?”

“Yep, right here.” Rawhide stepped out of the way, giving Allure a full view of Sixes.

For a moment Allure was stunned as she just stood there staring, but then she cocked her head and began to walk around the Rinin with a critical eye, she poked his scaled flank, dug her hooves through his mane, played with his draconic tail and opened his mouth not even flinching at the mouthful of sharp teeth.

“Are you done?” Sixes asked with mild annoyance.

“Right sorry, lost myself for a moment there.” Allure let Sixes’ jaw drop close and she took a step back looking perplexed. “So, your a dragon pony, a handsome one too. I didn’t think your kind existed, so you're our thief?”

“One of them, ma’am.” Sixes replied looking perplexed himself. “You’re not scared of me?”

“Not really. I’ve dealt with full grown dragons a thousand times bigger and a thousand times less polite.” Allure took stock of her clan. Right now things were calm again, but they wouldn’t be for long. “Alright, down to business, why have you been stealing our food and gems? Just how many of you are there? You took enough food for fifty and enough gems for two full grown dragons to enjoy a decent sized meal for a month.”

Sixes nervously glanced at the ponies surrounding him. There was maybe a estimated two-three hundred ponies here. He didn’t want to reveal his clan only numbered one hundred fifty, especially when a third of them were made up of impregnated mares and young foals.

“It’s ok Sixes,” Luna assured him.

He sighed, the Princess and brothers already knew, even if he said nothing the town would find out. “We number one hundred and fifty, plus me. We have a lot of younglings and foals, and mares expecting with foals.” A loud demanding growl came from his stomach as it tightened painfully. “We gave the vast majority of the food to them. Those of us able bodied, ate gems, we still have a good horde of them left. They don’t perish so we wanted to keep them around in case of an emergency. We’ll return what’s left now and pay the rest back when we can. I’m sorry, we didn’t think we had a choice.”

The ponies of Firehorn looked beside themselves. They muttered quietly among each other, some didn’t look persuaded, while others had a bit more sympathy as they looked at the Rinin. With a simple raised hoof Allure brought the chatter to an end.

“I believe you. You seem like an honest pony, and the Princess vouched for you. We’ll discuss the finer details of you repaying us for your… appropriating of our food and gems inside my house.” Allure faced the crowd. “All of you, back to work! I’ll take care of things from here.” The crowd mumbled, but they did disperse. “Rawhide, Tough Hide, please make sure everypony stays calm while I sort this out. No pony is to leave the town. I especially don’t want anypony going up that mountain with misguided thoughts. We will resolve this peacefully.”

The brothers nodded, and departed from the group. Rawhide picked up a pickaxe and stood guard by the trail while Tough Hide went over to the refinery to keep an eye on everypony.

“Please follow me... Sixes was it?” He nodded. “Good, please come with me. You too Princess and you as well Applejack. I’ll serve us some drinks.”

Inside Allure’s house, Luna, Applejack, and Sixes sat at the table while Allure stood in the kitchen watching the coffee pot on the stove. Several times Allure would steal peeks at the Rinin, who would awkwardly smile back and reveal his sharp teeth, then promptly hide them again. Luna and Applejack found the exchange amusing.

“Seems like somepony may have a crush, what do ya think Luna?” Applejack whispered quietly. Luna suppressed a giggle, imaging Sixes and Allure with little white and black foals running around. “An amusing thought Applejack. What do thou think of fair Allure, Sixes?” She asked the Rinin stallion, who nervously tapped his hoof on the table.

“Well…” He began, struggling to find words, “She is gorgeous. Never saw anypony like her before. She’s different from the others, wasn’t scared of me at all. That said, it isn’t right to have feelings for her when I was stealing from her.”

Luna and Applejack froze as the reality of things came into focus. After all the tension from outside sitting relaxed around the table was quite the contrast.

“There we go. I hope you like your coffee black, Mr. Sixes.” Allure sang as she levitated a tray of cups to the table.

“Never had it before, but thank you Miss Allure. I’m sure it will be delicious” Sixes replied politely.

“Oh, if that’s the case I should warn you that…” Sixes already took his first sip, his face contorting into various comical expressions as he choked down the beverage. He set the cup down with shaky hooves while doing his best to smile. “Sorry about that, coffee can be a little bitter to first-timers, let me get you some tea instead.”

Sixes waved his hoof, “No, no, you’ve been too kind. Let’s just discuss what we must.”

“That is probably for the best.” Allure settled down across from the Rinin. “Now I do believe that you intend to repay us for the things you’ve stolen, and I mean no offence when I say this, but you don’t have a bit to your name do you?”

Sixes’ blinked. “What’s a bit?”

“Right,” Allure turned her attention to Luna. “So, I’m guessing you’ll be footing the bill than, Princess?” Luna nodded. “Good, that’s settles that, just bring whatever gems you have left to town and we’ll call it even for now, Sixes. Even if you only have half of the gems you stole are left it will be just enough pay our tribute to the dragons. Thankfully this matter was resolved before they found out. You by chance haven’t ran into any dragons, have you Sixes?”

The Rinin shook his head, Allure breathing a deep sigh of relief. “Oh, thank the gods.”

“Alright, Ah gotta ask, what’s going on here? Is Firehorn part of Equestria or not?” Applejack asked. “Rawhide said you’ve been here for generations.”

“Four generations to exact,” Allure replied after a sip. “We were miners from the north unicorn tribes from the otherside of Canterlot. When my… lets see… Great Grandfather’s claim dried out he made a bid for some unsettled land, this land here. He bought it from… one of the Noble Blood families of Canterlot, I can’t remember which, but anyway he bought the land here, and then moved the entire clan with several other clans and wouldn’t you know it, there were dragons here! As you can imagine they didn’t take kindly to ponies showing up on their land. Especially ponies that claimed to have bought it from other ponies.”

Luna let out a beleaguered sigh, “Let me guess, the pony that sold the land didn’t actually own it.” This event sounded familiar. She would have still been in Canterlot at the time this happened, but the details were fuzzy. It was well over fifty years ago after all.

“Correct,” Allure snipped looking peeved. “But my grandfather couldn’t prove that and he had already paid the bank, so it was make do or die. And die was probably what would have happened if my grandfather hadn’t come to an agreement with the Dragon lord. See, as strong and prideful dragons are, they are also very lazy. So we mine the gems, give them a sixty percent cut and they let us collect their shedded scales, which makes amazing armor by the way. As long as we deliver on time, they do not care what we do. In some ways we’re freer than most ponies and in others we’re bottom of the barrel serfs with the constant threat of a fiery death hanging over us.”

“Ok,” Applejack nodded slowly. “But that doesn’t answer mah question, is this part of Equestria?”

Allure took a long sip of her coffee, “That depends on your point of view, Applejack.”

“What the hay is that supposed to mean!” The farm mare retorted angrily, “It’s a simple yes or no question, right Luna?”

Luna too took a long sip of her coffee, going through all the legal definitions she knew off the top of her head. “Yes and no, would probably be the most apt answer. While Allure’s ancestors did buy the land and establish an Equestrian settlement, this is still dragon land, so legally speaking Allure is more akin to a renter than land owner. I’d have to look up current settlement codes, but as far as I understand, no, despite being a pony town with Equestrians living in it, Firehorn is not part of Equestria.”

“And dragons don’t mind you selling their scales as weapons and armor to ponies? Their not afraid they’ll be used against them?” Applejack pressed. “They can’t be stupid to think ponies wouldn’t use their own scales against them. In fact I bet they’d be outright insulted to know we were using their scales as clothes. I bet they wouldn’t like it if they had found Sixes and his kin sneaking around either.”

Allure set down her cup. “No they wouldn’t have taken it too kindly if they had found Sixes and his kin, which is why it’s for the best they leave here. Lucky for us the dragons don’t visit the village often. Now I’ve babbled long enough, let’s finish our business, shall we Princess?”

Sixes raised his leg, “If I may interrupt, what do you want to be done with the food we still have? It’s not much, and it’s not really fresh either, but…”

Allure waved him off, “Keep it, eat it tonight for all I care. The gems are more pressing. Besides, our food stores will keep for a bit longer and with the order from the Princess we’ll have enough to buy more before winter arrives. Providing your willing to pay upfront, Princess.”

“I’ll have bank note made as soon as I’m able.”

“Good, then I just need to grab a few things upstairs quick, please wait a moment.”

The three watched as Allure trotted upstairs and disappeared for a full minute before coming back down again with a stack of papers levitated in front of her. “ Now, if you would please follow me Princess, I can show you my wares and you can pick the style of armor you like, then we can work out a bid for materials and labor. Oh, let’s not forget the contractor to stay at your castle. I’ll let you choose from our finest craft ponies and as an extra thank you for your help. I will let you take one of our ponies with you when you leave so they can start building the facilities we'll need. Now, what currency will you be paying in; Gems, Gold bits, silver bits, or trade?”

“Gold bits,” Luna replied, calculating the amount in her head. “I will make a bid after I see your wares.”

“Very good, please follow me, princess. Miss Applejack, Mr. Sixes will you be joining us?”

“Nah, I’ll stay here,” Applejack replied, visibly relaxing now that all the serious talk was over “Got anymore of this coffee? It’s excellent stuff!”

Allure pointed to the pot on the stove, “Over there. There are some brownies over there too if you’re hungry. Would you like to come, Mr. Sixes?”

“Thanks for the invitation, but I think I’ll stay here in this comfy pillow. I’ve been sitting on rocks for months so you can understand my reluctance to leave.”

“Understandable, you two behave while the princess and I are gone.” Allure winked coyly, giggling softly as the two ponies blushed and turned their heads opposite directions. “Oh they're so cute, don’t you think princess?”

“Funny, Applejack suggested you and Sixes might make a good couple as well.” Despite herself Luna tried imagining Applejack and Sixes together as stallion and mare with little dragon pony foals running around them whilst breathing fire. The image, though amusing, didn’t seem to fit, though it wasn’t her place to say who should be with whom. Applejack was a simple kind of pony and Sixes well he seemed too exotic for her. She just couldn’t picture the two in any long-term relationship.

Allure chuckled, glancing back towards the other room. “Hmm, an interesting idea, but I’ve somepony else in mind for a mate. Still, it would be interesting to mate with a Rinin. I wonder what it’s like… actually no.” She coughed and looked away from Luna. “I shouldn’t be discussing such things with a customer, let alone a princess.”

“Yes, let’s keep to business.” Agreed Luna, dropping the subject.

Stranger things have happened, I guess, I’m not the Alicorn of love after all. Luna mused as she followed Allure deeper into the showroom. Hoping the white unicorn didn’t decide to try and play matchmaker. The number of times she’d seen somepony make a mess of things trying to play matchmaker was more than she could count, it was why she voted against arranged marriages, especially when most of them involve her and Celestia’s hooves in marriage. Celestia had been in agreement as well, which was why arranged marriages were no longer as written in stone as they used to be. They still happened, but at least now the arranged couple could appeal to have the union canceled if they wished.

“Here we are!” Allure declared as they entered the room beyond the showroom Luna had toured before. This room was different from the last armor room the armors here were plain, very similar in design and very simple. “These are our mass production models. A one pony fits all sort of thing. You can, of course, make your own design. I’m just showing you these as a reference.”

Luna nodded and walked around the displays, eyeing each piece with a discerning eye. The armors were very lovely, though nothing to look at for more than a second. This didn’t sit well with Luna. She didn’t want her soldiers to be another mundane army, she wanted them to look… unique. No, that wasn’t it. She wanted them to be HER army, to represent her and everything she stood for. Having armor the same as any other would just not fit that need.

Making her way back to Allure, Luna caught sight of something in the darkness of the corner. There hidden away was a lone display with the most unusual of armor. The metal was white as the moon and seemed to shine in the darkness, and when she placed her hoof on it the metal changed color to match her coat.

“Allure, what is this?” She marveled.

Allure trotted over, “Oh that? That’s a piece my father and a good friend of his by the name of Gadget were developing before… well, you know. It is called the moon phase suit. My father was inspired watching the moon change over time and change colors. Are you interested in it?”

Luna ran her hoof along the metal surface. Something just felt right about it. “Yes, I will take it. What is the bid for 200 suits of armor?”

“Well…” Allure cringed as she did the calculations. “About one million gold bits for two hundred suits, that’s including delivery, labor, materials, and fittings.” That was too high, there was no way the princess would go for it! Equestria didn’t have the kind of money to throw around!

“Very well, we have a deal.”

Allure’s mouth dropped, “What? But princess, the royal treasury couldn’t possibly have that much gold on hoof! The taxes you’d have to implement…”

Luna stopped Allure's rant short with her hoof, “Who said anything about the royal treasury? Celestia and I were adventurers and treasure seekers before becoming princesses. We have a… sum of loot stashed privately away for our own use. One million gold bits missing wouldn’t even put a dent in our hoard. We have been collecting for a very long time.”

“I see…” Allure said dumbstruck, trying to imagine such hoard. “Well then, I shall finalize the paperwork, please fill free to continue to look around or return to the main room for a snack. I shall return when done.”

“Thank you, Allure. It has been good doing business with you. Now we believe there is a brownie calling out to be devoured by my royal mouth. We shall wait for you with Applejack and Sixes.” Chuckling, Luna trotted into the main room leaving Allure slightly baffled by her brownie comment. Ponies really need to loosen up. They were always so uptight around her and Celestia, it isn’t good for their health to constantly worry a wrong comment will get them banished to the sun or moon or some nonsense like that. Allure has been one of the better ponies I’ve has dealt thus far. I hope one day we’ll be true friends.

Upon returning to the main room. Luna came across an amusing sight, or maybe it was bemusing? She wasn’t quite sure. Either way, Applejack and Sixes were in the middle of pushing a plate with a single brownie on it between one another. Both of their faces were covered in crumbs of already eaten brownies, and they seemed to be debating over who should have the last one, both being a bit too kind and generous if there was ever such a thing.

“No you take, Ah’d had my share!”

“Mine were cut larger, you deserve it!”

“No, you!”

“We shall take it!” Luna declared dramatically, startling the two out of their seats and allowing her to happily take the last brownie, which was evilly delicious! Rich with chocolate and still warm! Luna didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as her sister, but she did have a soft spot for sweets of the chocolate variety while Celestia was possibility addicted to cake and pasties.

Chuckling softly Luna cleaned her lips with a napkin before sitting down opposite of the two. “I hope you two didn’t wait too long for me. Allure is just processing the bill and other official stuff. Once it is done, we will be off. That is after we select a blacksmith to fly back to the castle with us and return the gems of course.

“Of course princess, I will go and tell my kin.” Sixes trotted to the door, quickly taking to the air and disappeared into the shadows of the coming night before any town folk could see him..

“So um… what’s this about flying now?” Applejack stuttered, images of falling to ground playing over and over in her mind.

Luna, not noticing Applejack’s hesitation, explained her plan. “There are so many Rinin, walking with such group would take too long and draw too much attention. Better to fly and get back to the castle as soon as possible so we can get everypony settled. Now onto another matter. Who do you think we should bring as our personal blacksmith? I was thinking either Tough Hide or Rawhide. They're both dependable ponies and are very skilled. I cannot decide so… I would like you to choose for me Applejack.”

“Me?” Luna nodded. She had been clear in her question had she not? “Ah don’t know princess, it seems like something you should do, but Ah guess if want my option. Ah... I'd have to say… Rawhide.”

“I see. Any particular reason for choosing him?” Like because he’s an earth pony and Tough hide is a unicorn?, Luna wondered. It was understandable why Applejack would choose a fellow Earth pony, and to her credit, the orange mare accepted the dragon ponies pretty well. It was perhaps too much to ask for Applejack to feel the same about Unicorns, there was so much bad blood between the tribes. The Royal bloodline being one of them Unicorns being the only tribe of the three to have such a thing, the idea of one pony being better by birth wasn’t an idea the Earth or Pegasus tribes accepted.

Applejack rubbed her foreleg and averted her gaze from Luna as she answered, and if Luna wasn’t mistaken Applejack was blushing? “Well Ah… Ah… just has a good feeling about him is all. Yelp, no other reason. Yes sir, that’s all!”

“I see, well, let us go fetch him then. Then we can be on our way. I’m sure Allure will be finished by the time we get back.”

“Sounds good, let’s go!” Applejack said while running out the door. “Now, um... what’s this about flying again?”

“Don’t worry Applejack,” Luna assured, “I have a plan!”

Getting Rawhide to come with them was surprisingly easy. The red earth pony merely grunted and said a job was a job. “It’ll be good to get out of the mountains for a while, it’s been too long. Last time Tough got to spend three months in… what was it… the Crystal Empire? Somepony there wanted touch up work on their armor. The actual job only took about a month, the other two were just traveling there and back. I think he took the scenic route. Anyway I got those modifications done.” Rawhide pulled tightly on the armor harness Applejack wore, tugging hard on the newly installed heavy steel O-ring on the top of Applejack’s back. “Hmm, maybe I should have installed two?”

“Um...are you sure about this Luna?” Applejack asked as Rawhide continued to adjust the harness she was wearing. The rattle of chains made her nervous as Rawhide fastened the links of steel to the O-ring on her back, her body jostled when he pulled to check and make sure the lock was fastened tight.

“Everything will be fine,” Luna tried to assure her as Rawhide took the other end of the chain over to two rinin with a similar harness attached to them, but with the O-rings on the bottom of their barrels. One was silver with the numbers 474 and the others two shades of brown with the numbers 5881.

“Pardon me for a second boys,” Rawhide mumbled with the chain clenched between his teeth as he leaned under the rinin.

Ignoring the awkward situation, Applejack looked to Luna again, pleading with the Princess to reconsider her idea. “Can’t we just walk home? Better yet, I’ll just walk, the rest of you can fly ahead of me.”

Luna shook her head. “It’s too dangerous for you to travel alone, if I had my chariot available we could use that to transport you and Rawhide, but it’s back home and I need to return to the castle with all haste. I have business that needs my attention.” Luna explained while slipping a bundle of paper into her saddlebags. “Fear not my friend, I’m certain Rawhide’s crafthoofship is up to par, and there shall be ponies ready to catch you incase of an emergency.“

“All done Miss Applejack,” Rawhide announced, pulling the straps of the harness tight, but not too tight that it would cut off blood flow. “We’re ready to leave when you are Princess.” Rawhide stood beside the farm mare with a harness of his own.

“Why do you get two rings?” Applejack protested.

Rawhide blinked. “Because I weigh twice or more what you do? Don’t worry, my work is solid as I am right now.” Applejack’s eyes glanced down, her cheeks turned red. “Made ya look.” He chuckled.

Luna rolled her eyes. “Thank you Rawhide, and thank you Allure for lending him to us. I look forward to your visit.”

Allure, who had been standing silently to the side wiped her eyes with a handkerchief as she choked up with farewell tears. “As do I princess, please look after Rawhide, he does so love to get into trouble, and you take care as well Applejack.”

“Thanks,” Applejack replied, shivering as the two Rinin flanking her began to flap their wings. “You take care too Allure, and be sure to stop by for some of mah families homegrown cooking!”

Allure smiled, “I will, and Rawhide, do try to behave. Please?” The big stallion chuckled as they hugged each other goodbye.

“Ah make no promises, yawl take care of mah brother ok?”

“I will. I wish he were here to see you off, it’s rude for him to be working when you’re about to leave for who knows how long.”

Rawhide waved off the comment, “Nah it’s alright, better off this way. Neither one of us is one for teary goodbyes and all that. Him working is just his way of telling me he’s got everything under control and that ah don’t have to worry.”

“If you say so, goodbye brother, be safe and be sure to write.” With that Allure stepped away as the Rinin started to take off, lifting Rawhide and Applejack into the air. Overhead a massive swarm of Rinin flew over the town and dove into the town square to deposit the stolen gems before joining Luna in the skies above town.

“To home my ponies!” Luna yelled excitedly as hundreds of wings flapped into the night sky. She flew at the head of the swarm, Sixes acting as her wing pony with Applejack and Rawhide behind them, followed by the rest. Luna kept her eyes moving, searching for any signs of dragons. She could barely believe her luck that they hadn’t run into any yet, and believed they might just get away without having to deal with the fiery beasts. She set a fast pace for the group, wanting to leave as quickly as possible. Just because she had been lucky so far didn’t mean she wanted to push it.

While the flyers kept their attention on flying. The two earth ponies made small talk, it was going to be a long flight after all, and it helped to keep their minds off the ground hundreds of feet below them.

“So you nervous about flying?” Applejack asked, yelling over the rushing winds and sound of wings.

“Yep.”

“You worried we're going to fall?”

“Nope.”

“It’s kind of pretty view, though.”

“Yelp.”

“Are you just going to keep answering with one word?”

“Maybe,” Rawhide says coyly, “You feeling any less nervous? It might help if yah look up. The night sky is always pretty to look at.”

Applejack looked up the night sky was indeed pretty, all the twinkling stars and the moon so bright and comforting that Applejack began to feel as if she were in a dream. “Yeah, it sure is pretty. Ah, don’t know why I never thought so before.”

“Sometimes we’re all too busy to see the beauty right in front of us.” Answered Rawhide. Applejack looking at him as a strange feeling bubbled in her gut when he smiled at her. They fell into a comfortable silence, staring at the stars.

“We are nearly at the border! Hold steady everypony!” Luna shouted from up head.

Suddenly the stars were blotted out as a massive shadow passed overhead. An ear shattering roar shook the sky as a flying beast descended upon the group, blocking their path forward. It was a dragon of such size that it made all others small by comparison.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here? I sensed a large magical presence in my lands and here I find one of the princesses and… hmm interesting.” The dragon leered down, Luna barely a speck on his muzzle as he plucked one of the rinin from group with ease, “My, my, so the legends my forebearer told were were true, dragons can breed with ponies, a most disgusting discovery.”

“I command you to release him this instant! Otherwise I shall be speaking with the dragon lord!” Luna barked, her horn charged for attack. “Do so now and we shall spare you the humiliation of being defeated by a pony.”

The dragon laughed, confusing Luna.

“What is so funny?” Luna demanded. The dragon reached behind it’s head and pulled a small sceptre with a blood red ruby fixed atop it. “That’s the Blood Scepter… your… what happened to Dragonlord Singe?”

The dragon grinned malevolently, “What else? He became soft, decrypted and weak, so I thought it fit that I put him down. I thought it prudent that I, Dragonlord Torch, introduce myself to my new pony subjects. On my way to do so, I sense a powerful being in my territory and thought it fit to investigate and I run into you, and a gaggle of half breeds.” Torch flicked the captured Rinin back into the group. “Being even half dragon, I believe they fall under my rule, so I’ll be taking them with me, Princess Luna.”

“You will only lead them to their deaths! I know your kind, they’ll never except them.”

“Oh, and the ponies will?” Torch countered. “Better a quick death, then a lifetime of suffering.” Torch reared back, his chest ballooning with air and fire.

“No!” Luna threw up a shield, the largest she could manage, the dragon lord's fire collided seconds later and engulfed the shield. “Everypony get back!” Luna yelled as the flames spilled over the edges of the shield. The massive claw of the dragonlord broke through both flame and shield to grasp the Alicorn. “Run! I shall hold him off! Applejack, lead them home!”

“We can’t leave you!” The farm mare cried as the Rinin carrying her flew away, they headed towards the ground, flying fast and low towards the canyons.

Luna fired a magic beam and shouted, “I’ll be fine!” Her attack barely singed the scales of the Dragonlord. Torch laughed mockingly as he flapped his mighty wings Luna breaking from his grip.

“Impressive for a pony, but as I recall it was both you and your sister that beat Singe into submission.”

Luna flew higher and grabbed some clouds. “I don’t need my sister to beat a greenhorn like you!” Turning the clouds black Luna molded them into a massive black ball that crackled with lightning. She launched the cloudball, firing a beam after it, Torch merely smirked as the attack approached. The beam hit the thunder ball and a massive blast of lightning filled the sky, hitting Torch dead center in the heart. Or that’s what she thought. The smoke cleared and Torch’s massive claw rested over his heart, the Blood Sceptre pinched between his fingers.

“As I said, I saw your duel with Singe. Don’t try the same trick twice little pony. Now...bhag!” Torch stuttered as several streams of fire struck him from behind, he turned towards the chorus of whinnying roars coming from the sky. Five Rinin dived from above with another salvo of fire breath ready. They let loose their flames and flew around the dragon. Torch growled and swatted at them, his massive limbs too huge to hit such small targets. He sucked in a massive amount of air, making his chest balloon. He exhaled a stream of fire so large and so hot it made the nearby mountain tops melt! “Damn little flies. Stay still!”

Torch raised the blood sceptre and a wave of red magic exploded from the red jewel, and suddenly all Rinin were frozen in the air. “Hehe, I was curious if that would work, but it seems you are indeed part dragon.” He reached for Sixes, who had lead the charge. before the black Rinin could be crushed between the Dragon lord’s claws Luna appeared beside him and threw up a spherical shield around them.

“You will not touch them! I gave them my word I would take care of them!”

Torch looked bored as he pressed his claws tighter. “Really? You? A princess would give your life for these half breeds?”

“I would! Because I gave them my word I would give them a home and a place to belong for their servitude. They are my soldiers and as their leader I must be willing to give my life for them as they are for me. Even if they part dragon, they are part pony, switch makes them my subjects too!”

Torch released Luna from his grip, “Fine, then I want half their weight in gems.”

Luna blinked trying to gain her bearings. “What?”

“I said I’ll sell my claim to them for half their weight in gems. I don’t want them, but I might as well get something out of letting you keep them. Or.” Torch held up his sceptre, and the captured Rinin began to choke. “I could have them kill themselves right here and be done with it, rip off your wings and toss you back to your sister in shame. Your choice Princess Luna.”

Luna bowed her head. Had she the proper equipment such as her armor and other artifacts, she could maybe, maybe, take the Dragonlord down. But with just her star blades and nothing else? That was impossible. Even for her. Especially if Torch used the sceptre to summon the other dragons. Even three more would be enough to overwhelm her and he could summon them all. Hundreds if not thousands of dragons would come racing to the Dragon lord's aid, even if they wanted to or not. Not even her and Celestia both could stand up to such might.

“Fine, I will pay you tribute.”

Torch leaned down his claw cupped around his ear. “What was that? I swear some indignant mare was mumbling in my ear. Please speak louder and with a little more of that royal tongue.”

Luna bristled and blushed. “I, Princess Luna of Equestria, Ruler of the Night, and Keeper of Dreams, shall pay thee, Dragonlord Torch, tribute.”

The dragonlord leaned back, looking pleased. “Did you hear that everyone? We’ll be eating the Princess’s gems next week!” From the mountains to the west the hoops and hollers of several on looking dragons could be heard. Further humiliating the alicorn as they shouted slurs at her.

“Hey Princess if your such a dragon lover come over here and I’ll give you a filthy half breed!” One particular vagor dragon shouted. Luna bit the inside of her cheek to keep from chewing the dragon out. Torch looked smug and pleased, perhaps the Dragonlord wasn’t has dumb as he looked. He played her. He humiliated her and in front of his subject, no doubt solidifying his support against any others who thought to try and take him out.

“I expect those gems by next week, Princess. Also I feel the desire for a new bed of gold to lay on, so I’ll be adding a thirty nine percent tax to that order you made with Allure. Make sure you have that ready too.” With a loud mocking laugh the Dragon lord flew away, his entourage of dragons following in his wake. When he was out of sight, the Rinin were released from their magical bonds.

The five Rinin looked at Luna has she tried to hide her face under her hair. “I suppose you think me a push over now, right? Sitting back and taking his crap like that.”

Sixes patted her on the shoulder. “You got us out of that alive. That’s what’s important.”

The others emerged from the canyons. Many of them cheering for their continued survival. “Come,” Luna brushed her mane out of her face. “Let us go home.”

It was early morning when Luna and the Shadowbolts landed in the courtyard of the castle. They were tired, hungry, and exhausted. Luna wanted nothing more then to crawl into her bed and sleep. Her body sagged with relief as the door of the castle come into view. Sweet, sweet relief was soon to be hers. Then she noticed a crowd around the door.

The Apple Clan.

She approached with the Rinin behind her, Applejack and Rawhide at her side, all of them equally tired and hungry. Luna prayed, prayed to whatever gods were left in the world that the two clans wouldn’t kill each other on site.

It seemed no gods remained as the the stallions of the apple clan exited the castle on their way to the orchards just as they landed in the courtyard. Once the ponies saw the Rinin they stomped their hooves and snorted viciously, forming defensive lines.

Figures they wouldn’t start off on the right hoof. Deep breaths, you can do this. You have to do this.

“Please, ponies of the Apple clan, you do not need to fear these ponies, they are friends!” Luna grinned. Her smile was weak, her vision was blurry, and she was far too tired to deal with anything right now, especially blind fear from a crowd of ponies that just encountered a new breed of pony. “Please,” She stressed, trying to liven up her smile, “ You have my word. The ponies with me mean you no harm.”

The mares and foals of the Apple clan began to file out to check out the ruckus, all too soon the mares let out a horrified shrieks once they caught sight of the Rinin and began pulling their foals close. The stallions puffed up their chests, their defensive instincts kicking in.

Applejack ran ahead of Luna and shouted. “I know they look strange! Their Rinin, dragon ponies, but that don’t mean their bad ponies! Well, they were stealing food, but that’s because they were only trying to feed their mares and youngins too, look! Their just like us!”

A big brawy stud stepped foward from the Apple’s lines. “Applejack, it’s best you get over here.”

Applejack gritted her teeth. “No, Uncle Bailey, I won’t.”

Bailey slowly exhaled through his nose, looking sour. “I’m sorry Princess, we came here to get away from monsters, and now you’ve brought monsters here. As the eldest of my clan, I can’t permit them to say here with these… creatures. As this is your home, we shall take our leave.”

“That’s fine by us!” A big orange Rinin in a cloak barked as he stepped out of the crowd. “Didn’t want to stay in a place with rude ponies like you anyway.”

“Say that again, freak!” One of the Apples shouted back.

“Freak, huh? I’ll show you a freak!” The Rinin began to shake off his cloak when two more cloaked Rinin appeared at his side. Both of a slender stature. A green and white leg rose from under their cloaks as they blocked the Orange Rinin, Sixes landed in front of the three and glared at the offender.

“Don’t,” Sixes commanded harshly. “Things are already bad enough.”

Suddenly a rock flew through the air and everypony watched it hit a certain red Rinin square on the nose. The Rinin growled, his hooves morphing into claws as he dropped down into an aggressive stance, ready to pounce. Several others joined him, their chests beginning to glow with fire.

In between the two groups stood Luna, who looked from the Apples to the Shadowbolts, never imagining things could go so wrong, so quickly. She hadn’t expected rainbows and flowers, but this was before either group could sit down and actually speak to each other!

“All of you calm down! There is no need for…” She stopped short of saying ‘violence’ upon looking at the red Rinin’s nose. “...further violence!” Neither side was backing down. In fact the Apples were beginning to march towards the Rinin, whose nostrils were beginning to smoke. If she didn’t do something she’d have a bunch of barbecued ponies on her front lawn! She ground her teeth, her temper rising fast, “I command both of you! Stand down! Stand down now!”

Her words fell on deaf ears, both sides to focused on the other to hear her. She cast the voice amplificator spell on herself, her eyes blazed as her frustrations from Torch’s humiliation of her and her exhaustion reach it boiling point.

“I SAID STAND DOWN! WE ARE NOT IN THE MOOD FOR SUCH TRIFLES!” Luna slammed her hoof into the ground, making a hoof deep hole. She snorted angrily, growling at both sides that had suddenly halted their aggressive actions.

“Applejazz get back here!” Bailey screamed from the Apple’s side.

On the Rinin side, a pregnant blue Rinin pushed her way through the lines. “Little one! Get back here! 8122! I’m serious!”

Luna looked down, her anger sizzling out when she saw the young Apple filly standing in front of her with a little red Rinin filly standing opposite of her. Everypony's desire to fight seemed to cool as the two fillies who were supposed to be in the back and safe were suddenly in the cross hairs.

“Hiya, what’s your name?” Jazz greeted, extending her hoof out to the Rinin filly. “I’m AppleJazz Apple.”

The Rinin filly meekly replied, “8122.”

Jazz cocked her head to the side, “Really? Yawl were serious about that?” The Rinin filly nodded. “Well, 8122, you got a good looking red coat, just like me, shining like a ruby as my mama would say.”

The little Rinin’s eyes lit up. “I look like a ruby?”

Jazz smiled and nodded, “Hmmhmm.”

“I like rubies, their delicious! Especially when you throw them in a blaze and heat them up! They pop in your mouth when you chew them!”

Luna looked up to see how the adults were fairing, and much to her surprise, both sides had snuck up on her. They were now within ten feet of each other, and more importantly, the mares and foals of each groups were in front this time. Slowly the children of the Apple clan left the protective sides of their mothers and extended their hooves to the nervous foals of the Rinin and faster than greased lightning they began to talk, followed quickly by the mares.

“What’s your name dearie?”

“How far along are you?”

“Is that your child?” One apple mare asked Aqua Frost.

“I’m Aqua Frost, and no, I’m not. I just look after them, we all do. We don’t have any idea who their mothers are, or our mothers. We all just woke up in a mine together. I was…” Aqua patted her belly. “I was already like this when I woke up.” Her stomach along with several others rumbled with hunger.

“Oh you poor dears. Come in side, we’ll get you some food, and blankets.”

“Clivia …” Bailey rumbled, only to get a whack on the nose by the mare in question.

“Oh hush, what ya doing getting so hot blooded after breakfast and treating’ these pony ponies in need like that! I know your mama raised you better.”

Bailey grumbled incoherently.

“Now drop all this nonsense about leaving and go to the orchards. Have a better attitude when you get back for supper.”

Bailey and the other stallions snorted, but the glares from their mates brought them to their senses. The stallions looked to the foals and fillies playing between their legs, the gaunt bodies of the other clan and the pregnant mares. Realization hit them like a wave and they all looked away to hide their shame.

“We’ll be sure to bring back extra tonight.” Bailey mumbled, “Sorry for the fuss, it’ll take some adjusting, but… if these ponies are your guests as well, we’ll make peace. For the foals at least. It’s been awhile since they’ve been around another clan’s children.”

The Rinin cleared the road, allowing the Apples to pass. As they did the two sides exchanged short greeting and apologies. When they were gone Applejack let out a deep sigh. “Thanks for the help Aunt Clivia.”

Clivia waved her off, “No problem dear, Bailey’s heart is in the right place, but he’s a bit set in his ways. Hard enough to trust the Pegasi and Unicorns, let alone some new tribe that shows up out of the blue. Please don’t find this rude Princess, but a little warning would have been appreciated. I’ll admit even I was a bit faint of heart myself.”

“My apologies, my mind was on other things. I should have been more considerate to my guest.” Luna said, feeling awful for leading everyone into such an unexpected situation. I really need to go to bed. “I hope going forward we can all be friends, hopefully the castle won’t be too cramped now.”

Clivia smiled, “We’ll get by, now come along Applejack, help me make these hungry ponies some breakfast.”

Luna let out a relieved sigh as both clans began to slowly make their way into the castle. A sudden red blur flew by, she followed it to see the little red Rinin from earlier fly happily to Aqua Frost.

“Aqua, Aqua! I have a name! Jazz gave me a name!”

Curious, Luna wandered over to the two as Jazz trotted beside her, looking proud of herself. “What name did she give you little one?” Aqua Frost asked as she tugged the little filly towards the castle with the others.

“Ruby Blaze!” She beamed.

“That’s a fine name, Ruby.” Aqua chuckled as they entered the castle.

“I am grateful your kin are so accepting Applejack. You Apples are certainly a different kind of pony.” Luna praised while overlooking the Rinin as they ate in the dining hall below.

It was nice to see the two clans sharing a meal. The best friendships were made at the dinner table.

Luna blinked, struggling to stay awake. She wished she could go to bed, but she needed to make sure the Rinin were settled in properly. Wouldn’t do to have them accidentally evict the Apples. The castle suddenly seemed much smaller now, and Luna hoped there were enough rooms in the castle for both clans.

Adjusting her Stetson hat, Applejack spoke in a subdued tone, “To be honest, Ah wasn’t sure what their reactions might be. Things did look like they were about to take a turn for the worst there for a minute, but I’m mighty proud of them. Give it some time and I’m sure we’ll be the best of chums.”

“Yes, you have much to be proud of Applejack. By the way, how is Rawhide settling in? I hope placing him in the room across from yours won’t be any trouble. I must say I didn’t expect his hooves to be so… loud. I do hope he’s not prone to any late night pacing.”

“Nah, “Applejack said, “It’s fine. The funniest thing, turns out he’s growing feathers as well. Maybe that will soften his steps. Course he might start tripping all over the place if they grow that long.”

They share a quick laugh at the image of Rawhide tripping over his furry hooves and shaking the entire castle.

“A funny jest Applejack, but now I’m afraid it is time to be serious again.” Applejack saluted before following Luna away from the chatter of the dining hall. “Since we’ve met I have had some things come to my attention about how my sister and I run things. For a long time now I have been leaving the politics to Celestia as it was not my cup of coffee, but I can no longer ignore my duties to my ponies. However, I will be doing things my own way, and I just want to make that clear to Celestia and the nobles in Canterlot. I would feel much more… reassured if you were to company me to Canterlot.”

Applejack made circles in the stone floor as she mulled the idea around in her head. Her in Canterlot? The thought had never crossed her mind before in her entire life. Truth be told, she’d rather stay as far away from the city of ‘horn heads’ as possible. However, the pleading in Luna’s eyes made her reconsider her tolerance of the unicorn city, even if she didn’t like it. Luna was her friend, and needed her right now.

“You know you can count on me, Luna.” Applejack assured the princess, giving Luna her best smile, “But no more flying by harness, ok?”

Luna smiled and laughed, “Very well, we shall take my chariot. Sixes and another Rinin can pull us. Now go rest up. We will leave on the morrow.”

“Alright, good night Luna,” Applejack yawned as she began to trot towards her room.

Flying down to the main hall Luna gathered Rawhide and Sixes. She saw how tired she looked in their eyes, nonetheless she needed to power through, just a little longer. “Come with me you two, I have some jobs for you.” The two stallions quickly finished their food and followed the princess to the library, where she explained her plan to travel to Canterlot.

“What do you need us to do princess?” Rawhide asked.

“While Applejack, Sixes, and I are away, I would like you to start training the Rinin in hoof to hoof combat, conditioning them, and teaching them how to use weapons. Up on the mountain, I saw your skills and given your experience with organizing ponies I believe you would make a wonderful drill Sergeant. Can you do it?”

“It’s not what I signed up for, but if that’s what you want, consider it done. Also if you don’t mind, I would like to start some renovation projects on the castle.”

“Do whatever you need to and charge any materials you need to me.”

“Consider it done Princess, I’ll be sure to go through you first, before any deconstruction or construction.”

Luna nodded, grateful for his consideration. “Very good. Sixes, I want you to find another pony to help pull the chariot for Applejack and I, as well as act as my bodyguards. Not that I actually need any, but it might make a good impression. You can use the armor we have here in the castle until the new armor arrives. it’s a little dated, but it will work for what we need.”

“Understood princess. I have the perfect pony in mind. Your already kind of familiar with him anyway, number 0413 or Fierce Fury as he likes to call himself. Out of all of us, he is the most skilled fighter and is the one who wounded Rawhide. Sorry about that.” Rawhide snorted and begrudgingly said it was fine, “He’s a bit wild, but he is reliable.”

Luna scrunched her brow. “He wouldn’t happen to be the red Rinin, would he?” Sixes nodded, “Oh, umm… that’s a… is there somepony else you could pick?”

“I know he probably didn’t make the best first impression, but take my word, he’s a loyal and protective pony. He’s not nearly as hostile when somepony is invading our home.”

“I see, I’ll take your word, if you vouch for him. You two are dismissed. Go rest up. There is much work to be done, and we will all need our strength.”

The two stallions bowed and took their leave, but before he turned the corner Sixes stopped and looked back at Luna.

“Almost forgot.” He said, “Clivia is helping us get settled in. Said something about you needing sleep."

“Yes, I am very tired.” Luna replied, rubbing her eyes, “Tell her I said thank you.”

“I will, goodnight Princess.” Sixes bowed once more and left.

Worriedly Luna entered her bedroom, her thoughts a discorded mess as she made her way toward the balcony. How will Celestia react? Will she support me or seek to disrupt my efforts? We have grown so distant that I can’t even trust my own sister as much as I used too. Curse those damn nobles for filling Celestia’s head with their advice and damn Star swirl for dumping the shackles of royalty on us and damn us for foolishly agreeing!

Luna took a deep breath to calm down. This wasn’t the first time she’d had such thoughts, and it wouldn’t be the last. Most days Luna wished they could return to the time before fighting Discord and becoming princesses. The days when they ran wild and free, traveling anywhere and everywhere they desired and could solve any problem with hoof and magic.

Now she and Celestia couldn’t even have breakfast together nearly half the time. Yes, part of it was her fault for shrinking away from the summons to Canterlot, but Luna couldn’t take all the cloak and dagger business, all the trickery, deceit and political games. Where even the simplest gesture could be seen as favoritism or taking a bribe. The gifts had been the worse, no, scratch that, the marriage proposals had been the worst.

Smashing her hoof against the table, Luna choked back tears. The days trails weighing heavy on her. Her humiliation from Torch dug up dark memories, memories she’s been burying for a long time. The memories of her last humiliation resurfaced and she remembered her shame as she ran from Canterlot. A single tear rolled down her face. She couldn’t break down! Not now. Not ever. Ponies needed her, she couldn’t let self-pity overtake her. She had to be strong for the Apple clan, for the Rinin, for everypony that needed protection from the night. She had made a vow to protect them and she would.

No, I’m thinking too small. Luna wiped the tears from her eyes as she marched onto the balcony, taking comfort in the moon's glow. As she looked out in the direction of the Griffon Kingdom and the lands beyond her thoughts turned to Equestria military.

Dealing with monsters was one of the duties of their soldiers, but if they couldn’t deal with monsters, how would they deal with an invading army? What if the current Dragon lord was suddenly overthrown by amore conquest driven one and the dragons began attacking their lands again? For a brief moment Luna saw what could be and it terrified her.

They weren’t ready. Not for monsters and certainly not for invading armies or dragons. If Celestia and the council wouldn’t field the forces necessary to protect their ponies and Equestria, then she would! She would be strong, she would protect her little ponies, and no pony would stand in her way, not the nobles, not Star Swirl, not even Celestia! She would defend her subjects alone if needed!

A rush of power surged through her, dark motes dabbed her coat as it darkened to an inky black. The feeling, the energy, it was fantastic!

“Luna?” A voice called out, snapping Luna out of... whatever that was.

“Yes Applejack? Is something the matter?” She asked upon spotting the earth mare's head poking through her door.

The earth mare shook her head. “No, no, Ah just wanted to wish you a good night.”

Luna blinked, surprised and touched by the gesture. No pony other than Celestia and her parents had wished her a good night. “Th-thank you Applejack,” Luna stuttered, then coughed to cover her stutter, “Good night to you too, I shall ensure you have sweet dreams tonight.”

The two share a giggle, knowing it was true. Applejack yawned, “Sounds nice, just nothing weird, please. Also, ah just wanted to tell ya, while I’m really nervous about this whole Canterlot thing. Ah want you to know ah got your back, and that you ain’t in this alone. Ah… Ah, mean we're all behind ya.” Applejack nervously played with her braid. “Ah know that’s kind of corny, but it’s true.”

Luna shook her head, struggling to keep her emotions in check and stop herself from pouring all her fears and worries onto Applejack. Instead she put on her best smile, “No, it’s perfectly fine. You’re words, I mean, they mean a lot to me. Now, we have a long day tomorrow, you and I should get to sleep.”

“Is it that late already? Time sure does fly. Well, see ya tomorrow Luna!” Applejack waved goodbye, and trudged off to her room. Luna climbed into her bed, the exhaustion of their adventure and emotional worry finally catching up with her. It's ok. She told herself. She would be ok.

“Thank you, Applejack, you have no idea how much that means to me,” Luna whispered and drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow would be better.

Author's Note

Thanks go Aka-dough for helping me edit this chapter.

Bits, gems, and a lot of hooves

Applejack nervously tapped her hoof against the floor of the chariot, testing for what must have been the hundredth time that the floor was sturdy. The earth pony thought flying in a chariot would be more reassuring then the harness she'd been forced to wear yesterday. Now sitting in this who knows how old wooden chariot with no sort of safety straps or anything, Applejack was starting to miss the harness. At least yesterday she felt reassured she wouldn’t fall, now it felt as if the gentlest of breezes would break the chariot to pieces.

“Are we almost there?” Applejack asked the princess, who had long since given up trying to persuade her friend that she was perfectly safe and that even if their transport happened to break she would catch her.

“Do you see a tall white castle on a mountain?” Luna dully asked for the tenth time since they left. Applejack shook her head. “Then no, Applejack, we are not there. Nor will we be for some time, so please relax and enjoy the view.”

Looking over the side, AJ gulps as she stared at the faraway ground, becoming air sick again. Luna Sighed and floated over a paper bag for the earth pony, who snatched it out of midair and began taking long deep breaths.

“Is it truly that frightening?” Asked Luna.

Applejack puts the bag down and gave Luna a pointed look. “You have wings, you wouldn’t understand. Knowing if you fall that’s it, you’re done! It’s a humbling feeling knowing you can die at any moment.”

“But you have faced many dangers before where you could have died, why is this so frightening?”

“Those other times Ah could do something about it. This? Ah can’t do anything, it’s just splat and Ah’m gone!” Applejack said, throwing her hooves up in the air to illustrate her point.

Luna was feeling… well she wasn’t sure what she was feeling actually. Fear of falling? She’d never thought about such a thing. She tried to imagine it, falling with no wings, trying to understand the fear. she couldn’t. She wished there was away she could understand, so she could help her friend.

Spotting a rope on the floor Luna got an idea. Grabbing the rope she ties it around her waist and then around Applejack’s, prompting the earth mare to stare as Luna finished her work. “There now should anything happen I will catch you no matter what. Now rest easy, stress is no good for your coat.” Luna jokes as she rubs her hoof down Applejack’s neck. The earth mare began to relax as the tension was removed from her back. Luna cast a light sleeping spell on her, Applejack’s eyes closing, the mare curling up on the floor in a peaceful snooze.

With Applejack secured Luna took a moment to enjoy the flight, letting her mind be free of the lump of dread that filled her soul. Things between her and Celestia were lukewarm at best right now, but after today things could either be back to how they used to be or they could fall further apart than ever before, depending on Celestia’s reaction. However the dice rolls, whether or not the princess of the sun approves of her plans, Luna would not stop until she made Equestria safe.

Taking another calming breath, Luna let her doubts wash away. Celestia was her sister and sisters supported one another, a little thing like raising a pony army to patrol the lands wouldn’t drive them apart. Celestia would see that this was the right thing to do, but still…

Enough. calm yourself Luna, look for a distraction. She chided, letting her gaze drift to the two stallions pulling her chariot. Sixes and Fierce Fury, both of them look rather dashing in the old Equestrian armor. Sixes could almost pass for a normal Pegasus if not for his leathery wings, but even then ponies would probably assume he was a bat pony rather than a dragon pony. Fierce Fury on the other hoof was a different matter,he stallionthe stallion was rather unique even among the Rinin, with his striking red feathers and feathery tail. He looks more like a phoenix pony than a dragon. Luna had heard of a race of feather dragons, but she would have look in the library when she returns home.

Luna looked ahead the city of the Unicorns coming into view resting on the side of a large mountain, tall white towers reaching up into the sky as if trying to touch the heavens. A truly arrogant notion if Luna were to be honest. once upon a time Unicorns could once move the sun and moon, but very few knew of the terrible fate that befell those ponies.

Simply put, the stress of moving such large and powerful celestial objects killed all participants. Not right away of course, a hundred unicorns were needed to move the sun and moon, but even in such group to move the sun and moon every day, Equestria was going to run out of fresh ponies really quickly. At best a Unicorn might last five to twenty years after participating in the ritual before the stress finally brought them to an early grave.

--new

Unicorn’s have held onto a strong “Master Race” mindset since the early days of Equestria. Their ability to move celestia bodies and wield magic far greater than other races the leading cause of this mindset. In efforts to show off they usually build cities in palaces no pony else could such a side of a mountain.

--new

Other than that “Master race” nonsense some Unicorns still held onto, building a city on top of a mountain with no natural resources nearby is kind of stupid. All goods had to be flown in or carried up a very steep road. And ponies wondered why everything was so high priced in Canterlot.

“Descend here” Luna said, “We shall land on the royal airstrip on the West side of the castle. You should see it at any moment now.” She pointed a hoof at a small clear strip of space, where several other chariots were parked off to the side. Chariots of nobles, no doubt given the tight security around them. As they landed several different colored helmets followed them with suspicion. Each noble insisted they had to have their own private police force for reasons they didn’t feel the need to give.

Whispers swept through the crowd by both guards and servants as Luna stepped off the chariot and roused Applejack from her forced slumber. Sixes and Fury quickly took up positions alongside Luna as worker ponies came to attend to their chariot.

“Stay close, all of you, we are not in friendly company,” Luna whispered as they passed some guards in yellow, soldiers of Lord Yellowblood, a pony that Luna never liked nor wished to interact with on any level. The three nodded as they all entered the castle. The few guards that tended to the princesses quickly stepped aside as Luna marched down the corridor with fierce determination gleaming in her eyes. Today things would change in Equestria for better or for worse.

Princess Celestia sat in a big puffy chair at the head of a circular table with ponies of noble birth flanking either side of her. They were the lords and ladies of Canterlot, the crème de crème of ponies as they like to refer to themselves, but Celestia called them the Rainbow council due to their names. Lord Redblood, Lady Orangeblood, Lord Yellowblood, Duke Greenblood, Duke Blueblood, and finally Duchess Violetblood.

They were the ruling body beside her and Luna, representatives of the common pony or so they claimed to keep their royal powers in check. It seemed to her that they rejected her proposals on everything always finding fault with even the simplest of her policies. Such a aid for the poor and orphans management

Together they ran Canterlot and Equestria as a whole and by ran together, what Celestia really meant was she suggested her ideas and they tell her why she’s wrong, it was a rather irking affair.

Even more so when they discuss their ideas and any resistance on her part was met with more resistance and nothing got done until they had their way.

“Oh, but if you were Queen you could out vote us they would say”, the only way Celestia can become Queen would be to marry one of their children and frankly she found the idea rather revolting. Not that their children were not handsome, she just didn’t want to be tied to any of them in such a way. Then there was the whole ‘must produce a royal heir,’ thing. (The Council falsely believed their ‘pure breeds’ could produce an alicorn.)

(They want the Alicorn gene in their families as it would assure their dominance against the other houses. A smart political plan that would no doubt easily the masses over. To bad Alicorns can only be born if both parents are Alicorns.)

Celestia didn’t know how many times she’s had to explain this to them, but still they’ve refused to listen, convinced that their royal bloodlines would be sufficient. As if the rules of genetics didn’t affect them.

Celestia hunched her shoulders as Duke Greenblood continued on about something and she once again pondered why she took the role of princess. “Oh right, Starswirl. He was the one who convinced Lunie and I to take this job, promising to help along the way. Now if only he would get out his workshop and actually help ruling like he promised!” Celestia Seethed , thinking of Starswirl’s constant excuses of being too busy with his experiments to help her. sure, she indulged in his adventures from time to time, but when push came to shove and the kingdom needed her to do her job She did it. When she needed him? Starswirl would lock himself away in his workshop and wouldn’t be seen for who knew how long, he could have died in there for all she knew.

The sound of the door opening halted Celestia’s brooding and Greenblood’s babbling as a messenger pony nervously entered the council room. There was a rule in place that the council chambers weren’t to be opened while they were in session, unless it was important, like an invasion or some other emergency. Judging by the pony’s hesitance that wasn’t the case.

“How dare you interrupt me you worthless…”

“Duke Greenblood!” Snapped Celestia, making the green stallion clam up and retake his seat. After sternly glaring at the other nobles, Celestia’s expression softened as she addressed the nervous wall eyed messenger. “What is the matter Dippy?”

The gray mare tapped her hooves nervously as the nobles glared at her. She was sure they would do something to her when the princess’s attention was elsewhere, but for now she could only do her job. “Your sister, Princess Luna, wishes to have a private audience with you Princess Celestia. She awaits in the solar tower. She says to come right away.”

The room was abuzz with chatter as the nobles whisper quietly amongst themselves. Princess Luna in Canterlot? This could spell trouble for them. Lord Yellowblood quickly called for the room’s attention.

“Princess or no, we are in an important meeting and it cannot be interrupted on the whims a single mare!” Yellowblood said smugly, however the tapping of booted hooves made him do a double take as Celestia started walking out of the room. “Princess Celestia, what do you think you are doing?”

“I’m going to go converse with my sister your lordship.” Celestia told him flatly. “Besides, I think we have done enough… delegating today. Time for a break, till next time my dear little ponies,” She sang as the doors slammed shut.

Outside Celestia smiled at the mare that had saved her from the dreadful meeting, “Thank you so much Dippy, is there anything you need?”

The gray mare nervously looked at the closed council doors. “Nothing princess, I’ll be fine. Thank you for the offer.”

Celestia quickly hid her frown. “Oh, ok. If you would be so kind as to bring me and my sister some tea, actually, make that tea and coffee as well as some snacks. I would be most grateful, have Stronghold and Bison help you.”

Dippy’s shivers died down at the mention of Celestia’s most loyal guards. Celestia’s only guards in fact. She gave her thanks before trotting off, only to stop and address the two white pegasi standing beside a pillar. Her personal guards.

“Nothing happens to her this time.” Celestia turned and faced the Council door. “Nothing.”

The solar tower was the tallest tower in Canterlot. Parallel to it was the lunar tower, the second tallest tower in Canterlot shorter by only a few feet. Close up no pony could tell the difference, but looking towards the city it was amazing what a few less feet could do. The towers had been made for Celestia and Luna to cast their magic over the sun and the moon and act as their rooms and private getaway when they were in Canterlot. Very few ponies asked why the Lunar tower was shorter, simply not seeing it as important. Luna had taken it in stride and brushed it off, never asking why, even though the towers were suppose to be made in equal height. Celestia however did question it to find the builders had ran out of funding and had to make some cuts. A strange claim, when the solar tower had been built after the lunar tower. The builder had been a pony named Yellow Brick, one of Lord Yellowblood’s sons. When Celestia looked deeper, she discovered that Yellow Brick, Lord Yellowblood’s son, had been the lead architect.

“You ok Luna?” Asked Applejack as the Luna glared at the lunar tower as if doing so would cause it to fall to rubble.

“I am fine, Applejack, just a bit nervous,” Luna said as the sound of booted hooves echoed through the stone corridors. Celestia was almost here. The doors of the room flew open as the princess of the sun gleefully bounded over to her sister and delivered a flying hug that brought both to the floor in a heap of limbs. Celestia laughed joyfully until she was roughly pulled off the ground by a pair of scaly hooves.

“Oh my,” The princess of the sun chuckled as she took in the two Rinin stallions, who were putting on their best serious face for the occasion. Celestia began to cry as she hugged her sister again. “Whaah! My little sister is growing up! Oh Lunie! How could you do this to me? Having not one, but two coltfriends, and a mare! I’m such a horrible big sister! Letting my sweet little sister develop such immoral tastes! Mother would strike me down with lightning if she were here now!”

Applejack, Sixes and Fury all took big steps away from the two sisters as Luna’s coat literary turned red with embarrassment, or more than likely anger.

“Enough of thy foolishness sister! We are here on serious business!” Luna shouted with her Canterlot voice, the volume shook the castle and left Celestia’s ears ringing and her mane blown back.

“Right, sorry.” Celestia apologized as she cleaned her ears and smoothed down her mane. Looking at the other ponies in the room, Celestia took a more critical look at them. The mare, Applejack, she believed her name was. Next was the more interesting ponies, two stallions dressed in the armor of her parents, both were rather unique in their own rights.

Celestia floated some cushions over for everypony just as Dippy arrived with the drinks and snacks. She had to give the wall eyed mare credit, she didn’t even flinch when serving the two strange stallions. Not everypony was used to bat ponies as they tended to keep to themselves.

“Thank you Dippy, that will be all.” Celestia dismissed the mare and focused her attention on her sister as she brewed her favorite tea, while Luna made coffee. “So what do you want to talk about? Must be important for you to come all the way here to Canterlot, especially after…”

Luna gritted her teeth, raising her hoof for Celestia to stop. “Please, do not speak of that day.”

Shivering under her sister’s cool gaze, Celestia quickly decided to change topics, “Of course, apologizes Luna. So, who are your new friends? I’ve met the mare, but it has been a long while since I’ve seen bat ponies of any kind for years. Since when did they grow feathers?”

Luna took a sip of her coffee, finding it adequate, and then took a chocolate cupcake from the snack tray. “The taller one is Sixes and the shorter one is called Fierce Fury, Fury for short, and they are not bat ponies, but Rinin.”

There was a pause before Celestia ungracefully and uncouthly spat her tea into her sister’s face, drenching the mare’s mane and leaving her unamused by her sister’s reaction.

“Rinin? as in Dragon ponies, that kind of Rinin? You must be joking Luna! Is this one of your pranks? If it is…”

“Enough!” Luna demand stopped Celestia’s babble. She pointed to Sixes and Fury, “Show her.”

The two Shadowbolts look at one another, unsure what they could show as proof, but they didn’t want to let Luna down, so they decide to do something simple. Sixes revealed his teeth while snorting smoke out his snout. Fury held up his right foreleg and morphed his hoof into a dragon’s claw, complete with a thumb.

Celestia gasped, astonished by the display, “Impossible…” she muttered as she walked over to the two. She poked and prodded them to prove what she was seeing was real. “Amazing, I’m sure Starswirl would love to have both of you as test subjects.”

Sixes and Fury flinched. Fury growled as he tore his claw away from Celestia, leaving a small cut on the princess’s foreleg. Celestia flinched and backed away from the two agitated stallions, more for their safety, then hers.

“Calm down you two, no one will be any ponies test subject. You have my word.” Luna said as she approached the two stallions, her words calming them. “Sixes, why don’t you stand guard outside. Applejack, Fury, why don’t you two go explore Canterlot?”

“Why would we want to do that exactly?” Applejack asked skeptically, hating the idea instantly.

Luna sighed and rubbed her temple, already feeling a headache coming on. “Just humor me, please? It will be a good experience, plus there’s certain pony I want you to find, remember?”

Other than talking to her sister there was another matter that brought Luna to Canterlot. The inventor pony, Gadget, who according to Allure lived somewhere in Canterlot. Of course somewhere could mean anywhere from the lower districts to the castle. She didn’t expect Applejack and Fury to find him, but it was something for them to do. She would address Sixes and Fury’s reactions later in a more private setting.

Applejack nodded and led Fury out the door, who kept a distrustful gaze on Celestia. Sixes took his post at the door, addressing the two.

“Remember if you find yourselves in trouble simply roar and the princess and I shall come to you.”

“Um yeah, how loud is this roar of yours again?” Applejack inquired, imagining panicked ponies running everywhere thinking a dragon was attacking.

Sixes smiled and winked, “Loud enough my friend, loud enough, oh and don’t be put out if Fury gives you the cold shoulder, he’s a quiet pony.”

Applejack waved him off, “It’s ok, I like em’ quiet.” The two stallions stare at her, making her blush and hid behind her braid. “Uh, that’s wasn’t supposed to come out like that, dammit, did it again! Let’s… let’s just go already!” Applejack fumed, dragging Fury along with her.

“What was that about?” Celestia asked as she filled her tea cup. Seeing a pony look at her with such hatred and distrust nearly broke her heart, nothing like this has happened to her before. At least not recently.

“I don’t know,” Luna conceded, “I suppose things might become clearer if I explain how I found Sixes and Fury and their otherkin.”

“Their otherkin?”

Luna nodded soberly and began telling the tale of her and Applejack’s journey to Mount Firehorn. She debated whether she should inform Celestia of Applejack’s training, but decided to leave that out as well as several other details, such as to why she had gone to Firehorn in the first place. When she got to the mountain top though, she was one hundred percent honest, telling her sister of the number branded ponies and their lack of memory.

Celestia didn’t speak right away. She paced back and forth across the room as she digested all of the information. The sun princess agreed with her sister, there was no natural way for 150 dragon ponies to be born and no pony notice, especially given their wide age range. Their lack of memory was even more disturbing, it was almost as if they appeared from nowhere. Celestia choose her next words carefully.

“What do you plan to do with them sister?” The sun princess asked as she turned to face her sister, not as the loving elder sibling, but as the ruler of Equestria to her co ruler. Luna swallowed hard, but kept firm and stared down her sister with equal conviction.

“I plan… I plan to put them to good use for Equestria. They are a fierce and strong willed lot, in need of a purpose. I plan to give them one.” Luna looked out the window, towards the vast land of their kingdom. From here it looked so peaceful, but she knew otherwise. “Over these past weeks I have seen many things sister, things that can’t be fixed with debates and words alone, things that need action and ponies willing to do what is needed without restriction.”

“I don’t understand Luna, what is it you are getting at?”

“What I mean sister, is I am forming an army to battle against the creatures of the night and help our subjects, who are in dire need of hoof and steel rather than empty promises... and I will do it with or without your support.”

Meanwhile in the streets of Canterlot, Applejack and Fury were having some problems.

“Ya think we’re lost?” Applejack asked, looking between the confusing street names in order to find a frame of reference. She would have thought one could see the castle anywhere in Canterlot, but she was proved wrong as the castle’s tall spires blended into the background with the cities other tall spires, each of them looking alike. “Sure would help if we even knew where to look for this pony. No map, no address, how does Allure stay in contact with him?”

“We should look for the smith’s area of town, if he is an armorer somepony should surely know of him,” Fury suggested, pointing his hoof down a lane. “I smell a lot of smoke from that direction, it is mostly likely the forging district, that or a fire has broken out. Unlikely given the metallic scent mixed in.”

Applejack stared at Fury, sampling that air, only to get a whiff normal city smells, such as the garbage that litters the streets and many unwashed pony bodies. She quickly clamped her hoof over her nose, cursing her curiously.

“Oh boy howdy! You really smell that through that stench?”

Chuckling, Fury trotted away, Applejack following with her hoof still over her nose.

“Hey, you gonna answer me?”

The two wonder around for about an hour, crisscrossing several streets, chasing after the ever elusive scent of smoke. Their quest suddenly became more difficult as the hour for supper arrived and every household lit their fires. Hungry and hooves aching, Fury and Applejack decide to take a break. Oddly enough they found themselves sitting on a bench in the cemetery of all places with no pony around except an old mare placing flowers on graves. Applejack decided to ask the mare for directions while Fury stayed on the bench.

“Excuse me Ma’am?” Applejack asked, getting the mares attention. “Do you know of a pony named Gadget?”

The old mare stopped before the next grave, giving Applejack her attention while chomping loudly on a thatch of alfalfa.

“Well aren’t you a pretty young thing, you and your coltfriend out for walk?” Applejack blushed at the accusation and looked back at Fury, who returned the gaze with a raised eyebrow. The old mare chuckled as Applejack denied the claim.

“Me and him aren’t- ah- like that... in fact we barely know each other! And I asked ya-“

“I know dearie, I know, just having a little fun is all. You younglings are so uptight now days, anyway, you looking for Starwind?”

“No, Gadget!” Applejack yelled and then sheepishly apologized as the mare glared at her for yelling.

“Starwind-” The mare huffed, “-Or Starwind the beardless, is Gadget. I’d know since I was the one that gave him his name when he was growing up.”

“You’re his mother?”

The mare shook her head. “I never said that! Now stop interrupting me! Now where was I… oh yes, Starwind was the name I gave him when he was growing up in the orphanage. He gave himself the name beardless after meeting Starswirl the bearded. He thought it was clever. Then he changed his name after he got his mark, three gears. That crazy pony has a real talent for making things. I think he lives down on Trotting lane a couple blocks down. Real dangerous place, most ponies avoid it if they can.”

“Ah see. Thank you for the information ma’am.”

“You be careful now miss, lots of ponies go missing around those parts, especially the pretty ones like yourself. I hope you’re stallion friend over there knows how to tussle.”

Applejack looked at Fierce Fury, sitting calmly on the bench waiting for her, but she knew from his behavior at the mines what lay beneath that calm facade. The fiery pony had barely spoken for the short amount of time they’ve traveled together, preferring to stay quiet. Some would mistaken it for meekness or weakness, but in her experience it was the quiet ones watch out for.

“Thanks for the warning, we’ll be careful.”

The old mare nodded, returning to her flower laying. Applejack trotted back to Fury, who was taking a peek at one of the tombstones. It read: Here lies Ferocious, orphan. The date of death was a few years before Applejack herself was born. There seem to be a lot of similar tombstones for orphans. Applejack looked back at the old mare who continued with her work, there seem to be no end to the flowers she laid down for the dead foals. How many were buried here? The question brought a shiver down Applejack’s spine as she looked out into the fields of stones that stretch for miles.

“Did you find out anything useful?” Fury inquired, shaking Applejack out of her stir and thankfully taking her mind off the gloomy nature of the cemetery.

“Trotting lane, a few blocks that way, we’ll find Gadget or Starwind, the guy goes by two names apparently.”

Fury snorted, his hot breath steaming in the cold air. “Don’t matter if he has three or four names. As long as he’s our pony, it doesn’t matter what he's called.”

“You’re just a ball of sunshine. You don’t have to be serious all the time you know?” Said Applejack, playfully poking the Rinin in the side.

Fury pushed her hoof away. “We can evaluate my demure latter. Let’s get going.”

“Alright, alright, but would it kill you to smile?” Asked Applejack, Fury opened his mouth wide in a big smile, showing off his sharp teeth. “Oh right, I forgot.”

The red Rinin seem to find some amusement in her reaction, she swore she saw a smirk on Fury’s lips as he trotted ahead. (Maybe he does have some humor in him?) Applejack thought as she followed after him.

Trotting lane, like the old mare had said, was a bad part of town, not that the two ponies walking down the lane had high opinions of Canterlot, but this lane definitely put the “bad” in bad part of town. Garbage littered the streets, the road was covered in mud and other things. The buzzing flies didn’t paint a good picture, nor did the smell. Slander was painted on the houses, broken windows were common, and the rest of the houses barely looked livable.

If things were this bad, why didn’t ponies just move out of the city for the country? Sure there was the wilderness, monsters, bandits, harsh weather and overall tough living conditions, but at least there was always hope out on the country. This place? There was no hope left in it, or anypony that even cared enough to hope for something better.

“Ah shoot, I forgot to ask which house was his!” Applejack cursed her short sightedness. They may have the street pinned down, but there were at least thirty or more houses, including apartments to search. Personally she wasn’t looking forward to meeting every pony on the block.

Suddenly a scream of “SOMEPONY HELP ME” caught the two’s attention. Barreling down the opposite side of the lane was a Unicorn filly or young mare who Applejack guessed didn’t look that much younger than Applejazz .

The filly had a yellow tawny coat and a head of pure black hair. she was being chased by some very big and very mean looking stallions.

“Come on let’s…go?” Applejack’s voice puttered out as the red stallion was already charging head without her.

“You’re coming with us, Dusk! Some very important ponies have interest in your… gift. We’ve tried being nice, but that bone headed father of yours can’t save you now.” The lead stallion taunted. The mare, Dusk, pressed her body closer to wall, as if trying to phase through it, sparks of black colored magic burst out of her horn as she fearfully tried to use to her magic, but the lead stallion, who was also a unicorn canceled the spell before it could form.

“Nice try,” He chuckled, retrieving a ring from his saddle bag, “But not good enough, now if you would so kindly put this anti-magic ring on your horn, we can make this quick and painless. Our boss prefers undamaged goods.”

“No! Stay away from me!” Dusk screamed, but one of the other stallions cut of her voice with his hoof. The lead stallion advance while holding the ring up with his magic. The ring floated closer to Dusk’s horn, and she struggled harder the closer it got, but it was all in vain. Tears flowed freely down her face, her dad had warned her about going out alone, but she just had to go to that party! She had wanted to taste freedom and see what it was like to be a normal pony for once. Now her life was over. Her dad probably wouldn’t even know she was gone till tomorrow. When he gets into a project he forgets to even take care of himself, let alone her. He would have starved or died of dehydration if she wasn’t around to remind him he needed food and water. Also sleep, he hardly gets any of that either, he looked like somepony punched him the face with the black circles always around his eyes.

Resigned to her fate Dusk closed her eyes as the anti-magic ring touched her horn. Already she could feel its effects taking hold, the stallions chuckling at her plight. She was so sure it was all over that she didn’t even register the yell of pain from one of the stallions at first. She finally did when she felt the hoof ripped away from her mouth and the ring tossed side. Landing on her rump she opened her eyes to see a red armored Pegasus standing protectively over her.

“Who the hell are you, ya damned featherbrain?” One of the stallions demanded. No pony ever got in their way before, they knew who they worked for, and they knew better then to try to get in their way.

“Fury hold up!” An orange a mare, wearing some sort of dark blue body suit with gold boots demanded as she skid to a stop next to the red Pegasus. “We’re supposed to be a team! You don’t go leaving your teammate behind!”

“Not right now, Applejack,” Fury growled, streams of smoke blowing out of his snout, his hooves morphing into claws. “Take care of the filly. I’m going to show you why they call me FURY!”

Roaring like an angry dragon, Fury bared his claws pouncing on the nearest unicorn and taking him down in an instant, the others charge their horns to attack, it was ten to two. They had them out numbered was their thought as they fire beams of magic. Fury took to the air avoiding the beams and swooped down grabbing one of the unicorns and carried him up into the air, the unicorn screaming for him to let him go.

“Alright, if that’s what you want,” Said Fury letting the unicorn fall, he and his friends were so surprised that he actually let go that the other unicorn stallions didn’t even try to catch their friend, who landed on the ground with a ‘splat’, “Two down, eight to go. Let’s separate the mares from the stallions shall we?”

Inhaling, Fury’s chest expanded, a soft red glow flashing beneath his scaly coat. The unicorns were so confused by his actions that they didn’t even prepare any defenses, after all since when did Pegasus breath fire?

Blasting a stream of hot flames Fury hit one stallion directly, the stallion ran in circles trying to put out the fire by rolling in the mud, another two fled in terror, the remaining four charge at Applejack and Dusk, hoping to complete their mission and run home. They might have thought Applejack, being a mare, would make an easily opponent, after all they had taken on plenty before. They were in for a surprise.

With as much fury as her companion Applejack turned and kicked closet unicorn, teeth flew and his horn snapped as her hooves connected with his face, the second was met with a wall of stone spikes! Applejack creating them with her grieves the moment her back legs touched the ground. Turning she slammed her front hoof against the stone spike just as Luna had shown her, the spike burst into thousands to tiny shards a that cut up two of the last remaining stallions, the fourth and final running with his tail between his legs. He didn’t get far though as a blast of gray magic blasted him into a nearby house.

“Daddy!” Dusk cried happily running to the Unicorn stallion emerging from one of the nearby houses. He was older pony, probably late fifties early sixties, his coat and mane were both graying and fading, leaving only shadow of his former colors, which appeared to be amber and blonde, on his flank were three gears.

“Dusk, thank the princesses you’re safe!” The father exclaimed hugging his daughter lovingly, making Applejack “Aww” and then he thumped Dusk upside the head! “What did I tell you about going out on your own? If I hadn’t had to use the bathroom, I’d never found out you’ve snuck out till it was too late!”

“I’m sorry Daddy.” Dusk cried hugging her father’s leg. His expression softened as he hugged her again.

“I know you are sweetie, please don’t scare me like that again baby. I’m too old to be running around like a brash knight from a fairy tale. You have to be more careful.” The father told his daughter. He looked at Applejack and Fury smiling at the two ponies who had saved his daughter. “Thank you for saving my daughter, I’m Gadget, and this is my daughter Dusk. Judging by your armor you work for the princesses, yes?”

“How’d you know that?” Applejack asked.

Gadget chuckled pointing at Fury, “It’s been awhile, but I recognize that shabby piece of work the lad wears. I worked on a few of those relics back in the day. Oh, but look at me being rude, you two want to come in my house out of the mud and cold? I got some warm hot chocolate on the kettle… and I should probably go check that before my house burns down! Follow me!”

Fury and Applejack look at one another, then at the destruction they caused to the streets and bodies lying unmoving on the muddy streets. Silently they agree that following Gadget would be wise, plus he was the pony they were looking for, so two birds with one stone.

Gadget’s home looked about as well as the other homes on trotting lane, though it was in a little better shape, or at least better maintained than the other houses. Patch work littered the outer walls, the windows were barred and boarded, except for one on the second floor. Gadget let them in the front door, which led to a small mudroom connecting to the kitchen, which was a mess.

“Sorry for the mess. I’m sure there are some clean cups around here.” Gadget rummaged around the cupboards, pulling out three cup with his magic. “Here we go.” He said placing the cups on the table.

“Where’s my cup dad?”

Gadget tapped his chin, “Hmm, I don’t know… in your room where you were supposed to be?”

“I’m grounded aren’t I?”

“You are correct,” Gadget nodded, “Now go to your room and no more sneaking out.” Dusk nods sadly and climbs the stairs. “And no eavesdropping!” The sounds of dashing hooves thunders above as Dusk scurried to her bed.

With the filly in bed, the tree adults gather around the table and casually sipped their hot chocolate. Minutes pass, more hot chocolate was poured, and snacks were offered and politely declined. Thirty minutes later after a little small talk, the time for business arrived.

“So Fierce Fury, Applejack, what can I do for you? Not to be arrogant, but I’m the only pony on Trotting lane that ponies come to see. Mainly because of my workshop and blacksmithing. I assume you came looking for me for a job, right?”

“That’s right, Allure in Firehorn showed Princess Luna this special armor, call moon phase armor, she said you made it and the princess would like you to help make a large order for her,” Applejack explained, “The princess is willing to pay and move you and your family to the castle of the two sisters and hire you on as a permanent worker there.”

Gadget calmly sipped his hot chocolate mulling over Applejack’s words. He really didn’t have any problem leaving Canterlot, it’s not like he had any friends or other family in the city, and it wasn’t exactly safe for Dusk here.

“A tempting offer and my respects for not asking about my daughter, I can see the question burning in your eyes though, so I might as well tell you, since we will be working with each other. You and the princess should know the baggage that I come with.” Gadget exhaled deeply setting his cup on the table and he began his tale. “My daughter Dusk, she is gifted, very gifted, she has more magical power then I did at her age, power I don’t even have at my age now and certain ponies have taken an special interest in her. Those stallions you met have bosses in very high places, if you catch my meaning.”

“Ah think, Ah get you’re meaning, but just to clarify, you’re taking the job?”

“You bet.”

“Alright, gather you stuff, Ah’ll stay here as protection, while Fury will goes to get the princess. You ok with that Fury?” Applejack asked.

“It’s the logical thing to do. I will be back soon.” Fury left the house and took to the sky.

“He’s a serious one, isn’t he?” Gadget joked hopping out of his chair. Waving for Applejack to follow him. “It won’t take long for him to get back, better get started on packing. I need to get all my inventions and blueprints stored away and destroy everything else.”

Gadget pushed the door to his workshop open, revealing walls and walls of papers and blueprints. Strange machines and parts were scattered everywhere, it was a little overwhelming for Applejack.

“We need to pack all of this?”

“No, only eighty five percent of it, the rest can be burned and shredded. Come on, let’s get to work.”

Luna and Celestia have been in hot debate for the past few hours. For the castle staff it was the first time they have ever heard the princesses yell. Not the stop bickering and shut up yell, that Celestia used on rare occasion, but actual yelling between two sisters.

“This is madness Luna! You will be putting ponies in danger!” Screamed Celestia.

“Ponies need to learn to defend themselves Celestia! We may have more magic then every pony in Equestria, but we are not invincible, we cannot be everywhere, we cannot protect everypony! What will happen when we pass on like others of our kind?” Luna argued back, snorting in rage.

“Symphony is with child, our race will make a comeback!”

“Stop lying to yourself Celestia! Are you going to mate with our cousin’s son? We both know that pure bloodline is nonsense. Admit it, this is end of the Alicorns, it’s time to look the future.”

“Starswirl is making a spell that could change everything! We can make more of us Luna.”

Luna blinked, while Celestia covered her mouth, hoping no pony overheard her, it would be very bad if certain nobles found out Alicorns could be made.

“What insanity are thou talking about Celestia? Make Alicorns is what I believe was said?” Luna asked pointedly. Celestia nervously backed away, while Luna advanced on her. “Say it again, what is this insanity?”

Celestia bit her lip nearly breaking skin. How could she blab such a important formation in a castle with so many ears. “Forget it, it’s nothing but a pipe dream at the moment.”

Luna growled digging her hoof into the floor, desperately wanting to press the issue, but knew this was not the place to discuss such world shattering ideas. (Something can never be known.) She didn’t like secrets, but even she knew what trouble could spawn if ponies found out it might be possible to make alicorns rather then birth them.

“Very well, I’ll let the matters slide for now. Regardless of what you say, I’m already moving forward with my plans. My adventure in Firehorn only reinforced my believes that this is the right path. Tell me sister, did you know Dragonlord Singe was overthrown?”

“What? When did this happen?” Celestia gasped looking terrified. Her body shivered recalling the monstrous battle they waged against the dragonlord nearly two decades ago. “What manner of dragon could have defeated him? We barely defeated him!”

“Age was probably a key factor. He was at the tail edge of his prime when we faced him. I still find it hard to believe his strength deteriorated so quickly since then. The new Dragonlord, Torch, doesn’t seem interested in conquering our lands for now.” Luna puckered her lips looking sour. “Though he made a show of me at my expense.”

“What did he do?”

Luna bit the inside of lip, “He just said a few choice words and insults, demanded payment for letting me take the Rinin with me. I’ll be pulling a good sum from my side of our hoard within the week here. That isn’t what’s important here, Celestia. You and I know Dragonlords can switch in a blink of an eye. Who knows how long Torch will be in power, could be a year, could be a thousand, or he could gone next week, replaced by a dragon that is interested in our lands. What will we do then?”

“We shall repel him the same we did with Singe.” Celestia replied boldy.

Luna shook her head circling around her sister, “What will we do if he is joined by several other dragons of similar power?” She jabbed her hoof into Celestia’s side, right underneath her left foreleg, Celestia jumped and hissed. “That wound from Singe still bothering you even now?”

“It didn’t get treated probably after the battle.” Celestia rebuked with a tear pooling under her eye.

“You’re not healing like you used to.” Luna stated jabbing Celestia in the ribs. The sun Princess yelped and jumped away from her sister, looking angry.

“Stop that! I’m only twenty five hundred years old, don’t take me a for old nag just yet.” Celestia barked jabbing Luna in the side, her little sister didn’t flinch.

“That wound healed long ago, Celestia. Face it, these years of soft living have weakened you, your out of shape. I hate to admit it, but I’ve slacked off too, but no more. We need to be better prepared and our ponies need to be prepared too, not just for the dragons, but Griffons and other pony nations.”

Still cringing in pain Celestia glared at her sister. “You have a point, but that’s why I’ve been looking for a successor, because unlike you I’ve been here trying to find solutions these past fifty years while you been hiding away at home!”

Luna staggered back as if struck, tears pooled in her eyes before she angrily wiped them away. Her eyes red and her lips quivered with restrained rage. She turned up her nose and faced away from her sister.

“Luna… I… didn’t mean it like that.” Celestia muttered.

“I think we’re done here.” Luna said stonely.

The door opened and Sixes entered with Fury beside him. “Princess, we have found him.”

Luna nodded turning back around with dried eyes, giving her sister downard look, while bushing down her mane. “Very good, take me to him. I believe I am done here. Good bye sister.”

“Goodbye, Luna,” Celestia whispered as the blue mare exit the room. The room feeling big and empty, a single tear rolled down her cheek.

“This is the residence?” Luna asked, touching down in front Gadget’s home, it wasn’t what she been expecting. Surely a blacksmith must earn more?

“Yes, mistress,” Fury confirmed opening the door for Luna, “Please watch your step, it is not the cleanest of places.”

“Well you try working all day and raising a kid and find time to clean!” Gadget shouted over a loud crashing noise. A strange device was tossed out of the workshop. The unicorn stallion trotted up the stairs with four saddlebags slung over his flank, stuff full of scrolls. Coming up behind was Applejack, carrying up even more saddle bags. “That’s most of it. Dusk! You can quite pretending to be a sleep and gather up your toys. We’re moving!”

“Yay!”

Luna looked strangely at Gadget as little tawny blur ran down the stair, hugged him, and then run back up stairs. “It’s doesn’t seem normal for a filly to be so excited about moving.”

“She isn’t a normal filly,” Gadget said approaching the princess, “Nice to meet you majesty, names Starwind the beardless or Gadget, I go by the latter more often these days, but I thought it would be rude not to tell you my real name.”

“How noble,” Luna praises, “I hope you don’t mind if I simply refer to you as Gadget?”

“Whatever you prefer, now you want some moon phase armor I hear? Glad Allure finally managed to pitch that armor, but from what Miss Applejack has told me, you’ll need more than just mere armor. Take a look at these.”

Several blueprints float over to Luna. She took them in her magic looking them over with a critical eye, and she liked what she saw.

“What do you need to make these?”

Gadget smiled, “I’m going to need bits, gems, and a lot of hooves.”

Author's Note

edited 5/4/19
Edit's by ALKS-Dough 10/26/20

Thundering hooves

Night patrol ch 6
By Foxgear

The thunder of hooves shook the ground, the haunting whinnies of their pursuers echoed in their ears. How they ask, how have things changed so fast? Once they pillaged taking whatever they wanted, but now they were the ones being hunted.

“Somebody help us!” An ogre screamed as he tripped on a tree root, his companions running off without him. He turned as the bush erupts into a mass of shining white lights, the whinnies surging to a roaring battle cry!

“FOR EQUESTRIA!”

The ogre could barely scream his last breath as the cavalry charge of the night patrol ran him down, their steel boots crushing his bones and flesh.

Running at the head of the herd was an orange mare in a brown Stetson hat. “Don’t let ‘em get away now! Chase those varmints down!” She ordered, galloping at full speed. Another squad came crashing in from the north, taking down another ogre. Up above a roaring whinny was heard as three dark shadows nosedive at the final Ogre, plucking it up and carrying it off into the sky. A distant scream was heard as the ogre was returned to earth via airdrop.

“Halt!” The mare ordered, the group stopping on a dime. “Turnabout and return home, we’re done tonight, good jobs boys! Hail Luna!”

“Hail Luna!” Her comrades cheered dispersing into the woods. Applejack looked up waving as the shadows of the Shadowbolts passed s overhead. Smiling Applejack proudly trotted home.

At the castle of the two sisters, things were busy, construction and remodeling were underway as builders made new barracks, and added lower levels to the castle. Tunnels were dug out the side of the nearby riven for air deliveries and landing zones for the shadowbolts. Outside hundreds of raw recruits were put through the wringer as they were trained to be night patrol ponies. Looking at it all from above was Princess Luna, Princess of the night, and Leader of Night Patrol. She was amazed at the progress they had made in only six months after her visit to her sister in Canterlot.
Clear up paragraph below

After recruiting the inventor pony Gadget and his daughter Dusk, Luna sent out the word to all ponies across the Equestria, asking them to join her cause. She had been expecting a few clans to participate, but she didn’t expect the herds, upon herds of ponies to arrive at her doorstep, so soon after making the call. Lucky for them winter was upon them, and whether pony or dark creature of the forest, most critters don’t venture out in the snow. This meant they had plenty of time to train the new recruits and when the snow began to thaw, and the creatures rose from their deep slumber by the warmer weather. Her ponies would spread out across the land. Establishing communication and trade between the various towns scattered throughout the countryside. Soon patrols were assigned and mobilized, and their work began. Though they lost a few ponies here and there, their work and sacrifice could be seen, and Equestria was slowly becoming safer for everypony, but that wasn’t all Luna was working for. She was looking ahead to the future generations, so she began to teach the fouls of the clans.

“Now can anypony tell me the weakness of a cyclops?” Luna asked the class of fouls, hooves sprang up, and she took her time deciding who to call on, “Applejazz, your answer?”

“The eye! You kick in the eye, like this!” The little filly demonstrated by jumping on her desk and performing a flying kick, which sent her flying to another foal, sending both crashing to the floor.

Luna rubbed her temple at the filly’s zealous behavior, “Yes, excellent. Next time a worded answer will be enough. Also, your form needs work. Speak to Rawhide about improving your balance when you kick.”

“Yes, Princess Luna,” Applejazz miserly replied, knowing all of her free time after class was now gone. Replaced with hours of Rawhide telling her, “Nope, do it again,” Such fun times.

“Now who can answer…?”

“They’re back!” An excited foal yelled pointing out the window at the returning patrollers. The class began to buzz with excitement, and Luna knew it would be impossible to get them back on track.

Sighing she dismissed the class, “You are all free to go, but I want you all to do reports about what creatures the patrols encountered for tomorrow.”

“Ok, Princess Luna!” The class replied before they all dashed out in a flash of colors. Luna turned and began erasing the chalkboard when she felt a presence lingering in the room.

“Aren’t you going to with them Dusk?” Luna asked the little unicorn filly. This was not the first time this happened, it has almost become their own strange routine, which she secretly enjoyed a bit too much at times when her other duties called for her attention.

Like every day before Dusk shook her head and moved to the front of the classroom. Eagerly waiting for what she called “Special super awesome advance studies” or “Luna Time,” unfortunately, there wasn’t time today.

“I’m sorry Dusk, but I’m needed elsewhere today.” Luna quickly looked away, to avoid the filly’s soul-shattering look of sadness and disappointment, if Luna dared to meet the filly’s eyes, she would be wrapped around her hoof in a second.

“Its fine Princess Luna,” Dusk said sadly, “I’ll just go home and be alone.”

“Well... it’s not like anything is stopping you from making friends Dusk,” Luna pointed out, keeping her face turned away, “I’m sure Applejack would be more than happy to share her stories with both you and Applejazz. The thing about friendship is taking the first step to start it.”

“But how can I fit in if I don’t have a family member out on patrol?

This made Luna turn her head at the filly, “Dusk, what your father does is important. He may not be out on the front lines with the other ponies, but he works hard to ensure they come home safe. I hope you can appreciate that.”

Dusk dug her hoof into her desk, avoiding Luna’s gaze. Her father had tried to join the patrols, mainly because she pestered him into doing it since everypony else had a family member in the patrols. Things did not go well. Gadget was just too old, while he wasn’t fat, but he wasn’t in shape either. His years of inventing and blacksmithing had taken quite a toll on his body. The poor stallion couldn’t even gallop for even a few minutes without nearly collapsing.

“I do appreciate it, Princess, I really do, but most of the others don’t see it that way.” Dusk sunk into her chair, hiding her face under her forelegs.

“Come on now,” Said Luna levitating the filly on to her back. Dusk was about to protest, but Luna leaped out of the window before she could utter a word. The princess laughing playfully as Dusk clung to her neck, screaming her heart out. Spotting her target Luna glided down, landing softly in front of Applejack, startling the orange mare with her sudden appearance.

“Whoa! Ah thought Ah asked ya you stop doing that!” Applejack fumed her heart beating a mile a minute.

Luna chuckled at her friend’s expense, “I am sorry Applejack, but I need a favor.”

“Oh yeah,” Applejack said skeptically, “What kind of favor?”

“Nothing too hard for the captain of the night patrol, just a little foal sitting is all.”

“Foal sitting?”

Luna nodded, “Yes, I need you to watch little Dusk here. Gadget will be working late tonight, and I thought it best that Dusk spend some time with others.”

Applejack looked behind Luna’s mane at the unicorn filly, remembering the day she and Fury saved her after that both her and Fury have had little contact with the young filly. Seeing the loneliness in her coal black eyes, Applejack couldn't help but say yes.

“Alright, she can come with us. She’s looking a little thin anyway. Ah, ’m sure mah kin and I can fill her up and get her to the proper size.”

“I’m sure you can,” Luna smiled, touching her own stomach, which was a little bigger due to the Apple clan's many high-calorie meals, which were needed for all the work being done. For herself though, Luna was debating between cutting back on her meals or start being more active with the more physical work of the night patrol. As much as she wanted to be out on the front with her ponies, somepony had to be here giving orders and directing the workers and other odds and ends that need her attention. Hopefully, when the construction is done, she can get some patrol time in, which reminded her. “Oh drat, I forgot I need to go check on Allure’s next shipment! Here’s Dusk, thank you, goodbye!”

Catching the unicorn filly with her forehoof, Applejack shook her head as Luna flew off into sky disappearing to another part of the castle. She wished the princess would let them take over some of her duties, so she could have some time to herself. That would have to wait for another day since Applejack had not one, but two fillies to watch over tonight.

“Well, let’s get going you two, suppers calling.” Applejack and Applejazz start walking away, till Applejack notice Dusk wasn’t following them. “Come on Dusk, no need to be a stranger, we’re all friends here, right?”

“Friends?”

“Yeah, now get over here, so we can eat.”

“Ok!” The unicorn filly shouted excitedly sprinting after the apples, a smile that hasn’t been seen in a long while returning to her face.

Luna soared over the east tower, landing in the courtyard where Allure and her workers were unloading another shipment of gems and ore for the Night patrol’s blacksmiths. Tons, upon tons of material, were being moved by all races, Unicorn, Pegasus, and Earth pony.

“How are things Allure,” Asked Luna touching down in front of the white unicorn, “Going well I hope?”

After bowing Allure replied, “Exceptionally well actually, you were right about there being gems out in the steppes, buried only a few feet below ground too. It’s rather strange really. Not unwelcome of course, we have so many gems now, we managed to make our tribute to the dragons, get supplies, and have more than enough left over for Mr. Gadget. I dare say at this rate my ponies will work in your forges before next winter.”

“Very good, Allure, keep up the good work. I must go and check on the construction progress beneath the castle now. I am worried about the foundation with the extra lower levels being added.”

Allure waved her hoof at the princess’s worries, “I wouldn’t worry princess. Rawhide knows his stuff. Might I suggest you settle down and leave him to his work? You look like you could use some tea and sleep. The circles around your eyes are just dreadful. When was the last time you had full nights…er day’s rest?”

Luna tapped her chin feverishly, “I don’t know, two, three, weeks ago? It doesn’t matter, another cup of coffee and I’ll be good to go.” Luna tried to assure the unicorn as her body trembled from the lack of caffeine. Allure gently rubbed her shoulder the motion soothing Luna’s fried nerves.

“As your friend princess, sorry I mean Luna, I’m very concerned. Perhaps I could go and check on the construction progress, while you go rest. It would be very unladylike like for you collapse on the ground. Ponies would panic and raise a fuss, and I know you don’t want to happen right?”

Luna snorted, bursting out into laughter, drawing confused stares from the nearby workers. “I’m sorry Allure,” She apologized wiping a tear from her eye, “It’s simply strange for you to say fainting is unladylike when a few decades ago mares wore corsets to be more “Lady-like” and usually fainted due to the fact they couldn’t breathe.”

“I see, I guess it is rather a funny thing to say, given that context,” Allure said chuckling a little, “Seriously princess, you really do need some sleep.”

“I’ll… (Yawn) suppose a short nap would be beneficial.”

Allure smiled, “Very good…”

“After I check the forges and construction, everypony is working hard, we cannot slack off.”

Ignoring Luna’s speech slip up, Allure sighed, deciding to stop arguing with the princess. “Fine, but I shall accompany you. A place as dangerous as a construction zone is no place for a sleepy pony to be wandering alone. To be a clear princess, one slip up or near accident and it’s off to bed for you.”

Luna yawned loudly, waving off Allure’s threat, “Yes, yes, you’re as much a mother hen as Celestia at times Allure.” She said walking off. Allure's cheeks puffed up with a soft “Humph” and followed after the princess.

The sounds of hammers and chisels echoed through the hollow chambers beneath the castle. Stallions of every race, earth, pegasi, and unicorn, worked diligently together to complete their work. It was the sight that Luna held dear to her heart, the three tribes working together. During the construction of the Lunar and Solar towers, unicorns had been the foremen, while the earth and pegasus did all the heavy lifting. Actually, that was how most of Canterlot was built. Here though, unicorns were using their magic to lift heavy objects and hold things and place for their pony brethren, allowing the work to get done faster and safer. It was a lovely sight indeed.

A pony yelled, “Heads up!” Allure and Luna quickly trot out of the way as several tons of bricks float past. They took two steps forward when another worker zoomed pass by with some lumber. Thinking the third time is the charm, they try to step forward again, only to blocked once more!

“This is so frustrating! How can we possibly get through?” Allure whined, Luna, gesturing for her to step back, the Princess's chest expanding with air. Allure knew what was coming next and quickly covered her ears.

“BE STILL!” Luna yelled her voice echoing through the noise of construction, everypony froze in place, all eyes turning to the two mares. The mares trot through the shell shocked workers, Luna with her head held high and looking regal, while Allure sheepishly apologizing to everypony they pass.

“A simple task no?” Luna said as they enter the completed section of the forge, the noise of construction resuming behind them.

“I suppose, a little hard on the ears though,” Allure chuckled as she rubbed her ears, trying to stop the ringing.

The princess and the unicorn enter the inner sanctum of the workshop, where Gadget was busy working on his inventions. He has been given free rein and more resources then he could ever hope to have, and he has made right on his promise to Luna to improve their armor and weapons. Gadget said he would revolutionize the way ponies live and recently he sent a message to her, saying he made a breakthrough. Luna wasn't sure what to expect.

“What is this thing?” Luna asked placing her hoof on the giant black metal contraption Gadget had made. The device was three ponies tall and as long as three carriages, with a big cylinder body built on top of some wheels with some sort of smokestack on top of the cylinder. “Is it some sort of vehicle?”

“I call it a train!” Gadget declared proudly, appearing between the two mares, covered in dirt and grime. Allure quickly steps away, Luna stood still, not minding the dirty pony.

“A train? What does it do?” Luna inquired, fascinated by the big black machine.

Gadget flipped open the side of the cylinder, revealing some gears and other mechanical things with several gems floating in some sort of magical field. The unicorn pats the bottom of the machine lovingly.

“This beauty here moves along preset tracks, pulling tons of cargo and can move at speeds of sixty miles per hour! These gems can power it up to eighty horsepower. I call it the iron horse.” Gadget shouted dramatically. “We have a test track set up if you want to try out princess. Care for a ride?”

Luna leaped onto the platform before he could even finish, dragging Allure with her, “Sound exciting, let’s go!”

“Alright, all aboard!” Gadget shouted leading them to the engineer’s room. Pulling some levers, the train rumbled to life, the gems inside begin to spin turning the gears and sprockets. The wheels start to move pulling them out onto the test track. Gadget blows the whistle as they chug slowly along. As he adjusts the controls, Luna pulls the whistle again.

“Sorry, princess, could you not do that? I need to focus, this is my first time running this thing.”

“You’re joking right?” Allure begged, a slight panic rising in her voice.

“Nope, in fact, I just put in the final pieces on a few hours ago.”

“What?”

“Oh, this will be such fun!” Luna declared pointing her hoof into the air, wearing some strange hat on her head that read conductor.

The train rumbled as hot steam shot out of the stack, the needles on the gauges bounce as they began to pick up speed.

“Here we go!” Gadget shouted as they hit 25 mph, taking the first turn on the test track. The G force sent the Allure crashing into Luna who had her head out the window, watching the scenery pass by as they enter the forest behind the castle. They turn onto a straight away.

“Faster!” Luna shouted excitedly.

“You got it, princess!” Gadget yelled over the engine noise, hitting the throttle, the speedometer jumps to 50 mph, the steel wheels squealing against the tracks. They ran a hill, reducing speed, but climbing with little trouble, Allure screaming as they went down, butterflies fluttering in her stomach as they level out at the bottom of the hill.

“Could we please slow down?” She implored, not liking the ride one bit.

“Your right, good time to test the brakes,” Gadget said, “There’s a turn up ahead anyway. We can’t take them any faster than 25 mph, or she’ll tip over.”

“She?”

“The train!” Gadget answered.

“Why is it a she?”

“It just sounds right!”

Luna coughed getting the attention of the two, “I’d hate to interrupt, but there is the small matter of a turn and our current speed, which I believe you said it would be too fast correct?”

Gadget turns to the meter, reading 60 mph! “Oh, buck!” Gadget yanked on the brake lever, sparks flying as the wheels come to a grinding halt. The needle took a nosedive, but they were still going over twenty-five miles per hour when they made the turn. The train lurches to the right, sending them all flying into the wall into one large pony pile.

“Ahhhh I can’t believe this how I die!” Allure cried. A loud “Boom” came from the front of the train as one of the power gems exploded! Blowing out the side of the train and tipping it back onto its wheels.

Gadget quickly scrambled to the controls, madly pulling leavers. “The gems are overheating! She’ll blow if we don’t stop her and cool her down!” He yelled as hot steam from the engine blew in his face. The train slowdown a crawl, but the engine was still running, the heat of the gems making the steel glow orange. “We got to go!” Grabbing Allure, Gadget jumped out of the train, while Luna took to the sky.

“What do we do? That much magical energy could blow up everything within miles!” Allure screamed as they run away from the train.

“Where’s the princess?” Gadget asked noticing her absence. A dark shadow rolled over them as black clouds form overhead.

“There she is!” Allure pointed to the eye of the storm, where Luna with glowing white eyes, directing the clouds. Thunder roared as heavy rain fell on the train, cooling it to non-critical levels. Once the metal stopped burning, Gadget levitated the power gems out of the engine, disabling the train,. Luna touchdown down next to him.

“I’m sorry princess, seems I messed up.”

“Nonsense Gadget, your invention worked fine, plus I doubt this would have happened if I hadn't been urging you on, correct?”

Gadget dug his hoof into the soaked earth, “Well, I wouldn't have pushed to top speed so soon, but still…”

“Enough,” Luna said, “it just needs some fine tuning, adding a bigger water source might help. Don’t get discouraged my friend, Roam wasn't made in a day, and no invention is without its risk.”

“Your right, I guess I’ll just have to look into some improvements.” Gadget said looking at smoking remains of his invention. Thankfully this had just been a test and Luna had been here. Otherwise, somepony might have gotten hurt. “So I have some other inventions ready to test if you’d like to see them, Princess.”

Luna stifled a yawn, “No thank you, we have had quite enough excitement for one day. We wish to retire for the night.”

“I’d say so, you’re back to the ‘we’ speak again,” Gadget pointed out with a chuckle, causing the princess to blush, it wasn’t her fault, it was just a habit!

“So you say, come Allure, let us return to the castle.”

“Thank goodness, I need a bath,” Gadget and Luna both chuckle at the unicorn’s comment, she was drenched from head to hoof from the rain. One of the downsides to having a white coat was it was so easy to get it dirty. All the dust on Allure was now wet and showed much more clearly. Luna chuckled at her friend's plight wondering how Celestia kept her coat so clean all the time.

Luna sighed tiredly as she thought of her sister Celestia, who she hasn’t talked to in six months. She couldn’t think of a time they’ve spent any time longer than a few weeks apart from each other. What made it even worse was, they weren’t even exchanging letters, and not once since their talk has Celestia written to her. Of course, she hasn’t either, but she has been busy getting the night patrol set up and many other things, there has barely been time to sleep. Let alone write a letter.

She supposed she could have one of her… hmm, what should she call her night patrollers, guards maybe? They weren't her servants, they volunteered to help her, but they were her subjects. Though she felt closer to them than that, almost like family… family yes, they were her family, her ponies.

Satisfied with her label, Luna got her thoughts back on track. She supposed she could have one of her ponies write and deliver a letter to Celestia, but that felt too impersonal. Though meeting face to face after just a long time would be awkward and she really didn’t want to go to Canterlot again, six months away from that place wasn’t long enough in her option.

“That’s it!”

“What’s it princess?” Allure asked startled by the princesses’ outburst. She had been so quiet on their way back to the castle, Allure had been starting to get worried.

“I ah… I wish to send a letter before I retire for the night Allure. Let’s go get quill and paper with haste!”

Allure blinked, “Ok… if that is what you want, but it’s right to bed afterward, you really need your sleep.”

“Yes, of course.” Luna waved her off as she excitedly trotted into the castle. This was going to be perfect!

Meanwhile in another part of the castle Applejack had her hooves full dealing with Dusk and Applejazz. The orange mare thought it would be easy to watch two fillies, given how shy the unicorn had been earlier, but she was proven wrong as Dusk showed Jazz new ways to have “Fun,” as she puts it.

The unicorn filly was popping in and out everywhere via teleportation spell, dragging Jazz along for the ride. They’d hop from one room to another, sometimes in midair at the top of the ceiling and they’d free fall for a little bit, before disappearing again. Needless to say, it wasn't any good on Applejack’s nerves as she chased after them.

“You to get back here before yawl gets hurt!” She yelled, brushing past several Apple Clan members and night patrol ponies. “Applejazz, you stop right now!” The red filly turned and gave her cousin a raspberry. Applejack’s cheeks burned red. “That’ it!” Glowing orange Applejack stomped her forelegs on the stone floor. “I said stop!” A wall of stone spikes grew in front of the fillies, blocking the hallway. Dusk faltered in her casting, and the two girls came to a sudden halt.

“Um… hi?” Dusk greeted nervously as Applejack stood over both of them, looking just a mite annoyed, no scratch that furious.

“Ah think it’s time for bed.”

“Aww” was the fillies’ response, but Applejack was having none of it and dragged the two of them off to their rooms, which was on the way to hers. The castle was set up with the princess at the top in her usual chambers with the leaders of each Night patrol Division on the same floor. Which included not only Applejack, but Sixes who was in charge of the Shadowbolts, Gadget ran the research division, Rawhide was the Heavy infantry and training leader, and a Pegasus pony named Firefly ran the rangers. The Rangers were Night patrol ponies stationed at towns and outposts across Equestria.

“Good night you two, now stay out of trouble,” Applejack ordered closing the door to Gadget’s room. Dusk and Jazz begged her to let them have a sleepover, and she was too tired to put up much of fight against them.

Trotting past the princess’s room, Applejack spotted Luna out on the balcony and decided to go say good night.

“Hey, Luna, ya going to hit the sack tonight?” Applejack asked as she approached the princess.

Luna turned to face her, quill and paper floating in her magic. “Oh hello, Applejack, I am planning to turn in as soon as I send this letter.”

“To who?”

Luna tapped her hoof on the floor, “To Celestia, I wish to reconnect with her.”

“Well, that’s great! I hope things work out between you two, it’s hard dealing with family at times, but they're worth the trouble.”

“I suppose you are correct,” Luna looked at her note, “I’m nervous though. We were not kind to each other the last time we were together.”

“You're sisters. everything will be fine, Luna.” Applejack assured her, Luna smiled and rolled up the letter, sealing it with a blue ribbon and her seal.

“You are right Applejack. We both have had time to cool our heads. Everything will be fine.” The letter was engulfed in blue fire and disappeared into a plume of blue smoke, traveling towards Canterlot. “There it is done. Now we must wait.”

There was a poof of pink magic, and a scroll drops to the ground.

“Well that was quick,” Said Applejack. Luna, however, looked concerned. “What’s the matter?”

“This seal isn't Celestia’s.”

“Then whose is it’s?” Applejack asked looking over the seal, which was a musical note of some sort.

Luna picked up the scroll with her magic, “It’s from our cousin in the crystal empire, Princess Symphony. I wonder what she wants?” Luna unrolls the scroll and reads it aloud.

Dear Princess Luna

Princess Symphony Orchestra invites you plus one to the crowning of her daughter, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza in the Crystal Empire in three days. We hope to see you.

Luna couldn’t find the words to say, has she been so busy that she missed the birth of Symphony’s child?

“You ok Luna?” Applejack asked but Luna didn’t reply. She just stared at the letter, wondering if Celestia had known and not bothered to tell her. No, no Celestia would ever do something so cruel, but surely Celestia has been informed as well?

“Luna?”

Luna shook away her brewing thoughts, “Sorry Applejack, I’m just tired. Goodnight, sweet dreams and all that. Um, by the way, have you ever heard of the crystal empire?”

The Crystal Empire

Night patrol ch 7
By Foxgear

The crystal empire, a kingdom located at the snowy northern borders of Equestria, some consider it part of Equestria, but that would be false. They were a fiercely independent nation, who as they put it, chose to ally with Equestria against their common enemy the griffons. Princess Symphony, the cousin to Princess Celestia and Luna, oversaw the empire, and dubbed the Princess of Song, due to her magical musical talent. The tone of her voice can make a pony as gentle and loving as a puppy or as fierce as a hungry timber wolf. She ruled beside her stallion, Prince Tempo Treble, and their newly born daughter, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

Luna wrinkled her snout at her niece's name. Did it have to be so long and complicated? Couldn’t they just call her Cadence? Also, why are she and Celestia labeled as the new filly's Aunts? They were blood-related but Symphony was their cousin, not sister, whatever, it was probably just a typo, Luna assumed folding the second letter Symphony sent detailing the planned events.

Since she had missed the birth of the foal. Luna felt it was her duty to go the filly's crowning or coronation ceremony, or whatever they were calling it. It was a crystal pony thing. They love to throw festivals, no matter the reason.

Traveling with the Princess of the Night was her ever faithful friend Applejack, accompanied by some of her night patrol ponies. Her wing guard consisted of Fierce Fury and a new recruit named Nightingale. Also present was Dusk, who somehow manage to convince not only her father but the Princess herself, to come on the trip. Luna still had no idea how she did it, and she was there to see it.

Confident in Sixes and Gadget’s leadership skills Luna left them in charge to keep things running. She hoped Gadget would keep his invention testing to a minimum well she was gone, she wanted to test his new toys herself… um, make sure everypony is safe! Yeah, that was it.

“Luna, you ok?” Asked Applejack concerned for the Princess of the Night. Luna's been acting strange, while stranger than usual since receiving that letter and she has hardly spoken throughout the entire trip.

“I am fine, Applejack,” Luna answered, but Applejack’s skeptical frown made it clear she wasn’t fooling any pony with her lies. Luna sighed as her defenses crumble under Applejack’s stare, “I am finding it a little hard to relax, to be honest. Everypony else is back working at the castle, while I’m off to what is essentially a vacation.”

“Ah shucks Luna, don’t be so hard on yourself,” Applejack said in a chipper tone. “Every pony needs a little R and R every once in a while. No pony back home would argue against that. Frankly, you spending some time off will be a big relief to all us who follow you.”

Luna gasped at the former farm mare, confusion evident on her face as Applejack chuckles, “What do you mean?”

“Well, you were working yourself so hard. We were all were kind of getting worried about you.”

“That’s… I…” She was at a loss for words, touched by her subjects’ kindness, she smiles giving Applejack a hug, “Thank you, my friend. I’m glad I have a pony like you to tell me such things.”

“Aw-shucks Luna, don’t think nothing of it,” Replies Applejack patting her on the back, “Hey is that it over there?”

Turning forward Luna looked past the blowing snow spotting a splotch of shimmering green that could only be one place, the Crystal Empire. “Indeed, behold the Crystal Empire! A dazzling sight is it not?”

“You got that right.” Applejack rubbed her eyes to make sure it wasn’t trick. She couldn’t believe how green and shiny everything was! (Who would have thought such a place existed in this snowy wasteland?)

“So cool!” Dusk cried jumping onto Applejack’s back for a better look.

Luna smiled at their excitement. Perhaps she did deserve a vacation.

“Oh, oh, oh there they are!” Symphony exclaimed excitedly from her balcony. Her husband Treble looked out at the small flying speck his wife was pointing at with pair of binoculars usually used for operas. Faintly he could make out the dark ethereal hair of the Princess of the Night.

“Indeed, it is Luna, but I don’t see Celestia with her. Strange they would travel separately.”

“Let me see!” Symphony practically ripped the binoculars from her husband’s grasp. “Ooh you’re right, that is definitely not Celestia. I see blonde. Can’t make out the gender though, think Luna got herself a special somepony?”

Treble calmly took the binoculars away from his wife, “I doubt it. Luna has never shown in any interest in a suitor, and there has been no gossip of her setting up with some noble.”

Symphony rolled her eyes, taking the binoculars back, “Those twats have nothing to offer Luna or Celestia for that matter. I highly doubt we will ever hear royal wedding bells for any union between them and a noble. Now a big tough farming stallion or an adventurous mercenary, that’s the kind of pony I can see Luna mating with. It is my personal belief my dear cousin prefers a simple and action orientated pony.”

“Oh yeah,” Treble said skeptically, “What makes you say that?”

“Well it’s only a theory, but she does like reading tomes of those heroic ponies old, such as Tug, Blackjack, Abelard, and Epona.”

“That last one was a mare you know.”

“Your point?”

Treble cleared his throat, “Right, you were saying?”

“Luna likes, oh look they’ve landed, let’s go greet them!” Symphony excitedly leaps off the balcony flying down to the ground.

Not having wings Treble went back inside to take the stairs. Hopefully, his little problem downstairs would die down by the time he got there. Damn his wife’s sexy plot!

Luna and company land and were greeted by the crystal guards, who quickly search them and the chariot, once they confirm they weren’t carrying any weapons, not that she needed any… most of the time. The guards pull the chariot off to the stables.

Nightingale and Fierce Fury took up position with Applejack, Dusk, and Luna between them. However, despite their diligence, they were blindsided by a pink and maroon blur that bounced past them, tackling Luna to the ground!

“Hi, Luna!”

“Hi… Sym… Long time no see.” Luna gasped under her cousin’s weight. Symphony was a big pony, not fat, but big. She stood even taller than Celestia, only by a few inches though. Either way… “Sym get off me please!”

The ruler of the Crystal Empire chuckled unwrapping herself from the Princess of the Night. “Oh Lunie, it’s so nice to see you again, and look at you, you’ve grown so much since our last meeting. Last time you barely reached over my flank, now look at you!”

“Yes, I have grown in the last century, though not as much I have liked.”

“What was that last part? I didn’t hear you Lunie.”

“Nothing, um… here, this is my friend Applejack and this…”

“Is she your mare friend?” Symphony inquired causing jaws to drop.

Luna blinked at a loss for words as she stared at her cousin. “I beg your pardon?”

“Never mind, never mind, cousin, you were saying?” Symphony quickly said, smiling awkwardly wide. Luna continued to stare with a raised eyebrow as she resumed introductions.

“Right, this little filly is Dusk, and these are my guards Nightingale and Fierce Fury. We are all very grateful for your invitation.”

Symphony waved off the complements with her hoof. “Yes, yes, while I’m sure you’re exhausted and hungry from your long journey. Let us show you to your rooms so you can rest, and I’ll have the chief whip up a meal for you all.” Smiling brightly Symphony led the gathered ponies to the castle, where Treble just arrived, looking a bit fatigued from his long jog down the stairs.

“Sorry Hun, going back up. Please meet me in the dining hall.” Symphony sang as she passed by. Treble exhaustively turning around to begin the journey back up. If only there were a device that could take a pony from floor to floor without having to take the stairs. He would make the creator of such an invention a very rich pony.

“So we’re sharing a room then?” Applejack asked aloud for what would be the fourth time by Luna’s count as they prepare to attend supper with Symphony and Treble. Though really there wasn’t much to prepare for, neither mares brought any formal dining clothes and didn’t care for makeup, so they were basically waiting around with nothing to do. Except debate Symphony’s intentions as to why they were sharing a room in a castle with enough space to hold over a hundred ponies comfortably.

“Tis a big room, with two bedrooms Applejack, we see no reason to feel awkward with one another. We are both mares after all, and thou hast slept in my bed before, remember?”

Applejack sputtered while trying to hide her burning cheeks, “Yes, that’s true, but it was on accident, and then Celestia scared the willies out of me!”

“I know I was there Applejack. Tis was a truly funny sight to behold. Was it not?” Luna laughed opening the curtains Smiling brightly at Applejack, perhaps a little too brightly.

(She’s been switching between normal and fancy speak since we left, something is bothering her.)

“Luna…”

“Supper is ready, Princess Luna, Lady Applejack, if you would please follow me.” A crystal guard Interrupts.

“Wonderful, lead the way, good sir,” Luna said trotting after the guard, leaving Applejack with a sinking feeling in her gut as she followed her friend.

The trip to the dining hall was quick and silent. The crystal guard leading them to their seats. Luna sat to the left of Symphony, who sat at the head of the table with Treble beside her, and Applejack sat next to Luna with Dusk sitting next to her. In the corner Fury and Nightingale hid in the shadows, keeping an eye on their charges.

“Welcome friends, tonight let us sing songs and be merry for tomorrow we celebrate my daughter, Mi Amore Cadenza’s crowning as Princess of the Crystal Empire as well as our ascension to King and Queen! Hail Faust!”

“Hail Faust!” The gathered guests echo. Along with Luna, Applejack, and Dusk, several other ponies of high status were in attendance; the Captain of the Guard, Shiny Stone, Mare in waiting Lady Alto Melody, Symphony’s best friend, and King Sombra, the ruler of Maredor, a small country on the very Northern borders of the Empire.

“So,” Shiny Stone coughed as he set down his wine glass. “What is your rank in the Canterlot Military Guild Lady Applejack? You must have an astounding record to travel with Princess Luna. She is a pony of very high class and standards you know.”

“And right here Sir Shiny,” Luna said narrowing her eyes at the drunk, “But Applejack isn’t a part of the Canterlot Military Guild (CMG). She is one of my own personal Military group, The Night Patrol, and Applejack was my first recruit. She managed to take down a cyclops all on her own, and that was before her training.”

Shiny Stone coughed violently as his drink went down the wrong pipe. “Your own private military group you say? What possible need would you have for that Princess? Why not go through the Guild? There are surely many brave stallions that would gladly join your ranks.”

Luna smirked as she took a few bites of her meal, letting the tension build a bit as they waited for her reply. (I can play politics too Celestia.) “My ponies were being attacked by creatures that plagued the night, and I tried to go in alone and realized I wouldn’t accomplish anything that way. I chose to pick ponies who worked and lived on the land for they would be the most motivated to defend it. (And happen to find a force of 150 dragon ponies that needed a purpose in life) Also Ponies at the CMG have controversial loyalty issues. Anypony with enough bits could get them to switch their priorities.”

“Enough of this… whatever this conversation is, how about we talk about something a little less tension rising. What do you two say?” Lady Alto suggested.

“Very well,” Luna huffed, crossing her hooves, “But I do not want to hear one word about bachelors Alto, I’m not interested in such pursuits right now.”

The misty grey Mare sighed, adjusting the small pink bow in her mane, “Of course you’d say that Luna. Very well, how about dresses? Or even better cellos? I found this magnificently crafted cello in the bazaar today. The music I could make with it would be simply heavenly if only I could afford it.”

“Don’t I get a suggestion in the conversation?” Shiny interrupted, receiving a playful thump on the head from Alto.

“No, my dear Sir, you do not. You’d just start another argument as you love to do, but look at me being rude, King Sombra, how are you enjoying your visit to the empire so far?”

The black unicorn smiled viciously as he gazed on the crystal decor, his eyes looking over each pony with a strange fascination.

“I am enjoying it very much, Lady Alto. The hospitality you all have shown me, despite past relations between our kingdoms is greatly appreciated. Though I had hoped to to see the young new princess with us tonight, tell us Princess Symphony, what breed is the new princess? Unicorn, Pegasus, earth pony? Or has the rare chance of a new alicorn been blessed upon you?”

Symphony shifted uncomfortably under Sombra’s stare, “No, Cadenza is a pegasus, though she possesses rather strong magic, it’s not impossible a horn could grow later on in her life. Either way, I love my daughter just the way she is.”

“A pity that the once great alicorn race may soon disappear from this world, bound to be remembered only in the myths and legends passed down the generations. Must be hard for you two to live in the face of this fact.” Sombra said looking between the two alicorns, his eyes falling on Luna, the Princess of the Night knew what was next.

“Perhaps you and I would fair better creating an alicorn foal, dear princess Luna, alicorn blood does flow through my lineage. My great-great-grandfather was Trojan the Alicorn of Protection. Maybe if we were to mate his genes would reawaken? If nothing else I would show you a very pleasurable time I’m sure.”

Luna’s blood was boiling! It was taking all her strength not to buck the unicorn king in the face for his insolence!

“Your mare friend can join us too, I’m stallion enough for two.”

Luna snarled raising a protective wing to shield Applejack and tried to change the subject. “Symphony, when is our sister Celestia arriving or has she chosen not to attend?”

“Celestia said she has some business with the council to deal with, but said she would join us the day after tomorrow for a private visit.”

“How wonderful that the Princess of the Sun will be joining us,” Said Sombra, his gaze falling on Luna again, “Perhaps she would like to join us as well my dear Luna. For a private visit.”

That was the last straw for Luna “We think thou hast said enough unicorn king! Insults to me are tolerable, but thy friends and sister are of a different matter. Apologies are due, give them now or face our wrath!”

“Luna!” Symphony barked trying to calm the night princess down, but Luna would hear none of it, and with a mere flick of her hoof a shock wave of pure magic blew through the room making everypony freeze in their seats. All ponies except Sombra, who was smiling just as gleefully as before, if not more.

“Beautiful, simply beautiful. I find this side of you even more attractive, dear Luna.”

Luna growled her hooves shaking with barely controlled rage. Taking a deep breath, Luna let herself relax and calm down, if only for a moment.

“We apologize for our, unrefined outburst. We are tired from our journey and need rest. Please excuse us.”

“Of course, Luna,” Symphony said her voice soft and understanding. “I wish you and yours, good night and hope the morning finds you in a better mood. King Sombra I trust this hasn’t affected our hopes of peace as it?”

Sombra bowed, his smirk ever present. “Of course not, why let a little thing like this get in the way of peace? Besides, I rather enjoyed seeing the princess flustered. A rare and wonderful sight to behold, dare I say I would love to see more after the peace talks.”

Luna rolled her eyes as she gracefully stomps out of the room, Applejack and the others following behind her.

Luna rushed to her room, and as soon as the door was closed, she ran straight for her bed. Her body shaking as she struggled to reign in her emotions. Alas it was all for naught as the first tear escaped, rolling down her cheek as she buried her muzzle in her pillow.

“Luna,” Applejack said softly. “Are you ok?”

Sobs answer her. Quietly Applejack opened the door and entered the room. Her hooves clicking softly on the crystal floor that would have been rather pretty to look at if not for her concern for her friend.

As she approached the bed, Luna shifted away from her. Wordlessly Applejack moved to the other side of the bed, where once again Luna turned away. Applejack gave a frustrating sigh trotted around to the other side of the bed only for Luna to roll back to the other side.

“That’s it. Ah, ’m climbing in!”

Leaping on to the bed Applejack landed gracefully beside Luna's huddled form. The bed was large, larger then it needed to be more one pony, it could probably fit five. She was just glad it gave her room to land without squashing Luna. No need to add physical pain on top of emotional distress. Lying on her belly Applejack looked straight at Luna who had retreated under the blankets.

“Come on Luna, it’s me Applejack, you can trust me. Please tell me what’s wrong?” She said gently, trying to persuade the princess out of her little fortress of blankets.

Nothing happened at. First, the room went silent save for Luna’s quietening cries and hiccups. She moved beneath blankets poking her head out, her eyes red and fur soaked with tears.

“There, there, tell me what wrong,” Applejack said soothingly rubbing Luna’s head.

“We…I… feel like such a failure,” Luna began, her voice cracking. “Every time I try to play politics I embarrass myself. When I try to play their game, I am laughed at, when I try to do things my way I am scolded and told to think more moderately. I defend my honor and dignity against a noble or ambassador who thinks they can get into my bed chambers, I am scolded for not enduring their advances. Celestia does, and tonight I tried, I tried so hard, to defend you and Celestia against that slanderous stallion Sombra and I am mocked for my efforts and once again scolded. I wish… I wish I’ve never become a princess!” A strange chill ran up Applejack’s spine as Luna’s voice seem to change, turning deeper and filled with malice. “Curse Starswirl for imposing this fate upon us! Curse Celestia for persuading me this curse was some blessing! Curse them! Curse them all!” Luna screamed reeling up on her hind legs, her coat turning blacker than night.

Filled with fear from what was happening to her friend Applejack leaped into action and hugged Luna with all her might! This seemed to have an effect as the Princess of the Night froze in her grasp.

“It’s ok Luna, it’s all going to be ok.” Applejack whispered as Luna’s coat return to its standard midnight blue. Luna fall limp in her hooves, and she laid the princess gently on the bed. Retrieving the blankets, Applejack proceeded to tuck the tired mare in and was about to leave when Luna reached out.

“Please, don’t leave me alone.”

Applejack smiled, “Of course.” Crawling onto the bed Applejack lay down on the opposite side of the bed from Luna. As sleep began to take her, Applejack felt the blanket shift, and Luna move right up next to her and drape her wing over her body. It was a little awkward for Applejack, but Luna’s warmth was infectious with sleep, and soon her eyes began to slowly close.

“Celestia… I missed you…” Luna mumbled in her sleep as she snuggled closer to Applejack.

Applejack froze at the words feeling compiled answer if only for the hope it would ease Luna’s suffering, even a little.

“Ah missed you too Luna. Sweet dreams sister.”

Luna snuggled closer, muttering something Applejack couldn’t hear, but it didn’t matter.

(Everything would be ok Luna Ah promise.)

Author's Note

This chapter is a bit shorter wthen usual and took a bit longer then I wanted, but I couldn't decided How I wanted to do the supper scene and ending right away. Overall the final product is better then the drafts. I'm also trying to add more adult humor without crossing a line. Anyways it late and I think I got most of the grammar and spelling errors out.

Tug and Abelard are from Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan

Blackjack is a black Pegasus from the Percy Jackson series

Epona is from the Legend of Zelda series.

The Crystal Festival

Night Patrol ch 8

By Foxgear

Applejack and Luna trotted side by side as they indulged in all the crystal festival had to offer. There were games, food, and entertainment provided by various party ponies and Luna’s personal favorite, jousting! The Princess of the Night’s purse jingled with her winnings form said jousting having won a bet against Shiny Stone after the Captain of the Guard challenged her to a wager. Applejack was glad Luna was feeling better after last night. Both of them silently agreeing that nothing needed to be said.

Luna shouted excitedly waving her loot in the air. “Hazah! Look at thy booty fair Applejack, see it bounce!”

Applejack lowered her hat over her face as several ponies turned towards them. “Yes, Luna, Ah see it.”

“Does thou wish for a crystal candy apple? I shall pay!”

She smiled. “That would be great if it’s edible.”

“Why of course it is! You shall see! Wait here, I will return.” Luna happy bounced over to the stall selling the apples.

Applejack quickly looked around and tapped her hoof three times; Nightingale appeared from the shadows dressed as a regular citizen, “Report.”

“Sombra is currently at the joust and seems intent to remain there for a few hours. Fury is keeping an eye on him as we speak and will update you if he moves.”

“Good,” Said Applejack. “I don’t want that damned stallion anywhere near Luna for the rest of our stay if we can help it. How are things going with Dusk? Is she behaving?”

Nightingale pawed at the ground, “Define behaving.”

“What’d she do?”

“Well…”

(With Dusk)

“I am Queen Shit of fucked mountain! All you recognize!” Dusk declared standing on top of the mountain of defeated foals. “No pony beats me at pie throwing!”

“This is a pie eating contest!” The owner of the stall yelled.

“Oh… oops…”

(Back with Applejack and Nightingale)

“Ah see,” Applejack rubbed her temple. “Wait, who taught her to swear?”

“Ahh…”

“Nightingale!”

“Oh look Luna is coming back. Gotta go!”

“You get back here!” Applejack yelled as the pegasus soared into the sky. “Gosh darn it, stupid pegasus and their stupid wings.” She grumbled softly as Luna come into earshot.

Luna watched as Nightingale disappeared into the sky while levitating Applejack her crystal candy apple. “Was that Nightingale?”

“Yep.”

“She seems to be in a hurry. Is there something wrong?”

“Nope.”

“I see, and you are answering in one-word replies, why?” Luna asked taking a bite of her own candy apple. Leaving many crystal sprinkles dotting her muzzle.

Applejack took a bite of her own apple before answering. Taking notes on the fruits texture and flavor. (It may look like a rock, but it tastes pretty darn good. Ah wonder if we can grow these back home?)

“No reason.” Applejack replied licking her lips. “Where do you want to go next?”

“To the joust, our luck has surely improved, and I wish to rub my winnings in Shiny Stone’s face once more.”

“Ah don’t think that’s a good idea, Luna.” Applejack said tapping her hooves nervously. She was no good at lying, but maybe… “What if Sombra’s there? Ah, I'd rather avoid being near that stallion as much as possible.”

Luna rested her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “We should not let that despicable Sombra ruin our day. The chances of us meeting him in such a large festival are slim, and even if he happens to be there, that doesn’t mean we have to sit with him. As royal guests, we will have our own private booth for viewing the competition. Surely that should ease your worries Applejack.”

“Ah guess,” Applejack replied with uncertainty in her voice. She had an awful feeling about this.

“Good, now let us be off!”

Luna was right; they did have their own private seat high above the other ponies, giving them a pegasus eye view of the arena. Unfortunately so did Sombra and his booth was right next to theirs. However instead of talking to them, he would smile deviously in their direction every time Luna would make a bet, and then he would bet on the opposite pony.

Their silent betting battle carried on for a long time. Bits were exchanged, lost, regained and bets were raised over and over again to ridiculous numbers. Applejack had never seen so much gold in one place before. She couldn’t wait for the end of the tournament so they could leave. She didn’t like the smile on Sombra’s face as he once again matched Luna’s bet. Below two mares prepared to joust.

“Here were go ponies! The last joust of the day! Swift Kick vs. Roundhouse! The bets are locked with a 245 to 197 in favor of Swift Kick!” The announcer announced. He raised his hoof into the air, both mares stomped the ground to indicate there were ready. “Ready… joust!”

Like her name, Swift Kick kicked off fast and hard barreling down the fenced path, her lance trained in on Round House. The two drew closer and closer the tension building with every hoof beat. When suddenly Round House fell on her side before the big clash, Swift Kick skidded to stop, confused.

“Mares and gentlecolts, please wait well we figure out what’s going on!” The announcer said to the restless crowd.

Up in her booth, Luna narrowed her eyes at Sombra. “What did you do?” She demanded, magic flaring around her horn.

“Whatever do you mean Princess?” Sombra replied smirking. “My bet was on Round House, what possible reason could I have to sabotage her?”

Luna growled and walked to the edge of the booth, so she and Sombra were only a few feet apart. “Really? Then why did that shadow jump out and trip her at the last second?”

“Who knows?” Sombra replied looking innocent.

She huffed and returned to her chair as the announcer spoke over the crowd.

“I’m sorry mares and gentle colts, but Round House has appeared to have broken her leg. She can no longer continue. Swift Kick is the winner by default.” The crowd booed, displeased by the anticlimactic ending and the lost bets. Ponies were starting to get restless and began demanding refunds when Sombra spoke.

“Ponies please do not despair!” He shouted amplifying his voice via magic. All eyes turned to him. “For your entertainment, I propose a challenge to Princess Luna to see which pony’s royal guard is better in three, one on one matches. Do you accept my challenge, Princess?”

Luna felt the attention turn to her. Caught off guard by the challenge, and there was no way she could refuse. Not in front of this many ponies, if Luna did, it would make Equestria look weak. Regretfully she looked to Applejack, who was frowning, and mouthed “sorry” to her friend and cast the voice amplification spell on herself.

“We accept! My champions come forth!” Applejack, Nightingale, and Fury gathered around her each one mentally preparing themselves for the battles ahead. “My champions are here, where are thous.”

“I will keep them… hidden for now. They are rather exotic in appearance. I wouldn’t want them to wow the crowd before the competition has even begun.”

Luna narrowed her eyes, but chose not to address the matter further, instead focusing on the crowd. “Very well, the matches will begin in thirty minutes. Please wait while we set everything up.”

“Are we really doing this, Luna?” Applejack asked as she adjusted her armor. Glad she thought to bring her grieves, at least something felt comfortable, the crystal armor she wore felt stuffy and restrictive compared to her custom fitted night patrol armor, it made her jealous of Fury and Nightingale who had their own armor from home.

Luna sighed. “I’m afraid so Applejack. We accepted the challenge. I wish it were me fighting rather than you three. It’s my fault for falling for Sombra’s ploy. You three be careful. Sombra may try to pull something during the matches and no matter what don’t die. That is an order!”

“Understood!” The three saluted, each one smiling with excitement for the coming battle. Whatever the circumstances night patrol ponies don’t shy away from a fight! They would show Sombra’s goons just who they were messing with!

“I will cheer for your victory. Good Luck my ponies.” Luna said flying back up to her private booth.

Applejack, Fury, and Nightingale entered the arena. They drew lots to decide who went first Applejack drew the shortest so she would go first, followed by Nightingale and finally Fury, who was a bit muffled about being last. As Applejack took center stage in the large arena, Fury and Nightingale took their spots off to the side. Now it was time for Sombra’s challengers to enter.

The announcer cleared his throat calling for the crowd to hush. “Mares and gentlecolts welcome to the first round of our special royal guard match off, on the right we have Applejack of the Apple Clan, fighting for Princess Luna of Equestria!” The crowd roared with excitement. Applejack meekly waved, feeling a bit queasy now that she was the one everypony was looking at to entertain them with violence. “And the challenger on the left side fighting for King Sombra of Maredor is the lovely and exotic Equus hailing from faraway lands.”

Equus emerged from the shadows of the entrance hall, her gray striped body a marvel for the spectators. Zebras weren’t often found away from their homeland.

(A Zebra? Why would such a noble creature side with Sombra?) Luna wondered as the striped mare approached the center.

Zebras were much like earth ponies, but with their own unique brand of magic, that usually involved rhymes and potions and judging from the numerous pouches dangling from Equus’s neck, she had quite a stockpile with her.

“Uh, howdy, let’s have a good clean match.” Applejack extended her hoof for the other mare to shake. The night patroller had to crane her neck upwards to meet Equus’s eyes. (Boy howdy she’s tall!)

Equus looked curiously at the extended hoof before finally shaking it. “And the same to you little Jack, for I hope you can do more with your hooves then talk smack.”

“Ah ain’t talking any trash, so you best take that back!”

Equus chuckled. “It was a joke little filly, no need to be so silly, silly filly Applejack.”

Applejack huffed and stepped away from the zebra as the announcer prepared to start the match. “Competitors are you ready? On the count of three, you may begin 1…2…3!”

Applejack wasted no time and charged Equus head-on with the horn of her helmet, Equus side trotted allowing the Applejack to charge past her. Skidding to a stop Applejack turned sharply and charged again.

“You will have to do better than that little pony!” Equus taunted ready to side trot again. As the blonde mare approached she suddenly changed directions sliding around Equus in a semi-circle creating a barrier of stone spikes around her. “Impressive little pony.”

“Hah, you haven’t seen nothin’ yet!” Applejack said brimming with confidence. Rearing up on her hind legs, forelegs aglow with orange magic, Applejack slammed her hooves on the earth creating a chain of stone spikes that attacked the zebra.

Calmly Equus reached into one of her many pouches, retrieved a green powder and blew it into the air towards the attacking spikes. A loud noise like thunder echoed as the powder connected with the stone spikes sending harmless pebbles flying everywhere.

“A nice trick, but mine is better.”

“We’ll see about that.” Applejack replied hotly as they began to circle each other green eyes meeting yellow. Both combatants picked up speed circling closer and closer to each other. Applejack and Equus slammed into each other, the crowd wincing as the sound of cracking bone could be heard.

Stumbling on her hooves, Applejack dry heaved while quickly unbuckling her armor, revealing a rapidly forming bruise along her ribs. (What happened? It felt like I hit a wall of steel! She isn’t wearing any armor either, so why isn’t she hurting?)

Equus smirked and held up a bottle of purple liquid. “It’s call turtle’s shell, one drink can make the user's skin as tough as a turtles shell, pretty good no?”

Applejack wheezed holding her side, “More like (gasp) underhooved if you ask me. Don’t think that will be enough to bring me down.”

“Of course not Applejack, I have many more options to try, so please try not to die.”

“Dying is one thing Ah don’t plan on doing for a long time, at least not till I’m old and grey with a ton of little filly and colts running around.” Applejack said shakily standing on her hooves. The pain in her side was getting worse, and it was distracting. She had to be focused for this next move to work. “Now come on, give me all ya got!”

Equus snorted with amusement, “Very well.” She held up a red potion. “This one gives you the strength of five stallions. This will be over quickly” Equus popped the cork and drank the potion down in a single gulp. Her muscles bulged, expanding and strengthening to that of stallions and then even more than that. When Equus’s muscles stopped growing she appeared to be more bulk then zebra.

“Come on then! Come at me!” Applejack taunted as the Zebra come barreling towards her, seems the potion also gave her a speed boost, but it was no matter. Charging her apple bucking legs with as magic as she could Applejack waited for the right opportunity to attack, too early and she would miss, too late, and she’d be run over like grass against a stampede.

(NOW!)

Turning one hundred and eighty degrees Applejack pulled in her powerful hind legs and kicked Equus right in the face! The crowd winced as hoof met skull and the monstrous zebra was knocked aside, bouncing hard against the ground before coming to complete stop. Equus lay unmoving in the dirt covered in her own blood.

“Medic! We need a Medic in here!” The announcer called two ponies with red crosses for marks quickly picked the zebra up on a stretcher and carried her off. “The winner of the first round is Applejack by knockout or possible fatality. Please wait as we have a short intermission.”

Applejack stumbled to the sidelines feeling sick, hadn’t meant to hurt Equus so severely. (Ah’ve slain mah fair share of monsters, but a fellow Equine?) The mere thought of perhaps killing another pony made Applejack sick to her stomach, and this time she did throw up.

“You ok Captain?” Nightingale asked uncertainly as she helped Applejack to the sidelines. “You need some water or do you need a medic? That wound looks pretty bad.”

Applejack numbly looked at her side noticing just how bad it was. Not that she had time to actually look at it before, it felt worse now that she could see the damage done.

“Ah guess I wouldn’t mind a drink and a doc. Looks pretty bad doesn’t it?” She chuckled nervously as an image of what she did to Equus played over and over again in her head. She cringed remembering the feeling of bone breaking beneath her hooves. Imagining bits and pieces of the zebra’s skull shooting into her brain. The image made her shiver.

“Will the competitors for the next match please enter the arena?”

“Looks like I’m up. Wish me luck!” Nightingale said heading out, stopping short when Applejack called out to her.

“Wait Night.”

“Yes?”

Applejack rubbed her foreleg nervously. “Be careful, OK. Luna knows what you might be up against out there.”

Nightingale smiled and nodded wordlessly to her comrades and entered the arena. She took to the center, the announcer yelling her name and such to the crowd. She ignored him. Looking instead at the darkened corridor where her opponent was supposed to emerge. The announcer said something and the sound of muffled hoof steps could be heard from the dark hallway. Nightingale crouched into her battle stance, preparing to take flight as soon as the word to start was given. A figure emerged from the shadows. Nightingale blinked making sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her, her opponent was her?

Standing across from Nightingale was another pony, a pegasus, with the same blue mane and white coat as her. A carbon copy of her if there was ever such a thing.

“What the fuck?”

“Surprised?” The other pony replied, her voice the same as Nightingales.

Nightingale stared at her doppelganger, her thoughts running wild. (Is she my long lost twin sister or something? An evil magic clone? My daughter? No, no that last one is impossible, I’m way too young, and it’s not like I’ve ever been with a stallion. The sister thing is possible, but unlikely, so that leaves…)

“Begin!”

“You’re not taking over my life you evil monster!” Nightingale yelled tackling her doppelganger. The two rolled on the ground exchanging blows, till finally one of them managed to force the other off. “Ha, you suck at fighting! Whoever cloned you, trained you poorly. Now I’m gonna buck you up hard!”

“Oh at least take me out on a date first, its only proper,” The doppelganger said, making Nightingale blush and stumble in her attack. The doppelganger chuckled as Nightingale readjusted herself. “I see some pony still hasn’t experienced the touch of a stallion. I feel bad for you.”

“S-h-ut, shut up!” Nightingale stuttered, blushing so hard her entire face turned red.

The doppelganger laughed taking flight. “What an amusing child. Follow me if you dare virgin.”

“I’m going to bucking kill you!” Nightingale gave chase, chasing the doppelganger into the clouds. She landed in the middle of a giant muffin shaped cloud losing sight of her twin. She snorted angrily stomping her hooves against the clouds, thunder rumbling as the peaceful white clouds darkened to match her mood.

“Come out and fight me!”

A sultry chuckle echoed through the cloud as a tall shadowy figure trotted out from the fluff. The creature was equine in appearance with a black coat, bug-like wings, and a long crooked horn upon its head with hooves that looked like swiss cheese. The creature parted their lime green mane as smaller insecticide like equines emerged around them.

“What-what are you?” Nightingale asked warily she looked around for an escape route. All available paths seemed to be blocked except for beneath her, but who was to say more weren’t waiting below? She had to get out of here, but first, she wanted to find out what was going on.

The tall creature laughed flicking her mane as she walked towards the pegasus. “I am Queen Chyrsa, Queen of the Changelings. The adorable little creatures you see before you in case you didn’t know.”

Nightingale dug her hoof into the cloud preparing to dive, “Never heard of you. You some kind of alicorn rejects? You sure look the part. What do you even do besides look ugly?”

Chrysa’s horn glowed green as her fury boiled over, “Nothing worth explaining to a dead pony.”

(That’s my cue!)

Digging into the clouds, Nightingale dived down as a green beam of magic shot through the black fuff behind her. Several of the smaller changelings gave chase, but she easily outflew them and disappeared into the stormhead.

(Damn, how many layers deep is this cloud?) She tasted the air, it was filled with moisture, a storm front and in her anger, she foolishly flew into it without keeping track of just how far she flew in. Storm fronts were miles wide and high. Of course, logically all she needs to do was fly up or down to get out, which was easy enough except for…

Thunder and lightning roared and flashed, shaking her to the core as electric energy arced through the clouds haphazardly. She peeked down the eye of the storm, lightning dancing everywhere. Going straight up or down was no longer an option, especially with those changeling things hunting her.

A shadow of movement caught her eye and Nightingale swiped around to face whatever it may be, she relaxed her aggressive stance when she discovered it to be her doppelganger.

“There you are! Listen we have to call off the fight for a little while. There are some strange ponies up here, and we need to get back down and report to our… hey, are you all right?” The doppelganger didn’t speak, she just kept moving towards her, Nightingale stepped back away from her clone, her instincts screaming at her to stay away. “Hey, are you listening?”

The other her doppelganger hissed and leap at her. Nightingale dodged and kicked her with both back hooves in the flank sending her flying into an arc of lightning. The doppelganger screeched a death wail as electricity jolted through her veins and she fell to the ground motionless. Nightingale hesitatingly shook her, but she didn’t wake, and she never would. Her heart had stopped.

“Oh no…” Nightingale gasped stepping away from the corpse. “I-I-I didn’t, I would never…” Tears rolled down her cheeks. She’s never killed before, not even a monster, but now she’s killed a…

Nightingale couldn’t finish the thought as the need to relieve her stomach overtook her.

“I’m sorry.” She said to her fallen opponent after wiping the vile from her muzzle. “This isn’t how I wanted to win.”

After a moment of silence for the fallen warrior, Nightingale walked away to continue her descent to the ground. She needed to get down to Princess Luna and tell her about the strange creatures she saw. As she approached the edge of the eye a flash of green caught her attention. Nightingale looked back at the corpse of her fallen opponent which had changed into a dead changeling.

“What’s going on?”

She approached the strange corpse but stopped halfway when three more changelings dug through the clouds, and they didn’t look pleased. Not pleased at all. In fact, they seemed outraged, probably because she killed their friend.

“Hey… this is not what it looks like.” Nightingale said walking back to the eye of the storm. “Seriously it was an accident!”

They didn’t seem to be buying her story. The three changelings charged at her and Nightingale had only had two options; fight or flight and she choose flight!

Rearing on her hind legs Nightingale jumped down into the eye of the storm, dodging lighting arcs and fighting headwind. The creatures didn’t follow her thankfully. Instead, they screamed, at first she thought it was out of anger for her escape, but it turned out to be a cry for help as more appeared. A lot more, dozens to be exact!

“Oh, buck!” She screamed as the black swarm descended upon her. They charged fearlessly through the wind and lightning, barreling down on her like locust. Nightingale flew faster, staying just ahead of the swarm. She wished for her goggles right about now, it was hard to see in all this wind blowing in her face.

Though watering eyes she saw three black specs flying towards her. She thought she was beginning to black out, but as they specs grew closer they became more detailed, and she could make out the insectoid features of the changelings. Unable to slow down with the enemy at her back and enemies at her front, she knew it was time to fight!

Reaching out with her hoof Nightingale grabbed a bunch of clouds, fluffy white turned to black as she poured her magic into the fluff and reared back her hoof and slammed it into the nearest changeling! “Thunder Hoof!” She shouted triumphantly as lightning discharged from the cloud, electrocuting the changeling!

“Aha! Take that you varmints!” Nightingale whooped punching another changeling with the storm cloud. “Varmints? Captain Applejack must be rubbing off on me. Next thing Ah’ll be saying Ah like she does… and I’m already doing it, great…”

Nightingale fought her way through another group of changelings, more and more of the vile black creatures fell to her little thunder cloud making the others weary about attacking her. (My cloud is almost gone!) She noted looking at the small black pile of fluff on her hoof. One more zap was all it had left.

A light appeared up ahead, it was the bottom! Excitedly Nightingale flew at top speed to the opening, hoping the changelings wouldn't follow her beneath the clouds. Even if they did, she would have help.

“Not so fast little pony!” Chrysa, the changeling Queen, said appearing in front of the opening, horn primed with magic. “You’re not going anywhere!”

Nightingale pulled back her hoof with the storm cloud and shouted: “We’ll see about that!” She dived for the Queen.

Meanwhile down below Princess Luna searched the skies for her faithful patroller via opera binoculars commandeered from a fellow viewer.

“May I please have my binoculars back your majesty?”

Luna turned to the pony, her expression grim and said, “No.”

“I see, carry on then.”

Returning to her task, Luna growled having found no sign of either pony in the sky since they flew into the clouds over thirty minutes ago. The announcer tried to send up referee ponies, but the incoming storm front made it too dangerous to enter.

Lightning flashed in the sky, and the crystal unicorns summoned a dome over the arena to block the rain. Crystal ponies loved festivals and will do anything to keep them going. Not even bad weather could stop a crystal festival.

Luna was ready to fly up herself and look for Nightingale, regardless if it would disqualify her when a bright flash of blue and green appeared in the sky. The crowd awed at the display, but Luna’s attention was on the failing spec.

“Nightingale!”

Nopony saw the princess disappear via teleportation spell till she was already halfway to her falling subject. She caught the pegasus on her back and was happy to see her still breathing.

From the clouds emerged Nightingale’s opponent, who looked exactly the same as the pegasus down to the mane and tail, if not for Nightingale’s armor they would indistinguishable, but Luna knew there was something different about the other pegasus. Something she didn’t like.

“Back off!” She ordered, the clouds thundering with her voice. “You have won this bout, now reveal thy true self!”

The pegasus laughed. “And spoil the fun? I think not.” She flew down to the arena where the announcer declared her the winner. Luna flew down and handed Nightingale off the medics. She pulled Applejack aside. “Watch over Nightingale. I fear for her safety.”

“Against what?” Applejack asked.

Luna frowned, unsure of how to answer. “I don’t know Applejack. I truly don’t, but I fear something bad may happen if we don’t stay alert.”

“Gotcha, don’t worry Luna Ah’ll keep her safe, she is a comrade after all.”

“More importantly than that Applejack, she is a friend, and we keep our friends safe.”

Applejack nodded and trotted after the medics.

Luna began to walk back to her seat, stopping next to Fierce Fury, who was ready to fight. “Be careful Fury, something is a mist. I want you to show them what happens to those who hurt our friends.”

“I intend too.” Fury replied darkly as the announcer called him out.

“Our final champion fighting on the side of Princess Luna, Fierce Fury!”

Fury stepped into the arena walking tall and proud, showing off every aspect of his dragon/equine features to intimidate his opponent. The crowd swooned over him. Excited chatter filled the air as the bets shifted in his favor.

“Quite the specimen you have Princess,” Sombra said as Luna landed in her seat. “I imagine you must keep him close when your heat rolls around.”

Luna growled, but ignored him, as Sombra continued to blabber on, “I too have a fierce warrior in my guard, and you may find him familiar.”

A hush fell over the crowd, many gasping as Sombra’s final champion emerged from the shadows. Luna looked wondering what the all the fuss was about and she too was stricken with silence as she gazed upon Sombra’s final fighter.

“And fighting on the side of King Sombra, Blood Moon!”

A blood coated stallion with leathery wings and ears took up position across from Fury. There was no doubt in Luna’s or any ponies’ mind of want he was, he was the shadow of the night, the equine devil, a bat pony!

(A bat Pony? One of my children? Fighting for Sombra?)

Author's Note

I can't rhyme

The Crystal war

Night Patrol CH 9
by Foxgear

(A bat pony? A bat pony was working for Sombra? How could this be happening? How could my child betray me?) Luna wondered frantically looking from the arena to Sombra, the stallion’s smirk widened with her glare.

“What magic have you cast upon him?” Luna demanded sternly.

Unimpressed at her rage, Sombra inspected his hoof, “Whatever do you mean? I need no magic to gain a pony’s loyalty. Of course, some food, water, and the promise of shelter and a job go a long way. I amazed that you, Princess Luna, left your so-called “children” to fend for themselves in the harsh caverns of the Everfree, which I remind you runs all the way up to Maredor.”

Luna seethed through her teeth. She wanted to yell so loud, that it would leave the black stallion permanently deaf forever! Yet, his hurtful words stung deep in her heart and Luna knew it was her fault her bat ponies have gone to Sombra’s embrace. In her misery she abandoned them, and when she finally came to her senses and formed night patrol, it should have come to no surprise that the caverns were empty when she went to recruit them to her cause.

“Please, be safe my ponies.” She softly prayed. “Both of you return to me alive, please.”

Fury circled his opponent, Blood Moon, matching him step for step. He didn’t know a lot about bat ponies. Other then what Luna had told him and the others, they seem no different from a Pegasus, except better built for night flying with night vision and better agility in tight flying spaces. Both advantages were useless in the vast open arena and broad daylight. Yet, looking at himself a dragon pony, Fury wondered if there were other tricks gifted to bat ponies.

Trusting in his robust scale coat Fury lurched forward charging Blood Moon head on. Blood Moon side trotted to the right dodging the attack. Digging his left claw into the earth Fury swung himself, skidding behind Blood Moon with his jaw wide open to chomp on the bat pony’s wing, only to bite air as Blood Moon took flight. He snorted angrily, flying up after him.

Up above Blood Moon stalls in midair, preparing to attack. Fury chest expanded as he made to counter. Once the bat pony turned around, it would all be over.

Blood Moon turned as expected, but something was amiss, his chest was also bulging? (Is he like me? Is he a dragon pony pretending to be a bat pony?)

Not taking any chances Fury fired first, unleashing a wave of searing flames. The ponies below screamed in horror, but he paid little mind to them. He didn’t care if they thought him a monster, they would be right, he was one.

A sudden ringing sound appeared in Fury’s ears. He blinks away tears as his body reacted to the ringing in his ears. He dipped a little, losing altitude, the flames above him burst apart, extinguishing in the air without his magic to feed them. He spotted Blood Moon flying through the fire, and he appeared to be screaming? Fury saw a small distortion in the air, the ringing worsened, the sound driving him mad as he tried in vain to scratch at his ears.

(It’s some sort of sonic attack.) Fury hissed, his mind going fuzzy, it was getting harder to think. He had to do something and quick! There was no way he could take another blast and stay conscious. Spotting Blood Moon coming around for another pass, Fury knew his time was short if his flames didn’t work then…

Blood Moon yelled “Prepare yourself you freak!” readying his sonic scream. Another blast would put the dragon pony down for good. Exhaling Blood Moon released a high pitch scream so powerful that it created shock waves. There was no way that the dragon pony could defend himself. Blood Moon smirked watching the sonic waves fly toward Fury, who was gathering up another fire blast, not that it would do much good. Fury released his breath, but instead of fire, a loud eardrum-shattering roar came out, the booming roar canceling out his sonic scream.

“What?” Blood Moon gasped surprised that his attack had been countered. In his moment of shock Fury flew up close and slashed his barrel. He dodged, barely avoiding injury, but the same could not be said for his armor which was ripped to shreds by the dragon pony’s claws.

Fury smirked viciously, “Having fun yet, bat?”

“More then you know.”

Fury flexed his claws. “Good to hear.”

The two charge one another hoof vs. claw attacking with unrelenting fury. Blood Moon’s feet smacked against Fury’s armor, denting it and busing the skin beneath, bones cracked, while Fury’s claws raked deep into Blood Moon ripping chest plate and leaving long red gashes all over the bat pony’s body. Blood rained down from the sky.

From below Luna watched in horror, “Please stop… please my children… stop…” she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks. Beside her, Sombra laughed, and she decided she’s had enough!

Magic filling her lungs Luna unleashed her Canterlot voice, “STOP! STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!” The crowd stilled at her words, but the fighting continued. “I SAID STOP!” She yelled again at the two, but they kept going too far gone in blood lust to hear her.

Spreading her wings Luna took to the sky, flying fast as her wings could take her. In a mere blink, she was between Fury and Blood Moon pushing them away with her hooves. Both ponies’ pupils were tiny slits, their eyes screaming with rage and the desire to kill.

“Enough, it’s time to stop,” Luna said gently, her tone soothing with a hint of magic mixed into calm the two. Slowly their eyes began to widen to their original size. “It’s over the battle is done.”

“Actually it’s just begun, Luna!” Sombra laughed maniacally.

Luna turned, gasping at the sight of Sombra FLYING right behind her with the aid of two skeletal wings!

“What are you?”

“Your conquer.” He said confidently. A flash of red magic shot from his horn into the sky, from the clouds black figures emerged and from the north, a more appear from the ground, all around the empire explosions erupt turning buildings into fireballs, and then all hell broke loose as the soldiers of Maredor attacked!

“I wonder what’s going on out there.” Curaga, the medical pony watching over Nightingale asked her partner, Splint, as she looked over the pegasus’s vitals. They had forced Applejack outside so they could do their work, the earth mare protesting, relaying her orders from Princess Luna, but Curaga assured her Nightingale would be safe and locked her out of the room. After all who would be bold enough to attack in the heart of the Crystal Empire? “Splint can you please stop staring out the window and help me?” She asked writing down Nightingale’s vitals. The clopping of hooves echoed behind her as she worked. “Thank you…”

A sharp pain erupted in Curaga’s flank as a hoof covers her mouth, muffling her screams. Through panicked eyes she saw that Splint was her attacker, he made soft cooing sounds as he laid her on the floor in the puddle of blood that formed from her wound. Tears fell freely down her face as the last of her life drained away, darkness engulfing her vision.

“Splint… why…” Were her final words as “Splint” removed his hoof her mouth.

A burst of green flame engulfed Splint, revealing his true form as a changeling. Expressionlessly he looked at the mare that had been his meal for the past several months. He had played the role of her friend/lover well and enjoyed it, but a lass the farce has come to its conclusion. The day of reckoning was at hoof, the day when the changelings would have their own land, their own kingdom, in the face of such things what was the life of one mare?

Speaking of mares, there was the pegasus on the bed he had to deal with and her friend outside. Such were things he guessed picking up a spare pillow to smother the sleeping pegasus. He was about to do the deed when her eyes snapped open! Quickly he pressed the pillow hard against her face, she struggled, her hooves flailing around wildly, occasionally smacking his face, but he held on. Splint readjusted his footing for better leverage and in an ironic twist of fate slipped on Curaga’s blood.

Nightingale threw the pillow off her face and screamed at the top of her lungs, “APPLEJACK!”

Applejack came barreling through the door taking only a second to look at the situation, the blood on the floor, the dead nurse, her friend gasping for breath and the black bug thing with blood on its horn and a pillow in its hooves. Magic gathers around the earth mare's feet as pure rage floods through her body.

“You no good vermin!”

Charging forward Applejack tackled the Changeling and straddling his torso and began pounding the life out of him with her bare hooves! The changeling’s face was a bloody mess by the time she was done, his head rolling to the side, his eyes meeting Curaga’s. Slowly he reached out towards her, he could feel the pony’s weight shift on his body, meaning she was getting ready to attack again. Her hoof came down crushing his foreleg just as it touched Curaga’s. He hisses in pain, but he did not let go.

“I’m…(cough, cough)… sorry… Curaga…” He whispered taking his last breath.

Applejack got to her hooves, rushing to Nightingale’s bedside as the pegasus tried to get up. Carefully the orange mare lowered her friend to her feet. Nightingale leaning heavily against Applejack's side as she caught her breath.

“You ok, Night?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Bloody changeling nearly got me though.”

AJ poked Splint’s body with her hoof. “Is that what this thing is? Ugly little thing.”

Nightingale laughed, “Yeah it is…” Suddenly her mind caught up with her as flashes of her fight in the clouds come to the forefront of her mind. “Crap, there’s more in the clouds! Applejack these things are shapeshifters, and there’s a ton of them!”

Explosions rocked the building. Both mares quickly look out the window seeing the city in chaos as changelings dive-bombed from the sky with hordes of Thestrials and ponies covered in black armor storming the northern wall, barring Sombra’s banner.

“Well, looks like they’re not in the clouds no more.” Applejack drawled keeping a cool composure. “Come on, we need to get to Princess Luna. Be careful of anypony too, no telling whose the enemy and whose friend with these things around.”

Nightingale nodded, “Right let’s go!”

The two mares made their way down the arena hallways as quickly as possible with Nightingales injuries. Thankfully they didn’t run into anypony as they entered the dugout for the fighters. Sticking to the shadows they peer out into the arena and if they thought outside the stadium looked bad, inside was worse, so much worse. Ponies were lying dead all over as the few guards fought against the changelings. In the sky they spot Fierce Fury going berserk as he savagely mangled any changeling in his path, his feathery scaled coat shimmered with blood, both his and his enemies. Even more impressive though was the fight going on between Sombra and Princess Luna.

Sombra with a pair of skeletal wings was matching Luna blow for blow as both rulers launch powerful spells that no normal pony could hope to match. Beams of magic collide causing explosions that pushed the two away from each other. Two changelings flew in from the right, blindsiding Luna, Sombra pressed the advantage, but Fury breathed a wall of fire in his path. Luna hit the ground in front of them. Applejack quickly rushed out and kicked the two changelings off her princess.

“Princess, you ok?” She yelled over the roar of the battle. Luna shook her head as she gathered herself.

“Applejack?” Luna dizzily replied as she regained her bearing, “By mother’s mane Applejack! You’re alright! Is Nightingale safe?”

Applejack nodded, “She’s fine. A little bruised but fine. What are your orders, Princess? What can we do to help?”

Luna surveys the situation, a haunting realization dawned upon her as she remembered the youngest member of their party. “By mother’s mane, Dusk! We’ve forgotten about Dusk! Applejack, you and Nightingale must quickly secure Dusk’s safety and anypony else you can along the way. Then find Symphony and clear a path for her so she can activate the crystal heart. Hurry or the empire will be lost!”

“Aye, Princess,” Applejack saluted, “You can trust us to get it done.”

Luna nodded with a soft smile, “I know I can.” She said taking to the sky again.

Applejack rushed back to Nightingale explaining their orders, the pegasus nodding and following Applejack's lead, pausing only briefly to stare to the south towards home. The skies clear. (But how long would they remain that way?)

Dusk followed King Treble down the hall of the palace with her head bowed to the floor. Earlier she’d been enjoying the festival with her own usual twist to spice things up and to make a long story short had gotten in trouble. Enough trouble that the vendors reported her to the royal guards, who then reported her to the king since she was a royal guest. Turned out making pies explode went a little too far. Now she is to face punishment! She had to watch over the Kings daughter Cadenza. Not a horrible punishment by any means, but taking care of a newborn foal was only fun a quarter of the time. She should know, she’s foalsat plenty of the Apple clans newborns (They had a lot, they breed like rabbits!).

Timidly Dusk said, “So how long will I have to watch over Cadenza?”

King Treble paused to stroke his beard outside the said princess’s door, enjoying Dusk’s squirming. “Hmm… till Luna or one of her guard's return, I suppose. Any pony’s guess when that will be.” He chuckled as Dusk’s face fell to near despair. Of course, he wouldn’t leave the filly with his dear foal for such a long time, but it was fun to pull the filly’s leg a little bit. He deserved a jest after having to deal with the mob that had brought the young mare under his supervision. He wondered how Luna deals with her, blowing up pies, turning dunking apples to stone, and just causing general mayhem. She acts just like… Luna… did during her and Celestia’s little pranking war. He remembered that particular event well, it was how he’d met Symphony after all, and it remained a wonderful and embarrassing memory as he was sent flying into the air covered in honey, landing at Symphony’s feet after walking into Luna’s prank set for Celestia.

“Here we are.” He announced opening the door to Cadenza’s room, his trip down memory lane over for now. The room looked as precisely as he’d left it. Toddler toys were placed in their proper place, a small castle play set located in the corner guarded by numerous stuffed animals, and finally Cadenza’s crib with the princess’s formal foal-sitter, an old crystal unicorn named Proper Upbringing keeping watch over her as usual.

Treble smiled at the elderly mare as they approach, “Hello Proper Upbringing, nice to see you doing well today.” The mare smiled softly back with a slight nod, scooting to the side to allow Treble and Dusk closer access to the sleeping princess. He smiled gently brushing Cadenza’s mane. “I’m pleased to tell you will be free to enjoy the festival for the rest of the day. This little filly will foal sit Cadenza for the remainder of the day.”

Proper Upbringing didn’t respond, her attention directed at the bright red light hovering over the arena. Her eyes flash green for a moment as she turned around walking towards Treble and Dusk.

“Proper?” Treble inquired expecting some retort from the mare saying she didn’t need a day off. He turned just in time for Proper Upbringing aimed her horn for his heart. Acting on his old guard training, Treble smacked her away with his hoof sending Proper Upbringing crashing into the castle playset.

“What is the meaning of this?” He demanded, snorting angrily. A burst of green flame engulfing the playhouse as “Proper Upbringing” revealed her true self, unleashing a high pitched battle cry that Treble knew all too well.

Looking at his slumbering daughter and then to Dusk, Treble knew he had little time. He wrapped Cadenza in his magic, blanket and all and quickly tied the little filly to Dusk’s back.

“Run now!” He ordered, gracing between the tall glass windows and the changeling in the playhouse. He could make out the bug like forms of more changelings answering their comrade’s call.

Dusk hesitated, looking between the door and Treble.

“I said go! Find Princess Luna! Trust no one until they’ve proven they are who they are! Now go! Keep my daughter safe!”

Dusk took off running just as the other Changelings broke through the window glass. Treble locking the door behind her making all the changeling’s direct their attention to him.

“Well… come on then! Let’s have at it!” He challenged lighting up his horn with magic. The changelings hiss and charge all at once. Gritting his teeth, Treble lets out an angry battle cry as he charged to meet his enemy.

Dusk ran as fast her little hooves could carry her. She didn’t know where she was going or where to find Luna, Applejack or any of the others, so she kept running, even as hell broke out around her. Changelings and crystal guards were brawling in the halls, busting down doors, breaking through walls in efforts to kill one another. A guard fell in her path, she quickly leaped over his body as two changelings race after her, only to be struck down by another guard.

Turning a hard right Dusk found herself in the throne room, which was filled entirely with changelings!

“Oh buck…”

All the changelings turn their attention to the two fillies. Dusk cautiously taking a step back towards the door, but it was slammed shut, leaving her trapped. She gulped preparing the only attack spell she knew, her horn light up with a black light as she aimed at the changeling horde before her. They chuckle, laughing at her efforts as they move in all at once.

“AHHH!” Screaming like a mad mare Dusk fires her spell, the black light hit a changeling dead center, a first nothing happens the changeling appearing unharmed as it blinked at her, touching its chest, then it happened. The changeling began coughing, blood sprinkling onto the crystal floor, the changeling looked directly into her eyes filled with fear and then he fell over dead.

The changeling horde hissed with anger and charge towards Dusk with blood lust. The filly tries to charge up another spell, but couldn’t as she was forced to dodge, escaping by sliding underneath another changeling. Her safety was only momentary as she found herself trapped in a corner. Dusk closes her eyes waiting for the inevitable, but after a long agonizing minute, nothing happened. Opening her eyes she was surprised and very grateful to see the towering figure of Princess Symphony, it was also the time she noticed a soft hum of music in the air. She looked for the source and quickly found it was the princess singing and it wasn’t any regular music, it was musical magic! From the looks of the changelings, she had all of them completely enthralled as they swayed back and forth to the melody. Then the music stopped, and Dusk wished she had kept her eyes closed.

The changelings began to kill each other.

Princess Symphony watched the slaughter with a monotone expression. She hated using her lovely music to commit such horrifying acts, but this time she felt nothing for her enemies. No pain, no sorrow, she didn’t even see them as living beings, all she saw was Treble lying on the floor in a pool of blood, five changelings lying around him dead, the sixth standing over him in victory. She made sure it was short lived. Next, she entered the halls finding her slaughtered guards and servants and more changelings, she made short work of them as well. Finally, she made her way here to the throne room, where she had sensed a spell being cast. She arrived to find not only her daughter but Dusk as well. She was so happy to see somepony alive that she almost didn’t notice the changelings in the room. She saw Dusk kill the one and the rest charge the little filly.

That was when she acted, beginning with the first keys of her song, she froze the changelings in their place leaving them still as stone, except for their eyes. They follow her every step as she made her way to Dusk and Cadenza. Cadenza was still fast asleep while Dusk had her eyes sewn shut, her body trembling with fear. She decided to leave them like that for the moment, they didn’t need to see what she was about to do.

Standing in front of the filly and foal, Symphony began the second verse of her song, a low, mournful tune filled with sadness and loss. The changelings respond, each one turning their sharp horns on another of their kin. Now it was time for the coup de grace. Symphony adjusted her key, her voice rising like a wave, filled with rage and hate, the changelings’ eyes narrow as they growl at one another. Then she released her spell, and the changelings plunge their horns into each other’s throats.

Symphony stared at the carnage unblinking, a strange sort of numbness overtaking her usually compassionate heart.

A startled gasp caught her attention. Dusk had opened her eyes and was staring directly at the carnage! Quickly she unfolded her wing blocking the horrid sight from the filly’s eyes, but the look in her eyes said she was too late. Gathering the two onto her back Symphony flew out the window, descending slowly to the ground towards the base of the castle where the crystal heart was located.

“We must purge the invaders. Stay close to me and keep my daughter safe.” Symphony said as they touch down. Immediately more changelings attacked, but a quick kick sent them hurdling away. Galloping toward the pedestal that houses the crystal heart, Symphony charged her horn preparing to spread her love and hope across the empire and repel the invaders.

Dusk cried, “Look out!” As two changelings charge from both sides, Symphony launched the fillies into the air so she could intercept the attackers. She quickly tossed the two aside and caught the foals on her romp again and began preparing her spell when…

“Look out!”

“Oh buck it!” Snarling Symphony dropped the two fillies near the pedestal, placing a magic shield over them as she faced the attackers. Expecting more changelings, but was left staggering on her hooves as two sonic screams nearly burst her eardrums. Dizzily she smacked the bat ponies aside, preparing to face the third shadowy figure head-on as she charged with her horn pointing forward. This proved to be a mistake as her horn become entangled in the jagged black mess of a horn that belonged to none other than the changeling queen herself, Chrysa.

“Hello Symphony,” Chrysa greeted grinning like a cat, “Been a long time hasn’t it?”

Symphony grunted pushing against Chrysa’s horn, trying to gain the upper hoof, “Not long enough I’d say! I see you’re still as ugly as the last time I saw you.”

“And you’re a potty-mouthed little princess, but why hold on to a grudge, we are family right?”

“You are no family of mine!” Symphony screamed regaining her balance.

Chrysa chuckled, “Still mad at me? You should really learn when to let things go, like this!” Unlocking her horn Chrysa watched with glee as Symphony stumbled forward without her to hold her back whipping down her horn across the Crystal princesses’ pretty pink flank staining it red.

“Dirty cheater,” Symphony growled stumbling on her hooves. Her right flank was bleeding badly, and it hurt to walk with. How could she have made such a novice mistake? (Have I become rusty? Must have, I can’t remember the last time I even spared, let alone fight for my life!)

“Now, now,” Chrysa taunted, “You’re making me blush.”

She scoffed applying pressure to her injury with her wing. “Why are you here Chrysa, why attack us? No matter how many of your “children” you brought with you, they are no match for the might of my crystal guards. Give up, and I’ll let you go in peace.”

Chrysa laughed circling around the pink alicorn. “That would be true. If it weren’t for the fact I have been placing my spies through your kingdom for years at every level of society; the common worker, the servants, the everyday citizen, and even the royal guard. We are everywhere Symphony, why do you think the castle was so easily overrun? Why are the northern gates wide open as the ponies of Maredor rush your walls. No Symphony, I will not be retreating, not this time.”

“Maredor… Sombra is with you?”

“In more ways than one,” Chrysa said coyly, “Call it a political maneuver with many benefits.”

“But our peace treaty!”

“Was all a ruse, suggested by me, all to ensure the downfall of the Crystal Empire!”

Symphony gritted her teeth, focusing on the floating blue diamond heart on the pedestal, if she can only get to it she can still save everypony!

Screaming Symphony charged, forming both a spell on her horn and with her voice, she fired a magical beam of blue magic, Chrysa countering with her own green magic once again grid locking them, but she had an ace in her boots. Softly she began to sing a low key to put Chrysa to sleep so she could do it permanently with her own hooves. Yet as the musical magic floated towards the changeling queen something happened, another higher pitch spell blocks her spell, effectively neutralizing it and there was only one creature that could do such a thing.

“Sirens!” Symphony gasped spotting the half fish ponies flying around the castle, three in total.

“There’s more in Maredor then mere bat and shadow ponies, so much more.” Chrysa grinned pushing Symphony back.

She could feel victory close at hoof! As soon as Symphony was dead the crystal ponies’ morale would be gone, and the empire would be theirs! Chrysa was so focused on defeating the crystal princess that she completely forgot about Dusk, who was staring at the crystal heart. Suddenly she felt a massive spike of magic erupting behind her.

Dusk couldn’t stand to sit back any longer. The need to do something spurred her on! Securing Cadenza safely under the pedestal, Dusk stepped out in front of the crystal heart. Symphony said it could repel all the bad ponies, she just had to figure out how to use it.

(Maybe if I hit it with my magic it will work!)

Dusk charged her horn and fired, creating a beam of black magic that began to spin the crystal faster and faster. A bright light began to shine from the core of the heart, Dusk pouring more magic into the heart, causing it to spin even faster and faster and faster!

Suddenly Dusk’s eyes widen, a white glow envelops her entire body. Her body floated off the ground a small beam of magic changes into a massive stream of power! The crystal heart reached its maximum velocity, and a vast dome of magic began to grow from it.

“What’s happening?” Chrysa demanded as the magic dome pushed against her, she tried to fight it, but it just pushed harder! She was pushed past Symphony, who was unaffected, so were the other crystal ponies, only the changelings and the ponies of Maredor were being pushed out!

“No, no, no!” Chrysa screamed as the dome pulsed launching her and all the invading forces out of the city. Adjusting her wings, she manages to right herself, growling as she stared at the blue shield covering the Crystal Empire. Far off to the north was Sombra, their eyes met and they both nod.

“Attack! Bring down the shield!”

Princess Symphony crawled along the ground desperate to get to her daughter and Dusk. Her eyes focus on Cadenza, the little foal crying out for her at the top of her lungs. She tried to move faster, but she lost too much blood and could barely stand. Glancing to Dusk, she was shocked to see the little filly was maintaining the shield.

(She has that much power? That’s impossible no foal can have that much magic!)

Then she noticed something different about Dusk, she seemed… taller? Suddenly Dusk’s body pulsed and grew looking somewhere in the age between fillyhood and marehood. (She’s using so much magic that she’s aging! I must stop her!)

Gritting her teeth, Symphony stumbled to her hooves and manage to sprint the remaining distance before collapsing beside Dusk. Gently she took Cadenza into her embrace and kissing her daughter lovingly on the forehead.

“I’m sorry Cadenza, but I have no choice… I love you.” Reaching up Symphony touch Dusk’s flank connecting to her magic, she felt a massive surge of power and quickly cast a spell disappearing in a flash of white light just as Applejack and Nightingale arrive.

--somewhere else

Two earth ponies a stallion and a mare were on their way home after a hard day’s work when a bright flash of light shines ahead of them. They quickly hid in the nearby brush, fearful of what the light may be. Much to their surprise a tall pink pony with wings and a horn stood on the road.

“Is that a princess?” The mare whispered to the stallion.

The stallion rubbed his beard stubble, looking closer at the horn and wings, as well as finery that adorned the pony, crystal boots, a crown, and that strange harness like the one Celestia wears. “Seems to be, though I don’t know of any princess that looks like that, perhaps she’s a foreign ruler that got lost on her way to Canterlot.”

“Dear, I think she’s hurt. Look at her leg.” The mare pointed to the princess’s back right leg, which was covered in blood. She gagged as she caught the sight of bone sticking out beneath the gore. “We should help her.”

“Right, it’s the right thing to do.” The stallion agreed walking out of the brush. “Hello there, you look like you could use some help!”

Symphony’s head sprang up at the sound of the earth stallion’s voice, her vision was being to blur, and she could feel the spell fading quickly, she didn’t have much time. Quickly she uses her remaining magic to cast a spell on Cadenza so she wouldn’t be pulled back with her.

“Please…” She cried holding her daughter out to the earth pony couple. “Please take care of my daughter, raise her, protect her, and love her as your own. Please, as a promise to a dying mother.”

The stallion gently took the foal from her hooves. For a moment her vision cleared and she saw the three them standing together as she and Treble had on the day Cadenza was born. Symphony smiled, at peace knowing her daughter would grow up with parents.

“What’s her name?” The mare asked.

“Cadenza, Mi Amore Cadenza, Cadence for short.” With that Symphony felt the spell wear off completely and she disappeared in flash of light, leaving her daughter in the hooves of two strangers.

--back in the Crystal Empire

“What the hay is going on?” Applejack shouted as she and Nightingale stumble upon something strange. Dusk was floating in midair her eyes whited out, Princess Symphony disappeared and then reappeared and Nightingale was staring off into the distance. “Night what’s going on?”

“It’s open…” The Pegasus whispered, making Applejack raise a brow as she tried to see what her friend was seeing.

“What are you talking about?”

“There’s a hole in their formation and their all focusing on trying to bring down the shield. This is my chance.”

“Your chance for what, Night?” Applejack demanded as Nightingale began to stretch.

“A chance to get out of here and get the others, if we miss this, we might never get out of here alive, but I’m going to need a lot of speed.” Nightingale turned looking Applejack straight in the eyes. “Applejack, I need you to buck me.”

Applejack’s mouth fell, “I beg your pardon?”

Nightingale blushed, “Not like that! I mean launch me with your boot things so I can get past the changelings!”

“Why didn’t you just say that?” Applejack retorted kicking up a boulder with a flat surface. “Get on and hold on tight, it’s going to be a rough ride.” The earth mare said getting into position, her expression turned solemn as she looked at all the changelings outside the shield. “Be careful Night.”

Nightingale smirked confidently, “Don’t worry, I’ll come back with everypony and show those bugs what’s for, you just stay alive till then.”

Nodding silently Applejack began gathering her magic, while Nightingale adjusts her goggles, once she was sure they wouldn’t move in flight she waited.

Applejack said, “On the count of three, Night, ready?”

“Ready Applejack, One!”

“Two”

“Three!”

With all her might Applejack kicked the stone causing it to fly like an arrow. She quickly turned around so she could watch Nightingale as she launched herself off the rock when it began to lose momentum. The white pegasus broke through the shield flying at top speed and appearing to go unnoticed until some changeling burst out of the snow. Applejack held her hat tightly as she watchesd Nightingale narrowly dodge them. One looked like it got really close, but they were too far away to tell for sure, soon enough they were mere specks in the sky, and then nothing.

Putting her hat back on Applejack trotted over to Symphony and found the crystal princess dead with a smile on her face. She gave a quick prayer for the departed turning her attention to Dusk, who was still glowing and firing magic at the crystal heart. Now that she was close, Applejack finally noticed the changes to Dusk’s body, mainly that she was almost as tall as her and her mane reached down to her flank.

“What in the hay?” Tentatively Applejack reached for the filly but quickly pulled her hoof back as jolt of electricity zaps her foot. Quickly putting two and two together Applejack realized Dusk was powering the shield. (How do I wake her up? Should I even wake her up? She’s keeping all those bad ponies outside for now, but at this rate, she’ll be an old mare!)

Applejack was at a loss. Save Dusk or save the city and everypony in it? Closing her eyes she searched deep inside herself for the answer, trusting her gut, and her stomach told her to save Dusk!

“Sorry about this sugar cube!” Charging up her hoof Applejack punched Dusk right in the face! Knocking the filly out of her trace and sending her bouncing across the ground. Applejack winced, realizing she may have overdone it. Thankfully the crystal heart was still spinning, and the shield was still there… for now.

The sound of hooves touching down caught her attention. Applejack turned coming face to face with a disheveled Luna and Fierce Fury, who was looking worse for wear and missing two of his talons on his left claw. Arriving with them was the remaining majority of the crystal army, and there weren’t many left.

The crystal ponies were exhausted and battered. They’d been taken by surprise and fought hard against the invaders. When the shield had been thrown up, they rejoiced in their small victory. Now they seem to dull and lose their shine as they found their princess lying on the ground in her own blood. Princess Luna silently approached her cousin and closed the mare’s eyes, noting the smile on her face.

She choked back her tears as she faced the crystal ponies. They stare back at her and kneel. One pony, the Vice-captain of the Guard, stood up and shouts, “Hail Princess Luna!”

His fellow guards soon join in the chant, and it spread across the empire like a wildfire. The fiery spirit of the crystal ponies was reignited as they clung to hope, to the light in their darkest hour. Ironically it was the Princess of the Night that was that light.

Luna raised her hoof for silence, and they promptly obey. “We haven’t much time! The shield will only hold for two days. We must prepare!”

“Yes, princess!” They salute fanning out to look for survivors, supplies, and weapons.

Once they were all gone Luna approached Dusk, who was still unconscious. She barely noticed Applejack and Fury standing by her side as she stared at what happened to Dusk. Using the Crystal Heart had aged the filly into a mare, and that wasn’t all it had done. Branded on the unicorn’s flank was an eight turn on its side, the symbol for infinity.

“Where is Nightingale, Applejack?” She asked deciding to address Dusk’s changes later when she was awake. Applejack pointed to the south, looking nervous.

“She went to get help from home. She got spotted on her way out by some changelings, I don’t know what’s become of her.”

Luna intensely stared to the south. “We must prepare. We have little time.” She said picking up Dusk and carrying her to the castle.

“What about Night?”

Luna sighed, suppressing her emotions, “I have faith in her ability, but… we cannot wait for help that may not be coming. Do you understand Commander Applejack?”

Applejack lowered her hat over her eyes, “I understand… princess.”

“Good, you know what needs to be done. Fury go and find any pegasus that can still fly and get them to combat ready, we’ll need them when the shield goes down. Applejack coordinate with the remaining soldiers, we need to fortify the castle. We’ll need to hold out till the crystal heart is ready to be used again. Understood?”

Applejack and Fury salute, “Understood.”

Luna watched them leave before entering the Castle, taking one final glance at the Crystal heart before closing the door.

--In the Arctic

Nightingale shivered violently as she dug herself out of the snow. Around her were the five changelings that chased after her, all dead, but they left their mark. She glanced angrily at her damaged wing, trying to move it, only to grimace in pain. No way was she flying out of here.

Stumbling through the snow she continued her way back to Equestria, hoping she didn’t die before she got there.

“I gotta make it home… I gotta make it home…” She chanted walking into the blizzard.

Author's Note

Just a reminder Unicorns magic usually looks like their eyes. I bring this up only because I have Dusk use magic in this chapter and her eyes are black. Just to Clarify she is not using black magic aka evil magic.

The Night Hunters

Night Patrol ch 10

By foxgear

Celestia flew through the early morning dew, raising the sun ever so slightly higher, smiling as she basked in its rays, relieving the morning chill from her coat. Usually, she wouldn’t be flying alone, or without her chariot, but she insisted on flying herself to the Crystal Empire for Cadenza’s coronation. This was her first vacation from Canterlot in a long while, she didn’t want anything reminding her of that dreadful place for at least a few days.

Stifling a yawn, Celestia peered down at the fresh snow on the ground. Winter in Equestria has been light so far, much to her enjoyment as it gave her a little more time to enjoy the fall before the snow turned everything white. Spotting a grove of trees, she decided to land and stretch her legs with a good run through the woods.

Looking around for anypony nearby she was excited to find there were none. With a squeal of delight, she ran at full speed, shaking the trees and causing the leaves to fall, showering her in a dazzling whirlwind of reds, yellows, and oranges. This was why she loved autumn. It was so beautiful and colorful, and best of all it meant shorter days, so she could actually spend more time with Luna…

Celestia's trot came to a stop as she thought of Luna. They haven’t talked face to face in months. She's been so busy that she hadn’t even had time to send a letter, and then Luna sent her a one, and it made her so happy! Until Symphony sent a later saying she invited Luna to Cadenza’s coronation. Celestia slapped herself for forgetting to post Luna her invitation to the event. She dreaded what Luna might think when she received the letter, so she decided to wait till they could meet face to face to explain.

Deciding she’s spent enough time on the ground Celestia prepared to take flight when she noticed something on the path ahead. Curious she trotted over to see what it was.

“Is this… is this blood?” She hesitantly questioned touching the red puddle with her hoof. She shivered as the thick red liquid stained her white coat. Frantically she began to look around for a wounded pony while calling out to them.

“Hello? Is somepony here? If you can answer, please speak up! I am here to help you!”

Hearing a low groan Celestia dash toward the source of the sound, coming to a halt as she found the bruised and bloody form of a white pegasus mare. She grimaced at mare’s wing, which was bent and broken, the bone sticking out and riddled with frostbite and infection. The pegasi spoke, and Celestia leaned down to hear her.

“Must… get… home… must get help… Luna…”

Celestia gasped“Luna?” (Has something happened to Luna?) She wondered fearfully.

Looking north to the Crystal Empire Celestia wondered what could have happened. She wanted so badly to fly there right now at full speed, but couldn’t with the injured mare. Gently she picked the pegasi up and placed her on her back. She hesitated momentary, before taking off for Canterlot. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t in good conscience leave the mare behind, nor could she go in horn blazing without knowing what was going on. She’d take the mare to Canterlot for healing and then plan from there.

“Just don’t die before we get there.” She begged the pegasus as she pumped her wings faster.

Pain was all Nightingale felt, and darkness was all she saw. Was she dead? She felt like she was floating, so she must be dead, right? (Wait… if I’m dead then why do I feel pain? That must mean…)

“The afterlife sucks!” Nightingale screamed as she once again returned to the land of the living. Suddenly there was light, too much light, in her opinion. Shielding her eyes with her forehoof, she found herself sinking. Bubbles float upwards as her lungs fill with water.

(Why am I in a pool?) She panicked as two sets of hooves quickly pull her above water. Her body felt weird like it was lighter or off balance because she didn’t feel any water resistance on her left wing.

“There, little pony, Shampoo no let you drown,” A pink, blue hair pony said to her.

“Sister Shampoo is right, we take care of you. Princess Celestia said you take the highest priority. I am Ginseng by the way.” The second pony said, also a mare with her colors reversed. “How are feeling Miss…?”

Nightingale coughed up a few more ounces of water as her mind tried to play catch up with what was going around her. “Uh… (cough, cough) Nightingale, did you say princess… what the buck happened to my wing!”

Nightingale stared blankly at her left flank and then to her right and then back again. Slowly she raised her right wing out of the water, flexing it, and then letting it settle back to her side. Then she tried to move her left wing, there was nothing, just a little stub of flesh and bone that stuck out of her body. Her wing was gone! Nightingale began breathing very heavily.

“I think she’s going into shock!” Shampoo yelled, quickly placing a nearby floating cloud beneath the pegasus to keep her above water. “Ginseng help me calm her down!”

“Already on it!” She replied quickly getting to work. Within minutes they had the pegasus stable again, but Nightingale has lost consciousness.

“That was a close one.” Shampoo said wiping her brow. “We should get her another blood transplant and get her on a real bed. I think the healing water has done all it can.”

“Agreed, its shame we had to remove the wing, but it was beyond repair. Maybe if we had the time to get a pegasus doctor here in time. We could have…”

“Enough Ginsengs, what’s done is done. We’ll do some research and prevent such a thing from ever happening again.” Shampoo smiled encouragingly to her sister, only for it to turn into a frown as she remembered their other problem. “I just hope we can get out this mess without too much backlash from the nobles. Lord Yellowblood wasn’t happy when the princess came to us and not his son, Doctor Goldcross.”

“As if he really knows what he’s doing.” Ginseng said with scorn. They worked eight years of their lives away learning all they could learn about medicine from here to Zebraland, and that spoiled brat walked in one day and boom, head doctor, outrageous.

The sisters did the rest of their work in silence, less some noble brown nosier overhear them. They had just gotten Nightingale onto the bed when Princess Celestia entered the room looking frizzled.

“Are you in need of shampooing your majesty? Your mane is looking a little… rat nested…”

The Princess shook her head as she sits down next to the bed. Her gaze fixed on Nightingale. “Has she said anything yet?”

The sisters look nervously between one another, they play a quick game of straws with their hair to decide who gets to break the news to the princess, Ginseng drew short.

“She did awaken for a short while, but I’m afraid after seeing that her wing had been removed she went into shock and fell back to sleep. There’s no telling when she’ll wake up next. Might I suggest you…”

“I’m staying,” Celestia said firmly. “Tell Bison and Stronghold to cancel all meetings and events. I am not to be bothered.”

“Of course princess, we’ll bring you some tea and snacks later on.” Ginseng and Shampoo bow and exit the room.

Celestia vaguely noticing their departure. Her worry for the mare in front of her and for her sister was at the front of her mind. She tried sending a message via magic flame, but it was blocked by some powerful magical force. She has since attempted to send fifty messages in the past few hours, all them failed. She wanted to fly to the Crystal Empire, find Luna, and get her out of there as quickly as possible, but logic told her to wait. To find out what was going so she could go with her best hoof forward.

“Please, my little pony, please wake up soon…”

Nightingale awoke with a groan and was feeling a light-headed, at least this time she wasn’t in some pool, but rather a nice soft bed. Slowly she removed the blankets, wincing as dull aches of pain bombard her nervous system. Carefully she touched the floor, wincing as she applied weight to the leg, only for it to fall out from under her.

“Ugh!” She grunted, clenching her teeth so she wouldn’t cry out. She didn’t want those nurses or anypony to try and stop her from leaving. She’s wasted too much time already! She had to get to the castle. Speaking of which where was she?

Going still Nightingale looked around the room, taking note of the elegant design, the pool where she’d been healed, and Princess Celestia sleeping by the bed… (Wait what?)

Whipping her head back around Nightingale confirmed that Celestia was indeed sleeping next to the bed she had been in. Meaning she was in Canterlot!

“Ok, ok, calm down.” She whispered to herself. “I just need to get outside this heavy guarded castle, through a crowded city, and cross county to the castle, all without being noticed, with only one wing and extremely exhausted.” Nightingale took a moment to plan things out and quickly come to a conclusion. “Yeah, that’s impossible. Plan B then.”

Nightingale maneuvered carefully to Celestia’s side, stood on her hind legs, and set her mouth right next to Celestia’s ears… and screamed really loud!

“Wake up princess! Rise and shine!”

Celestia snapped awake. Though she only flinched a little bit, not the fly up and hit the ceiling kind of flinch Nightingale was expecting, but rather a, ‘I knew it was coming kind of flinch.’ It was kind of disappointing.

“I see you're awake, my little pony.” The princess said staring directly into Nightingale’s eyes, causing the one-winged pegasus to shiver as it felt as if Celestia was looking into her soul. “We have much to talk about.”

Gathering her courage, Nightingale replied, “We do, and for the record, I am not little, I’m just a little under grown.”

“Of course,” Celestia replied with a smile, though it quickly faded to something more serious. “Now, how about we start things off with your name and how you gained your wounds?”

“I’m Nightingale of the Night Patrol. I am part of Princess Luna’s guard detail for her trip to the Crystal Empire…” Nightingale told Celestia the whole story, from arriving at the empire to the changeling invasion and to her flying to get help.

Celestia took it all in without interrupting. Her tactical mind quickly went to work on how she could help take back the Crystal Empire. The first step would be rallying the noble’s guards as they made up the bulk of the Equestrian warriors. Getting the nobles approval would be an entirely different war.

“Thank you for your bravery Nightingale, rest assured I will handle things from here. Once I amass our forces, I will…”

“We don’t have time for that!” Nightingale blurted out. “We need to move fast! Take me to the castle, let me speak with Commander Gadget, and we can get a force up and ready before those nobles can sit down in their chairs to argue about useless things, such as what they’ll be getting out of it.”

“I’m sure once I tell them of the empire’s plight the nobles will come around and agree to help our friends in the north,” Celestia said, but Nightingale only shook her head in disbelief. Genuinely shocked by the Princess’s faith.

“You know better, Princess, I know you do.” She said limping towards the door. Halfway out she stopped and turned to face Celestia. “When you come to your senses, come find me, and I’ll show you what your sister has created.”

“Bison, Stronghold,” Celestia called out to her guards. They emerge moments later from some secret passage in the walls. “Gather the nobles for an emergency meeting, tell them if they refuse to come I will personally see to it they are charged for treason.”

The two guards bowed and took off, leaving Celestia to ponder Nightingales words as she made her way to the council chambers.

“Surely the nobles are not selfish enough as to leave fellow ponies hanging… could they?”

-later in the council chambers

Celestia sat at the head of the table as usual, but there was something different in her posture that made the nobles weary. Never before has the princess been so… harsh with her commands. Her face wasn’t the usual soft kind expression they were used to exploiting, no, the princess before them was steely-eyed and stern. They knew the princess would develop a backbone, but it was much too soon for their tastes.

“You are all probably wondering why you were called here on such short noticed, yes?” The Princess began, summoning a map of the world onto the table. “Our allies in the Crystal Empire are under attack, by not one, but two armies. That of Maredor and the changeling hordes. My Sister, Princess Luna, currently leads the defense there. The status of Princess Symphony is unknown. The pony that informed me of the attack could only state that the crystal princess was lying on the ground when they left to get help. My ponies, we are in dire times, if we do not rise up and take down the invaders now, I fear they will set their sights on Canterlot next. So I beg you, gather your forces and march with me north to protect our kingdom.”

Silence filled the room and Celestia was filled with hope that they would see reason and march with her. She was wrong though, so very wrong.

“We must fortify our defenses!” Greenblood yelled.

Yellowblood interjected, “No, we should go north, but only if we agree to annex the empire to Equestrian territory!”

“I agree!” Shouted Lord Blueblood.

“Why should we help at all? Let Sombra take the empire and form an alliance with him.” Lady Violet suggested, earning a few nods for her suggestion.

Celestia could only look on with fear and disgust. Angrily she stomped out of the room, just when the doors were blown off, their hinges did the nobles stop their arguing.

“Princess, where are you going? We haven’t come to an agreement yet!” Lord Yellowblood stated, a little too smugly for the princess’s taste.

With burning eyes she turned facing the nobles with fury, the floor cracking beneath her hooves as her magic rose. “I’m going to go do what needs to be done! Stay here and cower in your beds for all I care!” With that she left, slamming the doors shut, only for them to fall again.

“She’s getting bolder. Soon she might start listening to that damned sister of hers.” Lord Yellowblood huffed as he fell back into his seat. “We must do something, to remind her of her true role as our puppet. Letting those common ponies think they have a voice.”

Greenblood nodded, “I agree, and I think I have something in mind.”

“Really, still going after that mare?” Lady Violet chuckled. “You’re so vindictive Greenblood.”

“Heh, I try.”

“Do you really think this a good idea?” A voice said, causing the nobles to stop their banter and stare at the speaker, Duke Blueblood. “Now is not the time for such actions, but rather no action, give the princess a little wiggle room. Let her think she’s in charge, and soon enough things will slip back to as they were.”

Yellowblood growled, “You’re a fool Blueblood! Who knows how long that could take! That blasted alicorn will outlive us all!”

“It’s not just us we must worry about dear Yellowblood. We must think of the future. I for one am looking forward to my son taking my place at this table, and I would assume the same for you all as well. Our goal is to preserve the noble class, less the princesses become wiser and figure out how much they don’t need us.” Blueblood slid out of his chair and began to walk away. “Good day to you all, I hope you do nothing foolish.”

The remaining nobles whispered amongst themselves.

“That fool, does he not realize how close we are to project Eternal Rainbow? Now is the time push!” Yellowblood whispered fiercely. Greenblood and Violet's blood nodding along, but the remaining two nobles, Red blood, and Orangeblood, who had remained silent all throughout the meeting, spoke up.

“We are in agreement with Blueblood. Haste makes waste as they say. We’ll follow his lead on this matter. You three do as you wish. Come, Cousin.” Red blood said leading the way, Orangeblood right behind him.

“You’re fools! All of you!” Yellowblood screamed at their backs. Slowly he sank back into his chair his chest throbbing.

“Take it easy my friend,” Greenblood said rubbing Yellowblood’s back, alieving the pain. “You’re not well.”

“All the more reason to speed things up, contact Doctor Hoofenstein, tell him we have another batch ready for him.”

Violet and Green looked at one another with concern. “Is that wise? If we take too many…” Violet began, but a glare from Yellowblood silenced her. “Fine, but I fear our friends may be right.” She sighed trotting off as Greenblood helped Yellowblood up.

“Are you going abandon me too, old friend?” Yellowblood asked Green.

Greenblood chuckled, shaking his head, “No, no, of course not, but perhaps they are right. We may be acting a bit too rashly. On the other hoof with both princesses out of the city, now is the perfect time to get things done.”

“Agreed, come take me back home. We have much work to get done and so little time.”

Nightingale trotted down Canterlot’s main road that led straight out of the city, her pace slow, but steady. There was a lot of land between her and Luna’s castle and running a full gallop would only delay her in the end. The thought of going to one of the night patrol’s outposts came to mind, till she remembered there were none close by. Strangely there were no villages between Canterlot and the castle of the two sisters, giving them no reason to build outposts out there. She’d have to bring that up in the future once everything is settled in the empire.

As Nightingale passed through the gates of Canterlot and out into the wilds, a large shadow flew overhead. There was a collective gasp from behind her as the sound of metal clicking against stone reached her ears.

“Change your mind already? That didn’t take long.” Nightingale turned to face the princess, grinning widely as she stared into Celestia’s fiery pink eyes, at the moment she reminded her of Luna.

The Princess of the Sun nodded solemnly, “Indeed I have. Need a lift?”

“Well I lack a wing at the moment, so why not,? Not every day somepony gets to stand on the back of royalty.” Nightingale said as she hopped on to Celestia’s back, much to the shock of the nearby guards and citizens, “Tillie ho Princess!”

“Don’t push it,” Celestia warned.

Nightingale chuckled sheepishly, “Right, of course, I forgot myself.”

Celestia offered the one wing pegasus a ghost of a smile as she took off. She was going to save her sister and everypony in the empire. She had too

It’s been two days since Luna and the others had left to the Crystal Empire, leaving Gadget as supreme commander of Night Patrol. To say the job is stressful would be an understatement, but that wasn’t what was causing the middle age unicorn to turn restlessly at night, nor was it his inventions that drove him to consume nearly the entire castle’s supply of coffee. No, it was neither of those things that were bothering him. The absence of his precious daughter Dusk was the cause of his ills. Even with the princess’s reassurance and Applejack vowing to keep an eye on her Gadget could not help but worry. Only when he was busy doing something for somepony or tinkering around with an invention could he be at ease, but when the time came to sleep, he could not find it. Dusk was at the forefront of his mind, and his fears of losing her were at their worst when he tried to reach the world of dreams.

A knock at the door brought him out his musing. Straightening in his chair and chugging down the last of his coffee he called them in. Much to his surprise, it was Firefly, who was supposed to be setting up a new outpost in the wilds between the castle and Canterlot.

“Firefly? What’s the matter? Why have you left your post?”

The pink pegasus tapped the stone floor nervously before answering. “Well, there’s a bit of a situation, sir.”

Gadget’s eye’s narrow, “What kind of situation?”

“Well (Gulp)… it's better if you just come with me and see for yourself.”

“Fine, lead the way.”

Firefly led him down to the courtyard, where at least two dozen patrol squads were standing in a circle, their weapons pose and ready for use. Curious he made his way through the crowd, the patrollers parting ways, creating a path for him giving him a free line of sight to whatever it was that had everypony in a frenzy. Needless to say, he was somewhat surprised to see the Princess of the Sun standing before him. His surprise quickly turned to worry as he spotted the pony next to her.

“Nightingale…” He gasped looking at the mare’s missing wing. He was about to demand what happen when he spotted something red dripping from the mare’s side. A quick sniff and he instantly recognize the iron scent of blood. “Get me a medic team here now!”

The princess stepped forward, only to back off as the surrounding ponies move in. “My personal healers attended to her, medical assistance is not…” Celestia’s words fell silent as Nightingale dropped to her side exposing her hidden flank and reopened wounds. Craning her neck back, Celestia was shocked to see more blood splatter on her back. (Why didn’t she tell me her wounds reopened?)

Celestia stood silently as medic ponies rush Nightingale to the hospital wing, leaving her alone in a crowd of very angry looking night ponies. Slowly they close in on her instinctively Celestia prepared to defend herself, but the unicorn that seemed to be in charge ordered them to stop.

“Enough all of you return to your posts! Princess Celestia may not be our Princess, but Luna would be very displeased if we treated her any less then the royal guest that she is. Now scatter, before I make you!” Sure enough, all the ponies quickly left, leaving Celestia and Gadget standing alone in the yard. “Come, princess,” Gadget called leading the way into the castle, “Let’s get you cleaned up and perhaps you can tell me what happened to my subordinate.”

“Of course… Mr….”

“Gadget, but you maybe know me better as Starwind the Beardless.”

Celestia blinked, “Starwind… Oh, yes! I remember now. Starswirl speaks very highly of you.”

Gadget raised a brow as he led the princess to Luna’s private bath. “Does he now? Strange that old stallion would give anypony praise. Anyways, here is the bath, as I’m sure you knew already. Feel free to explain what’s going on while you bathe.”

“You’re going to stay?” Celestia inquired, a light blush appearing on her cheeks.

“Is that a problem? Luna listens to our reports and gives out orders well bathing sometimes. It’s not like anypony isn’t seeing anything more than usual. She said when she first did it. Granted we were all rather embarrassed at first, but we got used to it.”

Celestia’s blush grew deeper as she removed her regalia stepping into the warm water. “Well then, I guess I should begin when I first found Nightingale on the northern border…”

She told Gadget everything she knew, from finding Nightingale, healing her, what Nightingale had reported to her and about Sombra’s and Chrysa’s invasion, and the noble ponies squabbling. She told him all of it, and he listened with rap attention. Never once speaking up or interrupting, Gadget just sat there with only the faint trembling of his hoof distinguishing him from the statues around the bath. When Celestia finished. Gadget stormed out of the room shouting orders at the top of his lungs, Celestia chased after him, her regalia forgotten.

“Firefly, Sixes, and Rawhide in the commander’s quarters now!” In mere minutes the three ponies gathered in the command center, Gadget frantically throwing maps and other odd things onto the large table there. Celestia awkwardly standing off to the side watching him work. The three others paused momentarily looking the regalia less princess over, before giving their full attention to their commander, who quickly explained the situation.

“The Crystal Empire is under attack, and Princess Luna is stuck right in the middle of it. Our enemies are Sombra, King of Maredor and Queen Chrysa of the Changelings, according to the reports from Nightingale, who manage break through the enemy blockade. The crystal heart was activated, but rather than destroying the enemy, it merely created a shield to keep them out. By Princess Celestia’s accounts, the heart will maintain the shield for at least two days, three at the most. We already lost one day, so we must act quickly. Firefly, you will maintain our patrols here. Princess Luna will never forgive us if we abandon all our hard work just to save her.”

“Aye, sir, I’ll get right on it!” Firefly saluted.

“Good, now Rawhide, I need you to pick our most experienced troops, whatever their race, though pegasus and unicorns would be the most useful. They need to be fast too. This is a quick run and grab mission, we are not going there to fight a war, we're just going to get our friends and any survivors out of there as quick as we can.”

Rawhide nodded, “Ah’ll get ya what you need Gadget, my troopers will be ready.”

“Thank you, you two go and fill out your orders.” Rawhide and Firefly salute and left, leaving Sixes and Celestia alone with Gadget. “Sixes, we are going to need every dragon pony for this one, most importantly ‘Them.’”

Celestia blinked, “Them? Who are them?” She asked speaking for the first time.

“How long will it take to recall them?” Gadget continued, ignoring Celestia’s question. Sixes tapped his chin, his brow frowned.

“A few hours by myself, I’ll take some flyers with me to reduce time, but it’ll still a bit of time to track them down.”

Gadget sighed, “I see. Well, get to it right away. I’ll have everything ready when they’ll get here, dismissed.” Sixes saluted and left, leaving Celestia and Gadget alone.

“What are you planning? It will take at least a week to march a force of any kind to the Crystal Empire, much less fend off two armies. We’ll be heavily outnumbered!” Celestia pointed out.

“Outnumbered, yes, out powered no,” Gadget walked to the door, motioning Celestia to follow him. “Come with me Princess, I got something to show you.”

Gadget led her down what must have been a million stairs. By the time they reach the bottom Celestia’s poor hooves felt like they’d been through a meat grinder. Speaking of meat, she’d have to get some for the Griffon ambassador coming next month. Pigs would do. It was the main reason they were raised, trade slaughter.

(Ugh, I’m getting off track! I wish Gadget would just tell me what it is he wants to show me!)

For the entirety of their journey Gadget remained silent, ignoring her questions about the renovations to the castle and what Luna has been up too for these past few months. Anything to kill the silence, but the graying unicorn seemed determined to stay tight-lipped. She wanted to press harder, unused to being ignored, but once she caught Gadget’s eyes and felt the worry rolling off him, she decided to leave the unicorn alone.

“Here we are.” He said walking out into a sizeable open room. Celestia was awestruck by all the machines being built. She’s never seen anything like it! She felt a tug on her wing and followed Gadget to the darkened part of the room.

“Lights!” Gadget yelled.

Celestia closed her eyes, shielding them from the bright crystal lights up above. When her eyes adjusted Celestia’s mouth hung open at the marvel that stood before her.

“This is the Moon Cutter,” Gadget said with pride, “The first ever flying battleship. This is how we will travel to the Crystal Empire. Come on, let me give you a tour.”

“This is the engine room, gems inside these big metal pipes spin at high speeds to create energy to push the ship, while ice gems keep the engine cool, a cloud machine creates clouds for the ship to sail on. Next is the galley nothing much there and then we have the hanger to hold troops and equipment and finally the bridge, where we can steer and give out orders, and there is the princess’s chair.” Gadget pointed to the black throne at the center of the bridge with a moon emblem engraved on it. “Any questions princess?” Gadget asked the shell shocked Celestia.

“What in Equestria was Luna thinking making such a thing.” Celestia gasped, a flying warship, the implications of such a thing, it made her shiver just thinking about it!

“Luna didn’t make it.” Gadget said turning to face Celestia. “I did. I designed it. I built it with my own hooves. Luna merely gave me the resources to make it.”

“Why would you want to build such a thing?”

Gadget shrugged, “Who knows, it just came to me in a dream one night, woke up the next day and drew out the blueprints. Though there is one special feature, Luna wanted added on.”

“And what is that?” Celestia asked warily.

“This!” Pulling on a leaver Luna’s chair moved to the side, allowing a similar white chair with a golden sun engraved on it to rise next to it. “Despite your little spat, Princess Luna insist I add your very own chair. She said that well you may disagree at the moment, she knew there would be a time you two would come back together. Even though the Moon cutter has been done for some time now, she insisted it stay here till she made amends with you.”

Celestia was speechless as she approached the throne. Tentatively she climbed onto the soft cushion, looking out the windows of the bridge and onto the landing deck. She closed her eyes, imagining Luna next to her, them together again, defending Equestria from their flying ship. Honestly, the idea seemed much less horrifying now, in fact, it reminds her of the old days. Maybe…

“Oh, there is one more thing Luna left for you, princess.”

“Please,” Celestia said raising her hoof, “Call me Celestia.”

“Of course, Celestia, now please follow me. I think you’ll like this one.”

Gadget led her down to a vault, away from the other inventions. Thick steel doors blocking their path. A mere flick of his horn and the doors open, revealing two mannequins. One was fitted with a suit of silver armor with a black moon emblazoned on the flank mail. Next to it was a suit of gold armor with the sun engraved on it and it looked like it fitted for her.

“Is this…”

“It is,” Gadget finished for her, “Your armor. Luna requested it for you. It’s adjustable in case your old measurements are… outdated. Will you need any assistance getting it on?”

Celestia shook her head. “No I… I want to do this myself. Please leave me.”

Gadget nodded, “Of course, I will finish the preparations.”

With that Gadget took his leave, leaving Celestia alone in the vault.

“So we ride with Sun butt?”

“Yes, we will be under Princess Celestia’s command until we rescue Princess Luna. Is that going to be a problem, Sixes?” Gadget asked the black Rinin.

A tapping of steel against stone echoed, all eyes turned toward the sound only to look away from the sheer radiance of light that came with it. Clad in armor of gold marched Celestia, her eyes darken by her helm, her hair was tied back, floating weightlessly in the air, on her back rests two large golden axes big enough to cut a pony in two with one swing. She looked like the legends depicted of her from the old days before the rise of Discord, no longer was she Celestia, Princess of the sun, she was Celestia the Sun warrior.

“I don’t think I’ll be having any issues Gadget,” Said Sixes with a coy smile, “In fact, I may be in love.”

“Well keep it tucked my friend,” Gadget whispered as Celestia approached them carrying Luna’s armor in her magic. “You may find yourself burned.”

“I’m fireproof remember?” Sixes added jovially, receiving a quick kick in the shin from Gadget.

“Are we ready to leave?” Celestia asked the two, her powerful aura nearly vanished with her polite and somewhat strained tone. She was panting slightly. (This armor is more substantial then I remember, and it’s draining my magic constantly too. No doubt from Luna’s modifications. I’ll have to ask how to use them. I might have to loosen the straps it’s digging into that wound Snige gave me.) For now, Celestia had to keep up her strong posture. Some time had passed since she last went to battle, but she understood the mentality of warriors, if she wanted their respect she would need to earn it, and showing any weakness would undermine that.

“Almost Princess, we are still waiting on some final preparations for the ship. The engines take some time to warm up,” Gadget explained. “Oh look, here come the troops.”

From the door, Rawhide emerged with a line of troops behind him, but it was the three dragon ponies behind him that got every ponies attention. They were tall, almost as tall as Celestia, and walked on six clawed legs. They look nothing like anything Celestia has ever seen before. For a moment she wondered if they were some leftover creations of Discord because there was nothing natural about these ponies.

One was a reddish orange color with a mane of fire, and unlike the other dragon ponies, lacked wings. The next one, a green pony with a mane and tail made of crystal with sharp diamond-like spikes sticking out of their knee joints and a long jagged unicorn horn atop its head. The third and final pony was pure white with two sets of wings and carrying two griffon swords on its side.

Monster Squad

“Princess,” Sixes said walking in front of the stunned royalty, “Allow me to introduce, the Night Hunters, Overheat, Emerald Cutter, and Killing Perfection, our fiercest warriors, though some like to refer to them as the monster ponies.”

Author's Note

Hey, been awhile, I was away on vacation to a Animecon, met the coolest Luna republic solider there, made a chest plate out of actual metal, really impressive. Anyways I hope you enjoy the chapter and I did a quick read through for mistakes, found many, and there maybe more. I'll be doing more rereads later, but for now enjoy.

Update 7/18/15
Hello everyone, I'm going through some life changes, new job and moving, and I just wanted to tell you all that the next chapter might get pushed back due to this. There is of course getting used to my new schedule and routine, but I hope I can have something for you guys done by mid August or sooner.

Fall of the Crystal empire

Night patrol ch 12

By Foxgear

“All ponies to battle stations! Squads one through five, prepare to launch! MOVE, MOVE, MOVE! We don’t have all day, get down there and fight!” Roars Gadget over the ship’s intercom as they blast Sombra’s army with a barrage of canon fire and lightning bolts. “Squads Six through nine fly around the city and flank the enemy, create a path for any survivors. Cannon operators keep a suppressing fire on the enemy don’t let them near us! Squads ten through eleven you’re on standby.” Trotting over the controls Gadget observes all the dials and doodads with a keen eye. Complex mathematical equations ran through his head as he calculates their fly time.

“We have enough crystal energy to keep the cannons firing for one hour Princess Celestia, I repeat one hour, after that we will be sitting ducks and we’ll have to retreat. Be swift in your mission, find Princess Luna and her escort and get them out, anypony else is extra. After the one hour mark I’m afraid anypony left behind stays behind.”

“Roger that Gadget,” Celestia replies on the deck of the Moon Cutter, the night hunters forming up her guard, “Celestia out.”

“Faust’s speed to you princess, Good luck.”

Celestia returns her crystal communicator to its place on her chest piece; it’s quite the handy little gadget, perfect for keeping up to date on things. Approaching the edge of the flight deck Celestia surveys the battlefield, finding utter chaos the likes of which could rival Discord. She’d hoped she'd never have to come to such a place again, but it just goes to show that for every tyrant taken down, another rises in their place.

“Allow me to lessen your burden Princess,” said a Pony, taking Luna’s armor out of her magical grip. “It’ll be easier to fight unburdened, don’t worry I’ll make sure it gets to Princess Luna.”

She smiles at the Rinin Pony with relief, her own armor was weighing her down enough already and carrying Luna’s with her would have worn her that much quicker. “Thank you, Uh…” Celestia looks at the pony’s flank, hoping to find something of hit to his name. There was nothing, just a number like the rest of the dragon ponies, this one was branded, 088.

“Nico Vega,” The pony answers, “My name is Nico Vega, apologies for not properly introducing myself right off.”

Celestia waves a hoof, “No, no it’s quite alright Nico Vega, and I appreciate the gesture. I hope to see you again after the battle."

“Don’t worry princess,” he smiles, “I don’t intend to die today.”

“None of us do, doesn’t mean it won’t happen Nico,” Speaks Overheat, snorting fire from his nostrils. “Now let’s cut the chit chat and get moving! Follow me to victory! Yahoo!”

Celestia blinks as Overheat leaps right off the edge of the flight deck which was at least a couple thousand feet in the air and he had no wings. She leans over the ledge expecting to see splattered pony on the ground, instead she saw a trail of flaming hoofsteps leading right towards the enemy lines.

“Don’t worry about him Princess he just likes the attention,” said Emerald Cutter, “Let’s not be left behind! Come on, patrollers charge forward for Equestria!”

Emerald Cutter too leap off the ledge, her horn a glow with dark green magic as she summons a pile of emeralds from the ground and rode them into battle. Below the unloading Docks open with Rawhide and his troops pouring out onto the field.

“Ready princess?” Killing Perfection asks unsheathing her swords.

Celestia nods as she raised her hoof to the sky, “All ponies ATTACK!”

Commander Bright of the Maredor Vanguard quickly rallies his soldiers around to face the enemy at their backs. He calls for their unicorn units to raise the largest shields they could muster against the cannon fire, ponies clamored under the shields like umbra’s as the cannon balls rain down upon them, however just because they were underneath a shield didn’t guarantee their safety. Cannon balls would bounce off the shields and roll down between the gaps at high speeds severing legs and splitting ponies in two as they haphazardly came to a stop.

“Incoming!” A scout yells pointing to a bright glowing figure charging over the ruins of the crystal city. Spears were raised and pointed as they waited for the enemy, a hush fell over their ranks as the smell of burning flesh and brimstone enters their nostrils as the irregular beat of trotting hooves grew closer and closer till finally a skeleton of flame gallops over their hastily made barricade, wood combusts into flame and metal melts as the burning skeleton gallops past, sucking up all the air and leaving a trail of destructing in its wake.

“Monster!” A pony screams in terror as everypony try to move out of the flaming pony’s path, but it followed them running them down, crushing them beneath its six legs.

“Commander Bright, look over there!” Yells one of the captains pointing to the sky as a hundreds of green diamonds fall from the sky like arrows, piercing though shields and armor like a hot knife through butter. A pony riding on top of a wave of green gems flew overhead, letting their beautifully deadly projectiles fall down like rain upon them.

Bright barely survived as he took cover on the underside of the hill he was positioned on. Looking out over his forces he was dismayed to see they were out of rank with many dead and wounded to take care off, but worse off all their morale has been utter shattered.

“Commander…”

“What the buck is it now?” He barks looking at the floating ship that had been the start of all his trouble.

Riding down across the barren plains was an army of heavily armed unicorns and earth ponies with a big red pony at the front wielding a large pick axe in his mouth? Above them was a much more terrifying sight, hundreds of pegasus and dragon Ponies were flying straight towards them, led by a in posing figure clad in gold armor, wielding two giant axes.

“Celestia…” Commander Bright shutters as the Princess of the Sun raise her twin axes with the sun shining right behind her, blackening out her body while shouting at the top of her lungs.

“Ponies of Equestria, Attack!”

Before Commander Bright could issue his orders the earth and unicorns were upon them, he blocks the pick axe with his shield as his support staff fell around him.

“You think you can win earth pony! You can’t! You will fall here!” He shouts levitating a spear off the ground.

The Big pony frees his pick axe and said, “We’ll see about that.” And then the pickaxe was lit a glow with magic, surprising Bright that an earth pony could use magic at all, he didn’t even have the chance to defend himself as the big pony’s pickaxe pierce through his shield, his armor, and then his head.

“Way to go Rawhide!”

“This is nothing,” Grunts the big Stallion, “Keep pushing! Time is of the essence.”

“Aye, sir!”

“Luna is that…”

“It is dear Applejack,” tears of joy rolling her cheeks as her sister and her ponies of the night charge into the enemy’s rear, “The Moon cutter with Celestia and everypony.”

“Heehaw! She made it! Nightingale made it! We’re saved everypony!” Applejack rears up whining as loud as she could. All the surrounding ponies rose up and cheer catching their second wind at the sight of reinforcements.

“Look out below!” A pony falling from the sky shouts, crashing in front of Luna. “Ouch, should have adjusted for the extra weight before going into that nose dive.”

Luna and Applejack blink as the familiar sight of Luna’s armor became clear as the dusted settles and pony wearing it dusts himself off.

“Nico Vega?”

“At your service ma’am,” The gray tone dragon pony said standing at attention, “I’ve brought you your armor and a message from Commander Gadget. The message is “Only one hour window to evacuate ponies, after that the Moon Cutter will be out of crystal energy for operating the cannons, all remaining power will be for the engines. Please try to get as many ponies to the Moon Cutter as possible” end of message.”

Luna mulls over the situation. Off to the west Celestia was making her way towards Sombra with what looked like Killing Perfection. Overheat was running around causing havoc and Emerald Cutter was taking out key enemy points, while their ground forces over ran Sombra’s, by all accounts they should stay and finish the job, but looking around again at the vast army Sombra and Chrysa had at their disposal and possibly hidden reinforcements it was clear they had to retreat.

“Nico fly back to the moon cutter and inform Gadget we are on our way, once the path is clear will make an all-out gallop for the Moon cutter. Everypony leave behind everything once the path is open make for the Moon Cutter and don’t stop for anything. Applejack, Fury, I want to you lead them to safety.” Luna removes Symphony’s armor replacing it with her own. She smiles solemnly as the pile of pink metal fell to the ground. “I will meet up with Celestia and hopefully we can take out Sombra here and now and let his armies scatter to the winds.”

“Understood Princess,” Salutes Applejack as she went to work gathering the injured and ordering them to be made ready for transport. Fury nods following after her with Dusk trailing behind him, leaving Luna standing on the hill alone with Nico.

“I could take the armor back with me princess, it would be no trouble,” Offers Nico Vega noticing Luna’s hesitance to leave the pink armor, but she shook her head.

“No, it would burden you too much. Let it lay here with its true owner. However this is one thing I wish for you to carry and keep safe for fear I may lose it in battle before the day is done.” Carefully Luna drops Symphony’s engagement ring into Nico’s claw. The Rinin nodding in understanding and took off to the sky.

Taking one last look at the crystal palace Luna bows her head to the home of her lost kin one last time and flew off to meet her sister.

Celestia and Sombra lock weapons, black scythes meeting golden axes in a clash of sparks that had both ponies pushing with all their might! Shock waves of magic rock the area, toppling buildings, cracking the earth wide open as the two titans’ wage war. One however held the advantage. Celestia had full control of the sky thanks to her wings, while Sombra was grounded with his one skeletal wing lying flat and useless under his cloak.

With the aerial advantage Celestia was able to outmaneuver Sombra, avoiding his attacks with a mere twist of her wings, another benefit was her ability to launch her attacks from any height or angle while using the sun as cover. Sombra was on the defensive as he kept his weapons close to block the rain of axes assaulting him. He calls for aid from his soldiers, but the white pony that accompanying Celestia cut them down before they could get close and Chrysa was too busy trying to lead their armies on both fronts. The Defenders of the Crystal Empire were fighting fiercer than ever before trying to get to safety, while their allies hack their way through to meet them. He had no idea Equestria had such a fighting force at their command.

“Quiet the impressive army Celestia! I wasn’t aware you had the stones to put your precious “Little ponies” in harm’s way or that you had a knack for the darker arts.” Sombra praised as he broke their stalemate and retreating into the narrow streets of the Crystal Empire to better limit Celestia’s movements. Celestia thrown off guard by his comments mindlessly follows.

“Darker arts? What poison does thy vile tongue spew now Sombra?” Celestia shook herself, blushing madly as she coughs into her hoof. “Sorry, the thrill of battle as me thinking of times of old and that just kind of slipped out. Now as I was saying, darker arts? What nonsense are you spewing now Sombra? I have never… ugh… intently practiced the dark arts. How can you a pony who so easily gave himself over to darkness accuse me of doing such a thing?”

Sombra chuckles sinisterly as he circles around Celestia, the white mare keeping pace, always keeping her eyes on him as he wants her to do.

“Well I simply assumed. I mean who ever heard of such a large clan of dragon ponies? There may have been few born throughout the centuries naturally to give life to the legend, but so many and all fighting for you? I was not aware the ponies of Equestria were so… intimate with the dragons of Firehorn to breed such a number of Rinin.”

“Oh well, you see that’s very easy question to answer, so simply in fact you probably wouldn’t believe it. I hardly did when Luna introduced them to me after discovering them in an old mine,” Celestia nervously replies. Her mind suddenly a buzz with political questions that could come up when the dragon ponies existence was made well known.

“A mountain you say, sounds suspicious. Are you certain Princess Luna didn’t create them and simply lie you,” Said Sombra, relishing the look of doubt upon Celestia’s face, the Princess of the Sun was completely off her game. Discreetly Sombra lowers his remaining Skeleton wing tapping it lightly against the ground while he occupies Celestia’s full attention. “Really Celestia, think about it. Luna’s was losing favor with the public, it’s well known all across the lands that you are the one and only true ruler of Equestria. Luna is merely a side show, something show off when convenient. I’m sure you’ve “used” her more than once to gain favor with rival kingdoms. Why wouldn’t she want an army to dethrone you?”

Celestia gasps, sputtering as her wings miss a beat causing her drop in altitude. “Luna, Luna would never do such a thing! You’re outrageous calms mean nothing! And what perverse propose are you daring to imply that I used my sister for? I would never do such a thing to Luna!”

“Strong words and so many, almost like you’re covering up a lie.”

Celestia burns red with anger, “I shall take no more of this foolery, En garde, Sombra!”

Celestia charges blindly. Sombra raise his remaining wing as Celestia drew closer, he brings it down just as she was in range. A glinting light shining in the distance down the long street, flying fast as it travels through the air, Celestia didn’t even know what hit her till it was too late and took an arrow in the wing just as she was about to reach Sombra. She drops like a fly and crashed, skidding against the crystal street, leaving a trail of blood and feathers behind her.

“Time for the sun to set, but don’t worry Celestia, I’ll take good care of your magic.”

Celestia reaches out, straining to get her hoof around her axe, but Sombra stomps on her leg. She screams in pain as he raises his scythe for the final blow. Regretfully she closed her eyes preparing for death.

(I’m sorry Luna)

“CELESTIA!”

Celestia’s eyes snap open, turning towards the sound of her name, her eyes weling up with tears as Luna flew in fast and hard, creating a trail of stardust behind her.

“Luna!”

Luna was flying high above the battle looking for her sister, when she heard Celestia’s cry, quickly she nosedives towards the sound flying faster than ever before. Rounding a corner she saw Celestia on the ground with Sombra’s scythe hovering overhead. Crying out her sister’s name she toss her star blades forcing Sombra to bring his scythe around to block. Not missing a wing beat Luna tackles the unicorn king to the ground, tossing him over Celestia and continuing to struggle against him hoof vs hoof on the ground, kicking, bucking, and even biting him in her rage.

“STAY (punch!) AWAY (punch!) FROM (Bite!) MY (kick!) SISTER!” Luna rages blindly, inky black energy misting off her coat as she continues to pound Sombra into the ground, even managing to dent his armor, and breaking the bones beneath the plated steel.

“That’s enough Luna,” Said Celestia struggling to get to her hooves. “Luna!”

Celestia’s voice snaps Luna back to reality. Turning to face her just in time for an arrow to whiz past her head skimming the outer shell of her helm.

Luna seethes as she touch the gouge in her helm, “Sniper.”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you, now come on let’s get out of here!”

“But Sombra,” Luna pleads wanting to finish off the unicorn king once and for all, but another shot from the archer had both her and Celestia fleeing for cover as volley of arrows assaults them. Once in relative safety and catching their breath, Luna caves in “Fine let’s go.”

Luna took off flying only a few feet before Celestia coughs reminding her that she could not fly.

“Right sorry,” Lifting Celestia up with her magic Luna took flight, glancing back at the down Sombra, wishing she had a clear shot to finish him as several unicorns appear around him covering him in a magical shield.

(There will not be a third time Sombra, I swear it!)

“My liege you are injured!”

“Thanks for stating the obvious Australian Sniper.” Snarling Sombra toss his helm aside wincing as he walks, yet never breaking his stride as he surveys his troops. Turning to the unicorn commander Sombra said, “I want this place wiped off the map! Gather our remaining forces for an all-out attack!”

“At once my liege,” The commander salutes.

Sombra watches him run off, then turns his attention to the floating ship, with feral growl he marched towards the object of his failure determined to bring it and everypony on it crashing to the ground.

“I swear none of you will live to see tomorrow.”

“We are nearly there sister, we are almost home,” Said Luna excitedly as they neared the Moon cutter. Time was nearly up and flocks of ponies were being marched on to the floating ship. Somewhere in the crowds Luna manage to spot Alto Melody, the pony she’d met at diner the night before and Symphony’s friend, she was relieved to discover she had made it. On the flight deck many ponies cheer and waves, happily she waves back.

“Princess.”

“Killing Perfection?” Luna gasps not expecting the white Rinin to show up on her flank. “What’s the matter?”

Grimly Killing Perfection points downward where a line of down beaten crystal ponies stood against the Changeling and Maredor hordes.

“I understand, please take care of my sister.” Luna said dropping Celestia into KP’s claws and diving down.

“Wait Luna,” Celestia screams. “Go back we can’t leave her!”

“I have my orders.”

“But…”

“Do not worry,” KP said, “We will not leave our princess.”

Celestia ease her struggles and watching helplessly as her little sister became a blinking black dot.

“Shiny Stone what is it do you think you’re doing?” Luna demands as she lands next to the old pony. Three changelings leap at her but three well placed magic shots made quick work of them.

The old stallion smiles as he knocking a changeling to the ground, stabbing the bug pony with his spear. “Well the old timers and I thought we’d buy the younglings some time to get aboard, besides someone gotta watch you’re flanks, might as well be us. We have a little fight left in us, enough to hold them off for spell or two at least.”

“But that’s…”

“It is what it is princess. We’ve had our time. Let us have this one last moment of glory to let the ponies of the world know that we of the old guard stood our ground so that next generation could flourish.”

Luna looks on sadly at the line of brave souls standing before her. She’s seen similar sights in the past, old soldiers looking for one last chance of glory to go out screaming their lungs out as they charge ahead to their deaths usually taking with them countless young colts with them to satisfy their lust for that moment. These ponies were vastly different from those old fools before them. They weren’t simply throwing their lives away just to throw them away. They were paying the price for freedom for those that come after them.

“I understand Shiny Stone. Know this day, we Princess Luna of the Night, will be witness to your bravery this day.”

“Thank you princess, now I believe it’s time for you to get out of here.” Shiny stone points out as a mass of black armored ponies lined up across from them, Sombra at the head of them looking very, very angry. “Go, go now!” Shiny stone yells leading the charge.

Luna hesitates for a moment not wanting to abandon the brave knights, but the cries of her ponies from the moon cutter make her take flight. As she glides she looks back as the crystal ponies where surrounded, they shined in the sunlight sparkling like a beacon against the darkness. Slowly the circle grew tighter as the crystal ponies fell one by one, by the time her hooves touch the flight deck the light was gone and tears fell freely down her cheeks.

“Luna!” Celestia shouts breaking away from the crowd. The sun princess nuzzling her neck ,her own tears mix with Luna's. “I’m so glad you’re safe. Come we must go now, before Sombra has a chance to give chase.”

“No.” The crowd of ponies was struck into silence as Luna turns towards the massive horde with her horn a glow with magic. “We finish this now! Night Hunters to me! Dusk you too!”

Overheat, Emerald Cutter, and Killing Perfection took up positions on Luna’s left flank while Applejack, Sixes, and Fierce Fury stood on her right. Dusk nervously stood next the princess as she links their magic together engulfing her and the ponies on her right in a midnight blue aura.

“I cannot do this without your help sister.”

“Very well, we shall finish this together.” Celestia said solemnly as she took up position on the opposite side of Dusk from Luna, her own golden magic expanding and covering Overheat, Emerald Cutter and Killing Perfection and then channeling through Dusk completing the link.

The sister’s rose into the air their magic’s crossing between each other, massive amounts of magic pass between them and the nine ponies, raising them all into the air. The princess’ colors invert, Luna’s coat turning white, while Celestia’s black as they cross their horns releasing a powerful beam of magic at Sombra who was riding atop of a giant red crystal, his own black magic swirling around him like storm.

“LUNA! CELESTIA!” The unicorn king screams as he rose toward them, firing a massive blast of magic.

“SOMBRA!” The sister’s yell as their blast collides with Sombra’s.

For a moment there was a pause as the two titanic attacks struck, pushing against one another seemingly tied in power, till soft “clink” sound echoes. The alicorn amulet upon Sombra’s chest cracking, finally reaching its limit, the gem shatters bursting into the sky and scattering across the lands leaving its owner defenseless.

“No, no, no, nooooooooooooooo!” screams Sombra as the sister’s attack completely engulfs his. The colorful display of magic hit him dead on, his armor cracking as the light ate him from the inside out. “I will not let it end like this! This is not over!”

With his final cry Sombra cast one last spell before his psychical body burst into crystals. The remains of the crystal empire were covered in smoky darkness engulfing the entire city and every pony in it and dragging it beneath the ice, leaving a vast icy wasteland in its place.

Celestia and Luna fell to the flight deck exhausted and bitter as they watch the once shining city disappear. They had fought so hard, lost so many, even defeated their foe, yet it felt like they lost.

A gentle hoof massage her back, Luna looks up into Applejack’s sad smile as the earth mare helps her stand.

“Come on, it’s ok Ah got ya, let’s get you inside and some hot cider.” Said Applejack as Sixes helps Celestia.

Exhaustion hit Luna like a ton of bricks as she leans heavily on Applejack for support, sleepily she said, “Some cider and food does sound good right now, but I think I’d prefer a good bed first.” At that moment Luna’s stomach rumbles loudly, earning a chuckle from the surrounding ponies and even Celestia whose stomach also growls. Blushing Luna covers her face as she broke out into laughter. “I guess food first, then a bed.”

“Gadget,” Luna calls out, the unicorn was busy hugging his daughter to death but stops to give her some air as he addressed his princess.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Take us home as fast as you can, I’m feeling a little home sick.”

“At once princess,” Salutes Gadget before running off with Dusk in tow, no doubt they had much to talk about on the way home.

After some food and drink Luna laid down on her personal cot, her eyes heavy, yet her mind a buzz with thoughts. She was alive. Celestia was alive. Applejack, Dusk, Nightingale and Fury were alive. A lot of ponies were dead too, Symphony, Treble, possibly Cadenza, Shiny Stone and countless others lost forever.

“I’m alive,” She whispers before the calling of sleep finally took her. As her eyes fluttering shut she saw a figure stand over her and run a hoof through her mane, the gesture was familiar and always helps her to get to sleep when she was troubled.

“Celestia,” Luna mumbles sleepily as a smile spread across her lips.

Celestia mirrors Luna’s smile as she settles down on the floor of the cabin with her head on Luna’s cot. She didn’t care if she had own room with her own bed, she wants to be with her sister again, even if it was only for tonight.

“I’m so glad you’re safe,” Celestia whispers as she too enters the world of dreams. Her hoof wrapped protectively around her sister.

Author's Note

Hi everyone I hope you like that chapter and I'm sorry it took so long for me to get it down. Was busy dealing with moving and changing jobs and some writers block/laziness towards the end.

Anyways I just want to tell you guys that sometime soon I'll be going on Hiatus for Fall harvest, I'm expecting to be busy most days and what free time I'll have will probably be channeled into my cosplay for Nebraskon. it'll be a bit before then, but I wanted you guys to know ahead of time and I'll be back up and running hopefully before November.

I'll try to update if I can, but I just don't know how much time I'll have. If nothing else I some one shots I might throw out there for you all to read. Don't know for sure yet.

That's all thanks for reading and have a good day!

Rebuilding the Divide

Night Patrol ch 13

By Foxgear

The hull of the Moon Cutter rumbled as it made port waking Luna up from her slumber. Gadget apologized for the rough landing over the intercom, as it was his first. She chuckled as she rolled off the bed becoming a tangle of legs as she falls right on top of Celestia. The elder alicorn crying out in pain as her injured wing was crushed under her sister's body.

“Sorrysorrysorrysorry!” Luna screamed as she quickly rolled off her sister trying to do something to ease Celestia's pain, but Celestia held up a hoof to stop her as she hissed, fighting through the torment until the pain reduced on its own.

“It’s alright,” replied Celestia through gritted teeth, “I should have remembered you like to roll off the bed. I’m fine.” Rising to her hooves Celestia gave Luna her best smile, “Come on, let’s go get some breakfast. I’m sure you’re hungry after all that fighting.”

Luna’s stomach rumbled at the mention of food, causing her to blush. “That sounds lovely. I’ll have the kitchen make up a glorious feast for our victory if you can call it that, but before then there is one pony we need to see.”

“You’re talking about Nightingale aren’t you?” Luna nodded, causing Celestia to look away for a moment. “Very well, but I must warn you, sister, she’s suffered… critical injuries trying to get help. It may be tough to see her.”

“It does not matter, we must see her,” Luna declared walking out of the cabin, Celestia followed after her.

When they arrived at the room where Nightingale was resting, they found Applejack had beaten them there. The former farm mare was in tears as she leaned over Nightingale’s bedside, Nightingale herself was turned on her stomach, showing off her wingless back and large surgical scars.

“Oh Night, Ah’m so sorry…” Applejack sobbed as the sisters approached the bed, Luna wrapped her foreleg around Applejack, holding the earth pony close.

“Tis alright fair Applejack, we will do all we can for her.” Applejack leaned closer into Luna's mane hiding her tears in the alicorn's starry black hair. Nightingale wouldn’t want to see her crying, not after giving up so much to ensure their safety.

“Ah, huh, gotta go check… on somethings,” Applejack stuttered as she quietly excused herself from the room, leaving the sisters alone with the now wingless pegasus.

Luna ran her hoof over Nightingale’s scars only to quickly to retract it as the pegasus groaned in pain. She chose instead to simply hold the unconscious Nightingale’s leg as she expressed her thanks.

“Because of your sacrifice I’m alive and many other ponies as well. You have my eternal thanks. I know you wanted to be in the Shadowbolts and you have more than deserved the honor.” Luna choked up with tears as she thought of Nightingales dream being destroyed. “I’m sorry.”

Quickly Luna left for her room. She didn’t want to be seen crying by her ponies as the weight of what happened began crashing down on her.

Celestia watched her leave, but made no moves to follow her sister, not yet at least. Instead, she took hold of Nightingale’s hoof like Luna had done and pressed her head against the Pegasus nuzzling her lovingly.

“Thank you, thank you for keeping Luna safe, for being so strong when I was weak. I promise I will help you get your wings back, if it takes me the rest of my life, I will pay you back in full Nightingale.” Raising her head Celestia trotted out of the room, seeking to go comfort Luna when she bumped into Gadget, who was looking very down trot and holding a paper with a bunch of names and numbers. Celestia cringed as she figured out what he was holding.

“Casualty report?” Nodding Gadget offering it to her. She looked over the names. She didn’t know any of them personally, but that didn’t mean her heart didn’t bleed from the loss of her little ponies. Her heart ached, even more, knowing the time would come for Luna to see it, every name belonging to a pony she knew. This day Luna lost one hundred and eighty-seven friends.

“Thank you, I will make sure Luna see this, at the right time of course. Things are a little tough right now for her.” Celestia folded the paper putting it in her harness. As she walks away, Gadget called out to her.

“Don’t coddle her.” Celestia looked at the pony with shock, her mouth a gasp as the unicorn stared her down with eyes of steel. “Princess- no... Luna is a tough pony. Delaying will only hurt her. She knows we have to have lost some of our own, not every pony can walk away from a battle, she knows this, you know this, so don’t treat her like a filly. Treat her like the grown mare she is. Treat her like the princess she is. Treat her with respect like we do. If you do, things will get better between you two.”

“I-“Celestia was at a loss for words, so she simply nodded instead continuing on her way, only to pause as she watched Gadget fiddled with more notes and reports from the battle. The unicorn was looking positively taxed. His daughter came to mind, and she knew how he anxious he probably was to see her.

“Gadget.”

“Yes, Princess Celestia?” The stallion replied looking up from his work.

“Let me take care of that,” She said levitating the stack of reports into her magic, “You run along. I’m sure you have other things you’d rather be doing.”

“But princess…”

“It’s no trouble, I find myself in need of distraction at the moment. I’ll get everything in order and deliver the reports to Luna before the feast. Does that sound ok with you?”

Gadget smiled as the stress seem to melt off his body. “Yes, that would be fine. Have a good day princess. I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Goodbye Gadget, give Dusk my regards.” Celestia waved as the unicorn trotted away. Once he was out of sight she began scrolling through the list of things to the do, the first thing to check on was the resupplying of the Moon Cutter.

Trotting onwards Celesta made her way to the hanger, greeting everypony she passed, which they politely returned, yet there was something different in their mannerisms from the castle staff in Canterlot, the ponies here spoke to her as if she was an average pony rather than some divine being. It was sweet and refreshing, to say the least, she couldn’t remember the last time she was treated like just another pony.

Entering the hanger, Celestia couldn’t help but admire the floating ship as she weaved between the busy supply ponies as they carry crate after crate of gems to refuel the ship’s engines and weapons. Momentary she wondered why they were so eager to have the vessel ready again, and then remembered Luna had initially built the boat as a movable fortress for patrols. An idea she was still a little hesitant about, but she could certainly see its usefulness now.

“Excuse me,” Celestia asked stopping an earth pony who was directing a line of ponies repairing the hull of the ship, “Are you... Navy Von Coltenstien?”

“Aye, I am, whacha be needin’ Princess?” The stallion asked with a thick accent. He seemed to be around Gadget’s age, his red mane connecting to his long beard that hung down to his chest, giving him a strange look with his preach colored coat.

“Well I’m looking over somethings for Gadget before the feast, and I’m supposed to…” Celestia stared at the paper, not having a clue how to say anything written on it, “this ah… what is this?”

“Ah the GRCS, Gem reactor cooling system, we’ve got it under control just needs a little tinkering here and there, and we should be good. Still runs a little hot though, takes a lot of water and cooling gems to maintain safe temperatures. The cannons are mostly ok, had a few burnouts with some of the earlier models, but the later prototypes seem to hold up a lot better, but still in need some improvements. The hull overall is fine, but we may want to look at making it lighter, might help with our speed and overheating problem. You get all that?”

Celestia stuttered as she looked over the scrambled mess that was her notes, “Ah… could you say that again or maybe write it down… please? That’s a bit… much to take in at once, Navy Von, do you have a nickname?”

“Coltenstien or Colt or even Navy, but don’t call me Von unless you’re looking for a lay around.”

“Um… Ok?

Coltenstien chuckled as he took the paper from her and passed it off to another pony with a yellow and black helm, who wrote down everything Coltenstien had said.

“Funny thing, I’m one of the top engineers around here, and I can’t write, never could get the hang of it, tried mah teeth and everything just couldn’t do it.” Coltenstien chuckled offering the paper to Celestia, “Well that should be all on our end. Have a good day Princess. Come on boys, let’s go get some grub!”

Celestia watched the ponies file out of the hangar for the grand dining hall. Following after them only to pause at the exit and look back at the Moon Cutter and all its glory. A floating ship, such a thing had never been heard of before, let alone imagined and then built. Amazing was the only way to describe it, and it was all thanks to Luna for deciding to go against the impossible. Celestia wondered, do her ponies have such inspiring imaginations? Do they dream of reaching for the sky and beyond? If they do, and they surely must, does she encourage them and give them support and the things needed to do so? She always been for education and has sent many bits to schools in Canterlot, but thinking on it now she never went and looked at the schools herself. Starswirl is a great magician and talented inventor and has also received many gold bits for his works, but he worked alone and tended to keep his discoveries to himself. Actually very few ponies he even knows he exists, let alone still alive… she should probably check on him when she gets back to Canterlot too, it’s been… three months, since he last checked in? There were some defiant changes to be made and hopefully she wouldn't be making them alone.

Continuing on her mission Celestia traveled throughout the castle meeting ponies, taking in the new additions and lower levels, as well as the latest additions to the courtyard. Though she was a bit dismayed by the training faculties and obstacle courses, she was happy to discover the garden located behind the castle was still intact and receiving attention from the look of things. At the center of the garden was a small circular patch of flowers that made the image of the sun and the moon meshing together in harmony. She remembered her and Luna planting these particular flowers when they were fillies.

Memories of that day came flooding back, she smiled fondly of the simpler times when their crowns were pretend, and the world was easier to understand.

Taking out the list of the fallen Celestia read through it once again, burning every name into her mind, till she was sure she would never forget them. Standing tall she began the long walk to Luna’s room taking her time to deliver the news. When she came the to the staircase that split east and west, she took the stairs that led to the west wing first, wanting to her see her old bedroom after her prolonged departure. Poking her head in the door she found the place to be clean and free of dust, the bed sheets made and kept fresh with all her mane and coat shampoo laid out and orderly. Lovingly she touched the brush in the shape of her cutie mark, a gift from their mother, a tear escaped her eye, she quickly swiped it away when she heard hoof beats outside the door.

“Oh, why hello there princess, I didn’t expect to find you here. I’d thought you’d be downstairs with the others, but don’t mind me. I’m just here for a bit of cleaning. Princess Luna wants this room to be cared for with the best care available, why I think she even came and cleaned it herself a time or two when we were too busy with the rest of the castle.” The castle maid explained.

“I see, I will leave you to your work then, I was just leaving anyway. Good day umm…”

“Names AppleFiji have a good day, Princess Celestia.” The Apple family member bowed. “I started about a month ago.”

“Thank you,” replied Celestia as she made haste for Luna's room, by the time she reached the moon princess’s door she had a thin layer of sweat on her coat. Standing there panting Celestia spotted Rawhide standing outside some pony’s door and looking somewhat nervous as he knocked. The door opened to reveal Applejack, the two exchange some words and some blushes, before Applejack retreated back into her room, only to return shortly after wearing a modest green dress, hoof, and hoof the two ponies left for downstairs to the dining hall she presumed.

Now alone Celestia felt her own nerves raise as she raised her hoof to knock, suddenly her mouth seem dry as she gathered her courage. It shouldn’t be this hard, she was just going to talk to her sister. (Why am I so nervous? Why am I afraid?)

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Celestia knocked and then waited, each second feeling like a minute as she waited for Luna to answer.

“Come in,” Luna answered finally.

Releasing the breath she’d been holding Celestia entered.

“Hello Celestia, have you been down to the dining hall to eat yet? I haven’t, and there’s so much I need to do, but I’ve been here doing… nothing.” Luna lay curled up on her bed with her blanket over her, so only her head stuck out, just like she always did when she was feeling upset. Celestia found the sight kind of adorable.

Carefully Celestia climbed up on the bed beside her sister placing her wing over her. “Oh Luna, you’ve done so much in so little time, it’s more than I had ever done when I started going to Canterlot on my own. There I’ve barely held things together, but you, you rallied ponies of all races together, organized them and then spread them out throughout the land, helping even more ponies. You’ve rebuilt the castle, expanded it, and gave ponies a home to call their own. You’ve taught young fillies and colts that would have never gotten the chance to learn if you hadn’t given them a chance to. My little sister you have done so much, I think you deserve a moment to let your wings down and take off your crown, but I know you, so I took care of some things well you… processed the past few days.” Celestia pulled the notes and letters she gathered well walking around the castle over to Luna, who snatched them up with her magic and read them thoroughly.

“This is pretty good for a pony who doesn’t know how things run around here. You’re as adept as always, sister, but there seems to be something missing.”

“Right, I have it right here,” Celestia offered the list of the fallen over to Luna, “Good news first as mom always said.”

“I believe it was bad news first and then good news, so you have something to smile about,” Luna jokingly replied, her smile disappeared quickly as she reads through the names, “474 Silver Fang, 5881 Lift Wing, Thug Thompson, Slender Hoof, Water Colt, Phantom Pain, Ghost mare and so many more now gone. I knew they couldn’t all make it back but… I guess some childish part of me wanted to believe they could. They were the best, they trained hard, fought even harder, but they still…”

“Luna…”

“I’m fine Celestia, no, that’s not right.” Luna shook her head, spraying tears all over the bed, “That’s a lie, and I’m not supposed to lie, am I? I represent the element of honesty, I shouldn’t lie, so I guess I should say I will be fine, someday.”

Instead of saying anything Celestia just held Luna closer. They stay like that for a while, till both of their stomachs rumbled with the need for food.

Celestia smiled as they both blushed red from embarrassment, “There is a feast downstairs, be a shame to let it go to waste.”

Luna smiled tossing off her blanket, “Indeed it would be a waste, come, sister, let us go attend to our ponies, feast, and party and then we shall lay those that need it to rest.”

“Oh Luna,” Celestia chuckled as she follows her out, “You’re such a silly pony, a strong one, but still silly.”

“You know us well then sister, now hurry up! We hunger!”

The dining hall abuzz with conversation as the returning heroes told their tales of valor to those who stayed behind and to the youngsters who sat mystified by their tales. To the patrollers that went to fight the battle for the Crystal Empire was a victory, even if the empire itself was lost. Their mission was to rescue Princess Luna and as many ponies as they could, and they succeeded in that mission.

For the upper ranks of the patrollers, things were a bit somber as Sixes, Fury and Gadget wait for the princesses to arrive. Each of the three stallions harbored the same feelings, what more could have they done? What would have worked better, everything a commander thought when the lives of fallen weigh on their minds.

“Here are your drinks Gentlecolts, enjoy,” A harmonic voice sang passing out more hard cider. The three were surprised to see Alto Melody serving them.

“Lady Melody, we are flattered, but you are a guest, there is no need to serve us,” Said Sixes eyeing the crystal noble curiously. (She’s rather pretty) “Is that a maid uniform?”

“Yes, yes it is. I’ve decided to join the castle staff. I wish to repay you all for your sacrifice in trying to save my home, it is the least I can do I’m afraid.” She replied sadly, and then a fantastic idea accrued to her. “Excuse me, but you wouldn’t happen to have a few ponies with some musical talent would you?”

Gadget tapped his head in thought, “I believe Silver Belle would know a few, she was part of a band of musicians that joined up a few weeks ago, and I believe Rawhide knows how to play the guitar… somehow. How does an earth pony play the guitar?”

“Wonderful, thank you very much!” Alto said running off.

“No problem, I guess,” Sixes replied, but the crystal mare was already gone. “So ah, hows Dusk, Gadget? I see she got… taller since three days ago. Speaking of which where is she?”

“Sleeping,” Replied Gadget taking a swig of cider, “She spent the better part of the day crying and telling me everything that happened. I… I don’t know what to do. She’s a filly in a mare’s body, soon I bet she’ll start… you know… and I’m just not ready to deal with a teenage mare with possible PTSD.”

“There’s no way to change her back?” Asked Sixes, “A spell or some ancient treasure, or even Princess Luna?”

“She was changed by the crystal heart,” Fury chimed in, “An ancient artifact of the now destroyed Crystal Empire, its magic precedes the Princesses, and this is straight from Princess Luna herself. She already tried and failed to change Dusk back to normal. In a sense, Dusk reminds me of us, but at least she has the benefit of knowing her past.”

Sixes nodded in agreement, the three of them collectively sighed before gulping down more alcohol.

“So Gadget, you find anything else about us while doing your research stuff,” Fury asked as his cheeks became flush from the alcohol.

The unicorn looked into his cider with a frown. A while ago Sixes and a few other Rinin came to him and asked to try and find something, anything about them, but the research has been pushed to the wayside with his other projects taking up most of his time. Didn’t help Biology was never his strong suit, he was a mechanical thinker, not some dissector like Starswirl.

“Sorry my friends, but I haven’t had time to discover much, but there have been a few interesting developments such as why some of you have different breath magic, such as lightning, ice, and plasma, but nothing that really tells me about who you are. DNA is already tough to map out, but you’re DNA is a shambled mess, sometimes it seems like you have four or five different gene types floating around inside you.”

“Genowhat’s now?” Sixes burped swaying back in forth. Fury wasn’t looking much better if his redder complexion was anything to go by.

Gadget huffed, drowning his cider in one gulp. “Whatever I’ll tell you when you’re sober and after a couple lectures.” Slamming down his pint Gadget called for another round.

Celestia and Luna entered the dining hall, and all eyes turned to them as a hush fell over the crowd of ponies. Funny how that happens. The two sisters awkwardly fidget in place under the ponies’ stares that seemed to demand something be said, but they hadn’t prepared anything to say.

“My ponies,” Luna began her voice echoing throughout the room. “We gather here this night in celebration of our victory and in mourning for those we have lost. I know that those who cannot be here this day would not want us to wail in agony for their passing, but to rejoice in the life we still have and to live it to the fullest in their stead. For even as the stone in which we carve their names may fade and crumble, we, their friends shall never let them fade from our hearts. Now please eat, drink, and be merry and let no more tears fall this day in grief, but in joy! Huzzah!’

“Huzzah!” The room replied, everypony immediately went back to their merrymaking, leaving the two royal sisters alone.

“I’m proud of you Luna you’ve become a wonderful leader.” Celestia hugged her sister close and whispered, “A much better leader than I ever was alone.”

Joy was nearly bursting out her heart at Celestia’s praise. Smiling wide Luna returned her sister’s hug with gusto, squeezing the white alicorn for all she was worth.

“Thank you sister,” Luna said tearing up, “it means more then you’ll ever know to hear you say that, but that being said,” Luna separated from Celestia so she could look her right in the eyes. “We rule better together. Perhaps we could try to do so again?”

Celestia smiled warmly, extending her foreleg for a hoof bump, “Of course, I would want nothing more.” Luna smiled as she held her hoof up to Celestia’s.

“Then we are agreed, we rule together as day and night.”

“That’s right,” Celestia agreed, “Now let’s go get some food.”

Luna laughed heartily as Celestia’s stomach grumbled for food. Taking hold of her sister’s hoof she dragged Celestia down to the tables, where deserts of all kinds were being served, but most importantly her sister’s favorite, cake, which Celestia wasted no time in devouring, revealing her less than delicate mannerisms as she gobbled down the entire cake in seconds. There was silence as the ponies watch a princess of the land smothered her face in the cake.

With chocolate smeared all over her face and her cheeks puffed up with bits of the desert, Celestia spoke to her onlookers with her mouth full, “Well (munch) what are you (munch) looking at? (Gulp) Never seen a mare eat after starving for two days?” She demanded drowning a pint of cider to wash down her cake.

A roaring cheer thunders through the halls as the night patrol ponies party down with their princesses deep into the night.

Hours later as the night began to wane to the sun bring forth the morning. Luna and Celestia lead the ponies from the dining hall into the courtyard where the names of the fallen were being engraved into the memorial wall. The ponies though hungover and tired from the sleepless night, straightened their uniforms and stood at attention to respect their comrades and salute.

They stood there for as long as it took to engrave the names, no pony moved, not even the foals till the last name was craved.

“Hello, can everypony hear me?” Asked Alto Melody speaking into a commutator gem, her voice booming all over the courtyard, “Good, you can hear me I guess, that was a lot louder then I expected. I’m Alto Melody, a survivor of the Crystal Empire, and I’d like to express my gratitude to you all for all you’ve done for us. I don’t have much to give in return I’m afraid, but I do have my voice so I would like to sing a ballad of those you have lost. The ponies behind me have graciously agreed to help me, please enjoy.”

The song began with a soft haunting melody, it's power and force growing with each note, and then Alto seem to shine as bright as the sun as a magical burst of energy flew up to the sky like fireworks, depicting the battle and imagines of the fallen. Celestia and Luna chip into the display halting the sun and the moon, so that the beauty of the night sky merged with the rising sun, creating a scene of pure majesty. The final image was a burst of pink sparkles, depicting the late Princess Symphony.

Luna and Celestia tear up at the display and said goodbye to the only other family they had.

Author's Note

This the first time I've added a Youtube video to my story and I hope it's played ok. This is one of those chapter where I knew what I wanted to write, but changed and got a little muddled once I did start writing it unfortunately.

I was trying to show how different characters reacted to loss and pain and I hope I was successful.

Cleaning House

Night patrol ch 14

By foxgear

Lord Greenblood was on his way home from a significant “business” meeting involving some ponies that owed him money and a reminder of what should happen if they cannot pay by the end of the mouth. He snorted in disgust at the memory of that filthy peasant throwing himself at his hooves, crying for his family as if he could be bothered by such things. They were just the riff raft that eats the scraps from his table, and even that was too good for them. He grumbled in disgust as he had his mare servant clean the hoof the wretch dared to touch.

“Make sure you get, WOAH!” Greenblood lurched forward as the carriage came to an abrupt stop sending him flying on top of his maid. Angrily, he pushed her aside and stepped out of the carriage. “What is the meaning of this…” The words died in his throat as Greenblood come face to face with an entire squad of night patrol ponies, clad in full armor and holding his guards captive as more ponies ransack his home, throwing valuable objects on to the lawn as if they were common garbage.

“Are you Lord Greedy Greenblood?” The leader of the squad demanded.

“I am, and what in the name of Tartarus do you rabble think you are doing? This is my home! How dare you defile it with your sully hooves! I demand to speak the pony in charge and explain what is going on!”

A shadow loomed over Greenblood, causing him to turn on his rump and stare as the shimmering towering figure of Emerald Cutter stood over him. Her sparkling crystal-like coat blinded him as her long blade-like horn drew closer as she lowered her head to speak to the shorter pony.

“That would be me, I am Emerald Cutter, and I at this moment officially charge you Lord Greedy Greenblood with fraud, tax evasion, suspicion of corruption, bribery, and assault. By order of the Princesses Celestia and Princess Luna, you are as a result of this stripped of your noble status and are to be detained until your trial. Nico Vega if you would be so kind as to escort Mr. Greenblood to his cell.”

Nico Vega grinned as he roughly grabbed Greenblood by the scruff of the neck with his claw. “At once, ma’am, Come on you, we got a nice cozy spot set out just for you.”

“No, this cannot be! I am a noble! You cannot arrest me!”

“Bye-bye,” waved Emerald Cutter as she looked over Greenblood’s guards, “Now, what to do with you lot?”

She leaned close, scrapping her horn across one of the guards’ helmets, making them tremble as she paced back and forth.

“I’m thinking banishment to the Northern wastelands or to Yakyakastand or how about the Everfree forest? You ever hear of the Everfree ponies? I hear they eat the flesh of other ponies they find wandering in the forests. I’m interested in finding out what ponies taste like myself, see, I got the teeth for it.” Emerald opened her mouth showing off her fangs, “Of course, you could tell me all you’re bosses dirty secrets in exchange for your lives, but…”

“We’ll tell you everything! Please, please don’t eat us!” One of the guards screamed, breaking down, crying a waterfall of tears.

“Well,” Emerald blinked, awkwardly she and her fellow patrollers watch the full-grown stallion balled his eyes out like a foal, “That was easy. Alright round them up and will somepony please shut that guy up!”

It was mid-morning. Usually the time for a late breakfast or a calming puff from his pipe, but not today, no today was the time for running. The word has spread. Lord Greenblood has been arrested, his house and assets seized, and the pony himself was sitting in the dark dainty dungeons beneath the castle, all by order of the princesses. He didn’t know what was going on, but he, Lord Shirker Yellowblood, was going to find out. He bolted pass, numerous guards, taking no note of their white armor or their various and strange races as he knocked open the door to the throne room.

“Princess Celestia! What is the meaning of this… out…rage…” His words fall flat on his tongue as he stared at the room full of ponies, very scary ponies. Ponies with claws and fangs, ponies that stared at him with disdain and hatred in their eyes, ponies that bore the symbol of the moon upon their white armor and there in the middle of them all standing tall and proud was the pony he feared the most, Luna.

“Ah Lord Yellowblood, how nice to see you even though you’re rather…” Luna twirled her hoof in the air thinking of the words to say, well tactful words at least, “well you’ve made quite the grand entrance. Now, what was it you were saying? Celestia and I were much too engaged in our work to hear you. I’m afraid.”

Yellowblood’s mouth went dry as both princesses approach him. They looked different. They felt different. There seem to be an aura around them that made him want to tuck his tail and run. By his own words, he would say the princesses looked… angry. Yet their faces were as welcoming and kind as any other day.

“I um… heard about Greenblood and I’m simply here to hear the facts is all. Arresting a noble is a serious matter, you know.”

“And these are serious crimes,” Chimed Celestia, holding up several documents, “Very serious. I would advise you to stay out of it, Lord Yellowblood. Your close friendship with Greenblood could, as you told me once about Luna actually ‘be hazardous’ if you get my meaning.”

“Yes, sound advice indeed,” Yellowblood slowly backpedaled out of the room as the monstrous ponies closed in around him. Their sharps eyes borrowed into him like knives, “Advice I will heed right away, my dear princesses, please excuse me.”

He fled the room as fast as he could, a cold sweat matted his coat as he stopped to catch his breath. Those eyes! He couldn’t get them out of his head!

“Yellowblood? Is that you?”

“Ah, what? Oh, lady Voiletblood. How nice to see you. I trust you’ve heard the news?” Yellowblood quickly stood up straight and proper, he needed to keep his mask of strength preserved, no matter how scared he actually was.

“I have,” She said with an agonizing cry, she was all ways a bit of a dramatic, probably from her short acting career. No pony questioned why it was so brief. Not if you read the reviews anyway. “It’s dreadful to think such a thing could happen to one of us, but that’s what you get when you’re not careful. Tell me how long till Greenblood is out? An hour or less?”

“Unknown.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“The princesses themselves are investigating him with an army of monstrous ponies! Lady Vi Violetblood, we must rally our colleagues if we are to counter them. We cannot let our work go to ruin before it’s ready!”

Violetblood recoiled as Yellowblood got in her face, his… enthusiasm was startling, to say the least. The look in his eyes disturbed her. He might do something dangerous if she doesn’t stop him now.

“I understand your concern Yellowblood, but…” (What to say?) “I think you're too hasty. Think about what may happen if we act too quickly. We could ruin everything with our impatience.”

“Are you betraying me?”

“What? No, no, all I’m saying is that we need to be smart. If Luna and Celestia are working together again, then you know there is nothing we can do politically to stop them, they are the co-rulers of the kingdom, if they both agree on the issue, then we the council have no say. That is the reason we drove Luna away, remember? And you know how long that took. We almost blew that when we got ahead of ourselves.” Yellowblood seemed to calm down at her words, for which she was very grateful. “Listen, you go home and relax. I will go gather the others for a… party let’s say. You just leave everything to me. Also, be careful about what you say from now on, who knows who may be listening.”

Yellowblood seemed to deflate, all his bravado leaving him like a gust of wind. The noble stallion hung his head as he trotted pass Lady Violetblood. “You’re right Vi, I’ll just go home for now. I’ll leave things in your capable hooves.”

Vi sighed with relief once Yellowblood was gone. Out of all them, he was always their most vocal member, but everypony knew he was a coward at heart and tends to let his fears overrun him if they weren’t there to keep him stable.

(Now its time to get to work.)

In the throne room, Luna and Celestia had their own conversation, mostly made of mischievous giggles as they laugh themselves silly at the look on Yellowblood’s face when he scampered off. After years of taking the nobles crap, it was nice to get some revenge. The fact it was Greenblood they went after first was of no coincidence.

Celestia’s mood took a darker turn as she thought of her personal maid, Dippy Hooves, and the mistreatment given to her by the noble class just because she was of lesser birth. She still remembered the day she found Dippy at home after she failed to report in for work one day. The poor mare had been beaten black and blue by some “Thugs” that tried to rob her. She gave them everything she had, which was very little and they still attacked her, if not for her guard Stronghold, who she sent to check on Dippy, who knows what could have happened. This, of course, this happened the day after Dippy accidentally spit hot tea on Greenblood.

“Luna,” Spoke Celestia, her tone devoid of the previous laughter as she seriously addressed her sister. “Will Dippy be safe at your castle?”

Luna gave her sister her best reassuring smile as she wrapped her foreleg around Celestia’s neck, “Rest assured sister, Dippy Hooves and her family are being guarded by not only my patrollers but also the entire Apple Clan and many more and she has the best personal bodyguard no amount of money could pay for. Trust me even Discord would have a hard time getting to her now. Killing Perfection will ensure no ponies’ breath even touches her mane.”

“I’m still not sure about her name, she’s a good pony, but Killing Perfection? How or why did she choose that name for herself?”

“Well…” Luna began, “In the early days when the rinin were choosing their names, Killing Perfection went out on a lot of missions against dangerous creatures and every attack she made always ended up being a killing blow. Ponies called her by many names, One shot, Sure Kill, White death, so on and so on, after being called by so many names, all of them involving death, she just took the name Killing Perfection, though I do wonder at times if that's what she really wants to be called.” Luna wondered how KP really felt about the matter, knowing such a title could be burdening. (I’ll have to talk to her about it sometime.) “Moving on, who’s our next Noble? Best to round up the ones we can prove are guilty quickly before they start covering their tracks.”

Celestia held up the list of names and crimes, “Let’s see Red blood and Orangeblood, followed by Blueblood.”

“Very well, let us make haste then!”

Duke Cobalt Blueblood sipped his whiskey slowly, staring out at the setting sun. A letter sat on his desk, opened, but discarded. His friends were plotting again, and he knew the game was up. Besides, it’s not like he had a lot of time left, why waste it in vain? When he could be doing something more significant. The others were fools thinking they could outlast the princesses. That would never work. Become their enemies today, and their children will suffer for a thousand years, but gain their favor, and they would be blessed for all eternity.

“Fetch me, my son,” Cobalt demanded, a maid rushed from the room with all haste. He waited only a few minutes for his eldest son, his heir, Azure Blueblood arrived. A stallion of many talents and always ahead of the curb. Cobalt remembered when he sent him out with a bag of bits and told him not to come back until he’s made double the amount. One year later Azure returned with four times the amount.

“What is it, father? Are you not feeling well again?” Azure asked with concern. Recently Cobalt’s health has been in decline. One day Azure found two maids’ whispering about some blood on his father’s favorite liquor glass, Cobalt denied the claim, and he dropped the matter, but he kept his eye on his father, and he’s noticed his father may not be as healthy as he claimed but refused to see a doctor.

Cobalt paused briefly before shaking his head. He placed all his hopes in Yellowblood and the other’s plans, ignoring his son’s concerns in favor of what they promised. He did, in fact, go and see a doctor recently and it’s too late for him. He wouldn’t last in time for the plan to bear fruit and as he held the small black book in his hooves that held everything the princesses would need to cuff and collar them all, his only thoughts were on his son and the punishment he would endure for his mistakes. He had to make this right.

“No, I just wanted to give you something before I go, lest I forget in the morning after drinking with the others.” Cobalt turned his chair around, so he faced Azure and laid the book on the desk. “I want you to have this. When the time comes, you will know what to do with it.”

“What is it, father?” Azure asked inspecting the book. He felt nervous like it was some omen.

“Don’t worry about it. Just know you may have use of it soon. Now I must be off, and I believe you have a date tonight with your mare friend correct? Go on and have fun and leave this old stallion to play cards and drink with his friends.”

“Oh, alright,” Said Azure uncertainly, his father’s behavior unnerving him slightly. “Have a good night, father.”

Cobalt tapped his hoof nervously has he watched Azure leave, one final thought picking at his conscious, “Wait, Azure, one last thing before you go.”

“Yes, father?”

Cobalt hesitated with his question, knowing it would surely make his son suspicious, yet he had to know, “I’m a good pony, son?”

“You’re a good father, you taught me what I need to know to be a proper stallion and much more.”

“I know, but am I a good pony? When you look back and tell stories of me to your foals, how will you remember me?”

“I-I don’t… why are you asking?”

“Please son,” Cobalt pressed, “Answer the question.”

Azure hesitated, “I think you are the best pony I know, you’re my hero, but in my travels, I have heard… unsettling things about you, but to me, you will always be a good pony.”

A tear fell from his eye, Cobalt quickly swiping it away, drowning the last of his whiskey in a single glop. “Thank you, Azure, for being honest with me. Rest assured, I intend to change my reputation aboard. Now off with you, the night is young and so are you. Enjoy tonight with Sapphire Sea.”

“I will, good night, father.”

“Good night, son,” Said Cobalt as the door closed, “And goodbye.”

Cobalt arrived at Lady Violetblood’s manor by carriage around ten-thirty. He recognized his fellow nobles carriages parked alongside the mansion, Greenblood’s was of course absent. The driver brought him around the front where a maid welcomed and offered him a drink and smoke. He accepts both needing to calm his nerves.

Vi’s manor was decorated with, of course, the color violet, shades of purple adorn every drape and chair, even the rugs. Thankfully she had the sense to contrast the color with some white marble. He knew the way to their usual meeting room, finding it quickly as he finished his drink and smoke. Determined, he entered the room.

Inside was every noble, not in jail, enjoying the finest Canterlot had to offer and in volumes that not even they could eat in one night. As he wandered the room taking another glass of whiskey and sat quietly between Redblood and Orangeblood. At the head was Vi with Yellowblood to her right. So far no conversation on the matter at hoof had yet to come up, but with his arrival, it was sure to begin any minute.

“Cobalt you’re here!” Yellowblood exclaimed, strangely excited, “I’ve devised the perfect plan to deal with the princesses. I’m sure our ‘friends’ abroad will be more than willing to support us in our endeavor. The kingdom will be ours and soon the secrets of alicornhood!”

Cobalt calmly looked through his glass at Yellowblood, who was clearly drunk, explaining his strange behavior. Poor guy must be shaking in his boots if he’s already this drunk.

“I think,” He began, all eyes turning to him. “I’ve had enough of this nonsense.”

“What?” Sputtered Yellowblood, spitting his drink all over the table, “What do you mean, you’re done?”

“Just that. I’m done. I’ve decided I don’t want to burn in Tartarus for this half-assed scheme. I’ve already set things in motion. The princesses will know everything by morning. Now I will take my leave, enjoy your freedom, it will only last tonight.” Declared Cobalt as he left his fellow nobles stunned. Quickly he slipped out towards the door, hearing the galloping of hooves, he turned surprised to see Yellowblood of all ponies charging at him with is horn lowered in attack.

“Die, traitor!” The yellow coated noble screamed as he jabbed his horn into Cobalt’s barrel. Cobalt winced in pain as he felt the horn puncture his lungs. Yellowblood stumbled back breathing heavily and swaying on his hooves from drinking too much and running so fast. Coughing up some blood Cobalt swiped his lips clean as he stared down Yellowblood, causing the yellow stallion to tremble as he towered over him.

“That all you got? Seems you forgot I served in the royal guards when I was young and unlike you, I was actually pretty good at it.” Cobalt punched Yellowblood with his hoof sending the stallion down to the floor with a single hit. “Anypony else?” The other nobles did nothing. Confidently he left the room, keeping pressure on the wound as he trotted out on three legs. On the streets he looked back, watching the silhouettes of his fellow nobles as they scramble to make a quick getaway. He looked up spotting some shadowy figures in the dark of the night.

The princesses would need evidence, and nothing was guiltier then a pony running before the crimes could even be named and for him, his injury, well unplanned, would help his son succeed into glory by the princesses’ sides. The Bluebloods would be around for a long time.

Hobbling down the street Cobalt turned towards the more unfortunate part of town, coming to the local cemetery, a fitting place to end things. He thought as he climbed onto a nearby bench. There he stared at the orphan graves.

Tears fell from his eyes as he imagined all those foals, foals just like his son, all gone, taken out of greed and desperation and misguidance. Blood fills his throat, he didn’t have much time left, and there was no pony around to tell. Dabbing his hoof in his own blood, he wrote his final passage. Once finished Cobalt laid back and closed his eyes as two ponies drop down from the sky. He could barely make out the one’s pony’s face in the moonlight, but he remembers those eyes, filled with determination and anger.

“Ferocious…”

“What was that he said?” Nico Vega asked as he looked the dead stallion over, he was one of the nobles for sure, and he suffered an attack to his lungs by horn or spear it seemed. “Did you hear him, Fury? Fury? Hey, are you listening?”

“Quiet Nico,” The red stallion said, pointing to the ground, “Look at this.”

“Foals in the factory?” (Foals? What foals?) Nico looked up at the orphan graves. “Fury?”

“Get Princess Luna, something more is going on here.”

Azure sat drinking his morning coffee, noticing the staff was strangely apprehensive this morning never meeting his eyes and avoiding small talk. He wondered what was wrong with them as he opened the morning paper. Azure froze as his eye caught a glimpse of the front page article. Slowly he turned it back, the headline reading.

Duke Cobalt Blueblood found dead in Cemetery. Princesses set to investigate

He dropped the paper dashing for his father’s study, where he had left the book given to him. He burst through the door, breaking the lock on the text and began to read it, it didn’t long for him to find what he needed to know, but he wished he hadn’t, oh the princesses he wished he hadn’t.

“Father… why…” He broke down and cried, trying to hold on the image of his beloved father as it faded away to a much darker one.

Author's Note

This chapter is a little shorter then usual, but it works out that way I guess. I getting into a part of the story where I want to keep some story plots hidden, yet trying not to be confusing. I always have some difficultly executing these things properly.

Blood and Fire

Night Patrol ch 15

By Foxgear

It was early morning, much too soon for either princess to be up, but then again morning and night have long since blurred together since starting their little witch hunt against the nobles. After only one arrest they had not one, but two dead bodies on their hooves. Blueblood, who was found in the cemetery and Lady Vi Violetblood, who was found hanging from her bedroom ceiling by a maid this morning. At this time all the other nobles were reported to be locked up in their homes, patrollers guarding the perimeters, so no pony could escape.

“Tell me about Blueblood,” Luna asked the medical examiner.

The medic pony, Doctor Ducky, adjusts his glasses as he reads his report. “Well my dear princess, it seems whoever did Lord Blueblood in did him a favor. The poor chap was suffering from a server case of lung cancer, probably from pipe smoking. His liver wasn’t doing much better. All in all, he probably had only a few months to a year as best.” Ducky turned the page. “Onto the juicy details, the injury he sustained was induced by a unicorn horn, about ten to twelve inches long, not the most common of lengths among ponies, but still quite a sum of suspects. On too Lady Vi, she hanged herself by all accounts, but I found something strange with her mana pool.”

“Strange? Strange how,” Inquired Luna.

“Strange in the fact it was much smaller then I was expecting. Lady Vi was known for having quite a bit of magic, but the magic coil in her body would suggest a much weaker unicorn. Why I would say, she doesn’t have much more magic than a common maid.”

Luna pursed her lips in thought, nothing was making sense. “What about Blueblood’s dying message? What was it again?”

“Foals in the factory,” Answered Sixes, “I’ve already sent out teams to investigate every factory in the city and Gadget is looking into the orphanages, given his past with them he’s sure to find something of use.”

“Good call Sixes, how’s Celestia dealing with the populists? I’m sure two noble deaths are surely causing a stir in the lower houses.” No doubt lesser nobles were either plotting to take their place, or they were keeping their heads down lest they are suspected of committing the crimes. Still, that left the common pony folk, who would no doubt be spinning an uncountable number of tales before the dawn was over. It won't surprise her if the news has already reached the griffons of the nobles’ deaths.

“It’s hard to say, no pony has come forward regarding either death, she is having Violetblood’s staff questioned, and there has been no word from the Blueblood’s other than the fact that Cobalt’s eldest son is in mourning. That being said, there is something strange about Violetblood’s family.”

Luna looked curiously at the dragon pony. “What is strange about it?”

Sixes chewed his lip, mauling over what the investigation team had turned up. “Lady Vi has no living family. No parents, no siblings, no children, no pony to inherit her title and wealth. Another thing is the fact that her mother, her grandmother, and all before are all named Vi Violetblood.”

“I fail to see the issue here Sixes, it is common for nobles to pass on their names. I never quite understood the reasoning myself, but it’s not my place to question it.”

“That’s just it. There is no Vi Violetblood insert a number. They’re all just Vi Violetblood, and none of them have any records of ever being married or even a birth certificate. Every Lady Violetblood passed on her title to some random pony before her death, yet some of the older lesser nobles we asked have stated there was no difference between one Vi to the next, they acted exactly the same, had the same favorite foods, music, everything.”

The gears in Luna’s mind began to turn as she recalled the Vi Violetblood she met so many years ago after they defeated Discord. She hadn’t spent much time with either one, but from what she remembered both the Vi from then and the Vi from now looked exactly the same. Then there was something the Vi she had met back then said, something that didn’t seem important at the time, until now.

“I wish I could be young like you forever,” Muttered Luna as she removed the blanket from Vi’s body. Opening the dead pony’s eye revealed that her pupils wide with shock and fear, not uncommon for suicides, yet something was off to her. “Who was the maid that found her?”

Sixes and the other patrollers look between one another and shrug.

“Where is she now? Do we have her in custody for questioning?”

“We took her testimony and released her this morning,” Said Sixes recalling the brief interrogation. For some reason he couldn’t picture the pony’s face, it was almost like he couldn’t remember her at all. In fact, he barely remembered what they talked about this morning or what her answers were. “But then we released her. I’m not sure why we did that. Why would we do that? She was a suspect. Why did we let her go?”

Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Luna could feel it in her bones.

“Find her, find her now!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Gadget looked on with emotions he couldn’t name as he looked at his old home. Not the ratty apartment he and Dusk had been living in before moving in the princesses’ castle, but the former orphanage where he had been raised. The damn place still looked like a pile of manure on cinder blocks. The siding was coming part, rotting off the nails that held the planks to the studs, the foundation was crumbling, and in dire need of repair and the sign, a faded barely readable said: Sunnyside Orphanage. There was nothing sunny about it, nothing at all.

“Oh Starwind, You came to visit!”

Well, except for her. Gadget smiled brightly as the old mare trotted over and wrapped him in a weak hug. Mrs. Flutter butter has taken care of the foals of Sunny Side orphanage since Canterlot’s construction. She was a cheerful old dear, who must be as old as Celestia, because no pony remembers a time when there wasn’t a Mrs. Flutter butter.

Gently Gadget hugged Flutterbutter back, minding her torn wings and her frail back. Briefly, he nuzzled in her long graying pink mane, taking note that her semi yellow coat was now nearly completely gray. For a moment, he was back in his foal hood, playing and laughing with the other foals. Wishing he could stay at peace like this forever, but he was an adult now and had responsibilities. There was no going back.

“Hello Mrs. Flutter butter, sorry Dusk and I haven’t been by lately. We moved out of Canterlot, so we can’t come by near as often I’m afraid.”

The elderly Pegasus waved him off, “Nonsense, I’m glad you and Dusk finally managed to leave this dreaded place. This place used to be a good place to raise a foal, but now day’s things just keep getting worse and worse. I can’t even get enough food feed the foals no more. No pony wants to donate anymore since times got tough. Some days I wonder what happened to all the kind ponies of the world.”

“They’re still out there,” Replied Gadget looking to the castle, “Trust me Mrs. Flutter butter, there are a lot of good ponies left in the world, and they're doing their best to make it better.”

The elder pegasus smiled warmly, “Sounds like you got some friends now. That’s good, that’s very good. I’m very proud of you, Starwind. I just wish Red Soul was here with you.”

Red Soul, Dusk’s mother, his wife, and a fellow orphan. They had grown up together. Left the orphanage together and then started a home together. He remembered the day they found out she was pregnant with Dusk, how excited they were to be parents. Everything had been going so great, but things changed. They changed fast.

“Starwind? Did I upset you? I’m sorry. I should have known better than too…”

“No, no, it’s ok. I’m fine.” He lied discreetly wiping his eyes. “I’m actually here on business from the princesses.”

“Oh, what could they want with me?”

“It’s not you personally, it’s hard to explain, but involves the late Duke Blueblood. We found him in the cemetery where the orphan foals are buried with a bloodstained message reading the foals in the factory. Does that mean anything to you?”

Flutter butter frowned deeply, “I don’t know. The orphanage is funded by the nobles, every once in a while when we get too many foals they come by and take some to orphanages out of the city, but… I never heard any more from them after that. Eventually, I’d get a letter saying a foal was adopted or they died of some monster attack or sickness. I tried to check up on them, but they threatened to cut the funding, so I let it go. The best I could do was at least give them grave markers. There are times, mostly when I try to sleep, that I wonder what really happened to them, but there’s just nothing I can do. I am old, I could risk angering the nobles by looking for the truth, but then who would watch the foals? I have no pony to take my place once I’m gone and I fear who they would pick to replace me, so I just hang on praying the day will come when salvation comes, and a nice pony takes charge of the foals.”

“I’ll see what I can do. We have a lot of ponies in the night patrol, perhaps a few of them would be looking to adopt.” At the very least they could live in the castle as Serfs under Luna. While it may not be the most appealing life; it was undoubtedly a better one than this. “One last question before I go, Mrs. Flutter butter, was there a foal by the name of Ferocious living here at any point?”

Flutter butter looked at him strangely, “Yes, there was, a long time ago, a few years before you come in if I remember right. He was quite the little pegasus. He didn’t adapt well to living on the ground, and he was the only one his kind in the orphanage at the time, so he got picked on by the local foals and few of the orphans, but I say this to you now, he was no pushover. He had the mouth of sailor pony and the seething rage of a dragon. He always got into fights. In fact, he even told lord Cobalt Blueblood to, pardon my words, to piss off, during one of the inspections.”

Gadget chuckled, that little foal had to have balls the size of the moon to say that to a noble. “And what the reason for Blueblood’s verbal rebutting? He said something the little guy didn’t like?”

“He made fun of his eyes, saying no pony would adopt such a savage feather brained pony with eyes like that.”

“Eye’s like what?”

“Oh, Ferocious had these beautiful golden eyes, like that of an eagle or maybe even a Phoenix. He had this wonderful shade of red for a coat with a red and gold mane, it made him look very striking and imposing like a phoenix. I have never seen anypony else look quite like him until I met this orange earth pony at the cemetery. There was this strange pony she was with sitting on a bench, he reminded me a lot of Ferocious, but I didn't dare to go speak to him. I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

Gadget felt the gears turning in his head, and then it clicked, “Applejack and Fierce Fury, they said they asked an old mare at the cemetery where I lived. That was you. You were the pony that sent them to my doorstep.”

“Applejack? Yes, I think that was the mare’s name, funny how life does that sometimes. Gadget are you ok? You’re looking a little pale?”

“I’m fine. I need to get going is all. I’ll stop by another day with Dusk and some other ponies and see if we can fix this place up a little bit for you.”

“Oh, that would be very kind…” Flutter butter said, but Gadget was already galloping away at full speed. “I wonder what got into him.”

Dusk was bored, really bored, she’s been studying alone in the library for the past few hours and long to go out and play with the other fillies and colts. It’s just she couldn’t bring herself to do it. The foals were welcoming, even after her ‘growth spurt’ as she has been calling it, but things just weren’t the same. She couldn’t label herself a filly at heart either. Kids her age don’t usually kill other ponies.

Her mind drifted back to the battle for the Crystal Empire. The carnage around her, ponies falling over dead, their lifeless eyes staring at her as Applejack shouted for her to get down. She remembered this one particular moment where she froze, and Applejack ended up crushing a changeling’s skull with her hoof. She remembered bits of its brains and skull splattering on her helmet. And then she remembered Applejack’s words as she hoisted her to her feet.

(Stand and fight! Stand and fight right now and kill these bastards!) The words rung through her ears even to this day. The look of pure rage on Applejack’s face made her shiver to this day, and she’s avoided talking to the mare since the battle. For the past three weeks since the empire’s fall, Dusk hid from everypony but her father, Princess Luna, and Applejazz.

Applejazz, her best friend, she was so grateful for their friendship. The young apple filly always came to check on her and ask her to play. A few times, she indulged, but her new size and strength didn’t make it fair to play many games, and her new magic was still a bit hard to control, hence the studying.

(Still I wished I had somepony to talk to.)

The door of the library swung open with a hard crash, prompting Dusk to look around the bookshelves to see who entered. Surprisingly, it was Nightingale. The wingless pegasus has undergone quite a change since the battle. She was never quite as cheerful as before and kept away from most ponies. She was still undergoing therapy for her injuries. Most of them involved reminding her she couldn’t just jump off a balcony and land safely, which she has done on more than one occasion. The bigger question was why was she here of all places? Dusk left her studying and cast a quick ‘Don’t see me’ spell so she could spy without being noticed.

“There’s gotta be something here,” The ex-pegasus grumbled glancing over a section of books. A strangled sigh escaped Nightingale’s throat and moved on to the next section. “Urgh!” She growled again stomping to the next set of shelves with Dusk quietly following behind.

For the next hour, Dusk watched Nightingale throw book after book off the shelf, her anger growing with each title that failed to satisfy her search. Her curiosity boiling over Dusk peeked at one of the book titles.

(Advanced Medi magic)

(Is she trying to grow back her wings?) Dusk wondered as the ex-pegasus threw another book while breaking down into the tears. Sobs racked Nightingale’s body, powerful hiccups added to her wails were interrupted with painful gasps of air.

It felt wrong to watch such a sturdy pony break down in such a way, so Dusk began to slowly back away so Nightingale could keep her dignity. But then she backed into a stack of books, breaking her silence spell as she let out a yelp as an avalanche of knowledge fell on top of her.

“Who’s there?” Choked Nightingale as she tried in vain to cover up her tears, her cheeks burning red with embarrassment as she discovered snot on her forelegs from wiping her nose. This is why she hated crying, she looks so pathetic, it was terrible enough to wail like a foal at her age, but for some reason she always got a runny nose to go along with the tears.

“Um hi…” Dusk waved meekly as she crawled out of the book pile, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, well I did because I followed around for an hour and then you started crying, so I thought I better leave, but then I bumped into these books, and they fell…”

“Dusk,” Yelled Nightingale covering the young mare’s mouth with her hoof, “It’s alright, I get it.” She said gently, pulling Dusk from the pile. “I get it. You didn’t mean to spy on me, don’t feel bad about it.”

Dusk exhaled deeply, her entire body slumping over as she relaxed. “Thanks, I needed that.”

“No problem, now what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be out playing or something?” Asked Nightingale, wondering why the magically aged mare wasn’t out enjoying time with her friends, then she promptly smacked herself at such a stupid question. Of course, it would be awkward for Dusk to play with her friends when she looked twice their age. “Um never mind, forget I asked that.”

“Ok,” Dusk replied quietly, looking the other way. “So um why are you here, if you don’t mind me asking that is.”

Nightingale sighed, of course, she would ask the question. That didn’t mean she needed to answer it, but… she did want to get it off her chest.

“I was looking for a spell book on growing limbs. I overheard Celestia and Gadget talking one day about trying to get my wings back. I got so excited I thought I could nearly fly again! Then Celestia and Luna started investigating the nobles, and then Gadget was called in to help, so healing my wings got pushed to the side. I thought I could help by looking through the library, maybe find something that could help them, but all I found were books on how to make temporary wings or books on the theory of limb regeneration, nothing about actually growing limbs back or just magically giving me new wings.”

“Well, you’d need to be Discord to actually physically give you wings again,” Dusk explained, reading through her pool of information on the ex-pegasus’s plight. She quickly regretted her words as Nightingale's frown deepened on the verge of tears again. “But that doesn’t mean anything! I’m only a beginner! I’m sure dad and Celestia can figure something out!”

“Yeah, I’m sure they can,” Nightingale replied quietly.

Dusk’s ears droop down from the lifeless tone in Nightingale’s voice. She wished there’s something she could do to cheer her up. Her mind turned to Applejack and well she was a bit afraid of the mare right now, but Dusk was sure she could help Nightingale. Applejack and Nightingale were friends after all and friends help each other, right?

“You seem a bit down. I’m not really… experienced with helping ponies, but maybe Applejack could be of help? You two are friends, right? Maybe talking to her would help you feel better?”

Nightingale snorted as she tried to cover up her laughter, but she couldn’t contain herself and ended up laughing very, very, loudly. “I’m sorry, kid, but I’m not good with the touchy feels either.” She blawked, holding her side. “But you may have a point. Commander Applejack and I seemed to be closer since the battle. She’s come by and visited with me whenever she can when I was laid up in bed. I don’t know if you’re in the gossip thing yet, but I think her and Rawhide maybe a thing now. Maybe. I’ve never been good at reading those things. But yeah, maybe I should talk to Applejack, or at least get some of her homemade cider. That stuff always makes you feel good.”

“You do know alcohol is depression drug, right? It actually makes you feel worse and sadder.”

Nightingale waved her off, chuckling all the while, “Some sour slump of a pony probably wrote that because he didn’t know how to have fun.”

“The book was written by Starswirl the Bearded.”

“And when was the last time anypony saw him partying it up hmm?” Dusk fell silent. No pony has seen or heard from Starswirl in a long time, not even the princesses, though that probably wasn’t a valid argument against the effects of alcohol.

“Anyways, I’ll see ya later Dusk and thanks for the talk, it was nice.”

“Oh, you’re leaving…” Dusk’s ears drooped down the side of her head, making Nightingale freeze at the corner of the bookshelf. The wingless pegasus rubbed her foreleg nervously, a wave of guilt passing through her as she looked at the sadness radiating off of Dusk.

“Well... I guess I have some time to play a game or two if you want. As a thank you for helping me out, so if there’s anything you want to play, count me in. Besides you look like you could use a break from studying anyways.”
Dusk instantly perked up.

“How about a game of chess, I’ll go get the board!” She bounds off before Nightingale could get a word in, leaving the white mare to chuckle to herself at the unicorn’s antics.

(She may look like a mare, but she’s still a filly at heart.)

“I got the board!” Yelled Dusk, returning with a four-tier chess board. Nightingale’s ears dropped at the sight of it.

“Are you sure that’s a chessboard?” (What the heck there’s four boards stacked on top of each other!)

“Yelp! Dad and I always play it this way!”

“Oh, ok, umm... you got a rule book?”

“Got that too, and it’s only two hundred pages long! I’ll explain how the mechanics work.”

(What’d I get myself into?) Sighed Nightingale as she slumped down on her rump for Dusk’s lecture. She was going to be here awhile it seemed, but the smile on Dusk’s face was worth it.

Luna and Celestia were chatting intensely in hush tones. Looks of anger and stress clearly mark their faces as they went back and forth on the issue they were discussing. Only a fool would dare to interrupt them with a minor cause. Unfortunately for Azure Blueblood, he had to for he held in his hooves the answers they were seeking, but at this critical time, his courage had left him shaking outside their door, the eyes of two big brawny guards staring down his back with suspicion. The only comfort was the guards were regulars and not the monsters he had heard of on the way here. Ponies that looked like miniature dragons were a genuinely frightening prospect.

“Are you going in or not,” The guard gruffly demanded.

“Oh, yes, sorry. I am a little nervous. I never met either princess before, so meeting both at once is a little overwhelming, you know?”

“Understandable, I would advise you to reschedule. The princesses are very busy and would probably not welcome you with warm smiles and tea as usual.”

Azure nodded in understanding to the guards but opened the door anyway. Along eerily squeak cut through the chatter making all eyes turn to him as he nervously walked into the room. The guards were right, the princesses didn’t look happy to see him, not at all. Hopefully, the book would change that, if they didn’t stomp him to death after reading it.

“Hello your majesties, I am Azure, son of Cobalt Blueblood…”

“We know who you are.” Luna leveled a hard glare at Azure, making the blue pony tremble as she stepped towards him. “What do you want? We have little time for the likes of you.”

“Luna,” Celestia scowled whispering into her sister’s ear, “He just lost his father. Cut him some slack. Look at him. The poor dear looks ready to cry any minute.”

Luna frowned at him, seemingly staring into his soul before she finally sighed and offered a small warm smile. “Is there something we can help you with dear Azure? Thy father’s death must surely find thee distressed. We wish we could give thee some clearance in thy father’s passing, but we have found little in that regard so far.”

“It is fine my Princess,” Azure humbly bowed, “In fact is it I, who wishes to help you in this matter. I have a… item. Left by my father, that may prove valuable to your investigation.”

“The item in question,” Asked Luna intrigued by the prospect. This could be the clue they were looking for.

“This book,” Azure held up the book up to Luna, who took it with her magic. “I must warn you, Princess, the contents are… disturbing.”

“We have seen many things in all our years young Azure. Nothing in this book could compare I’m certain.” Luna said, opening the book.

(Bluebloods Journal)

Page 1 winter year 0 AD (After Discord)

I begin this account on this day in winter, on the third day after the tyrant Discord was defeated, the day we officially make the alicorns Celestia and Luna, our rulers. Many of my fellow noble ponies are disgruntled in the fact they have chosen the title of Princess over Queen. They think of it as a sign of weakness to the other nations, and thus far they have not announced any suitors. Though I’m sure, they will find themselves flooded with them soon enough.

Spring 1 year AD (After Discord)

I have succeeded my father as Lord of the Blueblood estates as have many of my friends. On our first meeting, a strange conversation took place. My dear friend, Shirker Yellowblood, a fearful fellow always jumping at his own shadow, expressed interest in the subject of immorality. His reasons are vague, but he had decried it is not fair that Alicorns live forever and we unicorns still die with the rest of the ponies, despite our superior breed. It is a subject I wish to avoid, such fantasies are better left in one’s head, though I have not the heart to tell him this.

Fall year 10 AD

Time as pass and so has my father. At the funeral Shirker seemed shaken by the sight of my father’s corpse. Perhaps it is because of his own father has died just a few short months before. I fear for his sanity as he continues to search for a way to become immortal, spending Celestia knows how many bits on the matter. Strangely Lady Vi Violetblood seems to encourage the obsession.

Spring year 15 AD

Time as past and the days mundane and I find myself with not much to write about till today. Shirker and Vi have roped Ruby Redblood and Tangerine Orangeblood into their little search of immortally. They keep it secret, but I wonder how with the amounts of bits they spend on their project. They speak whispers of meeting a brilliant pair of ponies doing research on the matter and on alicorns and their ancient magic. I find myself intrigued by what they may encounter. Thus I have decided to join in with Lord Greenblood, who has become the money manager of the operation.

Summer year 20 AD

More than five years has passed since I’ve joined in on the hunt for alicornhood and our secret researchers have requested materials to begin their experiments. The articles in question are live ponies, foals, in fact, the younger, the better with or without cutie marks and from every race. This disturbs me greatly, but they say they will not be harmed. The decision was made to purchase several orphanages both in and out of Canterlot to acquire the foals.

Summer Year 25 AD

Princess Luna is proving to be a thorn in our side. She is much too brash and straightforward, going where ever she feels. Her dream magic keeping us awake at night. We acquired some potions to stop dreaming, but she started asking why we weren’t dreaming and worried if there was a problem. I’ll admit it’s hard to plot against a pony that shows concern for you.

Yellowblood seems to have a plan to get Luna out of Canterlot. I wonder what he is plotting.

Spring year 30 AD

It took five years, but we finally managed to get Luna to leave. A lot of bits were spent to make it happen, but it finally worked. Staff were bribed to speak ill of the princess behind her back and always in listening distance. Papers spread ill rumors, asking why we need the night and what’s so important about the moon? Attacks like these seemed to hurt her the most. But the coup de grace was Yellowblood’s plot at the gala. I must say though even I felt terrible about what we had done.

I remember the night well. Celestia had just arrived and began chattering. I overheard her speak of Luna’s reluctance to attend, but she managed to convince her otherwise.

Princess Luna arrived in what must have been the most excellent dress ever sewn in Canterlot, it shimmered in the moonlight, hugging her frame perfectly, she even wore a bit of blush on her cheeks to give them a rosily look. She seemed the happiest she’d been in months, and we ruined it.

She entered the garden at about midnight for some air. I watched from the window as Yellowblood set his plan into motion. His youngest son, Yellow Rupee and his friends waited above the entrance with bucks of unsavory contents.

When Princess Luna reentered the ballroom, a bucket of liquid cow dung was poured onto her. The look on her face was one of shock and heartbreak as the foals snickered, prompting the entire gala, safe Celestia, to laugh with them. Since they were foals, no pony was the wiser to the actual plot behind their actions, so they were let off with a warning to never do such a thing again.

I remember the absolute look of defeat on her face as she left the Gala, her dress ruined, her pride and dignity gone. I never saw her in Canterlot again after that night.

Winter year 35 AD

I have remained silent for many years. Our system is perfect. Thousands of foals were relocated to our researcher’s location over the past years, and today, we’re finally seeing what has become of them. I am excited to see a certain red pegasus again that I found in a Canterlot orphanage. He was such a spirited lad, I considered adopting him, but chose against it after some thought. I’ve regretted my hesitance ever since. I wonder what sort of stallion he’s become.

Winter year 35 AD (The day after the inspection)

It’s horrible, unimaginably horrible. The foals, the foals at the factory, they are treated as mere lumps of flesh. The experiments... How could any pony possibly do that to children? How could they... How could I allow myself to be involved with such a thing? These ponies are mad! There is no question, we are going to hell.

Fall year 50 AD

I’m dying. There is no cure for my sickness. The promise of immortally is but a pipe dream in the clouds that I have deluded myself in. I fear only now for my family. I have decided to betray my so-called friends and bring justice to those I have wronged.

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, if you are reading this and have read of the horrors of what I have seen, please do this for me. For the foals. For justice.

Kill the nobles and destroy Rainbow Factory. Such a horrid place should never be compared to such beauty, burn it to ground, save those foals that remained trapped there.

To my son, I can only say I’m sorry for failing you.

(End of Blueblood’s journal)

Luna’s mouth went dry as she tried to fathom the horrors written. She turned to her rinin ponies staring at them with disbelief and pure terror as she came to the realization that they were not born, but made.

“Princess is something wrong?” Asked Sixes stepping towards her, she shied away from his outreached claw muttering something barely audible, but he managed to hear her words.

“I’m sorry... I never noticed… we never noticed. We failed all of you.”

“Princess Celestia?” Sixes asked uncertainly to the older alicorn, who wasn’t looking much better as she looked ready to break down herself as she clung to her sister, whispering soft coos into the younger alicorn's ear.

“Commander Sixes….”

“Red and Orangeblood are attacking! They’re trying to free Greenblood!” Nico Vega announced charging into the room. The mood shifting drastically.

Luna brushed Celestia off, her face covered in angry tears as she shouted in a Canterlot voice so loud the entire city heard it.

“Kill them all! Not one of those pieces of filth is to leave this city alive! I want their heads and hindquarters on a platter before the day is done! Now go!”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Roared the night patrollers as they storm out of the room in a frenzy, their teeth and fangs out, and their eyes glowing with rage. They didn’t know what happened, but their Princess was crying, and they would make the ponies’ responsible pay. They would pay dearly.

“Come on, we got to run!” One of the red guards yelled as they lead Greenblood through the back alleys of Canterlot. They almost made it out the castle unnoticed, when the noble tripped and was spotted by some of the night patrollers. A fight broke out, and half of their unit was left behind. Judging by the neighing roars, their comrades were not victorious.

A chill ran down their backs as a chorus of roars resounds from the castle. Scores of dragon ponies, earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns pour from the castle, breaking into four groups. From their flight path, it seemed they were heading for the nobles' homes, where the remaining Color Guards were stationed. They duck behind some crates as a rinin flew by overhead.

The lead guard, Rufus, trembled at the sight of the pony’s eyes. The pony’s eyes were growling red. Not figuratively, but actually glowing red like a demon overtaken with rage.

In the distance, a column of fire erupts from the direction of Yellowblood’s home.

“Come on, let’s go,” Rufus ordered softly.

“Protect the estate!” Was the battle cry of the yellow guard as they fire a volley of magical blasts at the invading ponies. They had been told a day like this could come by the veterans of the guard, the ones that had actually served in the royal army before it was disbanded. They just never believed them, so they were caught unaware as ponies swoop down from the sky with fire and lightning as a line of unicorns and earth ponies surround the complex. There was no escape.

“Take them down!” Snarled Sixes breaking through his own lines and charging right into the fray, dodging every which way as he made his way to the front entrance of the house, the ponies before him were nothing compared to ones he faced in the Crystal Empire. They actually had some skill. These ponies were barely half as good. Puffing up his chest, he stops short just a few feet in front of the enemy lines. He felt the burning hot drip of liquid fire run down his chin, and he knew his attack was ready. Exhaling he unleashed a stream of hot lava onto the Yellow Guard. The flaming liquid burnt through flesh and bone with ease, melting armor, and pony all at once. The terror was evident in their eyes as they scream and ran.

Sixes looked to his comrades. “Well, you heard the Princess! Get them!”

The patrollers roared as they charged the house. The fire spreading everywhere, engulfing the entire mansion with everypony inside, including Yellowblood’s family. The house groaned as it collapsed muting out the last of the screams.

“You lot go to every gate and make sure no nobles try to sneak through, Unit two will patrol the surrounding countryside, Unit three keep watch here, Unit four tell the residents not to leave their homes. Canterlot is now under Marshall Law.”

The leaders of each group saluted and fly off to do their tasks. Sixes stared at the fire for a few moments, thinking of the ones inside, both the guilty and the innocent. The entire Yellowblood family had been inside, all of Yellowblood’s sons and daughters, his wife, and many others. All of them were now merely ashes, Lord Shirker Yellowblood himself should be dead with the rest, but there was a feeling in his gut that said otherwise. Yellowblood was known to be a coward, perhaps the biggest coward in Canterlot and there was no evidence of the noble going back home after the discovery of Blueblood’s body. It was only a gut feeling, not even a hunch, but he knew the coward had run away a long time ago and left his family behind.

“I’m sorry,” He whispered to the flames as he walked away. “I’ll make sure he joins you and stays with you like he should have.”

“Tie ‘em up tight! Don’t let any of them get away!” Applejack hollered directing ponies with a point of her hoof. The battle for Redblood’s mansion had been swift with the Red Guards putting up little resistance. A report from Overheat’s squad told the same story for Orangeblood’s forces. However, both nobles were still uncounted for, and the guards were not very cooperative, even against advanced interrogation. Something was going on.

Approaching one of the bound guards, Applejack pressed her boot against his throat. “Alright spill the beans buddy or Ah’ll have to get rough.”

The guard smirked, “I’d like to get rough with you. Not bad for a filthy mud pony.”

There was a shared grimace among the patrollers as Applejack punched the guard hard enough to knock his helmet off. Everypony was expecting another blow for the stallion’s crude remarks but were surprised when none came. Applejack stood frozen with her hoof in the air, staring at the guard with an unreadable expression.

“You…” She whispered, her eyes narrowing as she glared angrily at the stallion, “I know you.”

“What? That’s impossible this is the first…”

“You and your friends tried to foalnap Dusk!”

Every pair of eyes turned eerily to the guards all at once. One of the guards gulping loudly as the calm professionalism from before faded to anger. Claws and teeth slowly come into view as the rinin ponies closed in around the guards.

“That’s, that’s not true! I wasn’t there that night… oh… oh crap.” The guard blathered, his comrades shooting him hateful glares for him to shut up. He gulped as he felt one of the rinin take him by the neck and lift him off the ground.

“What should be done with him?”

“Nothing yet,” A voice called out. The crowd of ponies moved aside as the father of Dusk, Gadget, enters the courtyard. “Seems the princesses figured things out already, shame I did all that investigating for nothing.”

“Gadget? Where have ya been all this time?” Asked Applejack as the stallion trotted up to their prisoners.

“As I said, investigating, I did a little digging into the local orphanages listed under the names of the nobles, seems foals have been going missing for quite some time and always when the nobles came to inspect the orphanages. Always the most talented of the bunch, and then there are the attempted abductions of my daughter, a filly with more magic than any unicorn her age. Too good a prize to pass up isn’t she. That’s why you tried to kill me, but you only got my wife Red, you didn’t expect me to put up much of fight being a simple researcher.” Gadget grabbed hold of the guard with his magic and held him tightly. “Now you are going to tell me all I want to know and more.”

“I’ll never squeal!”

Gadget chuckled darkly, “Who said you have a choice?”

Black magic flared from his horn drilling into the guard’s head, his body flailing and shaking violently as Gadget probed his mind. Drool poured from the side of the guard’s mouth. His eyes whitened out, eventually, his body stopped moving, and Gadget dropped him to the ground, his body lifeless.

“Now who’s next?” He asked, charging his horn as he picked up the next one. “He didn’t tell me anything new, except for one little thing and that is the nobles’ escape plan. You get one chance to answer. I know you surrendered so that we would waste time interrogating you one by one. Now, where are the nobles going? What is their route of travel? Answer now!”

“That’s mind, magic! That’s illegal! Even if we have committed crimes, the princesses would never allow such a thing!” The guard cried, Gadget held his throat tighter.

“You are correct. It is illegal, but the princesses aren’t here, are they?”

“But Ah am.” Declared Applejack, “And Ah know this isn’t the way we do things and Ah know you know too. We are better than this.”

Gadget snorted angry, “When you have children came back and speak to me about ethics, till then, I suggest you look away.”

The guard screamed as Gadget worked his spell. Applejack bowed her head, covering her face with her hat as she turned away. When the screams stop, she looked back to see Gadget working on the next pony. She couldn’t bear the sight of the brain dead ponies lying lifeless on the ground, so she trotted away.

“Glad to see we all made it.” Said Yellowblood emerging from the brush as the other remaining nobles met him. They didn’t look too happy with him at the moment. “What is the matter, my friends? The plan worked, did it not?”

Redblood steps forward, crossing horns with Yellowblood, who quickly broke away from the red unicorn, running no less than ten yards away.

“You left early. Your guards were supposed to back up mine in case things went south, which they did, and instead of our forces fighting together, they were divided and easily taken down. Our window of escape is now much shorter than predicted. My Guards are tight-lipped, but that will only buy us a day or less, and we have a hundred miles literally to trot. Might I remind you that traveling in a group slows us down, not counting yours and Greenblood’s poor physic.”

“Hey, I resent that! I lost five pounds in prison.”

“You could have lost a hundred, and it wouldn’t have made a difference you fat slob.” A higher pitch voice said emerging from the darkness. It was a mare, young and vibrant, with a cream coat and a purple mane. “Honesty the nerve of you stallions leaving me to fend for myself like that with no escort, I say you may have made my list.”

“Vi? Is that you?” Questioned Orangeblood, looking over the other noble mare, she looked… younger. “What’s happened to you? You look twenty again!”

Vi chuckled, “Oh this little trick? I’ve done this for centuries. You see, my special talent is mental magic, specifically body transfer. Every few years when I start to feel the effects of age I arrange my will, pick a lovely young mare to be my heiress, change her name and then take over her body, leaving her mind in mine. Unfortunately, they never get to really enjoy the noble life till their unfortunate end, of natural causes, of course. I also place a little “forget me” spell on some ponies, so no pony asks any… damaging questions.”

“You’re immortal?” Gasped Yellowblood, “Why would you hide this from us! Our entire goal was right in front of us, and you kept it secret!”

“First of all, don’t get in my face,” She said, pushing Yellowblood away, causing the stallion to stumble and fall on his rump. “Second I am not immortal, I simply jump from one body to the other, while doing so has allowed me to live far longer lives than any of you, but I can be killed just as easily as any other pony. Thirdly this is my talent, only I can use this magic, meaning you a lot would have been left out, so be grateful that I included you in my quest for true immortality.”

“Enough arguing we need to get going, we’re wasting time,” Orangeblood reminded them, heading off, Redblood following her.

“They are right. I suppose. We can talk on the way,” Commented Greenblood.

Vi helped Shirker to his hooves and followed after them, leaving the cowardly noble behind. He quickly gave chase, forgetting to cover their tracks.

Up above hiding in the clouds was Sixes, his gaze intensely bearing down on the noble ponies, but he waited, wanting to find out where they were going. He knew that Luna wanted answers, answers he also wanted. He took a peek in Blueblood’s book before taking off. This was his chance to find the past him, and his brethren had lost, and he owed it all to that purple maned mare. Whatever spell she put on him and others really did make them forget about her, but not her perfume, which she wore right now making her easy to track.

“Why did you two follow me? Fury, Nico?” He asked the two as they emerge from the cloud next to his.

“Patrollers never patrol alone, you know that commander,” Nico Vega said with a much too smug smile in Sixes opinion. They may not know their ages, but he would consider Nico, a sort of little brother in some strange way.

“And you Fury? Luna and the rest will notice if we are both gone.”

“That is the plan. Once things settle down and Luna straightens out her thoughts, they can follow our bread crumbs to us, and just in case, we also have our commutators with us to call for back up. Really Sixes you need think things out better for going lone ranger on us.”

Sixes smirked, chuckling, “Says the pony that usually just gets mad and starts slashing things.” They share a laugh before becoming deadly serious.

“Let’s go hunting.”

Author's Note

I've noticed it seems like I'm moving Luna and Celestia into the background of the story, but this part I felt it was better they take a more leadership role rather then a front line roll in the story. This will change. The story is about them after all.

Not sure what else to say, I have more, but I forgot what it was.

Welcome to the Factory

Night Patrol Chapter 16

By Foxgear

Luna sat nervously on the floor of Celestia’s room while the elder alicorn circled around her like a shark. Irritation was apparent on Celestia’s face, as well as exhaustion, both of them have been up for the past two days with no sleep and little coffee. The clock struck eight marking the third hour since the sun had risen and the citizens of Canterlot awoke to discover mobs of soldiers in the streets and ash in the air. Even before the reports from the units came in. The ponies of Canterlot were demanding answers and Celestia faced down the mob of ponies alone. At Celestia’s smoldering suggestion she stayed in the sun tower.

“I’m sorry,” Said Luna breaking the silence between them, Celestia stopped her pacing and gives her a look that read angry and concerned at the same time. Luna wasn’t sure how her sister manage both emotions at the same time, but she did.

Tiredly Celestia sighed sitting down on the pillow across from Luna, her head hung low. “You need to be more careful with your words, Luna.”

“Sister I…”

“LISTEN TO ME!” Shouted Celestia rising back to her hooves, her frustration and anger boiling over, “You can’t carelessly throw words around when you have an army of ponies loyal to you to the point of death! Do you know what they did, Luna? Do you know what they did when you told them to go kill? They went out and killed Luna! They burned Yellowblood’s mansion to the ground with everypony inside, there’s not even a single bone left from the bodies! This is not how we do things! The nobles are guilty of crimes, but even they deserved to be trialed and punished by the rule of law. Running and dealing out justice without evidence or trial is how the griffons may do things, but we do not! We have ponies terrified by the actions of your soldiers and done at night no less! How do you think this will affect the opinions of ponies? Didn’t you want to should them the beauty of the night? How can they see it when crap like this happens?”

Celestia fell back onto her pillow, covering her eyes with her leg as she tried to regain her composure.

“You worked so hard, Luna, you made the night safer than ever before. I heard stories from my staff of ponies going out and exploring the night and coming back in the morning overjoyed by the wonders they found. I don’t want all the hard work you did to be for nothing, so I ask you, please take hold of your anger and let it go.”

“And let the nobles get away unpunished?” Luna interjected.

“I never said that,” Replied Celestia, “I’m just saying we have to do it civilly. This isn’t the old days when we could simply slay the villains, and everything would be fine. Ponies nowadays want law and order. I know of many ponies wronged by the nobles who would want them to face trial, to be held responsible for their crimes and to know they were judged.”

Luna’s ears flopped down, confusion evident on her face, “Is the judgment dealt last night not sufficient?”

“To you and me it is enough,” Celestia answered coolly, “But to the common pony. They want a trial in public followed by a hanging for all to see. To show others like the nobles, that they are not above the law.”

Luna shook her head, “I still do not understand the difference. What does it matter how we deal with villains if the results are the same?”

“That my sister is where we differ, I guess, but I will do my best to explain. In our view doing what we did was just, but in another view, the view of the common pony we look like tyrants getting rid of political rivals. That is the difference.”

“Surely our little ponies would not think such things of us?” Luna inquired, a fear growing in her gut as she thought of ponies turning against her and what they might do out of fear to her patrollers. “They wouldn’t, I mean how we are comparable to some tyrant? What is there to compare to?”

“Sombra.”

“What?”

Celestia lied down on the pillow, stretching her body over the plush furniture as she looked up at her sister. “Sombra did the same. He got rid of ponies he didn’t want, no trial, no jury, he just killed them.”

“How are we comparable to Sombra? What pony would even dare to compare us to him?”

“None yet, but if we continue to act like tyrants, ponies will see us as tyrants.” Celestia yawned. “Just keep your temper, and your words in check Luna and everything will be fine.”

“Only if thou do the same, you also command the night patrol.”

Celestia chuckled sleepily, “If you think they listen to me like they listen to you, then you need of some glasses, dear sister. You found them. You gave them a home, a purpose in life, a reason to live. They’re your ponies, Luna. If lines were drawn, they would choose you over everything else.”

“If that is the case, why don’t you form your own guard or patrol? Have an army of your own to countermine? It is the only tactical thing to do.”

“Perhaps, but it would only divide ponies if I raised an army now. Ponies could see it as a sign that I don’t trust you, Luna and I do. I trust you and the patrollers with my life, so no army for me. Now (Yawn) if you don’t mind, I need some sleep, do what you feel is right and then get some sleep yourself.”

Smiling despite herself, Luna laid a blanket over Celestia. As much as she wanted to deny her sister's words, she could see the logic in them and where her actions could lead her and her patrollers if she left them unheeded.

The fear in her gut churned her stomach as she thought over Celestia’s words. She must watch her words. As much as she wanted to deny that her patrollers follow her so blindly, Luna shuttered to think of what they would do if she said something she didn’t mean. Fear of what actions they would take if she so casually told them to hunt down and kill ponies again. Would they do it? Maybe not all of them, but at least one would and that scared her, it scared her a lot.

“Perhaps I need some grounding. A quick chat with Applejack would suffice.”

Applejack swayed haphazardly through the file of ponies, occasionally bumping into somepony on accident. Some shouted but quickly shut their mouths when they recognized her. A few asked if she was all right or if she was feeling sick. She wasn’t ill. She was just a little woozy from the hard cider she ingested last night is all. Not a big deal, if not for the fact she was on duty, but the need for a stiff one had been a great and powerful one, and she couldn’t resist the call. Not after what she saw last night.

Funny how somethings affect you like that, she’s done her fair share of monster-slaying and killed a good number of ponies in the battle for the Crystal Empire, but seeing Gadget turn a couple of no good vermin into brain dead slacks of flesh struck her the wrong way.

Maybe it was the way he did it or what he was doing to them with such disregard, or perhaps it was the fact that the goofy father could do something like that without a second thought. Or maybe, it was the words he said to her.

(When you have foals of your own, you'll understand.)

Applejack frowned thinking over his words, she wanted to say he was wrong and that she wouldn’t make the same choice, yet she’s gone down the darker road before for family, and they hadn’t even been her own kids. What would she do to get her foal back if somepony tried to take them? How far would she go? The answer was a mystery, but Applejack had a gut feeling that she would go as far as she would need to and wouldn’t think twice about it and that is what scared her.

Slumping against the wall, she pulled the canteen from her saddlebag and took a nice long gulp of refreshing water. Once she was done, she returned the bottle to the bag and stared out over the vast landscape of Canterlot. She had to admit, the city had its own appeal from this angle.

“Enjoying the view?”

Nearly jumping out her skin Applejack whipped around to see Luna laughing as she settled down next to her. The Princess’s magical hair blew into her face, making Applejack scrunch her noise as she waved the offending stains away. Luna giggled as Applejack swatted at her hair, her laughter prompting Applejack to join in, together they broke down into a hysterical giggling fit, then to a full-blown laugh.

“Thanks, Ah needed that,” Said Applejack as the giggles died down, the worry and fear that gripped her earlier seem to roll off her coat like rain. “Sure is a mighty pretty view up here.”

Luna agreed, “It is. I rather enjoyed this very sight many times when I still lived in Canterlot. After I left, I thought there was nothing about this city I would ever miss, but perhaps there are a few things worth coming back to see besides my sister.”

“Why didn’t you come back?”

Frowning Luna looked at her friend seeing… concern or maybe confusion, perhaps a little of both.

“You read the book?” Applejack nodded apathetically, Luna sighed thinking back all those years ago. To the day when the world literary shit on her.

“When I left Canterlot that night. I still ruled with Celestia for a few years afterward from our castle in the Everfree, so it’s not like I left it all to her for the last twenty-five years or so, but as time dragged on, the council complained about my absents. Saying if I wasn’t going to show up, I should just hand over my authority to Celestia. I didn’t do that, as much as I hated the job. I didn’t want to throw the entire burden of ruling on Celestia, though looking back that’s pretty much what I did. Eventually, they just stopped asking for my opinion, which worked well for their plans I guess, they feigned concern so they look good and I look like a lazy no good ruler. I think it was five or ten years ago when I officially stopped helping rule Equestria all together. I spent my time reading, walking through the Everfree and such. Then one day I felt the need to go visit some villages, to see how ponies are getting by and I remember this one village. They were so afraid of the dark that they begged me not to raise the moon in fear of the monsters that would come. The same thing happened in the next village and the next one after that and so on and that’s what led me to go out on that fateful night when I met you and look at where we are today. Things have changed so much.”

“Things sure have changed since then, seems we're fighting ponies more often than monster nowadays.” Applejack tilts her hat down, hiding her eyes. “Ah wonder what we’re supposed to be doing, everything seems so much more complicated now than before. Ah thought we’d just be fighting monsters when Ah joined up but feels Ah’ve killed more ponies then monsters recently.”

Luna wrapped her leg around Applejack’s shoulder, “Monster is just a word we use to describe creatures that frighten us, what those creatures are varies from cyclops to griffons to ponies, but never forget Applejack we are the ones that keep those monsters at bay, so that others may live in the illusion of safety.”

“Ah see what you’re saying, but that doesn’t make what Gadget did to those ponies right.”

“No,” Luna replied sourly, “but it is what needed to be done and thanks to him, we have a heading at least. One of the guards overheard Redblood saying they were going north, so we can at least start looking in the right direction. I've already sent out scouts. Hopefully, they find something.”

A bright flash of light exploded far off into the distance. Applejack instantly leaped to her feet and began running towards the source, but she didn’t get anywhere, and she realized her hooves weren’t touching the ground.

“What the hay are you doing?”

“You’re in no shape to go out there,” Chided Luna, “None of us are. No pony here has slept more than an hour in the past two days or eaten a proper meal. In short, we are in no shape to be rushing off into a possible battle.”

Applejack snorted angrily, “So you’re saying we just let them get away?”

“Of course not,” Luna pulled Applejack back over to her, so the earth pony was looking right into her eyes, “I’m merely saying we need to be smart. Situations like this are why we have reserves. I’ve already made the call, The Moon Cutter and a fresh platoon of patrollers will be here in a few hours, till then we will rest and keep tabs on our enemies movements.”

Luna let Applejack down. The earth mare simmering down. A long yawn escaped Applejack as she chomped her lips.

“Sounds good, Ah guess, some shut-eye sounds pretty good right now actually.” She muttered sleepily as the last of her energy yields to the demand for sleep. “Hey, have you seen Fury or Sixes around? Ah haven’t…. seen… them…in a while…zzzzz.”

Gently Luna carried Applejack with her magic up to her old bedroom in the lunar tower. She flew up the side of the white structure, not having the energy to take the stairs. Once her hooves were firmly on the floor, she unrolled the covers and placed Applejack on the bed.

Yawning Luna loudly copied Applejack’s earlier action of lip chomping before simply falling onto the bed with a soft “poof” of the mattress. She’d already spread the word for everypony to rest and eat, with a few ponies keeping updates on the scouts of course. The Moon Cutter was still being repaired from the battle in the Crystal Empire. Reports said all that was left was servicing the engine.
(Whatever that means, Gadget’s lecture on how the engine worked had been beyond my understanding.) all that was left for them to do here in Canterlot was to wait for Killing Perfection and the rest of the patrollers to pick them up.

“Where are Sixes and Fury?” Luna mumbled as she fell asleep.

“Come on, let’s go! Let’s go! Move it double time!” Rawhide roared over the clamor of marching hooves. The Moon Cutter’s repairs were finished and not a moment too soon as they have just received a letter from Princess Luna requesting reinforcement as quickly as possible.

“Is that everypony?” Killing Perfection asked, walking up the ramp to the earth pony, who gave her a salute. For the duration of their flight to Canterlot, she would be the head commander of the night patrollers, it was a position Killing Perfection took with great reluctance. She didn’t have an issue leading her fellow monster ponies, her confidence in their skills had her worrying little for their safety. Commanding hundreds of ponies was a scale she was not used too, and it weighed heavily on her. She hoped the flight would be smooth and she can pass the reins of command back to the princess as soon as possible.

Rawhide put his hoof down, “Yes, every active reserve member is on board.”

“What of Ms. Dippy? Her safety is still of the utmost importance.”

“She is under heavy guard and has been advised to not leave the castle until the all-clear is given by the princesses.”

Killing Perfection nodded, “Good, good, and has anypony check on Dusk and Nightingale? Gadget and the princesses are very… interested in their current conditions.”

Rawhide tapped his chin, “The last report was about an hour ago, they were playing chess and have not been alerted to the situation.”

“Good, good, and finally has Gadget’s new toy has been loaded into the hanger? He insists it is brought for this mission, though I’m not sure why it’s such a clumsy thing.”

“We just loaded it.”

“Good, let’s be off then.” Killing Perfection and Rawhide enter the haul of the ship, the ramp lowering beneath them as they walk away. The rumble of the engines shook the craft as the turbines came to life, by the time they enter the cabin, the motor was at full power, and they were ready to take off.

Rawhide trotted to the center of the room taking up the position of the first mate in place of Gadget, leaving Killing Perfection standing uneasily by Luna’s chair. All eyes were on her, she kept up her usual neutral expression as she prodded the chair as if it would come alive and bite her. Once she sat down, she would officially be in command of the Moon Cutter.

Sighing tiredly, she dropped down into Luna’s chair and pointed forward, “All hooves, prepare for takeoff!”

The cabin became a whirlwind of action as ponies shout commands through the intercoms, gauges sprang to life as the engine engaged, white puffs of clouds float up around them as the cloud maker roars to life. There was sudden jolt as the ship tilts left to right, trying to find its center of balance. Once they level off, it was time.

Fire exploded out the back of the Moon Cutter, launching the floating ship out of the hanger at high speeds. Right out of the gate the ship pointed skywards, the other side of the canyon coming dangerously close to scrapping the bottom of the vessel. They clear the canyon in seconds, quickly leveling off and turning towards Canterlot.

“We really need to find a new place to launch this thing,” Rawhide said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“Agreed,” Seconded Killing Perfection. Killing had no fear of flying, being able to fly herself, but being trapped in the interior of a pony made a flying ship, made by a pony that could not fly and operated by ponies that could also not fly was not very comforting.

The two Night Patrol commanders share a small laugh together before tending to their duties. They expect no trouble flying to Canterlot, but that didn’t mean they were about to let their guard down.

--break?

Deep below the decks of the Moon Cutter hidden in the dark shadows of the hanger were two ponies that shouldn’t be there, hidden within the ships new cargo.

“Nightingale are you sure we should be doing this,” Whispered Dusk, dressed into full battle armor and looking very scared as she watched the wingless pegasus play with the controls of the new machine. Thankfully it was turned off, so nothing was actually happening.

“Don’t worry Dusk, from what I hear the ship is only going to rendezvous with Princess Luna.”

“Oh, that’s good,” Dusk sighed with relief. They weren’t going into another battle, thank the sisters!

“But after that is sounds like we are going on a hunt for some ponies, can’t hear who through all this metal, but I’m sure it will be epic!”

“Oh.”

Nightingale frowned, looking over Dusk’s mood, “What’s wrong, kid?”

“I’m just… well, I’m scared! I don’t want to fight again; it was horrible last time, why would this time be any better?” Tears swell in the aged mare’s black eyes, making Nightingale question her logic in bringing her with.

“Look Dusk, I need to fight, no I need to prove I can still fight even without my wings. This is the only thing I can think of to get over… well, you know.” Nightingale wrapped a leg around Dusk, pulling her close. “And don’t you worry about fighting, you just want to see your dad, right?” Dusk nodded against Nightingale’s underbelly, making the wingless pegasus blush as she awkwardly pats Dusk’s head. “So there’s nothing to be nervous about. I’ll drop you off with Gadget and then sneak back on aboard with no pony being the wiser, (YAWN), but for now some sleep. Who knew playing chess could make you so tired.”

“Well, we did play all night,” Dusk pointed out, “And you didn’t want to quit till you won at least once, which never happened.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re a smart cookie. Now go to sleep. This thing we’re in doesn’t have a bed, but the seats are at least nice.” Sighing Nightingale sunk into the soft seats with a long yawn. “Hey, what does your dad call this thing anyway?”

Dusk eyes fluttered shut as she too felt the heaviness of sleep, but she did manage to answer the question, “I think he called it a tank, the AT-1 or something like that.”

“(Yawn) That’s cool… goodnight…”

Sixes, Fury, and Nico held their position on a cloud overlooking the nobles getting as close as they dared to get. They’d been on rotating two-hour shifts keeping an eye on the nobles, pushing their hiding cloud, and sleeping. They were somewhat surprised by the nobles’ pace. The aristocratic ponies were covering a lot of ground in very little time, mostly because they got tired of Yellowblood and Greenblood slowing them down, so the three remaining nobles carried them with their magic. It was hard to admit, but Redblood, Orangeblood, and the mare they identified as Violetblood were in excellent shape, both physically and magically. Enough to be worried if a fight were to happen.

The five nobles made their way around a narrow pass between two low mountains that gradually grew wider forming into a vast valley. Flowers drifted in the breeze, little critters roam through the grass, and a waterfall of rainbows fed into the river. The whole place looked right of a children’s fairy tale, and it left the three Rinin with varying reactions of, what the hell?

Sixes stared with his mouth open at the valley, “Maybe I read too many of those adventure novels in the library, but this doesn’t look like a place you run to when an entire country is chasing after you.”

“Agreed, hardly seems like a place for a factory of evil either,” Added Fury, his brow frowning at the rainbow falls. “You don’t suppose…”

“The factory is behind the waterfall?” Finished Nico, all three Rinin looked closer at the multicolored waterfall. In the shadows of the mist, a narrow rocky pathway could be seen. They held their positions as the nobles approached the path and began crossing behind the waterfall one by one.

Sixes nudged the cloud closer to get a better look. The inside was dark. Pitch black, in fact, making it impossible to see inside, but there had to be a cave or something inside.

“Stay here Nico, Fury, and I will take a closer look if we don’t return in two hours go back to the castle and report to Princess Luna,” Ordered Sixes as and he Fury clung to the high walls of the cliff leading into the waterfall. They entered the cave, crawling on the bottom of the ceiling. Their moon phase armor changing from white to midnight blue to blend into the surroundings.

They hid behind a rock formation the nobles below standing in a softly glowing circle.

(Runes? I think I read something about those.) Sixes mused observing the five with interest as they each activated their horns.

The five ponies pointed their glowing horn to the ceiling magic leaked out alike a mist and poured into the circle. A soft hum filled the cave rising in volume as flashes of light bounced off the cave walls. The light beams began to gradually right themselves traveling upwards to the ceiling, forming one huge beam of light. The eyes of the nobles were whited-out as they started to float in midair. The noise became deafening, the light blinding in the pitch darkness of the cave. But through it, all Sixes could make out the small specks of light rising off the bodies of the nobles.

Acting on gut instinct Sixes flew into the beam with Fury right behind them. The light whites out their vison making it feel like they were flying through a white void, and then everything cleared, and they were in a vastly different place.

Metal surrounded them, loud machinery roared, and the smell, it was nearly impossible not to smell it, the entire place reeks of new and old blood laced with fear and panic.

Voices down below brought the two Rinin back to their senses, and they quickly ducked under some sort of platform and hung from their claws. The nobles were directly below and none the wiser of their presence. Fury and Sixes exchange nods and held their position. This is no doubt, what they were looking for, but what and where this place was still needed to be answered, so they settled down for some eavesdropping. Tuning out the all other noise and the smell focusing solely on the nobles.

“This place is as drearily as the last time we visited. Would it kill them to put in some rugs or something?” Greenblood loudly complained as they were greeted by the Factory’s welcoming staff.

A group of frankly freaky looking ponies wearing beak masks and goggles approach the group, at the head of the herd where two ponies in white coats covered in red stains. They were Madhoof and Hoofenstein, head researchers of the factory and its founders. They regard their guests with an air of annoyance.

“Why are you here? There is no scheduled visit, and you have brought no new materials. What is the cause of this unannounced visit?” Hoofenstein demanded slamming his hoof against the metal floor, snorting angrily. “Do you realize the danger you could have placed us in with your foolishness? Now answer us, why are you here?”

“Well, you see Dr. Hoofenstein,” Yellowblood began, “There have been some complications in Canterlot.”

“What kind of complications?” Madhoof questioned darkly, getting right in Yellowblood’s face. Their horns touch and Yellowblood felt a shiver run down his spine as the strange coldness of Madhoof’s horn ground against his own, it felt as if it was made of metal rather than bone.

Redblood coughed getting the two ponies attention as he pushed Yellowblood aside. “We have been betrayed, Blueblood sold us out, and we were forced to flee. We set up some distractions during our escape to buy us some time, but only a day or less. Our best course of action would be to move the factory unless you have completed your experiments and can transcend us to alicornhood.”

The two Doctors blink, their highly intelligent minds going through the details at super-fast speeds. There was anger in their thoughts as they deliberated, all their hard work could be for not if they are discovered now, but then again this would be the perfect chance to test out their latest project.

“Yes, we might have something ready, but only ponies such as you are worthy of the honor! Please follow me, and I’ll show you the realm of the gods!” Madhoof theatrically waved the nobles to follow his lead, leaving his partner and brother to deal with the rest.

Once Madhoof and the nobles were gone, Hoofenstein tapped his hoof against the metal, creating a shock wave of magic that transverse the room. The two hidden Rinin wonder what he was up to when he suddenly looked directly at them.

“Hello again, 6666 and 1330, nice to see you my little runaways.”

“Fury!” Sixes' yelled as Hoofenstein fired a beam of magic from his horn. Both Rinin dodge and move in to tackle the pony, but something strange happened, Hoofenstein held up only a hoof to stop them. They met him head-on, and they quickly figured out they’d been duped as Hoofenstein held not just one, but both of them back with one hoof!

“Earth pony magic,” Sixes glared putting all his strength into trying to knock the pony down, but Hoofenstein held firm, not even moving an inch, “but you’re a unicorn!”

“Surprising isn’t little colt!” Hoofenstein laughed smashing Sixes into the ground as Fury leaped back, rage overcoming him as causing his body to be engulfed in flames. “Oh, that’s new.”

Fury’s chest puffed up as he exhaled a stream of fire, “Shut up and die!”

“I think not,” Hoofenstien shoots back, calmly casting a shield to block the flames, “tsk, tsk, you and that temper, a dragon and phoenix was the best choice for you Ferocious.”

“What did you call me?”

“Oh, did I say something? I tend to let my mind wander, but now is the time for focus, and right now, you should be sleeping!” Hoofenstein disappeared in a flash of light reappearing beside Fury, who stood no chance of dodging as the pony’s hoof smashed into his jaw, knocking him out.

“And that’s why you were a failure 1330, but don’t worry, you’ll be back with the rest of your failure brethren like before in the vault. Oh, I guess its bad manners for me not to do this,” Hoofenstein leaned down and whispered into Fury’s ear, “Welcome back to the Factory.”

Author's Note

You know I was a bit hesitant to use Rainbow Factory in this story, just cause it's something that's been done, but I've actually never read any Rainbow Factory stories, but I know the premise of the idea and very much like it, so I hope my interpretation of it will be enjoyable and interesting for you all as the story progresses.

Experiments

Night Patrol chapter 17

By Foxgear

Nico Vega looked to the sun for the time, from the pitch of the shadows nearly two hours have past and no word from either Fury or Sixes since entering the cave. Scratching nervously at the ground, he debated on what to do. The obvious answer was to do as he was told and go back to the castle, but the other less rational side was whispering for him to go inside the cave and investigate. He waited another five minutes, struggling internally about what to do when he heard voices from within the cave.

Moving slowly Nico crawled along the wall like Fury and Sixes had earlier, entering near the top of the cave ceiling. Working his way through the forming stalactites with swift and precise movements he positioned himself over the wisps of lights below, where a group of ponies, unicorns from the looks of it, where busy working on something. The sound of metal hitting rock come to his attention as he narrowed in on the group, barely making out what they were doing with his night vision.

“Damn those nobles, don’t they have any idea how complex these transport circles are? Now we have to scrap this one because of their clumsiness.” One of the ponies grumbled hitting the ground with his pickaxe. Strange he was a unicorn, yet he was using his mouth to use the pickaxe.

“Pipe down Post Hammer and erase this thing. Don’t want the princesses to have a direct line to our base do we now?” Another pony said, picking up the broken pieces of stone and grinding them into smaller pieces till they were nothing but dust. “Don’t leave a single trace, we don’t know if the princesses have any knowledge of the magic we use, but best not to leave things to chance in case they have a book or some faded memory of it.”

Post Hammer snorted, “I doubt that Bluntford. We kept it under wraps from everypony. What pony could have any record of it?”

“How about the Alicorn that taught it to our ancestors? We know for fact Gaia kept a record of it and said records have been lost to time, who knows where they could show up. They could be in the princesses’ library right now, so keep your trap shut and help me turn this place into powder!”

“Alright, alright, Liquid Nitro, you ready?” Post hammer asked finishing up the last part of the circle. A pony of tall stature stepped forth with two barrels of something floating in his magical grasp. Carefully he set the barrels into the middle of the now powdered circle and stepped away.

“Everypony stand back,” Liquid Nitro ordered flaring his horn, a soft orange light firing from the tip and hit the barrels creating an explosion that shook the cave. The ponies step out from their cover spots and celebrate a job well done.

“Come on,” Bluntford ordered, making his way to the exit. “Let’s go to the secondary location to the east. Let the princesses stumble around here for as long as they like.”

“You know it,” Post Hammer cheered following behind the lead pony.

Once the group had filed out of the cave. Nico dropped down as he shook the wooziness from the explosion off. Stumbling on his claws for a few steps, managing to hold himself up by leaning against a nearby pillar taking long deep breaths with his eyes closed to help regain his sense of balance. Once he was sure the dizziness had passed, he slowly made his way out of the cave amongst the shadows following the ponies from a distance, leaving behind an engraved crescent moon in the earth as he went.

“I’ll find you, my brothers, you can count on it,” Nico grimly swore with determination. He would not give up, even it meant going beyond Equestria.

Luna awoke with a start, her coat wet with sweat and her breath raspy. Nightmares, she the Princess of Dreams, had just had a bad dream! The horrors of Blueblood’s book playing over and over in her head. The image of cowering foals surrounded by black silhouettes as they poke and prod with little care for niceties or compassion. Worse of all, she was there standing aside, letting the horrors happen before her without even lifting a hoof to help.

Cringing, she forced herself from her bed, landing on her hooves with a soft thump. Quickly she hurried to the water bowl located in the corner and drew herself a glass to wet her parched throat. After a full minute of gulping down the cold liquid, Luna regained her bearings.

Looking in the mirror, she recoiled at her disheveled mane, the black bags under her eyes, and the overall tired look she was sporting. A quick whiff under her foreleg told her just how long it’s been since she’s bathed. Taking a quick look outside and seeing no sign of the Moon Cutter insight, she decided a bath wasn’t out of line.

Strolling into the bath, Luna began filling the large tub with hot water and soap, humming a soft tune as she did so to pass the time. Once the tub was at the right height, she went to fetch her shampoos and other bathing supplies when a thought occurred to her. Walking over to where Applejack lay she gave her friend a good whiff, prompting her to clutch her nose with her hoof.

“My mother’s mane Applejack, when was the last time you bathed?”

Picking up the earth mare with her magic, Luna carried Applejack to the bath debating on waking up her friend before throwing her in, an idea she quickly discarded as she tossed the slumbering mare into the soapy water. A full five seconds pass before Applejack came surging to the surface, wide wake and ever so slightly annoyed.

“What the hay was that for?”

Luna grinned mischievously, “You needed a bath, so I decided to give you one. Now hold still.” Various brushes and shampoos levitated in the princess’s magical grasp as she saunters into the water.
“I don’t want to miss a spot!”

“Wait, wait, hold on now! Luna! Luna! Stop it!” Applejack cried, breaking into fits of laughter as the fine brushes brush against her coat, tickling her senselessly.

Eventually, Luna ended her torment, so Applejack thought when Luna finally stop brushing, but it only got worse as Luna began to wash her with a strange amount of focus. Luna cleaning nearly every part of her, behind her ears, her back, and the bottom of her hooves, if Applejack hadn’t insisted on washing her privates herself, she was certain Luna would have done those too. Frankly, this was a little too intimate for Applejack personally, but the strange look Luna had on while she washing her, gave the earth mare some pause in voicing her displeasure to being bathed like a newborn foal.

Perhaps she wondered if Luna simply needed something to do, something to keep her hooves busy while they wait for the Moon Cutter to arrive. Uncertain on her own feeling and too nervous to question Luna on hers, Applejack simply allowed the Princess of the Night to shampoo her hair.

“They're all done!” Luna declared cheerfully splashing a bucket of water over Applejack’s head. The earth mare giving her a withering look as she shook off her mane and coat sending droplets everywhere.

“Great, now it’s your turn.” Applejack turned around, wielding two brushes in her hooves as she corners the princess in the bathtub.

“I beg your pard-“

Luna didn’t get to finish as Applejack attacked with a vengeance! Her hooves a blur as she scrubs the princess’s blue coat with glee. A storm of laughter erupted from Luna as she halfheartedly attempts to ward off Applejack’s assault by splashing water at her, which Applejack returned in kind. After what seemed like hours of splashing, though only a few minutes tops in reality, they stop, both happy and laughing as they climb out of the tub.

For the moment everything was fine.

“Princess Luna! The Moon Cutter is in sight!” Gadget announced bursting into the other room. The unicorn looked around curiously, searching for his princess who wasn’t anywhere in sight. “Princess Luna?” He approached the bed, finding it a mess and Applejack’s hat lying discarded on the mattress. “What in the world?”

“Thank you for the update Gadget. We will be there to meet the ship when it docks.” Luna walked out of the bathroom, drying her coat with a towel, Gadget blushed, and turned away. “Is that all?”

“Yes, that is all. I’ll get the others moving so we can board right after they dock.”

Luna nodded approvingly, “Very well. We will be there soon.”

Gadget saluted quickly leaving the room as Applejack entered, retrieving her hat.

“Well, let’s go put the hurt on some noble assholes.”

“Agreed,” Luna seconded with suppressed rage, “Come, we will fetch my sister and our armor on the way.”

“Right behind you!”

The room was dark when Sixes came too, he found himself and his friend, Fury, chained and collared. His head throbbing from blow to the head he received from that strange pony, Hoofenstein, what was odd about him? Well, the fact he used both unicorn and earth pony magic was weird enough for him. He wasn’t an expert on the subject, but Gadget explained to him once while he was doing his genealogy research that crossbreeding ponies species usually result in the offspring taking on more the dominate traits from one parent than the other. There was a whole square box thing with other boxes he used to explain it. He wasn’t sure what the unicorn was talking about, but the gist of the lecture was the distinctive traits from other races didn’t mix. Which meant in theory, a unicorn couldn’t have both unicorn magic and earth pony magic or any combination of whatever.

Sixes mulled the information over in his head, confused as the day Gadget explained to him. In retrospect, he should be thinking of a way out of here. He tried moving his legs, but they were firmly cuffed and chained to the floor. Next, he tried moving his head and tail managing only to move either limb only a few inches, either way, even his wings were tied down. The only option left was his fire breath.

“Here we go,” Puffing up his chest he gathered the fire swirling inside his body, bracing himself for the pain of melting metal against his scales, only for a puff of smoke and some sparks to belch from his mouth instead of the stream of fire he was expecting. “Well… that’s not good.”

“Tell me about it!” Grunted Fury struggling against his chains, he wasn’t sure when the other Rinin woke up, but for whatever reasons the red Rinin was bound even tighter than Sixes. Fury sporting doubled the chains and was being held down on his belly with all his limbs pulled in every direction.

“Wow, what did you do to end up like that?”

Fury scoffed puffing smoke from his nostrils, “The hell I know, but somethings off about this place. That pony, Hoofenstein, he called me Ferocious before knocking me out.”

“Ferocious,” Sixes said frowning, “Isn’t that the name of one of the foul’s in Blueblood’s book?”

“Yes, it is.”

Silence filled the air between them. Sixes finding himself uncertain of what to say to his friend and comrade. There wasn’t time to anyways, the lights came on, and in walked the ponies, Madhoof and Hoofenstein. Each one holding various scientific tools, however, the sight of a little white colt had their guts turning with dread.

“Ah, you are awake, this is good, is good indeed. Now we don’t have to wait to get started. We want you to see this.” Madhoof ranted as he chained the foal in the center of the room. Once the colt was locked in he began to draw something around the white pony at high speed. Twenty pieces of thick white chalk scrap against the floor, each one creating a different set of symbols and runes that neither Rinin could decipher.

Meanwhile, Hoofenstein was carefully filling beakers and jars with various materials, some of it powdered, others liquid, and few were pieces of different animals and monsters, but one part stood out a long white feather.

“What are you doing to that colt?” Demanded Fury bucking against his chains, he tried to spit some fire at the mad ponies, but all he got was a few sparks and burnt throat for his trouble.

Madhoof chuckled as he continued his work, “Oh nothing much, basically the same thing we did to you two, though with some different material. We are hoping for a little more successful Bio transmutation this time. Hopefully, this will bring us closer to our goals.”

“And that is?” Sixes inquired.

“To make a better pony race, to go beyond even the might of the Alicorns and to establish a new nation. Free of the trapping of the elite and misgiving against our kind, to show that we are the supreme race!” Exclaimed Hoofenstien as he set his materials around different points of the circles.

Fury blinked, “Wow, you unicorns are full of yourselves.”

This prompted both mad ponies to laugh aloud to the point of tears.

“What’s so funny?”

Madhoof wiped away his tears, his smile dangerously wide as he reached up, grabbed his horn, and pulled it from his head much to the shock of the two. Hoofenstein did the same.

“What’s funny is the fact we are earth ponies.” Madhoof played with his horn in his hoof, showing the small spike sticking out of the crown of his skull where the horn rested. “It’s quite the procedure drilling a hole in one’s head and sticking a metal rod into said hole, but our research on unicorns was quite sound, and our craftponies are the best. With these, we can do all the things a unicorn can do by using our own earth pony magic, and thanks to the fact we use the magic rising from the earth, we are capable of harnessing an infinite source of magic. Just another step towards an earth pony empire and getting revenge on those damned ponies that thought they could look down on us just because they had a horn or wings. We’ll…”

“Settle down, Madhoof,” Hoofenstein commanded, “Put your horn back on and get back to work.”

“Right, sorry I lost myself of a second there.” The gray mane stallion replaced his horn going back to drawing the circles and runes.

Satisfied his friend was back on track, Hoofenstein walked over to Sixes grabbing a syringe from a nearby table.

“I just need a little blood from you 6666, feel honored you will be a part of our first-gen two experiments and the father of possibly our greatest creation yet.” Hoofenstein stabbed the needle into Sixes' neck, filling it to the brim with blood. “Well, I guess our greatest Biological experiment. Our iron hide project is our greatest nonorganic material transmutation of all time. Providing the nobles prove compatible with the process. Would you want to watch that experiment as well? You might get some satisfaction watching it.”

“Go to Tartarus,” Sixes spat snapping at the doctor, “What are you planning to do to the kid?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Hoofenstein quipped, “You’ll be finding out soon enough. Madhoof are you done?”

Nodding Madhoof carefully levitated himself over the runes as Hoofenstein laid the white feather and Sixes' blood in the center of the circle.

“Observe carefully you two, very few ponies get to witness the power of alchemy and even fewer get to see a new life be created right before their eyes.”

The two alchemists took to opposite sides of the circle, ignoring the wails of the colt in the center and the struggles of the two Rinin chained across the room. Magic filled the room, lighting up the transmutation circle with a sickish pink glow, pillars of light erupted from the five smaller circles, a beam of magic bounce between the columns forming a star that began spinning as it descended.

The white colt screamed as the star drew closer and closer to him. He looked to Sixes and Fury, reaching out for them. The night patrollers struggled with all their might! The iron chains groaned and stretched, but did not break, and before their very eyes, the colt disappeared, gone in a flash of light.

The light died away in the colt’s place was a full-grown Rinin pony. The new Rinin was pure white, the entirely of his body was scales, bright and shiny with red patches of scales on his shoulders and flanks, his wings were different, instead of leathery dragon wings, he had fluffy feather wings, a pair of antlers adorned his head, surrounded by a long blue mane.

The newly created dragon pony blinked absentmindedly, looking around his surroundings like a newborn foal, which he technically was. He then began the struggle of standing, on shaky legs the white Rinin rose to his feet and took his first step and fell, his claws unable to grip the surface of the floor, or more likely he didn’t know to use them. He tried again, this time smashed his claws into the floor as he rose. Once he was stable, he lifted one nail and dug it into the marble tile again, so he had some grip and moved, taking his first step. He continued doing this, his actions becoming lighter and more natural as he made his way over to Sixes and Fury.

The two patrollers wondered what he was doing when he finally reached them. He did nothing. He simply stood and stared at Sixes sniffing him, circling around the black rinin, the white Rinin come to a stop in front of Sixes. He made a strange series of soft roars and grunts before forming words.

“Fa-father,” The white Rinin raspily said, looking directly at Sixes and nuzzling the black Rinin’s cheek.

“What…” Sixes gasped, staring at the white Rinin.

“Well, we did use your blood, so it’s only natural, he would recognize you as his snare, but to know how to speak already is remarkable. That feather really proved to be worth the trouble.” Hoofenstein commented, observing the new creation.
He walked around the white Rinin, taking notes as he got measurements and such, “Hmm, he’s a little above average size, his wings are most interesting. I wonder if this also an effect of the feather or perhaps a dominant trait of 6666’s bloodline? Impossible to say for sure but not important either way, now I believe this is number 12467?”

Madhoof nodded, a red hot firebrand floating in his magic as he approached the new Rinin. “Father, son time is over I’m afraid, we’ll need to further test the results of transmutation in better detail. Don’t worry, you’ll see him again soon enough.”

“Don’t you dare touch him!” Fury roared pulling against his restraints. His eyes completely red, hot steam rose from his body, and the room became noticeably warmer.

“Now that's interesting. Do you think 1337 could have gained some new abilities?” Madhoof asked disregarding the branding iron for the moment. “This could change our results. Maybe we need to do another scan of his bio magical makeup?”

“Perhaps,” Hoofenstien said, rubbing his chin. Another pony entered the lab.

“Doctor Madhoof, Doctor Hoofenstein, we’d received reports that Princess Luna and Celestia have left Canterlot and are heading due north to the transport the nobles used.”

“It was destroyed as I instructed?”

“Yes, the team we sent just returned, but we discovered a group of Luna’s patrollers in the area if they search hard enough they could find us. We’ve already begun shutting down all non-necessary power and getting our ponies ready for battle.”

“I see, very well, stop all experiments and prepare project Sleipnir, we will be with you shortly.”

“Yes, sir!”

Hoofenstein turned to Madhoof, “Go get the nobles set up for their “Ascension” I will be with you once I’m done cleaning up here.”

“Alright, don’t take too long, I don’t want to be around those spoiled horn heads for long by myself, you know how I get.”

“I know friend, I know, they get under my fur too, but they have served us well, it is only right we hold up our end of the deal. Well, part of it at least.”

Madhoof chuckled, “Yeah, I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces. Alright, see you soon.”

Hoofenstein waved him off and then turned his attention to the three Rinin before him. The vault would be the best place for them. Judging from the looks of those chains, it wouldn’t be much longer before Fury and Sixes broke loose, and he couldn’t have that. Taking the three up in his magic, Hoofenstien began the long walk to the vault, which was on the other side of the Factory, a terrible floor layout really.

Sixes frowned as they were carried through the factory to what he assumes would be their prison. Along the way, they pasted dozens of earth ponies with metal horns. Now that he knew what they were, it was clear to see if a pony looked closely. Their robust stature, their muscle mass, the way they moved, all these things spoke of ponies used to working with their hooves, and now they had unicorn magic. Gadget would be impressed by their technology. Not just the horns, all of it, this base of theirs reminded him of the Moon Cutter with all the machinery and the familiar rumble of powerful engines beneath the floor, and the air was thinner and harder to breathe. They were defiantly in the sky.

(Now the question is where are we?) They weren’t moving that was certain, and the pony earlier had mention transports, like the one the nobles had used and subsequently the same one that brought him and Fury here. The range of these transports would significantly affect the search range for the others. Hopefully, Nico did as he was told and stayed in his position or better yet was had tracked the ponies that destroyed the first transport to the second one mentioned. If they had portals in walking distance of each other, then the range couldn’t be that great, hopefully. At best they were only a hundred miles, or so ahead of where they were, at worse they were thousands.

Then there was an issue of what they were going to go. The collars prevented them from using any form of magic, so no fire breath and whatever magic his son/clone had. He would deal with that later, much later. Right now, he needed to focus on escaping.

Looking to Fury, the red Rinin seemed to be keeping his cool, which was good. He needed his friend to be level headed right now. His anger could be unleashed later when it would be of more use. The newborn Rinin, he was looking around like an infant, curious and confused, so he was of no help right now.

They took a turn into a room filled with several strange devices, or maybe it was all one big device since everything was connected together. The machine took up the entire place, encircling the wall with at least a dozen empty chambers. Hoofenstein left them floating in the middle of the room while he talked to the pony in charge. A few levers were hit, and suddenly the tunnels were alive with flashing white lights bursting out of every chamber, from the short tubes a couple dozen ponies appeared from thin air, leaving Sixes to assume this room to be the transport hub, something to defiantly take note of.

Next Hoofenstein walked into a strange room with two liquid containers in the center. This had to be the most roundabout way to escort prisoners to a cell, but Sixes didn’t complain, enjoying the Intel he was gathering. Fury mimicked his silence, probably guessing his intentions as the red Rinin’s eyes darted around the room taking in every detail, while remaining incognito, not that Hoofenstein probably didn’t know what they’re doing. He seemed to be letting them get away with, either out of arrogance thinking they couldn’t break free, or a calculated move on his part. To what ends Sixes didn’t know, but no pony that could build an operation this big and keep it hidden for so long, could be called stupid.

On to the room’s contents, Sixes found them puzzling, there were only two things in here besides the glass tubes, and that was the things inside the glass tubes. Two baby pegasi with polar coloring. One was blue with a rainbow mane, and the other was kind of a tannish yellow color with a grayscale rainbow hair, both were sleeping in the tubes floating in who knows what. Sixes wondered what their purpose was.

“How are our little angels today, Shovel Shank?” Hoofenstein asked the pony tending to the two pegasi.

The pony Shovel Shank was also another earth pony with a false horn, as if his name didn’t give him away, he was dull brown with a blue mane. He seemed to have a nervous tick as he kept rubbing his forelegs together every other second.

“Yes, yes, they are doing good, stable, and bursting with magic. I dare say they might be ready to come out of the tubes soon.”

Hoofenstein huffed when he heard this, and a look of what seemed to be genuine concern crossed the mad doctor’s face.

“I see, unfortunately, that may have to wait, my friend. We are about to enter a critical time, and we can’t risk two little foals flying around. Until the danger has passed, they must remain inside their tanks.” Hoofenstein said patting Shovel Shank on the shoulder, the false unicorn seemed outright out depressed at the news. “But don’t worry, it would only be a few days, and you can finally let them spread their wings.”

“That’s- that’s nice. I’ll seal the lab then.”

“Keep up the good work Shove Shank, remember we only have each other rely on.” Hoofenstein patted the nervous pony on the back and took his leave.

Sixes glanced back at the pony Shove Shank, finding his demur unsettling as he stared at the floating pegasi. The pony was not one Sixes could say he would have trusted in any capacity, something seemed off about him, but he supposed it is only logical this place would be filled with equally insane ponies.

Hoofenstein walked for a bit more, stopping at another room, this one stranger than the last, yet filled with things more familiar. All around them, floating in giant test tubes, where monsters. Not just any monsters, but the very same monsters they’d been hunting since joining night patrol. Stone cyclops, white timberwolves, goblins mixed with ogres, even a few of the more massive beasts such as hydras, manitcores, and cockatrice. Seemed Luna was right, these creatures weren’t natural, they were made, just like they were.

There were no more stops after last room. Hoofenstein delivered them to what he called the “vault,” peculiar name for a dungeon, but that wasn’t the burning question on Sixes mind as Hoofenstein place them in small holding cell. There were two sets of doors. The first was the one they were brought through and the second presuming lead to “the vault”. The design allowing new prisoners to be placed inside, well minimizing the chance prisoners could escape, thanks to the second door.

“Well, you in go now,” Hoofenstein said, opening the second door with his magic. A second pony proceeded to push them into the vault, but Sixes dug in and struggled against the guard's spell. There was something he wanted to say.

“You created us and wiped our memories. Why?”

Hoofenstein signaled for the guard hold and shut the door. “An interesting, yet obvious question dear 6666, but one I will answer. I hate the sight of ignorance. It is one of biggest problems in this world in my opinion. I suppose your case it different, but none the less, some context could help you see the light as they say. You know of the Alicorns, correct, the race of ponies that embody the traits of all three tribes. They are the most powerful beings the pony race has to offer, the pinnacle of our evolution, yet such a strong and wise race is now reduced to merely two Alicorns and do you know why? Have you ever questioned either princess as to what happened to them all? What became of the great Alicorn race?”

Sixes remained silent, thinking back to the times he spoke with Princess Luna, the subject of her race or fellow Alicorns besides her sister had never come up. Nor had he ever asked.

“I’ll bite, what happened to them?”

“The same thing that happens to all great beings, they fell from grace, and it all started with a simple little wish. You see back in the days before the princesses, before Starswirl, before the meeting of the three tribes, there were only two. The Alicorns, keepers of the elements and protectors of the land and the earth pony tribe, the children of the Alicorn Gaia of the earth. At that time, there were no unicorns or pegasi, but one day the Alicorn of the sky, Tempestas, grew jealous of the children of Gaia. She too wanted to be loved as she was and so she created the first pegasi from the clouds and gave them dominion over the sky and all the power to bend it to their will. She proclaimed them better to the ponies of the earth and demanded a tribute to keep the weather fair and favorable for crops. Gaia reluctantly agreed and endowed the earth ponies with is magic to further enhance their connection to the earth, allowing for more crops to be produced to feed both races. Not long after the Alicorn of magic Minerva, grew jealous and wanted her own children, so she created the unicorns from her own essence and gave them the power of magic, to use in any way they saw fit. With this new tool they gained control of the sun and the moon and forced the earth ponies provide for them. Once again Gaia blessed his children with richer crops to support the new race, but it wasn’t long that the earth tribe began to be treated less like ponies and more like slaves. This outraged Gaia, who took up arms against Tempestas and Minerva, this caused the Alicorns to divide into three groups, those for who fought for Gaia, those that fought for Tempestas and Minerva and the third those who chose to run and hide. Thus the great Alicorn war had begun, and in the end no side truly won, and the Alicorns disappeared into myth until the tribes united after the wendigo’s winter and Celestia, Luna, and Symphony were discovered after they were found wandering in the wilderness. Sometime later after the defeat of Discord all three would be voted into being the rulers of Equestria, and I think you know most of the story after that.”

Sixes head reeled with information overload, trying to make heads or tails of Hoofenstein story. “If you know all that, then why are you trying to help the nobles become immortal? Sounds like you have less love for them then I do.”

“They have their uses. You remember Madhoof’s little burst of an earth pony empire? I, on the other hoof, desire a different future.”

“What you want everypony to be Alicorns? Is that why your taking foals and changing them into monsters?”

Hoofenstein shook his head, “No, no, you don’t understand my dear 6666, I want ponies to be premier species of the planet and to do that, we need to be something better then what we are, better than the Alicorns, we need to evolve and adapt. You and the others are merely the first steps in a larger game. With you ponies now can have the genetic possibility of claws and scales, nature’s armor and swords, next the introduction of new magic and innate abilities. When we erased your memories and dropped you off in that cave we wanted to test your behavior and instincts patterns. We wanted the experience to be natural, hence the erased memory. I must say you have performed wonderfully. You have become so much more than I first predicted and the potential of future generations with crossbreeding is fascinating. Look at your son over there, I simply can’t wait to see what he can do, but alas time is short. Hopefully we can avoid the princesses’ eyes, but I would be lying if I said I wished they didn’t find us, in fact I’m hoping they do.”

“And why is that?”

“Why the genetic material, of course! Think of how much progress could be made with a single drop of Alicorn blood, all the holes would be filled, and we could move our plans ahead so much faster.” Hoofenstein giddily grinned leaning closer to the bars of the door. “In simple terms 6666, either way, I win. Even if the princesses destroy this facility, even if they kill me or lock me up forever. I still win. Because for as long as one Rinin or any other of our experiments lives, my work lives on with them, goodbye 6666, 1330, enjoy your stay in the vault.”

With little effort Hoofenstein pushed the bewildered Sixes and friends into the vault and slammed the door. Inside was complete darkness save for the faint glow of a light gem floating in the center of the vault.

The vault was very primitive compared to the rest of the factory. The entire place was made of rough stone with holes dug into the walls, probably to act as prison cells. The question now was where the other prisoners were?

A sudden thud of heavy hoof steps had the three Rinin bouncings as whatever was making said stomps emerged from the darkness, the silhouette of the beast rose almost all the way to the ceiling. Sixes and Fury took up position in front of the white rinin… (I really need to name him) and bared their fangs at the monster approaching them. The beast’s head lurched downward, the light revealing it to be… a giant pony?

Sixes and Fury were taken aback at the sight of the thing, it smiled at them, its giant muzzle right in front of them. Hesitantly Sixes pat the giant, the giant responding to the gesture by falling onto its belly like a dog would, even panting like one too.

“P-Rex leave them alone,” A voice called out, emerging from the darkness was a strange-looking earth pony with a short silver ethereal mane with black white coat that looked very similar to the arrangement of a skeleton. More ponies emerged of all shapes and sizes, colors, and whatever Hoofenstein mixed them with. There were hundreds of them, and they each bore numbers on their flanks.

The ghostly looking pony stepped forward and offered his hoof, “Nice to see you two again.”

Author's Note

This chapter was Edited 9/16/19 and now feature's slightly better grammar the help of Grammarly.

Assault on Rainbow Factory

Night Patrol ch 18

By Foxgear

The nobles gathered in what they consider a less than a luxurious room. Of course, anything was less than extravagant in their opinion, but the majority of them held their tongues. They were so close to their goal, immortality, and a lack of more exceptional necessities would not have them jeopardize that goal by annoying the ponies providing it for them. Yes, they knew they could be insufferable at times, and they had no qualms about it. After all, what pony would dare speak against them? Well that all changed with their impromptu self-exile from Canterlot and for the first time in all their lives they had some insight to those in need. If Hoofenstein and Madhoof went back on their deal, they would be left with nothing, no money, no social status, and no home. They had bet it all, and now it was time to see if their gamble paid off.

Some were even more skittish. Shirker Yellowblood was perhaps the most paranoid of all. After all, his friend Blueblood had betrayed them, and he had been one of the most trusted ponies of their group. How could they trust Hoofenstein and Madhoof? How could they trust each other? What if only one of them could become immortal? What then? What would happen?

In the far corner of the room, Vi Violetblood watched the other nobles with suspicion. She knew better than to let anypony here have her back, which was why she kept hers close to the wall. Despite their common goal and the fact she was the one that pulled them into all this, she never felt any trust or companionship for any of her fellow “Nobles.” Really why should she? She was so much older and wiser than any of them, having lived many more lives than they could even dream. She knew their fathers and their grandfathers and their fathers and so on and so on. She knew them better then they knew themselves.

Such as the fact if things came down to a fight, Redblood and Orangeblood would team up against the rest of them, their familial relationship binding them stronger together then the loose thread that tied their so-called “Friendship.” Then there was Greenblood, he wasn’t much of threat, all hot air and poise. He usually paid somepony to do his dirty work, but well, he had no money to bribe with, so he was a goner. Finally there was Yellowblood, the pony nobody trusted, he’d be the first crack if things got hairy. Right now he was probably panicking in fear and already thinking of what he would do if he had to choose between them and himself, which is why he didn’t sleep and why they didn’t either despite how tired they were from their trip.

The door of the room opened and revealed Madhoof, “We are ready for you, please follow me.”

They followed the Doctor to a large room. Inside a group of ponies were putting the finishing touches on what looked like four life-sized models of Saddle Arabia ponies, tall, slender, and sturdy looking with a few extra features, such as horns and wings.

“This is project Sleipnir,” Madhoof announced, “The key to your immortality. These armors are made of the strongest alloy ever discovered, Orichalcum, nothing can break it.” (Well almost nothing.)

“And how are these armors going to make us immortal?” Yellowblood skeptically asked, “You were supposed to be finding a way to make us into Alicorns!”

If Madhoof was imitated by the noble’s tone, he didn’t show it. “A valid point Lord Yellowblood, however, we have yet the means to do that, so this is the next best thing, no, the better option. Think about it, my dear noble ponies. Once your soul is transferred into the metal skin of this armor, you will never know sickness, hunger, the feel of old age, and you’ll be immune to the passage of time! Think about it! You won’t simply be immortal, you’ll be invincible!”

“Yes, yes, that does sound rather… ideal.” Yellowblood said memorized approaching the armor.

“But there are only four, which one of us will be left out?” Greenblood pointed out.

Each noble began eyeing the other, looking for the weakest link, this Vi knew, was her chance.

“I will opt-out. I prefer to enjoy life’s pressures with my own hooves, or rather real hooves. Besides, unlike you all, I already have a way to cheat death. I can wait a little longer for true immortality.”

They stared at her like she had grown a second head. Not that she minded, these youngsters could never really understand how boring life could be when you lived for as long as she has. Indulging in everything life as to offer was the best way to strive off that boredom. Being made of metal made enjoying said things hard and there was a second purpose, but that would have to wait.

Vi patted the budge in her saddlebag discreetly, to assure one more that the items she had cared for all these years were indeed safe and sound.

“Well go on, get on with it!” She gestured excitedly. The nobles seemed to shrug off their skepticism and entered the circles surrounding the suits of armor.

“Are we prepared to begin the process,” Hoofenstein asked, entering the room. Vi took a few steps back to give the Doctors room to do their work, but not too far. Silently she unbuckled the strap of her saddle pack, ready to act in a moment’s notice.

Madhoof and Hoofenstein took up their positions, their hooves touch the ground and the room filled with a pinkish light activating all four circles at once. Vi watched as the pink stars rose into the air and slowly descend upon the nobles and their new bodies. It was in this critical moment, she struck!

“Catch!” She shouted, grabbing the items in her saddlebag with her magic and tossed them at the nobles, who dumbly turn towards her out of reflex, giving her the perfect shot.

Hoofenstein gasped as four Alicorn amulets flew through the air, each one a different shape and color, and as powerful as the one they had given to Sombra. Each charm attached themselves to a nobles’ chest just as the transmutation completed, merging flesh with metal.

The light diminished and revealed the four suits ablaze with ethereal fire, each one barring a different color, green, orange, red, and yellow. The suits moved and bowed before Vi. Something was wrong, something was very wrong! Thought the scientists.

“How may we be of service,” Said the Green maned suit.

“Oh Greenblood, glad to see you finally know your place,” Vi rubbed the metal horse’s snout with her hoof, the other three eagerly join in, all of them wanting a touch. “That’s a good pony. Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy being my servants, it’s not like it’s much different than before.”

Hoofenstein stepped back fearfully from his creations. They were supposed to be under his control, the nobles were only supposed to provide the life force for the armors, but to add in Alicorn Amulets. How? How did Vi have so many?

“Where did you get those? It took us years to find one in ruins beneath Canterlot! How could you have four?”

“Well, let’s just say I have a lot of time on my hooves and I had plenty of bits to spend over the years. I guess having some knowledge of their whereabouts what kind of handy too.” Vi answered, her four new metal knights lining up behind her. “I am a lot older then I look after all.”

Hoofenstein narrowed his eyes at the mare, “How old?”

“Now that’s a rude question to ask, you never ask a mare her age, you know.”

The two stared down one another, each one waiting for the other to make a move, but before anything could happen, the entire factory shook.

“What was that?” Madhoof demanded angrily to the other staff members. None of them could provide answers just as a second explosion rocked the factory.

“Sirs!” A beaten-up pony yelled, bursting through the door! “We have an intruder! It’s number 088, and he’s disabled the camouflage shield!”

“How is that possible? How did he get in undetected?”

“There’s no time for that Madhoof,” Said Hoofenstein sharply, “All hooves prepare for battle! It won’t take long for the princesses to find our location. Now go, go, go!”

“Yes, sir!” The ponies saluted scrambling around in a frenzy.

Hoofenstein marched up to Vi, staring the mare in the eye, anger burned throughout his entire body at what he was about to do.

“I don’t know who you really are, but you now control my trump card against the princesses, so in favor of our mutual interests. I must ask for your help in this grave hour.”

Vi waved him off, “Oh, don’t be so dramatic. You still have to make me a better body. Think of these guys as my trump card, so that you don’t try to betray me like you did the others. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Good, now, I think it’s time I got put little Tia and Lunie to sleep, for good!” Vi laughed, leaving the room her knights following her.

The Moon Cutter sailed across the cloudless sky at a steady pace. Up ahead, groups of Rinin and Pegasi scout for clues high above in the air, while patrols of earth and unicorn ponies combed the landscape for clues. Thanks to Luna’s forward-thinking they managed to cover a lot of ground already searched by the earlier patrols. Now as they caught up to the advance scouting party, their progress slowed. Reports had to be given, troops needed to be rotated out and informed which area had been searched and which ones weren’t. Among all the chaos, Luna was missing two of her best commanders, Fury, and Sixes. Seemed they had gone ahead of everypony else after the nobles, along with Nico Vega. While she admired their dedication, they didn’t leave an easy trail to follow.

“Don’t worry Luna, we’ll find them,” Celestia assured from her chair. Despite being the Princess of the Sun, Celestia wasn’t much of morning pony and didn’t recover from all-nighters quite as well as her sister. Her eyes were haggard, threatening to close every second, opening and closing against her will. Even the sun seemed much duller than usual, reflecting the Princess’s lack of energy.

Luna hoped she would be out if by the time they found the ponies responsible for their troubles. A tired princess was not an intimidating princess.

“I know sister,” Luna replied, feeling equally tired, but managing to do a better job at hiding it. At least the black bags under her eyes were obscured by her coat. “Gadget, any word yet?”

“None yet princess, the forward scouts have yet to return, and no signal flares have been sent as of yet.”

“I see, continue to the search and keep me updated.”

“Of course,” Gadget bowed.

Luna sank back in her chair, wondering what has become of her three ponies. She swore when she found them she would punish them severely for making her worry so much. They better hope her hair didn’t turn silver because of them.

The sound of an alarm went off, jolting everypony out of their seat as they scramble to figure out what was going on. Luna flew out of her chair, Celestia at her side as she peered over the radar. Only a moment ago there had been nothing, but now there was something, and it was BIG!

“What is that?”

“I don’t know princess, but it looks to be a mountain, its magnetic pull must have bugged the equipment or something.”

Luna rubbed her chin with thought, “Stay on course, I want to investigate this mountain. Reduce speed and have weather teams two and three provide us with some more cloud cover. Get in contact with our ground forces and tell them to rally at position Bravo and be ready for anything. I got a bad feeling about this.”

Her mind was running so fast that Luna barely registered Celestia tapping her shoulder, until the older princess dropped her helm on her head, covering her eyes. She lifted the offending thing from her view and glared at her sister for such silly games in a time when they need to be serious. The words died in her throat though, as she saw Celestia strapping herself into her golden armor.

“I think you’ll need that,” Celestia smiled levitating the rest of Luna’s armor to her. The younger sister pawed the bits of steel with her hoof.

“A prediction?”

Celestia shook her head, “No, just a gut feeling.”

“I see, so you feel it too?”

“Indeed,” Celestia answered, pointing ahead, “I feel a massive about of energy coming from that direction. I believe we have found our enemies.”

“More than likely,” Luna agreed, equipping her armor. Checking to make sure every piece fit right and didn’t bind anywhere. Quietly she muttered to herself as she inspected her weapon. There was going to be another battle, like before in the Crystal Empire, this time though she was ready. She had her patrollers with her. Everypony outfitted with Gadget’s latest weapons and prepared for action. Still, the feeling of unease would not leave her.

She had no doubt the enemy would be excepting their arrival and would be digging in for a long siege. Time would be the most significant factor. The Moon Cutter could only carry so much fuel and ammo, and they had no way to resupply. Everypony was here, with the few exceptions still at the castle, but this was it. The full force of the night patrol would fall upon the ponies of Rainbow Factory. She intended to make the ponies who dared to snatch foals and play them for fools to understand what happened when you make an Alicorn Princess angry.

“Object in sight!” The radar pony announced.

Luna and Celestia flew to the front of the control deck to get a closer view from the deck's window. What they saw amazed them. It was a factory alright, a factory-built atop of floating mountain! A smart idea really, if it weren’t for the fact she was going to send it plummeting back to the earth.

“Cannons insight, princess, their preparing to fire!”

“Arm all cannons and make a hard right and fire a full broadside, followed by a turn left with another assault! All fliers are to take off after the first barrage!” Luna commanded, the ship swung right sharply, tossing anypony not prepared for it. A few blasts flew past them, they narrowly avoid contact, moments later the sound of their cannons firing sung in the air. Half a dozen of the ships forty four gem cannon hit the factory. Explosions blanket the outer steel shell as several dozen Pegasus and Rinin squads took flight, each one armed with two Hoof Mounted Gem Cannons (HMGC) on their front hooves and one rocket-propelled gem projectile or missile as Gadget called it. Luna wasn’t sure when he designed the weapons or when he had the time to manufacture them, but this would be their first battle test. She hoped they work as well as he claimed they did.

The ship took a sharp left and the second barrage fired. More cannons found their mark this time, but the enemy was firing back with greater fury. Long flaming beams shot out from the base of the factory. Luna called for the telescope.

“Thank you,” She said, taking the spyglass in her magic. Zooming in she spotted a familiar sight, stone cyclops, the very same she fought when she first met Applejack, acting as anti-air gunners. Their beams offering a controlled and precise attack that already claimed a few of her fliers.

“Squad three Captain Odds, Squad four Captain Evens, launch your missile volley at the cyclops! Take them out know! Captain Ace Spades, fly under and see if there’s any way to take out their engines if they have any. Send word to Commanders Applejack and Rawhide to begin their ground assault once the factory touches the earth.” Chatter filled the channels as ponies scrambled to full fill her will. “Night Hunter Overheat, you are to a company the ground forces, Emerald Cutter join up with the triplets and squad two and prepare a boarding party. I want you to get inside the first chance you get. Killing Perfection you’re on standby with Rinin unit seven.”

“Aye ma’am,” They all shouted over their gem coms.

“And be careful,” She added, “All of you, be careful, don’t get yourselves killed.”

A few of them chuckle over the coms, more than likely it was the Night Hunters, “Should we consider that an order ma’am?”

“Yes, yes you should,” Luna replied, smiling faintly.

Squads three and four fired their missiles at the cyclops, a few hit their mark, others didn’t, and close-quarters combat quickly ensues. Through her spyglass, Luna watched helplessly as Odds and Evens' squads faced off against the cyclops. Her stomach twisting as more creatures, this time ogres, come to the cyclops’s defense.

“Have squad five support three and four,” Luna ordered solemnly, “Spades, what’s your progress?”

Aces Spades, a black Pegasus with a green mane, looked warily at his situation. In front of him were four big rocket-like engines similar to the Moon Cutter’s only on a more substantial scale before him and he was at a loss at what to do. His missiles have proven ineffective against the engines, they were simply too big.

“Progress is at a grinding halt, ma’am. We gave her everything we had and didn’t scratch it. We either need a bigger projectile, or we need to manually shut the engines down from the inside.”

“I see, what do you think, Gadget?” Luna asked, looking to the mechanically minded pony for answers.

Gadget hummed collecting his thoughts, “We’d need to power down the engines generator, blowing up the fuel source would be the most effective method. We’d take out the engines and a good portion of the factory all at once. The problem is we need to get in there, and you see how well that’s going.”

“I think I can be of some help in that regard,” A voice said over the coms, Luna, Celestia and Gadget all turn to the radio pony, asking who spoke. The pony points to the 088 icons.

“Nico Vega?” Celestia questioned remembering the Rinin from the battle for the Crystal Empire. What was he doing inside the factory?

“That’s me, came in looking for Commanders Fury and Sixes, haven’t found them yet, but I did find their cloaking device thing and took it out. Glad to see you all showed up right away. I’ve been ducking tail for a while now. I don’t think I made them too happy with my little stunt.”

Luna gasped, “Sixes and Fury are captured?”

“Afraid so, I’m trying to locate them, but it’s not easy. Ponies are running everywhere, and I don’t really blend in very well. Hold on connections getting bad.” The com went silent for a solid minute; there is nothing but static. “Alright, I’m back, sorry about that, coms been going in and out for a while. What are your orders, Princess? Should I keep looking for the Commanders or do I go for the engines?”

Luna bit her cheek, wishing Nico hadn’t asked her that. Logically there was only one choice to make, but she didn’t want to say it.

“Disable the engines, Nico Vega, Sixes and Fury will take priority after that,” Celestia said suddenly, surprising Luna by how calm and composed she was. She smiled down at her, a tight smile that was forced but meant to reassure Luna that she knew what she was thinking.

“Roger that, I’ll get right on it,” Nico confirmed cutting off the transmission.

“Thank you, sister,” Luna whispered, “For saying what needed to be said.”

Celestia smiled softly, “It’s what I’m here for.”

With a slight nod and smile, Luna returned to coordinating her troops. They need to get the enemy’s attention off a Nico, so he could succeed in his mission, and there was only one thing that could possibly do that.

“As of now Celestia is the primary commander of the Moon Cutter, I’m going out to take field command.” Luna declared, earning a few gasps, “Killing Perfection, you’re my wing pony.”

“Understood,” The white Rinin saluted, “I’ll meet you on the flight deck.”

“Luna,” Celestia said, causing Luna to pause in her steps. “Be safe.”

She nodded, “I will trust me.”

Celestia sighed as Luna walked away, her stomach a twist of knots. “I do, little sister, I do, but I still worry.” She whispered under her breath.

Steeling her heart Celestia took the reins of the Moon Cutter once again, “Attention all squads, princess Luna is entering the battlefield. Keep an extra eye on her flank for me.”

“Roger that!” A herald of voices called over the coms with earnest, warming Celestia’s heart, her sister had befriended a lot of wonderful ponies.

“Thank you, my ponies, now let’s get these villains!”

Nico Vega ran for all he was worth, ducking in and out of the shadows passing by without a notice. Stealth was his best bet at getting to his objective as quickly as possible. He was ever so thankful, more than ever, of his dark colorings. His black and grey skin and hair blend perfectly in with the shadows. Quietly he crept along the side of the wall pass a pair of ponies standing still in the chaos. He wondered what their purpose was. Lowing himself down, he hoped to catch wind of some Intel, but they were simply standing there, silent.

Looking left to right for anypony nearby, he debated taking them down and interrogating them. The risk verse reward was questionable. They COULD know where the engine room and prisoners are, but if he could ‘convince’ them to tell him would be another story. There was also the fact that once he took them out, he would have to kill them, hide the bodies and hope no pony noticed them gone from their post.

He flexed his claws, going back and forth on what to do. Looking around again for anypony, he saw no pony around. It was now or ever.

He let go and fell on top of the guards before they could react, he knocked both upside the head dropping them to the ground. Quickly he grabbed their hind legs, dragging them into the room they were guarding.

Inside Nico took a moment to inspect the room, mainly for anypony else, but also out of curiosity. Really what could so crucial that two ponies remained on guard even during a battle? The answer was the two HUGE test tubes with two strange-looking beasts. They look like ponies, while their lower bodies did. Their upper body was something he’s never seen before. Maybe it was a gorilla? They sure had the muscles of one, but then they also had bull horns on their head, so perhaps they were part Minotaur?

“Tirek and Scorpion, huh, quite the names. Hmm, what’s this?” On pedestal behind the tubes, there was a sort of boot with claws on it, underneath was a plaque that read, “Use in case of escape. Well, that sounds important.”

Putting the boot on Nico was surprised to find it fit rather well, giving him a little more reach with his claws to boot. “I’m keeping this.”

“Now, what do to do with you two?” He wondered aloud as he shook the first guard awake. The pony groaned, gradually coming back to the land of the living. He snapped away when he got a clear view of Nico, but before the guard could really act, he was grabbed again and forced into a chokehold, with five razor-sharp claws against his throat.

“Time to spill some beans buddy, tell me where the engine and prison block are, and you might get out of here alive.”

“Go ahead and kill me now, I know there is no reason for me to live once I tell you, so go ahead and do it!” The pony yelled as he struggled, awaking his partner.

“My respect for your loyalty buddy,” He said plunging the metal claws into the poor stallion’s throat, nearly taking his whole head off in the process, but more importantly the blood sprayed onto the awakening guard, who screamed in horror at what probably had to be a pretty horrible sight.

Dropping the dead guard, Nico caught the other before he could get more than a few inches away, maneuvering other guards, so he was looking at his dead friend.

“Ten seconds, you have ten seconds to tell me where the engine room and the prison cells are, or you end up like him.”

“I-I- ddodont”

“Eight.”

“Theiereir”

“Four, come on buddy not much time left.”

“The engine room is-is at the base of the factory at the lowest level. The prison is located in the middle section on the far north side where the factory connects to the side of the mountain.”

“Thanks, buddy and I’m sorry.” Nico plunged his claws into the pony’s throat ending him quickly. He then dragged the bodies to the very back of the room finding a mat to place over the blood, it wasn’t a perfect cover-up, but maybe it would buy him some time if somepony stumbled inside.

Now how to get down to the lower levels? Better yet, where was he even at? There was no number on the walls or anything to really indicate if he was in the higher levels or lower levels. He hadn’t been paying attention after he stumbled upon the cloaking device and blew it up. They were giving a good chase and did manage to corner him… for a few seconds. He wondered how long it would take for another squad to pick up where their comrades left off.

“Maybe I can find some stairs or…”

“There he is!”

“Crap…” Looking around for anything that could help him, Nico spotted a vent and dived right in. The vent was big, big enough for a pony of his size to fit. Sometimes being on the smaller side had its perks.

“Well, at least I’m going down,” Maybe he’ll stumble on to the engine room like he did with the cloaking room. He seemed to have a strange sort of luck for this sabotage stuff.

After traveling downwards for what seemed like forever, Nico finally came to the end of the tunnel, literary and low and behold the engine room. The vent must supply air to the lower levels, kind of like in the Moon Cutter.

Peering, through the grates, Nico examined his target, which from the size of it would take more than some lightning breath to destroy. If complete destruction wasn’t possible, the next best thing was disabling. A machine this big had to have a lot of working parts, parts that needed to work, or nothing would. Gadget said something about generators… like those over there!

Breaking the grate, Nico flew up to the ceiling to get the overview of the engine. There were four big generators, all set on a grid from the looks of it. From what he could tell the generators were set up in a vertical style verses the Moon Cutter’s horizontal. None the less it seemed they too use gem powered engines. He’d have to bring that up to Gadget after this was all over. Whatever the case, the best way to take out a gem engine was to take out its cooling system. Once again going off the Moon Cutter’s design would most likely be a blue set of gems.

“That looks about right,” Nico flew over to the large tower engines, ducking below the giant gem spinning at high speeds and came to a stop at the smaller head-sized blue gems below, which sure enough were producing a large amount of artic air to keep the jewels above cold.

Reaching in Nico snatched one of the blue gems and ate it. Instantly he felt a chill down his spine as the cold spell was absorbed into his body. Expanding his chest, Nico felt the stinging sensation of glacial ice travel up his throat as he unleashed a stream of subzero ice breath upon the machine. Everything came to a grinding halt, frozen in ice, and with a little tap of his claw, the device shattered to pieces.

Immediately the other engines began working harder, trying to make up for the lost motor, but this caused the rotating gems to spin faster, making them hotter, so hot in fact that the cooling jewels couldn’t keep up. Wasn’t long after that a second engine blew and then the third, and now everything felt like it was falling.

“Time to go!”

Nico took off just as the factory-made contact with the ground.

Outside on the ground, Applejack and Rawhide were huddled in their foxholes with every unicorn and earth pony in the heavy infantry and scouts. Attach to Applejack’s hoof was Gadget’s newest toy, the hoof cannon, the thing was made with the same idea as Celestia’s grieves. By merely focusing their earth pony magic, she could create a small orb of magic and fire it. The hoof blasters didn’t have the stopping power of the ship’s cannons, but it would take a pony down. The downside was it took a full five seconds to charge a lethal shot, anything less was just a love tap. This made the rate fire pretty low, and if fired it too often and too fast it overheats. Still, it was nice to be able to attack from afar for once. She kept her grieves on through knowing eventually things would get up close and personal.

“Look alive! We got incoming!” Rawhide shouted as the factory fell to earth. Nico did his job. Hopefully, he and others inside were alright. The factory landed hard. Dust kicking up from the landing obscured their vision, and for a moment, everything was silent.

Applejack peeked up out of her hole, her cannon humming softly as she powered up a blast. All around her ponies emerged doing the same. Through the dust and smoke, they spotted figures rising up off the ground. Moments later, beams of fire slammed into the defensive positions.

“Return fire!”

The sound of hundreds of hoof cannons going off at once was deafening. Glowing orbs of magic flew into the figures, creating screams of pain. It wasn’t long that the enemy returned fire, beams of light, blasts from unicorn horns and cannon echoed, and then there were the howls. Peeking over the defenses, Applejack spotted the familiar sight of artic timberwolves charging at them. Their white bark skin cover in ice sent chills down her spine as she remembered her last encounter with them.

“Don’t let them get close! Use alternating volley fire!” She ordered taking a shot at the wolves, only to miss. That was the third problem with these things, it was more guessing than actual aiming at anything farther than twenty feet.

Sure enough, once the wolves were close enough, they were quickly taken out by the barrage of cannon fire, their wooden bodies bursting into flames. Now they were back to the start, firing blindly into the enemy ranks, unable to advance due to the enemies more accurate fire, but the enemy wasn’t willing to push into their fighting range.

“We need air support.” Applejack grumbled into her gem communicator, only to get a bunch of static, “Every damn time! You got any ideas?”

Rawhide peered over the battlefield, on top of the factory there was a barrage of anti-air fire, which what was probably keeping their units from descending. Of course they could fall back and join up with them from behind, but that would only ground the air units. In the middle section of the factory more stone golems lined up, firing into the sky at the Moon Cutter. There was also a horde of ogres forming at the base of the factory. They would be in tight pinch very soon if they didn’t do something.

“Well, we could dig a tunnel.” Rawhide suggested, anticipating Applejack’s ‘are you kidding me’ look he shushed her, picking up his pickaxe and infused it with his magic. With one mightily swing, he dug five feet into the ground.

“Dirt’s pretty soft, I used to blow through two feet of rock back in the day. I’ll have us under them in no time.”

“Alright then, you get digging I’ll keep things going up here. Signal me when you get to the enemy line. Hopefully, the Moon Cutter can get low enough for Overheat to jump down and join us.”

“You just keep your head down and keep those monsters at bay, I’ll be right back.” Rawhide grinned giving Applejack a quick peck on the cheek. He dug into the earth with vigor, disappearing into the darkness of his tunnel in only a few seconds.

“That’s very unprofessional!” Applejack called down, blushing. “Stupid stallion never serious when he supposed to be.” She grumbled firing at the enemy.

Sixes got up with a groan, if he were to guess, Luna and the others arrived. They could have waited a little bit longer to send them crashing to earth, preferably after they got out of here. Speaking of which, these walls were sturdy, solid mountain rock made excellent prison walls.

“That would be our friends,” He looked to the elected leader of the imprisoned ponies, Shadow Specter was what he calls himself. Shadow claimed to be a sort of ghost pony but was unable to validate his claim do to the collar blocking his magic. “Are you still hesitant about escaping?”

Since their reintroduction with their former cellmates, Sixes and Fury had learned a lot about the factory. Such as how long they had been operating and the many experiments they’d conducted. The 150 Rinin ponies that he and Fury had been a part of were one of the few mass production experiments. Most ponies here in prison were specialized experiments, some were variants of regular ponies, like the giant pony, P-Rex, and the Shadow Specter himself, along with a few more monster ponies similar to Overheat and Emerald Cutter. Altogether they numbered about a few hundred. Their numbers varied from as low as 004 to as high as 9989, other than the 150 Rinin, and the ponies here, all other experiments were failures, in which the subject died, leaving a rough total of four hundred and fifty successful trials, well four hundred and fifty-one, now. With maybe more in labs.

“It’s not that we don’t want to escape Sixes, of course, we do, but…” Shadow Specter hesitated, “We tried before and failed. These collars don’t just block our magic, they also act as a sort of anti-riot device. We get loose; it only takes a single charge of a horn to have us on our knees. Let me tell you from experience, it’s not pleasant.”

“So if we get these collars off, you’d fight?” Fury asked, making Sixes wonder what his friend had in mind.

“We’d follow you with vigor right into the mouth of hell itself.”

“Well then,” Fury said, expanding his chest, “Guess it’s up to me then.”

“Fury, what are you doing?” Sixes demanded as he watched his friend try to summon up his fire breath. Steam blew off the red Rinin’s body as his scales crack, at this rate Fury would explode! “Fury stop, Fury!”

Liquid fire fell from Fury’s mouth as he smiled, his entire body engulfed in flame. “I’ll see you in a few minutes,” He said, “Make sure you move the collar, I’d hate to do this again.”

Right before Sixes very eyes, Fury erupted into a column of fire and crumbled into ash. The metal collar ringing as it rolled across the stone floor.

Luna led the charge with Killing Perfection and the Rinin triplets, Trifecta (#301), Trinity (#302), and Thrice(#303), they were called the triplets, well because they all look the same. All three sported the same grey-blue coat color, silver mane, and stood at the same height. Overall they made a capable team.

As she and Killing Perfection flew in to try and enter the enemy stronghold, the triplets providing cover fire with their hoof cannons, blasting away at the line of stone cyclops. Ogres quickly filled the voids, swinging clubs and such at them. Luna wasn’t in a mood to play and grabbed the ogres with her magic and threw them off the side to the ground, it was a long way down.

With her hooves on the enemy base, Luna felt a brief moment of triumph. Working quickly she and Killing Perfection sent the rest of the monsters on the platform to a quick and timely demise viva pushing them off the side. They were about to clear the other platforms when half a dozen unicorns rushed them.

Pulling her star blades from their holster, she met the unicorn head-on with Killing Perfection, quickly finding out something was different about them the moment one slipped through her defenses and got a hit on her breastplate, denting it. Luna wheezed as the dented metal pushed on her lung, restricting her breathing. KP rushed from the side tackling the pony that dare hit her and sent him flying off the factory. The shuttering hiss of her swords being drawn filled the air as the white Rinin mercilessly craved her way through the five remaining ponies.

“Are you alright, princess?” She asked dragging Luna to the corner of the platform. Keeping one eye trained on the door leading inside as she worked to get the princess’s breastplate off. Luna pushed her away before she could though, Perfection stepped back allowing the princess to stand on her own hooves as Luna used magic to remove the dent in her armor.

“I’m fine. They just took me by surprise is all. I never expected a unicorn to hit that hard, it was almost like taking a kick from Applejack.” Though Applejack never tried to kill her, if not for her armor and the sturdy material it was made out of, she’d be breathing through her chest right now. “I fear I may have underestimated them. I thought they were the science type like Gadget and would be lacking physical department, but I was proven wrong.”

“I’m sorry, princess,” Said Killing Perfection, “I should have paid better attention, it’s my fault they got so close to you.”

Luna waved her off her concern, “Think nothing of it KP, one should guard their own life on their own. Relying on other ponies to do it for you only weakens one's own survival instincts. Let us take this lesson with a grain of salt and move on from here.”

“Understood.”

Luna nodded and retrieved her gem commutator, “This is Princess Luna, we have secured a foot hold, I repeat we have a foot hold, send down the assault teams.”

“Roger that, Emerald Cutter and her squad are on the way down,” The radio pony replied.

“Shall we secure the other platforms then?” Luna grinned mischievously lighting up her horn.

“Already got them done, princess!”

Luna and Killing Perfection ran to the edge of the platform to see the triplets each holding their own cleared platform. A few moments’ later diamonds rain down from the sky, wiping out the enemies on the platforms above, announcing the arrival of Emerald and her team.

“Sorry we're’ late princess, had to drag this lug with us.” Emerald joked pointing at Overheat.

The fiery monster pony gave a salute before jumping off the crystal pathway Emerald was making for the land units to travel on, hopping down to the lower platforms, and leaving a fiery trail in his wake as he made his way to the ground to support the Rawhides and Applejack’s forces below.

“Alright, let’s move out!” Luna commanded once every pony was on the platforms, together they entered the enemy stronghold.

Once inside they broke off into three teams, one lead by Luna, one by Emerald Cutter, and one by Killing Perfection. Their mission was to subdue all enemy combatants by whatever means and take the upper, middle, and lower levels.

Luna took the middle, while Killing Perfection took the upper, with Emerald taking the lower, each one with their own five pony unit at their command.

As the hoof steps of others disappeared in the distance, Luna prayed for their safety. More ponies would be joining them soon, the triplets would keep their foothold secured for the other units. Yet, despite everything going their way, the twisting knots in her stomach did not leave her. In the corner of her mind she knew something was wrong, very wrong, she just didn’t know what.

“It’s kind of quiet,” one of the ponies behind her said, making Luna stop in tracks and take a look around. There was nothing here, no ponies, no monsters, nothing!

“Princess?”

“Shoosh,” She demanded with her hoof. Closing her eyes, she stomped her foot on the metal floor, using earth sonar to find anything, anything at all. For a long time she felt nothing, when suddenly at the very end of the sonar's range, something appeared and it was getting closer.

Its hooves clang on the metal floor, loud like thunder, the noise deafening in the silence of the darkness. From the darkness emerged a pair of glowing yellow eyes, followed by a long metal horn, the thing was massive, at least a head taller than her.

It was a horse, a metal horse.

“Hello again, my dear Princess of the Night, how are you today?”

“Yellowblood,” Luna gasped, recognizing the noble’s voice. “What, what happened to you?”

The metal monster laughed, “I have given up my fear and have ascended to the higher plane! I now no longer afraid of you and your sister, or the insignificant power you hold. I am beyond you now. I will prove it two you now, by killing those slacks for flesh behind you.”

“You will do no such thing!”

“Really,” Yellowblood chuckled darkly, his horn engulfed in yellow flame, “Try and stop me!”

Luna lurched forward with her star blades posed to attack as Yellowblood’s magic flowed around her, only when it was too late did she realize her mistake. Her blades bounce harmlessly off the metal stallion's coat as his magic attacked the ponies behind her. She turned, foolishly giving her back to her enemy as she saw all five ponies fall to the ground with spears of light buried in their hearts.

Tears stained her cheeks as she faced to the metal pony laughing behind her, the shadows dancing around her in an angry frenzy. She screamed at the top of her lungs, magic gathered around her hoof as she struck with all her might. Yellowblood met her, their feet slammed together, creating a shock wave so powerful it ripped the floor beneath them apart.

They fell into the darkness below.

Author's Note

9/22/19 edited

Darkness of the Factory

Night Patrol Ch 19

By Foxgear

Applejack and Rawhide were in the thick of it when Overheat crashed down from the sky like a meteor and took out a dozen ogres with his landing alone. The six-legged fire stallion quickly went to work on the enemy forces, reducing a chunk of the enemy line to ash in seconds. Honestly the display left Applejack feeling a little outclassed. At least Rawhide’s tunnel worked out, and their fellow soldiers could cross the battlefield with minimal safety.

“Save some for us, will ya?” Applejack hollered over the noise as Overheat bucked a stone cyclops in two. The thing was still alive as it tried to charge a magic beam, tried being the keyword since she smashed her hoof through the thing’s eye before it could get the shot off.

“Take what you can, cause I always lick my plate clean,” Overheat said with his usual cocky grin. At least Aj assumed he was grinning, it was hard to tell when he was a flaming skeleton.

Whatever he was doing didn’t really matter to her, she was glad he was here. Having any of the monster ponies around in a fight made everything easier, fight a monster with another monster as they say. It was about as good as having one of the princesses with you. There didn’t seem to be anything the night hunters couldn’t takedown.

A pony tapped her shoulder, Applejack turned to see it was Rawhide, and he didn’t look thrilled despite their impending victory. She looked around and saw the field was almost cleared, so what was making him so sour?

Then she felt it, it was coming from the shadowed entrance of the factory, a chill ran down her spine like when she met Sombra back in the Crystal Empire. Vaguely she noticed the waves of monsters coming from the factory had stopped, filling the air with an eerily silence.

“Everypony get ready for anything!” Applejack yelled her hoof cannon charged and ready, everypony followed her lead, feeling the same mounting dread she did. They took aim for the entrance. The fear building as the “KUNK KUNK” of something massive stomped toward them. From the shadows emerged a gleaming dull gray hoof, followed by a longhorn, shrouded in orange magic.

She gave the command to fire before the creature could fully come into view, “FIRE!”

At least fifty blasts hit the entrance, of those that actually hit their shadowy target was uncertain, but they defiantly caused some damage. There was a crater for crying out loud! Yet, Applejack couldn’t shake the fear off her skin.

“Recharge and fire another volley!” She ordered, retaking aim, only for Overheat to move in front of her. “What are you doing? You’re in the way!”

Overheat shook his head, “No, you’re in my way, get out of here, all of you! This opponent is something else. Something you can’t handle.”

“We can’t just leave you here alone with that thing! Whatever it is…” Applejack protested.

Overheat eyed the thing in the smoke warily, it was awfully patient, or perhaps it was toying with them, he didn’t know or care to find out with everypony standing around and NOT doing what he told them to do.

“You and Rawhide might be of some help, but the others? They’ll just be cannon fodder. Get them out, and then you can come back and help me, now GO!”

Rearing up Overheat bellowed a stream of scathing fire at the metallic pony, which fired a blast of orange magic to counter his attack. The two attacks met and sent fire flying everywhere!

(At least it got them moving) Overheat snorted side trotting as the thing charged him, smashing the ground where he once stood, rearing back he struck the metal beast's flank with his four front hooves, each strike creating a shower of sparks, overall though it seemed ineffective, so he leaped back to grain some distance and reexamined his enemy.

The thing was a tall, if not a little taller than him, with a longhorn (about as long as Celestia’s) and wings perhaps? Then there was the thing’s metal skin, he didn’t know what kind of metal it was, but it was damn hard. His horseshoes hadn’t even made a dent, which meant melting it would be his best option.

“Well then, come on and get me!” He taunted, earning the thing’s attention. It charged its horn as he rushed it, galloping at full speed.

An attack, from the ruined factory entrance, sent him stumbling though, a red blast of magic caught his right front shoulder. Trotting on five legs Overheat veered left, avoiding several more explosions from both attackers. Ducking behind some broken stone cyclops he took a moment to catch his breath as a second metal pony joined the first.

(Ok, I could really use Applejack and Rawhide now, these ponies are something else.)

While debating on what to do, the two metal ponies start blasting his position, breaking chunks of the stone cyclops away with each blast, it wouldn’t be long before his cover was dust in the wind.

As Overheat was about to make a break for it, the firing stopped, followed by a loud ‘clang’! Peering over his defenses, he was glad to see Rawhide and Applejack in the fray, both earth ponies were going to town the metal ponies with all their might, Applejack with her four glowing hooves and Rawhide with his glowing pickaxe (When did he learn to do that?) together they pushed the two metal ponies back, their sudden rush catching the two metal beasts off guard.

Spurred on by their display of might, Overheat rushed from his cover aflame, taking his skeletal form. With a mighty leap, he jumped into the air and fell like a meteor on the red metal pony, burying the thing into the earth. The orange pony charged up an attack, but Rawhide stuck his pickaxe into the thing’s eye socket, causing its shot to veer off in a different direction.

“Think that did it?” Applejack asked as they regrouped at the factory entrance. The two metal ponies got back up almost instantly, looking none the worse for wear.

“I think that would be a resounding no, time for a change in tactics,” Overheat tapped his gem communicator, “This is night hunter Overheat, requesting the deployment of the AT-1, time to test out that new toy Gadget.”

“Roger that, AT-1 will deploy in five minutes.”

“Why is it always five minutes?” Overheat grumbled under his breath, preparing for the next round. He hoped they could last that long.

“Let’s go, let’s go! Get this thing moving!” A pony yelled as he climbed to the top of the AT-1, his name was Howitzer, an earth pony from the backwoods of Equestria and the AT-1’s test pilot. He studied Gadget’s manual thoroughly in preparation for this day. All he needed now was his crew to arrive, and they could deploy.

Opening the hatch, Howitzer vaguely noticed the tank begin to rumble as it came to life. He brushed it off, thinking somepony got here ahead of him. When he got inside, he was in for a big surprise.

There in the driver’s seat was Nightingale, who by his memory should be at the castle recovering, next to her reading the tank’s operations manual was a very nervous looking Dusk, who should also be at the castle.

“That starts the engine, and that’s the gun, and this is the throttle. To go forward you-“

“I think I got it.” Nightingale grinned, revving the throttle, “Now let’s stretch this thing wings or tracks or… whatever, let’s rock!”

“Wait, I want to AGGGHHHH!” Dusk screamed as Nightingale gunned the gas, propelling the tank forward to the edge of the lowered ramp, The Moon Cutter still airborne by the way.

Howitzer felt his body leave the floor of the tank as they drove off the ramp, free-falling to the ground at high speeds.

“Hit the parachute for Luna’s sake!” He screamed as he moved through the cramped cockpit and mashed the release button. There was a soft “Floosh” as the shoot deployed, followed by a soft jerk as the tank’s descent slowed.

“What in Luna’s name are you two doing in here?” Howitzer demanded as he tried to regain control of his tank, but Nightingale pushed him away, keeping him from the driver’s seat. He growled under his breath as they touched down on the ground. Eagerly Nightingale drove them ahead, leaving him little choice but to man the main gun.

“Well, the plan was for me to join the battle and for little Dusky here to meet up with Gadget, but we both overslept… a lot. We woke a little bit before the battle, but Dusk was too scared to get out and face her dad, understandable really, so she started reading the manual to calm down, and I was pretending- I mean learning how this thing works.” Nightingale explained excitedly as they neared the battlefield, “Now, are you going to work with us or keep whining like a foal?”

Howitzer scoffed, “Fine, but don’t be crying to me when Gadget chews your ears off.”
Looking through the telescope, Howitzer spotted their targets, “Dusk, I need you to load the cannon, while I aim and fire, Nightingale you’ll drive, try to keep us steady, but don’t let us get hit too often. This thing can take a hit, but she’s not unstoppable.”

“Alright, let’s do this!” Nightingale cheered, pushing the throttle to max speed.

Peering through the scope, Howitzer lined up his shot on the metal menaces attacking their comrades.

“Get out of the way!” He barked over the coms, Overheat, Applejack, and Rawhide quickly retreated from the two beasts, giving him a clean shot at the two. The sound of the cannon’s breach closing signaled that he was locked and loaded and ready to fire.

Unlike the ship's cannons and the hoof cannons, the AT-1 fired gem tipped projectiles, much like the air unit’s missiles, and while they only had limited ammo, each shot pack a lot more punch! With a raise of his leg, Howitzer stomped on the trigger, firing the round.

The round screamed out of the barrel, rocketing through the air at subsonic speeds, through his scope, he tracked the shot. The projectile impacted behind his targets, a miss, pleating them with chunks of earth. He cursed and adjusted his aim as Dusk loaded another shell.

“Incoming attack, move left forty degrees!”

Nightingale bit her lip as she maneuvered the tank, the sound of two magical blasts impacting behind them made her nearly draw blood. It was unnerving driving when she couldn’t see what was happening. Howitzer was the only one of them that could actually see clearly in this metal contraption. Everything relied on his guidance.

“Straighten out, don’t let them get a lock on our side or they might track us, and then we’ll be in real trouble!”

“Roger that!” Nightingale yelled, turning the tank.

Howitzer turned the turret slightly to get a bead on the enemies’ flanks, they didn’t seem too concerned as they moved their heads for another attack, keeping the broadside of their bodies in his crosshairs. He was about to show them how worried they should be as he fired another shot.

He fired again, this time he was right on target and caught the orange one in the side, and sent it flying from the impact! Right into the bottom of the factory! The red one turned away, rushing to the aid of the other.

“Can I get a confirmation on the target? Have we caused damage?” Howitzer radios, the dust from the impact completely blinding his vision.

“Target hit, but no way to confirm any damage. AND WOW that’s a big hole!” Applejack reported over the coms. “Woah! Oh, boy, he doesn’t look too happy!”

“Applejack, please come in Applejack.”

“Ah’m a little busy!”

Looking through the scope, Howitzer saw that three engage the red metal pony again, giving him no clear shot. He moved to the hole made in the side of the factory and zoomed in, finding no trace of the orange metal pony. Still, he wanted to be sure.

“Load the blue-tipped round,” He ordered Dusk. “We’re going to put that metal monster on ice.”

Blue round loaded, Howitzer fired into the hole. A moment later the hole was sealed entirely in ice.

“Drive us closer and position us beside those rocks there Nightingale, we’ll hold our position there and provide artillery fire on demand. Did you get all that Applejack?”

“Roger that, we’ll get you your shot. Give us a moment to wrangle this guy down, he’s getting awfully feisty.”

“Sounds like he’s quite the opponent,” Nightingale chuckled as she positioned them by the rocks. “Wish I could be out there right now. Maybe I should go join them?”

Howitzer glared at her, “We need a minimum of three ponies to run this thing. You’re not going anywhere. Now cut the chatter and be ready to move on my command.”

“Aye, aye captain,” Nightingale saluted with a cheeky grin. Howitzer grumbled under his breath, watching the battle through his scope. Since they were kind of stuck for the moment, Nightingale took a second to glance towards Dusk to see how the aged up filly was holding up. Overall she seemed fine, minus the trembling, the heavy breathing, the… ok, maybe she wasn’t doing so great.

“Hey, you, ok?” Nightingale whispered, placing a comforting hoof on Dusk’s shoulder. The black-eyed filly looked at her, eyes swollen with held back tears. Making Nightingale feel terrible for dragging her along on her little adventure. She should have pushed the younger mare out of the tank for her own sake if nothing else, but she didn’t. That was a real lapse in judgement in hindsight. Of course, it’s hard to remember how young Dusk actually is when she looked no younger then Nightingale herself.

Dusk nodded and tried to smile, but it wasn’t a compelling one. Nightingale patted Dusk's shoulder and offered her best smile. “Don’t worry, you’ll make it through this, I swear, I’ll make sure you do,” Nightingale promised, though she hoped it was one she could keep.

“Look alive, time for some action!” Howitzer said, firing a shot. Nightingale and Dusk quickly got back to work as Howitzer barked his orders

“Fire!” Applejack yelled over the coms as she ducked behind some rubble as the whistling sound of a gem shell flew over her head, it slammed into the red metal pony. She quickly crawled up to peek at the damage and cursed as a shimmer of red magic encased the metal pony in a protective dome.

Roaring at the top of his lungs, Rawhide attacked the metal pony from behind, his pickaxe glowing with magic as he strikes, remarkably it pierce the dome, but it was still too far away to do any damage. The metal pony dropped the shield and kicked Rawhide with his back hooves, sending the earth stallion flying into the wall.

Snorting angrily, Applejack rushed in low and swept the metal pony’s legs out from under him, rushing to Rawhide’s side as Overheat came in and stomped on the metal pony’s face before it could get up.

“You ok?” Applejack asked, fearful as she looked over Rawhide’s body for injuries. There was a stream of blood coming from under his helmet. Carefully she removed it, only to regret it as more blood flowed down and covered his face. She placed pressure on the wound and reached for her com.

“This is Commander Applejack, I need a medic pony at my position, ASAP, I repeat, I need a medic pony. We got a pony down!”

“We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Some Pony replied, in the distance, she saw some movement back by their barricades.

She sighed with relief, thankful there medic ponies stationed so close. She just hoped they could make it here and back with Rawhide safely, the battle was really starting to heat up.

Overheat was going hoof to hoof against the metal pony, both were so close to each other neither could really use their fancier moves or magic, so it was down to a good old brawl of brawn, which Overheat would probably win, if not for the fact he was facing down a literal wall of metal.

The night hunter smashed his barrel against the metal pony’s, trying to tackle him to the ground, but the metal pony wouldn’t give and pushed back nearly bringing Overheat down, if not for the fire stallion digging in with all six of his legs, he would have been squashed. With a grunt, Overheat pushed back, freeing his front claws, which he used to grip onto the metal pony’s neck. Giving him enough leverage to knock the pony over and give Overheat some breathing room as he trotted away.

“What are you waiting for? FIRE!” He shouted over the coms.

The sound of the AT-1’s cannon firing was comforting as the shell hit the metal pony, sending it skidding across the ground, barely missing the factory wall, unlike his kin before him.

“Whoahoo, that’s the stuff!” Overheat celebrated as the medic ponies emerged from the tunnel. They quickly tended to Rawhide, while Applejack fussed, he was about to go join them, confident the metal monster wouldn’t be getting back up again, but as he trotted away, he heard a groan from behind him. Stopping, he turned to the metal pony, whatever shell the tank team had used left a mark in the form of a massive hole in its barrel, but the metal monster was still alive and kicking and really pissed off now.

“You ingrates dare bring me to my knees, dare to lay a hoof on my beloved cousin, and expect to get away unscathed? I will see you hung by your entrails for such offenses! No pony makes a fool of Ruby Redblood!”

Overheat scowled at the metal monster, this was one of the nobles? (What happened? More importantly, what was that crazy red aura behind him? It looks like an Alicorn.)

“Take this!” Redblood screamed madly, firing a colossal blast of magic at Overheat.

The night hunter expelled a stream of fire to counter the spell, but it wasn’t a very even match up. He quickly found himself overwhelmed by Redblood’s attack and was losing ground rapidly. He summoned up all the magic he could muster and pushed back, gaining an inch for his efforts, an inch he quickly lost.

“Damnit!” Cursed Overheat as he tried to put more power into his attack, but alas, he was maxed out. In the background, he could hear Applejack screaming his name, probably rushing to help him, but she wouldn’t make it in time. Not that she could possibly do anything anyway. This pony, this metal monster of a pony, was too much for them.

Applejack ran for all she was worth, but she knew she wouldn’t make it in time, regardless Applejack charged up her boots with as much magic as she could muster, hoping it could do something, anything to that metal monster. As she drew closer, Redblood’s attack was about to engulf Overheat, Applejack screamed at the top of her lungs, trying to gallop even faster, but that wasn’t enough, Then a familiar voice spoke over her gemcom and nearly caused her to trip from surprise.

“GET AWAY FROM MY FRIENDS!” Nightingale screamed as she rammed the AT-1 at full speed right into Redblood, smashing the metal pony right into the wall of the factory!

“You crazy mare!” Howitzer yelled as the tank bucked from the impact. “You’re going to get us killed!”

“Shut up and fire!” Nightingale screamed savagely ramming the noble with the tank over and over again.

“Dusk, load an armor-piercing round, the silver one!” Howitzer ordered as they back off, he fired, point-blank into the noble’s face. Nightingale rammed the tank forward, only to stall as a blast of magic hit them head-on. The armor plating buckled under stress, bolts popped out of the walls, and ricocheted in the cab, one bolt hitting Howitzer in the chest.

“Come on, Nightingale,” He gasped, “It’s just a scratch! ONWARDS!”

Nightingale screamed, slamming the tank forward again, Redblood was unprepared for the assault as he thought he disabled them buckled as they pushed the metal noble right through the wall of the factory, blasting away as they drove deeper and deeper into darkness.

“Nightingale… Nightingale to you read me? Nightingale?” Applejack frantically called over the coms for her friend and received static as a response. Cautiously she walked to the hole the tank made and peered inside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the machine or the putter of its engine. Instead, she heard an explosion!

“NIGHTINGALE!”

“Applejack, what’s going on? What’s happened?” Gadget demanded over the coms, “Applejack, report!”

Applejack steadied herself against the broken wall of the factory. Taking long deep breaths to try and calm down.

“Nightingale, she-she was driving the tank. She…” Applejack explained what happened.

“I see, I’ll be right down with princess Celestia, you stay there and wait for us. Do not go in until we get there, do you understand?”

“Ah, do,” Applejack replied. The earth mare bit her lip, uncertain if she should tell Gadget or not yet, but decided it was best to tell him soon then later. “Gadget, there’s something else.”

“What’s that?”

“Ah think, Ah heard Dusk in the background over Nightingale’s com. I think she was inside the tank.”

There was silence, and then a ‘POP’ of magic as Gadget appeared beside her via teleportation. The greying unicorn had a mad look in his eyes like when he interrogated Redblood’s guards. Before she could speak a word, he ran into the darkness of the factory.

“Gadget wait, you can’t go alone!”

“DUSK!” Gadget screamed, completely ignoring her.

Celestia appeared in a flash, “Come on, Applejack, after him!” The Princess of the Sun gave chase after Gadget, leaving Applejack straggling behind as she ran full bore to keep up with the two.

“Wait, who in charge of the moon cutter?” Applejack asked, coming up beside the princess.

“Firefly is in charge,” Celestia told her as they swung around a corner, a trail of fire as their guide. “Things may be worse then I fear, we haven’t had any contact from Luna in the past half hour, I’m worried she may be in trouble as well as the assault teams.”

“Then, let’s pick up the pace then!” Applejack hollered, sprinting past the princess. She ran down a darkened tunnel that led to a larger chamber, from the looks of the ruins it was the factory’s engine room. In front of her was Gadget, staring down into a dark pit. She moved next him as Celestia joined them. They all stared in horror at the burning wreckage of the AT-1 down below.

“Dusk…”

Luna groaned as she felt her body bounced her hooves dragging across the ground. She felt tired like somepony had drained all the magic from her body. When Luna opened her eyes, there was only darkness. Being the Princess of the night meant being able to see in the dark, but everything was still only a vague shape to her right now. She then realized she was being carried and by Nico Vega of all ponies! Something that would be almost laughable given his size, if not for the grave situation they were in.

“Nico… what… happened?” She rasped, her throat dry.

The Rinin hummed, uncertain how to explain what happened, “I’m not really sure. You and this metal pony fell down a shaft and were fighting. I’m sorry to say it wasn’t going too well for you, but I’ll give you props for the cool looking aura you had up.”

“Aura?”

“Yeah, you had this black shroud thing hoovering around you, tearing everything around it to shreds! I didn’t know you could do stuff like that. Still, it didn’t seem to be working and the metal pony-“

“The metal pony is Yellowblood,” Luna informed him.

“Yellowblood, huh, who would have guessed that. Anyway, things weren’t going so well, so I jumped in and gave him a swipe in the eye with this thing.” Nico held up his claw equipped with the weapon he stole earlier. “For whatever reason, it managed to hurt him, I had hoped hitting his eye would let me hit his brain or something, but there was nothing there. Still, it seemed to hurt him, and you know what Killing Perfection says, if you can hurt something, you can kill it.”

“When did she say that?”

“Go patrolling with her sometime, and she’ll say a lot of things like that,” Nico answered, smiling. “She’s kind of a chatterbox when you get her alone.”

“I find that hard to believe… Nico, look out!” She grabbed the Rinin with her legs using her wings to propel them upwards as a blast of yellow magic zoomed beneath them.

Yellowblood caught up to them.

Luna turned them around, so they were facing their enemy, and she had to say she was impressed with Nico’s new toy, the gaping hole that once the metal pony’s right eye was a glorious sight indeed. Even if magic was spewing out of it like a broken faucet, giving Yellowblood a very menacing image.

The metal noble snapped his jaws angrily, charged another blast, and fired. Luna brought them upwards again, but a second blast escaped from Yellowblood’s horn and brought them back down to the ground.

Luna winced feeling the sting of the blast through her armor. She pressed her hoof against the wound blood stained her boot. Looking down, she saw a big tear in her armor. The metal was folded inwards, digging into her chest.

As Yellowblood stomped towards them, she felt Nico struggle to lift her up. She tried to get off him, to at least allow him to escape, but her body froze and went stiff again. Magic Exhaustion, she had magic exhaustion!

“Dammit,” She cursed as Yellowblood stood over her, hoof raised for a final strike.

“And so ends the mightly Princess Luna.” He chuckled.

Luna glared at him refusing to close her eyes, and with what little movement she had huddled her body tighter around Nico in a vain hope to shield him from the attack. As the metal hoof fell towards her, she noticed something strange in what would probably be her final moment.

A pebble bouncing on the ground, suddenly, the entire room began to shake as the sound of steel groaning and stone crumbling became a constant roar.

“What is that?” Yellowblood shouted, too distracted by the noise to finish his attack.

The wall next to them broke, shattering into a hail of debris as what had to be the biggest pony Luna had ever seen in her life gallop right at Yellowblood and smashed the metal pony into the adjacent wall.

“You look like you could use some backup Princess.” A voice said a sound she was overjoyed to hear.

“SIXES!” She cried; happily, the black Rinin smirked as he was joined by Fierce Fury and several other ponies she didn’t recognize.

“Allow me to introduce the new recruits.” He grinned as the strange ponies gathered around her in a protective formation. The giant pony from earlier came flying backward and smashed into the wall next to Sixes, they all glared at Yellowblood stomped out of the hole toward them.

“Night Patrollers,” Luna rose to her feet, unimaginable pain bombarding her senses, but she stood firm. She needed to show strength for her new soldiers, “ATTACK!

Author's Note

edited 10/8/19

Deeper in to Darkness

Night Patrol Ch 20

By foxgear

Emerald and her unit stalked the shadowy hallways of the factory. So far, there was no contact with the enemy. This worried Emerald. They were in the enemy stronghold, the heart of their operations, they should be fighting tooth and nail to keep it. Unless…

“Princess Celestia, Princess Celestia, do you read me?” Emerald radioed over the coms, static-filled the air, frowning when nopony replied. “Is anypony there?”

“We’re-here-,” A voice said over the channel, there was a lot of static, but the voice defiantly wasn’t Celestia’s.

“Who is this?” Emerald demanded, “Who’s in Command?”

“Firefly, Princess Celestia put me in charge to join the battle.” Firefly answered.

Emerald Cutter let out a groan, their least experienced Commander was in charge. They were really spreading themselves thin.

“Firefly, listen up, I need you to connect me with the other Commanders and the Princesses. Something is very wrong here. We haven’t met a single enemy since entering, not even a single booby trap. I advise we pull out our units and blow this place apart from the outside with the ship's cannons.”

“We can’t do that,” Firefly replied, “We still haven’t managed to locate the prisoners, and we are having trouble connecting everyponies’ coms. We couldn’t order a retreat even if we wanted to.”

Emerald clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth in frustration. They had no choice, they had had to keep moving forward.

“Buckle, BootStrap stay here and keep the com lines open. The rest of you with me, we will…”

“Wait!” Firefly screamed over the coms, the high pitch of her voice made the gem coms scream with a horrible sound.

“What is it?” Emerald asked, clenching her teeth even harder. She was about to lose her patience!

Firefly took a moment to clear her voice and perform a fake cough. She was sweating profusely from the tone in Emerald Cutter's voice. She was not looking forward to their next face to face meeting.

“Sorry, I should have said this earlier, but we have been receiving reports of enemy combatants engaging with our forces. That’s why Celestia left to join the battle. From the reports, the enemy combatants are powerful metal ponies, and that used to be the nobles. So far we have encountered Orangeblood and Redblood, it is safe to assume there are at least three more. Be careful.”

“Roger that,” Emerald replied, straining her ears for any hint of the enemy. All was quiet and then.

(THUNK, THUNK, THUNK)

“Look alive, we have company.” She whispered to her unit. The sounds came from up ahead, down one of the corridors. Softly Emerald snuck closer, hugging the wall with her body. She waved Buckle over to look around the corner for her. Her longhorn would give her away before she could even get a peek at whatever was down there.

Buckle crept quietly around her, looking around the corner. His eyes widened in shock and fear at whatever he saw, but before he even had a chance to back away, a blast of green magic hit him in the head! Chunks of bone and flesh pelt Emerald’s Crystal green coat. The monster pony could do nothing but gasp at the sight of her fellow patroller falling lifelessly to the ground.

“Everypony back!” It was too late, though. Another blast blew the corner apart. Debris flew like cannon shots hitting them with lethal force. All were dead or soon to be dead, safe for Emerald Cutter, who survived thanks to her Crystal hard coat.

Rising through the rubble, Emerald got a good look at her opponent. He was one of the metal ponies, no doubt, the metal body a dead giveaway, and judging from the color of his magic, it was fair to say this particular metal pony was probably Greenblood.

“Not so high and mighty now are you, you freak.” The metal pony said, walking right up to her. “I will take great pleasure in humiliating you as you humiliated me! No pony makes a fool out of Greedy Greenblood! Especially dimwitted mares like you and that damnable Dippy hoof that don’t know their place!”

“Sounds like somepony has an inadequacy problem, what daddy’s money couldn’t make your little stallion any bigger? Must be why you got rid of it, not much to miss when you don’t have any balls in the first place.” Emerald sneered.

“You little!” Greenblood snarled his metal teeth, clanking angrily.

Emerald charged her horn slashing Greenblood with it, the metal noble backed away from her assault, but she followed up with her front claws grabbing the metal pony by the neck and tossed him over the side of the railing down a pit. Watching with satisfaction, Emerald sent a rain of gems down after Greenblood for good measure.

Satisfied with Greenblood’s demise, she pressed on going further into the factory. However, she didn’t get far when she heard what sounded like a gem engine roaring at supersonic speeds. Turning around, she just managed to catch a glimpse of Greenblood rocketing up from the deeps of darkness.

He zoomed around, making a circle in the vast chamber before flying right at her! Emerald formed a shield of crystals in front of her, but Greenblood rammed right through, his horn breaking through her crystal coat, sinking deep into her flesh and then coming out the other side of her left shoulder. Her left front legs went limb. With her right forelegs, she clawed at him, scrapping uselessly against his metal skin.

Greenblood chuckled as he smashed her against the wall, pulling his horn from her body he let her drop to the floor. Blood spilled from the wound profusely, a red puddle forming beneath Emerald.

“Not so tough now, are you?” Greenblood taunted, stepping on her wound with his hoof. Emerald screamed in pain as the metal noble dug his foot into the wound. She tried to charge up a spell, but he smacked her head against the wall before she could even gather the magic to do anything.

“This is your place, beneath me, you damn wench!”

Through swollen eyes, Emerald cutter glared at the noble pony and spat on his hoof. He hit her again, but she smiled anyway, she could still hurt his ego.

“Why you!”

He stomped on her again, but it didn’t matter, she was in so much pain she could hardly feel anything, probably nerve damage. Really what upset her was not the fact she was probably going to die, but the fact she was taken down by this poor excuse of a pony.

(Oh sweet Luna, that pisses me off!)

“Still trying to resist me? Oh, my dear, how much joy you bring me, but I grow bored with you.” Greenblood pressed his hoof against Emerald’s head and slowly applied pressure to her temple. She could feel the side of her skull cracking as more and more pressure was applied. Her skull would be crushed if she didn’t do something quick!

Igniting her horn, Emerald Cutter created an ethereal aura around her horn, drawing Greenblood’s attention. For a brief second, he lost his focus, and she managed to sneak out from under his hoof, stand up and stab the noble in the eye with her horn. His scream was like music to her as she jabbed her horn deeper into the empty armor.

“What’s going on? I shouldn’t feel pain! They said there would be no pain!”

Emerald chuckled darkly as she forced the noble onto his belly. She didn’t know what she was hitting to hurt him so much, but maybe stabbing a little deeper will finish him off for good. Casting another spell, the magic engulfing her horn grew longer, and with a raging whinny, she cut through the metal pony, cutting away half the right side of his face and the front right part of his barrel, revealing the inside of the armor. There, floating in a mist of green, was the green Alicorn Amulet.

“Well, what’s this now?” She asked, leaning closer to the amulet. Greenblood seemed to be in shock, his metal body may not feel pain, but his mind still could, and as far as it was concerned, he had just lost a fatal portion of his body. It would be sometime before he could process the fact he wasn’t actually hurt, not that he would have the time anyway as Emerald Cutter ripped the amulet free from the suit of armor. Greenblood’s soul dispersing into nothing.

Amulet clenched in her claw, Emerald Cutter limped over to where she thought the spot where coms worked was. She slumped against the remains of the wall, the feeling of warm blood running down her side, barely registering in her mind as she tried to call in.

“This Emerald Cutter, I have defeated Greenblood, I repeat I have repeated Greenblood. You need… you need…” Emerald’s vision flickered black. It was getting hard for her to think straight, she probably lost too much blood, and the head injury wasn’t helping. “I think I need a… medic…”

“Emerald Cutter? Emerald Cutter, are you there? Where are you? Emerald Cutter!” Firefly frantically yelled over the coms, she received no response. “Killing Perfection, I need you to check on Emerald Cutter, I think she’s badly hurt.”

“Roger that, I’ll find her,” Killing Perfection said, breaking away from her unit and diving down into a hole made by one of the earlier attacks. She flew with all her might, her concern for her friend pushing her faster and faster.

“Be alright Emmy, please be alright.”

Below in the bowels of the factory, Celestia, Applejack, Overheat, and Gadget scout the area where they found the tank. From the wreckage, they recover the body of Howitzer and thankfully found no pony else inside the tank.

“Look over here!” Applejack waved the others over to her, “Ah, found some tracks. Looks like Nightingale and Dusk made it out!”

The tracks were fresh, but they had been made in a hurry. Most likely, the two survivors had galloped away as fast their legs could take them. Applejack wandered over to the front of the wreckage where Redblood most likely would have been. She found another set of tracks, but they led in the opposite direction of Dusk and Nightingale’s. Why did he leave them be?

“Ruby probably went to look for Tangerine, they’re cousins, and have always been fond of each other, perhaps fonder then some would consider appropriate. They were big supporters of pure bloodlines.” Celestia said, looking over Applejack’s shoulder to get a better look at the directions of the tracks. She may not be a tracker, but even she could follow this trail. “Overheat, and I will give chase, I want you and Gadget to follow Dusk’s and Nightingale’s trail and get them to safety.”

“But…” Applejack began to protest, but Celestia shook her head.

“We can handle Redblood, don’t worry about us,” Celestia kneeled down to whisper in the farm mare’s ear, “I need you to keep an eye on Gadget, he doesn’t act rationally when Dusk is in danger. Reunite them as fast as you can, get them out, and then look for Luna. Can you do that for me, Applejack?”

Applejack nodded. “Come on, Gadget, we’re wasting time.” She broke into a light gallop knowing the graying stallion would tire himself out if they move too fast. At least this way, they could still make good time and hopefully prevent Gadget from getting impatient and run off on his own again.

As Celestia watched Applejack and Gadget disappear into the ruins of the factory, she hoped for their good fortune. Many have suffered today already, and no doubt, many more would suffer before the day was done, but at the very least, she hoped Dusk makes it out of here alive and well. She was much too young to already be in her second battle. She’s seen enough foals in wars that shouldn’t have been in, including herself and Luna.

“Are you ready to go, Princess?” Overheat asked her, already following Redblood’s trail.

Celestia nodded, “Yes, let’s end this battle.”

They follow the trail, which led to a tunnel made up of the factory’s engines. From the slag on the walls, it was apparent Redblood had made the tunnel. Melting the metal with his magic to create a path, what surprised Celestia was how fast he managed to make it. It couldn’t have taken them more than fifteen to thirty minutes for them to find the tank. How could have Redblood make such a tunnel in such a short amount of time? The size and length of it would take Celestia at least an hour or more. Even then, she couldn’t make one this long without getting tired, and Redblood before his transformation to the monster he is now was powerful, but he was nowhere near the level of magic needed to do this. There must be something else, something powering him beyond his normal limits. She knew of artifacts that could do such a thing, but the question is which one would it be?

Ahead of her Overheat came to a stop, causing her to nearly bump into him.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, igniting her horn with soft yellow light, trying to look past the large pony.

“The tunnel curves back! He tricked us! He’s going after the others!”

“We must hurry, Overheat!” Celestia yelled, “You follow the curve, and I will backtrack. Hopefully, we’ll make it in time!”

They separate, both galloping as fast as they could, but the tunnel, well large, didn’t allow them to run into a full gallop. Things were worse for Celestia, who always had to keep her horn lower to avoid hitting the ceiling, and her wings were rendered useless.

Redblood knew they would be coming, that’s why he set this trap, to separate them. He knew stronger members of the group would go after him first. But why, why was he going after Nightingale and Dusk? He was a snob like the others, but he was never really petty, was he upset about Orangeblood being attacked? Being hit with the tank? What was his motive?

So focused on her thoughts and avoiding the ceiling, Celestia never saw what happened next as Redblood broke through the sidewall of the tunnel, his metal horn piercing through her armor and into her flesh. He slammed her against the wall pinning her with his horn.

“Another trap within a trap, you are clever.” Celestia praised her horn igniting with magic, and in a flash, her axes tore through the air, destroying the tunnel and creating a much roomier battlefield. “But, your luck just rain out!”

Axes raised Celestia attacked with the power of a hurricane! She flung Redblood away, freeing his horn from her body and quickly sealed the wound with magic. She didn’t waste any time and followed up her attack, swinging both axes with all her might! Again Redblood was sent flying! Celestia fires multiple blasts of magic after him creating massive explosions! Before the dust could even begin to clear, she sent her axes swirling in with the force of tornadoes, ripping the area apart!

“Had enough?” Celestia taunted approaching Redblood, he tried to get up, but she used her axes to pin him to the ground by the neck. Metal or not, a pony couldn’t get up with its head pinned down, and its front legs folded under their body.

Redblood growled unintelligently at her. She chuckled, knowing how frustrated Redblood must feel. “Oh, don’t pout, you did well, but I’ve been doing this long before your grandparents even conceived your parents. I have faced many opponents far greater then you could ever hope to be. Now it’s just a matter of finishing you off.”

Redblood snorted, “Good luck, I am immortal!”

Celestia smiled warmly at him, but it lacked the warmth and motherly affection. Instead, it felt almost sinister as her horn ignited with golden magic.

“That’s what the last one said, and I can assure you, he is quite dead. Now let’s see... ah, there it is!” Redblood wondered what she was talking about when he felt a tug from within his body, something moved inside him. He tried to resist, but Celestia’s magic was too strong, and with a violent tug, the amulet inside him was pulled free through his mouth.

“How many of these cursed things are there?” Celestia wondered, walking away, tucking the red Alicorn amulet into her saddlebag. She didn’t even bother to watch Redblood’s soul disappear into oblivion. He didn’t deserve the honor.

“Princess Celestia, are you alright?” Overheat ran up to join her. He was looked overwhelmed by the destruction she caused. She always thought it was cute when ponies witness her fight. They always seem to have a hard time processing the fact that she could indeed fight. It was probably the princess title.
(Maybe we should have gone with Luna’s suggestion of titling ourselves Valkyries, it does sound more epic.)

“Yes, Overheat, I’m fine, hardly even worth writing down in the history books. Come, we need to regroup with the others. They won’t fare very well on their own.”

“Right, I think Applejack and Gadget are in that direction,” He pointed to what was probably north, it was hard to tell inside the factory.

“Really, I swore they were that way?” Celestia pointed in another direction. “Hmm, this isn’t good, any landmarks?”

Both looked around at the crater that once had been Redblood’s tunnel, nothing was recognizable.

“Hmm, Firefly, this is Princess Celestia, can you make contact with Applejack? Firefly? Can you hear me?” There was nothing but static. “Well, this isn’t good. Overheat you go in your direction, I’ll fly above and try to spot them, I’ll call you if I spot them and you do the same. Let’s move! We may not have much time!”

“Roger!” Overheat took off as fast as he could, while Celestia flew into the air.

--break

“Come on, Dusk, just a little further!” Nightingale encouraged the young unicorn as they climbed over the wreckage of one of the factory’s gem engines. She had managed to get Dusk out in time before the explosion, thanks to Howitzer taking over the controls and continuing to attack Redblood. Both of them knew he was a goner. He had been bleeding out fast from the wound in his chest, it was impressive Howitzer hadn’t died the moment he was hit.

She remembered that stupid smile he had on his face as she dragged Dusk out of the flaming wreckage. It was the kind of smile that said he enjoyed his life. She didn’t know him really well, but like her and many others who came to join Night Patrol, their lives before hadn’t been the greatest. When she got out of here, she was going to find out what his life had been before, as well as any family and give him the eulogy he deserved.

A massive explosion went off behind them, probably the tank, Nightingale concluded pressing onwards. They didn’t get much further when another explosion happened, this one three times larger than the first and further away.

“That’s gotta be a battle. I wonder who's fighting.” Nightingale said aloud.

“Princess Celestia,” Dusk answered, staring into the distance. “Princess Celestia is fighting Redblood, and she’s winning.”

Nightingale looked at the young unicorn skeptically, “Really, how can you tell all that from here?

“I can see them,” Dusk turned to her with her eyes were pure black, which really freaked Nightingale out.

“Ok… I’ll take your word for it. Can you just stop with the freaky eye thing?” Dusk didn’t seem to want to listen to her as she kept on speaking, eyes still black.

“Applejack and Dad are approaching our location from that direction and… look out!” Before Nightingale knew what had happened, Dusk teleported, grabbing her and then teleporting again. An orange blast of magic hit where they had previously been.

Nightingale swung into action pulling moisture in the air to create a thundercloud in her hoof. “Dusk, run!” She ordered as she stared down the metal pony that attacked them, it was Orangeblood, and she didn’t look happy. There was no way in hell was she beating this thing, but she sure wasn’t going to let it get both of them!

“Go already!” She yelled again.

Yelling like a mad mare, Nightingale charged at Orangeblood and punched her in the face with the thundercloud! Lightning flashed as yellow bolts hammered at the pony’s metal skin, but none of it seemed to have an effect. A quick swipe of a hoof sent Nightingale flying, sending her crashing hard against the debris with blood dripping down the side of her skull from the hit.

“What are you doing run already!” Nightingale yelled, spotting Dusk out of the corner of her eye. She cursed her own stupidity as Orangeblood turned her attention towards Dusk. “Get back here! You’re fighting me!”

Dusk stood frozen as Nightingale attacked Orangeblood again, getting smacked aside just as easy as the first time, but she got back up and charged again, screaming for her to run, but she didn’t run. She couldn’t run. No, she would not run! She was tired of running! She was going to fight!

“ARGGH!” Horn glowing black with magic, Dusk unleashed a blast so powerful it sent Orangeblood staggering back! Before the metal pony could even recover, she fired another spell, the magic drill bullet spell, the one she learned from Luna in the Crystal Empire.

The magic bullets punched through the metal ponies armor, which seemed to surprise her, but Dusk didn’t pay the noblemare any mind and kept firing, creating hail storm of bullets that tore through Orangeblood making her look like Swiss cheese.

“I’m staying!” Dusk yelled angrily at Nightingale, though she was still crying. “And you can’t stop me! I’m going to fight! I’m going to protect the ponies I care about!” Dusk’s mark, the symbol of infinity, began to glow as her eyes whited out. “I’m not losing any more friends!”

Head held high with her horn pointed to the sky, and with magic flowing through her body, Dusk unleashed the most potent magical blast in her entire life! The explosion melted the earth and steel around them, Orangeblood fired a counterspell, pushing for dominance. Dusk dug her hooves in deep and pushed harder, making Orangeblood lose ground, she began to walk forward. Her blast engulfing Orangeblood’s entirely.

“Die!”

In a flash of light, Dusk’s black magic overtook Orangeblood’s magic, blocking out any traces of the noble pony. Nightingale uncovered her eyes as the bright flash of the blast receded. Spotting Dusk belly down on the ground, Nightingale rushed over to make sure the unicorn was alright, thankfully Dusk was still breathing.

“She must have exhausted all her magic and fainted,” Nightingale concluded, knowing unicorns that overuse their magic was likely to suffer from magic exhaustion. Dusk would defiantly be incapacitated for a while, unable to move very quickly and could probably suffer from random temporary paralyze, but she was alive, and that’s what’s essential. “Still, you sure did a number on her kid.” Nightingale whistled while looking over the damage. A vast trench left by the blast. No way was Orangeblood getting out of that!

Gathering Dusk on to her back Nightingale prepared to go meet up with Applejack and Gadget, who, according to Dusk, shouldn’t be far behind. However, as she began to walk away, she heard something. Stopping in her tracks, she turned just in time to see Orangeblood drag what’s left of her out of what should have been her own grave.

“Son of a shod pony, what does it take to kill you?” She growled, turning to face the now three-legged noble pony. A few chunks of metal were missing here or there, but besides that, the noblemare was still in fighting condition, and Nightingale’s only hope of defeating her was lying limp on her back, “Horsefeathers."

“You lowly scum,” Orangeblood cursed limping out of the hole. “I’ll…”

In the distance, another explosion, from the same place as before, erupts, a pillar of fading red light following it.

“Ruby… no… no, Ruby!” Orangeblood called out desperately as she watched the last of her beloved cousin disappear into thin air. Orange tears of liquid magic rolled down her face, yet she could not feel it, she could feel nothing, only the coldness of her skin and the loneliness in her heart.

“You… you…I…I… kill… I’ll kill all of you!” Orangeblood screamed, her magic raging out of control. Pointing her horn directly at Nightingale and Dusk, who tried to run, but a blast of magic got the wingless Pegasi in the leg. “Just hold still, this will only hurt for as long I want it to!”

(Well, this is it) Nightingale pushed Dusk behind her in a most likely vain hope of protecting the unconscious unicorn from what was to come. If there was one thing she regrets, it was dragging Dusk into this mess, and a second regret would be not seeing Fury again.

Nightingale closed her eyes as Orangeblood fired her attack. She held Dusk close, covering her as much as she could with her body. The light of the beam grew brighter and brighter, drawing closer every second, Nightingale braced herself for what should have been agonizing pain. Instead, a strange coldness overtook her body. She looked up, and all around her was orange. They were in the middle of the attack, yet there was no pain. Where they already dead?

The attack passed by, and Nightingale turned around to look at Orangeblood, who looked as surprised as her. “I’m alive?”

“Impossible!” Orangeblood sneered, pointing at something with her horn. Nightingale followed the direction and came face to face with the strangest earth pony she had ever seen.

He had an ethereal silver mane floating in an invisible breeze and a black and white coat, the white looks like painted bones. Before Nightingale could utter a word, he dashed past her, charging at Orangeblood, Nightingale screamed for him to wait, but he wouldn’t listen and kept charging. Nightingale thought for sure he would be skewered by Orangeblood’s horn as he practically jumped into her attack, but something extraordinary happened. The pony’s coat inverted, black becoming white and white becoming black, and right before her very eyes, he passed through Orangeblood’s horn, her body, everything! Just like a… ghost.

“Sweet Luna, I really am dead!”

“You’re not dead,” The pony deadpanned his color reverting to normal, “I’m number 0013, Shadow Specter, I’m a ghost pony.”

“That’s not really helping with the not dead argument!” Nightingale yelled as Shadow Specter changed colors again as Orangeblood tried to run him down, but she only ended up running right through him. Shadow disappeared in a mist and suddenly appeared beside Nightingale, nearly giving her a heart attack! “Was that really necessary?”

“Hard to say, but long story short, are you a good fighter?” Shadow Specter asked as Orangeblood plowed into a piece of debris, sending metal chunks everywhere. The metal pony was having a hard time positioning its self on only three legs, but it wouldn’t be long till she attacks again, “Yes or no, please.”

“Yes, I guess? No scratch that I’m a great fighter! I even won in this tournament…”

“Irrelevant,” Shadow Specter interrupted, “Fact is I am not a very good fighter, inferior in fact, but there is something that I can do that will assure our mutual survival.”

Nightingale blinked as Shadow started reaching for her with his hoof. She scooted away, but he changed color, and suddenly, the world became very different. Her vision changed to black and white, as did her coat, which took on the same black and white coloring as Shadow Spector, but the most disturbing or perhaps surprising thing was the ethereal silver wings that grew from her back.

(I call this possession; you can now fight, while I support you by allowing you to use my powers. Congratulations, you can now walk through walls.)

“Alright, let’s rumble!” Nightingale flexed her wings, oh how good it felt to do that again, and took off into the air with blinding speed, charging towards Orangeblood while gathering moisture in the air forming two thunderclouds, “High-speed delivery coming at ya, and no refunds!”

The ghostly Nightingale grinned like a mad mare as she flew through Orangeblood, leaving the thunderclouds behind inside the metal noble. She formed another cloud and dropped down from the air-punching the center of the metal pony’s spine, the shocks reacted with the clouds inside, which results in a massive blast of thunder!

“Yahoo! I’m back, baby!”

Dashing around in a circle, Nightingale created a ring of clouds around Orangeblood, still reeling from the electric shocks couldn’t do anything to counter. The clouds blacken as Nightingale took to the air above Orangeblood, a small tuff of storm cloud attached to her hoof.

“Time for the coup de grace, Thunder Hoof!”

Nightingale dive-bombed hitting Orangeblood in the back with the cloud. Lighting arced between the metal pony and the clouds, sending thousands upon thousands of volts through her body, causing the metal noble to shake and spasm and then fall to the ground, but she got right up to Nightingale’s annoyance.

“Hmm, I thought for sure that would work,” Nightingale circled around the metal pony, looking for something, anything that could pinpoint her Achilles Heel. The Thunder Hoof seemed to cause some lasting damage or disoriented the metal pony in some way because Orangeblood wasn’t looking too hot as she stumbled around. Still, that didn’t mean she wasn’t a threat.

(Think I saw something inside her when I phased through earlier, perhaps it’s a power source?) Shadow Specter suggested as Orangeblood seemed to regain her bearings.

“It’s worth a shot, I guess.”

Nightingale dived, Orangeblood firing blindly with her horn, she fazed through the attacks and flew straight into Orangeblood’s metal body. For a moment, she was solid again, her hoof touched something, an orange gem covered in magic. Nightingale grabbed and fazed through to the outside of Orangeblood’s body and came to a stop in the dirt. Behind her, Orangeblood let out an ear-piercing scream as orange-colored magic poured out of her body and into the sky. The metal pony’s body shook violently and then simply fell to the ground in pieces.

“Well, that takes care of her,” Nightingale said, grinned victoriously, but she sure felt tired. She fell to her belly as Shadow Specter exits her body. He gathered her up onto his back and brought her to where Dusk lay in the dirt and set her down next to the unicorn.

“Thanks for the help,” Nightingale yawned. In the background of her vision, she saw Applejack and Gadget appear, followed by Celestia and then Overheat. She laughed weakly, she was probably in for an ass-chewing when she woke up.

“Dusk! Nightingale! Are you ok?” Gadget yelled as he ran up to the two. Much to his relief, they were both still breathing, “Oh Dusk, my sweet little Dusk. It’s ok, I’m here.”

Celestia walked up behind the inventor, amazed that the two were able to defeat Orangeblood all by themselves. They were genuinely talented warriors. She then noticed the pony standing close to the two. He was unlike any pony she had ever seen before, but she knew what those numbers on his flank meant.

“I assume you were the one who helped them?” Celestia approached Shadow Specter, who nodded nervously. He was probably intimidated by her size. “You have my thanks. These two mares, they… they are significant to me. I owe both of them a great debt. What’s your name?”

The black and white pony went rigged and gave a sloppy salute. “I’m 0013, Shadow Specter, I’m a ghost pony. You must be Princess Celestia.”

“That I am,” Celestia chuckled, “A ghost pony, hmm? My, my, the ponies of this place certainly are creative, I will give them that. I haven’t seen you or your number before, so I am to assume you are from this factory?”

Shadow Specter nodded rigged, “Yes, I was created here and kept here for as long as I remember. Till today was I a prisoner, but thanks to brother Sixes and brother Fury, I and my brethren are free, and we wish to help you rid the world of this place. The rest of my kin are with Sixes and Princess Luna, a few levels above us. We could feel the magical energy coming from below, so I, being able to walk through solid material, was selected to investigate. I just happen to stumble upon these two mares in need. From my count, that is one of four metal ponies killed so far.”

“Two,” Celestia corrected, “I finished off Redblood not too long ago.”

“I was unaware they had names.” Shadow Specter said offhandedly, looking at the pile of metal that once was living flesh and blood pony. “Shame they choose that fate for themselves, but at least they got to choose. Still, I never thought anypony would be that stupid.”

Celestia sighed, lamenting her blindness to the nobles' foolishness and greed, “Yes, it is a shame, but fear and greed can do that to a pony… wait, did you say four?” Shadow nodded. “But there are five nobles, shouldn’t there be five metal ponies?”

“That would be a fair assessment, but there are only four armors. The Doctors Madhoof and Hoofenstein like take us out of our cells every now then for further experiments and such, and sometimes we overhear things. Things like their other projects and future experiments, they tend to ramble while they work. Never the less, I can assure you, Princess, there are only four metal ponies in existence, not five. There is only so much Orichalcum in the world, you know.”

“Orichalcum!” Celestia gasped, the metal ponies toughness suddenly clear to her. “No wonder they were so durable. Though they must have weakened the metal when they added the Alicorn Amulets, the amount of magic the amulets produce would put a constant strain on the metal, it would take a few years, but at some point, the armor would have been destroyed from the power of the amulets. Still a clever idea to combine the two. I was wondering how Redblood’s body was able to stand up to the power resting inside of it.”

Shadow Specter shrugged, the Princess’s thesis going over his head, “It is beyond my understanding, but perhaps we should turn our attention towards defeating the final two armors. Currently, the one named yellow one is engaged in battle with Princess Luna, and my brethren above us and the last metal pony’s location is unknown.”

“Princess Celestia, Princess Celestia, can read me?” A statically voice called over the coms.

“Hold that thought, Shadow. This is Celestia, please report.”

“Thank goodness we got through!” Firefly’s voice said, “We just retrieved Emerald Cutter and extracted her from the battlefield. She had a run-in with one of those metal ponies but managed to defeat it, but she’s badly hurt. We wanted to get a warning to you, but we couldn’t get through!”

“Calm yourself Firefly, everything is alright,” Celestia said in her calmest voice, “Please take note that as of now, three of the four metal ponies have been defeated. I repeat the metal ponies, Greenblood, Redblood, and Orangeblood are all dead. Only Yellowblood remains and is currently engaged with Princess Luna and her forces, standby for our extraction call, we will be wrapping things up soon.”

“Roger that, we’ll be ready.”

“Shouldn’t we get Dusk and Nightingale out of here first?” Applejack asked after the coms went silent. “We can’t just leave them here, and it’s too dangerous to take them with us.”

Celestia nodded, “You are right, Applejack, but I fear splitting up at this point would be unwise. There may be other dangers lurking around that might be able to ambush the returning party at any time. Even if we sent Overheat and Gadget back with Nightingale and Dusk, their chances of getting out safety if attacked are low. Better to stick together and meet up with Luna and the others, and then we can all get out of here at once.”

“If I may suggest something Princess Celestia,” Shadow Specter asked, receiving a nod and continued, “Luna and the others are engaged with Yellowblood, but let us not forget the real masterminds of this place, Madhoof, and Hoofenstein. There is no doubt that they have already begun evacuating using the teleport room. That is why you have seen very few ponies running around, they are grabbing what they can and running if we hurry we may still catch them. Might I suggest that I and a few of the other able-bodied of our group go after them after leaving these two in the safety of Princess Luna’s group, where we can acquire more ponies to finish off the mad Doctors.”

“A reasonable plan Shadow Specter, we will do just that. Come, let’s put an end to this madness, once and for all!” Celestia declared leading the group, only to stop after a few feet and turn to Shadow Specter, looking somewhat embarrassed as she said, “Would you kindly lead the way Shadow? Being as you know the way to Luna and the others?”

The other ponies looked at her and share a quick laugh as they file behind the black and white pony, Celestia and Applejack taking up the rear. When no pony was looking, the farm mare waved for the princess’s ear and asked.

“Did you do that on purpose?”

Celestia grinned as they marched into the dark stairway to the upper levels. “Perhaps, a little humor in such depressing situations can do a pony some good. Some light in the darkness as they would say.”

“Ah, see, Ah, think we’re going to need a lot more light to get through this darkness, though.”

“Good thing the Princess of the Sun is with you then, right?”

Applejack smiled awkwardly as they walk deeper and deeper into darkness. Despite Celestia’s reassurances, it wasn’t the light of the sun she was craving for but that of the moon, for the moon was like the sun of the night that kept the darkness at bay.

“Hold on Luna, we’re coming.”

Author's Note

edited 12/9/19.

Darkness to Light

Night Patrol Ch 21

By Foxgear

From atop the giant pony P-Rex, Luna and several others watched the factory walls crumble and the ceiling fall. Ponies atop the giant’s head work tirelessly to keep sharp metal objects from hitting the giant pony carrying them to safety.

Luna couldn’t help but sigh, angry at the fact she was forced to retreat from the battlefield with Yellowblood still alive. After their first combined attack took out the primary support structures, she had little choice but to heed Sixes advice and flee with the newly freed ponies, while he and Fierce Fury stayed behind to fight Yellowblood.

She wished more of them could have stayed to help, but the newly freed ponies lacked fighting skills, talented and unique as they were, warriors they were not. It was better for everypony if they were out of the way.

Of course, there was Nico Vega, but it was quickly determined that he would be better put to use at her side. Acting as her hooves as she was still immobile from magic exhaustion.

On another note, there was one pony in particular that she found rather interesting, it was the white Rinin beside her. In a land of colorful ponies, white was a rare color to have. Most ponies dyed their coats to match Celestia in some way, shape, or form. What really caught her attention were the antlers on his head and the feathery wing as appose to leathery dragon wings. The antlers were almost like that of a deer’s, making him very interesting to look at, but it was his wings that really drew her attention. She didn’t know why, but she thought they look familiar.

“Pardon, but what is your name?” Luna asked him, noticing he didn’t have a number brand like the rest did.

“Don’t have one,” he replied, sounding eerily similar to Sixes.

“I see. Shall I give you one?” She offered, smiling at the surprised expression on the white Rinin’s face. He nodded slowly, looking a little flustered as he opened and closed his claws with excitement.

“Now, what name to give you?” Luna said aloud, rubbing her chin.

(He has antlers, so maybe White Horn? No, that’s stupid.) His hair is blue, but nothing came to mind either. Then she noticed something shining on his coat, a little patch of red scales on his shoulder and flank, she smiled the perfect name coming to her.

“Huzzah! I dub you Crusader, for the scales on thy shoulder remind me of the banner of the brave ponies that battled in the deserts of Saddle Arabia.” Luna’s excitement was tempered as she noticed Crusader's lackluster expression. “Do you not like it?”

He smiled at her, “No, I love it. Crusader… it rolls off the tongue nicely.” Crusader rose, stretching his wings. “Named after a band of brave ponies, huh… I guess I should live up that.”

“Wait, what are you doing… great.” He flew away before Luna could finish her sentence. Flying back the way, they come towards Sixes and Fury’s battle. “Come back here! You’re going to get yourself killed!”

“I don’t think he’s listening.”

“I can see that Nico,” Luna deadpanned. “What are you doing?” The small rinin was looking aimlessly at the ground.

“I think he took my claw thing.”

Luna blinked, “Claw thing?”

“Yeah, it’s this cool looking weapon I found in this room with some weird monsters floating in a tank. I haven’t had a chance to really use it, except when I slit this one pony’s throat.” Luna raised her hoof for him to stop. She wasn’t in the mood for his ramblings as a sudden flash of white flew past them.

“Celestia?”

“Luna, you’re alright!” The elder Alicorn shouted, relieved as she landed on P-Rex’s back. Wrapping her younger sister in a tight embrace. “I’ve been so worried since Shadow Specter told me you were fighting Yellowblood, but here you are safe and sound and… why are your limbs limp?” Celestia asks, playing with Luna’s front left leg, moving it around like a wet noodle.

Reluctantly Luna answered, “I have magic exhaustion.”

“I see,” Celestia nodded, figuring that was the case, “Went overboard fighting Yellowblood, at least you defeated him.”

Luna cringed, “About that…”

“You haven’t killed him yet? Where is he? Is he chasing you?” Celestia’s head swoosh side to side, trying to find the noble pony.

“No, Sixes and Fury are fighting him. Crusader, I guess went off to help them.”

Celestia blinked, “Whose Crusader?”

“He’s… never mind, we have other things to worry about, such as getting out of here, now…”

“Actually,” Celestia interrupted, telling Luna what Shadow Specter had told her, she was surprised to find Luna didn’t know about the doctors trying escape. Shadow was looking very sheepish as he kept his distance from Luna.

“I see. Then you will lead the squad to capture Madhoof and Hoofenstien?” Luna looked worriedly down the way they come, a massive steel beam falling onto the path. She wanted to get everypony out and leave the mad doctors to their fate, but it seemed it wouldn’t be that easy. It wasn’t right or fair, but Luna didn’t want her sister to go after them. She had a bad feeling in her stomach.

Lucky Luna didn’t have to make that call, Gadget stepped forward with Overheat and said. “We’ll go,” He indicated to Overheat, Shadow Specter, and himself. “Between the three of us, everything should go smoothly. It is improbable they have any other defenses ready if they are evacuating, so Overheat, and Shadow Specter can take care of them, while I commandeer their technology. No sense to let it go to waste, right? Besides, we can’t risk losing either you this day, my dear princesses, the land is in enough chaos already with the ousting of the nobles, losing either of you might prove to be a tipping point for unrest.”

The Lunar Princess took comfort in Gadget’s reasoning, knowing Celestia would agree with him. He was right, of course. With Equestria’s social structure in ruins, ponies would be looking to them for stability, and either one of them was to die here. Things could get very bad, very fast. She could see it all unfold before her as the group departs.

If Celestia were to fall, the ponies of Equestria that love the day would be distrustful of her taking over. While she and the Night Patrol have made strides to protect ponies, most of their support was in small rural villages. In the cites of Equestria, her favorability was lukewarm at best. To the urban ponies, she has been spending the last few years doing nothing, along with any other rumors the nobles had spread about her.

However, she was to fall here. Luna doubted Celestia would have any real trouble with the population. It was her own patrollers would probably prove to be Celestia’s biggest bane. Honestly, Luna wasn’t sure what they would do if she were to disappear.

“Where’s my dad?” A small voice asked.

Luna turned and saw Dusk waking up, Applejack attended to the little unicorn. The princess was rather impressed Dusk could stand while suffering from magic exhaustion.

“He went on a last-minute mission, don’t worry, he’ll be alright,” Luna assured her as Nico moves her closer to the unicorn. However, something was strange, Dusk’s eyes, they were completely black!

“No,” Dusk cried, “He won’t be alright! He’s going to get hurt! I… I have to save him!”

Dusk’s horn glowed, preparing to teleport. Applejack leaped for her, but the unicorn flashed away a few feet to the left, still gathering more magic. Luna realized Dusk was preparing for a long-range teleport jump! There was no way Dusk could do that safety in her current condition!

“Dusk, don’t!” She yelled, but it was too late, the unicorn was already mid teleport.

“I got her!” A shadow dashed past Luna, it was Nico Vega. He flew right into Dusk just as the spell was completed, both of them vanishing into thin air.

Sixes growled, dragging himself from the rubble of the wall he was just thrown through. Yellowblood was putting up a much better fight then he would have expected from the cowardly noble. He had heard the cowardly noble had been in the guards for a short time, but nothing remarkable was ever written about him. Seem through with his new body, he wasn’t afraid to use what would be considered “Last resort” techniques. Moves that did a lot of damage, but left pony using them vary valuable and open for attack, course when your body is made of metal, there was no need to worry about that.

Puffing up his chest, Sixes unleashed another blast of lava, further distorting the already destroyed landscape. What was once a place of steel and earth is now overflowed with rivers of lava, which probably didn’t help the weakened support structure. Yellowblood stopped the attack with a yellow magic shield.

“Fury!”

Fury came rocketing down from above, spraying a streak of crackling fire onto Yellowblood’s back. The metal pony recoiled and fired a blast of magic at the red Rinin, but Fury dodged the attack and circles around. Yellowblood followed him, leaving his back exposed to a lava breath. The molten liquid covered the noble entirely and cooled, trapping him inside the hardened rock.

“How long is that going to hold him?” Fury asked as he landed next to Sixes. He was panting slowly, the heat and drawn-out fighting taking its toll.

Cracks began to appear as Yellowblood worked himself free. The two Rinin charged up their fire breath and unleash a duel stream of flames on the noble as he broke loose. The attacks had little effect.

“Damn pests!” Yellowblood roared, charging at them. They move to dodge but found their claws anchored to the ground by Yellowblood’s magic.

Sixes and Fury struggled against their bonds, but to no avail, they were stuck and right in the line of fire! They did not cower or wait for death, though. Instead, they blasted everything they had at the metal noble, sending sparks and flame everywhere their fire spraying off Yellowblood’s body. When it seemed their time had finally come. A beam of orange magic, bright as the sun, blasted Yellowblood away.

“What was that?” The two ask aloud, following the direction of the blast. Up above stood the newest Rinin, the one created from Sixes' own blood. Between his two antlers, a small sphere of magic formed, and before Yellowblood could even stand on his hooves, he was hit again!

“Stay away from my father,” The white Rinin growled, floating down to the two. He shattered the magical bonds holding them with a mere flick of his horns and gave Sixes a strange looking weapon. “Take this, it may prove useful.”

“Ok…” Sixes replied, taking the weapon. In a flash, the white Rinin was on Yellowblood, slashing away at the noble ponies hide.

“Kid wait!”

“I’m not a kid!” The white Rinin roared, “I am Crusader!”

Something amazing happened. A bright light appeared on Crusader's flank, revealing a big red cross.

“Is that… a mark?” Fury gasped in awe of the sight. It was believed Rinin couldn’t get marks, but this, this changes everything.

Sixes smirked as he equipped the weapon Crusader gave him to his right claw. “Yeah, it is, and I think it’s time to put an end to this.”

The metal claw became enshrouded with orange magic, the tips of the nails sunk into the ground as pools of lava form around it. With a howling roar, Sixes rejoined the fray!

“Crusader out of the way!” Sixes yelled the white Rinin jumping away, giving him the perfect shot. He dug his right claw in deep, sliding it across the entire length of Yellowblood’s side, leaving behind three hug slash marks.

“Impossible!” Yellowblood reared up and tried to run away, but Sixes slashed at his back legs, cutting them at the joints. He fell to his side, his front legs flailing in the air, his back end sinking into one of the pools of lava. “No… this cannot be! This cannot be how it ends!”

Sixes stood over Yellowblood. He could practically see the pathetic pony’s face behind the static metal. Claw raised high, Sixes thrust the claw into Yellowblood’s barrel and took hold of the amulet inside his body.

“For your crimes against Equestria, you are now sentenced to death. Join the rest of your bloodline in hell.” With one sharp tug Sixes ripped the yellow Alicorn Amulet free, Yellowblood’s body sunk into the lava, leaving no trace of the Blood Noble.

“Glad’s that’s over,” Fury said, walking up to Sixes, “Ready to get out of here?”

“No,” Sixes replied, scowling at the amulet, “There are still somethings we need to do. We need to pay a visit to our “creators” and show them the fruits of their labor.”

Sixes raised the amulet to his mouth and ate it.

Dusk and Nico Vega stumbled to a stop… somewhere. The room they were in was still intact, bare of anything noteworthy, save for the two tubes with Pegasus foals floating inside.

“Seriously, what’s with these guys and putting stuff in floating tubes, it’s really creepy.” Nico circled around the containers, inspecting the two fillies inside. One was blue with a rainbow mane, and the other was tan with a grey scaled rainbow mane. He wondered what their purpose was. What point was there to make regular ponies after making dragon ponies like him?

Dusk walked up to the containers as if in a trance. She touched the tubes, and the fillies’ inside reacted, their eyes snapping open as they swam their way to the edge of the glass pawing at her. Nico took a step back as Dusk’s magic engulfed the glass, making it intangible. Carefully Dusk removed the two fillies from the tubes.

“Taking them with you?” Nico asked, curiously inspecting the two fillies. They were defiantly twins.

Dusk nodded, placing the two fillies in her saddlebags, only their heads sticking out of the flap. “Yeah, it almost feels like I’m supposed to take them, which may be why we ended up here and instead of with dad on the others.”

“Or you just couldn’t focus because you’re suffering from magic exhausted, and you missed your target and ended up here. Not everything needs to be fated, somethings just happen.”

“True, but I feel a bit of connection with these two. Who knows? Maybe they can be my little sisters or something?” Dusk said excitedly.

“Or daughters,” Nico joked, earning a punch from Dusk. He laughed as she hisses in pain from accidentally hitting his armor.

“I don’t look that old,” Dusk grumbled under breath as they exited the room.

“Sometimes, I wonder, you never really acted your age since I’ve met you,” Nico joked as they left the room. They didn’t get far as the sound of galloping hooves came towards them. A pony with a crazy look in his eyes came to a dead stop. His eyes grew wilder when he saw the two fillies in Dusk’s saddlebags.

“No! You won’t take them away from me!” The pony screamed, pointing his fake horn at Dusk, intending to run her through.

Acting fast, Nico stepped in front of Dusk, grabbed the horn with his claw, and dug into the floor with his back claws, twisting the charging pony off course and sending him crashing into the wall. The pony fell to the ground, leaving a red bloodstain behind.

“Guess I killed him. Oh Well.” Nico began to walk away in the direction the pony had come from. Dusk trotted to catch up.

“You are far too casual about killing.” She commented, walking past a massive door. They came to a stop as the room they were passing was full of ponies, large crates, and pieces of equipment. The ponies in the room stared at them, and they stared back. Till one pony stepped out from the pack.

“Get them! The pony yelled. A horde of ponies galloped at them, but they only made it halfway before Overheat, Gadget, and Shadow Specter came crashing through the wall, once again causing everypony to freeze in place.

“Dusk?” Gadget yelled, running to his daughter. Confusion and anger on his face as he stood protectively in front of her. “What are you doing here?”

Overheat came charging in crushing an attacking pony and stood in front of the father and daughter. He whinnied and snorted, making the enemy hesitant to attack. “No time for mushy stuff! Nico! On me! Slaughter these bastards!”

“Everypony grab what you can and get to the teleports!” Hoofenstein ordered, throwing up a shield. Ponies scrambled, grabbing whatever they could as Overheat assaulted the barrier, engulfing it with fire. From the flames emerged Shadow Specter and Nico Vega. The latter was looking a little disorientated.

Nico groaned, shaking his head from the tingling feeling in his spine. Traveling through solid objects was not as fun as it sounded, “Ugh, that was weird. Let’s not do that again.”

“Hurry, we need to prevent the Doctors from escaping!” Shadow shouted, making a mad dash for Hoofenstein, Nico, right behind him.

Nico snarled, “Don’t tell me how to do my job!” He reared back and fired a blast of lightning at Hoofenstein, only for another shield to appear and block the attack. A pony in a lab coat stood in front of Hoofenstein protectively, throwing several heavy crates at the two.

“Madhoof!” Shadow growled phasing though the crate running right into Madhoof’s hoof. The blow sent the ghost pony skidding across the ground.

“Number 0013, how nice to see you, and then there is you, number 088, another interesting idea that didn’t bear any fruit.”

“I’ll show you fruit!” Nico tackled Madhoof, knocking him into Hoofenstein and causing the shield to drop and allow Overheat to join the fray. The flaming pony charged past going for the fleeing ponies, none of his targets stood a chance against him as he crushed them under his hooves. From the far side of the room, Gadget and Dusk were behind cover, firing at any pony they could get a lock on. The fighting intensified with the factory ponies taking cover and returning fire, an all-out battle was underway, when the sound of ear-deafening roar made them all freeze.

Both sides look at one another with the same question on their faces. What was that?

The roar sounds again, followed by the sound of hissing metal. From the ceiling, a drop of gold lava fell.

Madhoof blinked, staring at the molten liquid as it burned into the floor, “Lava?

“Sixes!” Nico shouted excitedly. The black Rinin came flying in through the hole the lava blast created, but something was different. He was surrounded by a golden aura of magic. There was a savage look in his eye when he spotted the two doctors. His torso puffed up, preparing a breath attack, and when he released the attack, a massive wave of gold lava was sent flying to the air, covering ponies and machines, nothing was spared!

And then the factory began to shake again!

“Everypony for themselves!” Madhoof yelled, making a mad dash for the teleport. The machine was arcing wildly, but he didn’t care, it would send him anyway from here at least! He was just about to enter when he felt something grab him from behind.

“You’re not getting away!” Nico yelled. He and the mad doctor fell into the teleporter, the machine exploding as they vanished from sight.

Dusk ran towards the wreckage screaming, “Nico!”

“Dusk, get out of the away!” Gadget shoved her sending her stumbling into another teleporter just as several metal beams fell from the ceiling, crushing his leg. “Dammit!” He cursed as he struggled to free himself. More debris fell from ceiling crushing ponies left and right. “Overheat! Get everypony out!”

Overheat smashed a pony against the wall and makes a beeline for Gadget, “I’m not leaving you.” The fire pony declared trying to lift the beam, but it was no use. It was too heavy! “Ghosty, get over here!”

Overheat watched with barely restrained impatience as Shadow Specter stumbled his way over to them. He knew the ghost pony was still probably recovering from the attack to the head, but there was no time for it. They need to get out now!” “Hurry up!”

“Right,” Shadow Specter replied, phasing Gadget free.

“Sixes, we’re leaving!” The black Rinin ignored him and continued to chase after the fleeing ponies. “Sixes!”

Sixes turned to them, still glowing with gold magic, turned to one of the walls, and blasted it with his lava breath. Light filtered in, meaning they had an exit.

“Go, I’ll finish things up here,” Sixes said, his voice barely audible through the chaos.

From above, Fury and Crusader flew down and grabbed the three and carried them out with Sixes staying behind.

“You’re not just going to leave him, are you?” Overheat shouted, looking back at the factory, several blast of golden lava burst erupted from within the factory. It wouldn’t be long before the whole place collapsed.

“I don’t like it any more than you,” Fury replied, clearly not sounding happy about it, “But that damned crystal he ate got him so powered up I don’t think he can handle it. He’s probably trying to burn it off.”

Behind them, the entire factory exploded.

Several hours later

Luna looked over the ruins of the factory, Celestia, at her side, helping her stand with her magic. Before the sisters, every able-bodied Night Patroller was clearing the wreckage of the factory away in search of survivors, friends, or foe. So far, they have found more enemies alive then friends, but the fact some ponies had survived gave Luna hope. Hope Sixes was alive.

“We’ll find him,” Celestia assured her, though it did little to comfort her. Between them, safely locked away in a magically sealed bag, was three of the four Alicorn Amulets put inside the nobles’ metal bodies. The fourth had been eaten by Sixes, according to Fury’s report.

The idea that anypony would ever do such a thing was absurd to her, but then again, dragon ponies ate gems as part of their diet, and tests conducted by Gadget have shown if the gemstone is infused with magic if can affect the Rinin’s magic. Such in the case of Nico Vega, who could change the type of breath magic he used by eating a specific color.

Luna choked back sobs thinking of the small Rinin that helped her so much in the short time they spent together. He brought her armor in the battle for the Crystal Empire and fought beside her through the duration of the fight, and then he bullheadedly snuck into the factory and sabotaged their shields and engines and even carried her when she couldn’t move. It was tough to think he was gone.

While he may not be dead, according to the reports he had fallen into a teleporter while fighting with the pony Madhoof, one of the leaders of the factory, his whereabouts were unknown, and teleportation magic was tricky at the best of times. Inside a machine, they had no knowledge of, and with everything that was going on. The question may not even be where Nico and Madhoof ended up but when, which lead to the other pony MIA, Dusk.

That brave little unicorn had seen and done a lot in her short life, and she was in the same boat as Nico, minus the mad doctor, but plus two fillies from what Luna understood. Where ever Dusk was she probably had her hooves full with those two.

Most of the Night Patrollers took the news hard, but Gadget was the hardest hit. He lost his daughter. He did the only thing he could do at the time to save her, but at the same time, he might have lost her forever. To add insult to injury, his crushed leg would have to be amputated.

“We found a pony!” One of the searchers yelled. Luna excitedly pointed for Celestia to take her over to them, hope filling her body only for it to be dashed away the moment she saw who the pony was, it was Vi, Vi Violetblood, the last of the ex-nobles.

Vi looked up with one bright eye and gave a bloody mocking smile at the two princesses. “Come to laugh at this poor mortal, your majesties?” Two rods pierced the noble pony’s body, leaving a pool of blood beneath her, it was clear as day. She was a goner.

“You got what you deserved.” Luna said coldly, “I will grant you whatever life you have left since you enjoy living so much, you can enjoy it down to the last. Painful. Second.”

Vi smiled as she coughed up blood, “Such a cruel pony, but I’ll take what I can get.”

Luna scoffed, gesturing for Celestia to move her away from the Noble filth. The elder sister was hesitant to leave the mare to her fate, so she motioned a patroller to at least give the poor pony some water.

The Rinin pony 099, name BeeBee, accepted the order and lowered her canteen to the Noble mare’s mouth, never noticing the wide smirk on Vi’s lips as her horn glowed one last time.

“Luna…” Celestia whispered, concerned, only to receive an icy gaze from the blue alicorn.

“I don’t want to hear it,” The lunar princess snapped. She knew what Celestia was going to say, that she was too harsh on their defeated foes, too cold and uncaring, well it just so happened that her well of kindness and compassion for her enemies run dry.

They wandered around the wreckage for several more hours. Finding more dead bodies of the factory ponies and some bodies of experimented ponies that hadn’t been in the prison cells. The sight of broken innocent bodies caused a stir among everypony. Both sisters looked away when they found a surviving factory pony. The shrill scream pierced the heavy air, and they lingered.

Ignoring the dark, twisted, justice behind her, Luna looked to the sky and then to her sister. The time for the sun to set fast approached Luna was beginning to lose hope of finding Sixes.

“Just a little while longer, Celestia, please!” She begged her sister, but the elder Alicorn shook her head.

“I’ve delayed setting the sun for as long as I can, Luna. I know how much you want to find him. I want to find him too, but you know we cannot be so selfish with our power over the sun and moon.”

Luna bit back an angry retort, knowing Celestia was right. She nodded, giving up the fight against her sister. The sun lowered, giving way to the star-filled sky, but it would be the brightest night in history! Gathering all her power, even tapping into her sister, Luna made the stars and moon glow more vivid than ever before! While still not as bright as the sun, it made searching in the dark much easier for her ponies.

The search continued, Celestia left to deal with other matters. Luna lay on a boulder overlooking the search. Around midnight the Princess of the Sun returned, looking exhausted. Celestia’s eyes could barely lift, her head wobbled, and her stride lacked its usual grace.

“Luna, you need to rest.” Celestia yawned loudly, unable to help herself. This would mark their third day without sleep and it was taking all she had not to just fall asleep on her hooves right this moment.

Luna didn’t even look at her. She just kept staring at the wreckage. Refusing to give up. Every Night Patroller was special to her, but she would be lying if she said she didn’t have her favorites. Sixes… Sixes had been the first Rinin she ever met. He brought the others to her aid, he’s shown her loyalty without question and without end. She would not leave this place till he was found, alive or dead.

“Princess Luna!”

Luna’s head snapped in the direction her name, Applejack waved excitedly to her, pointing at some freshly cleared rubble. Not waiting for Celestia, Luna willed her body to move, she stumbled on the first few steps, nearly tripping over a rock, but she didn’t stop. She ran past Applejack, past Fury, past the medic ponies, and come to an abrupt stop in front of Sixes as he was eased onto a stretcher.

She fell to her belly from exhaustion and relief, her eyes meeting his. He moved slightly and grinned.

“Commander Sixes reporting in…” He said before passing out.

Luna shook her head, a laugh escaping as she wiped away tears.

“You stupid silly pony,” She cried while Sixes was carried away.

Whatever had kept Luna going until now left her, because she collapsed, somepony caught her before she could hit the ground. Briefly, through tired eyes, she saw Celestia’s golden magic surrounding her, it felt warm. Her vision blinked out, and when it came back, she was in her cabin on the Moon Cutter.

“Sleep tight, Luna,” Celestia kissed her on the forehead. Luna didn’t even have the energy to be embarrassed by the gesture and simply smiled at her sister, but it quickly turned to a concerned frown. “Do you think they are alright? Nico and Dusk, I mean?”

Celestia smiled warmly, nuzzling Luna’s cheek, “I’m sure they’re doing just fine. They’re strong ponies, and one day we’ll see them again. Of that, I’m certain. Now get some sleep, Luna. You’ve earned it.”

Luna gave one last yawn and then drifted away to the world of dreams.

Nico’s Epilogue

It was raining, but he didn’t care as he stumbled through mud running as fast as he could after his target. His body felt strange, no, it was weird, it was different from before. His claws were gone, and he walked on two legs. His body was something else, something he’d never seen. He didn’t know what he was or what his prey was. It didn’t matter. What had been his claws were familiar enough to kill with.

“MADHOOF!” Nico yelled into the storm, his voice drowned out by the roaring thunder overhead. Ahead of him, the strange creature that is his target struggled to climb over a fallen tree, a lightning flash revealing the terror in his soft features. A root caught his foot, and Nico landed face-first on the ground.

With a bitter growl, he stood on two wobbly legs, using tree trunk for balance. Snorting angrily, he sprinted again, stumbling over roots and rocks, but he persisted. Up ahead, Madhoof came to a stop, a raging river flowing blocking of the mad scientist, the width of the river too wide to jump. The doctor hesitated, but Nico did not and tackled the mad doctor into the raging rapids. They fought, each one trying to drown the other.

Grabbing hold of the scientist’s neck with his new appendages, Nico tried to squeeze the life out of Madhoof, who randomly grabbed s at his face in a weak attempt to escape his grasp. Madhoof’s eyes roll back into his head, and Nico was about to finish the job when they collided into a rock in the middle of the river.

The impact broke some ribs causing Nico to release his grip. He went one way, hitting a sandbank that led to the shore, while Madhoof was carried further downriver, his body disappearing within seconds.

Nico crawled to shore, pain racking his body as he made it to the base of a big apple tree. His vision was fading fast, and he could hear the sound of footsteps in the mud. Another creature, female, kneed in front of him. Her face was… familiar.

“Oh, God, are you alright?” She asked as his breaths became more ragged. “Momma! Momma! Come quick! This fella’s hurt!”

There was a flash of green and white as an older woman peered around the tree trunk and gasped.

“What in the Sam hell is he doing out here?” She asked, kneeling down for a better look. She frowned noticing his injuries. “I’ll go fetch Pa and one of the farmhands, you stay here and look after him Applejane!” The old woman yelled, running off.

“I will,” Applejane replied, lightning flashed behind her, lighting up her features enough for Nico to see her clearly. He didn’t know why, but she reminded him of Applejack.

“What’s your name?” She asked him. More than likely to keep him awake, so he answered, knowing it was necessary, he stayed awake.

“Nico, Nico Vega, Patroller 088.” She blinked, probably confused by what he said, her expression made him chuckle, which hurt to do.

“Well, I’m Applejane Apple, and don’t you worry Vega, I’m gonna take care of you.”

Nico chuckled again, earning an irritated look from his savior. “What’s so funny?” She demanded, “And stop laughing. Your ribs are broken!”

“Sorry,” he said, his vision fading fast, sweet Luna. He was tired! “No pony calls me Vega, just Nico…”

Applejane looked at the man against the tree strangely as her Pa and Ma arrived with some ranch hands, who quickly placed the strange man on a stretcher. She stared at the man, her brow frown with confusion and curiosity.

“Did he say pony?” She wondered, following after them. Shaking her head, figuring the thunder had distorted her hearing.

Dusk’s Epilogue

The night sky was dull and lacking its usual luster and beauty. A sad sight for any lover of the night for sure, but the most disturbing thing about this night was not the sky, but the moon. There was a shadow of pony’s head on the moon.

Dusk lifted the newspaper with her magic again, reading the headline, “Celestia to celebrate 980th Summer Sun Celebration in Cloudsdale!”

This disturbed her because she’s never heard of such an event, and then there was today’s date, or specifically the year 980 ANM. She had no idea what ANM meant, nor did any other pony, they simply answered that Celestia started the trend, but never gave a reason for it. Of course, there was something far more disturbing than the event she didn’t know, it was the fact that no pony knew of Princess Luna! They have never heard of her, never seen her, heck they even say Celestia controlled both the sun and moon!

“Still stargazing, kid?” A voice said, startling Dusk from her thoughts. She turned and greeted the tan Pegasus with a brown braided mane with a nod. In the mare’s forelegs was one of the two rainbow twins that had been in her saddlebag when she was sent through the portal, it was the greyscale foal, now named Daring Do. The other with the rainbow mane was… missing.

When she had come through the portal she had been dropped right into the sky and proceed to fall to the ground and ended up crashing through some cloud homes, it was there she lost the rainbow mane foal. From there, Dusk continued her fall to the ground, using whatever magic she could to slow her fall. In the end, she managed to pull off a teleport spell before she hit the ground and ended up crashing through her current hostess’s roof and now proud mother of Daring Do, the Pegasus, Tomb Raider.

“You should get some sleep, you looked tired, falling from the sky will do that you know.” Tomb raider joked entering the patched together house while singing soft coos to the baby. Dusk finished putting the last patch in the roof and followed her inside. She was amazed by Tomb Raider’s antique collection, dozens of artifacts lined the walls, all rare and unique, but the most interesting to her was the most familiar one, a simple rusted helmet with the moon engraved on it.

Dusk kept quiet about the artifact's exact origin, but she would know it anywhere, it was Luna’s helmet. She touched the rusty steel lovingly, remembering her talks with the Princess of the Night, the lessons her father taught, and all her friends back home.

She knew very well the portal hasn’t just sent her to another place, but another place in time. She didn’t know when or how, but she would get home.

A loud yawn escaped her mouth, promoting Dusk to hobble over to the spare bed for the night.

“Are you going to sleep with that cloak on?” Tomb Raider asked her as she crawled into bed, pulling the blankets over her. As Dusk rolled over on her side, a single feather slipped out beneath covers and landed on the floor.

He watched the Princesses' flying ship depart with all their remaining soldiers tucked safely inside. They had lost a lot this day. They lost their homes. Years of research and study and many great minds, even his most trusted partner Madhoof was gone, lost in time and space. He would probably never see him again, yet defeat was not what Hoofenstein felt, but victory.

For clasp in his magic was a single vile of blood, blood found by a late researcher on his way to the teleporter. The scrap of armor nearby confirmed it, it was Princess Luna’s blood. Alicorn blood.

“This minor setback will prove to be a great blessing.” Hoofenstein tucked the vial safety away as he walked to the east. He had a lot of work to do.

Author's Note

I have mixed feeling about this chapter. I had a good idea about what I wanted to happen for a long time, but when I finally got to this point I started having second thoughts on somethings. I think I rewrote the beginning 5 times and the final result was the best could come up with.

I also really notice I have a hard time writing scenes if I don't make one character the focus of it. Between Sixes fight and the factory exploding I was pretty shaky about the writing.

Now onto my biggest question mark with this chapter and that is Nico's and Dusk's epilogues, since I did plan for them to leave the story at this point. I actually love Nico's character alot, he's was just supposed to be a one time guy, but then I wrote these spin off stores featuring him Part 1 and Part 2 and for them to align with this story I had to go through with him going into the portal.

I also have a plan for Dusk to get her own one shot, but I haven't written it yet, I mainly wrote her out because 1. I kind of made her too powerful 2. Builds drama for the other characters. I guess she will make some later appearances (If I stay with my plan) in the later chapters.

Final note, this story is now 3/4th's done.

Aftermath

Night Patrol ch 22

By Foxgear

One week has passed since the Battle of Rainbow Factory, and things have returned to their regular routine for Night Patrol, but their mood was gloomy at best. Only a few days ago they held the funeral for the fallen, Alto sang for them again, bringing many of them to tears. The names of the lost etched in stone on the castle grounds.

For Luna, the past week has been spent laying in bed, recovering from magic exhaustion, and undergoing physical therapy. During this time, very few ponies have been allowed to see her as per doctor’s orders. Only three ponies in total, not medically trained, her sister, Applejack, and Nightingale, have been allowed to disturb her interminable boredom while recovering.

Celestia came by every day to see how she was recovering and keep her up to date with what was going on in Canterlot, which was in a frenzy with the majority of the nobles gone. Blueblood was proving his worth, though, keeping things as under control as best he could and keeping the lower noble houses from trying to usurp positions of power. Neither her or Celestia were sure what to do with the political situation in Canterlot right now, but there was a mountain of ideas to choose from, and she was sure they would find the answer soon enough.

Applejack visited her every other day, going between her duties a Night Commander and checking up on Rawhide, who had been injured in battle. From her reports, he will lose his right eye. From what Applejack as told her, Rawhide was taking it well, even jokingly saying it made him look fiercer. Getting used to the lack of depth perception was another story. Applejack joking reported he was having trouble navigating doorways.

And the final pony to visit her this week, but the one to visit the least, only once to be precise was Nightingale, though it wasn’t during the regular visiting hours. Luna remembered that night well. It was the night of the funeral after the ceremony. She had just been brought to her bed to rest when Nightingale came to her crying.

The wingless Pegasus had all but thrown herself before Luna, pleading for forgiveness for what happened to Dusk. For bringing the young unicorn along with her to the battlefield, blaming herself for Gadget’s missing leg and his current state of depression. All of it was too much for Nightingale to bear, and it was clear to Luna she passed the breaking point.

So she just held her, like a mother would newborn, letting her cry into her coat rubbing Nightingale’s back. Eventually, Nightingale fell asleep against her, and Luna entered her dreams.

Once inside Nightingale’s dream state, she found Nightingale standing on the edge of a cloud, still wingless. The wingless mare trotted nervously in place, and Luna knew what she was thinking, and she had to help her no matter what.

“Long’s way down isn’t?” She said, catching Nightingale by surprise. The wingless Pegasus looked down for the first time and seemed to have a case of vertigo as she quickly stepped away from the edge. “It’s frightening not being able to fly isn’t? It makes you wonder how you so carelessly did it before, doesn’t it?”

Nightingale remained silent, nodding her head. Luna wrapped a wing around her and brought her closer to the edge again.

“But you’re not afraid of falling, are you? No, it’s not the fall you fear, but the guilt, the look in other ponies’ eyes as you pass by, the words they whisper when they think you’re not there. That’s what you afraid of. That’s why you hid in the back of the crowd during the funeral, why you avoid interacting with others ponies. You’re afraid of what they will say about you, how they will judge you for your mistakes, it would be easier to jump wouldn’t? Then to see your friends turn against you. Believe it or not, I was in the same position not that long ago.”

Nightingale turned to her with tears streaming down her face, “What do I do?” She croaked.

“I don’t know,” Luna admitted, “I can’t promise you your fears won’t come true. There will be some who will not take kindly to your actions, but I know this is not the answer. You are a strong mare Nightingale, you have endured a lot and made your share of mistakes, and you will make more, it’s all part of life.”

“It’s not the others I care about though,” Nightingale admitted, two clouds appeared across from them, Gadget on one, Fierce Fury on the other, “It’s what they think that I’m afraid of.”

Luna nodded in understanding, “I see, then you will have to speak to them, but only when you are ready too.”

Nightingale wiped her tears, “I will, soon… thank you, Princess.”

Luna smiled, hugged her one last time before exiting the dream.

The following day Luna found Nightingale gone from her bed and inquired about her whereabouts from one of the staff. Seemed the wingless Pegasus went to the library and has been sitting alone staring at a chessboard.

After Nightingale’s visit, no pony came to visit her other than her sister, probably so she could rest, but that was about to change! For today Luna felt she had the strength to move under her own power. She taking first steps in a week and nearly falling due to her limbs being stiff, after a few paces to get the blood flowing, Luna could walk normally. She’d still have to take it easy, but at least she can visit other ponies now, and there was one she was desperate to see.

Entering the hall, Luna walked toward the library, coming to a stop at the second to last door. She took a moment to smooth out her mane before knocking, receiving a weak “come in” and entered the room.

Inside was spartanly decorated, save for some armor and tools, the pony she was eager to see was lying on his bed. She smiled standing beside the bed, the nurse on duty bowed her head and silently left the room, leaving the two them alone.

“How are you doing?” She asked, not knowing what else to say. The pony on the bed laughed weakly and smiled back at her.

“I’m doing fine, throat hurts a lot, so does the rest of me, but I’ll live according to the medics.” Sixes replied, shifting in his bed, so he could give a proper salute, Luna stopped him and levitated a glass of water over to him when he started coughing violently.

She frowned, staring at the golden scar that ran down his throat. “That was a foolish thing you did, eating the yellow Alicorn amulet, what were you thinking? Did you even give a thought as to what that thing might do to you?”

Sixes continued to quietly drink his water, drinking the entire glass before answering. “If I had known what the thing actually was, I might have given it a thought. I figured it was something like Gadget’s gems, and we eat those all the time. I kind of guessed this might have a little more punch to it, but as far as it being some ancient artifact, no clue.”

Luna sighed, Sixes was making it so hard to be mad at him right now. The Alicorn amulets were the stuff of myths. Hardly any ponies knew they exist. Of course, Sixes and any other Rinin wouldn’t know a thing about them. She couldn’t blame him for not knowing what it was. Still, it was stupid of him to eat it.

“Has anypony come to visit you yet?” She asked, circling around the room. Despite living only a few doors down, this was the first time she’d been in this room since Sixes moved in. Before it was a guestroom for visiting royalty, it was supposed to be kept tidy to the highest quality. Good thing the former head maid wasn’t alive to see its current state, she would not approve of Sixes housekeeping or his lack of housekeeping.

Sixes rolled to his other side, wincing sharply from his wounds, but he preferred to keep eye contact with his princess. “Fury stopped by and gave me a good ass-chewing. Overheat stopped by, and then there is Crusader he… well, his visit was awkward.” Sixes chuckled, looking away. “It’s strange having a son just come out of nowhere, and all grown up too, it’s hard to connect with him.”

“He’s only been alive a week, give it time,” Luna advised. What could one expect when one became a parent? “Applejack told me Crusader has joined the newest batch of recruits with many other of the freed ponies. They will be quite the addition to our ranks.”

“Maybe,” Sixes grunted, rolling onto his back to stare up at the ceiling. “They’re not like us. They have memories, and their own group functions separately from ours. I think many of them will wish to see the world denied them for so long. It’s only a matter of time until then we’ll give them the proper skills to survive in this world.”

Luna looked worriedly at her Night Commander’s reflection in the mirror on the wall. “Is that your desire to Sixes? Do you wish to leave and see the world as well?” She tried to keep the anxiety out of her voice, but she couldn’t, the thought of her Night Patrollers, leaving frightened her to the bone.

In the mirror, Sixes turned, so he was facing her backside, she didn’t have the will to face him directly right now. “I’m right where I want to be Luna, I’m not going anywhere.” He said with conviction, she quickly swiped her hoof to hide her tears of joy, but she couldn’t stop laughing with happiness as she turned to face him, with what she was sure was a big stupid grin.

“That’s quite a bold move saying my name without my title.” She said jokingly, Sixes grinned at her as he wrapped himself in his covers.

“I think we can blame that on the medicine, probably making me loopy, you know?” Sixes chuckled, closing his eyes. “Doc says I need more sleep (YAWN) I think I’ll catch a couple z’s quick. You still gonna have that feast for… what is it again?”

“It’s the Hearth’s warming eve festival. I’ll be sure to have some food sent up to you.” Luna giggled as Sixes falls asleep right in front of her. Quietly she pulled his blanket over the rest of his body and exited the room.

Luna was salivating at the mouth when the smell of fresh-baked bread reached her nose. After a week of nothing but soap and finally being able to move around. Her appetite came back with full force. The heavenly scents of the kitchen only made her stomach demand a more hefty meal. She was confident the chefs wouldn’t miss one little cupcake… or two… or maybe a whole pan.

Carefully tiptoeing into the realm of delicious treats, Luna took pause to notice the kitchen was unguarded by its usual staff, leaving all the tasty treats at her mercy and while not as fun, she was hungry, so she took a plate of fresh hot cupcakes and gorged herself on them. It made her wonder, though, where were the staff?

As she passed a storage closet, she heard something strange. Curious Luna pressed her ear against the door and heard… groaning?

“Is somepony in there?” She asked, tapping on the door. There was a crash of something falling over, and a clatter of hooves as the door swung open to reveal the head chief, an earth pony name Triple Chocolate, a thin mare with a dark chocolate coat and white mane, though she was looking slightly red right now.

“Princess Luna! How… wonderful it is to see you! Is there something you need? A snack? A treat? A full course meal?” The mare said, frankly in a tone much higher than usual, leaving the princess curious and concerned as she tried to look deeper into the storage room.

“What I have will do for now, but are you all right? You seem rather flustered?” Luna tried to poke her head behind the door, but Triple chocolate blocked her view every time!

“Nothing’s wrong! Everything is fine! Nothing to see here as you can see!” Triple Chocolate said really fast, which only further drove Luna’s curiosity.

“Then, where are the other kitchen staff?” There was a musky scent in the air, different from any baked goods Luna had ever smelt before.

“On break!” Triple Chocolate replied quickly with a big nervous grin.

Luna’s curiosity was quickly turning to annoyance. “All of them? Every single last pony is on break?” Triple Chocolate nodded. “Very well, I will leave you to it then.”

As Luna walks away, she heard Triple chocolate sigh in relief, before the earth mare knew what happened Luna force the door open with her magic, earning a gasp from the head chief with her turning deep dark shade of red as it was revealed Overheat was in the storage room… erect and suddenly, that musky smell made a sense.

“I… ah, …we…”

With her own blush Luna coughed into her hoof as she looks anywhere but at the two, “I’m…I’m just going to go. Please clean thoroughly when you are done and some advice… use a different room.”

Triple chocolate gave a shaky bow. Honestly, Luna was surprised she didn’t faint from embarrassment.

Her appetite gone. Luna decided she should go and check on Gadget. The inventor pony was the most affected by the last battle, and losing a child was never easy, even if they might be alive. As Luna trotted past the infirmary, she came to a stop spotting a rinin standing outside the door. She knew he was one of the recuses, so she decided to talk to him.

The pony was orange with blue crystals on his joints, including his wings. He was looking into the infirmary where Emerald Cutter lay, and she suddenly noticed the similarities between the two. Little things that went beyond coat and mane color. Not many ponies had crystals on their joints either. Carefully she approached him, not wanting to scare him with her presence.

“Is there something you need help with?” She asked, tapping the rinin on the shoulder. He looked at her with surprise, making a quick bow with his head before returning to watching Emerald Cutter. “What’s your name?”

“Topaz Slicer,” He replied solemnly, “Her brother, I was supposed to go with her when she and the others were being sent out for their “natural testing,” but I was held back. They didn’t want two ponies with the same genetic code in a group of ponies that were having their memories erased and meant to bread. At least they didn’t want a mare and stallion with the same code.” Topaz laughed, “They tried to separate the triplets, but that didn’t turn out so well, the one brother they separated killed three researchers. There were others like that, too.

Luna’s ears flatten, “I’m sorry. I wish we could have done something sooner.”

Slicer shook his head, “No, what’s important is that you did something in the end and put a stop to it all. Things are better this way. I’m kind of jealous that she doesn’t have to remember what happened, yet sad because I know she’ll never be the pony she was before. She’s a new pony now, with a new life, she doesn’t need to know about a long lost brother or anything like that.”

“Still, she’s your sister…” Luna argued weakly, knowing he had a point. The past was the past, and no pony could change that. Still, it was hard to simply stand by and watch Slicer isolate himself from his only family. “Don’t you at least want to interact with her? The old her may be gone, but you can get to know the new her as friend and comrade at the very least.”

“Maybe,” Was all he said as he walked away, leaving Luna to wonder how many more ponies were in the same position. Lost in a new vast world, their former friends and family having no memory of them, it had to be hard, but at least they still had each other.

Her mood down Luna wondered about her own sister, Celestia, they have been spending a lot of time together since ousting the nobles and attacking the factory. On second thought, maybe spending time together wasn’t the right phrase. They’ve been in the same room and have been talking, but they haven’t really just sat down, had a cup of coffee and tea, and just be sisters for a while.

As much as Luna loved being in the spotlight again and gaining recognition among the common ponies. She knew it was only a matter of time before she and her sister crossed horns again. They had such different ideas on how things should be and how things should be done that friction would only naturally come between them. Maybe if they took some time to actually talk to each other in a less political setting, they could come to some agreements.

Making her way to the stairwell that divided the castle, Luna debated who to see first, Gadget or Celestia, both were ponies of great importance to her, but one perhaps was in more need of her than the other right away. She turned to head for Gadget’s room.

Sitting in darkness with only the light glow of candlelight to aid him in his planning sat Gadget at his workbench, before him a blank page. A wet quill floating above the paper, dropping tiny ink spots onto the paper. He chuckled dryly, tears stinging his eyes. When Dusk was around, he always had an idea on his mind, something he could invent or make better! It was like a river of endless possibilities!

Now though, there was nothing. No ideas to write down, nothing came to mind. Gadget didn’t know what could be invented or what could be improved. In fact, he didn’t care! He tossed his quill aside, slamming his head against the desk! It didn’t matter anymore! What was the point when the one he was working so hard for was gone? He went through this once before when his wife died, now with Dusk gone… he knew long ago he wouldn’t have the strength to keep on if she were to leave him too.

There was a knock on the door, but Gadget didn’t bother to answer or even ask who it was. He just didn’t care anymore.

“Gadget?”

His eyes snapped open, recognizing Princess Luna’s voice. Her tone was heavy with concern and remorse. Her hooves clicked against the stone floor as she trotted over to him and touching him on the shoulder. He made no move to give any of the usual pleasantries.

“Are you…” She stopped midsentence, knowing the answer to her question. “I know you’re not in the best spirits right now, and no sane pony would be after what happened, but are you really going to give up? Even if there were only one chance of seeing her again, wouldn’t you want to take?”

“There isn’t even a one in a million chance of me finding her,” Gadget drawled emotionlessly, “I sent her tumbling through a portal that could have sent her anywhere in the world, and that would be if the thing had been working right, which it wasn’t, so she’s might be anywhere in the world or lost in time and then there the possibility of her being in another world entirely! Gotta thank Starswirl for figuring that one out!”

Gadget rose up, anger leaching into his voice. “The mere idea of finding one filly in such an equation would be one in infinity! I wouldn’t even know where to start or even where or when to look! If she had died, I could have at least had some closure! But no! The fucking universe saw it fit not only to take my wife from me! Steal my daughter’s childhood! And now to just kick while I down send my child tumbling through space and time! Tell me princess! Tell me how life can be that fucking unfair! I know it isn’t supposed to be fair, but there should be some balance, right? Something to even it all out! There is no harmony without chaos, well, what do I get for all this misery?” Gadget fell on his haunches. “What do I get for losing everything?”

Luna reached out her hoof, “Gadget…”

“Don’t call me that!” Gadget yelled, smacking her hoof away, “Do you know why I changed my name? Why I stopped being Starwind the Beardless?” Luna shook her head, Gadget laughed humorlessly. “I changed it after my wife was killed, not because I needed to hide, but because I needed to change. Red Soul, she died because I was always too busy inventing to be with her like I should have been. I decided that I would be Gadget, the inventor that looked after his family, not the one that ignored them. I guess I really didn’t change, did I? I was just as worthless of a father as I was a husband.”

“Don’t you say that! Don’t you say that!” Luna yelled, grabbing Gadget by the shoulders. “You were the best father Dusk could ask for! She loved you! That’s why she went back for you because she wanted to protect you! You did the best you could, but sometimes even our best isn’t enough, but you need to decide now is what are you going to do? Are you going to continue to be the father that failed her? Or will you be the one that never gave up looking for her?”

Gadget looked away from her, “Leave me… please… I…I need to think.”

Solemnly Luna nodded and left him.

Gadget crawled back up to his stool, looking at the blank paper and then to the picture of him and Dusk standing on the deck of the Moon Cutter. He seemed to the blank canvas again and dipped his quill ink and began to draw.

Luna sighed deeply as she exited Gadget’s room. A lot of ponies were in very dire emotional states and there was no way she would be able to deal with them all and stay sane. Helping a pony in a dream is one thing, she could see everything clearly there, all their fears lay bare before her, and it was easier to help them where she could control the environment to further aid in their recovery.

Face to face was a different story. It wasn’t easy, nor was it clear what needed, and even her own emotions played against her when she had to stand and watch the pony torture themselves in the real world, where she had little control over what happens.

Taking a calming sigh, Luna suppressed her fears on the matter she could not break, at least not in a place like this. She needed to maintain a calm and robust image for her ponies. However, she would be lying if she denied that she needed some help. Her thoughts wander to her sister, making her smile, a visit with Celestia would do her good.

Trotting up the stairs to the west wing of the castle, Luna entered Celestia’s corridor and was preparing to knock on the door when she heard voices inside, voices as in more than one. Knowing it wasn’t right to spy but curious as to who could be in her sister’s room, she tapped the door open slightly and peered inside.

Scanning the room, Luna spotted Celestia pacing in a circle in the center of her room, Crusader, the last experiment of Rainbow Factory stood in the center of her room. Luna wondered what Celestia was doing, she was looking closely at the Rinin, asking soft questions she couldn’t hear, but when Celestia had Crusader unfold his wing, she mimick the motion, so her wing was parallel to his.

Luna blinked uncertain of what she was seeing, but the wings were a perfect match, down to their size, shape, and even the arrangement of the feathers, but the similarities didn’t end there. They were also the same shade of white!

Curiosity driving her, Luna cast a spell to improve her hearing.

“So you were made with Sixes blood and a large white feather?” Celestia said, plucking a feather from her wing and comparing it to Crusaders. The similarities were uncanny.

“Correct, that is what… Sixes said.”

Celestia frowned, “Are you afraid to call him, father?”

Crusader’s brow frowned at the question, “No, I have called him that several times and he has said little to protest it and I have even visited while he was recovering, but… it was awkward. I don’t think either one of us is really confrontable with the situation. I was created from his blood without his consent, my appearance is almost identical to his. I am more of a clone than a son.”

“You shouldn’t say that about yourself, you are your own pony, though you like the other Rinin were brought into this world differently that doesn’t make you any less than a pony born naturally.” Celestia smiled, wrapping her wing around him. “I can’t speak for Sixes and what his feelings on the matter of you being created from his blood are, but for me, I would enjoy having a son once again.”

Luna quickly ducked away from the door, not even bothering to close it as she sprinted away. Her heart racing in her chest as she flew down the steps, her mind a maelstrom of emotions, one part of her was happy and excited about the news, but the other part was not so joyous, dare she say she was jealous? If so, what was she jealous of?

These thoughts plague her as she retreated into her room and locked the door. Hissing as her sore legs screamed at her for running when her body wasn’t ready to. Hobbling over to the mirror, she levitated her comb and some water and began washing her hair, the action calming her by its mundanity.

“Perhaps I shall stay here till the feast begins,” She reasoned, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She smiled, the mirrored reflection of the emotion appeared fake and forced. She pulled hard on her comb, working the knots of her hair loose.

For a moment, her pupils appeared silt. She blinked, wondering if she just saw things. She shrugged after seeing her usual eyes and resumed her task of combing her hair.

The hour of the feast came, and all of Night Patrol was in attendance or at least most of them with a few exceptions. Namely, Gadget, which left Nightingale worried and relieved at the same time. She was fully intended to talk with the inventor, but first, there was a pony she was doubly eager to speak with, and right now, she was having a hard time locating him.

“Have you seen Fierce Fury?” She asked a random pony who shook his head. The noise in the main hall was deafening, she could barely hear anything with all the chatter.

Weaving through the crowd, Nightingale passed by the Royal sister’s chairs and gave a meek wave to Princess Luna, who waved back with a small smile. Celestia was preoccupied with a four-tier tall multi-flavored cake, but she did wave a stained chocolate hoof in her direction.

The heat of the room rose with the number of bodies, feeling hot Nightingale made for one of the many balconies for some fresh night air. She sighed the chilly night breeze caressing her coat felt terrific.

Falling on her haunches, she looked up to the night sky, the stars were bright tonight with few clouds to block the view. Nightingale reached for those clouds longing to sit on them and look down at the world from on high.

Nightingale sat there for several minutes, completely tuning out the world until she heard the sound of wings. She looked around, spotting Fierce Fury gliding through the sky, performing a set of advance aerial moves. She gasped in awe, cheering for the Rinin as he glided down to her, landing right in front of her! Her cheeks burned by his proximity, how breath and body hot from exercise.

“Um… hi…” She said lamely, mentally kicking herself for such a stupid greeting. She was acting like a lovesick teenager, she was a love-struck full-grown mare! Some class was expected.

“Good evening,” Fury greeted, looking around the balcony. “Why are you out here and not at the party?”

“Why are you out here flying and not enjoying the party?” She shot back, once again kicking herself. First she comes off lame, now rude? (Why don’t I just throw liquor in his face!)

For several awkward seconds, Fury stared at her, and all her hopes were fading with each passing second, salvation only coming when he sighed and looked away. “I just needed to be alone and think for a bit is all,” He answered.

She smiled, moving around to his right side, “Me too, still a bit noisy in there for my current mood. Would you mind taking me up there for a while?” Pointing up to the clouds.

He nodded and took off the ground, hovering over Nightingale he wrapped his front legs around her midsection, his claws interlocking tightly to keep her secure. With a little effort, he managed to lift both of them off the ground and up into the sky.

The sight of the ground growing further and further away brought tears to her eyes, from up here, everything seemed so tiny, yet large at the same time. In one direction, the Everfree forest stretched on forever. In another, the lights of Canterlot castle glow in the darkness, and throughout the countryside, little huddles of huts glow with candlelight, it was amazing!

“Is this high enough?” Fury asked dropping her onto a big fluffy cloud. Nightingale ecstatically nodded, jumping onto the white fluff, rolling around and throwing bits of cloud into the air like a foal in snow. Nightingale froze suddenly realizing what she was doing and lying on her back, she looked to Fury, who was smiling at her.

“Yeah, this is high enough,” She answered, face burning red, rolling on her belly. “It… I… I miss this, being in the sky, that is. I was born in the sky after all, so it just kind of natural, but… well, you know.” She bowed her head. “Thank you, thank you for bringing me up here.”

Fury nodded, taking a seat at the edge of the cloud and looked out into the distance. Silence filled the air, but it wasn’t an awkward one. Nightingale made her way over to the red Rinin and sat down next to him, following his gaze, she saw he was staring at the moon. They sat there, not saying anything for quite some time.

“I’m glad,” Fury said suddenly, breaking away from the moon to look at her. “I’m glad I was able to help you. I know it’s been hard for you, since the Crystal Empire, I was your squadmate, and I wasn’t able to help you, in fact, if it wasn’t for what you did. We all would have died there.” Fury reached out with his claw and touched her scars, regret written clearly on his face as he stared at his own claw, the claw he had lost two talons on, and had somehow grown back. “I wish I could help you more.”

“I was just doing what needed to be done, nothing more, and nothing less. Even if I were to go back, I would do the same thing again, though maybe I would try to avoid the changeling that got my wing. Too bad there's not a time travel spell that Pegasus can use.” She laughed, earning a small smirk from Fury. “So I’ve told you what was bugging me, how about you tell me what’s bugging you? It’s only fair, right?”

(That’s fair, right? Dump your problems on a pony, and you listen to their problems?) Nightingale’s smile wobbled, she shifted in her seat while Fury stared out into the vast empty night sky. (Shit, did I come on too strong?)

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Fury spoke, “Really, I find the whole thing silly to be so bent out of shape about,” Fury began, “But it does bother me, what those bastards in that factory did to me. I don’t know if you heard, but I was once a Pegasus named Ferocious. I was an orphan in Canterlot before they took me, and that’s all I know. I’ve been wondering what he was like, what were his dreams? I’ve never had much ambition for such things, there is no dream or goal I’m working towards, no destiny that I want, but yet, after seeing Crusader receive a mark. I find myself wanting one.”

“You want a mark to tell you your destiny?”

Fury shook his head, “No, not that. Crusader got his mark after declaring who he was, he who had been alive for only a day, knew who he was and me? I’m not sure anymore. Am I Ferocious the foal robbed of his life and freedom, or am I 1330, an experiment that’s will never know it’s purpose or am I Fierce Fury, the Night Patroller?” Fury chuckled humorlessly, “Like I said, the whole thing is stupid. After all, why should it matter right?”

“Well,” Nightingale began, “Why can’t you be all three? They are you, and you are them, and together they make you. It reminds me of a story my mother told me about the phoenix, and I wondered when a phoenix dies and is reborn is it the same phoenix? Does it remember its past life or does it start a new? I think the same thing applies to you.”

“A phoenix, huh, sounds about right. So what was the answer? What does the phoenix do?”

Nightingale smiled, “I think it decided to remember its past, but not let it hold him back.”

He smiled at her, butterflies fluttered in Nightingale’s stomach as Fury wrapped a wing around her, sweet Luna she wished he understood Pegasus customs right now!

“It’s getting late and a bit chilly, are you ready to go back down?” He asked her as she snuggled against the warmth of his coat. A mischievous smile played on Nightingale’s lip, making Fury raise a brow at what she could be thinking.

“Actually,” She said, “There is one something else I would like to do up here.”

“And that is?”

Nightingale looked up into Fury’s eyes, the light of the moon washing over them as she rose up and kiss Fury’s lips. At first, he didn’t respond. She hung on, keeping the kiss going wanting to get as much as she could out of this moment, and when her heart was on the verge of breaking,

He pushed back.

It was late at night, or maybe it was early morning, he didn’t know, but it didn’t matter he was too happy. The happiest he’s been in the past week. For tucked lovingly between his hooves was his last and only hope of ever communicating with his daughter again. Everything rest on a single magic book.

Gadget, no Starwind, smiled at his newest creation, it wasn’t a machine or gizmo like his other inventions. It was just paper intertwined with several advanced spells. Spells he had to borrow from a particular bearded unicorn, but he put his one-sided rivalry aside only this once or maybe forever. He wasn’t sure yet, the point is he had done it!

Collecting the book embroiled with the mark for infinity, Dusk’s emblem. Starwind carried the simple object like it was a national treasure slowly making his way to his daughter’s room, the sound of his new metal leg thumping against the stone floor was his only companion. Another invention he’s just completed, which lead him to discover an even more fantastic idea, but it would have to wait.

Standing outside her bedroom door Starwind looked at his daughter’s toys and decorations, cataloging everything into his mind since it would be the last time he would be able to enter after this.

Levitating the book onto the bed, Starwind touched the sheets one last time. His plan was simple. He knew were ever Dusk was or whenever she was, she would no doubt return here to her home and when she did this book would be waiting for her, a lifeline for her to call. Anything written in the book would be sent to his book in the other room, it was designed to send messages through time and space and even beyond worlds if such a thing is possible.

It was a big stupid and illogical gamble, but what did he have to lose for it, several nights sleep? He laughed, he would give up a thousand night’s sleep to see his daughter again. Of course, there was something to lose. To keep the book safe from time and thieves, he had to lock it away in her room with spells to keep out the elements, the decay of time, and anypony that didn’t share his DNA. The place would be sealed, locked in time, and it could not be entered again without breaking the seal. That was the funny thing about time spells, they could only be used once.

“Goodbye, Dusk, sweet dreams, where ever you are.”

His last goodbyes said Starwind the Beardless sealed away his daughter’s room, leaving it just as she had left it.

Solemnly he walked back to his desk and stared at his book with his own mark and waited.

Author's Note

Please Comment! Also I have some Character Concept art posted here Character Art

The Griffon Kingdom

Night Patrol ch 23

By Foxgear

Luna stood on the deck of the Moon Cutter, looking wistfully out into the open sky and the land below. This was the first time in the history of Equestria that the ponies would visit the Griffon Kingdom without an invading army. For this was the first of what was hopefully the beginning of a long alliance. She hoped arriving by airship wasn’t overdoing it. The world was still getting used to such things, even if it’s been two years since they’ve been invented.

Two years, how time flies. To think it has been that long since Luna first form night patrol, now the organization was more prominent than she ever imagined. Monster attacks in Equestria were nearly nonexistent and a swell of new villages popped up all over the country. Not only that, but communities were growing larger and becoming towns and towns to cities. Why just this past year the pegasus began building a brand new floating city named Cloudsdale, and a band of earth and unicorn ponies planned on making a new town they called Manehatten, they called it the capital of the future, wanting only the latest innovations and technologies to make their city. Unfortunately, they were a few years off, bricks and mortar were much harder to come by then clouds, and then there was the matter of funding such an endeavor.

Some ponies have come asking her and Celestia for money and such to help them in their goals. The matter had been a tricky one, one that put her and Celestia at odds for several weeks. Celestia was in favor of supporting the projects offering both some of their own personal funds and some tax benefits.

Luna’s option on the matter was quite different. She didn’t want to give any pony support. Well, a seemly cold-hearted approach, it was what she believed was best for all ponies as a whole. After all, if they help one group of ponies, but not another, how would that be fair? They either help all or none, and she chooses none, if ponies want to build a city, they could construct one, they certainly weren’t going to stop them, but they weren’t going to tax the rest of the country for something many had no say or part in.

That had only been one of a few issues she and her sister had locked horns on. Another much more complex issue was the question of Equestria’s military, which was basically her night patrol, and while Celestia has taken on more royal guards, now numbering twenty guards, she still lacked what would be considered a standing army. A position she and her night patrollers have been reluctant in officially accepting.

Luna wished that was the only thing involved with this issue, but sadly it was not. Many ponies, nobles, business owners, and many others of some standing have been whispering or more like calling for Celestia to make a night patrol of her own or as they called it the EUP, The Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasi Pony Platoons.

The night the noble houses were burned to the ground had scared many and left even more distrustful of her, and her dragon ponies, which in turn made things worse for the bat ponies that she was trying to reunite and recruit as dragon ponies and bat ponies look very similar from a distance.

So far, Celestia denied the need for such a force as the EUP, claiming night patrol did that job well enough, which Luna eternally thanked her sister for, it wouldn’t do to have two armies for one nation.

Still, Luna had her own worries about the matter. Sixes told her many of the ponies they saved from Rainbow factory had left to wander the world, though she worried about their safety she was proud of their choice and let them know they were always welcome back home.

No, it wasn’t the ones that left that worried her, but the ones that stayed. They were fiercely loyal to her, so much that some would not even take orders from Celestia unless she was there to approve it. Two years of peace has taken its toll on Celestia’s warrior reputation among the patrollers, as she once again stayed seated on the throne of Canterlot dealing with matters of infrastructure and foreign relations.

Important matters, no doubt, but to the patrollers fighting monsters and bandits daily, it did not surprise their respect for her waned. She tried to show Celestia still had the strength she displayed during the Battle of the Crystal Empire and the Battle of Rainbow Factory by sparring with her sister, but it backfired.

Celestia’s power was the same as it always been, but she wasn’t getting any stronger, she wasn’t training seriously. In their last bout, she managed to even best Celestia in their spar. Celestia laughed it off and returned to her new routine of meeting officials and other ponies. Luna was left standing alone in the field, the distance growing between them once again.

“Princess Luna, we’ve arrived.”

“Oh, thank you, Sixes,” She said, shaking her mind free of her thoughts. If there was one thing she was glad about, it was that Sixes stayed by her side as promised. He’s become her personal knight of sorts and a bit more, but he mostly retained a professional composure around her while on duty.
However, one thing that has changed about him was the fact he now had a mark, six interconnected red slash marks adorn his flank, and he was proud of them, saying each one represented a pony he cared deeply for. Jokingly she asked if she was one of them, and he replied, of course.

Joining them on the stairs of the unloading platform was one of the newer Night Hunters, Nightingale, the pegasus underwent the rigorous training to achieve the rank of elite and proved herself beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was deserving of the title and it was on that day she finally accepted Starwind’s gift to her, a pair of mechanical wings.

The wings were shiny silver and act and perform as or if not better than Nightingale’s original wings. They were designed to operate using her pegasus magic to achieve flight, but also had some… extra features, such as built-in blades and gem missiles if Luna heard Starwind’s explanation correctly. Either way, she endured much physical therapy to successfully use the new wings and almost had to completely relearn how to fly.

Nightingale received a ton of support from her fellow patrollers, but one, in particular, stood out, and that was Fierce Fury. The rumor of the castle of late was that the two were in a sort of relationship, one that they have kept well hidden. On such matters, Luna reasoned as long as they didn’t ignore their duties; it was not her business what they did while off duty.

Stepping off the stairs, Luna was greeted by the Griffon Royal Guard, a gruff silver and white griffon, half-lion, half-eagle, step forward from the group and greeted her with a bow, which she returned, he was the current King of Griffon stone, King Silverous Quailitcus the third.

“Greetings to you, Princess Luna of Equestria, I hope your journey was a favorable one?” The King greeted, smiling, extending an open claw. She smiled and sets her hoof in the King’s grasp and shook it as they peck each other’s cheeks in the traditions griffon greeting.

“My trip was a glorious one, my dear King, your land holds much beauty from the sky. I hope I will be offered the chance to get a closer look at them after our meeting.”

“Of course, my dear Princess, I will have my son Silvercuis will show you our lovely valleys after our talks. I would love to do so myself, but you know how it is running a country.” The King laughe leading her up to the palace, their guards glaring suspiciously at one another every step of the way.

They entered the throne room, and Luna took notice of the murals on the walls, depicting former kings and rulers and much of the griffon’s history, it was all really fascinating to her since despite being alive at the same time as the previous rulers she and her sister rarely interacted with the griffons of the times. The reason, of course, was simple, war.

After a unicorn prince and princess fell under the effects of love poison, the kingdom had been thrown into chaos with the noble class fracturing and falling to disarray, and the pony clans went into all-out war with each other once again. Thankfully the clan wars didn’t last long as one clan, the Steel Feather clan, led by General Typhoon a decedent of commander Hurricane quickly took charge and reunited the kingdom, only to declare war on the griffons not two days after unifying the ponies again.

Later it was discovered the prince and princess and General Typhoon were all under Discord’s sway, but that mattered little to the griffons, who had lost many lives in the war that lasted for more than ten years.

After she and Celestia banished Discord, they tried to reconcile with the griffons, but the wounds were too fresh and the King, Silverous Quilitcus, the second was in no mood for treaties. He had agreed to end the war but remained openly hostile to Equestria. He never attacked them directly, but he made sure spread the word around to other kingdoms that Equestria was not to be trusted, which deeply hurt their trade. Equestria had become isolated from the world, never trying to reach out, and no one ever offered.

That was why this meeting was so important. This was the chance to become part of the world again, to show every pony that they were not evil ponies and that they only desired friendship and prosperity. A tough sell, but Luna was up for the job. She just wished Celestia came with her, but it was decided that one princess shall remain on the throne when the other left the country as a security measure. That way, if things went south, Equestria would still have one of its leaders.

“Care for a drink, Princess?” The King offered, breaking Luna out of her thoughts. She nodded, taking the glass with her magic, secretly checking it for any abnormalities, finding none she took a sip and was quite surprised by the taste. The drink was bubbly and fizzy and tasted like candy!

“What is this?” Luna asked, amazed by the beverage; it was like nothing she’s ever tasted before! “It tastes like lemonade, but so much better!”

The Griffon King chuckled with amusement at Luna’s reaction, it was a familiar face every creature make when tasting their special brew, but one that never got old. “We call it fruit punch. It’s made from mixing fruit juice with soda pop, a carbonized water of sorts; it’s a rather addicting taste, though unhealthy if one drinks it too often. The sugar, you know.”

Luna gulped down her glass with an exasperated sigh, “Indeed. I would trade a hundred gold bits for a barrel to take home for my sister if you would be willing to part with it.”

“Why, of course! Why for a hundred bits I would give you fifty barrels!” Silverous joyfully boasted, “However, if you wish to produce your own products, we will have to discuss some royalty rights for the recipe.”

Smiling as a servant refilled her glass Luna tapped her hoof on the table, Nightingale arrived at her side and offered a scroll, “Then I am to assume the trade bargaining has begun?”

Silverous smirked, his own accountants and advisers appeared around him like a protective shield. “Indeed it has, now on the exchange rate between gold bits and silver shackles, I believe the current exchange is two bits for one silver?”

The smile Luna had been sporting dropped. (Two gold bits for one silver shackle, how could this be?) “Pardon me, my good king, but last I heard gold was more valuable than silver, is it not?”

“Oh, it is my dear princess, it is,” Silverous chuckles tossing two gold bits in his claws, “But I should clarify, two Equestrian gold bits are worth one silver shackle. You see Princess Luna, your coins only contain fifty percent gold, while mine contains one hundred percent silver. The current gold markets are not helping either.”

“I see, it is something I must take into consideration than as we parley,” Luna replied, feeling uneasy about the decline of her countries currency. “Let us continue.”

“Lets,” Silverous grinned, his eyes practically dollar signs.

Luna flopped onto her guest bed with a long sigh, she was exhausted, both mentally and physically. The trade talks went ok, but not great, she wouldn’t be going home with proclamations of besting the griffon king of bartering in a heated debate. At best, she got an equal exchange of goods, but she felt Silverous had gotten the better deal in the end. He hadn’t asked for much, just seeds of various fruits and grains and some of their metal forging methods.

In return, Luna gained permission to fly ten miles into griffon air space when pursuing monsters and such without needing approval and gain the manufacturing rights to produce copies of the griffon’s armor.

Being able to cross the border with little hassle would greatly benefit them, and it would allow them to interact better with the griffon border towns, which in the long term would allow them better work with their griffon neighbors. Though she had a feeling, the new council wouldn’t see it that way. They probably wouldn’t understand the need for learning the griffon’s armor crafting methods.

Luna could already feel the headache forming as she imagined trying to explain how learning to better their armor for their flying units would be nothing but a plus, but they would probably argue that their current armor was already superior. A fact she would not support, since yes, their armor was made of better materials, but the form was proving to be outdated, especially for those with wings. Despite Starwind’s brilliant designs, he was hard-pressed to make an armor that was universally liked by both pegasi and rinin ponies.

Of course, there were other terms they yet to agree on, this was just the opener for things to come, but none the less no pony would be hundred percent happy with her no matter what terms and trades she managed to get from the griffons.

“Rough day, Princess?” Nightingale joked emerging from the bath. “I know it’s been a while, but you shouldn’t be out of shape already, it wasn’t that long of a walk.”

After their debates, King Silverous’s son, Silvercuis, took them on a tour of the griffon countryside as promised. Much of the Griffon Kingdom was mountain peaks and cliffs with pockets of trees and valleys here and there. Overall it was a fun and exciting flight, but the shifting winds around the mountains were too dangerous for ponies that didn’t know their patterns. So Silvercuis argued for them to walk back to the palace while they waited for the wind to die down, which did not happen for several hours.

“We were out for most of the afternoon, and well, it was beautiful scenery. I was unprepared for such an adventure after such a rigorous debate. Besides, I’m certain I would have maneuvered fine through the wind storm if given a chance.” Luna huffed, she didn’t blame the prince for his caution. If she were by some chance to get hurt, it would be his head at stake. She wouldn’t blame him if something did happen, but in difficult times even a minor accident could seem like an assassination attempt.

Nightingale shrugged and carried on with drying her mane. There were more than enough rooms in the castle that everypony in their party to have their own, but for security reasons, it was decided that Nightingale would stay in the Princess’s room, while Sixes returned to the Moon Cutter, which was docked in the courtyard just below their window. If the need should arise, Sixes could be here in six seconds. He made it a point that the griffon royal guards knew that.

“Do you have tomorrow’s schedule ready?” Luna asked, settling down to sleep. Usually, she would be awake at this hour, but it wouldn’t do to fall asleep during her talks with the king, so she forced herself to follow a daytime schedule.

Nightingale nodded, but her brow was bent in a frown reading off the events King Silverous planned for them. “Yes, tomorrow, we will be attending a tournament.”

Luna’s ears flopped down at the mention of the tournament matching Nightingale. No surprise. Their last visit to a Kingdom that held a competition had ended in much tragedy. Those memories of the Crystal War lingered in both mare’s mind.

“I’m sure there is nothing to fear Nightingale. I highly doubt there will be another… a situation like before.” Luna tried to assure her, or maybe she was trying to reassure herself. “It’s not like we are participating this time, we are just here to enjoy the games.”

“We were just spectators last time, too,” Nightingale reminded her. “You know as well as I do that the griffons respect two things, gold and strength, they’ve seen unimpressed with our gold, so they will no doubt call for a test of strength under the guise of friendly competition.”

Luna hummed recalling the griffon traditions, and Nightingale was right; they have a history of doing such things, but, “True, but griffons follow the rule of three, and we only have two warriors as I cannot fight in the tournament as it would be unfair. We’ll be fine as long as no pony discovers our back up.”

Topaz Slicer, one of the ponies rescued from rainbow factory two years ago and the forgotten brother of the Night Hunter Emerald Cutter, was their back up force for this trip. He joined the patrollers right away and with Nightingale ascended to the title of Night Hunter quickly due to his skills. He had quite the talent for slashing his opponents to pieces. Though his relationship with his sister was still a budding friendship at best, his attempts to connect with her have been limited, but it was not Luna’s place to judge his behavior in the matter.

“If we can just keep his presence here secret, I doubt we will have to worry about any tournaments this trip.”

“Whatever you say, Princess,” Nightingale said, sounding unconvinced while crawling into bed.

Luna wiggled into her sheets for a good night’s sleep, never noticing the small shadow fly out of the window above her.

The morning found Luna tired and haggard. No matter how much she tried, the Princess of the Night could not get adjusted to daylight hours. She didn’t even know why they had to be up so early, the tournament wasn’t until the afternoon, sure there was breakfast, but she could have easily had a late brunch instead. Of course, that wasn’t the only thing bothering her this morning. The Griffon King offered her a “Present” to wear to the tournament. The gift before her laying in the box it came in.

“I cannot believe he sent this!” Luna’s tone pitched at the sight of the beautifully designed silver saddle Arabia saddle with a dark blue skirt that was just a hair more blacker than her coat. “He must be aware of what such clothing means! Right?” She asked the only other pony in the room, which was Nightingale, and she didn’t want anything to do with this.

“Perhaps he just misunderstood the cultural differences.” Nightingale reluctantly replied, rereading the King’s note. From what she understood, the King meant no ill will with his gift, he was just generous. He probably didn’t know what saddles of this design were intended for, and hopefully, the rest of the griffons wouldn’t know either. “It would be an insult to refuse it, you know.”

Luna sighed, knowing her guard was right, it was too late to get word to the king. He was already at the arena waiting for her, no doubt already boasting about his gift to her, if she showed up without it on, it would be rude at best and possibly ending their budding alliance at worse.

“Well, help me get it on then, perhaps I can use this to my advantage later after I inform Silverous on our customs.”

Strapping the saddle to her back, Luna allowed Nightingale to tighten the leather belt under her belly, requiring her to suck in her gut for the strap to be tightened properly. She had to admit the saddle suited her nicely, and the skirt did add a little dramatic flair when she walked.

“Perhaps I should do something with my hair. What do you think, Nightingale?” The Night Hunter gave her a dead-eyed stare in response. “Right, not your thing.”

Nightingale coughed into her hoof, “Yes, well, your hair is a floating mass of energy, so there’s not much to work with anyway, how about some earrings instead?” She held up a pair of silver crescent moon-shaped earrings for Luna to see. The princess took them in her magic and examined them.

“These will do nicely,” Luna complemented, attaching the jewelry. “Come, we will be late. I’m sure Sixes paced a trench into the floor by now.”

The griffon arena was like all places in the griffon kingdom on a cliff, several cliffs to be exact. The stadium was an open space filled with tall pillars of stone and wood and several smaller platforms for ground fighting, but the vast majority of it was for air combat, which made sense griffons were master fighters on land and in air.

The seating was spread out around the arena in four sections that form a large circle. Each set of stands were carved into a surrounded cliff face and connected with several bridges running between them. The risers were set in four different sections, commoners, lesser nobles, high nobles, and royalty.

Naturally, as a royal guest, Luna was seated next to the King and his kin, which comprised of his only son Silvercuis. Both griffons greeted her and her entourage with a nod as she took her seat next to the king. The position usually reserved for the Queen. An uneasily feeling settled in Luna’s stomach at the thought of the Griffon King being enthralled with her.

A complete logical fallacy, there was no way the king could have any real feelings for her, but politically? That was possible. Hopefully, that wasn’t the case. She’s hate to start a war by refusing his proposal.

“A lovely day, isn’t it, Princess Luna?” Silverous said, handing her a glass of wine, which she accepted. “And I must stay; you do look rather lovely in that saddle. I wasn’t sure if it was an appropriate gift, but the Queen of Saddle Arabia assured me it would be appreciated.”

“Queen Rahla suggested the gift?” That was surprising; Luna has not seen the queen in many years, not since the gala before… the incident with Yellowblood. She wondered how the queen was doing. At that time, the queen had been a young princess about to be married.

Silverous nodded, “Oh yes, I had her here as a guest not too long ago. In fact, she was the one that convinced me to accept your suggestion for our meeting. Did you know she’s a grandmother already? At age fifty! Can you believe it?”

“Fifty… Rahla that old already?” Luna gasped.

Silverous nodded grimly, “Indeed, sad to say, but her health seems to be in decline. She was frail when last I saw her. Some new aliment has struck her, and it seemed to be slowly killing her, but don’t worry. She says she’s lived a happy life and wanted me to give you her regards. I’m afraid she’s not expected to last past the summer.”

Her throat suddenly became dry. “Why did she not tell me? I would have come and seen her; perhaps we could have found a cure or something. We have some of the greatest magicians of the century in Equestria we could… we could do something.”

“I’m afraid I don’t entirely understand her reasoning, but perhaps she just wanted to spare you the trouble. After all, Alicorns live much so longer lives than normal ponies or griffons for that matter. What is one more death to such a long-lived being?”

He had a point. Luna and Celestia have met many ponies in their long lives, and many of them are gone, taken by time. Maybe it was easier to simply let them slip by? After all, she hadn’t thought about Queen Rahla for years. Her being gone wouldn’t affect her life anymore in death as it had in life, yet it felt like she was losing a good friend.

“I sense I have made the mood sour, come let us enjoy the games, please tell me what you think of our warriors. Do you think they are a match for yours?”

Wanting any kind of distraction, Luna focused her attention on the match below between two griffons, a red and white griffon with the body of a hawk and mink and a black and grey griffon that was half raven and half panther.

“Both are skilled fighters to be sure, defiantly on par with any of her standard patrollers, but…” Luna drew out her verdict, the King leaned in close. “Their good Silverousan equal match for any night patroller, but a night hunter would fly circles around them.”

“I see,” The king stroked his goatee, “And I am to assume a Night Hunter is a… elite knight of sorts, such as my Talon Knights?” Luna nodded, and his grin widened. “A bold claim and one I would love to wager on. What say you to a little friendly competition between our guards? I’m assuming you have some of your… Night Hunters with you?”

She knew this was coming, and she almost walked straight into it! “Only two I’m afraid, not enough for a traditional three on three bouts, you know what they say, one is boring, two is ok, but three is perfect.”

“True, very true,” Silverous said, Luna really didn’t like his tone, “But I’m sure you would have a… backup guard? Say one on your ship? In case things were to go south, he could swoop in and secure your escape.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed at the king, he knew, he knew Topaz Slicer was on the ship, but how did he know? Could he have sent someone to check the Moon Cutter? No. Even if it was docked on griffon land, the Moon Cutter was basically an Equestrian embassy, taking one step on it without permission could be considered an act of war. Also, Topaz would have reported any spies to her, meaning the king had found out another way, perhaps a spy in her room? Possible, but she had checked for such things before falling asleep and found nothing of the sort.

“Well, princess, am I wrong?” He urged. Baiting her further. He wasn’t going to let this go until she agreed.

She could deny it and settle this matter. Luna doubted Silverous would take the time to actually check the ship for Topaz Slicer just to call her buff, it would be the smart thing to do, to lie, but is would also be cowardly. Right now, she was feeling pretty peeved about being spied on.

“Your deductions are correct, my dear King, but what will the terms of the wager be?” If the King wanted to play this game, she would play it, but she would make him pay for taking her lightly. “I was thinking we both wager our terms for trade, and for every match won, the other has to agree to the terms, with no amendments.”

“A bold wager, but I except,” Silverous shook her hoof, marking the agreement. “I shall fetch my finest warriors.”

“I hope you do.” Luna shot back, there was a collective gasp from the crowd as she hopped off her seat and marched away. Nightingale following in her wake.

Sixes, Nightingale, and Slicer all stood at attention in the arena pits with Luna pacing in front of them. She was a whirlwind of emotions from angry, to irritated, back to hostile, and then apologetic.

“I have messed up.” She admitted coming to a stop. “I’ve let my emotions control my thoughts and actions instead of doing what I should have done. Now you three must put your lives on the line for my mistake. The griffon’s battles always go for life or death, and the mere turning of a claw could decide your fates should you find yourselves at your opponent's mercy. Not that I expect you to lose, but I must be frank about what could happen. Take heart in knowing that you can defend yourselves with little worry of a political backlash to Equestria, if you feel you have no choice you can kill your opponent, you are allowed to do so. This is not a friendly match between our two nations. This is a blood match for fancy. Remember that.”

“Aye ma’am,” Sixes saluted, Luna’s eyes lingered on the golden veins on his neck, even after two years the effects of eating the yellow alicorn amulet were still clearly visible. Gadget or Starwind described it as a sort of a magical scar. “We won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t,” Luna replied, leaving the waiting area to go back to her seat. Leaving the three Night Hunter’s to organize their battle plan.

“So,” Nightingale said aloud after several minutes of silence, weren’t the games suppose to have started by now? “How are things with you and Crusader? Still not connecting?”

Sixes huffed, not really wanting to talk about his artificially created son. He cared for the white rinin, though more as a comrade then a son he would admit, and he told Crusader such after several awkward attempts to bond. Course he wished that’s where it ended, but it didn’t. The feather Hoofenstein used to help create Crusader was, in fact, Celestia’s, meaning Crusader was also her son, and she played the role of a parent much better than he did.

The solar princess spent time with the boy, trained him, and taught him about the world. The two have become attached to each other over the past two years. Crusader served as Celestia’s personal guard where ever she went, though their actual relationship was secret from the public. Sixes was fine with all this, he was glad Crusader had somepony to connect with, but he wished his son would stop trying to force him and Celestia together. He could understand his son’s desire for them to be a real family, but the whole thing was just too much for him, and he’s been accepting any away missions posted.

His total time spent at the castle in the past year equaled roughly a week.

“Fine, everything is fine, he’s guarding Celestia as she tours the developing cites.” Sixes answered. Under the pegasi’s skeptical glare, he avoided direct eye contact, not that it would make a difference. Everypony in night patrol knew his feelings on the matter. He just wished they’d stop asking about it.

“How are things with Fury?” He shot back, getting a stunned silence and blush for his jab.

Nightingale turned up her head and looked away, “None of your business.”

“Take your own advice then next time,” Sixes replied, knowing that Fury’s and Nightingale’s relationship really wasn’t his business, but Fury made it habit to keep him up to date on it whenever they were off duty. Another thing he wished would stop happening.

“So, who’s up first?” Sixes asked, wanting to break away from the personal chatter. “I thought I should go first.”

“Traditionally, griffons compete in ranks, starting with the lowest-ranked to the highest in a team setting.” Topaz Slicer stated earning looks of surprise from his teammates. “What? I had to do something while waiting on the ship, and I figured we’re in Griffon country might as well learn about griffons.”

Sixes blinked, shaking his head with a smirk. “You’re always eager to learn. Sometimes I wish I was still so energetic about the world.” He laughed, earning some strange looks from his comrades, but he didn’t mind. A while ago, when he first joined Night Patrol Sixes learned as much as he could, but after the Crystal War, and took on a higher rank, he’s had less time for such things. “So how do we decide who goes first? We are all technically the same rank.”

“If combatants are of the same rank, then the junior will go first followed by the senior by years of service, so first to fight would me,” Topaz pointed to himself, “Followed by Nightingale and then you Commander Sixes.”

Satisfied that their lineup was all ready to go, Sixes ordered his fellow Night Hunters to remain quiet, waiting for the matches to begin. Each of them went through a set of stretches that they all did before going out on a mission, such as flexing claws and wings, testing their breath magic, etc., it was a simple way to ensure everything was working correctly.

Outside, a gong rang, and the doors opened, allowing them access to the arena. Together they walked out, heads held high, eyes focused forward as they marched. At this moment, they represented all of Equestria, but more importantly, they fought for Luna.

“No pony loses a match, were going to crush these guys, and if things go south like in the Crystal Empire, we grab Luna and book it to the Moon Cutter, let nothing get in your way.” Sixes whispered as they come to the edge of the cliff, their opponents waited on the other side.

“Slicer, you’re up, don’t let us down.”

Topaz nodded, breaking away from the group to the pillar in the middle of the arena.

The griffon that broke rank was the same red and white griffon fighting from earlier. Meaning he warmed up and filled with adrenaline. From his lack of heavy breathing, Topaz surmised that the matches were planned from the very beginning. He shouldn’t be surprised, this was a prevalent political tactic employed by the griffons. He was more surprised that they were still using it. The book he read was over twenty years old.

(You’d think they’d update the practice after publishing the book.)

That just made it all the easier for Topaz, the griffon’s means of combat were still the same, having read that book was worth the time hiding in the storage room. The primary weapons of choice for Griffon’s included swords, spears, and blow darts, usually accompanied with shields and a moderate amount of armor for protection.

The griffon before him wore what seemed to be a customized version of their standard armor, outfitted to be lighter and more maneuverable. He didn’t carry a sword or spear, and Topaz didn’t see a blowgun anywhere on the griffon’s body.

(What are those two cylinders he’s carrying? A new weapon? Or something he wiped up himself?)

The announcer’s voice broke Topaz’s line of thought. A device projected the proctor's voice over the arena. “For the first match fighting for the Griffon Kingdom, our very own RED RUFUS of the hawk clan!” The crowd went wild the red and white griffon waved and bowed to the audience with much fanfare. He seemed rather popular. “And the challenger from the far lands of Equestria, the dragon pony Topaz Slicer!”

The crowd was a murmur of whispers, it was expected they wouldn’t take a shine to him, but they seem more confused than anything. Of course, this was probably the first time they’ve ever heard or seen a dragon pony before. After all, dragon ponies were only a legend in Equestria, and Topaz wasn’t even a natural born one.

The crowd grew restless. Some griffon shouted that Equestria had brought monsters to a civilized arena. The announcer tried to quell the audience, but their whispers becoming a roar, most of the chatter was shouts of how it was unfair their champion fight such a freak as him. A fact that was probably closer to the truth they might think. Not to brag, but dragon ponies tend to have the edge in everything in Topaz’s opinion.

Eventually, the crowd did settle down after Red Rufus spoke up, “My dear fans, please do not think this unfair, but think of this as a worthy challenge of my skill, for not even the might of dragon will save this pony from my flying talons!”

Well, not a particular motivating speech in Topaz’s mind, it did do the job, the crowd settled down and the announcer or maybe he was the referee, flew away to the highest perch, no doubt to get a good bird’s eye view of the arena and explained the rules.

The rules of the contest were relatively straightforward. They had to stay within the arena limits, even in the sky, course the arena was over a five-mile radius, so that’s wasn’t a big deal and then they could only use the weapons they brought and natural abilities and if somepony surrendered the contestant was to be left alone, but if they say nothing and died it was ok.

“Ready gentle creatures?” The announcer raised his talon in the air. “Begin!”

Author's Note

Edited 1/9/202

Something Strange

Night Patrol ch 24
By Foxgear

Topaz took off at the sound of the announcer's command, rushing his opponent for a quick kill. Figuring his opponent wore no close-ranged weapons, it meant he was either adapt at claw combat or a ranged weapon user. He carried what seemed to be a projectile thrower of some kind, so Topaz figured it was a pretty safe bet Red Rufus was a long-range fighter, which usually meant an average or poor performance in close range combat. Of course, there were exceptions to the rule, but they were statistically low.

Claws flexed, Topaz landed on his opponent’s platform, breaking into a gallop to knock Red Rufus off the edge and send him down abyss below. Where if everything went according to plan, he would strike and end the match via skull crush to the ground.

Drawing closer, Topaz felt a prick his left shoulder, nothing extreme, but it was noticeable. Pushing on Topaz was confident it was just a passing thing. Red Rufus made no moves to advance or flee, hardily standing his ground. Narrowing his gaze, Topaz heard some sort of mechanical clicking and veered left. A faint glimmer whizzed past, something shiny, something most likely made of metal.

Swooping down below the platform and disappearing into the clouds, Topaz pulled the object from his shoulder and inspected it. The item was a long steel dart, maybe better described as a needle. It was most likely shot from his opponent’s strange weapons. Taking a quick sniff of the needle, he found no trace of poison. At least none he knew off.

That didn’t mean there couldn’t be some mixed in. Red Rufus’s weapon was certainly big enough to hold at least a hundred, if not several hundred needles. It wouldn’t be illogical to think at least a few of them were specialized for a more sure kill, but then again, this was a match, so it was also possible he wasn’t allowed to use poisons.

(No,) Topaz thought (it’s too risky to assume there was no poison. In fact, it would be better if treated every one of them as if they are. I can’t afford to get sloppy.)

With that out of the way, it was time to move on to the next part of his counter-attack, which involved luring his enemy down here. From the looks of things Red Rufus hasn’t given chase, a smart move as staying in his original position would give him a three hundred and sixty-degree range of fire, and technically he held the high ground, for now at least.

That was what Red Rufus had in his favor, but his current position was also known, which Topaz intended to use to his advantage.

Leaping off the stone column, Topaz looked at it with an inquiring eye before nodding, yeah his plan would work. Stretching his wings as far as they would extend Topaz inhaled, his chest puffing up with air as it began to glow with orange lightning. He held his breath, forcing the storm of magic in his throat to spread throughout his body till finally, his entire body was lit up like the northern lights!

“All charged up!” Spreading his wings, Topaz flew away from the column, swinging his wings like swords as he did so, launching two arcs of plasma that cut through the column! The column shook and rumbled as it toppled to the ground, bring his opponent falling down with it.

Red Rufus flew nimbly through the falling debris, firing his dart shooter every chance he got. Topaz easily avoided getting hit the griffon’s aim all over the place. Diving down Topaz nosedived towards the ground, Red in hot pursuit. Swerving side to side, Topaz avoided the barrage of darts.

Whining around one of the stone pillars, Topaz ran along the face of the rock to sneak behind Red Rufus. He unleashed another set of plasma blades at the griffon, who floundered, trying to getaway. The blades struck home, cleaving an X into the griffon’s torso, lucky for the griffon he held back, saving Red Rufus from being cleaved in two.

Swooping down, Topaz caught the griffon by the scruff of his neck and carried him back up to the top of the pillars, dropping him on the nearest plateau, the crowd giving him a chilling cold shoulder. As not one of them clapped or cheered. Up in the sky, a giant orb replayed the last seconds of his fight, meaning the crowd had seen everything, but how?

The announcer flew down, raised Topaz’s claw into the air, and shouted, “The winner is Topaz Slicer with a dashing victory; please give him claw folks for an excellent display of skill and sportsmanship!”

Reluctantly the crowd gave a soft clap; clearly, none of them were very thrilled that Topaz won, but he did hear the excited clopping of hooves from the royal section as Princess Luna gave him the best applause she could. He smiled, waving at her before leaving the arena.

“Something is going on,” He told Sixes and Nightingale as he landed, “Somethings not right here.”

“Care to be a little more vague, Topaz?” Nightingale replied sarcastically.

“Given your experience Nightingale, I would be a little less skeptical and a little more observant.” Sixes rebuked. “She does have a point though, what’s bothering you Topaz?”

“It’s…” He began, only for the announcer to speak over him.

“Will the next combatants please enter the arena for the next match?”

“That’s my cue!” Nightingale said excitedly, flying away.

Sixes pulled Topaz closer and whispered, “Whatever is bothering you, we’ll address later, for now, get up to Luna and stay by her side. Don’t let anything stop you from getting to her understand? Anything.”

Topaz nodded and flew up above the stands and made his way over to the section Luna was sitting in. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have any trouble with the griffon guards. For the time being, Sixes kept his back against the wall, and his eyes peeled for anything suspicious.

“Hopefully, this isn’t a repeat of the Crystal Empire,” Sixes muttered under his breath as the announcer began the next match. “I really hope it isn’t.”

Nightingale drifted lazily to her starting positioning, observing her opponent, a black griffon with the body of a raven and panther. On his wings rest a set of wing blades, blades mounted on wings obviously. He carried no other visible weapon.

She decided right then she would only use her wing blades out of respect. She could use her gem rockets to finish him right off right away, but where was the fun in that? She earned her title of night hunter, the title of an elite, and she damn well was going to prove it! If he started pulling tricks though, then all bets were off, she would be making fried bird for the nighthounds, the dogs they recently started training. Somepony thought it was a good idea, and it was proving to be true so far.

(I should probably focus, the announcer is about to begin the match!)

“Champions, are you ready? Begin!”

Both of them took off like a bat out of hell, flying straight up into the air at high speeds! Nightingale circled around, trying to catch up to the black griffon, whose name she didn’t catch at the start of the match. (That’s what you get when you monologue.)

“Hey!” She yelled, trying to get the griffon's attention. “What’s your name?”

The griffon turned his head, looking very confused, “Why do you ask?” He shouted back, his voice a lot higher then Nightingale imagined it would be. The wind must be distorting her hearing.

“I… well, it’s kind of embarrassing, but I wasn’t paying attention to the announcer, and now I don’t know your name, and it’s distracting me from the fight, so can you please tell it to me?” Nightingale asked as they did their third lap around the arena. Everypony was probably thinking they were just sizing each other up or something.

The griffon blinked at her like she’d grown a second head, “Seriously?” He asked, not believing her. Really who would be such an airhead before a match? Course he’s seen stupider things happen in battle.

“Names, Raven claw!” The Griffon answered.

“Cool name!” Nightingale replied, flying up next to the griffon with her hoof extended. “My name is Nightingale!”

“I know,” Raven replied with a chuckle shaking her hoof. “Let’s have a good match, little mare!”

Nightingale and Raven broke off only to clash right away in a fury of blades as they fought and flew at the same time, their wings a blur of black and silver as they each tried to gain the advantage.

“Have you ever seen such a display before folks, because I haven’t!” The announcer yelled through his amplifier. “Look at them, fly! Such power, such ferocity, and speed! Who knew a pony could fight like that?”

In her seat overlooking the fight, Luna held a small little smirk on her lips as the gathered griffons around her had their beaks on the floor. Even King Silverous was impressed. Of course, she wished she could be screaming her head off in support of her little pony, but edict and all that.

“Impressed Silverous?” She giggled as the king picks his jaw off the floor. “I think I see another win for my side.”

The king looked at her with an unreadable look and said, “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”

Luna turned attention back to the arena where Nightingale and Raven crash-landed into a pillar kicking up a large crowd of dust. The crowd was hushed into silence as they waited for the dirt clear and when it did Nightingale and Raven stood across from one another with each other’s blades press against the neck of the other, a stalemate, unless one of them was willing to take the risk of getting their throat slit.

“What do you say to a draw, my dear princess?” Silverous drawled, inspecting his talons.

The Princess of the Night didn’t like conceding defeat, but in this matter, she was willing to swallow her pride, not wanting to lose a talented warrior such as Nightingale over a few trade bargains. “We agree to a draw, I presume the next match will be double the stakes?”

“Why, of course,” Silverous replied with a smirk, waving to the announcer to call off the match. Retaking his seat, he feasted on some blackberries while the combatants changed out. “I hope your last champion is up to the task going against my finest gladiator. I expect this to be quite the match.”

“Sixes will be up to the task, I assure you. I simply hope the arena will survive if things get hectic.” Luna could feel the eyes of every griffon in the booth turn to her. They were probably wondering what she means, most would probably play it off as bluff or intimidation tactic, but there was no need for such things with Sixes. He was intimidation itself.

“Just wait and see, my feathered friends,” Said Luna confidently, “just wait and see.”

Sixes took his position across his opponent, a griffon named Glider, a basic eagle and lion breed griffon. If Topaz was right about the griffon’s ordering, then this guy would be the strongest or at least the most superior fighter among their group. He didn’t look overly impressive in any real way, but there is that old saying about looks being deceiving. That just meant he wouldn’t underestimate him.

From what Sixes could tell, Glider carried no weapon, not even wing blades, meaning he was most likely skilled in close-quarters combat. He must be outstanding to not bring a weapon into battle. More than likely, he relied on his talons and beak to attack.

“On my mark,” The announcer raised his claw into the air, “Begin!”

Like a bat out of hell, Sixes took flight with Glider hot on his tail. Whipping around Sixes dived between the pillars, weaving in and out at high speeds with Glider managing to keep pace. Breaking off Sixes propelled himself backward; his claws flexed open for an attack. Glider counters by raising his talons, which was what Sixes intend for him to do as he spewed a stream of fire onto the griffon. The flames weren’t nearly as intense as usual since he had no time to charge the blaze, but the attack did its job and sent Glider veering off with a smoking leg.

Grinning with satisfaction, Sixes gave chase, blasting multiple fire blasts at the retreating griffon to control his flight path. He didn’t just want to win, he wanted to show the griffons just what they would face if they ever thought about attacking Equestria again!

Increasing speed Sixes got right on top of Glider and swung down, raking his claws across the griffon’s back. Glider let out a yelp as his feathers became stained with blood, he faltered midair his wound in the middle of his back, where his wing joins were. Too low to land on the platforms, the griffon latched himself onto the side of the pillar with his talons, using all his strength to just to hold himself up. In other words, he was a sitting duck and knew it.

His fear began to grow as Sixes floated behind him, the dragon pony’s chest expanding and glowing with magic. Glider could see the heat stream rising from Sixes' mouth as hot droplets of lava spill from between his lips. He was going to roast him alive!

Glider turned away, keeping his eyes shut tight. This wasn’t the way this was supposed to go, this wasn’t how he wanted to die! The crowd gasped, probably because the dragon pony was opening his mouth to attack, he could feel the heat from here. He waited for the attack, preparing for the last few painful seconds of life. Sixes fired, but not at him.

“What…” Glider couldn’t believe his eyes as the pillar next to the one he was on was engulfed in lava, what’s more, Sixes was beside him, holding out his claw.

“Come on,” He said, “Let’s get you out of here.”

Thinking of no logical reason for the dragon pony to drop him, Glider grabs Sixes' claw, allowing the dragon pony to tow him back up to the top of the pillar, where he was dropped off safe and sound and to the cheers of the crowd.

“Why,” Questions the griffon, “Why did you save me?”

Sixes chuckled, patting Glider on the back, being careful not to hit the griffon’s injuries. “There was no reason to. Well, I guess more accurately, there are more reasons to let you live than to kill you. I may not know the history between the griffons and Equestria, but I know they are bad, and there is a lot of resentment on both sides to this day. I guess I just didn’t want to add to it. Besides, while not a very exciting match, I made my point did I not?”

“I’ll say you did,” Glider replied, craning his neck to inspect his injuries. “That’s defiantly going to scar. I’m lucky you didn’t sever my wings from my spine.”

“I thought about it.”

Glider narrowed his eyes at the dragon pony, “You were holding back then?” Sixes nodded. “I see. I suppose I’ll have to train harder for our next match then.”

“You don’t want to continue? I wouldn’t mind a little claw vs. talon match here on the ground. It’s your specialty, right?”

Glider nodded, “Yes, yes, it is, but I’d rather lose today and beat you tomorrow when I’m one hundred percent, so there’s no shadow of the doubt who is the better warrior. I forfeit this round to you, Sixes.”

Glider held out his claw, which Sixes took gladly, as the announcer called an end to the match.

“I look forward to our next battle.” Sixes nodded to the Griffen, and both left the arena.

“Looks like I win.”

Silverous hummed beside her, coughing as he looked away, it was an amusing sight to see for Luna and made all the sweeter by the fact she won the trade negotiations. Now she not only had the right to cross ten miles into griffon territory without permission, but she also got the right to produce soda pop in Equestria. The latter may not seem that big of a deal, but she was sure a few talented ponies could make some commerce with the new product. Finally, the best part of the deal, gaining access to griffon armor forging methods and designs. Starwind will have a field day when he laid his eyes on the blueprints.

“Do you wish to meet my champions King Silverous? I’m sure they would be thrilled to have a King comment on their performance.”

“Perhaps another time,” Silverous rose and signaled for his escort, “If you’ll excuse me, Princess Luna, some important matters have come up and need my attention. I will have my son draw up the trade agreements in my place, please have a safe journey home.”

Luna watched the griffon king leave. Questions filled her head as she analyzed the king’s tone and words. The trade talks were supposed to go for at least another day or two, though with this tournament, they managed to speed through that usually lengthy process, if she didn’t know better she would say Silverous was politely telling her to get lost.

“Will you accompany me down to the dugouts, Prince Silvercuis?” She asked the griffon heir. He nodded and followed her down to her ponies, who were celebrating their victory will zeal.

“Yeah! We’re going to get so hammered when we get back!” Nightingale proclaimed. The pegasus’s new love for alcoholic beverages was beginning to get concerning. Perhaps another dream walk was in order. “Hi Luna, did ya see how awesome those matches were?”

Luna visibly sighed as she touched down in front of the three-night hunters, her eyes on Nightingale. “Yes, I did, impressive, but please do not forget yourself, Nightingale.”

The pegasus turned a deep shade a crimson as she coughed into her hoof, “Sorry, Princess, got a little too excited.”

“It’s ok, just remember the rules from now on.” Encouraging ponies to call her, Luna was turning into a double-edged sword more and more now. While Luna loved how much closer she was to her ponies, some unsavory ponies were abusing the privilege. Most of them being outsiders, but the message was clear. She needed to draw the line of who could address her casually, and she made it a point that all night patrollers, regardless of how fond she was of them, were to call her by her full title when on duty and outside the castle walls.

“Come, let us go to the throne room and…”

“Actually,” Prince Silvercuis interrupted, “It would be better if we finish the trade deal on your ship. I feel it would be best that you be on your way as soon as possible.”

Luna looks suspiciously at the Prince. Something strange was going on. “Why is that? Why do you wish us to leave so quickly? Do we not have two more days of negotiating to do?”

“We did,” The Prince said, “But that has been rendered mute. You have your conditions and terms, there is no reason to delay matters further. My father pushed aside many things to make this meeting happen, and now that all the important matters are done, he can get back on schedule. You understand how it is. Course he was expecting a bit longer of vacation from his delegates, but they’ll be hounding him to no end now that he’s free once again.”

Luna bowed her head; here, she thought the king was being rude when she was the one fact the rude one. Silvercuis was right; she had what she came for. Their business was done. To stay any longer would just be a burden on king Silverous, who was undoubtedly busy running his own kingdom.

“Yes, our ship would be a good spot to finish the signing. Please accompany us so that we may be out of your way as soon as possible.”

“Sounds good,” Silvercuis smiled as they all flew down to the Moon Cutter, “And Princess, please doesn’t take it personally. The wounds of the war still run deep in many griffons. It will take time for us to completely be comfortable to be around ponies again.”

Luna opened her mouth to reply, but her words fell short, so she simply replied, “Understandable.” When they touched the deck of the ship.

From the stands, King Silverous watched his son follow after the princess and her… guards, if that was even the right word to use to describe those monsters. That’s what they were too, they were monsters. He had hoped the news he’d been told was untrue, but having seen them for himself, he could not deny what his eyes saw. Equestria was making monster ponies, no doubt for only one purpose, war.

“I thank you for your warning, my dear friend, I only wish I had believed you sooner,” Silverous said to a figure in the shadows. “I know you’ve already begun production, but we’ll need to speed things up before it is too late.”

“All is dear good king; I trust our funding will no longer be in question?” The figure replied, stepping into the light. It was a pony, a brown earth pony.

“Yes, we have no choice; if Equestria is preparing for another invasion on my kingdom, then I must be prepared to do whatever needs to be done to defend my subjects. Even it means creating the same monstrous beings.”

The earth pony smiled, pulling a bottle from under his coat. Inside was a brightly colored insect looking creature. “Then allow me to present to you our first present. We call this a Breezy, their little insect ponies with high intelligence, design to be the perfect spy. Give this as a gift to Princess Luna before she departs, and all of Equestria’s plans will be in our hooves before they can do any damage. You’ll have perfect insider intel as if they gave the plans directly to you and best of all, even if they suspect a traitor, who would ever consider this little cutie.”

With a heavy heart, Silverous took the bottle from the pony. “A great gift indeed, my friend, I eagerly await for your next one, if you’ll excuse me Doctor Hoofenstein.”

Hoofenstein kept his composer till the king was gone from the room, suddenly breaking out into a full smile, which turned into a chuckle and then to full-blown laughter! He couldn’t believe how easy it was to fool the king! The poor sap would never see the end coming till it was too late, and by then, both Equestria and the Griffon kingdom will be under his hoof!

“Just wait, Princess Luna, revenge will be mine, but not before you suffer, and oh how I will make you suffer!”

Far away from both Canterlot and Griffonstone, something was happening in a small border town at the edge of Equestria. The city itself was in ruins, the fires from the attack were still burning, and the bodies of the town ponies were littered everywhere, stallion, and mares, all except the foals. There were no fillies or colts around, at first, that was a relief for the squad of night patrollers investigating the attack, but then their minds began to wonder. What happened to them?

“I don’t like this.” Crusader, the leader of the patrol, said aloud as he observed the wreckage. On the ground, hoof prints of the villagers were mixed with another set of footprints, defiantly not ponies, but something with a hoof for sure.

He sniffed the air, trying to get a read of the scents, but smoke clouded his sense of smell. Meaning the fires had been set intentionally to cover the attacker's trail. The attackers were no mindless beast.

“Are there any other species that live around here?” Crusader asked his unit. Several of them looked quizzically between each other before one steps forward with an answer.

“I think there are some deer tribes in this area if I remember right.” The pony named Bright Rain answers. He was one of the few bat ponies that joined night patrol. This would be his first mission.

Crusader nodded, looking at the tracks again. They could be deer, but why would deer attack a pony town? Last he heard from his father Sixes, relations between the deer tribes and the pony tribes were going reasonably well.

“Sir, we found something!” Another pony shouted, waving them over.

Crusader trotted over the pony, which was behind one of the few intact buildings, following the pony’s hoof he spotted an antler, much like his own, stuck into the wall. From the blood, at the base of the horns, it seemed the antler was ripped from the owner's head. However, that wasn’t all, there was a blood print on the wall as well, a paw print to be exact. This changed things.

“I don’t think deer attacked the village, I think they were running to the village for safety.” Crusader narrowed his eyes, “Something was chasing them.”

“Deer are no pushovers, what could make a whole herd flee their home?” Bright Rain asked Crusader walking beyond the ruined building, all the way to the edge of the village. There in the mud was on the large footprint with three clawed toes in the center and two on the side. No pony could determine what sort of creature made such a track, but they knew for certain two things, one that it was big and two it had claws.

Crusader put his claw into the imprint; it was nearly five times larger than his own. “I assume whatever made this. Come on, let’s see if we can find this thing.”

“We’re going after it?” Bright Rain squeaked fearfully. Crusader looked at him with a blank stare.

“Of course, we are it’s our job to do so, now come on! We might still be able to catch it!” Crusader shouted excitedly, storming off into the forest, leaving his unit to stumble fearfully in his wake.

The white rinin might not be afraid of the creature ahead, but they were, this was supposed to be simple recon mission, something for the greenhorns to get their hooves wet with, not a full-blown monster hunt! They followed regardless, as it was their duty to.

“Commander Crusader, wait up!”

Wiped Out

Night Patrol ch 25

By foxgear

Luna stood aboard the flight deck of the Moon Cutter, taking in the morning breeze with a peaceful smile while lowering the moon. Not usually a morning pony after years of staying up all night and sleeping all day, Luna’s new schedule had her days switched around. It was thanks to this that she’s come to appreciate her sister’s sun. Finally, at least glimpsed why ponies joy in seeing it. It was like a light pushing away the darkness, and though she still loved her moon and the stars in the night sky, she could at least appreciate the dawning of a new day.

The Moon Cutter veered to the right coming alongside her sister ship the Solar Ray. The crew of the Ray saluted while a team of pegasus pulled the bridge across the non-flyers. Walking across the bridge was Ray’s captain, Firefly.

“Permission to come aboard,” Firefly jokingly asked, stepping onto the deck. They exchanged salutes with Luna smiling warmly at the pink and blue pegasus. Though one of her newest officers, Firefly, proved her worth during the battle of Rainbow Factory and was given command of the Solar Ray as a reward for her service.

“Permission granted, how was your mission to Nippon? Everything alright with the Emperor?”

Firefly lowered her hoof, a big smile on her lips as she trotted with Luna towards the command deck. “Everything went fine, Princess. We were greeted very warmly, Kira Perfecta especially, her love of swords really proved to be the great ice breaker for us.”

“And where is Kira Perfecta now? I’m certain she’s fulfilled her duty as a bodyguard for Ambassador Pure Lineage beyond expectations. I have some questions I want to ask her… is something wrong, Firefly?” The pink mare was standing several feet away, seemingly rooted in place as she nervously rubbed the back of her head. “Is something the matter?” Luna repeated in a lower tone.

The pink pegasus chuckled nervously, “Well, you see, Emperor Shinjuku didn’t take a liking to Ambassador Pure Lineage. In fact, if I’m honest, I would say negotiations were about to go up in flames had Kira not taken over.”

Luna turned, giving Firefly her full attention as she wrapped her mind around what she was just told, “So if I understand you correctly. Pure Lineage is here.” Firefly nodded. “Then Kira is in Nippon negotiating a trade and treaty deal. Kira, who has no experience in such matters or is aware of what Celestia and I hope to gain through an alliance with the Nippon ponies. Do I understand you correctly, Firefly?”

Firefly nodded, “Yes, ma’am. That is the situation… at least part of it.”

She hoofed, faced, “And what else is there, Firefly?”

“Welllll… the Emperor’s son, Lord Shinto, may have a small, if not huge, crush/romantic feelings for Kira. All negotiations have come to a standstill as the final clause of the treaty is that the alliance will only be ratified if Kira marries Shinto. Of course, the actual treaty doesn’t say that it says that a blood bond between our nations will ensure Nippon's loyalty for generations. Lord Pure Lineage made a fuss and stated only nobles apply for such a thing. In his own words said: a common pony such as Kira is not suited for the honor. After that, to avoid total war. Kira had me bring Pure Lineage aboard the Solar Ray and bring him back home, leaving her and a small number of ponies behind to deal with the situation there.” Firefly paused to take a breath. “And that’s what’s actually happening. Currently, Kira is probably trying stall for time until we could get in contact with you.”

“I see a wise course of actions given the circumstances. Very well, I will send a letter to Emperor Shinjuku. Saying it is unreasonable for him to force one of my subjects, and one of my best soldiers into a marriage…”

“Kira is ok with the idea. She asks you to give her a Noble Title so she can marry the Prince without any trouble. That way, no pony can raise a fuss about it later.”

Luna did a double-take, “Kira also has feelings for the Emperor’s son?”

“Well… it’s more of a sense of duty, really. Here are Commander Kira’s words on the matter if you wish to read it.” Firefly presented a letter addressed to her from Kira. With an uncertain feeling turning in her gut, Luna accepted it and opened the envelope.

(Kira’s Letter)

Dear Princess Luna,

I write this letter to you requesting you grant me the status of nobility, not for my personal gain, of course, but for yours. You have done so much for me and my kin; I feel this is the only way I can even begin to repay the debt I feel to you.

I can assume Firefly as told you of my situation, so I will skip over the details. Rest assured, the young lord, Shinto of Nippon, is a good stallion, and well, I may not share quite the passion for him as he does me. He is handsome enough. To be honest, marrying is not something I ever planned for in my life, mainly because of my appearance. Even among my own, I am different, but the ponies of Nippon don’t seem to mind that, especially Lord Shinto. Knowing each other for a few days, he seems very taken with me. He speaks much flattery toward me that I cannot help but blush at, mainly because he has no tongue for poetry, or I the ear for it, but the gesture is heartfelt.

Basically, what I am saying, don’t worry about my personal feelings on this matter. Think of the ponies of the Equestria and what is best for them.

I assure you, my dear Princess, my friend, I will be quiet happy here.

Respectfully, Kira Perfecta

(End of Note)

Luna folded the note carefully, her mind mute as she tried to wrap her head around what Kira was telling her to do. She was giving her full permission to be used as a political pawn, a concept that Luna despised.

“I… I need time to think about this. Tell Sixes to alert me when we reach Canterlot. I assume you have another mission right away?”

Firefly nodded, “Yeah, we need to go drop Emerald Cutter off at the border to check on a group out that way that hasn’t reported back yet. I’ll be leaving as soon as we restock. I’ll pass on the message to Sixes.”

“Thank you, Firefly,” Luna said, walking away with the letter clenched tightly in her magic.

The walk to her cabin was a long and silent one; she simply nodded to the ponies that greeted her, a gesture they’ve come to know as code for leaving her alone. Inside, Luna placed the note on the nightstand beside her bed and lay down, her mind a buzz.

“How can Kira ask me to do that to her, she is my friend, not a pawn to be used for political gain,” Luna muttered into her pillow. She had no idea what to do. Well, she knew what would be the right thing to do as a princess of Equestria, but she didn’t want to do it.

Luna rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling, “I wonder what Celestia would do? Would she do what’s best for Equestria or for Kira?” That was the other thing, what was the best thing for Kira? By her own words, she didn’t seem to care either way, like she was deciding what to have for lunch. A very Kira thing, Luna thought with a smile.

“I’ll ask for Celestia’s wisdom on the matter, and if I don’t like what she has to say, I will fly for Nippon and talk to Kira myself.” She smiled, happy at her reasoning. Yawning loudly, Luna decided to catch a bit more sleep before they reached Canterlot. She rather liked the warmth of the sun on her coat while she slept; it was like having Celestia beside her.

Hours later, there was a knock on her door. Groggily Luna rolled out from her blankets and gave the pony at the door permission to enter. The door opened, revealing Sixes carrying a tray of food.

“Hungry?” He asked, setting the tray on the bed. Luna nodded, levitating an apple off the plate and bit into the fruit. The cabin was silent safe for her chewing, which sounded kind of funny as her lips smacked together. “We are about ten minutes out from Canterlot; we’ll be docking on the south side of the castle. I’ve sent a messenger ahead to inform Celestia if there is anything urgent, we’ll be informed right away. Also, Fury, Applejack, and Overheat are still on the Twilight Morning, making their way back from the southern badlands. It seems the Changeling hive there was more trouble than we thought they would be.”

Changelings, one of the many creatures without an official nation of their own, they roamed the lands looking for their next food source. They were popping up more frequently since Maredor fell into civil war with the fall of Sombra. Luna couldn’t help but sigh as she thinking of Sombra’s fallen kingdom. In a way, it was their fault war had broken out as they were the ones to put the unicorn king down, but on the other hoof, it was bound to happen someday either way.

Maredor was a nation made up of several different smaller countries that Sombra forced under his rule. He kept everypony in line, but as there were no less than three different sides of the conflict, it was clear he never truly got the tribes there to get along. The three factions were the pro-Sombra supporters, ponies that wanted to continue his legacy and keep the whole nations for one of Sombra’s many offspring to rule. Next was the anti-Sombra movement that wanted to keep the government together but start a new royal bloodline. Then there were the independents, ponies that wanted to regain their own countries back, the coastal siren nation was the leader of this group.

Overall, Maredor was a mess and has been the central issue in the courts for many weeks. It was also yet another thing that pitted her and Celestia against each other. Celestia wanted to send aid to the ponies caught in the crossfire. At the same time, she argued letting the ponies of Maredor sort things out for themselves and then send aid depending on who took power. Luna was all for helping ponies in need, but to send support now would only lengthen the war. After all, battles could only go on as long as ponies had the resources to fight.

“Hey, quit zoning out and eat,” Sixes chastised, shoving another apple in her face, this one covered in caramel, her favorite. Happily, she took the apple and munched on it loudly. “We’ll be docking soon, make sure you clean your muzzle.”

She huffed at Sixes' advice as the dragon pony left the room. Quickly Luna finished the rest of the meal and cleaned up; as she cleaned the remains of her breakfast from her muzzle, she hoped everything would go smoothly in the courts. The new council of nobles was as critical of her actions as the last. However, that was due to the incident of when Sixes burned down Yellowblood’s home, so she could understand them at least a little bit. That didn’t mean she liked them in the slightest, especially their pet project, the EUP.

Trotting out onto the deck, Luna took in the sight of Canterlot, the gleaming white city shined in the sunlight giving it a bright and majestic look. She continued to admire the view as they descended towards the airship docks. Once the ship was docked, she was flanked by Sixes and Nightingale, and together they disembarked. Three ponies blocked their path at the end of the ramp, an earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn all clad in gold armor. Luna’s eyes narrowed at the sight of it, gold was Celestia’s color, yet these three lacked the sun seal.

“We’ll take it from here, you too can remain on the ship,” The unicorn of the group gruffly said, there was something in his tone that Luna didn’t like. Neither did Sixes or Nightingale as the two gritted their teeth at the three.

“I think not, now remove yourselves from my path, or you will be dealt with accordingly,” Luna said trotting forward, the ponies did not move.

The unicorn spoke again, “Allow us to escort you, Princess Luna, as members of the EUP we…”

“As far as I know. My sister nor I recognize the EUP. Your group could be best-considered vigilantes. Which I assure you will not gain you leniency in court. Unless something has changed, which I assure you, I would know. I suggest you lot stop impersonating military officials and go home. Next time, this happens, it will be the dungeons for you! Understand?” The three ponies quivered in their boots and screamed a terrified, “Yes, your majesty!” and scattered to the winds.

“Come, let us not delayed any further,” Angrily Luna marched into the castle, her mood all but destroyed. Made only worse by the stares and whispers of the castle staff, she closed her eyes and folded her ears to ignore them. They didn’t understand, they couldn’t understand and they never would.

Celestia sat on her throne, feeling exhausted, and it was barely midmorning. She finished talking with the new council of nobles, a group that sprang up before they had even returned from the battlefield of Rainbow Factory, but were necessary none the less. This group, at least, was proving to be more cooperative and helpful than the last council. It helped that some, such as Sir Fancy Dress and Lady Lacy Lingerie, were business ponies that had earned their wealth rather than inherited it. The common ponies loved them as the two have gone to great lengths to aid their fellow ponies at any opportunity.

That being said, they were the main funders behind the EUP, a group of ponies wanting to pelage their lives to her. Their justification for making such a group was, of course, the Yellowblood incident when Sixes burned down the former noble’s home and his family inside. As she had warned Luna such things would come back to haunt them, Celestia just didn’t think it would happen so quickly. None the less, she has rejected the EUP’s offer to be her personal army. She could not imagine the rift that would form between her and her sister if she ever dared to accept the EUP’s offer.

Luna didn’t think she knew that the night patrollers’ option of her was shifting. Of course, Celestia knew. She was a warrior herself once and knew how warriors thought. Unfortunately, there was nothing the Princess could do besides fight in a war again, and Celestia wasn’t eager to do that again. While she appreciated Luna’s efforts to show she was still powerful through their sparring, it only confirmed her own theory. It wasn’t that Celestia didn’t want to get stronger, it was that Celestia couldn’t. She reached her peak. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how much she lifted, meditated, or studied. Celestia could not get any stronger mentally, physically, or magically.

Meanwhile, Luna’s power continued to grow and all without her noticing. Celestia would find it funny if not for how powerful her sister could truly become. Someday the Princess of the Night would eclipse the sun, and Celestia wasn’t sure how to feel about that. She was the older of the two, and for the last several hundred years, she enjoyed being the stronger of the two. Not in a mocking way, it was just the way older siblings were. They were for pushing their younger siblings to be better, yet always remaining ahead of the curve.

Which was probably the reason she hasn’t told the Luna the truth, pride, she was too proud to admit her little sister was growing up and surpassing her. It was a hard thing for any sibling to realize, but what could be the harm in waiting just a little longer?

“Why do you still deny our offer, Princess Celestia?” From below, a voice called out, catching Celestia off guard. She thought the room had been cleared of all guests, and yet lady Lacy stood at the base of her throne, looking rather distraught. “You know the danger your sister’s army of monsters possess, and now she’s trying to recruit the bat ponies again! Why do you insist on not doing the same? We are willing and able to stand by your side, so let us!”

Celestia groaned, rubbing her temple. She did not want to deal with this right now! “Lady Lacy, the morning court is over, and I am tired, please leave.”

Lacy is taken aback by Celestia’s frustrated tone. The white, pink unicorn pranced in place uneasily as she fought the urge to obey her Princess’s command. Celestia’s eye narrowed and bore down at her, the Princess’s tired frown turned to frustration and perhaps irritation.

“Lacy, leave or be forced to. I will hear your concerns latter at the next council meeting, but I have other matters to attend to.”

Not wanting to press her luck, Lacy bowed and took her leave, her head hung low. (Why will the Princess not hear us out? Did she genuinely trust those monsters so much more than us?) The Noble Mare pondered.

A guard opened the door and let her out of the courtroom and straight into Princess Luna’s path. Lacy’s entire body froze, and her fur stood on end as her face was buried into the Princess of the night’s blue coat. Everything seemed to stop as all the guard's eyes fell upon her. Any moment now, she would probably be at the bottom of a pony dog pile.

“Are you ok?” Princess Luna asked her as the Princess held her at a leg’s length away. Lacy stood there, dumbfounded. Despite being on the council for almost an entire year, this would her first face to face encounter with Princess Luna. They’ve seen each other at meetings for such. Still, they never exchanged words, as Luna tended to skip the majority of meetings and the ones she did show up for, she simply observed and never really spoke up.

“Yes, yes, I’m fine, just a bit tired. You know how it is with these court meetings and all.” Lacy laughed off, still expecting that body slam at any moment. “I’m just surprised to see you, Princess Luna; I thought you would be gone for at least two more days, if not more.”

Luna nodded, offering a warm, reassuring smile as she pulled Lacy to her side and walked a little way down the hall to a nearby bench. “Indeed, I was, but we managed to wrap up the trade deal with the griffons faster than expected and decided to come straight here to tell Celestia all the details in myself. I assume today’s court was very extensive? What were you talking about that has tired you out so Lady Lacy?”

“Oh, umm… nothing too…umm…”

“You were talking about me, weren’t you?” Luna said for her. Lacy bit her lip, uncertain what to say to the Princess of the Night. “It’s ok, you know. I understand ponies are still afraid of me and those I keep company with, but I assure you if you would just get to know us. You’ll see we are not the monsters you think we are. We are the ones that keep the real monsters away.”

“I’ll… I’ll think about it,” Lacy said, shakily stepping off the bench. She trotted down the hall and stopped to look back at Luna and her guards, Sixes, and Nightingale. All three smiled at her, and for a moment, they seemed as kind as the average pony, but the tip of Sixes' fang peeked out beneath his lip, reminding her of what he was and what he did.

She knew what the blood families did, but that shouldn’t excuse Sixes of what he did either. He burned them alive, mares, stallions, even foals. He wiped out the entire Yellowblood family that night. Who was to say they had any idea what was going on? But he killed them anyway because the blue pony beside him told him to. He didn’t hesitate to fulfill her order, not even for a second. Lacy trotted along, more determined than ever to make Princess Celestia see just how dangerous her sister and her night patrol were!

“You were too kind to her,” Sixes spoke up after Lacy turned the corner, “She’s not going to stop with just a few words, you know that right?”

Luna nodded with a sad smile on her lips. “I know, but it was worth a try. Come, let us speak to Celestia.”

The guards opened the door to the throne room Luna, and her entourage trotted in like valiant heroes returning from an epic quest, which was right in a sense. Surely their exploits in the griffon kingdom would make a fantastic tale.

“Dear sister, I have returned with good news!” Luna cheerfully announced as she bounded up to her own throne seated next to Celestia’s. “Just wait till I show you the wonders of soda pop!”

A smile crept on to Celestia’s face as she placed her documents aside, giving her full attention to her sister. “Sounds exciting, I’m sure there must be quiet a story behind your being back to early.”

“Indeed, but before that, I must show you something else!” Luna fished a glass jar out of her saddle pack, inside was a brightly colored little pony like creature with antennas and puffy hair. “This is a Breezie. It’s a sort of pet, I think. King Silverous gave it to me after the negotiations were done. Isn’t he just the cutest little thing?”

“Need he is sister, but are you sure it’s a he? It looks very feminine.”

Luna held up the jar with a puzzled expression, “Hmm, you have a point there, but I’m sure you are eager to hear how the trade deals went? Rest assured, they went extremely well.”

“I believe you,” Celestia chuckled, amused by Luna’s abundant energy. “Come, come, let us get the paperwork going so we can begin trade right away and make all of the border guard aware of the new agreements.”

Luna groaned, “Here I thought I would get to relax after a long trip.”

Celestia rolled her eyes, knowing Luna was just playing; she floated the Breezie between their two thrones and laid a stack of papers between them. Together they began to read and signed documents with high speed and focus. The Princesses were so focused that they didn’t notice their new little friend’s eyes scanning the papers alongside them.

“By the way, sister, why is…” Luna hesitated with the word, not entirely comfortable with calling Crusader her nephew, but not because she didn’t see him as family. It was just awkward, “Crusader at the border?”

“Oh something about a monster attacking some villages along the border, I’m certain he can handle it, but I asked Emerald Cutter to go check on his progress. None the less I’m sure things are going well.”

--break

The entire village was utterly destroyed. There was nothing left standing, but the former smoldering remains of ponies homes. The ponies themselves were thrown apart, torn limb from limb. It was a sickening sight, one almost as bad as the Battle for the Crystal Empire and Rainbow Factory. The only difference was the body count.

Course, there was one more thing about this disturbing event that unnerved Emerald, and it was the dead night patrollers thrown around. Carefully she removed the helmet of the patroller lying before her, she cringed; the ponies head was half caved in like something had stepped on it. Placing the helm next to its owner Emerald trotted to the edge of the village where the forest began. There was a trail of hoof prints in a single file line, the standard night patroller formation.

Following the trail, Emerald found more mutilated bodies; one was cut into three pieces. Whatever had done this, it was big, and it had claws. She paused to inspect the sliced up pony, he was cut clean through, one slash.

Emerald filed through her list of monsters, trying to match up the wound to something she’s hunted before. She came up with nothing. There was nothing she could think of that could do this. At least nothing she’s killed.

So far Emerald has not seen any sign of Crusader, which was good. She feared how his death would affect Princess Celestia and Sixes as well. The black rinin would probably have regrets about his relationship with his son. She wondered if they should have intervention or force bonding father-son bonding meeting or something after this. Things were getting awkward around the castle.

Back on task, there were five ponies in Crusader’s squad, plus Crusader, for a total of six. She found four dead patrollers so far the only two presumed survivors are Crusader and Bright Rain, the bat pony that joined recently.

Carefully Emerald advanced into the forest. The sun lowered, giving way to the night; the fading light deepened the shadows of the woods. Creating terrifying images in the shadows of the uprooted trees. The trees were marred with claw marks. Some of the trunks were cut cleanly in half, the same way the pony was. A struggle had clearly taken place as depicted in the moody grass of the forest floor. A messy painting of hooves and claws covering the moist earth. Some of the trees bore scorch marks, possibly from Crusader. No more bodies, that was good. However, there was a severed leg in the center of the clearing.

The leg defiantly belonged to a pony, and since the color wasn’t white, it probably belonged to Bright Rain. Hesitantly Emerald Cutter touched the leg; it was still warm, but only barely. She wasn’t far behind.
(Should I risk calling out for them?)

The trail of blood traveled deeper into the forest, with barely any daylight remaining. Unfortunately, Emerald wasn’t much of a night tracker, that job was usually Kira’s. Charging her horn, she fired a magical flare into the air. A bright green explosion filled the twilight sky in the shape of the moon, letting the two know she was nearby.

She waited for a reply signal, nothing imminently happened, but she felt a shiver run up her spine. Something wasn’t right.

Somepony yelled out from the darkness, “LOOK OUT!”

Rather than doing that, Emerald threw up a shield just in time for a large black shadow to slam against it. Giving her a full view of the monster's teeth and oh boy, they were big! Her shield faltered. She poured more power into it as the creature pushed harder, clawing with its massive scythe-like claws. Sparks flew as it scaped against the barrier. The tips penetrating.

A bright glow shot the darkness a beam of fiery magic slammed into the creature. Giving Emerald her first good look of the thing, and it was… nothing she’s ever seen before.

The monster had the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and a snake for a tail.

“What the hell is that?” She yelled as Crusader come flying out of the brush with Bright Rain on his back. He landed beside her with another solar blast charged between his horns, he fired blasting the monster again, but something was strange. The monster fur wasn’t catching fire; it was glowing red hot like metal.

“No idea, just kill it!” Crusader yelled and poured more power into his attack.

Horn glowing bright, Emerald summoned a batch of gems from the ground and launched them at the creature, piercing its skin. The beast roared in pain. The scream was so horrible that it forced all three ponies to flop their ears down to muffle the noise.

“Shut up!” Creating a crystal spear, Emerald chucked it at the beast. The spear pierced the beast’s mouth traveling through its lower jaw and into the ground, pinning it. “Finish it off!”

Crusader shrugged Bright Rain off his back and charged his horns, creating a dozen small suns the size of an acorn. His horns glowing red, the mini stars encircled the beast, and on Crusader’s command, exploded and morphed into beams that pierced the monster's entire body. Skewering it. The beast’s insides exploded in fire, and it wailed before falling over in a burning husk.

They watched the beast burn, the fire glowing in their eyes as they waited. None of them said anything for a long time as they thought of the ponies they lost to the monster.

“It’s my fault their dead,” Crusader spoke up finally, the fire reflecting off the tears threatening to fall. He blinked them back, refusing to cry. “I should have called for backup sooner!”

“Yeah, you should have,” Was Emerald’s response. Crusader’s ears dropped, but she didn’t stop. “I don’t know what you were thinking or care at this point. You should have known the instant you walked into that village that whatever attacked it was clearly not your run of the mill monster! But you didn’t do that! You chose to act like a foolish greenhorn and blundered into death’s embrace. Look at Bright Rain Crusader, he’s the only one left alive, and he lost a leg!”

Crusader opened his mouth to speak, but no words come out. He looked away with shame. “…”

“What was that?” Demanded Emerald grabbing him by the muzzle.

Quietly he said, “I’m sorry…”

Emeralds frowned deepened, “Don’t tell me you sorry, tell their families, tell your mother, and tell you, father. Understand that when you’re in command, ponies entrust you with their lives.”

“I…, I understand.”

“No,” Emerald barked gruffly. Rain falling from the sky, “You don’t understand, not fully, but you will soon enough.” Snorting angrily, she trotted back towards the village, calling for a pickup in her gemcom. She stopped noticing Crusader wasn’t following her.

“Come on, let’s go home.” She commanded coldly.

Running home

Night Patrol chapter 27

By Foxgear

Canterlot gleamed in the morning sun as the Twilight Dusk limped through the sky. Smoke rolled out from under the ship as the crew does their best to keep the engines running. Overheat had been right when he said they wouldn’t need the cooling system, but once they got away from the snowstorm, things got hot really quickly.

The internal engine parts were severely damaged. The cooling gems tried to catch up and cool the system. Some of the mechanisms turned a bright hot red, meaning the damage was already done. The parts warped and weakened. It was only thanks to emergency repairs that they kept the airship flying.

Currently, they were managing ten knots (11mph). Any faster and the chief engineer said she’d blow sky high!

“Why do they call ships she?” Applejack wondered aloud on the deck, enjoying the warmth of the sun. The morning air was cold, but a sweltering compared to the blizzard yesterday.

Inspecting the crew, Applejack made sure every pony was ok or seeking treatment from their battle yesterday. Her mind was scattered, trying to make sense of yesterday’s attack. Mammoths, the last tribe she expected to fight, leading her to wonder what will be next? What other races have ponies crossed that were just itching for the chance to strike back?

Fretting with the brim of her hat, Applejack wandered away from the crowd. “This is over my head.” She muttered.

Part of her wished she was more than some pony from the stix, but at times like this, she didn’t envy Luna right now. Navigating this mess would be a heavy burden for any pony. She wished she could do more for her friend then just give her the bad news.

The ship slowly came to a stop at the air dock. Crews of ponies rush out, no doubt concern about the substantial damages while medics evacuate the seriously injured. The ship’s anchor was engaged, allowing the engines to finally power down and give the crew a moment of relief.

Really Applejack thought for sure at least one of the engines was going… (BOOM!)… Blow…

“Every pony off the ship!” Fury yelled, carrying the closet ponies next to him onto the docks. Fire crews were dispatched, and water sprays as the fire spread through the ship. It was spreading too fast. There was no way they could save it.

“Let her go!” Applejack yelled over the crowd galloping for the locks. “Release it! Send it down the mountain before she explodes! Is every pony off?”

Fury nodded as the last group of escaped. With a powerful kick, Applejack released the ship locks letting the airship fall down the Cliffside. She leaned over the edge to watch the ship blow apart and explode into a massive firestorm.

She breathed a sigh of relief, at least they got every pony out in time, or this could have been much worse. Now there was the matter of…

“What has happened?”

…Explaining this to Luna.

“Howdy Princess, we had (BOOM) some trouble along the way.” Applejack chuckled nervously as a pillar of searing hot flame erupted behind her. “We have a lot to talk about.”

Luna looked warily down the mountainside at the flaming wreckage. “Indeed, we do.”

They walk away from the crowds, letting the professionals and sub-commanders deal with the matter. Applejack explained how they routed the changelings and then was attacked by mammoths and some other strange entity. Overheat would need to be called in for more details as he was the only one to see the mysterious equine. He didn’t seem very eager to talk about it on the way home, and Applejack let him be. There had been more pressing matters to deal with at the time.

“I see your trip home was much more exciting than predicted, but in all seriousness, I had not expected Mammoths. To think they would rise up again. I had thought they didn't have the numbers, but this makes the second strange event recently.”

Applejack gave her a puzzled look, “What was the first?”

Luna sighed, explaining the chimera attack and Emerald’s and Crusader’s defeat of the beast at the cost of an entire village and squad.

“I see, that’s bad news, very bad. Think it had anything to do with the Mammoths?”

Luna shook her head, uncertain for the first time in a long time. “I do not know Applejack, and until Shadow Specter returns, I’m afraid I can only guess at this point.”

Applejack came to a sudden stop, “Wait… didn’t Shadow Specter go off to see the world with the other Rinin?”

Luna glanced warily around, making sure no other pony was around.

“Well, that may be what he said he was doing, but he may actually be… spying on other nations for me…” She trailed off.

Applejack blinked, “…WHAT!”

A group of four, all different races and all of them had two things in common. One, they were royalty or leader of their tribe, and two, they all had a bad history with Equestria. From left to right, the four sitting at the table were the Griffon King Silverous, the Mammoth chieftain Largo, a Zebra Chiefitess named Zelka, and lastly a familiar (And hated) face, Dr. Hoofenstein. They spoke in quiet whispers, making it almost impossible to hear what they were saying. Needing to know what they were saying, Shadow Specter moved through the wall for a better position.

“My friends, we gather today to rejoice in the first step in our path to victory. The attack by my Chimera and the lovely Lumi has the royal sisters looking every which way, but where they need to be looking. Rest assured, our moment will come, and we will descend upon Equestria with the fury of thousands of suns and wipe it from this earth!”

Largo snorted, “I hardly call losing some of my best warriors in a small skirmish a step forward! Please explain to me how making us shoulder the blame will aid us in the coming battles.”

Hoofenstein frowned, lowering his glass, and taking note of the mood of the room. “I’m sorry for your loss, my friend, but be assured it was not in vain. The royal sisters have not kept track of the Mammoth tribe for many moons. They know not your location, your civilization structure, or even the reason for the attack. They will have to take time to find you, and when they do, they will want to talk rather than fight, to try and understand and reason with you. Thus buying us more time and the chance to strike!”

The Mammoth scoffed, his brushy brows hiding his intense glare, “What of Princess Luna? With her back in the picture, the Equestrians will be quicker to strike as they have in the past. Celestia is the peace talker, Luna is the one to bring the peace. If Luna is in charge of the assault, the chance to parlay will be small. The Princess of the Night is not one to drag out a battle as you personally have experienced Hoofenstein.”

Hoofenstein coughed in his hoof, “Yes, her attack on my compound was profound with unexpected ferocity, but it is in defeat that we can find victory. We know how they act, and our spies are collecting everything without even a hint of suspicion. Right my little friend?”

A small insect-like creature flew onto the table. Shadow Specter glared as the blue bug pony flew up to Hoofenstein’s ear and spoke in some jibber-jabber language.

“Hmm, I suppose that’s expected. Thank you, my little friend. Largo, could you please smash that wall over there? There’s an old, test subject, sticking his muzzle where he shouldn’t.”

(How did he know I was here?) Shadow Specter wondered, making a break for it. He phased through the wall and ran down the corridor, the big Mammoth barreling through the stone and mortar with an angry battle cry. His stomps shaking the floor. Specter wondering how it didn’t fall out from beneath them.

Turning right, Shadow phased through the dead-end, stumbling into a guards’ room full of griffon soldiers. He flashed them a smile trotting past their bewildered faces into the next wall. The sound of Largo plowing through them was profound as their screaks of pain bounce of the stones walls.

Sometimes it was just too easy. Still, Shadow kept up his pace, making quick and random turns through many walls to hide his trail. Eventually, when he had everypony running every other way, he sank to the lower level and carefully picked out a hiding spot. He needed the heat to die down or heat up in this case. The fortress had few hiding places outside its walls. The barren landscape made it easy to spot fleeing prisoners, spies, and approaching armies. His only chance was to blend into the guards as they fanned out to search for him. He’d need armor and a squad of pony guards to join up with.

Shadow finish placing the last piece of armor on, making sure his visor was lowered to hide his face. He liked being unique, but his face was too unique to hide in a crowd. Black and white weren’t typical pony colors, and having white bone patterns was even less conventional.

A group of ponies formed up marching out the front gate. Shadow slipped in the back unnoticed. Looking around, they all seem to be earth ponies, not surprising, really. Hoofenstein wasn’t fond of other pony races. Still, there was something different about these ponies. Were they foreign? He listened to some of the guards muttering, their language was harsh and thick, but not unfamiliar. They were speaking germane, Hoofenstein’s native tongue.

“Move out!” The commander yelled. As one, they march out at a steady gallop racing for the tree line ahead. This is it. This would be his chance to get away! Only something wasn’t right, they weren’t splitting off into smaller teams. In fact, they were surrounding him, every way he looked he was surrounded by ponies, even behind him. Something wasn’t right, did they know?

Four guards closed in on him. There was little doubt in Shadow’s mind that they knew who he was. He saw a few preparing to attack, and when they did, he sunk into the ground. The four collide and trip up every pony behind them. However, he was barely halfway to the forest, and now they knew where he was, which was out in the open and alone.

“Well, come and get me if you dare!” He taunted, appearing in front of the group. His breath was slightly labored, he didn’t have enough magic left to phase for more than a few seconds. The first brave soul charged, and Shadow intended to make an example out of him. He reached out with his hoof and bats the pony’s brains out his skull, literary. His hoof phased through the pony’s head, and for a second, he made it corporeal grabbed the pony’s brain, and lobbed it out of the skull. He tossed it aside as the pony’s body dropped like a sack of potatoes. No pony daring to get closer after that.

Warily Shadow backed away from the quaking group keeping his eyes on the enemies in front of him. Up above, griffons circled in the sky, and mammoths gathered at the castle gates. He didn’t have much time. He was one, and they were many. How many phases did he have left in him? How long would they last? He was in deep, too deep this time.

The forest was still at least a mile or so away. From there would be plenty of cover from above, and hopefully get to the Everfree forest. Still aways from home, but at least the wild magic of the Everfree would work against the bigger group. The forest didn’t take well to large groups entering.

Still, he had to reach it first. He paws away faster, but the ponies were keeping pace as griffons squawk above. Even the mammoths were catching up. It seems he was out of time.

Shadow whirled around and made a run for it. Behind him, the ground rumbled as everything, pony, griffon, and mammoth charged for him. Head down, eyes focused ahead. He ran for all he was worth. His muscles screaming and burning. He’s never had to run this fast before! He was so focused that he didn’t even notice entering the tree line, even as low hanging branches and shrubs cut him, he just kept running. So focused on the path ahead, he didn’t bother to watch his footing, and it would cost him, it would cost him dearly.

He fell and skidded against the forest floor, his front right leg in agony. A tree root… a stupid tree root would be his undoing! Hobbling one three legs, Shadow pushed on, being more careful of his footing as he ran towards the sound of water. Behind him heard the shouts of his pursuers.

(How are they finding me so quickly?)

The mouth of giant rockcodile snapped up from the watery depths of the swamp, snatching up a fish mid-jump. It gave Shadow an idea.

“There he is!” A griffon yelled above. Behind him, at least twelve ponies surrounded him, he guessed the mammoths were having trouble getting through the foliage. Letting his pursuers close in around him, Shadow jumped and lands on the rockcodile’s head! The beast rears up, snapping its powerful jaws. Shadow jumps again to another crock causing the swarm to go into a frenzy. Ponies and griffons screamed as the rockcodiles rush the beach, snapping up ponies and griffons alike with their powerful jaws, ripping them to pieces. At the same time, Shadow safely landed on the other bank and took off again.

He pressed on for what seemed like hours, maybe more, his vision blurry from lack of sleep and exhaustion. His hoof steps wavered, and he stumbled, hitting his injured leg again. Hissing while biting back a scream as Shadow bit on a fallen stick. The enemy could be anywhere, and he’d be dammed if he gave away his position again.

Shadow laid there for who knows how long. The ground wet beneath him, making him shiver. Slowly he rights himself and stood back up, his body stiff from lying down for so long. A thick mist surrounding him, so thick that he could barely see the trees in front of him. He licked his lips, tasting the wet air. He tasted magic.

“Who’s out there?” He demanded. Flexing his claws in the dirt. He probably had enough magic for a few phases, but not many. His ear twitched at the sound of a twig snapping. Phantoms dance around him, their silhouettes running circles around him. There was five total.

A feminine voice chuckled, “Strong and wise is our prize before his demise, yet the fates have yet to debate his fate. Answer a question to choose your destination, a life of pleasure, or a life of pain. Choose swiftly before thy time runs dry.”

Rhyming… meaning zebras. Could it be Zelka?

"What do you want with me? Why have you not alerted others?”

The voice chuckled again. Soft musical of chants sang in the background, “Though we aligned with others, our goals defer by design, the conquest of the weak is not what we seek in our amazon tribe, but males of strength and valor of the divine are our prize. Come with us, and you shall see or not and die where no pony will see.”

Amazons… the Zebras of the Amazon Basin! That’s the tribe Zelka rules. He’s heard of them. Their tribe is all mares, and they capture stallions from other tribes, but only ones that they think are strong or have genetics they desire. From what he’s heard, they are the single zebra tribe to have pegasus zebras and possibly the even rarer unicorn zebra.

“You want to take me back to your tribe? Why?”

“You walk on two planes, on the earth and in the spirit, an ability that would benefit us greatly.”

“Two planes… you mean my phasing? I wasn’t born with that! I don’t even know if it can be passed on. You’re wasting your time. Now get out of my way, or I’ll make you!”

Zelka chuckled again, it was getting annoying. “Whether or not the power of the two plane walker can be passed on is not of significance. Your skills and cunning are more than enough without it.”

“If I’m reading you right, you’ll let me live if I come and be your… impregnator for a while?”

“Correct. Know if you refuse the sentence is death.”

Well… that made a choice easy. “Fine, but only if I can get my message to Princess Luna, after that, I’m all yours.”

There was no reply right away, but the mist began clearing, and Zelka stepped out from the tree line with a small grin.

“Your terms are agreeable, but you will not be delivering them. Tell my eldest daughter Zell what must be spoken to the moon bringer, and she’ll deliver them.” Zella was an average looking zebra, safe for the wings folded at her sides. A pegasus Zebra. Never thought he’d see one.

“Fine, tell Luna…” Zella listened intently to the message, writing the important parts down before taking flight. Shadow just hoped he could trust them to keep their word as the amazons lead him onto a raft set to take him to the sea and from there Zebra country. He wondered if he would ever return home.

“This is not good, Hoofenstein. Our scouts report nothing. Undoubtedly the spy escaped and is now on his way to the royal sisters. The plan is foiled!” Silverous proclaimed with worry. He’s risked so much with this alliance, going against the sisters like his forefather before him. Perhaps his son was right, this was foolishness.

Hoofenstein stood with his back to him, the pony looking intently at the wall. He’s seen this pose before. Hoofenstein made it often when he was deep in thought. The earth pony began pacing the floor, looking stressed.

“There is a way this could still work in our favor,” Hoofenstein said aloud. “Come with me Silverous, I will show you my secret weapon. Once you see it, I’m sure your faith will be steadfast.”

He was uncertain of Hoofenstein’s claim, but none, the less Silverous, followed the earth pony deep into the bowls of the fortress. They descend further and further the air becoming almost freezing cold as they approach the lowest level. There they came to a door.

“In the battle of Rainbow Factory, I acquired something very precious from Princess Luna, something that has allowed my research to progress farther and faster than ever before.”

“And what was that?” Silverous asked as Hoofenstein fiddled with several locks. A lot of locks! What did he have in there? From inside came a chilling whinny echo, it was cold and filled with anger. The door swung open, and Hoofenstein wordlessly waves him into the room.

The room was dark. Silverous could barely make out the shape of the being locked inside. A flash of metal caught in the light, revealing razor shape teeth, dripping with saliva. The creature was tall and slender and defiantly equine. It whinnied, rearing up, pulling at its chains as it spreads its massive wings to touch the walls of the small room. A spark fell from above, and Silverous looked up to see a long pointed object scraping against the ceiling. This couldn’t be what he thought was, could it?

Lanterns flickered to life, revealing the creature, its coat pitch black and its mane dancing black ethereal. There was no doubt about it, it was an alicorn, and it looked just like Luna!

“King Silverous, might I introduce you to subject LC-4, created from the bits of King Sombra's DNA with a hint of bat and dragon and a dash of Princess Luna’s blood.”

“LC-4? Luna’s blood, you don’t mean this creature is…”

Hoofenstein smiles, “Indeed, a copy of Princess Luna, the fourth copy to be exact, but she’s taken a name of her own choosing.”

“That thing can speak?”

Hoofenstein nodded and undid the bridle letting the copy alicorn speak, “Go ahead, say your name, my dear.”

Dark blue eyes glared at them as the alicorn snarled at the both of them, “Nightmare Moon, my name is Nightmare Moon!”

Author's Note

Sometimes I feel like this story is finishing too fast and I'm trying to drag it out because I'm not ready for it to end, but I am eager to get it done and move on. Just need to stick to my outline notes... need to find them first.

An act of war

Night Patrol ch 28

By foxgear

The table was covered by maps from end to end. Luna, along with Sixes, Emerald Cutter, Applejack, Crusader, and Topaz Slicer, made up the task force for responding to the Mammoth Tribe and Chimera attack.
The plan was simple. The task force would divide into two groups and investigate areas of interest.

Emerald, Topaz, and Crusader would hunt the chimera sight. At the same time, Applejack and Sixes would head towards the towns near where Applejack encountered the mammoths, to find out any recent activity on the large mammal tribe. They would be accompanied by their own giant, P-Rex.

“Are you sure we want to take P-Rex out of the castle? He’s… well let’s not beat around the bush, he’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer and let us not forget that ponies outside the night patrol tend not to react to him well.”

Luna nodded, “I am very certain Applejack. I fear the time for us to use the full force of night patrol has come. We can no longer restrict ourselves. Clearly, some being out there intends us harm, so we must show them just want they are dealing with. After all, P-Rex is but the tip of a far greater mountain of power. I also plan to unleash the triplets, and several other squads lose around the surrounding area. Not so far apart that they can’t reach each other if needed, but we’ll be patrolling a much greater area than usual.”

(P-rex, the triplets, and the night hunters are all being deployed? Add in the regulars and the rangers that is the entire night patrol. Luna was really serious about this. They didn’t even have this many units deployed for the battle of the Crystal Empire and Rainbow Factory!) Applejack thought, worried about what could come of this, but she trusted Luna’s judgment, even if she thought this was a little overboard.

“I’ll leave you all to prepare. I must speak to the other units. Fury and Rawhide will be detached with larger units in the Moon cutter and Solar Flare. Should you need them, you need only send up a signal flare, and they shall come baring a full battalion in each vessel. Any questions before I take my leave?”

Applejack raised her hoof, “What is Overheat doing? I noticed you haven’t mentioned him once the entire meeting.”

“I’m afraid, Overheats injuries are a bit more severe than originally thought, and he is laid up in medical with several fractures and magic exhaustion. I’m surprised he managed to stay standing for as long as he did.”

“I see and Kira? Shouldn’t she be back from Nippon or wherever by now?”

Luna frowned, “I’m afraid Kira is in a bit of a complicated situation and is unable to return at this time, or anytime soon.”

“Complicated situation?”

“Very complicated, trust me. If you’ll excuse me, I must go, please be careful.”

Luna left the room, leaving them to their work. The group filed out of the chamber, murmuring amongst themselves about logistics and supply lines. The Moon Cutter and Solar Flare will take several hours to prep and gather the units to fill them, not to mention the supplies. To reduce downtime, they decided a small detached force will go-ahead on foot to perform recon.

“We could just carry you there, Emerald, both Crusader and I can fly, it would be no trouble,” Topaz said as they gathered up their gear. A mission with his sister, he couldn’t help but feel Luna did this intentionally, as she is known to do. It was a kind gesture none the less, whatever the Princess’s reasons.

“I am perfectly fine with walking or flying myself on my gems. I do not need to be carried.” Emerald said with her muzzle turned upwards in a huff. “However… as this is a mission. I wish to get it done as quickly and efficiently as possible, so I will allow you two to carry me to our destination, but so help me if word of this gets out!”

“Rest assured, our lips are sealed,” Topaz assured her, “Right, Crusader?”

The white rinin nodded silently, looking pale… well paler than usual. Topaz looked curiously between Emerald and Crusader, wondering why they seemed so tense around each other. Whatever the case, Topaz was sure it wouldn’t interfere with the mission.

Meanwhile, Applejack and Sixes collect their third team member. The two stood in the courtyard facing the armory. Inside P-Rex was being commissioned his armor, a massive project that has taken a lot of bits and steel. Some had objected to spending the resources on the large pony, but Luna simply countered with “He’s a member of night patrol, and all members are given armor. No exceptions!” Thus the fittings and metalwork began. Only until recently has it been completed. Now the task of placing the armor on P-Rex was a different challenge, but one conquered none the less.

“Is he done yet?” Applejack hollered into the armory. A few disgruntled mutters of “He won’t stop moving” and “Why is he so ticklish” were her replies. Really it was quite comical. However, as the big doors rolled open to allow P-Rex out, he was anything but funny, he was scary. He looked like a giant metal pony, with horns and spikes sticking out from his helmet and shoulders, as well as his legs. There was hardly a piece of exposed flesh to be seen! No wonder it took so long to make.

However, that image of a metal demigod was tarnished when P-Rex began bouncing energetically like a puppy. His tongue was even flopping around spilling slobber everywhere!

“Mission time! Mission time! I’m going on a mission! Yay! Yay! Yay!”

P-Rex could talk now… though he had the intellect of a foal. Really it was taking a lot of will power not to go ask Luna to reconsider sending him. Honestly, Applejack didn’t want to see such an innocent and fun-loving pony doing what she did, killing.

“Uh, ready to go, P-Rex?” The big pony nodded, jumping up and down in excitement. Applejack smiled nervously, waving at Allure, who just had her material carts knocked over. “Sorry, Allure! Let’s get out of here before we’re chased out, Sixes.”

Sixes chuckled, and she smacked him in the barrel with her hoof, he only laughed harder as he carried her onto P-Rex’s back. It was strange to ride on the back of another pony, unnatural even, none the less P-Rex was fast, faster than one would think for his size.

“Giddy up, partner!” Applejack hollered, stomping her hoof on the big pony’s back to let him know he could take off. He did, but not before rearing up. She cringed as his giant hooves hit the ground, shaking the courtyard, tipping carts and crates and ponies as they thundered out of the castle. She was diffidently going to owe some favors when she got back.

From her balcony, Luna watched the two groups move out. Beside her, a transparent image of Celestia stood next to her. Celestia’s newest spell, one that would allow them to talk from great distances and see each other. At least her sister still put her great mind to use.

“How are things in Canterlot? I know I left quite a bit on your plate to deal with, but there was no time to idle. You see it too, don’t you sister? You know what is coming.”

Celestia agreed solemnly, “Indeed I do sister. As we have seen in the past. War is brewing, and as always, I must turn to you, to be the bad pony.”

“I prefer the effective pony, but I suppose modern scholars view my conquests differently than they did in the past. I assume you want to talk to our enemies first and have them see reason?”

“No,” Said Celestia, much to Luna’s surprise, “In recent matters, you have proven correct in your reading of the situation. Hence I will put my trust in you. Do what you feel is right. You have my full support Luna, and I shall deal with the nobles here.”

Luna couldn’t help but smile. (Celestia putting her trust in me wholeheartedly? When was the last time that happened? Not in the previous decade, as far as I remember.)

“Thank you, sister, know your trust is not misplaced.”

“I know it isn’t,” Celestia turned away, drawn to the knocking at her door. “Ah, I see the nobles are here. Please excuse me.”

The connection closed, and Celestia’s image faded.

Taking a settling breath, Luna left her balcony and headed for the medic bay to check on Overheat. His strength would be needed as soon as possible, and she was hoping his injuries weren’t as severe as the doctor first thought.

Rounding the corner and making her way past a herd of ponies scrambling off to somewhere, she found herself at the medical wing. Entering the room, Luna trotted to Overheat’s bed to find it… empty.

“Nurse Blue Heart.”

“Yes, your highness?” A white pony with a blue cross mark answered promptly.

“Where is Overheat?”

“Overheat, ma’am?” Blue Heart browsed her list, “Ah Commander Overheat, he checked out a few hours ago.”

Luna frowned. If that was the case, why didn’t he report to her? “Keep an eye out for him if you find him. Have him report to me.”

The Nurse nodded and continued with her work. Leaving Luna to wonder where the fire pony has disappeared to.

The hot rays of the sun beamed down from above, bombarding the group of travelers with its intensity. The day's warmth was unappreciated by Emerald and her team as they made their way to the ruins of the border town. The green rinin was embarrassed about being carried by Topaz and Crusader, passing her red flush off as heat from the sun. Thankfully they arrived at the town with little incident and began their investigation.

“Tread carefully, we’ll be on our own for a while.” Said Emerald looking around the destroyed town, the cleanup crew had done an excellent job. Everypony was accounted for. No bodies were left out to rot and instead were buried. The new wooden grave marks were the only new thing in the town. It was a sad reality that this place would most likely never be settled again. At least not this century. Massacre spots weren’t a high seller, even for dirt cheap.

“You say that, but what are we looking for?” Topaz asked, making his own observations. “Everything here is dead. We all know the dead can’t talk. Not that the victims of this attack could probably say anything useful anyway, they’d probably were too busy fearing for their lives to notice important details, like which way the creature came from or if there were any sightings of it before hoof. Right?”

Crusader spoke up, “They did notice something was amiss. That’s why my squad was dispatched in the first place. They reported something was eating the nearby woodland creatures, leaving nothing but gore behind. Wouldn’t the local patrollers have a record of the attacks? Maybe we’ll find a clue if we search the outpost.”

Emerald and Topaz share a look. That did make sense, a lot of sense, in fact. “Smart thinking kid, come on, let’s get going! The nearest outpost is only fifty miles from here, and we’re walking the whole way!”

“Yes, ma’am,” Topaz chuckled, knowing Emerald didn’t like being carried. Putting up a fuss of quiet gripes the entire way here. Still walking would prove beneficial as it would let them spot clues that the trees would have hidden from the air.

The three trot along at a steady pace through the forest. The road was clear, with no traffic other than them. Likewise, there were no forest critters either. No rabbits, no birds, nothing. It was eerie.

“I don’t like this,” Emerald said. “It’s way too quiet. You two see anything?”

“Nope.”

“No, ma’am.”

Emerald frowned, “How far are we from the outpost? We should be close to it by now, right?”

“Judging from the map, I’d say… we’re here.” Topaz points ahead to a worn-down building surrounded by timber walls, the gate ripped wide open. “Well… that’s not good. I thought the monster didn’t come out this far.”

“It didn’t,” Crusader answered, taking point. Small flickers of fire ignite between his horns as he cranes his neck around the corner of the ruined gate. “Clear.”

The three enter, their eyes shifting all over the place, the signs of battle were everywhere. Deep claw marks marred the walls, and large splats of dried blood were everywhere. Cautiously they made their way to the main bunkhouse where the daily reports would be kept. Once inside, they bar the door.

Quickly Emerald trotted to the desk in the corner of the room, the officer’s office, and rifles through the drawers finding their prize, the captain’s notebook. “Found it.”

Laying the book out for Topaz and Crusader, Emerald flipped through the worn pages to several days before the attack at the village.
“Spotted signs of a large animal nearby. I sent out two rangers to locate and confirm the creature. The report confirmed a predator in the area, one ranger injured, called for backup from the castle. Commander Crusader said to be dispatched.” Emerald stopped reading show them a map of the area.

Topaz rubbed his chin, examining the map of the creature’s path, “It seems the beast came from the eastern region, right over the griffon’s side of the border.” He found that interesting. “We should head east.”

Emerald gave him a look, “East? Why east? That’s griffon territory, we can’t go beyond the border, why waste time walking the twenty miles there?”

“Thirty,” Topaz corrected, “Thirty miles. Thanks to the new trade agreements, we can cross ten miles into griffon territory. Meaning we can enter the villages along the line and ask some questions.”

Emerald nodded, “That’s great. Maybe we can get to the bottom of this.”

As Emerald and Topaz trot for the door, Crusader held his ground, looking nervously towards the wall of the room as the two senior hunters turn back to him with curious looks.

“Is something wrong, kid?” Emerald Cutter asked.

“I think… we should wait here.” Hesitation filled his voice. After the last mission, Crusader was questioning his capacities as a commander, but he had a feeling in his gut that something wasn’t right. That they shouldn’t leave just yet.

“Yes,” He stated firmly, addressing the two seniors with more confidence. “I think we need to stay for the night.” He finished uncertainly, losing some bravado and waited for a harsh repute. Much to his relief, the two didn’t mock and scold him. Instead, Emerald shut the door and look curiously at him.

Emerald looked him straight in the eyes, “Ok, why?”

Crusader gulped, they were probably going to think he was crazy, but here it goes. “I have feeling that we need to stay here, at least a while longer, maybe at least for the night. We’ve been traveling all day anyways and need to rest, and this is the only shelter around for miles. I know you probably think I’m just tired, and I’m making excuses, but I’m not! I really think we need to stay here.”

“Well… Crusader does bring up a fair point,” Topaz said, looking out the window. His vision focusing on the claw marks on the walls. “We have been moving all day, this cabin is better sheltered than our tents and much more sturdy. Chances of us being attacked by other monsters are very high, almost seventy-five percent if you want to be accurate. We would be safer here.”

Emerald looked restlessly between the two, her gaze landing on Crusader. Luna has spoken of Celestia having similar feelings, preemption, etc. and Crusader was half Celestia genetically speaking. Maybe he was having some foresight moment or sixth sense. Perhaps he was just overly cautious after how his last mission ended. Either way, the point remains it was getting dark, and they traveled a lot today.

“Fine, we’ll camp here tonight, but I want this place reinforced! Cover the windows and seals the doors!” She barked, creating boards of green crystal. “Put those on the windows.”

Despite being safe and sound inside, the three Night Hunters still took turns for guard duty. Naturally, Crusader was given the second watch, the worst one. It wasn’t like the first watch where you just stayed up a little later or third watch where you just got up earlier. No second watch you get woken up in the middle of the damn night and then have to somehow fall back asleep. Even if you do, it’s not a very restful one.

Already his eyes were dropping from being awakened, and he’d only been awake for an hour. He supposed it was only fair that he take the second watch as it was his suggestion they stay and put them behind schedule, but he didn’t have any regrets. He wasn’t cautious enough when he was leading his unit here last time. He was brash and too eager to prove himself. Maybe if he had waited and thought things out, they would still be alive.

He felt his heartache as he thought of his lost unit. He was ashamed that he didn’t even remember some of their names. They were fresh recruits, many just coming out of training, and he was too distracted trying to prove himself to his mother and father to sit down and actually talk to them.

Many would think he wasn’t bothered by his father’s lack of… any interest in him. He kept up a good face about it. After all, the critics and gossipers in support of his father, Sixes, did have a point. Sixes had not fathered him, nor had Celestia mothered him. He was created, forcibly and without consent or warning. That didn’t mean he still didn’t want a mother’s touch or to know a father’s pride because despite his appearance. He was the same white foal he had been, yet he was not at the same time.

A part of him did wonder though if it had been Luna’s feather instead of Celestia’s, would things be different? Princess Luna seemed to have trouble speaking to him too. Despite being the one that named him, it was only after the truth of his gene make up became known did the Princess of the Night’s attitude towards him cool. Not that she was unfriendly or cold, it was just… awkward.

The sound of something rustling outside pulled Crusader from his thoughts, he stood and moved around following the sound of something scraping the walls outside. The noise was eerie. Like something out of a horror story. Carefully he followed the noise around the room, along the way he nudged Emerald and Topaz awake, the two awoke silently with no sound and wordlessly follow his lead. He tapped his ear, asking if they heard the noise, too. They mimic his action. Meaning they heard and understood.

“What do you think it is?” He whispered, gathering in the middle of the room. Outside, the noise grew louder. The wood logs of the outpost creaking and moaning, one of the trunks snapped, sending splinters everywhere. The strength required to do that was immense.

“Some sort of monster,” Topaz replied dryly. “It sounds like it’s getting frustrating, it must know where we are, but it can’t find us. I’d say there’s a twenty to forty chance that it’s blind or has inhibited vision and thus makes up for lack of sight with enhanced hearing and smell. Making it very dangerous if we are forced into the forest, where it will have a natural advantage.”

“Who said anything about running and hiding? We are hunters, let’s hunt the damn thing!”

“Emerald, may I remind you we are not Overheat and Kira, we do not share their particular skill in hunting like you do. A sound strategy is the key to victory.”

Emerald rolled her eyes, “Yes, I agree, but if I remember, you got that full-body plasma attack, and the kid is the most magical Rinin alive! I can basically cut through anything. I fail to see why we need to restrain ourselves against this thing.”

The two argued back and forth on the matter till Crusader shushed them. “The noise, it’s stopped.”

That was indeed the case. The scraping had stopped. Putting the three on edge, each watching a wall, eyes in every direction, prepared for anything that might happen.

From outside, the sound of wood splintering shattered the silence, followed by a loud roar and the sound of something running. The three were so stunned by the volume of the noise, none of them moved for several seconds. Emerald shook herself free of the roar’s spell and cut her way through the wall, leaving the two stallions to catch up.

Topaz and Crusader were hot on her trail, rushing by the destroyed fence and following the giant claw-like imprints into the forest. The prints were heading towards the border, Topaz noticed as they ran. Up ahead, Emerald was a good half-mile ahead of them. Only the shine of her crystal coat in the moonlight allowed them to see her in the dark.

“Fly up,” Topaz ordered, spreading his wings. He flew up above the canopy with Crusader on his tail. From up above, they could see the green shine of Emerald’s coat through the trees, and ahead of Emerald was their quarry. “The hell is that thing?”

The creature was reptilian or something of that family, Topaz theorized. Observing how it crawled across the ground at blitzing speeds, it slithered through the trees with the grace of a snake and the speed of a stampeding buffalo.

“Do you see that?” Crusader pointed ahead to a bright glow across the tree line. There was smoke, and smoke usually meant fire.

“I see it,” Topaz said, narrowing his eyes, “And I don’t like it. Blast that thing before it gets any further into Griffon territory.”

Crusader nodded, charging up his horns, he took aim and was about to fire when the creature just suddenly vanished! Emerald skidded to a stop below as they circled overhead and came in for a landing.

“What did you two do?” She inquired, confused. They could only shrug. They had no idea what was going on.

“Nothing, it just vanished.”

Emerald scoffed, “Monsters of that size don’t just vanish! It’s got to be around here somewhere? Maybe it has a camo ability?”

“If that is the case, why didn’t it use it sooner?” Topaz countered. “Surely, if it thought we were a threat, it would have disappeared sooner. Another thing, Crusader and I spotted smoke up ahead where the griffon village is supposed to be located. We should head there and see what’s going on.”

She nodded in agreement, “We were heading there anyway. Come on, let’s go.”

The village of Small Talon, located just twenty-some miles off the border, was a reasonably large village despite its name. Functioning as a trade town/barracks for the griffon Kingdom. The town itself was built on a small bluff making entering by ground very difficult as any visitor or attackers would have to climb the steep, narrow path up to the village. The road itself was only wide enough for one pony to walk without falling. This made the town very easily defendable against any ground assault by invaders.

A trait that helped in the last war with Equestria, the village was more an unofficial fortress in reality, which is why when Crusader, Topaz, and Emerald landed in the square finding it ablaze and its residences and guards dead. Were taken aback.

“What the hell happened here? Who could have done this?”

Topaz grabbed Emerald by the shoulder, trying to drag her away from the carnage. Harshly he whispered, “It doesn’t matter. We need to get out of here now!”

The sound of something being knocked over caught their attention. The three turned to the source, ready to deal with whatever was to come. They expected some manner of beast to come running at them, what they did not expect a survivor.

“Help me!” A brown griffon screamed in terror, scampering down the lane. “She’s a monster!”

A blast of dark blue magic shot from around the corner, destroying the building and everything between it with the explosion hitting the fleeing griffon square in the chest. He exploded into a pile of guts and gore. Nothing but a red stain remained of him.
From the wreckage, a tall black form walked through the flames. The creature was equine with wings and a horn and ethereal hair. There was no doubt, it was an alicorn, and it looked just like Luna if she were as tall as Celestia.

“My, my, how wonderful to see you, my dear children of the night,” The pony spoke with a sultry tone. The three rinin backed away, on guard against the mysterious mare. “My poor little dears do not fear your Queen. I’m simply setting the stage is all.”

Her smile widened as a patrol of griffons appeared overhead, and right before their eyes, the black alicorn changed shape and turning into an exact copy of Luna!

“We are Princess Luna of Equestria! We, at this moment, declare war on King Silverous and all of Griffondom! Go and tell your king!” The pony declared mimicking Luna’s voice perfectly. The three-night hunters could only stare in shock at what just happened.

“Do you know…?” Emerald stuttered, trying to wrap her mind around what was going on. “Do you know what you just did?”

The pony smiled at her, “Yes, yes, I do. My name is Nightmare Moon, by the way. I look forward to the time when you all will be serving me. Till then, tell little Luna to have fun. I’ll be seeing her soon.”

Nightmare Moon cackled vanishing in a cloud of smoke, leaving the three rinin confused and shaken in the burning village.

“We need to get home!” Emerald commanded, her mind a whirl. “You two fly ahead!”

“You won’t out run the Griffons!” Topaz told her; his voice filled with worry.

“I know,” She mumbled, producing a forced smile. “Maybe I can get them to see reason, if not… tell Luna I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Topaz and Crusader nodded, flying ahead of her. Emerald slowed her pace, letting the Griffon Patrols catch up. “I ask you listen to me now, before things get worse.”

They squawked a battle cry and she roared in return.

Author's Note

Edited 4/13/2020

First Assault

Night Patrol ch 29

By foxgear

There was grass everywhere. Grass as tall as a pony stretching for endless miles as far as the eye could see, it was a veritable ocean of green.

That was the southern Equestrian plans, vast wildland that few dared to try and tame. Thousands upon millions of acres were there for the taking. And for a reasonable price for any pony that wanted to make their stake could. Providing they lived there for ten years without dying, a tall order for the average pony. The former Blood nobles were making bank pawning the undeveloped land over multiple buyers. Many times, landowners would be ‘found dead’ by a monster attack. The land rights would automatically return to them since the contract was unfulfilled.

With the establishment of Night Patrol and then the next downfall of the nobles, the region was finally starting to develop! A town of two hundred acted as a hub for the ranchers and settlers scattered throughout the plans.

Naturally, the scale of the region required a higher number of patrollers, despite the low population. There were several outposts scattered throughout the area. A distance of roughly a hundred miles separated them. The current base Sixes and company were at was PB-23. Right on the edge of the plains.

“I thought there were more of you out here.” Sixes had said to the group of twenty-five ponies. The vast majority of them were Pegasi and Rinin, where the ability to fly was a significant boon. Applejack was finding that out the hard way.

With a machete between her teeth, the earth mare cut her way through the tall grass. Her pride and good nature, not allowing her to ride on P-Rex’s back. That lasted for only an hour when the Giant Pony himself scooped her up.

“Ya don’t need ta do this, P-Rex.” She mumbled, having already given up trying to explain to the giant that having another ride on their backs was demeaning, especially for earth ponies. The reason behind the sentiment was lost to time, but it lingered in all ponies.

P-Rex’s retort was no pony was forcing him to do, and he loved helping his friends. Causing Applejack to drop the subject for good.

“Are we getting close?” Applejack asked at the third-hour mark.

The outpost they were heading towards was in the steppes near the badlands. There have been several reports of interest from the area. Sightings of massive creatures and out of season snow. They were meeting up with the local unit to do an enormous sweep of the sector.

Once they found proof to collaborate with the local Patrollers and Rangers to eliminate the threats, while also signaling the Solar Flare, with Rawhide’s Battalion abroad for back up.

Since water and shelter were scarce, they would be investigating the local sources. To do that, they needed Patrollers assigned to the region to act as their tour guides. This would be one of the larger scale hunts Night Patrol has undertaken in awhile.

Sixes shrugged at the question, having no answer, so he asked the guide. A pinkish/purplish rinin name VeeVee, formerly BeeBee, if he remembered correctly. He wasn’t sure why she changed her name, but it was of little concern to him. A lot of rinin changed their names after leaving the cave, some just took longer than others to think of a better name then their brand number.

“About how much further VeeVee?”

VeeVee flew back, letting her wing pony take the lead. Pulling a map from her saddlebag, she landed on P-Rex’s back. Settling next to her, he looked over the graphed sheet. VeeVee’s talon indicated their current location.

“We are about here,” She pointed with her claw. “About half a day’s flight to the other side at this rate, we could, of course, pick up the pace, but since we are expecting to go into battle, I would highly suggest against that. However, you are the commanders, so please command.”

At their current pace, they could miss their target, losing control of the battlefield. Something Sixes didn’t like. Their numbers were small, and they need to set up a base. Somewhere they could meet up as a rallying point.

Since there were no villages in the badlands, it created a blind spot in the patrol network. The nearest outpost would be further than usual, and they already drafted a quarter of stationed patrollers into the search. Over one hundred patrollers were split up and spread across the vast plains.

“This area here,” Sixes pointed to a strange mark on the map where the badlands and grasslands meet, “what does this symbol mean?”

VeeVee peered closer at the map, “Oh, that’s the old plateau city ruins of an early earth pony settlement carved into the side of the mountain. No pony lives there, but we like to go exploring there whenever we can. The city is very well preserved.”

“Preserved enough to be used as a base?”

VeeVee clicked her tongue in thought, “Well… I suppose it could.”

“Good, then let's pick up the pace and set up a base in the city. From there, we will rest and scout the surrounding area using the city as our rally point. We’ll need to send a messenger to Rawhide to let him know where we’ll be. Is everypony in the unit familiar with the site?”

“Yes,” VeeVee replies, “Everypony has taken at least a trip or two out the city on their off time, and we all marked the location on our maps. We had actually planned to set it up as a future outpost in case Anypony decided to settle there but didn’t have the time or ponies to make it work out soon enough for this operation.”

“No matter, we’ll get it set up now. Everypony double-time it to the Plateau city!”

“Dra Aht,” VeeVee said abruptly, “The city is called Dra Aht, it means the end in the old language.”

“The end, uh… sounds ominous,” Sixes chuckled.

VeeVee grinned at him. “Oh, it is. The story goes that the entire population just disappeared one night. Letters left behind by a neighboring tribe said they found food still on plates and fires crackling, but with no pony around and no tracks leading away from the city. Everypony just vanished!”

“Are we sure we want to be going to this place?” Applejack asked aloud, she was the most superstitious of the group. She’s heard plenty of stories like this growing up, and while most were just stories, a small few were real, and they were meant to be heeded. “Let alone, do we want to be making it a base? You know what Luna says about old spooky legends like this, right? There’s always a grain of truth in every fairy tale.”

Sixes sent her a curious look her way, as did VeeVee. Figures they probably wouldn’t be as concerned as she was. She kept forgetting, despite their looks and their intelligence the two rinin have only been alive for roughly two years as far as their memories go.

“Look all Ah’m saying it that places like this are bad news. Maybe it’s nothing, but maybe it’s something. I just don’t think we should be staying in a place with this bad of a vibe.”

“Well,” VeeVee began pointing ahead, “I’m afraid you don’t have much choice, cause we're here.”

Leading P-Rex to the base of the plateau, they arrive at Dra Aht. The plateau village several hundred feet up with no ladders or footholds or trails to climb just sanded rock all the way up to the city.

“Amazing... did pegasus built this place?” Applejack gasped in awe, forgetting her superstitions for the time being. Beside her, VeeVee shook her head,

“Nope, according to archaeological data, earth ponies did. Pretty amazing, right?”

“Yeah… but I still don’t think we should stay here.”

“We don’t have much choice. It’s too late in the day to look for another site, and we pushed P-Rex hard to get here. The big guy needs a rest after running around in this heavy stuff.” Sixes said, tapping a claw on P-Rex’s armor. The chunks of metal were a burden, but it would be useful for when they ran into the mammoths.

“Come on, let’s set up camp somewhere up there and see if we can get P-Rex up there... somehow.”

The group set up at the top level of the village, seizing the chief’s residences to act as their base of operations. Supplies were tucked away, watches and lookouts were assign, and they even manage to get P-Rex into the city via a lot of rope and wing power. So far, so good, were Sixes’ thoughts as he settled down for the night.

The following morning didn’t start off great when Applejack came barreling through Sixes door, letting in a cold draft.

“Sixes!” She yelled, pointing out the door to the snowstorm raging outside.

He sighed, letting loose a puff of smoke from his nostrils to warm himself. He stepped outside and saw the shadows approaching through the sleet and snow. He never saw one before, but he was pretty sure those were mammoths.

He turned to Applejack and said, “Prepare for battle. This is going to be a long day.”

“Princess Celestia! We will not stand for this!” Wasn’t what Celestia expected to hear when she entered the council chambers. Sir Fancy Dress, Lady Lacy Lingerie, and several others were waiting for her. What could have them all in such a frenzy she wondered slowly cantering to her seat, saying nothing and instead gave them all a stern glare instead of her usual cheery welcome when she took her place.

They seem to realize their mistake and quietly waited for her to speak.

“I too generous a ruler?” She said her glaze scathing hot as she looked around the room. “I do not wish to be seen as a tyrant who snuffs out the voices of her subjects, but if I am to be greeted with such rudeness as I just was. I assure you I will not be a tyrant, but I can be… harsh… now, what’s got you all so rallied up?”

A shaky hoof passed along a piece of paper with King Silverous’s seal. Carefully she levitated the article up to her muzzle and read it carefully and slowly and then read it once again to make sure what she had just read was indeed correct. This was a declaration of war. Once more, the cause is because apparently, Luna burned down a border village, herself with three others, something she knew to be untrue.

Not just because Luna would ever do such a thing, but the timing. If Luna had indeed done this atrocity, which she easily could, she would have had to fly across the country, burn down a village, wait for griffon soldiers to arrive, leave and fly back. The soldiers would have to go back to their capital, and Silverous would have to hear it, hold a council, and then send this letter, which could have only gotten here this morning. A fast response, too fast, he didn’t even bother to call her and Luna to get their side of the story. He just declares war? If not for his seal, she would think this a joke.

“So we are at war then… how disappointing and here I thought we could get past the past.”

“Princess, how can you be so callous about this, your deranged sister has brought this upon us! We should send her to Silverous so he can…ugh..ugghhs….” The pony speaking couldn’t finish as a golden aura wrapped around his throat. All the nobles gathered stare jaw slacked as their benevolent Princess of the Sun strangled a pony right before their eyes!

“As I said, I will not be a tyrant, but I will be harsh,” Celestia said, making a slow canter around the table, carrying the noble in her magic as she did. “And one of the things I will not tolerate is blind hate. I know you all are not my sister’s biggest fans. Her policies and plans can be frightening. She is changing things, for better or for worse; she is changing how we do things. Change is scary, I know that first hoof, but change is also a part of life. Now Sir… sorry, I do not know your name, nor will it matter after this meeting as you will not be welcomed back. Now I want you all to think, really think! What reason would my sister have to do this? What would she gain? Furthermore, what makes you think, Luna, Princess of the Night, would get out of this? To start a war? If so, why? Why did she go through the effort of going to the griffon kingdom? Why waste her time? What makes you think she is that stupid? What makes you think I don’t know my own sister? Finally, what makes you think I would turn against her?”

Celestia came to a stop and dropping the noble, who scampered out the moment his rump touched the floor. The room was silent.

“Glad to see I have your attention. Have you thought about it? Have you let the facts and what you know play out? Do you realize that this is a false flag? I believe… no, I know my sister was set up and don’t think for a second we can talk our way out of this. The griffon army is ready for a war, and we must be ready to greet them. You are dismissed, and this council is disbanded until such time as I see fit to reconvene it.”

“Princess, please reconsider! We are only trying to help…”

“I need not help from ponies that have no experience in matters they barely understand. Now go, I have a war to prepare for.” She watched Fancy sulk out of the room with the others. A part of her felt terrible like it always did when she had to act like this, but she couldn’t be the motherly ruler she’s been. Luna was right, she has been too soft.

Actually, why bother with a council? The old one abused their authority while binding her with the law, causing so much pain and suffering right under her muzzle. Even this new council was already becoming a thorn in her and Luna’s side. Granted, their concerns were valid, but how long before their power consumes them, if not them, then their successors? Perhaps the time has come for her to change somethings too.

While Celestia pondered the kingdom’s future government, her horn glowed, and out popped a scroll right in her face, it was from Starswirl. He found something out about the chimera.

“About time, though, I wonder if it really matters now.”

Gathering her magic, Celestia popped into the old stallion’s lab. His back was turned to her, his attention focused on the chimera body on the table. An assortment of cutting tools was lined up neatly beside him, some of them have been used recently.

Walking beside Starswirl, Celestia peered over the stallion, knocking his hat out of the way so she could see. He had really gutted the creature. Nothing remained inside. The chimera’s organs were lined up in jars on a shelf, all neatly labeled and sorted.

“What did you find out?” She asked, breaking the silence.

Starswirl didn’t answer right away. He seemed to be gathering his thoughts. Finally, he let out a tired breath, his eyes filled with sadness as he looked up at the Princess.

“I had hoped things would get better, that we all would be able to move into a new age of enlightenment and prosperity.” He closed his eyes, shaking his head. “To think any species would use such savagery, on their own kind no less. It’s maddening.”

“What do you mean, old friend? Please tell me what troubles you.”

“Griffons, this creature is made entirely of griffons. Mostly griffons considered defective. The ones born with reverse bodies or born of rare hybrids. I had thought the griffons have moved past their purest views, but to do this…” Starswirl looks up with silent tears running down his face. “What have I been striving for Celestia? In the wake of chaos before Discord revealed himself, I helped the three tribes unite, only for them to go to war with the griffons, after Discord I left things to you and Luna and yet chaos persists. Will this struggle ever end? Will we never learn our lesson?”

Celestia smiled sadly at her old friend. He has spent his entire life trying to better the world, spent countless days researching, giving up so much in life, love, friendship, and family. Yet, for all his sacrifices, the world he envisioned was still far away.

“It’s hard isn’t,” She said, draping a wing over the old pony, “Watching the world struggle. I sometimes forget despite your wisdom and intelligence, you are, in fact, younger than Luna or me. I wish I could tell you the struggle comes to an end, but I can’t, it stops for a little while a generation, maybe two, but rarely any longer than that. The best you can do is to make sure somepony else is ready to take up the cause after your gone.”

“Huh, when did you get so wise?” Starswirl chuckled. “Seems the student is now the teacher, congrats I guess you’re my successor in this never-ending strife for harmony.”

“I’m honored. Now, what else can you tell me about this creature? We just received a declaration of war from King Silverous, and I’d like to know what he has waiting for us.”

“I see, well, from the material used to create this beast. I would say anything similar will have higher than normal intelligence. How much will vary from creature to creature, but it is safe to say they will know how to think tactfully. Once more, it wouldn’t be hard to believe if they have some specially created griffons to counter the rinin. I presume this beast and the rinin share a common creator.”

Celestia nodded, “Indeed. Hoofenstein managed to get away two years ago. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he… THE BREEZIES!”

“The what?”

“The little creature Silverous gave to Luna! We must find it! There’s no telling what it could do! For all, we know it could explode and blow up the entire castle!”

Starswirl held her still. “Relax Celestia, if they were capable of such a thing, then they would have done it by now. However, your fears are not unfounded. Now, how big are these creatures?”

“About yay big,” Celestia held up her front hoof to give a scale of size.

“Hmm, hard to believe anything that small would be used for anymore then spying, but we cannot be too careful.”

“If what you say is true, then they could know anything. All the plans, protocols, signals, base locations. Everything has been comprised!”

“I fear so Celestia, but we must focus on the important details. Have you told Luna yet?”

“…” She blinked, she hasn’t told Luna yet. Why hasn’t she informed Luna? Time was wasting!

Celestia turned and ran with all her might screaming “BUCK” as she did so. She had to tell Luna what was going on! Hopefully, she wasn’t too late!

Luna touched down on the deck of the Moon Cutter, panting for breath from the long flight. She received a message via magic scroll from Emerald Cutter, asking her to come to the Moon Cutter’s location as soon as possible. The reason was not listed, but Emmy never sent a message other than ‘mission complete,’ so Luna was left to assume things have not gone as planned.

“Emerald, where are you?” She called out over the deck of the ship. Some of the crew stop to look at her strangely. Why was that? Did she have something on her face? She had been eating when she got the message. “Emerald report!

“Princess Luna? What are you doing here?” Emerald said, landing on the deck with Crusader and Topaz carrying her.

“What am I doing here? I flew all the way here as fast as I could after I got your message! Now what’s in blazes is so important that you couldn’t write it down?”

Emerald blinked and then frowned. “Message… I didn’t send a message. I was going to but, I just got here.”

“But, I got your magic scroll!”

“Ah… you do remember I can’t use that spell, right?”

Silence filled the air.

“Oh,” Emerald suddenly snapped to remembering she did have an important message to send. “I need to tell you that this crazy black alicorn slaughtered a griffon village and then transformed into you and declared war with the griffons.”

Another Alicorn… that is not possible. There are no other Alicorns besides her and Celestia. Emerald wouldn’t lie, though, so that raised some questions. Who is this black Alicorn? Where did she come from? Where has she been since their kind was wiped out? Finally, why is she trying… no, why did she start a war between them and the griffons? Is she working for Hoofenstein? That’s hard to believe. Call it racist, but she very much doubted an alicorn would work for an earth pony, no matter how smart or skilled they were. So, did that mean Hoofenstein was working for her?

“We need to… wait if you didn’t send it… who did?”

“Enemy incoming!”

From the east, a massive army of griffons flew straight towards them! At the head was King Silverous himself, and beside him flew an inky black griffon.

“Battle stations! Prepare for combat! Give them a full broadside!”

The Moon Cutter groaned the ship jerking sideways, its dozens of cannons aimed and ready. On the deck lines of unicorns formed up with charged horns, while pegasus took the sky and earth ponies filed up beside their unicorn comrades and pointed their hoof cannons to the sky.

“Hold!” Luna urged them, the griffon forces getting closer and closer by the second!

“Hold… hold… FIRE!”

The Moon Cutter lit up with a dazzling display of cannon fire, marking the beginning of the Second Griffon War.

Author's Note

I wonder if I made Celestia Ooc (out of character) with that council scene? I kind of view these versions of the princesses as younger and inexperienced in leading, so when their pushed they fall back on their adventurer mind set of getting things done, which is a just do it mind set.

Dra aht is al behd from FFX

Scorched Earth

Night Patrol chapter 30

By Foxgear

“Cover fire!”

The sound of five screaming rinin breathing fire raged in Applejack’s ears as she ducked under a fallen wall. On the other side, the thundering stomps of the charging Mammoth grew quiet, followed by one large thump of a body slipping and skidding on the ground. Picking up a rock, she stood over her cover wall and threw the stone, striking another mammoth. The rock bounced off its armor, and the Mammoth charged at her!

She got out of the way as Sixies flew overhead, dropped lava from the sky, creating a molten barrier that stopped the mammoths cold, at least till the lava cooled, which wouldn’t take long in this temperature. The snowstorm was as bad, if not worse, then last time. Applejack could barely see her hoof in front of her face. What’s more, Lumi was nowhere insight, and the mammoths just kept coming no matter how many fell.

To her left, P-Rex wrestled with one of the mighty beasts. The giant pony was only a hair more massive than the hairy elephant, but the added weight of his armor made him a hard opponent to throw around. He reared up, hooves waving in the air smacking the Mammoth in the face. The Mammoth’s helmet dented from the blows and wobbled on his feet. P-Rex whirled, bucking his opponent in the head, breaking open his skull. Chunks of brain landed beside her.

“Keep it up, P-Rex!” She cheered, retreating to the next level up. The attack came out of nowhere. Only a few snowflakes fell at first, then turned into a raging storm by the time she got everypony awake and ready to fight.
Ice had built up at the base of the city, creating a false hill for the mammoths to easily walk up, with some help from the spikey cleats attached to their feet. They’ve been fighting for three hours now.

“Any word from Rawhide yet!” Applejack screamed over the storm, sliding behind cover, a giant ice ball smashing the house behind her to pieces. The pony next her shook his head. “Gods, dammit! We’re sitting ducks here! They’ll just keep destroying the city bit by bit till there’s no place to hide!”

A mammoth came barreling through a nearby building with several pegasi throwing thunderclouds at him, creating blasts of lightning that sent the hairy monster stampeding into a nearby house. The beast roared, flinging up debris with his tusks. A few of the flying rocks caught two of the pegasi, and they fell to the ground. They were immediately crushed by two more incoming mammoths.

“Sixes!” Applejack screamed into the wind. The black rinin crashed down from the sky, his wings covered in ice as he spat out a river of lava. Mammoths rushed in from all sides; one caught him with their tusks and smashed Sixes through a building. For a moment, nothing happened, and then the building exploded! Gold lava flew everywhere, and Sixes stood panting in the rubble, lava spilling down his mouth like slobber. His eyes burned bright gold, the slits of his eyes narrowing like a predator. With a guttural roar, he launched back into the fray in a berserk rage.

Applejack watched as Sixes took on six mammoths alone in a frenzy. The black rinin wouldn’t be much of commander in his current state, meaning she had to take over. Turning to the pegasus beside her and barked orders.

“Gather everypony up, we’re getting out of here. We’ll rally at the top level of the city and fly up over the plateau to the top and fly to Rawhide’s rally point. Hopefully, he’s nearby.”

“Roger, ma’am!” The pegasi saluted flying off. The one that remained looked concerned at her.

“What about P-Rex ma’am? He can’t fly, and we don’t have enough wing power to lift him this time.”

Applejack sighed deeply, lowering the brim of her hat, “Ah’ll think of something. No pony is getting left behind, not if I can help it.”

Determined to save her friends, Applejack rushed up the stone stairs, screaming for her fellow patrollers to fall back. Ice had built up the stairs, making them slippery and hard to climb, the air so cold that icicles hung from her hat. Things were doubly bad for the pegasi. Despite being more suited for the colder climate, they were shivering, and the ice hanging off their wings grounded them.

Down below bursts of fire broke through the wall of white, the remaining rinin doing their best to slow the mammoths. As she reached the top, Applejack saw no sign of Sixes or P-Rex.

“Where are Sixes and P-Rex? Are they with you?” She grilled VeeVee as the pink rinin reached the top. The medic shook her head. A cold feeling of dread filled the earth pony’s stomach, and she began to climb back down, but VeeVee grabbed her by the scruff the neck and pulled her back.

“You can’t go back. It's too dangerous! We need to get out of here now while we still can. Besides, there’s nothing you can do to help the commander and P-Rex, you would just get lost in the storm looking for them!” VeeVee told her flatly.

Grimly Applejack nodded, “Yeah… your right. Get a fire going and melt the ice off the flyers wings, so we can get out of here. Sixes and P-Rex… they’ll find a way out.”

VeeVee nodded. She and the other rinin began melting the ice from the pegasi’s wings. Applejack stood on the edge, looking down, seeing nothing but white. She never would have found them she realized.

“Applejack, it’s time to go,” VeeVee said, taking to the air with the others. “High Rise and Slip will take you up.”

“Right…” She replied absently, the two fliers pulling her up.

There was white all around him. The path had disappeared entirely, he could no longer tell which way was up or down, there was only white. Feeling around with his claw, Sixes tried to find his way through the storm. His claws failed to find purchase in the icy ground, causing him to slip, falling down the icily slop for several yards. Gritting his teeth, he dug in harder, slowing but not stopping. If not for a ruined wall, he would have kept going.

“Fuck!” He cursed, rolling on to his side, holding his ribs. He was pretty sure something was broken. “Anypony out there? VeeVee, Applejack, P-Rex?” Sixes yelled into the wind, his voice barely reaching through the white void. Sighing Sixes rested his head against the cold hard ground, where has everypony gone to? Where was he even?

The ground shook. Quickly Sixes rolled and pressed against the demolished wall. On either side, mammoths stomped in a single file line around Sixes. They hadn’t noticed the patroller thankfully, yet, but when they did, he was a goner. There was no way he could take on this many and survive. Maybe he could fly out, but the storm made it impossible to navigate. Flying was mute anyway. His wings were frozen. He’d have to thaw them first before they could be used, but that would take fire, and fire would attract the enemy.

Pressing his body closer against the wall, Sixes accidentally knocked a brick loose, causing it to fall. He grimaced as the rogue stone bounced and clattered across the ground. Surely nothing could hear such a thing in this storm, let alone see it through the falling snow. The universe was out to prove him wrong, the stone fell in a mammoth’s path, causing it to stop.

“Hey, keep marching, Woolly!” The Mammoth behind shouted. Woolly pointed his trunk at the fallen stone.

Something is here, this stone fell into my path. Spread out and search!”

Grumbling, the Mammoths broke their line and fanned out, their stomps shaking the ground. Two were heading right for his position. The black rinin began charging up for a lava breath attack, the pulsing glow of his chest was like a beacon in the night, and the mammoths fixate on it. However, before he could unleash his attack, a shadowy figure came charging down the mountain, a prominent mysterious figure! It was P-Rex! The big pony landed right on top of Sixes, covering him from sight and fending off the mammoths. Sixes rushed out from under P-Rex leaping into the air and spat lava in one of the Mammoth’s face!

“Come on, P-Rex, we got this!” Sixes rallied vigorously attacking the mammoths’ ranks. They were in such disarray they were tripping over themselves trying to avoid the lava and P-Rex. The two patrollers share a hearty laugh knocking Mammoth after Mammoth down until the hairy beasts finally wizen up and back away.

“Come on then you cowards!” Sixes taunted, the adrenaline pumping through his body. He was panting with the excitement of battle while the heat of the lava warmed his body, thawing his wings. However, he began to notice the storm was clearing, everything was becoming more visible, and it was revealed that they were completely surrounded. Not only that, but the enemy commander has shown herself.

Sixes’ eyes narrowed, glaring at the bundled mare, trying to pierce through the thin fabric of her veil. She seemed… familiar.

“You must be Lumi.”

The light blue mare smiled, “Correct and you are Sixes, and I’ve heard many things about you. I must say you seem to have more heat than Overheat. Lava is quite hot as I’m sure you know, much hotter than fire. Maybe you can warm my cold heart.”

Sixes bared his teeth at the ice pony, letting hot steam rise off his body. “Sure, I’ll warm your heart. I’ll melt it to the point that there won’t be any vapor left to make a glass of water!”

“Such a charmer,” Lumi said as Sixes spat lava at her. Shaking her wings from under her coat, she unleashed a blast of icy wind that cooled the hot liquid instantly. A smug smile playing on her lips as Sixes fumed, and blasted a stream of fire at her. Dancing around the flames, she sucked in a deep breath and blew out a stream of ice, the two elements exploding in midair.

Bits of ice pelt Sixes’ hide, (This will be tough! I better finisher quick before the Mammoths jump in too!) He was formulating a plan to do just that when he was suddenly picked up.

“P-Rex we… hey, what are you doing? P-Rex! Let me down!” He yelled as the big pony grabbed him with his mouth. Sixes struggled to get free, but P-Rex wasn’t having it as he began to spin. The black rinin knew precisely what he was doing, and he couldn’t let him! “Don’t do it! I’m not leaving you here! That’s an order let me go now!”

The big pony grinned and did just that. P-Rex let him go, flinging Sixes through the air over the plateau. His duty finished P-Rex turned to Lumi snorting and kicking up dirt. Lumi wasn’t very impressed.

“Oh please, as if you have any hope of even scratching me.” She snorted as the big pony charged. Rolling her eyes, Lumi formed a horn of ice atop her head and charged up a small blue sphere. The ball shattered, raining down thousands of ice arrows on top of the giant pony. The arrows destroyed his armor, piercing flesh and spilling hot blood on the ground. P-Rex continued his mad charge! His wounds bled profusely, with frostbite spreading across his skin, turning it black. Several more arrows pierce his knees, and he fell to the ground skidding to a stop only a few feet away from Lumi.

Lumi, nose upturned, walked around the giant, batting away his feeble efforts to attack her with his weak and bloody limbs. She smacks the hoof aside and summons hundreds of long ice lances, long enough to pierce the entire length of P-Rex’s body. The big pony gave shuttering breath, and the lances fell upon him.

Lumi continued walking, never looking back, summoning the storm again at full force.

“P-Rex!” Sixes screamed, climbing out of the snowbank. The storm back in force, blinding Sixes to as he made for the cliff. “P-Rex! P-Rex, you get your ass up here now! That’s an order! P-Rex!”

Icy tears stung his eyes, the cold freezing them as quickly as they formed. This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen, but since when do battles ever go according to plan? He should know better by now. He should be used to losing friends; he’s lost many over the years, to monsters and other ponies. What made this different was they never died saving him before.

“Sixes! Sixes is that you!” Applejack’s voice carried over the storm. He yelled back, shooting a blast of fire to confirm his position. Lifting a claw, he stopped Applejack before she ran off the cliff. “You’re alright! Is P-Rex with you? You both made it, right?”

He turned to her with frozen tears on his face, shaking his head at the white abyss below. He wanted to go down there. To go back and get his friend, but that would be foolish, and he’s been stupid enough today. Every logical conclusion points to P-Rex being dead, he couldn’t save him, but he could still save the others.

“Come on,” He said, pushing Applejack away from the edge. “We need to get moving.”

“Yeah… your right.”

They trotted back to the others. They had dug a trench in the snow, all of them huddled together with the rinin providing fire for warmth. Sixes and Applejack joined them, waiting for the enemy to scale the cliff. It would only be a matter of time for Lumi to make a path with ice. They could run for it, but they wouldn’t get far in the cold, better to preserve their energy and fight.

“I guess Rawhide didn’t make it.” Applejack dejectedly said.

“He’ll be here.” Sixes assured her. “He’d never leave us hanging. Not now, not ever.”

“But how can he find us in the storm? It’s impossible to see!”

Sixes looked to the sky. Applejack was right. Rawhide would never spot them from the Solar Flare, not without something to guide him.

“Every dragon pony shot fire into the sky, it’s our only chance!” Sixes ordered firing a bright blast of fire into the air. The others look at him, confused, wondering why they were giving away their position. Regardless they lined up beside their leader and together fired multicolor flames into the air; they exploded like fireworks in the white sky, bright and colorful, but also short-lasting. Along the cliffs, the silhouettes of mammoths began to appear in the snow, marching straight for them!

“Well, what now fearless leader,” VeeVee retorts, baring her teeth at the immediate threat.

“Now, we make our stand.” Sixes replied as the mammoths formed two lines of twenty. They began a steady charge, slowly picking up speed as they wade through the snow. This would be it, their final stand.

The small group prepared for what very well could be their last battle. Then something caught their attention, a soft rumble coming from behind them like thunder. Bright headlights shined through the falling snow. Another noise accompanied the rumbling a “click, click, creak, click” sound that they were all familiar with. The lights grew brighter and then fade as the hulking massive of metal that was the AT-1 slugged past them.

“Tanks… those are tanks!” Applejack jumped with glee, looking to the sky, a big smile on her face as the lights of the Solar Flare became visible. The flying ship swooped down next to them, ready and waiting with a full broadside of cannons.

“Yawl alright,” Rawhide drawled over the com system. “I’ll get ya up here in a bit. I just gotta put down a few vermin first.”

The tanks open up a barrage of cannon fire, armor-piercing rounds rocketed through the air with a high pitched whistle. Three Mammoths exploded into piles of gore before they could even register the sound. Another volley roared, this time four of five-hit their marks, four more mammoths exploded, raining guts in blood on the pure white snow. Tusk and bits of metal flew, creating more chaos as the large mammals struggle to comprehend what happened to their friends. Their march came to a grinding halt, and the tanks were reloaded and aimed.

“Get to cover!” One Mammoth screamed the next barrage shredding their ranks, all around him blood and guts flew as the rounds hit home. He wavered, searching for someplace to hide, but there was nowhere to run to, no cover to be found. They were easy pickings. “Everyone down the hill, retreat!”

The stampede backpedaled to the edge of the cliff, where Lumi stood in their path, with a frown dispelled the ice ramp, cutting off their escape. The mammoths came to a halt before the blue pony.

“Where do you think you’re going?” She asked, stepping closer. “You weren’t thinking of retreating, were you? That’s not allowed, you know?”

“But the enemy…”

“Shush now, the enemy is over that way. Now you can A) go and fight, B) jump off the cliff to your deaths or C) dye by me. Take your pick. Cause either way, you die.”

“But… but… we’re allies!”

“I don’t ally myself with cowards.”

The mammoths shiver in fear as the cold intensifies. They look to the tanks, to the cliff and then to Lumi and made their choice.

Sixes furrowed, watching the enemy line with confusion. The cannon fire stopped, patrollers don’t shoot ponies or mammoths in this case in the back. What could they be planning? He could make out the blue spec that was Lumi. She seemed to be talking to them. He saw one mammoth start shaking and shivering turned around, and then he turned around again and ran for the cliff!

“What in Luna’s name!” A mammoth, a mammoth, jumped off the cliff! He wasn’t the only one, either. Dozens, no all of them, they were running off the cliff! Their screams echoed against the plateau’s walls as they fell and then silence.

None of them could believe their eyes, they fought so hard against the mammoths, lost friends to them, and they just jump off a cliff in the end? That… that was unacceptable! They don’t get to decide their fates for killing his friends! No, that was up to him!

Applejack nervously backed away as gold magic began to seep from Sixes’ body, “Sixes… what are you…”

The black rinin screamed with rage, barreling towards Lumi with fangs bared. Gold lava split from his mouth, leaving a trail of gold fire in his wake.

“Rawhide, we need to give Sixes some cover fire! He’s gone berserk again!”

“We can’t get a clear shot, he’s too close!” Rawhide replied over the coms. He smacked the controls in frustration. “Can anypony in down there get a shot off without hitting Sixes?”

“I got clear shot,” One of the tankers said, “It’s within variance give or take five feet.”

“Give take or five feet? That’s too close! You can forget about it!” Applejack said over the coms. The line went silent, no pony knowing what to do. Meanwhile, Sixes was still getting closer to the ice mare and possibly his death, if they didn’t do something!

Suddenly a cloud of white explodes ahead of Sixes, covering him from view.

“I said, don’t shoot!”

“I didn’t,” The tank driver barked back, sweating up a storm. He did not want Applejack on his back!

The three took a moment and think it over if the tanks didn’t fire, and the ship didn’t fire, then what caused that explosion?

Hot steam fills the air, blinding him, first, it was cold now it’s hot, couldn’t somepony just pick a fricken temperature! Regardless of that, the heat did feel good and gave Sixes a moment to clear his head. He was still angry, but he was mad with focus and awareness, and right now, he was aware somepony else was with him in the steam.

“Who’s out there?” Sixes hollered, swiping at the steam. Damn stuff didn’t want to go away. Staggering ahead, a bright figure came into view. The temperature soaring upwards the closer he got to it, ash caking his claws. Whatever this was had enough firepower to melt the snow, dry the grass, and then set it on fire. A grin played on his lips, he knew a pony that could likely do that.

Dashing up to the figure Sixes called out to the pony ahead, the intensity of the heat was starting to bother him, and he swam in lava! A solid line of fiery hoof steps leads up to his target, Overheat, who looked different. The fire pony was a blaze of pure fire, not on fire like usual.

It was as if he was fire.

Sixes trotted up to the big fire pony, he noticed an odd shape on Overheat’s sides, the form was a different color of flame sticking out away from his body a bit, curving upwards almost like a pair off… wings.

“What did you do?”

Overheat chuckled at the question lowering his head, mixed in with the pony’s blazing mane was a horn of fire. “I did want you did, wasn’t quite expecting this, though.”

(What I did? What… oh. That.) Sixes’ eyes suddenly snap open, realizing what Overheat had done. The crazy stallion had eaten an alicorn amulet!

“Figure it out?” Overheat teased, amused by the look on Sixes' face. “Ate the orange one, it was surprisingly easy to get it out of Gadget’s lab. He hid them pretty well, but I felt an almost like a calling to the thing, almost like I was meant to have it. In hindsight, maybe I should have just worn it and not eaten it. I don’t think it really agrees with me.”

“You’re burning up. This fire it’s not magic; it’s your life force! You gotta turn it off! Change back!”

Overheat shook his head, “I can’t. I can’t change forms anymore. Can’t turn into a skeleton, can’t turn into a flesh and blood pony, I’m only fire, now. I’ll be this way for as long as there’s fuel to burn. I’d like to talk more Sixes, but this form burns a lot of energy, I gotta get going if I want to make this worth it.”

“You did all this just beat her? Why would you do that? What in the hell were you thinking?”

Overheat gave a pondering look, “I guess… I did it for the pony we love most. I didn’t want Luna to see, I didn’t want Luna to see what Lumi really is. I saw her face Sixes. She looks exactly like Luna, almost like twins, but there’s a feeling of fakeness around her. Something that says she isn’t natural, like us, I guess. I didn’t want Luna to see this perverted version of her, a tool of those doctors. I’m going to turn her to ash, so our Princess never has to set her sights on that thing. That’s what I’m going to do, what are you going to do, I wonder?”

“What do you think?” Sixes said, sawing his fangs, “I’m gonna kill the bastards for what they’ve done.”

The fire pony nodded, “Sounds good, I’ll leave that to you, leave this to me. Get aboard with the others. You won’t want to be around here.”

Overheat trotted forward towards Lumi, briefly, he looked back to see Sixes taking off for the Solar Flare, it would be a few minutes before they would clear the area, but that was no bother. They just need to be far enough away before the fireworks start.

As he walked, Overheat couldn’t help but imagine what it must feel like to have this amount of power all the time, the power of an alicorn. There must have been an alicorn of fire; he wondered what he or she thought as they walked the earth, knowing they could burn everything in their sight in an instant. The temptation to do so now was overwhelming. He wanted to scorch the earth black and fill the sky with ash. He wanted to watch the world burn in an ocean of fire.

That was a scary desire to have, his guess that if the alicorn of fire had such an attitude, then they must not have lived a long life. Not that he would have the time to act on his desires of destruction. He could already feel his body burning hotter and with it more of his life.
He wondered how long he would really have left even if he won. A day, a week, maybe a few hours, less than that? He didn’t know or need to know. He just needed to focus on the mare in front of him.

“My, my, aren’t you looking hot. I like the new look, very fiery.” Lumi chuckled sultry, shedding her cloak and veil, revealing her wings and horn openly. “And look, you made me strip, not an easy feat, I assure you.”

“I really wonder just how you can look so much like the princess, yet be so different.”

Lumi shrugged, “Different upbringing. My creation was not much different from yours, really. Doctor Hoofenstein only had so much of Luna’s blood; he couldn’t afford to be careless with it, so he did the tried and proven method and something new. My original body, as you could call it, was made from three mares of each race. All three were injected with a little of Luna’s blood, and then we were made into one. We carry some of Luna’s memories, fractured bits here and there of her life mixed with our shared experiences. Though I don’t know how or why. The most important thing was that we became what the doctor wanted, an alicorn. However, we didn’t gain control of the moon or the power to dream walk.”

“The moon and the night are often considered to be cold, hence the ice powers?” Overheat said, curious about the whole thing.

“Maybe, can’t say for sure, maybe the unicorn in me was an ice mage, I don’t remember. I don’t really care for the doctor either or his plans, I just want to freeze everything. To cover the world in ice, it’s beauty frozen forever for me to gaze upon.”

He chucked, it seems they share a common interest. “Funny, I was just imaging burning the world to ashes.”

“Oh, do go on,” Lumi said coyly.

“I would, but I’m on a bit of a schedule.”

“Pity and things were just getting good.”

The two elementals began to circle the other, leaving trails of fire and ice in their wakes. They pick up speed, blowing gusts of hot and cold air, the air cracking with power as the two elements met head-on. Their pace quickened as they circle closer, forming tornado in their wake.
They rammed each other, clashing, fire meeting ice. Bursts of hot steam explode as their bodies collide. The two skid away from each other, each one quickly healing from the encounter.

Both elemental ponies stagger away from each other, staring the other down with a wicked grin on their muzzle. This was the battle of their lives, and they were enjoying it to the fullest.

Rearing up Overheat spewed out a stream of fire at Lumi, the ice mare countering with ice breath, a cloud of steam clouds his vision. Jumping back, he fired another blast, the steam clearing, and Lumi was nowhere to be seen.
Frantically Overheat eyes roam in every direction, looking for any sign of the ice mare. Pain erupted in his side, and he cursed as two ice lances pierced his body. He didn’t think he was actually wounded, but he still felt the pain of the attack. Flaring up, he melts the spears instantly. The water hissing as it boiled on his coat.

The attack came from the right Overheat noted spreading his wings. He gave the fiery appendages a few test flaps rising off the ground.
Flying was still a new concept his brain had yet to comprehend, nether the less he took to the sky, sending waves of heat through the entire area. He flew above the steam and snow and took a deep breath! Chest ballooning Overheat unleashes a broad stream of searing flame towards the ground. Sure enough, a mountain of ice formed, giving away Lumi’s position. He swooped down, firing a barrage of fireballs at the mare as she fired back with ice arrows.

He flew through the arrows, the ice quickly melting against his skin, Lumi was rearing up for a more powerful attack, but he wasn’t letting that happen. Claws and fangs bared he bit into Lumi’s neck! Ice cold blood fills his mouth as he wrestled her to the ground scraping away with his claws. She screams, whipping her head widely about, her horn cutting across his shoulder. Overheat grimaced as the burning pain of freezing ice, assaults his nerves as fiery hot blood sprays from the wound.

Funny, he thought he wouldn’t have blood anymore.

Lumi wiggled free, letting a huge chunk of her skin be torn away as she ran out from under Overheat. The ice mare quickly ran and turned as Overheat tried to recover his balance. Horn lowered, she rams headfirst into him, her horn hitting Overheat center mass, right through his heart.

“Guh…” Overheat bulks vomiting burning hot blood. Staggering away, Lumi’s horn slips free and more blood pours onto the ground, igniting into flame. He steadied himself, his legs nearly giving out on him as he stared down the ice mare, she wasn’t doing much better. She was shivering as blood flowed down her neck and body, turning to ice crystals on the ground.

“You’re not looking too hot,” Overheat coughed, feeling dizzy, his vision was blurry. He could feel the fire inside him, burning hotter. Looking down at his claw with squinted eyes, he saw his coat had changed to a bright white color. The earth was melting beneath his feet.

Lumi chuckled, coughing up frozen blood, “Yeah, well, you’re not exactly looking too good yourself. This kind of reminds me of those old stories about the hero and the villain injured beyond belief as they set up for one last attack.”

He chuckled along with her, having read the same story once before. “It does, doesn’t, I wonder who wrote those. Too bad, no pony is around to write this down; it would be nice to be remembered in a fable tale like that.”

“Yeah, it would be.”

They share one last chuckle before rearing up and charging one final time.
Circling, they stabbed at each other with their horns, bashing into one another, spilling blood with every hit. Each one gathered a sphere of magic at the tip of their horn. Both sources of power growing by the second aimed at each other. The two attacks met and then exploded! The shock wave of the explosion rippled for miles leaving behind blackened slabs that look like frozen fire.

In the center of the blast, two ponies like statues stood entangled in each other. Their horns interlocked for the rest of the time.

The ship rocked with the shock waves of the explosions. Once it finally stopped, Sixes rushed to the back of the Solar Flare, gaping at the newly minted wasteland. Huge black slabs of rock spread out from the crater where the blast started in a giant circle. He grabs a telescope from a nearby deckhand and peers out into the wastes. He could barely make out the black massive of stone that looked like two ponies, despite that, he knew it had to be Overheat and Lumi. What else could it be?

“We need to go back for Overheat,” Applejack got in his face as he set the spyglass aside. Sixes shook his head, walking towards the cabin.

“There’s nothing to go back for. Not now, at least. Overheat already moved on, we can mourn later. Right now, Luna needs our help, full speed ahead!”

“Yes, sir!” The crew saluted, running back to their stations. He could feel Applejack glaring a hole in the back on his neck. He paid her no mind, watching the devastated wasteland recede into the background. He waited till everypony cleared the deck before shedding a tear for his lost brethren.

“Push them back! Keep fighting!” Luna yelled over the carnage. Grabbing three griffons with her magic and Luna flung them against the deck of the Moon Cutter, snapping their necks on impact. Snorting angrily, she bucked two more incoming griffons into a fire raging on the ship’s bridge.

Up above griffons circled the ship dropping bottles of liquid explosives. The cannons of the Moon Cutter fire back, creating a constant roar of noise. Dead bodies literary rain from the sky. One just fell beside her, a pegasus with her neck sliced open.
Teeth grinding together, Luna grabbed a fallen griffon sword. In her rush, she forgot to bring her star blades and tossed the sword with all her might! The edge twirls in the air, cutting a griffon cleanly in half from front to back, the two pieces falling to the ground in a rain of gore.

“Look out!” A pony yelled it was, Emerald. Barreling across the deck, swinging her horn with deadly precision, cleaving griffons with ease. Blood dripped down the green pony’s horn and face, giving her a savage look.

Luna nodded in thanks, throwing up a shield to block incoming arrows. “What’s our status?”

Emerald took a few calming breaths before replying, the adrenaline racing through her, making it difficult to think calmly. “The ships taking too much damage, causing us to lose altitude, we’ll be grounded within the hour at this rate. It would be best if we made a break for the castle.”

“I would agree, but we’re too slow, we would be fighting them the entire way there. Has there been any contact from Rawhide?” Luna cut down another assailant, discarding one weapon for another. “We could really use some help here.”

“He did send a message, but it was so scrambled we could barely understand it. We haven’t been able to call him back and probably won’t be able to. We’re losing functions faster than we can fix them. Princess, we can’t keep this up!” Emerald whipped around, slicing off three heads.

She sighed, of course, they couldn’t, “Get back to the captain and tell him to head towards home, even if we can’t make all the way there, and it’s better than being stuck out here. Try to round up some unicorns that can use shield magic, I will try to send Celestia a message via magic, but I need time to focus the spell.”

“Roger that!” Emerald saluted, running off.

Lowering the shield, Luna grabbed several fallen weapons with her magic and took flight just above the deck of the Moon Cutter. She couldn’t fly too far, but she could at least draw in some easy targets this way.

A squad of griffons changed their flight path, coming right for her. Grinning, she levitated several spears and throwing them with her magic. They flew fast and true, the spears piercing two of the five griffons, one managing to dodge, the inky black one leading the attack. There was something strange about that one.

“Come on, then!” She challenged brandishing her swords.
Flinging the swords, she watched as the blades tore through the incoming griffons, cutting them to ribbons, all except one, the black griffon. Holding her remaining swords close, she prepared for her skilled foe. Once they were close enough, Luna swung with the blade to her left.

The griffon twisted its entire body. Luna could not believe her eyes. It moved like a snake around a tree branch, slithering around her blades and around her barrel. She tried to rip the strange creature from her; clearly, whatever this was is not a griffon, but the beast grabbed her horn with its beak, sending a joint down her entire body.

Her mind went blank, and her wings stopped moving. Slowly Luna hovered in midair until she angled down into a dive towards the ground. She tried to shake off the creature, she could feel… something… seeping into her horn, and it could not be good.

“Luna!” Emerald screamed, watching the Princess fall towards the ground. Without a moment’s hesitation, she jumped off the edge of the Moon Cutter, summoning a wave of gems from the ground to slow her fall. “CRUSADER, TOPAZ YOU TWO ARE IN CHARGE!”

Topaz ran to the edge of the ship, screaming, “Emmy!” Watching his sister disappear into the forest. The orange rinin growled, cutting an attacking griffon with his plasma wings, he turned back to the deck; some of the crew staring at him.

“Back to your stations and get this thing turned around! We’re heading home!”

“What about the Princess and Emerald?” A deckhand asks.

He bared his teeth, passing the deckhand, “They’ll find their own way back.”

The ship lurched, making a full one-eighty turn in under a minute. The cannons never stopped firing once the entire time, nor did they stay as they began to fly towards home. The griffons were hot on their trail as they sailed through the sky.

“Get more power to the engines! We need more speed!” Topaz ordered from the upper deck. Beside him, Crusader, his horns a light with magic, kept the enemy at bay while he issues orders. Seemed they figured out he was the commander, “Shields up!”

A dome of colorful shields lines the sides of the Moon Cutter, the remaining griffons trapped inside were quickly dealt with, and any outside the shield were hesitant to slip through the cracks as they would be unable to swarm. However, while they couldn’t attack the decks, the underbelly of the ship was still exposed.

“Fliers get below to the clouds; keep them away from the engine!” Topaz yelled. Pegasi scramble below the deck to the hidden doors at the bottom of the ship. There they settle into the clouds carrying the Moon Cutter, lying in wait for the enemy. They didn’t have to wait long.

As they drew further from Luna and Emerald’s location, Topaz’s only thoughts were of how at least they were pulling the bulk of the enemy force away from the two, giving them a better chance of escaping unnoticed.

They sailed far, covering miles by the hour, but their time was limited. Explosions rocked the underbelly of the ship, and they began to descend. The Moon Cutter skids a mile across the earth, destroying everything in its path before coming to a stop. Once Topaz regained his footing, he stood to find the shields cracked and the griffons assaulting it with all their might. It was only a matter of time.

“Prepare for close combat!”

Ponies line the rails, armed with anything they could find. The shields cracked, some even shattering, but the griffons didn’t charge. No, they were waiting to swarm all at once, an effective strategy that would probably result in an eight percent chance of their death. However, just as the shields were about to give, an entire line of griffons was cut down!

“For EQUESTRIA! HOOFRAA!” Nightingale cried flying through the enemy lines, her metal wings glistening with fresh blood.

Through the chaos, Princess Celestia called out, “Everypony to me!” She barked, appearing in a burst of gold. Ponies were quick to rally to the Princess, ready and eager to fight now that she was here, but she had something else in mind as she began pulling magic from the surrounding unicorns.

“Is that everypony aboard?” She asked, receiving many nods, “Good, Nightingale!”

“Roger!” The winged metal pony replied, landing in with the group. A gold aura of magic encased them all as Celestia’s brow contorts with stress.

“You can’t escape, Celestia! There’s nowhere to run from us!” King Silverous proclaimed.

Celestia just smiled, whispering, “Just watch me.”

In a flash of blinding gold, Celestia and the entire crew of the Moon Cutter disappeared before the Griffon King’s eyes. Safety appearing in the courtyard of the Royal Sister’s castle.

“Prepare…” Celestia staggered and fell to the ground in a heap, blood tinkling down from her nose.
Everypony stared in shock and then turned to Nightingale, Topaz, and Crusader. With Princesses out of action or missing and Sixes, Kira and Applejack away, and Overheat and Emerald MIA, they were the highest-ranking ponies in Night Patrol.

Nightingale sucked in a breath and stepped forward, “Take the Princess up the medic wing, the rest of you prepare to defend the castle at all costs!” Ponies scatter, leaving the three commanders alone in the courtyard, staring at the marble bridge stretching across the ravine.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Topaz?”

Topaz nodded, “Yeah, I see where you’re going. Let’s get to work.”

Luna hit the ground hard. The impact of fall finally caused the inky creature to release its grip on her. At least something was going her way today, finally. The beast was nowhere to be seen through; it must have flown off into the brush. She’d have to be careful.

“I wonder where… OUCH!” Luna hissed quickly, lifting her front right leg off the ground, it was twisted with a large bugle on it, probably the bone. Great, she’s broken her leg.

“Did the little princess hurt herself?” A menacing voice cooed from the darkness. Luna whipped around frantically for the source, but the sound seemed to be coming from all around her. “Does the little princess need her sister to kiss it better?”

“You dare mock me!” She barked back, charging her horn. She fired several magic bullets randomly into the brush, the voice cackling mockingly. “Come out and fight me!”

The laughter stops.

“If you insist,” The voice replied.
From the dense forest undergrowth, the sound of hooves clopped in the night, a tall shadowy figure emerged from the forest. It was a mare with an inky black coat like the creature that attacked her, not only that, the pony sported a horn and wings. Warily Luna trotted around for a better defensive position, keeping her injured leg hidden from view.

“Is this your true form, or merely another insult?”

The inky black mare chuckled, “Nightmare.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed, “What was that?” The mare chuckled again.

“Nightmare that is my name, Nightmare Moon to be exact, I must say it is so nice to finally meet you… mother.”

“What nonsense do you speak? I have born no children in the last century or longer. Now speak the truth, or I shall pull it from thy tongue by force!”

Nightmare Moon chuckled, moving closer to Luna, who backed away. “Well, I thought calling you my mother would be the simplest explanation, you are responsible for my existence, yet I guess we could be called sisters. I guess it really depends on what you consider a clone. A child, a sibling, or maybe an impostor, whichever you choose doesn’t bother me.”

A clone, those bastards made a clone of her! When she finds them, she’s gonna send them straight to the moon and then bring them back and do it again, before crushing them to paste!

“I would choose impostor. We may share the same blood, but we are nothing alike!”

“I wouldn’t be so quick to judge, after all…” Nightmare’s appearance suddenly changes, contorting into an exact copy of Luna. “We look so much alike. I would also point out that we do share many of the same thoughts and emotions. I simply choose to go on a different path.”

“You know nothing of my life!” Nightmare chuckled again, it was really starting to grate on Luna’s nerves! Just what was so funny!

Nightmare circled around her, seemingly lost in thought, Luna considered attacking her then and there, when she began talking again, “When you and Celestia were teens you both came upon a village in trouble. The village was being attacked by bandits and required help. You wanted to train the villagers to protect themselves, while Celestia chose to defend them. You both argued for days about what to do, protecting the village all the while. When it seemed the bandits had been taken care of while you debated, you two moved on. You happened to travel back to the same village by yourself one day and found it sacked and burned to the ground. I believe that is the day you began to resent your sister’s “we can protect everypony” policy. Celestia didn’t like fighting; she would rather fight for others then let them fight for themselves. That’s when you first began to resent her, isn’t it?”

Luna slowly backed away, her mouth agape with shock. No pony should know that no pony could! That happened hundreds of years ago! There was no possible way for this imposter to have that knowledge!

“How do you know that? Just because we share blood, doesn’t mean we share memories! Explain yourself!”

“Isn’t blood magic amazing, Luna?” Nightmare chuckled, appearing behind her in a puff of black mist. “Our blood connects us, it lets me tap deep down into that little noggin of yours and see everything that’s ever happened in your life and everything you ever felt. Feelings like your burning hatred for Celestia, don’t you just wish you could gather up the courage put her down? Think of all the lives you could save from her weak-minded thinking.”

“No! You’re wrong! I don’t hate my sister! I-I-I love her! She’s my only family! I could never…”

“Abandon her?” Nightmare interjected, “Like she abandoned you? Left you all alone for fifty years, not wanting to hear your pleas for help because it might raise a fuss with the nobles if she did. After all, she is the big sister, older and wiser then you could ever hope to be, why does she need to listen to you, the little sister?”

Tears roll down Luna’s cheeks, she tried to shake away the dark thoughts, the feelings she’s kept hidden from everypony, but they wouldn’t go away. They stayed, taunting her like the nobles and many others had over the years.

“Celestia… my sister isn’t like that! We may share different ideas about how to do things, but she respects and values me.” Nightmare Moon’s face appeared in front of Luna, her ever mocking smile present.

“If that’s true, why does she second guess everything you say? Why must you defend your idea, yet she doesn’t? Why are you automatically wrong about anything and everything? Face it, Luna, your just your sister’s little soldier, met to be seen, but not heard.”

“Shut up…”

“You know I’m right, Luna, its ok, give in, let the darkness out. Show Celestia and her sun-loving ponies just how powerful you really are.”

“I SAID SHUT UP!”

Black inky darkness pooled around Luna’s hooves, crawling up her body, turning her coat black as night, the darkness clung to her like a shroud, covering her, protecting her, empowering her. This was the same power she felt when she fought in Rainbow Factory, but much more potent. Why she felt like she could block out the sun!

“Feels good, doesn’t?” Nightmare said, creating a mirror for Luna to look in. The Princess of the Night gasped, looking at herself. She was taller may be as tall as Celestia, maybe even taller. Her mane was longer with black and silver mixed in with the usual blue and purple. And her coat, her coat was pitch black, the same as Nightmare Moon’s.

“What… what’s happened to me.”

“You finally stopped holding yourself back.” Nightmare said, circling around her. “This is the real you, your true form. You can feel it right, the power, the power that Celestia fears, the power that can surpass her. Equestria only needs one Princess, Luna, and it’s you, why bother with that weakening of a sister. With your power, no pony will dare to ever attack the ponies we love again. No pony will dare question us or tell us what to do. We will rule all.”

Luna backed away from Nightmare; her horn charged for attacking, “There is no we! I have no desire to overthrow my sister. I may be more powerful than before, but even you must realize that it will not be enough to take Celestia down, not without leaving us valuable to attacks afterward.”

Nightmare grinned, “How right you are, if you were to attack Celestia now, the margin for victory would be slim, so about we stack the deck a bit, shall we?”

“What are you…?” Luna didn’t get the chance to finish as Nightmare dissolved into a cloud of black mist and pounced, forcing Luna to inhale the black mist. She coughed and bulked, trying to disperse the smoke, but it kept forcing itself down her throat like a lousy drink, till finally, the fog was gone. Leaving what once two as one.

With this power, yes, she could defeat her sister. Once she did that, she would take Celestia’s magic for her own and take control of the sun, and after that, no pony or otherwise would dare cross her. She would be the ruler of both day and night!

Luna began to laugh, loudly, and hysterically. She was in the middle of a full-blown evil cackle, she heard the sound of a twig snap. “Who is there?”

From the bushes, Emerald gasped as the dark Princess’s eyes turn her way. She had arrived just as the black mist entered Luna. Quietly she slowly began to back away when that chilling voice spoke.

“And where are you going?” The black pony that had been Princess Luna asked stalking towards her. “I don’t believe I said you could leave Emerald.”

Emerald continued to back away as Luna’s horn began to glow. Hesitantly she lit her own horn, but the light wilting as the Princess towered over her.

“Don’t worry, I won't hurt my friends, you’re still my friend right, Emerald? You weren’t going to, oh say, warn my sister, right?”

Fearfully Emerald shook her head, her body filling to the brim with terror as the Princess frowned at her.

“I don’t like liars, Emerald. I really don’t. You should have been honest, Emerald. Now have to hurt you.”

“Princess Luna, please, you’re not well!”

“I’m not LUNA!” The Princess screams angrily, rearing up, “I am NIGHTMARE MOON!”

She brought her hooves down.

Author's Note

Only a few more chapters to go.

The Seige

Night Patrol ch 31

By Foxgear

“Come on, we gotta go! Move, move, move!”

The clattering of hooves against wood echoed as three ponies galloped at full speed down the decimated hallways. The floor creaked and moaned as the wood beneath their feet crack and snap with every stomp. As they round the corner, the three of them ran into a half wrecked pillar, bringing down the ceiling and sealing the passage behind them; a chorus of angry screeches followed as their pursuers claw at the rubble.

The three ponies continue on their way, stopping at a junction where a small trickle of sunlight stream down through the floors of the wrecked airship, the Solar Flare.

“Shock, Jockey, how are you holding up,” Trifecta, one of the triplets, asked, passing around the canteen. The two light blue rinin drunk hurriedly, tiny sparks of electricity surging between their lips as they drank.

“The thunder brothers are ready to go,” They reply in unison, a flash of blue lightning dancing between them as they brohooved.

Trifecta rolled his eyes, used to the two’s antics since being partnered with them. He’d rather have his brothers, Thrice and Trinity. They were called the triplets for a reason, and he felt off not fighting beside them. Alas, he didn’t have much choice. His brothers were with other teams under orders from Commander Topaz. His mission was to investigate the Solar Flare wreckage and search for clues to the crew's whereabouts.

Entering a nearby cabin, he peered out the window, looking longly at the once lush landscape of the Everfree forest. Now a barren wasteland of stumps and burned grass.

Since the griffons began their siege on the castle, they’ve cut out a vast swath of the forest for resources and to lessen the forest’s attacks on them. They found out the hard way what happens when you cut down an Everfree tree. It didn’t go down without a fight. For every tree cut, it took five creatures with it and more.

Trifecta continued to stare out the window, hardly believing a month passed since the war started. Princess Luna and Emerald Cutter were missing, Princess Celestia was bedridden, only recently regaining her mobility since her mass teleport.

Sixes, Applejack, and the Solar Flare crew were missing but still alive and fighting somewhere. They have yet to get word to Kira in Nippon, the griffons intercepting their messages and blocked any fire scroll messages from getting through. Add on top of all that, all the airships were grounded and wrecked. Things weren’t looking good for them. That was for sure.

Checking on the two thunder ponies, Trifecta was unsurprised to see them playfully shocking each other to pass the time. The two were much too playful for his tastes, and when they were so far away from the castle. The Solar Flare had only been twenty miles away from home when she was taken out of the sky. It was clear the crew put up a hell of a fight, given the barricades and damage around the ship. They must have been fighting until recently.

(If only we could have made it here sooner.)

“Shock, go and check out the next section of the ship, and see if you can find some clues to where the crew went. Jockey…”

“Sorry, boss, no can do,” Jockey interrupted, making Trifecta grind his teeth. “You haven’t really worked with us long, so remember my bro and me here can only use our thunder if we’re together, so where one goes, the other goes and all that. You get me?”

Trifecta pinched his temple in frustration. “Fine, go, I don’t care. Just be quiet. The enemy is still around.”

The two salute and trot off, poking each other with lightning. It was official. Those two were going to get them all killed.

“Why couldn’t I have just been paired with Nightingale? She’s been acting crazy, but at least she’s professionally crazy. I wonder how she’s doing. She shouldn’t be too far from our location.” The ship began to rubble, interrupting his musings; he didn’t have to guess what happened.

“Thunder brothers, hoo!”

Trifecta rubbed his temples. (This is going to be my entire day, isn’t it?) Sighing deeply, he galloped down the hall to the brothers and, to no surprise, found them fighting a bunch of griffons. The two ran circles around the griffons, zapping here and there with their lightning teleportation ability. They look like a blue bolt of lightning flying through the air, moving randomly and chaotically with no sense of where they were going. Which he was sure was the case.

“Stop fooling around and take them out!” He roared, unleashing a wave of fire at the griffons. The flames hit their armor, causing it to light up with runes, the magic symbols devouring the fire. This was just great, anti-rinin troopers. Griffons outfitted with armor customize with magic to neutralize dragon pony abilities. There wasn’t a lot of them, but they were dangerous without a doubt. One trooper wore a necklace of claws around his neck, trophies of slain Rinin.

Seething with rage, Trifecta rushed the trooper, grabbing him by the chest plate. Hoisting the griffon up. The griffon let out a horrible screech, but that was what he wanted. Chest ballooning, Trifecta breathed fire down the griffon’s throat, burning the body from the inside out. He rips the necklace from the griffon’s neck, kicking away the burning body.

“Run!” He ordered the twins. The three quickly jumped down a hole in the floor, descending to the lower levels as their pursuers reorganize.

“Why we runnin’?” Shock questioned as they descend to the engine room.

“Yeah, we can take ‘em!” Jockey agreed.

“That’s not our mission.” Trifecta rebuked. “Our mission is to get to the engines and make this wreck burn before the enemy can use our own technology against us. After that, we need to find the missing crew and get them back home safely. You two did remember our rally point to meet up with Nightingale and her unit, right?” The twins nodded. “Good, now keep quiet and follow me. The engine room should be just over here.”

The three enter the wrecked room—the inside looking like a greenhouse. Seems the Everfree forest was trying to reclaim some of its territories. Fresh vines hang from the boilers, while new trees reached for the sunlight streams coming through the cracks in the floor. There was hardly a metal surface untouched by the greenery.

“Doesn’t look like the griffons have been down here yet; I don’t see any tracks.” Trifecta observed stepping into the forage. Passing by one of the gem generators, Trifecta peeked inside. “The gem is gone.”

“This one too!” Shock reported from the opposite side of the room.

“Same here,” chimed Jockey from down by the main engine, “Looks like all the gems are gone.”

Trifecta frowned. (Why are the gems gone? Were they destroyed in the crash, or did the crew take them?) It was hard to fathom that the team had the time to take all the gems out while fleeing. Unless they had already begun removing them as they went down. (Why would they do that? Did they know they weren’t going to make it and performed a controlled crash by disconnecting the powerplant?)

“Let’s go check out the main engine body. There might be some clues there. After that, we need to get out of here. Those griffons won’t be far behind. You two remember what to do, right?”

“You know it, Commander Tri, we’ll blow this place sky high in one go!” Shock said confidently.

“Just give the word, and we’ll thunder brother this place to smithereens!” Jockey added jovially with glee with sparks showering from his horn.

Why couldn’t these two be more professional? Would it have been that hard to find some other ponies for this mission? Trifecta sighed. He was beginning to lose count of how many times he's done that today.

“Whatever, just come with me.”

“Got it, boss!”

Trotting to the back of the engine room, the three sally up to the massive machine, admiring the engineering behind it. Gadget, or rather Starwind, had put an enormous effort into upgrading the engine since the first model, making it more robust and reliable. It's a shame they’ll have to blow it up.

“Shock, Jockey, charge up and blow this thing. I’ll keep watch,” Instructed Trifecta, taking point in the middle of the room. He kept an eye on the door while the twins charge up their attack. They couldn’t let the griffons recover the engine or anything on this ship. It all had to be destroyed.

The sound of rushing feet made his ears twitch. Trifecta lowered into a battle stance, readying a fire blast to block the entrance and slow the enemy advance. He needed to buy the twins a few minutes to get enough power built up, then they could overload the engines, and they could scram, hopefully before the whole thing explodes. Starwind had calculated it down to the T. They would have ten seconds to escape. Ten seconds to blast their way through the hull and fly to safety. Hopefully, Shock and Jockey could build enough charge to use their lightning teleport; otherwise, he’d have to carry them out.

“Are you two almost done?” No answer. “Hey, Shock, Jockey… where the hell are you?” The twins were gone! (I’m going to kill them!)

From the stairwell, a griffon yelled, “Somepony is down here! Get him!”

Trifecta cursed under his breath, moving to where he left the twins. They couldn’t just vanish. Ok, they could, but despite their unprofessional conduct, he knew they wouldn’t turn tail and run. No patroller would leave another behind. Something must have happened to them, but what?

With the Griffons drawing closer, Trifecta scrambled to come up with a workable plan. He had few options. He could stay and fight, run away, and fight the army outside, or he could hide and try to lose his pursuers. Hiding would be the logical thing to do.

(I’d prefer to fight, though.)

“Damnit, no choice then,” Growling Trifecta dug in for the fight. He would need… what was that sound behind him? A claw reached out of the shadows beckoning him closer.

A familiar gruff voice said, “Come here.”

“There are no ponies here.”

“I swear, I heard them!”

“Shut up, we gotta find them! We can’t return to the King empty clawed again!” The squad leader squawked angrily. “Damn, ponies are tricky.”

Trifecta watched through the narrow crack as the griffons file out of the engine room. The claw over his muzzle moved away, allowing him to turn and see his savior, Sixes. Behind him were Shock and Jockey.

“Commander Sixes! It’s a relief to see you.” Sixes shushed him and waved towards a small opening in the ground. Silently Trifecta and the brothers follow the black rinin down into the depths of the earth. It reminded him of their home in the caves of Firehorn. It was kind of funny in a strange way.

(Once more into the darkness, I guess.)

At the end of the tunnel, Sixes came to a stop, “We’re here; it’s safe to speak.”

Where was here, Trifecta wondered, moving past Sixes, his mouth agape at the sight of a brightly lit cavern, lit by the missing gems. The cave wasn’t gigantic, but it was big enough to accommodate the missing Solar Flare crew. Tanks were lined up on one side, with tents and cargo on the other, and on the other side, the anchors were dug deep into the earth.

“You let the anchors loose, digging a hole under the ship as you went down and then hid everypony under the ship! No wonder we couldn’t find you!”

Sixes nodded, “It was Applejack’s idea. We held off the griffons and zebras while a team dug the tunnel we came through, and then we set off a bunch of explosions and sent out teams towards the castle while the rest of us went underground. We’ve been stealing from the enemy camp for supplies and interrupting their supply lines. Did anypony from the decoy team make it to the castle?”

Trifecta bit his lip, “A few did, but they were badly injured; they didn’t last long. All they could tell us that you and the others were alive, but they weren’t able to give us your location.”

“I see. What’s the situation in the castle?”

“That’s all you have to say?” Trifecta interjected harshly. He had been one of the ones to rescue the fliers that made a break for the castle. He had stayed with them as they struggled for life, to have them be dismissed so quickly, it didn’t sit well with him, mostly since it was Sixes, their leader since the beginning doing it.

The black rinin turned to him, his eyes almost dead, “What more do I need to say? I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but I don’t have time mourn every brother and sister anymore when I’m too busy keeping the ones still alive safe. Now, what’s the situation at the castle?”

The two stared each other down till Trifecta snorted, turning away, “Topaz and Crusader destroyed the bridge crossing the canyon, stopping the zebra and elephants from crossing. Nearly every day, the griffons launch an assault on the castle, and we repel them. Princess Celestia remains bedridden from extreme magic exhaustion, and we have had no word of Princess Luna or Emerald Cutter. We can’t even get a message to Kira in Nippon. I would have thought she would have returned by now.”

“Not if she’s gotten married to the prince there.” Sixes scoffed. He heard about Kira’s situation from some of the crew. He didn’t really “feel” pleased about one of his kin being the interest of international politics. A visit to Nippon was definitely in order once this war was over.

Trifecta coughed, “Regardless, what is your plan for getting out of here, Sixes? Nightingale has a unit nearby; we can’t just leave her searching aimlessly for us.”

“And we won’t,” Sixes agreed, “Applejack, Fury, how are we coming?” The two commanders ran up to the group, each of them covered in grease and sweat.

“The tanks are ready to go, it took a while to get the parts to fix them from the crash site, but they’ll run.” Applejack stated happily, wiping her brow.

“We got enough gems to power them all the way to the castle. Give or take a mile or two.”

Sixes nodded, pleased with their results, “Good, get as many ponies as you can inside, no fliers.”

As Applejack and Fury left to fulfill their orders, Trifecta stood next to Sixes trying to figure out the plan. There were about eight tanks and maybe one hundred, one twenty, ponies. That was a third of the crew, not only that, but at least half of them were injured.

(No way.)

“You’re going to use the tanks to get them back to the castle and then fly them across? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? Those machines ride rough; that’s no way to transport injured personal!” Trifecta protested.

“It’s the only way we got!” Sixes rebuked. “If I had a better way, I would use it, but the dirt’s too soft to dig a proper tunnel, and we're too far away from the castle to dig one anyway. The only way left is to fight our way to the castle and hold off the enemy until we get every pony across.”

“Do you have any idea how many you could lose doing this!”

Sixes snorted and then grabbed Trifecta, pushing him against the wall. “What makes you think I don’t realize what could happen? Do you think I would do this on a whim? Do you think I haven’t looked into every possible option I could think of? Now you listen to me, Tri, and you listen well, we’re going to do this, but I won’t cross that canyon until everypony is across. Got it?”

Sixes’ grip loosened, letting Trifecta slide to the ground; watching the night commander lurk away, Trifecta let out a sigh. Shock and Jockey help him up, worry etched into their faces.

“You ok, boss? You shouldn’t let it get to you.” Shock patted Trifecta on the back. “Commander Sixes is probably just stressed.”

“Yeah, Sixes maybe the Big Boss, but we got your back first. We’re a team! I know we’re not Thrice and Trinity, but we will do our best! No goofing, we promise.”

Trifecta smiled, ruffling their hair, getting a few shocks for his trouble, “Thanks, you two, but we have our orders, and we’re gonna follow them. This isn’t the first time Sixes led us into a near-suicide mission, and it probably won’t be the last. He just irritates me sometimes.”

The twins look to one another, “What’s your beef with the Commander?”

He smiled, shaking his head, “It was a long time ago, back when we were in the caves before we met, Princess Luna. We had a bit of feud about who the leader should be at first; let’s just say I was on the opposite side of Sixes. That’s the past, though; let’s go help.”

“Roger that!”

King Silverous pace back and forth in his tent, his brow a constant frown as he looks over the map showing his army’s position. His griffons were facing heavy casualties with the bridge to the castle gone. He placed everything on the line for this war, gathering allies from wherever he could, amassing a combined army of over three thousand soldiers consisting of his griffons, Zulu zebras, elephants, mammoths, and mercenary species such as goats and caribou.

However, the missing bridge made over two-thirds of his army nearly useless. He had planned to charge across the bridge, take the castle right away, and then move to Canterlot. That plan was scrapped as his griffons were the only avian units they had. Everything else was a land walker, and they were sitting around being useless.

Efforts to build across the canyon have been thwarted, any attempt was imminently destroyed and the workers killed. Trying to go around through the Everfree forest was equally pointless. Units would be lost or killed during the passage, and the ones that did make it barely had the strength to stand and fight and were quickly dealt with by the pony defenders.

Currently, the construction of siege weapons to attack the castle was underway. Enemy raiders impeded their progress, which had left Silverous with no choice but to divide his forces. He sent the goats and caribou with the remaining mammoths to take Canterlot. The city was holding better than expected, the mountain city’s natural defenses were proving to be too tough to breach with land units alone, but he could not afford to send many flying companies to aid them. He needed every flier he could get to launch his assault, and his allies refuse to submit their own soldiers to help the mercenaries because of Princess Celestia’s presence in the castle. No one wanted to miss the chance to take down the Princess.

“Dammit, this is taking too long,” cursed Silverous under his breath. The longer it took to take the castle, the more supplies, and the more money they used. According to the treasurer, they only had enough supplies to wage war for roughly two months. After that, the griffon economy would suffer, and not only that but the longer it took to get to the castle, the closer Celestia got to recovery. After that, it was all over.

“Hoofenstein, are you certain you’re countermeasure against the Princess will work? I am putting a lot of faith in you, you know.”

The earth pony grinned in the shadows, “I wouldn’t worry. My pet has already neutralized Princess Luna; she can deal with Princess Celestia with little effort. Have faith in my dear Nightmare Moon, dear King.”

“I fear you put too much faith in that monster. If she is as powerful as you say, what is there to stop her from turning on us once Celestia is gone?”

The doctor shrugged, “then that is the way it will be. I’m more interested in the journey than the results. Well, I’m interested in both, but as they say, don’t worry about things you don’t know. If my fake alicorn proves to be better than natural Alicorns, I will be content with the result either way.”

“You worry me, doctor, you are the one that pushed me to this war, don’t test me with your glass half full theory. Now, where is your creature?”

“Nightmare Moon? She’s resting. The battle was very intense, and even the strongest need to recover. Remember, better to wait and attack with full force then to rush and fail. I assure you, victory will come soon enough if you are patient. You don’t want to make the same mistakes as your father, right?”

Silverous clenched his beak tightly, “You are dismissed.”

The doctor chuckled on his way out, causing Silverous to grind his beak. (I hate that pony so much!)

Taking a calming breath, Silverous pours himself a glass of wine. He sniffed the contents, taking in the aroma before savoring the taste. Gingerly he sips, each sip relaxing his nerves. The sound of his tent flap opening made him sigh and put down the glass.

“This better be… Oh, Lady Zelka, what do I owe for this visit?” He greeted the zebra amazon with a bow, offering a glass of wine, which she refused. From her demure Silverous guess she was upset about something. “Lady Zelka, is something the matter?”

The zebra’s eyes around the tent before speaking, “We will be frank with thee griffin king, we are leaving.” Silverous’s eyes widen as he quickly tried to compose himself.

“Leaving? What do you mean, my lady?”

“This war is too drawn out. We have already acquired a great prize, no need to waste time here. The amazons are returning home. Our territories will be in danger if we stay much longer. The zebra lands are not in friendly times. Other chiefs will strike in my absence if I stay away for too long. Goodbye, griffon king.”

She left. Just like that, she went, and Silverious could only stand there with his mouth hanging down. He couldn’t even gather up the will to chase after her. After all, what would be the point? If he tried to keep the Amazons here, they would fight back, and then his forces would be fighting themselves. However, once they left, it would only be a matter of time before the others would desert as well. What could he do? What can he do?

“Sire!”

“What is it?” He screamed at the soldier. The soldier stammered, pointing out the tent flap.

“The enemy, the enemy, is pushing through our lines from the back!”

Silverous pushed the lad aside and flew above his tent, spotting eight of those metal machines tearing across the battlefield towards the castle. A flock of dragon and pegasus ponies circling around the devices, providing cover.

“Zulu! Send your elephants to stop them! Stop them before they get to the canyon!”

The zebra saluted and ran into the chaos. Silverous looked on grim-faced. Watching his army scatter and fall as the ponies made their mad dash to the castle, leaving fire, lava, and lightning in their wake. What monsters they were, and he the fool that challenged them.

“Come on, come on, we can make it!” The tank clattered beneath his claws, rolling over the enemy encampment, crushing tents, running over trenches, supplies, and personal. Zebras scattered, never seeing such a thing as the metal monster before. Elephants roared and charged with their tusks, but they were laid to waste with the tanks' cannons like their mammoth brethren. Chunks of flesh rain down on the enemy, some scream, others fled and hid, letting the tanks roll by. In the sky, griffons continue to peck at them, but they held tight, keeping the half birds from breaking into their defenses.

“Tri, help me clear the path!” Sixes hollered, climbing to the front of the tank. Trifecta nodded, joining the commander. Both took a deep breath and let loose a stream of scorching hot fire at the enemy ranks.

A smile spread across Trifecta’s lips, watching the enemy scatter. The plan was still crazy, but somehow Sixes was able to pull it off. They were running straight through the enemy lines just as planned, and somehow they weren’t dead.

“We’re almost to the cliff! Prepare to stop and fly the injured across the canyon. All rinin will stay with the tanks to cover their retreat, Pegasus will move the injured, and all other able ponies’ will use the tanks till the last second and then dispose of them over the cliff. Be prepared to jump out the moment that happens! Don’t worry, we’ll catch you.” Sixes said with a chuckle, the others awkwardly laughing with him.

This was the real crazy part of the plan. The tanks came to a dead stop, slowly the drivers turn, so the cannons were facing the rallying enemies. Injured ponies were quickly pulled from inside the tanks and handed to the pegasi to carry them away.

Trifecta, along with Shock and Jockey, took up positions between the tanks beside them: Sixes, Fury, and Applejack, along with the other remaining rinin. The griffon ranks regroup, forming a massive line of troops. Elephants push large siege towers fitted with large iron shields, thick enough to stop the tank rounds, providing the zebras and griffons cover as they advance. The castle defenders stirred across the canyon and began preparing for battle, a team of fliers working to pull a crudely build rope bridge across the ravine.

“This is it! Get ready for the fight of your lives!” Sixes yelled, breaking from the group, spitting hot lava across the battlefield. Some of the towers turn to avoid it, while others were too late and caught fire. “FIRE!”

The ground shook as the cannons blasted, the rounds bouncing off the iron plates flying off in random directions, some flew over the shields, the shells bouncing through the enemy lines. Catapults fire back, sending pony-sized rocks flying at them! Trifecta pressed his body against the tank as the stones bounce off the metal hull. One stone clocked a pony in the skull, crushing his head.

“Are they done yet?” He yelled as more and more rocks and other deadly objects were hurled at them. Peeking back to the other side, a line of ponies was waiting to join the fray, but they wouldn’t move until the enemy was closer. It sucks, but they couldn’t endanger more ponies than needed. Leaving their posts would only result in helping their enemy. However, that didn’t mean the castle defenders were going to stand by. Cannons were being rolled out, and soon enough, their roar joined the symphony of battle.

A bright orange light broke away from the castle ranks and flew across the canyon, cutting its way through the flying stones and arrows. One rock flew right towards Trifecta, only to be cut in two, glowing hot with magma.

“Commander Topaz!”

“Sorry I’m late. Glad to see you’re all alright, for the most part, at least.” The orange commander joked.

“Took you long enough,” Nightingale scoffed, batting away stones with her metal wings. “What were you doing? Sipping tea while we were busting our flanks out here?”

“Something like that,” Topaz grinned, much to Nightingale’s irritation. He then turned to Trifecta and patted the triplet on the shoulder. “Good job. I knew we could count on you.”

“The injured are across. Let’s go!” Fury hollered, covering the makeshift bridge as Applejack and the rest of the land ponies make their escape. “Change of plans, tank drivers out, Sixes, Topaz, take care of the rest!”

The two rinin nodded and fell back to the cliff and unleashed a frenzy of lava and plasma, destroying the tanks instantly. Using the smoke as cover, they cross the canyon to safety, cutting the bridge behind them.

This was usually the end of it. The enemy forces have never managed to get past the castle’s cannon fire. Today was different. They kept charging with their iron-plated siege towers, the cannon rounds merely bouncing off the iron.

What were they planning, the pony commanders wondered? The enemy continued to push the siege towers towards the edge of the canyon. Did they intend to drop them off the cliff? No, that couldn’t be it.

“We gotta stop them! I know what they’re doing!” Topaz suddenly yelled, but it was too late.

Ropes shot from the top of the towers, embedding into the opposite cliffside. The siege weapons lurched forward as elephants dug in their heels to slow its descent. The siege tower bridged the canyon, becoming a fully functional bridge. And it wasn’t just one.

“We gotta take them down!” Applejack cried frantically, running for the tower as more were knocked over.

The gathered rinin nodded and together fired one massive blast of fire at the armored tower, but glowing runes engraved on the metal plates quickly ate up the flames. The towers, now bridges, were made of anti-rinin armor!

Sixes shouted, “We gotta rout them before too many get across! Everypony to arms! Get these bastards out of our home!”

With a resounding battle cry, Sixes and the others charge forth. Mouth wide open, Sixes sunk his fangs into the head zebra, thrashing his body around, spilling blood and guts everywhere to intimidate the charging soldiers. Beside him, Fury was a blur of movement, slashing and clawing his way through zebra and griffon alike. The two fought flank to flank in the heart of the enemy force, each one keeping an eye out for the other.

“Think we can make it through this?” Fury asked, tossing a griffon away. He killed two more and then a third. The wounds on his body hissed hot steam from the numerous cuts on his body.

“You gonna be Ok?” Sixes asked, noticing the steam. “You’re not gonna explode on me or something, are you?”

Fury chuckled, “Nah, it takes a lot more than this before that happens.”

“Good. I would hate to try and gather up all your ashes in this mess.” Sixes joked, thinking back to the last time Fury “turned to ashes,” but it did make him wonder. “How many times can you do that?”

Fury kept silent, knocking aside a zebra and then a griffon. He didn’t know how many times he could turn to ash and come back like a phoenix. He’s done it two times already, two times too many in his book.

“Don’t worry about it,” He said to Sixes as they continue to fight with more and more of the enemy gathering around them. The enemy ranks suddenly split, creating a straight line to the bridge. A hulking grey beast came charging up towards them.

“Great, the elephants are across.”

“We can do this! Come on, yawl!” Applejack’s hooves glowed brightly with magic, slamming an elephant crossing the bridge, blocking the other elephants behind the enormous corpse of their comrade. They began to push the body out of the way, but she pressed herself against it and dug in her hooves.

Sweat beading down her face, Applejack held the elephants back, but it wouldn’t be long before she was overpowered and not only that but outflanked. Her eyes dash back as several zebras and griffons broke off from the group already across and came charging at her. She could turn and take them, but then the elephants would breakthrough. She was in quite the pickle.

“I got your back, “A voice said from the sky as several dead griffons hit the ground. Applejack couldn’t keep the smile off her face as Nightingale swooped in with bloody metal wings and cut down the approaching enemies. She then jumped onto the elephant corpse and spread her wings wide open, displaying her arsenal of gem rockets.

“Special delivery,” She proclaimed, firing her entire salvo. The elephants backpedaled in a panic, but it was too late. The rockets hit them dead on, taking out them and the support beams. The siege tower bridge broke apart and fell into the canyon.

“You got any more of those, Night?” Applejack asked as the two mares stood flank to flank. They took out the bridge, but they were still outnumbered, and there were still many bridges left to take out.

“No, but we’ll think of something, we always do.”

Applejack looked to her and smiled, “Yeah, we do.”

Something caught her eye, a squad of griffons was going for Princess Celestia’s room! She was about to yell for Nightingale to fly her up there to help the bedridden Princess, but as soon as the griffons land on the balcony, they were blasted away by several beams of magic. The explosion big enough that everypony and griffon stopped fighting for a moment to look up. Standing tall on the balcony was Celestia with Crusader by her side.

“Alright, princess!” Applejack cheered with vigor. The zebras and griffons sunk back as the ponies’ morale soared with the sight of their Princess and began fighting with new zeal. “Come on, yawl, let’s get em’!”

Surging ahead, Applejack and Nightingale buck and kick their way to another bridge, meeting Topaz and Trifecta. From the castle, the ponies inside unleashed a barrage of blasts from the castle windows.

Up above, a flight of griffons in anti-rinin armor flew overhead, flying straight for the Princess!

“Night!”

“Got it!” Running fast, Nightingale grabbed Applejack by her barrel and hoist the farm mare up, pulling her into the sky. Being so far from the ground made Applejack feel a bit woozy, but she was determined to help Celestia. Nightingale began to spin, and Applejack gulped as the other mare's legs let go of her, flinging her through the sky.

“Oh, buck!” Heart pounding a million beats a second, Applejack crashed onto a griffin's back. The force of her landing sent him down to earth. Kicking off, she jumped to another griffon and then next in a perfect line to the squad leader.

“You little bitch!” He swore aerial rolling away from her. She let out a scream for help, but Nightingale was too busy fighting a second squad. Applejack gulped and prepared for a harsh landing when she felt a tug on her tail. Opening her eyes, the ground an inch away, she saw a gold aura of magic surrounding her.

On the balcony, Celestia strained to lift Applejack back up, with Crusader taking care of any griffons that tried to interfere.

“Get up here!” She grunted, pulling with all her might. Celestia flung the earth mare up into the sky, a little too high, and quickly adjusted to safety catch Applejack and place her on the balcony beside her.

“I hate flying!”

Celestia smiled despite herself. However, her frown returned upon seeing the hordes outside her castle. Silverous must have brought hundreds, possibly thousands of different creatures, to crush them. Usually, Celestia wouldn’t be too worried about such numbers but weakened as she was, and without her sister as her side, it felt like a crashing wave in the ocean. You can fight it, but eventually, you’d lose.

“Hey, Applejack,” Celestia said softly, breaking the orange mare’s rant of how much she hated being off the ground. Now that she had her full attention, Celestia leaned down and whispered, “In this situation and against these numbers. Do you think Luna would give up for the slight possibility of saving the ponies she loves?”

Applejack looked up at the sun princess wide-eyed before breaking out into a smirk, “No, she would fight till the very end, and we would stay by her side till then and beyond.”

“You know my sister well, perhaps even better than I do,” Celestia said with her head bowed, a small smile on her lips. “Very well. Let us fight till the end.”

To think centuries of life would end like this, and here Celestia had hoped to die in peace. Perhaps in a cottage on a hill overlooking a valley as she lowered the sun one last time, but maybe it was the fate of Alicorns to die in battle. War is how her mother and father died, how their entire race went from thousands to three and then two. Alicorns were always battling, it seemed. Maybe she has been too naive, thinking she could avoid this fate.

As she prepared to step off the balcony and join her ponies fighting below, something glistening in the distance caught her eye. The object was far off, way behind the enemy rearguard, it might be her imagination, but to Celestia’s eyes, it appeared to be getting closer and was just the faintest shade of green. Beside the shining green spec appeared a white one, and behind it, lines of bright red dots appeared, followed by flags.

“More enemies?” Applejack asked, seeing the dots herself.

Celestia shook her head, “No, not enemies, but friends.”

“FOR EQUESTRIA!” Was the last thing the griffon rear guard heard as Night Commander Emerald Cutter charged through their lines, swinging her blade horn to and fro, cleaving everything in her way clean in half, her six legs thunder loudly as her claws trample over those too foolish or too scared to move out of her way. For those that survived her assault, there was no time to recover as the white blur following the green mare pick them off one by one with the slightest motion of her blade. Kira Perfecta has returned home

Dancing between Emerald’s leftovers, Kira held an ornate katana and Watashi in her front legs. Gifts given to her by the prince of Nippon and her fiancé, she chuckled softly as the honor guard her stallion to be struggled to keep up, followed by Nippon’s army.

A few weeks ago, Kira listened to her wedding plans to the Nippon Prince Shinjuku after receiving noble status from the Princesses. She had delayed her reply to the princesses about the wedding. In case Princess Luna had a sudden change of heart about the affair, her Princess of the Night could get overemotional at times.

However, the last thing Kira had ever expected was for Emerald to show up in Nippon battered and bruised and barely clinging to life. Her fellow monster pony had made the three-day flight journey by sea in only five days and all while heavy injured. Emmy didn’t speak of the cause of her injuries, only that Equestria was in dire need of assistance by the Nippon army.

A request her stallion to be was all too willing to accept for her. Love breeds on the battlefield were his words, and he set off to gather the Nippon army and navy. Though traveling by sea had taken much longer than she had hoped, and then they had to march across land and liberate Canterlot before finally coming to here. Interesting note, about eighty percent of Nippon ponies were earth ponies.

“You’re in good form today, love,” Shinjuku complimented katana between his teeth as he cut down the enemy surrounding them. Kira grinned, pushing through Emerald’s wake, the Nippon army acted as a giant wedge that split the griffons’ forces down the middle.

The Griffons and their allies fell into disarray, wedged between a rock and a hard place. Nippon was at their back, destroying their heavy siege weapons. Giving the ponies in the castle much-needed relief, allowing them strikeout without restraint. In a rare historical moment, the Griffon alliance was surrounded by two smaller armies. Like a noose, the encirclement tightened. Those unable to cope with the face they surely doomed. Tried to flee, only to be cut down or crushed by their allies in the chaos. Some even buried their heads in the sand, waiting for it to be over.

Kira broke through to the heart of the enemy, she stayed her blade momentary when across from her stood Celestia. Both mares were equally covered in gore, but that did not stop their smiles.

“You’ve returned Kira, but I guess it's lady Kira now though, right, future Queen of Nippon?” Celestia said, greeting the white rinin. They exchange hoof shakes and bow to one another.

“I’m not Queen yet, so just Kira is fine and even after. That aside, what of the enemy commander? Has he been captured yet? The battle seems to be over by my account.” It was true. The Griffons and their allies dropped their weapons and laid on their bellies, the universal sign of surrender.

Trotting through the lines of captured soldiers, Celestia and Kira found King Silverous bound with Sixes and the other commanders' ropes, minus one.

“Where’s Emerald Cutter?”

“We’re not sure. Emerald ran into the castle and hasn’t come out yet,” Applejack said, wondering what the green mare was up to. She fought hard to get the castle. It was kind of strange she would go in and not come out after the griffons were defeated.

Deciding to ignore Emerald Cutter’s absence, for now, Celestia made her way to the bound King. Using her magic, she forced him to look at her.

“How could you do this? We were finally at peace! After so many years of bloodshed and you dare invade us without warning, killing hundreds, if not thousands of my subjects, what possible reason do you have for doing all this? What drove you to this madness?”

Silverous chuckled, shaking his head, “Must be easy looking down from the heavens. You really have no idea, do you? The terror, you and your sister, installed in all of us. The fear we feel when we look to our kingdoms' future and know you two will still be there after we are gone, age after age, till the end of time. I honestly could have lived that, but then you had to go and make these monsters!” He shouted, pointing to Sixes and the others. “Luna’s precious dragon ponies! Well, this time I’ve made a monster! And she will bring an end to your tyrant reign on us all!”

“You have been deceived, Silverous! We did not make the dragon ponies! That mad stallion over there did!” She pointed to Hoofenstein, who bore a wide smile for some reason; she would get back to that. “He stole foals and played god with them! He tortured them and used them for his own lust for immortality, and he has tricked you. Can you not see it?”

“Maybe so,” The griffon king said solemnly, “But if it gets rid of you. Then I will embrace any darkness.”

Celestia was about to question what he meant when a spear of shadows shot out of Silverous’s shadow, killing him. All around, the captured enemy soldiers were slaughtered with the same method, their bodies slumping to the ground as high pitched cackle echoes through the battlefield. A sudden chill filled the air as purple mist drifts in, darkening the sky. Celestia shivered as she felt a strange sensation like something was being cut off from her. Looking up, she saw the sun, her precious burning star, being overtaken by a massive black shadow.

At first, Celestia wondered what could be big enough to do something like that. It didn’t take long for her to realize there was only one thing in the world that could do such a thing, the moon! The moon was being used to block out the sun! With it, her fledgling powers were weakened even further. There is only one pony in the world that could do such a thing, but the question was, why?

“What is the meaning of this, Luna? This is not the time for pranks!”

“No, it’s not my dear sister,” Luna’s voice whispered in her ear. Her tone was cold and menacing, making Celestia’s coat stand on end. “It is a time for revolution, a time for a new age, namely mine!”

“What are you…?” Celestia didn’t finish as the sharp point of her sister’s horn pierced her body. The gathered patrollers gasped, watching one princess stab another. Staring in horror at the sight.

Princess Luna smiled and stood tall with her sister’s blood dripping down her horn.

“My faithful subjects of the night, your Princess has returned! Let the age of the night BEGIN!”

Author's Note

Very close to the end, probably one to two chapters.

The longest Night

Night Patrol ch 32

By Foxgear

Emerald ran as fast as she could up the castle stairs. She had very little time, she needs to get to Starwind's room. Where the only object powerful enough to help her was located. She needs to get the green alicorn amulet! It was her only chance against Princess Luna, no, Nightmare Moon.

The wounds the princess inflicted on her ach, as did her heart. She never imagine the princess would attack her like that. That she would take such glee in the damage she afflicted. There was no way her princess would be so cruel to her friends.

"Emerald, where's the fire? The battle is over." A pony said as she rush past.

"It's not over yet!" She hollers back. Galloping around the corner she cut her way through Starwind's door, surprising the inventor.

"Emerald, you're alive! Why are you ransacking my room?" He watch the dragon pony sniff around, digging at the wall for something. Wondering what it was she was looking for. "Something I can help you find?"

Emerald growls as she dug at the stone wall. She could smell the scent of the gem's power seeping through the walls. She was almost there. The sound of metal fills the room as she dug out the safe containing the amulet.

"What do you think you're doing?" Starwind exclaim grabbing the safe with his magic and pulling it away from Emerald. "Do you have any idea what it is your scratching at?"

Emerald nods, "I do and you need to give me the amulet right now. There's no time to explain!"

"No, I will not!" Starwind yells, "I know what you're planning to do; you're planning on eating the damn thing, aren't you? Sixes maybe have survived doing something that stupid, but Overheat didn't, the chances of you surviving the influx of the amulet's power are at fifty percent at best given the current data. What possible reason do you have for doing this? Emerald, please talk to me!"

Outside screams could be heard, followed by that laughter, that horrible laughter. She was here. Nightmare Moon was here.

"I'm sorry," She whispers. In a flash, Emerald cut the safe in two spilling its contents onto the floor. Quickly grabbing the amulet. Holding it in her claw she looks mournfully at Starwind.

"Don't do it," He begged of her. Reluctantly she raises the gem to her mouth and bit into it. The power that flowed through her was amazing. She could feel the magic entering her body, changing her, making her stronger.

Gems grew from her body forming a protective layer of crystal armor around her body as sharp crystal wings grew from her sides. This is it, the power of alicorn.

"I have to save her, no matter the cost," Emerald said taking flight. She flew out the window flying over the courtyard. Instantly she spotted Princess Luna or rather Nightmare Moon, laughing over a fallen Celestia.

"The age of the night begins!" The mad mare shouted, all of the ponies surrounding her recoiled, still in shock by their princess's actions.

Steeling her will Emerald nosedives towards Nightmare Moon, horn glowing with bright green magic. A loud battle cry escapes her lips as she fires a blast of green as the dark princess. The shot cut through the air aimed right for Luna's heart, but a mass of black shadows shot up from the ground blocking the attack.

"I see you haven't learned your lesson from the last time. Shall I give you another?" Nightmare Moon said mockingly as she took to the sky. She circles around Emerald Cutter, inspecting the pseudo alicorn with mild interest. "Hmm, you have the raw power. You'd definitely be a challenge if I was still merely Luna, but as I am now thou are merely a play thing. No better than thy sister that lay upon the ground below."

Emerald continue to hover in midair as Nightmare Moon went into her rant. Her terminology was slowly mixing with the old dialect Luna used to use. Whether that meant Princess Luna was fighting for control inside the dark alicorn or it was simply a result of the two minds melting together was impossible to tell. She really hoped it was the former because she was not feeling these wings at all. Damn things seemed to have a mind of their own!

"Having trouble flying? Shall we give you some lessons before our rustle and tumble? Shall we say you are looking rather ravishing too in your new form, perhaps we shall take thee to bed after our contest?"

The "we's" were back now and Nightmare Moon was being flirty? Defiantly not a normal Luna trait, but there was something else, almost like there was a friendly tone in her voice as if they weren't about to have a battle to the death.

"Tell me," Emerald plead with all her heart. "Do you still consider me your friend?"

Nightmare Moon seemed perturbed by the question as if uncertain how she would answer it. Her brow frown as she searched for the answer, gaining a wide soft smile.

"Yes, despite your trespasses I still hold you close to my heart, along with all of my subjects of the night. Everything I do is for you."

"She never called us subjects," Emerald muttered quietly, she raises her head, her eyes filled with determination. Magic flaring around her as she readied herself for an attack. "You are not the princess we love and admire! We were her friends and allies, never her subjects! And I will bring her back! No matter cost!"

Nightmare sneers, "Just try it! That weakling is never coming back!"

"She is not WEAK!"

Emerald lashes out with her claws, Nightmare gracefully dancing away with her wings while Emerald flounders in the air. Her wings seemingly working against her. Growling she straightens out and turns to face the black alicorn again. Nightmare snickering at her.

"You would make quite the jester my dear. Here, let me show you how it's done!" A black sphere appeared on the tip of her horn. Emerald counters by throwing a blade of magic. However, Nightmare disappears and reappears behind the attack and fires. The black beam hit Emerald dead center and she was sent spiraling into the castle wall.

Groaning Emerald shook the rubble off her back and took off running as several blasts of black magic shot through the castle walls, with each blast Nightmare let out a gleeful laugh.

"This is like shooting mice! Oh, how much fun this is dear Emerald!"

"Could some pony please FRICKEN HELP ME?" Emerald screams while at the same time pushing any loitering ponies out of the way. Luna was evil now. Get over the shock already! Course to be fair it took her the better part of a month at sea to wrap her mind around the idea. Let alone come up with this plan and then have the courage to enact it. Still, she probably should have at least told Kira ahead of time. She would be really useful right now, speaking of which.

"Kira if it wouldn't be too much trouble could you at least give me a weak point to aim for?" She pleaded, hoping the white rinin would come to her senses.

Hearing her friend's plea, Kira snaps awake and activates her ability making the world turn gray and red. She saw everyponies' internal organs, aches, pains, and wounds all highlight in red, places that could be exploited for a killing blow. She looks up towards what she thought was Princess Luna and saw… only gray. She had no weakness or instant kill spot, so she would have to make one, something lethal enough to slow down the princess, but not kill her outright.

She looks to Sixes and the others tending to Princess Celestia. She's never seen them so uncertain before. Drawing her sword she said this to them, "Take her to Starwind and Blue Cross and then when you find the will to fight, come help us."

Leaving them behind Kira took flight and snuck up behind the evil princess and drew back her Watashi, breathing lightning into the blade she made it crackle with electricity. Raising it high to attack.

"Over here!" She shouts throwing the blade. The weapon arcs in the air and Nightmare Moon turned to intercept, a barrier quickly forming. "NOW!"

From the castle a green beam shot out from one of the windows, nicking the black alicorn's wing. Nightmare Moon growled as she slowly descended, glaring angrily at Kira with hate filled eyes.

"I'll come back for you next," She said and then she vanished!

Kira looked around frantically searching for Nightmare Moon, but she was nowhere to be found! Then from within the castle, a bright blast of magic blew a huge hole in the roof, followed by a scream.

"Emerald!" Scream Kira flying to the castle, hoping her friend was alright.

Emerald lay on her side panting hard, a huge hole in her side, Nightmare had come out of nowhere and got her by surprise. Now the black alicorn stood over her, her massive hoof on her wound pushing down. She groans in pain, coughing up blood, she tries to move her limbs, but they weren't responding to her. Even her stupid wings seem to have finally stopped twitching.

Above her, Nightmare Moon held Luna's star blades aloft in her magic, a sick grin on her face as she twirls the blades in the air.

"What to do, what to do? There are so many things I could do. I could heal you and start all over again, but that would be boring as I already know what the end result would be. Oh, we could continue to torment you as we are, but that doesn't seem very exciting either. Maybe we'll just stand here and watch the live drain out of you or walk away and leave you to die alone? What do you think?"

"Why don't you go buck yourself," Emerald spat, spitting blood on the dark alicorn's boot. She got a kick in the face for her trouble.

"Cheeky little thing aren't you. I've decided. I'm going to finish you myself, goodbye my dear friend." Nightmare raised her hoof for the killing blow, but a whistling sound caught her attention and she quickly jumps away as a short sword charged with lightning whizzing past.

"Get away from her!" Kira screams banishing her sword as she stood protectively over Emerald. Nightmare Moon slowly fads away as the rest of the night commanders enter the room.

"I shall give your final moments to your friends, enjoy them."

For several seconds they wait. Making sure it wasn't a trick. A full minute passes. The dark alicorn truly seeming to have left. The sound of a metal clanging against stone echoed as Kira lay down beside Emerald Cutter, embracing her friend tightly.

"Emmy, oh Emmy," Cries Kira, openly shedding tears for her friend. "I'm sorry I wasn't here. I should have been. Please, please don't leave me. Please don't leave me alone!"

A smile appears on Emerald's lips and she said in a soft voice, "You're not alone. Overheat and I will always be with you in your heart and so will everypony else. We may be monsters, but we are monsters with friends, a family, and right now we have a family member in need of help. She's still in there. Luna is still in that thing somewhere, trying to get out, you got… you got to… save… her…"

"Emmy…" Kira shook her body, but the green pony did not even twitch. She pulls Emerald closer nuzzling the mare's mane, her friend, her comrade, her sister. The room fills with her wails. The other patrollers slowly stepping back from the last member of the monster squad as she mourned.

Applejack looked to Sixes, "What do we do?"

The black rinin looks to Kira and the slain Emerald killed by their own princess, the mare he loved, the mare they all loved. His jaw tightens, his gums aching with suppressed pain and anger. He held his eyes shut, feeling the telltale drops of tears wanting to be shed, but he held them back and looked at the ponies staring at him. Looking for guidance, looking for somewhere to aim the same pain and anger he felt, yet the reluctance to use it.

Finally, he said, "Our Princess lived by a set of rules and principles. Principles that we also embraced and supported, to betray those principles are to betray her and everything we worked for these past years. We all know what Luna would do if she was in her right frame of mind and know what she would tell us to do."

"Do you mean?" Crusader asked hesitantly, not wanting to speak what they all knew.

Sixes nods, "We take her down. Not just as our duty as Night Patrollers, but as her friends. Tonight, we hunt Princess Luna. For EQUESTRIA!"

"FOR EQUESTRIA!" They shouted back taking off in a stampede with Sixes at the head of the herd. The thundering of their hooves echo down the halls of the castle letting all know they were coming. This was their duty and even with heavy hearts, they would do what needs to be done to save their princess, even if it meant doing the unspeakable.

She heard the hooves rush past. She knew, Celestia knew they would be hunting for her sister and that she had to help. Rolling on her side Celestia brush away Blue Cross's helping hoof. Forcing magic into her limbs she stood on her own hooves once again. The wounds on her body burn with a golden light, instantly closing them, but the pain was still there. A temporary fix, one that would leave her even worse off than before, but she didn't have time to be lying around.

"I need to go," Celestia took a step forward. The pain was almost unbearable now. The taste of iron filled her mouth as she held her lips tight to keep any blood from dripping from her mouth. Her injuries were even worse than she thought, but she could not let them know or they would never let her go.

"Not in that condition you're not," Starwind said firmly standing in her path. "What do you think you're gonna do anyway? You're in no condition to fight and it seems to me Luna is in no mood to talk."

Celestia swallows the blood. Taking in deep breaths of air, it hurt to breath, but kept her eyes steeled on Starwind and said, "There's something only I can do. Something that could possibly save Luna, if you wish to help her, then help me get to the room above our thrones."

Starwind looks skeptically at her, "And just want is there?"

There was no use keeping it secret. Taking a breath Celestia told him, "The Elements of Harmony, powerful relics left behind by the alicorn tribe, we used them to defeat Discord. I intend to use them on Luna."

"Discord… the statue in the garden at Canterlot? You intend to turn her to stone?"

Celestia shook her head, "No, the elements decided that. There is no telling what they would do to her, but I am sure they won't kill her as she bares the elements of loyalty, generosity, and honesty. My hope is that they will rid her of the evil that consumes her now."

"These Elements… can you use them yourself? Without Luna I mean?"

"I…" Celestia couldn't keep the uncertainty out of her voice. There were no records of anyone pony being able to harness the power of the Elements by themselves. "I truly don't know, but I must try. Please take me to them."

Reluctantly Starwind nods, "Fine, let's go." He lent his magic to Celestia, casting a spell that numbed pain. There was a lot of pain coursing through her body. Whatever spell she used to temporary heal herself was defiantly in the last resort category and would cost her dearly once it wore off.

Starwind quickly pulls the princess along with his magic in order to lengthen the effect of her spell. Even the slightest bit of movement on Celestia's part used up great amounts of magic, her body was burning it up like a furnace. The thing that puzzles him was where she was getting the magic to burn.

His eyes narrows at the wisps of gold steam rising off her body and he realized what she was fueling her body with. Pure energy. She was burning up her own life force to power the spell!

"You shouldn't have done that," He said simply as they arrive at the throne room. Celestia broke free form his magic and stepped between the thrones with her horn ignited. The two symbols of the sisters upon the chairs glows and the room rumbles as they lower behind the chairs, opening a passageway on the wall behind them.

"I know, but she's my sister," Was all she said walking into the room, the door shutting behind her. The hallway led into a bright marble room, spheres of light illuminated the room pointing down on a strange machine that held six rubies. At the center of the machine rested a violet gem in the shape of a star, the element of magic.

Slowly she lifts the Element of Magic off its pedestal letting the gemstone float around her as she calls the other elements to her, "Magic, laughter, kindness, my old friends, I need your help once again."

The gems glow with warmth, happy to be in her presence again and she too was happy to feel their strength and assurance flow through her. Now comes the hard part, convincing Luna's elements to lend her their strength.

"Generosity, loyalty, and honesty, I beseech you, please come to my aid."

The blue gem of Generosity and the red gem of loyalty float towards her and circle her, passing their judgment. A dull light shone from within them and they join the other three in circling around her. The last element, the yellow gem of honesty, did not move.

"Element of honesty, please lend me your strength," She pleaded.

The gem floated there, making no move to come closer, in fact, it moved away from Celestia much to her shock. The gem glows forming a yellow silhouette of an alicorn, the spirit of honesty, appeared before Celestia. The spirit had no mouth or face, but somehow she knew it was angry.

"I shall not lend my powers to those who are not honest from the bottom of their heart to the darkest part of their souls. For I cannot stand lies and false truths, speak the darkness hidden in thy heart and we shall reconsider. For even if it is the evilest thoughts they must be spoken honesty."

(The hidden darkness, evil thoughts, what is the Element talking about?) Celestia wondered.

"I wish only to have my sister that is the honest truth." Celestia asserts. The element seem to stare into her soul. Judging her.

"That is the truth," The element said, making Celestia sigh in relief, "But that is not the truth of your heart."

Celestia stiffens, rage filling her as her patience wade thin. "That is the truth! I carry no lies within me! Now please help me!"

The spirit seem to gain a smug look as it leans in close, "Then you admit you would like to rule without Luna, at least some of the time."

The words sent a shock to Celestia's system as the reels away from the spirit, "That's… that's not true! I would never think that!" Something clang against the floor; Celestia stares down in shock to see the Element of loyalty on the ground. She watched flabbergasted as the gem flew away and created a red silhouette next to Honesty.

"Those you are not loyal to their friend or to their principles, shall not have my might," Loyalty said in a booming voice, "Celestia, thou have proven thyself a liar and thus cannot hold my element. For those who lie cannot be trusted and thus have no loyalty to give or receive."

Her control on the others elements was loosening. She needs to prove herself; she needed to… tell the truth, the horrible truth.

Celestia bows her head, "Yes, there are times I wished I rule alone like I did when Luna sent herself into exile. It was… nice not having to fight with her on policy. To argue over this or that and spend days shouting at each other over what was best for everypony. I love her, but I find some of her ideas less than appreciated and wish they would have stayed in her head. However, while I do think that sometimes, I would rather have her with me than not to." Silence fills the room as she waited for Honesty's judgment.

"That is… truth." The spirit concedes. "Much like you, Luna also shares these thoughts and desires, however, she knows they are thoughts of anger and jealousy and thus knows not to put much heart in them, but she also does not deny having them. She is honest with herself as are you now. I will grant you my power with the others, but know a price will be paid."

"I will pay any price."

"We shall see," The spirit said floating over her. "We shall see."

The moon was beautiful. No doubt ponies were wondering what's happened to the sun. She giggles wondering if any of them notice that the day as already pass and it is now tomorrow. Probably not, still she found some amusement in it.

"Once we take sister's magic, we can fully control both the sun and the moon. The common ponies will soon forget her once they see how wonderful our rule will be. Sure some be apposing us at first, but they can be dealt with."

"If you believe that Nightmare, then I foresee a short reign," Luna said in the midst of her mind. Luna stood battered and bruised from her attempts to usurp control of her physical body from her doppelganger, attempts that had resulted in failure most of the time. Only briefly has she been able to gain control, but it was difficult to speak in the physical world and fight while in the mental world. It was an experience she never had to deal with before. Even with her dream walking, she's never had to try and be in two worlds at once. Her dark counterpart seems to have been aware of this weakness and has trained to counter it, as she has easily shown to be able to fight on two planes of existence.

"With the help of our loyal subjects, any rebellious riffraff will be dealt with as our mighty warriors of the night crush them under hoof!" Nightmare smiled with glee, waiting for Luna's retort, her pleas, and cries, but much to her surprise, the Princess of the Night was giggling? "What is so funny?"

Luna wipes the tears from her eyes, "You are a bigger fool then I thought. You hear them don't you; those thundering hooves? My night patrollers have only one mission and that is to hunt and kill monsters and anypony that threatens Equestria, that includes us. They know I would never stand to let a creature such as you use my body for your evil. As they fight you out there, I will fight you here, and I will only need to give them a single moment to sink their fangs into our throat and end this."

From the physical world, a voice shouts out, "There she is! Get her!"

Hot lava flew at her Nightmare Moon's face much to her surprise. She truly hadn't expected them to attack, even with Luna warning her they would; it was still a shock that they would attack their princess so readily.

Throwing up a shield to block the lava Nightmare ponders what course of action to take. Well personally she did not care for ponies attacking her, Luna did, and since her and Luna were now one she was hesitant to kill them outright. Even in her battle with Emerald Cutter, she did not initially want to harm the green pony. If she was to rule, she would need their strength and loyalty, to be the ponies that would let her get a good night's rest without worrying about assassins and the like. Perhaps there was something do to persuade them, as soon as they stopped ATTACKING HER!

"Ragh!" Using her shield to blast the cooling lava away Nightmare fires a few light magic beams to scatter her attackers. She counts six, Sixes, Topaz, Fury, Applejack, Crusader, and Kira, her top officers, the night hunters. This might be a challenge if she takes it easy on them for too long.

From her left Topaz and Crusader fire plasma and solar beams, she summons her shadow shroud, the black mass of darkness rose from the ground and devoured the attacks like a black hole and spat them back out; the rebounded attacks missing their owners by wide margins.

(You're going to get us killed!)

(You don't want to hurt them either) Luna retorts from within the mental realm. Nightmare quickly pushes her aside to regain control of her body and flew into the air as Fury and Sixes try to tackle her, both spewing fire in every direction.

A cry off, "Special delivery!" Caught Nightmare's attention as Nightingale come flying in from the ceiling carrying Applejack, the metal winged mare twirls and launches the earth mare right at her! Applejack's hoof stretched out glowing brightly with magic.

"Don't forget who taught you that!" Nightmare cries out using the same technique. Their hooves collide, magic exploding everywhere as they fought for dominance. Applejack's magic as grown strong, much stronger than when they first met, but she was still outclassed. Her greaves, Celestia's old ones, began to crack and then shatter! Broken pieces of metal pelted the earth mare's face as Nightmare's hoof connects with hers. The results were traumatic. Applejack was sent flying, crashing hard into the wall, when the dust settled she lay in the rubble breathing harshly and her leg twisted, the bone sticking out.

"Applejack!"

The others ran to her while Nightmare watches from above. Her body yearning to go to her friend's aid, but she knew that was foolish. Inside the mental realm, she forces Luna away, once gain regaining full control.

"…" Words fail her, she wants to say something, to boast and laugh at their efforts to defeat her, but she could not work up the will to taunt them.

Nightingale carries Applejack away, leaving the five-night hunters to face her, and they looked more determined than before. Sixes steps forward from the group, his mane brightening to a goldish hue as he puffs up his chest. He was going to use his gold lava.

"Don't think that will work on me," She monotone as the black rinin spat his gold lava at her, the mass of molten metal flew at her, twisting and turning in the air in a way she has never seen before. The wave of lava broke apart forming into golden chains that fell over her like a net, their sheer weight dragging her down to the ground in a tangled gold mess.

Nightmare Moon struggles against the chains the hot metal searing her coat as she struggled. Gold wasn't a strong metal in any sense of the word; a single strong swing of an ax could split a nugget clean in two. However while gold was not a good for making swords or armor for physical attacks, it was very useful for crafting magical charms and items. Even in a raw form, it could be used to absorb magical attacks.

"You clever little pony, when did you conjure up this little trick?"

Sixes and the others surround her, each charging up an attack in case she makes a wrong move. One she would hold back from making at this moment.

"A while ago, release your hold on Princess Luna's body, now."

Nightmare chuckles, "You look so cute when your angry, both I and Luna think so, but I digress I can no more give up this body then she can. Perhaps at first we could have separated, but that is why my dear Sixes we stayed away for an entire month. Not only to learn and master our power but to ensure the bond that seals our spirit and flesh holds and binds properly. I'm afraid the point of there being Princess Luna or a Nightmare Moon is as irrelevant as asking if you can separate two sides of the same coin. I am her and she is me, two souls, and one body, forever intertwined."

Sixes eyes narrows, "We'll see about that."

"Oh," Nightmare Moon giggles, "I doubt that."

With her earth pony strength, she rips the chains away and quickly threw up her shadow shroud, absorbing any and all attacks they threw at her. She could hear their roars of frustration as the shadow devours their attacks, allowing it to grow and grow till finally, the shroud reached its limit!

"Here you can have these back!" The shroud bent and bulks throwing back the attacks while at the same time mixing them together into a deadly combination. Plasma fire cut through the stone, electrified lava shocked and burned and solar beams of fire blew them all away. A chorus of groans rose like a symphony to her ears as she looks through the shroud. Everypony was impacted into the wall, huddled and hurting, all except one.

"Crusader, my darling bastard of a nephew, I had a feeling you wouldn't go down as easy. Are you ready to get that alicorn blood boiling?"

Crusader pants as he walks past his down comrades, his antlers glowing brightly with magic as tiny miniature suns formed on the tips of each point.

"I don't want to fight you, Aunt."

Nightmare grins, "No, no you don't, but I want you to anyway. Defend yourself!"

Summoning up her star blades Nightmare Moon flung her weapons at the white rinin, who reared back firing the mini suns between his horns. Covering her blades in darkness Nightmare uses her blades to redirect the flight path of the suns, sending them flying in every direction.

Crusader pulls back on his spell to prevent the suns from hitting his friends but left himself open for attack, Nightmare's star blades impaling themselves into his shoulders. He staggers back as hot blood rushes down the front of his body. Looking up he saw Nightmare Moon standing gleefully over him slowly removing the blades from his flesh.

"I don't know what I find more satisfying, watching you die or seeing the look on my sister's face as I kill you? Her precious son, another thing she just loves to lord over me."

"You are not in the right mind aunt, mother loves you very much," Crusader said as she raises her blade for the killing strike. She felt no need to reply to the soon to be a dead pony. She would just be glad to be rid of the annoyance once and for all!

(NO!) Luna shouts from within the mental realm as she tackles Nightmare Moon and knocks control away from her. (I may not know how to conduct myself in front of him, but I do not wish Crusaders death! He may not have been born from thy sister's own womb, but he is still her son and important to her and thus important to me!)

(You fool do you not realize what could happen if we're left in this state!)

(I don't care! Not as long as somepony stops this madness!)

A voice rang out from the other world, "Luna!" Both paused in their struggles, recognizing the voice.

(Celestia…)

(So, she finally arrived.) Nightmare grins as she tossing Luna off and forming a cage around her, (Time to retake the stage. Feel free to enjoy sister's screams; it's once in a lifetime event after all.)

(No come back! Celestia! CELESTIA! Run away!) Luna cries banging against the bars.

Nightmare Moon shook herself as she regains control of her body. Crusader was still hobbled beneath her, but she felt resistance as she tried to move her blades. Seems Celestia's axes were in the way, Nightmare looks over to the Sun Princess, dress in full battle armor, the golden plates looking heavy on Celestia's frame as she panted harshly, struggling to support the armor's weight.

"Somepony is out of shape it seems, you really should have taken up those offers to train with me more often."

Celestia's breathing stabilize as gold steam rose off her coat renewing her strength. She had not counted on her spell fluctuating like this, maybe she should have forgone her armor, it was taking up more energy to keep the enchantments on it active then it was probably worth, even keeping her axes aloft was proving difficult and Luna has yet to use her real strength.

"Perhaps, but I still have some tricks left." Celestia pushes with her axes and moves so she was in front of Crusader, a shadow passes beyond her, signaling Nightingale successful rescues. All over other patrollers were gathering up the injured and taking them away. Good, she was going to need the space. Seems even Luna, no Nightmare Moon was waiting for the bystanders to leave.

"Are ready to finish this sister?" Nightmare smiles deviously.

Celestia gulps, the weight of the elements heavy both in her in mind and body. There was no telling what the ancient treasures would do to her sister. (Trust us) They whisper in her mind as she reaches for them with her magic, but she let them slip back to the bottom of her saddle bag and stares her sister down, banishing her axes.

"One last chance Luna, stop this madness before it is too late."

The black alicorn scoffed, "It was already too late, a long time ago!"

The two sisters ready their weapons and charge at one another meeting in an epic clash at the center of the room! Their weapons met and lock together with the force of the collision creating shockwaves that shook the entire castle.

There was no holding back anymore.

"DIE!" Nightmare screams jabbing with her horn, the tip scraping across Celestia's breastplate. Runes lit up on the golden suit of armor absorbing the magic in the attack, but they soon flicker and die as the dark magic corrodes the metal, making it crack and blacken. "This is why you're outdated! Thinking that relic of the past would protect you!"

Celestia broke away, fighting a few solar blasts to keep Nightmare at bay as she struggles to remove her armor. The blackness threatens to devour the entire suit and she fears what it may do to her if it contacts her skin. Nothing good, she was certain.

Armed with only her axes, helm, and boots, Celestia charges ahead, her speed much greater without the burden of her armor. Nightmare shifts into a cloud of smoke and gave chase following her up to the hole in the roof. They flew outside continuing the to clash in midair their horns crossing creating a shower of magical sparks that lit up the night sky. The sisters broke away to catch their breath.

"You're breathing quite hard Celestia, old age catching up?" Nightmare Moon said mockingly as she flares her magic, creating an aura of pure blackness around her that seemed to engulf everything around her.

Celestia's retort was, "Shut up and fight!"

"With pleasure!"

Nightmare Moon disappears before Celestia's eyes. The white alicorn frantically looking for her opponent. ! buck to the face coming from her blindside. Celestia's wings flutter and she was left wide open, taking three horn jabs in her barrel. The magic keeping her axes aloft faded and they fell to the ground as did she landing back inside the castle with her axes in an X over her like a grave marker.

Weakly Celestia paws at the ground, trying to get up, while Nightmare Moon's cackling echoes up above. Celestia cease her struggles and used what magic she could gather to pull the elements from her saddle bag.

"You should have used our power from the beginning," The elements scold, "You should have trusted us."

Celestia bows her head, "I know, but I do not wish to harm my little sister."

"It is your duty to defend Equestria in the place of your lost ancestors, that duty comes before all else." The elements further rebuked.

That struck a chord with her, their words despite beginning true fill Celestia with unbridled rage. Gritting her teeth she rose up. Glaring at the elements she said, "I also have a duty to protect my sister, something that I place over everything else, even my duty as a ruler. A position forced upon us by whiny, pig-headed ponies that couldn't even be trusted to rule themselves so they turned to us to rule them! When I had accepted, despite my sister's urging not too, I had thought it would only be till the kingdom stabilized and we could trot off and return to our old lives, but no, there was corruption at every turn, ponies crying out for this or that and like a fool I thought I could fix all their little problems and before I knew it fifty years have gone by and I'm still no closer to solving them! They just keep asking for more! Well, you know what? Ponies can solve their own problems, they don't need me and my sister to do it for them! We deserve our own lives, our own fates!"

Celestia panted heavily, waiting for the elements response, unfortunately, the answer was one she did not like, "Your fates have been decided," They said as they gathered around her, spinning around her like the planets orbiting the sun. Their magic fill her and lift her off the ground, the cosmic force filling her entire being as she rose back into the sky to meet her sister for one last attack.

"The elements… no matter, my power is beyond them!" Nightmare Moon shouts as the possessed Celestia fires a multicolor beam at her, which she swiftly dodges. "You'll have to do better than that!" She mocks easily gliding away from another blast. Celestia may be wielding the elements, but it was obvious she was not in harmony with them. For anyone pony to use the full power of the elements by themselves was nearly impossible as they would need to keep all five virtues in their heart at all times. Something Nightmare could feel through her faint connection to the elements that Celestia was struggling with.

Celestia rears back and fires another blast, feeling cocky Nightmare fires back with one of her own, the two clashing half way, and much to her delight, she was winning. The darkness was overshadowing the light, eating it away and absorbing its strength, she could feel the elements' power leaving Celestia and flowing in her!

"Yes! With this, I will be unstoppable!"

"I don't think so!"

Nightmare Moon flinched at the sound of Luna's voice and the rustling of chains. Inside the mental realm, she felt the something wrap around her leg and tug, pulling her from control and pinning her down.

"What are you doing? Do you realize what will happen?"

Luna smiled grimly and said, "Yes."

With no pony in control, Nightmare's attack shorts out and was quickly overpowered by the multicolor beam that engulfed her entirely.

The elements fell away, the gems, now giant stone spheres fell to the ground, leaving Celestia feeling dazed, but also completely healed. She shook the fog from her mind and looked around, spotting the multicolor sphere heading towards the moon, she wonders what it was. The sphere hit the moon with a bright flash and the image of black unicorn face appeared on the surface on the white rock.

"On the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring nighttime eternal, less six heroes take arms against her."

Celestia blinks at the voices in her head, she knew those voices they were the voices of the elements! Quickly she flew down to where the stones had fallen and began screaming at them.

"What have you done? What have you done to my sister?" She demands as hot tears fell from her eyes.

"Thou had not the strength fully purify her, thus we sealed her within the moon, where she will do battle with the darkness inside of her for the next thousand years. In order to do this, we pulled her power from her and gifted it to you. You Celestia now possess the power of both night and day, be warned this power is only borrowed and will be taken back upon her release."

Celestia fiercely wipes her tears, but they wouldn't stop, a thousand years without Luna? Why? Why did this happen?

"You wanted to rule alone and thus you shall, she wanted to protect her loved ones, thus her sacrifice shall also be her punishment for falling to darkness, thus as her loneliness shall be yours. Thus harmony will be restored...eventually."

Her teeth ground together as Celestia lifts the stones off the ground with her magic. She could feel the presence of Luna's magic mixed with hers and the power it brought. Power she was going to use right now.

"GIVE ME BACK MY SISTER RIGHT NOW OR I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS THAT REMAIN I WILL CRUSH YOU INTO DUST! DO YOU HEAR ME?" The elements didn't respond. She lifts them up; prepared to smash the cursed things to dust just like she promised, but the sound of shuffling dirt stops her at the last second.

She looks up meeting the dazed and shocked expressions of every night patroller as they surround her. Disbelief etched into their faces.

From the pack, Sixes stumbles forwards, his eyes not on her, but on the moon. He walks with his gaze pointing upward still he come to stop in front of her. When he finally looked down tears were falling from his eyes like a river.

One word escaped from his lips, one word that was one everyponies' mind, the one word that she didn't have an answer for.

"Why…"

The word was like a dagger to her heart as she felt their stares turn from the moon, where their beloved princess lay sealed, to her, the princess that put her there. Maybe not by choice, but it didn't change the fact she did it and they all looked ready to kill her for it and right now she probably wouldn't put up a fight if they tried to.

"Because I had too…" She answers knowing they wanted one. Celestia closes her eyes and waits for their judgment. The sound of hooves moving echoed, after they stop she finally opened her eyes. Almost every pony was gone, save for six.

They were Nightingale, Fierce Fury, Kira, Crusader, Sixes, and Applejack. Together they all look at her with a look in their eye that she could not describe, but it was a look that fills her with hope as Applejack steps away from the group seemingly taking the lead.

"How do we get her back?"

The Summer Sun Celebration

Night Patrol ch 33

By Foxgear

The wind blew through her hair as she soared through the sky, playfully skipping across a patch of clouds, turning them into black thunderclouds. The ponies behind her crashed into them and were zapped, the lightning charring them black and frizzing their hair. She smiled, landing on a cloud to address the team of Pegasus.

“A good run, but you’ll have to do much better to catch me,” Celestia chimed playfully, kicking some cloud in their faces. The Pegasus team was part of a new batch of recruits hoof-picked by Firefly for the latest group she was forming to replace the Shadowbolts. The pink and blue pony has yet to find a new name for the team, but inspiration would hit her any day now. “Back to your drills now, all of you. I have some things I must attend to.”

Jumping off the cloud, Celestia glided down to the city of Canterlot, aiming for the newly remodeled training grounds.

New recruits stopped in the middle of their drills to bow to her, a gesture she returned with a nod of her head as she passed. A feeling of disappointment welled up inside her as she looked at the ponies training hard to become cannon fodder for her.

Harsh criticisms, but the ponies, mainly stallions, were part of the new Equestrian Royal Guard under the EUP intuitive. After Luna’s banishment, the council of nobles used public opinion to push the measure through legislation while she was in mourning for what she did to her sister and thus reluctantly allowed the legislation to pass.

No matter how hard these ponies trained, there was still only one group she turned to for the darker, dirty work that comes with ruling a kingdom, her sister’s night ponies, the Night Patrol. For ten years after Luna’s banishment, they worked in the shadows doing the jobs she used to leave to Luna, such as monster-slaying and much darker things that the public would never find out about.

Because of this, a stigma has been placed upon the remaining night ponies. They were feared and shunned and called cultists as the rumors of her sister’s dark side, Nightmare Moon, spread through the land. Seems before coming to do battle, Nightmare Moon had made a few stops along the way.

First, she laid ruin to Griffonstone, and then the northern zebra tribes, the Minotaur clans, and even a few dragon herds. Her message was clear, fear her. Her crimes did not stop there, but there were far too many to count or try to suppress, and there was even a day, called Nightmare Night, where ponies would tell the false story of Nightmare Moon.

A tale she let live for it took the light off her missing sister as the history books were slowly erasing Luna from their pages and were replacing her with Nightmare Moon. Celestia told the scholars her sister had died trying to stop Nightmare Moon, which was the truth, from a certain point of view, namely hers. It was all she could do to preserve her sister’s honor.

Still, while many patrollers have chosen to retire or follow Sixes command, a few decided to help her directly. Kira Perfecta, now Queen of Nippon, ensured their alliance would be a long and prosperous one. Firefly was another, she was in charge of the Pegasus division of the EUP, and Nightingale would drop by to help with the training between the missions. Lately, though, the two have been at odds with each other, something she was planning to get to the bottom of today.

“Why won’t you just admit it? You like it here!” Firefly’s voice resounded over the training grounds. Slowly the recruits and officers slithered away, giving their commander plenty of space.

Peeking around the wall, Celestia was just in time for Nightingale’s rebuttal, the metal winged pegasus looking particularly angry today.

“Why would I want to stay here and train a bunch of limb wing weaklings! They have no discipline! You want to call these guys Shadowbolts!”

“They are disciplined,” Firefly retorted angrily through grit teeth, “Yes, they are not Shadowbolts, far from it, but they do have talent. If you would just stay and actually train them for longer than ten minutes, then maybe they could be bolts someday!”

“If that’s the case, talk to Sixes or Fury. They could do it.”

Firefly snorted and then sighed, looking tired and exhausted, “Everypony here is too afraid of Sixes and Fury, and they’ve stopped talking to me. I’m not even allowed to enter the castle anymore! They say I’ve made my choice.”

“Because you did,” Nightingale said with a soft tone, “You chose to help train these EUP ponies, the same ponies that disrespected our princess, the same ponies that have done nothing but slander our princess’s name for the past ten years.”

“I just wanted to help Equestria! Is that not what we were met to do when we joined Night Patrol?” Firefly asked with tears threatening to fall.

Celestia decided it was time to intrude, giving both mares a shock as she stepped around the corner. “It is as you said, Firefly,” She said, approaching the two, “but times have changed. While I appreciate all that the night patrol has done for me these past ten years, I fear I have overextended their generosity with their willingness to follow my orders. The fact they wish to leave from service, while hurtful, is understandable.”

“What happened to Princess Luna wasn’t your fault! She was your little sister…”

“And that is why it is my fault, Firefly,” Celestia interrupted, “Our problems started long before we took up the crown. Problems I failed to address both as a ruler and an elder sister. That being said, I do wish to look out for those my sister held dear, so if you would please tell me what Sixes is planning Nightingale, I would greatly appreciate it.”

The white Pegasus looked warily at the Sun Princess. The uncertainty in Nightingale’s eyes made Celestia heartache, for it was another reminder of the trust she had lost.

“You know Sixes is looking for a way to meet Princess Luna again, correct?” Celestia nodded and urged her to continue, “Well… he found a way. I don’t what it is or the details, but I think Applejack knows.”

Firefly chimed in, looking confused, “Didn’t Applejack retire?”

Nightingale nodded, “Yes, she did, but that doesn’t mean she and Sixes don’t talk.”

“I see,” Celestia acknowledged, “Thank you for your help.”

Spreading her wings, Celestia took the sky and flew away from Canterlot. It’s time to pay Applejack a visit; hopefully, she was in a mood to talk.

Applejack lay on a fluffy blanket soaking up the sun with one of her foals wrapped in her forelegs and another sucking at her teats. They were the newest addition to the Apple Clan. Both were boys named Apple Gin, her eldest, and Apple Whiskey, her youngest. Affectionately she rubbed her swollen belly, inside her third child and hopefully a girl this time.

“Are you doing alright, Rawhide?” She called to her old comrade turned husband. They left Night Patrol together two years after Luna’s banishment. He helped her start her apple farm and finally proposed to her upon completion of the house and barn. The entire night patrol had shown up at the wedding, and Princess Celestia had wed them. Some would say it was a perfect wedding, minus the fact it was held in the barn on a cold rainy day. Celestia had offered to make it sunny, but they refused, liking the rain.

Rawhide wiped the sweat from his brow and waved to her, “I’m fine, honey.” He quickly bucked a few trees, spilling the sweet fruit from their branches, “This isn’t as hard as digging through stone, but still quite the chore.”

She smiled, knowing how tough apple-bucking could be. “Are Allure and Tough Hide coming by this week?”

Another exciting event was Allure’s marriage to Rawhide’s brother Tough Hide, making Allure her sister in law. It was strange to be so closely related to unicorns, though their magic would sometimes be handy around the farm. Other than that, all in all, Applejack was happy with her life the way it was.

Despite that, there was one little thought that lingered in the back of her mind. A one she was certain Rawhide also had too and that it was the idea that maybe they shouldn’t have left Night Patrol.

A part of her could not help but feel she was letting the others and Luna down by retiring, yet she only joined so that her family could finally live in peace and settle down. Should she feel guilty for wanting to reap the rewards of her work?

She sighed, rolling onto her back to look up at the sky. The moon was somewhere up there and on it, Luna. Applejack had a feeling Luna would be okay with her new life, but a part of her wanted to hear the Princess of the Night say it to her directly. It was impossible unless she decided to join in on Sixes’ crazy plan, and maybe she would have if she didn’t have three foals to look after.

“I can’t believe he’s actually going to do it,” She muttered, resting her chin on the blanket. A shadow fell over her, a very tall shadow that could only belong to one pony.

“And what is it that he is going to do?” Celestia asked curiously as Applejack looked up at the white Princess, the farm mare making no move to stand or bow. There was no need to, as they were beyond such things.

“Ya came to ask about what Sixes is up to,” Applejack drawled lazily, already knowing the answer.

“I am I that easy to read these days?”

“No,” Applejack chuckled, “just a hunch. I can’t say I intend to tell you, though.”

If Celestia was bothered by Applejack’s statement, she did a good job hiding it. The Princess’s mouth didn’t even twitch or frown after hearing the words; instead, she opted to simply continue smiling.

“I see, and do you intend to join in Sixes’ plan to somehow live to see my sister again?”

Applejack shook her head as she held her foals close to her body. “Could of, but Ah won’t, I got a different life now. It would be nice to see Luna again, but I’m happy here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Ah gotta put these little guys down for a nap.”

“Of course, sorry to intrude,” Celestia bowed her head and prepared to take flight, but a call from Applejack made her faultier mid-jump.

“You’re welcome here anytime, you know that, right? Anytime ya need somepony to talk to or just to get a break from that stuffy city. You just fly on by, and Ah’ll have cider and apple pie waiting.”

Celestia smiled, choking back tears, “I prefer cake.”

“Ah, can make that too,” Applejack winked as Celestia took flight. She watched the Princess disappear into the setting sun, a frown forming on her lips. “Can you take care of these two, Rawhide? Ah got da go meet Sixes for his crazy plan to start.”

“Leave it to me, honey, tell them goodbye for me.”

“Will do,” She said, breaking off into a trot. She had to be at the castle before nightfall.

The Castle of the Two Royal Sisters, once home to the two alicorn princesses, was now in a state of decay. Between the siege and the battle with Nightmare Moon, the expense to repair the castle would be too great. Some patchwork repairs were implemented over the years, but it was only a stopgap. Their home was crumbling. Applejack found it too painful to keep living in the castle after the battle. However, she did visit Luna’s room from time to time. Making sure the spell she cast to preserve it was still intact, and sometimes the sun princess would just sit on the bed and pretend to chat with Luna or recall memories.

Celestia was not the only one who frequents the castle. In fact, many still lived there. They were the night ponies, formerly of Luna’s Night Patrol; they now lived separated from the rest of Equestria. They have long since withdrawn from their roles as Equestria’s heroes to their secret saviors, with their only goal being to return to their Princess’s service.

“Sixes, Sixes, are you here?” Applejack shouted through the catacombs of the castle. Her heart ached at how cold it was down here now. The fires that once burned to create the patroller’s armor and weapons have long since been extinguished. Actually, it looked like a lot of the equipment has been destroyed by Sixes himself, if the enormous chunks of black molten rock were anything to go by.

“You’re late,” Sixes said from the darkness, making Applejack’s hair stand on end. She hasn’t seen Sixes much in these past years, and maybe she just never noticed before, but the dragon pony was covered in scars, more scars than she remembered at least.

Applejack huffed, “Sorry for getting pregnant. Not all of us can have magically made children, you know.”

A smile appeared on the grim rinin’s face as he walked over and hugged the farm mare, “I know. I’m glad to see you too, how are the two little ones? Rawhide teaching them to swing pickaxes yet?”

Aj laughed as they separated. She loved the big goofy grin on Sixes’ face. He hasn’t smiled much since Luna was banished. The fact her kids were the cause of it only made her happier.

“He’s trying, but with not much luck, I’m afraid. Whiskey wants to breathe fired like “Uncle” Sixes.”

“Oh, really,” Sixes laughed, “Well, I’m sure he’ll grow out of that.”

The two of them shared a laugh together, each remembering happier times. However, it quickly faded, and they were left standing in silence. Awkwardly they shifted in place, uncertain what to say next.

“We should go. The others are waiting,” Sixes lead the way towards the tunnels leading deeper underground.

The tunnel was new, Applejack noted as they descended lower and lower. At the bottom of the tunnel was a massive door swung wide open, leading to a room made of marble. Inside Allure and Nightingale waited, beyond them another door where Fierce Fury stood guard, behind him in the shadows of the room beyond was the rest of the Night Patrollers.

“Everything is set,” Starwind said, hobbling out of the room. He was so much older now, his mane now completely gray. His face was wiry and thin from countless days and nights searching for his daughter Dusk, who was trapped somewhere beyond the veil of time and space. “All that’s left is to set the keys, and the spell will activate.”

Starwind passed Sixes and Fury a green potion, and the two drank it, their faces distorted in disgust at the vile liquid traveled down their throats.

“Are the key bearers ready? Do you have you selected your keys?” The old inventor asked the three mares. Allure, Nightingale, and Applejack nodded, and each of them presented an item to Starwind, earrings, a medal, and a hat. Starwind nodded, “Good, good, any last goodbyes?”

Nightingale pulled Fury off to the side and began speaking in hushed whispers to the red rinin, leaving Allure and Applejack to try to stop Sixes one last time.

Sixes’ plan was simple. Using a specially made potion created from cockatrice eyes and several other equally gross ingredients, Sixea and all the ponies that chose to join him would be turned to stone, thus preserving them through the centuries till Luna was set to return. The other room was actually a vault made to keep all the elements and any foolish beings from coming and smashing them to bits, which is where Applejack, Allure, and Nightingale came in. The three items they brought would be the keys to opening the vault door.

The keys would be engraved with a special seal that perseveres them and ensures they would always come back to a relative of their owner so that when the time came, Luna could find them and set them free.

The plan was crazy, without a doubt, but what had Applejack and the other two worried was that Sixes didn’t want Celestia to know where to find them under no circumstances.

“Are you sure you what to do this,” Applejack inquired for what must have been the thousandth time. “Not telling Celestia, I mean? What if the clues are destroyed, or Luna is unable to be cured? You’ll be stuck in stone forever!”

Sixes inhaled and breathed out slowly, smiling softly, “Celestia has come to rely on us a lot these past few years. She needs to get used to us not being around. We cannot tell her where to find us because I’m afraid that she would use her powers to break the seal and set us free too soon if she became desperate. Starwind is the only pony who can make that potion correctly, and he won’t live forever. We won’t be able to do this again.”

“I understand,” Applejack said sadly. She had one card left, time to play it. “What about Crusader? I know you two have ever really connected, but he’s still your son. Can you really do this knowing you’ll never see him again?”

Sixes appeared to be taken aback by the question, giving Applejack hope that he would reconsider. Her hopes were quickly dashed aside by Sixes’ sad chuckle.

“Crusader is better off without me around. He and Celestia have connected like an actual mother and son. I’ll just muddy things up if I say around because at the end of the day. No matter how wonderful a parent Celestia may be, or how beautiful and kind she is, she is still not the mare that stole my heart.”

Applejack backed away, finally admitting defeat. On the other side of the room, Nightingale, with her head hung low, walked back to the group, and Fury took his place beside Sixes.

“The time has come,” Starwind said as the moon raised overhead, the light of the moon shining through the glass ceiling above, creating a bunch of girths on the floor. “Sixes, Fury, go into the chamber, Allure, Nightingale, Applejack, hold up your keys.” They all did as instructed, and once the two Rinin took their spots inside, Starwind began to chant.

“Warriors who seek to see beyond the veil of time and travel to places far from thy home, to wait for the Princess who will set you free. Let your coats harden like stone, and your bodies be cold as the northern snow, let time not touch you till the three virtues break your seal. Sleep now till thy time come to awake, and do not worry about your fate!”

Starwind struck the ground. Inside the vault, the ponies inside did their best not to panic as stone grew across their bodies. Many tried to stay perfectly still, wanting to keep their dignity, less they are stuck in some awkward pose. Sixes smiled and spoke one last time before becoming completely locked in stone at the head of the herd.

“See you in a thousand years, my friends.” Were his words.

The three keys glowing brightly with magic floated away from the three mares and circled in front of the doors, slowly closing them. The white stone doors slid shut, sealing the prettified ponies inside till their Princess came to free them.

It was a heart-wrenching moment for the three key bearers, and all three of them shed tears holding the keys tight against their breasts. Their fears getting the better of them as they imagined what could happen to their frozen friends in the next thousand years.

What if the castle collapsed: What if the keys are lost in time? What if Luna doesn’t wake them up? They may have just sent three hundred and fifty of their friends and comrades to their deaths!

“Have faith,” Starwind said, snapping the three out of their spiral of doubt, “Have faith it will all work out for them. Trust in them, trust in yourselves, and trust in Luna.”

The old inventor hobbled past the mares, “When you’re ready, I’ll seal the door behind you.”

Applejack nodded and looked to Allure and Nightingale, each of them sharing the same look. They did their best, but it wasn’t enough to stop Sixes from doing this.

“I suppose this is it then, huh?” Nightingale said, “No reason to stick around here, I guess.”

“What is your plan from here on out, darlings?” Allure asked. “I, of course, am taking up residence in Canterlot; I’ve started a new business in fancy attire there. I must say it is rather nice not to be in the sweltering heat anymore. But what are you two going to do?"

Applejack chuckled, “Ah’m gonna do what I’ve been doing, farming and raising my kids, nothing much else to do. What about you, Night? I thought you of all ponies would be joining Sixes.”

The winged metal pony snorted, seeming amused by the statement, “It was tempting, but… I’ve decided to fly around the world. After seeing the Crystal Empire, I wanted to go out and see the rest of the world and all it had to offer when I lost my wings. I thought that dream was gone, but now… well, I guess I have the time to do it, so that’s what I’m gonna do.”

“Well, you don’t be a stranger now. Make sure you come and visit from time to time.” Applejack said, embracing the Pegasus, “Don’t forget about the friends you still have here.”

Nightingale smiled and nuzzled closer, hiding her tears in Applejack’s mane, “I won’t. I promise.”

With nothing else to say or do, the three mares left the chamber. Starwind sealing the door behind them till the time came for Luna’s return.

Their lives as warriors were over, but they still had plenty of life to live, family to raise and love, and dreams to strive and fight for. As they exited the castle for the final time, they all looked up at the moon and gave their Princess a final salute.

Luna skidded across the white rocky landscape, firing several beams of magic and receiving several in return. She was completely covered in blood and bruises, so was her opponent, her evil self, Nightmare Moon. They’ve been fighting for… well, she’s lost track, but she could tell the time was soon upon them. The stars were shining brighter than ever, meaning she would be released soon. Now it was only a matter of who would be in control, her or Nightmare.

“Give up! I’ve won 5901299 or our 9918421 bouts to this day!”

Across the cratered battlefield, Nightmare Moon laughed, “Foolish Luna! It is not the number of wins, but who wins the last battle. I have been conserving my strength for just this moment, the time of our release! Meanwhile, you have wasted your time and energy, winning pointless victories. Look at how tired you are! This battle is mine!”

Luna gritted her teeth and fired as Nightmare charged. In the deep darkness of space, the stars shined brightly, their light engulfing the two ponies, but when the light died, there was only one.

Nightmare Moon reigned victoriously!

With an evil smile, she spread her wings and descended to Equestria. It’s been a thousand years, time to pay her sister a visit!

Author's Note

edit date 12/22/2020

Epilogue: The Return

-Night Patrol ch 34: Epilogue

By Foxgear

Celestia felt her sister’s magic fade, and with it, her strength. The wear and tear on her body these last thousand years finally caught up at once, leaving the Sun Princess as weak and tired as the day Luna was sealed away. Celestia struggled to laugh; it seems Starwind was right. Her spell did catch up to her. All the years she spent training and practicing to fight Nightmare Moon, only to be taken out before the battle even began.

Seems she had no choice but to put all her faith in her adorkable little student. Hopefully, Twilight took her advice to heart and found some friends.

“You’re looking tired,” A voice said from the darkness of her green room while waiting for her cue to raise the sun, a voice she hadn’t heard in a thousand years.

“I am tired. A long nap would be nice,” Celestia replied, tears falling from her eyes. “How was the moon? I can’t imagine it was an enjoyable place to be for a thousand years.”

Nightmare Moon stepped out from the darkness, circling around the tired sun princess, a smirk spread wide across her lips, “It wasn’t all bad. Constantly fighting for a thousand years really helped pass the time. You would not believe how close it was in the end. Had Luna just rested for half a day, she would have overwhelmed me, and you would not be at my mercy.”

“She did always have a habit of overworking herself,” Celestia chuckled despite herself. The pony in front of her could kill her with ease if she wanted to, yet she didn’t. Did this mean Luna was still fighting? “I suppose this is where you end me, dear sister?”

Silence filled between the two princesses, neither one saying anything for a solid minute.

“No,” Nightmare said suddenly. “I don’t feel like it right now. Maybe later, after you spend a thousand years on your precious sun, it will give you a good view of Equestria under my rule.”

“I suppose there is sort of an irony in that,” Celestia chuckled as Nightmare’s magic engulfed her. In a flash, Celestia found herself on the surface of the sun with a viewing portal showing her everything Nightmare Moon saw. Her twisted sister walked onto the balcony and addressed the gathered ponies, her student, her last hope, Twilight Sparkle rising up to face the dark Princess.

“It’s all up to you now, Twilight. I’m sorry it’s come to this.”

Celestia sat down to watch the event unfold. Being unable to help her ponies was by far the worse torture she’s had to endure.

The ponies stood and gasped at her presence, and that little lavender unicorn actually knew who she was; she looked so cute trying to stand up to her. Oh, how fun this night would be! Nightmare was dreaming up all sorts of things she could throw at the band of six that trekked through the Everfree after her. She was tempted to summon an army of shadow ponies to devour them down to the bone. After seeing… her… the orange earth pony mare that looked exactly like her old friend, who also shared the same name, Nightmare’s urge to harm them was diminished… significantly.

“Perhaps some simple illusion spells?” Nightmare pondered as the group tangled with the manticore that she enraged with a thorn. Surprisingly the shy pegasus of the group was the one to quell the beast.

Nightmare Moon floated in a purple mist tracking the group, spying on them but mostly enjoying the amusement of their antics as they blunder their way through her challenges. They seem to be having an easy time, perhaps too easy, time to raise the bar.

“A little magic here and instant rockslide!” Nightmare snickered as the ponies scattered from the falling rocks. However, the lavender pony slid off the edge of the cliff with only Applejack to keep her from falling. Again, not wanting their deaths, Nightmare flew underneath the mare and made her hoof tangible, placing it under the lavender mare’s dangling feet to hold her up till Applejack lifts her up… which should be happening any second now…

“Let go, and you’ll be safe,” Applejack said, much to Nightmare Moon’s and Twilight’s shock.

“That’s not true!” The lavender mare screams.

(Well… she’s technically right….) Nightmare supposed, not actually sure what her friend’s descendant was doing. Then she saw the two pegasi below, ready to catch the unicorn. (Hmm… the lavender one must have insulted Applejack at some point, resulting in some harmless payback, classic Applejack. I am glad her sense of humor has stayed in the bloodline. I always found it charming.)

Nightmare removed her hoof and fled, letting the two pegasi catch the lavender mare. She flew past a sea monster, accidentally cutting off the purple serpent’s mustache, and he began withering in agony…

“Wow… monsters are not what they used to be,” She noted, shocked at the display the monster was making over such a minor thing as facial hair. Used to be, you could cut off a limb, and they won’t even blink an eye. “What in Tartarus happened while I was away?”

Gliding across the canyon to the castle Nightmare Moon lands on the other side, a thick mist covering the area. Thankfully Nightmare Moon could still get a clear view of her home, and it was… sad, to say the least. Time has laid its crumbling grip upon the structure, and from the looks of things, efforts to save the old ruins were not attempted.

“I should fly up to the sun and buck you right in the face, sister!” Nightmare seethed, feeling immense rage over the state of her/their home. Her anger quickly faded to annoyance as the voice of those six mares drifted over the mist. The blue one with the rainbow mane flew over the canyon to retie the rope bridge. Flicking her horn, Nightmare created another illusion, but one that left her frozen as the image of Nightingale glided down to the blue pegasus to chat with her. The sight of the metal winged pegasus made her realize something.

They were dead. All of her friends were dead!

Hot tears spill down her cheeks as she glared at the castle. Nightmare Moon could sense them, the elements, they were inside. She was going to destroy them!

Transforming mist, Nightmare searched the entire castle, thinking Celestia might have hidden them somewhere else. She checked Celestia’s room, Starwind’s, finally her room. Her room, which was perfectly preserved, precisely as it had been a thousand years ago.

On the bed lay a note beside her old doll, one Celestia gave her as a gift so, so long ago…

Nightmare picked up the note, she had expected it to be from Celestia, and it was, but it wasn’t just from her.

(Howdy Luna! Funny to be writing a letter that you’ll get in a thousand years, but Celestia says it should reach you just fine. I just wanted to say after you were… banished Ah guess the word we’re using, Ah settled down and started farming. Ah, wish you could have seen it. Rawhide and Ah picked out the perfect spot!

We even had a few little foals, their names are Apple Gin, he’s mah oldest, Apple Whiskey, is mah second child, and you may find this strange, but mah third kid is named Applejack after me! Isn’t that funny? She kind of looks like me … weird… anyway Ah just wanted to write and say Ah’m alright and that Ah’m living my dreams all thanks to you. Ah really wish Ah could have talked to you one more time. Ah always figured you’d outlive me, so Ah guess, it’s a little weird for me to think Ah’ll never see you again.

Ah, guess… Ah, don’t know what to say, really. You’ve done so much for my family and me, for everypony. Ah, wish there was some way we could have helped you. Ah just want you to know, everything we did, all the hardship and pain, it was worth it.

Equestria is a much better place thanks to you, and Ah want you to know that.

Your friend,

Applejack

A strangled sob escaped from her throat as Nightmare fell down on the bed, weeping into the covers. It wasn’t fair… it wasn’t fair! She tried to make the world better; she did make the world better! Why… why did she have to suffer? Why did she have to be locked away? To live in a world without her friends, Applejack, Sixes, Fury… all of them!

“Why did this happen?” Nightmare screamed into the sheets. Rage filled her; she would make them pay… she would make them all pay! She wouldn’t just destroy the elements; she was going obliterate them one by one and make sure they realized just how big of a mistake they made by sealing her away!

A joyful scream from down below caught her attention, it seemed the lavender mare found the elements, and in the same room, Celestia had left them… somehow, that didn’t surprise her. Celestia did have a knack for losing things. Thus she likes to keep them in the same place if she could.

One teleport later, Nightmare was in the room where the elements were kept. They were encased in stone, powerless and silent. The lavender mare argued about something, but Nightmare brushed Twilight off and stomped the elements to dust. The mare let out a growl and charged at her.

“How cute,” Nightmare scoffed, easily warding off any spell the young unicorn might cast. She had the magic, but there was no killing intent in her attacks. It seemed Celestia hasn’t taught her how to fight yet, shame. That said, the lavender unicorn did remind her of a certain black-eyed little filly with just as much magic. (Could she be of Starwind’s bloodline?)

“It matters not she will be destroyed… what are all these lights?” The other five joined the lavender mare, and they were all floating… and the elements were being reformed! “No, I will not allow it!”

She almost beat the elements once; she could do it again, and this time, she would win! Now that Luna was out of the way… her body won’t move! What was going on?

“Like you said, it’s not who wins the most, but who wins last that counts,” Luna said, appearing in the mental realm. The Princess of the Night quickly seized control from Nightmare, restraining the dark Alicorn with her shadow shroud. “I found it strange after you defeated me on the moon. I suddenly realized you never used this technique once during any of our battles over the centuries. It is one of our most powerful spells, so why not use it? Then I found the answer, you couldn’t use it. The elements purged the dark magic from you. Though you are still evil, that is just who you are. For me, this is my darkness, my hatred. I realize now what must happen.”

“You fool! Do you even know what the elements will do to us this time?”

Luna balked, “There is no us! And yes, I have an idea. I won’t like it, but it’s what must be done!”

The rainbow beams drew closer and Luna, now in control, stood utterly still, ready to take the brunt of the attack and whatever punishment came with it. The rainbow magic engulfed her, but instead of the burning agony she felt last time, she felt warmth.

“I see now… thank you…”

Luna opened her eyes, and for the first time in a thousand years, her body was her own again… though it was a little smaller than usual.

“Seems the darkness formed quite a while ago,” She muttered, struggling to get up, her legs weak and flimsy. Dammit, she was a teenager again. This better be temporary!

“Princess Luna…”

That voice, Celestia! Luna looked up at the glorious sight of her big sister, walking towards her and giving some speech about something. Still, Luna could feel her real thoughts and feelings and what Celestia was actually saying was, “Come and hug me already!” And she did. She ran right up to her sister and nuzzled against her warmth. After a thousand years on the cold moon, she could fall asleep right now and not even care.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t do that, it seems there was a parade for her return. Warily she waves to the townsfolk she had only been terrorizing a few hours ago. They didn’t seem to realize she was Nightmare Moon, cause who would? She looked completely different from before.

The entire town celebrated her return all day and night, despite not knowing why. However, the pink earth pony who inherited the laughter element told her you didn’t need a reason to party. Luna could agree with an idea, but it was clear that the town ponies were tired, having spent the last two days drinking and whooping it up.

Thankfully the party ended for her, at least as she snuck away to the old castle and fell upon her bed with a relieved sigh and slept.

In the morning, Luna awoke refreshed. Happily, she trotted into the hallway, expecting the sweet smell of baked goods and the chatter of her patrollers as they prepared for the day—however, none of that was present, only the scent of must and mold and the sound of silence.

“It’s gotten pretty bad, hasn’t it?”

“You let it get this way,” Luna snapped, staring accusingly at Celestia. The elder Alicorn could only sigh and nod, having been expecting Luna to say something like that. She wasn’t wrong; she did let the castle go to ruins instead of fixing it.

“It was too painful, the memories. I had not the heart to face them,” Celestia said sorrowfully. If Luna was angry with her, she didn’t show it. Celestia wanted to go and hug her sister, but something told her now was the not time.

“What happened to them?” Luna asked suddenly, catching Celestia off guard.

“What happened to whom?”

Luna gave her a flat look. Sighing, Celestia nudged Luna to follow her outside to the memorial wall. Here would probably be the best spot to explain things.

“Ten years after your banishment to the moon, there was a division between the member of the night patrol. Some retired and wandered away into the world, others joined me to help train the new royal guard, and there were the ones that disappeared entirely. Sixes was the leader of that faction. He and many others simply left and were never seen again. All I know is that they were trying to find a way to see you again. Applejack might have known what their plan was, but she wouldn’t tell me even till her last breath. She said it was what Sixes wanted. I’m sorry I couldn’t watch over them better.”

Silently Luna touched the memorial wall reading all the names that had been added after her banishment. Many of the dragon ponies were not listed, Crusader being the only one she could remember clearly off the top of her head. Some of them must have been newborns after she was banished. Amazingly some of them lived to be over four hundred years old.

Slowly Luna stepped back from the wall, a small smile gracing her lips as she bit back tears, “You did your best. I just hope they found happiness, where ever they ended up.”

The two sisters stood there for several more minutes before finally taking their leave, neither of them suspecting what or rather who was resting beneath their hooves.

Deep beneath the earth rested the Soldiers of the Night, who have waited a thousand years for their Princess’s return, and they would continue to wait till she needed them once again. Whenever that maybe they didn’t know, that didn’t change the fact that they would be ready, waiting in stone until the time came.

Meanwhile, inside the marble room housing the vault, the slumbering patrollers slept a pony suddenly appeared in the room as if she had always been there. Slowly she glided across the floor, her booted hooves clicking against the white stone, her ethereal black hair dancing silently as she came to a stop before the marble door.

With nothing but a flick of her horn, the door fell away to dust, allowing her entry to the vault. Once she stepped inside, the door reformed as if nothing ever happened.

The pony shook her head and removed her helm, freeing more of her hair and revealing her piercing black eyes. She spotted the statue of Sixes, standing tall and proud, without a clue just how difficult he made her life with his little turning himself to stone stunt.

The tawny color mare sighed and smiled, lighting her horn, revealing the infinity mark on her flank and the wings folded at her side.

“You just had to go and throw everything out of whack, didn’t you, Sixes? Well, I hope it was worth it because things are gonna get chaotic thanks to you. Despite the extra work you’re creating for me, I feel inclined to help you get out of this prison you made for yourself, just not right now. Sorry, but it’s gonna be a little while longer before Luna can wake you up, but everything is about timing and trust me, I know all about proper timing. I am the Princess of it, after all.”

Dusk smiled, dawning her helm, “Don’t worry, it won’t be too much longer.”

And with those parting words, Dusk blinked out of existence, as if she had never been there. Leaving the Soldiers of the Night waiting for the day they could rejoin their Princess’s side once again.

The End

Night Patrol 2: Awakening out now

Author's Note

Alright, that's the story, for now. I have planned from the beginning to made a part 2, but then thought maybe not and am now back to part 2 here we come.

On a side note, the Song, Soldiers of the Night, by Slyphstorm was the sole inspiration for this story.

Picking Apples

Night had fallen over ancient Equestria once more. All across the land ponies retreated to the safety of their homes. For when the moon rose in the sky and the stars twinkled, the monsters of the forests would leave the depths of the darkness and prey upon any pony that dare stay out too late.

This did not sit well with the ruler of the Night, Princess Luna, who wished for her subjects to embrace the night and take in all its beauty. Luna spoke of her concerns to her elder sister Celestia, Princess of the Sun, but she was tied up with the politics of Canterlot that demanded her attention. Leaving Luna no choice but to take matters into her own hooves. It was up to her to protect her subjects from the terrors of the night!

“Tis a good idea, now we shall keep our little ponies safe from that which lurks in the dark!” Luna spoke using the loud, booming, royal Canterlot voice, rattling the more friendly creatures of the night from their burrows. So far her patrol has taken her into the Everfree forest that surrounded the Castle of the Royal Sisters. Though maybe it should be called the castle of the Royal Sister. Luna thought sadly, since she had been the only one living in the castle for quite some time now. Minus a few servants of course.

Her sister Celestia had been spending more time in the unicorn city of Canterlot as of late. The nobles of the city demanding her input on many matters. The fact that she, the Princess of the Night, was never called was… a little disheartening. But she was warrior. Her ideals didn't fit with those of the city. Those matters were better left to Celestia, who was more skilled at dealing with such tasks.

“Still, they could send a letter.” Luna muttered as she trotted to the nearby village. So far no monsters had appeared, a good thing too, the village’s pitiful defenses would never hold back any sort of attack, mainly because there were no defenses. “Best to move on to the next town, OUCH!”

Luna rubbed her head, looking down at the object that had hit her. It was an apple, strangely enough. She was still getting her bearings when an orange blur flew at her!

“Ah got you now ya vermin!” A voice shouted from behind tackling the Princess to the ground. The two struggled for a bit, Luna gaining the advantage due to her size, strength, and experience.

“No tis I who have you, now explain post haste as to why you dare attack the Princess of the Night!” Luna demanded, her Canterlot voice shaking the nearby houses and waking the entire village.

Lights from the nearby house revealed her attacker to be an orange earth pony mare wearing a brown stetson with five apples branded on her flank. The mare scrambled to kneel before the Princess sputtering apologies, “Ah’m mighty sorry your highness, it’s just we’ve been havin’ a might bad time with monsters lately and Ah thought you might be one. I was just looking out for my kin. Please don’t be too mad and if ya are just punish me! It was my idea!”

“Calm thyself, young one, We were taken by surprise is all, no harm was done. Now rise and speak your name. I wish to know it.”

“Applejack of the Apple Clan, at your service, your highness.”

“Applejack? A strange name for a mare, but it seems to fit you.” Luna grinned and helped Applejack to her hooves after the mare refused to rise. “Now, what creatures have terrorized you? We are here to rid the monsters that plague the night.”

“You are? That’s… that’s… GREAT! Thank you, Princess Luna!” Applejack cried with joy with the other members of the Apple clan joining in.

“Please, just call me Luna, My sister and I are Equestria’s guardians first and it’s Princesses second,” Though I’m beginning to wonder if Celestia still thinks that. “Now on to the matter at hoof, where are these creatures and what are they?”

“They come from the forest over yonder, they're big and have one huge eye! What do ya call them Applecrisp?” Applejack asked a green tone mare.

“Cyclopes, cousin Applejack, they’re cyclopes.”

“Oh, right, cyclops! Those thugs have been taking our kin for weeks now. And there isn’t anything we could do to stop them.” Applejack explained teary eyed.

“Fear no more subjects! We shall rid you of this menace once and for all!” The town cheered! “We simply need a guide to take us to their lair.”

At that request the ponies stopped cheering and ran back into their houses, leaving only Luna and Applejack left.

“I suppose you will be my guide then Applejack?”

“You bet I will, I’ll even join ya in the action.”

“Very well, lead on Applejack.”

The two mares walked in silence through the night, the moon and stars lighting the path for them. They were deep in the more untamed parts of the Everfree forest now. These parts of the forest were out of reach of the tree of harmony located beneath the Castle of the Two Sisters. The woods themselves came alive through the power of chaos left behind by Discord and now it was that very same chaos seems to have attracted the attention of other more foul creatures.

(When was the last time I saw a cyclops in Equestria? Not since I was an adolescent I believe.) Luna kept a close eye on the surrounding forest, ever watchful for danger. Cyclopes were as big and stupid as they were sneaky. They could stand as still as a statue for hours, simply waiting for their prey to walk by them. There could be a cyclops near them right now and they wouldn’t know until it moved. Curse their gray skin tone, it blends so well with the shadows of the night!

“So… what’s it like being a Princess? Must be nice right?” Applejack asked looking nervously at the dark canopy.

Luna smiled softly at the orange mare. (Of course she would be nervous. Ponies don’t usually venture out at night.)
“It has its perks.” Luna answered, her smile widened as thought of all the fun she and her sister had in their first years of ruling. Her smile fading remembering how fast things changed. How they changed. “But it also requires you to give up a lot in return. Some advice an insider." Luna leaned close and whispered. "Don't become a princess! No matter how good they make it sound! It’s all very stressful!”

Applejack’s eyes widened. Luna chuckled at the expression. “Is it really that bad?”

Regaining control of herself Luna answered, “No, not really. Mostly it’s the nobles that get tiring. Always on about this and that. It really is exhausting. More so is how fake everypony seems. They are always plotting and scheming or planning their own political agenda. I prefer the simpler things. Things like this where I am useful.”

Silently the two mares continued on, the soft sounds of the night making a rhythmic melody as they traveled. Luna kept her gaze straight ahead, her ears perked up and twitching at every sound, cataloging everything she heard and saw in search for anything out of the norm.

Applejack did roughly the same, though her attention turned more towards the Princess of the Night. Her thoughts ran wild. (How can a pony that has everything still look so sad? Doesn’t she have any friends or something?)

“So, what do you do all day, or all night? Ah suppose as Princess of the Night you sleep during the day right?” Applejack wanted to face hoof. Way to sound intelligent Aj! She’s probably thinking you’re just some apple brained simpleton!

“A common misconception,” Luna answered. “I am awake during the day, most of the time. I mainly stay awake for Celestia’s sake. She enjoys having morning breakfast together.” (At least she used too when she was home!) “I guess you can say we balance night and day. Why are you staring?”

Applejack chuckled awkwardly, “Sorry it’s just you said ‘I’ instead of ‘We.’ It’s kind of funny. I just assumed you always spoke in fancy.”

Luna chuckled, “We, We mean I, suppose it is rather funny. We just enjoy speaking this way, plus it is tradition! But um, which do you prefer Applejack?”

Applejack shrugs, “Whatever you like. Don’t change for me, Princess, I mean Luna!”

“We enjoy your honesty Applejack.” Luna stiffened. Something was watching them. “Applejack, be careful.” Luna whispered, unfolding her wings to reveal a set of leather holsters with something metal resting inside. “The enemy comes!”

Time seem to slow down. Luna's horn flashed with magic, drawing her weapons. At first they looked like a pair of short swords, but a number of soft clicks a later the blades unfolded, changing into the shape of four pointed star.

Luna let the stars loose and they flew through the air, their blades shining in the moonlight. The face of their enemy became clear in the soft white light. Cyclops. A easy enough foe for her. Her blades hit the cyclopes with a loud “CLANG”! Indicating they hit something other than fleshy cyclops skin. Something was different about these beasts.

The one eyed beasts became fully visible in the moonlight, their usual gray leathery skin was coarse and ridged like stone. Like the skin of a golem. Another difference was that the horn sprouting from their heads like that of a unicorn. Luna was wondering what other differences there could be when one of the cyclops’s eye began to glow. Quickly Luna pushed Applejack out of the way as a fiery beam of death shot from the monster’s iris!

“That’s new!” A burning ditch was all that remained of where they once stood. In light of these recent developments Luna decided a tactical withdraw was in order. “Run Applejack!”

The farm mare scrambled to her hooves, but the loose stones beneath her made her slip and fall. One of the cyclopes reached for the farm mare and Luna made a split second decision. She jumped in the away!

“Run and get help! Get my sister!” Luna ordered as the cyclops grabbed her. She struggled to break free, but found her magic draining from her body. "That’s new too…"

“Princess Luna!” Applejack screamed as the Princess of Night was knocked out and carried away. All but one of the cyclopes left, and it stood right in the path of Applejack’s escape.

“Oh, Celestia…” The farm pony gulped as the monster reached for her. Her body began to tremble with fear, but then a burning heat flowed throughout her. "NO! NOT LIKE THIS! Ah ain’t going down like some yellowbelly! Ah’m going fightin’!"
With a frantic scream Applejack turned, readied her apple bucking stance and kicked with all her might! Her body glowed bright orange as her hooves connected with the stone cyclopes, which shattered to pieces!

“What the hay was that?” The glow around her died down leaving Applejack confused. “Did I? Did I really do that?” She gasped in awe, looking at the shattered cyclopes. Shaking herself of her stir Applejack headed in the direction Luna had been taken.

“Ah gotta help the Princess, but Ah’m feelin’ kinda tired…”

Applejack fell, skidding across the ground, feeling like she ran a marathon. As her vision gave way to darkness, she saw the shattered pieces of the cyclops begin to put themselves back together. She felt her body being lifted off the ground before passing out.

At some point during her ‘trip’ Luna had awoken only to be knocked out again by a low hanging branch. When she awoke again she found herself behind bars in a cave with a number of other ponies of varying age. All of them were fillies and colts, no more than six or eight summers old.

Curiously enough they were all earth ponies and they all had their marks. Apple marks to be exact. There was no doubt they were the missing kin of the apple clan.

“Greeting, fillies and colts of the Apple clan, we are Princess Luna and we are here to see to your safe return home!” Luna dramatically declared with the aid of her Canterlot voice. The gathered foals stared at the Princess of the Night with vacant expressions. One red little filly with a green mane and a apple musical note stepped forward.

“You’re not doing a very good job then if you got captured.” The filly deadpanned.

Luna dug her hoof in the ground, “Well it was… all part of my plan to find you! Soon my companion will arrive with help and we will all be rescued!” Way to represent the element of Honesty Luna, great job, lying to foals.

“Now, what is your name little one?” She asked, trying be spirited.

“Applejazz and cousin Applejack wouldn’t happen to be the companion who’s supposed to get help would she?”
“Why yes, how did you know?” Luna asked. The sound of the door opening and closing behind her.

“Because I think they got her.” Jazz trotted over to her cousin, confused as she looked the unconscious mare over. “Hey AppleAnna?” She asked addressing the pink coated filly with a pie on her flank.

“Yeah, Jazz?”

“Applejack had five apples for her mark right?”

“Yeah, what you getting at,” AppleAnna retorted walking up to Jazz.

Jazz pointed to Applejack’s mark, “That don’t look like five apples to you does it?”

AppleAnna shook her head, “No, no it don’t.”

“Stand aside please,” Luna pushed her way past the fillies looking at the orange mare’s flank, where a noticeable change has taken place. In place of Applejack’s five apples was one big apple with a shield in the background and two swords crossed behind the shield "Her mark changed? Does this mean… "

Luna didn't get a chance to finish as Applejack began to stir.

“Ugh, what happened?”

“You were captured, dear Applejack, did you not heed our advice and try to escape?” Luna helped the orange mare to her hooves, making sure to check for any injuries.

Applejack frowned, her head was throbbing and she still felt exhausted. However, the sight of the little foals brought a smile to her face. “Jazz, Anna, you’re all alive!” Applejack exclaimed happily pulling all the foals in for hugs. “I thought you’d all been gobbled up! Thank the sisters you’re alive!”

“We doubt neither Celestia’s nor my influence had any part in the foals continued good health. Our captors seem to have another purpose for them beside consumption. I wonder what it could be.” Luna rubbed her chin, thinking of what any pony would want with foals from a poor family. Something told her it wasn’t because they were earth ponies.“We don’t have time for that! We have to get these younglings out of here and fast!”

“You are correct Applejack. The purpose of this crime can be analyzed later. Now stand back, I will get us out!” Luna moved to the front of the cage, her horn glowing with magic. She reared back and attempted to pull the bars off, but several beams of magic interfered with her spell, knocking her aside. “What is the meaning of this?”

Peering outside the cave Luna saw the cyclopes’ horns glowing. I guess this means they can use magic too. It seems to be specifically anti-magic spells. Meaning any spell I attempt to cast will be interrupted. I need to find another way… Hmm that’s strange.

In the corner of the camp was a cyclops by itself away from the others. Most noticeably its skin was cracked and falling apart. The stone beast was attempting to keep its crumbling frame together, but ultimately failing.

A sudden thought come to Luna, “Applejack, did you do something to one of the cyclopes before being captured?”

The farm pony beamed with pride, “Darn tooting! Ah don’t know how, but the grubber was reaching for me and Ah turned and kicked him with all mah might! He crumpled like pie crust, but afterwards Ah got real tired and fell asleep. Suckers must have come back and captured me.”

As I thought. There just might be another way out. If unicorn magic was being blocked, then one must use a different type of pony magic.

“Applejack I have a plan, but I need your help. Now can you tell me what you were feeling when you kicked the cyclops?”
Applejack hesitated, nervously digging her hoof in the ground, “Ah don’t usually open up on my feelin’ but if it helps us get out of here. Ah was feeling, hopeless, yet angry about not being able to protect my kin. Ah wished Ah had the strength to hurt those lousy varmints! Next thing Ah knew my hooves were bucking through that thing like a hammer to butter.”
“We knew it!” Luna shouted excitedly. You have awoken your magic!”

Applejack reared back in surprise on the count of her proximity to Luna’s booming voice, “What are ya talking about Princess? Earth ponies don’t have magic other than for growing plants.”

Luna shook her head, “No Applejack. That’s not true. Earth ponies aren’t just connected to plants.”

“they are connected to the very earth itself, which is full of magic! You may not be able to use magic like unicorns, but this magic is nonetheless just as powerful.”

“Is that why my cutie mark changed?”

“Perhaps, I would hazard to guess that you simply found a new destiny. Tell me, what did your old mark represent?”

“My family,” Applejack replied looking lovingly at the captured foals, “One apple for me, my ma, my pa, my little sister and my big brother. And of course all the other apples as well.”

“hm, now what do you think your new mark means?”

Applejack studied her mark carefully before answering, “An apple, a shield, and swords… Ah think it means, it means… Ah will protect my kin!”

The orange glow returned to Applejack’s body, her eyes turned pure white due to the amount of magic flowing through her.

“Good Applejack, now together! FOR EQUESTRIA!” Luna began to glow, her eyes white as she drew on the earth pony magic inside her.

“FOR EQUESTRIA!” The mares yelled together and kicked the cage door right off its hinges. The two dashed out of the cave, mere blurs of blue and orange. The cyclopes flew into action firing beams of fire, swinging clubs and firing bolts of magic from their horns, but they were too slow. The two mares pouncing on the cyclops.

Applejack jumped on the back of one cyclops, hooting and hollering while swinging a lasso over her head. She roped another cyclops and pulled, causing it stumble and crash into one she was riding. She then proceeded to pound them to rubble. Luna smashed another two and decapitated a third. They stared down the remaining three and rushed them before they had time to prepare. The cyclops painicked roars echoed through the trees.

In a matter of minutes the eight cyclopes were reduced to a mere pile of pebbles. Luna gathered the remains and blasted them to the moon!

“There, that should take care of them! Can We hear a huzzah for our victory?” The cheers of foals were like music to Luna’s ears as they flocked to her. She tried to retain her regal air, she really did, but the excitement was too much! The biggest smile broke across her face as she lifted the foals into the air with her magic and danced excitedly around the now ruined camp.

They are praising me. They appreciate my efforts. I’m… loved…. Just like Celestia!

Up in the night sky the stars began to shine brighter than ever before! Their sheer brilliance captured the attention of the foals as they were memorized by their twinkling glory.

“Whoa, so pretty…” Jazz and the other foals said as they stared hypnotized by the beauty of the night sky for the first time.
Luna looked up with a single tear in her eye as she gazed at the wonderful sky. “Yes, yes it is.” She whispered. I can’t remember the last time the sky lit up like this. Have I been slacking or maybe I just didn’t think it was worth the effort to make it like this anymore.

Wiping away her tear before any pony could see, Luna addressed the foals, “Alright that’s enough. Time to get you little ones home.”

“Will we have to walk through the forest?” One of the fillies asked, shivering fearfully at the mere idea of it. The cheerful mood was killed as the fact they were still in the middle of the dark forest filled with more hungry creatures lurking in the shadows was realized.

Looking over to Applejack Luna saw that the orange mare was exhausted. Using her new magic ability had worn the mare out to the point where she could barely stand. To make matters worse there were too many foals for Luna to lead safely through the forest. Two or three she could manage, but ten, plus Applejack? No, it was too easy for something to snatch one up without her notice, but she couldn’t risk running them in smaller groups, leaving the rest to wait for her return. Any number of things could happen! She had to find a way to bring them all back at once.

A shadow passed over the clearing. Luna looked up to see as large cloud in the sky.

“Stay here, I shall return shortly.” Taking to the sky Luna captured the cloud with her hooves and brought it down to the clearing. “Come everypony, climb on.”

“Umm, ya know were not pegasi right?” Jazz stated matter of fact.

“We do indeed little one, but you forget who you speak too.” Luna’s horn flashed and a wave of magic passed over the earth ponies.

“Now climb on.” She insisted.

The foals hesitated, but Applejack was too tired to deal with them, so she grabbed one by the tail and tossed them onto the cloud.The foal landed on the cloud with a poof and remained there. “Come on yawl, you heard the Princess! Now get moving!” She ordered while tossing another foal onto the cloud.

The rest of the foals and fillies piled onto the clouds in excitement. They had never ridden on a cloud before!
“That’s all of them, let’s get going Princess.” Applejack said tiredly as she collapsed next to Luna. “Softest bed Ah ever lay on. Wake me up when we’re home please…..Zzzzzzz”

Luna chuckled at the farm pony’s antics and set the cloud in motion, heading towards the Apple clan’s settlement.

It was nearly morning when Luna arrived back at the Apple settlement. once again her heart was set a flutter as the foals ran to their parents. The sight was something to behold as there were no words that could properly describe the scene in front of her.

Perhaps heartwarming comes close, but how long will it last? Curse my ever tactical mind! Not even a minute has passed and I’m already picturing disaster.

Everywhere Luna looked she saw what could happen to the poorly defended settlement. The cyclopes maybe gone, but what will come next? Timber wolves? trolls? what about ogres, ghoul ponies, or even griffons? By the moon these ponies are way too vulnerable!

Preparing her Canterlot voice Luna spoke to the gathered ponies, “Everypony, if We may have your attention!” All movement stopped as the Apple clan gave their full attention to the Princess of the Night. Luna walked into the middle of the crowd to ensure all heard what she had to say. “Due to the clear danger and your lack of defensive measures, we Luna, Princess of the Night, invite the Apples to thine castle for refuge and safety! Until the time in which thou are able to properly defend thy selves. What say you?”

The ponies murmured amongst each other, divided about what to do. On one hoof, it would be nice to have a safe place to properly build their settlement and work their crops, but on the other hoof the Apple clan tradition was to do everything themselves, no matter the obstacle. Could they risk their foals though? Was tradition that important? The debate dragged on until one pony voiced her opinion.

“Ah say we take up the offer!” Applejack declared loudly drawing a number of surprised gasps from her kin and a happy smile from the Princess. “We can’t build a home safe for the youngin’s if we can’t keep the youngin’s safe! And we can’t keep moving from place to place every time things get too tough! Winter is coming and we need shelter! All ponies that are with me raise your hoof and say Aye!”

The other apples still hesitated, their stubborn pride getting the better of them.

“Aye!” A bold little voice declared, the crowd of ponies moved aside to reveal little Applejazz with her hoof raised high.

“Aye!” Another foal shouted, this time from AppleAnna.

Soon enough the entire Apple clan held up their hooves.

Luna smiled at the sight, “Excellent! Gather what you can carry, the rest will be retrieved next evening after the day’s work is done. We march for the castle once you are ready.”

The march to the castle wasn’t long, taking only an hour or so for the convoy of ponies to trot down the old road that ran to the castle. Luna flew overhead, circling from front to back to ensure the convoy’s protection. She also noticed the road was in rough shape due to poor maintenance. Repairs were in order if ponies were going to be using the road daily. At least the bridge was in fine shape, she was sure the arching stone structure would last a thousand years before it ever fell into the gorge that divided the castle grounds and the forest.

“We are here Apple Clan. Say hello your new home!” Luna directed the clan into the main hall of the castle, giving the castle staff quite a shock as the mass of ponies entered. “There are many rooms available, but please try to fit as many as comfortably possible so everypony may have a room. Breakfast will be in a few hours, please rest till then.” As the Apple ponies spread out Luna blocked the path of a certain orange mare that looked like she was about ready to drop dead on the spot. “Please Applejack, come with me. I have a special place in mind for you.”

Applejack nodded tiredly, following the blue mare up the stairs to the higher tier of the castle. She was wobbling on her hooves by the time they got where Luna wanted her.

“Please rest here Applejack.” Luna directed helping the farm mare into a large midnight blue bed. Applejack let out an exhausted sigh as her head hit the pillow.

“This is the softest bed Ah ever… Zzzzz.”

Luna chuckled as she tucked in the mare. “Rest well my friend. There is much work to be done tomorrow.”

Some late night research should pass the time. (I want to confirm my suspicions about Applejack’s new mark and also see if there’s any reason that Cyclopes were that strong, it just doesn’t seem natural.

With her mind swirling Luna trotted off to the castle library.

It was early dawn as Celestia, Princess of the Sun, flew home, raising the sun as she crossed the sky. She’d been gone for a long time. About two months if she recalled correctly. The ponies in Canterlot were always so demanding, and with the Royal family passing all their power on to her and Luna things had gotten even more hectic.

Somepony even suggested I move to Canterlot. Though it would make things easier, I fear Luna would not be so excited.

Luna had never liked Canterlot. Preferring their castle in the Everfree forest with its quiet nights and natural beauty over Canterlot’s ever growing population and stone work. Not that I blame Luna, I’m rather fond of our castle, but as rulers we should really put our subjects first.

Another thing that bothered the her was Luna’s lack of attention to her royal duties. She never came with her when they were called to Canterlot, opting instead to stay at the castle alone.

Of course Celestia could hardly blame Luna for that either. Politics were rather boring and Starswirl really had to twist Luna’s leg to get her agree to become Equestria’s ruler of the night in the first place.

Luna had always been the more adventurous the two. As was I once, but it’s time to grow up. As Celestia neared the castle she flew around to Luna’s balcony and spotted a lump in Luna’s bed. She couldn’t have gone to sleep already has she? We haven’t had our breakfast yet. I better check on her. She might not be feeling well.

Landing softly as she could on the stone floor Celestia tip hoofed over to Luna’s bed. With her horn alight with yellow magic she gently pulled away the cover to reveal… A brown hat?

Ripping the covers of the bed, Celestia gasped to find an orange earth pony sleeping in her sister’s bed. The pony had the most peculiar cutie mark on her flank, an apple, a sword and a shield. More importantly though...

Where’s Luna? Celestia panicked as the mare yawned rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“You there! Who are you and what have thou done with my sister!” Celestia shouted using her own Canterlot voice, causing the room to shake. The mare jumped out of the bed with a fright! Her eyes wide as dinner plates as Celestia got right in her face. “I’ll ask thee again! Where is thine sister?”

I really need to brush up on my Royal speak. I’m getting rusty. Celestia Mused before bearing down even harder on the trembling mare.

“Answer!” Celestia demanded, causing Applejack to tremble and cover her face with her hat. Celestia raised her hoof in a mock strike to further intimidate the mare when Luna trotted into the room.

“Ugh, you make it so hard to read dearest sister! Now stop tormenting my guest and come eat breakfast. The others are getting impatient. Come along Applejack, tis time for food!” Luna shouted excitedly levitating the orange mare off the ground and carrying her off, leaving Celestia standing alone stupefied.

Guest… since when does Luna have guests? And what others?

Confused and curious Celestia trotted after them to main dining hall. A roar of happy chatter echoed down the corridor. Walking into the light she was welcomed to the sight of a hundred or more earth ponies seated at the long dining tables, with food stacked high, most of it apples. in fact it was all apples!

“Come over here and sit with us sister! These ponies make the most amazing dishes We have ever tasted! And it’s all made from apples, can you believe it?” Luna chatted excitedly while munching on an apple fritter. Luna was seated in her usual spot, with the orange mare seated to her right, leaving Celestia her regular chair.

“I believe I can.” Celestia stammered as she took her seat. Somepony placed a fresh hot plate of goodies from baked apples to Apple cake in front of her. “Who are all these ponies Luna?”

“We’ll let them introduce themselves, it’s rather amusing. Everyone this is my sister Celestia. Please feel free to introduce yourselves.”

Applejazz, AppleAnna, and some other ponies jumped in front of Celestia, nearly giving her a heart attack and shouted, “We’re the…!” They began excitedly and then were joined by everypony in the room, “APPLE CLAN!”

It’s like a hundred Luna’s shouting at once! Celesta thought as the sheer noise of the threatened to leave her temporarily deaf.

“Nice to meet all of you,” Celestia greeted meekly. There is no way to compete with a greeting like that.

With introductions out of the way the ponies dug in to their breakfast with gusto. Celestia could hardly manage a few bites before she was full. The food was very filling. She looked up to watch the others. (and they're… still eating…)
Celestia watched in awe as the mountain of food slowly disappeared before her eyes. When all was eaten the mares of the apple clan began gathering the dishes while the stallions headed towards the door.

“Where are they going?” Celestia asked.

“To their fields, dear sister, they are settler ponies, but they were having a hard time making proper shelters while also working the fields. with winter coming soon, I decided to invite them to the castle since we have all this extra room. They make the place much more lively don’t you think?”

“Yes, they certainly do,” Celestia agreed. “Where are you going Luna?”

Luna paused at the stairs and turned, “To sleep, I’m afraid. I’m very tired. I’ll see you in the evening Celestia. Applejack, if you please follow me I’ll show you to your own room before I retire.”

“Ok, Princess.” Applejack carefully made her way to Luna, Celestia’s gaze following her with every step.

The Sun Princess raised a suspicious brow at the orange mare, “A friend Luna?”

Luna chuckled, “More than that dear sister, she is a comrade.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I’ll explain later Tia. I suggest you rest too, it’s a long trip back to Canterlot.” With that Luna bounded up the stairs, Applejack on her heels.

How long has it been since Luna called me Tia? Or even smiled and laughed like that? Wait… what about Canterlot? Celestia’s horn glowed and in a puff of magic a scroll appeared in front of her with the Canterlot seal on it.
Can’t I ever get a break? Celestia whined internally, resting her head between her forelegs.

Applejack followed Luna pass the Princess’s room and all the other bedrooms, only stopping once stopping once they reached the library.

“Um Princess, this doesn’t look like a bedroom and Ah really need to get out to the fields.”
Luna smiled as she levitated several books onto a nearby table. Stacking them nearly twenty high! “I’m afraid you have more important things to do Applejack. There is much to learn and very little time.”
“Learn?”

Luna nodded, “Yes. Learn, Applejack. As of this moment you are my prodigy. I will teach you how to use your awakened earth pony magic and more, so much more. Now I expect you to have at least three of these books read by the time I awaken this evening. I’ll inform your kin that you will not be joining them.”

“Wait Princess! AH….” It was too late, the door slammed shut and it wasn’t budging no matter how hard Applejack pushed. With no other option Applejack hunkered down on a cushion and opened a book. Only there was one problem.
“What in the hay is this language? Ah can’t read any of it!”

Luna trotted off to bed, her mind full of plans and preparations. Mentally she listed off all the things she would need to set her plan in motion.

"I need warriors, arms, blacksmiths, minerals and materials and so many more things. It was foolish to think I could patrol the night all on my own. I may have the strength of a thousand ponies, but I can only cover so much ground at a time. I need comrades like Applejack, ponies who are willing to do what needs done. Together we will guard ponies from the night!"

Luna threw herself under the covers, almost too excited to sleep. But as the exhaustion from today’s adventure overcame her body she began drift to sleep. I need a name for this group, something simple… like Night Patrol. Yes, that’s perfect. With a smile on her lips Luna drifted off to her dreams.

Battle for the Crystal Empire

Night Patrol ch 11

By Foxgear

Dusk awoke to the sound of hammering and shouting outside, each thud feeling like a direct hit to her brain as she stumbled out of bed. Very quickly she discovered something was wrong, her mane twisted around her like a rope as she fell to the floor wrapping herself in a cocoon of hair. That wasn’t the only difference. She couldn’t put her hoof on it, but she felt… longer? No bigger? She blinked noticing something above her vision. Quickly she untangled herself reaching up to touch the strange object, noting the ground seemed further away than usual, the thing was long, pointy and atop her head…

“Is this my horn?” She cried surprised feeling its length with her hoof, by Luna it had to be at least a foot long! “This can’t be real,” Dusk said frantically running to the vanity mirror across the room. After much slipping and tripping on her long mane, she came face to face with her changes. “Is this… me?”

Dusk touched her muzzle, poking, and prodding, even slapping her cheek just to ensure it wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t. It was real. She was older. At least as old as Applejack she guessed.

“This is… awesome!” Dusk squealed, bouncing around the room with glee, only to end up tripping on her mane again and accidentally blasting a hole through the wall with her magic.

She stared at the smoldering crystal with disbelief. There was no way her magic was that strong! She hadn’t even been casting a spell! Yet, she blasted through solid rock? That isn't possible.

Once again untangling herself, Dusk walked over to inspect the hole, peering through to make sure no pony was hurt on the other side. Staring back at her was a large teal eye.

“I see you are awake.”

“Whoa! Princess Luna, don’t do that!” Dusk screamed scampering back from the hole, slipping on her mane again and fired another magical blast, this time it shot through the ceiling.

“It seems you’re having trouble controlling your magic,” Luna said entering the room. Slowly circling around the fallen mare. “Do you know why?”

Dusk shook her head.

Luna figured that would be the case. As smart and talented Dusk was she was still only a foal. How any pony could possibly understand the advance complex magic of the Crystal Heart? It was magic even beyond her understanding, let alone Dusk’s. Still, they could speculate.

Helping the aged mare to her feet, Luna led Dusk over to the vanity. Sitting Dusk down in front of the mirror Luna retrieved a pair of scissors from somewhere with her magic and began cutting her long hair into something more manageable.

“You will have to accuse my lack of skill when it comes to mane styling. I haven’t had to cut my own hair in… Oh, two hundred years or so, whenever it was that Celestia figured out how to turn our manes into what you see now.” Luna said snipping off locks of Dusk’s hair little by little. “How short do you want it? We will be going into battle soon. Shorter hair would be more practical, but having some length wouldn’t be bad either, some spells make having long hair beneficial. Why I remember this one spell Celestia and I found, it makes your hair as hard as steel, combined with another that lets you control your hair and makes a handy attack and defense combo. What do you think Dusk?”

“Some length would be nice,” replied Dusk, closing her eyes as Luna cut the hair covering her face. “Could you make it kind of spiky or misshapen? I don’t like it when my hair is even, it looks like the bowl cuts dad used to give me.”

Luna chuckled doing as requested and adding a little spikiness to Dusk’s bangs and then resumed cutting the back, deciding to cut it just below her neck. Once Dusk’s mane was reduced to a manageable length, Luna began to work on her tail.

“You’re awfully quiet, something on your mind Dusk,” asked Luna, of course, there was probably a lot on the young mare’s mind, but she wanted Dusk to tell her.

The muscles in Dusk’s back tense at the question. Her black eyes widened, telling Luna something more was bothering the young mare than just her new height.

“I… I killed one of them, one of those black insectoid things.”

“A changeling?”

Dusk nodded, “Yes, I killed a changeling.”

“I see,” Luna replied statically, a pang of regret struck through her heart as she thought of little Dusk killing, even if it was a changeling. “I’m sorry. No pony should have to do something like that, especially a pony as young as you. Tell me Dusk, how do you feel about it?”

Dusk sniffled as tears roll down her cheeks. Hiccups rocked her body as she buried her head into Luna’s neck.

“Sad, I feel really, really sad! I want daddy! I want to go home! But I know we can’t! Their still out there, I only knocked them away, they’ll be back, and more ponies will die because I didn’t want to kill them!” Dusk cried as Luna gently rubbed her back.

“Ssh, ssh, it’s ok, it’s ok,” cooed Luna. “No pony here holds anything against you for that, you did the best you could, and there is nothing wrong with not wanting to kill, nothing wrong at all.”

Dusk pushed away from Luna looking up at the princess with big black eyes. “But there will be more killing, and I’ll have to kill again too. I’ll have to fight, won’t I? Because of how much magic I have and don’t lie and say I won’t have too either. Not now. Not ever. Don’t lie to me.”

“Yes,” replied Luna, bowing her head, so her horn touched Dusks. “You’ll have to fight. You’ll have to kill. And I’m so sorry, but there is nothing I can do to prevent that.” Luna held Dusk close, burying her muzzle in the mare’s mane to hide her own tears.

Applejack ran through the makeshift training field she and a few of the crystal ponies hastily constructed per Luna’s orders. There was a pony in need of some special training the princess said. Instruction that only Applejack could teach, Night Hunter training, the toughest form of exercise in all of the Night Patrol.

She reran the course. The turns and weaves were tighter than the standard ones with spikes placed around every post, every jump and an uncountable number of pitfalls, even a hairs margin of error could lead to serious injury in this training, which is why Applejack was confused to why the princess wanted whoever it was to go through it. The training was designed to build maximum skill in a short amount of time, but two days? No pony could learn that fast. The exercise probably wouldn’t even help them in the coming battle. So why do it?

“Is everything ready, Applejack,” Luna asked, entering the courtyard with a familiar mare at her side. Applejack had to look a little closer, but once she saw those black eyes, she knew who it was.

“You cannot be serious, princess,” barked Applejack, her voice trembling with controlled anger. Confidently she matched the princess’s pose, standing as tall as she could to match the princess’s height. She wasn’t going to budge on this. “She’s not ready. She's just foal.”

Luna regarded with her a blank expression. “That is not for you to decide. Nor is it mine. I’ve went over the dangers and Dusk believes she can handle it so she will be tested. Besides she needs to adapt to her new body and physical training is the best medicine for that.”

“But Night Hunter training? Why that? Why not normal training?”

“We don’t have time for that,” Said Luna with finality. Applejack’s ears drooping. Placing her hoof under her chin Luna raise Applejack’s head, so they were looking eye to eye. “I don’t want to do this either, but it is what must be done. Besides,” Luna leaned in whispering into Applejack’s ear. “You and I both know Dusk is no ordinary pony, it’s time to accept that Applejack.”

Applejack pulled away looking at Dusk, searching for signs of fear and found the face of determined mare staring back at her. Beneath that look, she knew the same foal she rescued was still in there, probably afraid, missing home and her daddy, but always willing to fight. She lowered her hat. Dusk was just like her in that regard she supposed.

“Alright, let’s get started,” Applejack said going to the start line. “Keep pace with me. Do not slow down for any reason and do what I do perfectly.”

“Right,” replied Dusk taking up position next to Applejack.

“Let’s go!”

Both mares took off at full gallop. Luna sat down to watch them as they made their way through the first set of obstacles, a bunch of posts spaced about a foot apart from each other and covered in barb wire. Applejack weaved between them seamlessly, while Dusk fuddled around, stopping barely in time. Applejack yelled at her to hurry up and proceeded to the next obstacle, alternating high jumps with more barbed wire and pitfalls hidden randomly around. Again Applejack made it through with little effort, while Dusk barely made it out with only a few scratches. Next came the hard part, spinning moving barrels that shot arrows. Applejack had a little difficulty, but manage to dodge them all. Dusk was forced to use a magic shield to avoid getting hit.

“Did I break the rules?” Dusk asked as they trot up to Luna, who only smiled at Dusk’s question. Finding amusement in Applejack’s stern face and silence to Dusk’s actions.

“Don’t tease her now Applejack,” said Luna waving her hoof at the earth mare, who broke out into a grin.

“Ah don’t remember explaining any rules. Ya made it through on your first time with only a little damage. You were impressive, but you still need improvement.”

Dusk looked between the two older mares with a frown. “I don’t get it. I’m not in trouble for using magic?”

“Who said you couldn’t use magic,” Luna inquired, “You did want you needed to stop that attack from hurting you. That’s good instincts. That’s what this training is for, to train your instincts to sense and avoid danger. There are no rules when it comes to surviving Dusk, remember that.”

“So, I’m not in trouble?”

“No,” said Applejack grinning ear to ear, “But no pony said we were done either. Now get back in there, and this time you have to avoid me too.”

“What?” Applejack punched the ground at Dusk’s feet creating a hole.

“Ah’d suggest you start running.”

Luna chuckled as Dusk took off like a bolt with Applejack hot on her heels. Of course, the earth mare was taking it easy on Dusk, attacking slowly and predictably, each attack just barely missing the unicorn. That was part of the trick to this next part. After each attack Dusk dodged or blocked, Applejack would attack a little faster each time, adding a little more power to each attack. By the time Dusk made to the finish line, a line of craters had followed in her path. This time she had more than a few scratches.

“Are we done,” Panted Dusk. She looked up to Applejack and Luna with hopeful eyes, but instantly regretted asking as they look at her with smirks upon their lips, “Again, I’m guessing..”

“Correct. Only this time you’ll be dodging attacks from both of us,” Said Luna charging her horn. Dusk didn’t move at first, so Luna blasted the ground next to the unicorn’s face to get her moving. She took off with Applejack giving chase. Luna firing several more magical blasts, nothing that would hurt Dusk, but would stun her, which would leave her open to Applejack’s attacks.

Dusk did exceptionally well, summoning magical shields to block Luna’s spells and dodging Applejack’s attacks, which were getting faster and closer to hitting her. After one attack split the ground, open Dusk realized how dangerous things were.

“Very good, very good indeed, you’re almost a natural Dusk,” praised Luna, “Next time try firing back at me. Defense is good, but sometimes it’s easier to take out an opponent. Now I believe a short break is in order. I must go inspect the defenses. Send her through at least two more times Applejack and then send her to my room when you’re done. From there we’ll begin your magic lessens Dusk.”

“Ok,” panted Dusk as she collapsed on her belly.

“Roger that princess, I’ll get her whipped into shape.”

“I have faith in you. I’ll see you two later.

Leaving the training ground, Luna made her way to the front of the castle, where Fierce Fury was overlooking the defenses. Crystal unicorns were working around the clock to forge together a passable defense. Breaking down the crystals from the decorations and useless trinkets, anything and everything was being used, even the royal family’s jewels, though Luna secretly kept one gem in particular, Symphony’s engagement ring, tucked away for safe keeping.

“How goes the defense Fury?”

The Rinin clicked his tongue dismissively. “They could be better. This place has too many windows, too many doors, and we have to few to cover them all. We are working on covering all the windows and creating choke points, as well as setting up traps in rooms to help compensate for our small numbers. Our best bet will be to stay close together and not spread our forces too thin.”

“Like a parallax, brilliant idea, and what manner of traps have you constructed?”

“The monster killing kind,” replied Fury as several crystal unicorns march past with traps. Luna watch them leave with a grim expression.

“Those could harm our troops just as much as theirs when they go off, why make them? Why not something more suitable for close spaces like spike traps or hot oil?”

Fury snorted leading the way to a balcony. He pointed his claw directing Luna’s attention to the city. “This is not the only place where those traps will be laid. The further out you go the more lethal the trap. I plan to have a small number of ponies engage with the enemy in the outer rim to slow their ground force. I and the remaining pegasus will stay low and draw their airborne troops to the ground for anti-air traps. Our goal is to take out as many as possible. For every one of us they kill, I want them to lose a hundred.”

“What of Sombra and Chrysa, what do you have in mind for them,” asked Luna, her mind going over the cans and what-ifs of battle. No pony could take Sombra or Chrysa, even she would be hard pressed to fight them one on one. Hell, she and Fury barely fought of Sombra alone.

“Worried?” Fury asked, causing Luna to whip her head around with shock. “It’s ok to be worried, to be scared, and I’m sure you already know what it takes to overcome those things. So don’t worry. Applejack will be there to support you and possibly Dusk from what I understand, and if you should need it, you can simply call for me, and I’ll come to your aid. We all will. We are here to fight with you princess, to the end if we must.”

Luna looked to the setting sun, her heart heavy, “That is what I’m most afraid of.”

The bed felt like the softest thing ever as Dusk threw herself on it with the last of her strength. Her everything hurt. Her muscles ached, her lungs burned, even her hoofs, hard and durable, ached, and it also hurt to breath. (How does that happen?)

“Well, looks like you had a rough day,” chimed Luna as she entered the room, her horn glowing with magic as she waved it over Dusk’s body. “Does that feel better? It’s a healing spell, but you’ll have to eat for it to work at full effect.”

Dusk cringed at the thought of food, her abdomen hurt so much that just eating a crumb seemed too much. She didn’t want to be wasteful since they had so little food to go around.

“Just some water, please. I don’t think I can stomach anything right now.”

“Very well, I’ll mix in some flowers and fruits so you can at least get some nutrients,” Said Luna presenting a strange multi color drink that smells like flowers and strawberries. “Now drink up, or I will force feed you like a newborn foal and don’t think I won’t do it.”

Dusk gagged at the thought and levitated the drink to her mouth and taking sips, before chugging the entire mixture down in one gulp!

“That was good! Can I have more?”

“No, it’s an energy drink, too much and your heart will enlarge and explode.”

“That can’t be true,” Dusk quivered, imagining just that happening to her. Luna’s laughs made her cheeks burn as she glared at the Princess. “That’s not funny. Telling me stories like that, I bet it isn’t true.”

Luna stifled her laughter. “Well it’s not exactly a lie either if a pony were to drink twenty of these in a row their heart would explode, but one or two will just keep you up and hyper for an entire day.”

“Why would some pony drink twenty in a row if they're that dangerous?”

“Some ponies don’t know when enough is enough, now enough idle chatter, it’s time for your magic lessons,” said Luna, getting serious and levitating several books and diagrams onto the bed. “Let’s start by expanding your attack spells. You know a basic magical blast and shield, so now you need to learn how to break through a magical shield and this spell is a good one for doing just that.”

“Magical drill horn blast,” Dusk read questionably, “Who came up with that name?”

“Starswirl, now pay attention. To use this spell, you must imagine your magic rotating clockwise and… ugh, I hate how Starswirl words these things,” Luna complained closing the book. “Just watch and do what I do.”

Nodding Dusk watched as Luna charged up her horn with magic, slowly the magic began to turn gradually speeding up until it looked like a spinning drill. Taking aim Luna fired the magic drill at the wall, it burrowed through instantly and continued to drill through one of the supporting pillars around the palace and then into the ground where it finally stopped.

Luna and Dusk sat in silence as they look at the smoldering hole. Shouts of panic came from the courtyard as the soldiers thinking it was an enemy attack sprang into action.

“We do not speak of this,” said Luna, rushing off to quell the noise. “And don’t do that, of which I told you not to speak off!”

“What?”

“Good, girl!”

After the situation was taken care of with Luna passing the “attack” off as an accident with no possible way to identify the one who fired the spell. She sent the guards the back to their posts and returned to her room to resume Dusk’s lessons. Only to find the tawny mare sound asleep on the bed. Knowing that a good rest was sometimes better than the most brutal training sessions, she let the mare sleep.

“Shouldn’t you be getting’ to bed too?” Asked Applejack walking up from behind. The orange mare sat down next to Luna, following her gaze up into the stars. “They sure are pretty. What do you call that one over there? The one that bunch of stars that looks like a bucking bronco.”

“I don’t know. I never named it maybe I should name it after you. I shall call it The Apple bucker!” Luna laughed.

Applejack stared at her until she stopped and Luna smile faded, replaced with a frown. Far out at the borders of the city sat their enemy. The blue wall separating them crackled and weakening by the hour, they would break through sooner rather than later.

“I guess two days was a bit hopeful wasn’t it?” Said Luna solemnly, “A shame we didn’t have more time.”

“Yeah,” whispered Applejack, wondering if Nightingale had made it back. She hoped with every fiber of her being, but it was looking more, and more likely her friend didn’t make it home and even if she did it may be too late to save them. “You should really get some rest.”

“Yes, yes we should, though my bed is occupied by another. Mind sharing yours?”

Applejack blushed red, “Ah-ah guesses, but strictly platonic right?”

“If you insist,” said Luna with a shrug as she strutted over to Applejack’s bed. Applejack gulping as she climbed in beside her.

“I won’t tell you’re special somepony if you don’t tell my sister, ok? She gets jealous when I cuddle with other ponies.”

“So Ah’ve noticed, good night Luna.”

“Why thank you, I did work very hard on it tonight,” replied Luna, giggling as Applejack rolled her eyes as she wrapped herself up in the blankets, “Tis only a joke Applejack, good night and sweet dreams.”

Morning came too quickly it felt, the night passing over with no incident, however not everything was well. The survivors of the Crystal Empire awoke to find their only means of protection nearly gone. The shield made by the crystal heart was cracked all the way from top to base. From the outside, King Sombra hurled large blasts of magic at the blue force field. His latest attack struck as Luna emerged onto the balcony in Symphony’s armor.

“Princess Luna, good morning to you. I see you’re trying out a new look. I must say pink is a stark contrast to your normal regalia,” Said Sombra with a smirk. Observing the defensive positions of the crystal army and finding them in deplorable condition. He was certain his army could crush them the moment the shield dropped, but he wanted to try and persuade Luna one last time. “And I also see you are dug in for the good fight, but it would be a waste of life don’t you agree? Here is my offer to you and you’re ponies. Surrender to me and be sparred. Become my Queen…”

“Second Queen,” Interrupted Chrysa.

“Right, Second Queen, and not only could we take Equestria, but beyond! Think about it Luna, subjects that love and worship you rather than fear you. No more pesky nobles, no Celestia to outshine you. Think of it, Luna.”

Luna flew to the edge of the dome so she could face Sombra face to face, Fierce Fury by her side.

“A tempting offer Sombra, but one only a weak fool would accept. My sister is on her way, and she will bring the wrath of Equestria upon you. I assure you.”

Sombra laughed, “You assume Celestia is coming. Perhaps due to some notion of hope that somepony manage to escape? Well, I’d suggest you give up. I know of your little runaway and rest assured she has long since departed from this world.”

“Show me the body then.”

“Interested in seeing your own dead soldier? You grow more beautiful to me with every conversation. Very well, bring the corpse.” Sombra ordered, two changelings flew off and returned with the body of Nightingale. “I will happily accept that surrender now Luna.”

Luna glared at the unicorn king as she adjusted her vocals. “Fool! As if we could be fooled by such simple trickery! For we know our fair Nightingale possesses a piercing mark upon her marehood, which your dimwitted trickster has forgotten!”

“She didn’t have a piercing! I flew right under her… Oh…” said the disguised changeling.

Now it was Luna’s turn to smirk as Sombra blistered with anger. “My ponies, help comes! Hold strong till Celestia arrives! We fight for the glory of the Crystal Empire and Equestria!”

“Attack! Attack now! Kill them all!” Bellowed Sombra unleashing blast of magic that shattered the dome! The armies of Maredor poured into the city as the defenders took action.

“For Equestria,” shouted Luna leading the charge straight for Sombra. Their horns intersect as the battle broke out around them. Luna flew up, Sombra following with his skeleton wings. A group of changelings tried to slow her down, but Fierce Fury and his crystal pegasus intercept. Now high over the battlefield, Luna could cut loose without harming her own troops. Levitating the two lances off her back, she gave them a few practice swings and then attacked Sombra.

Be with me this day dear Symphony. I will avenge you and protect your kingdom in your stead. Luna screamed as she descended, letting her pent up anger and sorrow over Symphony’s death come to the surface. Sombra summoned a large scythe and swung the weapon connected with her lances as their fierce struggle began.

Below the armies of Maredor flooded into the city, the defenders easily giving ground as they charged, stirring excitement and vigor among the Mardorian ranks as they charged faster breaking their formations and running every which way in pursuit of the fleeing crystal ponies. Who scattered and attempted to hide in the nearby buildings. They followed all too eagerly. Glory and the spoils of war so easily in hoof! They couldn’t help it.

A slender figure caught the commander’s attention, an armored mare fleeing into an abandoned building alone. Eagerly he licked his lips as he led his squad into the building after her. Maredor, despite its name, was short on mares and he’d had enough of the changelings’ imitations these past few months and looked forward to having the real thing again.

“Come on boys! Let’s go get us some fresh fruit!” Bellowed the commander leading the way. They rushed into the building, scattering their numbers in search of the mare, they searched high and low, but found no sign of her. “Where is she?” The commander demanded, salivating at the lips. “Find her or I’ll have your heads! No pony touches her until I do first!”

“Sir! She’s over there!” Somepony pointed to the building across the alley, where the mare stood waving at them with an elemental fire bow and arrow primed and ready. Suddenly the smell of oil and tar became very prudent as she released the bolt and set the building ablaze in a glorious ball of fire. The soldiers of the black army now charred the same color of their souls.

“Command, this is Hot Lips reporting in, trap 139 had been executed with full effectiveness. We have a full house of burning rats, I repeat, full house,” Hot Lips reported into her communication Crystal.

“Roger that, continue to rally point A as planned.”

“Roger that, Hot Lips signing out, hail Luna.”

All over the Crystal Empire, the invading force felt the hurt as their first wave stalled. Many of their troops were lost to the defenders’ traps. Buildings went up in flames, sometimes entire streets, others were frozen over, the invader's progress slowed as their ground forces were forced to watch their every step and with their ranks broken their communication lines were thrown into chaos.

The enemy vanguard steadied their pace, creeping through the ruined city streets. Ignoring the buildings now not bothering to check them, assuming they were just full of traps. Groups of defenders emerged from the windows laying down a barrage of arrows and magic blasts, kneecapping the invaders, and disappearing before they could counter-attack.

In the east part of the city, the Maredor unit upon receiving reports of what happened to their advance units checked every building, sending five ponies in each to reduce causalities making sure they could hold their ground till help arrived. Buildings exploded, and arrows were fired as they engaged with the hidden troops, overwhelming the defenders and cutting off their escape with their superior numbers. As the captured soldiers were brought to their bellies, the officers of the Maredor army threw etiquette into the ditch to die. Allowing their troops to do what they willed. The stallions were killed, and the mares wished they had been.

Their momentum gaining the Generals of the Mardor army pushed harder, calling in Sombra’s elite troops, the Black Horns. The black horns were a unit made of the most powerful mages in all of Maredor. A unicorn unit of great destructive power with absolute loyalty to Sombra. With their ability, they ripped through the defenders, traps and all. Dropping entire buildings with waves of their horns. A trail of destruction followed them as they cut straight to the Crystal Castle. The last stronghold of the defenders.

“Come on, boys! Let’s go get the spoils!” The black horn leader cried out leading the charge.

Fierce Fury and the airforces were in a tight spot. They were just too few of numbers to stand up to the full might of Sombra’s bat ponies and Chrysa’s changelings.

At first, they managed to lead a good chunk into the traps designed to take out flyers, and it worked, very effectively too, but it was a one trick pony. For every enemy flyer killed another took its place and now that they knew not to fly too low. Fury and his troops had to fight at their level.

“Stay close together! Don’t let them separate you!” He told his lancers as they charge straight into the fray. Punching a hole right through the center and then made a quick retreat to the ground for cover fire from their unicorn squads. They continued this pattern, always making minor changes so the enemy couldn’t counter easily.

By the seventh charge, Fury took notice of the fact that over half of his original fifty flyers were gone and they were losing ground. The unicorn squads were forced to move back to rally point B. He looked toward Luna who was engaged with Sombra in an epic battle no pony dare to intrude upon. He did not like that he was being pushed away from his princess and rallied his troops to go and support her. They ripped through the enemy formation and made a beeline for Luna when they were blindsided by Queen Chrysa and her royal guard.

Fury growled breathing a stream of fire at the Changeling Queen. Chrysa threw up a green shield, deflecting the flames and charged with an ornate spear covered in beautiful jewels. The tip of the spear glowed as dozens of blasts shot from gems cutting down several Pegasi. One blast glanced his shoulder, his scales withstanding the attack. Readying his claws, Fury dived in close, chest swelling with flames, his cheeks puckered out, and he shot a barrage of small fireballs to ward of the Queen’s guards.

With a mighty roar, Fury swung his claw aiming for the gap in the queen’s armor, right between her neck and breastplate. Before his fangs could pierce her black flesh, a drone threw themselves into his attack path. The drone was skewered, his claws burrowing through the poor changeling's neck. The changeling clung to life and embraced him, trying to impede his movements.

“Get off me!” Fury tried to shake the drone as several more charged in from the right. The Queen raised her spear to run both him and the drone through.

“For the Empire!” A battle cry came as Fury’s wing pony, Stone Wing, charged into the attacking swarm. Taking the five changelings out in a display of raw skill and power. Sadly the grey crystal pegasi went down with them.

Taking the chance give to him, Fury ripped the drone holding him in two and flew back, the Queen too stunned by Stone Wing’s display to launch her attack.

“Do you really think you can win? Face reality freak, the time of Celestia and Luna is over! The reign of the changelings is now,” gloated Chrysa dodging Fury’s flames, while blasting beams of green magic at Fury, who dodged and charged head-on at her. The Queen deflected the attack with her shield, sending Fury veering off course. “You are skilled. Too bad your friends were not up to par.”

Slowly Fury turned his gaze downward. The bodies of his soldiers were still air born as he watched them crash into the ground with bone shattering cracks. The sound echoed in his ears. Their broken forms forever burned into his mind. All of them were dead, and it was his fault.

“I’ll kill you!” Screamed Fury as his body erupted into flames, startling Chrysa and the changelings surrounding him. Flexing his claws he dashed forward with complete disregard, ripping his way through the changeling ranks.

“What’s happening up there?” Commander Shiny Stone, captain of the guard, demanded observing the battlefield from the defender's command center. A couple dozen ponies worked tirelessly to relay messages from the front lines. Their crystal communication network went down several hours ago, so messenger ponies have been running back and forth between the front lines to keep communications open.

A hastily scribbled note was shoved in his face, reading that the third barricade has fallen. One more and the armies of Maredor would be at their front door.

“Miss Dusk.”

“Yes, commander,” saluted Dusk stepping forward. She was feeling antsy after she was ordered by Applejack to stay behind in the castle. Saying she was their last resort. She didn’t know what she meant by that, only that it was up to her if the fourth barricade was in danger of falling. Her orders were to attack with no restraint to keep the enemy at bay.

“The time has come for you to put your talent to use. Get out there and support our retreat.”

Dusk saluted once more and left with the remaining guards to the fourth barricade. Already shadow and bat ponies were fighting their way through the defenses. Her and twenty crystal unicorns met up with the fourth barricade's commander, Shiny Silver, Shiny Stone’s son.

“What’s the situation,” shouted Dusk as she took cover behind a crumbling wall with the commander. Three arrows embed themselves into the wall ahead of them. One crystal unicorn stood up to return fire, only to get a bolt through the skull.

“That,” pointed Shiny Silver to the dead pony, “That’s the situation. We’re getting slaughtered out here! There’s just too many to fight off. We’re getting overrun… Watch out!” A shadow pony emerged from the wall, poised to strike! Shiny Silver stabbed his horn into the pony’s chest and tossed it over the wall. “Please tell me there is a plan.”

Dusk smiled awkwardly, “Yeah, me.”

“Please tell me that was a joke. What can one mare do?”

“Luna’s a mare, and she does a lot,” Dusk retorted, Shiny Silver glared at her with a twitching eye. “Right no time for jokes. Just watch and be amazed.” (I hope this works.)

Dusk gathered magic into her horn, creating a sphere around herself she leaped over the wall and charged towards the enemy lines drawing their fire. Shadow ponies, bat ponies, and changelings, pile on top of her. She nearly buckled under the weight, but held firm and bolstered her shield.

“Anytime today,” She screamed as sweat dripped down her brow. Flashes of magic and everything from arrows to rocks flew overhead, knocking the enemy ponies off her shield. Taking a relaxing breath Dusk focused her magic and fired magic drill bullets from her horn through her shield. The magic drills burrowed through rock barriers and magic shields alike downing a dozen ponies in an instant. Morale surged for the defenders as the ponies began to attack in earnest, even managing to push the invaders back.

“Yeah, come on let’s get them!” A pony yelled, but she grabbed him by the legs holding him in place. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t be stupid,” She retorted, “Rushing in will get you killed.”

Shiny Silver nodded, “She’s right, Brick Hoof. Fortify our positions, prepare for the next wave!” The soldier saluted and began remaking the barricades. “Come on back here and rest we’re going to need your strength,” said Shiny Silver, leading Dusk back behind the wall. “You did well. Keep it up, and we may make it out alive.”

A shaky smile worked its way onto Dusk’s face. Shiny Silver gave her a knowing look as he patted her on the shoulder before leaving to help with the defenses. Once he was out of sight, her body began to shake as vile filled her throat. She tried to keep it down, but it was no use, she hacked up her lunch on the ground.

This wasn’t her first kill, yet that didn’t stop the shaking. She knew they were bad ponies, they probably killed a lot of ponies today, maybe even enjoyed it, but that didn’t make her feel any better. She killed them, and there was no changing that.

“Next wave coming in, Dusk we need you!”

“Coming!”

Far up in the sky Sombra and Luna clashed! Sparks and explosions fill the air as their attacks met. It’s an impressive display, but that didn’t mean the sides were even. Luna panted heavily, her coat soaked with sweat. Symphony’s armor was more cumbersome than her own, and her lances took much more magic to keep float then her star blades. Another problem was the alicorn amulet around Sombra’s neck, providing him with an extra source of power. Extending his own stamina, while Luna was forced to rely on her own waning strength.

“It’s not too late to accept my offer Luna, join me and accept your new role as my mate.”

“I’d rather die first Sombra!” Luna spat flinging her lances at the black stallion. Flying back she fired three blasts of magic for good measure. Sombra deflected the lances and blocked the spells, his smirk irritating her to no end. Summoning her lances back, she countered his scythe just in time, but the force of the attack made her aura waver for a moment, and she felt the tip of the blade press against her throat.

Sombra pressed harder, even pushing with his hooves, Luna called on her earth pony magic to counter his strength, but it wouldn’t last. Already she could feel the last of her reserves failing her. Sombra’s eyes lit up with dark magic, Luna felt her mind go fuzzy for a moment before shaking it off.

“You mind tricks won’t work on me Sombra.”

The unicorn king chuckled, “Perhaps for now, but how long can you resist? You’re fighting a battle on all fronts Luna, which will give out first? Your body? Your mind? Your magic? Time will tell very soon I believe.”

As much as she didn’t want to admit it, he was right. She couldn’t keep fighting like this, but what other option was there? She couldn’t break off and retreat. He would surely follow her and attack her ponies below. No, she had to stay, she had too… is that fireball with wings coming at her?

“LET GO OF HER!” Fierce Fury screamed ramming into Sombra’s side. With his claws, Fury dug into the unicorn’s side grabbing hold of the base of his right wing and shattering the bone. “Come on, let’s go!” He shouted, dropping the unicorn king and tackling Luna into a free fall dive. The flames surrounding his body disappeared as they fall.

Luna struggled in Fury’s embrace as she watched bat ponies come to Sombra’s aid. Cursing at missing chance to finish the unicorn king off. However something caught her attention as she felt Fury’s claws dig into her side, his missing talon wasn’t missing anymore.

“Prepare for landing,” Said Fury as they level out into a rough landing against the ground. Applejack and Dusk quickly rushed to their aid, both mares looking worse for wear. Before she could ask on their condition Sombra’s voice boomed over the battlefield.

The black stallion was grounded, but still kicking and was looking very angry.

“Don’t think anypony is getting out of here alive Luna! You brought this fate upon them! And you will watch as I execute every last one of them, while you’re helplessly chained by my side!”

Luna rose to her full height as her ponies rally around her. Sadly gazing back at them. They had suffered so much for her, for their freedom, for each other. She wished she could tell them they would make though, that all the suffering was not for nothing, but she could not. They would die here, with her, but they would die together.

Gathering up her courage she stood tall as she stared down Sombra from afar, prepared to face death, but then something shined in the distance hidden by the blinding rays of the sun.

Suddenly explosions blanket the enemy lines. Ponies scrambled to find out what was going on, but it was too late, far too late. Coming over the horizon was a sight no pony had ever seen before, a massive battleship sailing across a stream of clouds, filled with hundreds of battle harden night patrollers eager to fight! It was the Moon cutter, and it brought a tear to Luna’s eye when she saw the pony commanding it.

“Celestia…”

--inside the moon cutter

“We are in position Princess, orders?”

Celestia raised her hoof, her eyes hard like steel as she gazed out onto the battlefield.

“Attack!”

Fire vs Ice

Night Patrol ch 26

By Foxgear

“Is this necessary, sister? Surely we do not need to agree to these terms?” Luna pleaded with Celestia hotly debating Kira Perfecta’s situation in Nippon. The Moon Princess was adamantly opposed to the idea of forcing Kira to marry the Prince of Nippon. It had been her assumption that Celestia would share her view, thus clearing her conscious of the political fallout of refusing such an offer. However, Celestia's input has only worsened the matter, in her opinion.

“What do you want me to do, Luna? Say no? If she’s willing to do it, then we should support her choice and get things moving. I understand your feelings, but you need to remember you aren’t forcing Kira to do this.” Luna grumbled under her breath. “What was that?”

The Princess of the Night sighed, her brown in a sharp V of displeasure. “I said it doesn’t feel like it’s her choice. She knows how important this alliance is for Equestria. Kira understands what’s at stake. We don’t need to ask her to do anything, because there is only one logical choice. It is just one I happen to disagree with.”

Celestia wrapped her leg around her sister, pulling her into a hug. “It’s unlike you to be so… emotional on such matters.”

She pushed Celestia’s leg away, “I am not emotional! I’m simply… uncertain. These kinds of things don’t usually involve my friends!”

And therein lays the problem. Celestia figured as much, had this just been some stuck up noble this would be an open and shut case. Adding in somepony you personally know complicates matters, making the lines blur. It was situation Celestia experienced herself many times in the past, which is why she’s distance herself from other ponies; it made things easier when things like this happened.

“How about this dear sister, we write up the official papers for Kira but also include a note stating that if she truly doesn’t wish to marry. She is under no pressure to do so. The choice will be hers and hers alone.”

“And what of the fallout if she refuses,” Luna pressed, testing Celestia’s will. “She will be forever shamed for turning down the marriage by ponies for the rest of time. Either way, she can’t win.”

“I highly doubt Kira cares about such things. It’s not like she part of high society or society at all. She’d probably much rather prefer being out in the forest hunting monsters. Heck, I doubt she would even set foot in a town unless forced to.”

Luna rubbed her chin, pondering Celestia’s words. She did have a point. Kira wasn’t really a social pony and probably wouldn’t care or even know if any rumors were spread about her.

“I still don’t like it,” Luna conceded, “But none the less I will sign the papers and send a letter to Kira. Though I doubt my words could persuade her, I hope her choice is her own.”

Celestia smiled, hugging her sister, “Agreed.”

The matter finally settled. The sisters went to work drawing up the papers to make Kira Perfecta, Duchess Kira Perfecta. Doing so was a simple matter of some golden embroiled paper with some royal seals, written in golden ink. There was also a fee, which they paid.

“This seems… like a very over the top method to grant nobility. I mean, we're writing with gold ink! Who thought of this?” Luna wondered aloud. They didn’t do this often, and after doing all this, maybe not often enough to realize that a lot of these trapping were unnecessary. “Why is there such a high fine too, and another thing where do these funds go? Really who wrote these rules?”

“Let’s check,” Celestia cheerfully said, calling for the royal records. She really enjoyed researching, even if this subject matter was uninteresting to her personally, it was still fun to learn. Happily humming a tune, Celestia flipped open the book to the writer of the rules for awarding nobility, and the creator was…
“Yellowblood’s grandfather…” She sourly said. “That certainly explains all the gold…”

“I vote that after we finish Kira’s certificate, we amend this process with something simpler and cheaper.”

“Agreed,” Nodded Celestia finishing the last of the details. Sealing the heavy paper with a red cloth and gold seal with both her and Luna’s marks on it. A messenger pony was called and took it, flying away at top speed towards Nippon, a three-day flight.

Both sisters lay back in their thrones with a sigh of contentment. Their stomachs rumbled with hunger. Causing both of them to laugh, realizing they worked through dinner.

“Pardon me, but might we get some food? Whatever left in the kitchen will be fine and maybe some cake?”

“Really, sister, cake?”

Celestia rose up to sit prim and proper with her chin in the air, “Yes, dear sister cake. In all of our adventures, I have yet to find a better-tasting treat in the world, so if you ever happen to find something better, be sure to share, but I’m certain you won’t.”

“Very funny,” Luna chuckled as the servants brought trays of oaks and hay, plus Celestia’s cake.

As the silver trays were set beside their thrones, Luna couldn’t help but think of what Celestia had said about their adventures. To be completely honest, she missed that old life. Since becoming princesses, this was the first time in decades that they’ve not moved. She wondered what the world was like now, what new things there were to discover, and what secrets may be found.

Maybe, just maybe they could go back to that life? They could pass on the throne and disappear into the world again. Perhaps they could be free once more.

“Are you going to eat Luna?”

With a nod, Luna dug into her meal just as the doors to the throne room swung open. A battered and beaten Crusader and Emerald Cutter entered dragging the corpse of a mighty beast behind them. One they had not seen in a long time, a chimera.

Emerald Cutter approached the thrones and bows, “Night Hunter Emerald Cutter, along with Night Hunter Crusader and patroller Bright Rain reporting in. All other units are regretfully lost, along with the border village of Split Toe. The residents and their patroller guards were wiped out by the creature you see behind me. Also, Commander Crusader’s unit is wiped out safe for himself and the member Bright Rain. We are unable to recover their bodies out of fear of more of these creatures roaming the forest. We seek your wisdom in the matter of identifying the creature, my Princesses.”

Stunned at the sight of the creature, Luna ignored her meal and hastily trotted down the steps of her throne. Looking the beast over thoroughly. She was absolutely sure it was a chimera. Not just any chimera, which was made of three animals, this was an uber chimera made up of three or more different animals. In this case five, lion, goat and snake, the usual blend, but there were two others; fire rat and wraith. That explains the steel wool-like skin and the claws.

Chimera is not a natural creature. At least not at first, during Discord’s short rein of power, he created several variants of the beast for fun, and they thrived very well. They were a frequent problem she and Celestia dealt with in the first decade of their rule. Having all but hunted the creatures to near excitation. Their numbers were so few nowadays that they didn’t even bother to try finding the remaining chimera. As long as ponies avoid their territory, they would be fine. If this had been a run of the mill chimera, they would just leave it at that, but it wasn’t. Somepony either found it or made this crime against nature and then made it even more deadly. The only way to do that outside of chaos magic was through the ancient art of alchemy, and they just happen to know a group that dabbles in that field of magic.

“I fear our old friend Hoofenstein is back in business.”

The room went quiet, but the Luna could feel the anger seething from everypony in the room. It wasn’t that long ago they dealt with the ponies of Rainbow Factory, and the wounds were still fresh even after two years. They’ve looked everywhere and anywhere they could think of to track down the ponies that escaped and found nothing. If she was right, though, it seemed their enemy was going to come to them this time.

“Are you certain?” Celestia inspected the beast for herself, it was clear nothing natural made it. Unless there was a pool of chaos magic somewhere, they didn’t know about, this was undoubtedly the work of Hoofenstein. The problem, there was no proof. No trail to follow back to the beast’s creator. Chimera, well not highly intelligent, did learn how to speak if they lived long enough.

“I am one hundred percent, certain sister. Come, let us get this to Starwind so to see if he can discover anything we can’t.”

Celestia was hesitant, “Actually, I thought perhaps we send the beast to both Starwind and Starswirl? I have been in contact with the old mage recently, and he seems interested in the world again.”

(Starswirl, how I hate that stallion!) Luna ground her teeth, marching up to her sister, and spreading her wings a challenge.

“That wayward bell loving buffoon refused to answer our calls when we needed him most! And now that he’s “interested” in coming back to the world again, we are supposed to just ignore his transgressions and give him a free pass? No, I say! He must learn, well, he is a valuable friend and adviser. He is NOT above our authority and cannot merely choose which orders he wishes to obey and which ones he does not! Since he seems so inclined to stay locked up in his lab, he can stay there!”

Celestia reeled at her sister’s outburst, surprised, to say the least, that one had ever come. Starwind was brilliant, but by his own admission, he was not a biologist, he was an engineer. Starswirl was a biologist (among other things) and studied hundreds if not thousands of creatures over the years. Still, Luna did have a point. Starswirl had been less then reliable in the past if something didn’t pique his interest. He didn’t show up.

“I understand your strong feelings of displeasure with Starswirl’s past behavior, and it is something that needs to be addressed. That said, I think present matters are far too foreboding to keep him away when we really could use his help, especially when he is willing to help.”

“Fine,” Luna growled out harshly, clearly not happy about having to ask the old mage for help. “So help me if he runs out on us like last time because “something tickled his fancy” I will personally banish him to the moon!”

“A bit harsh, but agreed, I’ll pass along the message and the body. If I may get some help to please? This looks awfully heavy.” Several unicorns come to the princess’s aid and together carried the corpse away to Starswirl’s lab.

Emerald Cutter stood beside Luna, watching Celestia and the unicorns disappear from sight. Personally, the green rinin would dispose of the thing that killed her comrades, but such feelings were unfounded. If Hoofenstein was indeed back, they would need everything they could get their hooves on to track the bastard alchemist down. Still, her faith in this Starswirl was very lacking from the rumors she heard of the stallion.

“Are you really ok with this Princess?”

The frown on the princess’s lip was a solid enough answer.

“No, no, I am not. Starswirl has lost my trust many moons ago. Still, Celestia’s point remains true, he is very well versed in monster biology. If he is proving himself difficult, then I will have some words with him.”

“Scary.”

“Indeed. Now on to other matters, what is Applejack’s estimated time of arrival? I want her on this as soon as she gets back.”

Emerald rubbed her chin, trying to remember what the flight schedule had said. All airships kept track of the other's flight path in case a rescue was needed. “I think they're scheduled to arrive later today, really late though, close to midnight. If you want, I can join the investigation right away and give a situation report to Commander Applejack when she arrives. Fierce Fury and Overheat are with her. All of the Commanders are scattered right now.”

“I’d prefer you to get some rest. This will be your third mission in the last two days nonstop. Why don’t you and Crusader go rest for a few hours and I’ll assign the investigation to Sixes and Nightingale, and perhaps Topaz Slicer if he’s not busy.”

Emerald saluted, a yawn escaping her mouth, making her blush, “Sorry about that, I think I’ll take that leave time. Come on, Rookie, let’s hit the hay.”

“Right ma’am,” Crusader saluted, warily he looked at Luna uncertain of what to do. “I umm… good day…. Princess.” He half-hearted saluted.

Luna couldn’t help but frown, watching the white rinin trot away. Wishing there wasn’t such an air of awkwardness between them. Alas, it was something that would have to take a back seat until this was all sorted out.

On the bow of Twilight Dusk, Applejack wrapped up tight in the heaviest coat she could find shivered. The weather had taken a turn for the worse, and it was cold, freezing even! It was so cold in fact that they were overheating the engines just to keep the ship from freezing up! With the wind pushing against them as hard it was, they would be delayed by at least a day from their scheduled arrival time in Canterlot. The strange thing was is that this time of year didn’t have this kind of weather… at all. This was the badlands, it was supposed to be hot!

Shaking the gathered snow off her coat, Applejack peered ahead into the fog. She could see nothing, nothing but white, they reduced speed and climbed to a higher altitude to avoid any peaks or mountains that may pop up. The equipment was on the frizz, so they had to rely on lookouts to navigate. It was a miserable job.

“Time for the shift change,” Overheat chimed cheerfully. He was the one pony that didn’t mind the extreme cold. Being made of fire really helps.

“Glad you’re so cheerful, gain some new friends?” Applejack pointed to the group of huddled ponies surrounding the other night hunter, mostly mares from what she could see.

Overheat chuckled as the fire flickered across his skin. “What can I say? I’m the hottest stallion around, and I mean that both literary and metaphorically.”

“Yes,” Applejack dryly observed. Her eyes narrowing on the red stallion, “I can see that, and I’ve also heard you’ve been getting around lately and getting frisky. Really frisky if the number of rumors going around is anything to go by.”

“Well, if you really want to know, I have been feeling…”

“Wah, don’t want to know! Lalalala!” Applejack sang, flopping her ears down as she trotted away, leaving Overheat and his herd behind.

Chuckling loudly, Overheat waved goodbye to the blushing mare, “Stay warm, Commander. I think you ladies should go inside too. I may be hot as a furnace, but I do have a job to do, and so do you.”

“Aww…” The mare’s collectively sighed, detaching themselves from his warmth one by one.

Now alone, Overheat stared ahead into the oncoming blizzard. Wondering if he could fire a beam of fire or something, like the reindeer in that heartwarming story. What was his name again? Rufus Rednose or something like that?

Whatever the case, this was no doubt going to the most tedious part of his day. Well, he’s already had the most exciting part earlier with… what was her name again? Ever since the battle at the factory, he’s been feeling, in Applejack’s words, frisky. Not that he was disinterested with mares before, he just… well, he was busy, and he didn’t make time for such things. Now he did whoever where ever he could, which has gotten him in a bit of trouble from time to time. That time in the kitchen with the chief where Princess Luna walked in was probably the worst case. Still, that didn’t answer the burning question on his mind, why was he so… turned on all the time?

He sat on his rump to ponder, the heat of his body melting the snow around him quickly as he continued to stare ahead. No answers came to him throughout his entire shift when Fierce Fury came to relieve him of his post.

“Hey, Fury?”

“What?” The other red stallion growled, snorting out a burst of hot flame to keep warm.

“Have you been feeling more… ah… frisky since dating Nightingale, specifically after the battle at the factory?”

Fury turned to him with pinprick sized eyes, “What in Tartarus are you on about? Also, why in Luna’s name would you ask me that! I don’t ask about every mare you take into the closet, so don’t ask about what I do with my marefriend!”

Slowly Overheat backed away from the enraged Fury, really he should have known better than to ask Fierce Fury such a thing, it’s in the name after all.

“Right, right, sorry, I’ll just be on my way.”

Fury huffed, puffing out a cloud of smoke and groaned, “Hold up, I might have an answer.”
Overheat stopped in his tracks turning around to face the feathered rinin. “Mind you, it’s just a theory, so don’t go taking my word like I’m some professional. Now you started feeling more frisky or horny whatever, after the battle of Rainbow Factory, correct?” Overheat nodded. “And you had a pretty tough battle there, correct?”

Overheat blinked in confusion, uncertain of where this was going, “Yeah, I fought the steel pony Redblood, it was closest I came to dying. Never fought an opponent that didn’t take more than a few hits to go down, but what does this have to do with my… perniciousness?”

(Do I really have to spell it out?) Fury wondered, “You came close to death for the first time that changes a pony, it shakes them down to their core. You start to think about things differently. In this case, I would say, subconsciously at least, you’re afraid of dying alone.”

“Dying alone? I highly doubt that.”

“Really now, then you explain why you’re going after every mare that lifts her tail in front of you? Sure there isn’t just a hint of a desire to have… oh, say a legacy?”

Overheat narrowed his eyes at Fury, “Legacy… you mean offspring, aka foals?”

“Foals, a mare to remember you in case you fall in battle, whatever eases your mind. That’s just my take. If you aren’t satisfied, go find your own answers.” Fury turned back to the front of the ship, indicating the conversation was over.

STOPONING POINTS

Feeling, well, Overheat wasn’t exactly sure what he felt trotting back to his cabin. He wasn’t afraid of dying if he was, he wouldn’t be continually putting himself in danger. Though Fury may have a point, maybe he was scared of being, well, forgotten. Really Sixes had Crusader to carry on his legacy despite how poor their relationship…
(Oh… Fury may be more on the mark then I gave him credit for.)

Reaching the door, Overheat couldn’t help it and took a bite of some snow. He always enjoyed the taste of it, especially when he added fruit juice to the mix. He’d have to name the drink someday. However, as wonderfully tasty as this snow was, something was different about it, like there was something in it besides frozen water and random minerals. Why he would almost say, he could taste… magic… this wasn’t natural snow!

“Fury!”

It was too late. The ship came to a sudden halt as sheets of ice climbed up the sides of the boat like wild vines, keeping them rooted where they were. All around them, the sound of battle horns played a haunting melody as the ship was forced lower and lower to the ground. The boat shook, coming to a stop, frozen in a giant mountain of ice.

“Ugh wasn’t going on?” Applejack demanded swaggering out of the cabin, her world spinning from the crash. A haunting whiny brought her to her senses quickly as three intangible white ponies circled the ship, trails of icily snowflakes fluttering in their wake. Her mouth refused to work, recognizing the creatures of legend, the bane of Equestria since its founding, wendigoes.

“Wendigoes! That’s not possible! They can’t be here!”

“What the hell is a wendigo?” Overheat barked, jumping to Applejack’s side. He looked unimpressed by ice creatures doing another lap around the ship. More and more ice built up with each pass.
Braking off a piece of ice, Overheat took a bite of it, confirming his suspicions, the ice had the same taste of magic as before.

The wendigoes passed by the third time. More ice growing on the ship's rails, spilling over the side onto the deck.

Applejack pointed with her hoof, “That, that’s a wendigo! They’re monsters born from the hate and strive of ponies fighting. They feed off the negative energy and use it to freeze the land! They’re supposed to have been banished by the Clover the Clever at Equestria’s founding!”

“How much conflict does there need to be?” Fury asked, standing beside the two. “I just saying there has been more than enough of it to go around.”

Applejack pondered the question tapping her hoof against her chin in thought. “Well last time it was a full-blown race war between the three pony tribes, so it’s kind of hard to judge off a that, but I’d say they shouldn’t appear now when they didn’t appear during the Crystal War or the Rainbow War.”

“Fair point,” Overheat shrugged, “Well, whatever the case fire melts ice, and I’m fire, so I think I got this in the bag.” Before any pony could stop him, Overheat jumped off the side of the ship and landed ablaze in his flaming skeleton form. Snorting hot steam Overheat sucked in a deep breath and unleashed a stream of white-hot fire at the wendigoes.

The blast hit the wendigo in the back of the pack; it shuttered and screamed, falling to the ground half melted. Stepping over the ice beast, Overheat finished it off with another blast of fire, laughing at how easy it was.

“See, I told you, got this in the bag!”

Applejack yelled, “Look out!”

Confused Overheat looked back at the surrounding fog just in time to catch the shadow of a massive creature barreling through the fog, it was big, it was hairy, and it had tusks!

“Die Equestrian!” The creature bellowed, swinging its tusks at him. Overheat jumped back, barely avoiding the lethal ivory wrapped in barbs. The beast fully emerged into his vision, revealing its armored form, Overheat was very surprised to discover his attacker was a mammoth!

Dodging a massive iron-clad foot, Overheat blasted fire at his attacker just in time for another mammoth to barrel out of the mist, equally as angry as the first.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but if you want to keep breathing, I’d suggest you STOP!” He roared unleashing a stream of fire, igniting the mammoth’s fur beneath his armor plates. The beast howled with pain, its entire body erupting into a giant flaming hairball. The mammoth fell to the ground, trying to roll and put out the fire. The weight and bulkiness of its armor made him drop like a stone in the fresh snow leaving him stuck while one half of him burned.

The other mammoths weren’t looking too pleased seeing their friend die and stampeded towards Overheat with tusks angled for the kill.

“I could use some help here!”

“Got you covered!” Applejack swooped down from the Twilight Dusk, slamming a powered up boot to a mammoths’ heads. The blow split the steel helm and sprayed blood into the air. The mammoth swayed and crashed into the mammoth right of him, breaking their charge. In the sky, Fury lead of squad of pegasus to harass the remaining mammoths. Forcing them to retreat.

Breaking off his attack, Fury dropped in between Overheat and Applejack. “Well, this took a strange turn, any idea why these guys are attacking us, Applejack?”

“Do I look like a historian?”

“Well, it’s not like Overheat, or I studied history.”

Applejack sighed exhaustively as the mammoth reorganized their line. What the farm mare knew about mammoths was limited to what Luna taught her. They were one of the last nomadic tribes with a warrior culture. Far in the past, part of their migrating routes went through Equestria until they were forced out. Their constant warmongering caused their numbers to dwindle to the point they were on the verge of extinction.

“What is your quarrel with us?” She yells to the mammoths’ battle line, her voice carrying over the sleet and snow, which seemed to grow worse by the minute. A long brown-furred mammoth stepped forward to answer.

“We are here to reclaim our ancient homeland, which was stolen by you ponies many moons ago in the war between the ponies and griffins. With the might of new friend, we will rebuild this barren wasteland to its former icily glory!”

Overheat exchanged confused looks with Applejack and Fury, “So… you're replacing a hot, barren wasteland with a frozen barren wasteland. Well props for being creative, at least, still were not going to let you do that. Besides, there already one frozen wasteland in the north with a vacancy.”

“You dare to insult us? Your ponies are always too arrogant! Attack!”

Both sides charge head-on at each other. The fighting was brutal, ponies were crushed and swatted away by the mammoths’ massive feet and tusks shattering their bodies into broken lumps of flesh. In contrast, the ponies ran circles around the arctic beasts, lighting them aflame with fire and lightning. Applejack was shining above the rest, taking on the hairy elephants in close combat, matching their incredible strength with her own. Still, the losses on both sides piled on, and the storm grew worse as the wendigoes continued to circle overhead.

--break

A third party observed the battle with a veiled smirk. The being in question was Equestrian, her coat matching the snow perfectly, hiding her entirely within the snowstorm. A transparent veil hung from her longhorn, hiding her face. A long heavy cloak covered the rest of her body. Everything was going according to plan. With this much conflict, the wendigoes would have this entire area frozen once again.

A bright glow caught her attention, curious, she wandered closer to investigate and found to be the fiery pony that had started the battle. He was quite the scorcher, the heat of his flames pushing against the storm like a mini sun.

She fancied him. He was her complete opposite. In fact, she wanted to dance the dance of death with him herself, but that would go against her orders. On the other hoof, she didn’t care. She wanted to fight him! No, she needed to fight him!

“You there!” She called out, the storm’s power increasing with the sound of her voice. Calmly she waded through the battlefield forcing friend and foe from her path via an ice bolt from her horn, leaving her victims frozen solid. “I like you, you seem like you’ll be a good challenge for me.”

Overheat looked curiously at the veiled pony, uncertain of her alliance. Though the rinin could safely deduce, she was not a friend, nor did she seem to be an ally to the mammoths. (
A passing third party, maybe? Whatever the case, she’s bad news!” Overheat could feel it in his bones.

“Who might you be?”

“Lumi, my name is Lumi Winter. Let’s have some fun!”

A beam of ice magic shot from Lumi’s horn, Overheat trotted sideways, breathing fire to counter the attack and rushed in. The mysterious unicorn ran over the snow efficiently as solid ground. She caught up to him with ease, body-slamming him to the ground. A massive burst of steam-exploded as their two elements clash.

“You’re not going to put me out that easily!” Overheat taunted, trying to grab Lumi with his front legs, his claws blistering as they made contact with her frozen skin. Her body was so cold that it burned him!

“And you’re not going to melt my heart at this rate. Really I was expecting so much more than this.”

Overheat chuckled darkly, “Oh, trust me, I never leave a mare unsatisfied.”

“I’m sure, but they're a first time for everything,” She said coyly licking her lips.

“Will you two fight or get a room, please!” Applejack yelled from atop a dead mammoth, her body covered in brain matter, her leg stuck in her victim's broken skull.

Ignoring the momentary distraction, the two elemental ponies got back into it, throwing fire and ice in every direction. However, Overheat began to notice that as the fight dragged on, his flames seemed to grow… duller. He stopped short, Lumi stood a ways away wearing a smirk that he didn’t like.

“Finally, notice what’s happening?”

Overheat blew out a breath, it was cold, he was cold! That wasn’t possible! “What did you do?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She said coyly. The storm grew in intensity.

Behind them, the Twilight Dusk roared to life the ship's cannons firing with all barrels, blowing away the ice holding it down. Ponies ran for the boat, the mammoths, and the cold chasing them down. Wendigoes fell from the sky freezing the retreating ponies, and Overheat found himself alone in the icy fields.

“Come on, we gotta go!” Applejack yelled, covering the retreating ponies. “Overheat, come on!”

Warily Overheat looked between the ship and Lumi. Slowly he stepped away, but she made no moves to stop him. He broke into a full gallop, fighting the ice and snow every inch of the way, with barely any heat left in his body.

“I’m sure we’ll meet once more, my dear little firestorm! As a gift, I’ll show you my face, I’m sure you’ll rather like it.” Lumi flipped up her veil, Overheat couldn’t believe what he was seeing; he knew that face…

Applejack yelled from the ship, “Hurry up! We need you in the engine room!”

“I’m coming!” Overheat leaped onto the ship’s deck, braking past the scrambling ponies as they try to push back the advancing mammoths. He ran down to the deepest part of the engine room and took up position beneath the master gem generator.

“Turn off all the cooling units, we won’t need them.” He barked as the engineers followed his orders. Psyching himself up, Overheat summoned his flames and force them into the ship's main gen generator. The big red crystal glowed and began to spin again, generating power. More importantly, heat, a heat that spread throughout the entire ship, thawing the ice and freeing the airship entirely.

The ship lurched and rockets into the sky. Ablaze of cannon fire covering their escape as the mammoths cry out in victory. Lumi quietly smirking watching the airship fly away.

“This is just the beginning.” She dropped her veil once more and called for the mammoths to follow her. “Come, let us return home as well. We have much to do.”