Still In The Dark

Embarking

Even in the early hours the sun in the Badlands scorched the ground, even the shadow cast by the Baron's district did little to cool the area. But after living in it for years I grew accustom to both the heat and dryness, and the slight wind magic I kept coursing through my clothes helped a bit too.

"Where are they, we left together for Baron's sake." Somehow I had lost Noir and Charon in the crowd of people, I had let Finna ride Kodo as she was still partly asleep.

They are coming I can smell them, they should be here in a few moments. Kodo told me, and low and behold the two emerged from the crowd both wearing casual clothing.

"There you are come on the ship leaves in a few minutes." I said they just laughed and followed.

In the Business quarter there is a large sky dock, it is here that many airships dock and embark from The Brink. Trading ships took up one area beside the transport barges, facing the Baron's quarter were five massive war ships armed with all manner of weapons on their port and starboard sides, they were either ballistic or arcane. Our vessel however was a private transport ship lent to us courtesy of Director Nemis the one who had assigned Finna to our Division.

Kodo was lifted onto the ship by a small crane so I gave him a small pat as he was lifted up, the four of us stepped inside another smaller lift. The metal gears groaned as the turned hauling us up higher and higher. Only half way up to the docks most of the business and residential areas were in full view, and while The Brink was nothing more than a glorified shanty it was still rather impressive. Some buildings stood at ten stories tall others were built wide and low, the market was the most obvious as travelers and tradesmen went about their jobs.

"Nothing back home compares to this." Finna spoke up finally shaking off the last of her sleep.

"If you think this is amazing wait till you see Equestria." While I hold no love for the nation I couldn't deny they had astounding architecture and style.

"I've only ever been in the lands around my village and The Brink, seeing someplace like this is amazing I cannot wait to see Equestria now." She had a bright look in her eye, I couldn't blame her I was the same way when I first arrived.

I smiled remembering the day I was dropped here. I remember Kodo was the one who found me passed out in the middle of the Badlands, he took me to Oasis and was my first friend. I told him about my life back home as soldier, a 5 year veteran with a total of four tours of duty. He told me of the lands of the world having actually been around for a long time, being that he's a lesser dragon it still meant he was gifted longevity. I remember first being sad that I may never see my home again but he was a great friend and brought me to The Brink where the Directors and the Baron himself to an interest in me and my weapons. It was actually through my knowledge in gunsmithing that I advance some of their own technology. Their current working turrets and cannons are all based off of old human designs right down to the decorative marks, and even some technology to such as radios and electricity had been developed. The looks on raiders faces were priceless when they saw the Brink's version of the Gatling Gun and how quick our scouts were to spot and report them.

"Eli." I perked up when I heard Noir, I turned to face her. "Did the overseer give any instruction as to what we're suppose to do specifically, I get that this is a simple escort but are there any kind of rules we have to follow?" She asked.

I cleared my throat. "We're to escort Blueblood through the Badlands via airship and bring him back to the capital of Equestria unharmed and preferably with a pleasant time to remember, Canterlot. On other thing, an emissary of Equestria is suppose to be on board the ship right now to begin early contact between them and us."

Charon did not like that one bit as face darkened, dragons and ponies didn't have a great history so the fact that he had to now deal with two of them because of his mistake irked him.

"Hey big guy don't worry me and Noir can keep him company below decks along with whoever their sending, you and Jera will be working along side the crew to keep the ship defended. Now I can't stress this enough if you see so much as a vulture land on the deck eliminate it with extreme prejudice and vented anger. Under no circumstances can we allow either of the Equestrian officials to be harmed, am I clear?" I said with a strict tone.

"Yes sir!" They said.

"Good then let's get this pony home." The lift came to a stop and the door slid open.

...

"Foster." Charon said through gritted teeth, I could hear his claws crushing the metal grips of one of his axes.

Taking a deep breath I stepped out of the lift and looked around the main deck, 20 Equestrian Royal Guards stood at various points around the ship spears and shields in hand. The crew worked around them as they stood like statues only a few glanced at us as we stepped on board.

"Charon I don't see one stationed at the bow of the ship, so you and Finna stay there ignore any of them if they talk to you and send them to me." I ordered.

The drake let out a deep rolling growl as he trudged towards the bow of the ship Jera following behind making sure to keep a few steps between her and the berserker.

"Hello down there!" I looked up to the helmsman and saw who I could only assume to be the emissary. The first thing I took into account was that she was an Alicorn pony, one of the most powerful magic using races. She had a purple coat and mane with similar color but with varying shades. She wore a white and purple rimmed blouse, a black dress hung bellow her shins. At first glance she seemed ready to buy into a company, not talk about the return of a high standing royal.

"Yes hello you must be the one I was told would be preceding Blueblood's return, though I must say I was not expecting such a large detachment of Royal Guards to also be accompanying you." I said putting my hands behind my back ready to draw my .357.

"Ah sorry about that but my bother is the Captain of the guard and he wanted to ensure my safety when he heard I was traveling to the Badlands." She said rubbing her neck before giving a sheepish smile and holding out her hand. "I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle former student to Princess Celestia of Equestria."

I sent my energy to my hand and shook, but I received no feedback. "Elijah Foster, Division 8's standing representative as well as a representative for the Directors." I let go and place my hands behind my back again.

"Huh, I thought a member of your council would be discussing the return of Blueblood." She said.

She doesn't know a formal handshake and she certainly doesn't have any kind of official etiquette, just how complacent has Equestria been that their royalty has become this lax? I sighed. "I must apologize then, the Directors are the immediate voice Baron Varkel and must remain within the walls of The Brink in case of an emergency."

"I understand and I must thank you by the way, while Blueblood may be a bit of hassle as a noble sometimes he at least does his part in keeping Equestria going. So for all that you did, you have my thanks." At least she understands her duties.

"You're welcome it's our duty as agent's to maintain the security of our territory. Speaking of the Prince may I know where he is, my overseer would be concerned if I didn't unsure his well being?" I asked, the ship began to shake as it started it's departure from the docks. Clamps detached and cables were being pulled in by the crew allowing the the rotors and jets to carry the ship up higher.

"Blueblood is in his room at the moment, he's been exhausted and I can't say I blame him after hearing what happened." She waved for me to follow, I did and Noir made sure to keep a close step behind me.

She took a seat at a small table I sat across from her and Noir sat next to me, seeing the Panther Twilight almost jumped out of her seat. "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry I didn't see you, I'm sorry for being rude." She said putting her hands over her face.

Noir couldn't hold back a laugh. "It's fine your highness it's my job to be unnoticed, I'm Noir Leva." She made no motion to shake her hand so Twilight let it be.

"I understand you two as well as your friends are from The Brink, I've read a bit about it but I cannot find very much on it would you be able to discuss a little bit about it with me?" She asked pulling a small quill and a piece of paper from a small pouch.

"I don't see why not but I ask that you respect anything we wish to remain unmentioned as personal or a matter of security." I said and she nodded. "Very well ask away."

She gave a small clap. "Wonderful, okay first off I'd like to know a bit about you, what are you?" She asked.

"I'm a human male, my kind aren't very common around here as you can tell. I'm an operative under the employment of Baron Varkel and his Directors, my area is based around intelligence and the collection of it." I told her, a waiter came out with a few drinks and some food.

"Human got it. Alright what can you tell me about The Brink, what kind of city is it?"

I took of sip of the drink, it was mint tea. "It's more of a shanty town given how our only form of government is also our guard and army and there is no real design to the layout other than easy to traverse and named streets. As for what we do, we mainly set our goals on hunting and harvesting unique resources from the local monsters. Namely Grue blood and Burrower teeth which are used in many international products such as universal anti-venom and jewelry." I pulled our my revolver showing her the grip was made form sanded teeth.

"So your economy is based on trade in monetary goods, I guess growing things in this kind of place can be difficult. Oh also what is that you just showed me some kind of artifact?" She eyed the metal piece.

I shook my head. "It's a weapon recently introduced to the Badlands, tell me your highness have you ever heard of firearms or guns?"

"Why yes the Equestrian Ranger's use muskets and flintlocks. Though I have to say I've never seen one such as yours." She said inspecting the metal casing and carved designs.

"I'm not surprised in that regard, while this is actually a pretty primitive version of what my kind uses it's popular with Brink hunters. It's a revolver pistol and it holds six shots, it can fire six shots without having to reload, it also fires as quick as I can pull the trigger." I spun the cylinder a few times to demonstrate.

"That's incredible our pistols take minutes to fire off even a few shots and you can do so in seconds, could I see you use it?" She asked with stars in her eyes. You may think that is a metaphor but it isn't, her eyes actually sparkled with small stars.

I looked around and saw we we're far enough from The Brink for a test fire to be safe. "Alright I guess it can't hurt, alert your guards so I don't have them getting hurt." I said, she nodded but I don't think she caught the real implication of the statement.

I walked to the bow of the ship and stood just near the edge, hearing a weapon demonstration was about to happen drew the attention of the guard as well as Charon and Finna. Noir already had paper scraps in her ears Charon and Finna covered theirs.

Checking my sights I made sure none of the guards were close by. "Firing in three, two, one!" I saw a small bird a few yards ahead, with practiced reflexes and a bit of magic I aimed directly on it's head. The loud crack of the igniting gun powder rang out barely a heartbeat before the birds upper body was ripped apart and turned into a red mist.

I twirled the gun and holstered it. "Well what do you think?" I asked as I leaned against the rail.

Twilight had dropped her notepad and quill as well as her jaw, she tried to speak but no words came out.

"Yeah that's most people's reactions." I chuckled quickly loading another round into the gun.

"H-how...it can't...what?" she finally managed to spit out.

"When it comes quality work look no further than a revolver. Trust me you don't want to know what this does." I said tapping the Winchester.

"Thank you for the advice." She said before walking back to the table. "Alright I guess a change in topic would be a good idea." She said with a weak chuckle.

"Good idea." I said taking my seat.

"Okay, um I have a question for you Noir." She said drawing the Panthers attention. "I know of a few of the different factions in the east but what can you tell me about your home."

I had to hand it to her Noir managed to keep a calm smile on her face despite her usually knocking out people who asked about her past.

"Sorry but that's a rather touchy subject for me, all I can say is that the different families have a rather hostile attitude towards one another." She said, I could see her legs shaking and her fists clenched. I put a hand on hers but didn't look at her.

"Oh sorry." She said giving an understanding nod. "Okay I guess I have one more, who are these Directors you've mention?"

I was surprised she hadn't asked that sooner. "The Directors are the most active and commanding officials in The Brink's government. The Baron speaks, sees, and hears through them as he deals with other matters. They also command my Division directly if the matter is important enough, otherwise we receive our normal orders through simple Overseers." There was much more to it than that but I told her what she needed to know.

"So they act as parliament?" She asked.

"No the Baron still gives them orders no matter what they just see to anything the Baron himself cannot, they don't make any large decisions themselves. Now before you ask who they are I can't tell you, not only because it's against my orders but because I have only ever seen and spoken to one of them." I said, she look a bit disappointed but that wasn't my problem.

"If you have no further questions I should make sure my team knows their posts and the situation." I stood from the seat but she raised a hand and I stopped.

"There's one thing I should mention before we arrive in Canterlot, your dragon will have to remain on the ship." She said.

I had to grab Noir to stop her from pouncing. "And why is this?" I asked all friendliness gone from my voice.

"As you may know dragons and ponies are the least associative nations in terms of relationships, the sight of a dragon entering the castle as a delegate returning our prince would cause many scandals and uproars in the media." She said in a stern tone.

"Fine but he will be voiced through me via telepathy during the negotiations, this is not up for debate as he is the one who rescued Blueblood." I said and she nodded.

"That is fine as the meeting will be in private and limited details will be disclosed." She said, making no further notions to speak and simply going back to drinking her tea we decided to leave.

Me and Noir made our way to the stern of the ship were Finna and Charon were talking about dragons and their natural abilities.

"So your scales provide a resistance not only from magic and fire but hexes as well?" Finna asked looking curiously at one of Charon's scales.

"Correct, and because they are resistant to magic they are also resistant to foreign souls natural magic be it good or bad." He said with a lecturing tone, with a glance he saw us and moved to one side allowing me and Noir to sit beside them.

"I take it you heard the princesses demands?" I asked knowing he had probably heard the entire conversation.

"I did and I can't say I find it all that bad, it just means I can avoid contact with the ponies and still be heard at the negotiations." He said not letting the princesses words get to him.

"Alright, I just wanted to check. If you need it we have two cabins set aside for us, one for Noir and Finna the other for you and I." Reaching into my pocket I handed him a small key.

"Thank you I may retire later but for now I'll enjoy the wind." He said lifting his head to catch the breeze under his scales, it wasn't long before he fell into a deep meditation. Noir leaned against him and closed her eyes for a nap. I felt Finna tap my shoulder, I looked as she nodded towards a large open area on the main deck.

"Lead the way." I said quietly.

The crew and guards worked/stood near the edges of the ship and the doors so the center of the main deck was clear. We pulled a bench from the side, I removed my desert cloak and shirt and set them aside baring my tattoos for all to see. Quickly tying a bandanna around my head I took one side of the deck to stretch. Finna had also removed her shirt and cloak leaving only white bandages to hide her breasts. Unlike the Equestrians and their allies many habits and customs we considered normal were taboo in their eyes, one such taboo being nudity. It was common for women to go topless in The Brink and full scale nudity was accepted so long as it was not flaunted to an extreme. So the sight of her body didn't really throw me off all that much.

Fluffy tail. Was about the worst thought to cross my mind. Although the stares from the guards said they did not have such reserved thoughts.

Never the less we each took a stance, I went for a simple boxer stance. Finna stood light on her feet in a stance I was unfamiliar with. The crew made a point to not walk close as we began to circle each other. Quick in her steps she closed the distance throwing quick jabs. Matching pace I redirected or blocked the jabs, swinging a leg I swept her left leg from below her. Throwing a hooked haymaker at her head she stumbled back gripping the side of her head. I lunged towards her taking her shoulders and driving a knee into her gut, she heaved and pushed me back. Retreating she stepped back her head slightly cut and her breathing ragged, she moved in again from the side this time. I swiped to jabs but one slipped past and caught my collar bone. The hit throbbed with pain and I could only block as she threw more each catching my sides or middle.

She drew close and began throwing quicker hits, when she was close enough I headbutt her jaw stopping her dead. Moving up I threw to heavy crosses at her ribs jarring her side to side with each hit. I slammed my heel into her stomach forcing her back. Trying for another swing she grabbed my arm and slung me over her shoulder and onto my ass. Jumped to my feet knocking her back in the process, with a roundhouse kick to her side she stumbled. I crossed her again this time in the chest. Taking my arm she jerked it away pulling the bone almost out of place.

Tossing defense aside I moved closer and pulled my arm away. I grabbed her midsection with both hands and lifted her off the ground, she tried to shove me off but I just pulled tighter. I took her by the ribs and slowly began crushing her chest next. She wheezed and wailed against my head throwing punches as quick and heavy as she could. Feeling lightheaded I raised her up stopping her punches in surprise. I ran forward and jumped putting her under me, with a heavy slam into the deck her head snapped back hitting the wood. She tried to move but the blow had set her senses spinning. Pinning her arms I threw my head into hers once more knocking the last of her coherence from her head. Her eyes fluttered for a moment as she tried to move but a second later she went limp, I sighed and put my head to her chest.

Breathing faint, heartbeat steadily slowing, twitching. She'll be alright. I thought before pushing off and sitting next to her.

The guards were stunned and Twilight had come to see the commotion, only to find the aftermath of the fight. She ran to us and looked over our bruised bodies.

"The Brink has high standards for it's elite, this is a pretty regular thing." I said before she could get a word out.

Seeing Finna's breathing had calmed I began drawing from my magic. My arm glistened green with ethereal leafs flowing around it, I let the energy flow out around me as the wisps of energy sought out our wounds and began mending them. Soon the purple and black marks faded from our bodies although it was hard to tell through Finna's fur. After the magic could no longer find any wounds I cut the flow causing the light to flicker out. Checking to make sure I was in good shape I then looked to the princess and grinned.

"You people are fascinating and crazy." She said with a chuckle before walking off to flustered to carry any kind of conversation.

I laughed before looking down to the fox girl and made sure she had no hidden wounds. Girl's one tough mage even if her powers are devoted to the primal elements.

Those skilled in magic can have their bodies physically effected by the type of powers they use, a primal user generally is the strongest in terms of physical strength.

With her wounds heal she slowly regained conscious, groggily she sat up and looked to me. "A fighter before a mage yes?" She asked.

"Before I came to The Brink I was a soldier in another army, although they may not be around I make sure I represent them well enough. It's because of them I have the physique you see now, so I figured the best way to represent them here was to keep at the top of my game." I flexed a bit making her giggle.

"Do you suppose they're serving lunch at the moment?" Finna asked looking towards the stairwell.

"No time like the present to find out." I said before helping her up.

Thankfully the Mess still had some food from breakfast ready and were prepping lunch as we entered. Deciding to spoil myself I took a large serving of hash browns, sausage, and eggs. Finding a seat was easy and we soon sat to eat.

"Foster if I may, where did you learn to fight like that?" Finna asked sipping a a cup of coffee.

"Before and during my time in the service boxing was something I found fun, it was competitive and challenging. Not to mention it was a greet way to meet people, because when is a better time to introduce yourself to someone than directly after a beat down." I said getting us both to chuckle.

"How did you serve your homeland as a soldier, you seem capable in a wide number of situations?" She said through hiccups.

"I was general infantry for a few years before I was promoted to Staff Sargent. At that point I saw a bit less time in active field duty and a bit more directing recently enlisted soldiers, it wasn't bad mind you I enjoyed helping people get on their feet even if it meant leaving some of my friends out in danger. But I never worried as they were all capable and I trusted them to come home at the end of the day." I remembered a number of me and my friends sitting in a large tent joking over beer after a long few months on duty. "After a while I was sent back into direct combat and was actually put in charge of my old squad, sadly our previous officer had been killed in the line of duty. We spent a while grieving but we always remembered him. It was also during this time I was trained a bit more harshly as I was soon to get another promotion if my commanding officer was anything to go by. I did end up getting a promotion to Sargent First Class and I was still in control of my squad, only now I had more eyes on me and higher things expected of me." I sighed and looked over to Finna who looked with dedicated attention.

"Sorry I'm talking your ears off aren't I?" I said taking a sip of coffee.

"Not at all, I'm just amazed is all. Your people's army sounds so organized and directed, it dwarfs what I've heard about those of the Equestrians and their allies." She said having nearly forgetting her food.

"Not to sound boastful but that is true, there is no army you can find as of now that could stand to our might. My weapons are primitive in terms of what my people could do, I have began working on making better weaponry but it is a slow process with the materials I have to work with." A nostalgic thought of basic training drifted through my had.

"I trust you will find a way, you seem to have the will and wisdom needed." I smiled and her words. "So you were saying something about expectations."

I laughed and once again began telling her little bits and pieces of my time in the service.

---3 Hours later---

The sun shined bright in the sky and the dry wind blew across the main deck, so far the ship had not been troubled by anything. Apart from a few birds flying in the winds around the ship we had seen little life in the sky. The ground bellow was currently occupied by a group of Sec Ceras or Sand Runners, a reptilian versatile biped that could run up to 80 miles per hour on sand and claw you to death in about five seconds.

I'm glad we're flying. I though staring down at the pack running bellow us.

I had to admit boredom was a serious problem, there was no talk among the guards as the just stood their and the crew was busy so there was no luck there. I thought about working with the crew in the engine room but decided against it. I looked around but none of my group were around, it was one of the few times I felt like taking Noir up on an offer if only to relieve the dull atmosphere. I stood to my feet and looked out over the sky, a few black specks were on the horizon but they didn't seem to be drawing closer. Making a note of it I turned to enter the ships hull.

Inside some kind of spell kept it cool allowing for a break from the sun. I walked past a few crewmen and found the door to Charon and I's room. Twisting the handle I pushed it open to find a rather funny scene. The room had a single bed and couch the a small table set up in the corner. On the bed was Charon clad only in his pants splayed out like he'd just collapsed and was snoring like a bear. I smirked and walked to the edge of the bed, I slid him to one side where he didn't even move. Laying next to him I put my arms behind my head and fell asleep.

---1 Hour later---

After a quick nap I once more found myself wandering the halls picked dirt out of my nails. I stepped up to the main deck squinting through the sun's light. After my eyes adjusted I made for the port side, looking out I saw the same black figures in the distance this time they were a bit closer. I tried to use my magic to see them better but the haze from the hear still threw me off. With a huff I began to climb the rigging careful to avoid any of the busy crewmen. A quick hop later I stood in the crow's nest the spotter looked confused when I landed next to him.

"I need to borrow your scope." I told him and he handed me the tool.

Facing the figures I extended the scope and focused on them using my magic to help. About a mile away I made out the dots, they were pegasi. Lowering the scope I handed it back to the crewman and pointed him to the figures.

"What do you see?" He looked for a second and I watched his expression change from confused to suspicious disdain.

"Sir are those-" I put a hand over his mouth.

"Tell nobody, I'll deal with them." I said before jumping from the roost.

Hitting the deck I gave a sharp whistle drawing the crew's attention. "All hands on deck!" I bellowed, the the guards looked confused as the crew quickly tied up their work and took defensive positions. Some manned cannons others retrieved rifles, in less than 30 seconds the whole crew was ready for battle. "Prep cannons on port side!" I barked the gatling guns were quick to spin up and the three arcane cannons began to hum as energy grew in their barrels.

Twilight at this point had teleported onto the deck a worried look in her eyes. "Mr Foster what's going on!?" She said as she saw the crew armed and readied.

"A group of possible bandits have been sighted on our port flank, they appear armed and have been keeping pace with us for a while now." I signaled for the gunners to prep for fire.

"Wait hold on a minute they could just be travelers." She said taking my arm.

"Your highness I understand in Equestria things may be easy to brush off but out here people don't travel without either a caravan or an airship, free flying is either a death wish or a way to sneak up on someone." I raised my arm ready to signal fire.

"B-but what if you're wrong?" She asked even more worried.

"Our spotter says they are armed, I've seen them already earlier today. They are not hear on good terms." I pointed directly at the pegasi. "Fire all!"

The deck came alive with gunfire as the bullets and magic were blasted from the side shaking the ship. I watched as the group quickly scattered, I saw two of them go down one hit by a beam and having no doubt been vaporized. The second however jerked mid flight no doubt hit by a bullet. The rest managed to escape.

"Cease fire!" I ordered, the bombardment ended almost as quick as it began.

The guardsmen slowly picked themselves up letting go of their ears and picking their weapons back up.

"Two confirmed hits, good work gentlemen!" I shouted earning a few cheers from the gunners.

I felt a hand slap the back of my head, it was weak and didn't do more than get my attention.

"How could you, those could have been good ponies out their!?" Twilight shouted tears in her eyes.

"Now how did you know that." I said with a suspicious glare.

She shut her mouth but still fumed before stomping off. The guards crewmen seeing them still armed and ready.

"As you were!" I shouted, quickly putting their rifles away and securing the turrets the crew was once more back to work.

I saw Noir, Charon, and Finna had come up from the hull they walked to me looking to where the broadside had occurred.

"What was all the ruckus about?" Charon asked rubbing his ears and eyes, I sighed and manipulated the wind around us to form soundproofing.

"Earlier today I saw a group of flyers, and just a bit ago I saw them again but closer this time. I went up to the crows nest to get a better look, turns out the group were a bunch of light armored pegasi. From what I could tell it looked like some kind of stealth gear, my guess is they were either a second underhanded attempt to keep an eye on us or they were ordered for a something a little different." I told them crossing my arms.

"This cannot go unanswered!" Charon roared, I was thankful I had made the bubble. "I knew these ponies shouldn't be trusted, we should just kill them now!" He said a deep growl coming from his chest and fire licking at his lips.

"If we do that now we'll have the entire Equestrian military after us, we may be strong but not that strong." Noir told him while rubbing his spines, a little trick to help him calm down.

"She's right even with you technology you don't have the power to stand against them." Finna said, I noticed one of her hands had lighting still crackling around it. She had been ready to fight as well.

"So what we just let this go?" Charon said but quieter.

"No we wait and bide our time, you forget we'll be in their capital for a few days remember. Between the four of us we could gather some useful intel and maybe get our hands on something valuable that could help The Brink." It was fighting dirty I know but the only way to beat a cheater is to either cheat them or just get better at the games they play. In this case I planned to do both.

"Charon I want you to fly about the area around the ship and keep an eye out for more, if you see any kill them and report to me. Noir see what you can find in her highness's room about this second squad. Finna you and me will be working on finding something inside these guards' heads." They all nodded and went to follow orders, I dropped the bubble and headed for my room Finna right behind me.

---Noir---

The panther moved quietly through the halls, as she moved right past guards and crewmen alike their eyes drifted right over her. Her kinds natural magic being the distortion of others perception at will, their eyes would see her but their minds would not. Like a breeze she slid into the princess's room, while the pony in question was absent her papers were not. Sliding to a large table Noir began looking quickly over the papers, many useless journal entries or random documents with pointless information about taxes and such. After glancing through the table she made her way to the nightstand by the bed. The table top had a pair of reading glasses and a book on magic resting atop it, peeking inside the shelves reveal a much smaller book with the royal symbol stamped on the front.

"Well well what have we here?" Noir hummed, checking the door quickly the panther moved to the shadows of the room becoming nearly invisible.

The first few pages of the book were other rather important operations being conducted by the other two princesses, it wasn't until the end of the book that a few newer pages had been made.

"Blueblood's secure return remains the central priority, gather information about activity in the Badlands, uncover the identity of, Baron Varkel!" Noir's blood ran cold as she looked over the line again and again. "Find the source of the The Brink's weaponry." Noir quickly moved to the table and found a blank sheet of paper. After copying down all relevant information she placed the book back exactly where it had been and fled the room leaving it as if it were never touched.

Making her way as quickly as she could to Elijah's room she made sure no guards spotted her. After having pulled such a move any inclination of suspicion was to be avoided.

"Charon you may be right, this has to end." She whispered vanishing down the halls.

---Charon---

The drake flew proud in the sky his armor strapped tight and his axes at the ready, his slick red scales happily gathering the warm sun. With trained eyes and natural talent he scanned the around the ship, everything seemed quiet and only the normal birds flew by the ships rigging. With his blood burning the warrior was ready to fight only waiting for someone to throw the first strike.

"Ancestors damn these ponies!" He grumbled unable to fully calm down. "I hope this mission is worth it Foster." He said gliding higher above the ship.

The wind was calm and the skies were warm, with visibility as good as it was things seemed pretty clear. The occasional cloud hear and there but nothing more. To many it would seem too perfect, but to one such as Charon he knew things really were as perfect as they were. The day was good the sun was high filling him with energy, and there were ponies on the way. Charon licked his lips as a sudden scent was caught on the air, it was subtle and faded but it was a pony. The smell of moist fur and feathers a clear indicator of pegasi.

*Charon can you hear me?* Elijah's voice spoke in his mind.

I can what is it? He responded.

*You need to get here as soon as you can, we found a few things that the Directors are going to want to worry about.* Elijah said, Charon saw flashes of papers and documents in his mind.

I understand I'll be there momentarily. The dragon said before the link was severed.

With a crooked grin he flew back to the ship quickly making his way below deck.

---Elijah and Finna---

A quick ward later and I had the door to the room sealed and multiple sensors around the room. Finna sat at in the center of the room on her knees her arms wide as they coursed with a pale energy. It was mental magic, a rather complex power but also a very useful power. It allowed someone to enter another's mind and do as they wished with it, I had seen plenty of Manipulatists who are people skilled in mental arts. They can cripple an entire platoon with either fear or insanity, some can go as far as tearing another's mind to bits slowly and very painfully killing them.

Finna and I however were planning on using that power to draw any recent memories from the guards as far back as a week. Then we would search for any information as to the return of Blueblood, Twilight Sparkle however would be a bit tougher to crack and so we would focus on her last. I sat across from Finna and sat in a similar manner.

Finna can you hear me? I tested.

I can are you ready to begin? I got back

I am, remember we must not pull anything from their minds in case they are scanned later. We must find and copy only information related to us and The Brink. I already began reaching my mind out and to those aboard the ship careful to avoid Sparkle.

I saw images of families spending time together around a fireplace, another forgot to pay his rent and was on a final notice, one seemed to be escaping some girl trouble back home. Overall none of the guards seemed to have any further orders than to protect Twilight and Blueblood. One however caught my attention, a blue energy surrounded his mind.

Finna are you getting this? I asked, she didn't respond but I felt her affirmation. Why would a grunt have a ward.

Slowly I began to unwind the magic around his mind, after securing an access point I reached out and into his mind. I saw two figures the guard and the other was one of the princesses of Equestria. Seeing the moon on her dress and blue coat I had no doubt this was the infamous Princess Luna, the former Nightmare Moon. The guard was actually no guard at all, he was a royal spy a thestral. His armor was enchanted to make him appear as a royal guard but he hand no ties to Twilight or Celestia. He was ordered to spy on us and report to Twilight, she while not wholly informed did know of the second group of thestrals that had been following us. They had been hiding in the storage level of the ship and gotten out through a side panel. They were also planning to use the same panel to get back in should their princess give the word to attack.

Alright we got what we need draw back. We slowly pulled from the guards minds, I made sure to repair the ward on the thestrals mind before drawing back to my body.

I opened my eyes to see Finna staring back a look of understanding on her face.

I reached out the Charon and Noir, Noir was already on here way with info of her own.

Charon can you hear me? I asked

*I can what is it?* He responded in a somewhat grumpy tone, I would have to make this up to him later.

You need to get here as soon as you can, we found a few things that the Directors are going to want to worry about. I ordered.

*I understand I'll be there momentarily.* He said and I drew back.

"Finna Noir and Charon are on their way, explain the situation to them and tell them to wait here. I have to do something about that entrance for the thestrals." She nodded and I left.

As I quickly walked to the lower decks I felt Noir's presence pass by, a shadow also passed by the window of the hall. Knowing both of them were safe I made my way to the storage area. Inside only a single light bulb illumintated the area. Using the guards memory I found the panel I was looking for. The bolts had been removed and place on the exterior of the ship allowing the thestrals to remove the them and put them right back as if they were never moved. Using a bit of magic I removed the bolts letting them plummet to the ground bellow. Using a bit of matter from the surrounding munitions I molded new bolts and fastened them to the inside now preventing the thestrals from entering.

A subtle noise snapped me from my work, I immediately rolled to the side dodging three thin needles now on the ground where I had been. Looking in the direction they had come I spotted one of the intruders. He was about my height and clad in what looked like transparent armor that made him nothing more than a shimmer. Seeing he was spotted he ducked behind a crate and hid.

I sealed any possible entrances from the room trapping us both inside. I took cover behind a crate as well listening, I heard his steps lightly moving around the room. I drew my combat knife from it pocket and sunk it into the floor. Using the wood as a sensor for my magic I found the thestral closing in. As he got closer I vaulted over the crate and landed in front of him, I gave a few quick slashes but he avoided hem all. He dropped his needles and I quickly kicked them aside.

"I'm so going to enjoy this." I chuckled at him, he growled back before drawing a short sword.

Charging static in my hand I sent a wave of it at him, he stepped to the side trying to dodge but I sent it after him. The wave connected and shorted out the enchantment on his armor. No fully visible I moved in swinging again, this time he had to stop me with his blade. He stabbed at my chest and I jumped back, seeing a few metal crates around I drew on a large segment of my magic. I stomped on the ground sending a grey ring out, the crates began to loose their form letting packs of supplies fall out. The metal molded around my body in flexible but dense armor.

The thestral flew at my his wings propelling him forward. I sent metal to my knife making it into a sword that matched his. I parried his swing and gave one of my own carving into his upper torso. He stepped away gripping the bleeding wound, it was nothing vital so he recovered quick. Taking a different approach he began darting around me using his speed to his advantage. He swung quick and accurately striking at areas with veins and tendons. The metal covering my body stopped him from doing any damage but his hits did start throwing me off balance. I managed to get my eyes on him at last and saw him coming at my side. I threw my arm out quickly catching his neck and sending him sprawling on his back. Turning on my heel I sent a sharp bolt at him but he rolled, the bolt managed to catch his shoulder this time.

He looked at me with fury and charged, we traded blows as fast as lightning each either being blocked or dodged. I sent electricity into the metal around my armor and allowed his next swing to connect. As soon as his blade hit the metal lightning arced between us causing his whole body to spasm. Since most of my magic was focused on my armor the energy wasn't enough to kill him. I thrust my blade into his gut as it had the least armor, the blade sunk in deep. He dropped the sword and grabbed at the blade trying to pull it out. I twisted the blade and spiked the end causing dozens of smaller spines to puncture his intestines. He stopped moving, he shook and coughed blood splattering my armor.

I took him my the neck using my armor to hold the blade in place, I also sent healing magic into him just to keep him alive. "You're going to tell me why you're here and what your plans are, or so help me I will make sure the next few hours of your life are in complete and total pain." I twisted the blade causing the spines to tear at his insides only to have my magic fix the wounds, but not the pain.

"To Tartarus with all you damn low lives." He chocked spitting blood.

"That's what they all say before I'm done with them, now listen and listen good. You have threatened my team and my people, you also expect to deceive us and then lie right in front of us. You call us low lives but here you are an assassin and spy stalking those who have saved you prince, we had only good intentions in the beginning." I was honest and he knew it.

"You vermin, we are above you. You savages have no order only chaos, if you expected anything other than a thanks from Equestria than you're wrong." He spat.

I heated the metal in him burning his entire body from the inside out, I tore the blade down to his waist where I shook it carving him more. He howled in pain blood pouring from him as the magic kept giving him more.

"We expected nothing other than a good impression you blind simpleton!" I shouted in his face. "We saved your prince unknowing of his identity until our leader told us who he was. We planned to return him regardless and here you are calling us savage while you only see the truth that fits you best." This time I just punched him in the neck.

He coughed and glared back at me. "You killed my team don't forget, you gave no second thought to it. You saw us as a threat and decided to act without thinking how is that any different?" He smirked.

"I fired because I knew who you were, I knew you had no place here. We were sent on this mission as a show of good faith only to find liars instead. We only asked to be told of those who accompany us, and your superiors decided to lie first. Had we been told we would not have fired, your princess had a chance to tell us who you were but she didn't. She was so set on keeping you a secret she let your friends die, if she had admitted to your presence they would still be here." I pulled the metal from him and fixed his wounds.

He looked up confused. "W-why."

"We'll see what your princess has to say, if I don't like her answer you and the rest of your squad including the mole disguised as a guard will die. I'll also see to it your bodies are dumped overboard and left as scavenged meat for the Sec Ceras." I made the metal into a club and beat it against his head knocking him out cold.

Using the metal on my body I bound him and left myself a nice little grip to help me drag him.

Report. A simple yet deep message was sent to my team.

We've looked over their plans and what they have waiting for us at Canterlot. Was Noir's response.

Good I've also got a bargaining chip for us hear. I said sending them a mental image of the thestral. Meet me on the main deck, and have Princess Sparkle join us as well.

Understood. Was her reply.

As I dragged the thestral through the halls the crewmen and guards looked stunned none of them knowing why he was here.

As I stepped onto the main deck I saw Twilight demanding answers from the others. They were silent only staring at her, their gaze turned to me and my new friend. Seeing their change Twilight looked back next, her eyes went wide and her lips trembled at the sight of the bloodied bat pony.

"It looks like I have a few questions for you." I said with a deep chuckle.

Twilight's horn began to shimmer, Noir however was too quick and clamped a draining ring around her horn. Her magic cut off the princess' spell sputtered out, a look of fear spread across her face. I motioned for a crewmen to bring the chairs from earlier to me. He set one in front of me the other in front of Sparkle, she sat down without needing to be told. I sat in front of her keeping the now conscious assassin next to me.

"So first question, do you know this stallion?" I asked, and she shook her head.

Shrugging I raised my knife and stabbed at his neck missing by an inch, but it had the effect I wanted as Twilight let out a whimper and stood from her seat.

"Do I need to ask again?" I leaned back.

She looked down tears flowing and her fists clenched. "No you don't. He's one of Princess Luna's elite guard." She said not meeting my gaze nor the elite's.

"Why is he aboard this vessel?" I asked, she said something but it was too low to hear. "What was that?" I asked putting the knife on his chest.

"He's here spy on you!" She cried now fully sobbing.

"Is he alone?" I asked.

"No." She said.

I sighed and grabbed his arm and putting a boot on his chest. In a single pull I tore the limb off blood and flesh ripping with a squelching sound, he screamed in pain trying to nurse his wound but he was still bound.

"Alright there's more, there are four more aside from him!" She was on her knees a this point, I saw her looking at the guard wanting to help him.

"Why did you not tell us about them, we asked who would be accompanying us and I tolerated the guards you have now despite never being mentioned!?" I barked causing her to flinch back.

"T-they're here t-to steal knowledge about your p-people." She chocked out between tears.

My face remains neutral as I nod. I stood and walked to her, she tried to crawl away but I put a hand on her shoulder.

"And why would you go and try and do something like that, after all isn't Equestria the great big shining light of the world?" I asked calmly.

"Because a trader told gave word of the weapons your people have, we had to make sure you wouldn't use them against us and that if you did we would have the same power." She said in a quiet tone.

"Tsk tsk princess. The Brink was one of the few places in the Badlands that doesn't have a direct hatred or interest in conflict with Equestria. So let me tell you what I'm seeing right now." I sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "I see a giant standing over the world, it sees a small animal. It thinks that small animal may one day attack it. So the giant goes and tried to find another of the same animal to fight it with. Problem is once the animal the giant find attacks, the giant finds out the animal only wanted to be friends it even had a present. Are you getting this metaphor or am I just talking to myself?" I asked, she nodded understanding completely. "Good, very good."

I stepped away from her and walked to the elite. "You my friend may be lucky yet." I sent another wave of magic into him and reattached his arm. "Princess I have one last question." I held out my arms in a manner like I was waiting for a hug. "Do you accept this animals friendship?" I asked, she looked up. The afternoon sun was directly behind my head just like I'd hoped casting a warm glow around me.

"I do just please stop this." She begged bowing at my feet.

"Alright cool done deal." I said in a chipper tone. She looked absolutely stunned as I let the elite out of his binds.

I walked over to the disguised elite, he looked confused. Pulling back and arm I threw a metal coated punch into his head knocking his helmet off and his lights out. He crumpled like a bag of rocks as the illusion faded.

I turned to Charon. "Please apprehend the remaining thestrals over there." I pointed to the port side and used my magic to create light beacons on the thestral's backs.

His face turned into a twisted grin as a deep chuckled came from him, soon it turned into a thundering laugh. Drawing his axes the large drake blasted from the deck at sub sonic speed towards the group.

I turned to Noir next. "Ms Leva please escort our friend here." I said nudging the elite. "To the brig and ensure he is stripped of all personal effects and he is also bound." She nodded and took the stallion by his arm leading him bellow.

Finally I turned to Finna. "Ms Jera please see the princess back to her quarters." She nodded and lead the tear soak princess back inside.

Looking around I saw the crew had stopped and the guards were unable to comprehend what had just happened.

"Back to work!" I barked and the crew went to it, the guards straightened themselves out and went back to being statues.

With a smile on my face I to made my way bellow decks, although not before hearing Charon's vicious battle cries and the thestrals normal crying.

Not a bad day at all. I said before closing the hatch the lower decks.