Infiltration Part 2:

Run, send the spider to the fly.

The halls of Canterlot were famed for many things: a diplomatic haven, noted for the stylish decor and depictions of saviors. A place where it seemed no bad was allowed to fester. Down a hallway led to a pair of indigo double doors marked with the insignia of a crescent moon. The moonlight illuminated past the stained mosaic glass tiles before refracting into the eyes of an unfortunate Night guard. However, these are not ordinary Night Guards.

''Ah!'' Charcoal winced, covering his good eye with a hoof. ''How you managed to get me to switch spots with you is beyond me,'' he cast a annoyed look to his partner. ''you sure we can't spar about it? I only lost because you tripped me.''

''Sorry, no get backs,'' Blank replied, smirking. ''you lost fair and square plus how do you think I felt when I was over there? Char-char?''

''I told you,'' the batpony whispered before checking around the corner. ''don't call me that!''

Unfurling her wings, Blank removed her helmet before narrowing her head as she smiled to her partner, deep yellow eyes leveling with Charcoal's.

''Or what?''

SHINK!

''Or this.'' Charcoal deadpanned, unsheathing his electric claws, the lone stare in his one eye being more than enough to persuade her.

''Not on duty: we've enough rein without the princess bearing down our necks,''

''Speaking of her, where is she? Princess Luna always comes to bed around this hour.''

''Haven't you heard the latest? Ever since the random earthquakes and tsunamis plaguing the West, she's been in the Royal Archives for the past week looking for ways to combat that: tonight makes it her 8th night,'' Blank leaned against the door. ''so we've been given time to relax and do abso-freakin'lutey nothing.''

"So we are basically guarding her empty room?'' Charcoal asked to which his partner nodded. ''so does that mean?''

''Exactly, he's been itching for a beat-down. Come on, we got 30 minutes before the Princess comes back: I got some new ideas,'' the pair trotted off for a distant sector of the castle to conduct their duties. However...

''So what did you have in mind this time?'' Blank snickered.

''I was thinking the foal who cried Timberwolf approach.''

The last thing anyone was able to decipher before the pair turned down a hallway was: ''Poor Blueblood!''

''What a unproductive night.'' the princess of the night murmured, observing the momentary peace. Ever since she agreed to investigate the recent issues plaguing the West, less and less plausible information have surfaced. Keeping a calm pace back to her bedchambers, Luna cast a quick glance to the satchel on her back.

''Well, we did accept the West's plea for help, and we shall carry out what has been asked,'' Luna groaned. ''Perhaps I should call some help for this.''

Then again, Luna realized that she often possessed...issues when it comes to asking others for help. life in her shoes has been nothing short of difficult, however in this case, she would have to call in a favor.

Turning to the right, Luna's bedchambers came into view down the hall, but where were Blank and Charcoal? They specifically have been instructed to wait by her door: she needed them here for an important meeting. But where could they be?

''Perhaps messing with Blueblood again...no matter, I have done my part and am better off for it. Now time to rest,''

Shink!

''Whoa!'' Luna ducked behind the corner, narrowly avoiding the serrated hunting knife that moved at such speed, it shattered the nearby vase and stopped into the wall.

''Great,'' Luna whispered. ''We do not need this crap right now.'' Paying a close on the intruder's movements from the mirror to her right, all she was able to see was the figure was equine in nature, a long cloak draped over them. The hallway was deadly quiet to a point where a rat could piss on the fine velvet carpet.

Sending a mental plea for assistance to her guards, the lunar princess readied for combat. Bringing a indigo spark of magic to her horn, a white flash briefly engulfed her. Equipped in a new garb, a periwinkle combat attire complete with knee guards, reinforced chest plate, helmet with wing guards and her trademark insignia.

''Who. Is. There?''

...

...

''You know, I would really appreciated a better reception from you, Luna,''

That can't be right!

Silently charging her magic, Luna touched her horn to the ground, a sound akin to a sonar pinging in her mind as she breathed a quick sigh of relief. Moving around and trotting towards the figure, their hood was magicked away to reveal a mare, considerably shorter and less built than her with a pink coat, magenta eyes and a wonderfully kept mane and tail with a sea of color.

''Cadence...I trust you are well?''

''Yes, auntie,'' Cadence blushed. ''Sorry about almost taking your head off, it was kinda a reflex seeing as nopony else really is allowed in this hallway.''

''And yet you were the one wearing the cloak,'' Luna thought.

''So what brings you here?''

Ears splaying to her head, Cadence sat on her haunches and cast a look to Luna, her eyes displaying mixed emotions.

''I felt a disturbance...and wanted to see if you were okay,''

In most cases, her intuition rarely failed Luna: a quality she took full of honing whereas she lacks it. Bringing her niece inside her room, Luna also began to feel something stir so close to home, but what could it be? Whatever it is, Luna did feel the urge to keep her battle garb on.

''Take a seat on the bed, we have much to discuss.''

''Whoo! And that is how you make the feathers fly!''

''Okay, Kouri: we get it. You got us here quick, what do you want, a cookie?''

''Actually, I would, but after we this punk out and get paid, I can have whatever I want,''

Looking ahead, the entrance to the crystal caverns looked as bleak as ever.

''So what's the plan?'' Fluttershy scouted ahead, casting a curious look to the unknown.

''Simple, darling. We go in, apprehend the ruffian, and be done before you know it,''

Viewing the entrance, an eerie presence seemed to linger not too far from where they stood. Princess Luna was always known to be a pony who her word carried not only power, but trust: and with that trust come sacrifice. Sniffing the air, Redgar snarled before conjuring a swarm of fire from his paw.

''Hah!'' the fire sped into the cavern, the intensity lighting the way down as a screech resembling the bellows of a banshee forced everyone's ears to tremble and curl up.

''Do you think?'' Rarity wondered.

''Clickers?'' Kouri guessed. Ignoring their conversation, Redgar paid close attention to the opening, then a small light grew in size, right towards him.

''Get down!'' the blast came back with more energy, striking a nearby pillar that reduced it to ash.

''...Okay, Clickers can't redirect fire, especially mine so we must be dealing with an alchemist of some sort. Team, stay alert,'' the werewolf king reached into his backpack, pulling out a strange, slanted object with a smooth wooden handle, sleek painted base along a guard and gold pull lever.

''Is that?''

''Precisely what you think: Apotheoses's pistol, but I got a good price: two for one,'' he uncovered a second one. ''Suit up.''

Concentrating on her aura, Rarity's horn took on a scarlet glow before a flash overtook her. Her normally white coat began to darken, height grew a considerable amount with her eyes turning a pale white with blue, chilled pupils. Her curly mane and tail swayed out, taking a white and indigo look. Lastly, her horn grew slicker and taller.

Fluttershy, being the avid thinker already sought to stay in her Vampire fruit bat form. And Kouri merely ruffled his wings. Entering the fray, the group focused on the slightest of movements that may lead them to their suspect.

Canterlot City District:

The vibrant city of Canterlot once earned the title of the best city in Equestria. However, as of late, petty criminals have weaved past the local enforcement and caused mayhem and danger or in the princesses's case: a nuisance.

Walking up the cobblestone path, Twilight cast a wandering look at the very few historic buildings that remained intact as others were completely renovated. With all that's happened over the years, she figured that more would be gone in such a short time. Reviewing the memories she once had being here failed to comfort her mild distress ever since Nergal threatened to flatten the place when he was drunk.
Twilight regretted that 5th shot of Vodka that night.

''Twilight...we're here,'' Spike fiddled with his claws. Looking to the Canterlot Castle, a slight throbbing in the unicorn's head forcing her to back up a tad.

''Twi, it's okay,'' Sunset comforted. ''we're right here, you know.''

''Yeah, this is not like last time,'' Spike patted her back. ''we got your back.''

''Thanks guys, I feel a little better. Come on, we shouldn't keep Luna waiting any longer.''

Going past the Night guards, the long hallway leading to the throne room beckoned them to go forward.

''So, that's basically the gist of what is to transpire. If my student could show up at any moment, I would be most grateful,'' Luna huffed.

''You never did tell me who that is? An entire 17 years went by and I still can't put my hoof on who,'' Cadence held her chin to her hoof in confusion.

''Worry not, you see them soon enough with two of my late apprentices.''

The current conversation only contained little words, just to stall for time until the real business can commence. Hearing a trio of knocks on the door in a familiar pattern, Luna somewhat smiled and frowned.

''Come in.'' Luna sternly demanded.

The door opening, Luna looked to see her two most trusted Night guards panting heavily,

''P-Princess Luna, what is it that brings you here?'' Blank smiled.

''This is our room, Blank. The better question would be why you and Charcoal were not at your post?!''

''That would be my fault, princess: we got distracted with-

''Enough!'' Luna halted all conversation. ''You have your jobs, do them. And should this happen again without notifying me, you will face the punishment of hearing Discord sing,''

''Yes, princess!'' the pair rushed back outside.

''...Well, that was a thing,'' Cadence deadpanned.

''Oh, please, they do this all the time and they never do what I say.''

Putting that aside, the pair stayed silent for a few minutes, waiting for the other to speak. That was cut short by the door swiftly opening, revealing the long awaited guests.

''Ah, my students, I trust you have been well?''

''Of course, princess.'' Sunset bowed. ''I trust you called us here for something?''

''Yes, I hope you were not busy when I requested your aid.''

''Not at all, Luna.'' Spike waved a claw dismissively. ''we'd be happy to help you in any way.''

It always brought a smile to her face to hear that she could always rely on those who she needs the most. But wait, where was-

''Spike? Sunset Shimmer?'' Cadence asked. ''So then, the third is?-

''Princess Luna!'' Twilight trotted in happily. ''It's so nice to see again!''

Huh?

This. Made. No. Sense.

Cadence was so confused. How could these three her students? She was under the impression that-

''I know you may seem confused at the turn of events, Cadence, but the truth is not what you are thinking,'' Luna read her thoughts.

''B-But how? I saw them die at Finder's Keep! How can they still be here?''

Taking a moment to register her question, Luna plainly said: ''Magical copies.''

''Wait, that's Cadence?'' Twilight backpedaled.

Getting off the bed and slowly walking towards the unicorn, Twilight ran rampant with her thoughts. Feeling a hoof touch her shoulder, she managed to look to the Earth pony's colored orbs. After a few tense minutes, the silence was broke.

''I-Is it really y-you?''

Twilight wanted to say yes, but some force inside kept her from speaking. Why? How can this be so hard to explain something so simple? All she could do in this position was to just give a nod. Hearing Cadence hold back her tears to no avail put a smile on Twilight's face as she embraced the mare in a loving hug.

''It's really you,'' she kept repeating over and to none in particular.

''Wait.'' Cadence backed away. ''If you're really Twilight, then you should know what this means.''

***

Some time passed as the group talked among one another, sharing tales of different jobs and experiences. The atmosphere was lively until...

''Luna.'' a telepathic voice echoed in her mind. ''we're closing in on the target.''

''Target?'' Luna thought to herself. And more importantly, who's contacting her?

''Princess,'' a small, meek voice called. ''Are you there?''

''Fluttershy?'' Luna asked. ''If that's you, then that means...put Redgar back through.''

Yes, princess?

''Princess Luna?'' Twilight shook her mentor to get her attention to no avail.

''What target are you referring to?''

''The one in your letter: S,''

Letter? What letter? Her curiosity peaking, Luna held one question to mind.

''Did the signature posses anything out of the ordinary?''

''Hmm.'' Redgar pondered her question. ''A few of the words were slanted,''

That brought a shudder to the Lunar Princess's mind.

''Redgar, I sent no such thing: you must be the victim of a set-up, and I would suggest you retreat A.S.A.P.'

''Huh, what do you...get back!''

''Redgar!? Redgar?''

''Luna, are you okay?'' Spike waved a claw in front of her face.

''...Guards!'' Luna barked, the doors opening at blinding speed to reveal Blank and Charcoal, steeled with determination.

''Ma'am!''

''We must hasten: L.E.A.F is in trouble,''

''Leaf?'' Twilight repeated.

''Lunar Emprize Attack Force, my own private enforcement group for when the normal guards cannot perform.''

''Where are we headed ma'am?''

''The Crystal caverns, apparently some ''S'' is responsible for luring my team into a false sense of security.''

Hopping off her bed, Luna trotted to the door, a serious look present.

''Princess, wait. Let us come with you,'' Twilight urged. ''We can help.''

''No, Twilight Sparkle: I will not permit you or your companions to aid in my issue,''

Poof!

''We're going, princess: besides, what the buck could we do here? Sit around and play Patty cake? Now, Spike, Sunset: we are accompanying Luna to the caverns and no matter what she may say, we have no obligation to listen to anything she says,''

Withholding a grit of her teeth, Luna sighed.

''I suppose it would be foolish to try and deter you when you set your mind to something...very well, let us be off then.''

The king of werewolfs certainly was known for a lot of things: brave, a strategic thinker, charming, even quoted as being a living shadow that acts to protect those he cares about, but this adversary certainly is giving him a run for his money.

''Get down!'' Redgar shielded Fluttershy from the onslaught of magical attacks. Steadying the cross-hairs of his pistol, a casing whizzed to its intended target before being reduced to dust by the barrier of mist.

''Shit,'' Regdar cursed, exchanging cartridges. ''can barely put a dent in this guy,'' Laying down more cover fire, the king barely registered the massive chunk of crystal heading for him. Clenching his teeth, he looked back at his reflection in the stones before a pulse of condensed air forced the mass down to the ground, out of their path.

''Focus!'' Kouri steadied himself, sending a row of hardened ice speeding to the attacker which pinned the specter to the nearest wall. Retreating to a nearby clearing, the group had a moment to calm themselves.

''Ok, so that obviously was not a welcome fitted for a god,'' Kouri deadpanned.

''Oh please,'' Nightmare Rarity sighed. ''you know we do not require your bragging.''

''Fluttershy, are you okay?'' Redgar asked for clarification.

''Y-yea, i'm fine: just a little scrape.''

Breathing a sigh of relief, that news somewhat glazed over what currently is occurring. Peering over the corner, a slew of green mist hit the king's nose, causing him to instantly dry heave. Thinking on the fly, he brought up a clever, but doable idea.

''Nightmare, Magic Missile: Fluttershy, cover her with Swarm.''

Nodding, the pair dashed forward, fire in their eyes towards the living spirit with a menacing glare. Dark was the prominent color following the design the ominous cloak producing a fading green mist that only accented the monstrous look in his eyes. Gripping the odd, yet fear-inducing weapon that resembled a scythe with a twisted look.

Raising a metal hand to the air, a verdant ball of light spawned, seeming to be growing in size before it rocketed forward, aimed at the pair.

''Watch out!'' Rarity conjured a violet shield to combat the blast, only for it to harmlessly phase into them.

''Huh?'' the pair questioned, looking over to check for any obstructions only to find none.

''Let's go, Rarity: we have to push forward!'' Fluttershy showed her fangs. Following that example, Rarity charged in tandem, bringing a green glow to her horn as it formed a row of thin six-pronged stars, spinning in varying directions, a sphere of small magic bounced around before scattering in the shape of a speeding train before violently clashing with the target, a hailstorm of magic beams striking after the implosion.

''My turn!'' Fluttershy bellowed, her eyes glowing pink and speed increasing. Opening her mouth, a swarm of Vampire Fruit Bats flew out, lining in a circle, producing a wall of sound, misshaping the assailant's figure. When the dust cleared, the figure remained unharmed. Nothing. No scratches, it just kept floating there, taunting with an emotionless look of satisfaction. Chalking this up to how he envisioned, Redgar had one more card up his sleeve.

''Good job girls, now it's our turn!'' Regar snickered. ''...Kouri.''

''Roger.'' the dragon titan took flight above the protector, hefting him up with minimal effort. Holstering his guns, Redgar brought a golden glow to his claws, wild energy pulsed in every which direction, forming a barrier against his paws. Getting swung back and forth, Redgar soared with precision, unleashing one of his more effective, yet standard powered moves.

''Blinding Light!'' the werewolf latched his paws around the figure's neck, a powerful screeching alerting him to the first part of his plan. Chomping down on what he assumed to be the neck, the golden light leaked from his teeth into the puncture wounds, causing a chill to spread down the spectre's body, effectively slowing its movements down to a standstill. Hopping back, the sound of magic, wings, and ice being formed told the king all that was needed.

''Nice try, ugly,'' Kouri mocked, readying a beam of sub-zero power. ''we always get called in for the tough jobs...and win.''

''Don't get too cocky, Kouri.''' Fluttershy warned. ''that same confidence is what almost got us kicked out of Jaypan when you insulted Oda, remember?''

''Oh, come on: the old geezer bragged too much, plus I was bored.''

Paying those two no mind, Rarity and Redgar stood by to attack.

''Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!...Raaaaaaahhhhhhh!'' the monster screeched in desperation, somehow managing to free itself of the paralysis, sending wave after countless wave of dark matter with every swing of its blade.

''Fire!'' a stream of blue, gold, violet and black beams collided with the foreign entity, sparking a brilliant light show of grace and danger.

A massive dust cloud surrounding the entire area lingered in the air for the longest time, putting a hold on time itself. The mist finally clearing itself revealed to show...that still nothing happened.

''What?!'' Rarity yelled. ''how did that not work?''

Groaning, the situation began to look dimmer than how it began. Clutching his pride, a defining choice had to be made: one Redgar despised making, but due to his intuition telling him otherwise, he resigned.

''Team, we need to...

BLAM!

Silence rung throughout the caverns, the stale air being so thick you could slice it with a needle. Looking towards where the sound resonated, and where the spectre's body floated, Redgar smiled the largest smile he could.

''Princess Luna...am I glad to see you.''

***

Meanwhile, back in Canterlot Castle, a lone unicorn stallion ran throughout the halls, being chased by maids and Night Guards alike.

''I didn't do anything wrong!''

Author's Note

Apologies for the long hiatus: computer issues, time, and other things apparently not under my control. But anyways, hope you enjoyed the chapter.