Event Horizon

The sky was ablaze with brilliant hues of red and orange as the sun sank beneath the western horizon. From her seat in Princess Sparkle’s balloon, Princess Luna watched the sunset with both anticipation and resentment. While she welcomed the onset of her magnificent night, the fact that it would not be her bringing it but rather Celestia conjured some unpleasant memories.

“How many decades did I watch her amateurish work?” The unrevealed presence of Nightmare Moon thought. "I had turned the plotting of the stars into an art while she didn't know Sagittarius from Gemini!"

"Moonpie, Princess?" Pinkie cut through the Alicorn's thoughts with an offered confection. "You got that hangry look."

"The only thing I hunger for is..." Luna rounded on the pink party pony only for the oft used retort to die on her lips when she realized she had not enjoyed a sweet treat in many years. "Yes, actually, that looks delicious."

The Element of Laughter flinched as the Princess nearly took off her hoof as she snapped up the pie in her jaws. The Diarch of the Night let out a content nicker as she savored the chocolate dipped crackers and sugary marshmallow. Pinkie smiled at the reaction as she nursed her own treat in the form of a simple cupcake. Seeing that the Alicorn was now in better spirits, the lively earth pony decided to make small talk.

"So where did you get that outfit?" She asked casually. "I've only seen you in your crown, shoes, bib-thing and sometimes that creepy bat-cloak."

"The base are simple travel garments." Luna explained as she pointed to each article in turn. "The rest were acquired along my adventures and equipped as I saw fit."

"I thought it appeared rather piecemeal." Rarity commented as she ran a critical eye over the outfit. "There is no pattern agreement between the cloth layers and the chestpiece looks like an afterthought."

"There was little time to consider aesthetics." The navy Alicorn said around a mouthful of sweets. "Does it fit? Can it turn aside a foe's blade? Is it light enough to travel? That was the criteria of fashion, seamstress."

"Not surprising given the state of the world at the time." Sparkle added as she looked up from a book about the local area. "Discord at the height of his power, hundreds of petty kingdoms and all manner of bandits and monsters running amok."

"Good thing y'all were around to fix that mess." Applejack doffed her hat in Luna's direction. "Hard to think about what could have been."

"Ooh! We would probably be jesters and dancers for Discord!" Pinkie immediately began firing off possibilities. "Or we would all be pony-cicles for the wendigos or..."

"I wonder if a fall from this height would finally silence her." Moon thought as she peered over the edge of the basket.

"Muhhuh huh huh huh." A ethereal titter drifted through her mind as a faint whisper before building into a regal laugh. "What strange company we keep."

"Oh, it's you." The Usurper tensed at the unexpected intrusion. "Just when I was getting used to being alone with my thoughts."

"I must confess, once you entered the waking world, you nearly vanished amongst the mass and noise of the mortals." The Primordial presence said pointedly. "Now I find you in the company of those who would hinder us."

"I decision I am beginning to regret." The dark Alicorn glanced back at Pinkie who had gone off on a tangent about what her friends would do if certain villains had triumphed. "But I will be in more pleasant company soon, living or otherwise, where we can finally dispose of these whelps."

"Going with the indirect method again, are we?" Moon could practically hear the raised eyebrow.

"Alas, I have no other option." She lamented her current state yet again. "I just hope we find a means to restore my full majesty in the Sunless Lands so I can have the pleasure of destroying Celestia myself."

"I believe that the Hidden One will assist in that regard." The disembodied voice said with a hint of anticipation. "You seem to have a grasp on matters, my apostle, so I will continue to observe until you go beyond my sight again."

"As I have said before, I have no intention of squandering this opportunity." The Usurper reassured both herself and her benefactor.

"Princess? Yoo hoo!" Pinkie waved a hoof in front of Luna's face as she returned to present company. "Did you hear me?"

"No, I was lost in thought." The navy Alicorn pushed the offending limb away with a nicker.

"I asked if you think Rarity would have worked for you while you were evil." The party pony reiterated her hypothetical question.

"Your lack of tact is showing, darling." The unicorn in question said past gritted teeth. "That is hardly appropriate."

"On the contrary, I think it is important to gage the loyalty of those you call friends." Luna said keenly. "As for the question... I do believe Rarity, Dash and Fluttershy would have bent the knee."

"Rares n' 'Shy, ah can see." Applejack nodded slightly in agreement, earning look of shock from the fashionista. "But Dash? The Element of Loyalty? Yer sure?"

"You forget, laborer, that I once wielded that same Element." The Nocturnal Diarch pointed out. "But ultimately all willing to serve would have found a place in my- Moon's -benighted realm."

"Let's be thankful we never had to put that theory to practice." Sparkle put a cap on the hypotheticals as she got to her hooves. "We'll be entering Hollow Shades airspace soon. Are the Night-Captains awake?"

"Couldn't have timed that better, Princess Sparkle." Knight said as he appeared beside the balloon rubbing sleep from his eyes. "*Yawn* Good evening, everypony."

"Felt weird sleeping while moving." Vengeance joined her brother looking more well-rested. "You said we are close to home?"

"We should arrive just after nightfall." The lavender Alicorn confirmed. "Hey, Dash! Fluttershy! Land and let the thestrals tag in."

"You got it!" The prismatic pegasus saluted as she steered them toward a nearby cloudbank. "I'm impressed, 'Shy. You kept pace with me and don't even look winded."

"I've been doing those aerobics you showed me." The demur mare smiled confidently.

Together, the yellow and blue pegasi slowed their speed and touched down with a soft poof on the clouds followed by the dirigible and thestrals. While the bat-ponies worked to switch places with their feathered kin, Sparkle presented her plans for the group once they reached the colony. While Luna retrieved the official report from the Countess and mobilized her Umbrals, the Heroines would ask about town for clues or leads relating to Lulamoon. The Night-Captains could accompany either them or their mistress as they saw fit.

"Ah reckon Big Mac n' Caramel would have an idea 'bout Trixie." Applejack mused aloud. "Knowin' them, they're probably toasting a good day's work at the local watering hole... assumin' y'all have one."

"I think we do, actually." Knight answered the open question. "I heard some enterprising types set up shop a while back so, unless they've been run out or scared off, they should still be in business."

"Hey, I was wondering, if we pick up both Suneater and Trixie's trail, which one do we follow?" Pinkie asked as she pantomimed trying to go in different directions. "We could go after both but splitting the party is a bad idea."

"I rather think that a rampaging dragon takes priority over a rogue magician." Rarity said plainly. "That being said, I have a sneaking suspicion that their paths may not diverge."

"For her sake, I hope they do." Sparkle shook her head as if she silently shared her friend's feeling.

“These poor foals have absolutely no idea what they are in for.” Moon stifled a vicious chuckle.

With a plan in place and the Night-Captains at the ready, Dash and Fluttershy rejoined their friends as the balloon continued on the final length of their journey. Sparkle's timeframe proved impeccably accurate as no sooner had the last rays of the sun vanished did they catch sight of the isolated Hollow Shades. Surrounded by sylvan wilderness, pinpricks of light flickered to life amongst the ruins of a long-shattered mountain. A gloomy cloudbank hung over the area like a pall, something both Luna and Sparkle explained as a local phenomena that the nocturnal thestrals took advantage of.

"A far cry from the rustic charm of Ponyville." Knight said with a smile. "But, hey, it's home."

"Unless you guys are expanding bat-country, I think I see where the dragon crashed." Dash pointed to a conspicuous clearing a fair distance from the settlement. "Oof, you must have hit him good, Princess."

"Few that have challenged me have crawled away unscathed." Luna allowed a prideful smirk at the evident fact that Suneater's victory had not been flawless.

"Here comes the welcoming party!" Pinkie announced happily as she caught sight of a flight of figures flying up to them. "Wait, they don't look to happy to see us..."

"They are a solitary bunch and do not entertain visitors often." The navy Princess said knowingly. "Do not be surprised if your brand of greetings has no effect on them."

"They are also probably on edge with a dragon on the loose." Vengeance added as she signaled her brother to bring them to a hover. "Just let the mistress, Knight and I do the talking."

The diurnal elements of the party complied as the dirigible came to a stop just beyond the overcast colony. As the approaching bat-ponies came within ear shot, it did not go unnoticed by the Equestrians that they bore blades on their cloven hooves and leathery wing tips. The formation parted as most of the thestrals quickly surrounded the aircraft while two continued straight toward them.

"You there!" The flight leader judging by his marginally more ornate armor called out harshly. "You have entered restricted airspace! State your intentions or we will cut you down!"

"Now these are soldiers." Moon thought approvingly. "Not those gilded colt toys Celestia employs."

"Stand down, sergeant!" Knight commanded firmly. "We are here on official business by Royal authority."

"Ah, Night-Captain...s." The guard saluted smartly as he recognized the siblings. "I hardly could tell it was you with that blimp hanging off your backs."

"We brought VIPs from Equestria." Vengeance explained. "The Element Bearers."

"Hi!" Pinkie waved with a smile which the thestral acknowledged with a slight tilt of his head.

"Heard y'all got ah trespasser." Applejack joined in. "Big scaley one that breaths fire."

"I was wondering if Canterlot was going to send anyone to look into that." The second guard said with a relieved sigh. "I was honestly worried would have to deal with Solar Guard for a bit."

"We want this matter resolved quickly and efficiently, corporal." Princess Luna chose that moment to make herself known. "Which is why I have chosen to accompany this expedition."

"Princess Luna!" The officers quickly did an aerial bow as the circling thestrals paused to do the same. "You honor us!"

"Indeed." The Lunar Princess took a brief moment to bask in their adoration. "Now, what can you tell us about the dragon?"

"Not much beyond what you already know." The sergeant signaled his flight to form back up. "Countess Dunwich can tell you more. We'll fly you in."

Under the escort of the thestrals, the Night-Captains steady descended to the benighted township. As they drew closer to the colony, they could see other bat-ponies going about their business with a few stopping to watch the spectacle of airborne visitors. With a gentle bump, the balloon touched down before the eponymous hollow and a commemorative statue depicting Luna locked in battle with a winged horror.

"Neat." Dash let out an impressed whistle. "Who's that freak you're fighting, Princess?"

"An assassin of royalty from the Dark Ages." Luna answered simply. "The climax of our duel broke open the mountain we are current standing in."

"Which, in turn, exposed that cistern to the air and created the perpetual gloom that hangs over this place." Sparkle added keenly. "A perfect site for a thestral colony."

"Beats clearing out cave systems." Vengeance concurred as she and her brother freed themselves from the harnesses while the other thestrals secured the balloon.

"Umm, excuse me." Fluttershy spoke up gently. "That sword it's holding. Is that the same one Trixie stole?"

"The quiet one is observant." Moon noted. "I'll have to watch myself around her."

"The very same." Luna confirmed. "Even in the hooves of an amateur, it is a fiendish weapon."

"Not to mention that this assassin may have gone active again." Sparkle added, her expression resolute. "Finding Trixie is just as important as finding Suneater."

"Then let's not waste any more time." Rarity said as she did one last check of her saddlebags. "What should... we..."

The fashionista trailed off as she noticed their landing had drawn an audience. Unlike the enraptured connoisseurs of fashion shows she was used to, the horde of thestrals were eerily silent with untrusting looks in their predatory eyes. The unicorn slowly backed away from the edge of the basket as if sudden movement would spook them.

"Ooh, Luna's right; I don't think cake and confetti will work here." Even the ever-energetic Pinkie could not ignore the palpable tension hanging in the air. "Tough crowd."

"We are outsiders in a very tight-nit community." Sparkle reminded her friends. "Breaking the ice will take a delicate touch."

"As much fun as it would be to watch them flounder against thestral etiquette, I need to move this along." The unseen Usurper rolled her eyes as she brushed past Sparkle.

“Greetings, my loyal subjects!” The Princess of the Night waved a hoof over the nocturnal bat-ponies who immediately broke into reverent gasps of awe. “I come to your Moon-given home in pursuit of foes most foul!"

This triggered a short-lived round of murmurs and whispers before the Diarch continued.

"These mares are here to assist me in my hunt and thus have my... blessing." Luna grimaced slightly but continued before anyone could raise concern. "They will not interfere, vex, or otherwise disturb your duties. Is that right?"

“No, ma’am.” Applejack tugged on the brim of her hat as she nodded in affirmation.

“Hmm.” The Nocturnal Alicorn nickered as she turned back to her thestrals. “That is all. May the Stars watch over you.”

The little speech was received with clops of applause and a few polite cheers. As the crowd of onlookers dispersed and the threat of being run out of town diminished, the Equestrian's disembarked with their packs loaded and ready to begin their investigation.

“I am so glad you decided to join us, Princess.” The lavender Alicorn said genuinely. “Thanks to your address, the thestrals might be more willing to share what they know; rumors, gossip, stuff like that.”

“If its rumors we’re after, the best place will be that tavern Knight mentioned.” Applejack said as she scanned the rather uniform assortment of buildings. “Shoot, y'all need some signage.”

“I know my eateries and that sure looks like one!” Pinkie excitedly pointed toward a building across the hollow with a conspicuous warm welcoming glow emanating from the windows. “Huh, it looks you were right about what Mac n' Car would do after work.”

The rest followed the party pony's hoof to see an empty wagon with the Sweet Apple Acres logo stamped on the side. It was not a great leap in logic to assume the two farm stallions were inside.

"I guess we'll start there." Dash suggested with a shrug. "Meet up back here after we're finished?"

"Sounds good to me." The lavender Alicorn nodded. "Princess Luna?"

"I have no objections." The hooded Diarch said as she trotted out onto the rocky ground. "I assume the Night-Captains are with me?"

"Of course." Vengeance answered for the both of them. "Lead the way."

With that, each group parted to go about their tasks. The heroines followed along the hollow's edge to the tavern while Luna made a beeline toward the keep carved out of the rockface. Along the way, thestrals would stop and pay due respect to their matron with salutes and bows; a sharp contrast to the marginally more congenial nods the Element Bearer's received for their polite greetings.

"It is good to be back among those who pay proper homage to me." The Usurper thought as she approached the ominous edifice that was Dunwich's lair. "But these mortals alone will not be enough to herald my Eternal Night."

Princess Celestia stood on a balcony overlooking her nation, the last rays of her sun slipping below the western horizon as twilight settled over the land. Before she took up her absent sister's part of their heavenly ritual, the alabaster Alicorn cast a glance toward the city below. Their gilded armor glinting in the failing light, a party of guards led by Captain Sentry made their way through the sparsely populated streets to execute her will. None had objected to the legitimacy or justice of her orders, yet self-doubt continued to irk her.

"Is this not how every despot starts their reign?" The Solar Diarch wondered not for the first time since she issued the warrant for Blueblood's arrest. "Rounding up dissidents today, show trials and public executions tomorrow?"

A few months ago, she would have laughed off the notion as ridiculous. Now, there were several factors that made her second guess the path she was now on. She had consented to the annihilation of the Crystal Empire, more or less put Equestria under martial law at just the possibility of all Tartarus breaking loose and now she had sicced agents after what could well be just a confused dragon and a relatively mundane thief. Again, every action was fair and just in the eyes of both her contemporaries and subjects.

"But that's how it starts." Celestia frowned as she considered intercepting Sentry and calling him off. "Small insignificant steps with a devil on your shoulder justifying each and every one with good intentions... and I've made leaps recently."

The sound of a door opening and closing followed by hoof steps broke the Princess out of her thoughts. She glanced behind her to see the guardsmare Lorica freeze in place like a cookie-stealing foal caught by a parent. The unicorn snapped to attention and saluted with a forced smile on her face.

"Forgive my intrusion, Princess." Lorica sounded like she was biting back frustration. "I know this ritual is important and didn't want to interrupt."

"No harm done, guardsmare." Celestia set her at ease with a wave of her hoof. "Do you have something to report?"

"No, it's just in light of recent events, it seemed like a good idea to assign you a bodyguard." The unicorn explained as she joined the Alicorn on the balcony. "Can't take any chances with villains seemingly coming out of the woodwork."

"I'm touched by the concern but I doubt that will be necessary." The Diarch of the Day said with a gentle smile. "You can't turn a corner without bumping into a palace guard and there is still a cohort of Solarii on the grounds. Also, I am an Alicorn in all that entails."

"Ah, but those Solarii function better as an avenging sword than a guardian shield and the loyalty of the Guard is now uncertain." Lorica countered. "And we both know an Alicorn is not infallible... no offence, of course."

"Why does it sound like she had that answer ready?" Celestia thought as she looked over the admittedly formidable looking mare. "Hmm, she does have a point and has certainly proven eager to serve... not unlike aspirants to the Solarii, now that I think about it."

"I suppose you're right." The eldest Princess nodded her head slightly. "Although historically, royal bodyguards have had their own chapters of duplicity."

"It's just a temporary arrangement until all this trouble is resolved." Her new praetorian assured her. "Speaking of, is the moon rebelling against you, again?"

"Hm? Ah, no." Celestia followed Lorica's hoof to the currently empty sky and ignited her horn to resume the turning of the heavens. "But something else has been troubling me."

"Well, I'm a good listener and can keep a secret." The unicorn hinted none too subtly. "Come on, let me in."

"Since you're offering..." The Solar Alicorn paused for a moment to coax the stubborn moon into motion. "I take it you know of the Blueblood situation."

"Sentry briefed us as he was putting together a team to arrest the traitor." Lorica nodded as her expression hardened. "I don't know what more insulting: the audacity or stupidity of that colt."

"True, in our eyes, he is guilty." Celestia continued seriously. "But what if others see his actions as just; a good stallion rising against tyranny."

"What do you mean?" The charcoal unicorn slowly turned toward the Princess with an expression of pure incredulity.

"I co-signed the annihilation of thousands of lives, put Equestria under martial law over an ultimately minor issue and are now watching soldiers round up civilians under suspicion of treason." The alabaster Alicorn reiterated her earlier train of thought as the moon finally began to peek over the horizon. "Are those the actions of a benevolent ruler?"

"More like a decisive ruler who is stamping out problems before they get out of control!" The bodyguard punctuated her counterpoint with a stamp of her hoof, inadvertently cracking the stone beneath.

"But am I using a hammer when a kind word will do?" Celestia persisted. "I fear I have been bringing it down so often in such a small span of time that it has become my new normal."

"Y-you are an immortal sun equine who can purge the world in fire with but a thought!" Lorica stammered out as she struggled to keep her composure. "The fact you are sending Sentry and some golden colts instead of immolating the entire aristocracy is a testament to your frustrating restraint! This isn't the hammer; this is a scalpel at best."

"So not tyrannical, just ruthless." Celestia thoughts turned toward the solutions offered for a similar quagmire as presented by Luna's spectral friend. "At least their orders are to 'arrest' not 'eliminate'."

"Blunt or blade, how long can I justify wielding either against my own ponies? " The Diarch continued. "What if I have crossed a line? As you said, I am a fallible Princess not a immaculate queen beyond all reproach."

"What's a queen to a goddess?" The guardsmare grumbled under her breath before she cleared her throat roughly. "*cough* Your highness, I know there is virtue in self-reflection but a princess paralyzed by doubt will raise rebellions as surely as any despot. You have the power, magical and otherwise, to shape this world for the better; do not be afraid to use it just because some idiot's definition of the 'greater good' isn't the same as yours."

"Rather insightful for just a guard." The Alicorn of the Sun thought as she turned her attention back to the sky and began to plot out the stars. "Perhaps Blueblood isn't the best arbitrator for where the line is. Who am I kidding? He isn't."

"I was told that I can't please everypony no matter how hard I try." Celestia said thoughtfully as she fulfilled her substitute duties. "Thank you, Lorica. I appreciate your candor."

"Yeah, we get enough self-flagellation from Luna." Lorica huffed as she rubbed a temple with a hoof. "We're doomed if you start."

"She's not that bad... anymore." The elder sister said defensively.

A knock at the door cut off any further conversation. At the Princess's assent, a uniformed page burdened with stacks of parchment entered and knelt. The Diarch looked over the unfamiliar servant but concluded she was a new addition to the rotation of youthful squires.

"Your highness." The young mare kept her eyes on the floor. "The staff would like to know if you will be holding the Night Court?"

"Ah, I had all but forgotten about that." Celestia brightened up at the prospect of hosting Luna's considerably less busy court hours. "Let them know I will be right over... and to have some refreshments prepared."

"Of course, Princess." The page got to her hooves, revealing herself to be another unicorn, and produced a blank note and quill. "Any special requests?"

"Chamomile, hot and sweet." The Alicorn said simply. "Do you want anything, Lorica?"

"If we're pulling an all-nighter, I'd rather have something stronger." The praetorian tapped her chin in thought. "Like sugar drowned in coffee or something."

"I'm sure I can arrange that." The page nodded as she jotted down the orders. "We'll have it ready shortly."

"Thank you, page." Celestia smiled as she dismissed the servant. "Well, back to work."

"After you, Princess." The charcoal unicorn caught the door before it closed after the page left.

Before the alabaster Alicorn returned indoors, she cast one last look out over her now benighted nation. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something caught in the nightly breeze. Feathers, rough and tattered, flittered across the balcony before they were carried off into the open air by the wind. It was difficult to be sure but the Alicorn could have sworn some of them appeared to be scorched or blackened.

"Was I stressing out so much, I began molting?" The Princess of the Sun flared a wing to inspect it but could find nothing amiss. "Hmm, perhaps I should take a coffee with Lorica instead."

A small but fully kitted out group of Solar Guards moved with purpose down the mostly deserted streets of Canterlot. The previously evacuated populace had only just begun to trickle back in and of those, most had already turned in for the night. Unfortunately, among them was their target who had purportedly 'cut in line' and thus denied the peacekeepers the chance to detain him at the gates. The quick and easy path now closed to them, Captain Sentry had instructed his troops to move to the traitorous noble's Canterlot residence. Once there, he hoped for a simple knock and cuff but they were prepared for anything.

"Anti-magic horn rings and wing bands, a crack team of eager volunteers and the warrant, of course." The orange pegasus thought as he waved for a curious bystander to get inside. "Plus some welcomed assistance from the dark side."

The pale moon appeared over the walls of the city, illuminating the streets in an eerie light. Above the ground-pounding equines, a pair of thestrals glided silently through the air invigorated by their mistress's celestial glow. A late addition to his team, Sentry had requested their support once it was apparent that it would be well past sundown before they moved out. Some of his squad had objected, sighting the Night Guard's shady reputation for extrajudicial 'activities' and general lack of tact when it came to dealing with civilians. Chalking their trepidations up to a mix of interservice rivalry and fearful ignorance, the new Captain had assured them that the thestrals were purely a support role and this was very much a Solar Guard operation.

"Besides, I doubt Blueblood and his goons have wormed their way into the Night Guard's good graces. Sentry mused as they approached their destination. "Okay, game time."

The mansion that served as one of Blueblood's places of residence stood apart from its stately neighbors. Despite the fact that living space was a premium in the mountainside city, the prince had secured a sizable chuck of real estate and fenced the whole thing in with wrought iron and privacy hedges. Within the grounds, carriages and wagons were parked before the entrance to the abode proper, likely the notorious noble's entourage.

"Alright, I want an interdictor spell over this place; don't want anypony teleporting out." The Captain signaled each element of his team in turn. "Pegasi, secure the perimeter and watch for runners. Bat-boys, you're on overwatch; I wouldn't put it past Blueblood to have an escape tunnel to some storefront."

"We will be vigilant." The thestrals saluted as they gained altitude and began circling the area like vultures.

"The rest of you are with me." Sentry said as a quartet of burly earth ponies fell in formation behind him. "Move out!"

Through carelessness or efficiency, the front gate was unbarred and unguarded allowing the Solar Guards easy access to the grounds. As they galloped across the meticulously maintained yard, the orange pegasus kept alert for any signs of trouble. Lights were on in the mansion and a shadow would occasionally pass a window but beyond that, it was far too quiet.

"You would think Blueblood would have some hired muscle to watch his home." He thought as he noticed his fellow pegasi check the upper floors. "Then again, he might be short staffed after Lulamoon."

Up a short flight of stairs and the guards were before the doors of the mansion. Stacking up at the entrance, Sentry wrapped an authoritative hoof loudly against the solid oak. After a few moments with no sign of a response, the Captain tried again with one of the earth ponies taking up position to break it down if needed.

"Solar Guard!" Sentry called out. "Open up!"

The heavy guard pawed the ground once and lowered his head just as the doorknob began to turn. The doors cracked open just enough for a quintessential butler to trot through. The young pegasus did not think it was possible but somehow the doorstallion radiated more arrogance than his employer.

"Master Blueblood entertaining guests at the moment, guardstallion." The finely dressed unicorn stared down his upturned nose at the guards. "Come again at a more reasonable hour."

"We have a warrant for your boss's arrest." Sentry produced said warrant and presented it to the butler who cringed away from it as if it had soaked in a sewer. "Now are you going to take us to him or do I have to hit you with obstruction?"

"That's me, by the way." A guardsmare added as she ground one armored hoof against the floor.

"Well, I never!" The suited stallion made as if to slam the door in their face but hesitated as he read over the warrant. "This is... oh, bother."

"Yes, a whole lot of 'bother'." The Captain nodded as he got a hoof in the door. "Which I doubt he pays you enough to deal with."

"Spare me your snide insinuations." The butler nickered indignantly but stood aside regardless. "I will show you to him but I must warn you; any harm to his being or property will be reported."

"Yeah, yeah." Other guardstallion pushed past the stuffy stallion and entered the mansion. "Just let us in, Mozo."

"And wipe your hooves!" The servant shouted as his demeanor slipped. "We just had the floors waxed!"

Hoping that an obstinate butler would be the biggest obstacle they would face, Sentry trotted down the freshly clean halls of Blueblood's estate. The orange pegasus kept an eye out for any signs of a secret passage or panic room their target could take advantage of but noted only the noble's preferences for self-portraits. Ahead of them, a warm glow seeped out from an ajar door along with the heady scent of strong drink and smoke. The Captain slowed his pace slightly as his ears picked up the conversation within. It may have just been idle chatter but he was not going to pass up the chance to collect more evidence.

"...to claim 'minor damage'!" A slightly slurred voice complained loudly. "There is a piece of the palace in my lounge! It could have killed me!"

"Oh, just carve it into a statue and add some glass to the hole for a skylight." A refined feminine voice said dismissively. "You weren't even home at the time."

"At least the bit that hit your home wasn't on fire. The servant quarters is still smoldering." Yet another voice paused to take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Phew, I can feel my bank account circling the drain."

"I say, speaking of money, whatever happen to that Mareterranean chap you would have join us?" A posh accent asked. "You said you were making headway."

"I haven't seen him since the Gala." Blueblood responded as he swirled the ice in his glass. "Like us, he probably fled Canterlot but didn't stop at Ponyville."

"Smart colt." The noblemare let out a disgusted shiver. "I can never comprehend how those peons can stand to live in such squalor."

"Bleh, let's hope he comes back around." The tipsy first speaker belched. "We are really going to need his money once we hit phase two."

"Ironic, considering he was the one to blow the whistle on this." Sentry decided he had heard enough and once again stacked up on the door, ignoring the displeased look from the butler. "Okay, ready the chief weapon of surprise..."

After silently mouthing a countdown, the team burst into the room. Inside was a small party of Canterlot's elite who nearly jumped out of their seats. A shouting match erupted between the Solar Guards and nobles as the former ordered them to stay put while the latter demanded explanations. The butler offered profuse apologies that were lost in the confusion as the Captain made a beeline for an oddly composed Blueblood.

"Captain Sentry." The blonde prince greeted as he refilled his drink. "How unexpected."

"On your hooves, Blueblood." The pegasus gestured for him to rise. "We have a warrant for your arrest."

"Do you now?" The noble arched an eyebrow but remained seated. "On what charges?"

"Treason, conspiracy to commit murder, bribery." Sentry listed off some highlights as he produced the warrant again and presented it. "Plus a few more that honestly pale in comparison."

"Master Blueblood, I have seen the charges and frankly-!" The butler attempted to argue but was silence by an upheld hoof.

"Thank you, Mozo, but I'll read it myself." The accused frowned as he looked over the damning list. "Captain, you do realize that dear old Auntie is just looking for a scapegoat for her latest failure."

"That's for the judge and lawyers to hash out." The Captain ignored the excuse as he waved forward two of the guards. "Now unless you want to add 'resisting arrest' to that list, stand up and keep your hooves together."

"Outrageous!" The drunken noble pointed an accusatory hoof in the guard's general direction. "Is this *hick* what Equestria has fallen to? Thugs with badges making *bleh* night raids on innocent equines?"

"I'd say the law has nothing to do with it!" The snobbish mare declared. "This is nothing more than uppity peasant settling a hateful grudge against their betters."

"Stars above, I hope Blueblood takes these jerks down with him." The Solar Captain tensed slightly but kept his composure.

"Ugh, while my dislike for everypony in this room is, uh, brobdingnagian, this is strictly professional." Sentry dipped into the expanded vocabulary he picked up from Sparkle. "The rest of you are free to do as you please but Blueblood is coming with us."

"I see Celestia has you on a tight leash." Blueblood sighed as he finally slid out of his chair. "Or should I say Sparkle? Given what happened to your predecessor, you must have wondered if your tender feelings for her are genuine."

"That poor sod Armor deserved better." The posh pony shook his head sadly.

"What are they talking about?" The blue-maned pegasus began to think of certain rumors before he thought better of it. "They're stalling! We need to wrap this up!"

"That's enough out of you." Sentry nickered bluntly. "Book him!"

*Clank-clank*

The authoritative metallic click of shackles and chains punctuated the end of any further debate. In the silence that followed, an unpleasant smile crossed Blueblood's features as the Captain looked at himself in confusion. Heavy manacles now adored his fetlocks and a thick band pinned his wings to his sides. Sentry looked to the guards flanking him as his confusion morphed into disbelief.

"No..." He barely whispered as his mind processed their evident betrayal.

"No hard feelings, Flash." One of the turncoats said genuinely. "But it's for the greater good."

"I was there in the throne room when the Alicorn's folly was revealed." Another chimed in as he tightened the chains so that their captive could do little more than trot. "Celestia had Cadenza turn poor old Armor into a puppet. Who's to say Sparkle hasn't done the same to you? She is her star pupil after all."

"Last night on the balcony..." The pegasus recalled his tryst with the Princess. "She was teasing me with icing but could she..."

"No!" Sentry shouted in outrage as he struggled against his bonds. "She would never!"

"I don't know, she did shuffle around her friends' cutie marks on a whim." One of the remaining two guards pointed out as she helped herself to a drink. "And let's not forget the 'want-it-need-it' incident."

Before the captive Captain could ready a retort, a muffled crash followed by several thuds sounded above them. For a brief moment, Sentry thought that perhaps his fellow airborne guards had stormed the manor. His hopes flagged and folded when the sounds of the struggle ceased and heavy hoofsteps approached the longue. A few moments later, the pegasi entered, battered and bloodied with the two thestrals bound, gagged and out cold over their backs.

"You brought negasi with you?" The noblemare recoiled from the sight of the nocturnal equines. "And you accuse us of being traitors."

"They put up a hell of a fight even after we got the drop on them." One of the pegasi winced as he grabbed a few ice cubes for the drinks and pressed them against his head. "I told you we should have left them behind, Flash."

"Et tu, frater?" Sentry deflated as he began to grasp just how extensive the corruption of the guard went. "Let me guess; the unicorns too?"

"Pretty much." The other traitor said as she and her wingmate deposited their incapacitated loads onto the floor. "They really didn't appreciate Luna obliterating Armor. Of course, openings on Blueblood's payroll didn't help matters."

"The point is that the Alicorns have to go." The now marginally more sober noble stated with a firm hoof stamp. "As their control slips, they grow more tyrannical to keep it. We saw it happen with Sombra and now it's happening here."

"I know I'm not exactly popular at the moment but you are a fool if you think they will stop at me." Blueblood added as he shredded his warrant in a flash of magic. "And look, I like you Sentry. Really, it's not your fault you bought into the propaganda of the Princesses being paragons of justice. You just need some context and perspective."

"And a lot of lube to dislodge him from Sparkle's thick ass." One of the traitor earth ponies muttered aside.

"Arse." Her coconspirator corrected.

"I have enough mages and wizards in my pocket to cut any strings the Princesses are holding you down with." The blonde noble ignored the two as he placed a hoof on the despondent Captain's shoulder. "Once you are liberated, you can return the favor for all of Equestria. You will be known as a hero who cast down false idols and returned the reins of power to the ponies who deserve it. So, what do you think?"

Sentry raised his head and looked Blueblood directly in the eyes. While the orange pegasus now doubted his ability to gauge the standing of others, there was no doubt in his mind that he was being fed a lie. Behind the smile and offer of comradery, he could tell the noble was entirely self-serving; it would not surprise him if his coconspirators were merely pawns to be sacrificed as the need arose. As for his team, he suspected that they were not truly indicative of the integrity of the Solar and Royal Guards. After all, why would Blueblood offer him, a freshly promoted Captain, a place at his side if he already had the bulk of the army in his pocket?

"I swore an oath to protect Equestria." The young stallion sighed deeply as he reached a conclusion. "If that makes me a tool of the Princesses, I'd rather be wielded by them than these traitors."

"Prince Blueblood." Sentry said in an calm, even tone. "I'm going to break your fucking face."

With that, the pegasus drove his helmed head into the prince's muzzle with a meaty crunch. Blueblood fell backward with a scream of pain, hooves clamped over his face as his white outfit was stained red. The bound thestrals took that as a signal to attempt to escape as they used what mobility they had make a break for an exit. The turncoats were on the loyalists in an instant, the pegasi pinning their nocturnal kin while the earth ponies piled on Sentry. Fueled by righteous fury and desperation, the orange stallion threw his entire bulk against his attackers, sending all five of them into the hapless posh noble and upturning his chair. Untangling himself from the pile of ponies, Sentry half hopped half trotted toward the still open door. He just crossed the threshold when across the hall came his cohort of unicorns with horns aglow. For a fleeting moment, the Captain dared hope he was back in good company. The barrage of magic they sent his way proved him wrong.

"Sorry, Twilight." Was Sentry's last conscious thought as he was blasted back into the lounge in a burst of light.

"About damn time!" The tipsy noble berated the unicorn guards as they filed in. "Where were you? These freaks were trying to kill us!"

"We had to turn some looky-loos away." A guardsmare explained as she kept her horn trained on their motionless ex-captain. "When the fly-boys didn't come back right away, we feared the worst. What happened to him?"

"Your beastly officer assaulted him unprovoked!" The butler explained as he attempted to stim his master's bleeding with a handkerchief. "Somepony send for some gauze and ice. I think it's broken."

"Nauh Sheet!" Blueblood wheezed as he glared at Sentry past a fresh pair of black eyes. "Ded yu kel em?"

"Just a stun spell, sir; did not want to risk friendly fire." The traitor unicorn shook her head. "He'll have a nasty headache when he wakes up."

"Then make sure the blighter never does!" The blustery noble declared as the guards helped him to his hooves. "Finish the job."

"Just a moment." The noblemare held up a hoof and stayed the unicorn. "He may yet be of use to us."

"How- Rragh!" Blueblood gasped painfully as the butler straightened his muzzle with his magic. "Fucking-! Warn me next time!"

"Princess Sparkle favors this one." The noble continued as she prodded the unconscious pegasus. "He may make a useful hostage."

"He might also come around." A traitor guard added. "Like you said, the Alicorns might have enchanted him."

"Hmm, fine." The prince begrudgingly agreed to the idea as his servant pressed an ice pack against his swollen face. "Lock all three of them in the basement. We can always make them 'disappear' later."

"You got it." The unicorn guard nodded as she signaled her fellows to take the captives away. "You four stand watch."

"Ma'am!" The earth ponies saluted their new de facto officer as they followed after the unicorns.

"Well, now that the excitement is over..." The lush frowned as he refreshed his drink. "...now what? If word gets to any of the Princesses that the Captain of the Solar Guard is stuck in your kink dungeon, we might was well throw ourselves off the mountain."

"Now we- leave it, Mozo, I'm fine -we execute phase one." Blueblood pushed the attentive butler away as he got back to all fours. "Once the rest of us arrive, we go to the palace."

"Wha-? Tonight?" The drinker nearly spilt his beverage in shock. "Really? How hard did Sentry hit you?"

"Tonight is the perfect opportunity." The prince explained as he stripped off his ruined jacket. "Luna, Sparkle, the Elements and the Night-Captains are nowhere near here. Celestia is at her weakest and thanks to the evacuation and recall, all of our troops are in position. Uh, they are here, right?"

"I had to scramble a bit and grease some hooves but as of right now, yes." The unicorn mare nodded. "Most guards are tied up with the citizens moving back but the ones in the palace are ours. Those who aren't, I assigned to basement duty; they won't interfere."

"Then it is just a matter of making Celestia see reason." The noblemare commented dryly. "That is going to be a hard sell."

"I know my dear old Auntie." Blueblood said slyly as he dabbed away traces of blood in a mirror. "Trust me when I say that she would rather live out eternity as a withered nag than have any harm befall her precious little ponies."