Friendship by Fire

Strolling down the road, grazing her hoof against it, she remained deep in silent thought. She had been pondering over the events of the past two days and nights, as they made their way to the station. The same morning they shared that warm hug with their newest friends, they now headed out to say their goodbyes until next time, with Fizzlepop choosing to rest some more after last night. There was little the mare could take in from her surroundings, while she retreated deeply into her own thoughts and feelings. Thankfully, not so much in somber.

“I’m glad you’re coming with us to visit,” she heard Cadence say to Mistress Velvet and Mister Nightlight.

“Well,” chuckled the grey mare, “why wouldn’t we? With our house just getting repairs done, and not with those bribery bits, this is the best excuse for us to come see our precious, little Shiny, and little Flurry.”

“It’s also a nice way to unwind from the whole attack,” said her blue husband, “But yeah, we need to get as much time as possible to check up on all our family. We’ll be heading down to visit Twilie, next week.”

“I’m just happy to know you’ll be fine, now that everything can settle down,” their daughter spoke up from beside the three.

“And we’ll also get to thank the stallion who helped make that happen,” Velvet cheered, as she wrapped her hooves around the Crystal Pony in tow, but with gentle affection. “First our grandfilly, then our two, special girls, then me and another pony. I hope Shining picks up the slack and saves you, in return.”

“Believe me,” Matt spoke in kind, “With how much he and Cadence helped in providing me for a good start, I considered myself indebted to them. Deeply, in fact.”

“Not anymore,” she chimed further in her motherly embrace, “After hearing the news that our little ones agreed to give you a second home, we’ll just have to spend time getting to know you as well as they did.”

“I’d strongly advise that you take your time." His wary tone matched everypony’s shared glances. “I know Twilight, Cadence and the others found it taxing, after a single day and night.”

“Um,” the Pegasus muttered, “excuse me?”

“Agreed,” the lavender Alicorn sharply spoke, “Start by pacing yourselves with Spike. He could use the company.”

“Well,” shrugged the Dragon, trying to show a brave face, “I guess that’d be okay.”

“Besides,” Twilight continued, “we wouldn’t want Matt having to repeat himself so much.”

“Um, pardon me…”

“They raise a fair point,” Nightlight replied, “We should help Spike out with that, and take it one step at a time.”

“I suppose,” his wife conceded, “But we’ve got a whole week there, and some time in Ponyville. So that’d be perfect, for us.”

“If I could have a quick minute…”

“I sent a message to fill Shining in also,” nodded Cadence, “But Starlight and I can get you started, when we arrive.”

“And I can stick around for the details this time,” offered the blind stallion, as he gestured Starlight to release his wheelchair and go ahead.

“Maybe for some,” the rose Alicorn remarked, “But I had Shining set up a meeting with Cinch tomorrow, after the healing process.”

“Very well,” he nodded. “Listen, you all wait at the station and I’ll rejoin you. There’s one, last order of business to take care of.”

“Sure,” said Cadence, “Take your time.”

She was grateful for his awareness of her attempts. So while she watched her friends join Twilight and Spike’s folks, the yellow Pegasus stood still beside the chair-bound pony. But she stared at the pavement more so, and Fluttershy was still not sure what to say.

His Castle

“Well, um,” she started, “I hope you have a nice, safe trip.”

“Thank you,” he said, turning his head towards her. “I hope you do well going back, also.”

“Thanks, and,” reassured, she continued, “I just want you to know that...after everything we’ve seen and were told, I’ve been wondering how to handle it. At first, I just thought about how it would’ve been better to stay in Canterlot to help you and Cadence, because I thought how I wasn’t much help for Twilight.”

“You needed to stay with the other Elements,” he said, “And never underestimate how helpful you are just by being with them.”

“I know that now. But I also realized, after hearing what you told Spike...I’m now positive that I can trust you fully. Because you’re right to admit that how you acted with friends and enemies affected both parts of your life. And that you’re willing to trust us coming in to help with that. I know your Dad, Foggy, Karen and the rest would be very proud of you. Because I am, too. We all are.”

“Again, thanks,” he smiled in comfort, “Just hope I won’t let you all down again, and so soon.”

“I know admitting that is the first step in helping to avoid it. I’d say you’re off to a good start.” Then leaning in for a final hug, she stated lastly, “And I think you’re a really good guy, too.”

“My fellow ponies,” announced Cadence, standing between Matt and the Crystal Heart. “It is with a sincere, and joyful heart to present to you our newest hero in the Empire. Crystal Pony Daredevil offered his gifts and talents, time and energy, life and limb, for the safety of Equestria, as well as your Princess. Having sustained severe injuries as a result, my husband and I ask that you please send forth your love, so that the Crystal Heart may heal our brother pony from his wounds.”

Upon that announcement, he felt it. A torrent of pure energy not sensed, but caressed the core of his being. The wave was directed towards the beating gemstone by the gathered populace. Instantaneously, the crevices and cracks under the bandages and on his temple were filled. Renewed with an even more solid substance than what was there before. He could sense his physical form even more refined, as it did after Dash’s hearing, imagining himself as transparent as the precious stones beneath and all around.

The communion of such ordinary, yet wondrous ponies of solid rock uniting as one, pulsating, living heart, brought something even he never thought possible to travel through anyone. A miracle, beyond his belief. It was not only his transformed figure that was affected, but he felt his spirit soar with rekindled vigor, as well as a deep sense of peace in his heart and mind. But most importantly, he could pick up that same, genuine joy that sparked from cheering ponies around him, most especially those looking at him. He could think of only giving thanks. Turning his spectacled eyes toward his new friends, he smiled gently.

The response he received was their approach to him, the Unicorn stallion rushing to offer brotherly affection first.

“You did good, Matt,” Shining said into his ear, proud moisture sensed near the eyes. “I owe you, big time.”

“You owe me nothing,” he whispered back, “This moment, alone, is beyond any measure, or form of wealth.”

“That, I can believe.” They shared a laugh at that.

“Counselor Daredevil,” her voice resonated against the walls of the council chamber, “allow me to express my sincere pleasure in seeing you well again.”

“Thank you, Miss Cinch,” he nodded, as he walked to the seat across from her, “I trust you’re still in good health.”

“Indeed, thanks. And Miss Glimmer, welcome back to you also.”

“Thanks,” she answered warmly, as the mare took the chair next to him. “Good to be back. Glad to know you’re doing well, too.”

“Thank you, as I’m pleased to know all is well for you since our last meeting.”

“Councilpony Cinch, I’d like to get to the point.” Firmly, though friendly, Shining Armor spoke from beside the two, “Since you’re responsible for the internal affairs of the Empire, we need to officially tell you about Daredevil’s…extracurricular activities.”

“Given the recent news received from Canterlot, I’d say that’s appropriate Your Highness.” With that, Shining Armor gave Abacus Cinch a brief, and thorough summary of Daredevil's abilities and martial training, with Matt giving a few details to elaborate or demonstrate.

“Princess Cadence and I have established a way to help him in using his other talents, when the time comes. With Starlight Glimmer’s help, and a guardspony tasked with surveillance, we personally hope to ensure any avoidable violence doesn’t happen in the Crystal Empire, like with Midnight Rider.”

“Those measures are well and good, Your Highness, and I approve of such. But there’s another condition I feel must be added. Not only will I be informed of the counselor’s actions alongside you both, but I must also share the authority to enforce the Codex, should I deem it necessary to do so. Even though the investigation for the Amulet and Horizon Rider remains independent, as stated in my last meeting with him and Miss Glimmer, I must still view any of his activities outside his firm to be potential infractions.

And Counselor, please don't take this the wrong way, but I must hold on to my reservations on this matter. I'm well aware of your lack of enrollment to the Manehatten Academy, and were an unknown until recently, while also proficient in your practice. There's much left to be explained about you, despite the Royals' and the Elements' openness to trust you. Should there be a moment when domestic stability is in any way threatened, with you somehow involved, I could no longer, in good conscience, simply look past the law.”

"Understood, Miss Cinch," he nodded, "I'd expect nothing less from a responsible, and respectable pony, such as yourself."

“And we understand, and respect your additional request, Cinch," added Shining, "I’ll share it with Princess Cadence to discuss, before our meeting with the Council tomorrow.”

“Very well. Now, if there’s nothing further to discuss, I ask that I may take my leave, Prince Armor.”

“Of course. Conference adjourned.”

“So, I just have one more question for now.”

“Feel free, Missus Velvet,” replied Matt, as all seven made their way to his apartment building.

“Oh, just Velvet’s okay. Again. But I’m really curious. Is the staff only just for the whole, blind-pony appearance? Or there’s more to it?”

“Well actually, I’ve installed a mini-tape recorder and microphone under the titanium surface. It's virtually impenetrable, and shock absorbent. As for appearances, I’d like to think it’s my way of showing how even my enhanced senses have their limits. Also helps to send vibrations in the direct area, for optimal clarity.”

“Ooh, I know our Twilight would love to know more about that,” she said in awe. Finding the key to unlock the establishment, he simply inserted it to the lock and turned. He detected the three envelopes before him as he opened the door. Picking them up, he stood aside to let in Starlight, Shining, Cadence and Flurry, and the Unicorn grandparents.

“Here, I’ll take those.” Passing them to Starlight’s receiving aura, Matt decided to move towards his desk and place his belongings into the drawer.

“But I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring too much attention towards my origins. Don’t want to be in the spotlight for scrupulous study.”

“Don’t worry, Matt,” smiled Cadence with assurance, “We’ll keep everything else from leaving our inner circle. And I’m sure Twilight and the others would agree.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s our pleasure, pal,” said Shining in kind. “But Cadence and I agree that the whole, armored-blind-ninja thing should only be for an extremely terrible crisis, like the Storm King.”

“In that case,” he stated, tilting his head with twitched ear towards the window, “better get someone two blocks east from here. Potential mugger waiting for a pony nearby.”

“I’ll alert the Guards.” With constant flashes of energy, Shining’s horn sent a coded beacon through the crystal walls, for an armored pony to easily spot.

“Hopefully a response will be made before anything bad happens,” said Starlight, as she opened the first letter. “First moon’s rent and utilities. This is the first moon. Oh, some sort of receipt.”

“With something like that in Canterlot,” said Nightlight, “Crime rates would be nonexistent.”

“No place is perfect,” commented the Crystal stallion. “Yes crimes are far less frequent compared to my city, but I still had to stop four muggings and a robbery the week preparing for Dash’s trial. Not including Fluttershy's attack.”

“Cinch was wondering about the lack of reports made that week,” said Cadence, “But I believe simple observe-and-report would be best for now, since she insists further involvement in the matter.”

“Then that’s another good reason why I’m here,” said the studious mare, reading the second letter. “Here's the Manehatten Academy's courses for you. We can work on getting the materials for them today."

"You're studying by mail from Manehatten," asked Nightlight.

"As far as ponies know," Matt answered, "Cinch aside, I'm just a Crystal Pony who went to Manehatten to get his degree, before starting back here. Need to make sure that's legitimate. Granted, it seems odd for one of their own to study law abroad, but I'll just explain it as my way of learning how much the world outside the Empire's changed."

"Makes sense," nodded Velvet, as she received Flurry into her eager magic, "But you still have to know more about the laws here, right?"

"Out of necessity, yes."

"Great reason, number three," perked Starlight again.

"But you're sure about this," said Shining, "Keeping your cover with a lie like that?"

"For now, until further notice, I think so."

"Just know that even though we respect your wish to avoid speculation and unwanted attention," Cadence spoke, "we strongly feel you should find a way of opening yourself up about this to others. At the right time, of course."

"But no matter what," added Shining, "we'll support you as best as we can."

"Thanks. Like with you and my secrets, I'll do my best."

"Okay," Starlight spoke on, reading the third letter, "This one just came in today. A mare by the name of Sapphire Aurora, seeking legal advice about a landlord’s poorly installed and maintained plumbing in her and her sister's building.”

“I know that name,” said Cadence, “She manages the Northern Lights Foster Home with her sister, Ruby Borealis. They opened the place just after the Empire’s return, for the foals who lost their parents during Sombra’s takeover.”

"What else does it say," asked Matt.

Reading further, the bright purple mare stated, "That the pipes were easily corroded, and then the whole building flooded, forcing them all to take other lodgings during repairs. The landlord had new pipes installed, but those were quickly contaminated, making many of them very sick. The landlord didn't charge them for rent in that time, but no compensation was made for their damaged goods, or medical needs. Their policy for the coverages hasn't been instated yet."

The smell of new, fresh finish emanated from the wooden floors to indicate where the repairs had been made. But brushing his hoof against the walls, he could easily pick up the small scratches, nail holes and indents where furniture and other personal belongings once stood. Beds, dressers, tables, toy chests, bookshelves, cupboards. They were trying to make do with whatever else they could salvage here. They even accepted a few donations from fellow neighbors.

“We’ve been waiting on that insurance policy to kick in,” came Miss Aurora’s voice, “But like most new things being placed in the Empire after a millennium, we’re all still getting used to them. Takes time to establish old habits with new ideas. You can probably relate, since you studied in Manehatten.”

“Yes, I can sympathize," he nodded, as they strolled down the hallway of numerous doors.

“So the main problem becomes what to do when we still don’t have the means to rebuild,” the Crystal mare spoke on, guiding him, “I mean, Ruby and I don’t want to shift blame and point hooves at others for our problems. But…we feel like this is different.”

“It can feel that way, when we’re on the receiving end,” said Matt, “But there’s also a time to acknowledge responsibility for damage done, especially when that’s made on others less fortunate than ourselves.”

“Exactly. This isn’t about me and my sister, but making sure we give these little ponies a place to wait for a new family. We’re in no condition to make that happen, ourselves. And donations only get us so far. The whole Empire’s struggling to recover still. The Equestria Games boosted the economy somewhat, but our communities are still trying to help each other back up. And we can’t have Royal grants as a crutch forever, you know. Even they are also hard to attain, and with the Princess’ seal of approval.”

“Have you spoken with other ponies under Mister Brimstone’s lease?”

“No, but I’ve heard of another who used the same products for her own estate.”

Upon opening the furthest door at the end, she allowed the stallion to enter. He could hear them from his apartment, and more so when he knocked on the door. The familiar sounds and smells returned to his ears and snout, as the prancing clippity-clips of tiny hooves resonated into his staff. Some were chasing each other with balls and toys, others were drawing and painting, and a few were with Cadence and Starlight having books before them.

“I know that look,” Aurora said, shaking him from his stern demeanor, “You’ve been in here, before. This environment, I mean.”

“Tinted glasses aren’t much help with emotions, are they,” he smirked back. His voice seemed to catch most foals’ attention, as they stopped to look at the newcomer by the playroom door.

Hearing that one approached him, he tilted his head downward. “Hi, there. I’m Daredevil. What’s your name?”

“Gem Brook,” the filly lowly replied.

“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Gem Brook.” He then lowered his staff to lay gently in front of her. "You sound like a very nice, young mare."

“Thanks. You really can’t see?” Her lisp came out where baby teeth once were.

“My eyes don’t work, no. But I can hear your voice, and your steps. I can also smell you were playing with a bunch of flowers outside.” Bopping where he found her snout, she giggled in response. "I can also feel that."

“I was in the garden with Miss Ruby! Miss Ruby’s still a little tired, so Miss Saphie said we can help her with the flowers.”

“That’s very nice of you to help, Gem. I know Miss Ruby and Saphie are happy to have you help them.”

“Are you here to help them, too?”

“Yeah, I’m here to help as best I can.”

“Then that means they’ll be even more happier!” Sensing the lifted smiles from the three mares in the room, he made one of his own.

“I hope so.”

Whack-Smack! Boom-bop-POW!

“How long’s he been in there,” Cadence’s voice echoed across the hall.

“Just an hour, now,” repied Shining’s, “Told him I could get him in the training room to help let off steam.” Pom! Pom!“Guess he took that to heart. Think it has to do with the orphanage he visited? Bringing back old memories?” Boom-Boom!

“Maybe even getting over the attack also. Three days, and that night might be affecting him still. I’d like to ask him, but…. He wasn’t this way when Sunburst mentioned his upbringing, though. Remember?” Bang! Pop!

”No, but that doesn’t mean actually going back to a place like that helps either.” Smack-Poom! “You probably don’t need to ask, either. Probably telling us that, right now.”

“I realize that, but just letting us know this way can’t be healthy for anypony. Or human.” Boom! Boom! Pom-Pop! POW! Pssssssssh… “Or the equipment.”

Heaving sharp breaths from the outburst, he heard the sand hiss out of the bag, and felt it touch the crystal floor.

“I’ll get somepony to replace that in the morning,” answered Shining Armor.

“And I believe we're still getting over the attack, ourselves,” Cadence spoke on.

“You’re telling me.” Matt could only huff at his oblivious response. “And here I was, with Flurry, keeping everything together here, while also being worried about what might’ve happened to yo-” The soft, but tender contact silenced Shining’s rant. It was shortly followed by a deep, warm embrace and nuzzle, alleviating that stress both recently held. As they departed while leaning on each other, and her wing draping over him, Matt could only smile at their blessings. But at the same time, he picked up on his own dread and sorrow returning. And for one, in particular.

"Thought I'd find you here," he recalled her saying, her ring-hand touching his bruised knuckles. "You know, when you first showed me this place, I thought it's where Foggy got his nickname. But you said that's from your days as his roommate. Living foghorn."

"He'd never been to Fogwell's Gym before he knew me," he said, "Even then, Foggy seldom did."

"Must be nice to find someplace to reconnect with your Dad, though."

At the subject change, he sighed. "You were right to be worried. That I might've been obsessed over Karen, still. Sorry for not giving you enough, and holding back."

"But I know better, now." She then held his hand tightly. "And I'm sorry I doubted you. I shouldn't have. No reason to be. You made it very clear you were willing to take another chance at being vulnerable like that again. That takes a lot of time, patience and guts for anyone. And you chose to do that with me. The actual blind one, here."

"I'd say you've had it rougher that I did. So I have no reason to be afraid of that, either."

"I doubt getting toxic waste dumped in your eyes was having it easy. That's just the tip of your baggage iceberg."

"Least I got something to compensate for that."

"Well, another few months," she beamed while touching his forehead with hers, "I know we'll both have something way more than any compensation."

"Thank you. For everything." But then he departed from his memory, as a Unicorn mare retreated down the hallway. Failing to recognize the unique energy from Starlight or Shining's Mom, he listened intently to the departing hooves that clippity-clopped away, and out into the streets. But since no signs of a threat were detected, he decided it best to inform the others tomorrow, as he moved on to another part of the gym. With the punching bag behind him obsolete, Matthew went to the nearest bar for pull-ups.

According to Cadence and Shining, there was no need to worry about an intruder last night. They said how they were aware of another Unicorn's presence, but that was a separate matter that they felt was outside their bounds of revelation. Much like himself. Making him even more curious, Matt remained vigilant whenever he was outside his apartment and office, and asked Starlight to keep a sharp eye as well. When she expressed the same level of wonderment, he answered truthfully that he also did not know. So, they decided to move on with their case as calmly, though tensely, as possible.

After today’s meeting shared with Brimstone and his attorney, no conditions were accepted by either side. Not even aid in getting the insurance instated more quickly. So, the civil dispute had to be settled in court five days from now. Their first destination was the fellow pony mentioned by Miss Aurora, who happened to be an acquaintance of theirs already.

“And you’re sure it was the same two companies as Mister Brimstone,” he asked her.

“Yes, Counselor,” nodded Madame Nephrita, as Jadis approached with a written parchment, “I’m well acquainted with Master Brimstone, and had been informed he experienced recent troubles of the same nature with his loaned establishments. I wrote to him with my friendly advice in remedying that, and made a copy of the letter to keep records.”

As Starlight received the paper from the butler, she said, “It’s dated three moons ago.”

“The water pressure from snowmelt in the Frozen North is far, too great,” the Crystal mistress explained to her, “These Equestrian pipelines sent to upgrade our infrastructure are not as durable. And the mineral deposits in the water quickly corrode the filters, rendering them hazardous. The minerals we ponies have drunk for ages, but it’s the rust of the delicate pipes that contaminated the water.”

“Did you give the names of those companies,” he asked.

“Gentle Flow’s & Bros.,” read Starlight aloud, “and Crystal-Equestria Sinks, Inc.”

“I sent a similar letter to the Crystal Royals,” Nephrita continued, “which prompted an inspection, and was recently proclaimed.”

It was then Matt fought to tilt his head the same as his flicked ears. “Thank you for your time, Madame. May we keep this copy for further study?”

“Of course, and it’s no trouble at all. Though I do hope you both return under friendlier circumstances, next time.”

“We hope so too,” nodded Starlight, “Thanks, again.”

"Always a pleasure."

As they made their way to the main doors, he turned to whisper, “Teleport like you’re looking for the nearest facilities. Next floor, second door on the right. Confrontation that’s getting out of control.”

“I’ll just make sure somepony hears it too.”

"Maid, three doors down." Poof.

“Okay,” said the light purple mare, “just got back from Red Quartz. He said Brimstone had the pipes installed last moon. Neither companies were the seller.”

“That makes it four leased properties after Northern Lights’ installation, either by replacement or newly placed pipes.”

“And those coincide with the proclaimed Royal Inspection,” nodded Starlight, “And that’s all the properties that Brimstone possesses. Would that be enough?”

“I believe we’re more than capable of presenting our case. We still need to get things organized and ready for the hearing.”

“Cadence and Shining might be busy tomorrow,” she shrugged, “But I can ask Velvet and Nightlight to come over, while watching Flurry. Sunburst too, if he’s available.”

“That’d be fine. Very good. With that, I think we can call it a day.”

“Want me to wait for you to get ready again?”

“No, thanks. I’ll meet you back at the Palace. A good stroll helps to stretch.”

“Okay. I’ll see you, in a bit.” Pling. With that, Matthew picked up the documents and folders, along with his Bridle typewriter and copies, and neatly set them into their proper drawers and places. Removing his tinted glasses, he heaved a sigh of satisfaction. These last four days proved to be fruitful, invigorating, and gratifying. With Starlight as his spotter, and the surveying guard close by, he has stayed focus on the case more than anything else. Aside from the nightly dinners with the Royal Family and Starlight’s friend, of course. He no longer found them as a way to express gratitude, now that they took him as their own. Unofficial and temporary, yes, but this was more than he could ever have imagined, let alone described.

Morning and evening visits to the training grounds helped him also. While finding a lesser, though better outlet, he also kept up with his training and exercise needed to stay fit. Like with Canterlot, anything could happen on short notice. And far less equipment was damaged than the first night. It was safe to assume his mood has more than improved.

Taking off the business attire worn today, he laid them onto the bed for later storage, and simply sat down in reprieve. Yes, there were a few moments he needed to stop and take deep breaths from hearing more trouble and suffering, however seldom it was. But that was as far as it had gone. Even a few moments of miscommunication, confusion and frustrating exchanges happened here and there, but that sense of normality was preferred to what he had been used to. This domain was a far cry from what he knew, but it still gave him a sense of belonging and security. And it was his domain. His establishment, granted by his own good deeds. His only regret was not having Foggy and her into th-

“Who’s there?” he sharply rose from his haunches, raising his staff at the ready.

“The blind stallion who knows all around him,” echoed a female voice, with an surprisingly giddy tone. Throughout his apartment, he could sense the energy of that Unicorn mare, alongside her voice. “This is most certainly something to behold!”

“It’s you, isn’t it? I sensed you at the training gym, four nights ago.”

“Apologies, I was simply too curious about you,” was her sheepish response. “And I apologize also for this intrusion, but we must keep our location hidden for the time being.”

“You're probably outside city limits, out of my senses’ range.”

“Your detection is superlative, to say the least. But not so. That’s all we can share with you, for now.”

“So you go through all this trouble to contact me from far off. Why? And you said ‘we.’ Who else is with you? You never answered my first question, either.”

“All answers shall be granted unto you, in due time.” The teasing smile could be heard in that tone even more. “For now, know that we have watched and listened, and hope to know more about you, should you accept our offer.”

“Even if I do, what else would you want to know that you haven’t already?” He examined warily his surroundings, wondering what they knew about him now, and what they had in mind for him.

“Nothing of consequence, I assure you. Simple, trivial things to some, yet most endearing to others. Such as, who is she? The alien female you imagined? It was clearly a remembrance of her, but who is she? What is she?”

“Answers will be given, in due time,” he lightly growled back, prompting a giggle from the undetected Unicorn.

“Oh, you speak as though you were he! Oops, apologies. Too much shared. I must depart. But know we keep you under our vigilance. Pleasant evening to you!”

“If this is Luna’s – or someone's idea of-” He was unable to finish, as the energy around him suddenly returned to standard levels. Her unique signature gone, in the blink of an eye.

As usual, the meal brought to them proved to be more than exceptional. As for the company shared, nothing seemed out of place about them either. The occasional kiss between the Royal Couple, the laughter and small talk with Glimmer, Sunburst and Shining’s parents, their turns of holding and playing with Flurry all felt genuine. No inner tension concealed by them, in any way. No foreign energy signatures in the vicinity. There was nothing to be alerted about, so he had no reason to make himself wary of such, nor them. On this night, as with the others, he intended to cherish the moments shared by those more than willing to do so with him.

“Everything okay, Mattie,” came Cadence’s voice, slightly concerned by his silence.

“Yeah,” he nodded, smiling, “Sorry, just…trying to get things together.”

“For the case, you mean,” asked Velvet, “Getting things organized and rehearsed, that kind of thing?”

“Yes, Velvet, that also,” he answered half-honestly. After he and Starlight spoke about their daily progress with her and Nightlight, he could tell how eager she was to learn more about his work, which seemed odd, yet quaint also.

“Oh, I look forward to being a part of that, tomorrow,” she squeaked with glee, “I’m your witnesses. And Sunburst and Starlight for the defense team and judge, right? Nightlight’s the defendant. But, what about the jury?”

He chuckled at her enthusiasm, “It doesn’t necessarily have to be-”

“We could ask Ruby and Sapphire to bring the foals over to watch,” Starlight offered, “That’d be a great experience for them.”

“Oh, indeed it would,” beamed her Unicorn friend, “It might also inspire them to have dreams and ambitions during their own stages in life. Given Mister Murdock’s shared background, as well.”

“That definitely sounds like a great idea,” said Cadence in kind, “And I know Flurry would love to meet other colts and fillies.”

Smirking, he conceded, "Well, I don-"

“Webv-phfffff!” Bling. As she heard her name, the Alicorn infant screamed in laughter, and turned to face Matt. He picked up on her bursting horn, before that same energy enveloped his glasses.

“Oh, Flurry,” said Shining, “What did we talk about? If you want to see somepony's-”

“Don’t worry, Shining,” Matt spoke, keeping a firm grip onto them, “I’ve got this.”

“Aaahh!" Playing a gentle tug-o-war with the little one, Flurry grew even more excited by the game. So much so, that she flapped off of Nightwing’s seat, hovered across the table, and wrapped her tiny hooves around his muzzle and neck. At that, he put down the red glasses, and held her close for a playful nuzzle at the snout. “Agh-hee-he-heh!”

“Oh, look,” the grandmother awed, “Such a natural.”

“Probably with another’s, sure,” he teased back, “Just something I developed, growing up.”

“Which makes us wonder, all the more, why you haven’t been hitched yet,” said the grandfather, prompting him to chuckle awkwardly.

“Another story, for another time. Not sure you’re quite there, yet.”

“Oh, right,” Velvet said, “You know, we've past the part where you met that spider…ling, fella. And started dealing with that awful Kingpin.”

“Well, for a quick preview,” he shrugged, while bouncing Flurry on his seat, “I say it’s safe to introduce you to Elektra.”

“Who’s that,” asked Sunburst.

“An assassin Fisk hired for Foggy,” he answered, anticipating even more shocked gasps, “And my first love interest.”

“Egh?” And with that, as Flurry wondered about her grandparents’ gawking stares, he passed her back to her mother.

“Oh,” Velvet shook excitedly, “I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s story time! After the staged trial!”

Laughing at her remark, both Cadence and Shining emitted sighs of relief to loosen their shoulders, showing appreciation for how he handled it.

“Mares and gentlestallions of the jury,” he began, facing the seated foals who watched him count his steps, “It has come to our attention that a great wrong must be set right. As you will soon be made aware, Mister Brimstone, despite his best efforts, failed to take into account all variables into installing plumbing, which sadly brought the Northern Lights Foster Home terrible damage, and illness toward its inhabitants.”

“What’s…inhab-in-habits?”

“Questions when he’s finished, okay,” gleamed Miss Borealis to the filly in her lap.

Smiling at the innocent youth before him, he continued, “But to further add to this failure, Mister Brimstone refused to make adequate compensation. And you, members of the jury, will find him the responsible cause for such damage.”

“Comp-comp-pansy?”

He had spent his rehearsal letting Velvet, Sunburst, Starlight and Nightlight respond to his enquiries, reading from notes and facts Starlight had prepared. Sometimes, they would pause to allow for questions from the little ones also. Then, when the time came for him to call on the defendant, he began to speak further. “I’d like to ask you first, Mister Brimstone, who your source was in finding Gentle Flow’s and Crystal-Equestria Sinks-?”

As Nightlight answered, he tilted his head towards a new sound instead. Paying no heed to anything else in the Palace nursery they were in, he began to smash and crumble the Bridle notes he was using on the floor.

“Matt! Matt!” Shaking him from his stupor was Starlight’s low whisper. “You’re doing it again! What’s wrong, now?”

Beckoning her with his staff, he waited as everypony else looked on with slight unease. Into her arriving ear, he softly answered, “Mare and filly. Four blocks, north-northwest. Hurry.”

“Sorry, everypony,” she spoke to all, “We forgot one, little thing, but you can keep going. Be right back!” Poff-bling! Taking a deep breath, he readjusted his tie, and waited until the guard Glimmer sent had arrived. Being his first one in the area, and despite how often he heard it before, it sickened him still.

Fighting not to grimace at the stallion’s smell, Matthew carried on. “Mister Brimstone…”

Placing the notes onto the table before Starlight, he continued, “In your professional opinion, were they good for the Northern Lights Foster Home?”

“It was a terrible chain of events and circumstances,” responded the pony in the stand, “All sympathies go out to them.”

“Were you not aware of the snowmelt’s pressure being too great for those pipes, and the minerals that could easily corrode them would render a health hazard?”

“Objection,” spoke Brimstone’s representative, his voice reverberating off the amphitheater.

“I’ll rephrase,” Matt said, after making him chomp his bit, “What was it about those two pipelines that were appeasing?”

“Gentle offered thorough services,” Brimstone replied, “proficient, careful, yet also diligent. Same with Sinks, Inc. Quick, and simple installments.”

“More than half the usual price, as well? Not to mention fewer wages from the pocket book, since it’s hourly?”

“With five properties leased, while also running my lava-collected pressurizing business, funds were tightly budgeted.”

Smiling, he asked further, “So do you say it’s worth the risk of cutting corners, in the interest of frugality?”

“Absolutely not,” stuttered Brimstone, flabbergasted, “I kept sharp eyes on them, after installing. The second I read that Royal Proclamation, I went to back to finding the right pipes immediately!”

“Royal Proclamation.” He turned back from the jury. “What do you mean? Do you refer to the inspection made two moons ago?”

“Your Honor,” said the other attorney to the appointed Maresbury, “The counselor’s asking my client for unreasonably specific facts.”

“He should know when the proclamation he referred to was issued,” answered Maresbury, “therefore, overruled.”

“Because if memory serves me well,” continued Matt, receiving the written copies from Starlight, and passed it down to the other table for inspection, “your friend, Madame Nephrita, wrote to you concerning those exact companies three moons ago. Should I need to call on her, she would attest to being the initiator of that inspection during the same timeframe. I’m curious, was yours lost in the mail?”

“I’m afraid I know nothing about that,” stammered Brimstone.

“Your Honor,” his attorney tried to maintain some poise, “Unless Counselor Daredevil could prove my client received this document personally-”

“It’s not about whether he received the document,” he cut back in, “It’s that he failed to acknowledge it. I respectfully request this be submitted as evidence, Your Honor. Unless, of course, Mister Brimstone can provide support in stating otherwise.”

“I-I-I receive many letters from friends and colleagues, quite regularly.”

“What would you consider worse,” Matt asked on, “Ignoring expressed concerns for the sake of avoiding costs, or neglecting to supply for evidence holding you accountable for damage inflicted on another’s welfare, including those young ponies-”

“Your Honor, we-”

“-including those young ponies, who’ve already suffered a great deal?”

“Your Honor,” snapped the other stallion, “we request a brief recess!”

“No need,” he smirked, “I’m done. And so is he.”

As he prodded his staff in finding his chair, he caught Starlight’s whispered taunt, “You really enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

Widening his muzzle to a full grin in response, he sat down next to her. He had no need to check the beaming smiles of other familiar ponies behind them, either.

He passed by the arguing stallions at the door, who hardly acknowledged anyone at the moment. After the exchange of courtesies, he found Brimstone and his attorney back at it right away.

“Oh, I can’t tell you how thrilling it was to watch it!” Growing used to Velvet’s energetic enthusiasm by now, he listened to the mare trotting by him with a smile. “Must’ve been not as spectacular as Rainbow Dash’s hearing, but I’d like to get a clipping of that from the paper too!”

“I bet Twilie would’ve liked a copy of the transcript, herself,” smirked Shining’s voice.

“I can make a few changes from the notes we used to make one,” offered Starlight in kind, “I’m sure the others would like to know about it also.”

“We would too, if it’s no trouble,” Nightlight asked. “Sure, might be borderline Bowhoof-Whistles, but we can’t be any prouder of this stallion with us, at this moment.”

“You’ve done so much good today, Mattie,” said Cadence, increasing his already-bashful response, as it was. “No matter where you come from, that’s a good deed done with love and care. Nopony can take that kind of achievement away.”

Huffing out as much hot air as possible, he shook his head. “Because I asked a few questions, and waved some piece of paper I can’t even read properly?”

“All those bits you’ve won for the foster home were because you took the time and energy to help them out,” Sunburst jumped in, cradled and napping Flurry in tow. “Not for any sort of reward, except in knowing you were able to do your best, and succeed for them.”

“And even if you didn’t succeed,” Shining stated, “we’d still be proud to know you’d be satisfied you gave it your all. Maybe you should get a Crystal castle, or mansion, or something, yourself.”

Laughing at Shining Armor’s jibe, he conceded, “Alright, alright. I get it. I appreciate all the support all of you are so ruthless in delivering, and that you strongly believe me to be someone good. That kind of absolution is needed, every once in a while. So, hopefully that’ll be all for the whole year. Can’t afford to have me over my head about it, you know.”

“Yeah,” scoffed Starlight playfully, “not another Rainbow Dash, thanks very much.”

“But for what it’s worth,” he calmly added after laughing further, “I couldn’t have asked for better companions. If anything, I…I’d wish Foggy were here to be a part of this. As well as…”

“We know, pal,” said Shining evenly, comforting him with a hoof on the shoulder. “And, you’re welcome. Plus, I know I couldn’t have asked for somepony better to watch my family’s back, either.”

“Thanks, again,” he nodded, “Now I just wonder if this is all too good to be true. Even wondering when the next…”

“Next what,” asked Velvet and Nightlight.

“Nothing,” he sighed, “Right now, it’s nothing. But I’ll let you know, if I learn more about it later.”

“Well,” Cadence warmly said, “we’ll let you take some time to settle down, before we see you again tonight.”

“Alright,” he replied, “And again, thanks for everything. All of you.” As they veered toward the Crystal Palace at a leisure, serene pace, he went inside.

He was positive this whole week proved to be far more fulfilling and peaceful. Very seldom did he ever have time spent so joyfully as this, in his adult life. Maybe his entire life, even.

As he traversed up the stairs and down the hallway on his floor, he took soothing, carefree breaths. Without a single, substantial worry at the forefront now, he felt he could sleep even more soundly tonight after supper.

“Radiant.” Recognizing her signature instantly, he hardly flinched at her gleeful, though steady voice. “I’m named Radiant Hope, in answer to your first inquiry.”

“Any chance you’re coming by, Miss Hope?” He reached for the kettle, and placed it over the fire he had rekindled.

“Not in the immediate future, I fear.” The brief, somber tone had swiftly shifted back to her pleasant demeanor. “But know we look forward to revealing ourselves most fully, and properly offer you our proposition. We be more than anxiously charmed and thrilled in meeting you, someday. Now, have a pleasant-”

“Milla.”

“Um, pardon?”

“Her name’s Milla, in answer to yours.”

“Milla Murdock,” she said, causing a lump in his throat, “How fitting for such a beloved, sea-faring warrior, as the Coltic-Gale surname implies. Have a pleasant evening, Master Murdock.”

“Thank you, Miss Hope. And likewise.”

As the energy from the Unicorn departed, he removed his suit Rarity specially fitted him, and sat in wait for the kettle to boil. The gentle warmth that engulfed his humble, yet blissful dominion he took in, along with the soft air flowing all around his face.

Shortly after that, however, came a light tapping sound, and slow creak from his bedroom window. Deciding it best to maintain his blindpony appearance for now, he began to study his intruder intently.

Male, from what he could tell, and Pegasus also. Very fit, and ruggedly firm, he could surmise him to be from the military. Curious as to why a pony under Captain Sentry would pay him such a visit, given his energy signature not matching Sentry’s, he remained still and calm.

His steps were gentle and soft, in his stealth approach. Had he not received highly enhanced senses, and Stick’s training, he might have missed him. Especially after such an angelic conversation. The stranger then made the corner out from the small corridor, leading him straight to the roaring fireplace and warming office, where Daredevil sat.

“If you don’t mind waiting, the kettle’s nearly finished,” he finally announced. The stallion stopped moving in response, though wings still outstretched. “Take another step without my consent, however, that’s not the only welcome you’ll receive. Now, tell me who you are and what you want?”

Chuckling, the hoarse voice rumbled through his barrel. “Gees, I can’t get anything by you, can I. Not without some extra noise.”

“Your name and business, please.” Coolly, Daredevil took even deeper breaths. The stranger did the same.

“Figured you couldn’t recognize me. I didn’t either, seeing my reflection at first. Wouldn’t have recognized you, if it weren’t for those specs. Also figured you’d make quite the name for yourself real quickly around here. Always jumping into the closest fire, am I right Red?”

Getting a better read on the stallion’s voice, he muttered, “Frank.”