Friendship by Fire

“The hell is this place?” The only time he ever saw an old-fashioned station like this was in black-and-white photos from a museum his family visited. This was no picture, though. Not even black and white. Nothing but lush and bright colors. But there was one other thing he took with a squinted look. No scrapers.

True to that Wild West wing of the museum, all he could see was wide-open spaces. Snow-capped mountain ranges were to either side of him, chaining off behind the station. Good thing for him, he was the only one there. No one to stare and gawk at his sudden presence in broad daylight, wondering where he came from. Good thing too, because he hardly knew the answer himself.

It was not the difference in terrain and environment that bothered him, though. But the sudden change of that, in what he would have thought was a blink of an eye. He could not even remember being knocked out. And he could not even get a layout of his current location.

The mountains seemed too close for the plains of Kansas and Nebraska, unless he were closer to their western borders. And it would be much drier, with not so green pastures. But those mountains were either to the north, or south if the sun passed its peak. No ranges he could think of like that, or even the fact that the Dakota Black Hills were still a good distance before any mountains in Canada. He may not have been to any of those states, but he knew his nation’s geography well enough from high school and boot camp, along with those of nations he went on tour. Unless he found himself in some European, Asian or African country he was unfamiliar with, this was unlike any place in the world.

“This day went from really awful to totallyawesome! Um, you really think you can, though? I-I mean, see what you can do?”

“I’m not exactly familiar with…Crystal Empire laws and statutes, but I’m sure to pick it up readily.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Twilight can hook you up with books for that!”

Hearing voices behind the station did not bother him. But how his ear managed to flip and turn that way was a different story. It was then he realized how stiff and numb he was, not feeling his hands and feet. Trying to rise from his dazed, seated position, he felt something like long hair brushing the wood where he sat. Feeling his neck turn into a full one-eighty, he then noticed the black tail of a steel blue horse. Branded with some copper mark like the Marine’s emblem, minus the globe, he looked down towards the floor, scanning to find a pair of wings on his sides, and four stumped legs. He raised his front right to touch the snout and muzzle. Turning his neck back again, he saw the reflection off the station’s window.

“For the love of…hell of a drug is this?” Seeing the horse-like image on the glass mouth his words, he tried to get a closer look. Bonk. Only to stumble and collapse onto the floor from the new bones and muscle structure he had. Taking it slowly and surely, he got back up, stepped rigidly towards the window, and placed a hoof on it. Eyes were a copper brown, and his jar-head hair he recognized, still black, but extending into the form of a horse’s mane somehow. Best he could describe it was like those army horses in that sappy cartoon his kids used to watch.

Using the wall for support, he felt feathers brush against it too. Rounding the corner, he saw two very colorful ponies stroll down the road, past an arch of floating gems. Seemed like a gateway of sorts, leading towards a city with some massive tower of crystal. One pony had wings also, with a mane and tale that made him think of the kids’ rainbow drawings. The other was bright yellow and had no wings. Just walked down the dirt path, while holding a long, red staff, able to walk with only three legs. But was very stiff in movement compared to the first one. The brand on that one reminded him of someone, though.

Just then, a small gust sent some newspaper his way, landing right in front of him. The front page flipped back down and read: LOYALTY WAVERS? Element to face trial of century!

“Got to hand it you, too,” said Frank Castle, tossing the paper in his wing to the fire, “Sure know how to make an impression, wherever you go.”

No Good Deed

“So,” Matt began, “You spent the last three, four weeks adjusting to this environment and your transformation, observing my movements here, while also asking questions of your own.”

“That’s the basic gist of it, yeah,” he shrugged back. “Stuck to the outskirts for most of it, making sure I got used to everything. Especially these.” Fwoosh. “Came pretty handy, afterward. Able to get a good lay of the land with them from far off. Unlike your glasses and stick though, my suit and hardware didn’t make the trip. So I had to adjust to what was available here without getting caught. Got past the armory, and borrowed a few of their medieval stuff to practice with. Security’s not exactly up to par with our own.”

“Their means and method of defense are different, to say the least,” said Matt, but countered, “Yet still proficient, and greatly effective.”

“Even then, sometimes it’s like they’re just bored and waiting for crap to happen.”

“And now,” Matt continued, “You just decided to drop by, see if we could compare notes.”

“Think I want out of here as much as you do. Unless you decided to settle down here already.” Not dignifying that with a response, he heard Frank continue. “Good. This place gives me the creeps anyways.”

“It’s only one city you’ve seen out of an empire, out of a completely different world. Like to know your reaction after expanding your horizons a little. Not sure we could’ve used you in Canterlot, though.”

“Yeah, I heard about that too. Some pretty crazy stuff went down. Like Avenger-level, high-dollar manure. Being in the middle of that’s got to put a few road blocks in your progress.”

“Been on the sidelines this past week recovering. Wasn't kept up to date with developments yet. But Cadence and Shining might have some more by now, if I ask.”

“Think you being on first name basis with the locals means they’re not your ball and chain? Or you just accepted being the doormat, for now?”

“Not unless doormats can take down unwanted limbs stepping on them,” he refuted, “But unlike some of us in this room, and in Hell’s Kitchen, I admit to having room for improvement where it matt- Someone’s coming.” The Unicorn’s energy came with her hooves clopping down the hallway, to alert the blind stallion.

Frank whispered, “One of your new pals?”

“She’s just coming to check and see what’s holding me up.” He sensed her raised hoof to tap-tap against the door, and rose from his place near the fire. “Feel free to introduce yourself, if you’re up to it.”

“Depends if she’s knows my reputation yet.”

“Only the basics.”

“Sheesh, you’ve gotten really personal with them then.”

“You think I had a total say in it?”

“I’ll just stick to the shadows for now, thanks.”

Detecting the Pegasus take a few, soft steps from the radiant flames to a cold corner, Matthew turned the knob and opened.

“Hey,” chirped Starlight lightly, “Just wondering what’s keeping you. I even walked the whole way to make sure I didn’t miss you. Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, “Just got the kettle going to help unwind a little. I’ll meet you downstairs in a minute.”

“Oh, alright.” Warily, he picked up on the unease she emanated from his brief, cryptic excuse. “You’re sure there’s nothing wrong? You know you can always talk to us whenever, right?”

Huffing through his snout with a smirk, he answered, “Yeah, I know. Just…need to sort through some new developments that might’ve come up. Think about what to discuss with you all after dinner.”

“Oh, right. Like with Midnight and Horizon Rider, Midnight Sky and Zecora. Sure. I guess Cadence and Shining won’t mind sharing what else they found out. I mean, it’s your world we’re helping you get back to also. Not just finding the Alicorn Amulet.”

Fighting not to grimace at the reveal of names, he stiffly nodded, “Yeah, that. I’ll be joining you shortly.”

“Okay, see you then.” After closing the door, he listened to her departing steps toward the stairwell. It was during that moment he also picked up on his guest’s exit.

“You know I can’t keep them in the dark, Frank. This is their home we’re in. Their safety that’s on the line.”

“Do what you got to do, Red,” said the Pegasus, his forelegs on the window sill, “I’ll do the same.”

The gust of air from his wings sent Frank rushing out into the open night air, leaving the Crystal Pony to fully collect himself before he left also. The sudden spike in anxiety would be expected, along with a few hitched breaths and rising heart rates.

This being the grandparents’ last night before leaving, she was certainly glad to be allowed some more time. Yes, Sunburst, and to that extent Starlight, was more than enough help to both her and Shining. But this had been a great reprieve all around. As Velvet and Nightlight went to tuck Flurry in, the rosy Alicorn leaned in closer to her husband, as they departed from the dining hall. Behind them strolled their Unicorn friends and the Crystal stallion.

“So, Matt,” said Shining, after finding a place out of earshot, “Starlight mentioned you might have a few questions about what else we heard from Twilight and the rest. Feel free to fire away.”

“You’re as much a part of this, as we are,” joined Cadence, “Anything and everything confidential in this we can, and will share with you.”

“Actually,” he said, as they made a conferring circle near their office, “along with whatever else you’ve been told, there’s something I need to fill you in also.”

“What do you mean,” asked Shining.

“I wasn’t the only one taken from my world.”

Starlight asked, “You mean somepony else came here because of the Amulet?”

“Supposedly, that’s the connection. But, yes.”

“Do you know who it is,” inquired Sunburst, “How’d you find out?”

“He came to my place this evening,” Matt answered, “Turns out, he’s been around as long as I have. He recognized me, and wanted to know more about the investigation.”

“Is it a friend of yours,” said Cadence, noticing his discomfort.

“Not exactly. It’s Frank Castle.” Now with the others narrowing their pupils, she could understand Matt’s disposition.

“Wait,” gasped Starlight, “That Punisher guy? He's here? In Equestria?”

“He’s been laying low, mostly on the outskirts of the Empire. He was also adjusting to the same issues of change as I did.”

“So, he knew where to find you, and that you’ve been investigating with us,” said Shining, “Any idea what he’s found out?”

“Hopefully, very little. But I’m afraid of taking the risk of even letting out a few names.”

“Like when I was there to check on you,” Starlight realized, “But you couldn’t say anything without worrying that might trigge-cause something to happen, right?”

“I also had to make sure not too much stress came up during dinner.”

Cadence was grateful of the fact that her in-laws could take her filly to bed peacefully, without any worries at the moment. But she still felt a need to inform them when finished here.

“I guess we’re glad you kept this from getting everypony worried, until the right time.” Shining’s words resonated with his wife’s thoughts. “But were you able to get somepony on the lookout for him?”

“I sent a note to my surveying guard,” answered Matt, knowing he would find it when changing with his partner. "It describes what I could tell about him, and which direction he flew. Captain Sentry should have that information, by now.”

“Flew? Then he’s changed into a Pegasus,” said Sunburst, “And given his military expertise, you think he might have blended in with the Joint Guard?”

“Not likely,” said Shining Armor, “Even if that had been recent, Captain Sentry and his officers have made constant, thorough checks with me personally about our detail, in case of Chrysalis.”

“Nevertheless,” Cadence added, “we’ll need to make necessary changes in security just as badly. And with this year’s Crystal Faire coming up.”

“From what I can tell, Frank doesn’t view anyone here as a threat to eliminate,” Matt replied, “In fact, the opposite. But his code of conduct has always been loose. And in terms of Midnight Rider’s imprisonment, there’s no solid connection to the conspiracy for him to ask any questions, even though he's now aware of him.”

“That might change,” said Cadence, as she and Shining led them into the office, “Using that train ticket Starlight gathered in finding Horizon Rider, we used the arcane signature on that with a sample of Fluttershy’s tail after her attack.”

“Arcane signatures may be unique,” Shining elaborated for him, “but they’re also able to show any matches to other ponies related. Based on the hunch that the two may be brothers, we had Twilight run some tests.”

“You found a match,” Starlight inquired, with mild curiosity.

“Afraid so,” nodded Cadence, as she levitated a folder with Twilight’s Mark to her, “And with that, we can confirm Miss Sky’s claim that she’s both their cousins.”

“That could give Frank more than enough reason to interrogate him,” Matt remarked, “And with him locked away, Frank could easily get to him for answers without him escaping.”

“He can’t get in there without alarming the Guard,” Shining countered, “Even if he just went in there on a hunch.”

“According to him, he’s already breached the armory to gather new equipment,” said Matt, much to everypony’s dismay, “which means he has more than enough to infiltrate the prison also. And for all we know, he may have also taken a look at those results.”

“But how do we know, for sure,” asked Sunburst, as he and Starlight both glimpsed at the tests.

“We don’t,” the blind stallion answered, “And we can’t take the risk of finding out the hard way.”

“Agreed,” nodded the Unicorn Prince, “We need to get Midnight into protective custody, and find out what else he knows first.”

“He won’t cooperate, unless we give him the proper motivation,” offered Matt, as he pondered, “What’s his background, besides his brother and cousin?”

By afternoon the next day, Shining Armor was set to escort the two ponies, along with Abacus Cinch, to the visiting chamber. Another pony came with them, the Crystal mare’s suitcase placed firmly before her. From the other side of the bars sat the Unicorn stallion he recognized following Fluttershy. Tightening his grip on the staff, he heard Midnight’s attorney speak up to begin the exchange.

“Mister Rider, as your acting representative, I advise you to only speak when you feel fully willing to do so. Now, Councilmare Cinch of Crystal Domestics seeks to offer you protective custody.”

“Protection,” the stallion’s head lifted with unease and wonder, “What do I need protection for?”

“Courtesy of Counselor Daredevil and his associate, Miss Glimmer,” Cinch answered, “It has come to our attention that a rogue pony has caught wind of your brother’s involvement in the Amulet’s theft. His connection and motives of involving himself in this matter have yet to be confirmed, but it's possible he might connect you to it also.”

“I’ve got nothing to say about that,” he shrugged, “There’s no proof that I’m even in cahoots with my brother. Circumstantial evidence is all that’s been found on that.”

“Regardless, there’s reason to believe this rogue will act on his own accord to intimidate you for more information. Possibly even torture. This is a highly dangerous individual, and the Crystal Empire’s on high alert for him. We wish to offer you the best means of safety for you, and your family.”

“What’re you talking about?” Slight worry elevated his heartrate quickly from that last sentence. Then his pulse picked up the pace even more.

“If I may, Mister Rider,” said Daredevil, sensing more tension jump sharply from Midnight. Judging by the sudden movement of his ears, he recognized the voice. “I’ve engaged with this Pegasus up close, and personally. He’s extremely volatile and unpredictable. A wild, loose cannon. From what I’ve known of him, he does value family. But that can be a double-edged sword. He may go after your sister, niece and nephew to try and lure you out to the open. After all, Miss Daybreak intends to make bail for you this evening, correct?”

There was a pause of discomfort, as the stallion turned his head from Daredevil to former boss. Seeing her stoic demeanor seemed to show what secrets Daredevil had shared. Huffing with unease, Midnight decided to speak.

“She said she had to wait ‘til the next pay date to bail me out. I’d been trying my hardest to support them. Even convinced them to move up here, where it seemed safer from all the stuff Equestria went through. Sombra's attacks and the wild blizzards were all there was, and we were only here for that last event. To see the Royal Crystalling. Even Tirek hadn’t made it to the Empire. Mist.” Raising his hardened gaze back to the blind stallion, he asked, “Why haven’t you done anything, yet?”

“That’s where we need your help,” Daredevil answered, “Unless we have substantial proof that you were involved, we can’t know for absolute certain we should make that additional effort. Now, granted the Empire is well protected, and the Guard’s on optimal vigilance for this pony. But without enough facts for a due cause, we can’t guarantee anything more specific for them.”

The councilmare spoke up again, “This is our proposition. Prince Shining Armor will grant you and your family the proper protection needed, while I quicken your release as much as I’m allowed. Given the Guard has brought only one charge of assault onto an overall, modelled citizen, that’s entirely feasible. The counselor and Miss Glimmer, however, need your full cooperation.”

“Now who’s using them against me?” Midnight Rider shook his head with massive frustration. Even Starlight returned to her hesitant manner prior to coming here. And yet, he could sense the caged Unicorn’s muscles release somewhat, showing small signs of resignation. “What guarantee do I have, right now?”

“Prince Shining Armor’s outside, as we speak,” Starlight answered this time, “He’s got a full escort ready for you, and everything. And his Captain’s ready to go to Miss Daybreak’s apartment, on his command. For now, all you have to do is sign this.”

Her horn’s energy sent a scroll before the stallion, past the bars. Then followed an ink and quill. With the latter material placed in front of him, Midnight used his own magic to hold the written agreement. As his eyes scanned through its contents, Daredevil spoke. “This is your chance to help them even more. All while you can be there for them, in this hour of crisis. Within the hour. The question is, will you?”

At that, Midnight Rider sharply glanced at the Crystal stallion. With both disdain and urgency, he could tell the pony was conflicted by his attacker’s words.

“I still can't get over how uncomfortable that was,” Starlight sighed, as she watched the guards and Shining trotting down the road with the released Unicorn. “I mean, sure it was a quid pro quo that’s entirely legal. But it still didn’t feel completely right to use that on him. Using the notion of helping his family on him like that.”

“A lot of times,” Matt replied, “we need to do everything we can to get the job done, and that includes taking steps into the morally grey. Using the law to our personal favor. There are those who abuse that course of action, but not all. Just know we’re doing this for both him and his family, and an even bigger picture. This is the right thing to do for the common good.”

“Guessing those conspirators would believe the same thing about themselves, huh? And even Castle? Even me, at one point.”

Looking at the gold Crystal Pony, she saw him take a deep breath to sigh also. “Life’s complicated that way. But I guess you're already aware of that.”

Sharing a brief snigger from his remark helped to settle the light purple mare. As they made their journey down the smooth, polished pavement themselves, Starlight began to ponder about the situation further. Sure, she can agree that what they did, how they went about it, and what they were doing now was for the best. But at the same time, she still felt something grasping and pulling against her. A nagging sense of shame, maybe? But Matt’s words a moment ago kept that guilt at bay, prompting her to wonder what else it could be. If the Crystal Pony was right, then she should have nothing for which to apologize. And yet, she also wondered what else could be done.

She looked back up to the blind stallion who matched his pace with hers, seeing the stern expression on his countenance. He seemed to be deeply focused, concentrating more deeply on their surroundings. Ears flapping back and forth, as his nostrils were more inflamed, taking whiffs of air. Considering what they were up against, or more whom, she could understand how difficult this situation must be for him. How uncomfortable he must have felt these past twenty-four hours.

“I’m sure we can resolve this matter for Rider as best we can,” he told her, taking her by surprise. “Wouldn’t be fair of us to simply leave him behind, like an old rag doll at the bottom of some chest.”

“Um, no. I guess not.” Still needing to get used to his great awareness of everything around him, Starlight decided to concentrate on the road ahead. But not while offering her own two bits. “And for what it’s worth, I think we can handle this situation too. You don’t have to worry about facing off with him alone, like before.”

Smirking he said, “No, I guess not. In fact, there was a time I gathered a few friends and allies to form a team that would keep him in check. Oddly enough, he then decided to offer his input to help us with another situation. That is, it was odd for some. But as much as we disagree on each other’s methods, violently even, he and I still had that one thing in common. Mutual respect for sharing that greater cause.”

“Not to mention what you both lost. How that motivated you two to do something about the evil that’s been happening in your world.”

“Yeah, that also.”

“And it won’t just be me, Shining and Cadence to help out. Twilight and the others will be more than happy to contribute as much as possible, when they get our message. Maybe even come up to offer a way to help both of you.”

“I highly doubt he’d be as willing to accept that gesture, himself” he sniggered, “But it’s always worth a shot.”

“Pun intended?” At that, their brief moment of mirth allowed them to take this trip peacefully. And in steady silence and vigilance, they carried on toward the Palace and glistening sunset that took place.

As she watched them settle into their current environment, the light purple Unicorn saw how uneasy the siblings were, even though the guards maintained their positions outside their temporary chambers. While they still kept a calm, steady demeanor, and offered a few smiles for the little ones, Midnight Rider and Daybreak would face one another with uncertainty and dread. It was during that time the light green filly and scarlet colt decided to play with their toys in the adjacent guest room.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he told his Pegasus sister, “And yeah, I did bring this on you for being such an idiot that night. I wasn’t thinking clearly, and I’m making you three pay for it. Just know that I-”

“That’s not it, Midnight,” she cut him off, her amber irises facing his deep blue pair, “Sure that’s a part of it, but I’m mostly worried about what this means for us, after the dust settles. I mean, what are we supposed to do about Horizon? What if he comes to check on us, or decides to leave us in the dark again?”

“I don’t know.” He heaved a grunted sigh. “All I know is what to do right here, right now. And that’s to do what I have to, in order to help you. To make up for what I did.”

“Then why don’t you start doing that right here, right now?” The scarlet mare turned to face Starlight Glimmer, while placing a suitcase onto her withers. “I’ll be unpacking in the other room.”

After watching her curly mane and tail of orange and pink take to the hallway, with a Mark of the sun, she saw Midnight lower his head in bereavement. Turning to face her then, he said, “Alright. What’d you like to know?”

Starlight saw him levitate a pair of seats with his silver aura, and watched the dark grey stallion sit before her. Deciding to follow his lead in that regard, she picked up from the Unicorn’s initiative. “Listen, before we get started, I’d like to point out I was in a similar position once. Making a few wrong choices that I felt were the right ones, only to find out I was really causing more problems instead of resolving the ones closer to home first.”

“Yeah,” sighed Midnight, “Look, the only reason I did what I did was because I was angry with everypony. First my brother talked me into those secret meetings, asking me to promise and say nothing, then I find out that cost me my job with Cinch. I didn’t have any plans to really hurt that Pegasus. But I felt it was the only way for me to get back at those I thought put me on the spot.”

“You’re saying your brother tried to have you join him?”

“Yeah. You see, so many ponies automatically think we’re twins, by how we look alike. But really, I'm the youngest of us three. Horizon’s the oldest. Anyway, his group must’ve fallen into that other train of thought, and believed I’d be all for it too. And at first, I was. I thought they really wanted to help make Equestria safer and better, and help others to heal and recover from everything that’s happened. But then, I heard about Horizon’s plans. Stealing a dark amulet that corrupts ponies that wear it, to foalnap the Master of Chaos, steal his powers, and then try to destroy the Elements? I told him that’s not what I signed up for, and left.

But I was also conflicted with how to go about my life after that. I still promised not to say anything, believing I’d still be stabbing Horizon in the back. But like I said, that got me fired. So, I just thought if I played along like I were with Horizon, that’d point everypony in the right direction, and I wouldn’t have to worry about betraying anypony. But that was as far as I got in my plan. Next thing I knew, I was attacked, became jobless, and locked up for attacking the kindest of the Elements. Now everypony thinks I’m a traitor, so I was too ashamed to say anything else.”

“That’s not what I got from your sister,” Starlight countered. “I think she’s mostly upset with how things unfolded, and how you handled them. But I also think she wants to move past that, forgive you, and focus on what to do next. Together. And with that side of the story, and I believe you at least, we can help ponies believe you too. You were just worried, upset and pressured in what to do, since you felt you had to choose between your sister and brother.”

“What about your partner,” he grimly asked, “The blind Crystal Pony? Is he even blind? He knew I was lying that night, so does that mean he wouldn’t believe me now? He’s not even here to listen.”

“He told me how you recognized his voice, and how he wanted to give you some space and help calm the issue. For both your sakes. He’s probably listening in now, from outside. Visually, he’s impaired. It’s just his other senses that seem to be hit by a sonic rainboom. So, believe me, he’ll tell me whether or not you’re lying later. But even so, he wants to help you too. Believe that, also.”

That seemed to rattle his brain with several more questions of uncertainty, so she decided to step off her chair, place her hoof onto his shoulder, and say, “Look. I don’t have all the answers to help you get through this, but remember you’re not alone in all of it. And speaking of answers.” Moving back to her seat, after regaining his full attention, “What else can you tell me about your brother?”

She had left the interviewing ponies, but silently stood by the door leading outside. It was there she was met by three Crystal Guards, Prince Shining Armor and Counselor Daredevil in the Palace hallway. Once she made her approach and neared the two stallions, the Pegasus simply stood and waited for the right moment.

“Glad to hear they made it to the station alright,” said the blind pony.

“They were a little upset and worried,” the Unicorn Prince replied, “But more about what might happen here when they left. But that’s parents for you, and grandparents.”

“Both a blessing and curse, I take it.”

“That’s family life in general. Just don’t let Cady hear that from me.” Their brief mirth shared had passed, when the Crystal stallion tilted his head and ears toward Daybreak.

“Speaking of which,” the Prince spoke further, “I better check on Flurry and Sunburst real quick. I’ll catch up with you in a bit. Take care.”

“Sure, yeah. Same to you.” Exchanging a firm, stud embrace, she watched the white Unicorn pass the golden stallion of red-tinted specs. He stood quietly, as she took a deep breath in preparation.

“There’s a whole lot I've wanted to tell you. When Midnight first told me about you when I visited him, I couldn’t help but feel this knot in my gut and pulling. Like, I felt that if something like that could happen here in the Empire, how were we any safer? And yes, I know my brother initiated that attack, and you only responded in defense. But was it all that is was? Was there something more to make you want to…torture him like that?”

“I take it you heard what he told Starlight a moment ago.”

“Maybe not as well as you, but yeah I caught a few details here and there.”

He deeply inhaled through his snout, and heavily released through the small gap in his muzzle. “After the accident that blinded me, my Dad was the only thing that kept me from losing it. My other senses were developing erratically, and I kept getting everything in my head at once. No one knew what was bothering me, but it obviously had to do with the accident. But that didn’t stop my Dad from coming over to help me in some way. What he’d do was let me touch his face, telling me he was there for me to help make things better, no matter what. When he was taken from me, I went to the dark alley where he was abandoned, and felt his cold face. I was eleven."

"I heard about the Empire going through bad times," Daybreak said, fighting not to choke, "Even when the Queen started out over a millennium ago."

"Anyway," he continued, "I didn’t lose my head all at once. It just kept building up, like a pot of water boiling over. The floodgates were blasted wide open years later, when I encountered the guy who took him. Since then, I’ve been struggling. Fighting to have a better grasp of my anger and fury to those who even dare to harm and oppress the innocent. But I also learned to value all life, regardless. But that still doesn’t excuse me from how I acted. How much I…wanted to. I even sensed this sort of…outburst from the Crystal Heart. Like it was calling out to me, begging me to stop. I only listened after Fluttershy confronted me a moment later.”

“That’s another thing,” she stated, “It took the mare who was attacked to stop you from hurting Midnight even more. He said the last thing he remembered before getting knocked out was how you said he’d live to regret touching her again. So, what was it all about? Protecting the victim, or making another by scaring and threatening the perp?”

“Both. As much as I’ve wanted to bring forth the same torment they’re willing to bestow on others without cause, I still believe that what I do, that is to take action and help, is the right call to make. To not just stand aside and let it happen, but do something about it.”

Even more deeply perplexed by his response, the scarlet mare simply looked at the blind pony in silence.

“Maybe,” he continued, “maybe that’s the real issue that should be addressed with myself, and your brother. Not going about your lives like everything’s fine, and nothing bad happened. And not to take radically extreme measures either. But to find the right way to act. I heard it once said that when asked what’s wrong with the world, to answer ‘I am.’”

“You know G.J. Chestnutton? I guess so, considering you studied abroad after the Empire returned.”

Smirking with a puff, he answered, “Guessing you read also?”

“Only when I find the time,” she huffed in kind, “which has been far more sparse since…moving from Canterlot and finding work, and on top of taking care of the foals. But Midnight’s been more than helpful with that.”

“Why don’t you tell me about your husband? What did he do for a living? What were his hobbies?”

She was baffled by the shift in their discussion. But seeing how he opened up about himself, the Pegasus was willing to comply in return. “Well, um. Misty Glint worked as a weather pony, like me. That’s how we met. We started work around the same time, and trained together. We’d just been good friends for a while, like our fellow coworkers. He even got along great with Midnight and Horizon. Always hanging out on weekends, and finding something fun to do. We always had a blast watching a few games. But when we started…seeing each other differently, he would find some way to make me smile more brightly. The fog he was scheduled to bring to Canterlot in early spring he would time it just right for the moisture to gleam rainbow halos around the sunrise. And for the fall, he got it so that the moonlight would cause a bright, silver ring.”

A few moments later, he said, “Tell me about the accident.”

Now Daybreak felt even more bewildered, and was more anxious by how best to answer the stallion. “It was a mechanical incident. Something happened with the machinery in Cloudsdale, when we went to pick up our cloud order for the week. He was more than badly hurt. Doctors said that he needed a day for his arcane energy to build up enough stamina to even take stuff through the tube. But then…that’s when Tirek came. Never felt so helpless in all my life. I can still hear the flat-line beep in the hospital.

What followed was whatever happened when the Elements stopped him. It’s like their energy from that magical outburst just sent a great wave of hope and peace. Something I felt only a few times. Just a couple after we moved here. Right away, Mist could breathe again, and I couldn’t stop crying with joy. Even though he’s been in deep sleep since then, Princess Luna assured us it was only a matter of time. Horizon said he’d look after him, while we were away. They convinced me the Empire's the safest place overall for the kids. And Midnight had worked here under Cinch, since she hired him back in Canterlot. So there was moral support. Horizon also said he’d bring our Mist to us when he’s awake.”

Pausing to wipe a few stray tears and recollect herself, she then noticed Daredevil lowering his head respectfully. He also seemed to ponder her words in contemplation.

“Did Horizon ever mention what he planned to do with the Amulet?”

“No. That’s just it. When he came up to the Empire, we all thought he was coming with Mist. But he told us about some complications. That whatever happened to Mist by Tirek made some kind of sleep inducing spell that won’t wear off by conventional methods. Even the Princesses struggled to find a solution, but only told Horizon about it later. So he asked me and Midnight to join him in some group he helped organize. I thought it best to just stay with the kids and my job, while Midnight decided to take a look. After he got fired, I noticed how frustrated he was and at war with himself. But he wouldn’t say anything, until after he was locked up.”

She caught sight of the blind counselor open his muzzle to enquire even further, but then everything went dark. The crystals that shined down the hall were somehow extinguished.

At the suspicious behavior that came from the lights, Shining spoke through his crystal earpiece, “Captain Sentry, report.”

“Just sending a unit to check the situation,” immediately came the response, “Must be something jamming the Palace’s connection to the Heart. Not even sure if that’s possible. I’m currently en route to your position, Sir.”

Poff! Cadence and Starlight suddenly appeared beside Sunburst, who had just checked on a sleeping Flurry.

“No, Sentry,” answered Shining, “The area here is secure. Make sure the rest of the Palace is okay. I’ll call to check on the added security detail.”

“Yes, sir,” the Pegasus complied, “I copy. Sentry, out.”

“Royals, out.” After using his crimson magic to adjust the frequency, he spoke up again. “Matt, how’s everything over there?”

“Nothing seems to be wrong,” was his even response, “In fact, it’s too quiet. Not picking up anything in the near vicinity, but I’ll keep you-” Poom!

The rumbling was felt throughout the entire castle, as though a massive blast threatened to level the place.

“That didn’t sound good,” shakily remarked Starlight.

“We might have to evacuate,” Cadence said, turning to levitate her filly’s cradle in case. “Sunburst, you and Starlight go ahead of us while we head to the nearest exit.”

“That might be what he wants,” said Matt, “He’s probably trying to cause security to shift and scramble, making it harder for us to keep a sharp lookout for him.”

“Then what would you suggest,” asked Sunburst for them all.

“If this is a trap, I’d say the best way to bring him to us is to spring it.”

“Your Majesties,” the Captain’s voice sharply lost their connection, “We seemed to have found the culprit.”

“Already,” asked Starlight, “That seemed way too easy.”

“Please repeat, Captain,” said Shining, “Elaborate.”

“We found the cause of the power outage. And the explosions.”

"Explosions," gasped Sunburst, "There was more than one?"

“We’re coming to you,” said Cadence, lifting her squirming daughter’s crib, “Have everypony else evacuate the Palace.”

“I copy. Sentry, out.”

“Royals, out.” At that, with the two Unicorn friends in the lead, the Royal Family kept close together while making their way outside.

Once they had made it to him, the gold Crystal Pony turned to face them while keeping his place near Midnight, Daybreak and her foals.

“Everything okay here,” asked Starlight, to whom he nodded in response.

“No activity yet, as far as I can tell. He’s known to cause trouble from a great distance, but I doubt even his marksmanship can use a crossbow that efficiently.”

“Prince, Princess,” calmly spoke Captain Sentry, as he approached them, “There’s something you need to see.”

Gently sending a calmed Flurry to Sunburst, Shining saw how grateful his wife was that nothing has yet disturbed or scared their daughter too much. After he checked with the security detail around Midnight and Daybreak, the blind stallion made his way to the sight also.

“Take a look at this.” At the Pegasus’ gesture, they found fresh burn marks on each of the four Palace pillars. Shards of crystal surrounded the area, while the Crystal Heart seemed to be slowing down after a sudden shift in speed.

“I should’ve checked that,” Matt remarked, “Seems the Heart somehow used its own energy to shield the blasts.”

“That’s what we figured,” Sentry replied, “It was drawing energy out of the Palace, in order to protect itself, and us from the set of explosions. But notice anything else?”

“The smell of magnesium for one,” answered the blind pony, “Also a trace of crude nitroglycerin. Judging by that scent, the blast radii are facing outward as well.”

“Exactly,” nodded Sentry, “We got witnesses saying they saw small tubes dropping from sky, and landing squarely in those places.”

“I should’ve been aware of that also,” sneered Matt, “Been so focused on any suspicious activity entering the castle, instead of all around. Was anyone hurt?”

“Thankfully, no. They said seeing the Palace go dark and the Heart acting up prompted them to keep their distance.”

“It was the Crystal Heart sending a distress for ponies to stay away,” said Cadence, “But since we’re all here, what exactly does that-?”

“Office,” sharply spoke Matt, causing them all to look him with uncertainty. “He just dove down from high above. He’s getting into your office.”

“Captain, you’re with me,” ordered Shining, “Cadence and Starlight will keep watch for anything else to happen. The rest of you obey Cadence’s orders, and keep your posts unless told otherwise. Daredevil, stay close. You’re the one who knows how best to handle him.” Poof-bling!

He had just tossed the final drawer open with his right hoof, forcing it out of the desk. He shifted through the papers, while his left held the documents he found already. Browsing for a short minute, he took the last thing he needed and made his way back to the window. But just then, he saw an orange, armored Pegasus hovering outside, ready to strike.

Pling! Frank turned to see a white Unicorn also in armor, with Daredevil standing beside him and split staff at the ready.

“Figured you'd think I go after one of those names that pony mentioned,” the steel blue Pegasus remarked, “Took that trouble in protecting the guy to make a few distractions. Safe to say I’m on a roll.”

“Frank,” sternly spoke the Crystal stallion, “I told you. I could get the information needed to share with you. We’re both a part of this. All you have to do is cooperate with us.”

“If sticking around, twiddling your thumbs is your way of handling this, then feel free. But I’m going to do things my way. Just needed to know where to start, is all.”

“There’s no way you can escape,” said the Unicorn, “You’re outnumbered, and cornered. Surrender peacefully, and we can talk about how to help you too.”

“Not so worried about any of those things,” shrugged Frank, as the other Pegasus glided closely behind him, who had reached for his belt, and removed shackles at the ready. “Like I said, I’m on a roll distracting you.”

At that, he saw Daredevil raise his hoof to his ear, “Cadence, Starlight! Force-field, now!”

BOOOM! Another explosion was heard and felt just seconds later, as Frank lifted his right hoof to block his Pegasus attacker. He jumped, and twisted around to kick his first opponent, sending him to the floor behind the desks. He then raised a crossbow with his right wing, pointing at Daredevil.

“Shining, don’t-” Pew! He saw his window of opportunity, then pulled the trigger to send a shaft into Shining’s shoulder when he stepped in front of the false target, as expected. Daredevil was too late to warn or stop the Unicorn Prince, as he was caught falling from the arrow’s momentum. He was then lowered gently onto the floor by Daredevil, who was calling out for a medic. At that, the Punisher holstered his weapon and took off.