Friendship by Fire

Leisurely passing through the halls, she was humming a wistful tune to herself. Her uplifting trot across the floor made a rather splendid clippity-clop echo throughout the walls. Her delicate touch of the marble floor was surreal. And the scent of her perform was truly a magnificent fragrance. Even the taste of the finest gems in all Equestria were bland. Such was the elegance that was displayed by the white Unicorn before his eyes.

"Come along, Spike. We mustn't doddle any longer. You sure you have everything?"

That is, if only his eyes were not obscured. "Yep. Guh. Got all the luggage right here! Ngyuh. Huff. All...set, Rarity!"

"Thank you for your kind help, Spike. Always a gentledrake, if I ever met one."

"Any-ng-anything for the best Unicorn around."

"Thanks, again. Now, you mind taking those to the foyer, while I check to see how Fluttershy's coming along?"

"Not at all. Nuh! Will do!" She maintained her comfortable pace towards her intended destination, as the young Dragon warily departed. Having been summoned by the Map just last night, she and Fluttershy knew the urgency of returning to Ponyville right away. The inevitable summons could not have been more convenient, so to speak. For the rest of the troupe decided that would be the best chance to return home, and to their duties and tasks, upon next daybreak.

Yes, after spending a few days searching for the stolen Amulet, without much success, shortly followed by Rainbow Dash's trial, it was time and energy heavily invested far from their homes and occupations. First morning train to depart from the Crystal Empire seemed the most sensible decision of returning to such. Hence, her need to find how her Pegasus friend was doing, so to ensure they make it to the station on time.

Although, there was no need to hurry it seemed, for she stopped near the opened door promptly. It was when she heard the soft yellow mare speaking, alongside the click of possibly her satchel strap.

"You sure you can't take the time of explaining to us, on the way there?"

"Believe me." She rose her brows sharply at Daredevil's voice. "There's a whole lot more needed to be said than a simple stroll to the station."

"Well, perhaps a little, tid-bit of information? A small sample, like Rarity might say?"

"Perhaps. That might actually be a sound notion. There's just...so much." His hoarse whisper at the end made the Unicorn wonder greatly. "I'm not exactly sure where to start."

"How about...well, your...?"

"My Dad?"

"That's how I got to understand you a bit."

"Well, it involves that. Along with the nature of my disability."

"You mean, how it happened? As in, you weren't born with it?"

"I'm surprised no one has asked me that yet. But no, I wasn't."

"That must've been terrible. Losing your sight. How old were you?"

"Nine. Just happened out of nowhere, when a speeding...wagon of sorts nearly crashed on an elder crossing the road. I was close enough to push him away in time."

"A miracle you weren't hurt too badly, either."

"I'd like to say it's providential, also. But it wasn't the collision that caused this. But what was being carried. Barrels of toxic chemicals spilled onto the road, and got into my eyes. That's when the lights went out for me. But things only just started, from there."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning the chemicals weren't just affecting my eyesight. And to best explain what I'm talking about...you remember me mention how I recognized you?"

"Um, from my soft hoofsteps? And for Pinkie, it was a spring in hers. Rainbow Dash was her flapping wings."

"Well for Miss Rarity, my recognition of her happened from several yards off. An hour ago, the moment she put it on. All while we've been in here. Conservative amount, but enough to tell. Jasmine, with lilac and rose. And for a while, the scent's been coming in. From right at the door."

A Stallion's Home

Boing! Boing! Boing! Jumping with profound excitement, the pink Earth Pony waited extra vigilantly for their upcoming train. She could not be any more jubilant about anything else, at all. At least, for the moment.

"Oh! I wonder how much longer we have to wait, (boing!) because the longer we have to wait, the more time's spent (boing!) trying to figure what friendship problem Rarity and Fluttershy have, which means I can't (boing!) figure out what kind of themes I need to do for their 'Going Away' party, and (boing!) 'Welcome Back' party yet, along with the party in Ponyville celebrating Rainbow Dash's win (boing!) at the trial, and maybe even plan a very special party for Daredevil, since, you know, we've been (boing!) so, so, so, so busy helping him help Rainbow Dash, I couldn't plan (boing!) a very special party for him, but I don't know when (boing!) he'll come down to visit, either! You know what I mean?" Boing!

"He-heh, Pinkie," her Pegasus friend answered, "I don't think we'll ever fully know what you mean."

"At least Spike, Fluttershy and Rarity still have time to get here. We're in no particular hurry, so this'll be a perfect opportunity for us to recuperate during our sojourn. I'm just glad things are starting to settle down a bit, now."

"I'll say, Twi. I mean, sure we weren't able to get that Amulet back to Zecora like we wanted, and it seems like we'll be doing ourselves some more searching for it, since that tracing spell of yours got blocked. ...Uh, he-heh. What I'm trying to say is, you're right in saying we best use this time to let things settle some. 'Specially after that, there hearing."

"You think Daredevil might come by, to see us off? No pun intended."

"Considering he wants to start his own investigation here, Rainbow Dash, I wonder if he might want to do so, right away."

"Yeah. A very straight-up, solid guy, to do something like that for us."

"You bet, Rainbow. And he said he'd give us any o' them updates, right Twilight?"

"He will have Cadence or Shining send them to Spike, so I can receive them as quickly as possible. He also seemed genuinely intrigued by that notion."

"Maybe because of how Spike is able to belch out letters and scrolls and things, and send out letters and scrolls and things with his green dragon-breath! I mean, I've been dying to learn that trick, since the first time I saw him do it!"

"Yeah, let's not try to picture that, Pinks. Still, not really a good way to end things here. You know, without telling him 'See you later, alligator?' Sorry, guess he kind of rubbed off on me a little."

"Aw! That's okay, Dashie! I think it's great to know how he helps other ponies from getting uncomfortable around his disability! By always making a quick laugh, and having pun with it!"

"Yep. Recon Pinkie nailed that, right on the dot. I recall him telling me, Twilight and Fluttershy how he don't like being treated like he's made o' glass. Got nothing but respect for a pony like that."

"Besides," Pinkie added, "I don't think you have to worry about not saying goodbye for long."

"What? Is your Pinkie Sense somehow telling you he's coming?"

"Nope," she answered Rainbow, "I just see him coming with Rarity, Spike and Fluttershy, is all."

"And I am still appalled by how you allowed me to be put in that sort of situation," she heard the white Unicorn huff.

He simply shrugged, "Just thought two birds with one stone." Whoop!

"Well that's a silly thing to think!" Pinkie popped right up to the stallion. "I mean, what's a stone got to do with two birds, in the first place? Would the birds be sharing it? And why wouldn't they want to share it? And what would birds want with a stone, anyway? Unless it's really an egg disguised as a stone!"

"Hello to you too, Pinkie," he chuckled, pensive at first.

"And what'd you mean when you said he got you into a situation, Rarity? What kind of situation?"

"Oh, um, w-well...I suppose that'd be something we-I-I mean somepony wishes to address. Not really my place to say."

"But you just said something about it, a couple seconds ago," spoke Rainbow Dash, now as curious as the rest.

"Is something the matter," asked Twilight.

"Depends on how you look at it," Spike uttered, earning a glare of annoyance from her. Before any more could be said, however, they all heard more voices coming up.

"Good!"

"You see, Flurry? We didn't miss them!"

"Shining! Cadence! Flurry Heart!" In response, Twilight happily shared a warm embrace with them.

"We were worried we'd miss seeing you off," her brother said.

"Flurry was getting upset she hadn't seen you this morning."

"Ah-eh. Bwefv."

"I'm sorry, Flurry," she tended to her niece with an assuring smile, "Auntie Twilight doesn't want to miss saying goodbye either. We just got so busy packing up in such a hurry-"

"That you almost forgot me, too?" A pair of Unicorns, one light violet, the other orange, also joined them.

"Starlight, of course not. I just - wait. I didn't know you were staying here longer."

Showing her lack of satchel, she answered, "At first, I wasn't. But then I decided that I could be more helpful in finding the Amulet here. You know. Since we now know other Unicorns are involved, I figured Counselor Daredevil's going to need all the help he can get in helping to find it, and them."

"I assured Miss Glimmer that I can manage things here well enough."

"Maybe, Counselor. But I still think I can do my part here too. I mean, Shining, Cadence and Sunburst won't be readily available to help anytime soon."

"She does raise a valid point," her friend added, "And I have more responsibilities and tasks, aside from my Crystaller position."

"Nopony should take on a hard task on their own," said the lavender Alicorn.

"Heh, and 'specially take it from somepony who knows, Sugarcube."

"True," announced the upcoming regents, through Celestia's graceful voice, "Princess Twilight is correct, Counselor. Be sure you know that you now have good friends to turn to."

"We're here to do whatever we can," said Starlight.

Then Sunburst again, "And I'll try to make time, and assist in whatever way as well."

"Thank you, Miss Glimmer. Mister Sunburst."

"Mage Sunburst," she corrected him. "He's still too modest."

"And we heard of your help with that farmer, Fluttershy," continued the solar regent, "We hope the delivery was fruitful."

"Oh, yes. Thank you, Celestia. We were worried of how ill the sheep was, at first. But now she and her new lamb seem perfectly healthy."

"Very good news to hear," Luna joined, "And before we depart ourselves, I wish to take you aside, Counselor, and speak privately about a certain matter. A proposition also, should you express interest."

"Uh, sure," he nodded towards the regent's direction. "Yeah. Yes, Highness. Hopefully, I can talk to the rest of you about something also. Eventually. It's...going to take more time than I've got to explain."

"Don't fret, darling. Rest assured we'll be ready for all you have to tell us."

"And it'll be yours only to tell," added Fluttershy, with genuine resolve. "Hopefully, the next time we meet."

"Thank you. I...I hope so too. Just know that I really do want to try, and be totally upfront with all of you. And I don't want to repeat past transgressions, either. So for now, just...just know that I was-"

CHOO-CHOO!

"So," the Unicorn mare spoke up, as they returned to the city, "Mind if I ask what Princess Luna wanted to talk about?"

"It's more of a personal issue she's offering to help with," answered the Earth Pony.

"Oh, right. Princess of the Night. Keeper of Dreams. Got you. I have to wonder though, what's it like to dream without sight?"

"Well, basically it's your subconscious projecting certain thoughts, memories and feelings through the other senses. Nothing too elaborate."

"Still doesn't make it any less intriguing," noted the orange Unicorn. "Certainly broadens the range of variety, I should think."

"Never thought of it that way."

"So, any idea what your first plan of action's going to be, Counselor Daredevil?"

"Well, Miss Glimmer, I just sent a written request to Councilpony Cinch for an appointment. See if we could meet and uncover more info about Rider's connection to Limeston-light. As for his old friend from Canterlot, his identity and current whereabouts are still unknown. Hopefully, Cinch would be willing to help with that."

"I don't doubt it, Counselor," Cadence spoke from up front, "Considering her former employee framed her the way he did, I'm sure she wants to find the truth of the matter also."

"You're saying she removed Rider from her employ, Princess?"

"That's what she said the argument was about. The day after she did. But what about your lodgings, Counselor? I meant to ask, since you intended to begin your firm here, in the Empire."

"Actually, I was hoping to start examining prospects on the side, last week. But no such opportunity, I'm afraid. But considering how much you all dispensed for my legal actions - excessively, in my opinion, but still grateful - funds shouldn't be an issue."

To hear his chuckle made everypony smirk also.

"Twilight and the others, most especially Rainbow Dash, thought it was suitable to pitch in," Cadence interjected.

"Yeah, trust us, buddy," Shining replied, "The way you've stepped up to help my sister's friend like that, you more than deserved that extra cushion for a new start."

"And what a start to your firm it was," gleamed the cloaked stallion, "Defending an Element of Harmony, against one of the most proficient, and intimidating ponies in such a practice."

"So calmly too, I might add," said Starlight. "It's a wonder we've never heard about you in Manehattan, before."

"I...mainly took care of civil cases, when I first started out. Minor, but still helpful to the locals who needed it. ...Actually, it might help to answer-"

"Oh, Shining," the pink Alicorn gasped, "Can't believe we forgot to introduce him to Flurry."

"Well, when could we," he remarked, "Everypony was too busy with the trial, it just never came up."

"Counselor," she stopped, once they reached the city square, "Would you like to...?"

"Yeah, sure. If I may, Highness."

Levitating the filly with her light blue aura, Cadence placed Flurry into Daredevil's reaching hooves. Making contact, he drew Flurry in, as she waved her own around giggling.

"Ha-heh! Wevwooeef!"

"She certainly sounds...sophisticated."

"Told you," Cadence whispered to her husband. Seeing Daredevil rub his hoof against Flurry Heart's belly prompted a laugh from her, which made him widely grin back.

"Sounds healthy, too."

"You sure have a way with foals, don't you," the light violet Unicorn smiled.

"Abvff!" They then saw the filly playfully rub his muzzle. Her forelegs and wings brushing against his face, as she removed his red spectacles with her golden magic. To all this, he simply chuckled.

"Guess I've just developed this thing for little tikes. From helping out at the orphanage, I suppose."

"Orphanage," Starlight and Sunburst asked.

"Yeah, the uh...caretakers there let me assist wherever I could. You could say I developed a good ear for what they needed."

"You ever, uh...?"

"Lived there? Yes, Mage Sunburst. Raised, in fact."

"I'm so sorry I brought it up."

"Don't worry, Miss Glimmer," he answered, still smiling. "It's fine. They were very good to me, and I learned to always take comfort in blessings all around me. Especially others'."

"It's too bad I don't remember meeting a colt like you. When Aunt Celestia took me to visit orphan homes in Manehatten. But that was a long time ago."

"Must've been sick at the time, Princess," he shrugged back, though grimaced. As Shining then lifted the filly with his crimson magic, Starlight brought Daredevil's lenses back with her own, blue glow. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Strolling through the polished, gem floors, he felt the echoes of their hoofsteps vibrate all around, and into his eardrums. The surroundings still leave him in wonderment at the palace's, and the city's very nature. Never mind the structure. It was not so much the solid, crystal material used to build them, as much as the pure energy resonating inside. Again, it never ceased to amaze him.

What struck a chord with him now, however, was how willing they all strove to befriend him. Even the two mares and young Dragon, who began to know more about him on their way to the station. They did not seem so perturbed by it, nor less receptive of him. More so, in fact, especially Spike. And even though they all started to board their train rather quickly, he could sense their sincerity of speaking with him next, and even looking forward to see him again. Now he truly wondered how better things would have been, between himself and Foggy starting out. Even Karen, and the others. Hopefully, he will be back to both his friend, and lifelong partner soon enough.

"We're also more than happy to have you, until you find a place, Counselor," Prince Shining Armor spoke further on the last subject. "So don't worry about imposing, because we insist you feel at home here, for now."

"Thank you. Just hoping not to overstay my welcome, is all."

"We can definitely offer services in finding something, soon as possible," said his wife, "I wonder if Madame Maresbury might specially know somepony for that."

"So long as it's no trouble to Your Majesties."

"Not at all, Counselor. And if you'd like, you can just call us by name. Don't want to you to feel uncomfortable, or left out by constantly being formal with us."

"Not sure that's prudent," he smirked, "Considering I might form personal ties with possible clients."

"Councilpony Cinch already beat you to that punch, buddy," was the Prince's smug retort. "Sorry to say that."

"Not my loss, it seems."

"Good answer," was her response. "Besides, if we felt a need to, we could form our own case."

"Good to know, Highn-um, Cadence."

"Yeah," he heard Starlight Glimmer join, "Was getting tired of calling you Counselor all the time, myself."

"Like the title, though. How it sounds, anyway."

"Just Daredevil alone sounds good enough for me, bud."

"If you insist, Starlight. ...Then perhaps this might be a good-"

"Oh, Cadence! Shining Armor!" Sunburst's hooves then clip-clopped hastily towards the Royal Family. "I just remembered! The Crystal Mage's Conference commences in an hour, and it's too late to cancel my reservation!"

"But we've got the Crystal Council in an hour," Cadence responded, the sound of her ruffled feathers anxiously brushed against her.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm unavailable for that."

"Then who's going to watch Flurry for us?" Upon Shining's nervous enquiry, he heard the Unicorn mare step up from beside him.

"We can help with that. As in myself and Daredevil."

"I'm sorry?"

"Mm-hm."

"Uh, she nodded," said Sunburst, "just so you know."

"Yes." Her sudden urge to act was voiced rather clearly. "I'm sure Daredevil and I could keep an eye - I mean, take care of Flurry Heart for a while."

"Eeyacch," their daughter shouted gleefully.

"Alright, I know I said earlier about my experience with small ones," the blind Earth Pony fumbled slightly, "But that's been a long time ago, and I hardly qualify taking care of...an Alicorn foal."

"That's what I'm here for," Starlight beamed near him, as they traversed down the hall with the Royal Family and Crystaller. "I can be the set of eyes that uses magic to keep her steady, while you be my extra set of ears to keep tabs on her when she naps."

"And that should be the main thing to worry about," said Sunburst, "Flurry Heart enjoys a good nap about this time, and that ranges between an hour and two."

"Which is the majority of the time spent, while Sunburst's away," Cadence added, "So that will be perfect for you to orient yourself in that environment, and also rest your legs."

"So that when she wakes up," continued her husband, "you'll know exactly where things are, for whenever you need them."

"Piece of cake," puffed the Unicorn mare, "Though Pinkie would argue that's more Pumpkin and Pound's turf." Seeing raised brows from Daredevil, she offered, "I know. Didn't get that at first, either. It's got to do with their last name being Cake. Uh, twin foals in Ponyville."

"Ah."

"But don't worry. After spending the past week helping Sunburst with her, I'll be able to walk you through it."

"That's not so much the issue for me, as much as what my presence-"

"Whoa-whoa! Steps." Seeing the others go down, she stood aside for him to reach the wall for support. But Starlight noticed Daredevil simply standing there, instead of moving forward.

"Starlight Glimmer," he began, "I think this is a good chance to explain a few things."

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry about it. Fluttershy told me what you said, about made of glass."

"N-no. That's not it. It's more about my...hesitance of what I need to tell you. I...I've known about the steps."

"Yeah, I'm sure. You've traveled down these halls all week to be familiar-"

"No, not just familiar. Not even that. But I'm completely-"

"You two coming down," shouted back Shining Armor.

"Be right the-" Smack. Just then, her raised hoof knocked the staff from his wielding foreleg, sending it pang-bat-tingalingalingaling down, to the bottom. "Oh, I'm so sorry! Here, let me..."

"That won't be-" Levitating it with a blue, glittering field, Starlight returned the red staff into Daredevil's pastern. "...necessary."

"I'll...go on ahead." Awkwardly trotting downwards, the mare cringed with embarrassment. So much so, she was totally oblivious to the stallion's bereavement for his two, failed attempts.

She was baffled by her sudden drive to help him, just after her acknowledgment of how he felt about that. It was one thing to feel so unsure of how to make friends, albeit less so since Twilight. But it became another to find the right way of being considerate to newly made ones. Disabled, or not. Now, with this seemingly the hardest conundrum she had faced, Starlight found herself dealing with those three things, combined. Her social awkwardness, how to act, and with a blind pony. She was downtrodden, and wondered how even Trixie could help in this situation.

For the moment, the Unicorn simply decided to keep her mind off the matter. Instead, she finally wondered how it was they had to go up into the main hall of the palace, then down a flight of steps to reach their destination. "This place's even weirder than Twilight's castle."

"And, here we are." Upon the pink Alicorn's announcement, they entered the intended chamber. Arranged as a nursery, it contained the various items of a crib, rocking chair, numerous rag dolls and stuffed animals, building blocks, small books, and so on.

"Okay," Starlight began, "Soon as they finish putting Flurry down, I'll direct you to - I mean, we'll get started on getting things in order." She cringed more deeply, at how delicate that sounded.

"Sure," nodded Daredevil, "So long as you're keeping an eye on the kid, while I get to work on that."

Hearing his comical retort, she sniggered back, "That was the general idea. Unless you want to switch roles, for today."

"Like to keep the pants in the family, thank you." They shared a hearty laugh between themselves, which made her appreciate his efforts to lighten things.

Having that obstacle behind them, he started to navigate himself around the room, his staff against the walls that bordered it. Accepting he might not hurdle his current predicament when he wanted to, the gold-yellow stallion decided to simply allow events to unfold as they were. Therefore, he found it best to maintain his...façade, so to speak, until the correct opportunity arose. And he had every intention of being attentive to that, as with his and Starlight's charge for today.

"Alright," started Shining Armor in a hushed tone, "Flurry's starting to go down, so I'll start with the basic essentials."

"Don't worry Shining," Starlight answered in kind, "I got this."

"Oh, right. Then I'd say you're definitely in good hooves, Daredevil."

"So long as we know it's the case for Flurry. Thank you."

"No, thank you Daredevil," Cadence quietly spoke, "for helping to look after our angel."

"You wanted to use that for a while, didn't you?"

"Couldn't resist," she answered the Unicorn Prince.

"At least I know I can try giving you your money's worth here, also."

"You already have. And thanks again to you, Starlight." As Cadence, her husband, and Sunburst made their gentle exits, the Earth Pony made his own, quiet steps toward the supply cupboard. Upon touching the wooden door, he sensed the items inside through the vibrations emitted from the crystal walls. He made a mental list, as Starlight whispered it in sync.

"Alright. Cleaning supplies and diapers to the left, bottles and formulas in the middle, and-"

"To the right, I'm guessing pea soup, bowls and spoons?"

"How'd you get that?"

"Same order my guardians arranged it," he chuckled, reminiscing. "Who'd have thought?"

"Well...that's a good sign. And just remember that rocking chair, about twelve paces from your right. Next to the crib."

"Okay." Opening the doors, he brushed his hoof against the contents. "And the counters? Changing table?"

"Oh, um, say ten and fifteen paces past the chair. Table's furthest to the left."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Always good to be properly prepared. Even if it's last minute."

"Yeah. Definitely hate to go in a situation blind."

"Oh-ho-okay," she chuckled also, "That's taking the puns a bit, too far."

"Out of sight, out of mind?"

"Crossing a line there, pal." She was fighting to keep her tone down.

"Can you blame me for not spotting it?"

"Yes. Because you know it's metaphorical."

"Oh, well. Guess you blindsided me, with that one."

"Just where'd you get all those, anyway?"

"My...my old partner. And best friend." To maintain a chipper tone, he kept his smile. "We studied law together. Was my roommate even. Called him Foggy."

"Why, because you thought he's dense?"

"Actually, no. I knew him to be one of the brightest in the class. Very crafty and cunning too, when he wanted. Traits you'd expect from an actual attorney."

"Then why...?"

"Because of how loudly he slept."

"Oh."

"Called him the Living Foghorn. Had a good sense of humor too, that he let me."

"Sure it was his sense of humor?"

"Oh, now don't try to make a case for him," he sassed back, catching her comical implications. "Where else you think I got the puns?"

"Got me there. Though it's your word against his."

"So, that helped?"

"With what?"

"Getting comfortable." Closing the cupboards, he turned from them and stared blankly in Starlight's direction. He could pick up the release in tension from her spine and ligaments that he had no need to ask. Not to mention her breathing was more relaxed.

"I...huh. Guess it did. Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

"Really helps to remember I'm just talking to another, ordinary pony, I guess."

"Yeah. Right." Moving towards the wall, he decided to rest his haunches against it. He took a deep breath through his snout, before releasing it through his elongated lips.

"What about you?"

"Me?"

"No, Flurry Heart. She just woke up to join in our conversation."

"If she did, I'd be the first to know."

"Right. If I weren't watching her also."

"Possibly."

"So how are you adjusting to things here," she rephrased. Inhaling deeply again, he pondered on his response.

"I mean, it's got to be really tough," she continued, "To leave everything and everypony you once knew behind, and start all over. I've trotted down that road before, believe me."

"It's...very taxing, to be sure," he confessed. It then reminded him of looking into classes by mail. Transcript, of course. That would ensure he was legitimately certified here. No telling how long he will be gone. "Let's just say there's quite a bit on my plate, than I'd like. Best I could do about it, right now, is to not bite more than I can chew. Just play it by ear."

"Okay, that was the worst attempt I've heard, so far."

"You prefer sight reading? At least those had musical connotations. Pinkie would be proud."

"Oh-ho yeah. Pinkie and all her witty, crazy, obnoxious songs."

"Though endearing."

"Right, sure. Endearing. With a wild, spontaneous...eccentric side."

"Aren't we all?"

"Maybe. Just not at that level."

"Perhaps not. But somepony has to. Help keep us going."

"Yeah. One way, or another."

"Yeah."

"Though Rarity conducts a...quintet? Fluttershy's in it too, so they'd know about musical terms also."

"I hope to hear them, sometime."

Considering there was little else left they wished to discuss at the moment, Starlight had decided to examine a volume she brought with her. When promptly asked if he wanted to hear from it, seeing he had nothing to help him pass time, the gold-yellow Earth Pony accepted the offer. The fact that a nap was inappropriate for this given situation, he thought it best to be on high alert for the Alicorn filly.

So, by keeping aware through his senses, while also gaining a further understanding of this world, he listened to the Unicorn mare reading under her breath. Surprisingly, the terminology being used resembled that of a physicist he once knew during a civil case. And strangely enough, it blended somewhat with a few mystic terms slightly similar to the Catechism. But not enough to warrant too much attention in that area, given how easily tangible magic was throughout this world. Unlike the secluded places where Stephen, a...an old client, would reside. Maybe someone he knew was involved in this, if not responsible.

He took great comfort in doing something not in his routine of clientele by day, gangsters-and-assassins by night. If anything, he welcomed the change of pace, as well as the company that it entailed.

Although he was relieved to find others willing to fully associate with him, for who he was someday, he seemed more at ease today with Starlight Glimmer, than the rest. Not so far as to delve deeply into it, but the opposite actually. He could tell there was more to her than what she had told him, but was keeping her reservations of opening up about them. He not only could respect that, but also sympathize with it. A kindred spirit, of a sort. Knowing it was good to express oneself at times, while aware of other times not to.

Yes, there was Princess Twilight who was studious, logical and level-headed. The last can be said for Applejack also, but more casually reserved. And Fluttershy's own reservation was gentle. But it seemed this pony was more reluctant in sharing about herself, than even those three. Not for fear of judgment or unwanted attention, but for the sake of maintaining an air of peace within, and without. That this was a perfect time to make that sort of retreat, where one could simply rest, relax and recover.

It was almost as though he met another like Ben Urich, who counterbalanced the passionate enthusiasts like Pinkie and Dash, the latter reminding him of Foggy most. Perhaps Applejack and Fluttershy would enjoy this also, though maybe not be in the same...subtext. He doubted Rarity could fit best in either of those categories, but somewhere in between.

So, with him leaning against the wall, and she sitting near the room's center, they passively enjoyed each other's presence. He sensed the energy emanate from Starlight's horn with a subtle pitch. And as he heard the flipping of a page, he detected a smaller volume of energy, along with the ruffling of sheets and feathers.

"Starlight."

"...at which point, the catalyst transcends the-what?"

"The crib." Both rising from their respective spots in the room, they approached it with swift care. Much to his surprise, he already sensed it empty, before joining the Unicorn there.

"Uh, oh. She's at it again."

"What," he asked her, "What happened?"

"She teleported," she sighed in answer, "Now she's playing hide-and-go-seek with us."

"What do you suggest?"

"You get things ready, while I go find her. I can trace where that spell sent her, so no worries."

"Get things like-" Bling. Poof. In a cloud of exuberant dust, he sensed Starlight's presence gone also. Tuning into the vibrations that pulsed through his hooves, and shifting his ears to listen, he sought to know where they might have gone. He had smelled prior to this, so he doubted he needed a new diaper at this moment. At that, he decided to focus on whether he could detect that energy's small signature to locate Flurry. That same resonance that removed his tinted lenses this morning.

Picking up the satchel lying next to the crib, he approached the cabinet with all the supplies. He remained attentive, as he packed the essentials, including a diaper for the potential future.

"Where'd you go, you little rascal?" Upon hearing that familiar voice, he sharply turned and tilted his head. "Where are you? I know you're here, somewhere?"

"Hee-hee-hih. Bvf!"

"Oh! There you are!"

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Wif-bvvvvv!" He picked up on the sudden gust of air in that vicinity, while Starlight's hooves trailed after that shifting current. Poof-bling!

"I'm coming to get you!" What he detected next truly caught his attention. Pulling off his glasses, grabbing his staff, and latching the satchel onto him, he hastily left the room. While he followed the projected trail of magic, air movement and hoof beats, the Earth Pony went to a near gallop.

"I'm going to get you!" "Ah-ha-ha-ha!" Poof-poof!

They both had teleported frequently, but shared a general direction. And that same destination was exactly where he needed to be. He knew the best way to intercept was from above. Approaching a window, he tap-tapped his staff against the frame. After doing so, he struck against its weakest point, causing it all to tilt off the sill in one piece. Then he gently, but quickly removed the glass from its frame. Bling-bling!

Climbing onto the window sill, he leaned over with his detaching staff. Swinging it outward, the whooshing of the split rod, and zing of the cable inside extended further out. Until he sent it directly through an opened window, ten floors above.

"Okay, come here. Got you! Now let's get back-hey!"

"Hap-veh-heh!" Bling!

"Right. No letting up." Poof!

Ting-clink. His nun chuck was able to grapple against the frame, before it could fall out. Placing the other end into his strengthened jaw, he took hold of the cable and climbed.

Knock-knock-knock! "Majesties, there's an urgent matter that calls your attention!"

"Excuse us," Cadence told the Council, as she and her husband made their way to the door.

"What's going on, Captain," asked Shining, after opening it.

"That cloaked pony," he firmly answered, nearly in shout, "The one with two red sticks and string Miss Fluttershy described last week. A pony matching that description is scaling the palace, now! Only, not cloaked!"

"Steady yourself, Captain Sentry," Shining Armor stated, as the trio departed from the chamber.

"Start from the beginning," Cadence asked.

Reaching the grappled window, he removed his nun chuck from there, and planned for another swing. He could hear the Jetstream directly above even more clearly, and the gusts this altitude were picking up speed. No telling how unstable they were at the peak. Before he could find something else to hook onto, however, he heard what he dread would happen.

BLING! "Ha-ha-ha!"

"No! Flurry Heart, you come down here, this instant!" The flapping, infantile wings were far, too weak for that Jetstream. Once caught in its path, he heard them losing rhythm, and the air resistance of a stalling object came his way. "FLURRY!"

Timing it based on the mental image of her falling form, he leapt from the window sill, and dove directly towards the Alicorn filly. He wrapped his forelegs around her flailing limbs, and tightly held onto her. Slowing his own fall, he somersaulted. With one hoof keeping her close, he used the other to pull his staff from his mouth, and send one end of it towards the solitary balcony. Whew-oo-ooo-oo-oo! Clink.

Wrapped around the banister, he had the cable recoil, barely in time, to swing away from the oncoming pavement. Poof! Bee-yur!

Sensing a high pitch, and a dust cloud envelop his nun chuck, he felt himself and Flurry quickly pulled back up.

"Oh my gosh! Is she okay?!" Once there, he checked the foal's pulse and vitals, and answered Starlight.

"Just had a pretty bad scare, but she seems fine. Though, you might need this." Tossing the satchel towards the Unicorn, he climbed off the banister, and rocked the whimpering Flurry Heart. With one leg as the sling, he began to coo her gently, as she curled up and bawled.

"Sh-sh-sh. It's alright. You're safe. We'll get you to your mama and daddy, right now. They're just around the corner. Everything will be okay. Shh."

Hearing their arriving gallops, he gathered they viewed briefly from a nearby window, for he picked up their own racing pulses. Turning his head their way, he stared blankly towards the Prince and Princess on approach. Gently offering their daughter to them, they levitated her with energy from both their horns. Swiftly, though gently, they made for a tight, warm embrace, to which he smiled.

After a prolonged, tender moment or so, he sensed all eyes directed unto his unresponsive pair. He felt the air shift, from an armored Pegasus hovering behind him. Raising front hooves, sitting down, and calmly tilting his head to the rejoined staff, he spoke in submission, "Guess I should turn that in."

It was unthinkable. Unimaginable. Unbelievable. Inconceivable. Nearly indescribable. Yet she witnessed it all, right before her frightened eyes. Her pupils had been narrow for so long, or so brief, she was not even sure how much time had passed.

After seeing Flurry Heart take a nosedive to the road, Starlight was swift in teleporting herself in midair, and floating directly below the filly's plummeting form. She just failed to expect anything remotely like what happened next. Who would not?

The light violet Unicorn just saw the blind Earth Pony leap from a high window, and dove right towards the little Alicorn. She quickly noted the he was without any lifeline, himself, and hoped to reach for both with her magic. But all that concentration, so spontaneous, and all that wind, became too taxing for her, that she lost her own levitation momentarily. Regaining it, she watched in horror, until she saw his staff extend outward and lasso onto the balcony railing. Unsure if he would stop their fall in time, she spurred on, and teleported to the balcony, tugging the line upward.

With the Royal Family arriving back from the Council, and Captain Sentry standing vigilantly at the door of the nursery with Sunburst, she took a brief glance towards Daredevil, and confirmed to herself, once again, that his eyes were not responding, at all. Just the tilt of his head and flick of his ear showed his awareness of Cadence and Shining's return with Flurry.

"How is she," he and Sunburst asked.

"Asleep now," soothingly answered the pink Alicorn, "Cried herself down, on our way back."

"I am so sorry," Starlight began, "I completely forgot about a second pony to back me up, in case!"

"You have nothing to be sorry about," her orange Unicorn friend responded.

"You did your absolute best," added Shining, as he watched Cadence tuck their daughter in. "And thankfully, no harm's been done."

"And you did have backup," she joined her husband, "Again, thankfully." Once they reunited, everypony's attention turned to the sitting stallion, who blindly faced their direction. Captain Sentry kept his silent position, remaining attentive for what might unfold.

"Which brings us to the main issue at hoof," Cadence continued. After a momentary pause, Starlight watched this scene release tension, as the Princess calmly approached Daredevil, and tearfully embraced him. "Thank you. Thank you, very much."

Perplexed, Starlight watched him blink sporadically, with a hitched breath. "It-It's nothing, Princess. I'm sure Miss Glimmer would've caught her, if I hadn't intervened."

"That may be," she replied, pulling back from him, "But you still...laid down your own...newfound life and career, for...my daughter's safety."

"Our daughter," Shining came up to him also, his height overshadowing the Earth Pony's slightly, "Maybe you didn't have too. But you still chose to help in any way possible, just in case. If you doubted it before, then know you more than gave us our bits' worth."

Seeing the white Unicorn clasp onto the gold-yellow Earth Pony's shoulders, he reached into a heartfelt embrace also. "Thanks, a whole lot, buddy."

"You're welcome...Shining."

Nothing else was said, or could be said after that, as Starlight watched the two stallions separate with genuine, brotherly smiles between them. Seeing how Daredevil has joined in this small unit, she prompted Sunburst to come with her and share in the moment.

"Glad to know there's extra help around here," she remarked, patting him on the back, "You sure live up to your name too, bud. Like a maniac."

"I'll say," exclaimed Sunburst, "From what Starlight told me, you certainly know how to give others quite a shock!"

"Bringing us to our next subject," said a recovered Cadence, "Mister Rider, though unkind to Fluttershy, was terribly mistreated under Shining's and my jurisdiction."

"I can only anticipate your response to my vigilantism."

"On our way back," Shining began, looking at his wife, "We agreed that so long as you're under our supervision, promising us not to act in that manner anymore here, we will tell everypony so, and that your identity will remain unknown, until your say. All anypony else saw was a speck climbing the castle walls, and a blur swinging over the road."

"We know you want to do your best, and help others. And you have. Just...be sure to quickly render threatening ponies...nonlethal. And only when the time calls for it. Leave the rest for Captain Sentry and his Guards."

"You both have my word, I'll do my best," he nodded, after mildly shocked again.

"And there's also so much we don't know about you," Cadence continued, "Tyat you have many questions to answer for us."

"Of course, I'll do so-"

"All in due time," Shining finished for him, "We still have a lot to do, and the same for you also. So, just be ready for when that happens."

"Also, it seems somepony's already offered to help with that, in some way."

Upon the rosy mare's final comment, Starlight Glimmer saw Daredevil smile at the departing ponies.

"And before we forget..." the Unicorn Prince tilted his head in gesture, to which the orange Pegasus responded. Retrieving the red staff, the Captain placed it into Daredevil's grasping hoof, as though he knew from where to grab it. At that, Captain Sentry stiffly reached back for something else.

"Personal effects from your quarters, also." Seeing him reach to grab the small pouch as before, Starlight watched his hoof brush against the unseen contents, head still raised.

"Thanks, Captain," he spoke with satisfaction. Sentry then departed with the Royal Couple, leaving the Earth Pony with Starlight and Sunburst to care for Flurry Heart.

Then, in a final moment of curiosity, she decided to wave her hoof in front of him. Seeing his brown-hazel orbs still unmoving, she saw his brows raised instead. He asked her, "You're finished yet?"

"Y-yeah. Sorry." Sunburst could only chuckle at her expense, right after.

"AAaahahahah!" The poor infant's cry slowly faded, as though the little one were being taken. The smell of warm fluid filled the air, as if it were fuming, molten iron. Small, hot, brass casings were felt all over the stone floor, engulfed with the smell of lit fuses. But reaching for the one thing that mattered at the moment, he shakily picked up her limp neck, and brought her close. No sound from her lips. No heartbeat. Just her skin getting cold to his touch.

"Karen. Karen. Karen, please. Don't go! Not you, too! PLEASE!"

All things then faded away, leaving only the dwindling pain to float aimlessly, once again. However, instead of waking, an all-enveloping, soothing presence dwindled the condemning flames, and lessened the gravity that pulled him down.

The calming scent of lavender answered his desperate prayer further. It soon filled his mind, now weightless, as the energy causing this offered him a brief moment of comfort in such dreadful times. Like the moon, refracting her sister's light softly onto the darkened world. Only, in his case, it felt as though a running stream coolly, gently massaged his aching, burning soul.

"I am here, Master Murdock," her voice gracefully announced. "What say you, to my offer?"

"I accept," he answered immediately, though calmly, "Praise God for providing some form of therapy, right now. So…thank you, Princess."

"Please, call me Luna."

Heaving a deep, refreshing sigh, he answered, "Call me Matt."