Friendship by Fire

When life just gets you down,

You get all turned around,

And the way you go just doesn’t feel right.

“Is this how we’re starting the day?”

“Absatootalutely!”

You just can’t help but frown

That the only way is down.

So you just feel like it’s all a scary sight.

“Foggy would be proud.”

But you don’t let it keep you from ever being done.

You get back up, you little pup,

And put a hoof in front of another.

“Puppies have paws.”

It takes one step at a time, before you can run.

And even then, you trip again.

Don’t crash a den! Go catch a hen,

Like your Italian stallion brother!

“Boxing was more my Dad’s thing, but okay.”

That’s why we’re here today

To shout “Hooray!”

And watch foals go out and play,

And remind us what makes life okay,

And look at the wonderful things and say,

“This is what we work for all the way!”

And then you just have fun, and shout “Hooray!”

“Guess after the past two weeks, I could do with a breather.”

“That’s the spirit, Devie!” Boing! Boing! Boing!

As they arrived from his suite to their destination, he and Pinkie Pie stopped in the courtyard of the Canterlot Palace, where the other ponies were gathering for a concert of some extravagant pop star.

“Alright! Now we’re talking,” exclaimed the farm pony, “Mighty glad to see somepony’s joining in the fun.”

“If you think this’ll be fun,” answered the ecstatic one, “Then you’re really going to say that my Super-Crazy-Flying-Ninja Party is the most amazing party Pinkie has made, EVER!”

“Heh,” chuckled the hoarse mare with flapping wings nearby, “We’ll take your word for it.”

“And I’ve got the costumes ready, and everything! Thanks for that, Rarity!”

“My pleasure truly, darling,” joined the elegant voice of another, “Though it did put a hamper on a few things I needed to iron out here, I’m happy to contribute to you efforts, Pinkie. T’was also an intriguing look into the styles used for black by ninjas. Simple, elegant, yet oh, so very intimidating and effective.”

“Um, is it okay if some of us don’t want to wear them?”

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy,” beamed Pinkie, “I told Rarity to let me make a spare for you, just in case. That way, she didn’t have to worry too much about time, you don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to and won’t hurt anypony’s feelings, and I get to help in making one of those amazing costumes!”

“I just can’t wait to see Daredevil going out as a blind ninja for the party,” Rainbow Dash remarked, “Just saying that makes it sound even more awesome!”

“Yeah, well,” he shrugged in her direction, “Don’t get your hopes up. Might be disappointing, in the end.”

“Nevertheless, I think we’re all just happy to have you joining us,” said Twilight. Her voice, with Fluttershy and Rarity's, was a soothing comfort to his assaulted, enhanced pony ears. That last part, alone, spoke volumes to his former, human hearing. Then the Princess continued, “It’s always good to enjoy yourself, with friends all around.”

He could pick up on the wavering tension and anxiety within that statement. Especially after most recent developments.

“It’s what makes life worth living,” he grinned back.

“And,” Twilight said, “I think I speak for us all that I’m glad you accepted us as your friends.”

“It’s been my privilege.”

“Now then,” Rarity stated, “Best get this final décor set up. Ta-ta.”

It was while the ponies around him began to make the last-second touches on the stage that he sensed a startling shift in the air pressure. He noted Dash’s minor pause after adjusting to it in hover, but he was the only one paying close attention to it. The gust was enough to keep him curious, but small enough to only indicate a buildup on the other side of the mountains. He had heard from his room about the Pegasi scheduling clear skies throughout the Festival here. Yet this independent cluster began to grow and take shape. But what truly alarmed him was not how it glided directly towards them, but what might be hidden inside.

“Spike,” he evenly spoke, as he approached the young Dragon, “I need you to take a message for Starlight.”

“Uh, okay,” said Spike with uncertainty, “What for?”

“I’ll tell you, in a minute. Ready?”

“Hold on. Okay, yep.”

“Starlight, it’s come to my attention that something unexpected might unfold here, at the Festival. If you don’t hear from us in the next two hours, please be sure to inform Shining Armor, and send help, as soon as possible.”

“As possible…Wait. You think there might be trouble?”

“Well, if there is, I'm sure Twilight and the others can settle it.” Silently though, he grimaced at how this was not the time for that much-needed breather. As usual.

The Tempest We Know

~ Part I ~

He was not about to wait any longer. Soon, and very soon, that wild, approaching storm would reach its destination. He was even starting to hear the cracks and booms of lightning and thunder. All that energy was vibrating against the very core of his spine. Normally, that would have meant a bomb exploded nearby. Of course, he has yet to encounter what he would consider normal, these days. But every moment here seemed to show how much further his abilities have expanded.

After excusing himself from the concert, he made his way through the Palace halls in search of Pinkie Pie’s suite. Opening the unlocked door, to his mild curiosity, the blind pony entered to find the correct suitcase. As he brushed his hoof against the surface of each luggage, he detected movements of those outside watching the cloud formations.

Now, he was sure that, given his enhanced senses, it was understandable how even those with sight lacked the imagination for something like this. But, considering what he found by the vibrations against the case, he surmised Pinkie to be the most efficient and proficient in packing, in either worlds. It reminded him of his own cane, actually. So, relatively normal, in that regard.

But then he started to hear Pinkie talk about balloon deliveries, upon seeing the vessel come out from the rumbling clouds. Wasting no more time, the stallion unlocked the baggage, while the ship made its descent.

There she stood. On the ramp, in all her stone-cold glory. After the hissing mist and steam from the descending boardwalk, and the miniscule creature’s enthusiastic announcement, the purple mare approached the regents before her. Her crimson mane spiked tall, and steel black armor covered her bodice. Even her Mark was concealed by a cyan icon of some horned beast. Across her right eye of turquoise rested a mild scar. But these were not her most noticeable traits. What remained of her horn was a short, jagged stump that sent off the occasional spark of electricity.

“Tempest, was it,” began Princess Celestia, “How may we help you?”

With a small, snide grin, the Lieutenant grimly answered, “Oh, I’m so glad you asked. Let’s start with your complete, and total surrender.”

It was only a brief exchange. A simple demand for the Princesses’ magic, to which they refused. What came then from Tempest Shadow, before they could even respond, were small orbs that made sudden impact on the Regents of Day and Night. Zzzap-whoosh-POW!

“Celestia!” It was all happening too fast! Luna and Celestia were turned to stone before the latter could even finish her vital message! More ships had swiftly arrived to the towers, terraces and balconies, seemingly out of nowhere! From them sprung out massive beasts, masked, and heavily armed! Twilight and her friends had begun to flee from the utter chaos, hoping to find better means of defense. They nearly missed what almost happened to Cadence.

Zzzap-whoosh-whack! Just missing the Crystal Princess was another sphere that exploded on the road close by. The lavender Alicorn stopped to see what deflected that transformation projectile, and found an Earth Pony dressed in black. Only his yellow, gritted muzzle was seen from within, as he stood on hind legs, wielding a pair of red sticks.

“Hey,” Pinkie exclaimed, “That’s my ninja costume for Daredevil! And it fits him juuuust right, Rarity! Huh. But why’s he covering his face?”

“Forget that,” screamed Rainbow Dash, “Let’s get out of here!”

“Wait,” Twilight shouted, as they moved on to find cover, “I heard what Celestia tried to tell Luna! We need to get to-” BAM!

Again, everything happened all at once. First that Tempest pony found them and sent an orb her way, Rainbow pushed her to the side, next a grey Pegasus among the panicking crowds was nearly caught in the crossfire, and then the blind pony jumped in that mare’s place!

Despite the destruction all around them, nothing else mattered at that second. The moment they saw Daredevil slam against a wall, and sprawl onto the pavement.

Pew-pew!

“Go,” shouted Cadence, as they all looked on in horror, “Get to the Badlands! Hurry! I’ll draw them away!”

Seeing the pink Alicorn send volleys toward the oncoming horde, standing over the stallion with the stunned Pegasus close by, Twilight took the lead and ran southward. Hesitantly, Fluttershy watched a little longer, before following the rest, hoping she made the right decision and that everything will be alright.

“Innocent blood is being shed!”

“And you donated more than your fair share!” The spiraling cascade and wild winds made the burning coals below seem even hotter! Everything was coming down, at once!

“You know,” his friend continued, “every time I walk up those stairs, I wonder if this would be it. The day I find your lifeless body. In fact, I’m not going to let that happen.”

“Give that back, now!”

“Make me,” the venom in that remark equaled the rising smell of adrenaline, “I’ve seen all over the news what you do. How you operate. I think I’m doing you a huge favor by taking this underwear from here. Unless you want to beat me for it!”

“I’m done apologizing for who I am. And I’m already sick of your pestering concern for me! You want to take that, fine! But that won’t stop me from protecting my city!”

“Yeah? And at what cost?”

“Whatever it takes.”

“Even if that means no more Nelson & Murdock? Because I don’t know how much more I can take!”

“If that’s the direction you want to go in…then I won’t stop you.”

“Matt.” The gentle, soothing voice smothered all storms from continuing, as he slowly regained consciousness.

“Hey! He’s waking up!”

“Take it easy, Daredevil. Deep breaths, first.”

“I say, is that his true name? No wonder.”

“Nnnng…” Inhaling deeply through the nostrils, he groaned to the voices that hovered over him. He felt his chest sting at his intake of air, but then felt a limb helping him up from his neck.

“Is he okay? Please tell me that he’s okay!”

“He’s still delirious, Miss Do. But so far, he seems to have sustained no lethal damage.” Taking in his surroundings, he felt the vibrations on the ground and into his ears. The voices indicated Princess Cadence was present, along with her hoof and pulsating energy holding him steady. With her was another female, whose wings wrapped around a small Unicorn foal at her side, and a Unicorn stallion, whose firm composure has restrained his own anxiety.

“Oh, thank goodness,” exclaimed the former.

“My word,” said the latter, “are his eyes even functioning?”

“It’s his disability, Sir Fancy Pants,” said Cadence, “They’ve been that way, before.”

“B-But how…” stammered the mare, “How was he…how did he know?”

“Sight’s overrated.” His blunt reply mildly surprised them, as he gradually regained his equilibrium.

“How are you feeling,” Cadence asked.

“Just a small sting in my chest. Plus a little numb and unbalanced, at first. But fine overall, thanks.”

“I guess you should count your blessings, in that regard,” she chuckled nervously, “Considering what hit you, Celestia and Luna. And nearly me, if it weren't for you.”

“At least I was quick enough to save someone.”

“And me too,” Miss Do joined in, carrying her daughter, “I’m Ditzy Do, but friends call me Muffins. I want to thank you too, for…making sure I made it back…to my little Dinky Do, safe and sound.”

“Daredevil,” he replied, offering a hoof to shake, “Nice to make your acquaintance. And, you’re welcome.”

“And a pleasure to make yours, good sir,” the Unicorn took his hoof also, “Fancy Pants.”

“Likewise.”

“Though I must say,” Sir Pants continued, “from what I heard, you shouldn’t be able to regain consciousness, let alone stand.”

“Those orbs must only effect Alicorns,” Cadence offered with wary, “Magic like that from a dismembered Unicorn like Tempest Shadow, that...more than raises some concerns.”

“From what I could tell,” Daredevil said, “Nothing was under her armor to indicate she had the Amulet.”

“So she’s not in league with Horizon Rider, or those conspirators?”

“Not likely, Cadence. Though I’m guessing the devil we know won't use it to intervene, either.”

“Might be a little too strong with that expression." Warily eyeing the filly listening, Cadence spoke further, "But why do you say that?”

“They might use this incident to help raise their point. That the Elements abandoned everyone, in their moment of absolute need.”

“That can’t be true,” exclaimed Ditzy, “I-Is it?”

“No, Miss Do,” Cadence firmly answered, “It isn’t. As we speak, they’re making their way to the Badlands, and looking for someone who can help us with these…Storm Creatures, as they call themselves.”

“They kind of look like giant-white-gorilla-minotaur things.” The little one finally spoke, prompting the blind pony to chuckle.

“They’re looking for a queen, down south from there,” Cadence warmly continued, “Aunt Celestia was talking about the Queen of Hippos.”

“Hippogriffs,” he stated, “I caught the ‘g’ before…she was cut off. So, I’m guessing Hippogriffs.”

“You saw Hippogriffs in Manehatten,” Dinky asked in amazement.

“No, not really,” he sniggered more at that, “Just…heard about them, in fables and legends.”

“Oh,” she gasped, “Right. Because of your eyes. My Mommy-”

“Not right now, sweetie,” Ditzy gently spoke, “But what do we do now, while we wait? I mean, how do we even know these Hippogriffs can, or will help?”

“I agree,” Fancy Pants responded, “There must be something to be done here. Someway of weakening these Storm Creatures, or cause some confusion at least.”

“They’ve been rounding everypony up,” said Cadence, “Sweetie Drops, a former agent of Aunt Celestia’s, was able to mark out checkpoints of where they’re being herded.”

“If we break open a few of their gathering sights,” Daredevil surmised, “You think that could frustrate them enough to scatter their forces throughout the city?"

"Maybe weaken their stronghold at the Palace, itself. Yes.”

"Can also gather those we rescue for some form of uprising."

“I say,” remarked Fancy Pants, “For a blind pony counselor, you sound as though you speak from experience.”

“Back at you.”

“I wasn’t knighted by mere fame and fortune, you know. At any rate, where do we begin?”

“Everything is in place,” Lieutenant Shadow stated, “You should be able to scour the entire city, and find that pink Princess, Sergeant Dis. And you know what to do, the minute you find her.”

“Take her back to the Palace, immediately,” the Storm Beast drawled in response, as they walked down the hall. “I know. The Storm King made you his lieutenant for your crazy magic, but I’ve been at this way longer than you.”

“Are you questioning your King? And here I thought you were his most loyal officer.”

“I always will be. Whereas you, Tempest Shadow, failed to capture all four of the Princesses, when they were all standing in front of you like sitting ducks.”

“I promise you, Princess Twilight will be in custody, before the Storm King arrives in three days. Can you make that promise?”

“Before day’s end,” he retorted, “I will capture Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and crush whatever ponies stand in my way. Blind-folded, or not.”

“Proving your loyalties to the Storm King even further, I’m guessing.”

“I’ve always trusted my King’s decision-making. And I would agree that you’ve been more than useful to him. But even then, like his last lieutenant, your usefulness will wear out. Maybe we’re seeing signs of that, alre-” POW! ZZzzt-zzzzzz…

Before he could even utter a groan in pain, Sergeant Dis felt himself being thrown across the hall, and smashing the doors wide open. Static shock engulfed his entire being.

“Unless you can prove yourself more loyal, and more useful to your King,” Tempest shouted on, “Watch what you say to me, from here on out! And it’s Lieutenant Tempest Shadow to you, Sergeant!”

“Yeah,” cheered Grubby from beside her, “You better watch out, Dis!”

Ignoring him, the purple Unicorn firmly made her way to her airship, in pursuit of the Element of Magic.

Closer and closer the makeshift gateway was heard opening. Creak. And the clanking-clang of chains scraped against the road. Their cold scent of steel rubbed against the disheveled manes and coats they enraptured. Sniffs and whimpers indicated how many had become so afraid and downtrodden by these sudden turn of events. Many were clinging to their small loved ones as much as they could, while others tried to show defiance toward their captors. Heart rates and perspiration were more than enough to show how scared, anxious and upset they all were. It was a virtual flood of endless dread all around him, in this dead of night.

“Hurry up, you,” growled one of the troops from over him, “Not too hard to follow the chain-pull from your neck! Can do it with your eyes closed, if you have to! Oh, wait. Don’t need to. MOVE IT!”

“I’ll have you brutish fiends know,” he heard the leading Unicorn of the train whine, “You’ll have much to answer for, when my Auntie comes to get you!”

“Shut up!” After prodding fiercely against his coat with a lance, the stallion yelped out in pain. Though the blind pony could tell it was only to intimidate, he wondered if that Unicorn was genuinely delicate. Probably from his pampered lifestyle, given the smell of cologne and hair gel with the sweat from up there.

“Don’t you even know who I am?! I’m Prince Blue-”

“Don’t care! I said MOVE!” Whick-TAH!

“Ah!” Hearing the response from that drawn whip nearly made Daredevil laugh, given it was not even close to that blowhard’s ears.

“And I told you to quit stalling,” the beast went back to badger him, now. Whick-TAAH! “GET MOVING!”

“Easy. I’m blind, not deaf,” he muttered back, cringing at his best efforts to filter most of the noise. “So ease up, why don’t yo-” WhhAACK!

“And no back-talk from you, either! Or your precious, pony friends will get some, too!”

“Alright! Okay! Sheesh.”

Normally, he would not complain aloud like this, but he also had to act the part. Once inside the pen and they all stopped, he went for the filing tools under his black garments, given him by Sweetie Drops.

“Alright, listen,” he hissed lowly, directing his voice ahead first, then behind. “Pass the word. Princess Cadence is outside with help, waiting for the signal to come and rescue us. Once you’re all done using the file I pass down to you, tug twice. Then I’ll send the signal. But please, keep it quiet.”

The grrish-grrish of shaved metal was kept as quiet as possible, as Daredevil sent one file in each direction, and loosened his own bonds with a third. Providentially, the Storm Creatures were not caring so much of what the frightened ponies were up to in their pen. Nor did they seem to recognize the costume he decided to keep on and carry the tools inside. All they seemed to worry about was probably the next squadron delivering more hostages.

"Well, it's about time," he heard the snob Prince's hissed remark. He could not resist thinking the verse, "The last shall be first."

He had been scanning his surroundings, while the other prisoners were freeing themselves, knowing that despite no physical trace to spot them, Cadence and the others have been watching. The moment he would send out the signal, he knew to anticipate that burst of energy from their teleportation. From ten blocks out.

He was also taking this time to practice even further in adjusting to these expanded senses. Whether it was due to the unique energy of this world, the transformation to a more sensitive creature than humans, or a combination of both, he could hear, smell, taste and feel far more than ever before. But that extension also meant a further need to adjust to how much he took in, by dampening his awareness every once in a while. The same way Stick taught him as a child.

Then Daredevil felt two tugs from behind him. After waiting a short while after, the same happened up front. Gingerly, he brushed passed his fellow ponies, and made his way towards the guard holding his cane. The only Storm Creature was still within earshot from the others. So, as soon as he knew none of them were even facing this direction, he made his move.

Reaching through the fence, and lifting the cane with the guard’s grip, he swiftly brought it around the Creature’s throat, cutting off circulation. Knocking him out, and leaning him against the fence, Daredevil kept the weight on his legs to feign a standing position in case. Next he retrieved something else from his ninja costume, and took it to the nearby torch.

Pshh-EEEEeeeeruh! Poom!

“Hey, you! What’d you think you’re doing, huh?”

The bursting firework brought all the Creatures’ attentions onto his position, prompting him to act on impulse. Placing the ninja mask over his eyes, he leapt over the fence, split his cane into batons, and reared back on hind legs.

He silently awaited their charge onto him, their stomping sprints gave him exactly what he needed. First he crouched, then lunged forward to avoid the first strike and make his counterattack. Swinging his leg outward, he tripped the first goon, then leapt up towards the second. He sent two strikes onto his opponent’s masked face, then kicked at the chest. As that one flew back onto a third enemy, Daredevil threw back one baton onto the first one’s head, before he could get back up, which bounced back into his waiting hoof.

“Over there!” Four more responded to that shout, heading his way around the corner. The three struggling finally got back up, afterward. Now with eight on top of him, he used the batons to receive the swinging fist of the first reinforcement, and directed that force onto two of them from behind. Sensing another punch coming at him, he bent down on all fours, then lashed back with a buck. Poom!

Pling! Poof! Upon hearing the dispensed energy from Cadence’s arrival, he made for the fence and jumped off it. He landed twin blows on two of the Storm Creatures' faces while midair, then rolled onto the pavement, away from the pen.

Taking the lure, all eight advanced towards him, unaware of the gate from the other side being opened. They suddenly charged at once, diving towards him with every weapon and fist at their disposal. He somersaulted back, making them dog-pile right in front of him. On his back, Daredevil made another buck onto the closest masked beast. POWblblbblblb!

Like pins in a bowling lane, he sent them all flying. It was then he realized how much his strength, agility and endurance have been affected also. Then he noticed them rising back from the ground.

Beeyur. The engulfing field of radiating sparks told him who caused the goons’ obstruction. Levitated crates, barrels and baskets struck at strategic points to immobilize half of the guards. After seeing the cause of their moaning comrades, two each went after the pair of stallions.

As Sir Pants used a long two-by-four to parry, deflect, and retaliate, the blind attorney went for the legs again, and swung his batons at their lowered heads. They would try to get an arm up for a block, but he would keep at his barrage of assaults, until they were too delirious to even look up.

“I say,” Daredevil heard the Unicorn gasp, as he heaved deep breaths in a snarl. “Having much festered rage inside, don’t we?”

He then recalled the shattered sounds and bent pieces of metal from his baton strikes and kicks, and detected the masks now in pieces. The Creatures’ faces were badly bruised and swollen already, with fractures at the jawlines and snouts. Just then, he jolted his head upward, twitching his ears to listen.

“Someone’s coming. We need to get to the others. Now.”

He and Sir Fancy Pants darted around the pen as quickly as they could, only to hear the sudden sounds of drawn blades and explosions that muffled the screams from freed ponies. Pounding quakes from the rushing charge of Storm Creatures enveloped all ponies into a huddled circle, with the Princess and Agent Drops in front of them all.

“You know,” rumbled a low, snide voice, “For ponies so caring, and friendly, and passionate about each other, I wasn’t expecting this rescue mission to take this long. You’re more patient and tact than the Storm King gives you credit. More trouble to catch too, from our experience with Tempest.”

“You take the troops flanking him,” he whispered to Sir Pants, “Then I’ll take him head-on.”

“What good would that bring?”

“I’ll come in from the other side, make them think they’re attacked from all sides. They’ll be confused, and you can help Cadence and Drops get everyone out.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be right behind you.”

“Now,” the growling sneer continued, “I’m sure Lieutenant Shadow would be more than happy to join you with the other Princesses. That small, purple one seemed easy enough to take care of, after she was found.”

Picking up on that lie, he caught on to the ringleader’s ploy to get at Cadence’s nerves, which were gladly more than steeled enough to keep any anxiety or anger from showing.

“You know this will never end how you think,” she firmly answered, as Daredevil cut through the pen, quietly making it to the other side.

“Maybe,” the beast shrugged, “Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. But, I’m sure the Storm King will make do. Take them to the Palace.”

“Yes, Sergeant!”

Wrap-tap-tap!

After making that sudden sound with his cane, he sensed the glittering energy from Sir Pants striking at the two guards. Jilting his head back and forth, the leader first stepped to seize Cadence forcefully, to which she responded with a blast from her own horn before taking off.

As she hovered and made a swift dive toward other incoming hostiles, Sweetie Drops and Fancy Pants took after the nearest enemies at their disposal. At that, the blind stallion sent his linked non-chuck unto the leader. Wrapping it around his unsheathed weapon, Daredevil leapt at him.

He pulled the armed limb away from any potential targets, then lashed out his free hoof to knock it out of the paw. Then diving under, he swerved to wrap the wire around the legs, then jumped to flip over the head. The moment he landed on his hind legs, he used both front hooves to pull from his end, and sent the Storm Creature head-first onto the pavement. Fwap-boom!

What he sensed next, however, was the beast’s strength against the non-chucks. Kicking wildly upward, the sergeant sent the loosened cable off and away, then grabbed it to make his own response. Pulling on the string made Daredevil suddenly loose his balance. Only for a second, but that was enough for the beast to send two monstrous blows from above. Bam! Whop!

Sent onto the ground himself, Daredevil rolled away from the booming pair of fists that followed, but was then held down by his leg and was pulled back. Swinging around to face his opponent, he sent his free leg with a massive kick to retaliate. But that one was caught also, and was followed by a great swing from over the monster’s shoulder, and then pounded his body onto the road again. Pam-BOOM!

His cane far out of reach, he leaned forward to take hold of the Storm Creature’s vice. Using the next swing’s momentum, he slipped out of the grip, then landed his freed legs onto the enemy’s head. PAM!

He then tilted his head and ears toward the charging brute with something small in his paw. Not taking any chances, he weaved to avoid the thrown projectile that was a dagger, caught it, and then threw it back by its blade. The hilt smacked against the Storm Creature, causing him to stagger back.

Taking this chance, he darted to his twin non-chucks for retrieval, only to stop directly before an exploding orb. POW!

Sailing backward, he landed straight into the sergeant’s grasp, whose massive arms tightened, and started to squeeze the air from his chest. As he fought to breathe, kicking frantically for a weak point in the monster’s grasp and stance, Daredevil could barely hear the shouts from the fleeing ponies. He could not make out what was being said, or if Cadence and the others were getting away. Familiar with this part of suffocation, he knew he needed to act quickly.

Whop! Unleashing all his remaining strength, the blind stallion sent a head-buck against the Storm Creature’s own. Dazed, he loosened his grip enough for Daredevil to slip out once more. Kicking off the sergeant’s chest, he performed an aerial cartwheel towards his non-chucks. After clicking them back together, he swung his bo-staff unto the Creature’s legs to send him earthbound. Poom!

The moment he got back up, the pony felt a whoosh of air from behind, along with high-pitched resonance from the Alicorn’s magic. After regaining his bearings, he was able to detect all prisoners have fled from the compound, with Sir Pants and Agent Drops leading them. Provided with this opportunity, he shuffled back from the pinned down sergeant, and stood beside the descending Cadence, who sent them both teleporting to join the rest. Poof!

“How could you allow one princess and three cronies, one being blind-folded, evade your grasp, and let loose an entire compound of chained ponies?!”

“The same way you allowed one princess and six cronies, one a baby Dragon, evade you not once, but twice now!”

“It’s not like they were staring directly at my face the second time! So careful with your tone at me, Sergeant!”

“Not ‘til you’ve earned my respect, Lieutenant! Would’ve guessed you don’t know me well enough!”

“Maybe I should be there sooner, and take care of things, myself.” Through a magical spectrum, the third party spoke. All stood in the occupied throne room, as they continued to speak.

“I assure you, Storm King,” Tempest Shadow evenly stated, “That won’t be necessary. I’ll have them. And I would’ve, if it weren’t for those rebel pirates.”

“Almost like that cursed Malachite’s still with us,” Sergeant Dis added, “Though who was the last one who had it?”

“I was the one who convinced the Storm King to destroy it, in the first place.”

“Which makes me wonder, all the more.”

“But the thought never occurred to you.”

“Be quiet, you two! I can’t seem to get a word out to either of you, without hearing another insult! What have you got to report, Lietenant?”

“I found Princess Sparkle’s map to Mount Aris on Captain Caeleno’s ship. Burned the ship down for her treachery, and sent a couple scouts to watch Aris for their appearance. Their dumb luck won’t last long, now.”

“What about you, Sergeant?”

“Princess Mi Amore just played right into my trap, Sire. By thinking she got away from me, I was able to slip one of your orbs into that freak’s costume. When he takes off that outfit, and accidently drops it, the Princess is all but captured, and I’ll know exactly where her statue will be held in her honor.”

“But poor Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” mockingly whined Grubber from the side, “Seriously, what kind of parents name their kid something like that, only to have it on a plaque? ‘Cause that’s all it’s good for, am I right?”

“What a dolt,” Tempest voiced for the deadpan King.

As they made their way to the cellar, Princess Cadence, Sir Fancy Pants, Agent Sweetie Drops and Daredevil tallied all twenty-three of the ponies they had rescued. One by one, as they went down the stairs, the four ponies made sure they were all accounted for. The others found it a great relief to know Daredevil was able to keep track of how many heartbeats from the captured, compared to how many now with them.

“Oh, thank goodness! You all made it alright!”

“And happier for it too, Velvet,” the Alicorn smiled to the lavender mare, “Thanks for getting things ready here.”

“After what you just did to keep me and Nightlight from getting captured? It’s the least we could’ve done!”

“No kidding,” said the blue Unicorn, “And what better time to sort out our cellar, than to make space for other captured ponies?”

“Even better to know we’ve all been doing our part,” Cadence said more warmly. "Again, thank you both."

“Here, here,” exclaimed the Sir Pants, “Though I’m afraid not all is as pleasant as we’d like.”

“Yeah,” Agent Drops joined with awkward reluctance in her tone, “Turns out we got with us the noisiest, most arrogant, selfish, and ungrateful noble with our group.”

“Counselor Daredevil is working to settle the issue, as we speak.”

“Well, goodness,” chuckled Twilight Velvet, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that sounded like Cadence’s adopted cousin.”

“And whom do you think you’re speaking to, peasant!?” A whining voice echoed through the stairwell. “I have half a mind to report you to my Auntie Celestia!”

“And if I didn’t know any better,” quipped Nightlight, “I’d say that sounded like her adopted cousin too.”

“Take it easy,” calmly spoke an unmasked Daredevil, “He just wants to know if you’ve seen his wife. Don’t need to overreact that way.”

“Overreact! I’ve been assaulted and captured by massive beasts, whipped, mocked and beaten by said beasts, kept in a pen like the swine you all are, and you say that I am overreacting!?”

“You’re calling my wife a pig?! Why you-”

“Easy, easy,” he told the upset Earth Pony beside him, “I’m sorry, sir. But it won’t do any good wasting time with this guy. Even if he’s seen her.”

“But I’ve got to try everything I can,” said the stallion shakily in reply, “I don’t even know if she was in the same place as me, or was taken to another one across Canterlot! And all he does is insult her?!”

“You won’t help her by assaulting him. Just keep asking around. Move on from here. You’ve already done more than you could with him. Please use your energy of finding her wisely. For her sake.”

The blind counselor’s soothing voice of reason seemed to sway the poor pony to press on, and ignore any further banters and insults from the snob Prince.

“As a counselor by profession,” he then spoke to Blueblood, “I advise you to find a solitary corner away from the public, before anyone here would press charges for anything you might say or do here. I’m sure that’d be something more your speed.”

“I don’t need your advice, worm. And I’m more than capable of taking care to avoid such low-lives, as yourselves.”

“You better believe it, Counselor,” he heard the Pegasus mare join in, “In fact, you didn’t have to take him with you?”

“Mu-Muffins?”

“And you have no right to call me that, Coldblood.”

“Miss Do,” said Daredevil, striving to maintain his own composure, “Despite this stallion’s apparent lack of courtesy, are you suggesting we should’ve left him to the Storm Creatures’ mercy? Or lack thereof?”

“Not suggesting. Telling.”

“Then I take it you two know each other?”

“More than I would’ve liked,” Ditzy coldly responded, “So I'm asking you to put a restraining order on him, Counselor. He shouldn’t be anywhere near anypony, at all. Especially my filly.”

“Filly,” yelled Blueblood in genuine shock, “Muffin-Ditzy, wait!”

“Prince Blueblood,” Daredevil placed a hoof up to stop him, “Since you refused my services, I’m more inclined to honor Miss Do’s wishes, and keep you away from her and her daughter.”

“Oh, really, sightless slime,” he hissed back, his horn humming with energy, “And what, pray tell, will you do abou-” Whack!

Gasps and shouts echoed throughout the entire basement, as all had been quietly viewing this entire scene.

“By your provocation, and in her defense. I’m sure others can collaborate with that.”

“Oh my, Celestia! W-what did you do to my-Ah! B-b-b-blood…” Finding the red liquid on his hoof after touching his snout, Prince Blueblood fell limp onto the floor. Flop.

“That was easier than I thought,” Daredevil remarked with a head tilt.

“I see you've met my cousin,” he heard Cadence finally speak, after watching also.

“I apologize, Cadence. But from what I’ve heard from your in-laws, I’m glad to know he was adopted.”

“Um, actually Counselor…”

“Right. Sorry.”

“Other than his nose, though, no harm’s been done,” she chuckled back, “Again, thanks to you. Ever dreamed of being a guard and keeper of the peace, when you were small?”

“No,” he sniggered back, “First I wanted to be a boxer like my Dad. But he as all-out against it. Made sure I stuck to my studies. So, that’s what I did for him, after he was gone.”

“So you decided to become an attorney, then?”

“Well, if someone’s going to point hooves at someone else, why not someone who won’t see it?” They both shared a brief mirth from that. “But actually, I uh…I was first taught how to really fight by some old warrior. He was born blind, even.”

“Who was he? Have I heard of him?”

“I doubt it. He never even told me his name. Just the one his enemies knew him by. One with double-meaning in it. Stick. One for the cane-concealed blade he used. The other for how brutal and ruthless he was. Especially toward his students.”

“He was abusive.”

“Most would say that. But that’s only because he’d been teaching me through actual practice and fighting techniques. Same way he, and dozens of generations were taught. In the end, he was giving me a purpose, showing me how to use the gifts and weaknesses bestowed on me for a greater cause. Back when I had nothing.”

“Except your caretakers, though.”

“Yes, of course.”

“The must’ve been when you gained your Cutie Mark. So, you considered him another father?”

“I did. But he wasn’t too keen on the idea. So he taught me everything he wanted me to learn, to be a warrior for his battles, and just up and left. So out of spite, I just went back to the books, ‘til I was out of university and starting my own firm. Thought I could be of equal use both in the courtroom, and out on the streets.”

“I’m…I’m sorry.” It was then he felt the touch of feathers reaching his back, which then enwrapped him with sisterly affection. “I should’ve known better than to bring up something so painful. I know something about that, myself.”

“Don’t be,” he shrugged back, “At the end of the day, there’s nothing about my past I would've changed. I was able to learn from it, and became a better pe-pony for it. And from what your husband told me, that’s something you’d know more about, also.”

“Thanks.” Lifting her wing up and folding it back, Cadence took a deep breath in reprieve. “After I ascended to Alicorn, getting this horn and everything, I had never been so scared. And that’s saying something, considering how little I was, and after I just stood up to face a witch threatening to destroy my village and adopted family.”

“Must’ve loved them well enough to be afraid for them, instead of yourself.”

“And that’s when I got my Cutie Mark, too. Knowing that those around me, their lives had just as much worth individually, but more so as collectively. That my life for theirs was more than worth the trade, even if my efforts to be brave for them seemed pointless. Anyway, Celestia took me into her Palace to teach me how to master these new skills in magic, and she became a second mother to me. Helping me to overcome what I thought was impossible for me to handle.”

“But that still took you away from your adopted home, didn’t it?”

“Afraid so. Nothing was perfect. Especially since my contact with them was limited to a few letters, and seldom visits. Not to mention the completely different lifestyle I found myself in. I don’t know how Celestia managed, all this time. And despite her best efforts, Blueblood, her twenty-or-so great nephew from her mother’s side, like so many others, never took the same lesson to heart. So, like she advised me, I let him go, and left him to his own personal affairs. That he could learn and know better, on his own. Same with my family, but with much more difficulty and effort involved. That’s where Shining and Twilight were a great help. Taking me into their own family, when I was just Twilight’s foalsitter. Long before I married Shining. Guess he finally decided to make it official that way.”

“Now you started a family of your own. Couldn’t be any happier for you all.”

“And Flurry wouldn’t have to grow up with the same pain we both had. So, again, I can’t thank you enough.”

“Like you said, their lives are worth more than our own. They’re what make life worth living. Just wish I’d taken that to heart sooner, myself.”

“Thought you said you wouldn’t change anything,” she smirked.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t have regrets, before,” he answered back, “Still, I’m glad my experiences have brought me here, even-”

Just then, he shifted around to notice something tucked away, inside his costume. At first, when Cadence put her wing on his back, that was all it was. But after finding the contact to his coat still present, he became alert by his suspicions.

“What’s wrong?” Cadence’s voice resonated against him, confirming what it was, much to his horror.

“Cadence,” he lowly spoke, “Don’t cause any alarm, but listen. Reach for my back again, and check through it.”

“Why,” she asked, as she followed his silent request, “What seems to be the prob-Oh, no.”

“That.”

The pink Alicorn gently lifted the black cloth with her primaries, and saw the small, charcoal orb. The moment she did, it suddenly rolled down from the blind pony’s withers. Catching it with levitation, she examined it more closely. “How did this get there?”

“Must’ve happened when that Storm Creature sergeant was choking me. Thought that if any you saved me from him, that would be here to use on you. And I wouldn’t have found it sooner, if you hadn’t…”

“And you couldn’t detect anything before, because of your dizziness from losing so much air. That reminds me, you should be seeing a doctor. I should’ve thought of that sooner, myself. Given what injuries you might’ve sustained, like punctured lungs.”

“But that might’ve triggered it to fall also, causing more damage, even if you weren’t immediately present.”

“So many ponies would’ve been badly hurt. Or worse.”

They had been keeping their exchange to a light whisper, as though they were just breathing. In a way, that was exactly what they did, only with words through the soft, voiceless air. They were hoping that nopony else would hear about this, at least not until they needed to be told.

“Well, now that we’ve found it in time,” she continued to the gold-yellow stallion, “Any suggestions?”

At that, she saw him raise a brief smirk as he said, “How about I tell you with the others, after we tell them about the orb.”

Upon that remark, Cadence smiled mischievously also, and began to share the same thoughts and ideas as the blind pony beside her.

to be continued…