It has been no secret that Princess Luna has been holding rallies and meetings to discuss reform within the government. Though the entire country was shocked when they awoken to find news reading that the previous night, Luna had tried to lead a coup against Celestia and failed. One guard in custody, two escaped along with Luna.
Though news travels faster for retired spooks who still hold clearance. Ghost, despite being retired is still quite young in age. He knew the government and the royal sisters better than most. Politics are the reason he was retired, some greedy bureaucrat didn't like Ghost all that much and pushed to see him removed. All history now. Though one thing Ghost knew, Luna wouldn't be so straight forward with her approach, nor would she use only three guards if she actually wanted to take Celestia down. This coup probably happened, just not the way the reports are saying it did. This is also something Ghost was familiar with when his missions made the papers. What few that did anyway.
Though with the knowledge that this was probably a staged event to justify Celestia taking more direct approaches against Luna, Ghost decided to pull some strings and rank to see if he could find out where Luna ended up. Deciding that the local library would be the best place to go as his credentials might be under surveillance, and using someplace with a lot of traffic, very public and hard to trace internet. It was the go-to place. He used his own laptop and logged into the WiFi and sure enough was seeing all the classified files that Celestia had on the coup that happened.
Ghost was right about the coup, it wasn't led by Luna, but there was three there. Three royal guards from Celestia's division. The sergeant was arrested, the two privates were released after being captured. The details were fuzzy, but Ghost knew they were handed off to some spooks in the intelligence division. After that they were tasked with meeting Luna, half hour ago in the Ever Free Forest. Ghost also found that there was an executive order to all commanders, if Luna was spotted, she was to be killed on sight. With the fact that two guards were meeting with her, time to book it.
The two stallions were waiting for Luna still. Despite the meeting time being an hour ago. That was when Luna came, in some casual clothes. She then slapped both of the stallions. "Idiots! This was not how I wanted to reform the country! While yes the idea of Celestia stepping down was something to consider, it was not to be escalated into treason!" After calming down, she noticed the third that was also part of this coup was not around. "Where's Thorin?"
"He was leading the coup, so he was in front, he was the first target for the Princess and her guards. After seeing it was a lost cause, we managed to escape through the sewers." The one replied.
"You fools." Luna replied.
"With respect, we shouldn't stay here, we need to get to a safe spot." The other commented. Wanting to get Luna moving so their plan could go into effect.
"Yes, follow me." Luna said and started to lead them into the forest.
Another hour had past, Luna was heading to one of her secret safe houses, no one ever knew of it, except of one. Ghost. Of all the ones Luna has gotten to know, Ghost was the most trust worthy individual she met. He has more than earned her trust as that information has stayed between the two of them. Though Luna was feeling on edge for some reason, she turned to see only one of the guards was still behind her. "Where'd Steele go?" Before she could answer a knife entered the guard's stomach, it was obviously thrown. That's when Ghost dropped down from the trees and ran a dagger into the head of him. He then turned to Luna, "Run, now."
With that, Luna was gone. Taking off toward the safe house, Ghost however, waited for the other stallion to show himself. Which he did shortly after Luna took off. "Celestia knew you'd get involved. She hoped you would side with her, pity. You now mark yourself a traitor along with Luna, meaning that I now have to kill you."
"That isn't fear I smell is it?" Ghost replied, drawing two black swords from his hips. Ghost was wearing a black cloak and pants, with the fact his fur is black, he was hard to see in the darkened forest. Quite scary looking too, with the fact that Steele knew Ghost had more training than he did.
"Fear? Of you? You got to be joking. My strength alone equals ten of you." Steele replied, rolling his shoulders. He then took a breath then charged at Ghost. He had speed and strength as an ally. He was like an out of control rock hurling at Ghost. Though Ghost was much more agile and quicker on his feet. He leaped up into the sky just before Steele hit him, allowing Steele to run right under him.
"You might have brawn's, but you don't have brains." Ghost retorted, staring at Steele unimpressed. How this stallion made it into the guard was beyond him. Though guess it doesn't take much intelligence to stand at a gate all day.
Steele quickly snapped and caught Ghost off guard long enough to grab him at the base of his neck. Picking him up and choking him. Ghost grabbed at the hand wrapped tightly around his neck, unable to breathe. Steele then slammed him against a tree. Waiting till Ghost blacked out. Though after a moment, Ghost stopped struggling and just smiled before vanishing in puff. Before Steele could process what had happened he felt two blades run through his back and come out his stomach. He spun around to see Ghost. "It'll take more than stabbing me to kill me." He then pulled the blades out and threw them to the ground, but not before snapping them in two. Taking out Ghost's swords.
"True, you might be able to continue fighting, but I'm betting you'll bleed out before you kill me though." Ghost said, still catching his breath, though still ready to continue this fight. Steele then charged again, but this time, Ghost was ready and didn't do any fancy moves. He just dropped to a crouch just before Steele got to him and landed a hard blow to Steele's stomach. Increasing the amount of pain Steele was feeling and keeping his wound open a bit longer to bleed.
This was enough for Steele to fall to the ground. He looked up to find that Ghost was standing over his head with two bloody daggers, dripping blood from Steele's companion. Before Steele could move away, his pending death had arrived. With both dagger blades entering the skull swiftly. He then collected and clean all his good blades. Taking the hilts of the broken swords and sheathing them to be reused. He then walked up to the house and entered. Having a key himself as Luna trusted him enough to have a copy.
Upon seeing Ghost enter made Luna smile a bit, though she hugged him tightly before sobbing. Tears of joy, sadness, fear. It all crashed upon her at once. Mostly brought on by the knowledge that if Ghost is fighting on her side, things are really bad. Ghost wasn't the kind to just pick a side and follow through. He also avoided getting involved if he could help it. Especially since he retired. If Ghost intentionally found Luna and defended her against the trap. Celestia must really have gone off the rails.
Ghost returned the hug, letting the Lunar princess release her emotions. "Just let it out. I'm here for you, Luna." He said softly.
There was something about Ghost's voice and hearing him saying her name that calmed her mind. Also feeling his embrace helped her feel safe. Something she needed to feel. Ghost was the only one she knew would give her this feeling, especially now. He was her only trusted ally. Everyone else was in question.
After a few minutes they sat on the couch and Ghost spoke up, "You okay?" His arm was around Luna, who was leaning on him. This brought back some memories for the two of them. They had feelings for each other, and would take vacation trips to this safe house to take a break from the world together. Though they never acted on their feelings except for some cuddly moments like this one. There was talk about a relationship, yes. But they knew then that it wouldn't work out due to the jobs they were in.
"I'm fine, thanks to you." She replied. Closing her eyes.
"Isn't it lunch time?"
"Why won't you accept this moment for what it is?"
"Cause I'm hungry, plus fighting makes me even more so."
"Such a barbarian."
"You love it though." Ghost said as he got up to make some lunch.
Author's Note
This story actually had been on my mind for years. Since I first watched the video and heard the music. Tried to start it a few times too. Though this idea was the one I rolled with since it was more or less going along with my style of writing where the others were really far put. One version was a full human with various perks. Like earth pony characters would be stronger, unicorns had more intelligence and smarts, pegasi would be more agile.
