The Ghost of Coltistrano

Gentle moonlight poured out from the glowing crescent in the sky as Silver took his first step in Canterlot, oblivious to the bag of bits pushed into the hoof of a guard by Gorn. The Tornado came into its mooring when Darrox emerged. He peered out to Silver, following the gangplank to his side to share a moment amidst the whistle of the night breeze and soft glow of street torches. Canterlot’s towers stretched all the way to the mountain side. Small specks of light stood out against the darkness as proof of the many rooms of the palace towers. Where Darrox saw a honeycomb of life and radiance against the canvas of night, Silver wavered beside him.

“It is alright to be troubled,” Darrox said. “I can only imagine what this place must mean for you.”

Silver merely nodded before a firm clap against his shoulder shook him as Gorn forced himself between him and Darrox. “Well, the guards ‘ave been paid an’ we’re moored. I trust ye’ve a good reason fer comin’ ‘ere.”

“Reconnaissance,” Darrox stated. “It has been many years since either of us, especially myself, have been here. And since Celestia has raised the moon-”

“Luna.”

Darrox froze, blinking at Gorn's interjection. “... Pardon?”

“Aye, Princess Luna’s back, taken up ‘er seat as co-ruler again.”

“Oh... and here I presumed Nightmare Moon’s return would have been more... decisive. I am truly out of touch. In that case…” Swirling emerald fire consumed Darrox to replace him with a pale-green unicorn. “I will traverse the streets of Canterlot and help secure our bearings. Silver, you must take to the rooftops. Discover all you can after you get dressed.”

“Ok, I’ll start at the main clock tower before… 'dressed'?” Silver stared quizzically at Darrox, who's only response was his warm smile and a nod. Silver's face beamed as he turned and bolted up the gangplank, whizzing past Gilda and into the captain’s cabin. At the back of the room was a chest, similar to all the others stored below deck but not bearing gold or precious gems. Silver knelt, pulling it open slowly to reveal the pile of black fabric, soft and firm to the touch, leading up to a dark cowl, matched by a set of dark and sturdy clothing ending in flexible black boots. Every piece blended into the other, giving it the appearance of a single, flowing mass.

As Silver methodically donned each piece of his gear, the door behind him opened slowly. Feathers poked through, stepping carefully so as to not alert the cabin’s occupant, but a chuckle rose from the intruder. “You look like such a dork,” Gilda scoffed.

“That’s because it’s not all on yet!” Silver shot back with a blush. He slipped into the rest of the costume before draping the cloak over his shoulders. Gilda’s string of chortling faded into astonished whispers with each piece added to the ensemble, until the unkempt castaway she knew was swallowed into this new silhouette, shifting and swaying before her. Finally, Silver drew the cowl over his head, leaving only his eyes and muzzle visible. In the mirror to his side he looked upon his new form.

“Whoa,” he and Gilda said in unison. He turned to his gryphon friend before speaking. “I’m running recon of the city, I need you to stay here.”

“Y-Yeah, no problem,” Gilda said, shaking herself from astonishment. “I’d rather not get caught with the dweeb playing dress-up, anyway. You have fun hero-ing.”

At that Silver opened a window and, without a second’s hesitation, leapt through it and out into the world. His eyes met the plummeting height of the airship, down to the bottom of Mt. Canterlot, as he twisted his body and whipped the cloak up toward the railing. Like a muscle the cloth contracted and pulled him up to glide up onto the airship’s balloon before Silver leapt toward the rooftops of Canterlot.

Nothing in all his years of training could have prepared him for the rush he felt running from roof to roof as he flicked the cloak out, snatching flag poles and balconies, swinging overtop dancing streetlights rushing beneath him as he approached the city proper. With a final swing he stretched the cloak out to glide before landing on the side of a large clocktower.

Despite the late hour, Canterlot’s streets were dotted with ponies coming to and from restaurants and private gatherings, crowds of common folk with a rare carriage carrying a wealthy looking couple, but none looked to the sky to notice him. Just past the well lit streets Silver could see the secret lifeblood of the royal city. Workers hauling creates of food and supplies, all for the purpose of entertaining the wealthy, labored in alleyways and loading zones of the many businesses still open at this hour.

But a flash of red caught his eye. It was small, quick, and off in a tower of the noble district, but he saw it. He released his hold on the clocktower and dove toward the streets, spreading his cloak to glide just above their illumination. Soaring over the buildings Silver kept his eyes trained on the tower. Again, the flash of red crossed one of the windows. Silver landed on a roof and charged, using his momentum to launch himself across the street leading into the noble district. The tower shot up from a mansion, covered in statues and designs Silver recognized. Black cloth snagged one of the balconies. As he climbed, just beyond the flowing curtain around the open door sat his target. She was not alone, accompanied by a pink and purple pony, much taller than her and diligently pulling a brush across her face.

“... then you scoop it up like this and... done! Perfect wingtips.” The other mare giggled as Silver stepped silently to the side and out of sight.

“Cadence, this looks ridiculous,” the mare giggled, “eyeliner will suffice. Where did you even learn this?”

“From one of Twilight’s friends. Her name is Rarity, and you would absolutely love her.”

“I’m sure.” The red-maned mare drifted into silence as Cadence continued on her face. After a moment, and a few more giggles, she pulled away.

“Voila! Simply irresistible.” Silver’s mind went blank at the sight. Before him, gazing at herself in the mirror, was Abundant Glow. Her mane lacked the waves Silver once knew, her face more sullen, but there was no mistaking it. Sea green eyes stared back at themselves in the mirror, slowly analyzing the new details marked upon them by Cadence. She gave a small smile.

“It’s adorable, Cadence. Thank you.” Abby gave the alicorn a hug. “Where is Shining? I thought you brought him with you.”

“Oh I did, he should be back any minute. He’s probably playing Ogres and Oubliettes with his guard friends, but don’t tell him I said that.” The thought summoned Abby's smile, laughing with Cadence while Silver looked on with a growing emptiness. Raising his hoof he reached for the thin curtain, quickly pulling back once he came to his senses, electing instead to listen. “You know, I’m sure Shining wouldn’t mind asking one of them to be your date for the gala. I know Spearhead would leap at the chance. He fancies you something fierce-”

“No.” All amusement drained from Abby’s face in an instant.

“Abby, I know it’s been hard, but please try to at least have some fun.” Cadence sat on her haunches next to Abby. “It’ll be good for you.”

“Please, Cadence,” Abby’s voice grew tense. “Stop trying to get me to move on.”

Cadence recoiled at first, sighing. “It’s been six years, Abby. You’re sad and lonely every time I see you, and it hurts you won’t let me, or anypony, help you. I’m the Princess of Love and Family, I know how this goes.”

“I don’t want help. Everypony tries to help me,” Abby stood and turned to the balcony, stepping just past Silver as she walked to the railing. He leapt up, grabbing hold of one of the statues for support. “You, Shining, Aunty Celestia, even Shield Wall, but none of what you say or do will change what happened. He’s dead, gone, and I’m left with nothing.”

“We can always talk about it,” Cadence followed out onto the balcony. “We never really did after it happened. Maybe it will help?”

“What’s there to say? The pony I loved was taken from me. He was a war hero, and those criminals dragged him off like he was prey.”

“But you don’t have to feel alone-”

“I am alone!” Abby twisted toward Cadence. “Ever since you and Shining went to the Crystal Empire I’ve had nopony! It sickens me to say, but Shield Wall has been the closest source of comfort I’ve had in years. Yes it’s been years and yes Spearhead is a fine stallion, but it doesn’t change how all the while you have been living the dream with a husband who loves you and a life worth living! I ju-... I just…”

Cadence caught Abby before she could fall before collapsing together into a ball of whimpers and soft words, Cadence gently stroking Abby’s ruby mane. From above, beyond their sight, Silver clutched to one of the statues, eyes locked onto the mare he lost fall into a fog of pain and loneliness. Silver’s jaw clenched. He felt himself leaning over the balcony, a hoof again moving on its own towards the sobbing countess, but once more he snapped back and pushed the pain deeper into his gut. With shut eyes and a quivering lip he leapt out into the night.

The ends of his cloak flapped along the wind as he glided over the streets. Rage carried him, pumping the hot blood through his veins as he landed and sprinted across the rooftops. All around him the dark colors of Canterlot by night melted away as Silver’s vision tunneled. Jubilant cheers and laughter from ponies below him, those with lives to live and loved ones to hold, sunk into his mind as a chorus of daggers, driving him to one final leap toward the royal palace. The wall was high, but the number of flagpoles dotting the outside made it easy for Silver to swing up and climb over, arriving just outside the west wing of the castle, and as Silver crept along buttresses and windowsills he could hear voices coming from a window. A window of the west wing.

“... you understand?! No compromise. No quarter. We can’t afford to go back now!” Silver found exactly what he was looking for. Shield Wall, standing behind a desk with his back exposed to the window. A knife slipped into his hoof as Silver crept closer, eyes trained on Shield Wall like a predator. He reached for the window’s latch. Blood pumped through his skull like drums of war, growing louder with each inch closer he came, all while his mind raced with the pain and obsession of six years in exile, all to be released from the tip of his dagger, until a second voice arose.

“After what happened today we may not have a choice. Their money made up a substantial amount of the mission’s funding, and without it we can’t hope to stage an invasion.”

“This is not the first setback, and there are other ways.” Silver slowly peeked through the window. Two other ponies sat around the large wooden desk Shield Wall helmed. He concealed his dagger again, electing to eavesdrop.

“If you two gentlecolts are seeking funds,” Serenade said in his smooth accent, “then perhaps it is time to hit the cities in the west. Las Pegasus, for example.”

“There is such a thing a subtlety. I need not remind you of your excursion into Appleloosa, yes? You turned that gold rush into a bloodbath.” Midnight Gavel shot a cold glare at Serenade.

“Enough,” Shield Wall interjected. “We need real, tangible solutions. What can we leverage to get the attack moving?”

“It will be difficult,” Midnight stated. “Port authority does not fall within my influence, nor yours, but it is possible to seize the warships for state purposes. We would only need a few days.”

“But the soldiers and weapons? How are we to get them as well?” Serenade asked.

“We need not be exact, only create the illusion.” Shield Wall pulled a large scroll from beneath his desk and unraveled it into a map of Equestria. “Three ships, flying Griffonstone colors, all leading a coordinated bombardment on port towns along the Bridle Shores. They will have to be larger ones, like Baltimare or Manehatten, in order to give full effect.”

“Manehatten?” Serenade near-whispered. “There are thousands of ponies in Manehatten, surely there is a better target.”

“No.” Shield said dismissively, leaving Serenade in shocked silence. “Unless we receive the funds for a full-scale invasion of Griffonstone, false-flag terrorism is our only option. Not only will Griffonstone be framed, but Equestria will demand justice.”

“If we are to launch such a bold attack we will still need horsepower,” Gavel said. “Serenade’s recruits will fill some of the muscle, but we still need trained sailors to command these vessels. I suggest recruiting the known pirate crews in the Celestial Sea. Most of them are dominantly gryphon, and will add some authenticity to our illusion.”

“Serenade, can you get in contact with them?”

“Uh… uh yes, yes,” Serenade stammered, snapping out of his shock. “Yes, I-I can.”

“Excellent,” Shield Wall took a sip from the glass next to him, smirking. “Mother always did say budgeting would save my life.” Midnight chuckled to himself, while Serenade gave no reaction. Shield Wall stood from his desk and returned the map to its drawer. “We will begin first thing tomorrow. If we are smart and alert for other… mishaps,” Shield twitched at the word, “then the plan will run smoothly. Goodnight, I will see you at the gala.”

With that the three made their way out of the office, Serenade lagging behind a bit, before the lights went out. A soft click told Silver the coast was clear. He reached for the window’s latch and pulled, drawing the glass open and stepping inside. The office was large, much larger than the one Silver remembered.

“He must’ve been promoted,” Silver said softly, venom in his voice. He stepped toward the desk and removed the map. Silver took a moment to analyze it. Exactly as Shield Wall said, the map was covered in naval courses and landing markers for a shoreline bombardment of several cities. Fillydelphia, Baltimare, Manehatten, all marked with a red X while other, smaller towns held smaller, black markings. Silver studied the map meticulously, committing as much of the plans as he could to memory.

As Silver stashed the map and made his way back to the window he paused, taking a moment to scan the office. He moved toward the right wall, littered in medals and awards, along with a photo of Shield Wall and Shining Armor, the later being presented with the rank of captain. Silver smiled, framed newspaper articles about attacks on the city and a new Equestrian coat of arms, now including a purple and white star in its design. He almost let out a laugh at the revelation it was for Twilight. The soft clack of metal woke Silver from his ruminations.

A soft blue glow spilled through the door's keyhole, clicking and swinging open for a white unicorn shrouded in black cloth and stepping silently into the seemingly empty office. Carefully, she walked with an aura of blue surrounding her hooves, deafening her hoofsteps as she directed her horn’s light over the pictures and commendations, then to the dark brown desk in the center, its magic penetrating the wood to reveal every item within its drawers for the unicorn to see. The light slowly trailed towards the bookshelves. There, in the highest, darkest corner of the office, sat a mass as black as night, staring back.

The unicorn jumped, almost letting out a screech at the sight of a black mass racing from the office, watching as the cloaked figure quickly slithered out window, fluttering across the dimly lit streets, and out of view.

--

Darrox trotted back to the harbor with pep in his step, his dwindling cough doing nothing to ruin his moodas he crossed the gangplank with a smile on his muzzle, passing a slumbering Rusty curled up in stacks of rope. Gorn sipped from a dark brown bottle as he stared out across the open air, hardly paying attention to the chipper changeling. “Most wonderful,” Darrox sighed. “I say, Gorn, not since our days crusading together that I have felt so uplifted. To think a simple walk on cobblestone instead of sand would fill a pony with such relief. Has Silver returned? I thought he would be faster than this old shapeshifter.”

Gorn merely nodded, hefting a large box up from below deck. He cracked it open with his claws and removed a worn glass bottle, before popping the cork and sipping from it. “He’s up on the balloon but, uh, we oughta’ talk ‘bout that,” Gorn muttered between drinks. “The whelp, you gave ‘im the cloak. The cloak.”

“I did,” Darrox returned. “Do you question my decision?”

“I question yer reason, aye. The boy’s full of a swirl of emotions greater an’ any storm, sir, and yer only rilin’ him up.”

“He is young and untempered, yes, but his proximity to our fight is what makes him perfect.”

“He don’t get to come outta nowhere and take on the mantle,” Gorn took another forceful swig. “It’s not yer best move.”

“And what, instead, would you have me do?” Darrox tensed his brow, his pale, monochromatic eyes glaring at Gorn.

“Give it to somepony, or someone who's worth it. I spent the better part of a decade searchin’ for ye, and nev-”

“Are you saying you want to be the The Ghost instead?” The question seemed to slap Gorn in the beak. He stuttered, averting his eyes and taking a nervous drink from his bottle as if the answer was floating somewhere in the cool liquid. Darrox took a step forward, holding his gaze. “Do you think you are being treated unfairly?”

“N-No, I…” Gorn’s composure began to crack under the changeling’s stare. He sighed, relenting as he rested the bottle down onto the deck. “I always respected ye, sir. Admired ye. It’s why I joined up when ye called all them years ago. I’ve all the knowledge of yer ways, an’ he’s just a youngin’.”

“Indeed, he is,” Darrox relaxed his face and knelt beside Gorn. “Nor is he perfect, but I found him to be a victim of my greatest rival and with a burning desire for justice. To see such a thing, Gorn, reminds me how much fate controls our lives. He had the yearning, and I the knowledge, I could not deny fate’s will.”

“Not all share yer beliefs, sir.”

“I do not require you to, but I would still be on that island were it not for Silver. He helped free me from my exile, and for that I accept his help in stopping Shield Wall, once and for all.” Darrox stood and placed a hoof on Gorn’s shoulder, who returned a somber look. “Give it time, my friend, perhaps you will come to see what I do.”

With that Darrox gave a one-legged hug to Gorn before spreading his translucent wings and fluttering upward. He rounded the balloon and found Silver, just as Gorn said, and landed before speaking. “Were you successful?”

Silver shot up and spun, but the sight took Darrox by surprise. His mask was pulled off his head and the fur of his scowling face was matted by tears, his eyes growing red. Silver clumsily wiped his face dry. “Y-Yes, yes.” Silver said, resisting the choke in his voice.

“What happened?”

“I found Abby...” Silver moved his mouth to speak more, but only frustrated grunts came out, eyes fixed on the balloon beneath him.

Darrox approached and placed a hoof on Silver’s shoulder. “Push it from your mind, my boy, do not let it anger you.”

“How?!” Silver near-yelled. “Tonight I watched Abby collapse into tears because she thinks I’m dead. Shining probably thinks the same, my dad is dead, and my whole life has been torn apart by that monster! I… I miss them.”

Silver shut his eyes, clenching his teeth in a vain attempt to suppress the coming tears. Darrox let out a sigh. “For now, my boy, they are gone. You cannot waste your energy thinking about what could be. Instead, focus on how you will take it all back.”

“I saw him,” Silver muttered, his mane falling around his face. “I was so close. I… I was going to kill him, Darrox. But I didn’t and… and I hate myself for it. How... how can I do what’s right if all I feel is hate?”

Darrox reached behind Silver’s head and slowly pulled the cowl over. As the cloth came down across Silver’s eyes he could feel a stillness grow within him. “You hide it,” Darrox said. “With this.” The tremble in Silver's gut faded, breath steadying as Darrox's hoof touched his shoulder. “Now, tell me all you learned.”

“Shield Wall has allies and he’s been playing the system from within," Silver stated through a sniffle. "I think he’s planning some sort of attack on the Bridle Shores, and wants to frame Griffonstone for it, but he’s hemorrhaging bits. Without money they’re growing desperate.”

“Fascinating.” Darrox stroked his chitin chin. “Did he lose support? Some shadow-beneficiary?”

“I guess. It sounded like some evil round-table conspiracy, to me, but they had to have backed out.”

“Then we have our way in.”

“What?” Silver said, pulling back the mask to reveal his face twisted in confusion.

“Shield Wall needs money, and we have money. All we must do is present you as a potential backer to his cause.”

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. Our mission is not all rooftops and disappearing acts. There is an element of charm, as well.”

“Well…” Silver droned ponderously, scratching the back of his head with tense brows. “He did mention the gala, as in the Grand Galloping Gala. We could do it there. But it’s in two days.”

“Hardly a worry, I assure you,” Darrox said dismissively. “It is plenty of time to have you and Ms. Gilda properly groomed and made presentable.”

“Wait, what? Gilda?” Silver’s jaw nearly dropped.

“Why yes,” Darrox said with a smirk. “Her presence will be paramount to your inclusion into his little game. I will explain all in the morning.”

He patted Silver on the shoulder, giving him a warm smile. Silver said nothing and simply returned the affection before the two made their way to the edge of the balloon. They descended to the deck of the ship before Darrox folded his papery wings away and walked toward the captain’s cabin. Silver stayed, walking over to the railing and looking out toward Canterlot once again. He was nervous, angry, and downcast at the thought of all he had lost. He took a deep breath and sighed into the wind, summoning the strength to endure another day.