Author's Note

Yep here we go good stuff this

Back in the City

Celestia trotted through the halls as she had just finished up day court and was on her way to lunch. She decided to have lunch in her bedroom today. She just wanted her alone time. For some reason she's felt like her every move has been being watched as of late.

Originally, Celestia just played it off as the castle staff, then she played it off as the staff that might be in the pockets of one of the nobles. She then took note that she only got the feeling of eyes on her at certain points of the day. She took to being alone whenever possible, even going as far as to teleport to Twilight's house in a pony in order to teach her student her magic lessons. It still wasn't enough to keep the feelings of eyes on her though.

She finally reached her room and looked around. Igniting her horn she cast a silence spell and a detect spell. She didn't get any pings back so she decided to head towards the balcony. She sat down and looked out over her kingdom, watching her subjects go about their daily lives.

"I wonder when Marmy will come by for tea again?" Celestia sighed. She had come to very much enjoy her tea parties with Marmalade. That mare reminded Celestia so much of Levi but she was so different from her grandfather it was uncanny.

"Enjoy life to the fullest including all the ponies in it, and keep them alive in your heart forevermore. No one can stop time from moving ever onward, but in experiencing joy and love, those of us blessed and cursed to remain when others fade away will find life worth living, even in the darkest of moments."

Came a male voice that Celestia recognized. She quickly turned her head to see Levi Ackerman stand on her balcony looking at her.

"Hello, Tia." He was wearing all black clothing and looking at his old friend with his hands in his pockets.

The princess wasted no time and immediately rushed over tackling Levi to the ground in a bone-crushing hug, "Levi it's so good to see you!" She exclaimed in the Royal Cantorlot Voice.

"Tia... need.... air..." he got out as his eyes started to roll in the back of his head.

"Oh my goodness I am so sorry," She got up, stepping back, and pulled her old friend to his feet.

Levi gasped for air, "Thank y-"

*WHACK!*

"OW!" Levi cried out in pain.

"That's for not writing me back telling me you were gonna visit!" Celestia scowled holding her crown in her magic

*WHACK!*

"AHHHHHH! YA KNOW THAT REALLY HURTS YA DAMN SUN HORSE!" Levi rubbed the two massive steaming lumps on his head.

"And that was for sneaking in here!" Celestia continued tossing her now dented crown. "I've told thousands of times never to sneak into a mare's bedroom!" She then realized something. "You're not wearing you're gear so how did you get up here without anypony see you?" She asks popping an ice bang into the room from the infirmary then levitating it over to her human friend.

Levi took the bang and hissed as he places the bang on his steaming head, "Christ that stings!" He looked at Celestia then to the crown and then back to the princess. "Did you have to hit me so hard you warped your crown?"

"Yes," She stated smugly. "Yes I did, now my answers."

"I literally walked through the front doors," Levi explains sitting in a chair while taking out his broken mask to place it on the table. "It may be broken but it still works just as good as when it was first made."

"Do all of the Survey Corps members wear these?" Celestia picked the mask up in her magic looking it over. Placing it back down, "Tea?" Levi nodded so she went and fetched her personal tea set that no pony knew about from a hidden space.

"Yes, but they wear ones based off my own that are forged with pony versions of the spells that were used on mine," Levi picked up his broken mask. "Unfortunately those spells only work for a limited amount of time by using the wearers' magic where mine doesn't."

"Can you fix it?" Celestia poured the tea.

"I was hoping you might be able to," Levi took his cup and added sugar to it.

"I can cast a mending spell on it if you have all of the pieces," Celestia pops some tea cakes into existence. "But knowing you, you only have the major pieces."

Levi nods, "I have most of it but a good chunk was washed away from the confrontations conditions," he sipped the tea and set the cup down. "So that spell is off the table but is there a way to transfigure the mask into a new one but keep the enchantment on it?"

"Well..." she picked up the mask in her magic and did a quick scan. "This is old magic and not even pony magic at that. Abyssinian if I am correct?" She looked across the table and got a simple nod. "If I only reshape it into a new form without changing the main martial I can. But we still need some filler material to replace what was lost. Over time the enchantment should eventually reach the new material and reenchant it. What is this made from though?"

"I was told it was carved from a monster's bone," Levi said nonchalantly while Celestia stuck out her tongue with a reeling back slightly in disgust. "We... should be able to find something thing in the magic district of the city. I would imagine that you're going to keep it for now yes?" she handed the mask back to its owner. "This can't be the only reason you're here though? And I know you're not here to visit. Marmy said you would be busy for a while and you usually don't sneak in here unless you have a good reason. You never were one for pranks."

"The mask and seeing you are the reason why I am here in your room yes but not the reason why I'm in Canterlot," He sipped his tea. "Some of my Corps had a run-in with a group calling themselves The Unknown. and we have been trying to track down the ones who killed members of my family. This is not a job Celestia, this is justice and revenge." His face hardened. "The member we got in custody told us the one we want is here and a few other things that concerned me so I thought you may want to hear them."

Celestia's own face became stern, "I trust you with my life Levi, Faust knows I do. So if you say that I should hear something then I will." She finished her tea and looked at the sun. Lighting her horn the sun started to dip behind the mountain. "Are you going to a safe house or do you want to stay here?"

"I think I'll stay here for the time being," Levi stood up taking his mask on the tea set. "I have much to tell you and it will take some time."

Later that evening...

There was a knock at Celestia's door. "Who could that be?" She tiled her head. "Excuse me Levi it's probably one of the servants or my advisor Kibitz. They want to ask about my before-bed snack or have some last-minute paperwork that needs to be looked over."

"So little Kibitz went from working in the guard mailroom to being your advisor?" Levi asked.

Getting up Celestia headed to the door. "He's my right hoof stallion, personal scribe, and aide," She proudly nods. "He is grooming his granddaughter to be his successor." She opened the door to reveal a pink alicorn."

"Auntie you didn't come to dinner," Cadence looked at her aunt out of concern. "I was worried cause today is Wednesday and you never miss dinner on Wednesday. Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry Cadence I completely forgot," Celestia's eyes widened.

"It's Wednesday, what would you be doing to make you... forget?" Cadence trailed off as she came in and saw Levi sitting in the chair opposite her aunt's that she usually sat in when reading.

"I know she wasn't around when I was staying here," Levi noted the pink pony starring at him with her mouth open on the floor she sipped his tea.

"That's a good way to catch bugs young mare," Levi noted as he sipped on some tea causing Cadence to quickly shut her mouth. He stood up, walking over Levi knelt down taking her forehoof in his hand, "Allow me to introduce myself," Levi said with a warm tone in his voice. "My name is Levi Ackerman, it is a pleasure to meet you milady," he said as he kissed her hoof causing her to blush.

"Oh my..." Cadence said softly as Levi stood back up looming over her at his full height.

"You certainly have upped your game in the manners department," Celestia giggled at he niece's reactions. "At least when you want to."

"When it's necessary," Levi shrugged with a smirk as he sat back in his seat. "This must be your niece you've told me about in your letters. I must say though," he kept smirking, "She bears an awful lot of resembles to you."

"She's not my daughter!" Celestia quickly shot back with an embarrassed flush on her face. Straightening herself back up she looked at Cadence. "Why don't you introduce yourself, dear," Celestia said to her niece while she closed her door and retook her own seat.

"Uh... what..." Cadence was pulled out of her stupor and looked back at Levi who was giving her a steady smirk. "Oh... yes.. ah... I am Mi Amore Cadenza the Princess of Love," Cadence stated as she bowed. "But you can call me Cadence, I would prefer it if you would actually. So..." She looked at the human. "You're my aunt's... old friend."

"I wouldn't say old, per say" Levi remarked. "We've been friends for a few years, a little over thirty years so somewhat old but if it's my age your referencing then yes."

"She told that you two had a few flings," Cadence said bluntly, immediately causing Celestial to spit take while Levi easily dodged.

"Cadence!" Celestia scolded her niece with a stern glare.

Cadence paid her aunt no mind, "Tell me... how was she in bed?"

"CADENCE!" Celestia started to turn completely red all over.

"What pray tell gives you the to know about that?" Levi gave his own glare.

"Huh... Alicorn of Love," Cadence points to herself with a nervous grin.

Levi rubbed his eyes, "That doesn't give you the right to know about a creature's sex life young mare," He scolded the young princess. "Love is one thing sex is another, if two creatures are in love then you have that right to ask them but in this case, you're totally out of line Cadence."

Cadence flattened her ears against her head, "I'm sorry..." she looked down ashamed.

"If Tia didn't tell you what on this planet makes you think I would tell you?" Levi shook his head.

"Sorry," Cadence sighed. "I can let my title and abilities go to my head sometimes."

"We all do that from time to time Cadence," Celestia trotted over and wrapped her wings around her niece pulling her into a tight hug. "If you really wanna know the details I tell you later when Levi leaves," She whispered in Cadence's ear. "My favorite detail is his stamina though. Much more than any stallion, "Celestia said with a bit of a naughty tone causing Cadence's face to grew darker. She pulled back, "But for now I will have dinner here with my friend. We still have much to discuss and some of it shouldn't be heard by your ears."

"If you say so Auntie," Cadence looked at Celestia, "But I'll hold you to what you told me though," she whispered so Levi didn't hear, "And I want details," she poked her aunt in the chest fluff with her hoof. "Have a good night Mr. Ackerman. I will be leaving as I have an early day tomorrow," Cadence sang in a play tune.

"That's right," Celestia face hoofed. "Twilight has her lessons first thing tomorrow."

Cadence nodded, "That's right so don't stay up too late Auntie..." The Princess of Love sang as she exited the room causing Celestia to blush again.

"What have I done?" Celestia sighed as she rubbed her temples then looked back at Levi. "So, tell me about this incident that caused you to uncover this other organization," She said getting serious as she trotted over and took her seat again.

Levi nodded and then began to tell the story...

Meanwhile masked in grey and black armor ponies, The Unknown, laid in wait across the street of the Sparkle family's household. They watched patiently for everypony to come home and all light to go out. Safe to say that they'd been doing this for a few weeks now and pretty much had the family's routine down to a timely schedule.

First, everypony would arrive home at different times. First, it was Twilight Velvet coming back from working at the publishing company. Next Nightlight came home from his job at the local planetarium. Then there was Shining Armor who usually came home from whatever he was doing, usually training with some of his older guard recruit friends. The target Twilight Sparkle would then come home, usually with her foal sitter the young princess Cadenza, or her older brother.

The Unknown ponies watched as the Sparkle parents left the house for a date night leaving the target with her older brother to watch her tonight. This was a stroke of luck for The Unknown as they wouldn't have to worry about contending with the young princess. The goal was simple, grab the filly when no pony was aware and bring her to the hideout where the Shadow would hand her over to the financier.

They laid in wait until the parents returned and every light in the house was out. The Unknown waited a few more hours until they were sure everypony was in a deep sleep and then made their way into the house and up to little Twilight's room. The little filly in question was snoring happily cuddling up to a raggedy pony plush toy with a pair of overalls on it. She mumbled something about books and rolled over in her sleep.

The Unknown Sprang and quickly sprang upon the little filly and sprinkled a special type of sleeping herb on her to ensure she wouldn't wake. They also put a decent amount of it in the air vents for the house to make sure that no pony wouldn't wake up till the next morning. Not waiting any more time they grabbed the filly and stuffed her into a sack and quickly exited the household making their way to the nearest passageway the led to their meeting grounds.

Celestia set her teacup down, "I must say these..."

"The Unknown," Levi said.

"Thank you, " Celestia nodded. "They sound quite dangerous and quite deeply rooted in the underground."

"They are but I intend to cut them out, permanently," Levi scowled.

"You have my permission to do whatever is necessary to wipe them out Levi," Celestia gave her old friend a stern look. "If they really are all you say and more then they have been influencing things in the unseen for some time. Under the mercenary laws you have near immunity from the law usually but this time I will fund you. You have the crown's full support to do anything and everything you need to."

"Thank you Tia," Levi nods. "I'll take any support you can give."

Celestia looked at the time. "It's quite late, I'll have the staff set up a room for you."

"Why?" Levi tilted his head. "You have a bed big enough for two. The gods know we've slept together before."

Celestia's face immediately lit up, "I... I ... I..."

Levi chuckled, "You're so cute when you're blushing." He stood up and patted Celestia on her head. "I'll sleep on the couch."

Celestia took a minute and then shook her head, "Now wait a second, I never said no..." she whined.

The morning at breakfast...

Levi and Celestia were both enjoying a hardy continental breakfast of bacon, eggs, and fully loaded chocolate pancakes with a side mug of Prench Press coffee.

"Will I get to see that young apprentice you've been telling me about?" Levi asked his old friend.

Celestia burped and then dabbed her mouth with a napkin, "You can meet her today if you like. First thing in fact. Today is one of her study days. I have no doubt she'll either duck and hide or simply stare at you with her mouth on the floor when she first sees you. Personally, I'm leaning more towards the first option."

Suddenly a guard burst through the doors with the entire Sparkle Family and Cadence in tow. "Princess, your student has been foalnapped!" Celestia dropped her mug on the floor, shattering it.

"Send out every pony, search the city now!" Celestia jumped to her hooves. "I want not one cobblestone left unturned! GO!"

The guard saluted and galloped off to carry out his orders.

"Were there any clues at your home?" The princess asked the unicorn family.

"J-j-just t-t-t-tis p-princess," Twilight Velvet held up and old bag with a strange symbol on it.

"We found it next to our air unit," Shining Armor added.

Levi saw the symbol. A black and gray vertical eye with a red 'X' over top of it. "Give me that<" Levi rushed over and grabbed the sack out of Shining magic. The strange creature and sudden action thoroughly shocked the young unicorn colt. Levi clutched the bag tightly and scowled at it.

"Levi?" Celestia looked at her friend "Do you recognize it?"

"I do," He sneered. "It's the symbol of The Unknown," Levi shoved the bag in his jacket. "Tia, I will be taking the lead on this. My Corps will coordinate with you, and only you."

Celestia nodded, "I trust you above all others to do this Levi. Do what you need to."

Levi nods and starts to walk out but a Twilight Velvet sand Nightlight steps up in front go him, "I don't know who or what you are but if the princess says she trusts you then we do. Please bring our little filly back to us. We'll pay you whatever you want, even be your servant just please, bring her back!" Twilight cried.

Levi knelt down to the light gray lavender mare, "I will bring your little girl back to you," Levi said with a resolute stare. "That is a promise, of not a sellsword but a father. I will bring her back and I will make those who took her pay, dearly." He stood up and turned.

"Levi!" Celestia called out as she used her magic to throw something white at her former bodyguard. Levi caught it without even turning around. "I fixed it earlier before you woke up was even able to tweak it so it works better and I added a few of my own enchantments to it. I wanted it to be a surprise but you'll need it now."

Levi held up his newly reconstructed and reconfigured mask.

"Thanks Tia, I'll put it to good use," Levi said as he placed the mask on his face and walked out of the place, no pony paying him any mind other than those in the room he was just in...