Heart Of The CHIMERA

Chapter 14 Curiosity And The Cat
Capper was a young small cat staring at a birthday cake with the number 13 on it. He licked his lips as he imagined the taste, a smile tugging at his face. He grew closer to it in preparation to take a huge bite out of it, only to meet the barrier that held him back from his prize.

“Hey, kid!” the shop owner yelled at him. “Stop making a mess of my window and get out of here! You’re disturbing my customers!” shouted a fancy-looking pony.

The kid took a step back as he looked at the cake in the window. Next to it was an even larger wedding cake, and beside it a handful of cupcakes with a sign displaying the price tag.

“Freshly baked homemade fancy cakes starting at twenty-five dollars.” Not the worst price ever, but the boy put his paws in his pocket, finding only a penny he had found earlier that morning. He then walked off, tossing the penny up with a sad smile as he recited the silly words his mother used to tell him.

“Find a penny, pick it up, and soon all day you'll have good luck.” He caught the penny just as he finished saying the word "luck."

“Hmm, but this isn't a very lucky birthday for me, now is it?” He frowned. He wore a little pair of jeans and an old, used green T-shirt that was longer than he was. He was new to the city, having arrived only a few months ago. As he walked down the streets, little did anyone even try to talk to him. He often heard some calling him street cat or vermin, or making snarky cat jokes to themselves.

He wore a look of frustration but signed it away, thinking it was better to just get used to it. The war with the cats was coming to a close according to the newspaper articles he had snagged a look at as he passed by a newspaper stand.

“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” shouted someone on the street, catching young Capper's attention. “Lord Ghost becomes head adviser of the banks. Read all about it!” The lizard handed out papers.

One person tossed theirs over their shoulder; Capper was able to catch it and take a look. Unfortunately for the boy, Capper couldn't read Ponyish and had to look around for help. “Uh, sir, sir?” He tapped one pony's leg. The pony looked down grumpily at the cat. “C-can you tell me what this says?” Capper asked.

The pony grumbled, “Street cats are so uncivilized.” He snatched the paper out of Capper's hand and cleared his throat.

“Mr. Ghost, aka Lord Ghost, one of the bravest soldiers of our generation, has officially shown his next move. He has taken on the job as head adviser of the city banks, with the possibility of becoming head banker in a few years. Little is known about the colt, and whether or not he can be trusted with our money; many believe he only got the role due to his connections with royalty, using his title as a lord as leeway into our pockets. If he is a royal spy, then it’s possible the felines are trying to take over our city’s money, and soon our country could be at risk.”
“Now, cat, why don't you scurry along and find a litter box to play in?” sneered the pony.

Capper rolled his eyes at the pony's harsh tone and looked at the paper as he remembered who Mr. Ghost was. He was the pony who saved a group of several feline orphans in the war, including himself.

Capper remembered the event clear as day.

…

Lying in bed, made of cloth blankets and soft sand, Capper lay in what was his only protection. The only thing in his paw was the penny he held on to for dear life as he thought of his mother and what could have happened to her. Raising his eyes, he turned to the room filled with older kids twice his size, but just as scared as he was. And no adults in sight. Growing restless once more, he turned to the boarded window of the place. A crack in the wood showed a ghost town. The streets were endless sands, and the walls he stood inside were made of wood and clay. The place stood in chilling quiet, not a sound to be heard—not even from the other children, who hid alongside him, worried that if they made one sound, they would be found. But with no sight of the enemy in the air, Capper finally settled, wiggling a small amount, trying to find a comfortable position to finally sleep. Only his ears perked up when he heard the sound of footsteps. His eyes flew open, terrified at the possibility of who they could belong to.

He quickly peeked out the window, expecting the worst possible thing. But to his surprise, it was not a dog he saw standing outside, nor was it any creature he could ever recognize. It was something different, something strange. It had an antler and a goat horn, two mighty wings, a claw, and a lion paw. Capper sat watching it from the shadows as it paced up and down the streets, as if it were looking for something. He could see as its strange elongated nose sniffed around the streets. Whatever the creature was soon picked up the track of what it was hunting and vanished back into the shadows from which it came, never to be seen again—or so Capper hoped. After that, he fell asleep, never expecting what was going to happen when he woke up next.

He didn’t know how long he slept, but when a sudden paw snatched him by the shirt, he woke up to what looked like hell. Every cat was now placed in a cage by dogs who snarled their canine teeth at them.

“This is the last one,” he heard the dog call out before tossing him into a cage. “Then let’s move out!” shouted another grumpily.

With Capper now in the cage, the dog carried him to the doorway, sliding open the curtain, only to meet head to head with a figure that was far taller than him.

“It’s the ghost!” shouted the dog, as he dropped Capper, who could only get one good look at the figure of the so-called ghost. Once again, he saw the strange creature from before, antlers and horns bare at him. But as the creature rushed in, it snatched Capper's cage before he could fall, using its lion paw to tear it open with a swipe of its claw from the other. It then proceeded to dump Capper on the ground before using the leftover cage to bash the dog over the head. It soon swiped at the other dog, wrestling it to the ground when a gunshot went off.

Capper jumped at the loud bang, but soon turned to see the creature standing over the dog as victor as it whistled for more troops. In a flash, a hundred or more ponies ran into the area just as the ghost once again fled to the shadows.

…

Capper would never forget the night he was saved by the ghost. It wasn’t long after that he and the other children were brought to Ponyville for safety under General Luna’s orders—whoever that was. He had heard that as a reward, the ghost was made a lord. But now, to know he works in this city and is becoming a banker—whatever that means—made the cat smile as he felt a warm feeling in his heart. He knew not all ponies were bad. Certainly not Mr. Ghost. Why, he was a hero in the cats' eyes. “I—I have to find him. I have to thank him for what he's done. Why, I wouldn't be alive if not for him…” Capper thought as he looked around the large city. “Hmm, but how on earth am I going to find him, I wonder?”

As the sun began to set, Capper found his way back to the south side of town. His stomach growled, much to his annoyance. He hadn't eaten anything all day and knew he would have to scrape up something. Down an alleyway, he saw a trash can—a gold mine for him—and he dumpster-dived into it in search of something to eat. He found a half-eaten buffet topped with some mystery sauce of which he did not know the origin. He ate it, disgusted by the taste, and nearly barfed but kept it in his mouth, forcing himself to swallow, knowing this was the only food he was going to get for a while. Then he heard some type of commotion further down the alleyway.

Intrigued, if not a bit frightened, he decided to take a look, knowing all too well that his curiosity would get the better of him someday.

To his surprise, a tall figure had another one, twice his size, up against the wall.

“Listen, you,” the tall skinny one spoke. “I don't care how long it takes; I want it done tonight, understand?” he growled at the shadow.

The other chuckled and pushed the shadow off. “Don't worry; I told you, a deal's a deal,” he chuckled more. “I can get you—” He stopped and then, out of nowhere, grabbed Capper. “Looks like we got ourselves an eavesdropper,” the creature grinned viciously. “A curious cat. By the looks of it, tell me, boy, do you know what curiosity does to cats?” He pulled out a knife, causing the small cat to cower in fear. “N-no, please, I…”

The knife was then smacked out of the creature’s hands. “It's just a kid—let him go,” spat the shadow.

“Hey! How dare you? You clearly are new to this, aren't you? There are rules on these streets,” growled the thing holding Capper.

“And what of it to you? He's just a boy; his only crime is curiosity.”

“There is no innocent in these alleys.” He pulled Capper closer to his face. Capper could barely see that it was some type of buff monkey—an ape, perhaps. “He could be a spy or something.”

“Ma—Oh no, please, I…” He stopped his pleading and cowered more as he saw the monkey’s other hand forming a fist, ready to punch him.

The shadow acted quickly, swishing around him, overpowering the buff monkey and sending him on his butt. The monkey dropped Capper, but the boy was caught by a hoof and pulled to safety.

“I’ve had about enough of this. Now we had a deal, so go get it done!” snarled the shadow. The monkey growled as he stood up.

“Why you!” it growled, but was stopped by the shadow, who said, “Unless you’re too weak for the job.” He spoke with a hint of amusement in his tone. The monkey huffed as it stood up and walked away without another word.

The shadow, who was still holding onto Capper, pulled him around the corner and spat, “You need to learn to mind your own business. Don’t you know the old phrase? Learn it, boy!” He spat and threw Capper's arm back at him before he began to walk away. As he did so, Capper noticed the way he walked: he not only had a cane but was clearly injured.

“W-wait, I…” he said as the pony shadow turned to him. It was too dark to make out any features.

“I—I just wanted to thank you, sir.”

The shadow seemed to not care and turned around to walk away.

“W-wait! You’re injured; I can help. I—”

The shadow snapped back at him and glided past, making him trip over the cane.

“Ha! As if I would ever need your help. Get lost, kid; you’re in way over your head!” he said as he vanished once again into the shadows.
…

The next morning, Capper woke up on the side of the road in a dumpster, the only place he could call home now. He picked up his penny and sighed. “Some birthday that was. If I just had one wish…” He growled a bit, but let his anger go with another sigh. “Oh well, see a penny, pick it up; all day you'll have good luck.” He tossed it up with a chuckle. “Ah, if only that were true,” he said as he fished the nearly worthless coin from his pocket.

He then started his day by grabbing the newspaper from yesterday. That one guy told him what it said, and he used its knowledge to try and figure out how to read Ponyish, by reading other Ponyish words on cans and trash that were in his dumpster. Once he had enough of that, he tried to scramble something up to eat. Finding the burger from last night, he shook in disgust at the sight of it, but his stomach growled. So he went to take a bite when suddenly the dumpster lid opened up.

“What are you doing here?” said the figure above him. He recognized the voice—it was the shadow that saved him last night. “Oh, uh, I sort of live here.”

“No, no, you don't. This is my dumpster. And is that my old burger I threw out?”

The kids looked at it, then back at the dark figure.

“It moaned in annoyance. Come on, get out of my dumpster. You're just going to have to find a new place to live.”

“Huh? But…” The cat jumped out. “But this place is a dump.”

“Too bad. I bought this land and that building. This is now my property, you’ll have to find somewhere else, kid,” growled the figure as he snapped back. This was the first time Capper could finally make out his features. He was a skinny pony with sunken-in eyes and a skull-like appearance, dressed head to toe in a trench coat topped off with a top hat. His eyes were ruby in color, and he had a strange, almost fang-like tooth hanging out.

Capper recognized the guy right away. “M-Mr. Ghost?”

The pony raised an eyebrow, hearing his name.

“Uh, s-sorry, it's just... you saved me. I, um, I was one of the orphans you saved back in Catgypt.”

“Oh, well isn't it a small world after all?” he spat sarcastically. “Get lost!” he yelled before limping away.

“Oh, but I wanted to thank you, sir, for—”

“I said get lost.” He slid past him, and in a spin, he knocked the boy off his feet. “Take a hint, kid,” he told him as he slowly limped his way back inside the old, falling-apart building.

Capper, however, couldn’t help his curiosity and began following the grumpy colt. He watched as the colt began to clean out the old place, preparing to repaint the walls.

Realizing he was being watched, the annoyed grumpy colt turned around and grumbled, “What do you want?”

“Oh, uh, well, it's just, what are you doing?” he asked curiously.

“What's it look like I'm doing? Now get lost before I call the authorities and have you removed from my property!”

Then the boy's stomach growled again.

Mr. Ghost rolled his eyes, knowing the boy was in his dumpster a moment ago. He sighed and looked around the room. It would take forever to clean and paint, and with his own injuries, it would take him even longer. “Listen, kid, since you won't leave me alone, how about I make you a deal?”

Capper looked at him curiously.

“Help me fix up the place, and I'll treat you to lunch. But you won't get a crumb before this place is completely dusted,” he growled.

Capper smiled and picked up a duster as he began to help clean up the old building.

Mr. Ghost kept to his word, taking the boy out to lunch on the back of his motorcycle. He then handed him a twenty and told him to get anything he wanted while he went to get himself some tea.

Capper did as he was told, fetching himself a sandwich and a soda. He also grabbed a shake and another sandwich before he ran back to Mr. Ghost, who he saw enter the coffee shop on the corner.

The pony was munching on a muffin and having a cup of tea as the boy came in. he groaned at the sight of the boy once again asking. “What now, kid? I treated you to lunch, didn't I? Now get lost.”

“Oh, uh, but I brought you a sandwich and the change, sir.” He held up the two dollars and fifteen cents.

“You can eat the other sandwich; I don't want it,” he snatched the change from the boy's paw, making him jump at first, even so the boy smiled, before sitting down and began eating his lunch. Bunt ot before Mr. Ghost huffed in annoyance once more, “And what do you think you're doing? I did not tell you you could sit with me,” he growled.

“Oh, oh, sorry, I just thought…”

“Look, kid, I get it; you're young and little, and I saved you, all right. But I am no hero. I have a busy life with no need for the likes of you. I get that you're grateful and all, but that is where this ends. Good day,” he growled, before focusing his attention back to his muffin.

Capper, taken aback, only nodded and took off with his lunch. Eventually, he found a bench on the side of the road and ate one sandwich, saving the other to use for dinner.

Afterwards, the boy heard the sound of a bike and looked up just in time to see Mr. Ghost driving away.

Eventually, Capper wandered the streets back to what he called home, only to stop when he remembered Mr. Ghost told him the dumpster was his and kicked him out. He looked at his last sandwich, deciding to nibble on it as he wondered where he was going to go now.

But as he approached the rusty old building from behind, he heard laughter from the front. Curiosity struck again, and he decided to take a look around the corner.

His eyes widened as he saw a mob of gangsters.

“We had a deal, Tireak!” shouted Mr. Ghost.

The monkey from the night before chuckled as he finished counting his bills. “Yeah, we did have a deal. I said I'd get you what you wanted, and I did.” He chuckled. “Now, I never said how I’d get it.” He chuckled a bit more as he stuffed the cash back into his duffle bag. “A pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Ghost,” he said, as the gangsters began surrounding him.

“And of course, a pleasure doing business with you,” the monkey bowed to the goat.

“Can it, Tireak!” the goat announced. “You…” The old goat chuckled. “You think you can just come to my city, buy up my property, and get away with it, do ya?”

Mr. Ghost’s eyes narrowed. “You must be Grogar!” he smirked.

Grogar chuckled. “Here's the deal I'll make you. You're mighty smart to get this far, boy. Give me twenty-five percent of all sales, and become a part of my operations. Do that, and I won't let anyone lay a hoof or a claw on you.”

Mr. Ghost snickered at that. “Really offering me a job? Ahahaha!” He cackled. “Here's my deal for you: Get out of my city. I claim this to be my town now. Begone with your drugs and your weapons, or else you'll see a new war at your doorstep!” he growled.

Grogar couldn't hide the amused smirk on his face. “You and what army? You're just a soldier boy who got lucky and now parades around with the title of lord. Titles don't mean anything down here on the streets, especially not in this city,” he chuckled. “And whatever this is…” Grogar waved a briefcase around, “must be pretty important for you to want it so badly that you risk having a street thug like Tireak come to take it.”

“You're just a drug lord who's way over your head. Now drop the case and run, otherwise you'll see who's making the mistake around here,” growled Mr. Ghost.

Grogar’s smile faded to a bored look as he clapped his hooves. “Boys, teach this moron a lesson. Don’t kill him, though; he may be useful.” Grogar chuckled menacingly.

Several gangsters approached Mr. Ghost, carrying bats, knives, and chains. Those who didn't just raised their bare hooves or claws to fight.

Seeing this, Capper began to cower in fear. It wouldn't take long before they would pummel Mr. Ghost to a pulp. What could he do? He was just a small boy. He could run to the cops… oh, but would they listen to a street cat like him? He couldn't fight, that's for sure. And he knew Mr. Ghost was injured. Oh, what to do, what to do? he asked himself when suddenly he was picked up by the red monkey, Tireak.

“Uh oh, look what we have here! It's the little curious cat,” Tireak chuckled devilishly.

Mr. Ghost looked over along with everyone else. He gritted his teeth as he snarled at the boy, “I told you to get lost!”

“Ha! Help!” the cat stuttered.

“Do what you want, Tireak,” Grogar said as he took the briefcase and walked away. “I want Ghost alive, but you can kill the useless kid for all I care.” He shrugged as he began to take off.

Tireak chuckled at that as he raised his fist to punch the young Capper. The boy shivered in fear; however, it was short-lived as he saw what happened next.

The buff monkey was choking in a powerful stronghold given to him by Mr. Ghost, causing Tireak to drop Capper to the ground.

Neither the boy, the monkey, nor the other gangsters saw Mr. Ghost even make a move. They all were stunned, including Capper, but Capper was pulled out of it when he heard the colt call out, “Run, kid!”

Capper took off, dodging the arms of the others who tried to grab him as the others approached Mr. Ghost.

“Heh, typical!” chuckled the goat as he clapped his hooves, letting his other minions enter the fray.

Surrounded by the enemies, Mr. Ghost let go of his chokehold on Tireak just in time as the others attacked. He dodged them as he quickly swished around them, as if he were dancing. He was able to kick one into two others, but it was clear how outnumbered he truly was.

Capper could only do what he could to dodge the oncoming hooves and claws trying to catch him.

He looked back to see the others lunging with their weapons drawn at Mr. Ghost. But to his surprise, he spun around, and something the boy found hard to see slapped them across the face. A tail, perhaps? But it wasn't a ponytail, that's for sure! Just as it appeared, it vanished into thin air. Mr. Ghost punched one and kicked another oncoming attacker just as someone else grabbed the young cat.

The boy, however, decided to try and copy his hero's moves, spinning around and slapping him with his tail. “I-I did it!” he cheered momentarily, but it was too soon to celebrate as another gang member lunged at him. This time, it was an omega dragon older than he was. He swiped past her and scratched her with his claws, causing her to roar out in pain. The boy did what he could to dodge the others and try to make a run for it. However, one of them managed to stab a knife into the young cat's arm, causing him to cry out in pain.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ghost had his hands full with the others, yet somehow was able to slip by them, almost as if he were dancing. With one hand chop, he broke one of the attacker's wooden bats before he kicked him into the ground. He didn't stop there and proceeded to pummel each and every one of them one by one, taking out pent-up frustration the likes of which had never been seen.

He then turned his sights on Grogar, who held a gun to his face. “Hmm, perhaps you're more trouble than you're worth,” he said as he cocked the gun, not even batting an eye. But before he could shoot, he screamed out in pain as he felt something claw onto his leg.

Mr. Ghost took the opportunity to kick the gun up in the air, catching it with his hoof and pointing it straight at Grogar's head. He breathed out heavily, showing how tired he was as he took a step toward Grogar. He still had his limp, but somehow being injured only made him more terrifying as Grogar began to cower in fear.

“What were you saying?” Mr. Ghost chuckled darkly, causing even the leader to shiver in fear at the look on the colt's face.

Just then, the sound of cop cars blared from the back, making Mr. Ghost chuckle in delight. “Looks like you're caught! The old crime lord is now cowering under me. Haha, just like I told you, you would.”

“Now, here's the deal I'll make you,” Mr. Ghost smirked. “I'll let you live. I'll let you run free. You see, I need you alive anyway. I need a messenger, after all.” He chuckled. “Go and tell all the other crime lords that a new one is in town.”

“I want them out of my city, and I’m keeping the gun. So do we have a deal?”

The old goat, terrified and alone, nodded. “You won’t hear the last of me. I have plenty more where this came from.”

Mr. Ghost chuckled. “A war for the streets it is. Be my guest. Bring them.” He lowered the gun. “That’s your cue to run, by the way.”

At that, Grogar took off, terrified. Mr. Ghost took one step and nearly collapsed, but it was Capper who grabbed him, making sure he didn't fall.

He looked at the boy, surprised he was still there. Capper looked up at him with amazement. Mr. Ghost noticed the knife that was still lodged in the boy’s arm. He didn't say a word as the authorities came in.

The boy was looked over and patched up by someone in an ambulance. As the cops took in the last of the gangsters, Capper turned to see where Mr. Ghost was.

Mr. Ghost had his back turned to them as he stared at the old building in front of him.

Capper approached him, holding a briefcase. “Su-sir,” he mumbled, catching Mr. Ghost’s attention.

He looked at him with a look of boredom. “You should have run, boy. Curiosity kills cats, ya know.”

“Uh, yeah, so sorry for all the trouble…”

“You did pretty good, kid. You’ve got some moves.” He said, catching Capper off guard as he took the briefcase from the boy.

He opened it up, not hesitating for another moment.

Inside the briefcase was only one small thing: a strange purple glass bottle. He popped open the cork and poured its contents out, revealing that the bottle was actually clear. A purple slimy substance poured out and then seemed to have a mind of its own as it leapt at Mr. Ghost.

“Sir!” Capper yelled out in horror, but stopped when he heard Mr. Ghost laughing—a happy laugh he didn’t think the pony could.

“Haha, stop! I—I missed you too, buddy!” he chuckled as the slimy substance seemed to act almost like a dog wanting to see its master.

“Uh, sir?” Capper asked, confused.

“Oh, this is Smoose. He was once a jellyfish, but after my experiments, he became so much more,” Mr. Ghost said as he took the goo and held it in his good hand. He then took out a napkin and began to clean off the slimy goo left on his face. “He’s all that I have left from my previous research. I knew you weren’t dead.” He cooed at the creature and then put it back in the bottle. “He’s perfectly harmless for the most part. However, my previous research was quite dangerous, and I wanted to make sure none of it existed. When I found out he had survived, I did all I could to get him back. I even trusted that backstabber Tireak, but I suppose I’m going to have to be a lot more careful with whom I place my trust in this city.”

Mr. Ghost then limped a step forward. “Like you, my boy.”

“Huh?” asked Capper.

“What’s your name, kid?”

“Ca-Capper, Capper Cat,” he answered, cautiously.

“Well, Capper Cat,” he spread his arms open wide. “What you see here tonight is only the beginning of my plans.” He smiled darkly. “I will soon have control of this entire city. I will rule it all. First the city, and then the world. I will create a world where those who deserve it are punished, and those who do not live a good life,” he chuckled, spinning around to face the boy.

“I offer you a seat at my table. Join me, Capper, and rule the new world.”

“Um, I, uh…”

“Oh, what? Scared? I have use for you, boy. You’re quick on your feet, and you’re pretty brave, if not foolish. It’s people like you I need in this city.”

Capper shook in fear for a moment but then stood his ground, trying everything he could to stop shaking. “Yes, sir.”

“Yes, I—” he jumped back when Mr. Ghost leaned his face in close.

“Are you sure? I do not have any need for brats, you see. To create my world, it won’t be easy. If I tell you to run, you run. If I tell you to blow something up, you blow something up. If I tell you to murder, you murder and don’t ask questions ever. I don’t care how curious you are, just know whatever I tell you to do is to further my goals. I don't need friends; I need servants. I’m hiring you, boy, and once you’re no use to me, I’ll toss you back in that dumpster I found you in—do you understand?” He growled the last part.

“Y-yes, sir!” he yelled out.

“Good,” Mr. Ghost grinned, then winced in pain from his own injuries. “You’ll need training. I will teach you how to fight so that this doesn’t happen again.” He pointed at the boy's bandaged arm. He then began to walk away, leaving the boy staring at him. To his surprise, though, Mr. Ghost came to a stop, never looking back. He uttered the question, “Coming?”

Capper smiled—a small smile, but a smile nonetheless—as he took a step, only for a penny to drop out of his pocket. He looked down when he heard it and smiled as he remembered what his mother used to say.

“See a penny, pick it up, and all day you’ll have good luck.”

“Coming, sir.” He followed him, no questions asked. To the boy’s surprise, though, Mr. Ghost led them to Sugarcube Corner, where he not only got his tea and muffin but also let him sit by him as he enjoyed his meal. To the boy’s surprise, however, a chocolate cake arrived.

The boy couldn’t hold back as he licked his lips at the sight of it.

Mr. Ghost chuckled and cut a slice of it, handing it to the boy along with a cup of milk to go with it.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to get into the little details, but the cake was the best thing I ever had at the time.” Capper rolled his eyes. “Anyway, the point of the story is I don’t think we should trust them, Twilight. Not in my experience. They will double-cross you,” he said, raising his gaze back to her. But to his surprise, she only found a sweet smile on her lips staring back at him.

“My brother, despite his initial rudeness, has always cared quite a lot, hasn’t he?”

Capper lowered his head, grinning for a moment and reveling in the memories of his hero before looking back up and replying, “Yes, and I am as loyal to you as I am to him.” He hesitated. “Assuming…” Capper griped himself.

“Assuming what, Capper?” Twilight asked, her expression never changing.

“Assuming he still even needs me. After all, I made a deal with him, and it seems my usefulness has come to an end,” he told her sadly.

“Capper,” Twilight called his name sternly, catching his attention. “I’m the Queen of Chaos; your loyalty is still needed. I promise you. He has not abandoned you yet. Your usefulness has just changed hands.” She shook her head.

Capper sat silently as the notion settled over him.

In the stillness of the moment, Luna finally spoke. “I didn’t know about the gangs Discord was dealing with. I just thought they were a bunch of thugs, not actual threats.”

“Either way, it doesn’t matter,” Twilight replied. “We have no one else we can trust. Remember, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Twilight turned her gaze to Luna. “As the leader of Chaosville, I think this might be our only option. Capper, I need you to set up a meeting with the leaders as soon as possible.”

Capper clenched his eyes shut, unsure of this new direction.

“Capper, are you questioning me?” Twilight raised a teasing eyebrow, along with an even more teasing grin.

The sight of it brought a half-chuckle out of him. Yet his smile quickly faded as he stood back up. “Curiosity killed the cat; I'll keep that at bay, Ms. Sparkle.” With his final statement, he turned to leave, but after a few steps, he came to a halt and turned around. “Tell me, what are we going to do with my duplicate?”

“Keep that changeling here, tied up. I think Spike can handle watching it.”

“Spike? Are you sure that’s a good idea, Twilight? My son isn’t a mutant; he’s just a—”

“He’s much more than that, Luna. He’s grown far stronger than either you or I could ever imagine.”

Luna dashed her gaze away, unsure of Twilight's words. But her expression only made Twilight giggle, pulling Luna’s attention again. “Don’t worry about it either; his heart is larger than you think. He’ll soon forgive you, I promise.”

“How?” Luna mumbled. “How can you say—”

“Because I have,” Twilight turned to the window, viewing the skies above. “It’s clear skies today,” she smiled wide. “Let’s keep it that way. Get to work.” With her final orders, both Luna and Capper saluted their leader before heading out the door.