Night Stalker and Valr had made it to the cafe, standing at the door entrance as they pondered their next move. The two story restaurant was mostly navy blue and bright yellow, with spots and stripes of white. Above the door was a picture of a shooting star with a horseshoe in its center, shrubs and flowers decorating from the sides and a large smooth stone tile leading to the door.

“Is this the place?” Valr asked Night Stalker.

“They said he would meet us here,” Stalker answered, “Apparently it's been his favorite spot while he's been here.”

“I still don't get why it had to be him of all ponies. They couldn't have picked someone else to gather intelligence on the elements? I would've taken a dragon over him,”

“I understand how you feel, Valr, but he was the only member at the time that was close enough to Ponyville.”

“I don't know why they accepted him in the first place. He gave no information on himself when he first joined, he never follows orders, and he always causes more harm than good on his missions. He doesn't even give a damn about the cause, he's a psychopath with a bloodlust.”

“Look, let's get what we need from him, then we'll meet Scarlet at the property. And please try to keep your temper in check. The last thing we need is you making a scene like earlier.”

Before Valr could make a retort, Night Stalker went ahead and opened the door. Valr made an annoyed groan and followed him in.

The cafe was nice and homey, had a row of tables that sat directly in front of the windows, giving a clear view of the ponyville streets. At the center was a bar counter with stool seats where a few ponies were ordering coffees and breakfast. At the front door where the two stood was a front counter where a young mare stood waiting for ponies to enter and order.

“Hello, welcome to Lucky Star Cafe. Table for two?”

“Afraid not, Signora,” Night Stalker answered, “We're actually looking for somepony; Earth pony, stallion, wears a black stetson hat?”

“Ooh him. Yea, He's been coming here for the past few days. Very mysterious, but quite charming. You'll find him at the table on the far corner, by the window.”

“Gracie,” Stalker gave her a small bow before he and Valr went to where their informant was sitting.

They found him at a table at the far end of the cafe, drinking coffee and eating apple pie. He was an earth pony with a brown gold coat and medium red mane, wearing a pure black pinch front stetson hat, a belt filled with knives, a brown leather glove on his left hoof, and two brown satchels on his hip holding dual silver colt forty five revolvers, also called "peacemakers". What disgusted them was the fate of the cloak given to him, still midnight blue with a span of stars, but fashioned into a poncho that hid most of his knives. He took a big bite of his pie and quietly moaned with enjoyment as he wiped the crumbs off his beard with a napkin, not noticing the two figures who walked to his table.

Night Stalker and Valr raised their eyebrows at each other before Night Stalker cleared his throat. “Trigger Happy?”

Trigger Happy opened his eyes and turned his head to them, staring with gray irises so dark they were almost black. His face was still stuffed before taking a large gulp and swallowing his pie. “Who's askin?” he said with a heavy country accent.

Night Stalker grabbed the medallion on his neck and showed him the symbol engraved on it, the symbol of the Brotherhood.

“Ah, so you're Night Streaker, Codenamed: Phantom.”

Night Stalker’s eye twitched at his statement. “Night Stalker, it was one time!”

“So I've heard. Meaning the big clucker here must be Valr?”

Night Stalker looked and saw what was quite possibly the biggest vein he'd ever seen bulge on Valr’s head.

“Call me that again and I'll wring your neck!” Valr growled.

The two looked at each other for a few moments before Trigger Happy broke the silence with a humorous laughter. It caught the attention of the ponies near them, but wasn't loud enough to attract the whole cafe. Trigger's humor towards a death threat left Night Stalker and Valr a little uneasy. When the cowboy stopped laughing he pointed to the seats opposite of the table and said, “Please, have a seat.”

Night Stalker and Valr took their seats and sat down. They sat face to face before Happy crossed his forearms and looked at them. “I feel mighty bad enjoying mah food here with nothing for y'all. Hows about I getcha a meal, on me?”

“Thanks, but we'll pass. Let's get to why we're here. Do you have what we need?” Night Stalker questioned.

“Eh, suit yerself. I got more than what ya need.”
From his left, he pulled out five files and laid them on the table. “Didn't get anything on the princess, reckon her royal tallness probably told y'all what you needed to know ‘bout her. You'da been shocked how easy it was to get info on the others though. They're so oblivious to the potential danger they could be in, all I had to do was ask around, guess everypony here seems to know em well."

They didn't find that as amusing as he did. If anything, it made their job more difficult, because that meant they could be more open to enemies. Not to mention that they didn't really get any info on the princess, Scarlet knew some things such as her leading the group, not that he bothered to share with them before they got here. But nevertheless, they took the files and started to read the first two. In them were two photos, both mares, one a pink earth pony and the other a buttery yellow pegasus.

“That one is Pinkamena Diane Pie, but if ya don't want ta constantly spout that ten bit name, call her Pinkie Pie. She's known as the Element of Laughter, lives and works at the local bakery down the street. She's well known fer making a party everywhere she goes, and has a tooth sweeter than the very pastries she makes. In my opinion, she's the most annoying creature I have ever met in my life, and barely managed to escape from one of her cheesy musical numbers.” Trigger Happy almost shuddered at the faint memory he had of it.

“The other one is Fluttershy, Element of Kindness. She lives in the outskirts of Ponyville, in a cottage by the everfree forest. She's a caretaker of the local wildlife, always willing to lend a hoof to any critters who need some help. Unfortunately, whilst she's as kind as a filly, she's also as innocent and timid as one too. Heh, the mare's so scared of everything that just saying hello to her makes her freeze in place. One would think she'd be an easy target, but word around town says one a her critter friends is a large bear, and she's won a staring contest with a cockatrice, so don't think she's helpless.”

Staring into the eyes of a monster who's gaze turns you to stone and surviving sounded like a fairytale to them, but they silently decided to take his word for it. Night Stalker then moved on to the other three, and he and Valr’s eyes widened the second they saw the next three photos. “Hang on a minute, we know these three!” Stalker exclaimed.

“Wha?”

“Yeah, we met these mares on our way here. I had to stop Valr from crushing the blue signora’s skull.” Stalker gave Valr an annoyed side eye, but nothing compared to the evil eye Trigger was giving him.

“Ya mean to tell me you almost failed the mission before it started?...Don't know what I expected from a griffin.”

Trigger Happy silently whispered that last part, but Stalker's highly sensitive ears heard every word. While he was a little offended by that statement, mostly for Valr's sake, he knew they had a job to do, so he took the files and started to get up from his seat.

“You got something you'd like to say to me?” Valr growled. “Obviously, since you wanted to spout it under your breath. Let's hear it.”

Merda! He must've caught on, Stalker thought to himself. He knew they needed to leave right now before Valr did something stupid. “Look, we got what we came for,” Stalker exclaimed, “We should leave now, and meet Scarlet at the property.” He turned to Trigger, who had his hooves crossed and a smirk on his face. “Thanks for your help, we'll be going now.”

As Stalker got up from the table, Valr continued to sit, giving Happy a very intense glare. The cowboy returned the glare back, showing no sign of intimidation by Valr's apparent challenge.

“Valr, c'mon, let's go. We have more important things to do right now.”

“He's right, Clucker,” Trigger happy said as calm as can be. “Why don't cha walk away, before ya make a decision you might regret.” Night Stalker saw Trigger's hooves resting on the grips of his holstered guns; he was waiting for Valr to make his final mistake.

Valr’s talons were digging into the table and leaving the wood ready to snap within his grip. Trigger Happy kept himself relaxed but ready, waiting to see if this griffin had the balls. The anxiety in Stalker was steadily growing as the tension started to become so thick he could barely breathe, readying his horn for a spell should manure hit the fan. After a few seconds that went by in slow motion, Valr closed his eyes, let out a deep breath, and unclenched his talons, leaving holes in the table. He slowly rose from his seat and proceeded to follow Stalker’s lead, not uttering a single word.

As they left, Trigger Happy took his hooves off his peacemakers and on the table, his amused smile still plastered on his face as he watched them exit the cafe. “Excuse me, would you like a refill?”

Trigger Happy turned his head to see the sweet waitress at his table, holding a pot of coffee with her magic. “Why yes, please,” he answered in a very different, gentle tone. He grabbed his coffee mug and held it out for her, giving a quite welcoming smile.

She gave a warm smile in turn and poured him a fresh batch. “How's your pie?”

“It is delicous.”

“Scarlet Blaze, that's a really nice name.” A fitting one as well, Twilight thought to herself as she looked to his bright red coat and fiery mane. She walked closer to him and proceeded to shake his hoof. “It's nice to meet you, my name is—”

“Oh, there's no need to tell me your name. Princess Twilight Sparkle, right?”

“Oh… yes, how did you…?”

“Your wings kinda give you away, your highness. Not just any unicorn comes with those.”

“Oh, right.” Twilight felt a little stupid she forgot how much of a dead giveaway her new wings were.

Scarlet looked in Fluttershy’s direction, who was trying to hide herself in her mane and avoid eye contact. Twilight might have been crazy, but she could have sworn she saw Fluttershy blushing. “Anyway, I'm happy I could help, miss…?”

“F-F-Fluttershy,” She squeaked, still avoiding his gaze.

“Hey, I've never seen you here before. What brings you to Ponyville?” Twilight asked curiously.

“I just moved in actually. Some friends of mine had bought some land here, we plan to open a forge. In fact, I just got back from the mayor's office to get the deed.”

He then used his wing to pull out a parchment from the saddlebag he wore. On it was a document of purchased land property, approved by Mayor Mare.

“Oh, that's wonderful! My friend Applejack told me she needed new farm tools, plus new residents In Ponyville are always welcome. I hope you and your friends enjoy it here.”

“Heh, thank you kindly. If you ever care to stop by, or if ever you need something, our property is on that acre of land,” Scarlet pointed his hoof to a hill in the distance, “on the outskirts of the town, near the Everfree forest and that apple orchard.”

“Really? I didn't know there was available property out there.”

“Well… not till recently. We bought the land and we've built a forge and shop on it. Now that we're here, we'll be adjusting ourselves to the new place and hopefully open very soon.”

“Wow. I will say, I'm amazed it was built there in such a short time, without anypony noticing too. How were you able to get it built so quickly?”

“Let's just say, we had some help.”

“Oh… I see. Well, it was nice meeting you. Me and Fluttershy have to take these bags to her cottage; in fact, it's pretty close to where you said your home is. Maybe afterwards we can stop by, maybe get a tour of the place.”

“I'll be sure to tell the others we might get visitors. I should've met up with them by now, so I better get going. It was nice meeting you, your highness.”

“Likewise. And please, just Twilight is fine.”

Scarlet gave a smile and nodded. He then turned to Fluttershy, “And you as well, miss Fluttershy.” Fluttershy’s mouth said, “thank you,” but her voice was too quiet to be heard. Scarlet turned away from them and opened his wings, shooting up into the clouds and quickly vanishing from their sights.

“Wow, “ Twilight said, amazed. “Rainbow Dash should meet him, he might actually be able to give her a challenge. Quite an interesting stallion, huh Fluttershy?” Hearing no response, Twilight turned her head to the direction of her friend. “Fluttershy?”

Twilight saw her stare out in the direction he flew to, looking as though she was stuck in a trance, her eyes filled with what seemed to be awe and fascination. “Y-Yea, he is,” She whispered very quietly.

“Fluttershy?”

“EEEP!” Fluttershy snapped from her apparent trance in a squeak, her cheeks flushed redder than Scarlet.

“You okay?”

“YesImfinecmonweneedtogetthesebagstothecottage!” Fluttershy quickly grabbed a couple grocery bags and flew away, trying to get her face out of Twilight's view.

Twilight grabbed the rest of the heavy bags with her magic, looking at her disappearing friend with confusion. “O-kay.” Nevertheless, Twilight followed Fluttershy as they continued their trip.

“THE FUCKING NERVE!”

*CRACK*

The sound of Valr's clenched talon driving itself into a tree echoed several feet across the outskirts of ponyville, startling dozens of birds from their homes that flew in all directions. Valr's fist stayed in the tree, its bark heavily fractured with splinters splayed throughout the grass all around.

“Who does that self-centered, racist hillbilly of a mule think he is?! If I ever see him again, I'll drive my talons through his fucking chest!” Valr yelled in rage as he pulled his talons out of the now crooked tree. Night Stalker stood not too far away from Valr, holding the files with his horn.

“I don't know why you're still dwelling on it?” Stalker argued, “We got what we needed, and you didn't start a fight. I'd call that a win.”

“That's easy for you to say, you're not the one who had racial slurs spouted at him!”

“No, but I heard every word. I didn't like it as much as you did, but unlike you, I can actually keep a level head when the situation demands It!”

“What is with this high and mighty attitude?! I'm your superior, dammit!”

“Yeah, well you sure don't act like it! I'm pretty sure a colt can be more level headed than you!”

“The way I see it, experience outranks everything; Something Valr is several years ahead of you on.”

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Valr was distracted from his urge to strangle Night Stalker then and there. Both turned to their third comrade, seeing Scarlet hovering above them before descending down to land.

“You took your sweet time, don't tell me you're slowing down on us?” Valr asked.

Scarlet didn't even try to acknowledge Valr’s snarky remark as he pulled out the parchment. “I got a little side tracked, ran into the princess and one of her friends on my way from the mayor's office.” Scarlet saw the tilting tree behind Valr, as well as the massive dent near the trunk. “So I take it went well?”

“About as well as you'd expect when meeting that jackass, but at least we got what we needed.” Valr’s tone showed he was still bitter about what he said.

“Good. I think we should head to our new home now, they'll want a report on our progress.”

All nodding in agreement, they made their way to the fields at the outskirts of ponyville,their new land waiting for them.

The new premise was surrounded by five acres of open field, far enough from town to avoid curious eyes, making it perfect for training. At the center was a small two story cabin that would act as their shop and living quarters, the blacksmith hut standing right next to it. The three could see inside the hut as they walked past, set up inside with an anvil, grindstone, and a large column of stones in a circle forming the forge, complete with an air bellow.

They opened the front door to a mostly empty room, not much inside cept their belongings. The bottom floor they stood in had a counter to welcome customers, along with a large rack behind where they would display their crafts before purchasing. Seeing everything in order, they made their way up the stairs to the second floor. It took its role as their living quarters with three beds put in different directions, paired with an individual chest for each of them. Scarlet took off his saddle bag and tossed it onto his bed, meaning they had officially unpacked, so they made their way back down the stairs.

Back in the shop, Scarlet, Valr and Night Stalker met in the center of the room. “Do you have it?” Scarlet asked as he looked at Night Stalker.

Stalker’s horn cast a blue glow as his magic grabbed a black crystal ball from a leather bag. “Never leave home without it,” he said in a joking tone.

“Good, give it here.” Night Stalker placed it in Scarlet's forehooves, who held it up and closed his eyes. “Vocare…”

As the ominous chant echoed across the room, the crystal began to violently shake and rattle, floating from Scarlet's forehoof with a deep blue glow. Wisps of magic seeped out and grew, larger and larger until it molded around the orb, forming a figure draped in a cloak who floated amongst the three.

“Master,” All three said in unison as they took a bow.

“Since you've used the scrying crystal, I take it you have a report?” The hooded master said, his astral voice echoing across the room.

“Yes Master,” Scarlet replied, “The new property Mentor Shadow’s soldiers built is in perfect working order, and we have fully established ourselves in Ponyville.”

“Good. Now remember, this task was issued by the Grandmaster and Princess Celestia themselves, meaning it is of dire importance. Just after the Element of Magic ascended to alicorn-hood, Celestia’s oracle foresaw that her protege and the other elements were exposed to a great danger. Your objective is using this workshop as a front while keeping the elements safe from harm, but make sure none of you are caught. The change from civilian to royalty is stressful enough on the new princess, and Celestia doesn't want to add more panic. I will warn you, the mission will take time, months probably, but it will only be till we can confirm her fears and neutralize them.”

“Of course, we will do everything we can.”

“Master Verdict!” Night Stalker blurted out, gaining the hooded pony’s attention. “I understand Blaze's use and even Valr's, But why did the Grandmaster send me for this? As thankful as I am to be chosen, I find it hard to believe I was a wise choice for this matter. Couldn't I have stayed at the bureau while you sent someone more capable for this; maybe Flash Freeze, or Scarlet Moonlight… even that prick, Trigger Happy?”

Underneath the shadow of his hood, Verdict's mouth scrunched as he pondered Night's question. “I do not know his intentions, but I can make a thesis. Despite your immaturity and youthful recklessness, you show your father's compassion, and are pious to the Crescent Moon’s cause. Your skill in combat and potential for magic, it is as prodigious as the Grandmaster's was, and I believe he has seen that potential as well. Your father has much faith in choosing you, and I hope you share that same faith in your father's decision.”

Night Stalker couldn't think of a reply to Verdict's speech; he could hardly tell, but it seemed more personal than he normally speaks. Whether personal or logical, it gave him the determination to succeed. His father had trusted him with this, and he wouldn't disappoint him.

“Th..thank you, Master, I won't fail you.”

“Good, I wish you three luck. Try to gain as much trust from the elements as you can, the closer you are to them, the easier your task will be. And remember: In the dark of the night…”

“…We shine brightest.” The three replied in unison.

With that, Verdict's astral projection dissipated and the dark blue orb returned to a pure black, lowering itself onto the table and resting at the center.

“Yea, important task,” Valr commented annoyingly, “While others are out reducing the number of scum in the world, we're stuck here foalsitting.”

“Get over it Valr,” Scarlet replied, “The brotherhood gave us an order and we need to follow it.”

“Okay, sure. But c'mon, we just got here! it will take us ages to actually earn their trust, let alone friendship! And I'll be the first to admit, after what I did earlier, It's unlikely they'll just invite us over to their place on the first day!”

Right at that moment, something dropped from the mail slot on their door. The trio immediately looked to see a pink envelope sealed with a balloon sticker. Valr curiously picked it up and used his talon as a letter opener to open it. Inside was a card, the kind used for celebrations, prompting Valr to see what it said.

*POOF*

“URGH!” Valr yelled as pink glitter erupted from the card onto his face, before blurting out a very unattractive word in irritance.

“Pphh… ahahahaha!!!” Night Stalker couldn't help but laugh at Valr, while Scarlet tried his damndest to not snicker.

Valr, with his eyes tightly shut, handed the card to Scarlet, obviously not happy with having glitter all over his face. “From the element of laughter, I'm assuming?” As he grabbed a rag from one of the counters to wipe his face, Scarlet read from the card:

Hi, new neighbors!!! I'm sorry I didn't get to welcome you earlier, I was busy on my shift, but Twilight told me where you guys live, so I brought you an extra-awesome-super-pink-glitter-surprise!!! And to invite you to the Golden Oak Library so I could welcome you personally! I also want to ask what kind of sweets and cake you like for future surprises! See you theeeere!!
~ Pinkie Pie

“Heh, you were saying?” Valr looked at his colleagues and saw them sharing the same smirk.

“It'd be rude not to make an appearance,” Stalker exclaimed quite smugly.

“Oh, no,” Valr said with dread in his chest. This was going to be a looong night.

Author's Note

🎵FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER, I FINISHED A DAMN CHAPTER🎵

Sorry this one took ages, my editor had some stuff he was doing so he took his sweet time with this one😑.

I hope you liked Trigger Happy, an OC made by my editor and co-writer Rust Phantom that he made just for this story, and this won't be the last we hear of him.