Today was the day I was meant to join the Skyship the Princesses commissioned to investigate the communication blackout with our allies in the East. The days leading up to it had been otherwise uneventful. Spike had made it a point for me and Ghost to take him back out to the lake and we had made it a regular thing around the mid-afternoon. Let the three of us talk and learn about each other and let Spike get some time with guys. Something I could tell he needed. He seemed to be nervous for some reason when it would just be me and him but I didn't want to pry and make him uncomfortable so I decided to leave it for now.

Applejack and Rarity had visited a few times after my trip to Canterlot, the first time was because the cowgirl wanted to apologise for the dare she issued and despite telling her she didn't need to, she still apologised profusely. After that, they simply wanted to visit after learning I would be due away on, for them, an undisclosed mission for an unknown amount of time. The others had seen me once or twice, but those two had definitely started becoming regulars along with Spike.

Looking out over the still forest, the sun slowly slid up past the horizon, drenching the landscape in a soft orange hue. The cool air blew over me and through my mane of hair, soothing my nerves, even if it was just for a moment. I let out a hefty, if shaky sigh as I ran my thumb over the dull gold band around my finger, feeling the surprisingly smooth surface despite the length of time I've had it. Steadying my breath, I glance down at the ring.

"Where are you T?" I whispered, bringing the ring to my lips. "Please be okay."

A sound came from behind me, meeting my ears clear as day. The unlatching and opening of a window as a small breath accompanied it followed by the ruffling of clothes. Heavy boots thunked on the thick tiled rooftop, coming up behind me and then to my side as Ghost eased himself down to sit beside me. We sat in silence for a few minutes, taking in the early morning rays of sun, and relishing in the quiet wind rustling through the trees nearby.

"Everything's prepared, Sir," Ghost informed me. "The Skyship should be here in no more than an hour."

I nod silently, not taking my eyes off the scenery before me. He was unbothered by my lack of a response, instead looking back out, joining my gaze. The sun was climbing higher now, its light spreading, brightening the landscape bit by bit, now peeking through and touching the treeline near my home.

That’s when I saw it—a flicker of movement near the treeline. I almost missed it, just a dark shape against the shifting palette of colours, like a smudge on a painting. I turned my head slowly, trying not to alert Ghost, and I squinted, trying to focus. The light was still too dim, the shadows stubbornly clinging to the trees, and for a moment, I thought maybe it was a deer or a stray dog, something that had wandered too far from its usual path.

But it just stood there, almost deliberately. I could just make out the silhouette—tall, lean, thick boots, armoured gloves, long trench coat stopping just halfway down their calf. The figure was standing at the edge of the trees, partially hidden behind the trunk of an old oak, just standing there. Menacingly almost. My pulse quickened at the sight of it, a dull, steady thud echoing in my ears. I tried to tell myself it was nothing, that maybe someone was just out for an early morning walk, but there was something about the way it stood there, still as a statue, that made my senses to off, sending something to my brain that told me, while it wasn't an imminent danger, there was something off about it.

"Sir," Ghost said, lightly bumping my side.

I take my eyes off the shadow for a moment, glancing down the neat stone pathway leading up to my home, immediately spotting Blossomforth walking up towards the front door with a thick leather duffle bag under her arm. Glancing back, the treeline was now comfortably bathed in morning light, but it was empty, just a stretch of trees swaying gently in the breeze. Whatever I’d seen, or thought I’d seen, was gone. Remembering Ghost had had a similar experience, I decided to tuck that little nugget away for later.

Pushing myself onto my feet, I roll my neck, patting Ghost on the shoulder. "Let's get ready for the shitshow," With that, I step off and jump down the front door to meet our newest arrival.

Landing in front of her as she got to the door, Blossom let out a sharp yelp as she jumped back, her wings momentarily flaring out in alarm. Seeing it was me, her wings folded back against her as Ghost landed next to me with a grunt. With her duffle bag still under her arm, she slammed her feet together and gave a crisp salute. Ever the eager professional.

"Blossomforth reporting for duty Sir!" She exclaimed.

"Good morning Blossom," I replied, saluting back while Ghost did the same. "You seem ready and raring to go."

"I said I wanted to help as much as I could Sir," She said with a determined nod.

"I still think you would be better off here with Thunderlane," Ghost commented as I put my hand in my coat pocket.

"I was always best at fieldwork and Thunderlane is better than me with logistics," She replied.

"Regardless, I can't blame you for wanting to stretch your wings. Let's just hope you don't have to stretch them too much," I shrugged. "Have you eaten yet?"

"I had a high-energy bar for breakfast, Sir."

"Not good enough," I said quickly. Opening the front door to my home, I beckoned for her to follow. "Come on, I'll get someone to make you something."

"I...wouldn't want to impose, Sir," She said, sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck.

"Get your ass inside," I said firmly.

She tightly closed her lips, shuffling inside behind Ghost and me while we made our way to the kitchen. Stepping inside, we spotted Rose Blossom, an Earth-pony in her early thirties with rose-red hair, and Feather Duster, a Pegasis roughly the same age with dark grey hair and warm black wings. Greeting us as we entered, I glanced at Blossom.

"Any preference?" She shook her head. "Fair enough. Rose, your finest BLT, please!"

"Coming up!" Rose Blossom replied. "And what of yourself? Sir Ghost?"

"The same, thank you," Ghost replied politely.

"I'm alright, thank you, Rose," I said as the three of us sat at the kitchen island.

"Are you sure, Sir?"

"Positive," I said with a reassuring smile.

Being that breakfasts were one of Rose and Feather Duster's expertise, the food was made and dished out in record time. Blossom was hesitant, but upon seeing our relaxed and unbothered states, dug in and devoured her BLT in a matter of seconds. Before she could ask for seconds, Feather had already replaced the plate with another. For as much as I was hesitant about my own staff initially, I've come to really appreciate their services. Celestia sure knows how to pick them.

Once the two had had their fill, we thanked Rose and Feather before sitting in one of the smaller side rooms.

"Sir?" Blossom said suddenly. I looked at her and indicated for her to continue. "Do you think Demons are the cause for the communications blackout?"

"I think they're the most likely culprit but we shouldn't rule out the possibility of other nations taking advantage of this time of uncertainty, as unlikely as it is," I replied.

"What I'm curious about is if the Desert Kingdom is directly under threat or if communications and ships are being intercepted," Ghost chimed in.

"That's what this expedition is for, to find out what's going down, obviously, but regardless of who it is or what is happening, we need to continue with caution," I said firmly. "We don't want to risk doing too much or being too ballsy and risk an international incident. Plus being on a Skyship leaves us vulnerable. We need to be careful."

Just as the words left my mouth, a deep rumble in the air began picking up. Peeking out the window, my eyes swiftly land on a large mass making its slow descent towards the otherwise quiet town, the citizens exiting their homes to see what the noise was.

"That would be our cue."

Standing, the three of us gathered our bags, not before I went upstairs to grab Yamato from my room, my gut adamantly telling me not to forget it. And I always trust my gut. With everything properly gathered, we leave the house, me and Ghost waving off our staff as they wish us a safe journey.

Looking up, the Skyship hovered still a couple hundred feet above my house. While the one I had ridden before to Las Almas was smaller by comparison, made more for speed, this one was vastly larger, sporting an extra balloon, several heavy-duty cannons and several more oars, this one was a comparable dreadnaught.

The Skyship's arrival had, unsurprisingly, gained a lot of attention from the townspeople and many seemed to looking at it in awe. The three of us ignored them as we prepared to board the ship that hung steadily above us. Unsurprisingly, I quickly spot a particular group of friends making their way towards where we stood. Before they arrived, I looked at Ghost and Blossom.

"You two head on up. Tell the Captain I'll be up momentarily," I said.

"Yes Sir. We'll send someone down for you after a few minutes," Blossom replied, getting a slight chuckle from Ghost as she looked at him confused.

"That won't be necessary," I grin.

She quirked an eyebrow at me for a moment. "If you're sure Sir," She said slowly, wrapping her arms around Ghost's chest from behind, and with a grunt, she flew the two of them up to the ship.

Looking back at the approaching Elements of Harmony, I was surprised to see a distinct lack of a certain purple Draconian. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to worry about it as the group of friends finally stopped in front of me, eyes wide in awe, wonder and excitement. Before they could say anything, I held up my hand.

"As you are aware, the Princesses have assigned me to a mission of potentially dire importance. This will take some time to complete, possibly even a couple of months if things go south," I was quickly bombarded by questions, their voices melding with the noise of the Skyship above us. Holding my hand up again, they swiftly held their tongues. "If you have questions regarding where I am headed or what I am doing, you will have to ask the Princesses directly. It's up to them, not me, to decide if you are allowed to know."

Letting my shoulders relax, I also let my expression soften. "Now that we've got the professional shit out of the way, I want you guys to know I'll be just fine. It'll be just a standard in and out."

"Y'all better be!" Applejack said, stepping out from the group and towards me. "We ain't gonna have another crystal situation!"

I chuckled, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll come back in one piece this time. Hopefully."

"Just be safe, darling," Rarity joined in.

"I'll try my hardest at least," I shrugged.

The rest of the girls gave their goodbyes, wishing me safe travels. As they did, the Skyships horn blared overhead, signalling me it was high time to leave. I step back from the group, bending at the waist and giving them a flourished bow, my wings appearing in their usual burst of energy. Bending my knee, I give my wings a hard flap, sending me soaring up to the ship as the group waved me off. Landing on the deck, several of the ship's men and women jumped back and looked at me for a moment as I reorientated myself.

"Alright, let's get a move on!" I shouted, snapping everyone around me out of their stupor. "This mission is urgent, so put on your mean faces and get us to the Desert Kingdom in a timely manner!"

"So this is Paladin Percival Felwinter?" I recognise that voice.

"What in the Yankee dandee donkey doodle shite is this?" I mutter under my breath before I turn to face the source of the voice. "Good to see you up and well, your Highness."

Cadence stood not too far from where I stood, a smile plastered on her face. She definitely looked much better than before, having more colour around her cheeks. Her eyes were also significantly brighter as well, practically shining in the early morning sun. And she still wearing pink. Big surprise.

"All thanks to your very timely arrival," She replied.

"Not only that, but I'm sure he would have carried you to the castle's infirmary himself," Another voice said, Shining armour coming up beside Cadence as she put her arms around his. They looked cute together and the amount of emotion in the subtle glance told me everything I needed to know. I ship it.

"Just got lucky. Right place and time and all that," I shrugged. "I don't say this to sound rude, but what are you doing here? I would have thought you'd still be recovering."

"I have always been a resilient woman, especially in the long term. It also helps I have my Aunt's blood," She said. "And luck had nothing to do with it, Sir Percival. I owe you a great debt. If there is anything I can do to repay that debt, if I am able, I will do my best to fulfil it."

"Just one thing," I said. This seemed to get everyone's attention as their eyes all shifted to me. "I want both of you off the ship and the mission," Shining Armour looked at me shocked, clearly not expecting those words and yet, Cadence's smile, however, never once wavered as I spoke. "I don't believe you are fully recovered and that, under the wrong circumstances, could jeopardize the mission. That, and with you both here, protecting you would become my priority, making the mission overall much more difficult."

"My Aunt's told me you would say something like that. Unfortunately for you, it was at my request, approved by my Aunts," She said, straightening her posture. "While you showed great care when handling the situation in Las Almas, the situation regarding the Desert Kingdom is different. With the vast distance, steady communication with Equestria would take far too long to be convenient and they ultimately decided to bring someone more knowledgeable of the intricacies of politics to make the operation run smoother. So I requested they send me as the foreign ambassador since they have their own duties to worry about."

Nodding along with her as she spoke, I couldn't help but agree. "So I'm to be the muscle while you take care of the more delicate matters?" I said.

She nodded. "In a sense. You hold the same amount of authority and command as I do, but you, as well as myself, have the power to take full command from the other, should the need arise," She added. "Also at my request."

Smiling, I couldn't help but feel a little impressed. It was pleasantly surprising to see her hold herself in a regal fashion. For someone seemingly as young as her, she certainly handled it well. I'm impressed. "You certainly put some thought into it."

"As you should with an operation this big," She smiled as well.

"You got that right," I said with a shrug. "Well, when you put it like that, I can't really argue."

Walking passed her and towards the doors leading to the lower deck, or at least I assumed that's where they lead, I paused, glancing over my shoulder and at Shining and Cadence, both of whom were talking between themselves.

"Cadence!"

She turned towards me.

"Nice to meet you properly."

Ghost and Blossom came to my side while I opened the twin doors, which did in fact lead lower into the ship. A crew member met us not long after to show us where we'd be staying, doing the journey in relative silence which was occasionally broken by the crew giving us directions. It didn't take us long.

The crew member motioned to a door beside us. "This is your room for the duration of our mission Sirs. Sergeant, you'll be staying in a separate room. If there's anything you'd like to ask, a member of the crew will be more than happy to answer your question."

Stepping into the room, it was fairly simple. A pair of bunks on either side with fairly thick mattresses and pillows with a decently sized desk with a small crystalline light fixture hanging loosely overhead. It was surprisingly cosy all things considered, and gods know I've slept in worse. Looking at Ghost, I could tell he was thinking the same. The lower half of his mask shifted and he spoke before I could get a word in.

"I call top bunk."

~~

Looking down at the parchment on the desk, I hummed to myself while I ran the quill through my teeth, a weird tic I had picked some years pack. I pursed my lips and shook my head, heating up my thumb just enough to not burn or damage it and running it across the undesired part I had scribbled. After a few minutes, I hummed again and started writing.

What was I scribbling? A design for an arm. Though it had become second nature to me, having spent a frankly stupid amount of years without it, having it back in some capacity would make my life significantly easier. Plus metal arms are sick and it would be nice to be able to play instruments again.

I've tried various versions before with only one that worked well, but I didn't have it, obviously, nor did I know where it was, if it hadn't been destroyed by time or some other factor. So I had to start from scratch. The only problem is, I was never much of a tinkerer or engineer or anything like that, so trying to come up with ergonomic and functional designs when you have barely any skills to make it was about as hard as you'd think.

It had been several hours since our departure and that was what I had been spending my time doing, Ghost napping on the top bunk beside me, his soft snoring one of the only sounds I was actively aware of as I had been putting most, if not all of my concentration on the project at hand. Until I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Percival?"

Looking over my shoulder, I saw Cadence retracting her hand with Shining at the door. I set the quill back into the half-full inkwell and turned to face them properly.

"Sorry, didn't notice you there," I said.

"I saw," Cadence said, stepping back to give me space. "We were knocking on your door for five minutes. What were you so focused on?"

I shrugged. "Just a pet project."

The pair quirked an eyebrow before deciding to let it be. "Anyway, we came to invite you to dinner. We thought it would be a good chance to introduce you to the main force of the crew and so we all know who's in charge of this mission in the Desert Kingdom."

"Let me guess, your idea?" I said with a smirk. The sheepish giggle told me everything. Made sense, I mean, who would be in charge if all three of us should have to leave the ship? Between this and the reasoning for coming along, she was doing a phenomenal job so far. Helps if you have Celestia and Luna as your Aunts I guess. "Makes sense,"

"Ghost! Get your ass up!" I picked up a crumpled piece of paper next to me and hucked it at Ghost's face, the man jumping as he woke. Once that was done, I looked back at the other pair. "Will this be a formal venture?"

"No, the Captain of the ship requested it be a casual meet," Cadence replied as Ghost jumped down from the top bunk. "He wanted it to be that way for easy introductions."

"Then lead the way," I said, Ghost wiping his eyes clear of any gunk through his mask.

We made it to the deck to see a table set out near the back, in a more secluded area so the wind wouldn't disturb us. Looking around, I noticed most of the crew was gone. It turns out it was already dark and a skeleton crew were already watching the ship, maintaining everything to keep us going. At the table were four other people. Cadence and Shining Armor were the two that I knew. As for the other two, I'm assuming one was the captain and the other was his first mate. Ghost and I made our way over to the table, sitting opposite Cadence and Shining while the other two sat on the ends of the table.

"So," I said after a minute of silence. "Who's going first?"

A man with a dark grey beard stood and I could tell he was an older gentleman, but still had a certain look to his eyes that held a strong spark. "This being my ship and all, perhaps I should introduce myself first," The man started. Looking at his garb, it was a typical Captain's uniform. "I am Captain Broadside," He said. "I can pilot any ship or airship that exists and have been doing so for the last thirty years," The old Captain started. "The Princesses approached me and asked if we could help partake in this mission. I was informed that we were to be taking orders from you Sir," He said as he gestured to me. "It was, however, unknown to us that one of the Princesses would be accompanying us. Despite that, I hope that this ship is to all of your liking and can help us make this mission smooth sailing," Broadside stated and sat down. He then gestured to his first mate.

The man stood who was much younger. Most likely in his late twenties or early thirties. Almost impossible to tell anymore. "My name is Skipper," He said. He had dirt-blonde hair and seemed to have the tiniest bit of stubble growing on his chin, but his sideburns were decently impressive. He was wearing a white uniform, but I wasn't sure what it meant or if it even stood for anything. "I been sailing under Captain Broadside's tutelage for almost nine years now and can tell you anything you need to know about the Long Stride," He told us. I'm guessing that was the name of the Airship. How something as big as this could travel so fast was beyond me, but Long Stride definitely felt fitting. "If you have any questions about anything else, please inform me and I will help as best I can," He finished and sat down.

Guess I'm up. Pushing on my knee, I stood. "My name is Percival Felwinter," I started. "While my knowledge of Skyships is very limited, I have more than a few expertise that lie elsewhere. So that being said, if I am to give an order, I expect it to be carried out immediately unless I say otherwise. For the duration of this trip, please default to the Princess for command otherwise unless I intervene or my expertise is needed," That got more of a reaction from Cadence, who looked at me with wide eyes.

"As a side note," I quickly added, pointing to Ghost. "This is Lieutenant Ghost. He is my second in command and will take my place should I be absent. Any order I give him should be treated as though I gave them myself," Craning my neck, several pops rang out. I should really get a chiropractor. "With that, let's hope this mission is a simple in and out."

"Sir," Ghost said calmly, motioning for me to lean in. I did. "Ordering lower-ranked soldiers is one thing, but giving orders to a Princess is completely different."

He might be under my sole command, but I'm happy to see he still respects rank. Smiling at him, I turn back to the rest of the table. "That does bring up a good point. Orders directly from me will only be given should there be a sufficient emergency, so if I am giving out orders, I expect them to be followed. To. The. Fucking. Letter," I said firmly, raising my voice to carry up my presence. "But like I said, for everything else, please default to Princess Cadence."

"Sir," Shining Armour said, making his presence known. "While I highly respect your authority, I don't believe you shou-"

"Sir Percival," Cadence said gently, putting a calming hand on Shining's shoulder. "I believe I told you we are to be cooperative on this operation. This is a dual authority after all."

"Yes, I am aware, and I told everyone here how to handle our dual authority and I am in complete agreement that you should act as Equestria's representative or foreign ambassador. And I hope to whatever gods put me here that I don't have to give out orders, but if I do, I expect them to be followed, no questions. That includes you, Princess," I said, my tone serious, leaving no room for argument. "I only do this as I'm more experienced in the more...abrasive side of things."

Cadence looked at me for a moment before slowly nodding. "I understand your thinking. That is reasonable," She said. "However, we will still give you reports to keep you up to date."

"Fair enough."

"Wait, hold on. What kind of situations do you expect to arise from our mission?" The Captain asked and all of us turned to him. "My ship and crew were informed that this would most likely be a scouting mission that would offer aid if it was necessary. Why do you think that we will be in any danger?" The Captain asked.

"Yes, we are primarily investigating the reason for the lack of communication, however, there is something that has to be responsible for the blackout. I believe Demons are the most likely culprit, but there is a chance it could be something else. So, it's very possible this ship may see contact during this mission which is why so many guards have been stationed here and why I have chosen to take a more combat-focused role," I informed the group.

Many seemed to nod as a feeling of uncertainty began to spread throughout the table. "What do you think? Do you think that we will fall under attack?" The Skipper asked.

"You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you get nervous? When you think something bad is about to happen?" Everyone around the table nods. "I've had that feeling since I woke up this morning."

Finally sitting, Ghost stood, holding his hands behind his back. "Lieutenant Ghost," With that, he sat down.

Laughing lightly at the table's reaction, I patted Ghost on the shoulder. "You'll have to forgive my friend's brevity, outside of me and maybe a few others, he isn't the most talkative," I said with a chuckle. "As stated, this is Lieutenant Ghost, who was assigned to be my personal bodyguard and confidant. Which is why he is my stand-in if I am absent."

After that, Cadence and Shining took their turns but at that point, I zoned out, having already been acquainted with the pair. It was mostly small talk that followed that, just getting to know each other properly and getting comfortable as we'd be spending more than a few weeks together. A simple dinner was served as well, which was pretty decent. Other than that, dinner didn't last as long as I was expecting, so Ghost and I were able to return to our cabin and I could start working on designs for my arm again. Or at least get back to trial and error-ing it.

Working on my designs distracted me for another hour or two until I was ready to call it quits for the night. So after a while, I went to bed and closed my eyes, more napping than anything since I wasn't tired at all. Only taking off my shirt I sat on my bed, leaning against the backrest with my pants still on, my leg leaning against the bed frame. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be as some rather loud knocking disturbed me.

"Sir!" I heard Blossom shout from outside my door, startling me awake.

"I'll get it," Ghost said, jumping down from the top bunk while I quickly grabbed a shirt and screwed my leg back on. As I began putting the strap around my thigh, I saw Ghost's shoulders drop. "Fuckin' hell."

"What's up bud?" Standing, I came to his side, my shoulders dropping as well. There, standing with Blossomforth, the Captain, Shining and Cadence, was none other than the CMC with Spike right there with them. Pinching my nose, I let out a measured breath. "Thank you, Captain, we'll take it from here."

He nodded politely and left, leaving me to gesture for the group to come inside the room. Thankfully, there was more than enough room for them to shuffle inside. Groaning into my hand as I sat on my bed, I flashed them a mildly annoyed look. "How the hell did you four get on this ship?" I asked the group once we had closed the doors.

The CMC themselves were fairly quiet, avoiding eye contact as I shifted my gaze between them. Now I've had a few interactions with them, they're good kids, if a little unhinged. They also know that I'm fairly close with two of the members' sisters and friendly with another, so the idea of being near me given the situation might not be appealing to them. Also doesn't help they barely reached my lower chest. So, it was Spike who spoke up.

"Well, the thing is....." Spike paused as he looked towards the CMC. "They built a giant ramp that was meant to help Scootaloo fly, but Sweetie, Applebloom and I didn't want her to try something so dangerous. So we joined in and made the jump. But when we did, we realised we weren't going to land safely and Sweetie Belle tried to teleport us to the ground. When she did, we saw the ship, she miscalculated, some other stuff happened and we ended up on the ship." Spike said quickly which made all of us quirk eyebrows.

Before anyone could say anything, I was already on my feet. "Some stuff happened? Under normal circumstances, I'd shrug and say 'fair enough', but this isn't normal circumstances. Do you three realise how irresponsible it is to not have immediately told someone? Your sisters are going to be worried sick about you all!"

Shining and Cadence looked at me with surprised expressions, seemingly caught off guard by the sudden change in my usual nonchalant professionalism. Even the CMC and Spike looked momentarily surprised but that was swiftly overtaken by guilt and embarrassment.

"How are we going to get them back?" I ask the rest, clenching my fist to calm my nerves. If there is one thing that I hate more than tricksters, and that's endangering children. "If this mission had even a fraction of a percentage of going south, it would be too dangerous to even consider bringing them along."

"We're too far to turn back, but I could potentially teleport them back," Cadence offered. "But this mission is a simple scouting mission or reconnaissance. The chances of it turning into anything else are impossibly low."

"Wrong. Expect the worst and make due with what you get," I said firmly. "Now how do we-"

Before I could finish, I felt someone lightly pat my side. Looking over, I saw Spike giving me an almost pleading look. "Please don't send me back to Ponyville," Spike whispered to me. "I had a really bad argument with Twi. I don't want to be there right now," He said quietly.

Realizing I was outnumbered, I groaned loudly. "Fine! But they will be your responsibility for the duration of this trip!" I said firmly, pointing my finger to Cadence who actually smiled at my words. "And for the sake of what little sanity I have left, Spike, what argument could you have with Twilight that's so bad that you wouldn't want to return?"

"It uh...." He murmured, rubbing the back of his neck as sweat began forming on his brow. "It...involved you?"

Rolling my jaw, I clenched it tightly as my brow went rigid. Every eye instantly looked between me and Spike, looking to see my reaction. "Clear the room."

Everyone wasted no time in shuffling out of the room, Ghost coming up to me, leaning to whisper in my ear. "Go easy on him. He's just a kid."

Once everyone was out, I took a breath to compose myself. The room was eerily quiet, not even Spike's breathing could be heard as he fidgeted nervously, waiting for me to speak first.

"Explain yourself, young man."

Spike flinched at the sound of my voice but seemed to steel himself. "It's just...Twilight and everyone else goes on these adventures to save the country, the world even, risking their lives while I'm left behind at home, at the library, stocking the shelves, categorising books, taking inventory. I've wanted for so long to be able to help so when you showed up, I thought I had a chance. And with how you talk, the way you say things and the things you say, I know you've taught people before, so I thought why not me? So I brought the idea up with Twi...she didn't like it."

"That would explain why he's been so nervy around me lately." I thought to myself. Looking him in the eye, I tilted my head very slightly, my brow twitching as I spoke with a firm tone. "And you didn't think to bring it up with me first?"

Spike's shoulders slumped as he looked at the wooden floor shamefully, his head hung. "I commend your want to help them, I really do but you should have spoken to me first. And running away? Do you have any idea, any idea how much stress this is putting on your sister and her friends? You know they also view you as a little brother? I would know, they told me as such."

"It's just not fair!" He blurted out. "They-!"

"Life isn't fair Spike, trust me, I've been dealt the short end of the stick for as long as I've lived and I've been alive for a long, long time," I interjected. "They don't bring you along because they wouldn't DARE put you at risk when they are more than capable of doing their tasks, given by the Princesses of all people, themselves! They love you, Spike! They wouldn't EVER forgive themselves if you got hurt!"

Spike flinched again at my words, but more so because of the volume. He looked at me for a moment or two before he let out a shaky breath, his entire posture lowering as my words were fully processed. Stepping forward, I put my hand on his shoulder, lowering my voice and offering him a softer tone. "At the end of this trip, I expect you to apologise profusely to your sister when we get back to Ponyville and fulfil any punishment she may have. Hear me?"

"I do," He nodded quietly.

"Good. And for the duration of this trip, you will carry out any task given to you by the Captain, his first mate, Cadence, your brother, Ghost and myself, to the letter and without complaint. Clear?"

"Clear," He nodded, quieter this time.

Sighing deeply, I wrapped my arm around his shoulder, pulling him in as he surprisingly wrapped his arms around me as well. "I'm not mad Spike. Just annoyed and disappointed."

"I just want to help," He said, his voice muffled due to the fact his face was smushed against my stomach.

"I know wee man, I know," I said letting him go. Kneeling, I got to his eye level. "But what you do for them now is more than enough. I know for a fact you're invaluable to not just Twilight, but everyone else. Don't forget that."

"Now I won't give you too much of a hard time since I know Twilight's gonna have an ear full for you," I said, ruffling his spines, getting mild resistance. "Alright, go see if you can get the CMC. I want a word with them as well."

Nodding, he left without a word, closing the door behind me. The CMC came in a few minutes later, all looking at the floor much like Spike had been. My stern talking to wasn't as bad as the purple Draconian as their sisters were more than likely going to tear them apart much more thoroughly than I ever could. Plus they hadn't intentionally run away, so they had that going for them.

Sitting alone in my shared room, I sat on my bed, head in my hand while I applied pressure to my eyes to mitigate the growing migraine. Suddenly, the door opened and a softer set of footsteps entered, coming up to me before whoever entered sat beside me.

"You okay?" Cadence asked, her tone low so as to not irritate my headache.

"Been worse," I shrugged, letting go of my eyes. "How are they?"

"They're alright. With the scolding you gave them, I doubt they'll ever want to be on your bad side again" She giggled. We sat for a moment, the silence becoming shockingly comfortable. "You've done that before, haven't you?"

"What?"

"Scolded a child for misbehaving. Giving them a stern talking to for doing something they shouldn't have?" She offered.

"Once or twice," I smiled.

"Just to let you know, the girls will be staying with me while Spike is staying with his brother," Cadence informed me. "I'll also be writing a report to my Aunts as well as the group's sisters to inform them they're safe and sound. Is there anything you'd like to add?"

I shook my head with a sigh. "No, I think I've said my piece."

"Okay," She smiled softly. "It's getting late. Get some rest. I have a feeling it's going to be a long couple of weeks."

"Before you go, Princess," I said as she reached the door. "I know I was adamant at dinner, but I was going to allow some leeway in terms of our dual authority. I'm not so stubborn as to completely say no to a different dynamic. But now, between the mission, making sure you and Captain Shining Armour were safe and now the kids? I'm afraid I'm going to have to be stalwart in my stance."

"Funny, I was thinking about trying to convince you to change your mind," She said with a soft smile, eerily similar to her Aunts. "But I understand. You will have no trouble from me."

Going to leave, she paused for a second before tentatively leaning back in. "I also hear from a little song bird that you let your friends call you Percival," She stated. "I'd be honoured to have that title."

"So formal," I said teasingly, getting a happy giggle from the young Princess. "I let people call me what they like. If you want, you can call me Percival."

"Does that mean you'll drop my title and call me Cadence?" She offered.

"If that's what you want," I smiled, getting another happy giggle. "You know, for someone as young as you, you're doing a grand job. Guess it pays to have Celestia and Luna as your Aunts."

"I'll have you know I'm over five hundred years old," She said in a mock smug tone. "I'm not as young as I look, you know."

"And I'll have you know I was older than your Aunts are now when they were children," I said, blowing raspberries at the shocked pink Princess. "I think I have you beat."

"That you do. Well, it certainly explains a few things," She said slowly, quickly shaking her head as she offered a small smirk. "Regardless, sleep well Percival."

"You too Cadence," I said, giving a simple two fingered salute.

With that she left, gently closing the door behind her, allowing my hand to return to my face, again applying a bit of pressure to my eyes while the headache slowly built. Cadence was certainly right about one thing at least. It was going to be a fucking long couple of weeks.

Author's Note

And so, Cadence joins our merry band, let's hope she can keep up with Percy better then the others can
And a "small" bit of drama on deck, seems our main man has his hands full

It's safe to say that this story has easily become the biggest and longest I've ever written
Hope you're all enjoying reading it as much as I'm loving writing it,
Let me know what you guys think of the story so far

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, TTFN!