They came for the children, and left one nearly dead!
Prologue
It is said, within us all, even the most happy and cheerful are but one or two personal disasters away from a breaking point. Yeah, they have no idea how true that is for me. The following is a story of one of the worse weeks to ever occur in Ponyville, and perhaps all of Equestria. This is my story. The story on how I found my own dark purpose. This is the beginning of the longest week in my whole life...
Outside of Sweet Apple Acres. Day 1: approximately 1am
Silence surrounded the quiet town of Ponyville, but all around, shadows crept along the streets in secret. Almost like a well-timed music piece, each group and note did what they were meant to do. They were played and the actions took place without prejudice, and without mercy: Fillies and Colts of all ages, including babies were snatched away, one by one.
One place, however, did so without going quietly into the sweet night. "Let go of mah leg, you rough rascal! BIG MAC APPLEJACK HELLL.." silence followed a short scream from the young Apple child, but it accomplished its goal.
"Hold up there, Mister! DROP THE FILLY, or we are gonna have ourselves a problem!" Applejack told the figure, who held the yellow filly over its shoulder. It did nothing and continued toward a window, when a loud crash and two massively red legs burst through the wall nearby, knocking the filly out of its grip, and flew out the other side and down the barn.
"Nooope!" Big Mac said. His actions spoke louder than the words he spoke, but soon, they we for not, as two other figures attacked, and overcame him.
"Don't you DARE hurt mah kin! I'll show you all that.." Applejack was slammed with a large field of magic force hitting her tired body, and silencing her, as one other, faster figure grabbed the younger sibling, and this time, successfully made it out the window with her. "NNNNOOOOOOOO! APPLE BLOOM!"
A peculiar voice was heard amongst the shadows. "Teach them, a lesson. The old one...FINISH her!" The two sibling struggled, but three shadows went to the room and heard horrible noises coming from the place next door. Screams, and groans replaced the noise, until the large stallion had too much, and broke free of his captures. He smashed one with a free hoof, crushing its neck and creating a loud popping noise, and burst to help his grandmother.
The sight he saw was vile. What one of them was doing to his pure Granny was sickening and unable to be described in his mind. He went to stop the violator, when a stronger burst or fire magic slammed into him, and set the nearby walls on fire.
"Deal with that! Stallion!" It said in a cruel voice and left with the group of attackers. The one attacker Big Mac had dealt with was not moving, but Applejack resolved she would help him or her after she saved her family members. She managed to get Big Mac up, and pull Granny Smith out, but as she went into the farmhouse, the assailant attacked, and crawled deep into a fiery room, shouting "REVENGE!" as the fire ate away and its flesh. Applejack left, and cried in her brother arms, before deciding to bring Granny to the hospital.
Downtown Ponyville. Day 1: approximately 2 am
Another attack was starting, this time against a single Unicorn, and her small filly sister. Despite much protest and complaining or the brutish behavior of the assailants, they showed no pity, no hints of mercy as they started a most unsightly task. They grabbed the sleeping Sweetie Belle, and ripped away a large portion of her mane away, bringing her older sister to tears, and begging for them to stop. a Unicorn male raise his hoof, and pointed towards the sobbing shop owner as Sweetie Belle cried at being awoken to her mane being ripped out. She the witnessed the same occur to her older sister, but also included her tail hairs as well.
"Stop! I'll go with you, I'll do anything, just leave my sister alone!" She declared ramming into the Unicorn leader, and causing him to stumble slightly. He looked down, and his fellow assailants grabbed her with their own magic, and carted her away. Before leaving, the smug Unicorn looked down at the ruined a teary-eyed fashionista and said "Call ME a brute will you! Rough her up, like the Granny!" he ordered, and left them to the deed.
Little did Rarity know what was to follow next. She saw the males, ready themselves to take advantage of her and screamed at them to stop, when a blur appeared through a window, and none other than Rainbow Dash appeared, fighting the clumsy males for her friend. "Rarity, I cannot stress this enough, GET TWILIGHT NOW!" she yelled, and the dismayed Unicorn ran out while the ruffians tried to battle the faster and more agile Pegasus.
They fought her for a while, but mere moments later, a tired and clearly worried Unicorn caught sight of two large figure holding down Rainbow and trying to pull out her wing feathers. Using magic she hoped she never had to use, she blasted at the two figures, and they slumped away, and Rainbow Dash flew to Rarity and Twilight. "We need to warn the town! Something is attacking Ponyville, and Applejack's house is..."
"Don't worry Dash, I'll get Spike to have Luna send the Guards as soon as I can!" You take care of her, I'll go get Spike!" Twilight said, before running back to the library.
Darling, did those brute, did they try and..." Rarity couldn't hold it in any longer, she cried out tears of sadness and regret. Why did those brutes want my Sweetie Belle anyway? she though to herself as Dash held her protectively. She wanted to warn the weather team, somepony, ANYPONY to stop whoever this was, but her friend came first...
Royal Palace. Day 1: approximately 3am
Luna was enjoying the night she had crafted, the new moon gave the stars a chance to shine brighter, and show the glory to those who would be up. Many ponies would miss this sight, but unlike her former self. she didn't mind. She knew some would see it, and those few made her efforts worth it. Suddenly a letter, coming from Spike's flame of Ponyville she knew, came up. Normally, these were reserved for her sister, but something urged her to read it, something troublesome. She needed only read two lines, and checked outside toward Ponyville to confirm what the letter had said: the the town was under some sort of attack! She clearly saw a building on fire, and other with smoke rising from the distance!
"GUARDS! Fly to Ponyville immediately! There is an attack afoot!" She ordered in her Royal Canterlot Voice to both Royal Guards as well as the numerous Night Guards she oversaw. They immediately readied themselves, and the Pegasus troops were the first to leave, followed by a detachment of Unicorn guards.
"Sister, awaken! Thy Student send the most distressing news!" Luna called out. Celestia was already awaken earlier, and was prepping herself when her sister had entered.
"What is the meaning of this, sister? Please tell me this isn't an over-reaction again." Celestia stated, but when she saw the letter float ahead of her, and read the lines her sister did, it only meant one thing...She teleported away to the sleepy town below, and made her way to her most faithful student. Hopefully, she could figure this out.
Ponyville. Day 1: 3:45 am
The few fires that were set were put out, but many of the resident of Ponyville were understandably upset that some sort of attack had taken place, and many Guards were present in their town, searching around. Among the few, were Mayor Mare, and her assistant, Time Turner, trying to find their way into the Treehouse Library that served as a temporary headquarters for the Royal visitor.
She arrived, only to run into a near panicking Twilight who rushed by her, and excused herself as the Mayor entered. "Please, come in, I feel you of all ponies should be informed as to the situation, and if you have any to share, please, do so now!" Princess Celestia said, while pouring more tea for both herself, and the visiting politician.
"I shan't be long, but I feel that I must update you, at the very least. Granny Smith, is in bad condition since being brought in by her grandchildren. I fear for the impact this will have in the community. Only Filthy Rich has had and equal amount of influence on this town besides her." the Mayor finished.
"Yes, my student, Twilight, was just informed of her attack. I cannot share the details on what has been found, but rest assured, they will be found, and brought to me, Miss Mare. Now, you mentioned a second issue?" Celestia was nearly overwhelmed, from lack of rest, to all the news she had been given, but hid it very well.
"Well, I have been reported by my assistant here, that there are three cases of missing fillies and colts. It is still very early, but based upon this, and the patterns of attacks upon our town, we fear that, MORE young ones have been taken! May I, have some assistance asking the townsponies for an orderly help on checking their children? I don't wish to start a panic over nothing, but it would do my heart good if these were merely isolated reports, and not a planned attack!" Mayor Mare finished, a bit flustered, but calming down.
Celestia thought about it, and decided to grant her request, and commissioned her guards to gather all the residents to town square, when suddenly, Spike rushed down, with three scrolls.
Twil...I mean Princess I just got sent these! I think its import...*Blech!" ant!" Another scroll rolled towards the ruler. She thanked Spike and slurped some tea as she opened the scroll, only to spit it our after three scroll indicated three other cities, Cloudsdale, Appleloosa, and Baltimare were attacked around the same time, and many fillies and colts were taken! She felt sick to her stomach, and nearly threw up, due to all the emotions she felt for her little ponies. She may had been immortal, but the Princess loved all her subjects dearly. The thought of many being taken was too much to consider all at once. She called over to a guard, and dispatched him to inform her sister she needed her. For now, there was one more scroll, from Hope's Asylum:
Dearest Twilight,
I, once again, apologize for my rather rude behavior. I was wrong for misjudging ponies outside of our own Sanctuary, but that discussion is for another time. For now, I wish for thou to relay a message: Our town was attacked, but we hath successfully defend our own! Over twenty masked assailants, some Changelings, some regular ponies. They came amongst us last night, around the time of the highest moon. Our precious Manny guarded the entrance with his life, but we fear for his wounds, please send Fluttershy here!
Please warn other towns, as Wonder hath informed us a week back of this attack. We do hope thine own town is secure. If thou wishes, I shalt arrive on the morrow with our Guardian, should Miss Shy be unable to come and assist us! Please warn the Princess about the attack warnings he mentioned!
Thy Kirin friend,
Rapi Dash
The Princess was shocked. What warnings, what did Twilight not tell me? Could this had been prevented? She questioned herself, but knew the time would come to answer these when she saw Twilight again. There was much to answer for, and all of Equestria would be put on alert soon enough...
Canterlot, Royal Gardens. Day 1: 5 am
Luna, despite it nearing the end of her night, was wide awake, awaiting news from her sister. She marched with her personal Night Guards, and relayed some advanced strategies for finding and extracting information from the two fools who were caught in Rarity's boutique. There would be answers, she assured herself. After instructing her personal guards what would and would not be allowed under these conventions, she received a message from her sister, to come to Ponyville as soon as possible, as the situation has escalated, and that foals were missing from the town! Among the missing one name she was hoping was not on there appeared before her searching eyes: Pipsqueak! "THEY SHALT PAY DEARLY!" she yelled in full Royal Canterlot voice before disappearing and heading towards the chambers inside the palace.
She nudged a sleeping Blueblood awake, and gave him a few instructions to go over while both Princesses were gone. Before he could object, she was gone, and the advisers soon came to him, prepping him with the Royal tasks that lay ahead. "Oh my, what ever shall I do???" he said to himself.
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Outside Fluttershy's cottage, Ponyville. Day 1: 5 am
Rapi had just arrived with her Hippogriff escorts. "I thank thee, but I shalt take our Guardian from here. Please be sure to guard thine families, and should you need help, Kellie is fully allowed to, enjoy, any more attackers!" Her escorts know what that order carried with it, but Hope's Asylum was Rapi's domain for centuries, she protected it, and its ponies and creatures of all types. A hungry Kelpie may be a better fate than if she had gotten her hooves on those who would harm her ponies!
She walked towards the cottage and while a distance of, the hurt white Manticore rushed forward towards the small domain, only to howl in a sort of painful way, that Rapi had only heard once. Something was certainly wrong!
Arriving on the scene, there were loose animals, very scared, and feathers and fur everywhere. A huge mess of food and medicinbe laid carefully thrown about, and the scene that made her nearly panic: Blood! Not enough to make her think the worse, but certainly enough where she was willing to rush inside, when suddenly, the Guards came.
"Halt, you are to be brought to the Princess, pending questioning of the disappearence of the Elements of Kindness, Miss Fluttershy! Do not resist!" The Sargent ordered her.
The problem wasn't that she was willing to obey, but in fact, her Guardian, an over-sized Manticore, while hurt, chose this moment to roar and attack the three guards. They tried their best to stop the creature, but one mysterious word calmed the beast down, and it was from the intruder, no less!
"I shall surrender, but mine creature means no harm. Do NOT harm me, lest mine Guardian tear the life from thine body!" she spoke simply, and they complied.
Ponyville Hospital. Day 1: 5:30 am
With the exception of Fluttershy, who Rainbow Dash assured needed extra sleep, Rainbow had gathered all her friends together. Rarity and Applejack were fine, but Big Mac and especially Granny Smith were in care of the staff right now, trhe former needing some magic to heal his various burns, and the latter, nearly on the brink of death. Try as she may to defend Applejack, she had to agree with Twilight: maybe letting her Granny go was the only way. She hated saying that to herself, but sometimes things like this happened. She held back tears, thinking of her family briefly, before she remembered somepony, Pinkie Pie! "Where's Pinkie?" she said to herself, she had awakened her after finding Rarity and Twilight coming back, but ever since, she disappeared. She had to find her, as there were many here who need a little smile after such a bad morning!
Sometime soon, she found both Mr. and Mrs. Cake sobbing into each other shoulders, crying over the twins. They were some of the fillies and colts missing as well. It made Rainbow Dash so mad, but what could she do? Sure she wanted to fight, but that one Cyclops she stabbed in Monster World still haunted her nightmares some nights. She couldn't do that again! She asked where Pinkie was, and both stopped crying for a moment.
"She is upstairs Rainbow, Dearie, but I warn you, she is really taking this badly! please, you might have to come back later. I fear she is.." Mrs. Cake tried to continue but was stopped but the determination of Dash.
"No, I have to get her, she and I need to get Fluttershy and.." Rainbow tried to say, but Pinkie's door opened, and she saw it, written on the walls, were names, of every filly and colt missing, and next to them, their birthdays, wishes and dreams they shared with the party mare of Ponyville. She looked again, and it was just as the Cakes feared, her HAIR; it was flat again!
Rainbow Dash suddenly remembered the last time she had seen Pinkie this way. Granted, she wasn't talking to imaginary friends or anything, but it concerned her. She and Pinkie had promised not to tell the others about it. The only exception was a certain stallion they both trusted back in that cursed land where they were both Dragons themselves! She carefully thought about what she would say, when Pinkie said two words, and only two words that shook Rainbow to the very core.
"She's dead." Her voice was still and cold. Not the happy Pinkie she knew and...
"What?!?" All present said. Mr. Cake himself fainted, as Mrs Cake left the two friends alone. Rainbow asked again. "Who? Please, don't tell me, Fluttershy, please!!! It can't be! NOO! I don't believe it! she began to yell, catching the attention of the Guards nearby. She didn't care! She loved her friend Fluttershy! Sure, she knew and loved all the girls but she was there from the beginning!
"I can't feel her. They took her away, and now, we lost our Kindness." Pinkie said, staring at nothing. The Guards that came in escorted the crying Rainbow Dash and Pinkie to the Princess. "I am so sorry Dashie! I didn't feel anything before!" she said before crying herself.
Both guards felt themselves drained emotionally too. They had heard of these Elements being the embodiment of their particular element. But with both being so sad and grief stricken,. they only felt that. Still, orders were orders, and they both, even with manly tears in their eyes, escorted the two to the Royal Sisters.
Ponyville Library. Day 1: 6:15 am
"Thou can not be serious! Not the Element of Kindness!" Luna declared. The other Elements would soon arrive, but Rapi had filled in what she had found as she came into town this morning.
"I fear it may be true. It seems as thy Element was badly injured and attacked. Where she is now, I hath no idea, but we needth find her! She may hath information on the.." Rapi was interrupted by a huge drain of emotions, and soon, the other Princesses felt it too.
"What do you suppose happened?" Celestia asked, when she saw both Rainbow and Pinkie crying into each other's manes, and their escorts doing the same, albeit from different reasons.
"I am sorry I called your mother a whore! I didn't know she was cheating on your dad!" One said, the other answered as well.
"I am sorry for doing your sister, but you know I love Unicorns and she was so cute!" they cried together before excusing themselves and leaving the old Kirin and Alicorns stunned at what they heard.
"Perhaps we should talk to them?" Luna suggested, tearing up herself, but her sister snapped her back into the here and now.
"Later, my sister. For now, my little ponies, what troubles you so?" and they explained Pinkie's vision of Flutershy's death, and Dash charged into the Kirin, extinguishing her flaming coat in some places with her tears.
The Princesses calmed them down, and explained that she was not dead, but where ever she was, she was needing help very soon. Rainbow, despite her feeling of not wanting to fight earlier, was ready and willing to do so now! Meanwhile, Pinkie sat down staring at nothing in particular.
"Hold up my ponies, we shalt let the Guards find her. She shalt be found, and those who did so shalt face mine wrath! For now, please stay here with the others. We both need to be in the other towns and cities affected, and will send word to Twilight by Spike's flame. Please, comfort each other. Stay safe, my dear friends," Luna hugged each of them, but noticed a dark aura growing around Pinkie, but thought nothing of it. She left as soon as she was done.
Celestia talked to the other girls when they arrived, but confronted Twilight concerning the warnings only briefly. "There will be time for us to talk later, for now, we must remain alert! I shall return here in two days, my little ponies! Stay safe, and may your family be healthy, my dear Applejack." she said to the farm pony, who was worrying about her family.
Twilight began to cry, and the others wondered what in the world was going on. "It's all my fault this happened to you Applejack and Rarity! I got a letter about a week ago warning of mysterious Changeling and Pony groups, but I had to confirm it before I told anypony! I am so sorry girls I should have shared with you all, I should have..." she was interrupted by a hug from Rarity, and Applejack.
"Twilight, we love you! Even if we knew something was going to happen, it may have still happened the way it did. I know it was Sweetie who stood up for me in the end, and I know where ever she is, she is thinking about me!" Rarity said.
Applejack paused. No matter how much she tried to comfort her friend, deep down, she was hoping she never had to see her sister, and brother hurt like that, Not to mention her dear Granny. She opened her mouth but Twilight hugged her tight. "I know, you don't have to say anything. I messed up, I am so sorry, ok?" she whispered. applejack hugged her just the same back.
The girls gathered and talked more about the earlier events with each other. Except two for a brief moment. "Come on Pinkie. I figure we should go pranking some of the town ponies later today to keep the mood light! I hate seeing everypony so...Pinkie?"
Her friend said nothing, but whispers, and her hair was still lifelessly straight. Dash considered Pinkie as close of a friend, second only to Fluttershy. She knew that look, and was scared it had come back. She remembered that warning long ago from their mutual friend: "Don't let her go back to that place again, she may never leave it if she finds it again!" Dash was tired of this, and tried to snap her pink friend out of it by a pie to the face, when Pinkie reacted violently, by slamming her hoof into the barrel of Rainbow's chest.
"Don't you see Dashie? This isn't time to joke, this is time to act! PEEE-DEEE Piiie! Will find our Fluttershy, and then, maybe you'll finally tell her how you really feel about her! If you don't, I will, you sneakie-weakie Pegasus! Hehehe!" Pinkie said, before bounding off somewhere outside the library. A smile crept across her face, one twisted with the desire to find the truth.
Dash panicked for a while, and still felt some pain from the hit she got. She had forgotten that Pinkie was an Earth Pony after all, and could hurt somepony, if she really had to. see admired her for that, but wait! Dash you are so stupid! You need to stop her before she hurts somepony or herself!
"Twilight! Everypony, I think...I think Pinkie is broken again!" was all the hurt Pegasus could say.
Everfree Forest. Day 1: 6:30 am
"The plans have worked, and we shall soon send a message to all! Revenge shall soon be ours!" a masked pony said, while beating a lone yellow Pegasus. The victim of his beating begged him to stop, but he smiled as he did so and she laid before him, bleeding her last remaining life force to the ground of the Everfree. Her skull was beaten into a stump as her wings flapped involuntarily from each strike.
Little did he know, somepony was watching him, and armed with an icing knife, she prepped herself for the rescue of her friend. "Hey there, it's PPPEEEE-DEEEEE PIIIIIIIE!" the voice said with a high-pitched an excited squeel...
Reports are in, several foals have been taken! Will nothing be done?
Reports are in, several foals have been taken! Will nothing be done?
Everfree Forest. Day 1: 6:32 am
The Pink mare came upon the masked stallion, and used the knife to stab him slightly above the hooves. She used what strength she had and slammed the violent Pony to the ground. She tied a rag around his eyes, and sat him against a tree, while she checked on the nearly dead Fluttershy.
"Please, don't hurt me, I can't help you, I can't do it anymore..I can't---" she said through what little she could muster, and the party mare hugged her and tried to silence her while the other Pony was unaware of what was going on. She felt her pulse weaken to the point where it seemed nothing could be done, and she laid her friend down. On the dirt path of the forest. Pinkie approached the stallion, and bucked him in the neck and yanked the blindfold off.
"I am not going to ask much, and truth be told, one of you Ponies doesn't have long to live, so I'll ask only once. What do you want, and where can I find your leader. TELL ME!" Her mane flattened and her eyes focused on trying to read the Pony, but he simply laughed.
"Death does not scare me, your friend is an Element, and she will die, as will each of the other five! We will have revenge, so do your worst, as I don't fear you!" he said with arrogance. He couldn't walk away very easily,, and his injuries from her attacks were minor, and he saw her as a mild threat at best.
P.D. smiled, and whistled, and the Sanctuary Manticore came and licked the fallen Fluttershy. He was sadden that one of his caretakers had been hurt, and angered as well. P.D. whispered something in his ear, and while the creature could not speak, it understood. The pink mare cackled, and said "I never meant to really hurt you, and when I said 'somepony doesn't have long to live', I didn't mean 'her'! Manny, enjoy your snack! Hehehe!" she said, and the Manticore pounced on the stallion, and cracked his legs as the mare watched gleefully.
"Mercy! Mercy! Please, I didn't mean to--" he begged as the mouth of the beast closed on his neck, cutting into his throat, and splattering blood all around. P.D. was covered in some splatter, and simply wiped it into her mane.
"Ok Shy, it's time to go home." she said to herself as the Manticore finished off the last of the struggling stallion. She carried Fluttershy near her house, when Rainbow came by and saw the bloody Pegasus, and the changed mare who carried her.
"Pinkie, what happened, why, what did they do to 'Shy?" she asked as she tried to get her friend to respond.
"They tried to kill her, silly! But Manny and I thought he'd make a much better snack for the hungery Manticore. Don't worry, he didn't cry much, from what I remember." she said with an even tone, devoid of her usual cheerfulness. "Dashie, take her...and whatever you do, don't go into the Forest, and NEVER follow me again! I need to do this." She left the Pegasi alone, and Rainbow took her nearly lifeless friend to the nearest guard for treatment.
Canterlot Gardens. Day 1: 6:45 am
"I have received word that Ponyville and Cloudsdale operations have been a success! Hope's Asylum was a failure, but phase two should prove much better. The Griffons and their foul half-breed descendants shouldn't be an issue after we use the formula. Still, we are unsure if the Manticore is present, my Lord." a strange stallion said.
"No worries, it won't matter much anyway. They will fight for revenge or bits, as a Pony can always be so easily bought. It is important we capture at least a few eggs as well, as the Griffon Kingdom will demand more action from the Palace." The mysterious leader said.
"It shall be done. What of the foals in the other areas? The cities are much larger there, and I fear we won't have enough to continue." the first asked his leader.
"I have a plan that may give a large number of foals to us, without so much as even the Princesses knowing, rest assured, this is only just beginning!"
WhiteTail Woods. Day 1: 7:00 am
"I hope she is ok, I don't know where I am, and those Ponies just left me here!" Sweetie Belle said to herself. She was taken and placed in a cage sometime back, but after, she was left, with only the Woods around her being her company. "I miss Rarity and everypony so much, I wish I could have protected her better!" a nearby bush rustled, and two Earth Ponies brought some more fillies and colts to her cage, and shoved them in.
"That's the last of them, leave them here until later. This area is covered, and nopony will be over here with the town on alert. Watch for Guards!" one ordered, and then they both left. A Unicorn colt hugged Sweetie tightly and teared up as he looked to her.
"I am so scared! They hurt my mommy, and I want to go back home!" he told her. He was probably a little younger than she was, and all she could do was hug him tightly back. She really didn't want those Ponies to come back. She nuzzled him, and prayed that somepony would find them.
Fluttershy's Cottage. Day 1: 8:00 am
P.D. was looking over the information she had gathered while sneaking through the town. She thought it was funny the Guards didn't take their oath of silence so seriously, but it proved useful. From what she had gathered, the Princesses instructed everypony inside, save for official business. Another thing was, by everypony's count and Mayor Mare's own words, all the children were missing from the town of Ponyville, save one name. "Diamond Tiara! Hmm, I can't say she isn't involved, but I need to visit and find out more. Besides, the rich filly should be easy to scare information out of!"
P.D. realized that somepony might spot her if she went over near the mansion where Diamond Tiara lived, so she took sometime to use a hidden storage place for 'sneaking emergencies' to prepare her stealthy entry into the mansion, and a clever disguise to mask her face. She headed off, and was ready to do what had to be done.
Canterlot Security Room. Day 1: 8:15 am
"I apologize for my lateness Captain Rouge. We found a few surviving assailant, two Daimond Dogs and a Changeling as well in Ponyville. We have not found anything out, other than calls for 'Revenge' and that is all." Sargent Feather Fury reported to the Opliptera. Although he was a regular Pegasus, he served directly under Luna as one of her Private Guards, do to him saving the life of an Opliptera sargent some years back.
"It is of no concern. Your tardiness, I mean. What I do find inexcusable is that we cannot use our higher methods to extract information sooner! Luna must authorize that before I can do anything more. My hoofs are tied, but the Diamond Dogs can be roughed up a bit more, if the stallions need to." She said, hoping that pain would make one of them break.
A scroll was delivered by a Private from the Royal Guard and as Captain Rouge read it, she hid a smile one her face. "It seems, that the Element of Kindness was found, nearly dead today, and Celestia, not Luna, has given us the go-ahead of advanced interrogations. I expect you, Sargent, to oversee the interrogation personally. You know what we are allowed to push, and what we cannot. Do what must be Done." she said, and turned to leave the room.
Sargent Fury took a copy of the Order, and prepared his trip to Ponyville. I need to figure out what is going on. I hope, for the assailant's sake, none have them have taken the filly the newest Private talked about, he thought to himself, and took off towards his destination.
Filthy Rich's Manor. Day 1: 9:00 am
After avoiding several patrols around town, and having to stay in a tree for a while, P.D. had arrived in time to notice Diamond Tiara's Father leave with a small group of bodyguards escorting him. She noted this, but continued to find a way into the house, and found a small window she was easily able to squeeze through.
She watched the young filly in her room for a bit, and after making sure nopony else was around, she came in and slammed the door behind herself. "All fillies and colts have disappeared in this town. Some of their parents were attack and home's were vandalized, yet, you and your house are fine. What did you know?" She asked the filly as see were an equal to her.
"Who are you, and what are you talking about? I don't have to tell you anything! My Daddy knows powerful Ponies, and he kept me safe! Now go away!" she ordered the crazed mare, but nothing was going to stop her from getting information. Although she was only a filly, P.D. knew she had to get her to open up without hurting her too greatly, and luckily she knew everypony in Ponyville, and especially want they liked and disliked!
"You are right, but you know, even your friend Silver Spoon was taken? She is your best friend, and you don't care? I ask you one more time, tell me what you know, and I won't have to do this." P.D. had grabbed a large pile of valuable dresses, and had a bowl of very deep red punch hovering over it, threatening to spill it on them.
Diamond Tiara, however vain, simply called out her apparent bluff. "My Daddy can buy more! Go ahead, you'll be doing me a favor. As for Silver? She isn't my friend since she started hanging out with those blank-flanks!" she stated. P.D. had no other choice, but to resort to the next step. As she spilled the punch into the pile of dresses, and watched her wince at the sight. She did care, and P.D. simply smirked at the sign of weakness she just showed.
The older mare grabbed the filly and used a soaked dress to tie her down to a chair. She picked up the seat, and laid the shocked filly on the bed, dangling her mane over the edge. She grabbed a candle, and placed it under her head, and looked to the defiant filly. "I don't wish to waste time with you, but I do love playing games! This is called, 'How much mane care product can I spray on you before the flames catch the fumes, and burn your mane off your head'! Hehehe. I played it a long time ago, and my poor sister was so scared when her mane caught on fire. It actually is pretty funny, now that I think about it."
Diamond Tiara was seriously scared. She already hated her dresses were ruined and she was sticky with sugary punch, but her mane?!? "No please, I'll tell you everything! Please don't!" she begged, and P.D. blew the one candle out. "Talk, or I might change my mind. Where are the fillies and colts! Or the Cakes foals! Answer me!" she ordered the filly who was bordering on tears.
"I don't know! My Daddy bribed somepony who threatened to take me a few days ago. They made it clear in their note, if he wanted me safe, not to tell the Guards or that Librarian. He took the bits to the Zebra's house because she has been away for a while, and told me to stay with him in his room last night! Please. I would tell you if I knew more, but I just wanted to be safe. Don't burn me!" the bratty filly said. P.D. almost pitied the filly, but the information was better than nothing, and she had to hand it to her, she was a better challenge than she thought.
"Ok, I won't burn you, here is that other candle I, Whoopsie!" she said, as a candle fell on the mane of the filly. The fire extinguished, and left the filly wondering what happened. "Hehehe you think I would really hurt a filly? Don't be silly! I sprayed you with a flame retardant, it would take more than a candle to light you up now! Oh, and my sister and I never played with fire!" she said, having pulled one over on the spoiled filly, who at this point was both livid, but scared of the mare present.
"Who do you think you are? You are crazy and sick, my Daddy will get you for this, I swear!" she said before the pink mare slammed the door behind her, leaving the filly alone. She investigated the other rooms in the house, and eventually found the note, and a set of instructions on where to drop off the bits. She took the information, and was going to go check Zecora's hut, but decided that the Guards might deserve a lead to feel useful. She knew exactly who to trust regarding this new information, and made her way out of the manor, bouncing happily with her straighten mane.
Ponyville General Hospital. Day 1: 10:20 am
"I am afraid there isn't any better news everypony. Fluttershy has sustained major head trauma, and I fear that she may remain in a coma for the foreseeable future." Nurse Redheart informed the mares who had gathered around to hear the update on their friend. "You might also consider...letting your friend 'go', although I cannot officially sanction that decision." Rainbow Dash 'did not' like the implications of that statement. She thought she lost her Pegasus friend earlier that day, and she would be damned if she were to allow her to go now.
"Don't you ever suggest that again! Are you really that heartless? She's my best friend, and so many ponies love and care for her! Don't ever say---" Rainbow couldn't continue, that thought had brought up the tears again, and it didn't matter how tough she was, that fear of losing her Fluttershy was too much. The other mares comforted their outspoken friend.
"I didn't mean to upset you. I don't personally believe in that option, but I have to offer, if her conditions do become worse, and recovery is not guaranteed, for quality of life. I am sure you understand." She defend herself. Twilight spoke up after hearing her out.
"Should she stabilize, what are the chances of recovery back to a somewhat normal state? I opnly ask so we canb think about our options, Rainbow." she said and waited for the nurse pony's opinion on the matter.
"Given what I know about her injuries and her lifestyle and medical history, I would say it is favorable with a 65% chance of her making a recovery. Assuming nothing wrong happens while she rests. As for how long it'll take, we will have to see." She informed them, and excuse herself to go check on other paitents.
"You hear that, Rainbow? She'll be ok, but things'll take sometime, that's all! Don't cho worry none about her, and get some rest, ok?" Applejack tried to inform the emotionally drained Pegasus, who, above all else, wanted to have been the one to tear the stallion limb from limb, before the Manticore had done it.
"I'll try and get some rest, I am going to heck on Pinkie. Please be safe everypony!" and she took off out of a window, and dashed towards Pinkie's room. When she got there, a very tired, and still bloody pink mare was sleeping, but she nuzzled her, and rested next to her. 'If anypony can help figure this out, I know Pinkie and my friends can.' and see let herself sleep next to her friend, holding her close for comfort.
Cloudsdale Stadium, private booth. Day 1: 11:35 am
The Princesses looked at the large stack of reports, and were extremely frustrated to find nothing had been found out. There were reports of some assailants being successfully captured, but many that were had either said nothing, killed themselves after capture, or even escaped. Luna was frustrated that news of the newly allowed advanced interrogation unit in Ponyville resulted in little information actually coming out. Nothing accept the motivation, boiled down to one word: REVENGE!
"I fear there is nothing we can do. Our forces cannot be everywhere, and even the specialty forces and others cannot be everywhere at once. We may have to consider focusing our efforts on the large cities, such as Manehatten and Los Pegasus" Celestia said, trying to balance the sacrifices of many smalled and thriving towns.
"Sister, what if this is what they are trying to do, to scare us into doing something so rash? I say we press on and continue. there are other ways to get information, and sources we can squeeze more, but I cannot except that nothing can be done!" Luna argued. Bothe decisions made sense, and none were particularly wrong, but a single choice had to be made, and the countdown for that deadline was agreed to be at 6:00pm.
I just hope we can rescue those children. Luna, I can feel how scared they are...I am so sad for them, but I can do nothing!" Celestia lamented, The sisters shared a moment between them in warm embrace and then resumed their work on the stack of information in front of them.
Ponyville. Day 1: 12:05 pm
Pinkie woke herself up, and her mane had resumed its naturally poofy style again. Although she was still struggling with her internal sadness, she knew how to control the depressive side when she had to be cheerful and happy for others. She saw Rainbow sleeping next to her, nibbling on a part of her fluffy tail while she rested, and smiled at how silly her friend was. She suddenly remembered why she was here in the first place. First was to rest, as she was very tired, and had little sleep the night before, and the second was the note Filthy Rich had gotten!
She was no hoofwriting expert and frankly it really would not have helped much unless she knew the pony who wrote the note, but she did know the Guards could chase down more obvious leads, while she stuck to the shadows, and let 'P.D. play'. She write a note to Dashie and tucked the notes under her hooves, and slowly left her room. She had somewhere to go, and an appointment with whatever may be there to get the bits that were left at Zecora's hut.
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Ponyville Detention Center. Day 1: 1:00 pm
"Sir, if we resume the next session too soon, I fear the Changeling will succumb to its injuries! I urge you not to let aggrevation control you!" Sargent Holy Armor urged the other Sargent to lay off the interrogation. "Besides, I don't want you to go down this dark path. Faith in yourself, and Our beloved Princesses will guide us all."
Sgt. Fury looked at the cleric with an odd glance, but acquiesced to his request. He really hated hurting other creatures, unless they had an even chance at fighting back, and even then, a quick death was much more honorable. He did his duty because he knew he had to find the children, and especially didn't want his new Private to find out about his filly! "Ok, thank you, Holy Armor...I nearly forgot myself there. Join me for some tea?"
"Absolutely, the answers will come my friend, just you wait!" the cleric said with a smile, and as fate would have it, a Private from the Royal Guard ran up to the two, and gave them news they needed to hear.
"Sirs, apologies for the intrusion, but a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash discovered these ransom notes to one, Filthy Rich. It also appears his daughter was spared last night's events through our own investigation. How shall we proceed?" the Guard asked and waited.
The two members of the advanced interrogation team looked over what was brought to them, and while Mr. Rich may not have been directly involved, under the powers granted to them, giving money to the foal nappers was more than enough cause to bring him in for at least questioning. "See, I told you faith would be rewarded!" Holy Armor said to his friend.
"Let's move out, Private! Have some of the others come with us. I expect him to come quietly, but you never know if there might be a problem." Sargent Fury said to the young Private, and he saluted and brought back four more Guards to assist in their task. Finally, we have something to go on... Fury said to himself, and lead the way into the town searching for Filthy Rich.
Zecora's hut. Day 1: 1:30 pm
P.D. had taken over the operation, as Pinkie herself didn't know what to expect at the Zebra's hut. Part of her wished that Zecora was not involved, as the thought of her taking foals was simply unbelievable to the mare. One the other hoof, she may have to confront the Zebra and if she were involved, friend or not, she would answer for her crimes!
She snuck into the hut, which was opened, and she saw a large amount of bits, laid on the table. She did a quick count, and there was easily over a thousand bits laid out there, and a note explaining more would be sent, if Diamond Tiara was left alone. P.D. was thankful that Filthy was not involved in this directly, but if the other note was any indication, he had contributed by paying the foal nappers and not reporting it.
Before she could think further on this, a group of Ponies, and a few Diamond Dogs came towards the hut, escorting a very angry Unicorn mare with swords at her back. "Trixie does not take your behavior lying down, somepony will find out about those foals, and Trixie will be welcomed back to Ponyville!" P.D. recognized that mare, she was a magician that had performed once in Ponyville, but she never got to watch her perform. According to her friends, she was full of herself, but she only saw a mare trying to make herself look more important than she was. Still, she mentioned something about foals, but the group of bad Ponies and Dogs had to be dealt with first.
She kept out of sight, and hesitated to interfere, when on of the Unicorns drew his sword above his head, and motioned it towards the magician's neck. "You interfered for the last time, the worst and failure Trixie! You will die because you refused to join us, and know about the foals. Is there anything you wish to say before you meet your end?" Trixie teared up as the two Diamond Dogs pushed her down, and the blade pressed more and more into her fur. She hated that this would be her end, but she simply closed her tear-filled eyes, and waited for her death when a voice cried out.
"It's PEEEEEEEEE DEEEEEEEEE PIe! Hehehe!" the pink mare yelled out, and blasted her party cannon, now loaded with rocks and other sharp objects towards the group that held the scared Unicorn down. The shrapnel that came from the cannon tore into the two Dogs, one of which died from a rock being blasted into his skull, and the other Pony with the sword was thrown off trying to dodge the dangerous party favor. He ordered the other two Ponies under his command to deal with the crazy pink mare, as he turned to get his sword, when Trixie turned the weapon up her former capturer, and stare him down with tear still in her eyes.
"You don't have it in you, little filly! you can't kill me, or you'd be no different than us. Try and ---" he said before Trixie thrusted the sword into the Unicorn's lower belly, and blasted him away with her strange magic. He fell, and while the sword's thrust did not kill him, he could not move his rear legs anymore, and simply laid in front of her in pain.
"Trixie IS NOT a failure, she has defeated you, you brutish--" she was going to gloat over the impaled Unicorn, when the pink mare cried out to her.
"Little help there, Missy Show-off! I can't do this alone!" P.D. said, and Trixie used what magic she had to blast the Pegasus that were flying around the lone Earth Pony, and brought them down quickly. They worked together to make sure the Pegasi were kept from escaping, and Trixie used her rope magic to secure the two inside Zecora's hut.
"Trixie...I thank you for saving me...I--" Trixie was interrupted by the pink mare, who looked at her straight on, and smiled.
"Don't worry, save the foals, and tell Ponyville you did it. You deserved the respect, as you fought bravely. Just go, and whatever you do, whatever you hear coming from this hut, please, stay away!" P.D. looked at the Unicorn, implying that she was not done with the two Pegasi.
"Trixie will never forget you!" she said, before running off towards where she last saw a group of foals. She thought about the pink mare as she ran, and something told her she needed to be there for her. Although she was warned to stay away, she quietly snuck towards the hut, and looked through one of the windows to what P.D. was doing.
The dark mare lit the fire under the cauldron Zecora used to make all her brews, and added some of the more dangerous ingredients inside the pot. She knew that many of these were harmless separate and good cures, but the poison she had in mind would make things she had planned a little easier. She turn to the first Pegasi, a mare with a pink coat and then to the stallion next to her. "You two are a couple, and you are taking foals??? I want answers, and I don't care what I have to do to get them. But, if you make it easy, I'll just let the Guards handle you."
The offer hung over the heads of the two criminal Pegasi, but the female spit into P.D.'s face. The interrogator smiled back at the mare, and proceed to bring a poker for the flame out, and pressed it between her back legs. The screams the came from the mare were blood-curdling, and Trixie felt sick as she watched what her rescuer was doing to that mare! 'She going to torture them! But, they did deserve it, for harming the foals and Trixie surely!' she thought to herself, but continued to watch.
The stallion was the first to speak up, seeing his lover being burned the infuriated him. "You heartless bitch! How could you burn her there? She doesn't know anything!" he said, and P. D. turned her attention to him. She smiled, and ran her hoof up and down the stallion's body, and near his legs as well, looking seductive, for an interrogator.
"So, are you telling me you know? She'll heal up one day, and you and her can buck all the way to Tartarus for all I care, but if you tell me, perhaps I can make this worth your while! Hehehe", she said, and licked the side of the stallion's face, causing him to react to her advances physically. The mare, on the other hand was furious at what she saw!
"You don't DARE touch my love like that you crazy dirt pony slut!" she said. That phrase sent a wave of cold silence across all that heard it. Pinkie had heard that word before, and it was one of the first times she had let P.D. come out and play with the bad stallion who said that some time back, and even Trixie knew how wrong that racial slur was to hear! She expected the mare to die, and braced herself for P.D. reaction, when she started to giggle like a mad mare, and proceed to pleasure the stallion with a hoof in front of the offending mare. "Stop it please! I beg you, he was my first love, and we haven't even.." she tried to say but tears weld up in her eyes.
"All you have to do is tell me, and I'll stop! Better hurry, I think I may have to give him a little more fun! Don't worry, I'll forgive you for saying that word when I claim him for me!" she hinted at what she had planned for him. Truth be told, Pinkie was not willing to go any further than this should she would have to, but the mare was so close to breaking. However, the stallion snapped out of the pleasurable feeling he had and spoke up finally.
"I'll talk, just finish...finish it!" he begged her. P.D. smiled, and stopped what she was doing. This left the stallion extremely frustrated and visibly angry at the pink torturer. "You teasing little!!!"
"Hehehe, it doesn't work like that! One of you talk, or 'Mister Happy' there gets the poker next!" P. D. said, pulling out the hot iron rod again, and pointing it down. No greater motivation was needed to the stallion than that, and he spoke up.
"There's a place in the Everfree where more foals are being kept. Most are from Cloudsdale, but some are from other smaller places. It is heavily guarded with over fifty Ponies Changelings and Diamond Dogs. You won't make it in there, and you won't be able to do anything, because the place is so well hidden!" he said, thankful his body would be preserved a hot poker for now.
"I think I know the place, and you two have proved useful, but...I can't let you go! See, some of the foals are very important to me, and since you took them, I just can't let it go that easy. I truly hope you find peace together in Tartarus you--" P.D. was interrupted by the other Diamond Dog, who while very injured rushed into her, and tackled her!
"Let us go you brutish dog! We want to have some fun with the sick mare now!" The stallion said to the Dog, who looked at the roughed up condition of his Pony partner, and turned slowly towards the two when a bang was heard and the Diamond Dog collapsed, with a large hole in its chest.
Trixie had grabbed the modified party cannon while the Diamond Dog attacked, and loaded it with nearby rocks and glass beads, and it did its job killing the creature and spraying the nearby Ponies with shrapnel. The two cried out in pain as Trixie approached the weakened P.D. Pie, and she pulled her up. They stared into each other's eyes, and they knew they were even, but P.D. really needed the help, that experience showed her that much. "Thanks, I need, help. Trixie, can you join me? I can't promise everypony to love you, but they will thank you." The unicorn nodded her head and smiled at the pink mare, and they proceeded up. Before P.D. Left, she removed the poker again, and slammed the head of the mare, and stabbed the stallion in the same place she struck the mare.
"Hehe, sorry to tease, but the guards will be here anytime now! For what it is worth, I think you two were made for each other!" she joked, and removed the poison concoction she made into several large bottle and bounced away happy as the stallion wept in pain. Trixie and her had foals to save.
Ponyville Detention Center. Day 1: 3:45 pm
"Sir, we have news from Filthy Rich's interrogation. He held on for a long while, and still plans on suing, but he told the location of the drop-off. It is at a hut that the local Zebra lives in. She is away in Hope's Asylum, and according to our contact there, she is unaware her hut is being used that way. What shall we do?" a young Private asked the senior Lieutenant, Polaris Blade.
The Opliptera looked towards a group of his troops and the Private."Go and take them to the hut, if anypony is their picking up the ransom money, question them and bring them back. Do NOT kill anypony or creature unless you absolutely need to!" he ordered, and the troops saluter and flew off. The Lieutenant look over the information Mr. Rich had given, and as far as he could tell, he was clean, but he laughed at the ideas of suing, since he could easily be brought charges of aiding and abetting and failure to report a foal nap. He wrote a scroll explaining the situation to the Princesses, and would have it sent via the Dragon in town as soon as possible.
Cloudsdale Stadium, private booth. Day 1: 3:55 pm
"Princesses, we have a break involving one of the involved Ponies in Ponyville! He gave withheld a ransom notice and in exchange for his daughter being spared gave over three thousand bits to the group of assailants over the past few days!" the young assistant to Celestia said as he entered the room where the Princesses had nearly passed out to exhaustion. Celestia still slept, but Luna took the report from the young mare.
"I thank thee. Has there been any reports on the status of Fluttershy? The Element of Kindness was hospitalized sometime back, and I sense she may know something." Luna asked.
"No, but I can send for news, if you prefer, your majesty?" the mare said, bowing to her Princess in respect.
"Please do. In about one hour, I wish my Sister to be woken up, and informed of this news as well. I am going to rest a bit myself soon, so please no interruption unless we find some of the foals! I thank you greatly!" Luna said, and the mare left and closed the door behind her.
"Something troubles me about this news, and how it was discovered. I can't help but to think that somepony may be not what they seem to be." she said to herself. She laid next to her Sister, and nuzzled her, as she rested. It had been a long night and day for the young Princess, and she needed a rest.
Zecora's hut. Day 1: 4:30 pm.
"These two are really out of it, but are involved someway Private, I can tell." An Opliptera sargent said to a Royal Guard. They arrived to the scene not thirty minutes ago, and they found three dead bodies, and two very shaken up Pegasi tied up and burned in the genital areas with a nearby hot iron.
"Who do you think did this? I can't find any evidence of anymore struggles besides the dead one outside...and what the hay made that hole in this Diamond Dog?" One of the Crime Scene specialist Unicorns said.
"I don't know, all I know is, if they keep this up, we might have our work cut out for us... bagging bodies and prisoners! I want everypony in Ponyville questioned about their whereabouts today, especially any with pink straight manes! Those two mention their attacker had the distinct mane color, and we need to find out what the hay they are up to!" The Opliptera ordered. Secretly, he admired whoever did this, as it did scare the prisoners good enough where they talked, and three others were dead. Still, he knew Celestia and Luna wanted everything to be done within the restriction of the Laws they themselves wrote.
"Wherever you are, Pony, be safe, and find those foals!" he said in the direction of the Everfree and flew off to report his findings.
======================================================
Everfree Forest clearing. Day 1: 5:05 pm
Trixie lead the Pink mare to the spot she found the scared foals some time ago, and they were, thankfully all there! The little Pegasi and Griffons were crying out for help, and were soon let out of their cages one set at a time. They were all lead to a path that lead out of the Forest and thankfully, with the blood still stained on her mane, most of the carnivores of the Forest feared the pink straight-maned Pony and the fillies and colts following them.
When they got near the sight of the cottage of her friend Fluttershy, she pulled Trixie aside. "My Pinkie sense is telling me that the Guards know who did the attack at the hut. I cannot go into town without risking capture...but Trixie, you can! tell them a pink mare helped you, but you know nothing else. Take this too, it's a key to my room in Sugarcube Corner. Meet me there or at Fluttershy's tonight. I am going to check on the Everfree castle, and see if those two were telling the truth, if there are as many Ponies there as they said, I'll let the Guards do what they must." she instructed the blue Unicorn."I trust you enough to not tell anypony where I am! I need to do this, and if even one pony knows it's me, they will all die."
Trixie nodded, and hugged the mare, who held her close for a while. "Trixie will take the foals quickly. I, I will see you tonight, but what if somepony questions why I am there? Surely your friends will want to know?" Trixie pointed out.
"Tell them, Pinkie let you, they'll understand." she smiled thinking of her best friends.
"Your name is, is Pinkie...? Trixie thanks you, Pinkie!" and she left with the foals behind her running towards a patrol of Guards who seemed very surprised at the amount of foals found. Pinkie looked from the forest, but bounced deeper when she sensed the Guards coming.
"I thank you too, Trixie..." she said to herself, before heading towards the old castle in the Everfree Forest.
Ponyville Detention Center. Day 1: 5:15 pm
"Sir, from what we have gathered from the Unicorn mare, these foals are from Cloudsdale! We have searched and contacted their parents, and hopefully, we can get everypony back into their homes." Sargent Feather Fury reported, after personally overseeing the return of the foals into the Detention center.
"Very good news, but something strikes me as odd, Brother Fury..." Lt. Polaris Blade responded while going over her statements. "I get that she had help with these foals, and the ones not to scared to talk to us shared there was another mare with her. One with a straight pink-mane. I just came back from the hut of the Zebra, and the two Pegasi we brought from there mentioned the same mare in their short statement who injured them the way they were. I am unsure that mare is ever going to speak without a slur, after being struck in the head like the other described." he mentioned, smiling internally at the thought of a single mare doing all he witnessed back at the hut.
"Still, she got results, and in my own opinion, must we follow this new order?" Sgt. Fury asked, knowing where the conversation was going.
"I am sorry to say, but yes, we must. Please inform all the Guards, to be on the lookout for the straight maned pink mare. Capture her, and see no harm falls her. The Princesses will want to talk to her about the deaths, and I fear, even that Manticore attack may be tied to the mare as well." Lt. Polarus said.
"What? What make you say that?" Sgt. Fury asked, unsure of the Opliptera's feelings about the body they discovered recently when the Manticore was captured by the Guards of Hope's Asylum.
"Simply because, that pony was possibly stabbed several times under each hoof. We found recent wounds to suggest that at the scene. There wouldn't be a reason to do that unless the beast was there to feed. Besides, our investigation team found yellow feathers, belonging to Miss Fluttershy out in the area. My guess is the pink mare stumbled upon the attacker and, well, you know the rest." the Lieutenant said with the most conviction he could.
"I understand, and sorry I doubted you, sir." Sgt. Fury said.
"Don't call me, sir. You are a brother of ours for what you did for Sargent Lunar Flame." he responded to his stallion bluntly. "I will need to inform the Princesses as well as the Captain of all this information. Make sure to press those two new prisoners, they may know more!" Sargent Fury saluted with his wings, and went to the holding cells to do as he was ordered.
Meanwhile, Captain Rouge Shield had been standing not too far away, and was fully aware of the most recent events. "I trust that if the Princess calls you on your hunch, you'll find the evidence, correct? I know they trust us, but it always helps to have proof on our side." she said, with a bit of concern.
"I know, and shall not report that death directly to the pink maned mare just yet. The Unicorns will have the proof one way or the other soon enough, but shall I write the Princesses?" Lt. Polaris asked his superior officer.
"No, I shall do so...but there is one thing I wish of you. Tell the fellow Opliptera...that the pink one is a lost sister and to treat her as such." the Captain order, much to the surprise to the Lieutenant.
"Captain, are you serious? Only Lady Luna herself can make that proclamation. The Kirins notwithstanding for the Blade Clan, but to call her a lost sister is a little premature, don't you think?" the curious Lt Polaris asked.
Within the Opliptera clans, there are certain levels of respect given. The highest is Lady Luna, the mother of the Night, followed closely by her Sister and the Element bearers, for without them, Luna would not have returned to them. Opliptera refer to themselves with respect, despite numerous numbers of clans that had existed in the past and generally ignore titles, such as rank, except to Royal Guards who ask them to refer to them. Every so often, creatures have earned the title of friends of the clan, like the Lady Kirin of Hope's Asylum, although the Blade clan themselves refer to her as Big Sis or Lady Kirin. However, only one had earned a title of the highest honor to be called a brother or sister.
Sargent Feather Fury had done more than save a life when he rescued Lunar Flame those years back. They were already brothers in arms, but he risked his own life and nearly died, so the monster they fought would spare his friend. As such, Luna created a high title to the brave Pegasus, and when her Private Guard was established, he was the very first non-Opliptera welcomed in. The fellow soldiers respect him highly, and even his superiors refer to his title first, rather than rank. To call the pink mare, who they had no idea who or what she was, a lost sister was equivalent to have the Opliptera search for a missing foal: high priority, and of the utmost attention, save a direct order from Lady Luna herself.
"I am very sure, if Lady Luna wishes to correct me, I shall issue the correction myself but, the pink one must be helped. We may not be able to do what she does, but she certainly has the debt of all Cloudsdale, and thus, why I am recommending this order. Please, tell as many as you can, and watch the Unicorn closely. Do not interfere, unless the pink one causes harm to an innocent!" Captain Rouge said, with much conviction, and being quite sure that the Unicorn would lead them to the one they wanted.
"It shall be done, Ma'am. I shall send the best to follow, and---" Lt. Polaris was stopped, but knew what was being asked of him before the Captain open her lips to speak. "You wish me to follow?"
"I trust you to see this done, have whomever you wish go with, but report only to me, unless Lady Luna tells you otherwise. Please, Polarus, I ask because I know you are the best tracker within the old Order of Blade Clansponies. she asked, placing a hoof on his. They stared at each other, but kept their conduct professional, lest the Royal Guards present spread rumors which they often did.
"I shall do so. Brother Fury, should check on his little Private in Canterlot. I fear that he may not understand the significance of the events, and while he is a good soldier, he is...after all, just a colt" Polaris Blade suggested, and his Captain agreed.
"Yes, the little Kirin colt may soon get his first taste of combat. I just hope, for the enemies sake, they do not harm his bound filly." Captain Rogue commented. Unlike others in her rank, she respected the Kirin colt, named Blitzen, and his oath to serve the Lady Luna. She did not know the details, but Luna regarded him, and one other missing colt, with especial interest. "I'll expect a report no later than 1 am."
Polaris bowed, and left the Detention center and hid among the roofs of Ponyville, waiting to follow the Unicorn magician as she left later that day.
Everfree Forest, Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. Day 1: 5:45 pm
P.D. had to admit, coming back to these old ruins was certain a nostalgic trip. She was upset when the Sea Serpent she met those years back was not in the river, but she figured she would find him again one day soon, and talk about his big moustache sometime. She snuck around the old castle, and sure enough, she found a large number of Ponies working with Diamond Dogs and even a few Changelings not under their disguises. She over heard much, including a couple places they had planned to take children of Los Pegasus and a couple other cities.
She made a mental note how the were stationed and wrote it all down a very detailed map along with all what she overheard, and stuck it in a pocket in her pouch she had, she notice the cages, and most importantly to her, the two Cake foals cry and being tormented by an angry Changeling. Part of her really wanted to go in there and at least grab them and take them back home, but it wouldn't be fair to the others there, and the fact that almost ten others guarded the cages would mean it would be a short assault. She could take on a lot, but fifty was pushing her luck, especially with Pumpkin or Pound with her.
She was about to go, when the call came in their camp that dinner would be ready around 9 pm. and she remembered something she made at Zecora's "The poison cap soup! Oh I nearly forgot!" she said to herself, and snuck with much stealth to the supply of water the group had just outside on the camp. Since there was only one guard nearby she easily poured the poison into the barrel, and merely needed to wait until they drank it. The poison itself would be diluted, but cause the same effects as those baked bads Applejack once made with Pinkie. If she had the Guards come then, it would be perfect!
Just as she left, she ran into a filly who was chained and was being forced to serve her captors come up near the water tank. She saw the pink mare and gasped, but P.D. smiled and the filly knew she was here to help "Are you, going to save us, ma'am?" she said in a voice that reminded her of Applejack's family.
"Not yet, I can't do it alone but when dinner comes, I'll be back with friends, and we'll have a fun party to get you all back, ok? I Pinkie Promise!" she told the little one. The filly didn't know what she meant, but smiled and now could anticipate getting home soon. "What's your name? i never seen you before?" the mare asked before getting ready to leave.
"I am Chickee Mae, from Appleloosa. They took me and a couple others a few days ago, but I am not scared anymore. I am glad I met you!" she said happily
P.D. smiled, but still remained serious. "No matter what you have to do, DON'T drink the water from the big tank! It'll make you really sick. Use this other one for you and the other kids. If I don't see you again, I want you to give this scroll to the Guards. It is very important, and if you do, I'll give you a very nice party when they take you back to Ponyville! It'll be a Pinkie Promise! But, don't tell them I was here right now, ok?"
The little filly agreed, and went back to her chores for the foal nappers. She knew things were going to be ok. P.D. bounced back out of the castle ruins, when two Pegasi spotted her. "Look, somepony is there! Grab them!" They said, and chased the pink mare. P.D. was not happy that she came all this way to fail, and was very scared of what could happen, should they capture her. She heard what happened to Granny, and saw Fluttershy, and prayed to the Princesses that she could make it out before they caught her.
She approached the river again, and the Pegasi dropped in front of her."There's nowhere to go pony! Tell us what you are doing, and maybe we will just kill you and dump your body in this river!" P.D. did not have her cannon with her, and to take on two male Pegasi was going to be tough, but she rather die fighting, than be tortured the way her friends had been. She charged towards the two, when a purple scaled creature rose up at the exact moment, and threw the two far into the other direction towards the deeper Everfree Forest.
"Oh my! Did I just hear that someone wants to bloody MY river, oh this would certainly NOT due!" It was the Sea Serpent! Pinkie let her mane fluff up, and the creature recognized her instantly. "It's you! Oh dear, do tell me those brutes didn't try to hurt you! You and your friends are far too sweet to die! Ohhh Noo!" He said in his silly voice. pinkie giggle and hug the creature, she was also very glad to see his moustache was grown in his original color, and Rarity's tail was still a part of his facial hair as well!
"Nice to see you again! But I have to go back. There are bad guys over there, and I need to tell somepony where they are! Please try and keep the bad ones over there, and help the Guards come and help the foals, I promise I'll do something very nice for you!" she asked the Sea Serpent.
"Of course, anything for an admirers of my wonderful mooostache!" he said, and they waved goodbye. Pinkie resumed her trot into town, and had to meet Trixie soon, she only had a few hours before that poison got to everyone in the camp, and it would be the perfect time to strike! She only wished she could help herself...
Cloudsdale Stadium. Day 1: 6:00 pm
"Members of the press in Cloudsdale, and from all over the land of Equestria, today has been trying for us all, and I would like to speak to you all regarding the events of the past eighteen hours. At approximately 1 am around some major towns and settlements an unknown group took many foals, fillies and colts. we are unsure of their demands, other than Revenge, and nothing further. We would like to say, that we shall not negotiate with these terrorists, and will bring the wrath of Equestria, should any harm come to our foals! I do not have time for questions at this point, but I would like to confirm many foals and Griffons from Cloudsdale were found, and are currently being processed of being returned securely to their families. I thank you all!" Princess Celestia finished her speech she had planned, and exited into the private room where she and Luna had stay for the past day.
"Sister, I am glad that you went to the Press before they suggested we are covering this up. I am also very hopeful that the informant we found outside Ponyville, Trixie Lulamoon, has proven fruitful. I hope everything will work out, from here on in!" luna said, and hugged her Sister. The incident was far from over, but they were glad of any vicories they could get.
"I must rest, I cannot begin to tell you what this has done to me, Woona," she teased her sister, but they smiled at the petname. Luna had much to consider herself. Her Captain had suggested the pink mare, who was also responsible for the foals rescue be a 'lost sister' but she didn't have time to decide whether or not she would endorse that just yet. True, she did help, and she trusted her Captain, but the methods she heard, were, sickening to her. "Torturing a filly and burning suspects, while getting information, just is unnerving to me. And the deaths...how could this Pink---"
Luna suddenly remembered the aura she sensed from the Element of Laughter, Pinkie Pie. She remember her trouble expression on the missing Fluttershy, and while others were hopeful, her heart was dark with desires for vengeance and hurting Ponies, something Luna had felt when she was Nightmare Moon. "I hope I am wrong...still, I'll trouble my sister if I can confirm it first, the last thing we need is an Element of Harmony to be consumed by hatred like I was." She wrote a quick response to her Captain, and changed their priorities, from Suggested Action, to Urgent. No Child of the Night would defy such words. She continued issuing orders and coming up with plans while her sister rested.
Fluttershy's Cottage. Day 1: 6:30 pm
The pink mare waited in the lone house for ten minutes, and helped the animals she could with their feeding. She made a mental note to remind the girls that they should help do so to, as that is what Fluttershy would want as well. She heard a noise coming, and Trixie entered, making sure she wasn't followed. "I was in the Detention Center in town for over two hours. Trixie simply cannot believe they didn't so much as thank me!" she complained, but P.D. looked at her like she was being the loud-mouth diva like she used to, and she backed down.
"Trixie, I cannot stay here long, after I feed the animals, I need to check a couple things out. For now, I want you to go to the Center, and give them these! It is a map to the Forest Castle, and what time the camp is planning a meal. I must stress, they need to get there no later than 9:30 pm, as the poison should take full effect by then! Please, I know I asked much, but trust me! Meet me in my room after, I may have something for you..." she asked. The mares hugged each other, but Pinkie sensed something was on Trixie's mind. She wanted to say something, but Angel threw something at her, his carrot trying to get attention.
"Don't worry, I am only going to the hospital to visit my friends and to talk to Dashie. I won't be long, and we can talk then, ok? Silly Trixie! Carrots are for Rabbits!" she joked to her newest friend, and readied herself upstairs while Trixie gave the carrot back, and also gave Angel a toy he demanded. Trixie made it down the path, when she was grabbed from behind.
"Shh, do not worry Miss Lulamoon. It is me, Polaris. We talked briefly at the center, and knew who you just saw." Trixie was quick to defend herself, as she knew the Guards were given high priority the find a pink maned pony for questioning, but the Lieutenant simply didn't seem to care.
"If you knew why don't you go get--" Trixie was saying when the female Opliptera silenced her.
"If I don't see or hear information about her ma'am, then I don't have to apprehend her. I am sure you know what I mean?" he hinted, and Trixie knew. She didn't know why, but this Guard and his partner were helping Pinkie.
"I, need to give you these! There are fifty of the foal napped in the Everfree and 'somepony' has left a map and a lay out of their base in the old castle ruins. Trixie cannot say how she knows this, but I know my source is telling the truth." Trixie said, hoping they didn't question her.
"Thank you for your help! Sirius, escort her to where she asks, and do not delay back to base we may need to get a group together to hunt!" The Lieutenant ordered and the female Opliptera saluted, and walked with Trixie to the Cake's shop.
He watched them go, and while he was talking, he sensed something had happened in the cottage ahead of him, but by the time he got there, and searched up and down, she was gone. "I'll find you yet, pink one..." he said to himself, and chuckle at the cat and mouse game he pretended to play, and went back to base as well.
Trixie arrived with her escort at the Cake's, and despite their loss, they were very welcoming to the show mare, and gave her a sweet roll and cupcake for coming in, as business had been slow considerable the day. She explained Pinkie was letting her stay here, making sure the Opliptera was not overhearing her conversation, and they told her where her room was. She thanked her escort, and they left each other as Trixie looked around her room.
Pinkie always had a zany style, but the show mare was unaware that it even reflected in her room. She choose this time to draw a bath for herself and stripped her costume off, and was readying to relax when a baby alligator looked at her in the tub. Despite this Trixie simply laid with the animal and waited for Pinkie. "Trixie hopes you will understand...she misses ponies, no matter how much they mistreat her. But you, you helped her, and saved her..." she thought, and left her mind wander as she anticipated her savior's return.
Ponyville General Hospital. Day 1: 7:15 pm.
Pinkie found a window to a supply office opened, and made her way in the building. Nopony seemed around, and the Guards were too busy patrolling outside so she seemed to be able to blend in well enough. She saw Applejack looking out a window, with her signature hat in a hoof, and bounced over to her. "Sugarcube, what are you doing? You have been gone all day!" she asked.
"Oh, I had to do some things and everypony forgot about poor Fluttershy's animals! They needed somepony for them too!" she said in a rather chipper voice. Applejack didn't sense an outright lie in her story, but it wasn't the full truth either! Nonetheless, she knew Pinkie was right.
"I em glad the critters seemed to cheer you up. Dash was worried somethin' awful when she saw you earlier." she told her friend, and Pinkie hugged Applejack again, but then asked the possibly worse thing she could have asked at the time.
"How is Granny Smith? I haven't heard anything from anypony all day." Applejack teared up and hoofed over Granny's small effects she had on her when they brought her in. No words needed to be said, and Pinkie's mane deflated at the news, and she teared up at the news.
AJ was never one to outright cry, and before Pinkie had come, she held in her tears well enough when Big Mac had come to say his goodbyes. He was the one who shed tears from them both, but now, it was Applejack's turn. Pinkie simply stared at the wall while Applejack let everything out how much she hated herself, and how she even blamed Twilight for all this. "If it wasn't fer her being so uppity about researching and lookin' things up, the Princesses could of...could of.." she cried again, and Pinkie, closed her eyes, rage building again, but she held it down. 'P.D. would play again, and the next sorry pony to cross her would suffer the same as Granny did,' she thought inside her.
Pinkie needed to go do one more thing, and she asked AJ to visit Fluttershy. Although the farm pony had been at the hospital all day, she insisted she do so. "Just cry it out a little and get a drink of water or tea. When you are done, say something to 'Shy. Who knows, maybe she'll be up or something with your voice!" she tried to encourage her friend, and she went off to cry by herself a bit more, while Pinkie started her plan.
She sneaked it the ICU, and went up and kissed Fluttershy's swollen head, she moved some of the equipment, and pulled out a small blue vial she had saved from Monster World. She remembered from both Wonder and her own experience, that this vial would heal anypony even from the brink of death, but not raise the dead themselves. "I may have been too late for Granny Smith, but I won't my Dashie be sad for you any longer, Fluttershy!" she said, and replaced a saline drip instead with the vial, and gravity slowly allowed the medicine to drip down. "I love you 'Shy, we all do, but even though you don't feel the same way as her, Dashie really needs you. Just be her friend, that's all you ever have to do to make her happy!" Pinkie said, and snuck out before the medicine was finished working its magic property.
As Pinkie left, AJ had just approached the room where Fluttershy was 'resting' and she hugged the poor Pegasus. " 'Shy, I am none too good with words, but I have lost Granny, and I need somepony to tell me it'll be ok, that's all I need." She rubbed her soft feather and kissed the mare's cheek when the monitors went crazy, and she started to gag on the breathing machine. The nurse came in, and looked at Applejack as if she did something, but the saw wound and feathers grow in front of them, they quickly let her be, and fought to get the tubes out of the Pegasus out as quickly as possible. Her eyes opened, and AJ knew she was going to be ok, and once she had the last set of tubes out she said, although very weakly, "It'll be ok, Applejack!"
Sides of Canterlot Mountain. Day 1: 7:45 pm
A pegasus stallion tried his best to keep up, but the pony in front of him simply ran too fast. "Private, slow down! I swear, you Kirins run as fast as we can fly!" Sargent Feather Fury said to the colt Kirin. He stopped right outside the Detention center, and waited for the Pegasus superior to land.
"I apologize sir, but I thought you said a 122-year old could not possibly beat you in a race!" the cocky Kirin said, but gave his cateen to his commander.
"Thanks Private, and yeah, I'll buy you that new set of shoes you liked, after all, a bet is a bet! Blitzen tell me, why did you run so fast? We could have flew you, you know?" The tired Sgt. Fury said, still walking along side the energetic colt, who did not show any signs of tiredness.
"I don't know, I haven't ran in a long time. Canterlot is much different than Hope's Asylum. I always feel out of place there, but when I go home, or on my training, I just have to run! ....Sir!" the colt added. He was still a little forgetful of proper titles, being among the Opliptera, who were much more laid back, and the Royal Guards, who demanded the respect of his rank. Still, he never forgot for long. One doesn't pass through basic training without doing so!
"Alright, alright, but next time, we fly down together. I swear I always am losing bets to you, young one!" The older stallion teased. Since being brought in by Luna to repay some sort of debt he made to her, and wanting to grow, for his Sweetie, this colt grew fast to be a part of the Private Guards, and his signature lightning attack, while restrained magically during training he went through, had an awesome potential, should the team even need it.
They both rushed inside, as the briefing was set to start any minute now, and this seemed to be an important one. "Ladies and gentleponies, we have received news of a large base of operations in the middle of the Everfree Forest. While still unsure of these marked locations, we believe them to be some sort of positioning of enemy locations and patrol guides. Captain Rouge Shield will now take the stage." the speaker stepped down, and the Guards present saluted their superior who dismissed them.
"As you know, and speaking very frankly, these bastards took many foals in this town, and the surrounding areas, while we have beefed up our presence still are spread thin. If this base is the largest one in the area, our job is simple, hit them early, and hit them HARD! I expect all of you, Royal Guards and Night Guards alike, to stick close to your partners, as Everfree is still dangerous at night. We will be moving out with five minutes, and the attack will start no later than 2105 hours. Luna's Private Guards, Brother Feather Fury, and Private Blitzen R Kirin will take point and signal when they believe it is clear to attack. I know some of you may be surprised at the Dragon colt being present, but make no mistake this Kirin literally beat a Pegasus running down from Canterlot, so don't doubt his resolve and ability to help!"
Many murmurs were heard but one voice from the Royal Guards spoke up to question the Captain. "Are you freaking serious? A colt who still is wet behind the ears, and whose balls haven't--"
"Stop that line of thinking solider, or it's to the brig! Private Blitzen is under Lady Luna's protection, is a recognized Dragon under the Laws of Equestria, with the rights we all share, and is 122 years old. I shall not hear another word about him being too green. Besides Private, I didn't take you for a colt-cuddler, if you were that interested in Blitzen's scrotum dropping or not!" Rouge defended herself, and the whole crowd laughed at the Guard who had joke around just before. She had their respect, even though she didn't wish for the Kirin to be joked about in that context.
"Anyway, to your positions, and may the Princesses watch over you all!" she finished, and walked over to the Kirin, who was getting hoof-bumped by a few of the Guards. The Guard who made the comment walked by, and unexpectedly, Blitzen spoke up to him. "For your information, they have dropped quite a long while ago. Thank you for asking, but I am also spoken for, sir!" he said, and more laughs were had as the Guard went outside cursing loudly as he left the building. he saluted his Captain, who had just made her way to him, and the other Guards quickly left, thinking he was going to be chewed out.
"I assumed wrong in thinking you needed defending, Private Blitzen. Nice comeback, by the way." Captain Rouge said, smiling to him.
"Thank you ma'am, I do have a quick question before I go, with your permission?" the Private asked, and she looked over him, but thought to let him.
"Feel free to ask me anything, my friend." she said back, and her Lieutenant gave her some forms for her to sign while she listened.
"Are you in the same Clan as Mrs. Silhouette Shields? I apologize for asking, but your surname, and 'your smile', reminded me of her. She is a friend of Hope's Asylum, and a wife to a friend as well." he asked, and Rouge smiled and the sound of the name.
"You know my cousin? I am sad she never strayed in the service, but I respect her decision. How is she anyway, she hasn't written since last year?" the Captain asked more casually.
"Well, ma'am there is much to tell, but the highlights are she is training under the Eastern ways up North, and is pregnant with twins by her husband Zed, she married a month back."
There was silence between the superiors and then the captain cleared her throat. "I believe you are taking point, but please, after the mission, please come to my office, as I want to hear more about her! I still can't believe she didn't tell me that!" she ordered, and the Kirin saluted and ran outside with all speed.
The Captain looked at him leave, and checked under his tail as he ran, when her Lieutenant noticed and cleared his throat. "What? I am not allowed to check on my soldiers under me? If that were the case you and I--"
"Good luck on your mission, ma'am! Have a successful hunt!" he said very loudly, and went to file the paperwork he had her sign. She laughed, and made her way outside to go with her Guards, and deal with the hell that was surely to come this evening.
Rainbow Dash's house. Day 1. 8:30 pm
Pinkie had tied some balloons to herself and floated inside Dashie's house and shocked the very depressed Pegasus in here kitchen. "Pinkie, you nearly scared me to death! What are you doing, and where have you been...is that blood in your mane???"
Pinkie didn't realize it until now, but she did have dried blood in her mane, probably from the Diamond Dogs she fought earlier. Dash quickly grabbed a rag, and wiped the blood away, and looked at her friend. She smiled at her as she looked much happier than earlier that morning. As Dash cleaned her, Pinkie told her what had happened but left out a few details about a certain Unicorn, and after words, Dash just stared at her friend, like she was a cold-blooded killer.
"Pinkie...I can't believe you! If somepony questions me, you know I have to report you! I mean, you tortured ponies, and killed those...I know you saved somepony, but it's the Guard's duty, not yours! Rainbow tried to tell the pink floating mare, but she giggled instead.
"Hehehe Duty! Dashie, we are not talking about that! That's gross!" she joked, while Dash was going to call her random again, she kissed her friend on the lips. "I still like you though, but guess what? Fluttershy is going to be ok, and, well, I really don't want you to be sad anymore! .....and I was thinking you could talk to her again, because I know you really REALLY like her, and even though she likes stallions, its ok to like her that way and---"
Dash had heard enough and hugged her friend, and even quickly returned the kiss to her. She was going to visit Fluttershy and tell her about what Pinkie had told her. She knew from before, she wasn't that kind of mare, but she wanted her friend to understand why she protected her that way. Before she took off, Pinkie looked at her as she floated higher in her cloud house.
"Hehe I still need to get down Dashie, just drop me off near the Library, I'll go the rest of the way! Oh, and if you can, and after you and Shy talk, can you do me a HUUUUUUGGE favor? Please check this address in Canterlot. It's not too far for you is it? Well anyway, I just need the name, and where it is from the castle, I'll figure the rest, trust me, it'll make sense very soon!"pinkie said in one breathe, and rainbow Dash had already taken her to the Library, and untied her balloons.
"Take care Pinkie, I'll get you that information as quick as I can!" and she dashed to the hospital.
Pinkie was very tired from everything she did, and was ready for bed, but knew, in a little bit, all those ponies were going to fight. The feelings of anger and hate were coming back, but she had a plan, and bounced upstairs to her room.
She saw a sleepy Trixie in the tub, and woke her up, to finished her bath, as Pinkie prepared her bed, she lit a couple candles, and looked out the window. A wet Trixie came out of the tub shivering in the chilly room , and Pinkie gave her a spare towel. Trixie was going to speak her mind, when Pinkie kissed the mare on the lips, and moved her hooves up and down the Unicorn mare's body. Trixie was surprised, but kissed back and did the same to the Earth Pony. Trixie pulled back, and looked at the mare.
"How did you know, how did you know Trixie was feeling that way?" the Unicorn was very confused with her feelings, trying to justify the feelings as something that happens when you are rescued from death.
"I didn't...and Trixie, I am not sure what to do, I never felt this way before. I..want to spend my first night doing something special with somepony as special as you! I did some many bad things today and, I need to be good to somepony. If you don't want to it's ok, but I hope you do. I really like you, and --" Pinkie was kissed back by the Unicorn mare.
"For once my outspoken friend, let's stop talking and just be together..Trixie will learn with you." she said and she used her magic to un-light the candles.
Above them, a certain Opliptera private was watching, as her duty was to watch the Unicorn mare and see what she was doing until the Lieutenant came back. She blushed knowing what the two were doing together, and then, Polaris landed next to her. "So tell me what is going on Pri--"
The Private simply turned his head, and using their eyes that were built to see in the nighttime, they both witnessed the two mares passionate and awkwardly experimenting with each other. The stallion's wings spread as a reaction, and the female hit him with her hoof. "Really! I swear all stallions are the same! Get two lesbimares kissing and they think with their--"
"Private, stop! You know we are here to observed, and I suppose we should observe this as well. For Duty, of course!" he said defensively. Normally, a private would not think to question her superior's orders, but this female was the Lieutenant's very own sister, and she had one thing over him he wasn't expecting her to use.
"I'll not only tell the Captain, you know the one who everypony knows you are seeing about what you are doing, but I'll tell mother as well!" Pvt. Sirius said. Two females, even he a grown stallion, feared disappointing, hearing about how he was a voyeur snapped him out of it.
"I swear next time, I am asking Sargent Lunar Flame to come to these stakeouts, sister." he said like his favorite beer was taken away from him, and they flew off for the night. Sirius would volunteer check on them to make sure they stayed in that bed.
Everfree Forest: Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. Day 1: 9:05pm
The Guards waited about twenty paces behind the two point ponies, and were ready to strike. They watched as the group ate their food, and partied over their success, when one by one, some of the Ponies and creatures started to puke and curl over. Seeing this as a good sign as any Private Blitzen powered his Lightning within his mane and coat, and set a large series of bolts into the confused enemies tables. Sargent Fury was truly impressed to see what the real thing looked like, and the other Guards charged declaring the base a rebellion headquarters, ordering all to surrender.
Of course, things didn't go as planned, and the Ponies nearest to the Guards charge with their weapons drawn, and the other creatures, who weren't sick enough to to puke, turned towards the cages, and pointed weapons towards the cages full of foals! The Guards fought the Ponies while the two Private Guards of Luna weighed their options on how to deal with the Diamond Dogs and Changelings near the scared children. Suddenly, Blitzen threw a rubber rag he had made, to the Pegasus, and charged a sword with his electric power, and they went straight into the creatures ahead. Many tried to harm the children, but in the sight of electric swords, few simply stayed still as the weapons found their targets and burned through the creatures who stood before them.
The other Guards had taken the outlying threats down, and joined in the fight, and thankfully there were little in the ways of loss to the Guards, but, one Changeling attacked a cage with two small colts inside, and he was seriously injured. The creature was tackled and brought towards the Captain who had them tie it down, as they checked on the two colts. The medics came, but one was too far injured, and slipped away from life. Captain Rouge was holding the small Earth colt, when he passed, and was silent in her grief.
As they gathered the bodies of the fallen, a few survivors were brought forward but none were cooperating. Before the Guards would press them further, a small filly named Chickee Mae came up to one of her rescuers, and gave a note, explaining three locations to more camps that would prove useful for those teams. Captain Rouge thanked the filly and had the Royal Guards start bringing the children back into town that were found, including the dead Earth Pony colt in a stretched to be buried once the parent knew the news. a separate note was found among the logged conversation, written to the Captain herself, and she read it silently.
Dear Captain or whoever is in charge.
This is the pink mare, I don't wish to be known, but if you call me anything, call me P.D. You probably want to know why I am doing what I am doing, and the truth is, somepony has to be the one to do what must be done, to be hated, but admired for the darkness in their hearts and the pain of sometimes doing the wrong thing
I am that somepony! Leave me be, let me find those, and if I find more camps, I'll let you do what your duty to Equestria. My duty is for the foals who can't speak for themselves, the ones no one knows about.
I hope your mission was a success, I only wish I could have made that poison stronger without hurting the fillies and colts.
P.D.
PS: I found this near a cage, if Blitzy is there, please give it to him. Tell him I couldn't find her, but I swear I will. His Auntie will always make sure she is safe. I hope there isn't anypony you want alive near him when he sees this...
meet me at Sugarcube Corner on the roof. Around midnight tonight. Come alone.
Captain Rouge held a bit of pulled mane in her hoof, from the looks of it, the filly had it yanked very hard, but she didn't understand why Private Blitzen had to see it. However, as the Kirin went to report his first success, he saw the clump of mane anyway, and reacted very loudly at the sight of its distinct coloration.
"Tell me it isn't true! Tell me they didn't!!!" Rouge ordered the other Guards to subdue the Kirin, but he charge forward to the Changeling who killed the foal. "WHERE IS SHE! What did you do with my Sweetie!" he asked, and shocked the injured Changeling when it didn't answer with a strong bolt of power.
"Don't kill him, Blitzen! Please, I know they have your filly, but please, is this what she wants you to do? Does she want you to become a monster? We will find her, I promise you." Yelled a calming voice of Sargent Fury. He thankfully had experience calming angry Guards down, and as it turns out, it worked on his little Private friend, who stopped and cried on his shoulders.
The Changeling laughed cruelly at the Kirin, but Rouge slashed its head clean off. Others around her saw her do this, and she repeated the action to the other two prisoners. Everypony looked shocked at the scene until she spoke up "They tried to escaped, I feared for my life. Guards, do I make myself clear?" All present agreed. I have enough information Rouge tried to justify to herself, but still let her tears fall, as she was haunted she killed three prisoners in cold blood. Still another thought flashed in her mind, the image of the Earth Pony colt who died in her hooves. I AM Justified, was all she thought.
Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie's Room. Day 1: 10:30pm
After lots of time together, Trixie and Pinkie held each other closely. Minus an incident with both Cakes walked in after hear cries that turned out to be pleasure, and not pain, and leaving both shocked and happy Pinkie found somepony,
"What did we just do, Pinkie? Trixie is confused, but in a very good way. She doesn't understand why we did what we did? Are we? Trixie means.. are we together now?" the Unicorn asked, and the pink mare.
"I don't know, but I still think it was very cute you said Trixie likes this! Trixie REALLY likes this! when we...hehehe. But, I want to be with you. You were there for me, did what I did, and, you didn't run away, you saved me, and I saved you. I want this to work, but, we have to be bad too. I hate being bad, but, it helps others so its ok. Pinkie likes you a lot!" the mare giggled.
"I can tell when I am being mocked! But you like me? I...Trixie loves you too Pinkie!" she said and they kissed again. They laid together, and looked to the stars.
"You know, I know some ponies died today, to save all those children. I feel sad, but I am so glad I helped. I was always scared of this part of me, but it seems to help a lot. I don't know what will happen but I have to finish this. I promised myself, and I promised my lil Blitzy I would get his Sweetie."
"Who are Sweetie and Blitzy?" Trixie asked.
"It's a long story, I'll tell you if you want, it's a sweet love story! It all started when..." Pinkie started her story to her Unicorn friend. As she told it and remembered the events that happened, she remembered Trixie would still need to talk to her other friends. In time, they would find out, but for now, it was just Trixie and her.
Meanwhile, a relieved Private Sirius was glad the two were done what they had been doing. She had seen some VERY STRANGE things the pink mare and Unicorn did together, she wasn't sure would qualify as love making, but she thought it was sweet how they talked. An upset Lt. Polaris landed nearby her, and nudged her to come back. "They are not going anywhere for awhile, and we have to report what happened to the Captain, let's go."
Ponyville Detention Command Center. Day 1: 11:05 pm
The Captain was back in her office and retrieved a bottle from underneath the drawer. I was a hard cider her family enjoyed, and though she never drank, she felt they need tonight. She looked up and watch the Lt. and his sister, of all Ponies come in, and give a report.
"Hmm, so Miss Lulamoon is staying with the pink mare in her room, and they are doing what now?" Captain Rouge asked, as there was a blank field on their report. The two looked at each other, and Polaris confessed. They were engaged in sexual activities. I insisted we observe, but the Private said we shouldn't be voyeurs. I admit I was curious to see what they were.."
"I BET! Lieutenant I don't often say this, but are you really that much of a pig? I speak as your superior, not as your lover, but quit being such a stallion!" Rouge said, the liquor clearly getting to her already as her frame was rather small and she hadn't eat at all most of the day. Sirius laughed, but Rouge was in no mood. "Private! You are no longer under your brother. I can't believe you two! Then again, if Luna Flame was there you two would probably be recording it, and selling the video to everypony! Gah! I can't handle this. Please bring Private Blitzen in, and you two, discipline yourselves! Those two can watch themselves. No patrolling tonight."
The two siblings left the room, and just looked at each other. "I am sorry sister, I shouldn't have been so unprofessional. Shall we never discuss this again?" Polaris asked his sister and the Private before him.
"Yes, that sounds good brother. By the way, I did take a picture, what the hay is this called?" she said, and even the stallion could not figure it out. "Um...yeah. Never again." Sirius chuckled.
Blitzen entered the room where his Captain waited for him, but was shocked to see her crying on the desk while looking at a picture. "Captain, are you ok? Did somepony dishonor you or hurt you? I'll take care of them!" he eagerly asked the Captain her permission to find the evil pony, but the Captain motioned him to come closer. She showed a picture of of two Opliptera fillies. She explained it was her and her cousin playing some years ago.
"It's not fair! I have been dating Polarus for over three years, keeping it discreet for both of our sakes, and my cousin finds one 'mule', and somehow defies the odds and gets pregnant, and with twins! Why can't I have foals too?" She cried again. Blitzen, unaware of the alcohol his Captain ingested, just stood there wondering what to do. If a situation were different, or with another male, he would resort to a smack across the face, but being his Captain and a mare, he simply stood still and let the mare cry. That is until he remembered something. "Um, Zed is a Zorse! A mule is different my Captain." he said, unaware that one thing the Captain hated was being corrected.
"NO! HE'S A MULE! YOU ARE WRONG! GET OUT!!!" she ordered and threw an empty bottle at the ground, and Blitzen smiled, saluted his superior, and backed up as quickly as his hooves could carry him. He bumped into a passing Guard, and asked, "Are mares ever able to be understood?" In which the group of Stallions laughed, and he was no better off than he was earlier.
The Captain looked at the clock, and despite her dizzy condition, she walked out, and flew to the building for the meeting she was waiting for. The pink mare had a lot to answer her about, and the Princesses.
Ponyville General Hospital. Day 1: 11:55pm
Rainbow was content to be sleeping in the same room as Fluttershy. Just as Pinkie said, Fluttershy was recovering very fast, and Dash made it a point to stay with her to talk, when she was awakened by the shy Pegasus. "Um Rainbow, are you awake I really need some water!" she calmly asked, and Dash gave her some from a pitcher and helped her friend drink. Although most of her injuries were healed, the bones broken would require the regular time to set and heal themselves.
Fluttershy was grateful for Rainbow Dash being there, but she knew why she felt obligated to be there, and decided that she would confront the issue now, rather than later. "Rainbow, I know you love me, and want us to be more, but I...the truth is." Fluttershy started to say, and the speedy Pegasus simply hugged her friend.
"I don't want you to feel uncomfortable and even if we aren't meant to be, you will always be my special friend. Remember that one night in Flight Camp, when we spent the night together, and we just slept together?" Dash recalled and asked the other Pegasus.
She remembered, and blushed at the memory. "We were fillies and wanted to see what kissing was like. I...eep!" Fluttershy was embarrassed that Rainbow remembered and even more embarrassed to recall why they spent that night together.
"Yeah, I had some much fun. But, in the end 'Shy, after I left, the game was over for you. I guess, I guess what I am trying to say is, that my game never ended, I had been pretending this whole time you were who I wanted you to be, when I should have knew you weren't playing that game anymore. I hope I am making sense! I am not good with touchy feely stuff..." Dash said and looked at her friend.
Fluttershy knew what her friend was trying to explain, and her heart was happy her friend was moving on. "I will always appreciate your love, Dashie! You'll find somepony for you, just don't be so stubborn, and they will find you."
The two hugged, and Rainbow climbed on the bed and nuzzle her friend, and both of the were letting sleep come back to them. Maybe the future wasn't for them together, but they were happy in whatever may come.
Sugarcube Corner Roof. Day 1 12:15 am
A very tired Captain Rouge was sleeping on the roof when a pink mare tapped her sides, and woke her up. She handed her a cup of odd liquid and motioned the Opliptera to drink. The mare drank it, and as she tasted the mixture, it probably had the most foul and disgusting taste she even felt on her tongue, but the pink one poured the cup more, and she finished it quickly.
"What the Hay was that?" the angry Captain of the Night Guard asked. The pink mare stood next to her, and simply said nothing, and waited. The drink cleared up the alcohol in the mare's stomach. although it felt like she swallowed a jackhammer to do so.
"Hehe, it's a special drink for when somepony drinks too much. It should clear out all that bad stuff, and the best part is no hangover!" the straight-maned mare said. Her tight-fitting suit had an effect on making her feel rather warm while she sat talking with the mare who was supposed to capture her.
"I, thanks P.D. I suppose you aren't as bad as I thought, and I have no regrets calling you a 'lost sister,' pink mare." Rouge scooted closer the ask her questions. "Why are you helping us, the Princesses will find out, especially because you pretty much told us who you were and I know an Element bearer with a pink mane isn't had to figure you out, 'Pinkie'". she stated
The disguised mare knew the truth was discovered, but didn't care any longer, as the Captain before her would have easily captured her alone, or had her Opliptera Guards do the same, but did not. "I am doing this, because I heard that the reason whoever is doing this is Revenge. I didn't understand and still don't, until I heard that pony hurting Fluttershy say it. They all want revenge, of some sort. It's a group of Ponies bent on revenge. Somepony is in charge of it all, and using ponies so focused on that one thing, they will fight for it. All I need to figure now is how to make them come after me, and once that happens, I have faith you and your Guards will finish everything."
Rouge was impressed with the plan, but wondered how she made this all work out. "How did you come up with this, and how do you know it'll work?"
"I really just made it up as I went, and of course, I knew they wanted colts and fillies. If I took them back, they would come to me. Simple as that." Pinkie said. "You know, if you really want me to, I'll surrender, but I want you to know, none of my friends were involved and Trixie just delivered the message to you. I regret nothing."
Rouge considered the words, but the mastermind was not anywhere near exposed. perhaps, it was best to let things happen. After all, how hard could it be to capture a single pink Earth Pony? "Consider yourself under my watch, and if Lady Luna comes back to Ponyville, you must talk to her. I am under those orders, and I cannot betray my Princess. I wish you luck, and be safe." she said as she flew off the the Command center.
Pinkie stared at the sky. It was a beautiful night, but had been a very long first day of suffering. 'I'll find her Blitzy! Just trust me..' She looked down, and saw a very happy Mr. and Mrs. Cake walk together with their foals. She knew, seeing that sight, that everything that will happen the next day will be worth the feeling she had seeing that family together again.
She climbed down to her room and snuggled next to Gummy and her newest Unicorn friend.
Day 1: 12:59:55 am
Day 1: 12:59:56 am
Day 1: 12:59:57 am
Day 1: 12:59:58 am
Day 1: 12:59:59 am
Day 2: 1:00 am
P.D. PIE! Advanced Interrogations!!!
presented by Haphinea's Will.
