Harmony’s Hate

After Shining Armor allowed Sapphire Blade to lead the emergency protocols, he asked him to explain the plan to the Canterlotian guards who were present thanks to Rosefeather’s efforts.

It was decided that the patrols would be working as before but if they noticed the suspect, they had to inform the nearest pony of importance who was always on the lookout during emergencies. They will in turn send two pegasi out, one to follow the suspects location and the other to inform the strike team of his whereabouts.

This was one of the older protocols of the Empire, created long before the times of Sombra so the crystal ponies already knew what needed to be done. Sapphire himself would lead a small strike team that would be constantly informed about the suspect through the tight information net they set up.

“The plan is to get a clear view of the target’s location and limit his movement options,” Sapphire explained. “When you see the target, go look for a building with an axe shaped like a heart. Tell the ponies there you’ll need ‘eyes of an eagle’, that’s all they need to know to help. Beryl, Blaze Fury, Rosethorn, Firm Shield and I will try to capture the target with the network we just explained.”

He nodded to Shining Armor, letting him know that he was finished. The general stepped forward. “It is highly advised not to confront the suspect, especially on your own. The strike team has all the information they need to capture him, so we will leave it in their hooves. Asides from the instructions you have been given, your shift stays the same. Dismissed, go back to your stations ASAP.”

The guard spread out, running towards their respective patrols and stations. The general turned to Sapphire and his team. “I hope you know what you are doing.”

“No need to worry, Sir!” Rosethorn saluted with a smile. “We’ll catch the Demon’s Disciple in no time!” Sapphire was just about to scold her when Shining Armor burst out a chuckle.

“I like your confidence, soldier. Just make sure it doesn’t turn into arrogance.” Shining Armor then turned to Sapphire, looking at him for a moment as if contemplating something. “Good luck,” He said and then went up to the palace.

“Does that mean I’m recognized as a guard?” Rosethorn teased after a moment. “When do I get my own spear?”

“Hah!” Beryl —the emerald green earth pony— laughed and vigorously rubbed his hoof on the younger mare’s head. “Don’t get overzealous, kid. If a general’s recognition was all you needed to be a guard, ponies could buy their way into the ranks.”

“Who are you calling a kid?” Rosethorn called in defiance. “You are not much older than me!”

“But I still have more experience.”

“Fuck!” The female pegasus called Blaze Fury exclaimed. Her brown face was scarred by a lifetime of service. “Stop yer bickerin’ lest ya wanna do cleaning duty! Heard our barracks got quite full with our new guests.” Her smirk emanated such malicious glee, Beryl and Rosethorn immediately stood guard as if their lives depended on it.

Firm Shield sighed and rubbed his forehead with his hoof. “Nice to see you so enthusiastic, Blaze. But I don’t think you have the authority to do assign duties anymore.”

“Bah! For now! Ah’m sure mah old bones will be kickin’ newbie’s asses into shape in no time. Ya’ll see.” The aged mare struck a pose mid air showing off her fit physique.

“Never thought of retirement, Blaze?” Beryl teased. “I heard Rosethorn would love to hire a new gardener.”

The mare shot him a scornful look. “Ah’ll retire once death earns me, younglin’! There are still many ponies who need mah teachin’.”

“You were a teacher?” Rosethorn asked. “Not to be rude but I didn’t take you for one.”

“And yer right! Ah was more ova trainer. Makin’ sure rookies were fit enough to serve. Sapphire here was one of the best ones Ah ever… Sapphire? Yer alright?”

The group turned to look at Sapphire, who looked intently towards the staircase leading up to the palace. He noticed that the general seemed to want to say something but decided against it. He may had not known him for long, but to Sapphire the general didn’t seem like someone to be indecisive.

He was so deep in thought, he needed a while before he finally heard his teammates calling for him. “Hey, Sapphire? Are you okay?” Firm Shield put a hoof on his friends shoulder, bringing him back to reality.

“Hmm? Ah, yes. It’s just…” he shot a lol towards the staircase before turning towards his team. “Never mind. We have much more important matters. Do you guys remember who had the cuffs last time?”

“I remember my father took them before Sombra was banished,” Rosethorn answered.

“Why would that grunt have ‘em?” Blaze asked. “They’re Hot Hammer’s makin’, aren’t they?”

“Yeah…” Beryl chimed in. “Did he want to one up him or something like that?”

“Thornbush may be a bit cranky, but he is not petty,” Firm Shield reminded them. “Whatever his reason is, we need to go ask him for the cuffs.”

“And we need to do it fast too,” Rosethorn said, pointing towards the sky. “Look!”

The group looked up to see two pegasi circling around a singular spot in the city. The target has been located.

“Fuck me!” Blaze exclaimed as she immediately went up in the air, waving her hooves to get their attention. One of the pegasi noticed her and immediately flew straight towards them.

“We need to start moving too, quick!” Sapphire ordered as he started running. Knowing Thornbush, once he realised he had the cuffs he will return to his home to get them and wait. Not the best idea during crisis, but what could Sapphire do?

The pegasus caught up to them, his white coat shining because of the sun. “We got informed about the Demon’s Disciple’s location. He went towards the east wing after being spotted on Mane street down south.”

“Have you been able to confirm his identity?” Sapphire asked, hoping it all to be a false alarm.

“He is wearing a cloak trying to hide himself. I’d say that makes it all the more plausible.”

Sapphire nodded. “Alright, keep us updated on any changes.”

“Where exactly is he headed?” Rosethorn asked suddenly.

“Towards the Heartfelt fountain.”

“I know a shortcut, I’ll be able to cut of his route and lead him towards you!” She declared.

“No! It’s too—“ but before he could finish the mare ran off, separating from the group.

“Dammit! Beryl! Go after her, it’s not good to go alone. And you,” he called towards the pegasus. “Go with them, they’ll need some eyes in the sky.”

Both the pegasus and the earth pony nodded and went after Rosethorn. Blaze lowered herself a bit so she could fly besides Sapphire. “Looks like she hasn’t learned anything at all, ey?” She said smiling.

“If she keeps up like that she might never join the guard,” Sapphire complained.

“Want me to discipline her reaaal good?”

“No, thanks! I don’t want her to end up with broken bones,” He teased, smiling as he started channeling his magic to enhance his speed and bolted away.

“Oh for fucks sake! It was one time!” Blaze shouted as she and Firm Shield picked up their speed.

It took them about five minutes to reach Thornbush’s home, and the stallion in question was already waiting for them near the entrance.

“Thank goodness, I hoped you would come,” he called to them. A pair of hoof cuffs made of a white crystal levitated beside him. His eyes narrowed when they came closer. “Wait… where is Rosie?”

“She ran off doing her own thing, as usual.” Sapphire informed him. “Don’t worry, Beryl is with her.”

Thornbush sighed. “Some things never change, I see… Here are the cuffs you need.”

He levitated the cuffs towards Sapphire who grabbed them from the air, but before he could store them away Thornbush grabbed his hoof and looked him deep into his eyes. “You will keep her safe, right?” He asked, his leg trembling as he held on to Sapphire. “If… she decides to go that route?”

“Being a guard comes with a lot of risks, my friend. You know I can’t ensure her safety.” Sapphire put a hoof on Thornbush’s shoulder. “The only thing I can do, is make sure she is prepared.”

Thornbush kept his gaze on Sapphire for a moment before letting go of him. “Right… I guess you are right. I just…” He hesitated, biting his lip. “I’ll leave her in your care Sapphire, I hope she reaches heights she could never have with me.”

Sapphire nodded. “I’ll try my best to guide her.”

He stored the cuffs and went off with his team guided by Blaze’s directions. Continuing their pursuit of the Demon’s Disciple.

.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.

Jewel walked around, looking up at the pegasus flying above him. It has been a while since they started following him. Where ever he turned, they were sure to follow. It stressed him out. What was happening?

It’s her doing!
She managed to infiltrate the empire and is keeping watch!

No! It makes no sense. Why would the streets be abandoned then? I have barely seen any living soul here.

She could have spread uncertainty.
Made the locals afraid.

Jewel tightened his cloak around him like a protective blanket. Yet no matter how hard he pressed it against his coat, the feeling of safety was already gone.

He looked around. No place that was protected from the sun or sky. No cover to help him lose the pegasi. At least they weren’t doing anything besides that.

But as if the world wanted to play a prank, he suddenly heard a shout from behind him. “You! Stop there!”

Jewel turned around and saw a group of two unicorns and a pegasus running towards him. The one in the front…

She found you!
She already took control.

No…

She sent her lackeys to stop you!
She wants you back.
Her favorite little puppet.
You knew you couldn’t trust her words.
Yet here you are.
Following the breadcrumbs like a starved rat.
And now she has started her hunt.

Before Jewel knew it, his legs started moving on their own. His mind was racing and eyes darted around looking for an escape route. But where ever he turned, the crows above him followed while leading the wolves to him.

So he ran. Turning many corners and throwing crates at them to slow them down. Sometimes even conjuring a barrier and sending it towards them, only for the one in the front to disperse the amateurish spell with a well timed kick.

Jewel started getting exhausted. He never ran like that in his whole life.

They’re going to catch you, it’s only a matter of time.
And when they do…
She’s going to make you go through those horrible things again.

Wait…
But what things?

Jewel lost focus for a moment and tripped. This slowed him down enough for the pursuers to immediately catch up to him. Before he even realized it, a brown pegasus mare was on top of him holding him down.

Her eyes and her mane were the same color of ember flame, as she looked down at him with fiery resentment. She held him with trained strength, painfully pinning his hooves down as the rest of her team approached them.

“Ah got him, Sapphire. Bring the cuffs.” She called with a ruff accent.

A unicorn of a deeper shade of blue than Jewel looked deeply into his eyes, recoiling a bit after a second. His eyes fixated on Jewel as if he read something weird in a book.

“Sapphire?” A different unicorn approached the first one.

They are distracted.
This is the perfect chance!
You can escape.

Kill her!

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

What?
No… I should run away…

They will keep chasing you, unless you kill them here.

NO! Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck! I have to get away! I don’t want to return… I don’t want anyone to die…

Jewel closed his eyes as he felt a surge of power coming from his horn and the weight of the mare above him suddenly vanished. He opened his eyes to find himself standing in the middle of an empty road.

Nonononononono… fuck!

You killed them.

No, there has to be another explanation! It wasn’t my intention to—
Wait…

Jewel looked around. He was on a street dividing the residential area from a park. Crystal flowerbeds all ready for planting on one side, and rows upon rows of buildings on the other. He wasn’t anywhere near such a place before.

“I…” Jewel blinked, shocked at what he was seeing. “I teleported!” He had to say it out loud. He couldn’t believe it.

Congratulations!
You finally managed to do something all aspiring magicians can do!
Just like at least 70 percent of all unicorns.
Doesn’t feel like an achievement now, does it?

Jewel shook his head and took a few deep breaths. He had no time to ponder about magic. He had to find a place to hide. The pegasi didn’t find him yet so he had a little time to think of a way to proceed. He definitely could forget about looking for clues when apparently the Crystal Empire was out to get him.

Possibly to bring you over to her.

Maybe there are some underground passages? A way to move unseen by anyone?

No. Where do you think the population could have gone?

…
Underground… FUCK!
What to do, what to do?

Maybe use the teleportation spell?

But how? I wasn’t even thinking when it happened! And I don’t really have the time to figure it out!

A cough sounded behind Jewel getting his attention and freezing him on the spot. He slowly turned around, cold sweat flowing down the side of his face. He found himself right in front of a reddish pink unicorn mare. No older than twenty.

Fuck! They found me!

Where the fuck did she come from?

Why is she just standing here?

The mare just looked at him, from up to down then back up again. She pointed up along the street. “Two houses up, you see the one with an anvil on a sign?”

“Uhm…” Jewel looked where she was pointing and there it was, an amethyst colored house with an anvil on a sign hanging clearly visible to any passerby. “Yes?”

“Good, go inside.” She looked around. “Now!”

Jewel didn’t understand what was going on, but that was the first pony who wasn’t openly aggressive so he decided to follow her directions.

She looked after him until he disappeared inside the smithy. She rubbed her head with a sigh.

“Rosie!” She heard the familiar sound of Beryl, while he was running towards her. He stopped in front of her catching his breath. “Damn, you’re fast. Don’t you know it’s a generally bad idea to go on your own?”

Rosethorn smiled at him. “Sorry, I must have forgotten.”

Suddenly the pegasus assigned to them appeared above them. “Bad news, Sapphire and the others lost contact with the Disciple. Do you guys have some clues?”

“No,” Beryl answered. “I was too busy chasing after someone else.” He glared at Rosethorn, to which she stuck out her tongue towards him.

“I thought I did,” Rosefeather admitted. “But it seemed to be just a lost civilian.”

“What? Didn’t they know we are in an emergency situation?” Beryl asked.

“Yeah… they must have been really oblivious.” She turned towards the pegasus. “Do we keep searching?”

“Yes. We’ll know when he shows up again, so the least we can do is cover an additional area.” The pegasus said and the trio took off.

.
.
.