Location: Equus, Everfree City, Castle of The Two Sisters, Dining room, Year of the Sisters Ponidara /3/01, Military time: 1930

The clinking of silverware against plates and bowls gradually faded as the final bites of their meals were eaten. Noble Team, along with the ponies seated across from them, had finished their meals, the once-steaming dishes now reduced to mere remnants of what had been a satisfying dinner.

Celestia, having placed her utensils neatly on her now-empty plate, dabbed her mouth with a fine cloth napkin before looking toward Carter. “Sir Carter.” she began, her voice still holding that practiced warmth, “If thou wishes, we may have Radiant Hope and Snowdrop begin to guide thee on thy tour of our city now.”

Carter, leaning back slightly in his chair, glanced at his team before giving a slight nod. “Yeah, that works for us.” he replied. “We don’t have anything else planned.”

Snowdrop's ears perked up slightly at that, while Radiant Hope gave an eager smile.

With that settled, Noble Team pushed their chairs back and rose to their feet. Snowdrop and Radiant Hope followed suit, the unicorn adjusting her cloak as they all turned toward the large double doors. The Spartans moved with their usual precision, their armored boots thudding against the polished marble floor as they made their way forward, ready to begin.

However, just as Carter reached the door, he suddenly stopped for a couple of seconds before turning towards Celestia, his voice shifting into a more serious tone. “Princess, before we go, I need to ask for your help with something.”

Celestia arched an eyebrow slightly. “Oh? What dost thou require?”

“We need to bring the Pelican back here.” he explained. “It’s still in Diamond Dog territory, and we’d rather not leave it sitting out there any longer than we have to.”

Celestia blinked, her expression shifting into mild thoughtfulness. “As fortune would have it.” she said after a brief pause, “We are already sending Onyx Star on an airship to deliver invitations to the Diamond Dog leaders for an upcoming gathering. We may issue a secondary order for the ship to retrieve thy vessel once the invitations have been delivered.”

Carter considered that for a moment before nodding. “That could work.”

Celestia’s expression remained calm. “However.” she continued, “The airship’s crew shall require guidance. One of thee must accompany them to show them to where tis is located.”

Carter gave a small nod. “That's fine.” he replied before turning back to his team. His gaze swept over them as he asked, “Does anyone want to volunteer?”

The Spartans exchanged brief glances, though most remained silent. After a few seconds, Six simply gave a short nod. “I’ll do it.”

Carter turned back to Celestia with a slight shrug. “Well, there you have it.”

Celestia smiled slightly. “Splendid.” She then turned toward Luna, who had been watching the exchange. “Sister, wouldst thou accompany Onyx and Sir Six to oversee this task?”

Luna gave a firm nod. “Of course, sister.”

With that settled, Carter turned toward the large double doors, striding forward as he reached out and pulled them open. Once opened his team followed closely behind, their boots thudding against the polished marble floor with the exception of Six. Radiant Hope and Snowdrop, who had already been waiting by the entrance, moved alongside them, the filly’s small hooves tapping lightly as she kept pace.

At the table, Luna and Onyx Star rose from their seats, their movements fluid and composed as they stepped away to join Six. Without a word, the three of them fell in line behind the others, their pace steady as they walked toward the corridor ahead.

As they passed through the doorway, the group naturally split—Carter, Noble Team, Radiant Hope, and Snowdrop continued down the main hall, while Luna, Onyx, and Six veered off toward a separate passage leading to the castle’s private docking bay, where the airship awaited.

The heavy double doors slowly closed behind them, the lingering echoes of their departure fading into the vast, now-quiet dining hall.

Celestia turned her gaze toward Sombra, the only other pony left in the room besides herself.

She leaned slightly on the table, a slow, knowing smile playing on her lips. “Twas unexpected to see thee here, Sombra.” she said, her voice shifting into something far more silken than before. “But a pleasant surprise nonetheless. Art thou staying here for the night? Or shall thee return to the Crystal Empire?”

Sombra, who had just finished wiping his mouth with his napkin, remained composed as he set it neatly beside his plate using magic. “We were here to oversee a trade deal regarding solid crystal blocks.” he explained simply. “As thou art aware, at times, they break during transport, and securing direct shipments ensures better handling. We also wished to see Hope again, before we take our leave to the Crystal Empire tonight.”

Celestia hummed thoughtfully, her magenta eyes holding something unreadable. “Thou could spend the night here instead of enduring the train journey.” she suggested, her voice lowering just slightly. “Our guest chambers are warm and welcoming.”

Sombra exhaled quietly, a hint of mental fatigue creeping into his tone. “We appreciate the offer, Princess, but the journey is not so unbearable that it requires alternative lodging.”

Celestia’s smile remained, though a faint hint of playfulness danced in her magenta eyes. “Oh, Sombra.” she purred, shifting slightly so that her forelegs rested more comfortably on the table, “Thou need not to be so formal with us.” Her gaze remained steady as she added, “Tis but one night.”

Sombra sighed, rubbing his temple with his hoof. “Celestia…how many times have we told thee this.” he began carefully, his voice maintaining its usual steadiness, "We have a lovely relationship with Hope. We do not wish to jeopardize it.”

Celestia’s expression faltered, but only for a second before she leaned in slightly, a playful glint returning to her eyes. “And she need not to find out.” she said smoothly. “It shall be but a passing secret between us.”

Sombra immediately straightened, his expression firm as he met her gaze. “No.” he said again, his tone final.

Celestia, however, merely chuckled, tilting her head ever so slightly as a playful smirk graced her lips. “Come now, Sombra… it would be a night to remember.” she purred before swaying her rump ever so slightly.

Sombra sighed loudly, choosing not to respond further. Instead, he got up on his hooves and strode toward the large double doors with measured haste, his cape billowing slightly behind him. “We shall go to assist Hope with the tour.” he said over his shoulder, voice still composed but laced with urgency.

Celestia watched him go, her magenta eyes following him until the large doors swung shut behind him, sealing off the now-empty dining hall.

For a long moment, she remained still, her expression unreadable. Then, with a quiet sigh, her playful demeanor faded, replaced by something far more subdued. Her ears drooped as she leaned forward on the table, exhaustion creeping back into her features.

Her gaze drifted upward, unfocused, settling on the grand chandeliers above. The candlelight flickered gently, casting shifting patterns of gold across the ceiling, yet she found no real thought in watching them—only a quiet, empty stillness.

After a moment, Celestia pushed herself up from the table, her once-eager energy now dulled with quiet disappointment. A faint pout tugged at her lips as she turned away, making her way toward the numerous halls that she had to go through to get to her private chambers.

Alone, tired, and with nothing left to distract her, she let the weight of the evening settle upon her shoulders. Finally, after reaching her destination, she paused just briefly before stepping inside her room, shutting the door behind her.

The moment she reached her bed, she let out a slow breath and used her magic to remove her regalia. Her golden shoes lifted from her hooves, settling neatly beside the nightstand, followed by her peytral and crown which floated gracefully onto its stand before finally laying down, her body sinking into the soft mattress.

As her eyes drifted shut, a faint warmth brushed against her face—thin rays of golden light stretching across her room, slipping through the curtains.

'The sun.'

Celestia let out a quiet groan, forcing herself to sit up once more. Pushing off the bed, she trotted across her room and stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air brushing against her coat.

The horizon still glowed with the last remnants of daylight, the sun lingering just below the edge of the sky. With a deep breath, she called upon her magic, her horn igniting with a golden glow.

Back in the day where she was but a filly this task would have been grueling for her. Making her body tremble with sweat as she strained to lower the sun from the sky. In those early years, she had nearly collapsed from exhaustion or had gone unconscious by the time she had lowered it. But over time, she had refined her control, finding a way to move the celestial object in a much more mana efficient way.

Slowly, the great sphere of light dipped lower, its golden edges vanishing beneath the horizon. As the last sliver of sunlight disappeared, Celestia opened her eyes, gazing upward as she saw the moon ascend up into the sky, its silver glow bathing the land in soft luminescence.

With the night now fully in place, Celestia trotted back inside, shutting the balcony doors behind her before returning to bed. This time, as she laid down, no lingering thoughts kept her awake.

Wrapped in the quiet embrace of the night, she drifted into sleep.

Location: Equus, Everfree City, Castle of The Two Sisters, Castle gates, Year of the Sisters Ponidara /3/01, Military time: 2010

The cool night air greeted the Spartans as they stepped outside the castle, their armored boots striking the refined cobblestone pathway with rhythmic precision. Above them, the full moon had begun its slow ascent, its silver light bathing the castle walls and casting long shadows across the courtyard. The stars were beginning to twinkle, scattered across the darkening sky like shattered gemstones.

Radiant Hope and Snowdrop led the way, their hooves tapping lightly against the cobblestone as they approached a towering metal gate that separated the castle grounds from the second section of Everfree City. The thick iron bars of the gate gleamed faintly in the moonlight, and beyond them, the flickering glow of lanterns illuminated the city's streets.

Standing beside the gate where numerous castle guard, stationed by the watchtowers that lined with the gate at each side. One of them was a massive earth pony stallion clad in red armor adorned with both Celestia's and Luna's emblem. His spear was gripped firmly in his hoof, the weapon’s sharp tip gleaming in the moon’s glow. His stoic expression remained unreadable as he watched the approaching group, his eyes narrowing slightly when they fell upon the Spartans as they came to a stop.

The guard's gaze lingered on their towering forms, taking in their hulking builds and unfamiliar gear. The Spartans, in turn, said nothing—remaining still and composed, their visors reflecting the dim torchlight.

Radiant Hope, unbothered by the tension, stepped forward and addressed the guard politely.

“Guard would thou please open the gate for us?” she asked, her voice gentle yet firm.

The stallion didn’t respond immediately. Instead, his eyes flickered back to the Spartans before tilting his head slightly in silent question.

Radiant Hope gave a reassuring smile. “They are with us.” she explained. “The Princess has ordered us and Snowdrop to give them a tour of the city.”

The guard studied her for a moment longer before giving a slow, measured nod. Without a word, he shifted his spear, strapping it securely to his armor. Then trotted towards the gate, before pressing his hooves against the cold iron bars and pushing the massive gate open with small difficulty. The grinding of metal echoed through the night as the gate swung open, revealing a large cobblestone bridge that led to the lantern-lit streets of the second section of the city and beyond.

Radiant Hope nodded gratefully. “Thank thee.” she said with warmth.

The guard returned a simple nod before stepping aside, allowing them to pass.

Just as Radiant and Snowdrop began to lead the group forward, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

“Hope wait.”

Radiant stopped, before turning, her eyes brightening as she saw Sombra approaching. The dark gray stallion trotted towards them with measured elegance, his royal purple cape billowing slightly behind him. Despite his composed posture, there was a faint quickness in his movements, with his emerald eyes, usually sharp and assured, holding a faint flicker of nervousness as he approached.

“May we… uh, assist thee with the tour?” he asked, his voice smooth but carrying an unmistakable hint of wariness.

Radiant beamed. “Of course!” she said happily before stepping forward and wrapping her forelegs around him in a warm embrace.

Sombra tensed at first, his muscles stiff beneath his cape, before softening. With a quiet exhale, he returned the hug, smiling warmly in her embrace.

Pulling back with a bright smile, Radiant stepped aside to allow him to walk beside her.

Sombra gave a small nod of gratitude before falling into stride with the group. The Spartans, as ever, remained silent but attentive, their faceless visors glinting in the moonlight as they followed behind.

Behind them, the castle guard stepped forward, gripping the heavy iron gate and pulling it shut with a deep metallic clang. The powerful stallion then unstrapped his spear before stepping back to his post, watching as the group disappeared into the city.

Ahead the rhythmic clank of armored boots and the soft clip-clop of hooves echoed through the crisp night air as the Spartans followed Radiant Hope, Snowdrop, and Sombra across the cobblestone bridge leading into the second section of Everfree City. The bridge itself was in impeccable condition, its finely cut cobblestones arranged in perfect symmetry beneath their feet. Below, the river's clear waters flowed calmly, reflecting the silver radiance of the full moon. Lanterns affixed to ornate metal posts bathed the bridge in a warm orange glow, guiding their path forward.

As they stepped off the bridge and onto the main street, Carter’s visor shifted slightly, taking in the layout of the second section. Unlike the pristine castle grounds, the cobblestone streets here showed subtle signs of age, with some stones slightly misaligned from years of use.

Rows upon rows of two-story houses, each standing at 16 feet tall, lined the streets. Their stone foundations gave them a sturdy base, while wooden walls and stone-tiled roofs completed their medieval-like design. Small stores were scattered between them, their wooden signs swaying gently in the night breeze, while candlelit windows offered glimpses of goods within.

Further ahead, a few grander buildings stood out among the homes. These three-story structures, rising to 24 feet, bore a striking resemblance to the castle, their white stone and marble exteriors gleaming under the lantern light. Their elaborate designs and pristine upkeep suggested they were for noble residences.

The Spartans continued moving in silence, each of them instinctively analyzing their surroundings. Kat, ever the analyst, tried to note the structural consistency of the homes, her gaze scanning for defensive architecture. Jorge, attempted to subtly memorized the layout, his eyes flicking toward the wide side streets. Emile, rested his hands at his sides, keeping a close eye on every figure they passed.

But it was the guards that drew the Spartans’ attention the most.

Unlike the castle guards they had seen earlier, these patrolling figures wore deep purple armor, adorned with an unusual blue, glass-like stone embedded in their chest plates. Within each stone, a black slit-like pupil seemed to shift ever so slightly, resembling an unblinking, watchful eye.

Even stranger were the physical traits of some of these guards. While many appeared as typical ponies—earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns—others bore bat-like wings and elongated ears, their slit pupils eerily mirroring the glowing gems embedded in their armor. Their presence was distinct—an unmistakable contrast to the castle’s regiment.

Jun, narrowing his eyes beneath his visor, tapped the side of his helmet, switching off his external speakers before speaking over comms. “Anyone else seeing this?”

The rest of Noble Team followed suit, silencing their external audio as Carter gave a small nod. “Yeah. Bat wings, slit pupils, purple armor. Must be a different guard regiment.”

Kat, chimed in. “Yeah, their armor’s a hell of a lot different from the ones we saw at the castle, but the structure looks it was designed to intimidate rather than actually use.”

“They remind me of vampires.” Said Jorge. “But, you know… more child-friendly, I guess.”

Emile scoffed. “Yeah, but why did the armor have to be purple?” he grumbled. “I hate that fucking color.”

Before anyone could respond, a small, curious voice chimed in.

“Fucking?” Snowdrop repeated, tilting her head curiously. “What doth that mean?”

A silence fell over them as every Spartan turned their helmeted gazes toward the small filly walking alongside them.

After a brief moment, Emile tilted his head. “Was… was she just talking to us? Or someone else?”

Snowdrop giggled at the odd question. “Of course, we art speaking to thee.” she replied, tilting her head slightly. “Who else would we be talking to?” She then scrunched her muzzle in thought before repeating, “But truly, what doth ‘fucking’ mean?”

Emile blinked. "Uh..." He slowly turned his head toward his team, silently looking for help.

None came.

The rest of Noble Team stood just as silent, offering no solutions, no guidance—nothing. Even Carter, their leader, seemed at a complete loss, his visor shifting slightly toward Emile as if to say, You're on your own.

Emile sighed, rubbing the back of his helmet. “Look, kid—”

“Don’t.”

Jorge’s voice cut in, firm and warning.

Emile turned toward Jorge with a bemused expression "What? Why not?”

Jorge’s head tilted slightly in her direction. “You’ll ruin her innocence.”

Emile scoffed. “Jorge, if we don’t answer her question now, then she'll just go ask the princess or someone else, and then we’re really going to be in trouble.”

Before Jorge could argue further, Carter cleared his throat. “Forget that for a second—how are you even hearing us?” he asked Snowdrop, trying to shift the conversation.

Snowdrop's ears twitched slightly as she answered with a simple, almost playful tone. “Tis not that hard. Thou art only a little quieter than before.” Then, as if remembering her previous question, she puffed up her cheeks. “But thou art avoiding our question. We demand to know what ‘fucking’ means!”

Before any of the Spartans could respond, Sombra’s voice cut through the air, firm but confused. “Snowdrop… who art thou speaking to?”

She blinked at him. “To our guests, of course.” Her face brightened slightly. “They were about to tell us what ‘fucking’ means!”

Sombra froze.

His normally composed expression shattered into one of pure, wide-eyed shock. He stared at her as if she had just declared war on the Crystal Empire. “What?!”

Snowdrop tilted her head in confusion before repeating herself. “They were going to tell us what fucking means.”

Sombra’s gaze immediately snapped to the Spartans, his expression shifting from shock to something far more intense—a mixture of fear and warning.

The Spartans, in perfect unison, merely shrugged.

If Sombra thought that they, too, were confused by this, that then maybe—just maybe—they wouldn’t have to deal with whatever shit storm that was going to come next.

Sombra exhaled sharply before turning back to Snowdrop, his tone serious. “Thou dost not wish to know what that means.”

Snowdrop pouted. “Oh, come on! Please?”

Before Sombra could argue further, Radiant Hope, who had been trotting ahead, turned at the sound of their voices. “What’s going on?” she asked, her tone light but curious.

Snowdrop immediately turned to her. “Sombra knows what ‘fucking’ means, but he refuses to tell us.”

Radiant Hope stopped mid-step.

Her face turned red—violet red.

Slowly, she turned to Sombra, her wide, flustered eyes now filled with barely contained rage.

Sombra instinctively took a step back, his ears pinning slightly against his head as fear crossed his face. “We—this is—” He whimpered. “’Tis not our fault!”

Before he could explain himself, Snowdrop turned toward Radiant with innocent curiosity. "Dost thou know what fucking means Radiant?"

Radiant quickly turned back to Snowdrop, forcing a reassuring smile. “O-Oh! Well, um… ‘fucking’ means…” She hesitated for only a moment before blurting out, “It means to cuddle!”

Snowdrop’s face lit up with realization. “Oh! So that is what it means!”

Radiant let out a relieved sigh—until she realized everyone else was staring at her.

Snowdrop, still oblivious, continued happily. “So if we cuddle, doth that mean we are—”

Radiant immediately cut her off, her hooves forcibly covering up Snowdrops muzzle. “D-Do not say it so openly! tis a personal word, like... like thy cutie mark! Thou mustn’t go around saying it so casually!”

Snowdrop tilted her head before nodding in understanding. “Oh, we get it now. Thank thee, Radiant Hope.”

Hope smiled, though there was still a faint redness to her cheeks. “No problem, Snowdrop.” Then, she turned toward Sombra, her expression darkening into a stern glare. “And we shall talk about this later.”

Sombra stammered, shifting awkwardly. “We did not cause this!”

Meanwhile, the Spartans silently followed behind, watching the entire exchange unfold like spectators at a bizarre theater play.

Jun, unable to hold it in, finally spoke over comms. “I can’t believe that actually worked.”

“This was the dumbest cover-up I’ve ever seen.” Said Kat as she let out a quiet snort.

Emile grumbled. "I still hate purple."

“Yeah, well, it saved our ass, so don’t complain.” Said Jorge as he exhaled in relief.

Carter merely shook his head as they continued walking.

Location: Equus, Everfree City, Second Section, District Square, Year of the Sisters Ponidara /3/01, Military time: 2035

The rhythmic clank of armored boots and the soft clip-clop of hooves echoed through the crisp night air as the Spartans followed Radiant Hope, Snowdrop, and Sombra into the district square. The streets had begun to widened into an open, expansive plaza. Despite the lack of activity, it was clear from the well-maintained architecture and careful city planning that this place served as a central hub for trade, governance, and gathering.

Most of the shops and establishments were already closed, their wooden doors closed, and signs swaying lightly in the breeze. A few commoners lingered near the edges, their gazes shifting toward the Spartans with a mix of curiosity and awe that the team had grown accustomed to. The Lunar Guards, clad in purple armor, patrolled the area in disciplined silence, their watchful slit-pupiled eyes never straying far from the group.

At the center of the square, stretching high above the rest of the buildings, stood a tall cobblestone clocktower, its intricate stonework refined and pristine. At 40 feet tall, it loomed over the district, its massive clock face glowing faintly from the moonlight, marking the time as 8:25 pm. A soft mechanical ticking could be heard from the clock as the minute hand moved. The Spartans visor tilted upward, taking in the structure’s impressive craftsmanship.

Radiant Hope, noticing their attention on the tower, smiled warmly. “This is the district's Clocktower. Built perhaps half a century ago, tis one of the oldest and most revered structures in the city. Tis maintained by clockkeepers, ensuring that it never falters.”

Carter nodded slightly. “Impressive. Though it doesn’t seem like it belongs in a city like this.”

“Agreed, it looks too advanced for the tech level here. Where’s the power coming from?” Said Kat.

Radiant chuckled softly. “Thou art correct, our kind did not invent these clocktowers as thou see here.” She gestured toward the massive clock towering over them. “Long ago, Star Swirl brokered a trade deal with the Minotaurs to construct these clock towers within the City. Their kind possesses great knowledge of complex machinery, and under his guidance, they built these towers to stand the test of centuries.”

Snowdrop nodded eagerly. “And Kat, from what we know, they are powered by stored mana to make the hands move”

Kat tilted her head slightly. “Stored mana? What exactly is that?”

Radiant turned to her with a patient smile. “Mana is the term for a unicorn’s magical output.” she explained. “The clockkeepers tend to a large contraption that stores the mana. That stored energy then powers the gears and keeps all four faces of the clock moving in unison.”

Emile scoffed. “So… magical batteries, then.”

Radiant tilted her head slightly, confused by the phrasing, but chose not to argue as she trotted on to the next buildings.

Beyond the clocktower, various establishments framed the edges of the square. To the east, a row of one-story restaurants and taverns stood, their stone foundations, wooden walls, and stone tiled roofs matching the city’s distinct medieval design. Unlike the homes and shops, these buildings were wider rather than taller, designed to accommodate groups of ponies rather than individuals. Their signs hung motionless, and their windows were dark, indicating that most had already closed for the night.

Radiant gestured to the buildings as they passed. “These art our restaurants and taverns. Here, ponies may enjoy fine meals, warm drinks, and company. During the evening, these places are often filled with laughter and music.”

Carter took note of the numerous closed signs and arched a brow. “Doesn’t look like much of a nightlife district.”

Radiant nodded in agreement. “Yes, thou art correct. Most establishments close their doors once the sun hath set. They remain open late only for special occasions, such as holidays or private celebrations.”

Jun glanced around at the empty streets. “Why’s that? A city this size should have at least some late-night activity.”

Sombra, walking a short distance ahead, answered simply without turning his head. “Most ponies prefer to rest during the night rather than wander the streets.”

“Still, if this place is usually busy in the day, why is it so… empty at night?” Asked Jorge confusedly.

“That is simply how ponies are. Most prefer the comfort of their homes once night falls rather than wandering the streets.” He glanced at Jorge briefly. “Is thy species different?”

Jorge nodded. “Yeah, humans are a bit more varied. Some prefer the day, some the night. Our cities—especially the larger ones—have entire districts dedicated to nightlife. Restaurants, entertainment, even markets stay open well past midnight.”

Sombra hummed in thought before turning his gaze back to the cobblestone floor. “Interesting.”

Following Radiant Hope’s lead, the group arrived at a spacious section of the square where rows of neatly arranged wooden stalls stood beneath the open night sky. Each stall had a sign hanging from its roof, the word "Closed" written in elegant cursive. Unlike the restaurants and taverns, which still held some signs of activity, these market stalls were completely shut down for the night, their shelves empty and their goods packed away until morning.

Radiant gestured toward them as they walked past. “This is the marketplace. ‘Tis where merchants gather to sell their wares—fine silks, simple spell books, clothing, food, and other various trinkets from across the land.”

Jun ran an armored hand across one of the stall counters, feeling the smooth wooden surface beneath his gloved fingers. “Looks well-kept.”

Radiant nodded. “Merchants take great care in their stations. The city ensures that trade thrives, as it benefits all.”

Carter eyed one of the unattended stalls, its goods neatly wrapped and undisturbed. “No one steals?”

Radiant’s smile remained, but there was a subtle hint of pride in her voice. “Few dare. The guards ensure order, and theft is… most unwise.”

The Spartans exchanged confused glances but said nothing.

Toward the north end of the square, a two-story white stone and marble building stood apart from the rest. Though much smaller than the royal castle, its pillars and elegant banners bore the unmistakable insignias of both Celestia and Luna, marking it as a government building.

“This is the Council Hall.” Radiant explained, her voice shifting into a more formal tone. “Here, matters of governance are discussed outside the castle.”

Carter studied the building, noting its defensible design despite its elegance. “So, this is where the city’s government operates?”

Radiant shook her head. “Nay. This is where the district government operates.”

Carter tilted his head slightly. “District, as in this district of the sector? Or one of many in this sector of the city?”

Sombra glanced at him before gesturing subtly to their surroundings. “All that we have shown thee is but one district of six within this sector.”

Emile, half-listening, suddenly glanced toward a large wooden board standing near the entrance of the government building. It was supported by two thick wooden planks, keeping it elevated just above the ground. The entire surface was cluttered with parchment, some old and weathered, others freshly pinned. “What’s this?” he asked as he walked over.

Radiant followed him, before stepping up beside him. “This is a public notice board. The highest of nobles who run this district post important announcements here—wanted posters, job listings, tax collection days, and decrees issued by the Princesses.”

Emile scanned the board, his eyes flicking over various papers before one in particular caught his attention. He plucked the parchment from the board, inspecting it with mild curiosity. "And this?” he mused aloud before showing it to Radiant.

Radiant took a quick look at the parchment before answering. “That is a job application… for gladiators at the Colosseum.”

Emile blinked before glancing back at her. “Colosseum? You have those here?”

Radiant nodded. “Yes. We have multiple small ones in the third section and one large one in the second.”

Emile frowned slightly. “Didn’t see one while we were flying over the city.”

Radiant chuckled. “Perhaps that is because the Colosseum lies on the far side of the second section, behind the Castle of the Two Sisters. The castle itself likely obstructed thy view from it.”

Emile turned the parchment back toward him, eyes scanning the cursive writing carefully. Near the bottom, a date caught his attention. He squinted slightly before reading aloud, “Must apply before Breezia, Starday, 01.” He glanced back at Radiant. “Okay… and what does that mean?”

Snowdrop perked up, trotting to Emile. “’Tis the date for when the application closes.” she explained. “Which means thou must apply within two months and a day from now to get thy job.”

Behind her, the rest of the Spartans caught up, standing in a loose formation as they observed the exchange.

Emile tapped the parchment lightly with his fingers before looking back down at it. “Can I just… take this?”

Snowdrop’s ears flicked, and she turned toward Radiant. “Doth that count as stealing?”

Radiant hesitated, tilting her head slightly in thought. “We… do not know. But tis unlikely anypony would mind.”

Emile shrugged. “Well, it’s mine now. Not like they can get it back.” He folded the parchment neatly before slipping it into one of his ammo pocket compartments.

Carter, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. “What was on that paper, anyway?”

Emile smirked behind his visor. “My new hobby.”

Finally, at the western edge of the square, a grand cobblestone church stood proudly, its 20-foot-tall frame adorned with elegant arched windows and towering steeples. Above the grand double doors, a circular stained-glass rosette window gleamed in the moonlight, its vibrant colors forming the image of an alicorn—taller than Celestia, with a flowing red mane and tail. The intricate artistry depicted the majestic figure standing with outstretched wings, her gaze serene, as if watching over those who passed beneath her. At the steeple of the church, a massive silver bell rested, its polished surface reflecting the night sky.

Jorge eyed it warily. “Huh... didn’t expect to see a church here.”

Radiant Hope’s expression softened as she gazed upon the hallowed structure. “This is the Church of Faust.” she explained. “A place of worship and solace.”

Jun tilted his head. “The Church of what?”

Radiant looked at him, slightly surprised. “Why, the Church of Lauren Faust, the alicorn.”

Silence followed.

The Spartans exchanged brief, confused glances.

Carter exhaled. “Gonna need you to elaborate on that.”

Radiant chuckled softly. “Lauren Faust is believed to be the savior of ponykind, the creator of this world, and the true ruler of all who inhabit it.”

Emile let out a low chuckle. “So… pony Jesus? Never saw that one coming.”

Jorge snorted in amusement, while Jun let out a quiet snicker under his breath.

Carter, however, shot them a stern glare, his expression unreadable behind his helmet but clearly disapproving.

Both Spartans immediately fell silent, their amusement vanishing as quickly as it had come. Though Emile still had a slight smirk as he shook his head.

“Come. This is but one of the six districts we intend to show thee.” Said Snowdrop as she trotted along with Hope and Sombra

With that, the Spartans fell into step behind the three ponies, following them toward the next district of Everfree City.

Location: Equus, Toomba Forest, Dimond Dog territory, Year of the Sisters Ponidara /4/01, Military time: 0030

The airship moved silently through the night, its hull cutting through the cold air as it left the Diamond Dog capital or otherwise known as Diamond City, the capital of Caninia, far behind. The dim glow of the full moon cast an eerie silver sheen over the dense treetops of the forest as the airship glided silently through the night sky. The thick canopy below stretched endlessly, a vast sea of shifting shadows as the airship’s hidden propulsion system hummed softly, ensuring a near soundless voyage.

Inside the vessel, Noble Six stood near the marble railing of the deck, his visor angled downward as he scanned the terrain below. Even at this altitude, his night vision allowed him to see the forest floor even during the night, seeking the clearing where the Pelican had been left behind.

It had been roughly an hour since they had departed Diamond City. While Luna and Onyx had spoken directly with the Diamond Dog rulers, Six had taken the decision to remain hidden inside the ship, away from prying eyes. The Dogs had no idea he had been present in their territory. And if they did know, it could potentially have made the situation far more complicated.

Six knew full well that he, and by extension, his team, would be the primary suspect of the destruction of the Diamond Dogs' slave camp if he was spotted—though, of course, they didn’t call them slave camps. The official term the Dogs used was "Illegal Immigrant Detainment Camps", places where they supposedly held captured foreigners before "deporting" them back to their homelands.

A lie.

A thinly veiled attempt to hide what they were doing.

Not that Six cared what they called it. He had seen exactly what those camps had been. The scars of those ponies who had been held there—their broken spirits, their hollow gazes—were proof enough.

And if the Dogs ever found out that he had been directly involved for its destruction?

Well, let's just say, rebuilding the slave camp would be the least of their worries.

He was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of heavy hoofsteps approaching from behind. Turning his head slightly, he saw the airship captain, a broad-shouldered earth pony stallion clad in copper armor, trotting up to him. The stallion’s expression was unreadable, but there was a quiet professionalism in the way he carried himself, the same kind Six had seen in veteran officers.

“Sir Six.” the captain spoke, his deep voice calm but firm. “How much longer must we keep going in this direction?”

Six’s visor remained locked on the forest below for a moment before he responded. “Not much longer.” His voice was as flat and unreadable as ever. “Why?”

The captain gave a small nod before his gaze flickered toward the horizon. “If we keep going this direction for much longer, we might risk being spotted by a watchtower from one of their towns or cities.

Six finally turned his head slightly toward the captain, acknowledging the concern. He gave a small nod. “Understood.” Then, his visor tilted downward, focusing on a small break in the treeline where the moonlight exposed an open clearing. His enhanced optics zoomed in, and sure enough—there it was.

The Pelican.

Its metallic hull was dimly illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, its twin wings extending outward, the glass cockpit reflecting faintly, as its blocky landing gear firmly planted in the dirt.

Six lifted a hand, pointing toward the clearing. “There. Stop the ship.”

The captain immediately turned toward the steersmare, a dark-coated pegasus mare standing at the ship’s large wooden helm. “Steersmare! Stop the ship!”

The steersmare nodded, her wings shifting slightly as she reached for a large wooden lever positioned beside the steering wheel. With a firm pull, she yanked the lever backward, causing the ship’s hidden propulsion system to momentarily reverse. The subtle hum of the magical engines shifted in pitch, as the vessel gradually slowed until it started to move in reverse. With a practiced motion, the steersmare pushed the lever forward to the neutral position, silencing the engines entirely, causing the ship to hover motionless above the darkened treetops.

As the ship settled, a new set of hoofsteps echoed from the captain’s quarters. Emerging onto the deck were Princess Luna and Onyx Star, both of whom had been waiting inside while the ship made its way toward their destination.

Luna’s light azure, blue mane shimmered in the moonlight, her piercing turquoise eyes scanning her surroundings before landing on Six. “Hath thou found it?”

Six gave a simple nod before stepping forward, resting a hand on the marble railing at the ship’s edge. Without a word, he raised a single finger, pointing downward toward a small clearing in the dense forest.

Luna and Onyx followed his gesture, stepping closer to the edge of the railing. Their gazes fell upon a strange, metallic structure sitting in the middle of the open field.

To Six, it was a Pelican dropship—a familiar sight, one that represented the efficiency and strength of the UNSC.

To Luna and Onyx, however, it was something entirely different.

A grimy, alien craft, its grime-colored metal hull dull and weathered, its two mechanical wings stretched neatly at its sides, while its glass front reflected the moonlight like the eyes of a slumbering beast. Its two thick, blocky landing struts were firmly planted in the dirt, giving it a predatory stance, as though it were ready to spring to life at any moment.

Onyx’s eyes widened slightly, his voice quiet with fascination. “By the stars… what manner of machine is this?”

Luna, her expression unreadable, narrowed her gaze as she studied the massive construct before her. “Interesting… We had thought this craft—or as thou calls it, the Pelican—to be smaller, judging from what Lady Kat had shown us.”

Six gave a slow, firm nod. “The holopad couldn’t have shown its true scale, even if we had tried. We would need a proper holoprojector for something like that.”

Onyx's gaze lingered on the Pelican for a moment longer before he exhaled through his nose. “Strange… We have seen many crafts in our time, but never one such as this.” He then turned toward Six. “What now?”

Six’s visor remained locked on the dropship, already calculating the next steps. “Did you bring any rope?”

Luna nodded. “Indeed.” Her horn lit up in a radiant blue glow, and from a storage chest aboard the airship, a large stack of thick, light-brown rope emerged, floating toward them. Though ordinary in appearance, it shimmered faintly with a barely noticeable purple glow.

Six examined the rope, gripping a strand between his fingers. It was both thick and sturdy, but not quite thick enough to guarantee a secure lift. He turned back to Luna. “Do you have anything thicker?”

Luna shook her head. “Nay, but fret not. ‘Tis enchanted—to tear not, even under the heaviest of weights.”

Six considered this for a moment before asking, “Can it hold 138 metric tons?”

Luna blinked. “How much is that in pounds?”

Six paused briefly before responding. “About 304,238 pounds.”

Luna’s mouth hung open agape. “Three hundred… four thousand…” She let out a nervous chuckle. “Ah… well, in truth, we have never tested the full extent of its limits. It could perhaps hold… but besides that, how dost thou plan to have the airship carry such a thing? Let alone wrap it properly in rope?”

Six was quiet for a moment, thinking it over before responding. “You could pick up some of the weight with your magic during the trip back.”

Luna hesitated. “We… do not know about that.”

Six gestured toward the sky. “Didn't you literally moved the moon while we were heading to the Diamond Dog capital?”

Luna frowned. “Yes, but tis was only for a brief moment only. And it left us immensely exhausted during most of the trip to the city after doing so.”

Six shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. The point is, you can lift things over a hundred times heavier than the Pelican. Compared to that, carrying this back shouldn’t be an issue. And as for tying it up, I’ll handle it.”

Luna pursed her lips, clearly unsure, but after a moment, she gave a slow nod. “Very well… but we shall not carry it alone.” She turned toward Onyx. “Onyx, wouldst thou assist?”

Onyx stiffened slightly. “Princess we… do not think we can.”

Luna waved a hoof dismissively. “Fret not. We shall bear most—if not all—of the burden. Thou need only aid in stabilizing it.”

Onyx hesitated, his golden eyes darting between Luna and the craft before him. After a tense pause, he exhaled through his nose and gave a small, reluctant nod. “Very well.”

Luna smiled, though there was still a hint of nervousness in her own expression. “Then let us begin.”

Six gave a curt nod before stepping forward, his armored boots thudding softly against the marble deck. Without another word, he jumped over the railing of the airship.

Onyx's eyes widened in shock. “What in Tartarus—?!”

He scrambled to the edge, peering down into the dark abyss below, expecting to see the Spartan plummeting toward the clearing. His heart raced for a brief moment, but before he could react further, a burst of fiery orange light ignited from Six’s jetpack, sending a controlled stream of thrust downward.

The Spartan’s descent slowed instantly, and with a quick adjustment of his angle, he landed smoothly on the ground, his Mjolnir armor absorbing the impact with ease.

Onyx let out a long breath. “By the stars…” he muttered, still wide-eyed as he watched Six from the ship.

Six glanced up toward the airship, raising a hand to his helmet. “Luna, bring me the rope.”

Luna took a few steps back, her hooves pressing firmly against the marble deck before she surged forward, leaping into the air with a flap of her wings. As she ascended, the enchanted rope floated beside her, wrapped securely in her deep blue aura. She glided downward in a controlled descent, her wings adjusting subtly to slow her approach as she neared Six.

She hovered just above the ground, her magic effortlessly keeping the coils of rope suspended next to him. “Here.” she said simply, her wings flapping steadily.

Six then moved to the rear of the Pelican before crouching, running his armored hands along the bottom edge of the closed hangar ramp. The weight of the dropship was immense, but if he could just get enough leverage to lift it slightly, they could slip the rope underneath and tie it securely.

He turned toward Luna. “On my count, I’m going to lift the Pelican up. Once I do, move the rope underneath it and secure the knot on top. Understood?”

Luna nodded firmly. “Aye.”

Taking a stabilizing breath, Six shifted his stance, planting his feet firmly into the compact dirt beneath him. His muscles tensed, his Mjolnir’s enhanced servos primed, and his mind focused entirely on the task at hand.

He started counting. “One… two… three.”

With a surge of strength, Six gripped the bottom of the Pelican and began to lift. The groan of metal protesting against its own weight filled the clearing as the rear of the dropship tilted upward slightly, rising just enough for Luna to swoop in and slip the rope underneath. Her magic worked quickly, weaving the strands into a tight, secure knot on the top of the Pelican's frame.

“Done!” she announced.

Six exhaled before gently lowering the Pelican back down, the rear section settling back into place.

“We’ll do the same for the front.” Six said, already moving toward the cockpit. Luna floated another section of rope toward him as she flew to the opposite side, waiting for his signal.

Once more, Six braced himself, his hands pressing beneath the angular nose of the Pelican. “One… two… three—lift!”

He heaved the front of the dropship upward, his armor compensating for the immense weight, though even with its enhancements, he could feel the sheer resistance of the craft’s mass. Luna swiftly guided the rope underneath, securing another firm knot at the top.

“‘Tis done!” she called again.

Six carefully eased the Pelican back down, feeling the vibrations travel through his Mjolnir plating as the heavy structure met the earth once more.

Now came the wings.

Six pointed to each one. “Wrap them up, just like before. Make sure the knots hold.”

Luna obliged, using her magic to wind the rope around each mechanical wing, securing them tightly to the top of the craft. With the final knots in place, she landed beside Six, her wings folding neatly at her sides.

“Now we need to attach the ropes to the airship.” Six stated, glancing up toward the floating vessel above them. “Tell the captain to lower it down.”

Luna gave a quick nod before flapping her wings, ascending swiftly toward the airship’s deck. Upon landing, she turned toward the captain. “Lower the vessel!” she commanded.

The captain gave a firm nod. “Steersmare, lower the ship!”

At his order, the steersmare stretched her wings before taking off, gliding swiftly toward the burner controls. With practiced ease, she adjusted the mechanisms, lowering the flames that fed the airship’s lift. Gradually, the airship began its descent, sinking toward the clearing below until the ropes hung within reach.

Six wasted no time. Activating his jetpack, he ascended to the ropes, grabbing hold of the first one and securing it tightly to the side of the ship. At the same time, Luna levitated the remaining ropes, weaving them into reinforced loops before tying them down to the airship’s frame.

Once the final knot was set, Six touched down back onto the deck.

He exhaled, rolling his shoulders slightly before turning to Luna. “That should hold.”

Luna nodded. “Good. Now, art thou ready?”

Six paused for a brief moment before asking, “Actually, I have a question.”

Luna tilted her head slightly. “Oh?”

Six crossed his arms. “I just realized this but, back in the swamp… when those ponies were stuck in the quicksand, you weren’t able to pull them out in time before I intervened to redirect the horde, while Jorge helped you free them.” He stared at her, visor unreadable. “But you can move the moon—a celestial object that weighs more than an entire planet’s worth of creatures. Why is that?”

Luna blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. After a brief pause, she sighed. “That… is not how magic works, Sir Six.”

Six raised an eyebrow beneath his helmet. “Explain.”

Luna took a moment to gather her thoughts. “Magic is not solely about power. ‘Tis about how much mana one possesses, and—more importantly—how well one can concentrate it.” She gestured toward the moon above them. “Lifting the moon is a simple levitation spell. It requires an immense amount of mana, yes, but very little concentration. ‘Tis a motion we hath done for years, and even then, it still cost us a great effort of will.”

She then turned back to Six, her eyes sharp. “But freeing multiple living beings from quicksand? That is entirely different. ‘Tis a delicate process. If we were to make but one mistake, we could very well tear off their limbs—or worse.”

Six absorbed the information before giving a slow nod. “So, it’s not about weight. It’s about the level of precision required.”

“Precisely.” Luna confirmed. “There art spells that require great concentration, and those that require great energy. The latter is easier for us. The former…” She trailed off before shaking her head. “Requires far more skill.”

Six took a moment to process before simply responding, “Makes sense... I guess.”

Luna smiled slightly. “Then shall we proceed?”

Six nodded. “Yeah.” He turned toward Onyx, who stood nervously near the edge of the deck. “You ready?”

Onyx inhaled deeply before nodding, though there was still hesitation in his eyes. “Aye… we are ready.”

Luna turned toward the captain. “Bring the airship higher!”

The captain wasted no time, barking the order to the steersmare, who immediately took action. She flew up toward the large burners beneath the airship’s envelope, before adjusting the controls for the burners flame to increasing in size. Slowly, the airship began to ascend, rising higher and higher into the night sky.

Luna’s horn ignited, her magic enveloping the Pelican below, while Onyx—his own horn shimmering with effort—did his best to stabilize it.

Six leaned over the railing, watching carefully as the ropes tensed, the knots holding firm. He observed the Pelican slowly lifting off the ground, its weight evenly distributed between the ropes.

“It’s working.” Six called out.

Luna, beads of sweat forming on her brow, nodded. “Good… Onyx, thou may rest now. We hath it under control.”

Onyx gasped, his horn’s glow flickering out as he staggered slightly, catching his breath. “Th-Thank thee…”

Luna turned toward the steersmare. “Set course for Everfree City.”

The pegasus nodded, turning the wheel left and pushing the lever forward. The airship’s hidden propulsion system hummed louder, and soon, the vessel surged forward at full speed, carrying the Pelican toward its final destination.

Location: Equus, Everfree City, Castle of The Two Sisters, Private Docking Bay, Year of the Sisters Ponidara /4/01, Military time: 4025

The cold night breeze swept through the private docking bay of the Castle of the Two Sisters, carrying with it the faint scent of rain from the distant Forest. The stars above gleamed brilliantly, casting their pale light over the grand, open-air platform where Noble Team, Snowdrop, and Radiant Hope stood waiting.

They had just returned from their tour of the second section, having explored all six districts—each with its own unique charm and purpose. The grand Colosseum, in particular, had caught the Spartans' attention reminding them of the ancient Roman Colosseum from the historical holopads they had read in their younger years. A massive, circular arena, built from stone and marble, where gladiators would fight for glory, honor, and entertainment. The similarities were uncanny.

After the tour, Sombra had bid farewell to the group, offering Radiant a lingering kiss before departing for the Crystal Empire, a distant nation of ponies in the frozen north. The gesture had left Radiant blushing, a rare and amusing sight for the Spartans to witness.

Now, however, their focus was on the skies above, watching and waiting for the airship carrying Six and the Pelican to return.

The minutes dragged on, the chill in the air growing sharper. Snowdrop shivered slightly, her Light arctic bluish feathers rustling as she shifted on her hooves. Beside her, Radiant’s brown cloak flapped lightly in the wind.

The small pegasus finally turned her head toward the Spartans. “How much longer must we wait?” she asked, her voice carrying a slight whine of impatience. "Tis starting to get quite chilly out here."

Carter, holding the tablet with his hands, glanced at the filly before shaking his head. "I don’t know." His voice was steady, unshaken as always. "But if it’s too cold, you can always go back inside."

Snowdrop quickly shook her head. “Nay. We wish to hear Princess Luna again before we go to sleep.”

Radiant chuckled softly at her friend’s stubbornness before loosening her cloak. “Wouldst thou like to wear our cloak, Snowdrop? It shall keep thee warm.”

Snowdrop shook her head again. “What about thee? Won’t thou get cold?”

Radiant simply smiled. “We shall be fine.”

Before Snowdrop could argue further, Jun suddenly spoke up, his helmet tilting upward. “Boss, I see the airship, it's in the clouds.”

Immediately, all heads turned to the sky.

Through the scattered clouds, a big shape emerged—a dark silhouette against the night sky, the airship flying steadily forward with something bound beneath it. As it drew closer, the ropes became visible, stretched tight as they carried the unmistakable form of the Pelican beneath the vessel’s hull. The aircraft swayed slightly in the wind, yet remained securely fastened, the enchanted ropes shimmering faintly under the moonlight.

Kat groaned in sheer disbelief, throwing up her hands. “How!? Freaking how!?”

Carter, still watching the descending vessel, exhaled sharply. “Kat, lock it down.”

Kat turned to him, gesturing toward the airship with her prosthetic arm. “No, seriously commander, it doesn’t make any damn sense—”

Carter cut her off with a firm shake of his head. “No. We’re not doing this again. Just wait until they dock and ask them.”

Kat clenched her jaw but said nothing further, crossing her arms in frustration as she watched the airship continue its descent.

As the airship neared the docking bay, the strain on the ropes became apparent. Luna, her horn glowing intensely, was visibly sweating, her breaths coming in slow, measured exhales as she maintained her magical grip on the Pelican. Despite her exhaustion, she kept the craft steady, her aura fully enveloping it as Six worked quickly to untie the ropes from the ship’s frame.

Once the last knot was undone, Six called up to Luna. “Princess, it’s free. You can set it down now.”

Luna gritted her teeth, her magic wavering as she attempted to guide the Pelican down. The craft wobbled uncontrollably in her grip, shifting unpredictably for a brief moment before she managed to regain control. With a final effort, she eased it downward, the aircraft settling onto the marble floor of the docking bay with a heavy metallic thud that echoed through the chamber.

As soon as the weight was fully released, Luna’s horn dimmed, before she collapsed onto her haunches, her wings slightly drooping at her sides. Her breathing was heavy, her legs trembling as she fought against her exhaustion. After a few moments she pushed herself up, her body swaying slightly before she managed to steady herself.

The airship, now freed of its burden, hovered for a moment before the captain maneuvered it toward the docking platform, aligning it carefully before extending the ramp.

As the metal ramp lowered, Six, Onyx Star, and an exhausted-looking Luna emerged, making their way toward the waiting group.

Six approached Carter first, giving a brief nod. “Pelican’s secured. No issues.”

Before Carter could respond, Snowdrop suddenly bolted forward, galloping toward Luna with surprising speed. The young pegasus practically threw herself at the alicorn, wrapping her small hooves around one of Luna’s legs in a tight embrace.

Luna, despite her exhaustion, managed a small smile as she looked down at the filly. “Ah, Snowdrop… ‘tis good to see thee again.”

Snowdrop nuzzled against her warmly. “We art glad thou hath returned safely.”

Carter, watching the interaction for a moment, finally turned his attention back to Six. “So… how exactly did you pull this off?”

Before Six could answer, Luna—still holding onto Snowdrop—turned her head toward him. “The airship could not bear the Pelican’s weight alone… so we were required to hold a portion of it throughout the journey back.”

Carter raised an eyebrow. “You carried the Pelican the entire way?”

Luna nodded. “Indeed.”

Before anyone could respond, Luna turned her gaze toward Jorge, her expression apologetic. "Forgive us, Sir Jorge, but we shan't be stargazing tonight… We art too weary to do so."

Jorge, though stoic as ever, seemed to visibly deflate from the news. “Oh.” he said, before he waved a hand dismissively. "It’s alright."

Carter, glancing at him, could tell he was a bit disappointed, but the Spartan didn’t voice it.

Instead, Carter smirked slightly before turning toward Kat. "Well, Kat? You got your answer."

Kat folded her arms. “Commander, that only raises more questions than answers. Like if she had the power to do so why didn't she simply pull the ponies out of the quicksand quicker when we were dealing with the hoard. Or better yet deal with the hoard herself?”

Before Carter could respond, Six still standing nearby, spoke up. "I actually have the answer to that."

Kat blinked. "Wait, you do?"

Six nodded. "Yeah. She explained it to me on the way back. I’ll type it down in the holopad later."

Kat sighed, clearly relieved. "Finally. At least now I'll have some kind of explanation."

As the conversation began to settle, Luna turned toward Snowdrop, her wings gently nudging the filly toward the castle doors. "Come, little one. Let us retire for the night."

Snowdrop nodded, following closely beside her as they entered the castle, the doors slowly closing behind them.

Six turned to Carter. "So, sir, what do we do now?"

Before Carter could answer—

SLAM!

The doors to the castle burst open violently, revealing Luna once more—her cheeks flustered, her expression one of absolute murderous intent. Her turquoise eyes burned with fury as her wings flared out dramatically, her horn sparking with barely contained rage.

Her voice boomed through the docking bay. “WHO TOLD OUR STUDENT THAT ‘FUCKING’ MEANS TO CUDDLE?!”

A stunned silence followed.

Then, from beneath Luna, Snowdrop poked her head out, her small face filled with confusion. “Princess, what did we say wrong? All we wanted to do was for us to do some fucking with thee.”

Luna's eye twitched as she let out a growl.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence.

Then, Emile muttered one word.

“…RUN.”

Author's Note

Well, there you have it guys another chapter done. What do you guys think about Emile becoming a gladiator? Or how about Snowdrops ability to hear the Spartans even when muted? One thing is for sure, and that is Luna isn't happy about it.