It’s been several days since Guiding Light’s and Gem’s escapade at the crime scene.

So far, there have been no consequences, no suspicious questions, nor any secretly increased guard presence around the dreamlings hinting at somepony figuring out that they were involved. Unfortunately, that also goes for any progress. With Gem busy studying the murdered alchemist’s ledger for contacts, Guiding’s routine has been to finally regularly attend the tutoring sessions like all other dreamlings, prowl the castle grounds during the evenings or at night to feed on whatever little fear she could get, chat with her father whenever he stopped by, and sleep the rest of the time. With ponies getting used to the dreamlings’ presence, their avenue of feeding has been getting narrower and narrower, so there was no reason to waste energy when not necessary.

With one thriving exception, though, and that’s 19, whom Guiding can see play-fighting with 65536 as she‘s leading the ten dreamlings who are about to leave Canterlot to learn about the world in company of their personal pony chaperones as per the original deal with the Princesses.

“No distractions!” 19 sweeps 65536’s forelegs when the Nightguard drone glances at the procession of dreamlings, grabs it by the neck with claws that unfold from its hoof, and throws it over itself. 65536’s arc in the air lands it on its back in the soft grass, but the unexpected impact is still enough for it to start coughing when the wind gets knocked out of it. Seeing that, 19 drops its combat stance and offers a foreleg to help 65536 get back up, “Sorry, did I go too hard on you?”

Coughing and wheezing, 65536 rolls on its side and slowly pushes itself back on all fours.

“N-No!” it shakes its head, “It’s good. I need- I need this!” it gradually gets its breathing under control, “Everyone in the Nightguard is nice. I’m not complaining - they’re great ponies and I love them with all my heart, but…” 65536 takes a deep breath, “Well, I am complaining a little. I feel like they don’t take me seriously when we practice. I know I’m not good at all the guarding stuff, but I can’t get better if they treat me, kinda, like a mascot instead of one of them. At least you’re serious- I mean, you’re not or we wouldn’t have much of a practice but you’re trying,” the drone smiles, “And thank you for that.”

19 smiles.

“If you don’t stop challenging yourself, you don’t know how much you can grow. I didn’t have much of a choice when the Queen saved me, it was adapt or die. For you, in this peaceful world, it’s only about how far your willpower can push you,” 19 jumps from side to side like a boxer, “Another round?”

“You know it!” 65536 smiles back, grabbing the standard issue truncheon that it dropped before into its mouth.

Guiding smiles to herself when 65536 approaches 19 in a much more measured fashion than when she saw them chase each other for the first time and, despite that, eats dirt immediately after the first attack. She doesn’t have the time to watch the duo any further, because a group of Royal Guards approaches, accompanied by Blazing Light, Raven Inkwell, and Celestia herself.

“Your Majesty,” Celestia gives Guiding Light a courteous bow.

“Your Highness,” Guiding returns the gesture and shoots a sideways glare at 3 when she almost imperceptibly growls.

“Are you ready for the next chapter of your acclimation to our world?”

“Ready is a strong word, but I don’t suppose we have much of a choice…” Guiding stares Celestia in the eyes and, for the first time in ages, the Princess meets the gaze of someone who doesn’t look away or goes shaky in the slightest. Celestia is good enough at reading others to know that it’s not the bravado of somepony trying to hide their fear, nor is it the hollow look of somepony burnt out by endless tragedy. It’s the calculating look of a soldier measuring just another potential threat and planning countermeasures… countermeasures against the alicorn of the Sun, an eons old being surpassing Guiding in experience, skill and… power. So why is she the one with chills running down her spine?

A terrifying thought crosses Celestia’s mind.

Did she kill me in her world?

No, that’s impossible, Nightmare Moon must have dealt with alicorns one by one with dreamlings supporting her. I may have skipped my physical training for a century or two of peace, but there’s no way the few dreamlings are a real threat in a direct confrontation. Maybe I’m just misreading her, maybe the soldiering is just so ingrained in her that she simply can’t turn it off. After all, according to her story she hatched into an arena match and it never got better.

As a gesture of good will, Celestia shakes her head and smiles.

“We can postpone your kind’s departure if you’re really not feeling up to it. However, from what I understand, you aren’t any closer to changing your feeding habits than when you arrived despite the help of your new ‘zebra’ alchemist friend.”

“Sadly, no,” Guiding shakes her head and sighs, “That pressure is also one of the reasons why I’m agreeing to this despite being in the clear minority,” she looks at the dreamlings who are supposed to leave, “We are adaptable, whether we want it or not, and we are part changelings. My only hope is that our bodies will accept love, even if it might come to the worst case scenario when they have no other option,” she smirks at her kind, “But when have we not been in a sink or swim situation, right?”

“Thankfully, Equestria has a good postal service,” Blazing Light steps in and waves nervously at the dreamlings, “Part of your acclimation and practice will be writing me letters about what you’re doing, how things are going, and what new things you saw. If things get worse, or if you have a feeding breakthrough, send a letter and I’ll know in two days at worst. If you get into a situation where you’re sure you have no choice but to starve, don’t hesitate to tell your companion. They’ll be there for you to supply you with what you need,” he looks at the ponies behind him wearing Royal Guard badges without the armor, “And they only look scary.”

He smirks when two dreamlings snicker in response, knowing full well who the scary creatures around are. Still, the goal was to put the group at ease, if only a little, and he achieved that. With that, Raven unfolds a scroll and begins reading the guards’ names and locations where they’ll be stationed. In response, Guiding assigns a dreamling to each one, vaguely recalling some of the major places from her world. When she doesn’t know one, Raven helpfully offers a map and assures her that she’ll get a map with all current assignments.

Eventually, as Guiding watches the group leave via the main gate, she leans to Blazing’s ear and whispers:

“I’m terrified, dad.”

“Imagine how they’ll feel tomorrow when they wake up and sense no one else in their heads,” he replies.

“Wow, you SUCK at comforting.”

“Whenever I was worried, and that was a lot for my depressed plot, the only answer I ever got from my parents was that I had no real problems and to stop crying or they’d give me something to cry about. That’s the best I can do.”

***

Guiding Light performs her usual late evening prowl through the castle, trying to look all scary and such, but her heart isn’t really in it. It’ll take a week at least before the first dreamling letters arrive, she knows that, but her heartbeat quickens whenever she’s reminded that half of them are just… gone, left mostly to their own devices. On the other hoof, new places mean ponies unused to dreamling presence, so there’s a reasonable chance that they’re having an easier time feeding than she is, especially because she gave away almost all her own energy to the departed. Silent but not overly deadly as she is right now, she reaches the higher, dim and dark floors patrolled by the Nightguards, and overhears a squeaky voice that’s not angry, just disappointed:

“I’ve been with you for half a year, I’ve been taking all the law classes, doing physical training with you guys, and for the past couple days with 19 too!” Guiding recognizes 65536’s voice and hides behind a pillar while taking a peek at what’s going on. The drone is looking up at Gloom and Sharp Biscuit, and pouting, “Goop! I’ve been with Princess Luna on dreamscape adventures. Most Nightguards can’t do that. I can do a real Nightguard shift in the city.”

Gloom clears her throat.

“First, language! Second, and I mean this in the kindest way possible, you’re not threatening on your own, and threat is the most important thing when you get in trouble, because, first and foremost, you don’t want to get into a fight-”

“Gloom,” Sharp Biscuit’s calm voice doesn’t need to say anything further to stop the bat pony mare in her tracks, “65536, do you think we don’t know that you could beat up a random guy threatening an old lady somewhere?”

“Then why-?” the drone’s expression changes into pleading and its ears droop, making it clear that while it can try and argue with Gloom, whatever Sharp Biscuit says goes.

“But can you fight off three of them? Four? Can you break up a bar fight with just your voice? Your presence? Because bad ponies won’t hesitate to attack you, especially because you’re a changeling. You’re the opposite of a threat, you’re a target, and Nightguard armor only amplifies that. Ponies barely like even us due to Luna’s past, but they respect our work and the reputation we’ve built since Luna’s return. When Gloom, I, or stars forbid Bladehoof or Night Hunter walk into a bar fight, everypony in there knows immediately that if they try to do anything they’ll be the first with broken bones and the laughingstock of all their buddies. If you walk into a hostile room, you’re a trophy to brag about,” Sharp shakes his head, “I deny your request. No solo night shifts in the city, only in the castle or castle grounds. I’ll have Chokey move our shifts around so that you can patrol with more Nightguards than just the few of us who don't mind a more day-focused schedule.”

65536 whimpers.

“Don’t wibble at us, young changeling!” Gloom wiggles her hoof at the drone, “You’ll just make me and the Commander feel bad, but both you and I know he’s right.”

The drone huffs, sighs, and walks off in Guiding’s direction while mumbling to itself.

“Grumble grumble angry drone noises wait no I’m not angry just disappointed I know they’re scared but I’ll show them-”

It shoots the still hiding Queen a sideways glance while muttering its stream of consciousness non-stop, but doesn’t do anything else as it passes by. Guiding’s about to resume her prowl when Sharp Biscuit says:

“How do you feel about a stealthy overwatch on the castle roof tonight, Gloom?”

“I was about to go to sleep, got a morning shift tomorrow.”

“I’ll tell Chokey to give your shift to Pink Sunset and leave 65536’s tomorrow evening open as well. Word on the street is that 65536 may have been saving its bits to pay for a hardcover collectors’ collection of Power Ponies that went on sale a week ago, but it’s still a little short. Tomorrow sounds like a good time for you two to read at least through one issue together because there might be a certain package in my office I’m willing to part with, as long as you think of a funny story to tell 65536 about how it might find its way to our little drone. You’ll have enough time to think of one tonight.”

“I… I have no words, Commander.”

“The correct words are ‘Yes, Commander’, Gloom.”

With a salute, the mare heads off in the direction away from Guiding and Sharp watches her leave, which gives the Queen the option to slip out of her hiding spot and continue her prowl. When the Nightguard Commander turns back to return to his office, he notices Guiding from the corner of his eye and gives her a bow.

“Good evening, Your Majesty,” he says with a smile, “How are you?”

According to dad, this one is trustworthy.

“Hungry and worried,” admits Guiding quietly and Sharp sighs in sympathy.

“Never thought I’d say it, but you’d have it easier as an actual changeling. Have you thought about getting a job in some house of horrors?”

“No idea what that is, but I’m already working for Miss Gem as a bodyguard.”

“Ah,” Sharp smiles, “There’s somepony who earnestly tries to do her best despite her own heap of problems. You’ve found yourself a fair patron, Your Majesty. She can pay decent money too, from what I’ve heard.”

“So far, the results are one-sided, and money is the least of our issues. I’m hopeful she can provide us with a surefire way to generate love so that we can figure out if we can eat it.”

“Oh I’m sure she especially can brew a love potion, temporary only, of course,” he looks Guiding meaningfully in the eyes.

“Obviously,” Guiding nods, “Gem told me lasting potions like that were illegal, and if I wasn’t worried about my king starting off our life here with a crime, we’d be evoking enough fear to not need to switch to love. The illegality is secondary to me, however. We were slaves for too long to subject anypony else to long-term control, even for our sake.”

“Glad to hear it, Your Majesty. And how are things between Blazing and you? He’s a good pony, even though he’s not right in the head, but he’s been like that since the first time we met so I’m used to his darker moments.”

“You’re talking about a hero,” Guiding’s tone cools down.

“Yes, one I’ve seen grow over the past three years and one I know personally. If saving the world was the cure to mental illness, everypony would be doing it,” Sharp chuckles, “And your reaction told me all I needed to know. Blazing has always been extremely awkward with mares and I was worried it might be alienating even to his daughter who, honestly, needs him right now the most.”

“He visits, we talk, and sometimes he takes us to walk with him through upper Canterlot. Yesterday, we walked along the outer wall of the city and he told us about the towns visible from up here,” the corner of Guiding’s mouth curls up, “Unfortunately, with us hibernating most of the time, we can’t explore much even where we’re allowed to.”

“I was wondering why the only ones I’m regularly seeing around here are 19 and you,” Sharp nods, “Makes sense.”

Their conversation gets interrupted by a red-maned bat pony mare trotting up a flight of stairs and approaching them. Guiding recognizes her as Choking Darkness, her dad’s marefriend.

“Your Majesty. Sharp,” she gives a quick nod to both of them.

“Chokey,” Sharp nods back.

“Miss Darkness,” so does Guiding.

“Gloom just rushed over to have me change the patrol schedules for tomorrow, said it was your idea,” she pouts at the Commander, “Come on!”

“It’s for 65536,” says Sharp and Chokey’s expression softens, “And I’ve already made a draft of how this month’s shifts have to rotate to accommodate, so you’ll only have to translate it into the official paperwork. Give me a moment,” he walks into his office.

“I thought you’d be spending the evening with my dad since you’re one of the few bat ponies who regularly work during the day,” says Guiding.

“Not tonight,” she shakes her head, “Blazing’s been worried about something for the last couple days and it’s exhausting when he gets all gloomy.”

Guiding’s face remains decidedly neutral when she says:

“I’m barely aware of pony social norms, but isn’t that the time when he might need you the most?”

“I mean, yeah,” Choking admits hesitantly, “but I have my life too and your father isn’t exactly my Blazing with all that reality jumping shenanigans, right? Don’t get me wrong, he’s a lot more experienced, a bit older, and physically a clear upgrade despite the whole part-changeling thing, but I can’t be his crutch. I know him, he’ll get over whatever triggered his doom and gloom this time, and then I’ll be there with a warm hug and way more.”

Guiding suppresses the urge to gag. Then she suppresses the second urge to rip Choking’s wings off and throw her through the nearest stained glass window. Thankfully, before she can say anything ‘honest’ that might drive a wedge between herself and Blazing, Sharp Biscuit walks out with a sheet of paper and gives it to the bitch- to Choking who thanks him, says goodbye to Guiding-

“Bye, Your Majesty! I’d love to stay and chat, but I gotta process this and that’s going to be difficult already with a rave waiting for me.”

-and rushes off again.

“I must excuse myself as well, Your Majesty,” says Sharp, turning around, “This little shift-swapping maneuver cost me a couple hours, so I’m behind on my work as it is.”

“Wait, one thing,” Guiding reaches out to Sharp and lowers her foreleg again when he faces her again, “Call me Guiding Light, please. If there’s somepony here who deserves it then it’s you. Both my father and, based on what I often hear from 19, 65536 genuinely respect you,” Guiding pauses, “That’s all I wanted to say.”

“You’re doing the best you can for your kin, and I respect that as well,” Sharp bows and adds before closing the door, “Have a good ‘hunt’, Guiding. If I recall correctly, there are several new Royal Guard recruits serving the graveyard shift around the kitchens tonight, so you might want to check there.”

***

Two days later, Guiding Light is once again following Gem through the mountainside quarter, although this time through the Upper Canterlot one. From the less than grand buildings it’s clear that even here this part of the city belongs to normal ponies instead of the nobility. While the encroaching sunset is still bathing the parts of the city further away from the mountain in light, the mountain’s shade here is already heralding a progressing evening. The trip has been quiet, with Gem seemingly inside her head and Guiding watching every passing pony.

“We’re almost there. Just two blocks further along,” says the zebra.

“Not that I’m complaining, but when you hired me I was expecting to do this every evening.”

“I wanted to involve you as little as possible, both to not implicate you in case the guards somehow figured out our break-in and to avoid you wasting energy on trudging around the city. Besides, I had to do my alchemy at my adoptive parents’ place because somepony, and I’m not naming names, laundry staff, complained about my explosive experiment from the day we met despite you opening the windows immediately and me cleaning the whole guest suite on my own.”

“Still, potentially dangerous.”

“I polished off the Lower Canterlot contacts. Ponies in the lower city are way friendlier than up here.”

“And? Any progress in figuring out who’s after you?”

“Not really. I learned that lower city suppliers don’t deal with rare ingredients much, rather they deal in common resources that are for cooking up daily life necessities - soaps, industrial lubricants, minor healing balms and potions, and so on. Mister Cauldron must have been an exception,” Gem sighs, “How lucky was I that I ended up studying under him and not anypony else? Although if I knew more about industrial lubes you wouldn’t need to be so worried about the ‘traffic cone problem’.”

“I entirely refuse to believe that a pony would willingly fit that inside themself,” Guiding shudders, recalling the erotic shop.

“Ha haa!” Gem grins at her victoriously, “This neatly brings us to the lucky for you part, which is that I’ve managed to brew you a proper lust potion over the past week, and I’m sure Cream Roll -that was the clerk in Rising Passions- will eagerly demonstrate both for you. Though with the way she was looking at you while you were examining the insertables I was hoping even you would pick up on her interest.”

“I thought our agreement was about a love potion.”

“I’m still working on that one, don’t worry, but a powerful one takes time and ingredients I can’t readily make without spending love that I don’t have.”

“Are you having trouble feeding too?” Guiding gives Gem a thorough look and notices that the young zebra looks tired and a lot less bouncy.

“No, that’s not it,” Gem shakes her head, “I’m using up a lot and my body is less and less able to handle the throughput.”

“Can I punch someone to help somehow?”

“No,” Gem smiles again, “It’s complicated and I might tell you the full story eventually, but right now it’s my burden to bear and the main reason why things are taking a lot longer than they should.”

“I understand. The lust potion will suffice.”

“It will suffice for now,” Gem looks at the Queen sternly, “I will keep my word, don’t worry about that. The good part is that lust is easier to evoke in large quantities and our -at least my- instinct picks it up just as easily as love, maybe even more now.”

Gem nods towards the alchemy shop now across the street, tells Guiding to wait, and the bell above the door clinks as she enters. Through the display windows, the Queen can see Gem chat up the pegasus clerk behind the counter for a while before he beckons the zebra to follow him into the back room. Guiding immediately crosses the street as well and pretends to examine pieces of crystal on display. Several minutes pass, during which Guiding keeps telling herself that everything is okay and that Gem is just getting information and taking notes.

Eventually, however, the idea surfaces that while Gem checked up a whole bunch of suppliers in Lower Canterlot on her own she decided to bring Guiding along for this one. Her patience gone, she cracks open the door of the store just far enough to not trigger the bell, and puts her ear to the crack in hopes to at least hear muffled voices.

Nothing.

Alright, screw this!

She walks inside and immediately smells a smell that’s by now baked directly into her soul - blood. Without hesitation, she rushes to the back room, only to see a dead unicorn in a still spreading puddle of blood. There are no signs of a fight, no fleeing hoofsteps, no trace of anything other than…

Her magic sense identifies the recent use of a stasis spell. No, two stasis spells used at a different time.

It’s a set-up! The unicorn must have been killed earlier by someone and his body preserved in stasis while the pegasus took his place behind the counter. When Gem arrived, they stopped the spell and let the body bleed while they used a second stasis to ambush and nab Gem, plus the time of death based on the decay of the body will perfectly match our presence here.

Whoever it was, we walked right into their trap.

Author's Note

Oof, barely made it on time with this one. On an unrelated note, I'm still reading Exercise in Management and wondering how to bring the same kind of life and fun to what I'm writing these days. On the other hand, I got the the part with the old castle and the paladins *wibble*. I WAS SO MUCH BETTER! AAAAAAAH!