Skyfall

by Dusk Quill

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Shining Armor, Violence, Princess Celestia, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance, Dark, Death, Alternate Universe, Princess Luna, Original Character
Length: 62771

The birth of a new class in pony warfare.

A Soldier's Memoirs Saga
The Griffon War | Skyfall | Treason | Everfree | Overture
Retribution

Some time has passed since the Griffon War ended and the Equestrian Army returned home. Peace and harmony has returned to the land. But war changes everything—even when that is war itself. From the ashes of the old military traditions, Skyfall Team is born. Luna's experimental group seems promising: tactical, advanced, intelligent, and powerful—and about to be put to the test, when the Royal Family is threatened from their own home. With little information to go on and short of time, Skyfall Team's trial by fire may leave the Royal Family in terrible danger that could cost them their lives.

Published 2012-12-13 01:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-09 22:53:31 UTC

Chapter 1: Genesis

Skyfall

By: Dusk Quill

"Only the dead have seen the end of war." — George Santayana

The guards opened the doors to the castle as a pony rushed up the stairs, eager to get out of the rain. The pony trotted into the warm foyer, tossing his water-drenched hood from his head and looking around. Nopony he recognized was around. Just a few guards stood at their posts. He pulled out the letter from Captain Fleethoof he had gotten a few days ago, summoning him to the castle on this day, at this exact date and time. Was he late?

“Valiant?”

A voice caught the pony’s attention, turning to the escort of Lunar Guards that were approaching him. He had never seen Luna’s personal guards before. He nodded. “That’s me.”

“Follow us. They’re expecting you.”

They? he thought quizzically, but shrugged and followed the soldiers anyway. He was sure to find out in a minute.

The guards led him up the large staircase in the foyer, up to the second floor. Valiant had never been to the higher levels of the castle before, only ever to the throne room and courtyards on the ground level, and that had been after the war ended five months ago. He was led down a hallway, rounding a corner around to the backside of the castle. No windows lined these corridors, and only hanging chandeliers illuminated the hall. They must have been alongside the mountain.

The soldiers came to a black wrought-iron gate oddly set in the wall. Valiant looked curiously at his escorts as they opened the gate and ushered him inside a small room. Oh well, he’d come this far…

Stepping through the gate and into the room, Valiant waited. There were no other exits to this room. The ceiling, floor, and walls were paneled in wood, and a lever sat near the gate. A soldier stood beside the lever.

“One more,” somepony called, and another escort approached, leading a second pony into the tiny room.

Valiant recognized this pony from his past. “Hey, Corporal Sharp Shot. What are you doing here?”

“It’s Sergeant now, actually,” Sharp Shot said with a proud grin, and looked over the pegasus at his side. “I could ask you the same. You seem to be doing much better. Not bleeding all over the place, at least. Did they give you any physical therapy?”

“No, just a long time on bed rest,” said Valiant. “The bullet didn’t do any real bad damage to me, so once I was fixed up, I was pretty much good to go.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re back all ri—whoa!” Sharp Shot stumbled and flattened himself against the wall as the room began to shift and shake.

Valiant nearly lost his balance as well, looking around to see what had happened. The guard had pulled the lever down, and the gate had disappeared above them. The room was moving. The room was moving. Valiant almost couldn’t believe his eyes. What sort of contraptions were Canterlot technicians coming up with these days?

The ride didn’t last too long, and before either of them knew it, the stone disappeared from the open side and became glass. Bright light flooded into the elevator from dozens of overhanging lights. They lit up the large chamber they had descended into perfectly.

The chamber was stark white from floor to ceiling. Rows upon rows of metal tables filled one side of the room, ponies of all varieties working at each and every one of them. Targets had been set up on the other side of the room behind a wall of protective glass, resembling a shooting range. Ponies stood behind the wooden barricades, firing off weapons at the targets downrange. A massive machine sat up against the far wall, a map of Equestria and the outlying lands projected onto its screen. A few doors dotted the walls at odd intervals, and a large metal one resembling a vault sat at the opposite end of the room.

Valiant and Sharp Shot stared in wonder at the sights before them, their noses nearly pressed to the glass. A feeling of splendor and curiosity took the pegasus, his eyes darting every which way to take every last detail in. As the elevator gradually approached the floor, the glass became another gate—and Princess Luna stood on the other side of it. The guard in the elevator opened the gate for the two shocked ponies, and the smiling princess welcomed them with a wave of her hoof.

“Welcome, Valiant and Sharp Shot,” she greeted, nodding to both of them. “Follow me please. Everypony else is waiting for us.”

The two ponies exchanged a look of shock and awe before slowly trotting out of the elevator. They followed behind Luna, still looking around them, taking it all in. The ponies working at the tables and ranges all wore white coats bearing an emblem Valiant hadn’t seen before. They were testing bullets, weapons, and an assortment of other things he didn’t recognize.

Princess Luna led the two awestruck soldiers across the room to a set of varnished wood doors, opening them with her magic, and stepping inside with her followers in tow. The room was lavishly furnished, with a crystal chandelier hanging over an elliptical table. Three other ponies sat around the table, and Captain Fleethoof stood at the head, dossiers stacked six high in front of him. He turned and smiled at the ponies, nodding his head to Luna as she took a seat at the opposite end.

“It’s good to see you again, Valiant, Sharp Shot,” Fleethoof said to them, looking across to the other ponies. “Now that we’re all here, allow me to introduce you to one another, and explain why you were called here.”

Fleethoof lifted and opened the first dossier, skimming over it quickly.

“Now when I say your name, just stand up and I'll tell you what got you here and what we're going to be doing. Sergeant Valiant, pointpony and support.”

“Um, that’s Private still, Fleethoof—er, sir,” Valiant said.

“Oh, you didn’t receive your decorations? That’s irritating. My mistake.” Fleethoof pulled out the badge and patch of the sergeant rank and slid them down the table to Valiant. “There we are. Now you're Sergeant Valiant.”

Valiant was stunned speechless for a second, staring down at the badge for a while. He didn’t even notice as the other ponies began to clap for him. He looked up at Fleethoof, seeing him motion for him to rise. He slowly stood up.

“Sergeant Sharp Shot…” the captain continued, and the unicorn rose to his hooves. “Sharpshooter... The name says it all. I'm giving you fair warning now, Sergeant, keep the sarcastic remarks in check, okay?”

“Oh, because I’m so sarcastic all the time,” Sharp Shot remarked with a roll of his eyes, returning to his seat.

“Was that the sarcasm or disregard?” Fleethoof asked with a joking smirk.

“I’ll let you guess, Captain.”

Fleethoof chuckled and opened the next folder.

“Specialist Blue Shield,” Fleethoof called out, and a pale lavender unicorn pony stood up next. “Field triage and medical skills.”

Valiant looked over at Blue Shield—and the memories hit him. He had been in a fog at that time, but it was ringing bells now. Blue Shield had been the pony who patched him up and kept him stable when he’d gotten shot in the Griffon War.

Fleethoof opened the next folder and froze, rereading the name a few times. “Sergeant Cupcake…?”

The largest pony in the group stood up. He was a chestnut Earth pony, and the picture perfect testament to the Earth pony strength. The pony was built like a tank, with muscles that made everypony else feel inexplicably weaker. Even Fleethoof stared at the pony, taken aback.

“Okay, I have to ask… is Cupcake really your name?”

“Yes, it is my name,” replied Cupcake, his voice deep and words slowly drawn out, a heavy Northern Equestrian accent tinting his tone.

“How did you get that as your name?” Sharp Shot asked, resting his chin on his hoof as he mulled that question over.

“It is name my parents give to me. My parents were bakers. They always want foal who would follow in their hoofsteps. They had me instead. I say no to pastry chef life, and I go be soldier, to fight for Equestria.”

“Didn’t you ever want to change your name?” Sharp Shot continued to ask. “I mean, Cupcake doesn’t even fit a pony like you. Cupcake doesn’t fit anypony in the Guard.”

“It is name my mother choose, and I love my mother,” Cupcake said, his eyes narrowing a little as he glared at Sharp Shot. “And I hurt any who make fun of my name. They laugh at me, but I have yet to see pony who can laugh at bullet.”

Sharp Shot reclined back in his seat, shutting up almost instantly. Fleethoof was impressed by the amount of intimidation it had to take to get Sharp Shot of all ponies to shut his mouth.

“Anyway… Sergeant Cupcake, demolitionist,” Fleethoof began, looking back at the dossier in his hooves. “So what weapons were you trained to use, Sergeant?”

“All Army would give me was little tiny rifle. I say no, give me bigger gun. They say there is no bigger gun,” Cupcake said, looking down at his hooves as he told his story. “So I use two rifles instead of one. I kill twice as many griffons, and is more fun that way.”

“Okay, well…” remarked Fleethoof, running a hoof through his mane nervously and chuckling under his breath. “I think we might be able to fix that problem for you, Cupcake.”

Cupcake’s eyes lit up. “You have bigger gun here?”

“Now now, one thing at a time,” Fleethoof said, holding up the penultimate folder. “We still have one last pony to meet. Corporal Lightning Flash, support and recon.”

The final pony stood up, a smoky gray Earth pony, smaller and thinner than the rest of the ponies.

“I am Captain Fleethoof. Several of you have met me before. For those of you that haven’t, I’m one of Equestria’s most recent and most promising captains, specialized in command and special operations, and I'll be your leader here. I also like long walks on the beach and sunsets,” Fleethoof introduced himself, tossing the last file aside with a crooked grin and looking across the table at everypony. “All right, now that we’ve all been introduced, I’m sure you’re wondering two things: where the hell are we, and what are we doing here?”

A few chuckles were heard, and a few nods were given. Luna smiled at him, nodding and encouraging him to continue.

“As you heard in the reports, everypony at this table is specialized in their areas of expertise: marksmanship, support, demolitions, medicine, recon, and command. You are all the best of the best in your fields,” explained Fleethoof. “You have been specifically selected for your talents and abilities to join a new group Princess Luna and I have formed. This group will not be officially recognized by Equestria’s military, nor will we be publicly revered or our actions acknowledged. The only ponies who will ever know what we do are ourselves and those directly involved with us, such as the princesses, some of the Guard, and any other officials on a need-to-know basis.”

“And what exactly does this group do, Captain?” Valiant asked.

“Anything Equestria requires us to in order to secure her safety,” Fleethoof said, taking a moment to let that sink into his audience. “Special ops and black ops missions do not have a specific definition. We could be doing infiltration, extraction, espionage, assassination, or destabilization. We do whatever we have to in order to prevent another full scale war from breaking out.”

“You said ‘black ops’,” said Sharp Shot, an uncharacteristic tone of uncertainty in his voice. “Does that mean what we’re doing won’t be legal?”

“Strictly speaking, it isn’t entirely illegal, but some tasks won't be completely ethical,” Princess Luna simplified.

“Ponies of Equestria, they are fragile creatures,” Cupcake said in agreement, staring blankly into space as he spoke. “They do not understand sacrifice we must make to keep them safe.”

“We will be peacekeepers, more than anything, but not everypony will acknowledge it that way. That is why what we do must be kept in the dark.” Fleethoof paused again before adding, “This is the first ever outfit of its kind to exist in Equestria’s history. War is changing, gentlecolts, and we must adapt with it to ensure our survival. We are all prototypes, experiments in this new class of warfare. I will understand if not everypony is comfortable with this kind of work, which is why I’m giving you the option to walk away now and forget this ever happened. But if you’d like to serve Equestria on this new front, feel free to stay.”

Silence took over the room. The ponies seated at the table looked around at one another, waiting to see who would stay and who would go. Nopony moved, and Luna’s smile grew wider. Fleethoof nodded, a small smile of his own playing at the corners of his mouth.

“I’ll stay,” Valiant spoke up first. “If there’s a way I can better serve Equestria, I’m all for it.”

“I guess that means I’m in too,” said Sharp Shot with an indifferent shrug. “Somepony’s gotta look out for this colt. Plus I’m curious to see where this goes…”

Cupcake slammed his hooves down on the table, looking at Fleethoof in the eye.

“To me, there is no dishonor in job like this,” he said loudly. “It is good idea. Few ponies break rules to keep many ponies safe. I will play this game—as long as I get bigger gun.”

Fleethoof chuckled under his breath, flashing his teeth in an amused grin. His gaze turned to the only two remaining ponies, waiting for their answer with bated breath. Blue Shield sighed, and spoke first.

“I suppose it will be better to work for this group than the Guard. If this team does their job successfully, it will mean mine will be for naught if the soldiers aren’t fighting,” he said, reasoning with himself, and slowly nodded. “Yes, I’ll join. If these jobs are exceptionally dangerous, you’ll need somepony who knows how to close a wound. Besides, Valiant is here, and he has a tendency to get hurt.”

“One time!” Valiant cried out, throwing his hooves up in an exasperated manner. “Why is everypony bringing that up? Sheesh!”

“Now now, play nice,” Fleethoof teased, looking to Lightning Flash lastly. The Earth pony just stared at the table, uncertainty clouding his eyes.

“These missions…” he said, pausing as he formed his sentences in his mind. “… they are very dangerous, right? Life threatening? Like, there’s a very real possibility we won’t come back from some?”

“That’s always a possibility, Corporal. Even in war, there’s that lingering danger.”

“I don’t like the thought of doing something behind Equestria’s back like this… but I guess the world’s changing, huh? There’s a need for somepony to do this…” Lightning muttered, pausing for a moment again. “If I won’t, somepony will… whether I agree with it or not. It needs to be done.”

He looked up at Captain Fleethoof. “I joined the Guard to be a part of something bigger than myself. This is even bigger than the Guard. All right, Captain. I’m in.”

Fleethoof nodded, and looked to Luna, a smile on his face. The princess had a satisfactory expression, clearly proud of her plan thus far. Everything had come together well so far.

“Gentlecolts, welcome to Fireteam Skyfall,” said Fleethoof, looking between every face. “Let me show you around your new playground.”

The ponies meandered through the bright room, gawking at the expanse around them. The underground hall was huge, with the ceiling and walls stretching far and high around them. There was so much open space, it definitely didn’t feel like they were beneath Canterlot Castle.

They walked alongside the long rows of shiny metal tables, looking over everything that lay across them. Several tables were dedicated to different types of bullets, small brass casings of all shapes and sizes covering their surfaces. Another had parts of guns and metals, clearly experimenting with the different alloys. The rest had odd shaped devices and tools.

The group came to a stop as a unicorn in a gray tartan sweater approached them. He smiled as he approached Fleethoof, and the two embraced, the pony adjusting his thin glasses when they finally pulled away.

“Everypony, this is Quarter Master,” Fleethoof introduced the stallion. “He was the head of weapons research and development for the Royal Guard. Now he puts his brains to work exclusively for us, because apparently he likes us better.”

“Well, with Princess Luna at the head of the military, free reign over my creations, and twice the military budget as before, how could I resist?” Quarter Master remarked. “Hello, Skyfall Team. I’m very excited to be working hooves-on with all of you. But please, do be gentle with your new equipment—more so than Captain Fleethoof here was…”

“I know, I know, and I’m still sorry,” Fleethoof said in apology with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “I really didn’t mean to lose your prototype, but when you’re fighting an insane tyrant in midair, holding on to your gun gets a little tricky.”

“Just be thankful I had all my notes and designs still,” Quarter poked teasingly. “Thank you for your feedback, by the way. We just sent the first batch of guns out to the Guard.”

“It was a pleasure to work with such a beautiful weapon,” replied the captain, then turned back to his team. “And speaking of beautiful weapons, Quarter Master and his team have presents for us.”

Everypony’s expressions visibly lifted, their eyes lighting up with interest. Fleethoof was reminded of foals on Hearth’s Warming Eve. It made him chuckle.

“Quarter Master has made us all new sidearms, and his team will be working with us to design new primary weapons for us to use,” he continued to explain. “Listen to the researchers closely. They know what they have, and what they can do for you. A lot of the pieces are already here, you just need to create your own gun. Have fun!”

The ponies split apart, heading off with a scientist of their own to separate tables. Fleethoof smiled, and looked back to Quarter Master. The unicorn returned his smile.

“So I guess I’ll be working with you, Captain,” said Quarter. “Shall we begin with a gun that has two straps, so you won’t lose it?”

“Har har,” Fleethoof mockingly laughed, his tone dry. “Actually, I know exactly what I want.”

Chapter 2: Scars and Souvenirs

A few evenings later found Fleethoof standing out on one of the castle’s terraces, overlooking the city of Canterlot. A full moon cast the entire skyline in a veil of silvery light. The magical city already looked majestic on its own accord, but now it looked like something out of a fairy tale. Lights from windows dotted the dark sporadically, and the distant sounds of music and scents of flowers and food filled the air. A cool breeze chilled the nighttime air. The Running of the Leaves had been only a couple weeks ago, but already the temperature was shifting south, turning towards winter.

Fleethoof barely noticed the coolness surrounding him. His thoughts were miles away, his mind occupied by his new responsibilities. For the past few days, his team had been training so rigorously. From dawn till dusk, they would run the obstacle course again and again and again, switching it up with a few sessions at the shooting range to get used to their new sidearms. He had been right about loving his pistol. The gun was as smooth to handle as silk.

So far, everything had been so promising. But it was still enjoyable to take the evenings to himself and reflect in the tranquility of the night. He loved the moon and the stars and the serenity. Even when the weather was cold, he still sat out at nights, quietly contemplating. But now, the cool air was making his wing ache, Fleethoof's face scrunching in discomfort as he rolled the joint and stretched the limb.

“Good evening, Captain.”

Fleethoof looked back over his shoulder in surprise at the sudden voice. He recognized the soft tone, and smiled as Cadance wandered onto the terrace to join him. He retracted his wing back against his body, making room for her to stand beside him.

“Good evening, Princess,” he replied, bowing his head slightly in respectful reflex. “What brings you out tonight?”

“I could ask you the same,” she said, smiling at him as she leaned against the balustrade. “I didn’t expect you to stay around Canterlot after the war ended.”

“Is my presence that much of a disappointment to you?” Fleethoof asked teasingly, making the princess laugh.

“I never expected a pegasus pony to like living among unicorns so much.” Her words were gentle, and her voice warm, as always. “I would’ve guessed you’d return home to Cloudsdale.”

He shrugged. “I like Canterlot just fine. It’s a beautiful old city. Plus it’s convenient with my job.”

“And what job is that?” Cadance looked at him with a tilt of her head.

Fleethoof froze, his mouth partially open in a stopped sentence. He couldn’t tell her about Skyfall Team, not yet. It was still very much on a need-to-know basis, as dictated by Luna—and Cadance wasn’t on that basis. He didn’t want to get her in trouble or endanger her.

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you.”

Cadance’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Why not?”

“I just can’t,” Fleethoof repeated softly. “Just trust me, Cadance. If I could tell you, I would. But right now, it’s better if you don’t know.”

Cadance was silent and still for a few long moments. Fleethoof could see the calculations going on behind her eyes. She was trying to work out his cryptic message.

“Is it dangerous?” she asked, concern coloring her voice. She was getting warm.

“When have I ever done something that wasn’t dangerous?” Fleethoof jokingly retorted, a crooked smile on his face.

“Touché,” Cadance murmured in agreement, looking away for a moment. “Well, whatever it is, just promise you’ll be careful.”

Fleethoof raised one hoof and crossed his chest with the other. “Cross my heart.”

“Good.” Cadance looked back out over the Canterlot skyline again. “You don’t have bandages on your wing anymore.”

A chuckle came from the pegasus. “No, they came off a little while ago.”

“But it’s still bothering you.” Her words weren’t a question. Her eyes turned back to his. “Isn’t it?”

“I’m fine,” he lied.

As if trying to prove him to be a liar to the princess, a sudden twinge went off in his wing. His body tensed up, and he grit his teeth as he flexed the muscle out in it again. Cadance looked at him with worry, Fleethoof raising a hoof to show he was all right. Taking a few deep breaths, he let the ache subside before resting his wing against his side again. His secret was out.

“How long?” she asked.

“About a month now, on and off. It’s been getting worse each time.” He stared down at the stonework beneath his hooves, unable to look at her now.

“Fleethoof, you can’t be doing any dangerous job in your condition. You’ll get yourself killed.”

“I’m fine,” muttered Fleethoof.

“Have you been to see a doctor?”

“Two.” His words were short, terse with the effort of keeping the pain out of his expression. “They told me it was residual from by broken wing, and that it’ll pass in time.”

“I think you should go see a specialist.”

“No.”

Cadance was taken off guard by his quick rejection. “Fleethoof, if you’re in pain, you need to have somepony look at it.”

“I’m not going to have somepony else tell me something’s wrong with me, and that I can’t do my job, when clearly I still can,” he said, straightening back up. “Please, Princess, you can't tell anypony about this. I can handle it on my own.”

Cadance was quiet for a moment, clearly conflicted between moralities. Finally, she nodded.

“Okay…” she said softly. “If you promise to go see a specialist at least once.”

Fleethoof rolled his eyes and huffed a sigh. “Cadance—”

“If you won’t do it for you, do it for me,” she cut in quickly, making it very clear she wasn't going to drop the matter. “I want to know you’re okay when you’re doing whatever it is you can’t tell me you’re doing.”

Finally looked back up at the princess, Fleethoof had been prepared to refuse her deal. But then his eyes met hers. He could see the pleading look in those purple irises. They begged him to protect himself. She still cared. Something inside him broke, and despite his instinct reaction, he nodded assent.

“Okay…” he spoke, barely above a whisper. “But please, Cadance, not a word to anypony. I can’t be taken out of duty. I’ll go mad if I’m stuck sitting around for the rest of my life.”

A gentle smile touched Cadance’s lips as she nodded this time. Fleethoof pulled the princess into a tight hug. He always felt he could be himself around her, even though they were worlds apart. Well, not so much worlds anymore, now that he was a top-ranking officer. Being around Cadance just felt… normal.

“So what can you tell me about your job?” she asked when they finally pulled apart.

Fleethoof looked out at Canterlot for a second before his gaze settled on her again. “I’m protecting Equestria. I’m always protecting Equestria.”

“That’s not much,” Cadance noted with a laugh, “That’s like me saying I’m being a princess.”

“Is that not what you do? And here I was under the impression you actually did something with that title…”

His sarcastic remark earned Fleethoof a playful shove from the alicorn. He chuckled. She had obviously either dealt with teenagers or ponies like him before. He could tell by the look in her eyes, and the way she behaved. Sarcasm was not a foreign language to her.

“As a matter of fact, my new role includes more than just sitting on a throne or kissing newborn foals,” said Cadance in humored reply .

Fleethoof’s attention was peaked. “What new job is this?”

“It’s a secret.” Her words were mocking him, teasing him with a little smile as they played on what he had used mere moments before.

“Princess…”

“It’s nothing exciting. More diplomatic missions, spreading love, improving relations,” she said. “But I’ll be able to see new places. That’s exciting, right?”

“The last time you went somewhere, you were kidnapped,” Fleethoof reminded her, his eyes dark with concern. “I found you four days later, chained up in a tower in the middle of a warzone.”

“It’s different this time. There’s no war going on.”

She was right, but a lingering doubt still worried the captain.

“Just promise me you’ll try to stay safer than last time.”

“You promised me, so I promise you I’ll be okay,” Cadance vowed, crossing her chest this time with a smile. “Cross my heart.”

Fleethoof smiled back, but couldn’t shake his worry. He’d seen the world, and though he wanted to believe it was all good intentions and sunshine, he knew a precaution was better than a hope. He had lost enough friends. Cadance was not one he was willing to risk.

The pale, white color of the examination room didn’t help Fleethoof feel any better. He was already dreading his decision to come here in the first place. Seeking medical attention felt like admitting a sign of weakness. He couldn’t afford to be weak now. But he had made a promise to Cadance, and though he wanted to get out as fast as possible, he wanted to be a stallion of his word even more.

The doctor had already come in and examined his wing where it had been fractured. New x-rays had been taken, and were compared to the originals when he’d had his wing set in a cast. Everything had healed properly—at least that’s what the other doctors had said. Now he put his trust in a wing and vertebrae specialist in Cloudsdale General Hospital.

Fleethoof sighed and looked around the room at the various charts and instruments everywhere. He felt very uncomfortable. Nothing made sense to him around here, and that frightened him even more. Terrifying thoughts of being forced into discharge ran rampant through his head, of his career ending right at its dawn. He couldn’t handle that. Being ordained into normalcy would drive him insane.

His hooves beat absent-mindedly against the exam table as he waited. How long had he been here? There wasn’t a clock in the room. That was most likely deliberate. The suspense was making him stir-crazy. He just wanted to know what was going on with him. His wing began to ache very subtly. He rubbed along the length of it, soothing the pain. He couldn’t feel any abnormality that would’ve come with a complicated recovery. What was going on?

The door opened then, and a pegasus in a white coat floated inside, shutting the door behind her. She looked up at Fleethoof, massaging his wing, and gave him a concerned look.

“Is your wing bothering you again, Fleethoof?” she asked.

He nodded slowly. “… Yeah.”

“How bad is it?” the doctor asked, coming closer and feeling along the length of his wing for herself. “On a scale of one to ten, ten being the worst.”

“It’s a one, maybe a two right now. Just an ache, really.”

“Well, your x-rays came back clean,” she said, placing the film on a light board to show him. “The fractures from your initial injury healed perfectly fine. That’s good news. But that also means there’s some bad news too.”

Fleethoof looked up at the mare in worry. Those were the words he had been dreading.

“What does that mean?” he asked, plain and simple.

“Well, it means the pain isn’t being caused by something skeletal, but by something muscular or neural in your wing,” she continued to explain to him. “Your wing was pretty badly damaged when you came back from the war. It had been fractured in multiple places and the muscles torn when it was dislocated. It’ll be almost impossible to definitively diagnose it as either problem, and if it’s muscular it could heal slowly on its own with rest—or it could be a long-term issue.”

Again, Fleethoof looked up in worry, feeling his heart drop. “Long-term? You mean, permanent?”

The doctor nodded sympathetically. “Unfortunately, yes. And if it’s the nerves that are damaged, then that is permanent. Wings are very delicate, after all, Mister Fleethoof. You’re very lucky it was salvaged at all.”

Fleethoof didn’t feel very lucky. It was almost like a cruel joke. He’d survived the war in one piece only to find out he was more badly hurt than ever. He could feel his stomach knotting up. He wanted to cry. It wasn’t fair.

“How do I deal with this?” he asked grimly. He could feel the hope slipping past his grasp like sand. “If this is forever, it’s going to get… worse… isn’t it?”

“Possibly. We can’t give you a definite yes or no to that either. But I’m going to prescribe you some painkillers to help you deal with the aching. I want you to come back in for a check-up in a few weeks. If your pain has subsided or intensified, then we’ll have a more accurate idea of what we’re dealing with. In the meantime, you should still be able to fly. Just don’t try to carry more than your own weight, or strain yourself too much. Just take it easy.”

Biting his lip, Fleethoof nodded slowly. The mare scribbled something down, and then handed him his prescription. He took it with shaking hooves, staring blankly into space.

“It’s a good thing you’re not on active duty anymore,” the doctor remarked with a laugh. “Your wing will be able to rest just fine. Stay safe, Mister Fleethoof! See you in a month!”

And with that, she left the room. Fleethoof continued to sit on the exam table, staring blankly at the cloud floor. He was in trouble, and he knew it. His breathing was shallow, and he felt nauseous. This was it. His career was over.

No, there had to be a way out of this…

He looked down at his prescription. The name was recognizable. It was a powerful painkiller, the kind they had offered for his broken wing, but he’d initially refused. It was almost ironic now, but the humor of the situation was lost to his dread.

Finally, he got off the table and made his way out of the hospital. Fleethoof got his prescription and was out of the hospital in a heartbeat. All he could do now was hope and pray. But he was a pony of action, not of faith, and waiting did not come easy to him.

Popping a pill into his mouth to dull the sudden stinging he felt in his wing, he dared to let himself hope. Hope that he wouldn’t be crippled, and that this would blow over. If not, his career was dead in the water.

"Fleethoof?"

The sound of his name being called over muffled gunshots snapped Fleethoof out of his daze. Ever since he had gotten the news about his wing, he found himself slipping in and out of conscious thought, lost to the worry of his own predicament. He looked around with quick snaps of his head. He was in Skyfall's shooting range, staring down at a target a few meters downrange. Beside him, Valiant was staring at him, concern darkening his eyes. How long had he just been standing there?

"Huh? Oh, sorry, Valiant. I must have spaced out," Fleethoof said in apology, feeling his cheeks warm and ears flatten against his head. "Were you saying something?"

"I was just asking if you were okay," said Valiant. "You've been acting sort of strange lately, Captain."

Fleethoof mentally kicked himself for making his worries so visible. "I'm fine, Valiant. And you can call me Fleethoof. We're all the same here in Skyfall."

"You'd let us know if something was bothering you, right?" Valiant's question struck a nerve within the captain. His friends were looking out for his well-being. It made him smile a little, but the anxiety that resonated from the pain in his left wing killed the sentiment almost immediately. He made a silent vow to keep an eye on how frequently he zoned out like that.

"Yeah, I would."

Valiant nodded once, and then turned back to his lane in the range. Fleethoof looked down at the rifle in his hands. Quarter Master's team had recently finished their weapons, and Skyfall was still practicing and getting used to them—breaking their toys in, so to speak. Fleethoof had to hand it to the unicorn, he knew how to design a weapon. Fleethoof's gun was identical to the previous model he had used in the Griffon War, with some modifications to the form and sights. Most strikingly, the gun was completely covered in a matte black finish, and boasted the captain's cutie mark engraved into the side.

Fleethoof lifted the gun and fired a few more rounds into his target. He watched the paper recoil in the air as each one penetrated its surface. He loved this weapon, as well as the pistols and other equipment Quarter Master has fashioned for his team. Valiant's lane erupted in a series of gunfire as he began peppering his target with his new gun, the larger caliber rifle booming ostensibly loudly beside him. Further down the range, Lightning Flash and Cupcake were examining their new weapons. Both ponies had received completely new designs, with Flash's being a compact submachine gun for easy use, while Cupcake had gotten his request of a massive machine gun. Fleethoof had to admit, whenever he heard that gun start up, the thunderous hailstorm of bullets it produced even scared him. He was very thankful Cupcake was on their side.

A loud crack came from the far end of the range. Sharp Shot was sighting in his new rifle as well. The pony had been as giddy as a foal on Hearth's Warming when he saw what Quarter Master had produced for him. Ever since then, all of Sharp's time went into caring and upkeep on it, never once leaving his side. Fleethoof was fairly certain the pony slept with it at night too. The mental image made him chuckle internally.

Despite the equipment and devices being manufactured for them by the week, Skyfall still had yet to be put into action—something Fleethoof took as both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it meant that he could have plenty of time to rest and recuperate if his wing was only slightly damaged. On the other, it meant they had literally nothing to do but spend brass on the range, or run their obstacle course, or spar with one another for hours at a time. Not that practice wasn't a benefit, but Fleethoof had never liked the downtime between actions. The waiting was what killed him.

"Do you think we'll be getting our first mission soon, Captain?" Valiant asked as he reloaded his rifle beside Fleethoof. The captain could only shake his head.

"I don't know, Valiant..."

"I hope so. I really want to put ourselves to the test!"

"In due time, Sergeant," said Fleethoof, bringing his rifle to bear as he took aim at his target. "In due time."

“Well, the good news is that it doesn’t seem like the damage has gotten any worse.” The doctor’s words were soothing to Fleethoof’s soul.

“That’s very, very good news,” Fleethoof said, allowing himself to smile and breathe a sigh of relief.

However, the doctor hesitated, gently pressing different points along Fleethoof’s wing from base to tip. “Does this hurt at all? Anywhere?”

“Just discomfort and aches, but it doesn’t hurt as badly as before.”

“I think it was mostly muscle tissue and tendon damage that hadn’t healed yet,” the pony explained, continuing to examine the pegasus’ wing, watching whenever he would tense up. “But it does look like there’s been some nerve damage.”

Fleethoof felt his good mood die in an instant. “What does that mean?”

“It means that your wing will never fully recover the strength it once had. You may notice a drop in wing power and flight stamina. It will probably continue to ache, and it may hurt again if you do anything too strenuous to it. So no racing, no lifting heavy weights, and no daredevil stunts.”

“But I’ll still be able to fly all right, right?” He held his breath, his most vital question out in the air.

“Yes, you should still be able to fly normally, or as close to normally as before. Just be careful with what you do,” the doctor said, filling out his chart with quick strokes and checks. “If you hurt your wing any further, you may cause even more irreparable damage. I’m going to keep you on a painkiller regiment to deal with the long-term pain. Nothing addictive, just enough to soothe it on a regular basis. If it starts hurting again, come back and see us.”

Fleethoof nodded, feeling a strange combination of relief and despair. On the one hoof, he was still able to fly, albeit at less his previous capability. But on the other, his wing would never heal. He would always bear the scar, just as he bore the thin silver line across his chest from his other brush with death. Reality came crashing down on him. If he wasn’t careful, he could cripple his wing for good—and then he would be grounded for life. Fleethoof shuddered at that prospect.

“How long will I need to be on medication?”

“If I’m honest… probably the rest of your life,” the doctor answered earnestly, pursing her lips momentarily. “You can take them as you need to deal with the pain, but the damage done was fairly bad. Your wing will probably always feel that residual pain.”

Fleethoof stared blankly down at the floor. The news was bittersweet. It was worse than he had hoped for, but better than he had feared. He’d be able to fly, but at the cost of handicapping himself.

“I’m sorry.”

He nodded slowly. “Yeah, me too…”

Looks like I’m going to have to rely on my hooves more, he thought ruefully as he left the hospital.

Fleethoof. His name had never been more accurate.

Chapter 3: Monsters in the Night

The next few months passed by in long weeks of rigorous training, keeping themselves as fit as possible. Their accuracy with their weapons became more lethal the more they grew accustomed to the firearms, and their hoof-to-hoof combat was without rival. Fleethoof had nearly perfected his form when throwing a knife, and Sharp Shot had developed a faster method for speed reloading. Everypony aced every single test and met every goal they set for themselves. The obstacle course attained several new records. They were prepared.

Fireteam Skyfall was ready to spring into action in a moment’s notice.

But they trained more than just their bodies. Book after book on military history and intelligence went between ponies. Previous criminal cases were examined, testing each member’s observance and mental deduction. The strength of their minds was trained as hard as their bodies.

Princess Luna would stop by, overseeing the progress of her experiment. With Shining Armor busy with his new job, and Cadance away on her travels, all Fleethoof had to pour his attention into was his team. But as time went on, the preoccupation of Shining Armor and the presence of more guards around Canterlot began to stir the captain’s suspicions. Over time, where one guard patrolled, soon two appeared, then three, and soon after, four. Security was being tightened.

Princess Celestia became less frequently seen about the city as well. Luna became more visibly distressed with each passing week. Fleethoof wasn’t the only one who was aware of the changes. The rest of Skyfall Team approached him, questioning why there were more soldiers in the castle and on the streets, and why the princesses were becoming ghosts.

For the time, Fleethoof let it pass. His team was under enough pressure with their constant preparations, he didn’t need to burden them with the worries of royalty.

The days passed into nights, and the nights were as quiet and peaceful as ever. The warm summer weather had returned, and the Summer Sun Celebration had come and passed. Fleethoof could hardly believe it had been over a year since he had set out from the docks of Baltimare for war. Over a year since the violence and the death.

Bang!

Fleethoof was snapped back into reality by the sound of gunfire. Valiant and Cupcake stood down the range beside him, practicing with their weapons. He stared downrange at the silhouette target in front of him. His hooves grasped his rifle tighter, lifting it and aiming down the sights at his target.

He fired one shot, and then two, then three and four. The shots kept firing until the magazine ran dry. The range officer brought the target back to the captain in a blaze of magic. The bullet holes lay clustered around the head and upper torso on the pony silhouette, with only a few straying wide by inches.

“Hey, not bad, Captain,” Valiant said with a nod, jamming a fresh magazine into his own weapon.

“Thanks. You’re doing pretty good yourself, hotshot.” Fleethoof smirked and flexed his wing, stretching the numbed muscles.

“You okay, Fleethoof?”

He nodded. “Oh yeah, my wing just fell asleep.”

Valiant nodded, and pulled the action back on his rifle, chambering his first round. Fleethoof set his weapon aside and picked up his pistol, sending a new target downrange.

“Hey, Captain… what’s going on with the princesses? Is it something we should be worried about?”

“They haven’t involved us yet, Valiant,” said Fleethoof coolly, pulling the slide back on his gun. “I’m guessing it isn’t something to be worried about.”

“But you are still worried, aren’t you?”

Fleethoof didn’t respond. He cast a sideways glance at his friend and teammate, the expression on his face response enough. Valiant nodded slowly.

“Will you talk to Princess Luna? I mean, she is our boss, right? If it’s something we should know about, she’d tell us, right?”

Fleethoof nodded slowly, then brought his handgun to bear. “All right, Valiant. I’ll talk to Luna.”

Bang! Bang!

Fleethoof stood out on the balcony of his chambers, staring up at the nighttime sky, and across the darkened gardens of Canterlot Castle. Princess Luna had very generously offered him permanent accommodations in the castle, providing him a place to live in the city for his job. The rest of Skyfall Team either lived in the castle as well, or within the city limits.

Despite their readiness, the lasting peace after the armistice had proved to be effective. No dangers threatened Equestria, and there was no need for his unit—not yet. Not that he prayed for a catastrophe, of course. But it would have been nice to have something useful to do with their time.

As if his mind had been read, the sound of glass shattering came from the hall outside of his room. Fleethoof turned sharply on his hooves, staring intensely at the door as he listened closely. No other sound was heard. He dropped from the balustrade and cantered back into his room. He grabbed his handgun from the nightstand and slowly opened his door, peeking out into the dark hallway.

Many of the candles had been extinguished, only a few dimly lighting the corridor. A few doors down, Fleethoof could see the smashed window, shards of glass littering the carpet. He stepped hastily out of his room, quickly approaching the broken glass and looking down the hall, his tactical light illuminating the dark passageway. There was no projectile—it was a break-in. Nopony was there. They must have gone around the corner.

Fleethoof quickly ran to the turn in the hall, pressing his back to the wall from habit and peeking around the corner, just in time to see somepony in a cloak disappear around a corner down the other end. He took off down the corridor, his hoofsteps muted and silent against the soft carpet. He peered around the corner again, seeing the pony up ahead. The intruder approached a patrolling soldier from behind, grabbing him and snapping the pony’s neck before taking his rifle.

“Hey! Stop!” Fleethoof shouted, turning the corner and drawing down on the pony.

The cloaked pony glanced back at him, and then took off like a bolt of lightning down the hall. Fleethoof took aim, but the pony rounded another corner before he could squeeze off a shot. He grit his teeth and rushed off after the intruder, skidding around the corner. The pony was hauling tail through the castle, heading right for…

The princesses!

Fleethoof had to move faster. He ran after the pony, firing two shots blindly, hoping to scare and trip him up. The shots went wide, and the pony just kept running. The gunfire attracted the attention of the castle security though. Guards ran in behind and in front of the chase, joining in. The pony fired a shot from the hip, striking one of the stallions in the leg and toppling him to the floor. The pony continued and barreled through the blockade, unhindered as he galloped away. Fleethoof took to the air, flying over the ponies as they stood stupefied.

“Stop, right now! Stay where you are!”

They weren’t far from the princess’ private chambers now. They rounded another corner, the captain hot on the intruder’s tail. One more chance. He stopped and took quick aim, firing two rounds. He was rewarded with a choking cry from the pony, and the figure tumbled and collapsed to the ground in a heap.

The guards finally came around the corner, catching up as Fleethoof approached the body. He held up a hoof, not wanting anypony to come closer if the intruder was still alive and armed. He stepped cautiously alongside the crumpled mess, slowly leaning down, and then jerking the cloak off. The pony’s body lay broken on the floor, blood staining the carpet beneath him. He didn’t so much as twitch.

“Clear,” said Fleethoof, breathing a sigh of relief while holstering his pistol.

The soldiers approached the body, flipping it over. The pony was unrecognized by Fleethoof, not somepony he had met before. Doors opened from further down the hall, and Princess Celestia and Luna came out to investigate the commotion. From further down the corridor, Valiant and Blue Shield came running upon the scene. The guards tried their best to block the sight, but it was too late. Celestia pushed her way through, and Luna leaned against the wall, staring at the corpse in the hallway.

“Take care of him,” Celestia ordered her guards, a look of horror crossing her face.

“My guards will take him to be examined,” said Luna, signaling to a couple of Lunar Guards at the other end of the hall.

“What was he after?” a Royal Guard asked, picking up the gun the pony had taken.

“The princesses,” Fleethoof said darkly. “He grabbed a weapon as fast as possible and booked it over here. He knew where he was going. He was prepared.”

The soldiers lifted the body from the floor and carried it away. Some followed the corpse while the rest stayed with the princesses. It took several minutes of reassurance before any of them stopped asking if they were all right.

“Guards, go secure the perimeter. He may not have been working alone,” Fleethoof ordered, waiting until the guards had left on their mundane mission before facing off with the two alicorns. “You knew what this was. That look on your faces, you knew something was going to happen.”

Neither pony spoke up. Celestia stared down at the bloodstained carpet. Luna just kept looking to her sister.

“Your majesties, I need to know what’s going on. The increase in security around Canterlot, the Guard and its Captain on-duty round the clock, somepony breaking into the castle to get to you two… It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together. Something has you worried, and if it’s bad enough to shake the leaders of Equestria, then I want to know what it is.”

Silence continued to pass between the two parties, before Luna finally replied, “I am sorry, sister. You’ve had your time. Now I’m taking over. Captain, follow me please.”

Finally feeling like he was getting somewhere, Fleethoof followed Luna to her study, his teammates right behind him. Luna shut the door once the team had entered, and quickly strode over to her desk. She opened several files, aligning the papers before everypony. Fleethoof looked over them quickly. They were crime reports.

“I apologize for any secrecy I have been keeping these past few months, but my sister enforced it upon me,” the Princess of the Night apologized, still moving hurriedly around her study. “Apparently she still doesn’t trust me enough to handle affairs my own way. She thinks I’m still too new to the world.”

“With all due respect, Princess Luna, just what the hell is going on around here?” Fleethoof asked impatiently. “There must be a dozen reports here. This has been a long time coming.”

“It has, Captain—and if I had a say in the matter, you would already know all of this. These are reports for the past few months from particular incidents. They are all linked to the same perpetrators: a radical group of ponies bent on dethroning my sister and I for our ‘crimes’ during the Griffon War and our reign. They’ve addressed themselves as The Double-Edged Sword.

“The group made themselves known to us almost six months ago. They sent an anonymous letter to Shining Armor, threatening that unless we made the travesties of the Griffon War known to the public and step down from power, they would force us out. Since then, my sister has been increasing security, but it has been to no avail. Their acts of terror continue to pop up. Ponies go missing, soldiers are attacked in the night, and now this… They’re getting bolder with every day.”

Fleethoof began rifling through every report on the desk. Several missing ponies’ reports, three accounts of assault on the Guard, and with tonight’s events totaled fifteen acts of violence. This radical group were terrorists, fighting a war that had long since ended for a broken, almost nonexistent race.

“This is madness…” muttered Fleethoof. Beside him, Valiant and Blue Shield began looking through the reports as well.

“Their first letter we received stated that we have until the anniversary of the war’s end to surrender our reign, or they will carry out their threat.”

Luna slid a folded piece of paper across the desk to him. Fleethoof opened the sheet, and looked over it. The sheet was bare, save for two lines of plain text and an insignia at the bottom. It was the seal of the former Griffon Kingdom.

Your sins will be cleansed. Your abuse of power will be known.

A year to the day to surrender, or your line will be broken, and Equestria liberated.

— The Double-Edged Sword

“These are the ponies who were protesting war?” Blue Shield asked in disbelief. “What happened to the peaceful chanting on street corners?”

“These aren’t those protestors, Blue Shield… They gave up long ago. These are the griffon radicals,” Fleethoof explained. “They’re renegade ponies, sympathizers with the griffons’ plight. They see history the way Alaric saw it. We are the bad guys, and this would be justice.”

“That’s the problem with history…” said Valiant. “There’s always two perspectives…”

“Luna, these ponies are trying to kill you.”

“Nonsense,” said Blue Shield with a barking laugh. “Nopony can kill an alicorn! They can’t die!”

“Actually, we can,” Luna corrected, her voice dark and grave.

A silence took the office for a moment, catching even Fleethoof by surprise.

“What? But I thought alicorns were immortal?”

“Immortal, yes, but not invincible. My sister, niece, and I do not age. We do not fall ill, nor decay in any form. But we can be overpowered. Our bodies can be broken. We can be killed just like any other pony. We are simply more… resilient to harm.”

The room grew quiet once more. Fleethoof’s mind was reeling with all the new information he had received in the past fifteen minutes. Dark realization dawned on him.

“A year to the day the war ended…” he repeated slowly, eyes widening. “But that’s just under two weeks!”

Luna merely nodded gravely.

“Your majesty, there isn’t enough time to do a citywide search for these rebels. Canterlot is huge. We’d never find them in time.”

“That is why I need Fireteam Skyfall to pick up the investigation. Shining Armor’s soldiers are spread thin as it is with the extra posts. They cannot finish the search on their own,” Luna said, pushing every file and folder towards the three ponies. “But you have all the time in the world. This is the chance for Skyfall Team to show their merit.”

Captain Fleethoof looked to both his sides, looking to his teammates. They were as shocked as he was. But he could see a light in Valiant’s eyes, an excitement and a charge. Luna was right—this was where they made their claim to fame.

“Please, Captain. I’ve never said this before, but our lives are at stake.”

Glancing up at Luna, Fleethoof’s eyes narrowed in focus and nodded.

“Tell us where to start, Princess.”

“The princess wants us to do what?!”

Sharp Shot’s exclamation of disbelief was mirrored in the faces of everypony in Skyfall Team. Nopony seemed entirely certain of themself. Under a month to find a terrorist cell and stop whatever they were planning against the Royal Family was almost unheard of.

“We’re the only ones who can do this quickly and quietly, Sharp Shot,” said Fleethoof, trying to reason with the pony. “I know the time frame is ridiculously tight, but we don’t have any choice. The lives of the Royal Family are at stake, and they refuse to put Canterlot into a state of panic when they aren’t the ones in danger.”

“How do we know this?” Cupcake interrupted, folding his hooves across his chest. “How do we know these terror ponies do not mean to harm citizens too?”

“We don’t. But they haven’t been openly threatened. We have to acknowledge those who are definitely at risk, and right now that is only the princesses.”

Sharp Shot reclined back in his seat, sighing heavily. “Okay, so what’s our first step?”

“The Guard did decent investigations on the previous crimes, and covered a small portion of the city. We pick up on their latest leads and work forward with what we have.”

The door to the meeting room opened suddenly, and Quarter Master warily stepped inside.

“Pardon me, Skyfall Team,” he said, levitating a scroll over to the captain. “But this was just given to me by a soldier. He said it was found on a body from last night, and that you’d want to see it, Captain.”

Fleethoof snatched the scroll out of the air quickly. His hooves couldn’t unroll it fast enough. Much like the others, this letter only had a few lines of text, and was marked with the same emblem.

You are not safe behind your high walls.

We will find you. We will make you face justice.

One last warning you shall receive, monarchs.

Upon the next phase of your kin.

“…What the fuck?” Sharp Shot muttered as Fleethoof read the letter aloud.

“It sounds like a puzzle… A riddle of some kind…” said Valiant quietly to himself. He tapped a hoof against his chin as he stared intently at the grain of the wood in the table.

Blue Shield rapped his hooves rhythmically against the table’s surface, eyes darting back and forth as his mind worked. “One last warning… So there will be one more letter sent to the princesses?”

“It seems that way,” said Fleethoof, pacing around the table slowly. “But that would mean they intended for their assassin to get caught. This wasn’t an earnest attempt on the alicorns’ lives. So why send anypony at all? Why not just post the letter?”

“Pilot fish,” Cupcake said suddenly, catching everypony’s attention and a few befuddled gazes. “They are pilot fish. They scout ahead for the big shark—they assist him. They were testing castle’s defenses, finding weak spots.”

“That’s… actually very clever…” Blue Shield stated with a slow nod.

“So when their pilot fish doesn’t return, they’ll know they can’t get in that way.” Sharp Shot sounded amazed by the ingenuity of the enemy. “That’s brilliant.”

“It also tells us about the enemy,” Fleethoof said, resuming his pacing. “They have enough numbers to risk losing one, and some basic strategic knowledge.”

Sharp Shot scoffed. “One pony doesn’t make that much difference.”

The captain stopped his pacing dead in his tracks, right behind the sniper. He peered down at him with a stern look in his eyes.

“One pony can be the difference between victory and defeat,” he quoted, his gait picking up again.

“But what does the last part mean? The next phase of your kin?”

Valiant’s question brought stillness to the room. Nopony moved. Nopony spoke. Minds raced as they tried to figure out the answer to the mystery.

“I have no idea…” muttered Fleethoof.

“The moon.”

Again, Quarter Master’s voice surprised everypony in the room. Fleethoof hadn’t even realized the unicorn hadn’t left yet.

“Come again?”

“It’s the moon,” Quarter Master said, approaching one of the boards in the room and drawing the diagram of the lunar phases. “There are only three kin in the Royal Family: the sun, the moon, and love. Only one of those three goes through phase changes. And the next major lunar phase is the first quarter moon, two nights from now.”

Fleethoof slowly grew a wide grin and clapped his hooves together. “Somepony give that pony a gold star.”

“That gives us almost no time to prepare, Captain…”

“And we don’t know how they’re planning to deliver this letter.”

“Or where they’re delivering it to…”

All the concerns raised by his team were valid. It made Fleethoof proud that they had all developed such intuitive thinking. But it also did pose a real problem to them. They didn’t know what The Double-Edged Sword’s next move would be. They couldn’t predict a thing, except the date.

“We’ll just have to cover every possible outlet,” he said in response.

Sharp Shot and Cupcake looked at him like he was insane. Blue Shield and Valiant just looked confused. Lightning Flash was slamming his head into the table in frustration.

“Captain, there’s only six of us against Celestia knows how many of them,” Sharp Shot pointed out, scoffing at just how impossible the situation truly was. “Canterlot is a massive metropolis. There’s no way we could cover every mailbox and the castle gates on our own.”

Fleethoof nodded assent, giving a confident, crooked smile. “We’re just going to have to ask our cousins for some help…”

“And I can help with the coordination,” Quarter Master chimed in again, an excited look on his face as he adjusted his glasses. “I recently perfected new devices for you all. Headsets you hook over your ears. They’re connected to small, portable transmitters that allow you to communicate with your teammates across great distances for better organization and support.”

“Those will come in handy,” said Fleethoof, his smile widening. “What’s the range on those, Quarter?”

The unicorn exhaled heavily, calculating in his head. “Well, from what we’ve tested, and with the little energy and magic they actually use to transmit, potentially limitless. Our furthest transmission was from our base to Ponyville, with crystal clear reception. Weather does play a factor, though.”

“Very handy indeed. We’ll put those to good use.”

Valiant turned in his chair and looked up at his officer. “So what’s the plan now, Captain?”

“Now, Valiant,” he said, making his way for the door. “I call in a favor from a close friend.”

Chapter 4: The Best Laid Plans

The bright midday sun shone down on Canterlot, bathing the city in warm, golden light. The city was noisy with the bustling traffic of ponies in the streets. It looked like every other day in the capital in the early afternoon. Shops and restaurants were busy with their lunch clientele, and the entire metropolis was alive and well.

Nopony would have suspected the danger that was lurking in the shadows, nor the defenders hiding in it as well.

Fleethoof sat alone outside a café on one of the busiest street corners. Sunglasses blocked his eyes as he reclined in his chair, watching the ponies that passed by. More specifically, the ponies that passed close by the postbox on the sidewalk. From his position, the headset placed over his ear was unseen to the public.

Guards stood on the opposite end of the street at their usual post, minding their own business, as they did every day. So far, the morning had passed without incident. It was just another normal day.

“Captain, I’ve got eyes on the mailbox outside the castle, the library, and several down Main Street,” Sharp Shot’s voice spoke over the earpiece.

“Got anything yet?” Fleethoof asked casually, surveying the ponies around him some more.

“Negative, nothing yet. Standby.”

“All ponies check in,” the captain commanded, his voice barely above a normal conversation tone.

“Valiant here. All good in the marketplace.”

“Is quiet over by the train station,” Cupcake reported.

“Blue Shield, all green downtown so far.”

“I’ve got nothing by the city gates,” Lightning came through.

“Keep your eyes open, everypony. Remember, check every letter that goes into a box. We can’t risk our target getting away.”

“Everything good so far?”

Fleethoof glanced up at the spoken question. Shining Armor stood beside him, levitating two cups of coffee above his head.

“So far, so good,” said Fleethoof in calm reply, dropping his hooves from the second chair at the table so his friend could sit. He graciously took one of the cups from Shining. “All your guards are still in position, right?”

“Mm-hmm,” Shining Armor mumbled between a sip of his beverage. “They’re stationed at every mailbox all day, told to check every single piece of post and to report to me if they find anything.”

Fleethoof nodded. “Good.”

Their plan wasn’t the tightest net of security, but it was the best they could come up with in such a short time period. He was glad Shining Armor had been so amicable to work with, especially with the pressure he was under. He could see the dark rings under the Captain of the Guard’s eyes. He hadn’t been sleeping.

“It’s good to see you again, Shining.”

“Likewise,” Shining replied, finishing his drink in a deep draft. “I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch, I’ve just been really busy.”

“Oh, I understand,” Fleethoof said with a low chuckle. “I’ve heard all about it. It's one hell of a first assignment. Talk about a full plate.”

Shining Armor chuckled as well. “Tell me about it... And I still need to think about restructuring the Guard after this. You look good though. You’re well off, huh?”

“New job, new tasks, new life,” Fleethoos said, sipping at his drink casually.

“This is the secret job I don’t get to know about?”

Fleethoof spat out a mouthful of the strong, dark liquid and choked slightly. His sunglasses fell gracelessly from his face as he tried to compose himself again, turning to the pony beside him in surprise.

“How did you—?”

“Cadance.”

Fleethoof rolled his eyes and groaned in frustration. Of course it was Cadance. Well, it wasn’t that big of a headache. She didn’t know anymore than Shining Armor did.

“Yes, this is the secret job,” he said, then slowly added, “But you’re the Captain of the Guard, so you should know. I’m leading a specialized group of ponies for the explicitly dangerous and controversial missions.”

Shining Armor was quiet for a moment. “Do I want to know what you’re doing?”

“Probably not.”

He nodded, and let the topic drop. There wasn’t much more that needed to be said on the subject. “Well, whatever makes you happy. You’re my friend, Fleethoof. I’m sure whatever you’re doing, it’s for the best for everypony.”

“I like to think so.”

A pony walked by the mailbox suddenly, dropping a letter inside it. Both ponies righted up almost immediately. From across the street, the two soldiers took notice as well. Shining Armor motioned with a wave of his hoof. A guard dressed as a mailmare trotted nonchalantly up to the box, opening it to retrieve the letter.

Fleethoof kept his eyes on the pony as she made her way down the street while the ‘mailmare’ opened the letter, reading it quickly. His body tensed up, ready to spring at the signal. The mare looked up, her eyes meeting Shining’s.

She slowly shook her head in the negative.

Fleethoof sighed heavily and sank back into his chair. The past few hours had been this way. It was maddening. But they had to endure. They had no other option.

“So how do you know Cadance?”

Shining Armor’s question took Fleethoof off-guard momentarily. That was a peculiar topic to shift to all of a sudden.

“My squad saved her from Skyfall, where she was being held captive,” said Fleethoof, hedging the story down to its most rudimentary elements. “I got her out of hostile territory and back to Equestria safely. We talked a lot along the way, and we formed some sort of weird friendship. She… really helped me out of a dark place. She’s a great pony.”

“Yeah, she really is… She always has been,” Shining agreed, noting the captain’s confused look. “Oh, you remember my sister? She was her foalsitter, years ago. We knew each other growing up.”

Fleethoof raised his brow and nodded in understanding. It made sense that they knew one another. They both resided in Canterlot their entire lives. It could only have been a matter of time.

Time passed by slowly in the form of idle chit-chat and bad jokes. Another pony walked up to the mailbox, dropping a letter quickly inside and cantering away leisurely. Fleethoof leaned against the table and propped his head up. This was going to be another false alarm, he could feel it. Shining Armor gave the signal, the pony collected the letter, the letter was opened, and…

The mailmare’s eyes widened. She was reading the letter faster now before clutching the paper tight to her chest. She looked anxiously over to the two officers. Shining leaned forward and Fleethoof sat up, suddenly feeling a tension inside of him. Time seemed to stand still.

And then the mare nodded slowly.

“Let’s go,” Shining Armor said hastily, nearly knocking the table over a she rose to his hooves.

“Skyfall Team, we have eyes on the target heading down Main Street,” Fleethoof reported, keeping his eyes on the pony as he and Shining took to pursuit, the guards bringing up the rear. “Dark blue unicorn, teal mane. Can’t make out the cutie mark.”

“I’ve got eyes on the target,” Sharp Shot replied, “I have a clear shot. Green light to engage?”

“Negative! We need him alive. Repeat, we need him alive.”

“Copy that, I’m on my way over,” said Valiant through the radio.

The ponies followed closely behind their target, maintaining a steady distance so as not to draw any suspicions. The pony took a turn down another street, moving with the flow of traffic. It made it difficult for Fleethoof to keep sight on him from time to time. It was a struggle to pursue in the thick of the midday crowd.

The pony glanced back over his shoulder quickly. Fleethoof and Shining both ducked their heads a little, looking indifferent, trying to blend in with the crowd. The pony eventually faced forward again, picking up speed as he wandered the streets.

“Do you think he saw us?” Shining Armor asked hesitantly.

“Doesn’t matter if he did or not, we can’t lose him.”

Sharp Shot’s sigh came through the radio in a burst of static. “I lost sight of him.”

“We’ve still got him,” Fleethoof reassured the sniper. “Maintain your position. We’ll keep you posted.”

The pony ducked down a quieter road. The two soldiers lingered by the corner for a few moments, risking glances down the mostly empty street. If they weren’t careful, they would be spotted easily here. Their quarry was still in sight, a good distance ahead of them. When they felt it was safe, they continued after them, Fleethoof quietly relaying their position to the rest of Fireteam Skyfall.

The dark blue pony jogged up the front porch of a building, opening the door and slipping inside. Both stallions approached the building, giving it a once over. The place looked to be in a state of disrepair and otherwise unoccupied. The paint was chipping off the wall, the door looked weathered and beaten, and some of the windows were boarded up. It looked like it hadn't seen residents in some time.

“We’ve got him in a house. 130 Trotting Terrace,” Fleethoof reported through his headset, then turned to Shining Armor. “You armed?”

“Pistol,” the Captain of the Guard said, patting the holster on the side of his armor. “You?”

“Same.” The ponies drew their weapons. “You take the front. I’ll go around back.”

Shining Armor nodded, and slowly slunk up the front porch. Fleethoof ducked down the alleyway alongside the house, slipping into the small backyard. He tried the back door, and wasn’t surprised to find it unlocked. Sidling as silently as possible into the structure, he looked around his new surroundings.

The house was dark and dusty. It didn’t look like anypony had lived here in some time. He switched his tac light on, flooding the small hallway he’d stepped into in light. He could hear hoofsteps slowly going up the stairs to the next floor. It must have been Shining.

He slowly worked his way round the small flat. It was as if the building was condemned with the way it looked. What little furniture remained was decaying and falling apart. But there was no sign of the pony they’d followed in here. He was checking the front parlor when the front door opened again. He spun quickly, and pointed his gun right at Valiant, the pony aiming his rifle at Fleethoof.

“Captain,” Valiant breathed in relief, dropping his guard.

Fleethoof pressed a hoof to his lips, signaling for silence, then pointed upward, whispering, “Upstairs.”

The two ponies began their slow ascent up the creaky old stairs, when the sound of scuffling and bumping was heard nearby. They exchanged worried looks and booked it up the stairs to a small hall. A couple doors were all that lay in sight. Fleethoof cautiously opened the first, revealing a dark, empty room.

Valiant had moved down to the second, waiting for his officer. Fleethoof moved to the doorframe, getting a nod from his teammate. He took a deep breath, and then the plunge. The door burst open, and bright light blinded him. A large window made up the far wall, sunlight pouring into the dank room.

He heard a cry of surprise from in front of him, and once his vision adjusted, he saw what the noise before had been. The pony was blinking his eyes rapidly, blinded by the tac lights on the ponies’ guns. He stood behind Shining Armor, grasping the Captain of the Guard like a shield, pressing the soldier's own gun to his head.

“Drop it! Drop the gun now!” Fleethoof commanded, drawing down on the renegade pony as Valiant did the same.

“How about you drop yours or the Captain of the Guard dies?” the pony said in challenge, jamming the barrel harder into Shining’s forehead.

Downstairs, the sound of wood breaking was heard, and moments later, Cupcake and Lightning Flash came rushing in, with a couple of the Guard in tow. They took aim as well while the soldiers readied their guns.

“There’s no getting out of this,” Fleethoof said slowly, his voice full of authority. “Drop the gun and let Captain Armor go, or we will shoot you. We just want to talk to you.”

“I know what you want. You toy soldiers, pawns of the princesses,” the rebel spat in disgust. “You make me sick. You destroyed a nation at the behest of those monsters without a single individual thought or question why. You’re puppets, every one of you!”

“I’m not asking again, put the gun down, NOW!”

“It’s time… Time for retribution to come to Equestria. No longer can the alicorns police the world,” the delusional foe continued, glaring at the captain in particular. “Equestria must come to realize the truth. The ponies must have their eyes opened.”

“What truth?” Fleethoof asked.

“Would you please just shoot him?” asked Shining Armor. “He’s insane. He’s not making any sense.”

Valiant looked to Fleethoof. “Captain—”

“What truth?”

“That the alicorns are not gods. They are tricksters, manipulating the course of time to their own benefit,” he rambled on, grinning widely. “Too long have they had their will done, bereft of consequence or concern for others.”

“You are liar!” Cupcake shouted angrily, braving a step forward. “Princess Celestia and Luna are most benevolent rulers. They keep Equestria safe and peaceful.”

“With the blood of other ponies!”

“Enough!” Fleethoof's shout echoed through the empty house. “Drop the captain now, or I will kill you!”

“You can kill me, but you can’t stop it from coming for them, Captain Fleethoof,” the pony jeered.

Fleethoof’s eyes opened wide, and his resolve faltered for a moment. “You know me?”

“We know much, Captain.”

“What is coming?”

“Oh, you’ll see,” the pony sang, his voice happy and crazy. “You won’t be able to miss it.”

“What is coming?”

The pony pulled the gun away from Shining Armor’s head, firing behind him at the window a couple of times. The glass shattered, and a gust of fresh air filled the stuffy room. Everypony tensed up, keeping their aim on the maniacal pony.

“Stay where you are,” ordered Fleethoof. “It’s over.”

“No, Captain—it’s not over… not yet!”

The pony smacked the butt of the gun against Shining Armor’s head, stunning the stallion before pushing him into the crowd of soldiers. The ponies moved to catch the captain as the renegade ran and dove out the broken window.

“No!” Fleethoof cried out, running for the window.

But there was no body down below. There was a shed roof right below the window, and to the right, Fleethoof could see the pony fleeing across the rooftops.

“Great. Now what do we do?” Valiant asked.

“Get Shining Armor up and pursue on the ground,” Fleethoof said.

“Wait, what are you—”

But Fleethoof had jumped out of the window already before Valiant could finish his sentence. He rushed to the window, looking out in shock to see him chasing the pony across the roofs. The hunt was back on.

“Cupcake, take the soldiers and keep to the streets!” Valiant said. “I’m going after him.”

Valiant leapt out the window and took to the skies in hot pursuit. The pony glanced behind him and laughed when he saw the captain chasing right behind him. He ran towards a higher rooftop, leaping and vaulting up the edge of the roof. Fleethoof stared in awe at the pony’s athletic skill, then glared and took to the air, landing on the rooftop just behind the unicorn.

Down below, Cupcake charged through the streets, a small band of soldiers with him. They glanced up to the roofs, following the three ponies down roads and alleys. It was difficult, but with each Guard they passed, their numbers grew.

Fleethoof was so close now. He could feel the sweat dripping off the pony hitting him in the face. Just a little further… He reached out, ready to grab the pony’s tail in his jaw.

And then the pony slid down a roof, leaping across a small side road onto an adjacent block of flats. Fleethoof growled in frustration and took to the air again, landing in front of the unicorn. He braced himself, ready for impact—but no collision came. Instead, a bright burst of yellow magic surrounded the pony, and then he was behind Fleethoof.

“Celestia dammit!” he swore. The unicorn could teleport.

Overhead, Valiant soared past Fleethoof, dive-bombing towards the rebel. He missed, and collided with the roof, tumbling about before falling off the edge. Fleethoof winced as he watched his teammate fall, and then sighed when he saw him take to the air again.

“I see the target again. Rooftops, about— I see the Captain too.”

Sharp Shot’s voice startled Fleethoof for a moment. He had forgotten the sniper was set up, waiting for instructions. He could give him the fire order at any moment. Sharp Shot was a pinpoint accurate shot. Surely he could take out the pony's legs and just end the chase. It wouldn’t kill him right?

As he debated this in his mind, the pony dove down through an open skylight. Valiant looked around in shock. Fleethoof grit his teeth, and slid down into the skylight as well. A couple cried out in surprise as he landed beside them. He was in a long corridor of what looked like a hotel.

Taking off down the hall, Fleethoof saw the pony running across a sky bridge over Main Street. A couple of Guards stood at the other end. Fleethoof raced across the enclosed bridge just as the unicorn pushed through the soldiers, knocking them aside and climbing out an open window.

“Stop that pony!” Fleethoof yelled out, jumping through the window, wings extended.

He flew to the roof while the soldiers began to scramble their way up too. Down below, ponies were beginning to take notice to the chase occurring above their heads. They had to end this fast, before they drew too much attention.

Fleethoof dove down at the pony, the unicorn ducking just before he could take him down. Fleethoof skidded against the tiled roofs, getting a footing and resuming the chase. The pony glared back at him, and leapt across another wide gap, barely grasping to the edge of the roof and pulling himself up.

Unfortunately, Fleethoof had been too close, and ended up aiming too low. He winced as he dove through a solid plate glass window, feeling the shards scraping and cutting against his skin, and then again as he dove back through the window on the opposite side, now outside once again. He landed on the roof, making after the pony.

“I still have eyes on the target. Requesting permission to fire. Repeat, I have a clean shot,” Sharp Shot repeated, his voice anxious and agitated.

“We need him alive,” Valiant remarked over the air.

“I know. I have a shot on his legs.”

This pursuit had to end, now.

“Take the shot!” Fleethoof ordered.

A split second passed before the unicorn ahead suddenly jerked backwards as a shingle exploded in a spray of terracotta chips in front of his hooves. Quarter Master’s suppressors worked like a charm, completely muffling the sniper's shot. Nopony in Canterlot noticed a thing, and it gave him the opening he needed. His target now staggered, Fleethoof grunted and lunged forward, wrapping his hooves around the fallen pony’s torso as they tumbled off the edge of the roof.

The pony cried out in defeat as they fell, an awning breaking their fall before they crashed into a pile of crates. Fleethoof groaned as his body ached and wing throbbed in pain, and, getting up, pressed a hoof to the pony’s back. He drew his pistol and shoved it hard into the back of his skull.

“Don’t you move…” he said, words growled and ferocious. “Don’t you fucking move.”

The pony struggled for a few moments, but the Guard arrived quickly. They subdued the prisoner, cuffing his hooves and placing an anti-magic band around his horn to prevent his teleportation.

“This isn’t over!” the pony screamed out as he was dragged down the streets, attracting the curious stares of passers-by. “They shall suffer! They shall pay for their crimes!”

Behind him, Fleethoof heard somepony land. He turned and nodded to Valiant, seeing the rest of Skyfall Team and Shining Armor running up on them. Valiant winced a little as he looked at his leader.

“Captain, that looked like it hurt,” he said.

Fleethoof pressed a hoof to his face, feeling the wet blood from the dozens of tiny cuts across him and the aching in his bad wing. “I’ve had worse…”

“What are we going to do with him?” asked Valiant, looking towards the struggling prisoner as he was led towards Canterlot Castle.

“We’ll interrogate him, see what he knows.” Shining Armor’s words were adamant. “I’m sure Princess Celestia would like to have a word with him.”

Fleethoof nodded. “Princess Luna will as well.”

The two ponies looked to one another, exchanging slow smiles. Fleethoof was glad he had gotten to work alongside his friend again. He always felt unstoppable with Shining Armor at his side. And together, they’d taken a huge step towards securing Canterlot.

“Come on, let’s head back,” Shining Armor said, starting off down the road alongside his friend. “I don’t wanna miss the start of this.”

Mad laughter echoed through the musty stone corridors of the prison. Fleethoof did not even realize Canterlot had a prison, but apparently it did. The ponies of the past must have used it once upon a time. Canterlot was old, after all—very old. The cells were all empty, devoid of any prisoners. Prior to recent events, Canterlot had no need to use them. Severe crime was nonexistent in the city, and everypony was happy and content.

Now, however, they seemed to serve their purpose once again.

Skyfall Team rounded a corner at the end of the cellblock. A group of guards stood at a cell near the end. The princesses and Shining Armor were there as well. The ponies approached, the guards saluting them as they passed. Inside his cage, the unicorn was rolling about on the floor, laughing to himself. He was still cuffed. They hadn’t been trusting enough to free him. Fleethoof shook his head slowly, slipping a pill quietly into his mouth.

“So this is what The Double-Edged Sword looks like…” Celestia pondered quietly, looking with pity at the writhing creature inside the cell.

“They have lost all sanity and reason, sister,” Luna said, reflecting the same sadness Celestia displayed. “If they are all like this poor being, they are far beyond redemption.”

Celestia nodded sadly, then looked to the soldier at the gate. “Let us in now.”

“Your majesty, I really must protest—” Shining Armor’s words were cut off by a quick look from the princess.

“Thank you for your concern, Shining Armor, but he is no threat now. We will be fine.”

With a nod to the guard again, the cell was opened, and the alicorns stepped inside. When they were locked inside, the pony stopped tossing about on the floor and looked up at his visitors, his eyes wide with excitement and bliss.

“The princesses have come!” he cried out in joy, quickly scurrying back to an upright position. “Oh happy day! Welcome to my new home, your majesties! I would have tidied up a bit if I knew you were coming, but I'm a bit tied up.”

“Night Shade, what has happened to you?” asked Celestia dolefully.

The pony looked genuinely surprised, ruby eyes wide. “Y-You know my name…?”

“I know the name of all of my little ponies,” she said, sounding like a mother trying to comfort a disturbed child. “Dear Night Shade… What could have turned you against us so?”

“You honestly don’t remember… do you?”

The two princesses exchanged confused looks. Night Shade’s eyes narrowed. He was getting very angry, and fast.

“You don’t remember who I am, do you?!” he snapped, raising his voice to aggressive levels. “Let me refresh your memory, my princess… The tenth of Winter, five years ago… The Frozen North Offensive…”

Luna looked as lost as ever, but Celestia’s rose eyes widened in horror. Her mouth dropped open in shock. Fleethoof felt a jolt go through him. He recognized that name. Phalanx had mentioned it in the past, before the war.

“Oh, you remember now,” said Night Shade furiously, grinning a wicked little smile. “I knew you were heartless, Celestia… How dare you ever forget a miserable tragedy like that? How dare you? You really don’t care for the ponies who die at your bidding.”

“That is not true, Night. I care for everypony, and my heart goes out to every life lost.”

“Then why did you leave them there?! Their bodies are out there, frozen under the snow because you didn’t care enough!” The enraged pony had lost all control, pacing as best he could against the far wall of his cell. “We fought those dragons tooth and nail, for YOU! And how do you repay us? You strand us in the icy wastelands for days to die! We perished, Celestia, because of you!

“I’ll never forget it. There were only four of us left when the fighting was over. We were cold, hungry, tired… We waited for YOU! And when we needed our benevolent princess the most, what does she do? She completely ignores us! She leaves us to find our own way home and to die in that forsaken place!”

“The blizzard was getting worse, Night Shade,” Celestia tried to reason with the fuming pony, her eyes sad, desperately pleading with him. “Any help would have been lost as well. I am very sorry, there was nothing I could do.”

“You could have tried!” he yelled, his voice so sharp it hurt his vocal cords. Fleethoof had never seen a pony so bitterly angry before. “You could have tried! If you cared, you would have tried, but you didn’t! You left us for dead! We struggled through the snow for days. I watched my friends fall one by one and never get up again, and all I could think was ‘Celestia will save us. She’s coming. She wouldn’t leave us to suffer like this.’

“But you did! You did! Oh yes, you did… You let every last one of us die and be buried beneath the ice. And I died that day too, my princess. My faith and loyalty in you withered away, and I saw you for the monster you truly are. You don’t care for the ponies that serve you. They’re puppets for you to use to your advantage, and throw away when you’re done with them.”

Princess Celestia looked visibly ill. “Night Shade—”

“I hid in Hoofington all this time. All this time, and you thought we were all dead. You thought you could just move on without any consequences. Everything was back to the happy-go-lucky normal way of life!”

“Night Shade—”

“And then I heard about the Griffon War! I saw it in the newspaper, and all I could think was ‘Here she goes again! Sacrificing hundreds of lives to keep her own reign safe. She doesn’t care about any of them!’. And I got mad. So very, very mad, Princess. I vowed I would make you pay for the lives you have ruined. I would keep you from abusing your power any more. I would protect the ponies from the one who hurts them the most!”

“Night Shade!”

Princess Celestia’s booming voice echoed around the cell as she silenced the ranting pony. She loomed over him, intimidating him enough to keep him quiet before softening her expression. She sighed, and lowered her head to his level.

“Night Shade, please, forgive me,” she apologized, dipping her head in remorseful humility. “It was beyond my control. Even the Cloudsdale Weather Team couldn’t control the blizzard you were trapped in. It broke my heart, but all my captains agreed that it would be too risky to endanger even more ponies. I am so sorry for what happened to you.

“But I do care, Night Shade. I always care for my little ponies. I detest violence, especially when it brings harm to anypony. I am sorry I damaged your trust in me. Is there anything I can do to redeem myself in your eyes, and put this anger and violence aside?”

For a long time, both ponies were silent. Even outside the cell, nopony spoke a word. The tension was palpable in the air. Fleethoof swallowed hard, anxiously watching the scene before him.

Night Shade studied Celestia's face closely for a moment, scrutinizing every expression in her eyes. He looked down at the stone floor, the look in his red eyes showing the gears turning in his broken mind. Finally, he looked up at Celestia, an unreadable look in his eyes as a dark, demented grin spread across his face.

“You can die,” he said, sickeningly pleasantly. “In seven days’ time. Then you may have my forgiveness.”

The tension broke, and Fleethoof let out a long, drawn out exhale. Diplomacy had failed—again. Celestia rose up again, her look despondent as she turned and made for the door.

“It was lovely to talk to you again, your majesty!” Night called after her as she left, flipping his mane out of his smoldering eyes and grinning hugely. “Stop by anytime! I’ll be seeing you again soon!”

The door was locked, and the pony began to laugh again, a high-pitched cackle that sent chills down Fleethoof’s spine.

“Keep him under constant watch,” Celestia ordered the guards. “If he says anything regarding his group, notify me immediately.”

The group of ponies made their way back out of the prison, and towards the castle proper. Celestia was silent the entire way, walking quickly and with purpose. She was clearly deeply distressed by the madpony in her custody.

“What are we going to do with him?” Shining Armor asked aloud to nopony in particular.

“We must continue to interrogate him,” replied Luna. “He is our only lead to The Sword’s hideout. Without him, we are back to square one with no trail to follow.”

“He’s deranged. There’s no way he’s going to tell us anything,” Sharp Shot said.

Fleethoof closed his eyes, his face scrunching as he fought back a headache. He felt like he was stuck in a hopeless endgame of a situation. They had nothing to do, no clues to go on, and no idea what they could do to progress. They were stuck, and they were running short of time.

Seven days. They only had seven days before the anniversary of the armistice, and before time was up.

“We have no choice,” Fleethoof muttered as the ponies walked into the foyer. “Luna’s right. He’s the only link we still have to the terrorist cell. We have to push him until he breaks.”

“You mean torture him?” Shining Armor gasped, looking at his friend in shock and horror.

“No—not that that’s completely out of the question though,” he corrected himself. “We question him, nonstop, for as long as we can. We wear his defenses down until we get him to crack, and then we can move to strike against The Sword.”

Luna nodded to the ponies. “That is not a bad plan. Go, commence the interrogations. I will tend to my sister.”

Fleethoof nodded, then nodded again to his team, and the ponies began to head back towards the prison.

“And Captain, be wary of this pony. Do not let his venomous words infect your soul.”

“Yes, your majesty,” he replied with a quick salute, silently dreading heading back to that maniac.

It was going to be a long week…

Chapter 5: Let the Game Begin

Fleethoof stood outside Night Shade’s cell, leaning back against the wall. The cool stone felt refreshing against the warm summer air that choked the prison. Dark sapphire eyes stayed locked on the scene before him. Blue Shield sat opposite of Night, a notepad in his lap, both unicorns staring each other down. This had been going on for two hours now, and it was well into the night.

“Would you like to tell me about your childhood?” Blue Shield asked, tapping his pencil against the paper.

Night Shade didn’t say a word. He didn’t even move a muscle. Shield’s notes remained as blank as when he’d started. It was a very one-sided conversation, that was for sure. But he was determined to get some information from the stallion. If he could get something—anything—he could start to build a psychological profile. But silence gave him nothing—nothing new, at least.

Captain Fleethoof took a deep breath and sighed heavily. This had been the routine for six days now. The Guard had begun their searches again. Their time was practically over, and still they had nothing. It frustrated him to no end, and headaches had become a daily trouble. Shining Armor had expressly forbidden any torture to be dealt to the prisoner, limiting their methods of approach. Short of magic, there was no way of breaking into the pony’s mind.

He had to admire Night Shade’s determination though. That pony was stubborn and loyal to no end, it seemed. He was protecting The Sword like his life depended on it. Fleethoof still had yet to step inside that cell. He had done his part in bringing him in. He did not want to spend any more time with that creepy, mental pony.

“How about your time in the Guard? You said you were in the Frozen North Offensive. I’ve never heard of that.”

No response. Not even a blink. The pony sat like a statue.

“Could you tell me about it?”

Dead silence.

Blue Shield sighed, staring down at his empty notepad. He looked back over his shoulder at his captain, who simply shrugged. He didn’t know what to do anymore than anypony else did. All they could do was keep trying. The door at the other end of the prison opened and closed, and moments later, Shining Armor came around the corner, headed for them.

“Has he said anything?” he asked Fleethoof, his voice hushed so as not to interrupt the ongoing interrogation.

“Nope. Not a word,” Fleethoof muttered, the agitation evident in his rough voice.

Shining Armor glanced over at the two unicorns, then leaned closer to the captain, whispering, “We’re running out of time.”

“Don’t remind me… I know…”

Shining Armor looked at the prisoner for a minute, then nodded. He approached the barred door, and the guard beside it unlocked it. Blue Shield looked up as the Captain of the Guard entered, patting him on the shoulder.

“Go take a break. I’ll take it from here,” he said, taking Blue Shield’s spot on the floor in front of Night Shade.

Shield gave Fleethoof an apologetic look as he passed him on his way out of the prison. Fleethoof felt bad for his team. They were all trying their hardest, and they always looked like they had failed when they couldn’t break the prisoner. He didn’t blame them.

“So, Night Shade…” Shining Armor started to say, getting comfortable on the floor. “Let’s stop playing games now. You know what we want, and I know you have it. So why don’t you tell me about The Double-Edged Sword group?”

Night Shade stared blankly back at his captor, his eyes dead and cold. Shining licked his dry lips, trying to think of another approach.

“How about your plan? You seemed very proud of it. Why not share it with somepony else? Hell, why not scream it to the world?”

This time, the prisoner’s eyes dropped completely, tracing the cracks in the stones of the floor. He shifted his weight slightly, folding his hooves across his chest. Shining Armor shuffled his hooves on the floor impatiently.

“Look, I’ve tried being patient, but I’m not going to let you hurt the Royal Family,” he said, his voice low, and deathly serious. “Tell me what you’re planning and you’ll be a lot better off. We can work with you. If not, I can’t guarantee you’ll ever leave this cell again. In fact, I’ll make sure you—”

“Fleethoof.”

Shining Armor blinked in surprise as the pony suddenly spoke up, interrupting him mid-sentence. Fleethoof’s gaze was torn from the ground up to the prisoner. Had he just spoken his first words in days? And… had he said his name?

“Excuse me?” Shining asked.

“I want to talk to Captain Fleethoof,” Night Shade repeated slowly, enunciating each word before looking past Shining to the pegasus outside the cell.

Shining Armor turned to glance over his shoulder, his eyes meeting his friend’s. Fleethoof just stared in surprise, not entirely sure how to react or respond. Shining Armor turned back to the prisoner.

“He doesn’t talk to terrorists. Why don’t you tell me what you—”

“I said I want to talk to Captain Fleethoof.”

Again, the captive cut off Shining Armor. The two stared at once another, battling wills. Shining backed down first, nodding slowly. If it meant some progress, he didn’t care whom he spoke to. He stood up and made for the door, Fleethoof stepping up to the bars.

“Good luck,” Shining murmured to his friend as they traded places.

Fleethoof slowly stepped into the cell, listening to the door close behind him. The sound of the lock clicking tightly into place sent a thrill of nervousness through him. He was trapped in the room with Night Shade now.

Night Shade smiled welcomingly up at him, who was still lingering by the door, his red eyes sparkling with life again. He motioned with his head to where the other ponies had sat. Slowly, reluctantly, the captain approached. His hoofsteps clopped noisily against the stone floor in the now silent prison.

Fleethoof sat down on his haunches without hurry, now sitting right across from the deranged psychopath. Only a small space separated them. It was the closest Fleethoof had been to the pony since the chase, and already it made him feel queasy. Something about him just put him off to no end.

“Well?” Night Shade asked after a few minutes. Fleethoof was confused. “Aren’t you going to start asking me questions too?”

“You’re the one that wanted to speak to me”

“Right…” The word hung in the air for a moment, and then he smiled widely. “Hi!”

Fleethoof’s brow furrowed in confusion, and he stared cautiously at the pony before him. “Hi.”

“It’s nice to meet you at last, Fleethoof. I read about you in the paper, and I knew I had to meet you.”

The captain nodded slowly. So that was how he knew about him. It was nothing more than what the newspapers had printed.

“Why did you have to meet me?”

Night Shade waved his hooves as wide as his cuffs would allow him, still smiling so widely it was unsettling. “Because you’re just like me, silly.”

“No, I’m not.”

“But you are! You just don’t realize it yet.”

Fleethoof scoffed and shook his head. “I’m nothing like you, Night Shade. I’m not insane. I still recognize good and evil in this world. I still respect my leaders.”

Night Shade looked hurt for a moment. He cocked his head to the side, a questioning look in his eyes. “Am I insane? Or am I just enlightened? Do you even know the definition of insanity?”

“You’re insane.”

He seemed to ponder this for a few moments. “You seem very certain of yourself, Fleethoof. Everything is in its place. Everything nicely black and white.”

“I know the world isn’t black and white, Night. It’s my job to see the shades of gray.”

“So you admit you are like me.”

Fleethoof didn’t have a response for that. He didn’t know how to even begin to form a reply to that sort of lunacy.

“Do you know about the Frozen North Offensive, Captain?”

Fleethoof shook his head, and the pony continued.

“A couple of dragons had begun roosting in the far North, near pony settlements and towns. Princess Celestia went to reason with the dragons, but it was to no avail. Their smoke would have smothered the towns in the north, killing hundreds of ponies. When diplomacy failed, she had her officers organize a small force to go in and… fix the problem. Nice and quiet like, so nopony would have to go into a panic. Real fucking simple, right?”

Fleethoof’s body tensed up a little as he listened to Shade’s tale. It sounded similar to his mission in Skyfall, although his task had been rescue and not elimination. Something glinted in the prisoner’s eye, but it faded before Fleethoof could decipher it, and he continued.

“I was in the Guard at the time. I wasn’t anything special, but they required one pony from every unit in Canterlot to answer the call. My officer chose me, and I was sent with twenty other ponies to the North. At the time they didn't tell us what it was for, but we found out eventually. Twenty-one ponies to kill two dragons. Can you imagine the terror I felt, Fleethoof? Can you just picture the fucking pandemonium?”

He could. Fleethoof could recall the fear very vividly, so much so that he could still feel the chills going through him. His wings ruffled slightly, but his stance remained statuesque.

“Anyway, the dragons weren’t a horrible problem. We timed our attack with a coming storm to cover the battle. It was over very quickly. We ended up with only four ponies left, including myself. But the storm that helped us became our enemy very fast.

“We tried to make our way to the nearest town, to hopefully find somewhere to lie low and make our way home. We got turned around in the storm. It got dark, and it got cold. We took shelter in a cave, waiting for the storm to end. It didn’t, not for days. I kept praying that Celestia would send help, praying that we would be rescued for our blind loyalty and service to her…”

Fleethoof could see something break in Night Shade’s eyes. The pony looked down with the thousand-yard stare, lost in the distant memories. He shivered, and then looked back up at the captain.

“We ran out of food and water, and rescue never came. We set back out in the storm, trying to make our way home desperately. It was our only choice. One by one, my friends succumbed to the cold and the snow and the ice. We couldn’t even bring the bodies with us. They were left to freeze over in the middle of nowhere. When only one other pony was left with me, I prayed harder. I couldn’t accept that Celestia would do this to us.

“When she collapsed in the snow, I held her close, feeling her body shivering against mine. She looked up at me, her eyes broken and sad. And she whispered to me, Captain. She asked, ‘Why did this happen? Why did she abandon us?’ And my spirit broke, Fleethoof. My heart and soul fell to fucking pieces as she died in my hooves! I only survived because I carried on, and I came to a town. I collapsed inside a house as strangers hurried to help me. Strangers were more noble than Celestia!”

Night Shade’s hooves tensed as a familiar fury filled his heart. His ruby eyes narrowed viciously, burning with hate. His anger was so strong, the heat was almost tangible to the stallion sitting across from him. It felt like he was sitting too close to a hearth, with the flames licking at his skin.

“I waited the storm out, then caught the next train back to Canterlot. I was so upset with Celestia, and I needed an explanation for her betrayal. But do you know what I found when I got back home?”

Night Shade’s lips curled back as a slow, disturbing grin began to make its way back onto his face. His eyes locked with Fleethoof’s, burning into them.

“Celestia had lies printed about us. We were a convenient cover-up. ‘Guards slain by monsters’ is what was printed across all the fucking newspapers. She said unknown assailants had jumped our garrison in the Frozen North, and that our bodies hadn’t been recovered. We were just accepted as missing in action, with no conclusion. A fake investigation was conducted, but ultimately abandoned. She blew us off like we were nothing!”

It wasn’t often that Fleethoof felt circumstances come full circle, but suddenly everything Phalanx had told him long ago made sense. Celestia had used her magic to deceive Equestria once before, because she was covering up the deaths of ponies who had slaughtered dragons to protect Equestria. It was that magic that she resented using because she had lost many ponies with it before. Night Shade was one of those ponies. Phalanx must have been one of the officers who had sent him on the doomed mission.

“Night Shade, I am very sorry for your ordeal… I understand the pain you went through,” said Fleethoof after a while.

Night Shade's expression brightened up, but his unsettling grin remained. “I know you do. I heard of your feats at Skyfall through rumors and gossip. That’s how I knew you would understand me. You have suffered. You’ve been left hurt. You are me.”

“No, Night Shade… I’m still not.”

“...What?” Shade asked, his expression falling.

“What happened to you was terrible, but you cannot blame Princess Celestia for the circumstances,” he explained. “The Griffon War was terrible for me. It left me scarred and damaged. But I do not hold any animosity against the princesses for it. There are factors beyond them involved in every event. I’ve seen the remorse Celestia had for sending even a single pony to fight with my own eyes. She isn’t the monster you make her out to be.”

“No! You’re wrong!” Night Shade hissed, rising to his hooves and beginning to pace anxiously alongside the wall like a caged animal. “You survived! It was different!”

“And it would be different if everypony else survived with you too. Night Shade, it isn’t too late to turn your life around. You can still redeem yourself.”

“To what point, Fleethoof? So Celestia can spend my life like a sack of fucking bits again?”

“You’ve painted Princess Celestia as a villain in your mind, but that isn’t the true pony she is.” Fleethoof’s words were hard and straightforward. “You’re going to dismantle the stability of Equestria trying to punish a ghost in your mind.”

Night Shade stopped in front of Captain Fleethoof, glaring down at him. Fleethoof stood up again, staring the pony down. The thick tension filled the small cell again. The prisoner snorted angrily, but Fleethoof didn’t waver.

“I thought of anypony, you would understand, Fleethoof,” muttered Night dejectedly. “I thought an abused hero from the war with such a heartbroken past would be compassionate. It looks like I was wrong.”

“You know nothing of my life. I can understand wanting revenge for losing ponies close to you. I know the feeling all too well. But you’re seeking it against the wrong target, and I can’t let you do that.”

“Oh, I won’t. My group will,” came the prisoner’s reply, flashing his teeth in a grin again. “They do as I say. They follow my plan to the letter.”

Fleethoof furrowed his brow. “Your plan? You came up with it?”

“I’m the leader of The Double-Edged Sword,” Night Shade stated blandly, then blinked in surprise. “Oh, you really didn’t know? You ponies don’t know anything about us, do you?”

“You don’t seem the type to be leading a radical griffon sympathy group. You don’t care for the griffons at all.”

“No, I don’t. But it was easy to win the group over with propaganda of hate towards the alicorns.” Night Shade smiled proudly and trotted over to the bars of his cell. “All I did was pretend to love griffons, rally the most heated vagabonds, and instilled the same hate. They don’t even know what they’re doing. They just blindly follow their charismatic leader because they want to.”

Fleethoof scoffed, smirking a little. “Charismatic? You?”

“No need to get nasty, Captain. I’m trying to be very friendly, welcoming you into my home and all,” said Night, motioning around his cell again. “I’m just using them to get at the princess. They really are a nice bunch. They almost fucking hate Celestia as much as I do. And right now, they’re preparing to do my bidding.”

“Why did you want to talk to me?”

Fleethoof’s question made Night Shade turn around completely. “I wanted to see just how similar we were. I liked you.”

“There has to be more than that,” Fleethoof said. “Why did you really want to talk to me?”

“Because I’m bored waiting for my victory, and I want to play a game with you. Like a test.”

If he hadn’t been before, Fleethoof was extremely confused now. He looked through the bars at Shining Armor, his friend’s visage just as perplexed as he was. Smiling like a madpony, Shade took a couple steps closer to the pony again.

“What makes you think I’ll play any game with you?” he asked defensively.

“Because if you win, the princesses get to live another day.”

From the other side of the bars, he could see Shining’s eyes widen. Even the guard outside had shifted his stance to peer into the cell. Fleethoof knew he couldn’t pass up this chance, even if it was just a chance. As much as he detested being around this traitorous pony, he had to play his game.

The captain heaved a sigh, and surrendered. “Fine. What’s the game?”

“It’s simple. I’m going to tell you where our hideout is, and it’s up to you to stop us before we kill the princesses,” Night said, explaining the rules of his twisted game. He began circling Fleethoof, a predatory look in his eyes. “You’re so much like me, Fleethoof, whether you accept it or not. We’re two sides of the same coin. I want to see which side is stronger: the side of loyalty, or the face of justice.”

“You’re lying.” Fleethoof snorted and glared at the pony. “How the hell do you expect me to believe a word you’re going to tell me? You’re just wasting our time on a fucking goose chase to leave the princesses vulnerable.”

The prisoner laughed. “Now where would be the fun in that? No, Fleethoof, my plan is already in motion, and try as you might, it cannot be stopped.”

“We’ll see about that…”

“Indeed we will! Now, you have less than twelve hours to find my friends and stop them, or you lose. And if you lose, Equestria will be liberated from the lies and corruption. Understand?”

Fleethoof nodded once. Adrenaline ran through his body, keeping him on edge. The hunt was back on.

“Okay, Captain. Are you ready to play?”

“Yes!” snapped Fleethoof, impatience wearing him thin. “Where is your group?”

“It’s so simple! Would you like to guess?” The unicorn was teasing him now.

“Night Shade, where are they?”

“Come on, guess! It’s more fun this way!”

“Night Shade…”

“One guess!”

“Night—“

“Guess!”

Fleethoof rushed the prisoner, taking him off his hooves and slamming him into the metal bars. The steel clanged loudly with the impact, and both Shining Armor and the soldier jumped in surprise. Fleethoof pressed the pony’s head into the bars, eyes seething with anger.

“I’ve had enough fooling around. You’re in my jurisdiction now. Tell me where The Sword is, or Celestia help me…”

The pony burst into a fit of mad laughter. “Oh, you’re wild, Captain! So fiery and passionate! I can see why she likes you so much!”

“Captain Fleethoof,” Shining Armor spoke up, trying to get Fleethoof’s attention.

“What does that mean? Who does?” Fleethoof asked.

“I told you we were watching. Always watching, from the courtyards, the gardens, even the terraces. Look at this! We haven’t even begun playing and I’m already having fun!” The pony just continued laughing.

“Fleethoof—” Shining Armor’s words were pleading now.

Fleethoof’s expression dropped, and a deadly look took over his eyes. He released Night, only to slam him back into the bars, hard. The pony’s head rattled as it smacked against the metal. But still the maniac continued laughing all the while.

“Tell me where they are!” the enraged pony snarled, pressing a hoof to Shade’s throat.

“Fleethoof!”

“Tell me now!”

“They were at the house. The house you caught me at, all along! Isn’t that hilarious? You were right above them, and you didn’t even know!”

Once he had the information he needed, Fleethoof let the insane pony collapse to the floor again. He was still howling with laughter, even as Fleethoof stormed out of the cell and down the corridor, with Shining Armor hot on his hooves.

“Good luck, Fleethoof! When you get back, I’m going to free you all! Hahaha! Ahahahaha!” cackled Night Shade, doubled over on the floor.

“So what’s the plan?” asked Shining once they’d left the prison. “A full assault on the house?”

“No, they’ll see it coming a mile away. My team will search the house. You focus on keeping the princesses safe in the castle. We don’t know if all the members are at their hideout, or if they’re moving to strike. You must protect the princesses at any cost.”

“Got it. And Fleethoof…”

The pegasus stopped halfway up the stairs in the foyer, looking to his friend. Shining Armor gave him a confident smile and a tip of his head.

“Watch your back out there.”

Fleethoof smirked and nodded. “You keep them safe, Captain of the Guard.”

The two ponies separated, Shining Armor going off to rally the Guard and prepare the defense. Fleethoof made his way down the hallways until he came to a door, pounding on it so hard it shook in its frame. A few minutes later, a shocked and sleepy Valiant answered.

“What happened, Captain? It’s three in the morning… Did the prisoner finally say something?”

“Get down to the base and get kitted up, Sergeant,” Fleethoof said urgently. “This game ends now.”

Chapter 6: First Blood

The night was warm with a late summer breeze. Sleep had long since taken the city of Canterlot, and aside from the nightclubs few and far between, the city was quiet and dark. Not a single pony stirred in the streets. The moon had yet to reach its next phase, and the city was still mostly veiled in shadow.

It made for the perfect cover as Skyfall Team ran through the labyrinth of streets.

Fleethoof ran at the head of the pack, leading the others based on memory. He tried to remember where they had gone before. Trotting Terrace, that much he recalled. An abandoned house there. That was all he needed to know. They checked the name of every street they ran past, looking for the right one.

In the silence of the night, Fleethoof could swear he could almost hear Night Shade’s laughter on the wind, mocking him.

Run, Fleethoof. Run faster, his mind echoed over and over again.

The clock tower in the churchyard started to chime. It was five in the morning. The sun would be up in an hour, and from that point, there was no telling how much time they had left. It was a race against the clock, now more than ever.

Trotting Terrace. The sign made Fleethoof skid on his hooves, turning sharply down the small street. The other ponies followed close behind as he slowed to a canter. He remembered which side of the street the house was on—and only one was boarded up.

The team quickly advanced on the house. Fleethoof, Valiant, and Lightning took to the front door while Sharp Shot led Blue Shield and Cupcake around to the back. With the building surrounded, and no chance of escape for anypony inside, Fleethoof pushed the broken door inward.

Three beams of light shone from their weapons as they swept across the interior. Not a single light was on in the house, and there were still no signs of life or recent activity. The team swept through the first floor quickly, Valiant and Cupcake moving to check upstairs.

“Clear,” came a call from the upper level.

“Clear,” Sharp Shot said from the kitchen. “The whole house is clear, Captain.”

Fleethoof ran a hoof through his mane, shaking his head slowly. “This doesn’t make sense…”

“What? You don’t think a madpony would lie to you?” asked Sharp sarcastically.

“No, at least he wouldn’t lie and say they were here. He’d know we wouldn’t take all day to search such a small house,” said Fleethoof, trying to shine reason on a madpony's riddles. “There has to be more to this.”

“Captain.” Blue Shield’s voice in the hall caught his attention. “I found something.”

The ponies regrouped in the small hallway cutting through the house. Blue Shield pressed on a section of the wall—and the wall moved inward like a door. Fleethoof stared on in amazement. Inside was a small cubby space, with a stone staircase leading down into darkness. A quick flash of their lights down revealed a hidden basement.

“How did you find this? It blends in perfectly with the wall.”

“The hinges,” Shield explained, pointing to the seam in the wall. “I could see where they were.”

“Good job,” Fleethoof commended, patting the pony on the shoulder and making his way down the stairs.

He swept the basement slowly with his light. The entire place was barren, the only notable thing being a table with papers strewn across its surface. Fleethoof approached the table as the rest of Skyfall Team made their way down. The papers were blank sheets, all bearing the Griffon Kingdom sigil.

“They’ve been here,” Fleethoof said, motioning across the cellar. “Check the entire place for any clues. They can’t have gone far with their leader in custody.”

“If he’s their leader…” Sharp Shot corrected.

“Sewer!” Valiant called out, setting his weapon aside and lifting the metal cover. “There’s something at the bottom!”

Everypony gathered around the hole while Valiant climbed down into the sewers. He grabbed a small, crumpled up piece of paper and opened it, inspecting it briefly.

“It’s the same kind.”

“Night Shade wasn’t lying…” Fleethoof said while putting the pieces together in his head. “They’re in the sewers. That’s why the Guard could never find them. That’s how they moved and attacked undetected all this time. They’ve been working in the sewers from the start.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” asked Cupcake with enthusiasm, jumping down the hole. “Geronimo!”

“Everypony down, quickly!”

At Fleethoof’s orders, Skyfall Team descended one by one into the wet, dark tunnels. The tunnel ran in both directions, stretching on. Other tunnels could be seen connecting to theirs. It was a network running beneath the city.

“We don’t have enough time to search all this,” Lightning Flash said.

“So we narrow it down based on what we know,” said Fleethoof, huddling the team together. “Quick, what do we know about The Sword?”

“Um… they’re after the princesses?” Valiant started.

“Good. They’ll want to have their base close to their objective if they can. Narrows it down.”

“There’s at least several members,” Blue Shield added.

“They’ll need space, like a maintenance room or service station. Narrows it down.”

“They target large public spaces,” said Cupcake.

“Near key areas. Narrows it down. There’s only a few possibilities they could be at, all around the center of Canterlot or near Canterlot Castle.”

“There’s a station in the market square,” Valiant called out from a distance away, looking at a map on the wall of the tunnel. “It looks like a major hub. It has tunnels that span across the entire length and breadth of the city.”

Fleethoof grabbed his rifle and set off down the tunnel. “That’s where we’ll try then. We’ve only got one shot at this. Valiant, grab the map. You take point.”

The soldier tore the map from the wall and began following it. Fireteam Skyfall made their way swiftly through the tunnels, turning every which way imaginable. Without a way to tell time, Fleethoof felt the pressure on them intensify. He had no idea how long they’d spent underground, but it felt like an hour, at least.

I need to get a watch when this is done...

Valiant took a sudden turn, down a larger tunnel. They must have been below Main Street, judging by the size of it. Only the sound of running water could be heard all around them, and it put Fleethoof on edge. Walking along the narrow walkway, Valiant led them around one more corner, and then stopped.

“There. That’s it,” he said, pointing to a staircase leading to a metal door.

Fleethoof unslung his rifle and chambered the first round. Behind him, he could hear his teammates following his lead. He trotted up the stairs, taking position at the door. Valiant stood beside him, and Cupcake took the position on the opposite side. He rested a hoof on the handle, tensed and anxious.

“Ready?” Everypony nodded in response to their leader.

Fleethoof pulled the door open swiftly and charged in. A long, dark corridor was on the other side of the door. Light poured around a corner at the end. He moved quickly and as quietly as possible down to the light. The sound of hooves against stone echoed softly behind him.

He ran to the corner and sidled to the edge, risking a peek around. Torches lit a large, domed room. Ponies walked between rows of tables and crates, going about some business of their own. Papers, scrolls, and maps covered each table. Sets of Royal Guard armor rested on one table, along with a couple pistols.

The room sat below their level, a thin path leading to stairs that descended into the room. Crates had been stacked alongside the path. They would provide some cover. Even still, the ponies were outnumbered three to one. Fleethoof liked those odds.

“Everypony stay right where you are,” Fleethoof ordered, his voice loud and echoing around the room as he stepped out of cover.

The ponies all stopped what they were doing, looking up at the pegasus in a mix of shock and fear. The rest of Skyfall Team stepped out alongside their leader, mimicking his fearless demeanor.

“The Double-Edged Sword, you are all under arrest for treason, conspiracy, and acts of terrorism against Canterlot and her majesty, Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

As soon as Fleethoof finished speaking, the ponies scattered. Many turned and ran down the branching tunnels. Others tipped tables over and ducked behind them, grabbing the few weapons they had. Two ponies grabbed the armor and took off down one tunnel.

“Hey!” Fleethoof shouted.

A gunshot rang out, and he felt the bullet fly by his head. Flinching, Fleethoof dove behind cover as Valiant and Cupcake returned fire. Cupcake’s gun sounded horrifying in the close quarters, the never-ending stream of gunfire and brass casing falling to the floor echoing all around. The pony laughed maniacally as he pinned the ponies in place.

Valiant tapped Fleethoof’s shoulder, giving him the sign for clear. He stood up again and quickly descended the short staircase with his Sergeant. Cupcake held fire, and one of the renegade ponies quickly stood up. Fleethoof fired three shots into his chest quickly, dropping him in a split second. Another stood up, and was gunned down by Valiant.

A single gunshot was heard behind one of the tables as the two ponies approached cautiously. Fleethoof peered over it, seeing a third pony lying slumped across the floor. A gunshot wound went through his head, and he clutched the still-smoking pistol in his hoof. The captain sighed and shook his head sadly for the pony.

“What do we do now, Captain?” Blue Shield asked as the team regrouped.

“Yes, what is plan?” asked Cupcake.

“There’s too many different paths to chase them down by ourselves. But they’re broken and routed, running scared. We can clean the runners up with the Guard, but two took sets of armor from the kidnapped soldiers. They have to be the ones carrying out Night Shade’s plan. They’re the ones we need to stop.”

Fleethoof ran to the tunnel the ponies had gone down. Much to his surprise, the tunnel didn’t go anywhere. It ran a few dozen meters down, and hit a dead end. A ladder at the end went up to the surface. The chase didn’t go very far.

“Come on. They can’t be too far ahead.” He rushed to the ladder. The climb to the street seemed to last an eternity to the panicked pony. They were so close to winning, but the game had really been set into motion now. It was the final phase of The Sword’s plan, and the final chance for Skyfall Team. All the chips were on the table, winner takes all.

With a grunt, Fleethoof pushed the cover off the manhole, bright sunlight flooding into their faces. He could hear the cries and sounds of protest beneath him from his blinded teammates. The sun warmed his skin, but it made his blood run cold. Morning had risen. The dawn of the final day had passed. They were out of time.

He hoisted himself up, helping pull his teammates up after him. They were in the market district. Stalls and carts had all been set up and opened by their owners. Ponies quickly filled the plaza, eager to spend their money. And much to his horror, guards had already taken their posts. It was impossible to find The Sword members in the crowd. Fleethoof muttered a silent profanity under his breath.

“Shit!” Sharp Shot cursed, looking around in worry. “How do we find two disguised terrorists in this?”

Fleethoof ran a hoof through his mane again, breathing heavy as he tried to keep calm. He could feel his chest tighten from the anxiety. His heart pounded like a drum and his mind raced, desperately grasping at ideas. And then one hit him.

“Like this,” he said, climbing up onto the nearest stand.

“Hey!” the pony minding the stall snapped. “What do you think you—”

Fleethoof drew his sidearm and fired it three times into the air. Ponies all around the square screamed and ran for cover. Amongst the mass of civilians diving behind anything they could find, the guards began to make their way towards him, weapons in hoof as they pushed through the crowd. Only two guards began to run away from the scene, out of sight in a second.

“There they go!”

Fleethoof took to the air, flying over the approaching soldiers while the remainder of Skyfall Team pushed through the crowd to the other side of the square. The ponies were already gone, but he knew the road they had taken. It led straight for Canterlot Castle.

He ran as fast as he could, soon hearing hooves beside him. Lightning Flash smiled at his captain as he caught up to him. Fleethoof marveled at the pony’s speed. His file had not lied about his talent.

Valiant flew overhead, scouting for the soldiers. They were nowhere to be seen, and the closer they got to the castle, the more frequently soldiers were seen on the streets. They had the perfect disguise.

And then somepony tackled him to the ground.

Two Guard ponies marched up the front steps of Canterlot Castle, saluting their fellow soldiers as they entered. They turned down the main corridor, following memory through the castle until they reached the gate on the opposite side of the property. Approaching a stone staircase, they entered the prison.

Hooves clopped loudly as they approached the lone guard at the only occupied cell, and saluted again. Night Shade looked up at the two soldiers, sitting patiently in his cell.

“We’re here to relieve you,” one said, noting the confused look on the guard’s face. “Princess Celestia’s orders. The Captain of the Guard wanted to shift positions for security. You are to report to him, post haste.”

The guard nodded, then handed over the keys to his replacements. “Keep an eye on this one. He’s a tricky one.”

Once the pony had given them the keys, one of the guards drew his sidearm and fired a single round through the prison guard’s skull. One guard proceeded to open the cell while the other removed the deceased’s armor. Night Shade smiled as he stepped out of the cell.

“You’re early,” he said with a chuckle, donning the armor. In an instant, his image had been magically transformed to resemble a Royal Guard.

“Sorry, sir. We had an… interruption. We needed to proceed.”

Night smiled widely. “Ah, so Fleethoof found you! I knew he would figure it out. Such a clever pony… But come. We have work to do, and somepony may have heard us.”

With one grinning wickedly, the three villains made their way out of the prison. Their plan was almost complete…

“Forgive us, Captain,” the soldier apologized as he removed the cuffs from Fleethoof. “We didn’t know it was you. But you can’t go firing your guns off in public like that.”

“We had to, to draw out the enemy,” Sharp Shot explained.

“We don’t have time for this!” said Fleethoof as he marched up towards Canterlot Castle, his team and the Guard soldiers right beside him. “They’ve already infiltrated the castle by now. We have to secure the princesses and find them.”

The guard pursed his lips together. “That’s going to be difficult, sir. Captain Shining Armor doubled security in the castle overnight. There’s twice as many of the Guard here as usual, all of them armed.”

“Of course there is,” Fleethoof laughed. Things could never be easy.

“Where are the princesses now?” asked Valiant.

“They are having breakfast with Captain Shining Armor in the grand hall. He insisted on accompanying them throughout the day.”

“Smart stallion,” murmured Fleethoof as they entered the castle and turned down the hall.

“Um, sir? The princesses are the other way.”

“We’re not going to the princesses. We’re going to the prison.”

Sharp Shot cantered up beside his officer. “Do you think they’d try to free him, Captain?”

“He’s their leader, Sharp. He’s got them completely under his influence, he’s the one with the vendetta against Celestia, and he’s very bright,” Fleethoof fought the bitter taste in his mouth the more he thought about how they had fallen right into Night Shade's plan. “He got caught for a reason. He planned on being locked up. It got him the closest to the princesses, and we played right into it.”

The group crossed the gardens and came up to the prison gates. Fleethoof could hear his heartbeat pounding in his head as they descended the stairs. He walked fast, rounding the corner—and freezing in his tracks.

“Celestia dammit…”

He ran down the corridor in haste, stopping beside the dead body on the floor. Everypony rushed up, one of the guards retching at the sight. The body had been stripped of its armor, and Night Shade was gone. They had already freed him.

“He’s loose…” Fleethoof said, rising quickly and taking his weapon in hoof. “What weapons do the guards have right now?”

“Just our rifles, the bolt ones,” somepony replied. “Captain Armor thought the presence of firearms would deter an attack.”

“Was this guard armed?”

“N-No, sir. Captain Armor didn’t want to risk a weapon around the prisoner.”

“Then we need to secure the armory. That’s where they’ll be heading. Let’s move, everypony, double time!”

Night Shade pulled the double doors open wide, stepping into the large space, his partners following close behind. The Canterlot Armory was everything he had hoped it would be. New and old weapons were hung with care on racks around the room. Boxes of ammo lay stacked to the ceiling.

The pony’s grin widened.

He grabbed one of the ceremonial rifles, the old weapon he had been trained to use. The familiar feel of the varnished wood in his hoof brought back fond memories. He smiled, and grabbed a hoofful of bullets, proceeding to load his weapon while the other two armed themselves more adequately.

“Remember, anypony else is yours to claim,” Shade spoke up, chambering a round in his gun. “But Celestia is mine.”

“What are we doing with the guard’s body?”

Night Shade glanced out of the doors at the corpse of the armory’s guard, lying on the castle floor. Oh, right. They really should have done something with him sooner.

“Drag him in here. We can’t let anypony see him yet.”

Obeying what they were told, the ponies carried the body in and tossed him to the floor. At least he was out of sight now. Night trotted over to a stockpile of barrels, a bright red warning printed across the body: DANGER: EXPLOSIVE. The faint smell of gunpowder radiated from within the wooden cylinders.

“Boss, we’re running out of time,” one of the Sword members said urgently. “What are you doing?”

Night smirked a little. “Hedging my bets.”

A bright glow surrounded Night Shade’s horn as he levitated several barrels. He grunted as he focused his energy, the magical aura growing stronger around the barrels. In a flash of light, they were gone, teleported away.

“Come along, everypony,” he sang out, sashaying out into the hall. “Let’s go make some history.”

The three closed the doors behind them, marching as swiftly and casually away as they could. Their disguises were working perfectly. Everything was going according to his plan.

And then the sound of hooves rushing towards them made Night freeze in place.

Ahead of the trio, Fireteam Skyfall ran around a corner, barreling down the hall at breakneck speeds, a cluster of soldiers right behind them. Night Shade smiled to himself. Fleethoof was still playing along—and he was catching up too. The unicorn felt his pulse quicken. The game had become that much closer.

The ‘soldiers’ stood at attention and saluted the ponies as they ran by, only Fleethoof stopping by them.

“The princesses,” he said between heavy breaths. “Are they still in the grand hall?”

“Yes, sir,” one of Shade’s followers said with a firm, affirmative nod. “We were on our way to go reinforce security there now.”

“Good. Keep your eyes out. The prisoner is loose in the castle, and he’s disguised as a Royal Guard. Check everypony and anypony.”

“Yes, sir.”

Fleethoof nodded. “And if you see anypony suspicious, apprehend them immediately and check them. But be careful. These ponies are ruthless, and they won’t—”

“Captain Fleethoof!”

Valiant’s shout caught his attention. The captain ran off down the corridor again after his team, and the three ponies quickly trotted away down the hall. It would only be a matter of moments before the body was discovered in the armory, and then they’d have little time to get to the princesses.

Time was of the essence, and their task was nearly completed.

Fleethoof bolted and skidded around the final corner, rushing up to the armory. The doors were swung open wide. Inside, he could see the guards pacing nervously.

“What is it?” he asked, approaching the scene.

“Captain… Look at this…”

The pony turned to Sharp Shot as he knelt beside the body of a dead soldier—the armory guard. Confusion spread like a wildfire. It didn’t make sense. Shining Armor had been arming the guards, but there was a dead one right here.

And then realization hit Fleethoof like a brick wall, and a mixture of terror and anger filled his heart.

“That was them… In the hallway, that was Night Shade!” he cried out, charging out of the armory and back down the halls, his team barely having time to catch up. “He’s armed and now he knows where the princesses are! We have to hurry!”

The grand hall was on the other side of the castle. If they ran as fast as they could, they might be able to catch up to them. But even Fleethoof couldn’t kid himself. Night Shade had a huge lead on them, and was no doubt making haste as well. The chances of them catching up in time were slim.

But he had to try. They had to try. He perished the thought of what would happen if they failed…

His heart was pounding. His mind was focused. His eyes gleamed with mad bliss. Night Shade rounded the final corner, beginning his trek down the long hallway to the great hall. He could see the massive doors at the far end, reaching all the way to the high ceiling.

His breathing quickened. Every sound was tuned out as a buzzing filled his ears. Every part of his being was concentrated with deadly precision on the target right in front of his eyes. Victory was so close. In a matter of minutes, years of patient planning would come to fruition. He was so close to the end.

Four guards stood in front of the doors, barring their entrance into the chamber. But Night had planned for this. He planned for everything, right down to Fleethoof getting this close. He wanted the captain to be here when it happened. He wanted him to see the princesses die and break, just like he had been broken. Then he would see the truth. Then he would be free, and they would be one and the same.

“Halt!” one of the guards called out to the approaching ponies, raising a hoof to stop them. “By orders of Captain Shining Armor, nopony is to go near Princess Celestia or Luna.”

“There’s been an incident! The prisoner is loose!” Night Shade exclaimed, feigning a worried tone, even widening his eyes for dramatic, persuasive effect. “Captain Fleethoof is rallying all the guards for a sweep of the castle. We have to report to the foyer, immediately!”

The soldiers all exchanged worried and uncertain looks. Shade glanced over his shoulder, making sure Fleethoof wasn’t coming yet. He didn’t have time for this.

“There’s no time! The terrorists could be anywhere, getting closer! We must go aid the captain!”

He could see the adamant determination waver in their eyes, the ponies shifting anxiously. Finally, they took off down the hall, headed the way they had just come. Shade grinned to himself. It was so easy to convince ponies of a false truth when fear gripped their hearts. It was a wonderful tool for manipulation.

He waited until the guards had gotten sufficiently far enough away, and then turned to his ponies.

“Get the door.”

The large doors slowly opened, and the three ponies stepped inside the large hall. A table had been set up in the hall, four chairs around the square surface, and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sat side by side. From the empty dishes on the table, the ponies had just missed breakfast. What a pity…

Two guards stood on either side of the door they had come through. Night’s followers shut the doors, catching confused looks from both princesses.

“Is something wrong, soldiers?” asked Celestia, confusion masking her rose eyes. “I thought Shining Armor had ordered nopony to see us today?”

Night slowly grinned menacingly as he stared across the room at the princess. “Shining Armor isn’t here.”

Celestia’s expression shattered, and a dark fear filled her wide eyes. She recognized that voice... Before anypony could react, the two ponies beside Night Shade turned on their hooves, rifles raised, and shot the guards. The ponies fell to the ground, dead, blood spraying across the walls and tiled floor.

Luna stood up quickly, and was locked in place as the ponies turned their rifles on her. Night Shade began his slow trek across the hall towards the sisters, a murderous look glowering on his face. All the while, that twisted grin never left his lips. Never in all his life had he imagined his most precise plan would be the one that worked. He was going to enjoy this…

Slowly, his horn ignited as he levitated the helmet from his head. The magic link in the armor now broken, his coat returned to its original blue color, and his mane hung messily over his red eyes. He looked unkempt, his eyes mad, bloodshot from the lack of sleep, showing his true face to the monarchs.

“This is it… Years of waiting culminating to this one moment. It’s so bittersweet, but the end always is, isn’t it? How does it feel, Celestia, knowing that you are all alone now, facing your death? Knowing that the cavalry isn’t coming to save you?”

Celestia didn’t respond. She stood, tall and staunch, in place. Far worse foes had threatened her before. She wasn’t going to waver in front of this enemy. Shade shook his head slowly.

“Equestria will finally be liberated from your manipulative tyranny. The ponies will finally be free. Everypony will be free! And it will be thanks to me. I will be their hero, and you will be nothing but a nightmarish stain on the pages of history.”

Still no response from her. It disappointed Night Shade, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected. He hadn’t wanted to face her for conversation anyway.

“Oh, how I have waited for this day…” he chuckled, slowing his stride as he grasped his rifle, raising it slowly to savor every second. “Celestia, your retribution comes now!”

He didn’t notice the unicorn sunk low into the seat facing away from the door, or how his hoof quietly drew the pistol on his hip.

Fleethoof skidded as his hooves kicked up the carpet behind him, catching himself mid-fall and stumbling back into a sprint. His lungs burned and his chest ached, panting hard. They were so close.

Oh please, please don’t let us be too late, he mentally pleaded.

Just one more corner. All they had to do was round one more corner, and then it was a straight shot to the hall. As soon as they arrived at their turn, a group of four guards ran towards them down the hall. Fleethoof skidded to a halt, watching them pass, and looking to the now unguarded door, and back to the guards.

“Soldiers!” he called out, watching as they stopped and turned in surprise. “Where are you going? You’ve abandoned your post!”

“Captain!” one said in surprise as they caught back up to the group. “We were just coming to report to you, like you ordered.”

Fleethoof furrowed his brow. “I didn’t order anypony to report to me.”

Now the guards all looked just as confused as he was. “But that’s not what our replacements told us.”

Replacements? Fleethoof looked down the hall as the ponies pointed to the doors. Nopony stood guard at the door. There were no replacements. His eyes widened, and frigid cold dread gripped at his heart like a vise.

And then two distant gunshots were heard.

Oh fuck no!

“Move! Now!” Fleethoof yelled urgently.

His hooves couldn’t kick off the floor fast enough. His heartbeat hammered in his head. Time seemed to move in slow motion. Adrenaline drove him on like a whip cracking at his flanks. But no matter how hard he ran, the door never seemed to be getting any closer. Lungs burning with every breath, he hurled himself towards the doors with reckless abandon. Hooves thundered down the long hallway in a cacophony of speed. The looming doors got larger and larger. They were almost there!

A volley of shots were sounded behind the door, two different weapons firing. Three shots, four, five, six! The seventh one went off just as the ponies reached the doors. Fleethoof and Valiant wasted no time, throwing the weight of their bodies against the door, knocking it inward.

Four bodies lay across the floor, all of them of the Guard. Night Shade stood behind one of the colonnades, chambering a fresh round into his rifle. Blood was sprayed across his coat, most likely from the dead soldiers. The breakfast table was knocked over, the princesses ducked down behind it. Shining Armor sat behind one of the tall chairs, tipped over on its side to provide makeshift cover.

Fleethoof lifted his weapon and drew on Night Shade. He looked up in shock at Skyfall Team and the Royal Guards, who had rushed to cover the princesses. The fight had shifted favors very quickly.

“Night Shade, drop the weapon now!” Fleethoof ordered.

The pony hesitated, staring down the captain for a moment, unsure of what to do. His eyes narrowing, Night shoved the bolt back into place, loading his weapon. Fleethoof gripped his gun tight, keeping careful aim. The two ponies stared one another down.

“Bravo, Captain. You won this game,” Night Shade remarked as Valiant and Cupcake maneuvered their way around the room towards the other side of the colonnade. “But we’re far from done playing.”

“It’s over, Night. Drop the gun now.”

“I'll see you in the final round, Captain!”

In an instant, a blue shield surrounded the unicorn. Fleethoof reacted on reflex, firing a single shot at the pony. The bullet ricocheted off the shield and landed harmlessly in the floor. Night began laughing as his horn began to glow brighter.

“No!”

But it was too late. In a bright burst of magic, Night Shade had vanished, his shield dissipating as its caster disappeared. He had teleported away.

“Dammit!” Fleethoof swore, the guards rushing about in shock. “Find him! He may still be in the castle!”

“Are you all right, Captain Shining Armor?” a guard asked his officer. Shining rose from cover and holstered his gun.

“I’m fine. Make sure the princesses are okay,” he said, looking to Fleethoof as the pony approached the scene. “You cut it pretty close there.”

“Sorry. I thought I’d give you a little excitement in your life,” Fleethoof remarked, smirking a little. “I am sorry though. We almost weren’t fast enough.”

“But you were. And I don’t know about anypony else, but I’m very thankful for your fleet hooves!”

He chuckled and slung his rifle over his shoulder. “Are the princesses all right?”

“We’re fine,” Princess Celestia reassured Fleethoof as they stepped out of cover. “But I fear that this nightmare is far from over.”

“Night Shade is still alive and on the loose, and The Sword is out there—broken, but active. They’ll be moving on to Plan B now.”

“My troops will find them,” Shining Armor said. “If they’re still in Canterlot, they won’t get far.”

“Better start with the sewers,” replied Sharp Shot. “That’s where they were hiding, right under your noses.”

Shining leered at the sniper for a moment before Fleethoof cut in. “Some may have already made their way out of the city. Jumped ship when they could. But we have to consider their next plan.”

“They’ll come for Princess Celestia again, won’t they?” Valiant asked.

“Most likely, though maybe not as directly,” Blue Shield said in suggestion, shaking his head. “If Night Shade can regroup, then they will, but some may just go rogue. The Sword goes for any alicorn indiscriminately. They blame the entire Royal Family, unlike Night’s vendetta.”

Sharp Shot nodded. “So they’ll definitely stay within Canterlot.”

“Not every princess is in Canterlot…” Fleethoof’s words were dark, and caught the attention of his team.

“Cadance!” Shining Armor gasped.

“She’s still out on her goodwill mission,” said Celestia grimly. “She may be in danger too.”

“I have to go protect her,” Shining worriedly said. “She can’t be left defenseless if these ponies go after her!”

“We can’t have you leave the city, Captain,” Luna interrupted, stoping the pony in his tracks as he made for the door. “You have to head the Guard in their investigation for the remainder of The Sword. They know who you are anyway, Shining Armor. They’d smell a trap the moment they saw you with her.”

“But, Princess Cadance—”

“All we can do is warn her bodyguards,” said Princess Celestia, looking sympathetically at the distressed stallion. “I’m sorry, but we need you here, Shining Armor. We have to trust Cadance’s guards.”

Sharp Shot scoffed. “Because we all saw how effective they were here… Ow!”

A swift punch from Cupcake shut the sniper up, even before Celestia cast a glare his way. Fleethoof had to agree with Sharp though. The castle guards had proven very ineffective at withstanding Night Shade’s brilliant infiltration. How was he supposed to trust a small band of uninformed soldiers to keep Cadance safe?

“Send Skyfall Team to look after Cadance,” Luna offered, catching Fleethoof’s attention. “The Guard can conduct their search here now that they know what to look for, and Skyfall can tend to our niece’s security.”

Shining Armor looked hopeful at the prospect of Cadance’s enforced defense. Even Fleethoof felt his spirits lift at the thought. Princess Celestia, however, looked as uncertain as ever. She stared at Luna for a few moments, then one by one at each pony in his outfit.

“Luna—”

“They have proven themselves, sister,” said the Princess of the Night firmly, voice holding adamance in her decision. “They did in weeks what your Guard could not in months, and they are not as reputed as your Captain of the Guard. Send them hence to Cadance’s aid. Or do you dare risk her safety as you have risked ours?”

Celestia and Luna exchanged a look. Fleethoof had seen similar ones sent between disputing siblings before. Even amongst royalty, the relations were the same.

“Very well, sister,” Celestia finally ceded with a gentle tone, her expression softening as she said, “Skyfall Team will see to Cadance’s safety until the rest of this group is found and brought to justice. Shining Armor will be briefed on everything your team has found, and will head the search here. With any luck, this matter should not take long to resolve.”

“Yes, your majesty,” said Fleethoof with a salute. “Where is Princess Cadance right now?”

Luna began making her way past her sister and out of the hall. “We shall check her schedule and find where you may intercept her. You must depart immediately to ensure her maximum security. Return to Skyfall Headquarters and prepare. I shall meet you shortly.”

Skyfall Team saluted in unison and followed their leader out behind the princess. Shining Armor quickly cantered out after them, trotting alongside Fleethoof. He gave him a confused look.

“I’m coming to see this headquarters of yours,” the Captain of the Guard stated firmly. “It’s about time I learned what this team is really about.”

“Shining—”

“And I’m not taking no for an answer. If we’re gonna be partners, and I’m gonna trust you to protect Cadance, then I need some answers.”

Fleethoof was quiet for a moment, deliberating to himself. The group approached the elevator, filing into it. Reluctantly, he nodded. Shining Armor was his closest friend. If he couldn’t trust him, who could he?

“Fine. But be open-minded.”

Fleethoof threw the switch, and the lift descended.

“It’s… It’s…”

“It’s a secret base built underneath Canterlot Castle into the mountain,” Fleethoof summarized his friend's scrambled thoughts while leading his team and one gaping unicorn across their headquarters to their armory. “Quarter, open the vault. We’re going out of town on a business trip.”

Quarter Master nodded and dropped his work immediately, rushing ahead of the ponies. Only a few ponies had the code to the weapons vault: Quarter Master, Princess Luna, and his team. It kept regulation tight, and reduced the risk of any unauthorized access to the military technology contained within.

“But… how long—”

“Almost a year now.”

“How?” Shining Armor asked incredulously, doing a perfect rotation to take in everything around him. “What have you been doing for a whole year down here?”

Fleethoof glanced back at his friend with a crooked smirk. “Preparing for a day like today.”

The lock clicked, and the vault swung open slowly. Inside was a long room. Metal shelves ran along the walls, and cases lay spaced around the center. Stacks of magazines and boxes of bullets sat in wait. Knives of different shapes and sizes lay in parallel arrangement across a table. An empty rack sat against the far wall: the home of their weapons.

“Check your ammo, grab whatever you can carry. Fill a few bags with supplies,” Fleethoof ordered, Skyfall rushing in at his behest. “We don’t know how long we’ll be gone. Make sure we have enough of everything.”

“I don’t understand…” Shining Armor muttered quietly to his friend. “What exactly do you guys do?”

Fleethoof glanced to Shining. “Anything and everything. It’s difficult to explain.”

“Try me.”

Fleethoof heaved a sigh, and continued. “We work for the princesses, doing whatever they need us to do to keep Equestria safe from threats, both foreign and domestic. Whatever we have to do that the military can’t, we do it.”

Shining Armor was quiet for a moment. “By ‘anything’, what do you mean?”

“Anything,” Fleethoof simply replied, reloading the magazines he was carrying.

“Spying?”

“Yep.”

“Torture?”

“Maybe, if necessary.”

“Murder?!”

“If we have to.”

Shining Armor looked shocked. Fleethoof finished sliding bullets individually into his magazines and slid them into their slots on his vest. He set his rifle down and began to check his sidearm.

“And all this equipment?” Shining Armor pressed on.

“Developed for us by our research team. You saw them as we walked in.”

“But how has nopony said anything? Something like this would get noticed sooner or later.”

“That’s the beauty of this project,” explained the captain. “The only ones who would ever stumble upon this are the ones directly involved—and now you are too, since we’ve been working closely with you.”

“I’ve never even seen guns like this before,” Shining said, lifting Fleethoof’s rifle and checking it out.

“Everything was custom made to each of us. No two weapons are identical. Each pony has a kit to accommodate their specialties.”

“So you’re like special agents. You break the rules for all the right reasons.”

Fleethoof paused for a moment. He hadn’t considered them as the secret agent types, but in a way, Shining was right. He nodded and holstered his weapon again.

“I suppose you could say that.”

“Who knows about all this?” asked Shining Armor, stepping closer and adding in a whisper, “Specifically.”

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna do,” Fleethoof said, running through the very short list in his mind while gathering a pair of binoculars and a map of Equestria and stashing them in his bags. “Everypony involved down here does, Luna’s personal guards do, and now you do too.”

“And Cadance…?”

Fleethoof shook his head. “No, she doesn’t.”

“You didn’t tell her?”

“I was protecting her.”

Shining Armor was confused. “Protecting her from what, Fleet?”

Fleethoof threw his rifle over his shoulder, making his way back out of the armory.

“From me.”

“This group was very classified,” Valiant said, stepping past the Captain of the Guard.

“Anypony who knew was considered at risk or a threat,” added Sharp Shot as he carried his supplies out.

Cupcake trotted past next. “We could not even tell family about us.”

“I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, my friend,” Fleethoof apologized, a sincere look of remorse in his eyes. “But you were busy, and I was forbidden to. My world would have put you, Cadance, and ourselves in danger… but now it’s too late for that. And you know everything.”

Shining Armor didn’t know what to say. He stood there silently for a moment, letting the knowledge sink into his brain as Skyfall Team hurried about around him. They left the armory, and it was sealed up once more. Fireteam Skyfall was geared up and ready to go.

Fleethoof patted Shining on the shoulder, smiling at him. “Don’t worry, my friend. We’ll do our job. You just focus on yours.”

“Fleethoof, wait a moment!”

Shining Armor’s words caught the pony in mid-stride to the elevator. Everypony else had already headed for the lift. He turned back to the Captain of the Guard. Shining approached him again, his voice low and hushed.

“I hate to admit it, but your pony was right—the Guard didn’t cut it this time, and I’m afraid of what will happen if I mess up again,” he admitted quietly. “I’m still new to this.”

Fleethoof smirked and chuckled. “So am I. Let's learn together.”

“But we’ve been good friends for a while now, and I was hoping you could help me out,” Shining Armor continued to say. “Just tell me what you’d do if you were me. Where would you start?”

Fleethoof was surprised by his friend's request. Out of everypony in Equestria, Shining Armor was the last one he expected to ask him for help doing what he was good at.

“Captain, we have to go.” Valiant’s words from across the room rang true.

“I would begin by arming all the Guard, not just the ones in the castle,” Fleethoof suggested, pausing to think for a moment. “Keep them armed, at least with the ceremony rifles. They’re slow and outdated, but they look less frightening, and it will help security without alerting anypony. I don’t know how well armed The Sword is now, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Shining Armor nodded. “Agreed. And would you start your search in Canterlot, or around the city?”

“Captain!”

“I’d start with the outlying towns close by. Cut off their retreat if any did leave the city. Then you know the rest are still in Canterlot, and you can tighten the search.”

“That’s what I was thinking, but a second opinion never hurt.” Shining Armor smiled his characteristic wide grin. “Thanks, Fleet. Please, look after Cadance.”

“I will,” Fleethoof vowed, embracing his friend. “She means as much to me as she does to you.”

Shining Armor opened his mouth to say something, but a few calls from the impatient Skyfall Team cut him off. Fleethoof rolled his eyes and sighed. The two ponies made their way across the room and into the elevator, leaving Skyfall Headquarters behind.

“Good luck, Shining. Watch your back out there.”

“You too, Captain. Bring her home safely—whatever it takes.”

Fleethoof nodded as the elevator ascended into the castle. “I promise.”

At the top, Princess Luna stood in wait. The ponies filed out in a group, walking down the long corridors toward the foyer.

“Captain Fleethoof, I’ve reviewed Princess Cadance’s agenda,” said Luna, levitating a scroll over into the pegasus’ bags. “She only has one more engagement planned. It is the annual summer gala in Saddle Arabia, hosted by the Crown Prince Malik. She is scheduled to return to Canterlot in two weeks’ time, after the ball.”

“That’s got to be when The Sword will strike at her,” Fleethoof thought aloud. “They know the noose is tightening around them. If they want her, they won’t wait for her to return. They’ll go after her, where she's vulnerable.”

“I’ve already sent an emissary ahead to alert her security detail and the guards about your arrival. The next train for Saddle Arabia leaves within the hour. We must be hasty.”

The ponies trotted quickly down the grand staircase. It was a long ride to Saddle Arabia. No doubt Princess Cadance was already making her way there now, and if The Sword had a lead on them, it couldn’t be good.

“Guards!” Shining Armor called to his soldiers as he approached them. “Go spread the word, every soldier is to be armed as you are. Rifles only. Then rally in the courtyard. We’re starting the search parties up again. Understood?”

The ponies saluted. “Sir, yes sir!”

Shining Armor nodded his head, and the ponies set off. “Good luck, Skyfall Team. I’ll want a full report when you bring Cadance back.”

Luna looked to Fleethoof once Shining Armor had departed. “He has been briefed on your actions?”

“Only the gist of things,” explained the captain. “I figured I’d leave the details to you to sort out. But I thought having the Captain of the Guard in the loop would give us more leniency in Equestria.”

“A tactful decision, Captain. I only hope Shining Armor will take to your duties as enthusiastically as you did.”

“He’s my friend. Whether he agrees with everything or not, he wouldn’t do anything to hinder us.” Fleethoof smiled confidently.

“Then I shall brief him into our coterie,” Luna stated with a resolute nod.

The ponies trotted briskly down the road into Canterlot City. The town was much more lively again after the day’s earlier catastrophe. Ponies had returned to the street vendors and markets. Nothing could slow this city for long.

“Do not worry about the terror you instigated earlier,” Luna murmured to Fleethoof, as if reading his mind. “I shall instruct the guards to state that it was a training exercise for them, and that nopony was in any danger.”

Fleethoof grinned and chuckled. “Thank you, your majesty.”

“But do be more wary in the future, Captain.”

“Yes, Princess Luna.”

Ponies stopped and stared at the armed soldiers walking quickly down the street with the princess. Many bowed in respect, as was to be expected. The monarchs never demanded the signs of loyalty—they were given freely by appreciative subjects. Something that Night Shade very obviously failed to see.

The clock tower chimed twelve times. Noon had struck. The morning had passed by in a blur with all the activity. All around, soldiers stood watching their posts. Fleethoof could only imagine the scene Canterlot would be in a few hours once Shining Armor began his search. He was glad he wouldn’t be here to see the chaos.

The train station was busy as ever. Ponies coming and going from Canterlot filled the station atrium. He wondered if any of them were in The Sword, going their way also. With Luna’s regal presence and persuasion, it wasn’t too difficult to acquire six tickets to Saddle Arabia at the last minute—even if the train was rapidly filling up. The whistle blew just as the group walked out onto the platform. It was a long trip to Saddle Arabia—a couple days’ worth on the train. It concerned the punctual pegasus, and time was of the essence.

“All aboard, everypony!” Sharp Shot called out as they filed into a train car. “First ones in get to pick their bunks!”

Fleethoof smirked and shook his head. That pony was a piece of work. He lingered behind, making sure everypony in his team had their equipment and bags. Then he turned to Luna.

“Don’t worry, we’ll bring her back safely,” Fleethoof said, grinning assuredly. “You can count on us, Princess Luna.”

Luna smiled back and rested a hoof gently on Fleethoof’s shoulder. “I know I can, Captain. But do be circumspect and attentive. I wish to see Princess Cadance return to us safely—but I want all of my ponies to come home even more.”

Fleethoof nodded and saluted his leader. The whistle blew again, and at the insistent urging of Sharp Shot at the door, Fleethoof climbed aboard. The train had just begun to move as the door shut behind him. The rest of Skyfall Team stood around the small hallway, looking at him. He looked between the ponies incredulously, then waved a hoof down the hall.

“Well go on! You really don’t need me to order you to find your rooms, do you?” he teased. “You ponies… What would you do without me?”

“Lose our minds,” Cupcake remarked.

Sharp Shot scoffed. “I think it’s too late for that.”

A grin spread across Fleethoof’s face again. Skyfall Team was quickly coming into their own. Luna had undying faith in them, and even Celestia was conceding to their usefulness now. The Sword had been discovered and Night Shade would be hunted down by Shining Armor swiftly. All he had to worry about was the same thing he always worried about.

Princess Cadance.

Chapter 7: Interlude

The train rolled on through the night, charging through the desert. The nighttime was dark without the city lights, stars blanketing the sky. Most of the train was quiet and dark, many passengers lost to slumber. One lone pony sat in the lounge car, seated at the bar as he stared out the nearest window. A half empty glass of cider sat in front of him.

The sound of the train rolling along the tracks filled the car, the rhythmic white noise the only thing breaking the still silence of the night. Fleethoof’s eyes glistened in the moonlight and the dim candlelight in the train car. He took another slow sip from his glass. His mind swam with thoughts and memories.

Distant explosions and long-past gunshots rang in his ears. The screams of dying ponies still echoed in his subconscious. The war was long over, but for the captain, it would never be over. Night Shade brought up old memories and reopened old wounds. He hated it, but he sympathized with the madpony. He had seen his friends dead or dying. He’d held the body of his best friend in his hooves. He had closed his eyes for the last time. He knew all too well the trauma loss left somepony with.

The door to the car opened and closed. Fleethoof didn’t look away from the stars. He sat still, gently swirling his drink in its glass. The barstool beside him moved as somepony sat down beside him. He glanced into the mirror behind the bar, and recognized the pony next to him.

“Good evening, Valiant.”

“Evening, Captain,” Valiant replied, beckoning the bartender over.

“Please, Valiant. We’re friends. You don’t have to call me ‘Captain’ all the time.”

“But you are the leader of our unit,” he pointed out, watching the bartender pour a glass of cider for him.

“We’re all equals on this team.”

“But you’ve earned your title.”

Fleethoof couldn’t argue that. He tried his best to be humble, but even he couldn’t take that with any humility. He had worked hard to just come back alive from the war. The rank that came along with his accomplishments was just a testimony to his talents.

“What are you still doing up, Valiant?” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s two in the morning.”

“I came to ask you the same thing, Captain.”

“Fleethoof,” he insisted gently.

“Captain,” the other pony insisted back. He folded.

Fleethoof was silent for a while, pondering his situation. “I’m still not used to sleeping yet.”

“You haven’t been sleeping?” asked Valiant, leaning closer, brow furrowed in concern.

“Never more than a couple hours at a time.” Fleethoof downed the last of his cider, setting the glass on the bar with a hard clink and pushing it aside.

“How long has this been going on?”

“Since the war ended… Sleep and I no longer seem to be on speaking terms… heh…”

A brief moment of silence passed between the two ponies. Fleethoof looked across the bar at his own reflection—at the tired, pensive pony in the glass—and then turned his gaze back to the celestial heavens.

“It’s strange… but looking out at the stars always makes me feel better…” said Fleethoof softly, musing over his own thoughts. “It makes me feel at peace… like nothing else matters. It’s quiet, and sobering. I like the night.”

“Isn’t there anything that can help you rest, Captain?”

Valiant’s questions started the slideshow of memories in the pony's head. Memories of the last time he had slept peacefully. It was the night after his ceremony. The war had ended, and he had spent the evening coming back to reality. Cadance had visited him and his friends at a small café. It was therapeutic to be around his loved ones. He’d slept like a rock that night.

Every other night since was plagued by guilty nightmares and horrific images of combat. Every night since…

“Captain?”

Fleethoof snapped back into reality. He glanced over at his teammate and friend. A reassuring smile touched his face.

“I’m fine, Valiant—really. I’m used to it by now.”

“But it isn’t healthy. Isn’t there anything that helps you sleep? Any good dreams you can go to?”

Visions flashed before his eyes. Standing beside Shining Armor in front of Celestia, medals hanging from their necks. Embracing Valiant as they left the Griffon Kingdom for the last time. Training with his team in the obstacle course. His family’s tears staining his jacket as they hugged him proudly when he returned.

Sitting beside Cadance on the train. Sharing drinks at the local coffeeshops. Standing out on the terrace under the full moon. Facing off on the boat when they first met. Feeling her embrace as they parted from their last encounter.

“Promise me you’ll be okay.”

“There are plenty,” Fleethoof remarked, smiling fondly at the memories. “Some more potent than others…”

Valiant studied the distant look on his commanding officer’s face. “Permission to speak freely, Captain?”

“Of course, always. We’re not a strict army unit, Valiant. You don’t need my permission to speak your mind. You’re a free pony.”

“Well… why were you so eager to protect Princess Cadance?”

For the second time that night, Valiant had taken him aback with his interrogatives. The pony was much more perceptive than he gave him credit for. “She’s a friend, Valiant. You know that. You were part of the rescue effort,” he replied.

“No, I mean, you were willing to just abandon the hunt for Night Shade entirely to rush to her rescue when we didn’t even know if she was in trouble. You didn’t put up any kind of fight—you didn’t even argue.” Valiant had him there. “It’s not like you to cut and run from the mission like that. Why does the princess make that much of a difference?”

Fleethoof didn’t respond right away. “I was just following orders.”

“She’s that good of a friend, huh?” Valiant continued.

Fleethoof nodded. “Yes.”

“A very good friend?”

“It’s not like that, Sergeant,” replied the captain quickly. “She means a lot to me, yes, but our relationship is a mutual friendship—nothing more.”

Valiant smirked a little bit. “Is that disappointment I hear, Captain?”

“Oh shut up,” Fleethoof muttered, rolling his eyes and trying to ignore the heat under his skin. “It’s not like that at all. There’s nothing romantic between us.”

“But you want there to be?”

“What are you, my psychologist? Stop trying to make up my emotions.”

The two ponies chuckled. Fleethoof bit his lip, staring blankly up at the twinkling stars above. He honestly had no idea what he felt or thought. All he knew was how much his friends meant to him, and Cadance was way up there on his list. Feelings and emotions weren’t something he was accustomed to understanding. That’s why he had Cadance in his friend roster.

His wing began to ache again. He shrugged the discomfort away, producing a small pill bottle from his saddlebags. He surreptitiously popped the top and took a pill out, swallowing as quietly as he could.

“I’m just saying, it would make sense if you liked her. The heart wants what the heart wants, after all,” Valiant said out loud, shuffling his drink between his hooves on the bar. “I guess I’ll just see for myself soon enough, huh? Be mindful of your relationship with her though, okay? Don’t get hurt and don’t let it interfere with your judgment, Captain.”

Fleethoof scoffed briefly. “You just worry about keeping your eyes open and guard up. You always seem to anyway. Now come on, let’s get some shuteye. We’ll be there before we know it, and I want everypony on their A-game.”

“Just be careful of how close you get to the princess, Captain. Nopony needs you getting distracted.”

“I know…” he murmured, pursing his lips together as the ponies made their way out of the car. “I know…”

Chapter 8: The Ambassador

Saddle Arabia was hot. Very hot. Ridiculously hot. The heat was visible in the air, distorting the horizon as the train pulled into the station at the heart of the capital city of Nadira. Not a single cloud lingered in the sky, offering no shelter from the harsh sunlight bathing the city in intense heat. The moment the train doors opened, the weather hit everypony like a brick wall.

Fleethoof stepped out onto the platform, sweat already slicking his forehead as he stared out at the city through tinted sunglasses. Skyfall Team followed one by one out into the new environment. Sharp Shot shielded his eyes from the sun, and Cupcake looked like he was ready to pass out at any moment. Fleethoof smirked. It made sense the pony from the north couldn’t take excessive heat.

The residents of Saddle Arabia were horses, standing taller than a normal pony. Only Cupcake stood close to their height, with Fleethoof just slightly shorter than the populace. The horses cast suspicious looks to the ponies as they entered the station, their weapons slung over their backs. It was odd to see ponies so heavily armed, even as the guards themselves carried rifles from an old age. Thanks to Luna’s speedy emissary, the guards had all been informed of Skyfall’s presence, and left them alone.

Princess Cadance’s train had not arrived yet. They couldn’t have been too far ahead. Fireteam Skyfall proceeded to secure the station, Fleethoof waiting for the train at the designated platform while the others took positions nearby. Everypony surveyed the crowd, searching for any ponies hidden amongst the taller horses.

After almost an hour of waiting, another train began to approach, whistle blaring to announce its arrival. The cars pulled up to the platform and slowed to a stop. Fleethoof searched the cars, looking for any sign of where the princess might be. Most of the ponies and horses that disembarked he didn’t recognize—but he did recognize the familiar golden armor of the Royal Guard when he saw two soldiers get off. He made his way through the crowd, Valiant and Cupcake forming rank behind him. He could see the princess climbing out of the train car now, looking around, and searching for him.

“Princess Cadance,” he called out as the group got closer, Cadance beaming as the ponies got closer. “It’s been a while. Did you get the message from Princess Luna?”

“Fleethoof! It’s been far too long,” said Cadance, throwing her hooves around the stalwart captain in a tight embrace. “Yes, I got my aunt’s message. She said something had happened in Canterlot, and that you were replacing my security. What’s going on?”

Fleethoof hesitated in his response. “I think that’s something best discussed later, in private. But yes, we are relieving your security detail for the remainder of your trip.” He nodded to the guards. “You are dismissed, soldiers. We’ll take it from here.”

The guards saluted, and then headed for the train bound for home. Fleethoof and Cupcake took Princess Cadance’s bags as they were unloaded, the rest of Skyfall joining them. The ponies began to leave the station, walking through the lobby to the exits.

“Did something happen to my aunts? Is that why you’re here?” Cadance didn’t wait to ask any questions, it seemed.

“Your aunts are fine, Cadance,” Fleethoof said in reassurance. “A matter did come up that may or may not have jeopardized your security, so we’re just here to make sure you’re okay. Just think of us as bodyguards, just in case.”

Cadance rolled her eyes. “Well that’s comforting… Something threatens my safety and I don’t even get to know about it?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

“Then tell me what it is, Captain.”

She wasn’t going to back down—Fleethoof could see that. The pegasus sighed, and gave her a look that begged her not to press the issue.

“Fine, I will—later. But right now, we should get you settled in to wherever you need to be and make sure everything is okay first. Deal?”

“Deal.” Cadance smiled at her friend. “Have you ever been to Nadira, Captain Fleethoof?”

Fleethoof shook his head. “No, I have not.”

“Well then, welcome to Saddle Arabia.”

Sunlight blinded the pony momentarily as they stepped out of the train station and into the city. The capital was massive, made up of buildings constructed of sandstone and clay bricks. The streets were dusted with sand, and palm trees lined the paved roads. The fragrant smell of exotic fruits and flowers filled the air from the local vendors and gardens. Off in the distance, somepony was playing an instrument he didn’t recognize.

“How can horses stand heat?” Cupcake said with a groan and wiped the sweat from his forehead for the umpteenth time.

“I hear you, pal,” remarked an uncomfortable Sharp Shot, readjusting the sunglasses perched on his nose. “This is brutal.”

Cadance laughed lightly. “Oh, it isn’t so bad. Think of it as an experience!”

Sharp Shot scoffed. “Experience, my flank…”

“I think I’m experiencing heat stroke,” said Valiant.

“Keep yourselves hydrated,” Blue Shield said, opening up a canteen from his pack. “This heat can sap your energy fast, and you want to stay at peak performance levels.”

“Listen to the doctor,” said Fleethoof to his team as they walked down to the street. “So Cadance, where are you staying?”

“At the Oasis Hotel. It’s near the palace, in the upper district. There should be a carriage here to pick us up… ah! There it is!”

Cadance pointed to a gilded white coach, being pulled by four armored horses. Each horse bore the emblem of the Saddle Arabian royalty. A personal escort for the princess—how lavish. Fleethoof and Cupcake loaded the bags into the back as everypony filed into the carriage.

“Cupcake, get up top and keep an eye on the roads,” Fleethoof ordered.

“Da, Captain.” The larger pony climbed to the roof as Fleethoof boarded the carriage. As soon as they were all on, the coach began to move.

“Oh! I almost forgot!” Cadance said, pulling a folder out of her saddlebags and levitating it to Fleethoof. “Aunt Luna sent this as well. I’m supposed to give it to you.”

Curiously, Fleethoof broke the seal on the folder. Inside were a few sheets of paper, an Ambassador’s insignia pin, a gala ticket, and official documentation. He read over the mission briefing quickly, then closed the dossier again. Everypony looked at him, waiting for an explanation.

“Final mission briefings from Luna,” he said, tapping his hoof against the folder. “One of us is going to go undercover as a diplomat aiding Princess Cadance, posing as ‘Ambassador Envoy’. This will make sure she has cover at all times, even less obvious than we have to be. That individual will be with her at all times, and will also be attending the gala. A room has been reserved for us near the princess to use as a mobile base.”

“Playing make believe at a fancy party?” Sharp Shot’s eyes lit up more than they probably should have as he sat upright. “I’ll do it!”

Fleethoof looked skeptically at the sniper. “You’ll have to relinquish all your equipment and firearms, except maybe your pistol.”

“I won’t do it!” he quickly recanted, slouching back in his seat again.

“That’s fine, Sharp. It says Cadance has to pick her bodyguard anyway,” the captain noted. “I’d recommend Valiant or Blue Shield for the job. He’s good in tight situations, the doctor only ever carries a sidearm, and everypony else—”

“I pick you, Fleethoof.”

“—can be positioned as security detail in order to wait, what? Me?” Fleethoof paused for a moment, then chuckled weakly. “Thank you, Princess, but I really think I should be leading my team in this.”

“And you can be, from my side,” said Cadance, giving him a teasing smirk. “Didn’t you say yourself that you were here to protect me? To be my bodyguard? Well, now you can make sure of that.”

“Princess— er… Cadance, are you sure? Anypony else on my team is just as capable—”

Cadance shook her head resolutely. “I choose you.”

“I would really recommend second thoughts—”

“You’ve got the job.”

“Will you let me finish one senten—”

“No,” Cadance interjected yet again, smiling to herself, getting a couple snickers from Skyfall Team. “It’s your mission now, Captain. Or should I say ‘Ambassador’?”

Fleethoof stared blankly at the princess for a moment. He looked to his teammates, hoping for some backup. They were all trying to hide grins of amusement, a couple still snickering at his apparent defeat. Sharp Shot didn’t even bother to hide his borderline satirical smile. With a heavy sigh, he gave up.

“The things I do for Equestria…” he muttered, shaking his head. “All right, fine... I’ll do it. Valiant, you’re head of this team when I’m not in touch. When we get to the hotel, I’ll have to get out of uniform and stash my stuff. If anypony touches it, you’re gonna get it.”

“Ooooh, the big bad Ambassador is gonna get us,” Sharp Shot teased.

“Hey, be careful, Sharp,” Lightning said, grinning jokingly. “He’s got diplomatic immunity now! He could kill you AND get away with it!”

The laughs and jokes at Fleethoof’s expense continued all the way to the hotel.

“Good afternoon, and welcome to the Oasis Hotel!”

The mare at the concierge desk was the epitome of pleasant. Everything about her demeanor, down to her charming grin, screamed ‘service with a smile’. It would have been unsettling, had Fleethoof not been accustomed to unsettling. She was nothing compared to Night Shade.

“Good afternoon,” Princess Cadance replied in a melodious tune. “We have a reservation. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Ambassador Envoy.”

Fleethoof looked around the grandiose lobby. The floors and columns supporting the levels were made of marbled stone. A decorative fountain sat at the entrance, the sound of gently flowing water mixed with the smell of wildflowers, creating a soothing atmosphere. A large crystal chandelier hung above their heads, shimmering in the sunlight.

He spotted the rest of his team milling about beside the stairs. They were out of view. Good. If Princess Cadance was being followed, nopony would see Skyfall Team. They’d appear defenseless, and Fleethoof planned to keep it that way.

“Ah, here are your names! Two suites on the top floor,” the attendant said, smiling widely at the two ponies. “Your stay has, of course, been paid in full in advance. Here are your room keys. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to make your stay more comfortable.”

“Thank you.” Fleethoof smiled as pleasantly as he could as Cadance took both keys.

They headed for the stairs, and once out of sight, Fleethoof motioned to Skyfall with a flick of his head. Everypony formed rank behind their officer, making their way up to the top level, and then down the halls until they arrived at the side-by-side rooms. Fleethoof took the keys from Cadance, gently ushering her up against the far wall as he drew his pistol. Everypony readied their weapons as the Captain passed a key to Valiant.

The doors opened and swung open wide, the ponies rushing in without a moment’s pause. The rooms were swept quickly, guns pointed in every direction. The bedroom was clear. Fleethoof moved to the adjacent bathroom, swinging around the corner with his firearm raised. Empty as well.

“Clear,” he called out, holstering his gun.

“Clear,” Sharp Shot said from the next room.

Everypony’s guard lowered. Without the worry of an imminent threat, Fleethoof took a moment to admire the luxury of the hotel. Both rooms were identical in almost every detail.

The entire building seemed to be constructed of the polished marbled stone. Fine details had been carved into the molding around the ceiling. The wardrobes, tables, and vanities were made of dark mahogany wood, varnished to a mirror-like sheen. An arrangement of fresh flowers sat on an end table beside a full length mirror, blanketing the room in mixed scents of vanilla orchids, roses, and azaleas.

The beds were massive, with dark red, downy sheets and a veil of gossamer hanging from a tented canopy above. The far wall was made entirely of glass leading to a wide balcony, revealing a breathtaking view across the expanse of Nadira, and the deserts of Saddle Arabia beyond that. A canopy of jasmine and lavender sheltered the balcony from the harsh sunlight. All the extravagance made Fleethoof feel very out of place.

“Wow…” Sharp Shot let out a sharp whistle as he collapsed to one of the sofas against the wall. “This place is faaaancy!”

“Tell me about it,” said Fleethoof, dropping his gun to the table and beginning to disarm himself. “This feels so wrong…”

“Yeah, Captain! Take it off!”

Fleethoof threw one of his magazines at the sniper on the couch. He grinned when the unicorn jumped out of the way, the projectile smacking harmlessly into the cushion. Cupcake let out a boisterous laugh.

“Aw, why don't you return my love, boss?” Sharp Shot teased further. That pony really had no off switch.

“Buy me dinner first, Sergeant. Then you might have a chance,” he shot back, unsnapping his harness.

Reluctantly, Fleethoof slid his vest off his shoulders. He suddenly felt very naked and weightless without his equipment. Seeing the pile that was his arsenal on the table and at his hooves made him realize just how much he relied on tradecraft. It almost felt like a handicap now that he looked at it. Perhaps this was a good form of training: to cope without relying on tons of ammo and powerful guns.

Cupcake and Valiant stepped up, taking his equipment piece by piece and stashing it in the empty wardrobe. Fleethoof held on to his pistol, turning the gun and its holster over and over in his hooves anxiously. This was all he had to trust to keep him and Princess Cadance alive now. It would have to do.

Please don’t let me down… he mentally prayed to his gun, setting it back down on the table.

“Well well… I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you completely out of uniform, Captain.”

He turned and grinned sheepishly to the princess as she walked in. She was right. Every other occasion he had been in some form of uniform: the Guard, his ceremony, even after training with Skyfall. This was the first time he had ever been exposed to her before.

“Well, what do you think?” he asked jokingly, spinning around like a model.

Cadance couldn’t help but laugh. “I think we need to get you a suit or two if you’re going to be a diplomat.”

“A suit? Seriously?” Fleethoof’s voice was incredulous. “Where am I supposed to get a suit?”

“I’m sure there must be a tailor somewhere,” Cadance said, looking around to everypony else. “What do you say, everypony? Shall we play dress up with Fleethoof?”

The whooping and applause that came from his team was the most humorous form of mutiny Fleethoof could imagine. Before he could even retort, Cadance had moved around to snap his tail up in her mouth. She dragged him out of the room, Skyfall Team eagerly following behind, clearly enjoying themselves. This was going to be a very long mission…

Chapter 9: The Definition of Insanity

Two guards slowly wandered down a narrow tunnel deep under Canterlot. The sewers were dark and dank, chilling the ponies to the bone. The sound of dripping and running water was everywhere, echoing and disorienting them as they searched the subterranean labyrinth under the city. The ponies clutched their rifles tightly, lanterns hanging from around their necks to illuminate the path.

For the past two days, Shining Armor had almost every soldier in the city either out in the nearby countryside or down in the sewers. They still weren’t entirely sure who or what they were looking for. Some unnamed, unknown cult group hiding out or something. It all sounded very suspicious.

“This is stupid…” one of the guards muttered despondently. “We've been down here for hours now. The captain’s got us chasing shadows in the fucking dark.”

“You’re preaching to the choir, pal,” the other said, checking a small causeway briefly. “Why couldn’t we go check the towns? Why the fuck did we get stuck down in the sewers? Who drew that short straw?”

“I don’t even know. I swear, I think the captain’s losing it. He can’t handle being the Captain of the Guard after all this time without one… I think he’s expecting too much of himself…”

“Well, did you hear how he got those terrorists in Canterlot Castle?”

“No, I must’ve missed that. What happened?”

“This group supposedly snuck into the castle pretending to be in the Royal Guard and nearly killed the princesses. Only Captain Shining Armor stopped all three, with just a pistol and a few bullets.”

“Now that’s a real stallion if I ever heard of one,” the guard said. “But still, what are we even supposed to be looking for?”

The other pony shrugged. “The captain said keep your eyes open for anything suspicious.”

“Yeah, but what does that even mean?”

“I don’t fucking know. Just anything out of the ordinary.”

“Well, I suppose it’s nice he’s at least helping us search, and not just sitting around barking out orders. I like that in a leader.”

“Yeah, Captain Armor’s not afraid to get in the trenches with us…”

The two ponies were quiet for a while. They didn’t even know where they were anymore, or how far into the sewers they had gone. They turned down another dark tunnel. It had been a while since they saw anypony else, or even a manhole or service station. They were well and truly lost.

“Maybe we should turn back. I don’t think there’s anything—”

“Shh!”

Quiet fell between the ponies again.

“What? Did you hear someth—”

“Shhh!” the pony hissed sharply again.

This time, the sound of distant, echoing voices could be heard down the tunnel. Shifting and tumbling rock hitting rock was also audible now. The ponies exchanged looks, then slowly made their way further down the tunnel. The voices grew louder the closer they got. The tunnel turned abruptly. Rounding the corner, the ponies could see the end, opening up somewhere brightly lit with orange light. They slowly advanced towards the end, staring in awe at the sight that unfolded before them.

They were in a vast open expanse of cave. The sewers just let out into this open area, a small pool of water collected on the floor. Over a dozen ponies moved about the cave, chiseling out openings into the walls. Barrels sat stacked against the far wall, and a crate of something was being opened up. The whole place was lit with lanterns, providing just enough light to see comfortably.

“I don’t remember this being in the briefing…” a soldier murmured quietly.

“It wasn’t,” the other said. “These must be the ponies we’re looking for!”

“Right… Come on, let’s get back to Captain Armor and report thi—”

Bang!

A gunshot went off behind them. The soldier glanced to his side in time to see his friend fall face-first to the ground, blood spraying from his head.

“No!”

Bang! Bang!

Another two gunshots went off. Searing white pain ripped through the soldier's hind legs, and he collapsed with a loud scream of agony. His rifle fell just out of his reach. Beside him, he could see his friend’s eyes staring lifelessly back at him, already glazed over and distant.

He had to see his attacker. Fighting against the pain, the guard tried to lift himself up again. He was suddenly rolled over onto his back, and felt a hoof press against his chest. A dark blue unicorn held him down, a pistol clutched in his hoof, a thin trail of smoke still emitting from the barrel aimed at his head.

“Hello! Welcome to the party!”

The pony's words were warm and welcoming, but his grin and eyes were sinister and mad. He chuckled, and then looked over at the dead pony.

“So sorry about your friend—really, I am. But I couldn’t have you leaving before all the fun started,” he said, moving off the pony and inspecting his fallen comrade. “You know, he really should have been wearing his helmet. Then accidents like this wouldn’t happen.”

The guard was in too much shock to say anything in response. He just stared, breathing heavy against the mind-numbing pain, and watched the unicorn as he patted the corpse’s back, and then moved to stand at the mouth of the tunnel. He looked out over the cave.

“Marvelous, isn’t it! Do you know where you are, my friend?” When the guard didn’t reply, he continued. “We’re underneath the train station, my brother. Yep. Riiight underneath it, where the sewers aren't finished yet, and where it took even you a while to find us. This is where we’ll cleanse our sins in fire.”

The mad unicorn turned and crouched down beside the wounded pony, grinning widely at him as he brought his face in close.

“I’m Night Shade, by the way. What’s your name, friend?”

No response. The guard narrowed his eyes a little bit. Was this pony really trying to have a conversation with him after he had just shot and crippled him, and killed his best friend? He could see something change in Night Shade’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, do you have any idea how rude you’re being right now? I let you into my little hideaway, and you don’t even have the decency to introduce yourself. No, just fuck you! That is just rude! Your mother would be so ashamed of you right now.”

The pony huffed and turned away, back towards the cavern. The guard glanced over at his rifle. It was a few feet away. If he could get to it, he might at least be able to kill this madpony and fight his way back. It was a long shot, but he had to try it. Anything was better than lying here bleeding out.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m cool now,” said Night Shade with a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I lost it there for a moment. Do you ever lose it, my friend? Do you ever just get so angry you need to let it out somehow? That’s kinda what I’m doing here. I’m letting my anger out, and I’m going to free Equestria with it.”

The guard slowly crawled across the ground, closer towards his rifle. Just inching, but inching ever closer. He could feel the pool of blood from his dead friend dampening his fur now. It made him feel sick.

Night Shade continued to talk, glancing back at the guard on the ground. “Did you know ponies have called me insane before? But not my friends—no, not the ponies here. They understand me. They see the truth. I’m not insane.”

“Yes… Yes you are,” the guard spat out angrily, glaring daggers into Night Shade.

“Do you know the definition of insanity?”

There was a moment of tense silence between the ponies as a real, dark fear settled over the heart of the guard. He began to slowly realize he probably wasn’t going to get out of this alive.

“Insanity is doing the same fucking thing over and over, and expecting things to change. Which is true, because I trusted guards before in the past, and they tried to kill me, which is why I killed your friend. So you see, I’m not insane, because this time I changed my plan. No more of the subtle crap.”

The guard grunted as he lunged for his rifle. A magical aura surrounded the gun, tearing it away from his hoof at the last second and slinging it through the air. He watched it disappear from sight before looking back to his captor.

“Ah ah! Can’t have you getting your hooves on that. You’ll take somepony’s eye out! And then you’ll never see the truth. You must see that the princesses are heartless tyrants, my friend. You see, they sent you die, like your friend over there. What kind of benevolent goddesses would do that to their subjects?”

Night Shade’s grin was almost sickening. His eyes twinkled wildly, and a crazy look burned in his red irises.

“You know, you soldiers always used to get under my skin. It wasn’t because you serve Equestria. No no no. I admire that. I used to be like you. I was in the Guard once. So that doesn’t tick me off. No, what ticks me off is how you can blindly do whatever anypony tells you to do. You’re like sheep, or little toys in a foal’s nursery. You just do. There is no why—only do. It’s like you don’t even want to fucking think for yourselves anymore! Why? What’s up with that? Because that is what I just cannot fucking understand.”

The guard drew in a deep breath and lifted himself up as best he could. Their faces were inches apart.

“Fuck you, traitor.”

For a moment, Night Shade’s grin faltered. He stood up again, scratching the back of his head with the barrel of the gun. He seemed to be debating something in his mind.

“You’re angry. I get that. I killed your friend, and after all, without friendship, what are we? So I’m gonna relax. But I’m not going to let Celestia do this to me again,” he murmured, then stomped his hooves and yelled, “Not a-fucking-gain!”

“You see, you see she’s already hurt me twice. I could have been done by now. But she corrupted Fleethoof, and he can’t see the truth either. You see, he’s the insane one, doing things over and over again and thinking he's going to change something. I’m not insane! I am the harbinger for Equestria’s freedom! I am the apostle for truth and justice! I am the liberator of everypony!”

“You’re completely mad.”

“No!” Night Shade shouted, his voice echoing through the cave as he turned sharply, waving the gun at the guard. “Were you not fucking listening?! I’m not crazy! I’m the only pony not crazy in this entire city! And I don’t like the way you are talking to me, or looking at me, or what you’re thinking about me.”

Night Shade paused his tirade, taking a few deep breaths. He leaned down over the downed pony again, gently stroking his mane.

“Shhh… It’s okay. I understand you don’t want to be a part of this. I get that. I’ve just been stressed over a few hiccups in my plans, but it’s all water under the bridge,” he spoke softly. “But I can’t leave you here in the tunnel, and I can’t let you go in your condition. That’d be inconsiderate. And you don’t really like me, and frankly, I don’t like you either.”

And then that grin spread slowly across Night Shade’s face.

“Thank you for the guns. It was really very kind of you. Night night, motherfucker.”

The pony stood up, and pointed the pistol at the guard’s face.

Bang!

Chapter 10: Citizen/Soldier

“I feel ridiculous…”

“But you look ravishing,” Sharp Shot purred in a jesting seductive fashion.

Behind him, Fleethoof could hear a few ponies stifling their snickers. In front of him stood a full-length mirror. His reflection stared back at him with a look of shock, disgrace, and disappointment, like even he was silently judging himself. A slim beige suit jacket covered his torso, and a black tie hung around his neck beneath the collar of a white linen shirt. He felt… proper, and classy. Proper felt wrong. Classy felt wrong. He wasn’t used to this sort of image.

“You look so uncomfortable,” said Blue Shield, coughing back a laugh badly.

“We pegasi don’t usually have very many occasions to dress up, unlike you unicorns,” said Valiant, reclining in his chair beside the fitting rooms.

Fleethoof sighed. “This is never going to work…”

“I think you look stunning,” Cadance said happily, coming around the corner and looking the stallion over. “Very Gentlecolt’s Quarterly. You’re just missing one detail…”

Cadance approached him. Carefully, she affixed the Ambassador’s insignia to his lapel. The small gold emblem glistened in the light. Cadance nodded approvingly, and Cupcake applauded loudly.

“Very good, Captain!” the bulky pony cheered enthusiastically. “You look like real important politics pony now.”

Fleethoof looked back into the mirror. Perhaps he could pull this off with a little effort. He did look official now.

“Okay, everypony. Time to go,” said Cadance, ushering Skyfall Team out towards the door. “We can’t have you hanging around us with all these guns. It’ll look too suspicious. Just… wait around the bazaar or something.”

“You might have just signed our death warrants by sending our security away,” Fleethoof remarked, glancing at the princess through the mirror's reflection.

“Oh, you weren’t about to send them away yourself?”

“No, I was. It protects my cover. I just wanted to see why you were doing it.”

A light laugh came from the alicorn as she returned to his side. He looked over himself in the mirror again, nodding slowly.

“Yes, this will do.”

The tailor came around to the pony again, taking a couple quick final measurements. “Everything fits well, yes?”

Fleethoof nodded. “Very well.”

“Excellent, sir! Is there any more I can do for you?”

“Yes, we’ll take another suit in navy, and another shirt,” Cadance said, leading the tailor away to discuss business and pay.

Fleethoof adjusted his lapel, and then stepped out of the tailor’s shop. The light linen fabrics of his suit were very welcomed in the hot sun. He dropped his sunglasses over his eyes again, lingering by the door to wait for Cadance. Valiant stood beside the door as well. He couldn’t see the rest of Skyfall Team. They must have found cover somewhere.

“You all have contact, right?” he spoke sideways to Valiant.

The pony nodded. “Yes, sir. Everypony but you.”

“I can’t wear my headset in public. Too conspicuous. Got my gun?”

Valiant reached back into one of his saddlebags. He pulled Fleethoof’s pistol out and handed it to his officer. Fleethoof checked to make sure a round was in the chamber before stashing the gun in the shoulder holster, concealed inside his jacket. He felt better to be armed again.

“Keep a twenty-five meter distance minimum from us at all times unless engaging anypony,” Fleethoof said in careful instruction, looking around the crowd in the grand bazaar. “Maintain a low profile and keep us in sight. Other than that, it’s all up to you, Sergeant.”

“You can count on us, Captain.”

“I do.”

Cadance stepped out of the tailor’s, smiling at Fleethoof and nudging him gently. “All set! Your new clothes are being delivered to the hotel. Now let’s go check out the rest of the bazaar. I want to take in the culture and see what else they’re selling while we’re here, Ambassador!”

“As you wish, your majesty,” Fleethoof replied with a smile, and the two ponies trotted off side-by-side, blending into the crowd.

Most of the bazaar was made up of stalls and stands in four large plazas. Open-air shops covered by awnings surrounded the perimeter, with only a few actual internal buildings making up the forum. Horses, ponies, and a few other creatures milled about the area. Fleethoof saw a few zebras, a rarity to see anywhere other than the southern lands. A bulky blue minotaur was arguing loudly with a shop owner over some trivial dilemma. Saddle Arabia was truly a foreign country of blended cultures.

Most entrepreneurs tried to catch the attention of the wandering princess and diplomat with expensive looking jewelry, fine fragrances, and bizarre trinkets. Cadance would stop by a few carts, looking over things ranging from small charms of luck to turquoise necklaces and foreign books.

“Isn’t it exciting to be away from home? To be out in the world, seeing everything there is to see? It’s beautiful, wouldn’t you agree?” Cadance asked as she examined some of the alien trinkets on a table, not receiving a response. “Envoy? Hello?”

Cadance turned around. Fleethoof was no longer beside her. He had moved a couple of tables down, sunglasses perched on his head as he examined a blacksmith’s booth. He lifted a couple of knives, and then a sword. The princess rolled her eyes and sighed. Colts…

“And you can just sell these on the streets to anypony?” Fleethoof asked in disbelief, drawing the sword from its scabbard at the smith’s nod. “This is incredible!”

Princess Cadance came up behind the awe-struck pony studying the blade in his grasp. “Okay, Ambassador, put the sword down.”

“But look at this craftsmanship!”

The sword was tugged from his hoof in a light blue aura. Cadance gently lowered the sword to the table again with her magic, and then began to push the pony away from the table. He stuttered in protest for a bit longer, the blacksmith laughing all the while.

“A diplomat buying weapons. That isn’t suspicious at all,” Cadance said satirically, laughing to herself. “You’re a danger to your own cover!”

“I can have a little fun while working,” retorted a rejected Fleethoof, lowering his sunglasses over his eyes again. “I’m not used to seeing swords and weapons so readily available to the population. It isn’t like that in Equestria.”

“It may soon be.”

“What?” Cadance’s words caught the captain off guard.

“After the end of the war with the griffons, my aunts began discussions with Shining Armor about making weapons available to the public for self-defense,” Cadance explained, the two ponies walking leisurely through the marketplace. “Aunt Celestia feared giving ponies such dangerous instruments of war, but it was becoming apparent that they had a useful purpose. Ponies have the right to defend themselves from harm.”

“I suppose that does make sense, but I’m afraid it will make ponies more violent. We’re having a hard enough time dealing with our enemies now, and the princesses want to arm them?”

“Guns don’t make a pony violent,” said Princess Cadance. “They are merely means to an end, the same as a paintbrush does not make a pony an artist.”

Fleethoof pursed his lips tightly, mulling the thought over. The ethics and philosophy behind the entire notion was debatable. There was a vast majority of honest ponies that could make use of weapons—but it was that small percentage that still concerned him. He’d seen enough death dealt by civilians the past few weeks.

He glanced up over the rim of his tinted glasses, up at the sky. It was already late afternoon. The sun was beginning to head for the western horizon. He glanced around the bazaar casually as they walked along, looking out for his team. He couldn’t see anypony. Excellent. They were blending in perfectly.

“Oooh! Envoy, look!”

Glancing up at Cadance’s outcry, he followed her pointing hoof to a blue and burgundy tent pitched in the bazaar. A sign out front advertised the space as the business of a fortuneteller. He cast a skeptical glance at the princess, cocking an eyebrow curiously. “Really, Cadance? Really?”

“What? Don’t you believe in psychics?” She was teasing him again with her good-natured grin. “Let’s go. I want to see how real they are.”

“Princess Cadance, I don’t really think—” But Cadance had already taken off towards the tent.

Heaving a sigh, Fleethoof looked around for his team once more before following her into the tent. He hoped they still had a visual on them, otherwise they might be in trouble. The inside of the tent was exponentially cooler, and dark. Golden baubles hung from chains and jingled in midair as they stepped inside. Other symbols and totems lined the walls.

A circular table was set up inside, draped in a shimmering purple cloth. A mare sat facing towards them, shuffling a deck of cards. A crystal ball sat at the edge of the table. Everything screamed of ancient magics and looked like a psychic sideshow.

“Come in, my friends. Salam,” the horse greeted in a velvety voice that reflected her age and wisdom. She waved her hooves to a set of chairs on the opposite side of the table. “Make yourselves comfortable. You are used to much greater luxury though, are you not?”

“Indeed we are,” Cadance said, giving a wide, excited smile to Fleethoof. “She knew that right off the bat.”

“That’s because I just walked in with a new hundred bit suit and you’re famous,” retorted the skeptical pony, wandering around the tent to study the odd tchotchkes.

“Please, have a seat, your majesty,” the psychic said, smiling warmly as the princess sat down at the table. “I do not need my abilities to tell me that your friend is a disbeliever in the otherworldly and supernatural.”

“Don’t mind him. He’s just being a sourpuss,” said Cadance, shooting a sideways glance to her obviously bored companion.

“What may I offer you this day, your majesty? It is not often that I have royalty grace me with their presence.”

“I just wanted to see what a psychic was like. I’ve never been to one before.”

“And you wanted to test my abilities while you were here for the prince’s ball, yes?”

Cadance looked back at Fleethoof with that wide grin again, practically gushing. He sighed and rolled his eyes, hanging his sunglasses from the collar of this shirt.

“She reads the newspaper.” Fleethoof's counterpoint made logical sense. “Try again, ma’am.”

The horse set the deck of cards aside and took Cadance’s hooves in hers. She stared into the princess’ eyes deeply. Fleethoof watched the scene from the sidelines, tensed up, keeping his eyes open for anything suspicious.

“You are a beautiful soul, your majesty,” said the medium. “You have experienced great love and joy in your long life. But you have also known strife and sorrow.”

Fleethoof faked a cough. “Fishing…”

“You have two great joys in your life now,” the psychic stated, looking to Fleethoof as she spoke. “Two ponies very dear to your heart. One is this pony with you today.”

Cadance nodded, looking back with a smile at Fleethoof as well. “Yes, Ambassador Envoy and I have been good friends for a while.”

“Your heart is grieved with worry though for these ponies. You fear their loss, and you fear their loss will be abrupt. You cherish their lives far greater than anypony else’s.”

Fleethoof cocked his head slightly. Cadance feared that his death would be untimely? He certainly was in the right line of work for that. But wait, the psychic had said that. He huffed and crossed his hooves across his chest. He refused to buy into any of this. But still… he was posing as a diplomat. How dangerous was his career that Cadance would fear an ambassador’s expedited death?

“I sense a great love for these ponies dwelling within your heart and soul. But I also sense confusion and indecision. Ah, it is inspiring to see such love and devotion still alive in the world,” the mare murmured, releasing Cadance’s hooves after a moment. “Would you like to see into your future, your majesty?”

Cadance nodded her head vigorously, eyes bright and mirthful. “Yes please!”

“Oh please…”

“Envoy, hush! Please, continue.”

The mare moved the crystal ball, situating it in the center of the table. She rubbed a hoof across it once, and then set her hooves on either side of it. Fleethoof was surprised by the lack of smoke and mirrors behind her tricks. Instead of doing the expected flailing hooves around the orb, she sat still, gazing intently into the crystal sphere. She was a talented actress.

“I see trials before you, your majesty… You will be tested, in mind, body, and spirit. Your involvement with what you love will put you through danger, but it will reward you with the greatest love of all.”

Both Cadance and Fleethoof listened intently. “And what reward is that?”

“I see a stallion in your future… He is tall, strong… A fire of valor and patriotism burns in his eyes. I see a flag… a military background… His heart is strong, and his spirit is enduring… I sense that you know this stallion now… He is close to your heart already…”

“Can you tell me what he looks like?” asked Cadance eagerly, leaning closer across the table. “Who is he?”

“Forgive me, your majesty. The orb only shows brief glimpses, and they are vague. The future is never set in stone. But I will see what I can do…” The psychic returned to stared intently at the ball. “I see a single color coat… Hues of the same color run through his mane… He has blue eyes, as striking and untamed as the ocean…”

Fleethoof rocked idly back and forth on his hooves, staring at the ground. He only moved again when he heard Princess Cadance turn in her chair, staring at him. He didn’t understand why—until he replayed everything the clairvoyant had just said in his head. Single color coat. Mane of hues from one color. Blue eyes.

Oh, you’ve got to be shitting me…

“You’re not going to believe this nonsense, are you?” Fleethoof asked, desperate to break the sudden awkward tension he felt.

The mare’s gaze snapped up to him so fast, it almost knocked him back in shock. “Have a seat, my friend. If you doubt my talents, put them to the test.”

Fleethoof didn’t reply. He simply stared for a moment, refusing to move. Cadance kept staring at him. He was trapped. There was no way he could get out of this with his ego intact.

“Fine…” he muttered, reluctantly taking a seat beside the princess. “But I’m telling you, this is all a load of bull— hey!”

He recoiled slightly as the mare suddenly grabbed his hooves on the table. She was staring into his eyes, her gaze so deep in made him feel comfortable. It felt like she was prying right into the depths of his mind and reading his soul. It was unnerving, but he couldn’t move his body.

“Oh, such fire within you, stallion… Your body aches for action. You have duties, but they are not that of a diplomat,” she said with such certainty, it made his heart drop in his chest. “I see conflict within you… You are deceiving yourself, in nearly every regard. This is not who you are.”

“I’m afraid you’re wrong,” Fleethoof said, trying to keep his cover whole. “I’m an ambassador. I’ve been keeping the peace between nations for years.”

“Ah, you say your words with such conviction, but I can see the truth in your soul… I see combat, and fighting, and death. So much death… You have been through a great ordeal, and you have accomplished so much… I see medals, and badges… You either are or were military… Captain, correct? I see uniforms, the likes of which I am unfamiliar with… Six ponies cloaked in the shadows… And pride, so much pride and patriotism for your home…”

Fleethoof could barely breathe. His blood ran cold in his veins. This was all too creepy for his liking. He didn’t respond, not exactly sure what sort of response was even fitting in a situation like this. The mare smirked, clearly satisfied with his silence.

“You are a brave and powerful soul, stallion… But this is not who you are now… You are a warrior, not a liaison. You are still fighting—always fighting… But the fire burns for more than blood and brotherhood… I feel passion in you, and desire you refuse to acknowledge.”

“That’s enough,” snapped Fleethoof, pulling his hooves back and placing them firmly under the table, out of her reach. “Do my future.”

“As you wish,” the psychic said calmly, turning to the crystal ball for a few minutes. “I see the six ponies in shadow still… This is who you are. This is your reality. They will be your existence for a long period of time. I see the princess, clear as day… She shall play a large role in your future. Another pony, somepony very close to you… And I see blood. So much blood staining your future…”

Fleethoof glanced over at Cadance. She looked absolutely enthralled in everything this horse was saying. He had to admit, it had shaken his nerves up a bit as well.

“But I do see that passion, stronger than ever… It burns relentlessly within you… I see great expectations and great triumphs in store for you, pony of war… But I also see sorrow, and loss, and devastation… You are like a great storm. Breathtaking, unstoppable, and deadly. Anypony close to you is always at risk of being swept away. Your future is less certain than the princess’, always shrouded in the veil of possibility, both blessed and tragic…”

“I think we’ve heard enough of this.” Fleethoof stood up abruptly, dropping the required amount of bits for her services on the table. “Thank you. Come on, Cadance. Let’s go.”

Princess Cadance stood up, bidding farewell to the mare. The two didn’t make it three steps towards the door before they were stopped.

“Pegasus, may I see you for a moment longer?” the psychic called back.

The two stopped in their tracks. Fleethoof caught sight of Cadance’s confused look, but nodded. She stepped outside as he returned to the table, sitting down impatiently. He didn't like leaving Cadance unattended.

“Make it quick.”

“I see great danger in your future, Captain Fleethoof…”

His wings rustled slightly in agitation. “What did you just say?”

“There is greatness, and heroism, and hunger, and love, but beyond that, there is a certainty that you have dreaded all along,” she continued, heedless of his question. “You fear death, but you know your life will be claimed by your duty. And it will be, Captain—eventually.”

“Nopony lives forever, and you don't scare me. Now tell me how you know my name.”

“I see stone as black as night, standing beside a restless gray sea… Blood of the pure and the evil shall be spilled there… Surrounded by rainbows and light…”

“Enough of the cryptic metaphors. How do you know my name? Who are you?” Fleethoof asked angrily, his temper boiling over the edge.

“But this is not for some time. You fear the coming storm now, Captain. A danger threatens to claim what you cherish. That is why you are here. And they will not disappoint you… They will come to collect when you most expect it…”

“Stop, just stop! Who are you? Are you working with The Sword? Are you after Cadance?! Tell me now, or so help me…!”

The mare simply sat there and smiled calmly. “I am a friend, Fleethoof. I use my special talent for good alone. You do not need to fear me.”

There was a tense silence between them for a while. Fleethoof stared down with the psychic for a moment longer. He turned on his hooves and headed for the exit.

“Take care of your wing, my child. You will need it yet,” she yelled after him. “And follow your heart. It shall never lead you astray. Ma’a salama.”

Stepping out into the sunlight nearly blinded Fleethoof. He quickly replaced his sunglasses on his face, breathing heavier as he tried to calm himself again. His forehead felt clammy, and his body tingled with the anxiety he felt. Cadance stood beside the tent, smiling when she saw him emerge.

“See? Wasn’t that fun?” she said with nothing short of excited glee. “She knew so much nopony else could.”

“Yeah, that’s for sure,” he muttered, feeling his wing ache a little as his feathers rustled.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would get to you like that,” Cadance said in apology. She cast a sheepish smile to him. “Are you okay? You look pretty shaken up.”

“I’ll be fine. Come on, let’s kill the rest of this daylight and get as far away from Madame Creepy as we can.”

The voices of the guards hunting through the sewers echoed around the dank, dark tunnels. From the shadows, Night Shade trotted briskly back towards his base. A scowl contorted his features. They were getting closer—too close for comfort. Something had to be done about them, just to keep them looking in circles a little while longer.

He stepped back into the underground cave. The area had been completely transformed, with small kegs of gunpowder set into the walls on all sides. Ponies were running charges and wires between the kegs, setting the trap. It was almost done, but they still had work to do. Shade grabbed three rifles from a table and whistled loudly. He beckoned three of his followers over, distributing the weapons out amongst them one at a time.

“My brothers, our efforts are almost complete. Unfortunately, those insistent guards are getting on our flanks,” he said. “I need you to take the plunge for everypony. Go out to the marketplace and… stir things up a bit. Draw the Guard back to the surface. Put them on the defensive for a little while. Can you handle this?”

“It shall be done, boss!” one replied staunchly, chambering a round in his gun.

“Perfect! Go, take the northern tunnel out and make your way around. And remember, take as many as you can. For liberty!”

“For liberty!” the ponies chanted in response before rushing out of the cave.

His trademark grin spread across Night Shade’s lips. That should keep Shining Armor busy for a little while…

Shining Armor paced anxiously back and forth across the wet cobblestones. Rain fell across Canterlot, and a flash of lightning lit up the market square. Guards rushed to and fro through the makeshift base. Orders and reports were exchanged in short, rapid conversations. Ponies darted down the manholes into the sewers, replacing the weary soldiers who were reemerging.

It had been a couple of days since the search had narrowed down to the city. Only two Sword members had been found fleeing through outlying towns. The rest still had to be within the city limits, plotting their next attack. The net was steadily tightening around the radical group, but the process of searching the entire sewer network was still too slow and arduous for the captain’s liking.

He ran a hoof nervously through his mane, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. He had to keep cool under pressure. If any of his soldiers saw him beginning to lose his confidence, then they’d suspect something was wrong. But there was no need to worry. He had The Sword trapped like rats down in the sewer system. It was only a matter of time before they were either found or surfaced on their own—and when they did, he’d be ready to act.

“Any news?” Shining Armor asked one of the acting lieutenants.

The pony shook his head, pursing his lips together. “Negative, sir. Nothing but empty sewer, again. That clears the entire south district.”

“Shit…”

“But it does narrow down the playing field. That’s some good news.”

“I suppose it is. We’re going to find them.”

“I have no doubt of that, sir.”

Shining Armor heaved a sigh and ran his hoof through his tousled mane again. “Okay, let’s send a fresh team down to begin searching the east network near the castle, so we—”

“Hey! You three! Stop right there!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gunfire suddenly opened up across the plaza. Shining’s head snapped upward as soon as the shots were fired, watching two of his guards drop to the ground. Panic ensued almost immediately. Some ponies began to return fire at the three individuals who had darted behind a few stalls for cover as civilians cleared the vicinity.

Armed ponies attacking the Guard. It had to be The Sword.

The retaliation of the Guard was swift and relentless. Gunfire slammed into the wooden stands at a nonstop rate, splintering the wood to pieces. A pony stood up from the other side, firing off a blind shot before two rounds smacked wetly into his chest, and he collapsed across the surface.

Shining Armor grabbed the nearest rifle he could find with his magic, trotting briskly across the market to get a better vantage point. A guard had begun to sneak around the side of the stands, but no sooner had he stepped around the side, then a duo of bullets flew into his face and neck from their assailants. Three guards had been killed now. Shining had had enough.

He slowly walked up to the stands as the guards continued to lay down suppressive fire. One of the two remaining hostiles quickly stood up, taking aim at the nearest guard. He never got the shot off. Shining fired from the hip, the bullet hitting the pony in his side. The pony screamed in pain and spiraled to the ground.

In a fit of rage, the final pony stood up to avenge his friends. Shining was already taking aim before the pony got to his hooves. His bullet found its mark in the pony’s left eye. Three more bullets from other soldiers hit the pony in his torso, the body spasming as it fell to the cold ground. Two guards accompanied Shining Armor as he approached the stand.

From the other side, he could hear the grunts and cries of a pony in pain. He quickly side-stepped around the corner, weapon aimed at the three bodies on the ground. The pony he had wounded lay bleeding out at his hooves, a hoof pressed futilely against his stomach to slow the blood. He glared up at the Captain of the Guard, choking and gasping for breath.

“Hold,” Shining Armor ordered the guards, setting his rifle down and crouching beside the fallen pony. “Hey. Listen to me. Where is The Sword hiding?”

The pony choked again, clenching his jaw shut tightly. His eyes were stubborn. He wasn’t going to say anything. Shining sighed and shook his head once.

“Look, you’re going to die unless you help me out,” he said bluntly. “I don’t want to see you die if you’re just confused and swept up in all this. Help me, and we can help you. Please.”

“Death to the alicorns…” the pony growled out in agony, his hoof reaching for the nearest rifle.

A single shot was fired. Shining Armor flinched back as the blowback stained his white coat red. One of the guards struck and finally killed the pony, his body slumping against his fallen comrade’s. He sighed heavily and stood up again, doing his best to wipe the blood off his fur. There went one possible lead...

“Captain Armor! What happened?”

“Was that them, sir?”

“What do we do now?”

“Calm down, everypony,” Shining Armor barked out, silencing the crowd of soldiers. “The Sword is getting reckless. They’re lashing out. That means we’re getting close. Now move!”

The guards took off in an instant, rushing about the camp and grabbing as many weapons as they could. Shining Armor shoved a fresh magazine into his rifle as he headed down the road.

“They’re moving above ground now. Secure the city, keep the tunnels locked down. Let’s make sure they don’t have anywhere else to run.”

“You never did tell me why your team was assigned to protect me, you know.”

Cadance’s words caught the idle Fleethoof's attention, tearing his focus away from the nighttime skyline of Nadira. The two ponies sat out on the balcony, beneath the jasmine canopy, staring out at the night. The city was quiet, save for the sounds of a few music clubs somewhere in another distant district. It was so peaceful.

“No, I suppose I didn’t…” Fleethoof said, taking a sip from his glass of wine. It tasted like fresh grapes and strawberries, a flavor he imagined summer itself would possess were it a drink.

“You promised me later,” said Cadance. Fleethoof didn’t respond right away. “It’s later.”

He sighed and loosened the tie around his neck. Cadance was clever. She was not going to let this go. Undoing the tie around his neck, Fleethoof set it aside on the nearest table and unfastened the first couple buttons of his shirt, opening it up a little to the warm night air.

“I did promise…” he said, conceding to her point. He leaned up against the balustrade and stared out at the city. “The princesses were attacked inside Canterlot Castle. They were unharmed, but several guards were killed.”

“What? How? What sort of ponies would attack my aunts?”

“Extremists. A group called The Double-Edged Sword has been politically terrorizing Canterlot for a few months now. I’ve only just started getting involved in the search for them, but they’re making their moves a lot more brashly now.”

Cadance paused for a moment. “You said ‘search for them’. Do you not know where they are?”

Another pause, this time on Fleethoof’s part. His mouth hung open, debating whether to give a reassuring lie or a worrying truth.

“No, we don’t. We have a general idea of where they are, but we have no specifics right now,” he explained, his voice husky and low. “Shining Armor is leading the investigation in Canterlot, and he’s getting close. But because of how nearly successful they were, my team was tasked with looking after your safety.”

“But why only six ponies instead of my guards?” asked the princess, still not able to piece that mystery together. “I don’t mean to offend you, Fleethoof, but why your group instead of a larger group of actual soldiers?”

Fleethoof couldn’t keep the proud grin off his face, taking another sip of wine and replying, “Because we’re better than them.”

Princess Cadance cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

A knock at the door interrupted any response he had been about to give. Both ponies turned to face the doors. Skyfall Team was supposed to be keeping an eye outside. Whoever it was must have had a good reason if they had gotten past unscathed. Cadance trotted over to the door, opening it cautiously as Fleethoof slipped a hoof into his jacket, gently grasping the grip of his pistol.

“Oh my gosh!” Cadance exclaimed, swinging the door open wide. “Please, come in!”

Fleethoof glanced over his shoulder as a tall white horse with an oily black mane sauntered proudly into the room. He wore the traditional purple velvet saddle of royalty, and the silver jewel-encrusted crown atop his head marked his significance. That explained him getting past Skyfall.

“Ambassador, I’d like you to meet Crown Prince Malik ibn-Alavi, ruler of Saddle Arabia, and our most gracious host.”

Fleethoof smiled and bowed before the royal. “It is an honor, your highness. My name is Ambassador Envoy, liaison for the Court of Canterlot.”

“Yes, I had heard of your arrival with Princess Cadenza, Ambassador,” Prince Malik said, his voice inviting and as smooth as silk. “I must admit, I have not heard of you before now.”

“I try to keep a low profile,” Fleethoof lied casually, being as taciturn as he could be. “I became a diplomat for the foreign affairs, not the fame.”

Malik nodded, then turned to Cadance, his expression visibly brightening. “It is most delightful to see you again, Princess Cadenza. I wanted to see how you were settling in to your accommodations.”

“We’re both enjoying them very much, your grace. Thank you.” Cadance was as tactful and polite as ever. Fleethoof could see why she was sent on every diplomatic mission under the sun.

“I must say, you are looking lovely as ever, my dear.”

And now Fleethoof saw the other reason Cadance was sent on every diplomatic issue. He fought the swell of unfamiliar jealousy he suddenly felt.

“I trust you were still planning on attending my ball tomorrow evening, yes?” the prince asked suavely, grinning as charmingly as he could at the princess.

“Yes, you can expect both of us to be in attendance,” said Cadance with a smile.

Malik’s expression dropped a little, much to the captain’s amusement. “Ah, both of you? Excellent. I had not been aware the ambassador had received an invitation.”

“It’s Envoy, and as the princess' liaison, I did. Consider me Princess Cadance's ‘plus one’,” Fleethoof quipped, smiling as placidly as possible.

“I see.” The prince was obviously less than thrilled. “How wonderful.”

“I aim to please.”

Cadance stepped in between the two of them, cutting in before either said something more than passive aggressive biting. “We’ll be there tomorrow, your grace. You can count on it.”

“Excellent! I await our next encounter, my fair lady,” Malik purred, making his way to the door with Cadance. “Laila sa'eda wa ahlaam ladida. Sweet dreams, princess.”

“Tosbeho 'ala khair. Good night, Prince Malik.” Cadance shut the door behind the prince.

Fleethoof groaned softly and stepped back out onto the balcony, slipping out of his jacket and tossing it with his gun across a wicker chair. “What a blowhard…”

A soft giggle made his ear flick around. “Did the prince rub you the wrong way?”

“Did you not notice, ‘my fair lady’?” he asked, sarcasm heavy in his voice, unbuttoning his shirt. The less he had to wear the stuffy attire, the better.

“Don’t let him get to you,” she said, taking a seat outside with the stallion. “Prince Malik is a notorious playcolt and flirt, but his suave style only gets him so far.”

He scoffed a little. “And I suppose you never swoon for his cunning linguistics?”

“I prefer a heart of gold to a silver tongue.”

A little smirk crossed Fleethoof’s face. He had never felt so put off as he did when he saw Malik openly flirting with Cadance, and he couldn’t explain why. He had no reason to feel threatened. It was a ridiculous notion. All his training was obviously making him jumpy and untrusting of anypony else.

"I didn't know you knew Arabic," Fleethoof said, still surprised by the princess' linguistic skills.

"I have to know the local dialect, if I'm going to be traveling to regions frequently. Now, I believe you were saying something about you and the Guard?”

Fuck…

“I just pride my team on being better than the best,” Fleethoof said, trying to play humble.

“Uh huh…” She wasn’t buying it. “And all the equipment you have?”

“Standard equipment now. Nothing special about it,” he lied.

“But my guards didn’t have anything like you do.”

Fleethoof chuckled softly. “You’ve been gone for some time, Cadance.”

“I have had a change of guards… twice.”

Fuck again…

He gave a sideways glance at the mare reclined in her seat. She was staring him down, studying him, waiting for him to break.

“You can convince the leader of a country that you’re somepony you’re not, but you can’t tell a simple lie to me?” she asked, raising a brow curiously.

“I don’t like lying to you…” That was an honest answer.

“Then don’t.”

His hooves pressed hard against the balustrade. She did have to be told at some point. No better time than the present.

“My team is called Skyfall. We’re a special group of ponies trained for operations that threaten Equestria—situations that the Guard couldn’t or shouldn’t handle. We deal indirectly, and as far as everypony knows, we don’t exist.”

Cadance was quiet, so he took it as a signal to continue.

“We work with Luna and do what we must to protect the nation and the royal family. That’s why we’re here for you. Your guards simply weren’t capable of protecting you from what we know is coming.”

“What is coming exactly?” asked Cadance.

“Some very dangerous ponies…”

“The ones that went after my aunts?”

Fleethoof nodded. Silence took them. Finally, Cadance stood up and approached him, leaning against the stone balustrade next to Fleethoof.

“Do you think I’m in danger?”

Her question was simple, but was far from easy to answer. Fleethoof felt his chest tighten, looking at the princess. Her eyes were seeking, searching his for comfort. A gentle smile took his face.

“Not as long as I’m here.”

Cadance smiled as well. Fleethoof looked down at his own hooves for a moment, and then back out over the city. A warm breeze ran across the two ponies, filling the air with the light scent of night-blooming jasmine.

“I never noticed this before…” Cadance mused.

He had been about to ask her what she was talking about when he felt a delicate hoof on his chest. He jumped slightly, turning quickly to face her. She was inspecting the thin white scar running across his chest, tracing the permanent line in his skin and fur with an idle hoof.

“Oh, yeah. That… I’ve had it for a little while now…” he said, smiling awkwardly.

Her eyes met his again. His face went hot. “The war…?”

A nod. Cadance looked down at his old injury again. “What happened?”

“A griffon and I exchanged our definitions of ‘mercy’.” He laughed softly, though there was clearly no humor in his statement.

Cadance was quiet. Pensive. Fleethoof left her to her thoughts, unable to focus on anything else while she was examining him. The sensation of her hoof running left to right across his skin like she were reading a line in a book stole every other thought and action away from him. Not that there was a whole lot more to focus on. Skyfall Team was watching the halls. He’d been guarding Cadance’s room every night since they arrived.

“You’re still such a mystery to me, Fleethoof,” Cadance said with a soft laugh. “There’s so much to you that I don’t know.”

“Spend more time with me, and pretty soon I won’t be so unknown to you.”

He grinned casually. The princess smiled back. “I think I might just have to do that when we get back home…”

Author's Note

Salam: Hello
Ma'a salama: Goodbye
Laila sa'eda wa ahlaam ladida: Good night, and sweet dreams
Tosbeho 'ala khair: Good night

Chapter 11: Endgame

“Two hours, sir.”

“Got it. Is everypony kitted up?”

“They’re doing final checks right now. Everypony has enough ammo and is ready to go when you are.”

“Perfect. Thank you, Valiant.”

“Sir… shouldn’t you be getting ready?”

Fleethoof glanced sideways at his friend, standing beside him on his balcony. The sun was setting over Nadira, bathing the city in fiery orange light. The ball would be beginning within the hour. But he had wished to arrive a little later, in order to give Skyfall Team time to prepare and set up.

“What do you mean?”

Valiant looked his leader over from head to toe. “I mean, shouldn’t you be getting bathed? Dressed? Whatever else somepony does when going to a fancy party?”

“I’ve already cleaned myself up,” he said. “All I have to do is throw on one of my suits, and I’m good to go.”

“Not going over the top for Cadance?”

“Shut up…”

“I meant not going over the top for appearances' sake?”

Fleethoof chuckled softly. He did have a part to play. Maybe Valiant did have a point. But he wasn’t trying to sell himself to everypony in attendance at the gala. He only needed to pass as the real thing long enough to deceive any potential threats. So far, nothing had happened in their time in Saddle Arabia. If there were to be an attempt on the princess’ life, it would happen tonight…

“I suppose you’re right… as usual…” he conceded with a sigh. “All right, all right… Let’s see what I have to work with.”

He stepped back into the room, and stopped in mid-stride as Sharp Shot approached him. In his mouth he held a long, black garment bag. Fleethoof was confused.

“What are you holding, Sergeant?”

“I don’t know, Captain,” said Sharp Shot, laying the garment bag across the bed. “Princess Cadance just dropped this off a moment ago. She said you’d need it.”

Fleethoof’s brow furrowed as he curiously stepped closer. Taking the zipper, he unveiled the contents within. Sharp Shot let out an impressed whistle, Valiant gawking from over his shoulder. Even Cupcake had gotten up to see what the commotion was about.

“Now that’s suave!” said Sharp.

Rolling his eyes and huffing, Fleethoof turned and took off for the door. Nopony tried to stop him or question him, too confused by his reaction. Fleethoof yanked the door open and quickly burst into the adjacent room. Blue Shield and Lightning Flash looked up in surprise as the pony charged into the room, relaxing once they saw whom it was.

“Cadance!” he called out, the princess emerging from the bathroom, a hairbrush held in her magic’s grasp pulled halfway through her mane. “What is all that?”

Cadance looked genuinely confused. “What’s all what, Fleethoof?”

“The suit.” An expression of recognition crossed the alicorn’s face. “I have a dinner jacket already.”

“There are dinner jackets, and then there’s dinner jackets,” Cadance said, placing emphasis on the second. “That is the latter. You want to look good for your role, don’t you?”

Fleethoof sputtered incoherently a few times. “It’s tailored. When did you—”

“I ordered it when we got you your other suits on the first day,” she continued to say. “I wanted you to fit the part all the better. Besides, you could use some time in real formal wear after being in a uniform forever.”

“Cadance, I—”

“Put it on, Fleethoof. You’re going to have to anyway.”

Fleethoof stood there defiantly for a few seconds longer, too stunned to say or do anything else. From the look on Cadance's face, he knew the discussion was over. Finally, he turned and walked back to his room. Everypony looked up at him as he cantered back in, stopping at the foot of the bed. Pursing his lips, he stared reluctantly down into the garment bag, and slowly pulled the clothes out.

Fleethoof adjusted the silver cufflinks at the end of his sleeves, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. The stallion in the mirror stared back, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo jacket and vibrant white dress shirt. A dark crimson tie lay nestled inside the collar of his shirt, contrasting against the monochromatic suit. Even he had to admit, he looked good.

“Very nice, Captain,” Valiant said.

He smirked a little. “No comment from you, Sharp?”

“Anything I say would be inadequate,” the sniper remarked, wiping his rifle down with a cloth. “Never seen this side of you before, boss.”

“That’s because I’m not a fan of the white-collar, upper crust lifestyle. Where’s my papers?” Valiant handed the invitation over to him. “Did anypony do any reconnaissance on the party?”

“They’re doing screenings at the door,” Sharp Shot said, loading bullets into magazines. “Invites only, no weapons in. You’re gonna have to sneak your gun inside.”

“Valiant, you’re my new bodyguard. Get in through the side entrances any way you can,” he said as he laid out the evening's plan. He loaded his handgun and screwed on the suppressor before handing it over to the sergeant. “What else?”

“The palace has several entrances to it, but the ballroom only has three: the main door, from the veranda, and through the delivery bays and kitchen.”

“Then we know where they’ll be coming from…” said Fleethoof while buttoning up his jacket, and running his hooves through his mane. “Sharp, you know where I want you. Valiant, you too. Cupcake, I want you to take position at the service gate. Make sure everypony coming in and going out is legit.”

“Da, Captain.”

“Once we get there, Valiant is in charge. He’ll be making sure everypony is doing what they need to do. Place Blue Shield at the entrance, and Lightning on outdoor patrol with the rest of the prince’s security. Sharp Shot, you’re on recon. Relay anything you see to the team.”

“You got it, boss.” Sharp Shot jammed the magazine into his rifle.

There was a knock at the door, catching the attention of everypony. Fleethoof made a few final adjustments to his appearance, and then grabbed a rose from one of the vases around the room. Cupcake opened the door, and in walked the rest of Skyfall Team, accompanying Princess Cadance. The mare stepped gracefully into the room, dressed in a long, flowing azure dress that accentuated her lithe form. Her mane was held back with a glistening gold tiara. She looked like the definition of elegance, and was very alluring. A wide smile spread across her mouth as she looked over Fleethoof, clearly pleased with how well he wore his part.

“I’m impressed, Fleethoof,” she said, nodding to herself. “You clean up nicely.”

“Like I said before, I aim to please,” he remarked, presenting the rose to her before placing it in her mane, just behind her ear. “You look lovely tonight.”

“We should get going,” Blue Shield said, glancing at the clock on the wall. “We’re late as it is, and we’ll need time to get set up.”

Fleethoof nodded, grinning at Cadance, offering her his hoof. “Shall we, your majesty?”

Cadance laughed and nudged Fleethoof with her side. “By your leave, Ambassador.”

The carriage Prince Malik had sent for the ponies was just as luxurious as Fleethoof had imagined. Plush, velvet seats sat within the ornately decorated cab, pulled by a team of royal white horses. Champagne had been left in a bucket for their enjoyment, although it remained untouched. Fleethoof didn’t want to be impaired by any amount of alcohol, and Cadance simply declined. Skyfall Team had gone off on their own, making their own way towards the palace to avoid detection.

Without backup, Fleethoof was suddenly aware of just how vulnerable the situation was.

The carriage made its way leisurely through the city, letting its occupants enjoy the Arabian night. Eventually, it pulled up to the large palace, brightly illuminated from the inside out. A red carpet ran the length of the path out to the road, welcoming its esteemed guests. The two ponies made their way up the large stone steps into the foyer of the palace.

“Good evening, masaa el kheer, and welcome,” a well-dressed horse greeted the two as they entered, obviously one of the many servants of the palace. “You are here for the gala, correct? May I see your invitations?”

At his request, Fleethoof produced the two small pamphlets from within his jacket. The servitor glanced over them briefly, and then handed them back with a wide, welcoming smile.

“Welcome, Princess Cadance and Ambassador Envoy! Please, follow me.”

Exchanging a quick smile, the ponies followed their host down a long, wide corridor. Servants filed back and forth around them at either end of the hall, and the sound of music and chatter could be heard up ahead. As they rounded the corner, the large glass doors to the ballroom came into view. Several guards stood in the way, screening everypony coming in at a makeshift checkpoint. In amongst the horses, Fleethoof noticed a very familiar pony standing in with the guards, hoof resting on his pistol at his side.

The two ponies exchanged a surreptitious nod as Fleethoof and Cadance approached the security checkpoint. One horse checked the pegasus’ jacket while another checked their invites. They passed.

“Thank you, your majesty, Ambassador,” the guard said in a passive apologetic tone. “Marhaban, welcome, and enjoy yourselves.”

Two guards opened the large glass doors to the massive ballroom, constructed of imported marble. The molding around the ceiling was gilded in brilliant gold, and the ceiling was covered in frescoes depicting horses at times of war and peace. Two gigantic crystal chandeliers illuminated the room. The far side of the room was made entirely of windowpanes, leading out to the adjacent veranda. Several round tables lined the edges of the room, draped in fine white tablecloths, creatures of all kinds seated together and making idle small talk.

“The lovely Princess Cadenza has graced us with her presence!”

Here we go… Fleethoof thought as Prince Malik approached the two.

“Prince Malik, it is a pleasure to see you again!” Cadance replied, curtsying before the sovereign.

“Your highness,” Fleethoof greeted simply, holding his tongue as he politely smiled and bowed before the prince.

“Welcome, welcome! It is a delight to have you in attendance,” said Malik, still only directly speaking to Cadance. He took one of her hooves gently in his own and placed a kiss upon it, his enthusiastic demeanor never diminishing. Again, Fleethoof felt a swell of unease.

Cadance held his gaze and smiled tactfully back. “We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

“Come, we are just about to dine,” the prince stated with a wave of his hoof to the longest table at the end of the room, “I had seats reserved at my table especially for you.”

“How very kind of you, your grace. Isn’t that generous of him, Ambassador?” Cadance turned to Fleethoof, her eyes begging him to say something to end the conversation.

“Entirely selfless,” said the pegasus, voice droll while looking casually around the room, observing his surroundings. “I noticed you don’t have much in the way of security, your highness.”

Malik didn’t seem overly concerned by the pony’s observation at all. “Do you deem it necessary to have more than is present? Saddle Arabia is not presently in a state of war or threat. Are we in immediate danger, Ambassador?”

“No, of course not. But with so many important officials from other nations in one room, you’d think precautions would be taken…”

“And they have been,” Malik cut in quickly, smirking haughtily as he finally looked at Fleethoof. “We have a sufficient amount of guards on the premises. Do not fear, Ambassador Envoy. You are safe here. Though one might take your concern for insecurity.”

“And one could mistake your indifference for arrogance.”

“Okay! So, dinner!” Cadance chimed in, abruptly cutting both sides off before either could say something they would regret. She smiled awkwardly in an attempt to off put the conversation. “Shall we?”

Malik nodded. “Of course, my dear! Right this way.”

The ponies walked along the sides of the room, out of the way of servants and tables. Fleethoof looked around at the few guards within the ballroom. Security was minimal on the Arabians’ end. At the far corner, he could just make out Valiant standing with his back to the wall, dressed in the same outfit as the servants, surveying the entire scene. Other than the noticeable difference in height, he blended in perfectly.

“You really shouldn’t egg him on,” Cadance whispered to Fleethoof, breaking his attention.

“Huh? What?”

“Prince Malik, he isn’t used to others challenging his authority,” she said, cautioning him. “Don’t say something stupid and make him angry.”

“Perhaps he needs somepony to challenge him every now and then…” he muttered under his breath.

“Fleethoof…”

“Okay, okay, I’ll behave.”

“Good.” Their aside ended as they approached the largest table in the room. Decorated officials from all over the world were already seated, sipping drinks nonchalantly and talking amongst themselves. Fleethoof didn’t recognize any of them—although he wasn’t very big on the political scene. He could only imagine who they were to warrant a personal seat at the prince’s table.

No sooner had he sat down, than a dozen horses came around the table, laying out a variety of foods and filling glasses with drinks of various scents and colors. He had never been to a proper sit-down dinner before, and the captain suddenly felt very much like a fish out of water. Cadance gently tapped his leg under the table, smiling reassuringly at him. He smiled back. It was going to be a long evening…

Fleethoof felt a nudge against his back, and glanced up to see Valiant. The pony smiled down at him, then leaned in closer, placing a napkin on Fleethoof’s lap.

“Start with the silverware on the outside, work your way in,” he whispered surreptitiously to his officer.

"I do know how to eat, thank you for your concern."

“Your rifle is in the storage behind the kitchens. Everypony’s ready. Time for the show.”

Fleethoof was suddenly aware of a weight within the cloth on his lap. Valiant nodded to him, then trotted off, returning to watch from the sidelines. Sneakily, he unfolded the napkin. The shiny black metal of his handgun was barely visible. He slipped the gun under the bottom of his jacket, then reached inside his coat, settling the gun into his holster under his shoulder.

“Good evening, everyone! Masaa el kheer! ” Prince Malik announced with a few taps to the side of his glass, silencing the room. “I’d like to welcome you all to the annual Summer’s End Gala. Before we begin, I’d like to make a toast…”

Fleethoof stifled a groan. He could already feel the beginnings of a headache drumming at his temples. It was going to be a very long evening…

“Archangel is in position… Standby… We’re clear, over.”

“Copy, Archangel. Maintain visual, report any activity… Over.”

“Copy that… Eyes on the prize… Over and out.”

“Shield, report, over.”

“Nopony else approaching from the front. We’re silent. Over.”

“Good copy… Perimeter report, come in, over.”

“The streets are clear. A lot of civies though, Sergeant… over.”

“Copy. Any activity at the side?”

“Nyet. Service gate is clear, Sergeant. No sign of Sword ponies.”

“Maintain positions, everypony. Report anything, especially you, Archangel. Out.”

High above Nadira, atop one of the highest buildings in the city, sat a lone pony. He clutched his rifle tightly by the grip, lying prone across the stone rooftop. He set the rifle’s bipod up on the edge, peering through the high powered scope down at the massive building below: the Alavi Palace.

He followed the movements of the guards down on the streets and in the palace courtyards, watching them closely, memorizing the patterns and gaps. His gaze shifted, over to where a group of ponies were unloading a cart of supplies into a side entrance. More guards were there too. He took aim at the brightly lit glass wall, aiming into the grand ballroom at the gala taking place inside.

The crosshairs moved slowly over each individual in the room, before coming to rest over the torso of Fleethoof, and then Princess Cadance. His hoof flexed over the trigger guard, relaxing his grip momentarily.

He had them.

“Archangel is in position…Standby…” the pony spoke into his comms unit, quickly surveying the outside courtyards again. “We’re clear, over.”

Sharp Shot patiently listened as each pony went through the list, verifying what he had just reported. Everything was peaceful and going according to plan so far. From his vantage point, he could see most of the ballroom, and the entire outside of the palace, including the entrances and veranda. Nopony was getting past him.

“Maintain positions, everypony,” Valiant’s voice said through his headset. “Report anything, especially you, Archangel. You're our eyes. Out.”

“Archangel copies all. Out.”

The pony rolled his head from side-to-side, stretching the muscles in his neck and shoulders before returning his eye to the scope. Thank Celestia it was a nice night. He’d be just miserable if it were raining, not that he hadn’t had to deal with that little nuisance before on the job. He watched the meal progress through the lens of his scope, watching the laughing faces of a griffon and zebra exchanging jokes, the solemn expressions of a couple foreign ponies discussing something serious, and every character in between.

“How’s our little actor doing, Val?” Sharp asked, watching Fleethoof and Cadance as they spoke to a horse at their table.

“He’s playing the part,” said Valiant. “Don’t ever tell him I said this, but I think he’s having fun with it.”

Sharp Shot chuckled a little bit. “He’s just happy to be sitting next to Cadance…”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“And why wouldn't he be?” came a response from Blue Shield. ”Princess Cadenza is a lovely mare. Any stallion would be fortunate to be in her favor.”

“Are you saying you want to get with the princess, doc?”

“We are making jokes on dangerous mission now?” Cupcake’s voice interrupted, followed by a hearty laugh. “I like! You ponies bring smile to my face.”

“Let’s not get too comfortable,” said the sniper, sweeping over the courtyard again. “We’ve still got a lot of night ahead of us…”

After the meal had ended and the servants had cleared the settings away, the glass doors opened again. Fleethoof turned around in his seat, watching as a full orchestra entered and took place on a slightly elevated stage in the corner of the room. The guests fell silent as the musicians began playing, the melody filling the ballroom with sweet, airy music.

Fleethoof smiled a little, chuckling to himself. This life of luxury was almost too much for him to ever get used to, even if the music was pleasant. But a sudden question came to mind, and his expression dropped as he pondered over it.

“Why wasn’t the band playing during dinner?” he asked Cadance, turning to face her. “Why just show up now?”

“Oh, for the dancing, of course.” Fleethoof could physically feel his face drop, especially when he saw a few couples rise from their seats and make their way to the space in the center of the ballroom. “What’s the matter, Ambassador? You do dance, don’t you?”

“I didn’t realize that was a requirement in politics…”

A smile touched Cadance’s lips. “Always. So… shall we?”

“Uh…”

“You don’t know how to dance, do you?”

“I know how to dance!” Fleethoof said quickly, unintentionally raising his voice a little, before mumbling. “It’s just… been a while…”

Cadance looked visibly amused at his embarrassment. “How long?”

A long pause. “…Flight School prom…”

The princess laughed, a lighthearted giggle. Fleethoof could feel his cheeks warm.

“Shall I ask Prince Malik instead?” she asked, poking fun at the flustered pony. “I’m sure he’d be very interested.”

“No,” he responded in a snap, standing up and offering his hoof to Princess Cadance with a wry smirk. “May I have this dance, your majesty?”

A genuine, delighted grin brightened Cadance’s face. “Absolutely.”

Fleethoof delighted in leading Cadance away from the table, managing a quick wink to the frowning Arabian prince as they passed by on their way to the dance floor. Although his expression was of confidence, inside he was trembling nervously. They were now in a very open area. Would he be able to keep his eyes open if he were distracted? Was he about to blow his cover?

As he stepped out into the open space, he realized it was far too late to worry now.

He turned to face Cadance, exchanging a quick smile. Excitement and happiness shone in her violet eyes, and he knew even his inability to keep rhythm in his four hooves wasn’t going to keep him from doing whatever she wanted. Swallowing back his pride, he stepped closer to Cadance until their bodies pressed together, feeling her neck resting against the side of his, and took the lead.

“Oh by Celestia’s flowing mane, is he actually doing what I think he’s doing?” Sharp Shot asked, a huge, self-satisfied grin spreading across the pony’s mouth.

“What? What is Captain doing?” Cupcake asked.

“He’s… He’s dancing, everypony.”

“What? The captain dances?”

“Oh, this I have to see.”

“Calm down, everypony! He’s just dancing! Sheesh!”

“This is the best day of my life.” Sharp laughed, acting like a giddy foal that had just heard some new gossip.

He continued to watch Fleethoof and Cadance sway back and forth together on the dance floor through his scope. The stallion looked completely nervous, but the mare looked like she was having the time of her life. Oh yeah, he was never going to let the captain live this one down.

“How’s everypony’s posts so far? Report in,” Valiant said.

“Nothing from Archangel, as far as I see, over,” murmured Sharp Shot into his headset. This was becoming dull.

“Nothing out front, either.”

“Service gate is quiet.”

“I’ve got nothing outsi— Wait. Hold that.”

Sharp Shot perked up at Lightning Flash’s report. He swiveled his rifle around, surveying the courtyards and veranda. He couldn’t see anypony. What had Lightning seen?

“I don’t see anything, Lightning,” said the sniper. “Can you give me your location?”

“I’ve got two ponies, just hopped the south wall, from the— Hey! You two! Stop right th—”

The transmission cut off suddenly in a burst of static. Sharp’s heart stopped beating momentarily. He looked across the courtyard again. Nothing. He couldn’t see anything at all. Where was his teammate? What was going on?

“Lightning, repeat that. What’s going on down there?” No response. “Lightning, come in!”

“Cupcake, go check in on Lightning’s position. Make sure everything’s okay,” ordered Valiant.

“Da, boss.”

“Archangel, keep your eyes open. Something’s up.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” he said to himself. He checked to make sure a round was chambered in his rifle, and began his search of the palace grounds.

Everything had gotten quiet. Even the foot traffic outside the palace had slowed to a near stop. Something definitely felt out of sorts, and it bugged him to no end. So far, everything still seemed normal. All the guards continued on their routine pattern of patrol, uninterrupted, undisturbed. But something felt wrong.

That was when Sharp Shot noticed a shadow move out of the corner of his eye.

He turned his rifle quickly, locking the dark silhouette within the reticle of his scope. He couldn’t make out the form, but it was definitely equine, about the size of a pony, lingering just below the ballroom veranda. It hadn’t been there before.

“Cupcake, what’s your location? Over,” he radioed in quickly, not wanting to shoot his teammate by mistake.

“I have found Lightning. He is beat up and out of conscious,” Cupcake said in grim report. “His gun is gone. We have intruders.”

“Are you by the veranda?” Sharp Shot adjusted the zeroing on his scope as swiftly as his hooves could.

The pony began to climb up a tree beside the veranda, leaping up onto the ledge and hoisting itself onto the balcony.

“Nyet. We are by the south wall.”

Sharp squeezed the trigger. A dull pop resounded from the end of his suppressor as the round fired almost silently, sailing through the night air and finding its mark between the pony’s shoulders. The sniper watched as the figured collapsed forward and ceased moving, just barely out of the light cast from the ballroom. The body would be concealed, and nopony would notice a thing.

“Hostiles sighted, one kill confirmed,” he said hastily, sweeping across the service gate. “He was sneaking in from the veranda. I got— Oh, shit… The guards at the service gate are down. I repeat, the guards at the side entrance are down.”

“Everypony converge on the ballroom. Blue Shield, get in here. Cupcake, sweep around behind them through the side. We’ll bottleneck them before they can get into the gala.”

Valiant sounded as worried as Sharp Shot felt. He was breathing harder as he looked across the courtyard again, spotting the bulky form of Cupcake heading for the service gate to the kitchens, and then back to the gala.

“Archangel has the ballroom covered.”

“I’ll alert Captain Fleethoof before they—”

The ballroom suddenly went dark, all power from the chandeliers shut off. In an instant, the entire room had become pitch black. Sharp Shot couldn’t see a thing.

“Oh fuck…”

Cadance giggled softly.

“What?” Fleethoof asked, cocking a brow in curiosity.

“For somepony who hates dancing, you’re pretty good at it.”

“Hey, I didn’t say I hated it. I said I hadn’t done it in a while,” he corrected, smiling humorously at the princess. “There is a difference.”

“Clearly there is,” said Cadance, leaning further against the stallion. “It’s a shame you didn’t become a diplomat, Fleethoof. I could get used to this.”

“So could I,” he said in agreement, spinning the mare in his hooves and dipping down with her as the song came to an end.

Soft applause echoed around them from the other attendees. But it was lost to Fleethoof. He was in his own little world with Cadance. The smile never left his face. The mission, his duty, his team, all of it was forgotten—lost to the moment. Lost, along with him, in her rich purple eyes. He never let himself admit just how much she had affected his life, or how much she mattered in it.

A stallion. A single colored coat. A mane with hues of the same color. A military background. Somepony close to her heart.

“Cadance,” Fleethoof began. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to say, but saying her name felt like a good start.

And then the lights went out. A few individuals screamed. A griffon shrieked somewhere across the room. Murmurs of panic and confusion began to abound throughout the darkness.

“I’m guessing that’s not a political requirement too, is it?”

“No, it’s not…”

“I didn’t think so. Time to go,” Fleethoof said firmly and lifted Cadance back up and taking her hoof.

He led her through the darkness mostly by memory and what little light came in through the windows. All around, he could hear chairs scraping against the floor, and creatures moving about. The front doors opened. The guards must have been coming in to see what was happening. Where was Valiant? He couldn’t see a thing.

And then a gunshot went off, and every creature in the room screamed. Fleethoof pulled Cadance down to the floor, covering her with his body as he scanned through the blackness, his eyes slowly adjusting. A thin ray of light could be seen at the far end of the room. It must have been the kitchens.

“Stick close. No matter what, don’t let go of my hoof,” he told the princess, taking off through the dark again with her clinging tightly to his side.

Shouts rang out around them. He bumped into a few chairs, and what felt like a pony, but he couldn’t be sure. He just focused on getting through the dark to the light at the other end. He had to get Cadance out before anything else. Then he could focus on finding the ponies responsible for this. It had to be The Sword.

The light was closer now. They were almost there.

The overhead lights came back on suddenly, blinding the pony and stunning him momentarily. Fleethoof blinked his eyes rapidly, dots blurring his vision as his eyes tried to settle. There was a pony in front of him. A pony with a gun. That was all he needed to see.

Fleethoof grabbed the barrel of the gun, pushing it away, and then yanking the pony closer to him. As soon as the pony was pulled closer, Fleethoof connected his hoof to his jaw in a strong right hook. The pony went down. Fleethoof grabbed Cadance and rushed her down the hallway to the kitchens.

“The princess!” the pony shouted.

And then the gunfire started again. He could hear each shot popping behind them as they ran down the zigzagged corridor, emerging in the large kitchen, the white tile and shiny metal appliances almost hurting his eyes. The horses in the kitchen looked up when they heard the gunshots, rushing out of the only other exit. The gunshots stopped. Hooves came clopping loudly down the hall after them. Fleethoof drew his pistol.

“Get down!” Fleethoof ordered while pushing Cadance out of the doorway and behind a cabinet as he took position just beside the door. He pulled the slide back on his gun, chambering the first round.

The first pony came rushing into the kitchen, completely unaware. Fleethoof fired one shot from the hip, striking the pony’s leg and causing him to topple to the ground with a cry of pain. Cadance gasped sharply behind him. The second round went through the back of his head, silencing him forever. The pony was carrying a Canterlot Guard rifle. He was right, it was The Sword.

The hoof beats continued towards him. He rounded the corner quickly, and crashed into another pony, the two of them tumbling over the body on the floor. They crashed into one of the metal preparation tables in the kitchen, bowls and cutlery flying to the floor. Fleethoof lost his hold on his gun, the pistol mixed in with the falling objects. The pony tried to right herself, still holding onto her rifle. Fleethoof grabbed the gun and both ponies pulled at it. The gun went off, the bullet ricocheting off the metal surface and bouncing around the kitchen a few times before striking a light, darkening the room slightly in a flurry of sparks.

Fleethoof brought his body around, connecting his shoulder with the side of the pony’s head. She fell back, the gun falling between them. He reached across the table, grabbing one of the leftover knives as the pony corrected herself and charged at him again. He grunted as her body connected with his chest, pinning him against the table. Her hoof swung around at his face as she hit him once, and then again—but never made contact. He intercepted the blow with the knife, the blade sinking deep into the mare’s leg at the bend.

She screamed in blinding agony, blood seeping through her fur and dripping down her hoof. A quick strike to her stomach doubled the pony over, and another kick knocked her to the floor. More hoofsteps came form the hallway. Fleethoof looked up in time to see a third pony come into view, holding Lightning Flash’s submachine gun.

Bullets began tearing through the air as Fleethoof rolled over the table and ducked behind cover, barely making it in time. A close shot tore through the shoulder of his jacket, narrowly missing his skin. He snatched up his fallen gun and propped himself up on the table’s surface, squeezing off a few rounds long enough to make the pony circle back behind the corner for cover.

“Come on! This way!” he called to Cadance as he stood up, putting two rounds into the injured mare and then taking off to the back exit.

“Fleethoof, who are they?”

“They’re the ponies I told you about, the ones after you and your aunts. We have to get you out of here!”

More gunfire went off behind the two ponies. Fleethoof kept glancing back to make sure Cadance was right beside him, and that they weren’t being followed. The narrow corridor led out to an open delivery bay. The port was closed, the metal gate sealed tight. A few large doors marked the food and supply storage in the adjacent rooms.

“What do we do now?” asked Cadance with panic shaking her voice.

Fleethoof bit his lip, looking around as his mind raced for a plan. He had no way of knowing where Skyfall was, or what their plan might be. He had to think for himself and Cadance, and nopony else. Behind them, voices began echoing down the hall, voices he didn’t know.

“Into the storage room, now!” he said, yanking the heavy door open and ushering the princess inside.

Boxes of supplies and crates of food lay stacked all around the room. Sacks of grains and flour were piled up like sandbags. Somewhere in this room was his weapon, and he needed it fast. He searched as fast as he could, pushing aside boxes and other blockades as he hunted desperately.

A voice shouted out behind him, and a few bullets were fired, hitting the doorframe around the storage room. Fleethoof darted to the wall just beside the door and peered out. Two Sword members had made it. He fired four rounds out, killing one of the ponies while the other rushed safely back into the hall.

“Fleethoof!” Cadance said, stepping into view with his weapon in hoof.

He ran over and took the gun from her. Valiant had already loaded a magazine into it for him. He pulled the action back, priming his firearm while looking over his shoulder for any enemies.

“Throw down your weapon, and we’ll let you live!” the Sword called out to them. “We only want the princess! You mean nothing to us!”

Fleethoof scoffed and shook his head. As if he were really about to comply with terrorists. He turned, ready to fight—and froze. A moment of pause took him, and he slowly turned back to look at Cadance. She looked terrified, eyes wide with worry. If he failed…

He drew his handgun and ejected the magazine, counting the bullets left. Just two remained, with one in the chamber meant three shots left. Only three shots. He slid the magazine back into the well until it clicked.

“Cadance, listen to me. This is very important,” Fleethoof spoke softly, his voice gentle and hushed as he placed the gun in her trembling hooves. “I have to go stop them. I need you to stay in here. Hide, hunker down behind something sturdy, and stay quiet. If they get past me… If they get in here, you have three shots. Just three, got it? Take your time and make them count.”

She shook her head slowly. “Fleethoof, I-I can’t… I can’t do this. I can’t kill somepony.”

“Yes, you can. I believe you can if your life depended on it,” he said, looking back to see a pony poke their head around the corner, looking for them. “Do it for me, please. Stay quiet, aim your shots, and keep a tight hold on the grip. Go find my team when it’s over, okay?”

Cadance didn’t reply, but nodded slowly. She looked like she was in shock. Fleethoof hugged her tightly before trotting briskly back out the door into the delivery bay. He kicked the door shut and fired a few shots blankly at the wall, hoping to suppress the ponies back there. A gun came around the corner and returned the blind fire, going wide by feet.

Fleethoof took position behind a large box left on the dock, supporting his rifle on the surface and taking aim. It felt good to be holding his weapon again, like a part of him had been returned. His breathing slowed as he steadied himself. The number of Sword members present was unknown, but he didn’t care if it was one or one hundred. He had a duty to protect the princess, and he was going to see it through.

Gunfire was heard in the hallway. Fleethoof could see the light from the muzzle flashes flickering on the walls. They were shooting at somepony else. A pony popped into view, taking a potshot at him. It went wide, splintering the stone behind his head as he returned three shots of his own, watching the pony dodge and weave behind another crate. A second pony ran out into view, shooting into the hall. Fleethoof took him down with a quick burst of fire.

“For The Sword!”

The door beside the delivery gate opened suddenly, taking Fleethoof off guard. A pony ran in, spotting the captain, and began taking shot after shot at him. Fleethoof ducked beneath the crate as the second pony fired on his cover. He was suppressed from both sides.

“Captain!”

The sound of Valiant’s voice ringing out surprised him. Heavier caliber gunfire mixed in with the shots from the enemies’ guns. There were a few cries amidst the combat. Fleethoof stood up again, analyzing the scene. Valiant had come from the hallway, and had just gunned down one of the two remaining opponents. The last pony had moved positions, facing Fleethoof now. She didn’t even notice the pony as he fired at her, killing her instantly with a few rounds.

“Friendly!” Fleethoof called out as Valiant turned his gun on him. “We’re clear.”

“Clear in storage,” the sergeant said into his headset, hurrying over to his leader. “Are you okay, Captain?”

“I’m fine. Where’s the team?”

“On the way over. Lightning’s been hurt, but he’s alive. Where’s the princess?”

“Safe.” He opened the storage unit again. “Princess Cadance—”

A bullet struck the wall beside Fleethoof’s head, making the pony stumble backwards in shock. He fell to his flanks, eyes wide and teeth clenched, his feathers ruffled in fright.

“Whoa, whoa! Easy, girl! It’s me!”

Princess Cadance’s head poked up from behind a stockpile of flour sacks, the smoking gun still clutched tightly in her hooves. Fleethoof pressed a hoof to his chest, feeling his heart hammering away. He chuckled and stood up again as Cadance came out, looking at the dead bodies on the floor. With a choking sob, she wrapped her hooves around Fleethoof, holding tight to him in her state of terror.

“Thank Celestia you didn’t listen to my advice about aiming,” he said in a teasing manner, slowing his breathing again. “That was close.”

“Tell me it’s over now, just”—her words broke between a sob—“please, please tell me there’s no more violence.”

Fleethoof looked over at Valiant, hearing the static voice of somepony in his comms unit. He nodded slowly. Blue Shield came running into the delivery bay, guns lowered calmly. Their fight was over and done.

Squeezing her tighter in his arms, Fleethoof nuzzled the princess and whispered, “It’s over…”

The whistle blew loudly as ponies and other creatures boarded the train bound for Equestria. Cupcake finished carrying the last of their luggage onto the train car while Sharp Shot, Blue Shield, and Lightning Flash boarded. Only Valiant and Fleethoof lingered behind with Princess Cadance as she bid farewell to their host. Prince Malik had come to see them off, which included ample amount of sweet talk and apologies to the princess.

“Please, accept my most sincere apologies for the tragedy at the gala, fair princess,” Malik apologized, bowing his head remorsefully, as if he had caused the events to transpire. “Aasef. I am deeply sorry for any harm that may have threatened you.”

“As I said the last thirty times, your grace, you are forgiven. It was not your fault,” said Cadance with a gentle smile.

“I should have had more guards at attention. I was foolish for not taking extra precautions around such delicate and precious a thing as your life. Permit me to make recompense for these dark times.”

“Yes, as Fleethoof told you before. You should have listened to him. But now you know for the future, your grace. That is all I ask. Learn from the past, that’s what it’s there for.”

Prince Malik now turned his attention to Fleethoof, situated beside the sovereign. His steely gaze softened slightly by humility. “You were right all along, Ambassador. Or should I say Captain?”

“Captain will do, your highness.”

“I should have listened to you, Captain. It seems there is more to you than meets the eye. Aasef. My pride nearly cost you and Princess Cadenza your lives. You were better prepared than I for handling the situation, lord of war.”

Lord of war. He must have meant warlord. But Fleethoof liked that title better. He smiled and bowed his head gratefully.

“You have proven yourselves to be allies of the crown. You and your ponies are always welcome in my kingdom, Captain… Provided you don’t bring bloodshed to our home every time you visit,” Malik conditioned with a soft laugh, bowing his head in parting. “May your journey home be safe, and your lives long and prosperous. Ma’a salama. Farewell.”

Cadance dipped her head in return. “Ma’a salama, Prince Malik.”

“Take care, your grace.” Fleethoof nudged Cadance gently, motioning towards the train.

The ponies boarded the train, the royal guard of Nadira saluting them as they climbed aboard. Fleethoof rolled his eyes. He was glad he didn’t have to act like the upper one-percent anymore. That was a role he was glad to have behind him.

The whistle blared one last time, and then the train began to move down the track, pulling away from the station. From the cool of the car, Fleethoof watched as the city started to vanish into the distance, opening up to an endless sea of golden sands. He heard a couple glasses clink together behind him.

“To another job well done!” Sharp Shot said in mock toast. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“Da! And good job to Captain Fleethoof, the best actor I have ever seen!” said Cupcake.

“You’ve clearly never been to a theatre before,” remarked Sharp in wily jest, sipping his drink.

“All right, all right, no low blows, Sergeant.” Fleethoof trotted over to join his teammates. “Pour me a glass. To Skyfall!”

“To Skyfall!” everypony chanted.

Their mission was over. They were going back home.

Author's Note

The inspiration behind Cadence's dress: http://fav.me/d4yugxd

Masaa el kheer: Good evening
Marhaban: Welcome
Aasef: I am sorry

Chapter 12: September

Hooves thundered in synchronized march as a dozen of the Royal Guard filed into Canterlot Station. Shining Armor stood at the head of the group, leading the unit down the steps into the lobby. Just behind him, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna followed closely. Princess Cadance was due to arrive within the hour from her time abroad, and they wanted to welcome their niece back home personally. But The Sword was still wanted, and safety came before subtlety.

Ponies looked nervously at the guards. Canterlot had become accustomed to the mass presence of soldiers as of late, though they were still unaware of the true danger. Ever since the incident in the market, they were grateful for the extra security.

Celestia glanced up at the timetable board above the ticket booths. The train arriving from Saddle Arabia was right on time. They’d be arriving shortly. Mostly, the sovereign was patiently waiting to see if Cadance was safe or not. They hadn’t received a message other than there had been an attack on Prince Malik’s gala, and no details had been released. She could only hope and wait.

Princess Luna was eager to have her team of ponies back. She missed them, and silently prayed that they had accomplished their mission. Not that there was much doubt, of course. She had the utmost confidence in Skyfall Team. They had proven their merit.

Shining Armor tapped his hooves impatiently against the stone floor, his eyes never leaving the large clock above the timetable. Their train was due in less than thirty minutes. He couldn’t wait to see Cadance again. And Fleethoof. He had to know they were both okay…

“Come. Let us await their arrival on the platform,” Luna said.

Shining Armor nodded, turning to his troops. “Head to the platform, and make sure it’s secure. The last thing we want is any surprises.”

The guards saluted and marched ahead towards the designated platform. Shining hoped the presence of armed guards would deter The Sword from making a blatant attempt on the princesses. But he had to be honest with himself—it hadn’t deterred them in the past.

Swallowing back his worry, he smiled to his rulers, and escorted them behind his soldiers. His lieutenant joined him at his side, nodding to the Captain of the Guard. Ponies rushed to and fro past them, blending together in a blur of color and motion. A unicorn dressed in a Royal Guard cadet uniform bumped into him, moving on without an apology. He brushed it off.

And then Shining Armor froze in place.

He turned slowly, looking back at the pony that had just run into him. He recognized that blue coat. He recognized that cutie mark. And he recognized those burning red eyes as the pony turned to face back at the Captain of the Guard, a cocky smirk across his lips.

Shining drew his pistol, aiming at the pony. “Night Shade! Don’t move!”

The ponies that were walking in between the two quickly dispersed when they saw the gun. Night Shade just continued to face off with Shining Armor. Celestia and Luna had stopped when they heard Shining shout out, both taken by surprise when they noticed his opponent.

Night Shade didn’t say a word. He stared silently at the soldier. It put Shining Armor off. Why would the most wanted pony in Equestria be walking around in public so brashly, especially where he knew he’d be caught? It had to be a trap, one he was determined to end prematurely.

“Night Shade, by order of the Royal Guard, you are under ar— ugh!”

Shining Armor collapsed to the ground as something hard cracked against the back of his head. His gun skidded across the smooth floor, stopped by Night Shade with a hoof. Shining glanced up at his assailant, and found the barrel of a rifle pressed to his forehead. Several ponies gathered around him, forming a circle, each one holding a rifle. Shining’s lieutenant drew his sidearm, making a bold move for one of the ponies, only to have the stock of a gun slam across the side of his head as well. He joined his commanding officer on the ground.

Night Shade picked up the captain’s fallen gun and stepped in with his fellow ponies, firing the pistol once into the air. Ponies all around the station screamed and rushed for cover in panic. Celestia and Luna were frozen in place with shock. The guards had begun to run back into the lobby.

“Attention everypony!” Shade said aloud, his voice echoing around the lobby. “Stay right where you all are, please. If you try to run for the exit, you will be shot.”

A couple of ponies ran for the stairs. They made it halfway up before they were gunned down, two more armed ponies blocking the exit. The guards surrounded the group, covering the princesses as they drew down on the tightly enclosed group. Night Shade pulled Shining Armor up into a seated position, pressing the barrel of the gun to the pony’s head.

Shining’s head was still spinning and his ears ringing from the attack. His muscles felt like they were made of gelatin, and his whole body was heavy and weak. He groaned softly and glared up at Night. All around, ponies looked on in terror, anxiously waiting to see what would unfold.

“Tsk tsk, I warned you, silly ponies,” Night spoke coolly to the crowd, shaking his head in disappointment. “Make yourselves comfortable, everypony. You’re about to be taken for a wild ride!”

“You’re an idiot…” muttered Shining Armor. “The second you kill me, you’ll all be blown away.”

“Isn’t this ironic, Captain? We’re finishing the same way we started!” The pony chuckled, pressing the cold metal gun harder against his hostage’s temple.

“What are you waiting for then?”

“Why, the last few guests of honor! When they arrive, then the party will start!”

Shining Armor’s blue eyes turned toward the clock. Only a few minutes until the train arrived. His friends were walking right into a trap.

Fleethoof sat silently, staring out the window as the train rolled by familiar territory. The green hills and fields of Equestria were a welcome sight to his eyes. Flashbacks of the Griffon War flashed briefly before his eyes. It was hard to believe over a year had passed since the war ended. But now, as the train began its ascent through the mountain tunnels up to Canterlot, he couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.

Princess Cadance sat opposite of him, and just as quietly. She seemed contemplative, and tired. It would be good to bring her back to the comforts of home.

Darkness surrounded the outside of the train car. Only the lights inside provided illumination in the tunnel.

“Thank you, Fleethoof, for looking after me… again,” Cadance said after a while, catching the pony’s attention.

“It was my duty and pleasure. Think nothing of it.” It was a cut-and-dry answer.

“You risk your life for me constantly, and you want me to think of it as nothing?” Cadance chuckled lightly. “I think you might be losing your mind if you think that’s going to happen.”

Fleethoof smirked a little, but didn’t respond. Cadance had grown to know his succinct personality well. He didn’t mince words, or delay, or stall. He spoke his mind when he had something to say. It was admirable.

“It’s September now. It'll be autumn soon.”

“Mmm…”

Another pregnant pause.

“I’m very glad it was you who came to my rescue,” she continued to speak after a while. “I enjoy your company.”

“You mean you enjoy trying to piece me together like a puzzle.”

Cadance laughed again. “You are challenging to read, Fleethoof, but I do like being around you. Only a hoofful of ponies make me feel truly safe with them. You’re one of them.”

Fleethoof smiled. “Thank you, Cadance.”

The train reemerged out into the light of day. The station wouldn’t be more than ten minutes ahead.

“You were saying something to me at the gala.” Fleethoof looked confused. “Just before the attack, when the dance ended.”

“Oh,” he remarked, both surprised, and at the same time not, by her vivid memory. “...Don’t worry about it. It wasn’t important.”

“I’d still like to know.”

Fleethoof hesitated for a moment. Not because he couldn’t remember what he was about to say, but because he wasn’t sure he wanted to say it, or how to say it. He was in the middle of pondering his next course of action when the train came to a stop at the platform. All of a sudden, the train was quiet, and they sat still in place. The two ponies held each others' gazes for a long moment.

“What’s going on?” asked Cadance, looking out the window. “There's guards all over the platform.”

Fleethoof frowned in confusion and looked out the window as well. Half a dozen armed guards blocked the doors into the station, rifles held close to their chests. It did not bode well.

“I don’t know…” Fleethoof muttered. “But we’re gonna find out. Come on.”

In a flash, Fleethoof was out of his seat and heading down the car. The conjoined car was the bunk car, where Skyfall Team was gathering their belongings. Valiant and Cupcake were already in the corridor, making idle conversation while they waited for the others. Sharp Shot joined them momentarily.

“What's wrong, Captain?” Valiant asked his officer, noting the look of concern on his face.

Fleethoof shook his head. “I don’t know. The Guard is blockading the station for some reason.”

“So what is plan?” asked the larger pony amongst them.

“We’re disembarking and finding out what’s going on. Canterlot’s railway system runs like clockwork all day, every day. If there’s a reason they've shut down the station, it can’t be good news.”

“Well, looks like this is our stop!” Sharp Shot grabbed his saddlebags and slung his rifle over his back, eager as ever to get moving.

Fleethoof looked around at the group of ponies, and behind him past Cadance. “Where’s Shield and Lightning?”

The door to the car opened at the other end, and both ponies in question were corralled into the car. A trio of armed guards pushed them in and stepped past, armed to the teeth.

“Everypony stay calm!” one of them said in a loud, commanding voice as they walked by. “There is nothing to be worried about. There’s been a minor delay at the station.”

“A delay that requires armed guards to keep ponies onboard?” Sharp Shot asked, catching the attention of the soldier.

The guard gave him a cold, blank stare. “Just stay in your car until the train continues moving, sir.”

“Look, buddy, we’re military too. You can tell us what’s going on.”

“I said, stay in the car.”

“Hey, pal, if something’s going on, we need to know.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything, sir,” the guard reiterated, placing emphasis on his words. “I don’t answer to you. Now remain in the car.”

“You have to answer to me,” Fleethoof said, his voice firm as he and the guard locked gazes. “I’m Captain Fleethoof, and as much as I hate to do it, I will pull rank on you if I have to. Now, I believe my teammate asked you a question, soldier. I think we’d all like to hear the answer.”

The pony was silent for a moment, sizing up the officer confronting him. Cadance stepped up next to Fleethoof, making her stance very obvious.

“I’d suggest you do what the captain tells you to.”

The guard hesitated, then motioned for the other two to carry on through the train. He stepped closer to the group, his voice low.

“Some ponies have taken over the station. They’re heavily armed, and they have hostages. The princesses are there, trying to defuse the situation. But between you and me, I don’t think it’s doing any good. We’ve been ordered to keep all civilians on their trains until the situation passes, for their own safety.”

“Lucky for you, we aren’t civilians,” Fleethoof said, patting the rifle at his side. “We’re disembarking, now. We’re going to the station. And we’re going to assess the situation ourselves. Any objections?”

The guard silently shook his head. “No, sir. But be careful. I’m pretty sure these are the terrorists we’ve been hunting.”

“Everypony off the train, now!”

Valiant pulled the nearest door open. One by one, each pony jumped out onto the platform. Fleethoof approached the door, and then looked back at Cadance, still right behind him.

“I don’t suppose you’d stay here if I asked you to, would you?” he asked rhetorically.

“Not a chance.”

He pursed his lips and scowled a little. “That’s what I was afraid of… Cadance, this isn’t up for debate this time. You have to stay here. I’m not going to risk your safety. Not this time. This isn’t your fight.”

“It’s been my fight the moment it involved me. I’m coming.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Cadance, I can’t focus on what’s going on if I’m worrying about you. Please, just stay on the train.”

Cadance remained as adamant as ever. “Why would you be worrying about me? I can handle myself.”

Fleethoof dropped his gaze. “Just please stay here.”

He slowly enunciated each syllable for emphasis, and then he disembarked the train as well, leaping down to the platform. Taking the lead, the ponies trotted towards the station hub. All down the various lines, Fleethoof could see trains stopped at a distance, halted by whatever incident had slowed them.

But his greatest concern wasn’t the trains. It was the station. Whatever was going on in there was bad—very, very bad. If The Sword was involved, and Celestia and Luna were there, it could only mean one thing. Night Shade was there. He had something planned.

All the platforms were desolate and quiet. It put Fleethoof on edge. The main station annex was connected to each individual platform, one way in and out. The element of surprise was clearly out of the question.

The ponies approached the doors to the terminal slowly. Their weapons were drawn, locked, and loaded, ready for whatever may come. The guards tensed up as they drew nearer, but they relaxed when Skyfall lowered their weapons with a salute. The flash of Fleethoof's rank insignia didn't hurt either. Fleethoof waited beside the door, Valiant taking to the other side. He glanced back at his team. Everypony looked just as anxious and ready.

“Go fast and hard,” he said lowly to them. “Pick your targets carefully, keep them sighted, wait for my go. Weapons free. If Night Shade's here, we can't let him get away again.”

He nodded to Valiant. Both pegasi tore the doors open, and Skyfall charged into the terminal.

The situation was worse than he feared.

Ponies lay huddled and crouched around the edges of the lobby, taking cover behind counters, potted plants, and whatever else they could find. The Royal Guard had taken position in front of them at the base of the stairs, making a semi circle around a group of ponies clustered in the center of the lobby, and forming a wall between them and the princesses. These ponies all aimed rifles back at the guards, and now back at them too. Fleethoof had his rifle up, already aiming at the group while trying to identify anypony.

The first pony he recognized was his all-too familiar antagonist, wearing that sickeningly welcoming grin. Night Shade stood protected at the center of his posse, his ruby eyes danced wildly, shimmering with deranged delight and excitement at the entire ordeal he had created. Something was going on behind those eyes, in his demented mind, but for the life of him, Fleethoof couldn’t even begin to guess what it was.

What Fleethoof saw next made his blood run cold. Night Shade was holding a gun on two ponies. One was a guard he didn’t recognize. The other was Shining Armor. His friend had blood running down the side of his head from a gash just below his ear. His eyes burned angrily, with the desire to act, but the stallion’s body looked groggy and unsteady.

“Ah, here they come! The final guests to our little soirée!” Night Shade said jubilantly, beaming at the ponies dressed in matching black uniforms as they joined the ranks of the guards. “But you’re missing somepony… You didn’t bring Princess Cadance?”

“I wasn’t going to put her in danger. You should know me better than that, Night Shade,” Fleethoof snapped, training his aim on the ringleader.

“Oh well, a pony can hope...” He sighed. “So did you enjoy your trip, Captain? Have a nice vacation? Did you miss me? I certainly missed you. Our game isn’t over yet, after all.”

“Yes it is. It ends right now.”

“You’re very right, Fleethoof! What a clever pony you are! Your mother would be so proud of you!” Night Shade laughed happily for some reason while ruffling Shining Armor’s mane with his own gun. “Now that everypony is present, we can begin the dawn of our new age.”

Fleethoof shivered and bit back his anger, his grip tightening on his weapon. His hoof flexed across the trigger, just waiting for an excuse. “It’s not gonna happen, Night.”

The pony looked hurt by his words, but it was only momentary. His manic smile returned. “But it will! It will! And you’ll be here to see it! All we need now is… Princess Cadance! So nice of you to join us! Do you like what I’ve done with the place?”

What? Princess Cadance? Fleethoof gasped. His head snapped around quickly, staring in shock and terror as the pink Alicorn stepped slowly into the station behind him. She had followed them. Of course she had. He really shouldn’t have felt as surprised as he was. But now she was in danger too!

Shit! Why can’t she just listen for once?! Fleethoof watched with worry as Celestia and Luna hurried over to embrace their niece.

“Let everypony go,” Cadance demanded of Night Shade. “They mean nothing to you. I know who you are. You want me, and my aunts. These ponies don’t have to suffer for us.”

Night Shade looked shocked. “Suffer? Oh, your highness, you’ve got the wrong idea! These ponies aren’t suffering! We haven’t harmed them in the least. Well, okay, maybe that isn't entirely true... But we mean no harm to our brothers and sisters! They’re here to witness the rebirth of Equestria!”

“What are you talking about?”

Oh shit… She had to ask that question.

“Today is a historic day, Miss Cadenza! Today, Equestria will be free of the shackles of tyranny, and will embrace its own destiny. Today, everypony shall be liberated, and a new day will rise in an era of freedom, abolished from controlling governments and corrupt systems. Today, Equestria enters its golden age!”

“Enough!” Cupcake shouted. “I will snap little pony in two with bare hooves!”

The sergeant took a brash step forward, and Night quickly turned the pistol on him and pulled a small metal remote out of his uniform jacket. He held it up for everypony to see. A single red button sat ominously on its surface.

“Ah ah! Stay where you are, soldier! You don’t want to start to fireworks before it’s time, do you?”

Cupcake stopped instantly, his hoof still held in the air, mid-step. Fleethoof could feel his heart wrench and drop in his chest.

“Night Shade… what is that?”

“This is they key to salvation, my brother,” he said in reply, staring at it and holding it to the light like it was a diamond. “It will send everypony here to their righteous judgment, and birth the new age across the land.”

“Okay, yeah, I get that. But what does it do?”

“Oh, the technical stuff!” Night Shade looked visibly interested again. “Well, you see, it will detonate the charges. I’m quite good with pyrotechnics, after all.”

“Charges?” Fleethoof repeated in disbelief, dread darkening his voice.

“Oh yes! The equivalent of sixteen full barrels of gunpowder, just below the foundation of this station.”

Sixteen barrels full of pure gunpowder. That blast would certainly destroy the train station, along with everypony in it. Night Shade knew what he was doing. His infiltration into the castle hadn’t just been about killing Celestia. He was getting supplies. His plan didn’t rely on precision. It relied on proximity and timing: close, not exact. And they were right on top of it.

“Night, think about what you’re doing. Look around at these ponies. Think about what you’re doing to them for revenge on Celestia,” said Fleethoof, trying to reason with his enemy. “You’re going to hurt a lot of the ponies you’re trying to help. You want to free them, not kill them. This isn’t the way.”

“Progress demands sacrifice, Fleethoof. You should know. How many lives were claimed in the war, all for progress of war alone? Some ponies must die so all may be free.”

“Stop him! He’s going to kill us all!” the guard held hostage beside Shining Armor shouted out. “Stop him!”

“No! No,” snapped the deranged pony, pointing the gun at the lieutenant now. “I’m going to save you! I’m going to save you all! Don’t you try to stop me!”

“Night Shade, this isn’t a game anymore. Ponies will die!”

Fleethoof’s shouts fell on deaf ears. Night Shade just continued to stare at the guard before him, eyes glassy and distant, like he was lost in a far off memory.

“Night Shade!”

The unicorn looked up at Fleethoof again. “I’m sorry, Fleethoof. We were so alike, you and I. I had hoped that we could have been friends in this new world. But it looks like we’ll both be judged together… I can put in a good word for you.”

“No! Night Shade, just wait a moment,” he pleaded, trying to stall the madpony from detonating the bombs. "You like talking. Let's just talk. You and me, okay?"

Night Shade contemplated Fleethoof's suggestion for a few moments, then smiled widely. "All right, Fleethoof. I have missed talking with you, after all. Did you have a nice time with the princess?"

"It was wonderful. I got to play dress up," Fleethoof remarked sarcastically. "And we ran into your friends. You're probably not surprised, seeing as we're still standing here now."

"Oh, I planned on them dying. They were nopony important to me anyway. Like I said before, they play their part. It all culminates to this moment." The ponies of The Sword glanced back briefly at their leader. "Oh, don't look so surprised. We're mutual business partners, nothing more. I gave you what you all wanted, and now I get my just rewards."

"Wait, you planned on your own ponies getting killed? You sent them to their deaths?" Fleethoof's tone of voice emphasized his surprise.

Night's smile widened and he nodded vigorously. "Oh yes! I had to let you think you'd won, so you'd come back home, right to this spot. I planned everything, down to everypony being right where they are. And it worked. It worked beautifully! The moment is finally here... This, riiiight here... This is it..."

Fleethoof shifted his weight as he adjusted his grip on his gun. He could feel the conversation—and hope—slipping further and further away.

“It's finally done…” That grin formed across his face again, eyes widening excitedly. “This is your redemption day, everypony!”

An insane, coarse laugh left the pony, echoing around the lobby. It sent chills down Fleethoof’s spine. He couldn’t get a clear enough shot on Night Shade to be confident he’d kill him without risking the bombs going off. They were all at the mercy of this madpony.

Bang! Bang!

Bang!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gunfire echoed through the damp, dark tunnels beneath Canterlot Station. The Royal Guard had finally closed in on The Double-Edged Sword’s hideout. They were cornered, but the fight they were putting up had the guards bottlenecked in the tunnels. They could not advance without being gunned down.

At the mouth of the tunnel, a couple of guards pressed themselves against the walls. They leaned out, firing off shots at the terrorists whenever they could. But between dodging bullets and trying to move up, they were hopelessly deadlocked.

“Shit! We can’t get any further up!”

“Return fire! Keep them suppressed back there!”

“I see one! I see—”

The soldier was cut off as a round replaced her eyeball. The body collapsed limply to the ground, and the rest of the soldiers backed off a bit.

“Dammit! We’re stuck!”

“Step aside,” came a voice from the rear, Captain Stratagem pushing her way up to the front. “Somepony give me a sitrep.”

“We’ve got The Sword cornered, but we can’t get in without getting killed,” a solider said, reloading his rifle.

“Is there another way in?” Stratagem asked.

“Not that we’ve found,” a filly replied. “I don’t think there is one.”

“Bull. We’ve had this section of the tunnels locked down for days. If there isn’t another way out, how did they get to the surface to seize the train station?”

Nopony answered the officer. Nopony could. If the enemy had snuck by their defenses, it meant there had to be another way around.

Stratagem nodded sharply, then grabbed a rifle from a dead soldier. “You four, follow me. The rest of you stay here and lay down suppressive fire on them until told otherwise. Hooah?”

“Hooah!” the soldiers chanted, gathering their weapons up.

The ponies Stratagem had designated followed her back out through the tunnels. Working her way back out, she led the group around the network of sewers. The sounds of the firefight disappeared, and were soon lost to the flowing water around them. Now that they knew the general location of The Sword, they began to canvas the surrounding area, looking for anything resembling an entrance.

“Captain! Over there!” A guard pointed to a small hole in the brick walls of the sewer, barely large enough for a pony to slip through.

“I’ll take point,” Stratagem said, making sure a bullet was chambered before squeezing her body through the hole.

It was a tight fit, and shuffling her way to the other side was a slow-going process. Eventually, she popped out on the other side. Lanterns lit the cave-like passage to Celestia-knows-where. Behind her, the four others emerged.

“Wow… You were right, Captain. It looks like another tunnel.”

“Shhh,” she whispered, straining her ears against the silence.

Further down through the passage, faint pops of gunshots could be heard.

“It’s definitely this way! Double time, everypony! Ponies are dying!”

The small group ran through relative darkness in the musty tunnel, navigating mostly by sound and touch. With each step they took, the sounds of combat grew louder and louder. Bright orange light could be seen up ahead.

“That’s the same light we saw in the cave,” a guard said.

“Stay quiet now,” the captain ordered, keeping her body low to the ground. “Wait for my mark.”

Their movements slowing to a near crawl, the group pressed on until they emerged in the back of The Sword’s cave. Gunfire echoed around the large expanse, and the smell of gunpowder choked the air. Stratagem climbed up a rock, getting a better view. Only a few ponies remained in the cave. The rest must have abandoned it to attack Canterlot. But the few that were left had dug in deep, taking cover behind solid rock where the soldiers couldn’t see them from the sewer.

But Stratagem could see them.

Bang!

The familiar feeling of satisfaction filled her chest as she chambered a fresh round and watched a pony drop dead. The Sword turned in shock, facing her.

Bang!

Another pony fell. The rest took aim at her.

A series of gunshots rang out to her side. The three guards opened fire, killing half of the remaining ponies. Stratagem dove down just as bullets struck the rocks around her. Calls came from the sewers as the Guard began to press forward, rushing into the cave. Outnumbered five to one, The Sword was cut down in a matter of seconds.

Stratagem looked up from her position on the ground, a strong, distinct smell filling her nose. She had landed next to a barrel set in the cave wall. It reeked of gunpowder. Her eyes widened as grim realization gripped her mind.

“Captain, they’ve got barrels all over this place.”

Oh hell no…

“Night!” Fleethoof yelled, gritting his teeth in anger. “Put the remote down NOW!”

“No! Get away from me!” Night shouted back, swinging the gun around at every soldier he could see. “Go away!”

The pony appeared to be having some sort of psychotic episode. His psychosis was getting worse. Fleethoof was quickly fearing what might happen if he didn’t take control of the situation soon.

“What do you want, Night? What?!”

He looked up again, glancing back and forth from Captain Fleethoof to the remote in his hoof.

“What I want?” he asked, chuckling weakly. “It’s not about what I want. It’s about what I’m going to do. And you see this button here? I’m gonna press it!”

“Stop!” The cry from Celestia was unexpected by everypony, especially the demented terrorist. “Night Shade, look at me. Talk to me.”

The two ponies locked gazes. The tension in the room became as palpable as the day they had spoken in the prison. Fleethoof flexed his hoof against the trigger again, waiting and anticipating.

"'I have nothing more to say to you, Celestia. Actions speak louder than words."

Celestia was not assuaged. "Spare a few with me."

"There's nothing you could say to ever justify yourself! A tyrant will always find a pretext for their tyranny."

“Night Shade, do you really want to do this? To harm so many innocent lives, just to get to me? You aren’t that kind of pony.”

For a moment, Night Shade just stared blankly back at the princess. He glanced down at the floor for a while. The room was completely silent. Everypony waited. And then he lifted his gun to his imprisoned lieutenant’s head and pulled the trigger. A single gunshot rang out, the explosion reverberating around as the pony fell to the floor with a splattering of blood. Celestia gasped and shrunk backwards. Everypony holding a weapon tensed up. Night turned his gaze to Celestia, eyes dark and smoldering as he peered up through his lashes at the princess.

“You don’t know what kind of pony I am anymore, Celestia…”

Shining Armor looked down in horror at the dead body of his loyal officer. Blood had pooled around his skull. He wanted so badly to just take Night Shade down now, but there were too many lives at stake, and he was still holding all the cards.

Fleethoof stepped up to the plate again. “I know what kind of pony you are, Night.”

Night Shade looked at Fleethoof once more.

“You always say we’re the same. Well, let’s see just how similar we are. What are you going to do now?”

Something in Night Shade’s eyes had broken. The pony wasn’t smiling anymore. His humor had gone. All that remained was the deadly, predatory look in his eyes. But some light still lingered as he looked at the pegasus opposite of him.

“You can’t stop me, Fleethoof. You five ponies won’t be enough to stop it now. Please, leave, before I hurt you. Nothing can stop this retribution. It’s time for Equestria to open its eyes to a bright new dawn, the sins of the land washed away, baptized in fire.”

Fleethoof furrowed his brow. Five ponies? He glanced to his sides, counting the ponies in black uniforms. One, two, three, four… plus himself made five. Somepony was missing. He hadn’t even noticed until now. Who had slipped away?

“Celestia,” Night called out, catching Fleethoof’s attention suddenly. “May the Great Alicorn have mercy on your soul.”

“Night Shade, is there nothing I can do to earn your forgiveness?” Celestia said, begging and desperate to spare the lives of the ponies cowering in the station. Foals were crying, mares whispering silent prayers. “I vow, if there is anything I can do, I shall do it. Anything. Just tell me, and I’ll do it.”

Again, another long pause came from Night Shade. He glanced down at the floor, studying his hooves, and then turned his eyes skyward, up to the glass roof of the train station. Bright sunlight poured in through the large panes of glass. The clear blue sky canvased the heavens, fluffy clouds lazily floating by. It was a beautiful day.

Just like the day after the storm…

Night Shade kicked the rustic wooden door open, the force causing it to rattle on its hinges. The freshly fallen snow crunched beneath his hooves. The cold air bit at his skin. Tears froze to his cheeks as he trudged through the thick blanket of white towards the town’s train station, lugging his supplies on his back. In his hoof, he grasped tightly to the pair of shiny metal dog tags. His friends… they were dead. They were all dead. He had to get back to Canterlot. He had to talk to Princess Celestia. When she knew what had happened, she’d have to send a team to find his friends.

She’d have to help… She wouldn’t turn her back on her own ponies…

She wouldn't betray them...

Fleethoof saw a tear shimmer in the corner of Night’s eye. The pony dropped his hoof holding the remote, pressing against the breast pocket of his uniform, feeling for something that was there. Was Celestia breaking through to him? His heart pounded like a thousand hooves in his chest, and his breathing was quick, shallow, and focused. Night Shade looked as if he was seriously considering the proposal. And then the pony blinked, and the single tear, along with any trace of humanity, was gone. He looked back down at Celestia. He had his answer.

“Liar.”

Night Shade scowled and lifted the remote, glancing for a brief second at the red button. His hoof covered the control.

The sound of a distant crack and glass breaking suddenly filled the lobby. Night Shade’s head jerked backwards, as if he had just been punched in the face. Blood sprayed from behind his skull, and his body recoiled backwards slightly before collapsing to the tile floor on his back.

Shining Armor snatched his pistol and from the ground fired the first shot into a pony’s back. Fleethoof reacted next, opening fire with his friend. His rifle’s barrel flared with each shot, dropping one enemy, and then a second with a quick burst. Skyfall Team fired once their leader had, and the Guard joined in Shining Armor’s retaliation. The Sword tried to shoot back as quickly as they could, taken completely off guard.

A bullet whizzed right by Fleethoof’s ear, making him cringe momentarily as he fought on. The fight was tense, and dangerous. The Guard had to take careful aim. One stray round could end up costing a civilian their life. They had to make sure there would be no innocent casualties.

The train station was filled with combat and the cries of terrified ponies for about thirty seconds, and then there was silence.

The ponies of The Sword lay on the ground, blood covering their coats. Shining Armor slowly got up from a prone position on the floor, breathing heavily as he looked at the bodies around him. Fleethoof quickly stepped up to his friend, checking the bodies as he stepped over them. Most of them had multiple wounds, and were very clearly dead.

Both he and Shining Armor walked over to examine Night Shade. A single bullet wound ran straight through his head, right between his eyes. His characteristic grin lay frozen on his face, ruby eyes dimmed and lifeless as they stared up at the blue sky overhead. His twisted expression would remain eternally on his visage. But for once, Night Shade looked at peace.

Fleethoof put another round in the unicorn’s chest, not taking any chances. Shining Armor picked up the remote detonator, breaking it open and pulling the circuitry out of it with his magic. The threat had been neutralized. Both ponies let out a deep, relieved sigh.

“Clear.” Fleethoof signaled to the others with pride, looking off the way Night Shade had been before.

A single pane of glass from a window behind Celestia was cracked. A lone bullet hole bore through it. He looked back at Skyfall as they examined each body, confirming the kills. He knew who was missing. Looking back out the window, he smirked and nodded approvingly.

Night Shade was staring at Fleethoof. He was talking, saying something the pony couldn’t hear, but he could see his lips moving. He did not look happy in the least. Fleethoof was saying something back, probably trying to assuage the terrorist. There was no reasoning with him…

Suddenly, Celestia stepped forward, closer towards Night. She must have been talking. He couldn’t see her mouth to confirm or deny, but she had the pony's attention, and he wasn’t saying anything.

Night Shade’s expression shifted. It was unrecognizable, something not seen on the deranged pony before. It was odd, but perhaps it meant there was hope for a change of heart. Yeah, as if… The unicorn looked up towards the sky, like he was looking for some divine intervention. He stayed like that for a little while.

Fleethoof looked so on edge. Well, everypony did, but especially the captain. He had been since Princess Cadance had walked into the station. Of course she wasn’t going to stay on the train. He had called that. Everypony was waiting on Night Shade, but the pony just continued to stare up at the sky. Or was he staring at the ceiling? He was certainly odd enough to just be staring at the roof.

And then Night looked back down, staring straight back at Princess Celestia. His expression had twisted, turning dark and sinister. He muttered something, just one word. And then he scowled. Oh no…

Night Shade lifted up the remote again, moving his hoof over it. There was no more time. No second guesses.

Just one shot.

His hoof squeezed the trigger. His rifle kicked slightly on its bipod as the round flew through the air, breaking through the glass with no problem. Night Shade's head was knocked backwards, and a fine red mist painted the air just behind his mane. The body collapsed limply to the floor. Target neutralized.

Gunfire tore through the tense silence in the terminal. Ponies screamed. The Sword dropped like flies, all still clustered in a group. Try as they might, they had already lost, even as they fired wildly in every direction. They just died where they stood.

Shining Armor got back to his hooves. Fleethoof approached him, and they both stood over the body of Night Shade. A burst of muzzle flash appeared between them. Fleethoof must have double-tapped the body, confirming the kill. The rest of Skyfall Team came forward, checking all the corpses. The princesses embraced. Celestia was in tears. Ponies all around the station began to stand up, hugging and helping one another.

Fleethoof glanced at the window, and then his blue eyes looked up at him. His head turned, back towards the team, and then out the window at him again. He smirked and nodded.

Sharp Shot chuckled and snapped the caps back down over his scope. The pony sat up atop the train car he was laying on, letting out a deep breath. The fight was over. They had won.

Author's Note

Inspiration behind this chapter, and Night Shade's plan: http://youtu.be/MN1zfU2yN6w

A familiar location, used as the model for Canterlot Station (with the exception of an all glass roof): http://tinyurl.com/ar2fsg9

Chapter 13: Full Circle

A blood red sun set over Canterlot that day, casting the once picture perfect blue sky into a sea of fiery orange. It had taken the rest of the day to restore the train station back to functioning condition, and even longer to safely disarm all of Night Shade’s explosives and reclaim the gunpowder. Skyfall Team had lent a major hand in the cleanup effort and evacuation of citizens from the blast zone. It had been a trying day for everypony involved.

Fleethoof stood alone out on the western terrace of Canterlot Castle, staring out across the vast fields and small hills that made up Equestria as he reflected on the day’s events. Quarter Master’s scientists had taken the bodies for autopsy and identification, and construction crews had already begun their recovery effort. With The Double-Edged Sword utterly annihilated, Skyfall was enjoying a well-earned respite for their service. There was nothing left for him to do today.

The lush green plains were cast in a warm hue. A warm breeze gently licked at his face and coat, the last fleeting reminders that summer had come and gone, and the seasons were changing. He inhaled deeply, letting out the breath in a deep sigh. He felt his wing tense up, and pulled his pills from their pouch.

“I knew I’d find you out here.” Princess Cadance’s voice came out of nowhere.

He glanced back at her, giving her a small smile in acknowledgment. “It’s my favorite spot in the castle. We’ve stood here before, you and I.”

“I know, I remember,” Cadance said with a nod, the memories bringing a smile to her face. “About one year ago. Time flies, doesn’t it?”

“It has a habit of doing that.” Fleethoof popped the pill in his mouth, swallowing it down quickly. Cadance noticed.

“Medicine?”

“For my wing,” he explained. “It makes it more comfortable to deal with.”

She hesitated, apprehensive about her next inquiry. “Will it ever get better?”

“Probably not, no.”

“I’m sorry, Fleet…”

“Eh, I’ve grown used to it. I can still fly, after all.” He shrugged it off. “But what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with your family?”

Cadance flipped her mane back and shook her head, joining Fleethoof at the balustrade in looking out across the land. “Aunt Celestia is still addressing the ponies about what happened, and Aunt Luna is acting as public relations as well.”

“That’s the price of power,” said Fleethoof. “You’ve got to please the populace.”

“And what about you? Why are you out here by yourself?” she asked.

“We’ve completed our job. There’s nothing else for us to do. I’m waiting for Quarter Master to finish his preliminary autopsy and see what he finds. I’m here by myself because it helps me think. That, and everypony else is off doing their own thing.”

Cadance cocked her head slightly. “What’s on your mind?”

He shook his head and lied, “It’s nothing important.”

“Is it what Night Shade said at the train station? About your mother?”

Fleethoof blinked in surprise, staring at the princess in shock and bewilderment . “How did you know—”

“I can sense emotions tied to the heart, remember?” she reminded her companion. “I could tell that got to you. Why?”

For a while, Fleethoof just stared back at Cadance, their eyes locked intensely. To him, it felt like she was trying to read his mind through his eyes. Ordinarily, it would have put him off, but not this time. He mulled over the concept of telling her the story before deciding to throw caution to the wind. What harm could it do?

“My mother went missing when I was very young. She was never found and presumed dead,” he said with a resigned sigh.

Now Cadance was confused. “But I thought I saw your mother at your promotion ceremony last year?”

“Stepmother,” Fleethoof corrected gently. “My father remarried a few years back.”

“Oh, Fleethoof, I’m sorry…”

“It’s all right, really. I was too young to really remember her as a pony. Just a foal, really. I just remember her name, and the way she looked, the way she spoke… But I looked up to her. She was a sergeant in the Guard, in the Air Force. So heroic, brave, and proud of her career. She was the reason I was inspired to join the Guard. She would always call me ‘her clever pony’. When Night Shade said my mother would be proud of that, it just… hit home…”

Another pause from the princess. “How did she go missing?”

Fleethoof chuckled weakly and shook his head. “I don’t know. Dad never told me. I guess he thought I was too young, and when I grew up, I put it out of my mind. It was so far in the past, it didn’t matter anymore.”

The next thing he knew, Fleethoof was being pulled into a hug. All he could see was pink as the mare held him tight. It took him a moment, but soon enough he was hugging her back. It felt good—safe. It felt like he was finally home again.

“I’m sorry…” she whispered softly.

“Ahem.” The sudden voice made the two ponies pull apart rather quickly. “I’m sorry, am I interrupting something? I can come back.”

Fleethoof turned his head sharply to see Quarter Master standing a short distance away, smiling awkwardly. He chuckled bashfully and waved the pony over.

“No, you’re good, Quarter. Come on over,” he replied. “Did you find anything at all?”

“Well, yes and no,” the unicorn began, looking over a clipboard levitated above his head. “My team didn’t discover anything unique about any of the bodies. They’re almost all loners, no immediate family, with few—if any—friends. I’m afraid even Night Shade’s autopsy was routine. One bullet wound to the frontal lobe that pierced straight through his brain, causing catastrophic trauma, and exited out the back of his skull. Very typical with a sniper, like our friend Sharp Shot. In fact, the slug we pulled from the station floor was a match to Sharp Shot’s rounds.”

Fleethoof chewed on his lip, leaning back against the stone balustrade. “I know you didn’t come all the way out here to tell me something anypony could’ve guessed, Quarter.”

“Perceptive as always, Captain. While I didn’t find anything unusual with Night Shade’s body, I did come across something unusual in his personal belongings.” Quarter Master levitated a pair of dented, worn dog tags out of the pocket of his lab coat. “He was carrying these in his uniform. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but then I took a closer look at them.”

Fleethoof grabbed the dog tags from midair, turning them over in his hooves until he could see the name inscribed on them. The pony froze for a long while, and his jaw slowly dropped open. His eyes widened, and then narrowed as he glared at the scientist.

“Is this a joke?” he demanded, raising his voice unintentionally.

“No,” said Quarter, the upward inflection in his voice making it sound more of a question than a statement. “I don’t understand, Captain. Are they significant?”

He looked back down at the tags in his quivering hoof. The color began to drain from his face. Cadance looked on in worry, glancing at the tags, but Fleethoof took off, launching into the air like a rocket.

“What was so special about them?” Cadance asked the unicorn.

Quarter Master adjusted the glasses on his face, his expression enigmatic. “They weren’t his.”

After a second passed and the information had sunk into Cadance’s brain, she took off after Fleethoof. For a pony with an injured wing, he could still fly fairly swiftly and accurately. The two ponies darted through the air above Canterlot, waving across rooftops before coming to land outside the Canterlot Archives.

Cadance barely had time to let her hooves touch the ground, and then Fleethoof was off running into the building. She chased after him as fast as her legs could carry her. The pony was running like his life depended on it. Something had him in a panic.

“Fleethoof! Wait up!” she called out, but it was in vain. He sprinted up a flight of stairs to the next floor, and then another.

Whatever he was looking for, he knew where to go. The two ponies rushed down the corridors, passing into the Starswirl the Bearded wing. Cadance knew this section of the archives well. It contained the most powerful of magic spells, the most archaic of books—and the most secret of documents and reports.

Fleethoof followed his memory of this place as best he could, still clutching to the tarnished dog tags for dear life. He was breathing hard, even as he slowed to a trot, briskly moving past sealed doors, until he finally came to the one. A metal gate barred access to the old wood door, and a pair of guards patrolled the hallway outside the doors.

“Hey,” Fleethoof said, catching their attention. “I need to get inside. Open the gate, please.”

“I’m sorry, but nopony is allowed in the military archive without clearance,” the guard stated.

“I’m Captain Fleethoof. Open the gate.”

“Sorry, Captain, but even your rank can’t access these files without supervision.”

Fleethoof grit his teeth together. “Supervision from who?”

“One of the princesses,” the guard said, glancing at Cadance as she ran up to the two, finally catching up. “Like her.”

“She’s with me. Now open the gate.”

The guard looked between the surly captain and the breathless princess before nodding once. She levitated a key off her belt and unlocked the gate and door. Fleethoof pushed the door open and stepped inside, Cadance following close beside him.

The old archive smelled of dust and decay. Light poured in from a pair of lattice windows along the long side of the room. Bookcases filled with files, folders, journals, and books were beginning to fall apart, the wood shelving bent and bowed from decades of supporting weight. One long table ran the length of the room.

“What’s going on, Fleethoof?” Cadance asked as the pegasus began looking at the brass nameplates on each bookshelf. “You’re acting crazy all of a sudden. What’s got you so worked up?”

“Cadance, when did the incident in the Frozen North happen?”

She was thoroughly lost now. “What?”

“The Frozen North Offensive. When did it happen?” he asked again through clenched teeth. “The cases are organized by dates. When did it happen?”

“I have no idea.”

Fleethoof groaned in frustration. “There’s hundreds of files from the last decade alone. How am I supposed to find it in this mess?!”

The door to the archive opened again. “Find what, Captain?”

Both Fleethoof and Cadance looked back as Luna entered, carrying a dossier in her magic’s aura.

“What are you two searching so fervently for?” she asked as she wedged the new folder in the bookcase dated to the present.

“When was the Frozen North Offensive?” Fleethoof asked, rifling through a small stack of journals.

“The Frozen North? I’ve been imprisoned on the moon for the past millennia. I haven’t the faintest idea of when anything occurred.”

Another frustrated groan came from the stallion. “It’ll take me all night to find this one damn—”

“Found it!” Cadance sang out cheerfully, pulling a bulky folder from the case beside his.

“I… But… What… How did… How?!” Fleethoof stammered, watching as the princess set the documents down on the table.

“It was written in bold on the side, silly pony.”

Fleethoof looked at the spine of the folder, reading the words and rolling his eyes. Cadance and Luna both stepped closer, watching over his shoulders. He stared down at the cover, yellowed with age, still holding tightly to the tags in his hoof. Taking a deep breath, he opened the dossier.

The first few pages were royal orders and decrees, detailing the mission, all signed by Princess Celestia. The next set were battle plans and strategies, all bearing initials from the officers who crafted them. One plan bore a checkmark next to it. The signature made Fleethoof’s stomach turn.

Captain Phalanx.

His breathing grew more labored as he progressed on, spreading the files messily across the table’s broad surface. More orders and requests for weapons, supplies, and transportation were all signed off by the same officers. Phalanx’s name came up several more times.

And then came the personnel files.

Each file had a picture of the pony, and a detailed description of their service and duties. The first pony he didn’t recognize. Nor did he know the second pony on the team. The third page made him stop, his hoof hovering over it. A pair of bright red eyes stared up at him from the face of a very young blue unicorn, full of hope and patriotism, and definitely no older than he was now.

Name: Night Shade

Rank: Corporal

Company: 1st Canterlot Guard

CO: Lieutenant Cuirass

Race: Unicorn

The pedigree information continued for a little bit longer, but Fleethoof skipped past it. He was more interested in the service record. As far as he could see, Night Shade had been telling the truth. He didn’t excel at anything in particular. He was like a jack-of-all-trades soldier, which was probably why he was selected for the mission. They needed somepony who could fit a variety of roles.

Fleethoof swallowed hard and sighed, turning the page over. Another pony he didn’t recognize. And another pony he didn’t recognize. And yet another pony he didn’t recognize. He prayed that he had been mistaken about all of this.

The seventh profile froze him in place like a statue.

Fleethoof’s deep sapphire eyes stared down at the warm caramel eyes staring up into his. He could feel his heartbeat slow, but pound away strong as ever against his ribcage. He couldn’t breathe right anymore. His wing began to ache again. He felt like he was about to hyperventilate.

“Fleethoof?” Cadance’s voice was heard, but tuned out in his daze. “Are you okay?”

The captain’s hooves began to shake while he supported his weight against the edge of the table. A wave of nausea hit him, making him buckle slightly. Instantly, Fleethoof felt a pair of hooves at his sides, supporting him upright, and glanced up at Cadance, seeing the worry in her eyes.

Cadance looked down at the file, at the lilac mare in the picture. The profile listed her as a pegasus, though from her photograph, her wings were folded against her body, and weren’t seen. Her mane was a rich shade of hazel, and flowed gracefully down the side of her neck.

Name: Nightingale

Rank: Sergeant

Company: 1st Cloudsdale Air Force

CO: Captain Blackhawk

Race: Pegasus

Her service record showed exemplary skill in airborne combat and tactical flying. The officers who put the team together detailed how her abilities would be a good use against the dragons’ ability to fly.

“Fleethoof, what’s wrong?” Cadance asked again, trying to get an answer from the shaken pony. “Who is this?”

It took him a while to respond, but once he got control of his breathing again, he spoke. “Cadance… you asked me how my mother went missing…”

Cadance stared at him. This was coming up all of a sudden? She didn’t understand… until her mind began to put two and two together. Luna’s eyes widened in disbelief and darkened in revelation as well.

Fleethoof slammed his hoof against the table, leaving the dog tags on top of the papers. Through the tarnished metal, a name could be made off of it.

Nightingale

1st Squadron

REAF Cloudsdale

“She died with Night Shade… She froze to death up in the Frozen North…”

Pushing off of the table, Fleethoof stormed out of the archive, slamming the door on his way out. Cadance watched him go in shock and awe. Both princesses continued to stare at the picture before them, at the smiling mare, long since forgotten by all.

All except her son and her teammate.

Night Shade shivered uncontrollably as a gust of icy cold wind ripped through the cave. He and four other ponies were all that remained. The rest had succumbed to the battle or the unforgiving weather already. The ponies huddled close for warmth, but it was far from enough. The merciless blizzard raging outside seemed hell-bent on ending every fire of life within the cave.

As much as he hated to admit it, their shelter wouldn’t hold up for long. They were running dangerously low on supplies, and if they stayed out here, they’d freeze to death for sure. But going out in the storm was equally as dangerous. They were running out of options…

No! Princess Celestia wouldn’t let them suffer like this! Surely she was on her way right now, with a whole company of troops looking for them. They’d be found soon, and they’d be given food and warm clothes, and be taken back home. They’d be heroes for what they’d been through. Oh man, if only his friends back in Canterlot could hear the story of how they’d slain the dragons.

“I-It’s s-s-so cold…” a lilac mare pressed up against Night’s side muttered, her teeth chattering in the frigid weather. He had met her before, on the train up here. Sergeant Nightingale, from Cloudsdale, if he remembered correctly.

“J-Just hold on a l-l-little longer,” he reassured her, smiling widely and rubbing her back encouragingly. “P-Princess C-Celestia will be l-looking for us. She’s f-find us in no time!”

The mare looked up at him, hope filling her brownish-gold eyes. “Do you t-think so?”

“I kn-know so!”

His enthusiasm made her smile. “You’re r-right. There’s n-n-no way she could abandon us l-like this.”

Night Shade pulled her closer to try and warm her up as another gale tore through the cave. “J-Just t-trust me.”

“I d-do. I wish it w-were better circumstances though…”

“W-Well, when w-we get b-b-back to C-Canterlot, Prism and I a-are gonna g-get a huge b-buffet dinner. W-Wanna j-join us?” Night kept smiling, despite the cold. “W-We’re gonna eat l-like kings! R-Right, P-Prism?... Prism…?”

The unicorn wasn’t responding to him. Night Shade slowly pulled himself away from Nightingale and crawled across the icy ground to where his friend lay huddled up. He nudged the pony, trying to wake him up.

“P-Prism, g-get up, pal,” he said louder, pushing him a little harder.

Prism’s body was cold, and growing stiffer. Night Shade shook him a little harder, feeling the fear gripping at his heart again. He checked the pony’s pulse. His expression dropped as dread overtook him. Now it was only himself and three other ponies…

“Is he o-okay?” Nightingale asked, getting more and more worried herself.

“W-We need to l-leave n-n-now,” said Night Shade, crawling back over to the other three. “We d-don’t have m-much food, and i-if w-we can f-find a town, we can l-lie low until the s-storm p-p-passes.”

“What?! Are you c-c-crazy?!” another mare cried out, shaking worse than he was. “We’ll d-die for s-sure out there!”

“In here i-isn’t stopping th-that,” Nightingale pointed out, glancing at Prism’s frozen body. “I agree w-with N-Night. We need to f-find better shelter.”

The two ponies began gathering up their equipment, the other two simply staring in shock. “Y-You’re actually g-going out there?! You’re both c-crazy!”

“Last chance,” Night offered, clenching his jaw to stop his teeth from chattering.

The two ponies exchanged looks, and then quickly grabbed their belongings as well. The four ponies huddled together, moving as one unit out of the cave and into the snow. The wind tugged at their uniforms, nearly blowing them over where they stood. They fought on, pressing through the thick, heavy snow and blistering wind.

They had no choice anymore. If they stopped, they died.

Night Shade was beginning to regret leaving the cave. They’d been walking longer than he could account for, but the blizzard didn’t show any signs of letting up. They had lost another pony along the way—the mare he didn’t know. Guilt ate away at his heart and soul. She was dead because he had convinced her to leave the cave with him. And now they were all going to die out here…

But Princess Celestia will come for us! She will! I know she will! he thought desperately, keeping his hopes high. She just has to! We need her to. She wouldn’t let us down.

He heard something heavy crunch through the snow behind him and quickly turned around. The only other stallion in their group had collapsed to the snow. Nightingale was desperately trying to get him back on his hooves. Night rushed over as quickly as the snow would permit.

“W-We have t-to g-get him up!” Nightingale cried out above the wind, tugging at the pony’s hooves. “We c-can’t l-leave him here! He’ll d-d-die!”

Night Shade grabbed the pony by his saddlebags and together they began to drag his body through the snow. The process was slow and arduous. Night’s muscles ached all over, burning under the effort as the air ripped at his skin like knives. His cheeks and eyes stung. In the blizzard, he could barely tell which way he was going anymore.

Nightingale cried out suddenly as she fell to the snow, losing her hold on the fallen pony. Night Shade hurried around to help her up. Her body was trembling uncontrollably to the point where she could barely stand.

“W-Wait! We c-can’t leave h-him!”

“He’s alr-ready d-dead,” said Night, checking the pony’s pulse. “We h-have to, Nightingale! W-We have to k-keep going so C-Celestia w-will f-find us!”

Nightingale hesitated, but reluctantly nodded. For the rest of the journey, the two ponies relied heavily on one another, leaning against the other as they trudged through the snow for support and warmth. They had to be getting close to a town by now. They’d been going for what felt like hours, and it was starting to get dark.

The wind picked up again, blowing flurries of snow into their faces and blinding them as they walked. Each step felt like a thousand to the pony. His body was sore all over, and he just wanted to lie down for a while. But they couldn’t, not now. They were so close. Celestia had to be around here somewhere by now. They were so close to being saved!

Night Shade began to picture it. Celestia would appear out of the blizzard, glowing in the golden light of the sun as her magic dispelled the storm. Warm sunlight would hit their bodies, and hundreds of guards would rush to their aid with food, hot chocolate, and blankets. They would be given a ride in Celestia’s own personal chariot back to Canterlot, and the nightmare would be over.

That was when Night suddenly realized he no longer felt Nightingale’s body against his.

Gasping sharply, he spun around. He could see the dark mass of her form lying facedown in the snow banks, unmoving. Leaping through his own tracks in the snow, Night rushed back to his fallen companion.

“N-Nightingale!” he cried desperately, nudging and pushing her body to roll her over. “Nightingale! S-Say something!”

Nightingale groaned weakly, blinking her eyes open so slowly. She stared off at the sky before focusing on his face. Snow clung to her mane and face. Almost all the color had drained from her cheeks, and she felt absolutely freezing. He quickly huddled himself around her, holding her close and rubbing her shoulders to try and warm her up again.

“H-Hang in there, N-Nightingale… W-We’re almost th-there…” he spoke softly to her, looking all around for any signs of the princess.

“N-Night… I don’t th-think we are…” Her voice was weak and broken. She was giving up the ghost.

“No, d-don’t you say that. P-Princess Celestia is c-c-coming for us. J-Just hold on a l-little longer… for m-me…”

“I… I can’t f-feel a-anything…”

“I’m h-here for y-you… I’ve g-got you…” Night Shade said to her, smiling his wide smile back down at her. “S-See? Everything’s f-f-fine… J-Just keep t-talking to m-me, okay…?”

Nightingale stared up at the snow falling and blowing around them. “My son l-loves the snow…”

Night Shade chuckled, his voice hoarse. If he could keep her talking, then he knew she was all right. “W-What’s his n-name?”

“Fleethoof… He a-and my my husband l-live in C-Cloudsdale…” she answered after a moment. “H-He’s such a b-brave, c-clever pony… He w-wants to b-be a soldier, like his mama…”

“W-Well, I’m g-gonna get you h-home to him, okay, Nightingale?” Night Shade said in promise. “You just g-gotta hold on a l-little l-longer…”

“N-Night S-S-Shade…”

“C-Celestia’s c-coming… She’s j-just… a l-little l-late… is all…” He kept desperately looking around, praying with all his might to see the princess somewhere in the distance.

“Night…”

He glanced down at the pegasus in his hooves. She was looking right at him. Her eyes were glassy and sad. She was tearing up. Her hoof gripped tight to his coat, holding on to him for dear life.

“Why did this happen…?” she asked weakly, her voice barely audible over the howling wind. “Why did she abandon us…?”

Night Shade didn’t reply. He didn’t know how to, or what to even say to that. He could see the light beginning to fade in Nightingale’s eyes, and heard her exhale. And then she lay still. Panic took over swiftly.

“No, no… No! N-Nightingale! Nighting-gale…! S-Stay with m-me…! Come on, N-Nightingale!” he called out, shaking her in his hooves as warm tears began to burn down his frozen cheeks. “D-Don’t do th-this…! Don’t g-give in! Nightingale…! You h-have to g-go h-home… You h-have to s-see your f-family…! They’re w-waiting for y-you…!”

No response came from the mare he was clinging on to. Night Shade clenched his jaw in anger, holding on to the body of his companion as tightly as he could. His breathing was hard and labored, fighting back the seething sorrow and anger. Celestia was nowhere to be seen. She had left them for dead. He let out a scream of pure rage, louder than any blizzard could hope to be. His eyes burned with fire while his heart stung from the betrayal.

He gently closed Nightingale’s eyes for the last time. His anger warming him, he began to drag her body with him through the snow. He didn’t care how long it took him. He wasn’t going to leave her behind to be lost like the others.

Celestia had betrayed him. Celestia had betrayed them all. They were all dead because she didn’t save them in time. She didn’t save them at all! Night’s eyes narrowed and he snorted. How dare she? How could she send them off to do her bidding and leave them for dead? He would get answers for this. He would make her pay for what she did to them.

Night Shade continued on, each step bringing his fury to a new boiling point. But as much as his emotions ran strong, his body did not. He fell several times while carrying Nightingale’s body with him, but he persevered. He carried his friend until he couldn’t physically move her anymore. His strength was entirely sapped.

A fresh wave of hot tears ran down his face as he hugged Nightingale goodbye. “I’m s-s-sorry… I’m s-so s-sorry…”

Reaching into her jacket, he grabbed at the metal tags hanging around her neck. If he couldn’t take her body back, he could at least bring her name back with him to her family. It took most of his remaining strength to pull the chain off from around her neck.

He felt like dying. All the pony truly wanted to do was give up, to lay down and die beside her in the snow. But he had a reason to go on now. If he died, then nopony would remain to tell the truth. Nightingale’s family had to know. Princess Celestia had to know.

He took one last look at his teammate. Snow had already begun to accumulate and bury her body beneath the infinite white. Night Shade stuffed the dog tags safely in his breast pocket and continued his long, grueling trek through the frozen wasteland.

Alone.

Shining Armor found Fleethoof sitting alone down at The Copper Cannon, one of the largest taverns in Canterlot, and the premiere spot for off-duty soldiers in the Guard. Spirits were high in the bar, torches and candles throwing dim orange light all around the soldiers celebrating the disestablishment of The Double-Edged Sword, and the definitive victories above and below ground. Stories were shared between comrades, and laughter abounded from everypony.

Everypony except one solitary stallion.

Shining Armor approached the oak bar and pulled up a stool next to his friend, beckoning the barkeep over. “A cider—better make it a double. It’s been a long one.”

Fleethoof cast a sideways glance at his friend seated beside him. “Cadance sent you, didn’t she?”

“Nope. She’s here too,” Shining said, taking a sip of his drink. “But she filled me in already.”

Fleethoof looked over his shoulder, glancing around the tavern. “Where is she then?”

“She’s outside, waiting for me to soften you up and relax you before she comes in. You really shook her up. That’s not easy for a lot of ponies to do. I think she's scared of you now.”

Fleethoof didn’t respond, not even to his joke. The captain idly swirled his half finished drink around in his glass, watching the liquid churn around ice cubes.

“I’m sorry, Fleethoof. I can’t believe something like that happened. I mean, what are the odds? A million to one? A billion to one?”

“That’s how he knew me…” muttered Fleethoof. “He knew me from my mother. That’s why he couldn’t hurt me. It’s why he would only talk to me. He trusted my mother, so he trusted me. That’s why he kept saying we were the same… But why didn’t he tell me?”

“Who knows? He was insane. But it doesn’t make you like him, Fleet,” the Captain of the Guard said, surreptitiously waving Cadance away as she entered the bar, signaling her to keep her distance.

“I can see you,” Fleethoof remarked, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly in a feeble smirk. “She can come over. I don’t care.”

Shining Armor changed his signal on a dime, waving her over. Cadance rolled her eyes and approached the two ponies, leaning against the bar top at the other side of Fleethoof, leaning forward so she could see his face better.

“Are you okay, Fleethoof?” Of course that was going to be her first question.

“What do you think, Cadance? You can tell what I'm feeling.”

The princess’ lips pursed together momentarily, planning her next move carefully, like a game of chess. “What are you thinking?”

“That I’m a fucking moron for missing the signs… That I just killed a pony distraught and mentally ill from watching his friends die… I killed the pony that probably risked his life to try and save my own mother,” Fleethoof said and huffed, an odd mixture of guilt and anger making him feel sick. “I don’t even know how to process this… I don’t know what to do now…”

“You didn’t kill him, Fleethoof. Your sniper did,” Shining Armor pointed out.

The pegasus dropped his hooves to the counter and rolled his eyes. “Oh gee, thanks. That makes everything all right. I’m all better now.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know what you meant.” He sighed and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Shining. I just… What do you do when you learn a terrorist tried to kill hundreds of ponies to avenge the death of your own mother? All these years, I never knew what happened to her. All this time I kept thinking she was alive somewhere. Now that I know the truth, I don’t know if it makes it any better…”

“It was a coincidence, Fleet.” Shining Armor patted his friend on the back. “Nopony could have known.”

Fleethoof paused. “Celestia did…”

“What are you thinking, Fleet?” he asked, suddenly very apprehensive. “You’re not going down that road, are you?”

“No, no. Never. But all this time, Celestia knew, and she never said a word to me. I feel angry, and I want to do something with it, but what? I’m not a rebel, but I just… I need to do something to redeem my mother and Night Shade.”

Shining Armor and Princess Cadance exchanged a quick look behind Fleethoof’s back. Cadance nodded to him.

“Well, you know, you could always fight the bad guys in their name, kinda like you’ve been doing,” he suggested, taking Nightingale’s dog tags from Cadance and gently placing them in front of his friend. “Night Shade might’ve gone about it the wrong way, but you could do it for good. I’m sure your mom would be really proud of you doing that, Fleet.”

Fleethoof’s blue eyes lingered on the rusting metal tags in front of him. He studied the name engraved on the surface. He could just about see Night Shade with his mother, fighting together, trying to survive in the bitter cold. He tried to block out every thought after that.

The pony gingerly picked up the tags in his hoof, turning them over a few times. He mulled the idea about in his head. His mother had been so proud of her position in the Guard. She had inspired him. Now he had the chance to live for her.

A soft smile touched Fleethoof's face, finally looking up at Shining Armor, and then to Cadance. “Thank you, both of you…”

“Hey, come on, what are friends for? I’ve always got your back, buddy,” Shining Armor said, lifting his glass. “Hey, to Nightingale.”

Fleethoof smiled, a deep, sentimental smile, and gently clinked his glass against the edge of Shining’s. “To my mother.”

Both ponies downed their drinks together, and put their glasses down at the same time. “Come on, Cadance and I wanna take you out to dinner. Consider it a ‘We’re sorry for what happened’ condolence.”

“I’d really rather not.”

Shining Armor shrugged. “Okay then. How about a ‘Congratulations on taking down a terrorist cell’ celebration?”

Fleethoof looked between the smiling faces of both mare and stallion. They were hopeful, anxiously awaiting his acceptance. It was abundantly clear that they weren’t going to let him go alone tonight—like true friends. He smiled, a genuine smile.

“I love you two.”

The three ponies made their way back towards the door. A board up along the wall to the side of the door caught the pegasus’ attention. Its surface glistened and gleamed with glossy photos, dog tags, and medals, hung up for all to see. ‘Our Honored Fallen’ read the sign above the board. Fleethoof hesitated.

“You two go on, I’ll catch up in a moment. There’s something I need to do real quick.”

He waited for both the captain and the princess to leave the tavern, then he approached the board. His eyes studied the faces of every pony hung there. So many names were left in remembrance. Some ponies he recognized from the war, even if only in passing. A large photograph of Captain Phalanx hung just above eye level, his insignia pinned to the paper.

Fleethoof swallowed hard, and then took a free pin sitting lazily in the board’s surface. He picked an empty space near Phalanx’s portrait and set the pin up. It took him an emotional moment, but he slowly pulled Nightingale’s tags out of his pocket and hung them on the board, watching them sway and glisten in the light before laying still.

A tear touched the corner of his eye. Unlike before, now it felt like he was truly saying goodbye to his mother. Fleethoof touched the tags one last time, and then exited the tavern, leaving the past behind him while carrying the memory in his heart.

The train ride back to Canterlot was long and tiring. It took a little over a day to reach the capital city from whatever outlying settlement Night Shade had ended up in. He spent the entire trip silent, sitting like a statue, and contemplating what he was going to do. He knew he had to talk to Princess Celestia about this mess and her lack of action—but beyond that, he had no clue.

A soft jingling was made every time he moved his hooves, causing the tags he held to shift about. He had been idly playing with them for the past few hours. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t block the mental image of Nightingale’s death out of his head. It haunted him like a ghost infecting his brain, detaching him from reality.

Her family. Night Shade still had to seek out Nightingale’s family and let them know what had happened, hopefully before the Guard notified them. It would be easier news to take coming from a friend. But how he was going to get to Cloudsdale was still something he had in the works. Maybe there was a spell or something he could find when he got back home.

The train whistle blared, signaling their approach into the city. Night blinked. He hadn’t even realized they were close to arriving until they were right up on the station. Moving felt like a chore to his sore body. He lumbered like a zombie off the car, trudging through the terminal. All he had left was his uniform and his bags. His rifle had been lost in the blizzard, and everything else had been rationed out for their survival. What a waste it had been…

A small foal was shouting something out near the terminal exit. He was selling newspapers. Ordinarily, Night Shade would have ignored the colt, but he had to know what had happened in his absence. Perhaps it would say Celestia had already sent reinforcements, and maybe she wasn’t as bad as he was making her out to be.

His hopes soared. He spent a bit to buy a paper—and instantly wished he hadn’t. The newspaper headline made his heart stop beating and drop into his stomach.

GUARDS SLAIN BY MONSTERS

A wave of nausea and faintness came over the pony as he continued to read the lies within the story.

Their group had been stationed in the Frozen North. Lies.

Unknown assailants attacked without warning. Lies.

Reinforcements had been dispatched, but were too late. Lies.

There was no trace of the bodies. They had been taken or the soldiers had gone missing. More lies!

There were no survivors.

With each printed sentence Night Shade read, the more his anger began to flare up within him again. His hooves were shaking he was so angry. Flashes of red started to black out his vision. The next thing he knew, he had torn the paper asunder, gripping fistfuls of confetti in his hooves.

So there were no survivors, were there? Well, he’d make sure there would be no survivors then. Celestia wanted him gone so badly, then he’d just disappear. But he would make her pay. Oh yes, she would pay dearly for this treachery. But he couldn’t see her now. If he showed up at the castle, a big ordeal would be made, and he wouldn’t be able to speak to the princess alone.

Already Night Shade’s mind began racing with furious thoughts and dark ideas. His head was spinning and pounding. It was suddenly difficult to breathe. He sat down on a public bench inside the station, trying to calm himself down enough to function.

Nightingale would be avenged someday. All of his friends lost in the snow and ice would have their retribution. He’d make sure of it himself. But what about their families? What about Nightingale’s? Her son would be waiting for his mother, who would never return.

Sorrow gripped at his soul at the thought of that little foal, eagerly awaiting the return of the war hero he loved. But if Celestia had this cover story printed, it was most likely that the family had also been informed and fed these false stories. Their families probably thought they were all ambushed and gone, not holding any hope for any funerals, or any animosity for the tyrant that had ordered their deaths.

Night Shade slowly pulled out the silver dog tags, twirling them around in his hooves as he thought for a moment. He couldn’t even mail them to the family. Then they’d question where they came from if the bodies were all taken. He couldn’t put an innocent family, especially the family of his teammate, through something like that. No, he’d have to protect them. He’d have to protect Fleethoof, at least until he was old enough to know, if he still joined the Guard.

But for now, he had to disappear.

He checked his coin purse. Only five bits remained. That wouldn’t get him anywhere, except maybe some nearby little town, or some quiet, infrequently traveled location. The further away the better. Night looked up at the map above the ticket booths, plotting his course, and then approached the window and pushed the last of his money away.

“A ticket to Hoofington. One way.”

Author's Note

One more soundtrack song, more for the end of the tavern: "Troubled Land"

Epilogue

A knock at his bedroom door woke Fleethoof the next morning. The groggy pegasus slid out of bed with a groan, making his way to the door. The bright morning sunlight peering through the curtains stung his eyes, and the light that poured in when he opened the door hurt even more. When his vision adjusted, the pony standing in the doorway was not one he had been expecting.

“Princess Luna.” He ran a hoof through his messy mane in an attempt to fix up his appearance, and bowed his head. “Uh, I’m sorry, I just got up. I wasn’t really expecting anypony.”

“That’s fine, Captain. I understand this was a very impromptu visit,” Luna said. “May I come in?”

Fleethoof’s sleep-addled mind took a moment to react. “Um, yeah, sure.”

He quickly went about his quarters, pulling open the curtains to let light in. The Princess of the Night stepped into the room, glancing briefly at the mess of papers across the desk in the corner of his room. All of them corresponded to Night Shade and his group.

“What can I do for you, your majesty?”

“Actually, Captain, I have something for you,” she remarked, perking the pony’s curiosity. “I want to offer you my most sincerest apologies for what my sister did in the past. I know it probably won’t mean as much coming from myself, but I wanted you to know she had no malicious intent in her actions. She never does. But sometimes she worries more about the collateral damage of hurting ponies, and it makes her act rashly.”

Fleethoof didn’t know how to react. He didn’t even know how to react to what Princess Celestia had done. Captain Phalanx had told him before that Celestia had always regretted using her power to hide the truth of what had happened. For years, he had wondered what had happened to his mother. And now he knew. But Celestia hadn’t exactly lied to him. She continued to keep the truth hidden to prevent the pain.

"For what it may be worth, I am certain Nightingale was a noble, respected member of the Guard," Luna continued, her voice soothing and gentle. "It would have been an honor to know her."

"Thank you, your majesty... I think I just need some time to get acclimated to the knowledge."

The princess nodded assent. "I understand. Should you ever need anything, my door is always open to you, Captain."

And with that, Princess Luna strode out of his bedroom again, leaving Fleethoof to mull in his thoughts. He didn't want to think about this anymore. He wanted to put it behind him, and het it off his mind. Grabbing his handgun, Fleethoof stepped out into the corridor, bound for the Royal Guard's barracks.

The sound of gunshots disrupted Shining Armor from the massive amount of paperwork on his desk. He had been in the middle of reading through a proposition from Princess Celestia regarding the open sale and ownership of weapons to civilians when the shots had gone off. He poked his head out of his office window, trying to pinpoint where they were coming from. A few more went off. They were coming from the shooting range.

Everypony is out on drills right now, Shining thought as he made his way out to the firing line. Nopony should be at the range.

The Captain of the Guard's curiosity of who was disobeying direct orders was answered when he saw the solitary Fleethoof standing at the bench, reloading his magazines. He watched the pony for a moment, feeling deep seated empathy swelling up inside him again.

"Did Luna demote you already?" he joked as he stepped up to the lane beside Fleethoof, drawing his sidearm and setting it on the bench as he began to pull out his magazines to join his friend. "I can't think of why else you'd use our wimpy little range over your state of the art obstacle courses and whatever else you hide down there."

Fleethoof finished loading the bullets, and slid a magazine into his gun. "I didn't want to face my team right now. I don't want the sympathy."

"Okay," said Shining, loading his gun as well. "Let's just shoot then."

Princess Luna descended the elevator into Skyfall Headquarters. Without the team at the firing range, the base was mostly quiet. Only the soft sounds of scientists tinkering at their station kept it from being completely silent. She approached Quarter Master, looking around to confirm that nopony of Skyfall Team was present.

“Your highness, what a pleasant surprise! What would you like me to do with the bodies in the morgue?” he asked in greeting to the sovereign. “Many don’t have any family to release them to.”

“You’ll have to ask my sister about that, Doctor Master.”

“Yes, your highness, but I’m not a doctor… But you didn't come down for that, did you?”

“No, that was not my intent. I have a… request for you,” Luna said. “I want to collaborate with your team on a few designs and ideas I engendered.”

Quarter Master’s eyes lit up like lights. “But of course, Princess Luna! What did you have in mind?”

"Aerial troop transport, a new type of aiming without a sight, a couple new gadgets, and other blueprints of that nature..."

"Excellent!" Quarter Master quickly pulled over a notebook and sketchpad, "Where shall we start then?"

Princess Luna pulled a few loose sheets of paper from her satchel, each one covered in crude sketches and detailed notes. “I want to design a personal firearm for Captain Fleethoof.”

Both firearms clicked empty, their slides locking back to signal the lack of ammunition in them. The ponies began reloading their weapons again. How many rounds they'd fired off, he had no idea. But now that the range was quiet again, Shining Armor took the opportunity to speak.

"So Princess Celestia has given me this bill to approve of before she signs it into effect," he said to spark conversation, glancing over to see if he had caught Fleethoof's attention yet. "It's gonna let civilians own weapons to protect themselves."

Fleethoof didn't even so much as blink.

"I'm gonna sign it."

"You sure of that?" Fleethoof asked casually. "You've seen how dangerous firearms can be in the hooves of random citizens."

Shining Armor nodded. "Yeah, but they can also be beneficial. If half the ponies in the train station had been carrying guns too, that incident probably would have ended a lot quicker."

"It could have been a lot bloodier too."

"It could have been, but we don't know that. Doesn't everypony have a right to protect their friends, their families... their own lives?"

He did have a point, Fleethoof had to concede that. The Guard were an effective military and police force, but they mostly either deterred or solved crimes. They were lucky to prevent most from occurring on the spot. Ponies had a right to protect what they loved. But he still feared the dark side of that liberty.

"Do whatever you feel is right."

"You don't agree with me?" Shining Armor was surprised by Fleethoof's response.

"No, it's not that. I fear the ponies that will abuse that privilege more than I trust the honest ones," he tried to explain, loading his handgun again. "You're right, everypony should be able to protect themselves and their loved ones. But I'm still concerned some ponies won't see it that way."

"It's the risk that comes with it. But it's just like the Guard. You and me both knew the risks that came with the responsibility, but we still took it. Army green was no safe bet, but here we are, still going at it."

A smirk crossed Fleethoof's face. Shining Armor was right, in his own way. He snapped the slide back on his gun, chambering the first round.

"You're either about to make our jobs a damn sight easier or a whole lot harder..." he teased, taking aim at his target.

Shining chuckled. "Oh, I know."

The ponies began firing in sync again. Round after round was fired, tearing through the paper targets at the other end of the shooting range. Both marksmen had remarkable accuracy, grouping their shots close together on target. They opened fire until their magazines went empty again, and they swapped out for fresh ones.

"So what are you gonna do now that your team's on break?" asked Shining Armor, continuing the casual banter between rounds.

"We're never really on break. Just waiting for our next assignment. How about a challenge? One bullet, closest to the center of the head."

Shining Armor grinned and chambered a round, then ejected his magazine. Fleethoof followed suit. Each pony had one shot as they sent new targets down the range as far as they could go.

"So what comes next for you, Fleet?" Shining Armor shot first. His bullet clipped the ear of the silhouette, taking it clean off.

Fleethoof took a deep breath to steady himself. He took his stance, aimed swiftly, and fired. His bullet tore through the silhouette pony's eye.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see... One thing's for sure though..." He looked back at his friend with a crooked smile. "It can't be as bad as what we've just been through."

Author's Note

One more 'soundtrack style' song to end on: http://youtu.be/pgV6VUinDEA

Thank you.

Author's Notes

Author's Notes

* * *

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my work. All the viewership and all the comments really make me feel like my time spent is well worth it. I appreciate all the support from my readers, my followers, everyone who favorited the story, and everyone who anonymously liked or even just read through it. You are all wonderful, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I'd like to extend personal thanks to everyone who helped with this story in any way, shape, or form. To Silverstein, thank you for the endless supply of reviews, comments, and prereading you did for me. To Treilacl and FenrisianBrony, who left me reviews and comments from beginning to end. And to everyone who took the time to say anything, both good and critical, about my work. You all rock!

My work is dedicated to all the men and women currently serving in the armed forces, and to the veterans who have served before.

Thank you.

— Dusk Quill