“One...two...three.”

The numbers kept going over and over in Daring’s head as she stared at a bowl of corn flakes. “Hmm.” Looking up, she examined her surroundings around. She was in a spacious kitchen with fine cherry wood cabinets and two stainless steel refrigerators, one for keeping food cold, the other for keeping food frozen. A bit extravagant in her opinion,  but what did she expect? Her grandpa lived here.

“Well this simply won’t do!” said Daring’s grandpa as he came into the room in his fine black bathrobe. Opening the kitchen windows he breathed in the air of the city. Looking down from his penthouse, he saw the masses of ponies trotting forth, to what he expected, to cafes. “Much better! Wouldn’t you say honey?”

“Erh, if you say so.” Daring took another bite of her cereal and let the milk warm in her mouth before being swallowed. For a moment she looked at her bowl before pushing it aside. “You know, I’m not that hungry.”

Daring’s grandpa sighed, walking over, he put his hoofs on Daring’s shoulder. “It’s about Humble isn’t it?”

Darling's eyes widened. “How did you know?”

Daring’s grandpa shook his head and tsked slightly. “Sweetie, I may be an old buck but I’ve known you long enough to guess your secrets. Like that whole Daring thing.”

Daring grinned at the memory. “In all fairness you only found out because I left my hat.”

Daring’s grandpa smiled at the grin. “Sure I did hon, sure I did.” He noticed that there was still a trace of glumness in his grandfilly’s eyes. “Why don’t you just tell him?”

Daring narrowed her eyes. “Tell who what?”

“Why don’t you tell Humble you couldn’t be with him because of that trip?”

Daring straightened immediately and stared forward, the memory of that dripping voice emerging from the corner of her mind.

“And that little grey colt friend of yours.”

“I’m sure he would under—”

“No!” Daring’s voice echoed off the walls and made her grandfather flinch. “He can’t know.”

Daring’s grandfather relaxed and let his shoulders fall. “If that’s what you want—”

“It is.” Daring flew off her seat and into the living room.

Darings grandpa was about to say something when a quick glance at the clock made him say something  else. “Dazzle, I’m gotta take care of things at work, do you need anything?”

Daring looked up from her notepad. “I’m a grown mare grandpa, I can take care of myself.”

Daring’s grandpa snorted. “Some ponies would just say no thanks. Alright I’ll see you later!” He flew out of the window leaving Daring alone to type.

“Bzzz!”

“Hmm?” Daring spat out her pencil and walked over to a nearby intercom. Pressing the button she cleared her throat. “Hello?”

“Hello? Who is this?”

“Umm.” Daring thought about how to go about this but just decided to do away with subtlety. “A.K. Yearling.”

“Oh, yes, your grandfather speaks very highly of you Miss Yearling. Is he there by chance?”

Daring scratched her head. “He, just left, said he had to go to work.”

“I see...well do let him know that Fancypants needs to talk with him soon, if you wouldn’t mind?”

*****

Humble let the orange juice swish around his throat before gulping it down. “It just doesn’t make sense.”

Humble had arrived at the hotel at two p.m to have an early dinner with Pinkie and her friends at the hotel’s restaurant only to find that Octavia wasn’t there, further raising his suspicion about the mare.

“What doesn’t Unkie Humble?” Pinkie slurped up her plate of spaghetti, leaving a pasta sauce stained muzzle in it’s place. “The price for this meal?”

“I hardly can believe it myself,” said Rarity patting her mouth after each bite of her sandwich. “six bits for this whole meal?”

“Now that’s a bargain ah can get behind.” Applejack bit into her apple pie. “Ah hate to say it, but this almost tastes as good as Granny Smith’s.”

Humble put his hoofs together and shook his head. “It’s not the food I’m concerned with, it’s Octavia.”

“What about her Unkie Humble? She said she had a cold from being outside yesterday.”

“Well she asked me yesterday about the ponies who abducted me.”

“Well, duh!” Rainbow Dash dipped her carrot into a warm bowl of corn chowder. “She probably wants to help find the ponies who took you!”

Humble looked at his fork and thought. That does make sense, but the way she asked it...Could she be involved? Humble looked up from the fork to see the others not paying him any mind. “Um, you know what, I’m gonna take Octavia’s meal up.” He glanced at a paper bag with a salad in it. “I’ll be back in a sec.”

The table nodded, too busy chewing their food.

Turning around Humble saw something in the corner of his eye. It was a white blur rushing past the room’s windows. “What was that?” Shrugging it off he went inside the elevator, its doors closing just as Stale and Lemon came out of the other one.

“Why are you carrying that still?” Stale staid, pointing at the metal case holding Lemon’s new instrument of death. “You act like it’s your kid and what’s with the hairdo?” Stale glanced at Lemon’s new haircut, he had covered the side of his face with the eyepatch in a set of bangs.

Lemon shook his head as he signaled for a table at the front of the restaurant. “I’m worried somepony might take it, besides, you have that saddle of yours on.” He padded at the mane in front of his eyepatch. “As for this? This is so nobody recognizes me, should’ve done it before I went to the salon. Who know’s who’s recognized me?”

“You heard Light and Pike, ain’t nopony gonna bother us.” Stale turned his head to The Saddle. “At least I covered mine up to look less suspicious.” He rubbed the leather casing on the machine, hearing a clang of metal.

“Hello Gentlecolts, can I help you?” A unicorn mare in a tuxedo said, levitating a notepad and pencil.

“Table for two please,” Lemon said holding the case closer.

Rarity’s ears perked up at the voice. “Is that, Lemon?!”

Stale and Lemon looked past the waitress, their eyes widening as they saw the six mares and dragon in the same room.

“Holy shit,” Stale whispered to Lemon. “It’s those elements of peace.”

Lemon’s eyes turned into pure calm rage, a quiet snort making its way out of him got Stale’s attention. “Harmony.” Lemon’s voice dripped with contempt. “They’re the elements of harmony.”

“Lemon darling, do come join us!” Rarity waved her hoof for them to come forward only to see Lemon’s hesitation. “Is something wrong?”

“How does that bi—” Lemon’s mind finally registered the tone of the voice as the mare he had gossiped with at the spa. “Oh, horse apples.” He looked at Stale only to see empty air. “What the—”

“Is this chair taken?” Stale was staring at the bartender, he had intimated days earlier, with a smirk.

The bartender gulped. “No.”

“Thanks mate.” Stale picked up the chair and went over to the girl’s table before planting himself on it. “So, you ladies know my pal Lemon—Where is that bloody—” Stale looked up to see Lemon just staring at him. “Well don’t be a cat in the cold, come on!”

Lemon just shook his head. Stale, I bucking hate you sometimes. Trotting over to the table he ignored a offer to sit by Rarity in favor of sitting by Spike.

The other girls where confused on what was going on, with Applejack being their voice. “Um, Rares? Who are these fellas?”

“This is Lemon.” Rarity looked at Lemon who was just staring over at a wall. “He met me, Fluttershy, and Octavia at the spa.”

“Hmm.” Stale’s lustful eyes shot a glance at Rarity’s flank. “Maybe the spa isn’t so bad after all.”

Rarity turned her head to Stale in confusion, before gasping. “You must be Lemon’s co-worker, Bale!” This earned a snicker from Lemon.

Stale’s eye burrowed for a second, before turning back to normal. “Stale, Miss Rarity, Stale Crumbs.”

Fluttershy leaned in with timid eyes. “Oh, you know her name?”

Stale nodded. “Aye, and you must be Fluttershy, the element of kindness. I know all of you.” He looked at Pinkie who was using her fork to manipulate her pasta to be like a worm. Especially you.

Rainbow Dash groaned in boredom at the lack of action before her attention was caught by Lemon’s case. “Hey what’s that?” she said tapping it.

Lemon’s eyes shot up wide, before he quickly slapped Rainbow Dashes hoof away. “Never. Touch. That.”

“Whoa, whoa!’ Rainbow Dash held her hooves up. “Just wanna know what’s in it.”

“Rainbow Dash it’s not nice to touch other ponies things,” said Twilight, taking a bite out of her hayburger.

“So, what are you guys doing here?” Stale stared at Applejacks mane, thinking of many things he could do to it.

Pinkie abruptly stopped her slurping and looked up with squinted eyes. “Don’t tell anypony, but we’re looking for my Unkie Humble’s foalnappers.”

Stale fell over in his chair at the reply.

“Oh darn!” Applejack helped Stale up from the ground. “Somethin wrong?”

Stale took his time to regain his balance, and checking to see if his saddle was alright before nodding. “Yeah, I just, I’m a big fan of typys—I mean Humble Pie’s writing. Didn’t hear he got abducted.”

Pinkie gasped. “How could you not?”

Stale looked at Lemon for an excuse. Grumbling about uselessness, Lemon sat up straight. “We just arrived in the country.” He then got an idea on how to take his revenge. “For our honeymoon.”

Stale spat out the ice tea Rarity had offered him. “What!?”

“Oh!” Rarity’s eyes widen. Well that explains why he didn’t find my flirting attractive. Shrugging at her lost she moved on. “But wait, why did you call him your co-worker then?”

Stale stared at Lemon with the burning of a thousand sons. Don’t you dare.

Lemon sipped caressed his case. “It’s slang from where we come from, for true love.”

That earned a big d’aw form the entire table, even Rainbow Dash who quickly stopped when she realized what she had just said.

Stale’s eyes grew wide as saucer plates, his body shaking as the rage boiled in him. “Would you excuse me ladies? Me and my coltfriend—” He spat the words. “—Need to go talk in the bathroom.”

Lemon stopped rubbing his case and looked up. Aw, buck me. Lemon thought on how to save his flank before and idea dawned upon him. “I’m fine dear, but if I may ask what do you girls know about ” he said trying to change the subject. “Would you happen to know anything else about what happened to Humble?”

Pinkie giggled. “Of course, but if you want to know more Unkie Humble can tell you himself.”

The two mercs glanced at each other. “What do you mean tell us himself?”

“He’s here in the hotel.”

Stale and Lemon’s pupils shrunk to peas. “Um, if you’ll excuse us ladies, we have to go.” The two quickly galloped out of the restaurant and into the hallways.

Everypony look at each other before Twilight spoke up. “What do you think that was for?”

“They’re probably going to do adorable stuff with each other,” Pinkie said going back to her slurping.

*****

Am I just over reacting? Humble trotted out of the elevator and into the hallway. I mean maybe she’s just resting is all.

“Howdy Humble!”

Turning his head sideways, Humble saw Apple Bloom along with the other foals carrying small bags, each step emitting a clinking sound from them. “Hi kids, um, what you all got on your backs?”

Button bit onto his bag and shook it, making more clinging sounds. “Miss Octavia gave us these bits and told us to go play in the arcade.”

“Wanna come Humble?” Scootaloo said, picking up her bag after it fell off her.

“You kids go on ahead.” Humble looked down the hall and squinted his eyes. “I gotta talk to Octavia.” Humble walked all the way down to the hall before coming to the suite’s door, reaching for it he heard a muffled sound from within. “Huh?” Creaking the door open slightly he slipped in like a mouse. Humble looked around the room, seeing all sorts of magazines and books spelt around the room along with the fact the balcony door was wide open. But one thing stood out among the mess; a yellow folder on the coffee table.” “What’s this?” Picking it up Humble licked his hoof and opened to see a blue paper with schematics of a building on it. “The Pic de Dawn  ballroom? Why would she need—”

A crashing sound from the master bedroom made Humble jump back and drop the folder.

“Damm it Storm!” said a muffled Octavia from behind the door. “I told you to use the balcony!”

Who’s she talking too? Humble put down the folder and started creeping over to the door.

“And miss out on seeing you getting ready?” Storm Breaker said. “Why would I want to do that?”

A muffled slap was heard as Humble put his ear to the door. Who’s Storm? Opening it slightly Humble peered into the room to see Storm rubbing his reddened cheek while Octavia put down a pair of steel gauntlets on her nightstand. Is there another historic fair in town?

“Sheesh Octavia, didn’t need to hit so hard.” Storm eyed the steel gauntlets with curiosity. “They good?” he said, pointing at them.

Octavia picked up on of the gauntlets and turned it around. Humble couldn’t see past her head, but swore he heard a whoosh sound. “They’re alright, but I think the shooting out mechanism is rusty.”

Shooting out mechanism? Humble peered in more but jumped back when Octavia turned around.

“Come on, we can talk in here.”

Oh horse apples, oh horse apples! Humble glanced around the room for a place to hide until his eyes came across a closet. That’ll do! Rushing into the closet, Humble closed it just as Octavia and Storm came in. Trying to look past the blinders Humble noticed that the folder with the blueprints had been left open. Damm it!

“That’s odd.” Octavia knelt down and picked up the folder. “I could have sworn I left this on the coffee table.” Glancing toward the open balcony she sighed. “Must've been blown over, next time I leave you an opening into the room, use it please.”

Humble sighed with relief as Octavia read the folder’s contents. That was close.

“So I called for you because I couldn't get anything from Humble.” Octavia gave the folder over to Storm. “Did you learn anything?”

Storm nodded, flying over to the couch he got comfortable. “From what our informants tell us, told us, these mercs, Stale Crumbs and Lemon—”

Octavia’s eyes grew wide. “Wait, Lemon? Did he happen to be a ex-guard by chance?”

Storm blinked five times. “Um, yeah, how did you know that?”

“Dammit!” Octavia threw her forelegs down earning a loud thump. “He was right there!”

Octavia knows that Lemon? Humble leaned in, making sure his hoof didn’t get caught in the junk stuffed inside.

“Who was right there?” Storm went to Octavia’s side. “Oct, do you know this guy?”

Octavia sighed and nodded. “Sorta, he and I talked about a day ago at the hotel spa. But his face and eyepatch were covered in a mask.”

Humble almost screamed right there. Those two are here!?

Storm smirked. “A spa? Octavia, you never came across as that kind of mare.” A shove to the side was his answer.

Octavia sat down on one of the couches and thought for a few moments. “What else did you learn?”

“The informant also said, that the Stale guy was bragging to some mare while drunk, that they’re apparently going to the party hosted  hosted by the M.I.T.”

Why would mercenary's be going to a party? Humble chewed on his hoof as he thought.

“Okay, if they’re here I gotta keep Humble and Pinkie along with the others safe.” Octavia was about to turn when Storm caught her by the tail. “What are you doing?”

Storm just stared at her and shook his head. “You can’t.” The words fell onto Octavia like icicles.

Octavia’s eyes narrowed. “Why not?”

“Because they might compromise the mission.”

Misson? What mission? Humble adjusted himself to get a better look.

Octavia jumped back. “Well we need to send someone to protect Humble at least, he’s an innocent and not particularly strong.”

Humble frowned. I’ll have you know I’ve been jogging.

Storm planted himself on the ground. “Don’t you get it? We have only one chance at this and only so much of us, we have to pull all our assets into finding the Templars.”

Templars?

Octavia narrowed her eyes, taking a step forward. “We can make the time.”

Storm moved forward and into Octavia’s face. “Dammit Oct, we all have mission, and yours is to find the grandmaster and kill Green!”

The word kill made Humble almost tip over. Kill? As in, murder?

Octavia looked down, thinking it over. With a sigh she looked up, the next words sounding like the shattering of a window to Humble’s ears. “All right, I’ll focus on killing him.”

Humble couldn't believe what he was hearing, he desperately tried to stop hyperventilating in fear to no avail. Murder!? Who are you Octavia Melody?

Storm nodded somely. “Thank you, if we have time we’ll see about finding some ponies to go to this Humble;s place if we have the time.” Storm opened the sliding door and was about to fly away when another thought came to mind. “Oh! Octy?”

“Yes?” said Octavia as she was about to leave the room.

“You were traveling with A.K. Yearling right?”

Octavia and Humble’s attention focused in on Storm with Octavia nodding.

“Well she’s gonna be at the party.”

“What?!” Octavia ran toward him. “Well we gotta rescue her! They may try to abduct her!” But a cold stare from Storm made her remember. “I understand, the mission must come first.” As Storm flew of the balcony Octavia made her way to the door and looked up. Please don’t have me made the wrong choice. She closed the door behind her, leaving Humble to digest what he just heard.

Dazzle? Dazzle’s going to be at a party with two bloodthirsty mercs?! Humble couldn’t believe it, no longer was the thought of Octavia being a murder on his mind but rather that of author in potential danger. Jumping out the closet he ran toward the folder and flipped through it. “Come on! There has to be something in—Huh?” Humble noticed on the floor a sealed letter. “What’s this?” Turning it around Humble saw the words invitation written in red ink. “This must be a way into the party!” Ripping it open Humble read the words.

Dear, Miss Key Note,

You are cordially invited to attend the Manehattan of Knowledge’s annual announcement party at The Pic de Dawn. There will be fun and games, along with a variety of musicians and performers. Dress code is stated to be costume.

Love, P.E.

Humble looked up and glanced at the door to Octavia’s room. “Costume huh?” A smile grew on his face as he made his way into the room.

*****

“So just who is this friend of yours?” said Diamond Tiara as packed up her stuff on the kitchen table. Derpy had allowed her to get clothes from her home while she was checking in on Time Turner.

“Oh, he’s a very nice, old stallion.” Derpy scooped up a blob of mayonnaise before spreading it on two slices of wheat and dumping tomatoes and lettuce on it. “In fact you might know his grand filly, she’s quite famous.”

Diamond rolled her eyes. As if.

“Mommy!” Dinky came galloping into the room with her suitcase in mouth. “Are we ready yet?”

Derpy grinned. “Almost muffin, how about you go help Carrot Top with her stuff?”

Dinky noded rapidly. “Okie dokie!” She bounced out of the room leaving Diamond and Derpy alone.

“So,” said Derpy, breaking the silence. “Diamond, your father said your mom’s going to come pick you up.”

Diamond stopped packing and looked up. “He did!? I mean, uh, he did?”

“Oh yes.” Derpy wrapped up the sandwich and put it into a cooler. “You know I don’t actually think I ever met your mother.”

Diamond frowned. She’s too busy for somepony like you.

“What’s she like?”

Diamond broke out of her thoughts and looked up. “Huh?”

“Your mother silly, what’s she like?”

“Oh, well, she’s pretty, smart, and—” Diamond stopped and thought for a moment. She’s, um, she’s—” A growl from her stomach interrupted her thoughts. “Ugh, I’m hungry.”

“Here you go!” Derpy sat a plate down in front of Diamond, laying a sandwich on it. “Enjoy!” Derpy noticed that Diamond just stared at the sandwich. “Is something wrong sweetie?”

Diamond looked at the sandwich like it was some alien object. Taking a bite out of it she found it oddly good. “Um, no, uh, thanks for the sandwich, I guess.”

Derpy ruffled Diamond’s mane causing her to squeak in terror. “Aw, it’s no problem. Now you just back to packing, we gotta catch the train tonight.”

As Derpy left the room Diamond turned her face back towards the sandwich and found herself smiling.

*****

“Good evening Typo Fixer,” Light said as he walked on by the secretary. “Is Pike in there?”

Typo stopped her crossword puzzle and looked up. “He’s getting ready for the party.” She eyed Light up and down. “Where’s your costume Light? Aren’t you going?”

Light chuckled. “Oh, mine’s in the cart downstairs, I’m afraid I lack the confidence to dress up in public.” Opening the door, Light saw the evening sun starting to set on the horizon. “Sir? It’s me Light! Are you in here?”

“One second!” Pike said from behind a dressing screen. “I just need to get this on!” he said, grunting as he pulled his costume onto his body. “Woo! How do I look?”

Light turned from the sun and gasped in horror at the sight before him. “Sir! What are you wearing!?”

Pike had chosen for his attire a skintight latex body suit in resemblance of one of the wonderbolts, except this one was black. The suit showed his entire features making him almost look like something from a erotic novel.

“Like what you see?” Pike said, putting on a pouty face before laughing. “But seriously what’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

Light sputtered gibberish before he could speak properly. “Sir,  the finest and most powerfulest business tycoons and nobles in Equestria will be there! You cannot go out looking like-like—”

“Like a S&M parody of the wonderbolts?” Pike grinned from ear to ear. “You underestimate my ability to pull the impossible off Light, by the way where’s your costume?”

Light saw there was no way to convince his boss otherwise and groaned. “I’m going dressed as Star Swirl the bearded.”

“That’s nice.” said Pike shrugging.

Light noticed the lack of enthrusamism. “What’s wrong with my costume?”

“You do realize practically everybody is gonna dress up like him don’t you?”

“That’s not true—”

“Hello boss,” said Stale as he and Lemon came in, dressed up as two guards. “Nice evening isn’t it?”

Pike’s face brighten up. “Stale and Lemon, I thought I’d see you at the party, what are you doing here?”

“Sir!” Lemon shouted. “The elements of harmony are here along with Humble Pie!”

“What?” Light marched forward. “What do you mean the element of harmony are here? And where did you see Humble?”

“Well we didn’t actually seem as much as heard his niece Pinkie Pie tell us he was here.” Lemon turned to Pike. “So what are we going to do?”

Pike shrugged. “Simple we go to the party, and have a good time.”

“Now that I can get behind.” Stale threw himself onto the couch and opened a cider from the ice chest in front of him.

That answer was not good enough for Light or Lemon however.

“Sir, we have to do something.”

“Mister Lemon’s right sir, unless we take care of Humble we could get caught!”

Pike clapped his hooves together and the walls became peach colored again. “Now listen to me,” he said in a cold tone. “Humble will not be a problem, we’re going to go to a party and have a good time, alright boys?”

“But—”

“Hey you heard the boss!” Stale got up from the couch and trotted over to Pike. “We just gotta relax.” He slid his hoff over an invisible counter.

Light sighed. “Can we at least review what’s going to happen tonight?”

Pike nodded and picked up a folder on his desk. “This is the schedule for the evening…”

*****

“Okay I think that goes one this.” Humble tightened the steel gauntlet around his forelegs and threw the outfits hood over his head. “Now lets see what I look like.” Turning to the only mirror in the room Humble starred. “It’s a little tight around the torso, but then again this is for a mare two sizes smaller than me.”

“Unkie Humble?” Freezing Humble turned slowly around to see Pinkie and the gang staring at him. “Why are you in Octavia’s room?”

Twilight narrowed her eyes. “And why are you wearing her clothing?”

Humble blinked, not knowing what to say. “Uhhhh—”

“Hm.” Rarity started walking around Humble at times examining the outfit. “Why would Octavia have the same outfit as the one I made?”

“Humble I reckon it’s time you tell us what’s going on.” Applejack straightened her hat.

Humble looked down. “Okay, but I think we should all go to the living room to talk about this, you’re gonna need to sit.” Everypony made their way into the living room where after finding a place to sit, Humble went to the center of the room. “I overheard someone saying Octavia is going to kill somepony tonight at a party and Daring may be in danger from the mercs who abducted me.” He shut his eyes expecting gasps but only heard silence.

“Pfft.” Rainbow Dash struggled to hold it in and burst out laughing, the others join in soon. “Oh, that’s a good one Humble, but seriously what’s going on?”

Humble just glanced in shock back and forth. “I just told you what’s going to happen!  Octavia is going to kill somepony!”

Twilight frowned. “Okay, Humble it was funny the first time but now it’s getting a little mean.”

Pinkie stuck her tongue out. “Yeah Unkie Humble, Octavia wouldn't hurt a fly.”

“Humble I think your just misheard this pony,” Rarity said, with sympathetic eyes. “But these ruffians who abducted you, are you sure about that?”

“Yes!” Humble shouted, frowning. “And that Octavia is going to make a big mistake tonight! We need to stop both from getting hurt!”

Twilight shook her head. “Humble, I’m sure you misheard her. See she’s right here.”

The words made Humble freeze in terror as he turned around to see Octavia, wide eyed, staring at him underneath the doorway. Oh buck me.

“Humble—” Octavia could barely say the next word before it all happened. Humble leapt past the girls and out the door way shoving Octavia to the side.

“I’m trying to help you Octavia!” shouted Humble as he raced down the hallway.

“Well, what do you think that was all—” Rarity stopped when she noticed Octavia wasn’t there. “Where did she go?”

*****

Humble’s heart felt like it was going to explode as he raced down the hallway. Shooting his eyes back he could see Octavia catching up on him. “Oh, boy.” Looking forward again he smiled as he saw Sweetie Belle and Button coming out the elevator.

“Oh, hi Humble,” said Sweetie Belle as Humble leaped into the elevator and started frantically pressing the number one floor button. “Is something—”

“Stop him!” cried Octavia to the two foals, but it was too late, just as she reached the elevator, the doors were closed. “Oh, no.” Glancing to the side she saw the the staircase. “Guess I got to do this the hard way.

Humble breathed with relief, looking at the number of floor he was on, he saw he was about to reach the third when the elevator dinged. “Huh?” The doors opened to reveal Octavia in a defensive stance. “Dang it.”

Octavia threw her hoof at Humbles face but Humble ducked and ran under Octavia’s arm into the hallway. “Dammit!” Running after him she started to yell. “Humble, I can explain everything! Just stop!”

Humble shook his head and stared at a open window at the end of the hallway. “Sorry Octavia but I gotta get to a party!” Coming to the window he looked down to see a fire escape and a dumpster full of garbage. As he was about to go down the fire escape Humble glanced back to see Octavia right behind him, startling him, he jumped back and fell down toward the dumpster. “Ahhh—Omph!” He found the dumpster only contained soft stuff and sighed with relief, but that ended quickly as he looked to see Octavia leaping from across the fire escape downwards. “Aw, come on!” Scrambling out of the trash he ran towards the street and saw a stallion getting out of a taxi. “Perfect!” Jumping forward, Humble tumbled into the seat to the driver’s surprise. “Well don’t just stand there! Go!”

The cart pulled out and flew down the street leaving Octavia to cough in a cloud of dust. She looked up with fearful eyes. “Oh, no.”

Humble looked behind the carriage  until the hotel was out of sight, breathing deeply he got out the letter. “I need to get to the M.I.K. Towers.”

The driver snorted. “Sorry bud, but that whole section of the city is locked down in reservations.”

“Then it’s a good thing I got an invite.”

As the cart rolled onto Main street, two police officers held a hoof up to the driver. “Invitation only,” one of them said.

Humble dug into the long coats pockets and gave the invitation over. “Here you go.”

The officer read the innovation, glancing at Humble oddly. “Your Miss Key Note?”

Humble’s pupils shrunk. Damm it! they were expecting a mare. “Um, I haven’t gotten my medical records done yet?”

The officer stared at him, his eyes narrowing as he looked up and down Humble who was sweating like crazy. “Alright, have a good time,” he said with a shrug. He and the other officer parted ways.

“Thanks.” Humble wiped the sweat from his forehead as the cart went past the blockade. “Should be smooth—” Blinding flashes hit his eyes making him tumble onto the floor. “What in Celestia’s world was...that.” He looked side to side to see a roaring crowd of Manehattanites behind railings cheering towards the street. Looking forward Humble saw what they were cheering at, a convoy of impressive looking chariots and carriages lined up the street as far as the eye could see, their metal platings reflecting from the flashes of the cameras onto Humble. Confetti was scrawled across the street, and tilting his head to outside the cart Humble saw squadrons of guards leading the vehicles to their destination; The M.I.T. Towers. “Better keep a low profile.” Humble put his hood over his face and waited.

Humble waited only minutes till his cart reached the steps of the towering structure, a red carpet awaiting him as he got off the cart. Taking his first step onto the ground he felt a tug and looked back to see the driver holding out his hoof.

“Yer fare?”

Humble nodded. “Sorry about that, uh.” Humble dug into the pockets hoping for some change and pulled out a hoof of bits. “Here you go.” Giving them over, Humble looked to see the blasting music of the party inside and breathed deeply. “I hope this works,” he said heading inside.

*****

The chattering of nobles and celebrities enveloped Humble as he rode the elevator up. A blue maned stallion and a pink coated mare  were on one side, both dressed up as a king and queen respectively while on the other was a stallion who Humble recognized as the Duke of Maretonia talking to Sapphire Shores. Looking back at the two royal dressed Humble was met to the stareing of the pink mare.

“You are Monsieur Pie!” exclaimed Fleur Dis Lee looking over to the stallion next to her she shook him. “Mon amour, it’s that writer I like!”

Fancy Pants caught his head and tried to stop the dizziness. “That’s wonderful honey. A pleasure to meet—” Turning around to Humble his eyes widen before returning to normal. “—Humble Pie.”

“Nice to meet you, uh.” Humble put his hoof to his chin and tapped it. “Who are you?” Humble jumped forward when Sapphire cackled.

“What do you mean who are you hon?” said Sapphire stifling a giggle. “These two are Fleur Dis Lee and Fancypants.” The elevator stopped and the doors opened.

Humble had always been one for festivities, even more so when Pinkie found her cutie mark and insisted on having one every time Humble came to visit. But even Pinkie would be impressed by the sheer work done for this party. The walls of the ballroom were adorned with banners of all kinds advertising the M.I.T.’s products and vines stretching up white, marble columns as red carpets on checkered floors were stomped upon by the variety of invitees. Delegates from foreign countries sat around or danced with members of the wonderbolts, Dukes and Duchesses gossiped about the latest news over fountains of sparkling cider, Humble couldn’t believe his eyes as he saw Prince Bluebloods, himself attired as a emperor from Equestria's past.

Humble gulped as he realized he was in the same room with some of the most powerful ponies, griffons, zebras, and other creatures on the planet. He would have continued staring if not for a small poking feeling on his stomach, glancing to the side he saw Fleur Dis Lee holding a copy of Ice Barrels. “Um, can I help you miss?”

“Would you please sign my copy?” Fleur held out the book and a pen.

Humble shrugged and wrote his name down. “Here you go.”

“Thank you!” Fleur looked to her husband to brag but saw that he was talking to Trenderhoof. “Oh, that stallion and his friends.”

“Um, yeah, listen I gotta—” He felt a object on his back. Turning around he saw Prince Blueblood.

“Oh, sorry about—” Blueblood’s face turned into a disappointed expression followed by a snort. “Oh, I see, Eclipse will let just about anypony in these days.”

Humble glanced side to side as if expecting somepony to explain. “Um, what?”

Blueblood rolled his eyes and took a sip out of his cider. “Well If I have to have conversation with the lowly underlings of our society I might has well tell you to address me properly. I am Prince Blueblood and you are?”

Humble looked up from his hooves. “Um, Humble Pie.”

“He’s that writer I told you about Blue,” said Fleur as she came back with her husband.

Blueblood’s expression seemed to brighten up as the two socialites came forward. “Good evening Mr. Lee, and nice to see you too Fancypants.”

Both ponies bowed with Fancypants lighting a bubble pipe. “A good evening to you too Blueblood.”

“Yes.” Blueblood nodded, he looked back to Humble. “So, Mister Pie, tell us, why are you here?”

“Well, um, I’m here to discuss a business opportunity with Miss A.K. Yearling.” Humble took a of water and gulped it down. “Have you by chance seen her?”

The group giggled to Humble’s confusment.

“Oh, monsieur Humble,” said Fleur waving her hoof down. “How could we not see Miss Yearling? She’s right there,” she said pointing outward.

Humble followed Fleurs hoof to the sight of Daring. Humble’s jaw almost fell to the floor as he saw Daring’s mane tied up into a bun with a stick of metal going through it, she had a red dress with a fringed collar around her showing off a sparkling pearl necklace. The image made his stomach ticklish and his lips wet, he felt like he would fall down at the intenseness of it. She’s beautiful. Humble looked up to see that the others were staring at him. “Um, thank you, I gotta go now.” He took a run to Daring.

“Phlea!” Daring spit out the quiche she was eating. “Who puts peaches in a quiche?”

“Dazzle!” whispered Humble startling Daring.

Daring spun around and her eyes went wide. “Humble!? What are you doing here?”

Humble waved his hooves in the air. “I don’t have time to explain, you’re in danger! Come on!” Humble pointed at towards an empty balcony.

Daring shook her head rapidly. “No! I’m about to do a speech—”

“Dazzle.” Humble took Daring’s hoof into his. “Please just listen to me,” he said with wet eyes.

Daring stared at him, her head feeling a bit heavy and her stomach a little nauseous. “Fine.”

As the two made their way out to the balcony they didn’t notice Stale and Lemon watching them with wide eyes. “We gotta tell Pike!” Running towards the elevator, Stale noticed a familiar mare.

“Vinyl!” Stale ran his hood through his mane, strutting over to the smiling disco jockey, Lemon stood flabbergasted.

“What are you doing you idiot?” hissed Lemon.

“Just talking to this lovely little minx.” Stale licked his lips as Vinyl giggled. “So how’ve you been?”

“Alright.” Vinyl levitated sets of records up. “Just getting ready for the show is all.

“I’ll be sure to catch it,” said Stale with a wink.

Lemon face hoofed at the flirting. “We don't have time for this.

Stale looked back at him with a frown. “Then we’ll make time.”

*****

“So what are you doing here?” Daring leaned against the railing, the moon reflecting over the steep pin in her her.

Humble stared at the image before him, amplified in the moonlight, before shaking his head. “Oh, yeah, listen have you heard about the two stallions who abducted me?”

Daring nodded. “Yeah? Humble what does this have to do—”

“They’re in the building.”

Daring straightened up immediately. “What?! Wait, how do you know this?”

Humble looked to see if anybody was watching them, but only saw the other guests chattering amongst themselves. “I overheard Octavia talking to some stallion about them being here.”

“Ok, but—Wait a second, Humble where did you get that outfit?” Daring noticed how the robe was a little tight for him.

Humble grew a fearful look in his eye. “Octavia was supposed to kill a stallion here and—”

“What?” Daring’s flew right up.

“Shhh!” Humble pointed towards the party. “We gotta be quite.”

“Humble do you know how dangerous this is?! This is exactly why I left you—” Daring realized her mistake and clapped her hoof over her muzzle, but the damage was done.

Humble was taken back. “What? What do you mean this is exactly why you left me?”

Daring bit her lip, her anxiety at it’s climax.

“Dazzle what are you talking about?”

Daring flew down onto the balcony and sighed. “I’m really Daring Do.”

Humble blinked in confusion. “You mean she’s your avatar?”

Daring couldn't help but giggle, the sound breaking the tension slightly. “No, I mean I’m really her, she’s my alias I use when I go on adventures.

Humble was about to speak but stopped himself, shaking his head he coughed. “So that means all those stories with that ahzidal—”

Daring snickered. “It’s ahuizotl.”

“—Are real?” Daring nodded to Humble’s surprise. “...You mean to say that you’ve been putting yourself in danger all these years? Dazzle—Or Daring, why did that make you leave me?”

Daring looked up at the moon and sniffed. “It’s because I couldn’t let you get hurt.”

“Hurt? What do you mean by hurt?”

Daring looked at him with a pitiful look. “I’ve  made enemies when I went on those fall trips.”

The words “fall trips” made Humbler remember. “You mean those times you went studying the zebra tribes?”

Daring nodded somely. “It started out innocent at first, I listened to their history and excated some ruins they said I could, but then these stallions came.”

Humble leaned in closer.

“They started herding up the kids of the tribe and were planning on selling them.”

Humble put his hoof to his mouth. “You mean slavery?”

Daring nodded. “Anyway I thought I could stop them, but I-I killed one of theirs by mistake.”

“Oh my.” Humble moved closer and put his hoof on the mare’s shoulder.

“I must’ve strangled him to long.” Daring sniffed again. “I just wanted to get him unconscious but it didn't work.”

“You shouldn’t blame yourself.” Humble put his other hoof on Daring’s other shoulder. “If anything you should be proud of yourself, you stopped them, you did stop them right?”

Daring nodded again, she wiped her eye this time. “But the leader got away, and I still don’t know how they knew, but they threatened you Humble.” She looked up with tears starting to form in her eyes. “They threatened to kill you, so I thought you’d be safer if you hated me and left.”

“Oh Dazzle.” Humble embraced Daring into a comforting hug. “Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped.”

Daring pushed Humble away gently and shook her head. “No, Humble I couldn't get you involved, if anything happened to you...I just couldn’t forgive myself.” Daring gasped as she felt a hoof on her back.

“I’d never let that happened,” said Humble patting Daring.

Daring twirled around and did something unexpected. Grabbing Humble she pressed her lips against his much to his surprise. They enjoyed the warmth from each other’s bodies, the action feeling like decades, before finally letting go to breathe. “I know.”

Humble just blinked and smiled. “So can we try again?”

Daring wanted to scream yes, and continue their meeting in private, but the words rung in her head again

“And that little grey colt friend of yours.”

“No, it’s too risky.” Daring jumped back from Humble.

It was like his world came crashing down again as the words came through his ears. “B-bu-but Daring, we-we could, I don’t know, go somewhere they can’t find us?”

Daring shook her head as the tears started to flow. “No! Don’t you get it? They will find you and they will kill you. I can’t let that happen.” Daring wiped her eyes and put on a determined look. “I WILL not let that happen.”

Humble felt desperate, his breathing growing rapid. “B-b-but—”

“Pleas Humble.” Daring took his hoof. “Please just listen to me, I care for you, so I can’t be with you. I won’t let anypony hurt you...but me.”

Humble was about to protest, but another glance at Daring, her eyes like brilliant roses, stopped him. Alright, mi amore. “If-if-you want it to be this way, I’ll respect your decision.”

Daring wiped her eyes. “Thank you—”

“But please.” Humble clasped Daring’s hooves. “Please, please be happy...for me, and if you ever need help, please, please find me.”

Daring nodded. “I will Humble, for you.”

The two ponies took hold of each other and hugged, both feeling the others heartbreak as they did so.

Humble let go first and looked at the party. “Well alright then, but please leave so you don’t get hurt by those stallions.”

Daring let out a sad laugh. “Humble, my grandfather has the best security in the world, he won’t let me get hurt. Besides if you ever read any of my books, you’ll know I—Oh no.”

“What’s wrong?” Humble Looked to see what Daring was staring at. His eyes met a wine drinking Cherry Jubilee.

“My, oh my, am I interrupting something—” Cherry stopped when she got a better view of Humble’s outfit. “—Um, Miss Yearling?”

Daring rolled her eyes. “Yes, Miss Jubilee?”

“Would you mind fetching your grandfather for me? I need to discuss business with him.”

Daring groaned inside. “Of course.” Looking at Humble she smiled. “I’ll see you after the speech.”

“But—” A hoof on his lips stopped him.

“Don’t worry, you just worry about finding that stallion who needs your help.” Daring bowed at Cherry and went inside.

As soon as Daring was out of sight Cherry thrusted her face towards Humble. “Who are you?”

Humble just took a step back. “Um, um—”

Cherry rolled her eyes. “Just like Rolf to send another, okay listen I saw Green at the buffet, but that dang buffon Blue Blood started complaining to me about the lack of nobles at the party.” Cherry shook her head. “Anyway, I need you to find Octavia and tell her that even if the grandmaster isn’t revealed we need Green dead.”

Humble’s eyes widen. “Um, just out of curiosity, what are we supposed to do again?”

Cherry snorted. “You really must pay attention when your den leader gives you instructions dear, I just learned from Rolf that Green has a paper with top Templar officials names on it. And since we can’t seem to overhear anything about Templar business in this party, this will help us alot!”

Humble tilted his head. “Okay?”

“Good!” Cherry turned around. “Remember, keep a low profile, and make it look like an accident.” She started trotting inside.

Humble waited till she was out of eyesight to breathe. “Oh Celestia, that was close.” He made his way inside. “That mare must work with Octavia, but who are these Templars?”

A well dressed minotaur came down the grand staircase of the ballroom and walked up to a podium with a microphone on a podium. “Attention ladies and gentlecolts!” The party turned quiet and Luna stopped her storytelling with an attentive mare. “I give you, Miss Artemis Knowing Yearling!”

Humble threw his head and saw Daring trotting up to the podium where a spotlight shone on her. “What’s this?” he said, going to the front of the awaiting crowd. “Dazzle?”

“One second Humble!” hissed Daring, putting her hoof on the microphone. Clearing her throat she began. “I’d like to to welcome each and everyone of you for coming tonight.” A series of approving stomps and clapping was her reply. “This company has come far from it’s modest days as a store in New Horseleans. But none of this could be possible without the idea of one stallion, my grandfather.” The spotlight made it’s way to the top of the staircase, the stallion’s white hair glazed with enough hair gel to reflect the light.

“Thank you sweetie,” said Daring’s grandfather, a small blush forming on Daring’s face as she made her way offstage and next to Humble.

“I see your grandpa is successful,” whispered Humble as Daring glanced at a few folks chuckling.

Daring was about to respond when she felt a push against her side. “Hey!”

Mr. Green turned around. “Oh, sorry Miss Yearling, I didn’t see—” Green stopped when he saw Humble, his veins feeling like rivers of ice as he looked up and down the longcoat Humble had on. “Aw, shit!” He started rushing past the crowd, leaving Humble and Daring confused.

“Who was that?” said Humble, to a shrugging Daring.

“Mr. Green, he—”

“Green!?” Humble looked to where Green was going. “He’s the one who’s gonna be killed! I have to warn him!”

“Alright but I’m coming with you!” Daring and Humble started moving past the crowd as Daring’s grandfather continued his speech.

*****

“What, my grandfilly has said is true,” spoke Daring’s grandfather, taking off his sunglasses, to reveal dark red eyes. “This company started with one dream!” He held his hoof up to the seemly tranced crowd. “And that dream was to bring a life of comfort to this fair world of ours, because is that not what we want? A life full of comfort?” The crowd mumbled in approval. “It is, and for the last thirty years, the Manehattan institute of Knowledge, or as most of you prefer, the Manehattan institute of Technology, has tried it’s hardest to achieve that goal of comfort” He stopped and paused for a few moments. “But this is not the only thing we hope to achieve.” Leaning in, he smiled. “No, it is not the only thing, for you see my friends, life is more than just about comfort, it’s about adventure and in the past two years there has been more adventures than the world has ever seen. The elements of harmony coming forth, our own beloved mistress of the night herself returning, the second coming of the crystal empire, the reformation of discord,  the ascension of Princess Twilight Sparkle, the defeat of Tirek! Just a few of the many extraordinary events Equestria has seen...but I ask you this, what if we could do better?” Daring’s grandfather let the crowd mumble amongst itself for a few seconds before raising his hoof. “Now when I say better, I mean living better, eating better, being better. For while we have talked about it amongst ourselves, never have we ever announced it. A new age.” The crowd leaned in closer. “And a new age, needs new things correct? Which is why I have three announcements to make tonight. First, the new name of our company, yes the good old one has served us well, but we must adapt. So it is with a heavy heart I say goodbye M.I.T. and say with great joy, hello Eclipse industries!”

A banner from above him came unfolded and revealed a black disc with the name of the company in silver letters. The room replied in shoutings of approvals and stomping.

“Thank you, thank you. Now for the second announcement. The one you all have been waiting for, Light?”

Light wizard walked up the stairs with a prideful look on his face, he was carrying a platter with a red cover on top of it. “Thank you sir.” Facing the crowd he cleared his throat. “ I present to you, the Eclip!” He threw the covering hoof to reveal a metal object underneath, the object looked to be able to latch itself onto a pony’s foreleg, but what really caught the crowd’s attention was the glass screen on it and the small holes on the side of it. “Watch and be amazed,” said Light pressing a small red button on the object. A second later the screen glowed a bright blue and revealed a\ series of squares with numbers in them. “You see, with the Eclip, you can do a dozen things. Miss Fleur?”

Fleur’s eyes widen, but she shrugged and made her way to the front. “Yes, monsiuer wizard?”

“Would you please put this on?” Light held out the device to everypony's confusion.

“But this is much too big for me.”

“Don’t worry, just try it.”

Fleur squinted her eyes at the metal wristband and levitated it, the second she let it touch her foreleg however, the object grew triple it’s size shocking the crowd and Fleur. “Amazing!”

“One size fits all,” Light chuckled. “Now let me put this on.” Light took out another Eclip and put it on his foreleg. Tapping at the screen a few times, Fleur’s Eclip started beeping. “Now press that.” Light pointed at a small, blue side button. The minute Fleur did so, Light put his muzzle near the small holes. “Hello,” he whispered.

The whisper came out as a loud shout from eh Eclip Fleur  was wearing amazing the crowd. “Light! What is this device?”

Daring’s grandfather motioned for Light to move to the side and got back on the microphone. “The future your grace, and that’s only the start.” He looked around the room and smiled. “You see my friends, life is a long and hard road, so it is up to ponies like Light.” He pointed at Light who nodded. “and our leaders like the princess.” He pointed at Fleur who was too busy trying to find where the sound came from to notice. “That we as civilization can become better, now you're probably wondering what is my third announcement? Well it’s quite different from those last two, this one is about hope.”

Daring’s grandfather looked to see the crowd had grown confused. Time for the grand finale. “Yes, hope. Hope is a powerful force, when your back’s against the wall and you have no where to turn, hope is always there. But I ask you all, what does hope look like? Sometimes hope comes in the form of a pony, a doctor for when you're feeling sick, an ancient magic for when your country is under threat by a dark force, but sometimes, sometimes hope comes from an unexpected source, sometimes it’s the small things you have to watch and let grow. And we have most certainly grown from our humble origins have we not? Equestria was founded by three bickering tribes who came together when they realized they weren’t so different after all. That all they wanted to do was live in harmony and prosper. Well my friends, despite the many challenges we have faced in the past years, we have harmony, do we not? So the next logical step is to prosper and grow. And we will prosper and grow, for this is not just the dawn of a new day for Equestria, but the dawn of a new world! One where people can be free to live however they want and be in perfect safety. We at Eclipse industries promise to make that dream a reality, no matter how long it takes we will reach that light at the end of the tunnel. We will not let all that we have suffered be in vain, we will prosper and grow! We will not be stopped, not halted, not slowed down! We will guide the world into an era of peace that has no end. Or my name isn’t Eclipse Pike Yearling!”

Pike was greeted to a thunderous applause that swam out into the open air, all awhile the old stallion grew a smile on his face.

*****

“Where did he go?!” said Humble as he and Daring came into the hallways. “Did you seem him?”

Daring shook her head. “This is a big building, we should split up, you go to the west wing and I’ll go the east.”

Humble nodded. “Fine.” Taking off towards the west wing Humble stopped when he heard tumbling from behind a door. “Hmm?” Opening the door, he found himself in a dark room, squinting he made out that it was a bar. “Hello?” No sound was heard. “Must be my imagine—” A loud screech of pain was heard. Turning on the lights Humble saw Green consoling his injured hoof after it got pinched between a chair he was hiding under. “Green!”

“You won’t get me assassino!” cried Green, rushing out of the room from a door on the other side.

“Mr. Green! Wait!” Humble dashed across the room and went out the door to see Storm Breaker pinning Green against the wall.

“This is for my brothers and sisters!” said Storm raising a knife in the air.

“No!” Humble leapt at both of them, pushing both away from each other.

“What are you doing!” growled Storm before the rushing of hoof steps made him glance towards an open window. “Dammit!” Taking  a stand, Storm flew out the window into the night.

Humble sighed with relief. “Don’t worry, Mr. Green, it’s all...over?” Humble felt something damp on his left hoof, looking down he gasped as the hidden blade from his gauntlet slid it’s red body back into it’s place on Humble’s bloodied hoof, leaving a small slit in Green’s neck.

“So,” Green said, coughing out drops of blood that splattered against Humble’s shocked face. “You finally did it, didn’t you?” He grew a devious grin on his muzzle. “Not like it’s gonna do you any good, the grandmaster has plans for you...Assassin!”

Humble didn’t respond.

“What? Aren’t you going to give me my last rites or that bullshit?”

Humble kept staring.

“Rot in tartarus you bucker.” Gasping, Green closed his eyes and slumped down, his breathing stopped. He was dead.

Humble felt like he was in a trance as he looked at the dead stallion. Only did the scream of a mare and the shouting of murder from the crowd that had gathered in the hallway made him look up. He didn’t see Pike and Light staring at him in horror, Fluer in horrific awe, or even Stale and Lemon’s wide eyes, but rather stared at Daring who did something unexpected. Flying towards him, she took him up and flew out the window into the night.