Night had fallen over ancient Equestria once more. All across the land ponies retreated to the safety of their homes. For when the moon rose in the sky and the stars twinkled, the monsters of the forests would leave the depths of the darkness and prey upon any pony that dare stay out too late.

This did not sit well with the ruler of the Night, Princess Luna, who wished for her subjects to embrace the night and take in all its beauty. Luna spoke of her concerns to her elder sister Celestia, Princess of the Sun, but she was tied up with the politics of Canterlot that demanded her attention. Leaving Luna no choice but to take matters into her own hooves. It was up to her to protect her subjects from the terrors of the night!

“Tis a good idea, now we shall keep our little ponies safe from that which lurks in the dark!” Luna spoke using the loud, booming, royal Canterlot voice, rattling the more friendly creatures of the night from their burrows. So far her patrol has taken her into the Everfree forest that surrounded the Castle of the Royal Sisters. Though maybe it should be called the castle of the Royal Sister. Luna thought sadly, since she had been the only one living in the castle for quite some time now. Minus a few servants of course.

Her sister Celestia had been spending more time in the unicorn city of Canterlot as of late. The nobles of the city demanding her input on many matters. The fact that she, the Princess of the Night, was never called was… a little disheartening. But she was warrior. Her ideals didn't fit with those of the city. Those matters were better left to Celestia, who was more skilled at dealing with such tasks.

“Still, they could send a letter.” Luna muttered as she trotted to the nearby village. So far no monsters had appeared, a good thing too, the village’s pitiful defenses would never hold back any sort of attack, mainly because there were no defenses. “Best to move on to the next town, OUCH!”

Luna rubbed her head, looking down at the object that had hit her. It was an apple, strangely enough. She was still getting her bearings when an orange blur flew at her!

“Ah got you now ya vermin!” A voice shouted from behind tackling the Princess to the ground. The two struggled for a bit, Luna gaining the advantage due to her size, strength, and experience.

“No tis I who have you, now explain post haste as to why you dare attack the Princess of the Night!” Luna demanded, her Canterlot voice shaking the nearby houses and waking the entire village.

Lights from the nearby house revealed her attacker to be an orange earth pony mare wearing a brown stetson with five apples branded on her flank. The mare scrambled to kneel before the Princess sputtering apologies, “Ah’m mighty sorry your highness, it’s just we’ve been havin’ a might bad time with monsters lately and Ah thought you might be one. I was just looking out for my kin. Please don’t be too mad and if ya are just punish me! It was my idea!”

“Calm thyself, young one, We were taken by surprise is all, no harm was done. Now rise and speak your name. I wish to know it.”

“Applejack of the Apple Clan, at your service, your highness.”

“Applejack? A strange name for a mare, but it seems to fit you.” Luna grinned and helped Applejack to her hooves after the mare refused to rise. “Now, what creatures have terrorized you? We are here to rid the monsters that plague the night.”

“You are? That’s… that’s… GREAT! Thank you, Princess Luna!” Applejack cried with joy with the other members of the Apple clan joining in.

“Please, just call me Luna, My sister and I are Equestria’s guardians first and it’s Princesses second,” Though I’m beginning to wonder if Celestia still thinks that. “Now on to the matter at hoof, where are these creatures and what are they?”

“They come from the forest over yonder, they're big and have one huge eye! What do ya call them Applecrisp?” Applejack asked a green tone mare.

“Cyclopes, cousin Applejack, they’re cyclopes.”

“Oh, right, cyclops! Those thugs have been taking our kin for weeks now. And there isn’t anything we could do to stop them.” Applejack explained teary eyed.

“Fear no more subjects! We shall rid you of this menace once and for all!” The town cheered! “We simply need a guide to take us to their lair.”

At that request the ponies stopped cheering and ran back into their houses, leaving only Luna and Applejack left.

“I suppose you will be my guide then Applejack?”

“You bet I will, I’ll even join ya in the action.”

“Very well, lead on Applejack.”

The two mares walked in silence through the night, the moon and stars lighting the path for them. They were deep in the more untamed parts of the Everfree forest now. These parts of the forest were out of reach of the tree of harmony located beneath the Castle of the Two Sisters. The woods themselves came alive through the power of chaos left behind by Discord and now it was that very same chaos seems to have attracted the attention of other more foul creatures.

(When was the last time I saw a cyclops in Equestria? Not since I was an adolescent I believe.) Luna kept a close eye on the surrounding forest, ever watchful for danger. Cyclopes were as big and stupid as they were sneaky. They could stand as still as a statue for hours, simply waiting for their prey to walk by them. There could be a cyclops near them right now and they wouldn’t know until it moved. Curse their gray skin tone, it blends so well with the shadows of the night!

“So… what’s it like being a Princess? Must be nice right?” Applejack asked looking nervously at the dark canopy.

Luna smiled softly at the orange mare. (Of course she would be nervous. Ponies don’t usually venture out at night.)
“It has its perks.” Luna answered, her smile widened as thought of all the fun she and her sister had in their first years of ruling. Her smile fading remembering how fast things changed. How they changed. “But it also requires you to give up a lot in return. Some advice an insider." Luna leaned close and whispered. "Don't become a princess! No matter how good they make it sound! It’s all very stressful!”

Applejack’s eyes widened. Luna chuckled at the expression. “Is it really that bad?”

Regaining control of herself Luna answered, “No, not really. Mostly it’s the nobles that get tiring. Always on about this and that. It really is exhausting. More so is how fake everypony seems. They are always plotting and scheming or planning their own political agenda. I prefer the simpler things. Things like this where I am useful.”

Silently the two mares continued on, the soft sounds of the night making a rhythmic melody as they traveled. Luna kept her gaze straight ahead, her ears perked up and twitching at every sound, cataloging everything she heard and saw in search for anything out of the norm.

Applejack did roughly the same, though her attention turned more towards the Princess of the Night. Her thoughts ran wild. (How can a pony that has everything still look so sad? Doesn’t she have any friends or something?)

“So, what do you do all day, or all night? Ah suppose as Princess of the Night you sleep during the day right?” Applejack wanted to face hoof. Way to sound intelligent Aj! She’s probably thinking you’re just some apple brained simpleton!

“A common misconception,” Luna answered. “I am awake during the day, most of the time. I mainly stay awake for Celestia’s sake. She enjoys having morning breakfast together.” (At least she used too when she was home!) “I guess you can say we balance night and day. Why are you staring?”

Applejack chuckled awkwardly, “Sorry it’s just you said ‘I’ instead of ‘We.’ It’s kind of funny. I just assumed you always spoke in fancy.”

Luna chuckled, “We, We mean I, suppose it is rather funny. We just enjoy speaking this way, plus it is tradition! But um, which do you prefer Applejack?”

Applejack shrugs, “Whatever you like. Don’t change for me, Princess, I mean Luna!”

“We enjoy your honesty Applejack.” Luna stiffened. Something was watching them. “Applejack, be careful.” Luna whispered, unfolding her wings to reveal a set of leather holsters with something metal resting inside. “The enemy comes!”

Time seem to slow down. Luna's horn flashed with magic, drawing her weapons. At first they looked like a pair of short swords, but a number of soft clicks a later the blades unfolded, changing into the shape of four pointed star.

Luna let the stars loose and they flew through the air, their blades shining in the moonlight. The face of their enemy became clear in the soft white light. Cyclops. A easy enough foe for her. Her blades hit the cyclopes with a loud “CLANG”! Indicating they hit something other than fleshy cyclops skin. Something was different about these beasts.

The one eyed beasts became fully visible in the moonlight, their usual gray leathery skin was coarse and ridged like stone. Like the skin of a golem. Another difference was that the horn sprouting from their heads like that of a unicorn. Luna was wondering what other differences there could be when one of the cyclops’s eye began to glow. Quickly Luna pushed Applejack out of the way as a fiery beam of death shot from the monster’s iris!

“That’s new!” A burning ditch was all that remained of where they once stood. In light of these recent developments Luna decided a tactical withdraw was in order. “Run Applejack!”

The farm mare scrambled to her hooves, but the loose stones beneath her made her slip and fall. One of the cyclopes reached for the farm mare and Luna made a split second decision. She jumped in the away!

“Run and get help! Get my sister!” Luna ordered as the cyclops grabbed her. She struggled to break free, but found her magic draining from her body. "That’s new too…"

“Princess Luna!” Applejack screamed as the Princess of Night was knocked out and carried away. All but one of the cyclopes left, and it stood right in the path of Applejack’s escape.

“Oh, Celestia…” The farm pony gulped as the monster reached for her. Her body began to tremble with fear, but then a burning heat flowed throughout her. "NO! NOT LIKE THIS! Ah ain’t going down like some yellowbelly! Ah’m going fightin’!"
With a frantic scream Applejack turned, readied her apple bucking stance and kicked with all her might! Her body glowed bright orange as her hooves connected with the stone cyclopes, which shattered to pieces!

“What the hay was that?” The glow around her died down leaving Applejack confused. “Did I? Did I really do that?” She gasped in awe, looking at the shattered cyclopes. Shaking herself of her stir Applejack headed in the direction Luna had been taken.

“Ah gotta help the Princess, but Ah’m feelin’ kinda tired…”

Applejack fell, skidding across the ground, feeling like she ran a marathon. As her vision gave way to darkness, she saw the shattered pieces of the cyclops begin to put themselves back together. She felt her body being lifted off the ground before passing out.

At some point during her ‘trip’ Luna had awoken only to be knocked out again by a low hanging branch. When she awoke again she found herself behind bars in a cave with a number of other ponies of varying age. All of them were fillies and colts, no more than six or eight summers old.

Curiously enough they were all earth ponies and they all had their marks. Apple marks to be exact. There was no doubt they were the missing kin of the apple clan.

“Greeting, fillies and colts of the Apple clan, we are Princess Luna and we are here to see to your safe return home!” Luna dramatically declared with the aid of her Canterlot voice. The gathered foals stared at the Princess of the Night with vacant expressions. One red little filly with a green mane and a apple musical note stepped forward.

“You’re not doing a very good job then if you got captured.” The filly deadpanned.

Luna dug her hoof in the ground, “Well it was… all part of my plan to find you! Soon my companion will arrive with help and we will all be rescued!” Way to represent the element of Honesty Luna, great job, lying to foals.

“Now, what is your name little one?” She asked, trying be spirited.

“Applejazz and cousin Applejack wouldn’t happen to be the companion who’s supposed to get help would she?”
“Why yes, how did you know?” Luna asked. The sound of the door opening and closing behind her.

“Because I think they got her.” Jazz trotted over to her cousin, confused as she looked the unconscious mare over. “Hey AppleAnna?” She asked addressing the pink coated filly with a pie on her flank.

“Yeah, Jazz?”

“Applejack had five apples for her mark right?”

“Yeah, what you getting at,” AppleAnna retorted walking up to Jazz.

Jazz pointed to Applejack’s mark, “That don’t look like five apples to you does it?”

AppleAnna shook her head, “No, no it don’t.”

“Stand aside please,” Luna pushed her way past the fillies looking at the orange mare’s flank, where a noticeable change has taken place. In place of Applejack’s five apples was one big apple with a shield in the background and two swords crossed behind the shield "Her mark changed? Does this mean… "

Luna didn't get a chance to finish as Applejack began to stir.

“Ugh, what happened?”

“You were captured, dear Applejack, did you not heed our advice and try to escape?” Luna helped the orange mare to her hooves, making sure to check for any injuries.

Applejack frowned, her head was throbbing and she still felt exhausted. However, the sight of the little foals brought a smile to her face. “Jazz, Anna, you’re all alive!” Applejack exclaimed happily pulling all the foals in for hugs. “I thought you’d all been gobbled up! Thank the sisters you’re alive!”

“We doubt neither Celestia’s nor my influence had any part in the foals continued good health. Our captors seem to have another purpose for them beside consumption. I wonder what it could be.” Luna rubbed her chin, thinking of what any pony would want with foals from a poor family. Something told her it wasn’t because they were earth ponies.“We don’t have time for that! We have to get these younglings out of here and fast!”

“You are correct Applejack. The purpose of this crime can be analyzed later. Now stand back, I will get us out!” Luna moved to the front of the cage, her horn glowing with magic. She reared back and attempted to pull the bars off, but several beams of magic interfered with her spell, knocking her aside. “What is the meaning of this?”

Peering outside the cave Luna saw the cyclopes’ horns glowing. I guess this means they can use magic too. It seems to be specifically anti-magic spells. Meaning any spell I attempt to cast will be interrupted. I need to find another way… Hmm that’s strange.

In the corner of the camp was a cyclops by itself away from the others. Most noticeably its skin was cracked and falling apart. The stone beast was attempting to keep its crumbling frame together, but ultimately failing.

A sudden thought come to Luna, “Applejack, did you do something to one of the cyclopes before being captured?”

The farm pony beamed with pride, “Darn tooting! Ah don’t know how, but the grubber was reaching for me and Ah turned and kicked him with all mah might! He crumpled like pie crust, but afterwards Ah got real tired and fell asleep. Suckers must have come back and captured me.”

As I thought. There just might be another way out. If unicorn magic was being blocked, then one must use a different type of pony magic.

“Applejack I have a plan, but I need your help. Now can you tell me what you were feeling when you kicked the cyclops?”
Applejack hesitated, nervously digging her hoof in the ground, “Ah don’t usually open up on my feelin’ but if it helps us get out of here. Ah was feeling, hopeless, yet angry about not being able to protect my kin. Ah wished Ah had the strength to hurt those lousy varmints! Next thing Ah knew my hooves were bucking through that thing like a hammer to butter.”
“We knew it!” Luna shouted excitedly. You have awoken your magic!”

Applejack reared back in surprise on the count of her proximity to Luna’s booming voice, “What are ya talking about Princess? Earth ponies don’t have magic other than for growing plants.”

Luna shook her head, “No Applejack. That’s not true. Earth ponies aren’t just connected to plants.”

“they are connected to the very earth itself, which is full of magic! You may not be able to use magic like unicorns, but this magic is nonetheless just as powerful.”

“Is that why my cutie mark changed?”

“Perhaps, I would hazard to guess that you simply found a new destiny. Tell me, what did your old mark represent?”

“My family,” Applejack replied looking lovingly at the captured foals, “One apple for me, my ma, my pa, my little sister and my big brother. And of course all the other apples as well.”

“hm, now what do you think your new mark means?”

Applejack studied her mark carefully before answering, “An apple, a shield, and swords… Ah think it means, it means… Ah will protect my kin!”

The orange glow returned to Applejack’s body, her eyes turned pure white due to the amount of magic flowing through her.

“Good Applejack, now together! FOR EQUESTRIA!” Luna began to glow, her eyes white as she drew on the earth pony magic inside her.

“FOR EQUESTRIA!” The mares yelled together and kicked the cage door right off its hinges. The two dashed out of the cave, mere blurs of blue and orange. The cyclopes flew into action firing beams of fire, swinging clubs and firing bolts of magic from their horns, but they were too slow. The two mares pouncing on the cyclops.

Applejack jumped on the back of one cyclops, hooting and hollering while swinging a lasso over her head. She roped another cyclops and pulled, causing it stumble and crash into one she was riding. She then proceeded to pound them to rubble. Luna smashed another two and decapitated a third. They stared down the remaining three and rushed them before they had time to prepare. The cyclops painicked roars echoed through the trees.

In a matter of minutes the eight cyclopes were reduced to a mere pile of pebbles. Luna gathered the remains and blasted them to the moon!

“There, that should take care of them! Can We hear a huzzah for our victory?” The cheers of foals were like music to Luna’s ears as they flocked to her. She tried to retain her regal air, she really did, but the excitement was too much! The biggest smile broke across her face as she lifted the foals into the air with her magic and danced excitedly around the now ruined camp.

They are praising me. They appreciate my efforts. I’m… loved…. Just like Celestia!

Up in the night sky the stars began to shine brighter than ever before! Their sheer brilliance captured the attention of the foals as they were memorized by their twinkling glory.

“Whoa, so pretty…” Jazz and the other foals said as they stared hypnotized by the beauty of the night sky for the first time.
Luna looked up with a single tear in her eye as she gazed at the wonderful sky. “Yes, yes it is.” She whispered. I can’t remember the last time the sky lit up like this. Have I been slacking or maybe I just didn’t think it was worth the effort to make it like this anymore.

Wiping away her tear before any pony could see, Luna addressed the foals, “Alright that’s enough. Time to get you little ones home.”

“Will we have to walk through the forest?” One of the fillies asked, shivering fearfully at the mere idea of it. The cheerful mood was killed as the fact they were still in the middle of the dark forest filled with more hungry creatures lurking in the shadows was realized.

Looking over to Applejack Luna saw that the orange mare was exhausted. Using her new magic ability had worn the mare out to the point where she could barely stand. To make matters worse there were too many foals for Luna to lead safely through the forest. Two or three she could manage, but ten, plus Applejack? No, it was too easy for something to snatch one up without her notice, but she couldn’t risk running them in smaller groups, leaving the rest to wait for her return. Any number of things could happen! She had to find a way to bring them all back at once.

A shadow passed over the clearing. Luna looked up to see as large cloud in the sky.

“Stay here, I shall return shortly.” Taking to the sky Luna captured the cloud with her hooves and brought it down to the clearing. “Come everypony, climb on.”

“Umm, ya know were not pegasi right?” Jazz stated matter of fact.

“We do indeed little one, but you forget who you speak too.” Luna’s horn flashed and a wave of magic passed over the earth ponies.

“Now climb on.” She insisted.

The foals hesitated, but Applejack was too tired to deal with them, so she grabbed one by the tail and tossed them onto the cloud.The foal landed on the cloud with a poof and remained there. “Come on yawl, you heard the Princess! Now get moving!” She ordered while tossing another foal onto the cloud.

The rest of the foals and fillies piled onto the clouds in excitement. They had never ridden on a cloud before!
“That’s all of them, let’s get going Princess.” Applejack said tiredly as she collapsed next to Luna. “Softest bed Ah ever lay on. Wake me up when we’re home please…..Zzzzzzz”

Luna chuckled at the farm pony’s antics and set the cloud in motion, heading towards the Apple clan’s settlement.

It was nearly morning when Luna arrived back at the Apple settlement. once again her heart was set a flutter as the foals ran to their parents. The sight was something to behold as there were no words that could properly describe the scene in front of her.

Perhaps heartwarming comes close, but how long will it last? Curse my ever tactical mind! Not even a minute has passed and I’m already picturing disaster.

Everywhere Luna looked she saw what could happen to the poorly defended settlement. The cyclopes maybe gone, but what will come next? Timber wolves? trolls? what about ogres, ghoul ponies, or even griffons? By the moon these ponies are way too vulnerable!

Preparing her Canterlot voice Luna spoke to the gathered ponies, “Everypony, if We may have your attention!” All movement stopped as the Apple clan gave their full attention to the Princess of the Night. Luna walked into the middle of the crowd to ensure all heard what she had to say. “Due to the clear danger and your lack of defensive measures, we Luna, Princess of the Night, invite the Apples to thine castle for refuge and safety! Until the time in which thou are able to properly defend thy selves. What say you?”

The ponies murmured amongst each other, divided about what to do. On one hoof, it would be nice to have a safe place to properly build their settlement and work their crops, but on the other hoof the Apple clan tradition was to do everything themselves, no matter the obstacle. Could they risk their foals though? Was tradition that important? The debate dragged on until one pony voiced her opinion.

“Ah say we take up the offer!” Applejack declared loudly drawing a number of surprised gasps from her kin and a happy smile from the Princess. “We can’t build a home safe for the youngin’s if we can’t keep the youngin’s safe! And we can’t keep moving from place to place every time things get too tough! Winter is coming and we need shelter! All ponies that are with me raise your hoof and say Aye!”

The other apples still hesitated, their stubborn pride getting the better of them.

“Aye!” A bold little voice declared, the crowd of ponies moved aside to reveal little Applejazz with her hoof raised high.

“Aye!” Another foal shouted, this time from AppleAnna.

Soon enough the entire Apple clan held up their hooves.

Luna smiled at the sight, “Excellent! Gather what you can carry, the rest will be retrieved next evening after the day’s work is done. We march for the castle once you are ready.”

The march to the castle wasn’t long, taking only an hour or so for the convoy of ponies to trot down the old road that ran to the castle. Luna flew overhead, circling from front to back to ensure the convoy’s protection. She also noticed the road was in rough shape due to poor maintenance. Repairs were in order if ponies were going to be using the road daily. At least the bridge was in fine shape, she was sure the arching stone structure would last a thousand years before it ever fell into the gorge that divided the castle grounds and the forest.

“We are here Apple Clan. Say hello your new home!” Luna directed the clan into the main hall of the castle, giving the castle staff quite a shock as the mass of ponies entered. “There are many rooms available, but please try to fit as many as comfortably possible so everypony may have a room. Breakfast will be in a few hours, please rest till then.” As the Apple ponies spread out Luna blocked the path of a certain orange mare that looked like she was about ready to drop dead on the spot. “Please Applejack, come with me. I have a special place in mind for you.”

Applejack nodded tiredly, following the blue mare up the stairs to the higher tier of the castle. She was wobbling on her hooves by the time they got where Luna wanted her.

“Please rest here Applejack.” Luna directed helping the farm mare into a large midnight blue bed. Applejack let out an exhausted sigh as her head hit the pillow.

“This is the softest bed Ah ever… Zzzzz.”

Luna chuckled as she tucked in the mare. “Rest well my friend. There is much work to be done tomorrow.”

Some late night research should pass the time. (I want to confirm my suspicions about Applejack’s new mark and also see if there’s any reason that Cyclopes were that strong, it just doesn’t seem natural.

With her mind swirling Luna trotted off to the castle library.

It was early dawn as Celestia, Princess of the Sun, flew home, raising the sun as she crossed the sky. She’d been gone for a long time. About two months if she recalled correctly. The ponies in Canterlot were always so demanding, and with the Royal family passing all their power on to her and Luna things had gotten even more hectic.

Somepony even suggested I move to Canterlot. Though it would make things easier, I fear Luna would not be so excited.

Luna had never liked Canterlot. Preferring their castle in the Everfree forest with its quiet nights and natural beauty over Canterlot’s ever growing population and stone work. Not that I blame Luna, I’m rather fond of our castle, but as rulers we should really put our subjects first.

Another thing that bothered the her was Luna’s lack of attention to her royal duties. She never came with her when they were called to Canterlot, opting instead to stay at the castle alone.

Of course Celestia could hardly blame Luna for that either. Politics were rather boring and Starswirl really had to twist Luna’s leg to get her agree to become Equestria’s ruler of the night in the first place.

Luna had always been the more adventurous the two. As was I once, but it’s time to grow up. As Celestia neared the castle she flew around to Luna’s balcony and spotted a lump in Luna’s bed. She couldn’t have gone to sleep already has she? We haven’t had our breakfast yet. I better check on her. She might not be feeling well.

Landing softly as she could on the stone floor Celestia tip hoofed over to Luna’s bed. With her horn alight with yellow magic she gently pulled away the cover to reveal… A brown hat?

Ripping the covers of the bed, Celestia gasped to find an orange earth pony sleeping in her sister’s bed. The pony had the most peculiar cutie mark on her flank, an apple, a sword and a shield. More importantly though...

Where’s Luna? Celestia panicked as the mare yawned rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“You there! Who are you and what have thou done with my sister!” Celestia shouted using her own Canterlot voice, causing the room to shake. The mare jumped out of the bed with a fright! Her eyes wide as dinner plates as Celestia got right in her face. “I’ll ask thee again! Where is thine sister?”

I really need to brush up on my Royal speak. I’m getting rusty. Celestia Mused before bearing down even harder on the trembling mare.

“Answer!” Celestia demanded, causing Applejack to tremble and cover her face with her hat. Celestia raised her hoof in a mock strike to further intimidate the mare when Luna trotted into the room.

“Ugh, you make it so hard to read dearest sister! Now stop tormenting my guest and come eat breakfast. The others are getting impatient. Come along Applejack, tis time for food!” Luna shouted excitedly levitating the orange mare off the ground and carrying her off, leaving Celestia standing alone stupefied.

Guest… since when does Luna have guests? And what others?

Confused and curious Celestia trotted after them to main dining hall. A roar of happy chatter echoed down the corridor. Walking into the light she was welcomed to the sight of a hundred or more earth ponies seated at the long dining tables, with food stacked high, most of it apples. in fact it was all apples!

“Come over here and sit with us sister! These ponies make the most amazing dishes We have ever tasted! And it’s all made from apples, can you believe it?” Luna chatted excitedly while munching on an apple fritter. Luna was seated in her usual spot, with the orange mare seated to her right, leaving Celestia her regular chair.

“I believe I can.” Celestia stammered as she took her seat. Somepony placed a fresh hot plate of goodies from baked apples to Apple cake in front of her. “Who are all these ponies Luna?”

“We’ll let them introduce themselves, it’s rather amusing. Everyone this is my sister Celestia. Please feel free to introduce yourselves.”

Applejazz, AppleAnna, and some other ponies jumped in front of Celestia, nearly giving her a heart attack and shouted, “We’re the…!” They began excitedly and then were joined by everypony in the room, “APPLE CLAN!”

It’s like a hundred Luna’s shouting at once! Celesta thought as the sheer noise of the threatened to leave her temporarily deaf.

“Nice to meet all of you,” Celestia greeted meekly. There is no way to compete with a greeting like that.

With introductions out of the way the ponies dug in to their breakfast with gusto. Celestia could hardly manage a few bites before she was full. The food was very filling. She looked up to watch the others. (and they're… still eating…)
Celestia watched in awe as the mountain of food slowly disappeared before her eyes. When all was eaten the mares of the apple clan began gathering the dishes while the stallions headed towards the door.

“Where are they going?” Celestia asked.

“To their fields, dear sister, they are settler ponies, but they were having a hard time making proper shelters while also working the fields. with winter coming soon, I decided to invite them to the castle since we have all this extra room. They make the place much more lively don’t you think?”

“Yes, they certainly do,” Celestia agreed. “Where are you going Luna?”

Luna paused at the stairs and turned, “To sleep, I’m afraid. I’m very tired. I’ll see you in the evening Celestia. Applejack, if you please follow me I’ll show you to your own room before I retire.”

“Ok, Princess.” Applejack carefully made her way to Luna, Celestia’s gaze following her with every step.

The Sun Princess raised a suspicious brow at the orange mare, “A friend Luna?”

Luna chuckled, “More than that dear sister, she is a comrade.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I’ll explain later Tia. I suggest you rest too, it’s a long trip back to Canterlot.” With that Luna bounded up the stairs, Applejack on her heels.

How long has it been since Luna called me Tia? Or even smiled and laughed like that? Wait… what about Canterlot? Celestia’s horn glowed and in a puff of magic a scroll appeared in front of her with the Canterlot seal on it.
Can’t I ever get a break? Celestia whined internally, resting her head between her forelegs.

Applejack followed Luna pass the Princess’s room and all the other bedrooms, only stopping once stopping once they reached the library.

“Um Princess, this doesn’t look like a bedroom and Ah really need to get out to the fields.”
Luna smiled as she levitated several books onto a nearby table. Stacking them nearly twenty high! “I’m afraid you have more important things to do Applejack. There is much to learn and very little time.”
“Learn?”

Luna nodded, “Yes. Learn, Applejack. As of this moment you are my prodigy. I will teach you how to use your awakened earth pony magic and more, so much more. Now I expect you to have at least three of these books read by the time I awaken this evening. I’ll inform your kin that you will not be joining them.”

“Wait Princess! AH….” It was too late, the door slammed shut and it wasn’t budging no matter how hard Applejack pushed. With no other option Applejack hunkered down on a cushion and opened a book. Only there was one problem.
“What in the hay is this language? Ah can’t read any of it!”

Luna trotted off to bed, her mind full of plans and preparations. Mentally she listed off all the things she would need to set her plan in motion.

"I need warriors, arms, blacksmiths, minerals and materials and so many more things. It was foolish to think I could patrol the night all on my own. I may have the strength of a thousand ponies, but I can only cover so much ground at a time. I need comrades like Applejack, ponies who are willing to do what needs done. Together we will guard ponies from the night!"

Luna threw herself under the covers, almost too excited to sleep. But as the exhaustion from today’s adventure overcame her body she began drift to sleep. I need a name for this group, something simple… like Night Patrol. Yes, that’s perfect. With a smile on her lips Luna drifted off to her dreams.

Applejack was stumped. How was she supposed to finish reading at least three of the twenty books Luna had left for her to study when most were written in some bizarre fancy language? The only books that weren’t indecipherable were some sort of picture books. She wondered why such books were included in her “studies” but assumed Luna grabbed them by mistake.

Well Ah can’t read them, but maybe looking through the pages will count? Picking up one of the picture books Applejack began lazily flipping through it, her mind barely registering what she was seeing till something in her head clicked.

Wait a darn minute. Are these what Ah think they are? Giving the faded pages her full attention Applejack realized the “picture book” was actually a book about hoof to hoof combat. “The Basics of Hoof Fu, Advanced Armor Combat: Charge and Stomp, and Pony Zen. Heehaw! now this is some learning Ah can get into!”

Turning back to the first page of Hoof Fu Applejack copied the stance as depicted and slowly worked through the basic description on the page. She jumped straight up into the air, kicking her back right leg and her front left leg out at once and accidentally ending up knocking over two tables.

Better clear up some room first.

Pushing aside all of the tables, Applejack was pleased to see she had all the space she needs to practice.

“All right, time for some fancy hoof work!”

Luna awoke just as the sun began its descent. The tingle of her sister’s magic poked at her, urging her to raise the moon. Yes, I know Celestia I’m on it. Luna grumpily got out of bed, walked to her balcony and focused her magic on the moon, her pride and joy, and gently lifted it into the sky.

Once the moon was in place Luna strolled over to the other side of the castle where Celestia’s room was and sure enough it was empty. Celestia was no doubt already back in Canterlot by now. A pang of hurt and loneliness passed through Luna.

Once again I am excluded. I may not enjoy the politics, but she could have at least said goodbye. Then again I suppose I was rather snarky with her this morning. Luna had thought about telling Celestia of her idea for a pony militia or Night Patrol as she preferred, but now-a-days nothing could get done without the noble’s interference. Celestia would probably be against the idea anyways, her line of thinking was that she could protect all the ponies of Equestria alone. An idea Luna shared until last night.

We can only protect so much at once, our subjects need to learn how to care for themselves. For you and I dear sister, may not always be around to do so.

Immortal Goddesses of the sun and moon is what the ponies called the two sisters. To the normal ponies they probably seemed like gods, but even they could die. After all there used to be many more alicorns running about and now there were only three; Celestia, Luna, and their cousin Symphony of the Crystal Empire, though a fourth maybe on the way if Symphony’s letters were any indication.

Shaking her mind clear of their nearly extinct race Luna left Celestia’s room. “I suppose I should let Applejack out of the library now.”

When Luna unlocked the library door she was once again taken by surprise by Applejack who flew right into her, delivering a vicious kick to the Princess’s head!

As Luna lay beneath the orange mare she pondered her own combat skills. Between Applejack's surprise attacks and the cyclopes I’m starting to think I’m getting rusty. I haven’t had a real battle since Discord and that was… fifty years ago?

“Well I am glad you are studying Applejack. I was expecting you to be more engaged with magic theory than physical combat.” Luna shifted around trying to get up, but Applejack was heavy! “Could you please get off me now?”

The orange mare blushed, “Oh sorry Princess, Ah mean Luna. Right Luna, cause that’s what you want me to call ya right?” Applejack said, flustered as she climbed off the Princess of the Night and held out a hoof to help her. “Ah’m sorry for kicking ya in the face. Also Ah can’t read those books yawl set out for me.”

Luna looked up in horror, “You can’t read?” Applejack reared back on her hindquarters from the volume, waving her hooves frantically in the air.

“No, no, no what Ah meant was Ah can’t read the language their written in. It’s all this fancy looking stuff Ah never seen before.”

Luna breathed deep sigh of relief. I was actually scared there for minute. To think that any pony in this day in age didn’t know how to read is simply mind boggling.

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad those stuck up unicorns in Canterlot were wrong about earth ponies… intelligence,” Luna suppressed a chuckle with her hoof, “Honestly, only one in a hundred earth ponies knowing how to read, what a ridiculous statement. Right Applejack?” Luna waited for a confirmation but didn’t get one, “Um Applejack, what’s with that look in your face?”

Applejack shamefully looked away, “Well you see Princess, Ah mean Luna, Ah’m the only one in my family who can read. There are few others in the clan, Ah think five about total. But,” Applejack said cheerfully, maybe a little too cheerfully from Luna’s point of view, “Ah’m sure it’s not like that for all earth ponies. My kin and Ah move a lot so there ain’t much time for book learning and we only work with apples, so there ain’t much reason to learn much else. Ya know…” Applejack said smiling in a way that screamed 'fake'!

Is our education system that bad? Do we even have an education system? Wait, yes we do, but only in bigger cities like Canterlot or Pegasopolis. Are there even earth pony cities of that size? I can’t recall. Why have I never realized this? Luna was absolutely boggled by this realization. Even after all these years the three tribes were still at odds with one another. No, it wasn’t that simple. There were earth pony nobles now too, right? There is… Pudding Head! No, she died a few years ago. Um Smart Cookie! No, she’s gone too. Were they ever replaced?

This revelation troubled Luna. Next time she saw Celestia they were going to have a very serious talk. “Buck up dear Applejack!” Luna shouted cheerfully, wrapping her foreleg around the orange mare’s neck. “I shall see to it that this ‘problem’ is rectified. For any pony of the Apple clan wanting to learn I shall provide the means for them to do so. The castle staff is very well educated. We can host a school here in the castle. Will your family be open to the idea Applejack?”

“Ah reckon they’ll be up for anything you suggest Princess. Since you are a princess and all, plus you’re letting us stay here for free and I don’t think anypony wouldn't want to offend you by saying no.”

Luna hugged Applejack’s neck tightly, boldly shouting, “Excellent news! We shall commence with the preparations. Alas though they will have to wait. In all the excitement I nearly forgot what I came here to do.”

“What’s that Princess?”

“First of all call me Luna, Applejack,” Luna said pointedly. “Second you and me are going on a trip! So pack a bag of supplies for at least a week and meet me in the courtyard in an hour. I have some final preparations to attend too, but I will see if I can’t set up some sort of temporary school with the castle staff before we go.”

“Alright, but where are we going Princess, Ah mean, Luna.” Applejack inquired.

Luna trotted deep into the library, speaking to the orange mare from around the corner, “We are going to Mount Firehorn.” Luna declared dramatically, reappearing with her hoof raised.

Applejack gulped, “Mount Firehorn, you mean the same Mount Firehorn that is said to be home to dragons and other dangerous critters? That Mount Firehorn?”

“The very same, won’t it be fun?” Luna cheerfully trotted off leaving Applejack to fall to her rump with her jaw slack. She stayed like that for several minutes before pulling herself back together.

“Well, Ah guess Ah better start packing. Best get my flame proof boots.”

“Nice boots,” Luna complimented as she approached Applejack. “Vampire bat leather I assume?”

“You bet! Critters were causing a heap of hurt on our crops one year; let’s just say they won’t be again for a very long time.” Applejack chuckled darkly. No bats were gonna steal the Apple family’s crops! Or beavers for that matter, beavers made such nice hats.

Luna assessed the farm pony’s equipment. She had food, water, a small tent, a compass and other odds and ends that would be useful if the need arises.

“You are quite efficient Applejack. Not a single bit of unnecessary baggage.” Luna suppressed a chuckled at the farm pony’s new accessory. “But if I may ask, why are you wearing a beaver hat and not your regular one?”

Applejack blushed as she rubbed her neck feeling embarrassed, “That hat belonged to my Pa, it’s all I got left of him and I didn’t want it to get burned up in case we met some dragons or the wind knocks it into a volcano. Plus it’s getting chiller and this hat is better suited for colder weather. Though I guess it’ll be useless once we get to Mount Firehorn.”

“True,” Luna agreed, choosing not to address subject of Applejack’s father being dead , and instead chose to change the topic, “But it will be cold for most of the journey, so I’m sure your beaver hat will come in use. In fact,” Luna rummaged around her own pack and pulled her own possum hat out. “I will wear my own silly hat as well.”

Luna cracked a smile and waited for Applejack to stop laughing, which only took about five minutes.

“Now that we are calm, let us set out.” Luna ordered as she began cantering down the road, Applejack hot on her heels. “We will keep this pace for as long as we can. No need to go any faster or we will wear ourselves out.”

“Ok, Princess!” Applejack called from behind, having a little trouble keeping up with Luna’s longer strides.

Luna rolled her eyes and sighed, “Please Applejack, stop being so formal, especially when we’re out here on the road.”

“Ah’ll try my best, but it’s kind of a habit.”

Luna thought for a moment, when the most wonderful idea occurred to her. “Very well Applejack, as Princess I order you to break your habit of calling me Princess by the time we return the castle.”

“But!”

“What are you not up the challenge?” Luna taunted. A fierce determination appeared in Applejack’s eyes as the farm mare trotted up to Luna.

“Your darn tootin Ah’m up for the challenge! Ah never back down!”

“Good to hear. By the time of our return I will expect you to be speaking my name properly. After all I’m rather tired of being called Princess, when I am clearly named Luna.”

Applejack fluttered in her steps, but quickly recovered. She thought back to last night and the conversation she and Luna shared before they were attacked. “Do you not like being called Princess, Prin… Luna?”

Luna continued trotting in silence for a while before answering. “Well I guess a little. It is frustrating being called by a title rather than by name. My mother didn’t name me Princess Luna after all, just Luna.” Luna paused again trying to think of the best way to explain. “Being called Princess all the time, it seems that is all ponies see is just a princess and not Luna. Do you understand Applejack?”

“Ah can’t really say. Ah never experienced anything like that but… wait! You stopped speaking fancy!”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Right there that’s what Ah mean, you’re saying Ah and not we.” Applejack pointed out.

“I am? Strange, I only speak like this when I’m alone with Celestia or…”

“Or what?” Applejack inquired, her curiosity burning.

Luna turned and looked fondly at Applejack, “Or with a very good friend. We are friends Applejack, right?” Luna asked, her tone uncertain.

Applejack smiled and nodded, “You bet we are Princess!”

“I thought I said to call me Luna?”

Applejack chuckled “Ah know, Ah know. It’s going to take some getting used too is all. How about this, Ah’ll call ya Luna, you call me AJ! This way we both have to practice not being so formal around each other.”

Luna pondered the suggestion, “AJ huh? Very well, challenge accepted, Appl… AJ.”

Applejack giggled, “Not so easy is it Luna?”

Luna remained silent but smiled none the less, eventually breaking out into laughter as they trotted along.

Applejack collapsed on her bed roll with an exhausted sigh. Her hooves were so tired that they were throbbing!
Ah can’t believe Ah run that far, two hundred miles in five hours; It’s not natural! And Luna doesn’t look tried at all.
It was true, the night blue alicorn barely had any sweat on her coat as she prepared their supper. In fact Luna was hopping around enthusiastically, seeming unaffected by their travels.

“Almost done. I hope you're hungry AJ, it’s not often one enjoys a meal prepared by royalty. Though it has been awhile since I last cooked, I hope my skills haven’t dulled.” Luna shrugged; it couldn’t taste that bad she figured. “Now come and sit with me, so that I may go over your lesson for tonight.”

AJ groaned as she walked over to the campfire. It was still night or early morning judging by the slight peak of sunlight in the east. As a farm pony Applejack was used to waking up early, staying up late was another story. Between all the running and keeping up with Luna’s sleep schedule Applejack was ready to nod off right where she sat, till Luna handed her a hot cup of something.

“What’s this? Some sort of tea?” Applejack asked inspecting the dark liquid.

Luna shook her head, “No, it’s coffee; it’s meant to help keep you awake. It is a little bitter I must warn you.”

Shrugging off the warning Applejack took a sip of her coffee and gagging at the taste. “Ugh, you actually drink this stuff?”
Luna nodded and took a sip of her own brew, “Yes, it helps me stay awake. It is an acquired taste. I’m sure you will grow used to it overtime. I do have some crème you can add to make the taste more tolerable if you liked to try it.” Luna dug through her pack and removed a glass bottle fill with what looked like milk.

Applejack hesitated, wary to try a new brew again, but ultimately took the glass from Luna, “Gotta try everything at least once.” Pouring the crème into her coffee Applejack watched the black liquid turn brown. She cringed at the sight of it.

This looks like shit!

Taking a deep breath Applejack raised her glass with her hooves and drank it down quickly, emptying the cup. She stood perfectly still, analyzing the drink down to every last detail, her eyes widening as the caffeine hit her system. Her exhaustion seemed to melt away, leaving her wide awake. Better yet the drink tasted great!

“Boy howdy that’s the stuff!” Applejack exclaimed shaking in her seat. “Ah feel like Ah could run another two hundred miles!”

Luna chuckles, “As amazing as that would be. I have something better in mind. Come along, I wish to teach you something.” Luna picked up a wrapped package from her bag and led Applejack to a clearing next to their camp.
“Alright Applejack please put these on.” Luna tossed the orange mare the package.

Applejack unwrapped the cloth, four golden grieves each with a big green gem embedded in the center rolled out. Applejack gasped at the sight of them. She wasn’t one for fancy things, but the craftsmanship was simply beautiful. As Applejack put the boots on; Luna began to explain their origin.

“These grieves are made of enchanted metal by some famous blacksmith who has long since passed. I believe his name was Rare something. Anyways many years ago Celestia and I commissioned suits of armor from him for our battle with Discord. Unfortunately the armors were destroyed in our first bout, but Celestia’s boots survived. The boots you are now wearing.”

Applejack gulped and began to hesitantly remove the boots. Luna placed her hoof one the mare’s neck to calm her down. “Relax Applejack, Celestia has long since outgrown these boots and replaced them. I would have given you my boots, but they still fit me and silver would clash with your coat horribly.”

“Ah’m not one for frou-frou stuff, Luna, if you haven’t notice.”

“Yes, yes, nor am I really. still, a mare can look nice every now and then. Now, where was I? Oh yes, those boots aren’t just a fashion accessory, they were made for battle. By focusing your earth pony magic into the gems embedded into the boots you can unleash devastating attacks with mere stomp of your hoof. Observe!”

Luna stationed herself in front of a rock, allowing her magic to be visible to Applejack, when she built it up enough power she slammed her hoof against the rock, shattering it to pieces!

“You can also do this!” Luna shouted slamming her hoof against the ground, creating a shock-wave that shot across the ground for twenty feet before splitting a rock in half! “And also this!” Slamming her hooves down, Luna summoned five spikes of earth from the ground in front of her. “That last one is good for defense and offense, though lacking in range.”

“Whoa. You’re saying Ah can actually do stuff like that with mah hooves?” Applejack was awed. She knew earth ponies were stronger than the other races, breaking stones though, that wasn’t something she ever thought she could do without getting hurt. “Wow, what else can I do?”

Luna smiled as she wrapped her foreleg around Applejack, “A lot my friend, but for now, learn and master these skills first, then I will show you more.”

“You got it!” Applejack excitedly bounded over to a stone and began trying to copy Luna by punching the rock. The results…

“Ouch!”

…Weren’t quite the same.

“Remember Applejack; focus your magic, not muscles. Feel the energy and bend it to your will.” Luna advised. She settled down at the edge of the clearing, giving out hints to the farm mare when needed. Mostly she let the orange mare figure things out on her own, figuring that it would eventually click together for her.

Time and practice, the best kind of learning. I just hope it doesn’t take too much time for her to learn. Luna mused, watching Applejack strike her hoof against the stone for the hundredth time. She was about to have her call it a night when a faint green glow engulfed Applejack’s hoof as she struck the stone. A small crack appeared on the face of the rock, followed by another deeper crack. Applejack struck it again.

Yes, that’s it Applejack! You can do it!

Applejack pulled back her hoof, her body tired and worn out, but she refused to give up! With the last of her strength she swung, but a misstep had her falling forward, her hoof barely scraped against the rock. Much to her shock the entire top half of the rock exploded!

“Ah did it! Ah really did it!” Applejack joyfully cheered as she jumped to her hooves. The sudden movement made her a bit light headed, but a supportive wing stabilized her footing.

Luna beamed with pride as she led the weary orange mare back to their camp, “Well done my friend, you learned much faster than I anticipated.” Luna helped Applejack into her bedroll. “Now rest, you’ve earned it.”

For the remainder of the trip Luna and Applejack would travel and train. During their journey Applejack became more accustomed to staying awake at night, as well as its environment. Luna lectured her on the stars and their meaning, along with how they could be used for navigation. The Princess would also share stories about the constellations in the sky and her past from time to time; both of which left Applejack riveted and eager to hear more.

“We are here.” Luna declared as they came to a stop on top of a cliff. Across the rocky wastelands lied Mount Firehorn. It looked as its name suggested. A giant stone horn, almost like a unicorn's horn, towered over the landscape, spewing fire from its very tip. Applejack gulped at the sight of it.

“Are we really going there?” She asked hesitantly. Ah’m not a coward, but Ah ain’t stupid either!

Luna chuckled, “Oh heavens no! The only thing that could live there are dragons, and I assure you, we are not here for them. No, our destination lies over yonder in the mines where the Steel Hooves and Iron Shoe clans make their home.”

Applejack sighed with relief, “That’s good. Ah don’t think mah fire boots wouldn’t last long up there.”

“Quite true Applejack, now let us continue on our journey is almost over.”

Luna and Applejack trotted long the narrow path. They dodged falling rocks, loose hoof holds and other dangerous terrain till they arrived at the village gate, where they discovered that there was a newly made and much safer road that they could have used.

“I think my map needs updating.” Luna held up the map of the land that was well over fifty years old. “Oh well, at least our way was much more exciting!”

Ah think Ah've had enough excitement for one day. Ah’d be surprise if Ah don’t have some gray in mah mane. Applejack shuddered, checking her mane just in case.

As the two walked towards entrance of the town they marveled at the unique architecture of Firehorn., huge plumes of smoke poured out of the chimneys of forges as unicorn and earth ponies worked the metal ore into useful shapes. From the mine entrances carts on rails were pushed to the refinery, filled with metal ore, diamonds, gold, silver and many other minerals. At the center of it all stood a white coated unicorn mare.

Allure ran Firehorn with a caring, yet iron hoof! Her fine purple mane swished back and forth as she pointed her hoof and barked orders left and right. As she turned to address another group of ponies Luna and Applejack were shown her short cut tail and mark, which was a giant orange rupee. Two gold rings pierced her left ear.

“Come on you lazy lot! We got to get more arms ready before those creatures come back! Rawhide and Tough Hide are counting on us! Are you trying to let them down?” Allure demanded fiercely. The ponies shook their heads and doubled their work pace. “That’s the stuff! Keep it up!” She encouraged as she turned, coming face to face with Luna and Applejack.

“Oh my, visitors! How lovely. I’m sorry for not greeting you at the gate, but as you can see we are in a bit of rush around here. But please come in, come in. let’s go to my abode, so you may rest. I’m sure you are tired from your journey.” Allure trotted towards one stone building, carved in the shape of three diamonds; two on the bottom and one on top. “Welcome to my humble home. I know it’s not much, but please make yourselves comfortable while I make some refreshments. Is cider ok with you two?”

“Cider would be fine, thank you for your generosity,” Luna politely said as she and Applejack took a seat at the table in the room. As Allure poured the cider they looked around at the decoration on the walls. Gems of many sizes and shapes were embedded in the stone structure, a stone staircase lead up to what they assumed was the bed room and through an open door they spotted a bunch of mannequins with armor on them.

“Here we go, one for you, one for you, and one for me.” Allure sang, handing each of them their cider. She took the seat across from them and raised her mug. “To new friends! Huzzah!” The three clanged their mugs together and drank down contents.

“Ah, that hits the spot!” Allure said with a burp. She blushed as she moved her mane out of her eyes. “Sorry, how uncouth of me, and I haven’t even asked you your names yet or given you mine! Oh dear, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s alright. We didn’t introduce ourselves either, so it’s all good.” Applejack assured the white mare. “Ah’m Applejack and this here is Princess Luna.” Applejack pointed to the regal mare, though she wondered how Allure didn’t realize Luna was a princess right away, till she remembered Luna’s wings were covered by her saddlebags.

Allure reared back in her seat, her eyes wide and filled with shock! “A princess… I have a princess in my home! This is… this is the… most wonderful day of my life!” Allure took Luna’s hooves in her own and shook them vigorously. “It so nice to meet you your Highness. I’m Allure Steelhorn, daughter of Raritan Steelhorn, my father made you and your sister’s armor nearly fifty years ago! This is so exciting! To think I would be meeting you myself! Whatever it is you need you can count on me to make it!”

She's enthusiastic and Raritan’s daughter. Ugh, I can’t believe I forgot the name of the stallion that made my armor! I am so ashamed! Luna took a calming breath. She lived for a long time; no one could fault her for not remembering every pony she came across. During Discord's reign things were chaotic and remembering one pony’s name wasn’t something that she had to time to do. Still I feel bad forgetting him, even if the notion is silly. On that note… how old is this mare? Never mind, best not to bring it up.

“So if your father made Luna’s armor fifty years ago…” Applejack interrupted.

Dammit Applejack!

“How do you look so young?” Applejack asked with skeptical eye. She may not be good at math, but these numbers weren’t adding up. “Ah mean you don’t look any older than me.”

Allure politely smiled and answered, “And how old are you Lady Applejack?”

Applejack’s eye narrowed at the way she said ‘lady’, but held her tongue. “Ah’m twenty summers old.”

“Well I am twenty five years old; my father was only fifteen when he crafted the armor. Ten years later he found his special somepony and I was born and here I am twenty five years later; simple to understand, no?” Allure said a little haughty. Applejack’s cheeks burned red as she began her retort.

“AH-hmph!”

Luna quickly placed her hoof over Applejack’s mouth before she could retort. From their travels Luna learned Applejack had quite foul mouth when she felt like she was being insulted. A group of pesky squirrels had been the center of the farm mare's ire after they stole her breakfast one morning.

“Ok, let’s get on to business shall we?” Luna suggested pointedly to the mares. Both of them turned away from each other, crossing their forelegs in a huff. They looked at one another for a full minute before shaking hooves. “Good, now Miss Allure, I have a business proposition for not just for you, but your entire village. I have recently decided to create a militia of sorts and I am in need of armor and weapons, as well as ponies to fill the ranks. I can pay you a fair wage and give you constant work and I would only need a few of your herd to stay at the castle to deal with armor and weapons repair. You would be allowed to rotate the personal as you see fit. How does that sound?”

Allure chewed her lip nervously taking several deep long breaths and then suddenly stood and began to pace the room. Her face shifting from joyous to dread for several seconds before she stopped in the middle of the room and smiled at the two of them.

“If you do would excuse me for a moment, I need to go upstairs.” Luna and Applejack sat in silence as Allure disappeared, several seconds passed when a very happy and very loud squee of joy came from above. “I can’t believe this is happening! This is the best day of my life!”

Luna couldn’t help but smile as Allure worked through her emotions. Nearly five minutes later when Allure came back down with a pen and paper looking only a bit fluttered as she entered the display room. She was in there for another five minutes and came back to the table and sat down. Pretending like nothing had happened.

“Your request is doable, a simple task for our clans, but…” Allure hesitated; chewing nervously on the edge of her hoof as she struggled to find the words. “But it may be awhile before we can set things in motion. We have numerous orders to fill for the ponies of Prance, Saddle Arabia, and the Germania Trakehner ponies. We are just not in a place to fill your order right away, especially with the recent trouble with…” Allure quickly shoved her hoof in her mouth, but it was too late.

Luna leaned across the table so her face was only a few inches away from Allure’s, “Recent trouble with what, my dear? Please tell me.” Luna asked, deeply concerned for her subjects.

Allure lowered her hoof, “Well... there have been attacks on our food supplies and gem reserves. The food is easily replaceable, we usually just trade or buy more, but the amount of gems being stolen is troubling. Without them we can’t buy or trade, since the vast majority of our gems go to the dragons on Mount Firehorn.”

“Why are ya giving Dragon’s your gems?” Applejack interrupted.

“Because Dragons eat gems, we give them some gems and they let us take their scale shedding for our armor; they also allow us to live here. This is their territory after all. We’ve been mining here for years and have finally set up a permanent home, but at this rate we won’t even have enough resources to start another mine in time for the dragons tribute. If we don’t pay the tribute, who knows what they’ll do! Dragons aren’t known for being nice or reasonable.” Allure began to tear up and choke on her breath, only calming down when Luna placed her hoof on her shoulder.

“We will do whatever we can to help your ponies Allure.” Luna assured the white mare. “How long has this been going on? Have you taken any measures to protect your stores? Do you have any clue about who could be stealing from you?”

Allure wiped her eyes, “The robberies started over two months ago. Somepony claims to have seen some sort of creature run off the other night towards the peaks overlooking the town. Two of our fore-ponies, Rawhide, and Tough hide went up to investigate and report back. That was three days ago and they were supposed to be back yesterday. The mountain where the suspects are isn’t so big that it can’t be climbed in a day or two if you know where you’re going and trust me those two know these mountains like it’s their own leg.”

I never imagined things would ever be this bad. What happened to the monthly reports? Surely Celestia must be aware of this or if not her some official! And if they were why wasn’t I informed? This is why we have a system in place! Luna sighed mentally. Another matter I will address with Celestia. Now is not the time for pointing hooves, but for action!
“Fear not Allure, Applejack and I will go check on your foremen and resolve this matter. You just do your best to get that tribute ready and keep yourselves fed.”

Allure smiled gratefully, “Thank so much your Highness, I will prepare you a map and some supplies. Feel free to try on some of my wares, they could come in handy, and there is a swordsmith across the way if you need weapons.”

“Just Luna is fine, and thank you for the offer, but I’m afraid a full suit of armor would only slow us down. If you have some light armor available that would suit our needs just fine.”

“The lighter armor is located towards the back, please have a look. I’ll be right back with a map.” Allure trotted outside and disappeared into the bustle of the town.

Wordlessly Luna walked into the armor store room, Applejack trailing behind her. She paused to inspect the heavy and mid weight armors, admiring their crafthoofship. She really is Raritan’s daughter; the design looks the similar as my old armor. In fact these pieces look better than my armor, sleeker and less bulky. I may have to take a suit home when we're done here.

In the back was the lighter armor Luna was searching for. They were half pieces covering only certain parts of the body, mainly the shoulders, flanks and chest area. Leather padding made up the rest of the armor as well as some chain mail.
Luna rubbed her chin as she inspected the selection, till she spotted one piece she liked. “I believe this would suit you best Applejack, please try it on.”

Applejack took the armor and looked about for a place to change. She glanced away nervously as she asked, “Will right here do? Ah don’t see a place to dress.”

“I see no problem, we are both mares after all, no need to be embarrassed, plus we don’t normally wear clothes.” Luna reminded the farm mare. Applejack blushed and looked away.

“Oh right, Ah forgot. Ah just thought it wouldn’t be proper for me to dress in front of you, you being a princess in all. It’s bad manners in my family.”

What strange way of thinking. Luna thought as she watched Applejack try to put on the armor, try being the key word. “Here let me help you, these things can be rather tricky at times.”

“Ah... thank you,” Applejack stuttered as Luna’s hooves wandered over her coat, tightening buckles and setting the leather straps just right so they wouldn’t bind when she moved.

“Done!” Luna chimed gleefully as she looked Applejack over with a critical eye. “Yes, this was indeed a good choice; it’s almost if it was made for you.”

The armor was made into three parts. The first part was a form fitting dark blue bodysuit the same shade of Luna coat. The suit extended from Applejack’s neck; covering her torso, flank, and traveling down her legs before stopping above her knees. a leather harness was placed over the suit, allowing the metal shoulder and flank plates to be mounted on. The metal was obsidian in color and matched Luna’s crown. Finally two saddle bags attached to the harness and leather headband with metal studs wrapped around Applejack’s head. The farm mare no longer looked a like a plain Jane country mare, but a warrior ready for battle!

“Simply perfect, I’m definitely bringing this piece back with us. Now it is my turn to pick.” Luna searched the racks again and was quickly drawn to a set of obsidian shoulder and flank protectors. She quickly strapped on a harness for pegasus for her wings, locked the armor in, and placed her star blades in the holsters attached to the harness. “All set, let’s go check on Allure and be off. The sooner we rid the town these troublemakers the better.”

Applejack wordlessly nodded and followed the Princess outside.

Allure had just finished gathering the supplies she promised when Luna and Applejack exited her house. They were a very imposing sight, making the workers pause and stare while the fillies and colts of the town whispered in awe with big excited eyes filled with wonder.

They came to a stop in front of her, Luna extending a hoof, “The map please.”

“Of course, Princess,” Allure floated the map over to the Princess of the Night and kneeled, the rest of the town ponies followed her example. “We thank you for your help Princess. Safe travels on your quest.”

“Thank you, but leave the praise until we’ve rid your town of these troublemakers.” With that Luna turned and started heading towards the path up the cliffs. Applejack did a slight bow to the town folk and left to follow Luna.

When the two where high above the town Applejack let out a long breath she hadn’t realized she been holding. “That was intense. It felt like they were looking at me like Ah was some kind of hero of something.”

“In their eyes you are a hero, Applejack The brave knight accompanying her princess into a dangerous situation with no guarantee of coming back.” Luna looked coyly at the orange mare. “This is not the first time you’ve followed me head long into danger, why are you so nervous now?”

“Last time Ah was desperate to save my kin. Ah would have done anything to get them back.” Applejack paused as they approached the top of the path and looked down at the town. “This time Ah’m helping strangers. Not just that but some of them are unicorns. Ah never thought Ah’d be doing something like this to be honest with ya.”

Luna was surprised by Applejack’s words and worked to keep her face neutral when she asked the troubling question on her mind, “Do you dislike Unicorns, Applejack?” Come to think of it that could be why her and Allure started that little squabble. Are the relationships between the tribes that bad even among commoners?

Do Ah dislike unicorns? Ah never really talked to one before today. All Ah know about them is from mah kin and they never really spoke nice about them always talking about how unicorns swindled them and such. But these unicorns are different, they were working with earth ponies and just trying to get by, like me and mah family.

Applejack smiled as she reached to conclusion and answered the princess, “No ah don’t hate unicorns. Ah just never… knew any all that well before is all.”

Luna closed her eyes and smiled, “I see. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know them more as we go. For now let us continue on. We have a ways to go to finish our quest.”

“Right behind ya Princess!” Applejack hollered, running to catch up with the Princess.

Chapter two, everybody, please review and let me know what think. I hope I managed to get Luna and AJ's characters right, I should because they are my favorites. And for those of you wondering, Allure is the Rarity of this time. Rarity isn't my favorite of the mane six, but I do respect her character.

Luna rounded another bend in the trail and came to a flat open space with more paths branching off from the one she was on. She checked the map, looking to see which of the multiple pathways they needed to take. A red line marks the planned path the fore-ponies of Firehorn were supposed to have followed.

They could have gone another way. Something could have drawn their attention and taken them off course. From the map Luna could see that many cave entrances were marked out, but who knew how many more were unmarked. This would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

“How are you fairing Applejack?” Luna asked the earth pony as she came round the bend. The orange mare looked exhausted from their trek, not that Luna could blame her. A climb such as this would be hard for even a seasoned climber. Being weighed down with gear and armor as she was, Applejack was doing well to keep pace with her.

Applejack panted for breath as she sat down to rest. The higher altitude making the air much thinner than the earth pony was used to.

“Ah’m fine princess, Ah'm just a little winded.” A brisk wind whines through the valley, making both mares shiver. “And chilly, can’t forget that. At least mah feathers are coming in so mah hooves should stay nice and toasty for a while.”

“Feathers?” Luna questioned, turning to the orange mare with a raised brow. Applejack raised her foreleg and showed blond hairs growing on the base of her legs.

“Yep, feathers, mah Grandma was a shire pony, runs in the family. Every time around winter Ah start growing these here hairs on mah legs and shed them in spring. Like Ah said their real toasty and soft as silk too.” Applejack demonstrated by rubbing her hoof long Luna’s neck.

That is soft. I wonder if there’s a spell that would allow me to grow feathers of my own? Luna muses. “A very handy gene to have in one’s bloodline, I’m jealous.” The two share a smile before becoming serious again. “On to more pressing matters. We need to choose a route, and I’m not sure we can trust the map. The fore-ponies could have taken an alternate path, and we would be none the wiser. We could wander up here for days and not find them if we take the wrong path.”

“Couldn’t you just fly up and look for them? It would be faster, and I could check one of the other trails well you’re at it.” Applejack suggested.

Luna shook her head. “I could, but the wind and clouds up here make it too hard to fly and conduct a proper search. Let us not forget it’s not just us and the fore-ponies up here. The thieves are here as well, and we know nothing of their ability or numbers. I fear they are cleverer than our last opponents. Tis wiser to stay together.”

“Ah suppose your right when ya put it like that.” Applejack approached the trail carefully, looking around the small mound of soft dirt that lay on the path.

“What are you doing?” Luna asked.

“Ah’m looking for their trail, hoof prints and such, to see which way the might have gone, it’s tough though with all this hard rock around here. Especially since the trail is already a few days old.”

“I see. I shall leave you to then since I have little experience in this field.”

“You don’t know how to track?” Applejack exclaimed, “How can you be over a thousand years old and not know how to track?”

Luna shrugged, looking unfazed by her outburst. “I never took the time learn.”

Well Ah suppose since she’s teaching me stuff, Ah can do the same, only proper. “Well come over here then and Ah’ll show ya.”

Luna trotted over to her with a spring of excitement in her step. The princess of the night was utterly focused as Applejack explained the basics of tracking and looking for signs of disturbed earth and other tips and tricks. By the end of their little lesson, they deduce that the fore-ponies had taken the trail leading to the tallest part of the mountain and set off once again.

The trail was rough, rougher than the previous one. In fact, it could hardly be considered a trail at all. At several points Luna and Applejack had to jump from platform to platform to continue. A few times Luna had to fly them across, making the two wonder how the fore-ponies got across, or if they even took this path at all.

“I think we might have guessed wrong,” Luna said as they climbed the ridge up to the summit of the mountains. The map said there was an abandoned mine at the top of the plateau.

Applejack nodded in agreement, “You may be right, but we’re already here, so we might as well check and see if there’s another path that leads down or something.”

“Agreed,” Luna led the way, the wind roaring in her ears, making it hard to hear, which was why they probably didn’t hear the commotion at the summit where the remnants of the former mining town stood before seeing it with their own eyes. Both mares starred in surprise as a dozen or more dark colored ponies with scales instead of coats and leathery wings surrounded two stallions in armor similar to their own. They were probably the fore-ponies.

One stallion was a tan unicorn with a shortcut blue mane, wearing shoulder and flank plate armor. The other was a big red earth pony with dark orange hair, wearing a scarf and shoulder armor. The two stood flank to flank, facing opposite directions. Both looked worse for wear, covered in cuts and bruises. The earth stallion's right eye had a large cut over it with blood running down his face.

A red pony-like creature broke from the pack snapping its jaws viciously as it tried to chomp on the red stallion’s shoulder. The earth pony stallion thrust his shoulder forwards, hitting the red creature on the nose. It stumbled back, blood running down its muzzle. As it snarled its chest began to glow ballooning as fire spewed from between it’s fangs.

“Watch out!” the unicorn cried, creating a shield just in the nick of time to block the stream of flames that would have roasted both of them alive. Another creature, this one a gray color with an orange mane came barreling in towards their exposed flank. The earth pony whirled around, swinging his pickaxe blindly the gray creature flying out of range of the attack.

The flames died away, and the unicorn dropped the shield to fire at the ashen creature while the earth stallion brought his pickaxe around to attack the red beast, the two stallions keeping each other's blind spots covered.

Six more of the creatures dived down to attack both sides of the stallions, ramming them and dogpiling atop of the two miners. For a moment it seemed the two studs were finally taken down until suddenly one creature was flung from the pile and then another and then a third as the stallions fought their way to the top. The earth stallion swung his pickaxe, hitting a creature in the head with the flat of the pickaxe. The beast let out a loud whimper as it retreated back into the pack.

The stallions realigned themselves, ready for the next wave. The creatures began to steadily back away.

Their teamwork and defense were nearly flawless! I haven’t seen anything like it in years. Luna took note of the attacking creatures’ condition, seeing many of them sporting wounds of their own. A few look like they had broken legs. Yet they still fight, why? Better yet what are they? They look like bat ponies, but they live in the caves far in the east. Bat ponies also don’t have scales. These ponies look more like pony dragons than anything… what a minute could they be Rinin?

The rinin all began to growl, their chests glowing with magic, they intended to attack the fore-ponies all at once!

“Applejack! With me!” Luna ordered as she charged towards the circle of Rinin. “As princess of the night, we order you all to stand down now!” She demanded, her Canterlot voice raised to its fullest volume. Both sides stumble to a halt as the two mares rush in, taking up position beside the stallions. The Rinin cautiously began backing away from the four, then suddenly they all unfolded their wings and swarmed into the sky, roaring as they circled once around the four before retreating into the nearby caves. The four ponies were left standing alone in the abandoned town.

“Well, that was weird. Reckon you scared them off, princess?” Applejack inquired as she kept an eye on the caves, in case it was a ruse to throw them off guard.

Luna frowned, feeling uncertain about the situation. “I do not know Applejack.” A raindrop fell from the sky, and thunder roared in the distance. A storm was rolling in, and fast. “Whatever the cause we must seek shelter. One of these buildings should suffice for now.” As Luna began to walk away, she noticed the two stallions remain rooted where they stood. They looked worriedly at her. “What is wrong?” She asked, “Come with us to shelter so we can better acquaint with one another.”
The earth pony stallion scratched his head, pulling a piece of hay from the folds of his scarf, “Sorry ma’am, just... ah never thought Ah’d see a princess all the way up here, it's taking a little bit to process.”

The Unicorn rolled his eyes, “What my brother means is it’s a pleasure to meet you Princess Luna and... Applejack was it? We’d be happy to join. I’m Tough Hide by the way, and this big brute is my quote ‘twin’ brother Rawhide.”

“Ah was getting to introducing mah self-Tough,” Rawhide said irritably, “Ah’m just saying it’s not every day you see a princess on top of a mountain scaring off a bunch of nasty critters with nothing but her voice. Ah’d always figured- and ah mean no offense when ah say- ah thought you’d be up in that fancy city of Canterlot all the time. Figuring yawl be too busy running things to come all the way out here yourselves.”

The rain began to pour down, soaking the four ponies instantly, Luna sighed as her mane was instantly drenched, making it sag and touch the muddy ground. That’s just great! “Yes, we’re on a mountain. Now can we please go to that shelter over there?” She pointed irritably to one of the last structurally stable buildings.

“Agreed,” Replied the brothers as they all made a mad dash for the building, which happens to be some sort of motel. It was a two-story building half made of wood- how they ever found enough up here was beyond any of them- and the other half carved out of a large rock formation. The kitchen and storehouse were carved into the rock, along with a quarter turned stairway that leads to the second floor. The second story was made of wood with four bedrooms with old ratty beds in each. There was nothing editable left in the storehouse, but there were coal and flint along with some oil in the storeroom. Eager to dry off they lit a fire in the iron stove. While they warmed their chilled bodies Applejack passed out what little rations they had, giving the brothers some cheese and apples.

Rawhide was making his way through a granny smith apple when he asked, “So what brings you two all the way up here? Ah, doubt you came all the way up here just for us.”

“Actually, it is just that,” Applejack’s answer made the two brothers pause.

“You can’t be serious?” Blurted Rawhide. “Why would ya do that?”

“I’m sure they have their reasons brother.” Tough hide interjected, earning a glare from his sibling.
Luna cleared her throat breaking up their silent fight. “We originally came to get a contract for some armor, but after hearing of your town's… problem, I decided to lend a hoof and came up to look for you and discover what creatures were plaguing the town. I must say I was rather surprised.”

“Ya know what those things are Luna?” Applejack asked. "They looked like Pegasi. Well more like monster Pegasi."
Taking a deep breath, Luna prepared herself, “I thought they were only a myth, but the creatures you fought today are called Rinin. They are dragon pony hybrids.”

“Dragon ponies?” Rawhide interrupted with disbelief, “You can’t be serious. Dragons have such huge… ya know… and ponies are so small. Either way Ah don’t see that working.”

“Maybe when they’re teenage dragons? They are closer to pony size.” Tough hide suggested, “Even if such a strange mating ritual did happen, I doubt it’s happened enough to have that many of these Rinin flying around. If so we would have run into them much sooner than now, our clans have been in these mountains for generations, and we have no records or even scary stories of such creatures.”

“Aren’t your kin really friendly with the dragons though?” Applejack asked, thinking back to what Allure had told them earlier. Tough hide shook his head.

“Being in business with dragons isn’t the same as being friendly. We barely speak with them, let alone mate with them! Besides, no pony could hide such a thing for very long without somepony noticing, especially in such a small town like ours.”
“Ugh, good point,” Applejack conceded. “Say, why were you all so late getting back anyway? Allure was mighty worried about you two.”

Rawhide shrugged, “The ah… Rinin, as you call them took out a ledge on the path to get up here. He maybe my brother, but I don’t trust Tough to levitate me across.”

“I only dropped you once and that was when we were colts!”

“Yeah and I weigh three times as much now. Anyway, we had to backtrack to the other side of the mountain. There are a couple narrow slopes there you can use to get up here, takes a lot of extra time, but it safer and they’re not as easy to destroy.”

Luna rubbed her temple fiercely, “We are getting off track. As I was saying, Rinin are dragon pony hybrids that were thought to be a myth Given the proof I’ve seen with my own eyes, we all know that they are in fact not a myth. That being said, we know nothing about them, but given what we do know, I think I know why they are stealing from the village.”

“You do?” The brothers asked in unison. Luna nodded as she went into what she called Celestia’s lecture mode.

“Yes. Now as we all know dragons eat gems and ponies eat fruit, vegetables, etc. Since gems and food were being stolen, we can assume the Rinin eat both gems and traditional pony food. It’s hard to say how their biology works, but they must need both to get the nutrients they need for both sides of their genes.”

“But why steal? Why not ask or trade for the gems or grow their own food?” Tough hide asked.

“They may have nothing to trade, and like Pegasi, they may not know how to grow food, nor can they mine like earth ponies and unicorns can. Besides, if a group of them wondered into your town could you say you wouldn’t be afraid of their appearance? There must be a reason they’re up here, and I’m afraid to think of what it is.” Luna looked out the window to the moon, finding comfort in its presence even if she couldn’t see it through the storm. “Let us rest. I will cast a spell that will alert us if anything tries to enter this building while we sleep. Tomorrow we go into the caves and resolve this matter. They seem to have intelligence, meaning we should be able to come to a favorable agreement.”

“And what if they’re just mindless beasts?” Rawhide asked. “What will we do then?”

“We will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, all you go get some sleep I will join you upstairs after I secure our location.” The two brothers said their good nights and trotted up the stairs, their heavy hoofsteps making a racket on the wooden floor. Luna’s horn glowed as she began casting her spell. As she worked, she took note that Applejack hadn’t moved. “Is there something I can help you with Applejack?”

The orange mare rubbed her growing feathers nervously, looking away from the princess. “Ah don’t know Luna. Ah’m just… worried is all. What if we can’t reason with those Rinin? What will we do with them? Their hurting so many lives, but they’re just trying to survive like everypony else. Ah....ah don’t want to hurt them is what ah’m trying to say.”

Oh Applejack what a kind heart you have. Luna walked over and wrapped a leg around Applejack, bringing her in for a hug. She’s such a brave and mature pony that I forget how young and inexperienced she truly is sometimes.

“I won’t lie Applejack, it is a real possibility that we may have to fight them, but rest assured I will do what I have to to make sure it doesn’t come to that.” Don’t make promises you can’t keep Luna. A voice whispered in the back her mind. “Now go and rest, I will join you shortly.”

“Ok, see ya in the morning.” Applejack yawned and trotted up the stairs. Her hooves were much quieter than the brothers, Luna appreciates the mercy on her ears as she finishes her spell. Using her wings to fly silently up the stairs she entered the last remaining room at the end of the hall.

The bed wasn’t anywhere near as comfortable as her bed back at the castle, but it was still a little bit better than the floor. Not by much though. She sighed as she folded her wings to lie down. She felt the warmth of something nearby and grabbed on to it, pulling it close. So nice and warm….Zzzzz…

When Luna woke up she realized two things. One, the sun was up and the moon was gone, which meant Celestia had lowered it for her. Two, she was holding Applejack like a teddy bear. How in Equestria did this happen? I was sure this room was empty!

Carefully not to disturb the sleeping mare, Luna carefully unwrapped her forelegs from Applejack’s neck and began to slowly ease herself out of bed. I’m not sure what I’m so embarrassed about. We are both mares and friends, but… umm Ahh… I got nothing. No, wait… awkward… yes, this is awkward, and it will be even more awkward if she wakes up and I’m still here!

Just as Luna was close to being home free, Applejack threw her hooves around her neck and burrowed in Luna’s mane. Oh moon pies! Could they get any worse? The sound of hooves against wood made Luna aware that the Hide brothers were awake. Sorry Applejack…

Clearing her throat Luna prepared her ‘wake up Celestia voice,’ or as Celestia nicknamed it ‘the Canterlot voice from Tartarus.’ Taking a deep breath, Luna unleashed her secret weapon.

“TIS TIME TO WAKE THEE UP APPLEJACK, RAISE AND SHINE!”

“Guaha!” Was Applejack’s response as she flew ten feet up into the air, giving Luna the few precious seconds she needed to get out of the bed and play innocent.

After a light breakfast of oats, Luna, Applejack, and the brothers made their way to the caves, With Applejack still reeling from Luna’s wake up call. When asked why she did it, Luna replied, “We were in a mood for a prank, and it seemed rude to pull one on ponies we just met yesterday. Friends are fair game, however.” The three bought her excuse, and Luna promised not to wake Applejack in such a manner again. Though the princess of the night would be sleeping with one eye open for a while, Applejack may not seem like the revenge type, but after years of Celestia’s counter pranks, she wasn’t taking any chances.

“We are here.” Tough Hide announced, drawing Luna out her elaborate counter plans to whatever Applejack may or may not be planning. The cave entrance was one of the old mine shafts, rotting timbers held up the ceiling, several lanterns remains swung gently on iron hooks, and a busted railway ran in the center with a few mine carts on the track filled with dirt and rocks.

“Charming isn’t it?” Luna said jokingly.

“Our great uncle died in this mine.” Rawhide deadpanned. Causing an awkward cricket chirping moment.

Luna coughed, passing a sideways glance at the cricket to shut it up, once it complied she summoned a ball of light on the tip of her horn and walked into the mine shaft. “Let us be off now and get this over with. No need to make the townsfolk worry longer then they have to, right?” The other three nod and follow her into the darkness.

It was dark alright. The light of Luna and Tough Hide’s horns barely light their way, and several times one of them almost set their hoof down on some pointy rusty object long abandoned. As they traveled deeper, they came across a few old storage shacks.

Finding hoofprints in the dirt, Tough Hide and Rawhide entered one of the shacks to investigate. After a brief, tense moment of silence, they give the all-clear for Luna and Applejack to enter. Inside they found the brothers messing with a lantern, Tough Hide lighting it with a small flame from his horn. The three sources of light were enough to clearly illuminate the room which had several blanket rolls laid out like beds.

“I thought this was a storage shack?” Applejack said looking puzzled in the lantern light. “Looks more like a bedroom to me. Real squished ones too, there must be about fifteen blanket rolls in here.”

“It is a storage shack,” Rawhide rebuked, holding the lantern up to the east wall to reveal a smaller room of tools with a big iron box tucked away in the corner. “No sane miner would sleep in a mine.” He held the lantern up to the hole in the wall where another room has been dug out. “These claw marks say they made the room bigger and were using it for sleeping quarters. The bed rolls even have our clan mark on them. We must be getting close.” Rawhide entered the storage area, inspecting the pickaxes and shovels. “These have been recently used.” He noted.

Applejack walked up beside him looking curious. “Do you think they tried mining for gems themselves first?”

Rawhide chewed his lip. “Maybe.”

Tough Hide and Luna exited the addition each levitating several jars. Both earth ponies not realizing the two had walked past them. “Well, I found some of our food. Some jarred peaches and carrots probably stole them from…” Tough Hide froze his eyes fixed at the iron box next to Applejack. Is that what I think it is?” Tough hide asked, inspecting the box for himself.
“It is indeed.” Rawhide replied as he stepped around the confused mare, “Open it up Tough.”

As Tough began working his magic on the locks Luna entered the room. “What are you two up too?” Luna asked, a little unnerved by the amount of sharp pointy objects in the room. Some pony could get hurt in here.

“Getting some insurance. We’ll go along with your peace plan, but in case things go south we’ll want what’s in this here box for protection.” Rawhide answered just as Tough got the last lock off.

“And just what is this insurance?” Luna asks making her way over to the box for a closer look. Her jaw dropped from what she saw. Rows and rows of short red sticks. “This is…”

“Dynamite,” Tough finishes for her, placing a dozen sticks in his saddle bag. “This batch is a little old, but it should still have some pop to it. You find any flint Rawhide?”

“Yep,” The red stallion replied, holding his hoof up and showing off a flint and steel brace adorning his leg.

Luna looked worriedly between the two stallions. “Is this really necessary? You could bring the mine down on our heads.”
“We know princess, trust us we know, we are miners after all.” Tough Hide reminded her, “We know how to dig a mine and how to bring it down. This here dynamite is just to make sure those creatures don’t try to swarm us. I’m sure they like living just as much as we do. I suppose a magic blast would do just as well, but there are certain stones down here that can negate magic, so this makes for a good back up.”

“Yeah, we learned what not to do when Uncle Stout Hide blew himself up.” Chuckled Rawhide.

“Is that the same Uncle you said died here?” Applejack asked in concern. Rawhide nodded, which only increased her unease. “Um… Luna?”

Luna frowned as she thought back to the stone cyclops she had fought, “There are anti-magic stones down here?”
Rawhide raised a brow at the question, “Where else do you get stones? Though I suppose you could make em’ with your magic or something. You can do that, right Princess?”

“No, that’s more alchemy then magic.” Rawhide shrugged and walked out of the tool shack, Applejack following nervously behind him.

“I suppose that’s enough TNT, shall we get going, princess?” Tough Hide asked as he locked the iron box. Luna nodded and they reenter the tunnel.

The four continue down the dark tunnel, it was eerie, to say the least. There was no sound other than that of their own hooves. For all the Rinin they saw yesterday they expected to see at least one of the creatures by now. They had been traveling for almost two hours, maybe longer, it was hard to tell down here.

I still feel the sun in the sky, so it’s still daytime. I am worried about those three and these cramped tunnels. I won’t be able to fight to my fullest. Hopefully, the Rinin prove to be reasonable. I’d rather we not fight, but if they are just trying to survive then what will we do with them after this? Could they live in town? Will the city accept them? Will anypony take them?

The three tribes’ relations were still strained. There were a few towns where two of the three tribes manage to work together, but all three? None as far as Luna knew. Many Earth ponies still resented the treatment their ancestors were subjected to by the Unicorn and Pegasi tribes back before the time she and Celestia came to power. Many in the Pegasi tribe didn’t like the overwhelming Political control the Unicorns held in the government and were made to pay the same land taxes as the Earth ponies, despite the majority of Pegasi settlements being in the clouds. Finally, the Unicorn’s, many in the noble class, held to the ‘master race’ complex and looked down on both the earth and the pegasi tribes as inferior. The fact the rinin were half dragon, dragons a long-standing foe of ponykind, wouldn’t earn them any favors in the eyes of the other tribes.

“Look up ahead! a light!” Applejack pointed, knocking Luna out of her musing. At the end of the tunnel was a beam of sunlight pouring down from the ceiling.

“It must be the main junction, the center point of the mine; it’s where all the tunnels connect.” Rawhide explained as they exited the tunnel and entered the large open chamber. it was dark save for the light from above, and also the hundreds of glowing eyes from the surrounding tunnels. “Ah think we found ‘em.”

“Indeed we have,” Luna whispered. “You three stay here. I will speak with them.”

“Ah’m going with ya,” Applejack insisted, firmly standing next to the princess. Rather than fight with the stubborn mare, Luna simply smiled allowing Applejack to company her. The mare had proved to be good luck in their last adventure, perhaps the same will be here.

“We got your backs. Besides, I doubt we’d be a welcome sight for them.” Tough Hide said as he and Rawhide took up a position at the tunnel entrance, making sure to stay in the darkness of the tunnel. They had a couple of sticks of dynamite ready and waiting in case things went south. Luna only hoped their preparations wouldn’t stir the Rinin into a frenzy.
Luna walked to the center of the junction and adjusted her voice for the echo of the caves. She didn’t want them to think her greeting was an attack. “Hello, ponies of… this mine. I am Princess Luna, ruler of the night. I have come here to speak to you of your actions against the town of Firehorn. Your thievery is hurting the ponies there, and it needs to stop. I wish to discuss how we can resolve this matter in peace.”

From the shadows of one of the other tunnels a large Rinin stallion emerged. Standing as tall as Luna, his coat was grey, while his scales were silvery blue, along with his eyes. He slowly walked towards Luna and Applejack, stopping about five feet away. His hackles raised as he growled at them.

“Get out! Leave us be!” He barked, crouching into an aggressive stance. Luna cursed herself for letting him get so close, he could clear the space between them before she even had a chance to cast a spell or draw her weapons.

She carefully moved in front of Applejack while continuing to speak in a calm, neutral voice. “I can’t do that. Now please, I wish to speak with you peacefully.. Are you the leader of your group?”

The Rinin didn’t back down or change his stance. “I am.”

“What’s your name?” Luna asked, stepping closer. The rinin backed away and dug his claws into the ground, his muscles tense. He was spooked, she would need to play this carefully. “Applejack back away, Rawhide, Tough Hide stay where you are. Everything is ok.”

“I think we have different opinions on that!” Rawhide shouted from the tunnel. She heard hoofsteps, but couldn’t tell which way they were coming from with the echo. Suddenly several more Rinin stepped out of the darkness, standing beside their leader defensively. Slowly she counted without moving her eyes. Four, maybe two more on the ceiling above. “You all stay back!” Rawhide yelled as he rushed ahead, the sound of the flint lighter striking.

“Everypony stay calm!” Luna ordered as Tough Hide also ran out with his brother. The two stallions flanked Applejack who was only four feet behind her. Suddenly something dropped down from the ceiling. Luna strained to look without turning her head and was dismayed to find their exit blocked. The Rinin began to growl, their chests glowing as they built flames inside their bellies. Tough Hide floated several pieces of dynamite while Rawhide waited with the striker, both of them looking nervous as the dragon ponies surrounded them.

“What are we going to do Luna?” Applejack whispered frightenedly.

Luna frowned. “Everypony, please just calm down! We don’t need to resort to violence!”

The red Rinin beside Sixes viciously snapped his jaws, smoke pouring from his nostrils as he seethed, “There’s already been violence!”

“There wouldn’t have been if you vermin hadn’t been stealing our food and gems!” Rawhide barked back. Both the miners and the rinin began to growl, inching closer to one another.

Luna stood her ground, if she backed away now, they’d attack for sure and then they’d all die. “Then let’s not resort to anymore. As far as I know, no pony has been killed yet. We can still settle this peacefully. Now you, what is your name Rinin Leader? This will go much smoother if we can actually address each other properly.”

The Rinin leader rose up from his battle stance, eyes darting around, analyzing the situation and seeing the mutual destruction that would come if things didn’t cool down and quick.

“My name is Sixes.” He answered. With his tail, he tapped the red rinin beside him and gestured for him to move back. The red rinin growled and snapped but did concede and stepped away, as did the others save for the one guarding the exit.

Luna sighed, visibly relaxing, “Good now we can…”

“Wait, Sixes? Like the number?” Applejack blurted out, causing Luna to cringe, thinking negations had already failed. It’s happened before; turns out foreign leaders get really offended if you mispronounced their name or you think it sounds funny. Before Luna could start yelling for Rawhide and Tough hide to light the fuses Sixes chuckled.

“Yes, little pony, like the number, or rather 6666 to be more precious. However that gets to be a mouth full, so ponies have just started calling me Sixes. Now, I believe we have more serious matters to discuss.” Sixes said, turning his attention to Luna. “I believe you are here about, our… appropriating of the town's supplies.”

“Indeed, you must know what you are doing is wrong and the danger you are putting the town in. Surely we can come to a peaceful solution?”

Sixes frowned, “If it were that easy Princess, we would have done it, but it is complicated.”

“How so? If you are willing, we can go down to town and resolve the problem now, and arrange it so you won’t have to steal anymore. We might even be able to speak with the dragons. You being Rinin they might be willing to take you in.”

Sixes furrowed his brow in confusion, “Rinin? What is that? Why would dragons want anything to do with us?”

Luna and Applejack looked at each other and then to the two brothers, who shrugged, not knowing what to say. Luna spoke again, “You are Rinin correct? Half dragon, half pony, or are you bat ponies?”

More Rinin emerge out of the tunnels, Rinin of all shapes, sizes, and colors, from foals to full grown adults, they chatted excitedly among each other before Sixes raised his hoof for silence.

“We don’t know what you are talking about Princess. I don’t remember much of my past or my parents. In fact, I only remember waking up in this cave three or four months ago, it’s the same for all of us.” Sixes turned so his flank was showing, on it was the number 6666 where his cutie mark should have been. “We don’t know our real names or even what we are, all we know is that we woke up here and we all have a number on our flank.”

This… this is… I don’t know what this is! But making sense isn’t one of them! How could so many ponies not know who or even what they are? In fact, how can they all have numbers for marks? After Sixes' big reveal Luna asked if they could inspect more of the Rinin to verify his story. Sixes agreed and soon a long line of ponies was before Luna. Each and every one of them told the same story, there were some variances like some ponies said having wings didn’t feel right, or they felt something was missing. The most disturbing part was their marks; it was like somepony had branded them. Luna saw numbers from 0014 to 0711 and even numbers as high as 9413, however, there were only 150 ponies in the cave. Satisfied, Luna regrouped with Applejack and the brothers, who had long since put away the TNT.

Applejack got straight to the point, “Well, what are we gonna do with ‘em?”

Luna sighed as she looked at them all, “Rawhide, Tough Hide, do you think they could stay in town? They could work for their meals and lodging.”

Tough hide shook his head.

“I’m sorry, princess, but the town can’t support 150 more ponies, at least not all at once. We could take in twenty tops, but any more and we’d run out of supplies and room for them. They could stay up here or in other caves, but that still leaves the food issue and the fact there’s not enough of it, they eat more gems then we can mine, even with their help. Then there are the safety issues that come into play with inexperienced miners.”

“Couldn’t you open a new mine, just for them?” Applejack suggests.

This time Rawhide spoke, “We could, but we’d have to find a vein of gems first, and that’s hit or miss even with spells. Also to open another mine, we’d have to go through the dragons first, and they’ll want their share.”

“Which is?”

“Sixty percent, and at that rate digging a mine just for them to eat wouldn’t be profitable, what with all the tools and equipment and rails we’d have to set up for it. You have to remember mining is our livelihood and as much as I want to help, our workers have to eat and support themselves too.”

“Well shoot, what are we going to do then?” Applejack cursed and stomped her hoof.

“We take them with us.” Luna declares softly. Applejack and the brothers to stare at her. “We take them back to the castle with us Applejack. There are caves in the Everfree behind the castle, and we can build more shelters for them. They don’t just eat gems so we can feed them what we can. I’m sure there is somewhere near the castle where they could dig for gems. The rocky area to the north may have some gems tucked away if the diamond dogs haven’t found them.” Applejack, Rawhide, and Tough Hide all stare at her with their mouths agape. “What, is there something on my face?”

Applejack shook her head and decided since she was the princess’s friend she should be the one to talk to her about her… decision. Pulling the Alicorn into a secluded tunnel, Applejack spoke, “You really want to bring all these ponies back to the castle?” Applejack held up her hooves, stopping Luna’s retort short. “Look it’s your castle, and I can’t stop you from doing this if it’s what you want to do, but what are these ponies going to do there? Hide in the woods? That’s no way to live Luna. Folks might take them as some new monster or something.”

Luna exhales deeply, “I know how they look Applejack. Their different, normal ponies will fear them, but I believe there is a way they can win the love and respect they need to fit in.”

“What are you talking about Luna?”

The princess of the night walked towards the edge of the tunnel and looked out at the mass of ponies before turning back to Applejack with a coy smile, “Well I did say I need ponies to join my night Patrol, and I see 150 ponies that could fill the ranks very nicely.”

“You mean?”

“Yes, I do. Applejack, say hello to your new comrades.” Luna walked into the light, raising her voice for all to hear, “Ponies who dwell in this mine I have an opportunity for you. You may refuse it, but I urge you to hear me out. I must protect all ponies from the dangers of the night, and it is a task too big for even I to do alone. So I ask you, to join me, to fight for me, for Equestria! To fight against the evil in the night! The road ahead will be difficult, ponies will fear you for your appearance, but over time they will respect you for your actions! All I can offer in exchange is food, shelter, and the promise that no matter what fate may be waiting down this path, I will stand beside you. No matter what. Now, what say you? Will you join me?”

The Rinin chatted among themselves, a group of them forming around Sixes. Some were fearful, a few uncertain, while others were filled with hope at the idea of food and shelter. Others were not so inclined.

“What if this a ruse Sixes? A plan to lower our guard and take revenge?” The red rinin snorted, looking distrustfully of the Princess and her group. “There’s no way they’ll just forgive and forget what we’ve done! We have to stand our ground!”

“With what food and weapons?” Sixes shook his head. “We gave all the food to the foals and mares. I haven’t eaten in days and you haven’t either. None of us have. All of us working together couldn’t defeat those two stallions, and now there are four of them, and the princess has both a horn and wings. Her powers must be even greater than the others. If we can get food and shelter from the princess in exchange for serving her then it’s an opportunity we can’t just ignore. There’s more to the world than just this cave and stealing scraps.”

The other rinin fall silent, each of them thinking of a life outside of the mine. It had served as their home for three months since they all found themselves here. If there wasn’t so many of them or so many foals and mares with foal maybe they could make things work, but that wasn’t the reality. They needed a new home. They each looked to Sixes and nodded. The red rinin snorted in displeasure.

“Fine..”

Sixes patted the red rinin on the shoulder and walked over to Luna. “We’ll take your offer under consideration, for now, I’ll go apologize to the townsfolk on behalf of my kin.”

Luna smiled. “I’m happy to hear that.” She looked over to the other rinin Sixes had been speaking with. “I promise I will return him unharmed.” The red rinin snorted and turned away, the others following him deeper into the caves.

“Out of the way, 301.” Sixes ordered the rinin guarding the exit. The rinin bowed and made room for them to pass.

“Don’t ya have names?” Applejack asked as they entered the tunnel to the surface. “Yawl can’t just be calling yourselves by numbers all the time.”

“Some of us have names and some still go by numbers until somepony either names them or they come up a name they like.” Sixes replied as they passed the miner’s shack.

“I don’t suppose you have a clan name then? My full name Applejack Apple of the Apple Clan.”

Sixes chuckled as they step into the sunlight. “That’s a lot of apples, but we do have a name for ourselves, it was scribbled on the wall where we all woke up.”

Luna looked at him with interest. “And what name was that?”

“Shadowbolt.”

Night patrol ch 4
By Foxgear

Luna observed the town of Firehorn from above, standing at the fork in the trail she and Applejack had taken to the mine, having come back around on the trail Rawhide and Tough Hide took. Each of them felt a little nervous as they looked at their fifth companion, the Rinin leader Sixes. Who was looking rightfully nervous himself as they were but a stone’s throw away from the town now.

Their mission was to bring Sixes down to Allure and hopefully smooth relations between the two clans before the dragons missed their tribute and decided come pay the ponies of Firehorn a visit. A visit from a dragon was never pleasant, especially if it involved tribute.

Despite the need for haste she and her little band of ponies were perplexed on how to introduce Sixes to the town and the fact there were one hundred and forty-nine more of his kind up in the mountains. In the right light the Rinin could pass off as a Thestral, but once a pony got close enough to see his scales and other draconic features, a panic would most likely ensue, followed by a lynch mob.

Luna’s first idea to ease the towns ponies fear was to have Sixes smile. Once he did and revealed his mouth full of razor-sharp teeth she promptly retracted the idea. Most ponies freaked out when bat ponies showed off their fangs. Ponies would probably mistake Sixes as a carnivore instead.

“Perhaps the less the town ponies know, the better. We’ll introduce you as the culprit and move straight to you promising to return what stolen goods remain. We’ll work out the finer details with Allure in private. Is that agreeable?” Luna asked the Rinin, who nodded. Rawhide and Tough Hide flank the Rinin on both sides, while she and Applejack led the way down the mountain to town. Sixes looked like a prisoner, but it was the best way to protect him in case anypony freaked out or wanted play judge, jury, and executioner.

Entering the town, they were met with mixed greetings. Ponies were happy to not only see Luna and Applejack return, but also the brothers. Their expressions took a downturn when they saw Sixes, ranging from confusion, fear, and anger. Some made moves to charge the rinin, but a stern look from the brothers made them back off. One pony picked up a rock, prepared to throw it.

“Put it down, Truss.” Rawhide drawled.

“But he!” The dirty blonde earth pony sobbed, wiping his tears fiercely. “He took our food stores! My younglings have been sleeping with aching bellies, and the missus has been getting thin with foal. I got the right for payback!”

Empowered by their friend's grievances, others joined in their anger bubbling to the surface. “Because of him the Dragons will be on us! They’ll torch the town!”

“Yeah! We should string up the freak! What’s he need all that food and gems for!”

“What the hell is he anyway! Some eviler version of a night devil?”

Luna’s eyes snapped toward the one to speak her most hated slur. The pony in question dropped his stone and backed away as the princess marched towards him, her eyes whited out while her hair began to dance wildly. With her magic Luna clamped the ponies hooves to the ground. The pony squirmed and whimpered as the Princess’s snarling muzzle came into clear focused view. Suddenly the uppity stallion found himself alone as his fellow townsfolk evicted the area.

When she spoke her voice thundered, “Never speak that phrase in thy presence again! Never! Those you call Night Devils are ponies closest to my heart, my children of the night.” The Princess swirled around, meeting the eye of every pony in sight. Boldly she pointed to Sixes and in the same thundering voice declared, “Though not a child of my night, I hold him in the same regard. He has wronged you, yes, and he has come to right those wrongs. No matter their appearance everypony is entitled to a second chance. I expect any pony that lives under the Equestrian banner to believe the same.”

The town ponies muttered quietly, their anger cooled by their fear of the Princess’s wrath. “We’re sorry, Princess. We forgot ourselves.” Truss muttered, meekly stepping out of the crowd. “But you have to understand, it’s not easy living here, and we don’t need a hard life being any harder, ya know?”

Luna took a breath, her pupils returned and her hair settled down. She offered the miner a soft smile. “I understand, believe me I do. I may bear a crown now, but there was once a time in my life where I was desperate and unsure when the next meal would come. Words can only go so far, but believe me when I say, whatever you lost I will repay in double.”

“What a generous offer, I’ll hold you to that, Princess.” Allure chirped trotting out of her home. The white unicorn let out a long yawn. “Sorry, I was taking a nap when I heard a sudden ruckus out my window.” Allure paused once she caught sight of Rawhide and Tough Hide. She smiled and joyfully galloped to the brothers, completely ignoring Sixes while she pulled them into a firm hug. When she pulled away she gave the two a big warm smile and then… BONK! She hit them right on the head! “That’s for making me worry. Next time come back when your supposed to!” She didn’t give them the chance to apologize, “Never mind that now, did you find our thief?”

“Yep, right here.” Rawhide stepped out of the way, giving Allure a full view of Sixes.

For a moment Allure was stunned as she just stood there staring, but then she cocked her head and began to walk around the Rinin with a critical eye, she poked his scaled flank, dug her hooves through his mane, played with his draconic tail and opened his mouth not even flinching at the mouthful of sharp teeth.

“Are you done?” Sixes asked with mild annoyance.

“Right sorry, lost myself for a moment there.” Allure let Sixes’ jaw drop close and she took a step back looking perplexed. “So, your a dragon pony, a handsome one too. I didn’t think your kind existed, so you're our thief?”

“One of them, ma’am.” Sixes replied looking perplexed himself. “You’re not scared of me?”

“Not really. I’ve dealt with full grown dragons a thousand times bigger and a thousand times less polite.” Allure took stock of her clan. Right now things were calm again, but they wouldn’t be for long. “Alright, down to business, why have you been stealing our food and gems? Just how many of you are there? You took enough food for fifty and enough gems for two full grown dragons to enjoy a decent sized meal for a month.”

Sixes nervously glanced at the ponies surrounding him. There was maybe a estimated two-three hundred ponies here. He didn’t want to reveal his clan only numbered one hundred fifty, especially when a third of them were made up of impregnated mares and young foals.

“It’s ok Sixes,” Luna assured him.

He sighed, the Princess and brothers already knew, even if he said nothing the town would find out. “We number one hundred and fifty, plus me. We have a lot of younglings and foals, and mares expecting with foals.” A loud demanding growl came from his stomach as it tightened painfully. “We gave the vast majority of the food to them. Those of us able bodied, ate gems, we still have a good horde of them left. They don’t perish so we wanted to keep them around in case of an emergency. We’ll return what’s left now and pay the rest back when we can. I’m sorry, we didn’t think we had a choice.”

The ponies of Firehorn looked beside themselves. They muttered quietly among each other, some didn’t look persuaded, while others had a bit more sympathy as they looked at the Rinin. With a simple raised hoof Allure brought the chatter to an end.

“I believe you. You seem like an honest pony, and the Princess vouched for you. We’ll discuss the finer details of you repaying us for your… appropriating of our food and gems inside my house.” Allure faced the crowd. “All of you, back to work! I’ll take care of things from here.” The crowd mumbled, but they did disperse. “Rawhide, Tough Hide, please make sure everypony stays calm while I sort this out. No pony is to leave the town. I especially don’t want anypony going up that mountain with misguided thoughts. We will resolve this peacefully.”

The brothers nodded, and departed from the group. Rawhide picked up a pickaxe and stood guard by the trail while Tough Hide went over to the refinery to keep an eye on everypony.

“Please follow me... Sixes was it?” He nodded. “Good, please come with me. You too Princess and you as well Applejack. I’ll serve us some drinks.”

Inside Allure’s house, Luna, Applejack, and Sixes sat at the table while Allure stood in the kitchen watching the coffee pot on the stove. Several times Allure would steal peeks at the Rinin, who would awkwardly smile back and reveal his sharp teeth, then promptly hide them again. Luna and Applejack found the exchange amusing.

“Seems like somepony may have a crush, what do ya think Luna?” Applejack whispered quietly. Luna suppressed a giggle, imaging Sixes and Allure with little white and black foals running around. “An amusing thought Applejack. What do thou think of fair Allure, Sixes?” She asked the Rinin stallion, who nervously tapped his hoof on the table.

“Well…” He began, struggling to find words, “She is gorgeous. Never saw anypony like her before. She’s different from the others, wasn’t scared of me at all. That said, it isn’t right to have feelings for her when I was stealing from her.”

Luna and Applejack froze as the reality of things came into focus. After all the tension from outside sitting relaxed around the table was quite the contrast.

“There we go. I hope you like your coffee black, Mr. Sixes.” Allure sang as she levitated a tray of cups to the table.

“Never had it before, but thank you Miss Allure. I’m sure it will be delicious” Sixes replied politely.

“Oh, if that’s the case I should warn you that…” Sixes already took his first sip, his face contorting into various comical expressions as he choked down the beverage. He set the cup down with shaky hooves while doing his best to smile. “Sorry about that, coffee can be a little bitter to first-timers, let me get you some tea instead.”

Sixes waved his hoof, “No, no, you’ve been too kind. Let’s just discuss what we must.”

“That is probably for the best.” Allure settled down across from the Rinin. “Now I do believe that you intend to repay us for the things you’ve stolen, and I mean no offence when I say this, but you don’t have a bit to your name do you?”

Sixes’ blinked. “What’s a bit?”

“Right,” Allure turned her attention to Luna. “So, I’m guessing you’ll be footing the bill than, Princess?” Luna nodded. “Good, that’s settles that, just bring whatever gems you have left to town and we’ll call it even for now, Sixes. Even if you only have half of the gems you stole are left it will be just enough pay our tribute to the dragons. Thankfully this matter was resolved before they found out. You by chance haven’t ran into any dragons, have you Sixes?”

The Rinin shook his head, Allure breathing a deep sigh of relief. “Oh, thank the gods.”

“Alright, Ah gotta ask, what’s going on here? Is Firehorn part of Equestria or not?” Applejack asked. “Rawhide said you’ve been here for generations.”

“Four generations to exact,” Allure replied after a sip. “We were miners from the north unicorn tribes from the otherside of Canterlot. When my… lets see… Great Grandfather’s claim dried out he made a bid for some unsettled land, this land here. He bought it from… one of the Noble Blood families of Canterlot, I can’t remember which, but anyway he bought the land here, and then moved the entire clan with several other clans and wouldn’t you know it, there were dragons here! As you can imagine they didn’t take kindly to ponies showing up on their land. Especially ponies that claimed to have bought it from other ponies.”

Luna let out a beleaguered sigh, “Let me guess, the pony that sold the land didn’t actually own it.” This event sounded familiar. She would have still been in Canterlot at the time this happened, but the details were fuzzy. It was well over fifty years ago after all.

“Correct,” Allure snipped looking peeved. “But my grandfather couldn’t prove that and he had already paid the bank, so it was make do or die. And die was probably what would have happened if my grandfather hadn’t come to an agreement with the Dragon lord. See, as strong and prideful dragons are, they are also very lazy. So we mine the gems, give them a sixty percent cut and they let us collect their shedded scales, which makes amazing armor by the way. As long as we deliver on time, they do not care what we do. In some ways we’re freer than most ponies and in others we’re bottom of the barrel serfs with the constant threat of a fiery death hanging over us.”

“Ok,” Applejack nodded slowly. “But that doesn’t answer mah question, is this part of Equestria?”

Allure took a long sip of her coffee, “That depends on your point of view, Applejack.”

“What the hay is that supposed to mean!” The farm mare retorted angrily, “It’s a simple yes or no question, right Luna?”

Luna too took a long sip of her coffee, going through all the legal definitions she knew off the top of her head. “Yes and no, would probably be the most apt answer. While Allure’s ancestors did buy the land and establish an Equestrian settlement, this is still dragon land, so legally speaking Allure is more akin to a renter than land owner. I’d have to look up current settlement codes, but as far as I understand, no, despite being a pony town with Equestrians living in it, Firehorn is not part of Equestria.”

“And dragons don’t mind you selling their scales as weapons and armor to ponies? Their not afraid they’ll be used against them?” Applejack pressed. “They can’t be stupid to think ponies wouldn’t use their own scales against them. In fact I bet they’d be outright insulted to know we were using their scales as clothes. I bet they wouldn’t like it if they had found Sixes and his kin sneaking around either.”

Allure set down her cup. “No they wouldn’t have taken it too kindly if they had found Sixes and his kin, which is why it’s for the best they leave here. Lucky for us the dragons don’t visit the village often. Now I’ve babbled long enough, let’s finish our business, shall we Princess?”

Sixes raised his leg, “If I may interrupt, what do you want to be done with the food we still have? It’s not much, and it’s not really fresh either, but…”

Allure waved him off, “Keep it, eat it tonight for all I care. The gems are more pressing. Besides, our food stores will keep for a bit longer and with the order from the Princess we’ll have enough to buy more before winter arrives. Providing your willing to pay upfront, Princess.”

“I’ll have bank note made as soon as I’m able.”

“Good, then I just need to grab a few things upstairs quick, please wait a moment.”

The three watched as Allure trotted upstairs and disappeared for a full minute before coming back down again with a stack of papers levitated in front of her. “ Now, if you would please follow me Princess, I can show you my wares and you can pick the style of armor you like, then we can work out a bid for materials and labor. Oh, let’s not forget the contractor to stay at your castle. I’ll let you choose from our finest craft ponies and as an extra thank you for your help. I will let you take one of our ponies with you when you leave so they can start building the facilities we'll need. Now, what currency will you be paying in; Gems, Gold bits, silver bits, or trade?”

“Gold bits,” Luna replied, calculating the amount in her head. “I will make a bid after I see your wares.”

“Very good, please follow me, princess. Miss Applejack, Mr. Sixes will you be joining us?”

“Nah, I’ll stay here,” Applejack replied, visibly relaxing now that all the serious talk was over “Got anymore of this coffee? It’s excellent stuff!”

Allure pointed to the pot on the stove, “Over there. There are some brownies over there too if you’re hungry. Would you like to come, Mr. Sixes?”

“Thanks for the invitation, but I think I’ll stay here in this comfy pillow. I’ve been sitting on rocks for months so you can understand my reluctance to leave.”

“Understandable, you two behave while the princess and I are gone.” Allure winked coyly, giggling softly as the two ponies blushed and turned their heads opposite directions. “Oh they're so cute, don’t you think princess?”

“Funny, Applejack suggested you and Sixes might make a good couple as well.” Despite herself Luna tried imagining Applejack and Sixes together as stallion and mare with little dragon pony foals running around them whilst breathing fire. The image, though amusing, didn’t seem to fit, though it wasn’t her place to say who should be with whom. Applejack was a simple kind of pony and Sixes well he seemed too exotic for her. She just couldn’t picture the two in any long-term relationship.

Allure chuckled, glancing back towards the other room. “Hmm, an interesting idea, but I’ve somepony else in mind for a mate. Still, it would be interesting to mate with a Rinin. I wonder what it’s like… actually no.” She coughed and looked away from Luna. “I shouldn’t be discussing such things with a customer, let alone a princess.”

“Yes, let’s keep to business.” Agreed Luna, dropping the subject.

Stranger things have happened, I guess, I’m not the Alicorn of love after all. Luna mused as she followed Allure deeper into the showroom. Hoping the white unicorn didn’t decide to try and play matchmaker. The number of times she’d seen somepony make a mess of things trying to play matchmaker was more than she could count, it was why she voted against arranged marriages, especially when most of them involve her and Celestia’s hooves in marriage. Celestia had been in agreement as well, which was why arranged marriages were no longer as written in stone as they used to be. They still happened, but at least now the arranged couple could appeal to have the union canceled if they wished.

“Here we are!” Allure declared as they entered the room beyond the showroom Luna had toured before. This room was different from the last armor room the armors here were plain, very similar in design and very simple. “These are our mass production models. A one pony fits all sort of thing. You can, of course, make your own design. I’m just showing you these as a reference.”

Luna nodded and walked around the displays, eyeing each piece with a discerning eye. The armors were very lovely, though nothing to look at for more than a second. This didn’t sit well with Luna. She didn’t want her soldiers to be another mundane army, she wanted them to look… unique. No, that wasn’t it. She wanted them to be HER army, to represent her and everything she stood for. Having armor the same as any other would just not fit that need.

Making her way back to Allure, Luna caught sight of something in the darkness of the corner. There hidden away was a lone display with the most unusual of armor. The metal was white as the moon and seemed to shine in the darkness, and when she placed her hoof on it the metal changed color to match her coat.

“Allure, what is this?” She marveled.

Allure trotted over, “Oh that? That’s a piece my father and a good friend of his by the name of Gadget were developing before… well, you know. It is called the moon phase suit. My father was inspired watching the moon change over time and change colors. Are you interested in it?”

Luna ran her hoof along the metal surface. Something just felt right about it. “Yes, I will take it. What is the bid for 200 suits of armor?”

“Well…” Allure cringed as she did the calculations. “About one million gold bits for two hundred suits, that’s including delivery, labor, materials, and fittings.” That was too high, there was no way the princess would go for it! Equestria didn’t have the kind of money to throw around!

“Very well, we have a deal.”

Allure’s mouth dropped, “What? But princess, the royal treasury couldn’t possibly have that much gold on hoof! The taxes you’d have to implement…”

Luna stopped Allure's rant short with her hoof, “Who said anything about the royal treasury? Celestia and I were adventurers and treasure seekers before becoming princesses. We have a… sum of loot stashed privately away for our own use. One million gold bits missing wouldn’t even put a dent in our hoard. We have been collecting for a very long time.”

“I see…” Allure said dumbstruck, trying to imagine such hoard. “Well then, I shall finalize the paperwork, please fill free to continue to look around or return to the main room for a snack. I shall return when done.”

“Thank you, Allure. It has been good doing business with you. Now we believe there is a brownie calling out to be devoured by my royal mouth. We shall wait for you with Applejack and Sixes.” Chuckling, Luna trotted into the main room leaving Allure slightly baffled by her brownie comment. Ponies really need to loosen up. They were always so uptight around her and Celestia, it isn’t good for their health to constantly worry a wrong comment will get them banished to the sun or moon or some nonsense like that. Allure has been one of the better ponies I’ve has dealt thus far. I hope one day we’ll be true friends.

Upon returning to the main room. Luna came across an amusing sight, or maybe it was bemusing? She wasn’t quite sure. Either way, Applejack and Sixes were in the middle of pushing a plate with a single brownie on it between one another. Both of their faces were covered in crumbs of already eaten brownies, and they seemed to be debating over who should have the last one, both being a bit too kind and generous if there was ever such a thing.

“No you take, Ah’d had my share!”

“Mine were cut larger, you deserve it!”

“No, you!”

“No, you!”

“We shall take it!” Luna declared dramatically, startling the two out of their seats and allowing her to happily take the last brownie, which was evilly delicious! Rich with chocolate and still warm! Luna didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as her sister, but she did have a soft spot for sweets of the chocolate variety while Celestia was possibility addicted to cake and pasties.

Chuckling softly Luna cleaned her lips with a napkin before sitting down opposite of the two. “I hope you two didn’t wait too long for me. Allure is just processing the bill and other official stuff. Once it is done, we will be off. That is after we select a blacksmith to fly back to the castle with us and return the gems of course.

“Of course princess, I will go and tell my kin.” Sixes trotted to the door, quickly taking to the air and disappeared into the shadows of the coming night before any town folk could see him..

“So um… what’s this about flying now?” Applejack stuttered, images of falling to ground playing over and over in her mind.

Luna, not noticing Applejack’s hesitation, explained her plan. “There are so many Rinin, walking with such group would take too long and draw too much attention. Better to fly and get back to the castle as soon as possible so we can get everypony settled. Now onto another matter. Who do you think we should bring as our personal blacksmith? I was thinking either Tough Hide or Rawhide. They're both dependable ponies and are very skilled. I cannot decide so… I would like you to choose for me Applejack.”

“Me?” Luna nodded. She had been clear in her question had she not? “Ah don’t know princess, it seems like something you should do, but Ah guess if want my option. Ah... I'd have to say… Rawhide.”

“I see. Any particular reason for choosing him?” Like because he’s an earth pony and Tough hide is a unicorn?, Luna wondered. It was understandable why Applejack would choose a fellow Earth pony, and to her credit, the orange mare accepted the dragon ponies pretty well. It was perhaps too much to ask for Applejack to feel the same about Unicorns, there was so much bad blood between the tribes. The Royal bloodline being one of them Unicorns being the only tribe of the three to have such a thing, the idea of one pony being better by birth wasn’t an idea the Earth or Pegasus tribes accepted.

Applejack rubbed her foreleg and averted her gaze from Luna as she answered, and if Luna wasn’t mistaken Applejack was blushing? “Well Ah… Ah… just has a good feeling about him is all. Yelp, no other reason. Yes sir, that’s all!”

“I see, well, let us go fetch him then. Then we can be on our way. I’m sure Allure will be finished by the time we get back.”

“Sounds good, let’s go!” Applejack said while running out the door. “Now, um... what’s this about flying again?”

“Don’t worry Applejack,” Luna assured, “I have a plan!”

Getting Rawhide to come with them was surprisingly easy. The red earth pony merely grunted and said a job was a job. “It’ll be good to get out of the mountains for a while, it’s been too long. Last time Tough got to spend three months in… what was it… the Crystal Empire? Somepony there wanted touch up work on their armor. The actual job only took about a month, the other two were just traveling there and back. I think he took the scenic route. Anyway I got those modifications done.” Rawhide pulled tightly on the armor harness Applejack wore, tugging hard on the newly installed heavy steel O-ring on the top of Applejack’s back. “Hmm, maybe I should have installed two?”

“Um...are you sure about this Luna?” Applejack asked as Rawhide continued to adjust the harness she was wearing. The rattle of chains made her nervous as Rawhide fastened the links of steel to the O-ring on her back, her body jostled when he pulled to check and make sure the lock was fastened tight.

“Everything will be fine,” Luna tried to assure her as Rawhide took the other end of the chain over to two rinin with a similar harness attached to them, but with the O-rings on the bottom of their barrels. One was silver with the numbers 474 and the others two shades of brown with the numbers 5881.

“Pardon me for a second boys,” Rawhide mumbled with the chain clenched between his teeth as he leaned under the rinin.

Ignoring the awkward situation, Applejack looked to Luna again, pleading with the Princess to reconsider her idea. “Can’t we just walk home? Better yet, I’ll just walk, the rest of you can fly ahead of me.”

Luna shook her head. “It’s too dangerous for you to travel alone, if I had my chariot available we could use that to transport you and Rawhide, but it’s back home and I need to return to the castle with all haste. I have business that needs my attention.” Luna explained while slipping a bundle of paper into her saddlebags. “Fear not my friend, I’m certain Rawhide’s crafthoofship is up to par, and there shall be ponies ready to catch you incase of an emergency.“

“All done Miss Applejack,” Rawhide announced, pulling the straps of the harness tight, but not too tight that it would cut off blood flow. “We’re ready to leave when you are Princess.” Rawhide stood beside the farm mare with a harness of his own.

“Why do you get two rings?” Applejack protested.

Rawhide blinked. “Because I weigh twice or more what you do? Don’t worry, my work is solid as I am right now.” Applejack’s eyes glanced down, her cheeks turned red. “Made ya look.” He chuckled.

Luna rolled her eyes. “Thank you Rawhide, and thank you Allure for lending him to us. I look forward to your visit.”

Allure, who had been standing silently to the side wiped her eyes with a handkerchief as she choked up with farewell tears. “As do I princess, please look after Rawhide, he does so love to get into trouble, and you take care as well Applejack.”

“Thanks,” Applejack replied, shivering as the two Rinin flanking her began to flap their wings. “You take care too Allure, and be sure to stop by for some of mah families homegrown cooking!”

Allure smiled, “I will, and Rawhide, do try to behave. Please?” The big stallion chuckled as they hugged each other goodbye.

“Ah make no promises, yawl take care of mah brother ok?”

“I will. I wish he were here to see you off, it’s rude for him to be working when you’re about to leave for who knows how long.”

Rawhide waved off the comment, “Nah it’s alright, better off this way. Neither one of us is one for teary goodbyes and all that. Him working is just his way of telling me he’s got everything under control and that ah don’t have to worry.”

“If you say so, goodbye brother, be safe and be sure to write.” With that Allure stepped away as the Rinin started to take off, lifting Rawhide and Applejack into the air. Overhead a massive swarm of Rinin flew over the town and dove into the town square to deposit the stolen gems before joining Luna in the skies above town.

“To home my ponies!” Luna yelled excitedly as hundreds of wings flapped into the night sky. She flew at the head of the swarm, Sixes acting as her wing pony with Applejack and Rawhide behind them, followed by the rest. Luna kept her eyes moving, searching for any signs of dragons. She could barely believe her luck that they hadn’t run into any yet, and believed they might just get away without having to deal with the fiery beasts. She set a fast pace for the group, wanting to leave as quickly as possible. Just because she had been lucky so far didn’t mean she wanted to push it.

While the flyers kept their attention on flying. The two earth ponies made small talk, it was going to be a long flight after all, and it helped to keep their minds off the ground hundreds of feet below them.

“So you nervous about flying?” Applejack asked, yelling over the rushing winds and sound of wings.

“Yep.”

“You worried we're going to fall?”

“Nope.”

“It’s kind of pretty view, though.”

“Yelp.”

“Are you just going to keep answering with one word?”

“Maybe,” Rawhide says coyly, “You feeling any less nervous? It might help if yah look up. The night sky is always pretty to look at.”

Applejack looked up the night sky was indeed pretty, all the twinkling stars and the moon so bright and comforting that Applejack began to feel as if she were in a dream. “Yeah, it sure is pretty. Ah, don’t know why I never thought so before.”

“Sometimes we’re all too busy to see the beauty right in front of us.” Answered Rawhide. Applejack looking at him as a strange feeling bubbled in her gut when he smiled at her. They fell into a comfortable silence, staring at the stars.

“We are nearly at the border! Hold steady everypony!” Luna shouted from up head.

Suddenly the stars were blotted out as a massive shadow passed overhead. An ear shattering roar shook the sky as a flying beast descended upon the group, blocking their path forward. It was a dragon of such size that it made all others small by comparison.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here? I sensed a large magical presence in my lands and here I find one of the princesses and… hmm interesting.” The dragon leered down, Luna barely a speck on his muzzle as he plucked one of the rinin from group with ease, “My, my, so the legends my forebearer told were were true, dragons can breed with ponies, a most disgusting discovery.”

“I command you to release him this instant! Otherwise I shall be speaking with the dragon lord!” Luna barked, her horn charged for attack. “Do so now and we shall spare you the humiliation of being defeated by a pony.”

The dragon laughed, confusing Luna.

“What is so funny?” Luna demanded. The dragon reached behind it’s head and pulled a small sceptre with a blood red ruby fixed atop it. “That’s the Blood Scepter… your… what happened to Dragonlord Singe?”

The dragon grinned malevolently, “What else? He became soft, decrypted and weak, so I thought it fit that I put him down. I thought it prudent that I, Dragonlord Torch, introduce myself to my new pony subjects. On my way to do so, I sense a powerful being in my territory and thought it fit to investigate and I run into you, and a gaggle of half breeds.” Torch flicked the captured Rinin back into the group. “Being even half dragon, I believe they fall under my rule, so I’ll be taking them with me, Princess Luna.”

“You will only lead them to their deaths! I know your kind, they’ll never except them.”

“Oh, and the ponies will?” Torch countered. “Better a quick death, then a lifetime of suffering.” Torch reared back, his chest ballooning with air and fire.

“No!” Luna threw up a shield, the largest she could manage, the dragon lord's fire collided seconds later and engulfed the shield. “Everypony get back!” Luna yelled as the flames spilled over the edges of the shield. The massive claw of the dragonlord broke through both flame and shield to grasp the Alicorn. “Run! I shall hold him off! Applejack, lead them home!”

“We can’t leave you!” The farm mare cried as the Rinin carrying her flew away, they headed towards the ground, flying fast and low towards the canyons.

Luna fired a magic beam and shouted, “I’ll be fine!” Her attack barely singed the scales of the Dragonlord. Torch laughed mockingly as he flapped his mighty wings Luna breaking from his grip.

“Impressive for a pony, but as I recall it was both you and your sister that beat Singe into submission.”

Luna flew higher and grabbed some clouds. “I don’t need my sister to beat a greenhorn like you!” Turning the clouds black Luna molded them into a massive black ball that crackled with lightning. She launched the cloudball, firing a beam after it, Torch merely smirked as the attack approached. The beam hit the thunder ball and a massive blast of lightning filled the sky, hitting Torch dead center in the heart. Or that’s what she thought. The smoke cleared and Torch’s massive claw rested over his heart, the Blood Sceptre pinched between his fingers.

“As I said, I saw your duel with Singe. Don’t try the same trick twice little pony. Now...bhag!” Torch stuttered as several streams of fire struck him from behind, he turned towards the chorus of whinnying roars coming from the sky. Five Rinin dived from above with another salvo of fire breath ready. They let loose their flames and flew around the dragon. Torch growled and swatted at them, his massive limbs too huge to hit such small targets. He sucked in a massive amount of air, making his chest balloon. He exhaled a stream of fire so large and so hot it made the nearby mountain tops melt! “Damn little flies. Stay still!”

Torch raised the blood sceptre and a wave of red magic exploded from the red jewel, and suddenly all Rinin were frozen in the air. “Hehe, I was curious if that would work, but it seems you are indeed part dragon.” He reached for Sixes, who had lead the charge. before the black Rinin could be crushed between the Dragon lord’s claws Luna appeared beside him and threw up a spherical shield around them.

“You will not touch them! I gave them my word I would take care of them!”

Torch looked bored as he pressed his claws tighter. “Really? You? A princess would give your life for these half breeds?”

“I would! Because I gave them my word I would give them a home and a place to belong for their servitude. They are my soldiers and as their leader I must be willing to give my life for them as they are for me. Even if they part dragon, they are part pony, switch makes them my subjects too!”

Torch released Luna from his grip, “Fine, then I want half their weight in gems.”

Luna blinked trying to gain her bearings. “What?”

“I said I’ll sell my claim to them for half their weight in gems. I don’t want them, but I might as well get something out of letting you keep them. Or.” Torch held up his sceptre, and the captured Rinin began to choke. “I could have them kill themselves right here and be done with it, rip off your wings and toss you back to your sister in shame. Your choice Princess Luna.”

Luna bowed her head. Had she the proper equipment such as her armor and other artifacts, she could maybe, maybe, take the Dragonlord down. But with just her star blades and nothing else? That was impossible. Even for her. Especially if Torch used the sceptre to summon the other dragons. Even three more would be enough to overwhelm her and he could summon them all. Hundreds if not thousands of dragons would come racing to the Dragon lord's aid, even if they wanted to or not. Not even her and Celestia both could stand up to such might.

“Fine, I will pay you tribute.”

Torch leaned down his claw cupped around his ear. “What was that? I swear some indignant mare was mumbling in my ear. Please speak louder and with a little more of that royal tongue.”

Luna bristled and blushed. “I, Princess Luna of Equestria, Ruler of the Night, and Keeper of Dreams, shall pay thee, Dragonlord Torch, tribute.”

The dragonlord leaned back, looking pleased. “Did you hear that everyone? We’ll be eating the Princess’s gems next week!” From the mountains to the west the hoops and hollers of several on looking dragons could be heard. Further humiliating the alicorn as they shouted slurs at her.

“Hey Princess if your such a dragon lover come over here and I’ll give you a filthy half breed!” One particular vagor dragon shouted. Luna bit the inside of her cheek to keep from chewing the dragon out. Torch looked smug and pleased, perhaps the Dragonlord wasn’t has dumb as he looked. He played her. He humiliated her and in front of his subject, no doubt solidifying his support against any others who thought to try and take him out.

“I expect those gems by next week, Princess. Also I feel the desire for a new bed of gold to lay on, so I’ll be adding a thirty nine percent tax to that order you made with Allure. Make sure you have that ready too.” With a loud mocking laugh the Dragon lord flew away, his entourage of dragons following in his wake. When he was out of sight, the Rinin were released from their magical bonds.

The five Rinin looked at Luna has she tried to hide her face under her hair. “I suppose you think me a push over now, right? Sitting back and taking his crap like that.”

Sixes patted her on the shoulder. “You got us out of that alive. That’s what’s important.”

The others emerged from the canyons. Many of them cheering for their continued survival. “Come,” Luna brushed her mane out of her face. “Let us go home.”

It was early morning when Luna and the Shadowbolts landed in the courtyard of the castle. They were tired, hungry, and exhausted. Luna wanted nothing more then to crawl into her bed and sleep. Her body sagged with relief as the door of the castle come into view. Sweet, sweet relief was soon to be hers. Then she noticed a crowd around the door.

The Apple Clan.

She approached with the Rinin behind her, Applejack and Rawhide at her side, all of them equally tired and hungry. Luna prayed, prayed to whatever gods were left in the world that the two clans wouldn’t kill each other on site.

It seemed no gods remained as the the stallions of the apple clan exited the castle on their way to the orchards just as they landed in the courtyard. Once the ponies saw the Rinin they stomped their hooves and snorted viciously, forming defensive lines.

Figures they wouldn’t start off on the right hoof. Deep breaths, you can do this. You have to do this.

“Please, ponies of the Apple clan, you do not need to fear these ponies, they are friends!” Luna grinned. Her smile was weak, her vision was blurry, and she was far too tired to deal with anything right now, especially blind fear from a crowd of ponies that just encountered a new breed of pony. “Please,” She stressed, trying to liven up her smile, “ You have my word. The ponies with me mean you no harm.”

The mares and foals of the Apple clan began to file out to check out the ruckus, all too soon the mares let out a horrified shrieks once they caught sight of the Rinin and began pulling their foals close. The stallions puffed up their chests, their defensive instincts kicking in.

Applejack ran ahead of Luna and shouted. “I know they look strange! Their Rinin, dragon ponies, but that don’t mean their bad ponies! Well, they were stealing food, but that’s because they were only trying to feed their mares and youngins too, look! Their just like us!”

A big brawy stud stepped foward from the Apple’s lines. “Applejack, it’s best you get over here.”

Applejack gritted her teeth. “No, Uncle Bailey, I won’t.”

Bailey slowly exhaled through his nose, looking sour. “I’m sorry Princess, we came here to get away from monsters, and now you’ve brought monsters here. As the eldest of my clan, I can’t permit them to say here with these… creatures. As this is your home, we shall take our leave.”

“That’s fine by us!” A big orange Rinin in a cloak barked as he stepped out of the crowd. “Didn’t want to stay in a place with rude ponies like you anyway.”

“Say that again, freak!” One of the Apples shouted back.

“Freak, huh? I’ll show you a freak!” The Rinin began to shake off his cloak when two more cloaked Rinin appeared at his side. Both of a slender stature. A green and white leg rose from under their cloaks as they blocked the Orange Rinin, Sixes landed in front of the three and glared at the offender.

“Don’t,” Sixes commanded harshly. “Things are already bad enough.”

Suddenly a rock flew through the air and everypony watched it hit a certain red Rinin square on the nose. The Rinin growled, his hooves morphing into claws as he dropped down into an aggressive stance, ready to pounce. Several others joined him, their chests beginning to glow with fire.

In between the two groups stood Luna, who looked from the Apples to the Shadowbolts, never imagining things could go so wrong, so quickly. She hadn’t expected rainbows and flowers, but this was before either group could sit down and actually speak to each other!

“All of you calm down! There is no need for…” She stopped short of saying ‘violence’ upon looking at the red Rinin’s nose. “...further violence!” Neither side was backing down. In fact the Apples were beginning to march towards the Rinin, whose nostrils were beginning to smoke. If she didn’t do something she’d have a bunch of barbecued ponies on her front lawn! She ground her teeth, her temper rising fast, “I command both of you! Stand down! Stand down now!”

Her words fell on deaf ears, both sides to focused on the other to hear her. She cast the voice amplificator spell on herself, her eyes blazed as her frustrations from Torch’s humiliation of her and her exhaustion reach it boiling point.

“I SAID STAND DOWN! WE ARE NOT IN THE MOOD FOR SUCH TRIFLES!” Luna slammed her hoof into the ground, making a hoof deep hole. She snorted angrily, growling at both sides that had suddenly halted their aggressive actions.

“Applejazz get back here!” Bailey screamed from the Apple’s side.

On the Rinin side, a pregnant blue Rinin pushed her way through the lines. “Little one! Get back here! 8122! I’m serious!”

Luna looked down, her anger sizzling out when she saw the young Apple filly standing in front of her with a little red Rinin filly standing opposite of her. Everypony's desire to fight seemed to cool as the two fillies who were supposed to be in the back and safe were suddenly in the cross hairs.

“Hiya, what’s your name?” Jazz greeted, extending her hoof out to the Rinin filly. “I’m AppleJazz Apple.”

The Rinin filly meekly replied, “8122.”

Jazz cocked her head to the side, “Really? Yawl were serious about that?” The Rinin filly nodded. “Well, 8122, you got a good looking red coat, just like me, shining like a ruby as my mama would say.”

The little Rinin’s eyes lit up. “I look like a ruby?”

Jazz smiled and nodded, “Hmmhmm.”

“I like rubies, their delicious! Especially when you throw them in a blaze and heat them up! They pop in your mouth when you chew them!”

Luna looked up to see how the adults were fairing, and much to her surprise, both sides had snuck up on her. They were now within ten feet of each other, and more importantly, the mares and foals of each groups were in front this time. Slowly the children of the Apple clan left the protective sides of their mothers and extended their hooves to the nervous foals of the Rinin and faster than greased lightning they began to talk, followed quickly by the mares.

“What’s your name dearie?”

“How far along are you?”

“Is that your child?” One apple mare asked Aqua Frost.

“I’m Aqua Frost, and no, I’m not. I just look after them, we all do. We don’t have any idea who their mothers are, or our mothers. We all just woke up in a mine together. I was…” Aqua patted her belly. “I was already like this when I woke up.” Her stomach along with several others rumbled with hunger.

“Oh you poor dears. Come in side, we’ll get you some food, and blankets.”

“Clivia …” Bailey rumbled, only to get a whack on the nose by the mare in question.

“Oh hush, what ya doing getting so hot blooded after breakfast and treating’ these pony ponies in need like that! I know your mama raised you better.”

Bailey grumbled incoherently.

“Now drop all this nonsense about leaving and go to the orchards. Have a better attitude when you get back for supper.”

Bailey and the other stallions snorted, but the glares from their mates brought them to their senses. The stallions looked to the foals and fillies playing between their legs, the gaunt bodies of the other clan and the pregnant mares. Realization hit them like a wave and they all looked away to hide their shame.

“We’ll be sure to bring back extra tonight.” Bailey mumbled, “Sorry for the fuss, it’ll take some adjusting, but… if these ponies are your guests as well, we’ll make peace. For the foals at least. It’s been awhile since they’ve been around another clan’s children.”

The Rinin cleared the road, allowing the Apples to pass. As they did the two sides exchanged short greeting and apologies. When they were gone Applejack let out a deep sigh. “Thanks for the help Aunt Clivia.”

Clivia waved her off, “No problem dear, Bailey’s heart is in the right place, but he’s a bit set in his ways. Hard enough to trust the Pegasi and Unicorns, let alone some new tribe that shows up out of the blue. Please don’t find this rude Princess, but a little warning would have been appreciated. I’ll admit even I was a bit faint of heart myself.”

“My apologies, my mind was on other things. I should have been more considerate to my guest.” Luna said, feeling awful for leading everyone into such an unexpected situation. I really need to go to bed. “I hope going forward we can all be friends, hopefully the castle won’t be too cramped now.”

Clivia smiled, “We’ll get by, now come along Applejack, help me make these hungry ponies some breakfast.”

Luna let out a relieved sigh as both clans began to slowly make their way into the castle. A sudden red blur flew by, she followed it to see the little red Rinin from earlier fly happily to Aqua Frost.

“Aqua, Aqua! I have a name! Jazz gave me a name!”

Curious, Luna wandered over to the two as Jazz trotted beside her, looking proud of herself. “What name did she give you little one?” Aqua Frost asked as she tugged the little filly towards the castle with the others.

“Ruby Blaze!” She beamed.

“That’s a fine name, Ruby.” Aqua chuckled as they entered the castle.

“I am grateful your kin are so accepting Applejack. You Apples are certainly a different kind of pony.” Luna praised while overlooking the Rinin as they ate in the dining hall below.

It was nice to see the two clans sharing a meal. The best friendships were made at the dinner table.

Luna blinked, struggling to stay awake. She wished she could go to bed, but she needed to make sure the Rinin were settled in properly. Wouldn’t do to have them accidentally evict the Apples. The castle suddenly seemed much smaller now, and Luna hoped there were enough rooms in the castle for both clans.

Adjusting her Stetson hat, Applejack spoke in a subdued tone, “To be honest, Ah wasn’t sure what their reactions might be. Things did look like they were about to take a turn for the worst there for a minute, but I’m mighty proud of them. Give it some time and I’m sure we’ll be the best of chums.”

“Yes, you have much to be proud of Applejack. By the way, how is Rawhide settling in? I hope placing him in the room across from yours won’t be any trouble. I must say I didn’t expect his hooves to be so… loud. I do hope he’s not prone to any late night pacing.”

“Nah, “Applejack said, “It’s fine. The funniest thing, turns out he’s growing feathers as well. Maybe that will soften his steps. Course he might start tripping all over the place if they grow that long.”

They share a quick laugh at the image of Rawhide tripping over his furry hooves and shaking the entire castle.

“A funny jest Applejack, but now I’m afraid it is time to be serious again.” Applejack saluted before following Luna away from the chatter of the dining hall. “Since we’ve met I have had some things come to my attention about how my sister and I run things. For a long time now I have been leaving the politics to Celestia as it was not my cup of coffee, but I can no longer ignore my duties to my ponies. However, I will be doing things my own way, and I just want to make that clear to Celestia and the nobles in Canterlot. I would feel much more… reassured if you were to company me to Canterlot.”

Applejack made circles in the stone floor as she mulled the idea around in her head. Her in Canterlot? The thought had never crossed her mind before in her entire life. Truth be told, she’d rather stay as far away from the city of ‘horn heads’ as possible. However, the pleading in Luna’s eyes made her reconsider her tolerance of the unicorn city, even if she didn’t like it. Luna was her friend, and needed her right now.

“You know you can count on me, Luna.” Applejack assured the princess, giving Luna her best smile, “But no more flying by harness, ok?”

Luna smiled and laughed, “Very well, we shall take my chariot. Sixes and another Rinin can pull us. Now go rest up. We will leave on the morrow.”

“Alright, good night Luna,” Applejack yawned as she began to trot towards her room.

Flying down to the main hall Luna gathered Rawhide and Sixes. She saw how tired she looked in their eyes, nonetheless she needed to power through, just a little longer. “Come with me you two, I have some jobs for you.” The two stallions quickly finished their food and followed the princess to the library, where she explained her plan to travel to Canterlot.

“What do you need us to do princess?” Rawhide asked.

“While Applejack, Sixes, and I are away, I would like you to start training the Rinin in hoof to hoof combat, conditioning them, and teaching them how to use weapons. Up on the mountain, I saw your skills and given your experience with organizing ponies I believe you would make a wonderful drill Sergeant. Can you do it?”

“It’s not what I signed up for, but if that’s what you want, consider it done. Also if you don’t mind, I would like to start some renovation projects on the castle.”

“Do whatever you need to and charge any materials you need to me.”

“Consider it done Princess, I’ll be sure to go through you first, before any deconstruction or construction.”

Luna nodded, grateful for his consideration. “Very good. Sixes, I want you to find another pony to help pull the chariot for Applejack and I, as well as act as my bodyguards. Not that I actually need any, but it might make a good impression. You can use the armor we have here in the castle until the new armor arrives. it’s a little dated, but it will work for what we need.”

“Understood princess. I have the perfect pony in mind. Your already kind of familiar with him anyway, number 0413 or Fierce Fury as he likes to call himself. Out of all of us, he is the most skilled fighter and is the one who wounded Rawhide. Sorry about that.” Rawhide snorted and begrudgingly said it was fine, “He’s a bit wild, but he is reliable.”

Luna scrunched her brow. “He wouldn’t happen to be the red Rinin, would he?” Sixes nodded, “Oh, umm… that’s a… is there somepony else you could pick?”

“I know he probably didn’t make the best first impression, but take my word, he’s a loyal and protective pony. He’s not nearly as hostile when somepony is invading our home.”

“I see, I’ll take your word, if you vouch for him. You two are dismissed. Go rest up. There is much work to be done, and we will all need our strength.”

The two stallions bowed and took their leave, but before he turned the corner Sixes stopped and looked back at Luna.

“Almost forgot.” He said, “Clivia is helping us get settled in. Said something about you needing sleep."

“Yes, I am very tired.” Luna replied, rubbing her eyes, “Tell her I said thank you.”

“I will, goodnight Princess.” Sixes bowed once more and left.

Worriedly Luna entered her bedroom, her thoughts a discorded mess as she made her way toward the balcony. How will Celestia react? Will she support me or seek to disrupt my efforts? We have grown so distant that I can’t even trust my own sister as much as I used too. Curse those damn nobles for filling Celestia’s head with their advice and damn Star swirl for dumping the shackles of royalty on us and damn us for foolishly agreeing!

Luna took a deep breath to calm down. This wasn’t the first time she’d had such thoughts, and it wouldn’t be the last. Most days Luna wished they could return to the time before fighting Discord and becoming princesses. The days when they ran wild and free, traveling anywhere and everywhere they desired and could solve any problem with hoof and magic.

Now she and Celestia couldn’t even have breakfast together nearly half the time. Yes, part of it was her fault for shrinking away from the summons to Canterlot, but Luna couldn’t take all the cloak and dagger business, all the trickery, deceit and political games. Where even the simplest gesture could be seen as favoritism or taking a bribe. The gifts had been the worse, no, scratch that, the marriage proposals had been the worst.

Smashing her hoof against the table, Luna choked back tears. The days trails weighing heavy on her. Her humiliation from Torch dug up dark memories, memories she’s been burying for a long time. The memories of her last humiliation resurfaced and she remembered her shame as she ran from Canterlot. A single tear rolled down her face. She couldn’t break down! Not now. Not ever. Ponies needed her, she couldn’t let self-pity overtake her. She had to be strong for the Apple clan, for the Rinin, for everypony that needed protection from the night. She had made a vow to protect them and she would.

No, I’m thinking too small. Luna wiped the tears from her eyes as she marched onto the balcony, taking comfort in the moon's glow. As she looked out in the direction of the Griffon Kingdom and the lands beyond her thoughts turned to Equestria military.

Dealing with monsters was one of the duties of their soldiers, but if they couldn’t deal with monsters, how would they deal with an invading army? What if the current Dragon lord was suddenly overthrown by amore conquest driven one and the dragons began attacking their lands again? For a brief moment Luna saw what could be and it terrified her.

They weren’t ready. Not for monsters and certainly not for invading armies or dragons. If Celestia and the council wouldn’t field the forces necessary to protect their ponies and Equestria, then she would! She would be strong, she would protect her little ponies, and no pony would stand in her way, not the nobles, not Star Swirl, not even Celestia! She would defend her subjects alone if needed!

A rush of power surged through her, dark motes dabbed her coat as it darkened to an inky black. The feeling, the energy, it was fantastic!

“Luna?” A voice called out, snapping Luna out of... whatever that was.

“Yes Applejack? Is something the matter?” She asked upon spotting the earth mare's head poking through her door.

The earth mare shook her head. “No, no, Ah just wanted to wish you a good night.”

Luna blinked, surprised and touched by the gesture. No pony other than Celestia and her parents had wished her a good night. “Th-thank you Applejack,” Luna stuttered, then coughed to cover her stutter, “Good night to you too, I shall ensure you have sweet dreams tonight.”

The two share a giggle, knowing it was true. Applejack yawned, “Sounds nice, just nothing weird, please. Also, ah just wanted to tell ya, while I’m really nervous about this whole Canterlot thing. Ah want you to know ah got your back, and that you ain’t in this alone. Ah… Ah, mean we're all behind ya.” Applejack nervously played with her braid. “Ah know that’s kind of corny, but it’s true.”

Luna shook her head, struggling to keep her emotions in check and stop herself from pouring all her fears and worries onto Applejack. Instead she put on her best smile, “No, it’s perfectly fine. You’re words, I mean, they mean a lot to me. Now, we have a long day tomorrow, you and I should get to sleep.”

“Is it that late already? Time sure does fly. Well, see ya tomorrow Luna!” Applejack waved goodbye, and trudged off to her room. Luna climbed into her bed, the exhaustion of their adventure and emotional worry finally catching up with her. It's ok. She told herself. She would be ok.

“Thank you, Applejack, you have no idea how much that means to me,” Luna whispered and drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow would be better.

Thanks go Aka-dough for helping me edit this chapter.

Night Patrol chapter 5
By Foxgear

Applejack nervously tapped her hoof against the floor of the chariot, testing for what must have been the hundredth time that the wood was sturdy. The earth pony thought flying in a chariot would be more reassuring then the harness she'd been forced to wear yesterday. Now sitting in this who knows how old wooden chariot with no sort of safety straps or anything, Applejack was starting to miss the harness. At least yesterday she felt reassured she wouldn’t fall, now it felt as if the gentlest of breezes would break the chariot to pieces.

“Are we almost there?” Applejack asked the princess, who had long since given up trying to persuade her friend that she was perfectly safe and that even if their transport happened to break she would catch her.

“Do you see a tall white castle on a mountain?” Luna dully asked for the tenth time since they left. Applejack shook her head. “Then no, Applejack, we are not there. Nor will we be for some time, so please relax and enjoy the view.”

Looking over the side, AJ gulped as she stared at the faraway ground, becoming airsick again. Luna sighed and floated over a paper bag for the earth pony, who snatched it out of midair and began taking long deep breaths.

“Is it that frightening?” Asked Luna.

Applejack put the bag down and gave Luna a pointed look. “You have wings, you wouldn’t understand. Knowing if you fall that’s it, you’re done! It’s a humbling feeling knowing you can die at any moment.”

“But you have faced many dangers before where you could have died, why is this so frightening?”

“Those other times Ah could do something about it. This? Ah can’t do anything, it’s just splat, and Ah’m gone!” Applejack said, throwing her hooves up in the air to illustrate her point.

Luna was feeling… well, she wasn’t sure what she was feeling actually. Fear of falling? She’d never thought about such a thing. She tried to imagine it, landing with no wings, trying to understand the concern. She couldn’t. She wished there was a way she could so she could help her friend.

Spotting a rope on the floor Luna got an idea. Grabbing the line she tied it around her waist and then around Applejack’s, prompting the earth mare to stare as Luna finished her work. “There now should anything happen I will catch you no matter what. Now rest easy, stress is no good for your coat.” Luna joked as she rubbed her hoof down Applejack’s neck. The earth mare began to relax as the tension was removed from her back. Luna cast a light sleeping spell on her, Applejack’s eyes closing, the mare curling up on the floor in a peaceful snooze.

With Applejack secured Luna took a moment to enjoy the flight, letting her mind be free of the lump of dread that filled her soul. Things between her and Celestia were lukewarm at best right now, but after today things could either be back to how they used to be or they could fall further apart than ever before, depending on Celestia’s reaction. However the dice rolls, whether or not the princess of the sun approves of her plans, Luna would not stop until she made Equestria safe.
Taking another calming breath, Luna let her doubts wash away. Celestia was her sister and sisters supported one another, a little thing like raising a pony army to patrol the lands wouldn’t drive them apart. Celestia would see that this was the right thing to do, but still…

(Enough. Calm yourself, Luna, look for a distraction.) She chided, letting her gaze drift to the two stallions pulling her chariot. Sixes and Fierce Fury, both of them look rather dashing in the old Equestrian armor. Sixes could almost pass for a regular Pegasus if not for his leathery wings, scales, and dragon tail, but even then ponies would probably assume he was a bat pony rather than a dragon pony from a faraway glance. Fierce Fury on the other hoof was a different matter, the red stallion was rather unique even among the Rinin, with his beautiful red feathers and fluffy tails. He looked more like a phoenix pony than a dragon. Luna had heard of a race of feather dragons, but she would have to look in the library when she returned home to be sure.

Luna looked ahead the city of the Unicorns coming into view resting on the side of a large mountain, tall white towers reached up into the sky as if trying to touch the heavens. A truly arrogant notion in Luna’s mind. Once upon a time Unicorns could once move the sun and moon, but very few knew of the terrible fate that befell those ponies.

The stress of moving such large and powerful celestial objects killed all participants. Not right away, of course, a hundred unicorns were needed to move the sun and moon, but even in such group to move the sun and moon every day, Equestria was going to run out of fresh ponies really quickly. At best a Unicorn might last five to twenty years after participating in the ritual before the stress finally brought them to an early grave.

That little secret remained mostly unknown to the other races.

Because of the great importance of the sun and moon, the unicorn’s held onto a strong “Master Race” mindset since the early days of Equestria take because of their power, they conducted themselves in higher regard to the earth and pegasi clans. To emphasize this point they build their cities in places where it was impractical for all others to live as a show of power. Before her and Celestia’s rise to the throne, it was not uncommon for Unicorns to see others as inferior and many Unicorn lords made slaves of the other races.

“Descend here,” Luna said, “We shall land on the Royal airstrip on the West side of the castle. You should see it at any moment now.” She pointed a hoof at a small strip of space, where several other chariots were parked off to the side. Chariots of nobles, no doubt, given the tight security around them. As they landed several different colored helmets followed them with suspicion. Each noble insisted they had to have their own private police force for reasons they didn’t feel the need to give.

Whispers swept through the crowd by both guards and servants as Luna stepped off the chariot and roused Applejack from her forced slumber. Sixes and Fury quickly took up positions alongside Luna as worker ponies came to attend to their chariot.

“Stay close, all of you, we are not in friendly company,” Luna whispered as they passed some guards in yellow, soldiers of Lord Yellowblood, a pony that Luna never liked nor wished to interact with on any level. The three nodded as they all entered the castle. The few guards that tended to the princesses quickly stepped aside as Luna marched down the corridor with fierce determination gleaming in her eyes. Today things would change in Equestria for better or for worse.

Princess Celestia sat in a big puffy chair at the head of a circular table with ponies of noble birth flanking either side of her. They were the lords and ladies of Canterlot, the crème de crème of ponies as they like to refer to themselves, but Celestia called them the Rainbow council due to their names. Lord Redblood, Lady Orangeblood, Lord Yellowblood, Duke Greenblood, Duke Blueblood, and finally Duchess Violetblood.

They were the ruling body beside her and Luna, representatives of the ordinary pony or so they claimed to keep their royal powers in check. It seemed to her that they rejected her proposals on everything always finding fault with even the simplest of her policies. Her most recent plan was reforming funding to the orphanages, but they quickly made their rejections saying the current method of donations was working just fine, and taxes need not be wasted for what was a private matter of charity.

A sight escaped the Princess as the members of the council already began the next topic. Speaking amongst themselves without addressing her concerns on the previous matter. It was their favorite tactic use on her. In the past when Luna was with her, it wouldn’t have worked. A vote from both her and Luna could counter the entire council as written in the charter made by Starswirl. But of course with Luna gon, it was easy for them to get their way.

If only to make matters worse the lack of Luna’s vote opened up another subject of much disdain.

“Oh, but if you were Queen, you could out vote us they would say,” the only way she can become Queen would be to marry one of their children and frankly she found the idea rather revolting. Not that their children were not handsome, Celestia just didn’t want to be tied to any of them in such a way. Then there was the whole ‘must produce a royal heir,’ thing. (The Council falsely believed their ‘pure breeds’ could produce an alicorn.)

(They want the Alicorn gene in their families as it would assure their dominance against the other houses. A smart political plan that would no doubt quickly win the masses over. Too bad Alicorns can only be born if both parents are Alicorns.)

Celestia didn’t know how many times she’s had to explain this to them, but still, they’ve refused to listen, convinced that their royal bloodlines would be sufficient. As if the rules of genetics didn’t affect them.

Celestia hunched her shoulders as Duke Greenblood continued on about something and she once again pondered why she took the role of princess. (Oh right, Starswirl. He was the one who convinced Lunie and me to take this job, promising to help along the way. Now if only he would get out his workshop and actually help ruling like he promised!) Celestia seethed, thinking of Starswirl’s constant excuses of being too busy with his experiments to help her. Sure, she indulged in his adventures from time to time, but when push came to shove, and the kingdom needed her to do her job? Celestia did it. When she needed him? Starswirl would lock himself away in his workshop and wouldn’t be seen for who knew how long, he could have died in there for all she knew.

The sound of the door opening halted Celestia’s brooding, and Greenblood’s babbling as a messenger pony nervously entered the council room. There was a rule in place that the council chambers weren’t to be opened while they were in session, unless it was necessary, like an invasion or some other emergency. Judging by the pony’s hesitance that wasn’t the case.

“How dare you interrupt me you worthless…”

“Duke Greenblood!” Snapped Celestia, making the green stallion clam up and retake his seat. After sternly glaring at the other nobles, Celestia’s expression softened as she addressed the nervous wall-eyed messenger. “What is the matter Dippy?”
The gray mare tapped her hooves nervously as the nobles glared at her. She was sure they would do something to her when the princess’s attention was elsewhere, but for now, she could only do her job. “Your sister, Princess Luna, wishes to have a private audience with you, Princess Celestia. She awaits in the solar tower. She says to come right away.”

The room was abuzz with chatter as the nobles whisper quietly amongst themselves. Princess Luna in Canterlot? This could spell trouble for them. Lord Yellowblood quickly called for the room’s attention.

“Princess or no, we are in an important meeting, and it cannot be interrupted on the whims a single mare!” Yellowblood said smugly. However, the tapping of booted hooves made him do a double take as Celestia started walking out of the room. “Princess Celestia, what do you think you are doing?”

“I’m going to go converse with my sister your lordship,” Celestia told him flatly. “Besides, I think we have done enough… delegating today. Time for a break, till next time my dear little ponies,” She sang as the doors slammed shut.
Outside Celestia smiled at the mare that had saved her from the dreadful meeting, “Thank you so much Dippy, is there anything you need?”

The gray mare nervously looked at the closed council doors. “Nothing princess, I’ll be fine. Thank you for the offer.”

Celestia quickly hid her frown. “Oh, ok. If you would be so kind as to bring me and my sister some tea, actually, make that tea and coffee as well as some snacks. I would be most grateful, have Stronghold and Bison help you.”

Dippy’s shivers died down at the mention of Celestia’s most loyal guards. Celestia’s only guards in fact. She gave her thanks before trotting off, only to stop and address the two white pegasi standing beside a pillar. Her personal guards.

“Nothing happens to her this time.” Celestia turned and faced the Council door. “Nothing.”

The solar tower was the tallest tower in Canterlot. Parallel to it was the lunar tower, the second tallest tower in Canterlot shorter by only a few feet. Close up no pony could tell the difference, but looking from outside the city, it was amazing what a few fewer feet could do. The towers had been made for Celestia and Luna to cast their magic over the sun and the moon and act as their rooms and private getaway when they were in Canterlot. Very few ponies asked why the Lunar tower was shorter, just not seeing it as necessary. Luna had taken it in stride and brushed it off, never asking why, even though the towers were supposed to be made in equal height. Celestia, however, did question it and discovered that the builders claimed to have out of funding and had to make some cuts. A strange claim, when the solar tower had been built after the lunar tower. The builder had been a pony named Yellow Brick, one of Lord Yellowblood’s sons. When Celestia investigated deeper, she discovered that Yellow Brick, Lord Yellowblood’s son, had been the lead architect.

“You ok Luna?” Asked Applejack as the Luna glared at the lunar tower as if doing so would cause it to fall to rubble.

“I am fine, Applejack, just a bit nervous,” Luna said as the sound of booted hooves echoed through the stone corridors. Celestia was almost here. The doors of the room flew open as the princess of the sun gleefully bounded over to her sister and delivered a flying hug that brought both to the floor in a heap of limbs. Celestia laughed joyfully until she was roughly pulled off the ground by a pair of scaly hooves.

“Oh, my,” The princess of the sun chuckled as she took in the two Rinin stallions, who were putting on their best serious face for the occasion. Celestia began to cry as she hugged her sister again. “Whaah! My little sister is growing up! Oh, Lunie! How could you do this to me? Having not one, but two coltfriends, and a mare! I’m such a horrible big sister! Letting my sweet little sister develop such immoral tastes! Mother would strike me down with lightning if she were here now!”

Applejack, Sixes, and Fury all took significant steps away from the two sisters as Luna’s coat literary turned red with embarrassment or more than likely anger.

“Enough of thy foolishness sister! We are here on serious business!” Luna shouted with her Canterlot voice, the volume shook the castle and left Celestia’s ears ringing and her mane blown back.

“Right, sorry.” Celestia apologized as she cleaned her ears and smoothed down her mane. Looking at the other ponies in the room, Celestia took a more critical look at them. The mare, Applejack, she believed her name was. Next was the more exciting looking ponies, two stallions dressed in the armor of her parents, both were somewhat unique in their own rights.
Celestia floated some cushions over for everypony just as Dippy arrived with the drinks and snacks. She had to give the wall-eyed mare credit, she didn’t even flinch when serving the two strange stallions. Not everypony was used to bat ponies as they tended to keep to themselves.

“Thank you Dippy, that will be all.” Celestia dismissed the mare and focused her attention on her sister as she brewed her favorite tea, while Luna made coffee. “So what do you want to talk about? Must be important for you to come all the way here to Canterlot, especially after…”

Luna gritted her teeth, raising her hoof for Celestia to stop. “Please, do not speak of that day.”

Shivering under her sister’s cold gaze, Celestia quickly decided to change topics, “Of course, apologizes Luna. So, who are your new friends? I’ve met the mare, but it has been a long while since I’ve seen bat ponies of any kind for years. Since when did they grow feathers?”

Luna took a sip of her coffee, finding it adequate, and then took a chocolate cupcake from the snack tray. “The taller one is Sixes, and the shorter one is called Fierce Fury, Fury for short, and they are not thestrals, but Rinin.”

There was a pause before Celestia ungracefully and uncouthly spat her tea on her sister’s face, drenching the Luna’s mane and leaving her unamused by her sister’s reaction.

“Rinin? As in Dragon ponies, that kind of Rinin? You must be joking Luna! Is this one of your pranks? If it is…”

“Enough!” Luna demand stopping Celestia’s babble. She pointed to Sixes and Fury, “Show her.”

The two Shadowbolts look at one another, unsure what they could show as proof, but they didn’t want to let Luna down, so they decide to do something simple. Sixes revealed his teeth while snorting smoke out his snout. Fury held up his right foreleg and morphed his hoof into a dragon’s claw, complete with a thumb.

Celestia gasped, astonished by the display, “Impossible…” she muttered walking over to the two. She poked and prodded them to prove what she was seeing was real. “Amazing, I’m sure Starswirl would love to have both of you as test subjects.”
Sixes and Fury flinched. Fury growled as he tore his claw away from Celestia, leaving a small cut on the princess’s foreleg. Celestia flinched and backed away from the two agitated stallions, more for their safety, then hers.

“Calm down you two, no one will be any pony’s test subject. You have my word.” Luna said as she approached the two stallions, her words calmed them. “Sixes, why don’t you stand guard outside. Applejack, Fury, why don’t you two go explore Canterlot?”

“Why would we want to do that exactly?” Applejack asked skeptically, hating the idea instantly.

Luna sighed and rubbed her temple, already feeling a headache coming on. “Just humor me, please? It will be a good experience, plus there’s certain pony I want you to find, remember?”

Other than talking to her sister there was another matter that brought Luna to Canterlot. The inventor pony, Gadget, who according to Allure lived somewhere in Canterlot. Of course, somewhere could mean anywhere from the lower districts to the castle. She didn’t expect Applejack and Fury to find him, but it was something for them to do. She would address Sixes and Fury’s reactions later in a more private setting.

Applejack nodded and led Fury out the door, who kept a distrustful gaze on Celestia. Sixes took his post at the door, addressing the two.

“Remember if you find yourselves in trouble simply roar and the princess, and I shall come to you.”

“Um yeah, how loud is this roar of yours again?” Applejack inquired, imagining panicked ponies running everywhere thinking a dragon was attacking.

Sixes smiled and winked, “Loud enough my friend, loud enough, oh and don’t be put out if Fury gives you the cold shoulder, he’s a quiet pony.”

Applejack waved him off, “It’s ok, I like em’ quiet.” The two stallions stare at her, making her blush and hid behind her braid. “Uh, that’s wasn’t supposed to come out like that, dammit, did it again! Let’s… let’s just go already!” Applejack fumed, dragging Fury along with her.

“What was that about?” Celestia asked as she filled her teacup. Seeing a pony look at her with such hatred and distrust nearly broke her heart, nothing like this has happened to her before. At least not recently.

“I don’t know,” Luna conceded, “I suppose things might become clearer if I explain how I found Sixes and Fury and their other kin.”

“Their other kin?”

Luna nodded soberly and began telling the tale of her and Applejack’s journey to Mount Firehorn. She debated whether she should inform Celestia of Applejack’s training, but decided to leave that out as well as several other details, such as to why she had gone to Firehorn in the first place. When she got to the mountain top though, she was one hundred percent honest, telling her sister of the number branded ponies and their lack of memory.

Celestia didn’t speak right away. She paced back and forth across the room as she digested all of the information. The sun princess agreed with her sister, there was no natural way for 150 dragon ponies to be born and no pony notice, especially given their wide age range. Their lack of memory was even more disturbing, it was almost as if they appeared from nowhere. Celestia chose her next words carefully.

“What do you plan to do with them, sister?” Celestia asked as she turned to face her sister, not as the loving elder sibling, but as the ruler of Equestria to her co-ruler.

Luna swallowed hard, but kept firm and stared down her sister with equal conviction.

“I plan… I plan to put them to good use for Equestria. They are a fierce and strong-willed lot, in need of a purpose. I plan to give them one.” Luna looked out the window, towards the vast land of their kingdom. From here it looked so peaceful, but she knew otherwise. “Over these past weeks, I have seen many things sister, things that can’t be fixed with debates and words alone, things that need action and ponies willing to do what is needed without restriction.”

“I don’t understand Luna, what is it you are getting at?”

“What I mean sister, is I am forming an army to battle against the creatures of the night and help our subjects, who are in dire need of hoof and steel rather than empty promises... and I will do it with or without your support.”

Meanwhile, in the streets of Canterlot, Applejack and Fury were having some problems.

“Ya think we’re lost?” Applejack asked, looking between the confusing street names to find a frame of reference. She would have thought one could see the castle anywhere in Canterlot, but she was proved wrong as the castle’s tall spires blended into the background with the cities other tall spires, each of them looking alike. “Sure would help if we even knew where to look for this pony. No map, no address, how does Allure stay in contact with him?”

“We should look for the smith’s area of town, if he is an armorer somepony should surely know of him,” Fury suggested, pointing his hoof down a lane. “I smell a lot of smoke from that direction, it is most likely the forging district, that or a fire has broken out. Unlikely given the metallic scent mixed in.”

Applejack stared at Fury, sampling that air, only to get a strong whiff of city smells, such as the garbage that litters the streets and many unwashed pony bodies. She quickly clamped her hoof over her nose, cursing her curiously.

“Oh boy howdy! You really smell that through that stench?”

Chuckling, Fury trotted away, Applejack following with her hoof still over her nose.
“Hey, you gonna answer me?”

The two wander around for about an hour, crisscrossing several streets, chasing after the ever elusive scent of smoke. Their quest suddenly became more difficult as the hour for supper arrived and every household lit their fires. Hungry and hooves aching, Fury and Applejack decide to take a break. Oddly enough they found themselves sitting on a bench in the cemetery of all places with no pony around except an old mare placing flowers on graves. Applejack decided to ask the old nag for directions while Fury stayed on the bench.

“Excuse me, Ma’am?” Applejack asked, getting the mare's attention. “Do you know of a pony named Gadget?”

The old mare stopped before the next grave, giving Applejack her attention while chomping loudly on a thatch of alfalfa.
“Well aren’t you a pretty young thing, you and your coltfriend out for a walk?” Applejack blushed at the accusation and looked back at Fury, who returned the gaze with a raised eyebrow. The old mare chuckled as Applejack denied the claim.

“He and I aren’t- ah- like that... in fact, we barely know each other! And I asked ya-“

“I know dearie, I know, just having a little fun is all. You younglings are so uptight nowadays, anyway, you looking for Starwind?”

“No, Gadget!” Applejack yelled and then sheepishly apologized as the mare glared at her for yelling.

“Starwind-” The mare huffed, “-Or Starwind the beardless is Gadget. I’d know since I was the one that gave him his name when he was growing up.”

“You’re his mother?”

The mare shook her head. “I never said that! Now stop interrupting me! Now, where was I… oh yes, Starwind was the name I gave him when he was growing up in the orphanage. He gave himself the name beardless after meeting Starswirl the Bearded. He thought it was clever. Then he changed his name after he got his mark, three gears. That crazy pony has a real talent for making things. I think he lives down on Trotting lane a couple blocks down. A real dangerous place, most ponies avoid it if they can.”

“Ah see. Thank you for the information ma’am.”

“You be careful now miss, lots of ponies go missing around those parts, especially the pretty ones like yourself. I hope your stallion friend over there knows how to tussle.”

Applejack looked at Fierce Fury, sitting calmly on the bench waiting for her, but she knew from his behavior at the mines what lay beneath that calm facade. The fiery pony had barely spoken for the short amount of time they’ve traveled together, preferring to stay quiet. Some would mistake it for meekness or weakness, but in her experience, it was the quiet ones to watch out for.

“Thanks for the warning, we’ll be careful.”

The old mare nodded, returning to her flower laying. Applejack trotted back to Fury, who was taking a peek at one of the tombstones. It read: Here lies Ferocious, orphan. The date of death was a few years before Applejack herself was born. There seem to be a lot of similar tombstones for children. Applejack looked back at the old mare who continued with her work, there appeared to be no end to the flowers she laid down for the dead foals. How many were buried here? The question brought a shiver down Applejack’s spine as she looked out into the fields of stones that stretch for miles.
“Did you find out anything useful?” Fury inquired, shaking Applejack out of her stir and thankfully taking her mind off the gloomy nature of the cemetery.

“Trotting lane, a few blocks that way, we’ll find Gadget or Starwind, the guy goes by two names apparently.”

Fury snorted, his hot breath steaming in the cold air. “Don’t matter if he has three or four names. As long as he’s our pony, it doesn’t matter what he's called.”

“You’re just a ball of sunshine. You don’t have to be serious all the time you know?” Said Applejack, playfully poking the Rinin in the side.

Fury pushed her hoof away. “We can evaluate my demure latter. Let’s get going.”

“Alright, alright, but would it kill you to smile?” Asked Applejack, Fury opened his mouth wide in a big smile, showing off his sharp teeth. “Oh right, I forgot.”

The red Rinin seemed to find some amusement in her reaction, she swore she saw a smirk on Fury’s lips as he trotted ahead. (Maybe he does have some humor in him?) Applejack thought as she followed after him.

Trotting lane like the old mare claimed was a bad part of town, not that the two ponies walking down said street had high opinions of Canterlot, but this lane definitely put the “bad” in a bad part of town. Garbage littered the roads, the road was covered in mud and other things. The buzzing flies didn’t paint a good picture, nor did the smell. Slander was painted on the houses, broken windows were standard, and the rest of the houses barely looked livable.

If things were this bad, why didn’t ponies just move out of the city for the country? Sure there was the wilderness, monsters, bandits, harsh weather and overall severe living conditions, but at least there was always hope out on the country. This place? There was no hope left in it or anypony that even cared enough to hope for something better.

“Ah shoot, I forgot to ask which house was his!” Applejack cursed her short-sightedness. They may have the street pinned down, but there were at least thirty or more houses, including apartments to search. Personally, she wasn’t looking forward to meeting every pony on the block.

Suddenly a scream of “SOMEPONY HELP ME” caught the two’s attention. Barreling down the opposite side of the lane was a Unicorn filly or young mare who Applejack guessed didn’t look that much older than Applejazz.

The filly had a tawny yellow coat and a mane of straight black hair. Behind her were some very big and very mean looking stallions.

“Come on let’s…go?” Applejack’s voice petered out as the red stallion was already charging head without her.

“You’re coming with us, Dusk! Some very important ponies have an interest in your… gift. We’ve tried being nice, but that boneheaded father of yours can’t save you now.” The lead stallion taunted. The mare, Dusk, pressed her body closer to the wall as if trying to phase through it, sparks of black colored magic burst out of her horn as she fearfully tried to use to her magic, but the lead stallion, who was also a unicorn canceled the spell before it could form.

“Nice try,” He chuckled, retrieving a ring from his saddlebag, “But not good enough, now if you would so kindly put this anti-magic ring on your horn, we can make this quick and painless. Our boss prefers undamaged goods.”

“No! Stay away from me!” Dusk screamed, but one of the other stallions cut off her voice with his hoof. The lead stallion advanced while holding the ring up with his magic. The ring floated closer to Dusk’s horn, and she struggled harder the closer it got, but it was all in vain. Tears flowed freely down her face, her dad had warned her about going out alone, but she just had to go to that party! She had wanted to taste freedom and see what it was like to be a regular pony for once. Now her life was over. Her dad probably wouldn’t even know she was gone till tomorrow. When he gets into a project, he forgets to take care of himself, let alone her. He would have starved or died of dehydration if she wasn’t around to remind him he needed food and water. Also, sleep, he hardly gets any of that either, he looked like somepony punched him the face with the black circles always around his eyes.

Resigned to her fate Dusk closed her eyes as the anti-magic ring touched her horn. Already she could feel its effects taking hold, the stallions chuckled at her plight. She was so sure it was all over that she didn’t even register the yell of pain from one of the studs at first. She finally did when she felt the hoof ripped away from her mouth and the ring tossed side. Landing on her rump, she opened her eyes to see a red armored Pegasus standing protectively over her.

“Who the hell are you, ya damned featherbrain?” One of the stallions demanded. No pony ever got in their way before, they knew who they worked for, and they knew better than to try to get in their way.

“Fury hold up!” An orange a mare, wearing some sort of dark blue bodysuit with gold boots demanded as she skidded to a stop next to the red Pegasus. “We’re supposed to be a team! You don’t go leaving your teammate behind!”

“Not right now, Applejack,” Fury growled, streams of smoke blowing out of his snout, his hooves morphed into claws. “Take care of the filly. I’m going to show you why they call me FURY!”

Roaring like an angry dragon, Fury bared his claws pouncing on the nearest unicorn and taking him down in an instant, the others charge their horns to attack, it was ten to two. They had them outnumbered was their thought as they fire beams of magic. Fury took to the air avoiding the rays and swooped down grabbing one of the unicorns and carried him up into the air, the unicorn screaming for him to let him go.

“Alright, if that’s what you want,” Said Fury letting the unicorn fall, he and his friends were so surprised that he actually let go that the other unicorn stallions didn’t even try to catch their friend, who landed on the ground with a ‘splat’, “Two down, eight to go. Let’s separate the mares from the stallions shall we?”

Inhaling, Fury’s chest expanded, a soft red glow flashed beneath his scaly coat. The unicorns were so confused by his actions that they didn’t even prepare any defenses, after all since when did Pegasus breath fire?

Blasting a stream of hot flames Fury hit one stallion directly, the stud ran in circles trying to put out the fire by rolling in the mud, another two fled in terror, the remaining four charge at Applejack and Dusk, hoping to complete their mission and run home. They might have thought Applejack, being a mare, would make an easy opponent, after all, they had taken on plenty before. They were in for a surprise.

With as much fury as her companion Applejack turned and kicked closet unicorn, teeth flew, and his horn snapped as her hooves connected with his face, the second was met with a wall of stone spikes! Applejack created them with her grieves the moment her back legs touched the ground. Turning she slammed her front hoof against the stone spike just as Luna had shown her, the peak burst into thousands to tiny shards a that cut up two of the last remaining stallions, the fourth and final running with his tail between his legs. He didn’t get far though as a blast of gray magic blasted him into a nearby house.
“Daddy!” Dusk cried happily running to the Unicorn stallion emerging from one of the nearby houses. He was an older pony, probably late fifties early sixties, his coat and mane were both graying and fading, leaving the only shadow of his former colors, which appeared to be amber and blonde, on his flank were three gears.

“Dusk, thank the princesses you’re safe!” The father exclaimed hugging his daughter lovingly, making Applejack “Aww,” and then he thumped Dusk upside the head! “What did I tell you about going out on your own? If I hadn’t had to use the bathroom, I’d never found out you’ve snuck out till it was too late!”

“I’m sorry Daddy.” Dusk cried hugging her father’s leg. His expression softened as he hugged her again.

“I know you are sweetie, please don’t scare me like that again baby. I’m too old to be running around like a brash knight from a fairy tale. You have to be more careful.” The father told his daughter. He looked at Applejack and Fury smiling at the two ponies who had saved his daughter. “Thank you for saving my daughter, I’m Gadget, and this is my daughter Dusk. Judging by your armor, you work for the princesses, yes?”

“How’d you know that?” Applejack asked.

Gadget chuckled pointing at Fury, “It’s been a while, but I recognize that shabby piece of work the lad wears. I worked on a few of those relics back in the day. Oh, but look at me being rude, you two want to come into my house out of the mud and cold? I got some warm hot chocolate on the kettle… and I should probably go check that before my house burns down! Follow me!”

Fury and Applejack look at one another, then at the destruction, they caused to the streets and bodies lying unmoving on the dark road. Silently they agree that following Gadget would be wise, plus he was the pony they were looking for, so two birds with one stone.

Gadget’s home looked about as well as the other homes on Trotting Lane, though it was in a little better shape, or at least better maintained than the other houses. Patchwork littered the outer walls, the windows were barred and boarded, except for one on the second floor. Gadget let them in the front door, which led to a small mudroom connecting to the kitchen, which was a mess.

“Sorry for the mess. I’m sure there are some clean cups around here.” Gadget rummaged around the cupboards, pulling out three cups with his magic. “Here we go.” He placed the cups on the table.

“Where’s my cup dad?”

Gadget tapped his chin, “Hmm, I don’t know… in your room where you were supposed to be?”

“I’m grounded aren’t I?”

“You are correct,” Gadget nodded, “Now go to your room and no more sneaking out.” Dusk nods sadly and climbs the stairs. “And no eavesdropping!” The sounds of dashing hooves thundered above as Dusk scurried to her bed.

With the filly in bed, the tree adults gather around the table and casually sipped their hot chocolate. Minutes pass, more hot chocolate was poured, and snacks were offered and politely declined. Thirty minutes later after a little small talk, the time for business arrived.

“So Fierce Fury, Applejack, what can I do for you? Not to be arrogant, but I’m the only pony on Trotting lane that ponies come to see. Mainly because of my workshop and blacksmithing. I assume you came looking for me for a job, right?”

“That’s right, Allure in Firehorn showed Princess Luna this special armor, call moon phase armor. She said you made it, and the princess would like you to help make a large order for her,” Applejack explained, “The princess is willing to pay and move you and your family to the castle of the two sisters and hire you on as a permanent worker there.”

Gadget calmly sipped his hot chocolate mulling over Applejack’s words. He really didn’t have any problem leaving Canterlot, it’s not like he had any friends or family in the city, and it wasn’t exactly safe for Dusk here.

“A tempting offer and my respects for not asking about my daughter, I can see the question burning in your eyes though, so I might as well tell you since we will be working with each other. You and the princess should know the baggage that I come with.” Gadget exhaled deeply setting his cup on the table, and he began his tale. “My daughter Dusk, she is gifted, very gifted, she has more magical power then I did at her age. A power I don’t even have at my age now, and certain ponies have taken a special interest in her. Those stallions you met have bosses in very high places if you catch my meaning.”

“Ah think, Ah get you’re meaning, but just to clarify, you’re taking the job?”

“You bet.”

“Alright, gather your stuff, Ah’ll stay here as protection, while Fury will go get the princess. You ok with that Fury?” Applejack asked.

“It’s the logical thing to do. I will be back soon.” Fury left the house and took to the sky.

“He’s a serious one, isn’t he?” Gadget joked hopping out of his chair. Waving for Applejack to follow him. “It won’t take long for him to get back, better get started on packing. I need to get all my inventions and blueprints stored away and destroy everything else.”

Gadget pushed the door to his workshop open, revealing walls and walls of papers and blueprints. Machines and parts were scattered everywhere, it was a little overwhelming for Applejack.

“We need to pack all of this?”

“No, only eighty-five percent of it, the rest can be burned and shredded. Come on, let’s get to work.”

Luna and Celestia have been in hot debate for the past few hours. For the castle staff, it was the first time they have ever heard the princesses yell. Not the stop bickering and shut up polite kind of tone that Celestia used on rare occasion, but actual yelling between two sisters.

“This is madness, Luna! You will be putting ponies in danger!” Screamed Celestia.

“Ponies need to learn to defend themselves, Celestia! We may have more magic then every pony in Equestria, but we are not invincible, we cannot be everywhere, we cannot protect everypony! What will happen when we pass on like others of our kind?” Luna argued back, snorting in rage.

“Symphony is with child, our race will make a comeback!”

“Stop lying to yourself, Celestia! Are you going to mate with our cousin’s son? We both know that pure bloodline is nonsense. Admit it, this is the end of the Alicorns, it’s time to look the future.”

“Starswirl is making a spell that could change everything! We can make more of us Luna.”

Luna blinked, while Celestia covered her mouth, hoping no pony overheard her, it would be awful if certain nobles found out Alicorns could be made.

“What insanity are thou talking about Celestia? Make Alicorns is what I believe was said?” Luna asked pointedly. Celestia nervously backed away, while Luna advanced on her. “Repeat it, what is this insanity?”

Celestia bit her lip nearly breaking the skin. How could she blab such information in a castle with so many ears? “Forget it, it’s nothing but a pipe dream at the moment.”

Luna growled digging her hoof into the floor, desperately wanting to press the issue, but knew this was not the place to discuss such world-shattering ideas. (Somethings can never be known.) She didn’t like secrets, but even she knew what trouble could spawn if ponies found out it might be possible to make alicorns rather then birth them.

“Very well, I’ll let the matters slide for now. Regardless of what you say, I’m already moving forward with my plans. My adventure in Firehorn only reinforced my beliefs that this is the right path. Tell me, sister, did you know Dragonlord Singe was overthrown?”

“What? When did this happen?” Celestia gasped looking terrified. Her body shivered recalling the monstrous battle they waged against the dragonlord nearly two decades ago. “What manner of dragon could have defeated him? We barely defeated him!”

“Age was probably a key factor. He was at the tail edge of his prime when we faced him. I still find it hard to believe his strength deteriorated so quickly since then. The new Dragonlord, Torch, doesn’t seem interested in conquering our lands for now.” Luna puckered her lips looking sour. “Though he made a show of me at my expense.”

“What did he do?”

Luna bit the inside of her lip, “He just said a few choice words and insults, demanded payment for letting me take the Rinin with me. I’ll be pulling a good sum from my side of our hoard within the week here. That isn’t what’s important here, Celestia. You and I know Dragonlords can switch in a blink of an eye. Who knows how long Torch will be in power, could be a year, could be a thousand, or he could go next week, replaced by a dragon that is interested in our lands. What will we do then?”

“We shall repel him the same we did with Singe,” Celestia replied boldly.

Luna shook her head circling around her sister, “What will we do if he is joined by several other dragons of similar power?” She jabbed her hoof into Celestia’s side, right underneath her left foreleg, Celestia jumped and hissed. “That wound from Singe is still bothering you even now?”

“It didn’t get treated probably after the battle.” Celestia rebuked with a tear pooling under her eye.

“You’re not healing like you used to,” Luna stated jabbing Celestia in the ribs. The sun Princess yelped and jumped away from her sister, looking angry.

“Stop that! I’m only twenty-five hundred years old, don’t take me a for old nag just yet.” Celestia barked jabbing Luna in the side, her little sister didn’t flinch.

“That wound healed long ago, Celestia. Face it, these years of soft living have weakened you, you're out of shape. I hate to admit it, but I’ve slacked off too, but no more. We need to be better prepared, and our ponies need to be prepared too, not just for the dragons, but Griffons and other pony nations.”

Still cringing in pain Celestia glared at her sister. “You have a point, but that’s why I’ve been looking for a successor because unlike you I’ve been here trying to find solutions these past fifty years while you been hiding away at home!”

Luna staggered back as if struck, tears pooled in her eyes before she angrily wiped them away. Her eyes red and her lips quivered with restrained rage. She turned up her nose and faced away from her sister.

“Luna… I… didn’t mean it like that.” Celestia muttered.

“I think we’re done here,” Luna said stonily.

The door opened, and Sixes entered with Fury beside him. “Princess, we have found him.”

Luna nodded turning back around with dried eyes, giving her sister downward look, while bushing down her mane. “Very good, take me to him. I believe I am done here. Goodbye, sister.”

“Goodbye, Luna,” Celestia whispered as she exited the room. The room feeling big and empty, a single tear rolled down her cheek.

“This is the residence?” Luna asked, touching down in front Gadget’s home, it wasn’t what she been expecting. (Surely a blacksmith must earn more?)

“Yes, mistress,” Fury confirmed opening the door for Luna, “Please watch your step, it is not the cleanest of places.”

“Well, you try working all day and raising a kid and find time to clean!” Gadget shouted over loud crashing noises. A strange device was tossed out of the workshop. The unicorn stallion trotted up the stairs with four saddlebags slung over his flank, stuffed full of scrolls. Coming up behind was Applejack, carrying up even more saddle bags. “That’s most of it. Dusk! You can quit pretending to be asleep and gather up your toys. We’re moving!”

“Yay!”

Luna looked strangely at Gadget as little tawny blur ran down the stair, hugged him, and then run back upstairs. “It’s doesn’t seem normal for a filly to be so excited about moving.”

“She isn’t a normal filly,” Gadget said approaching the princess, “Nice to meet your majesty, names Starwind the beardless or Gadget, I go by the latter more often these days, but I thought it would be rude not to tell you my real name.”

“How noble,” Luna praised, “I hope you don’t mind if I simply refer to you as Gadget?”

“Whatever you prefer, now you want some moon phase armor I hear? Glad Allure finally managed to pitch that armor, but from what Miss Applejack has told me, you’ll need more than just mere armor. Take a look at these.”

Several blueprints floated over to Luna. She took them in her magic looking them over with a critical eye, and she liked what she saw.

“What do you need to make these?”

Gadget smiled, “I’m going to need bits, gems, and a lot of hooves.”

edited 5/4/19

Night patrol ch 6
By Foxgear

The thunder of hooves shook the ground, the haunting whinnies of their pursuers echoed in their ears. How they ask, how have things changed so fast? Once they pillaged taking whatever they wanted, but now they were the ones being hunted.

“Somebody help us!” An ogre screamed as he tripped on a tree root, his companions running off without him. He turned as the bush erupts into a mass of shining white lights, the whinnies surging to a roaring battle cry!

“FOR EQUESTRIA!”

The ogre could barely scream his last breath as the cavalry charge of the night patrol ran him down, their steel boots crushing his bones and flesh.

Running at the head of the herd was an orange mare in a brown Stetson hat. “Don’t let ‘em get away now! Chase those varmints down!” She ordered, galloping at full speed. Another squad came crashing in from the north, taking down another ogre. Up above a roaring whinny was heard as three dark shadows nosedive at the final Ogre, plucking it up and carrying it off into the sky. A distant scream was heard as the ogre was returned to earth via airdrop.

“Halt!” The mare ordered, the group stopping on a dime. “Turnabout and return home, we’re done tonight, good jobs boys! Hail Luna!”

“Hail Luna!” Her comrades cheered dispersing into the woods. Applejack looked up waving as the shadows of the Shadowbolts passed s overhead. Smiling Applejack proudly trotted home.

At the castle of the two sisters, things were busy, construction and remodeling were underway as builders made new barracks, and added lower levels to the castle. Tunnels were dug out the side of the nearby riven for air deliveries and landing zones for the shadowbolts. Outside hundreds of raw recruits were put through the wringer as they were trained to be night patrol ponies. Looking at it all from above was Princess Luna, Princess of the night, and Leader of Night Patrol. She was amazed at the progress they had made in only six months after her visit to her sister in Canterlot.
Clear up paragraph below

After recruiting the inventor pony Gadget and his daughter Dusk, Luna sent out the word to all ponies across the Equestria, asking them to join her cause. She had been expecting a few clans to participate, but she didn’t expect the herds, upon herds of ponies to arrive at her doorstep, so soon after making the call. Lucky for them winter was upon them, and whether pony or dark creature of the forest, most critters don’t venture out in the snow. This meant they had plenty of time to train the new recruits and when the snow began to thaw, and the creatures rose from their deep slumber by the warmer weather. Her ponies would spread out across the land. Establishing communication and trade between the various towns scattered throughout the countryside. Soon patrols were assigned and mobilized, and their work began. Though they lost a few ponies here and there, their work and sacrifice could be seen, and Equestria was slowly becoming safer for everypony, but that wasn’t all Luna was working for. She was looking ahead to the future generations, so she began to teach the fouls of the clans.

“Now can anypony tell me the weakness of a cyclops?” Luna asked the class of fouls, hooves sprang up, and she took her time deciding who to call on, “Applejazz, your answer?”

“The eye! You kick in the eye, like this!” The little filly demonstrated by jumping on her desk and performing a flying kick, which sent her flying to another foal, sending both crashing to the floor.

Luna rubbed her temple at the filly’s zealous behavior, “Yes, excellent. Next time a worded answer will be enough. Also, your form needs work. Speak to Rawhide about improving your balance when you kick.”

“Yes, Princess Luna,” Applejazz miserly replied, knowing all of her free time after class was now gone. Replaced with hours of Rawhide telling her, “Nope, do it again,” Such fun times.

“Now who can answer…?”

“They’re back!” An excited foal yelled pointing out the window at the returning patrollers. The class began to buzz with excitement, and Luna knew it would be impossible to get them back on track.

Sighing she dismissed the class, “You are all free to go, but I want you all to do reports about what creatures the patrols encountered for tomorrow.”

“Ok, Princess Luna!” The class replied before they all dashed out in a flash of colors. Luna turned and began erasing the chalkboard when she felt a presence lingering in the room.

“Aren’t you going to with them Dusk?” Luna asked the little unicorn filly. This was not the first time this happened, it has almost become their own strange routine, which she secretly enjoyed a bit too much at times when her other duties called for her attention.

Like every day before Dusk shook her head and moved to the front of the classroom. Eagerly waiting for what she called “Special super awesome advance studies” or “Luna Time,” unfortunately, there wasn’t time today.

“I’m sorry Dusk, but I’m needed elsewhere today.” Luna quickly looked away, to avoid the filly’s soul-shattering look of sadness and disappointment, if Luna dared to meet the filly’s eyes, she would be wrapped around her hoof in a second.

“Its fine Princess Luna,” Dusk said sadly, “I’ll just go home and be alone.”

“Well... it’s not like anything is stopping you from making friends Dusk,” Luna pointed out, keeping her face turned away, “I’m sure Applejack would be more than happy to share her stories with both you and Applejazz. The thing about friendship is taking the first step to start it.”

“But how can I fit in if I don’t have a family member out on patrol?

This made Luna turn her head at the filly, “Dusk, what your father does is important. He may not be out on the front lines with the other ponies, but he works hard to ensure they come home safe. I hope you can appreciate that.”

Dusk dug her hoof into her desk, avoiding Luna’s gaze. Her father had tried to join the patrols, mainly because she pestered him into doing it since everypony else had a family member in the patrols. Things did not go well. Gadget was just too old, while he wasn’t fat, but he wasn’t in shape either. His years of inventing and blacksmithing had taken quite a toll on his body. The poor stallion couldn’t even gallop for even a few minutes without nearly collapsing.

“I do appreciate it, Princess, I really do, but most of the others don’t see it that way.” Dusk sunk into her chair, hiding her face under her forelegs.

“Come on now,” Said Luna levitating the filly on to her back. Dusk was about to protest, but Luna leaped out of the window before she could utter a word. The princess laughing playfully as Dusk clung to her neck, screaming her heart out. Spotting her target Luna glided down, landing softly in front of Applejack, startling the orange mare with her sudden appearance.

“Whoa! Ah thought Ah asked ya you stop doing that!” Applejack fumed her heart beating a mile a minute.

Luna chuckled at her friend’s expense, “I am sorry Applejack, but I need a favor.”

“Oh yeah,” Applejack said skeptically, “What kind of favor?”

“Nothing too hard for the captain of the night patrol, just a little foal sitting is all.”

“Foal sitting?”

Luna nodded, “Yes, I need you to watch little Dusk here. Gadget will be working late tonight, and I thought it best that Dusk spend some time with others.”

Applejack looked behind Luna’s mane at the unicorn filly, remembering the day she and Fury saved her after that both her and Fury have had little contact with the young filly. Seeing the loneliness in her coal black eyes, Applejack couldn't help but say yes.

“Alright, she can come with us. She’s looking a little thin anyway. Ah, ’m sure mah kin and I can fill her up and get her to the proper size.”

“I’m sure you can,” Luna smiled, touching her own stomach, which was a little bigger due to the Apple clan's many high-calorie meals, which were needed for all the work being done. For herself though, Luna was debating between cutting back on her meals or start being more active with the more physical work of the night patrol. As much as she wanted to be out on the front with her ponies, somepony had to be here giving orders and directing the workers and other odds and ends that need her attention. Hopefully, when the construction is done, she can get some patrol time in, which reminded her. “Oh drat, I forgot I need to go check on Allure’s next shipment! Here’s Dusk, thank you, goodbye!”

Catching the unicorn filly with her forehoof, Applejack shook her head as Luna flew off into sky disappearing to another part of the castle. She wished the princess would let them take over some of her duties, so she could have some time to herself. That would have to wait for another day since Applejack had not one, but two fillies to watch over tonight.

“Well, let’s get going you two, suppers calling.” Applejack and Applejazz start walking away, till Applejack notice Dusk wasn’t following them. “Come on Dusk, no need to be a stranger, we’re all friends here, right?”

“Friends?”

“Yeah, now get over here, so we can eat.”

“Ok!” The unicorn filly shouted excitedly sprinting after the apples, a smile that hasn’t been seen in a long while returning to her face.

Luna soared over the east tower, landing in the courtyard where Allure and her workers were unloading another shipment of gems and ore for the Night patrol’s blacksmiths. Tons, upon tons of material, were being moved by all races, Unicorn, Pegasus, and Earth pony.

“How are things Allure,” Asked Luna touching down in front of the white unicorn, “Going well I hope?”

After bowing Allure replied, “Exceptionally well actually, you were right about there being gems out in the steppes, buried only a few feet below ground too. It’s rather strange really. Not unwelcome of course, we have so many gems now, we managed to make our tribute to the dragons, get supplies, and have more than enough left over for Mr. Gadget. I dare say at this rate my ponies will work in your forges before next winter.”

“Very good, Allure, keep up the good work. I must go and check on the construction progress beneath the castle now. I am worried about the foundation with the extra lower levels being added.”

Allure waved her hoof at the princess’s worries, “I wouldn’t worry princess. Rawhide knows his stuff. Might I suggest you settle down and leave him to his work? You look like you could use some tea and sleep. The circles around your eyes are just dreadful. When was the last time you had full nights…er day’s rest?”

Luna tapped her chin feverishly, “I don’t know, two, three, weeks ago? It doesn’t matter, another cup of coffee and I’ll be good to go.” Luna tried to assure the unicorn as her body trembled from the lack of caffeine. Allure gently rubbed her shoulder the motion soothing Luna’s fried nerves.

“As your friend princess, sorry I mean Luna, I’m very concerned. Perhaps I could go and check on the construction progress, while you go rest. It would be very unladylike like for you collapse on the ground. Ponies would panic and raise a fuss, and I know you don’t want to happen right?”

Luna snorted, bursting out into laughter, drawing confused stares from the nearby workers. “I’m sorry Allure,” She apologized wiping a tear from her eye, “It’s simply strange for you to say fainting is unladylike when a few decades ago mares wore corsets to be more “Lady-like” and usually fainted due to the fact they couldn’t breathe.”

“I see, I guess it is rather a funny thing to say, given that context,” Allure said chuckling a little, “Seriously princess, you really do need some sleep.”

“I’ll… (Yawn) suppose a short nap would be beneficial.”

Allure smiled, “Very good…”

“After I check the forges and construction, everypony is working hard, we cannot slack off.”

Ignoring Luna’s speech slip up, Allure sighed, deciding to stop arguing with the princess. “Fine, but I shall accompany you. A place as dangerous as a construction zone is no place for a sleepy pony to be wandering alone. To be a clear princess, one slip up or near accident and it’s off to bed for you.”

Luna yawned loudly, waving off Allure’s threat, “Yes, yes, you’re as much a mother hen as Celestia at times Allure.” She said walking off. Allure's cheeks puffed up with a soft “Humph” and followed after the princess.

The sounds of hammers and chisels echoed through the hollow chambers beneath the castle. Stallions of every race, earth, pegasi, and unicorn, worked diligently together to complete their work. It was the sight that Luna held dear to her heart, the three tribes working together. During the construction of the Lunar and Solar towers, unicorns had been the foremen, while the earth and pegasus did all the heavy lifting. Actually, that was how most of Canterlot was built. Here though, unicorns were using their magic to lift heavy objects and hold things and place for their pony brethren, allowing the work to get done faster and safer. It was a lovely sight indeed.

A pony yelled, “Heads up!” Allure and Luna quickly trot out of the way as several tons of bricks float past. They took two steps forward when another worker zoomed pass by with some lumber. Thinking the third time is the charm, they try to step forward again, only to blocked once more!

“This is so frustrating! How can we possibly get through?” Allure whined, Luna, gesturing for her to step back, the Princess's chest expanding with air. Allure knew what was coming next and quickly covered her ears.

“BE STILL!” Luna yelled her voice echoing through the noise of construction, everypony froze in place, all eyes turning to the two mares. The mares trot through the shell shocked workers, Luna with her head held high and looking regal, while Allure sheepishly apologizing to everypony they pass.

“A simple task no?” Luna said as they enter the completed section of the forge, the noise of construction resuming behind them.

“I suppose, a little hard on the ears though,” Allure chuckled as she rubbed her ears, trying to stop the ringing.

The princess and the unicorn enter the inner sanctum of the workshop, where Gadget was busy working on his inventions. He has been given free rein and more resources then he could ever hope to have, and he has made right on his promise to Luna to improve their armor and weapons. Gadget said he would revolutionize the way ponies live and recently he sent a message to her, saying he made a breakthrough. Luna wasn't sure what to expect.

“What is this thing?” Luna asked placing her hoof on the giant black metal contraption Gadget had made. The device was three ponies tall and as long as three carriages, with a big cylinder body built on top of some wheels with some sort of smokestack on top of the cylinder. “Is it some sort of vehicle?”

“I call it a train!” Gadget declared proudly, appearing between the two mares, covered in dirt and grime. Allure quickly steps away, Luna stood still, not minding the dirty pony.

“A train? What does it do?” Luna inquired, fascinated by the big black machine.

Gadget flipped open the side of the cylinder, revealing some gears and other mechanical things with several gems floating in some sort of magical field. The unicorn pats the bottom of the machine lovingly.

“This beauty here moves along preset tracks, pulling tons of cargo and can move at speeds of sixty miles per hour! These gems can power it up to eighty horsepower. I call it the iron horse.” Gadget shouted dramatically. “We have a test track set up if you want to try out princess. Care for a ride?”

Luna leaped onto the platform before he could even finish, dragging Allure with her, “Sound exciting, let’s go!”

“Alright, all aboard!” Gadget shouted leading them to the engineer’s room. Pulling some levers, the train rumbled to life, the gems inside begin to spin turning the gears and sprockets. The wheels start to move pulling them out onto the test track. Gadget blows the whistle as they chug slowly along. As he adjusts the controls, Luna pulls the whistle again.

“Sorry, princess, could you not do that? I need to focus, this is my first time running this thing.”

“You’re joking right?” Allure begged, a slight panic rising in her voice.

“Nope, in fact, I just put in the final pieces on a few hours ago.”

“What?”

“Oh, this will be such fun!” Luna declared pointing her hoof into the air, wearing some strange hat on her head that read conductor.

The train rumbled as hot steam shot out of the stack, the needles on the gauges bounce as they began to pick up speed.

“Here we go!” Gadget shouted as they hit 25 mph, taking the first turn on the test track. The G force sent the Allure crashing into Luna who had her head out the window, watching the scenery pass by as they enter the forest behind the castle. They turn onto a straight away.

“Faster!” Luna shouted excitedly.

“You got it, princess!” Gadget yelled over the engine noise, hitting the throttle, the speedometer jumps to 50 mph, the steel wheels squealing against the tracks. They ran a hill, reducing speed, but climbing with little trouble, Allure screaming as they went down, butterflies fluttering in her stomach as they level out at the bottom of the hill.

“Could we please slow down?” She implored, not liking the ride one bit.

“Your right, good time to test the brakes,” Gadget said, “There’s a turn up ahead anyway. We can’t take them any faster than 25 mph, or she’ll tip over.”

“She?”

“The train!” Gadget answered.

“Why is it a she?”

“It just sounds right!”

Luna coughed getting the attention of the two, “I’d hate to interrupt, but there is the small matter of a turn and our current speed, which I believe you said it would be too fast correct?”

Gadget turns to the meter, reading 60 mph! “Oh, buck!” Gadget yanked on the brake lever, sparks flying as the wheels come to a grinding halt. The needle took a nosedive, but they were still going over twenty-five miles per hour when they made the turn. The train lurches to the right, sending them all flying into the wall into one large pony pile.

“Ahhhh I can’t believe this how I die!” Allure cried. A loud “Boom” came from the front of the train as one of the power gems exploded! Blowing out the side of the train and tipping it back onto its wheels.

Gadget quickly scrambled to the controls, madly pulling leavers. “The gems are overheating! She’ll blow if we don’t stop her and cool her down!” He yelled as hot steam from the engine blew in his face. The train slowdown a crawl, but the engine was still running, the heat of the gems making the steel glow orange. “We got to go!” Grabbing Allure, Gadget jumped out of the train, while Luna took to the sky.

“What do we do? That much magical energy could blow up everything within miles!” Allure screamed as they run away from the train.

“Where’s the princess?” Gadget asked noticing her absence. A dark shadow rolled over them as black clouds form overhead.

“There she is!” Allure pointed to the eye of the storm, where Luna with glowing white eyes, directing the clouds. Thunder roared as heavy rain fell on the train, cooling it to non-critical levels. Once the metal stopped burning, Gadget levitated the power gems out of the engine, disabling the train,. Luna touchdown down next to him.

“I’m sorry princess, seems I messed up.”

“Nonsense Gadget, your invention worked fine, plus I doubt this would have happened if I hadn't been urging you on, correct?”

Gadget dug his hoof into the soaked earth, “Well, I wouldn't have pushed to top speed so soon, but still…”

“Enough,” Luna said, “it just needs some fine tuning, adding a bigger water source might help. Don’t get discouraged my friend, Roam wasn't made in a day, and no invention is without its risk.”

“Your right, I guess I’ll just have to look into some improvements.” Gadget said looking at smoking remains of his invention. Thankfully this had just been a test and Luna had been here. Otherwise, somepony might have gotten hurt. “So I have some other inventions ready to test if you’d like to see them, Princess.”

Luna stifled a yawn, “No thank you, we have had quite enough excitement for one day. We wish to retire for the night.”

“I’d say so, you’re back to the ‘we’ speak again,” Gadget pointed out with a chuckle, causing the princess to blush, it wasn’t her fault, it was just a habit!

“So you say, come Allure, let us return to the castle.”

“Thank goodness, I need a bath,” Gadget and Luna both chuckle at the unicorn’s comment, she was drenched from head to hoof from the rain. One of the downsides to having a white coat was it was so easy to get it dirty. All the dust on Allure was now wet and showed much more clearly. Luna chuckled at her friend's plight wondering how Celestia kept her coat so clean all the time.

Luna sighed tiredly as she thought of her sister Celestia, who she hasn’t talked to in six months. She couldn’t think of a time they’ve spent any time longer than a few weeks apart from each other. What made it even worse was, they weren’t even exchanging letters, and not once since their talk has Celestia written to her. Of course, she hasn’t either, but she has been busy getting the night patrol set up and many other things, there has barely been time to sleep. Let alone write a letter.

She supposed she could have one of her… hmm, what should she call her night patrollers, guards maybe? They weren't her servants, they volunteered to help her, but they were her subjects. Though she felt closer to them than that, almost like family… family yes, they were her family, her ponies.

Satisfied with her label, Luna got her thoughts back on track. She supposed she could have one of her ponies write and deliver a letter to Celestia, but that felt too impersonal. Though meeting face to face after just a long time would be awkward and she really didn’t want to go to Canterlot again, six months away from that place wasn’t long enough in her option.

“That’s it!”

“What’s it princess?” Allure asked startled by the princesses’ outburst. She had been so quiet on their way back to the castle, Allure had been starting to get worried.

“I ah… I wish to send a letter before I retire for the night Allure. Let’s go get quill and paper with haste!”

Allure blinked, “Ok… if that is what you want, but it’s right to bed afterward, you really need your sleep.”

“Yes, of course.” Luna waved her off as she excitedly trotted into the castle. This was going to be perfect!

Meanwhile in another part of the castle Applejack had her hooves full dealing with Dusk and Applejazz. The orange mare thought it would be easy to watch two fillies, given how shy the unicorn had been earlier, but she was proven wrong as Dusk showed Jazz new ways to have “Fun,” as she puts it.

The unicorn filly was popping in and out everywhere via teleportation spell, dragging Jazz along for the ride. They’d hop from one room to another, sometimes in midair at the top of the ceiling and they’d free fall for a little bit, before disappearing again. Needless to say, it wasn't any good on Applejack’s nerves as she chased after them.

“You to get back here before yawl gets hurt!” She yelled, brushing past several Apple Clan members and night patrol ponies. “Applejazz, you stop right now!” The red filly turned and gave her cousin a raspberry. Applejack’s cheeks burned red. “That’ it!” Glowing orange Applejack stomped her forelegs on the stone floor. “I said stop!” A wall of stone spikes grew in front of the fillies, blocking the hallway. Dusk faltered in her casting, and the two girls came to a sudden halt.

“Um… hi?” Dusk greeted nervously as Applejack stood over both of them, looking just a mite annoyed, no scratch that furious.

“Ah think it’s time for bed.”

“Aww” was the fillies’ response, but Applejack was having none of it and dragged the two of them off to their rooms, which was on the way to hers. The castle was set up with the princess at the top in her usual chambers with the leaders of each Night patrol Division on the same floor. Which included not only Applejack, but Sixes who was in charge of the Shadowbolts, Gadget ran the research division, Rawhide was the Heavy infantry and training leader, and a Pegasus pony named Firefly ran the rangers. The Rangers were Night patrol ponies stationed at towns and outposts across Equestria.

“Good night you two, now stay out of trouble,” Applejack ordered closing the door to Gadget’s room. Dusk and Jazz begged her to let them have a sleepover, and she was too tired to put up much of fight against them.

Trotting past the princess’s room, Applejack spotted Luna out on the balcony and decided to go say good night.

“Hey, Luna, ya going to hit the sack tonight?” Applejack asked as she approached the princess.

Luna turned to face her, quill and paper floating in her magic. “Oh hello, Applejack, I am planning to turn in as soon as I send this letter.”

“To who?”

Luna tapped her hoof on the floor, “To Celestia, I wish to reconnect with her.”

“Well, that’s great! I hope things work out between you two, it’s hard dealing with family at times, but they're worth the trouble.”

“I suppose you are correct,” Luna looked at her note, “I’m nervous though. We were not kind to each other the last time we were together.”

“You're sisters. everything will be fine, Luna.” Applejack assured her, Luna smiled and rolled up the letter, sealing it with a blue ribbon and her seal.

“You are right Applejack. We both have had time to cool our heads. Everything will be fine.” The letter was engulfed in blue fire and disappeared into a plume of blue smoke, traveling towards Canterlot. “There it is done. Now we must wait.”

There was a poof of pink magic, and a scroll drops to the ground.

“Well that was quick,” Said Applejack. Luna, however, looked concerned. “What’s the matter?”

“This seal isn't Celestia’s.”

“Then whose is it’s?” Applejack asked looking over the seal, which was a musical note of some sort.

Luna picked up the scroll with her magic, “It’s from our cousin in the crystal empire, Princess Symphony. I wonder what she wants?” Luna unrolls the scroll and reads it aloud.

Dear Princess Luna

Princess Symphony Orchestra invites you plus one to the crowning of her daughter, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza in the Crystal Empire in three days. We hope to see you.

Luna couldn’t find the words to say, has she been so busy that she missed the birth of Symphony’s child?

“You ok Luna?” Applejack asked but Luna didn’t reply. She just stared at the letter, wondering if Celestia had known and not bothered to tell her. No, no Celestia would ever do something so cruel, but surely Celestia has been informed as well?

“Luna?”

Luna shook away her brewing thoughts, “Sorry Applejack, I’m just tired. Goodnight, sweet dreams and all that. Um, by the way, have you ever heard of the crystal empire?”

Night patrol ch 7
By Foxgear

The crystal empire, a kingdom located at the snowy northern borders of Equestria, some consider it part of Equestria, but that would be false. They were a fiercely independent nation, who as they put it, chose to ally with Equestria against their common enemy the griffons. Princess Symphony, the cousin to Princess Celestia and Luna, oversaw the empire, and dubbed the Princess of Song, due to her magical musical talent. The tone of her voice can make a pony as gentle and loving as a puppy or as fierce as a hungry timber wolf. She ruled beside her stallion, Prince Tempo Treble, and their newly born daughter, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

Luna wrinkled her snout at her niece's name. Did it have to be so long and complicated? Couldn’t they just call her Cadence? Also, why are she and Celestia labeled as the new filly's Aunts? They were blood-related but Symphony was their cousin, not sister, whatever, it was probably just a typo, Luna assumed folding the second letter Symphony sent detailing the planned events.

Since she had missed the birth of the foal. Luna felt it was her duty to go the filly's crowning or coronation ceremony, or whatever they were calling it. It was a crystal pony thing. They love to throw festivals, no matter the reason.

Traveling with the Princess of the Night was her ever faithful friend Applejack, accompanied by some of her night patrol ponies. Her wing guard consisted of Fierce Fury and a new recruit named Nightingale. Also present was Dusk, who somehow manage to convince not only her father but the Princess herself, to come on the trip. Luna still had no idea how she did it, and she was there to see it.

Confident in Sixes and Gadget’s leadership skills Luna left them in charge to keep things running. She hoped Gadget would keep his invention testing to a minimum well she was gone, she wanted to test his new toys herself… um, make sure everypony is safe! Yeah, that was it.

“Luna, you ok?” Asked Applejack concerned for the Princess of the Night. Luna's been acting strange, while stranger than usual since receiving that letter and she has hardly spoken throughout the entire trip.

“I am fine, Applejack,” Luna answered, but Applejack’s skeptical frown made it clear she wasn’t fooling any pony with her lies. Luna sighed as her defenses crumble under Applejack’s stare, “I am finding it a little hard to relax, to be honest. Everypony else is back working at the castle, while I’m off to what is essentially a vacation.”

“Ah shucks Luna, don’t be so hard on yourself,” Applejack said in a chipper tone. “Every pony needs a little R and R every once in a while. No pony back home would argue against that. Frankly, you spending some time off will be a big relief to all us who follow you.”

Luna gasped at the former farm mare, confusion evident on her face as Applejack chuckles, “What do you mean?”

“Well, you were working yourself so hard. We were all were kind of getting worried about you.”

“That’s… I…” She was at a loss for words, touched by her subjects’ kindness, she smiles giving Applejack a hug, “Thank you, my friend. I’m glad I have a pony like you to tell me such things.”

“Aw-shucks Luna, don’t think nothing of it,” Replies Applejack patting her on the back, “Hey is that it over there?”

Turning forward Luna looked past the blowing snow spotting a splotch of shimmering green that could only be one place, the Crystal Empire. “Indeed, behold the Crystal Empire! A dazzling sight is it not?”

“You got that right.” Applejack rubbed her eyes to make sure it wasn’t trick. She couldn’t believe how green and shiny everything was! (Who would have thought such a place existed in this snowy wasteland?)

“So cool!” Dusk cried jumping onto Applejack’s back for a better look.

Luna smiled at their excitement. Perhaps she did deserve a vacation.

“Oh, oh, oh there they are!” Symphony exclaimed excitedly from her balcony. Her husband Treble looked out at the small flying speck his wife was pointing at with pair of binoculars usually used for operas. Faintly he could make out the dark ethereal hair of the Princess of the Night.

“Indeed, it is Luna, but I don’t see Celestia with her. Strange they would travel separately.”

“Let me see!” Symphony practically ripped the binoculars from her husband’s grasp. “Ooh you’re right, that is definitely not Celestia. I see blonde. Can’t make out the gender though, think Luna got herself a special somepony?”

Treble calmly took the binoculars away from his wife, “I doubt it. Luna has never shown in any interest in a suitor, and there has been no gossip of her setting up with some noble.”

Symphony rolled her eyes, taking the binoculars back, “Those twats have nothing to offer Luna or Celestia for that matter. I highly doubt we will ever hear royal wedding bells for any union between them and a noble. Now a big tough farming stallion or an adventurous mercenary, that’s the kind of pony I can see Luna mating with. It is my personal belief my dear cousin prefers a simple and action orientated pony.”

“Oh yeah,” Treble said skeptically, “What makes you say that?”

“Well it’s only a theory, but she does like reading tomes of those heroic ponies old, such as Tug, Blackjack, Abelard, and Epona.”

“That last one was a mare you know.”

“Your point?”

Treble cleared his throat, “Right, you were saying?”

“Luna likes, oh look they’ve landed, let’s go greet them!” Symphony excitedly leaps off the balcony flying down to the ground.

Not having wings Treble went back inside to take the stairs. Hopefully, his little problem downstairs would die down by the time he got there. Damn his wife’s sexy plot!

Luna and company land and were greeted by the crystal guards, who quickly search them and the chariot, once they confirm they weren’t carrying any weapons, not that she needed any… most of the time. The guards pull the chariot off to the stables.

Nightingale and Fierce Fury took up position with Applejack, Dusk, and Luna between them. However, despite their diligence, they were blindsided by a pink and maroon blur that bounced past them, tackling Luna to the ground!

“Hi, Luna!”

“Hi… Sym… Long time no see.” Luna gasped under her cousin’s weight. Symphony was a big pony, not fat, but big. She stood even taller than Celestia, only by a few inches though. Either way… “Sym get off me please!”

The ruler of the Crystal Empire chuckled unwrapping herself from the Princess of the Night. “Oh Lunie, it’s so nice to see you again, and look at you, you’ve grown so much since our last meeting. Last time you barely reached over my flank, now look at you!”

“Yes, I have grown in the last century, though not as much I have liked.”

“What was that last part? I didn’t hear you Lunie.”

“Nothing, um… here, this is my friend Applejack and this…”

“Is she your mare friend?” Symphony inquired causing jaws to drop.

Luna blinked at a loss for words as she stared at her cousin. “I beg your pardon?”

“Never mind, never mind, cousin, you were saying?” Symphony quickly said, smiling awkwardly wide. Luna continued to stare with a raised eyebrow as she resumed introductions.

“Right, this little filly is Dusk, and these are my guards Nightingale and Fierce Fury. We are all very grateful for your invitation.”

Symphony waved off the complements with her hoof. “Yes, yes, while I’m sure you’re exhausted and hungry from your long journey. Let us show you to your rooms so you can rest, and I’ll have the chief whip up a meal for you all.” Smiling brightly Symphony led the gathered ponies to the castle, where Treble just arrived, looking a bit fatigued from his long jog down the stairs.

“Sorry Hun, going back up. Please meet me in the dining hall.” Symphony sang as she passed by. Treble exhaustively turning around to begin the journey back up. If only there were a device that could take a pony from floor to floor without having to take the stairs. He would make the creator of such an invention a very rich pony.

“So we’re sharing a room then?” Applejack asked aloud for what would be the fourth time by Luna’s count as they prepare to attend supper with Symphony and Treble. Though really there wasn’t much to prepare for, neither mares brought any formal dining clothes and didn’t care for makeup, so they were basically waiting around with nothing to do. Except debate Symphony’s intentions as to why they were sharing a room in a castle with enough space to hold over a hundred ponies comfortably.

“Tis a big room, with two bedrooms Applejack, we see no reason to feel awkward with one another. We are both mares after all, and thou hast slept in my bed before, remember?”

Applejack sputtered while trying to hide her burning cheeks, “Yes, that’s true, but it was on accident, and then Celestia scared the willies out of me!”

“I know I was there Applejack. Tis was a truly funny sight to behold. Was it not?” Luna laughed opening the curtains Smiling brightly at Applejack, perhaps a little too brightly.

(She’s been switching between normal and fancy speak since we left, something is bothering her.)

“Luna…”

“Supper is ready, Princess Luna, Lady Applejack, if you would please follow me.” A crystal guard Interrupts.

“Wonderful, lead the way, good sir,” Luna said trotting after the guard, leaving Applejack with a sinking feeling in her gut as she followed her friend.

The trip to the dining hall was quick and silent. The crystal guard leading them to their seats. Luna sat to the left of Symphony, who sat at the head of the table with Treble beside her, and Applejack sat next to Luna with Dusk sitting next to her. In the corner Fury and Nightingale hid in the shadows, keeping an eye on their charges.

“Welcome friends, tonight let us sing songs and be merry for tomorrow we celebrate my daughter, Mi Amore Cadenza’s crowning as Princess of the Crystal Empire as well as our ascension to King and Queen! Hail Faust!”

“Hail Faust!” The gathered guests echo. Along with Luna, Applejack, and Dusk, several other ponies of high status were in attendance; the Captain of the Guard, Shiny Stone, Mare in waiting Lady Alto Melody, Symphony’s best friend, and King Sombra, the ruler of Maredor, a small country on the very Northern borders of the Empire.

“So,” Shiny Stone coughed as he set down his wine glass. “What is your rank in the Canterlot Military Guild Lady Applejack? You must have an astounding record to travel with Princess Luna. She is a pony of very high class and standards you know.”

“And right here Sir Shiny,” Luna said narrowing her eyes at the drunk, “But Applejack isn’t a part of the Canterlot Military Guild (CMG). She is one of my own personal Military group, The Night Patrol, and Applejack was my first recruit. She managed to take down a cyclops all on her own, and that was before her training.”

Shiny Stone coughed violently as his drink went down the wrong pipe. “Your own private military group you say? What possible need would you have for that Princess? Why not go through the Guild? There are surely many brave stallions that would gladly join your ranks.”

Luna smirked as she took a few bites of her meal, letting the tension build a bit as they waited for her reply. (I can play politics too Celestia.) “My ponies were being attacked by creatures that plagued the night, and I tried to go in alone and realized I wouldn’t accomplish anything that way. I chose to pick ponies who worked and lived on the land for they would be the most motivated to defend it. (And happen to find a force of 150 dragon ponies that needed a purpose in life) Also Ponies at the CMG have controversial loyalty issues. Anypony with enough bits could get them to switch their priorities.”

“Enough of this… whatever this conversation is, how about we talk about something a little less tension rising. What do you two say?” Lady Alto suggested.

“Very well,” Luna huffed, crossing her hooves, “But I do not want to hear one word about bachelors Alto, I’m not interested in such pursuits right now.”

The misty grey Mare sighed, adjusting the small pink bow in her mane, “Of course you’d say that Luna. Very well, how about dresses? Or even better cellos? I found this magnificently crafted cello in the bazaar today. The music I could make with it would be simply heavenly if only I could afford it.”

“Don’t I get a suggestion in the conversation?” Shiny interrupted, receiving a playful thump on the head from Alto.

“No, my dear Sir, you do not. You’d just start another argument as you love to do, but look at me being rude, King Sombra, how are you enjoying your visit to the empire so far?”

The black unicorn smiled viciously as he gazed on the crystal decor, his eyes looking over each pony with a strange fascination.

“I am enjoying it very much, Lady Alto. The hospitality you all have shown me, despite past relations between our kingdoms is greatly appreciated. Though I had hoped to to see the young new princess with us tonight, tell us Princess Symphony, what breed is the new princess? Unicorn, Pegasus, earth pony? Or has the rare chance of a new alicorn been blessed upon you?”

Symphony shifted uncomfortably under Sombra’s stare, “No, Cadenza is a pegasus, though she possesses rather strong magic, it’s not impossible a horn could grow later on in her life. Either way, I love my daughter just the way she is.”

“A pity that the once great alicorn race may soon disappear from this world, bound to be remembered only in the myths and legends passed down the generations. Must be hard for you two to live in the face of this fact.” Sombra said looking between the two alicorns, his eyes falling on Luna, the Princess of the Night knew what was next.

“Perhaps you and I would fair better creating an alicorn foal, dear princess Luna, alicorn blood does flow through my lineage. My great-great-grandfather was Trojan the Alicorn of Protection. Maybe if we were to mate his genes would reawaken? If nothing else I would show you a very pleasurable time I’m sure.”

Luna’s blood was boiling! It was taking all her strength not to buck the unicorn king in the face for his insolence!

“Your mare friend can join us too, I’m stallion enough for two.”

Luna snarled raising a protective wing to shield Applejack and tried to change the subject. “Symphony, when is our sister Celestia arriving or has she chosen not to attend?”

“Celestia said she has some business with the council to deal with, but said she would join us the day after tomorrow for a private visit.”

“How wonderful that the Princess of the Sun will be joining us,” Said Sombra, his gaze falling on Luna again, “Perhaps she would like to join us as well my dear Luna. For a private visit.”

That was the last straw for Luna “We think thou hast said enough unicorn king! Insults to me are tolerable, but thy friends and sister are of a different matter. Apologies are due, give them now or face our wrath!”

“Luna!” Symphony barked trying to calm the night princess down, but Luna would hear none of it, and with a mere flick of her hoof a shock wave of pure magic blew through the room making everypony freeze in their seats. All ponies except Sombra, who was smiling just as gleefully as before, if not more.

“Beautiful, simply beautiful. I find this side of you even more attractive, dear Luna.”

Luna growled her hooves shaking with barely controlled rage. Taking a deep breath, Luna let herself relax and calm down, if only for a moment.

“We apologize for our, unrefined outburst. We are tired from our journey and need rest. Please excuse us.”

“Of course, Luna,” Symphony said her voice soft and understanding. “I wish you and yours, good night and hope the morning finds you in a better mood. King Sombra I trust this hasn’t affected our hopes of peace as it?”

Sombra bowed, his smirk ever present. “Of course not, why let a little thing like this get in the way of peace? Besides, I rather enjoyed seeing the princess flustered. A rare and wonderful sight to behold, dare I say I would love to see more after the peace talks.”

Luna rolled her eyes as she gracefully stomps out of the room, Applejack and the others following behind her.

Luna rushed to her room, and as soon as the door was closed, she ran straight for her bed. Her body shaking as she struggled to reign in her emotions. Alas it was all for naught as the first tear escaped, rolling down her cheek as she buried her muzzle in her pillow.

“Luna,” Applejack said softly. “Are you ok?”

Sobs answer her. Quietly Applejack opened the door and entered the room. Her hooves clicking softly on the crystal floor that would have been rather pretty to look at if not for her concern for her friend.

As she approached the bed, Luna shifted away from her. Wordlessly Applejack moved to the other side of the bed, where once again Luna turned away. Applejack gave a frustrating sigh trotted around to the other side of the bed only for Luna to roll back to the other side.

“That’s it. Ah, ’m climbing in!”

Leaping on to the bed Applejack landed gracefully beside Luna's huddled form. The bed was large, larger then it needed to be more one pony, it could probably fit five. She was just glad it gave her room to land without squashing Luna. No need to add physical pain on top of emotional distress. Lying on her belly Applejack looked straight at Luna who had retreated under the blankets.

“Come on Luna, it’s me Applejack, you can trust me. Please tell me what’s wrong?” She said gently, trying to persuade the princess out of her little fortress of blankets.

Nothing happened at. First, the room went silent save for Luna’s quietening cries and hiccups. She moved beneath blankets poking her head out, her eyes red and fur soaked with tears.

“There, there, tell me what wrong,” Applejack said soothingly rubbing Luna’s head.

“We…I… feel like such a failure,” Luna began, her voice cracking. “Every time I try to play politics I embarrass myself. When I try to play their game, I am laughed at, when I try to do things my way I am scolded and told to think more moderately. I defend my honor and dignity against a noble or ambassador who thinks they can get into my bed chambers, I am scolded for not enduring their advances. Celestia does, and tonight I tried, I tried so hard, to defend you and Celestia against that slanderous stallion Sombra and I am mocked for my efforts and once again scolded. I wish… I wish I’ve never become a princess!” A strange chill ran up Applejack’s spine as Luna’s voice seem to change, turning deeper and filled with malice. “Curse Starswirl for imposing this fate upon us! Curse Celestia for persuading me this curse was some blessing! Curse them! Curse them all!” Luna screamed reeling up on her hind legs, her coat turning blacker than night.

Filled with fear from what was happening to her friend Applejack leaped into action and hugged Luna with all her might! This seemed to have an effect as the Princess of the Night froze in her grasp.

“It’s ok Luna, it’s all going to be ok.” Applejack whispered as Luna’s coat return to its standard midnight blue. Luna fall limp in her hooves, and she laid the princess gently on the bed. Retrieving the blankets, Applejack proceeded to tuck the tired mare in and was about to leave when Luna reached out.

“Please, don’t leave me alone.”

Applejack smiled, “Of course.” Crawling onto the bed Applejack lay down on the opposite side of the bed from Luna. As sleep began to take her, Applejack felt the blanket shift, and Luna move right up next to her and drape her wing over her body. It was a little awkward for Applejack, but Luna’s warmth was infectious with sleep, and soon her eyes began to slowly close.

“Celestia… I missed you…” Luna mumbled in her sleep as she snuggled closer to Applejack.

Applejack froze at the words feeling compiled answer if only for the hope it would ease Luna’s suffering, even a little.

“Ah missed you too Luna. Sweet dreams sister.”

Luna snuggled closer, muttering something Applejack couldn’t hear, but it didn’t matter.

(Everything would be ok Luna Ah promise.)

This chapter is a bit shorter wthen usual and took a bit longer then I wanted, but I couldn't decided How I wanted to do the supper scene and ending right away. Overall the final product is better then the drafts. I'm also trying to add more adult humor without crossing a line. Anyways it late and I think I got most of the grammar and spelling errors out.

Tug and Abelard are from Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan

Blackjack is a black Pegasus from the Percy Jackson series

Epona is from the Legend of Zelda series.

Night Patrol ch 8

By Foxgear

Applejack and Luna trotted side by side as they indulged in all the crystal festival had to offer. There were games, food, and entertainment provided by various party ponies and Luna’s personal favorite, jousting! The Princess of the Night’s purse jingled with her winnings form said jousting having won a bet against Shiny Stone after the Captain of the Guard challenged her to a wager. Applejack was glad Luna was feeling better after last night. Both of them silently agreeing that nothing needed to be said.

Luna shouted excitedly waving her loot in the air. “Hazah! Look at thy booty fair Applejack, see it bounce!”

Applejack lowered her hat over her face as several ponies turned towards them. “Yes, Luna, Ah see it.”

“Does thou wish for a crystal candy apple? I shall pay!”

She smiled. “That would be great if it’s edible.”

“Why of course it is! You shall see! Wait here, I will return.” Luna happy bounced over to the stall selling the apples.

Applejack quickly looked around and tapped her hoof three times; Nightingale appeared from the shadows dressed as a regular citizen, “Report.”

“Sombra is currently at the joust and seems intent to remain there for a few hours. Fury is keeping an eye on him as we speak and will update you if he moves.”

“Good,” Said Applejack. “I don’t want that damned stallion anywhere near Luna for the rest of our stay if we can help it. How are things going with Dusk? Is she behaving?”

Nightingale pawed at the ground, “Define behaving.”

“What’d she do?”

“Well…”

(With Dusk)

“I am Queen Shit of fucked mountain! All you recognize!” Dusk declared standing on top of the mountain of defeated foals. “No pony beats me at pie throwing!”

“This is a pie eating contest!” The owner of the stall yelled.

“Oh… oops…”

(Back with Applejack and Nightingale)

“Ah see,” Applejack rubbed her temple. “Wait, who taught her to swear?”

“Ahh…”

“Nightingale!”

“Oh look Luna is coming back. Gotta go!”

“You get back here!” Applejack yelled as the pegasus soared into the sky. “Gosh darn it, stupid pegasus and their stupid wings.” She grumbled softly as Luna come into earshot.

Luna watched as Nightingale disappeared into the sky while levitating Applejack her crystal candy apple. “Was that Nightingale?”

“Yep.”

“She seems to be in a hurry. Is there something wrong?”

“Nope.”

“I see, and you are answering in one-word replies, why?” Luna asked taking a bite of her own candy apple. Leaving many crystal sprinkles dotting her muzzle.

Applejack took a bite of her own apple before answering. Taking notes on the fruits texture and flavor. (It may look like a rock, but it tastes pretty darn good. Ah wonder if we can grow these back home?)

“No reason.” Applejack replied licking her lips. “Where do you want to go next?”

“To the joust, our luck has surely improved, and I wish to rub my winnings in Shiny Stone’s face once more.”

“Ah don’t think that’s a good idea, Luna.” Applejack said tapping her hooves nervously. She was no good at lying, but maybe… “What if Sombra’s there? Ah, I'd rather avoid being near that stallion as much as possible.”

Luna rested her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “We should not let that despicable Sombra ruin our day. The chances of us meeting him in such a large festival are slim, and even if he happens to be there, that doesn’t mean we have to sit with him. As royal guests, we will have our own private booth for viewing the competition. Surely that should ease your worries Applejack.”

“Ah guess,” Applejack replied with uncertainty in her voice. She had an awful feeling about this.

“Good, now let us be off!”

Luna was right; they did have their own private seat high above the other ponies, giving them a pegasus eye view of the arena. Unfortunately so did Sombra and his booth was right next to theirs. However instead of talking to them, he would smile deviously in their direction every time Luna would make a bet, and then he would bet on the opposite pony.

Their silent betting battle carried on for a long time. Bits were exchanged, lost, regained and bets were raised over and over again to ridiculous numbers. Applejack had never seen so much gold in one place before. She couldn’t wait for the end of the tournament so they could leave. She didn’t like the smile on Sombra’s face as he once again matched Luna’s bet. Below two mares prepared to joust.

“Here were go ponies! The last joust of the day! Swift Kick vs. Roundhouse! The bets are locked with a 245 to 197 in favor of Swift Kick!” The announcer announced. He raised his hoof into the air, both mares stomped the ground to indicate there were ready. “Ready… joust!”

Like her name, Swift Kick kicked off fast and hard barreling down the fenced path, her lance trained in on Round House. The two drew closer and closer the tension building with every hoof beat. When suddenly Round House fell on her side before the big clash, Swift Kick skidded to stop, confused.

“Mares and gentlecolts, please wait well we figure out what’s going on!” The announcer said to the restless crowd.

Up in her booth, Luna narrowed her eyes at Sombra. “What did you do?” She demanded, magic flaring around her horn.

“Whatever do you mean Princess?” Sombra replied smirking. “My bet was on Round House, what possible reason could I have to sabotage her?”

Luna growled and walked to the edge of the booth, so she and Sombra were only a few feet apart. “Really? Then why did that shadow jump out and trip her at the last second?”

“Who knows?” Sombra replied looking innocent.

She huffed and returned to her chair as the announcer spoke over the crowd.

“I’m sorry mares and gentle colts, but Round House has appeared to have broken her leg. She can no longer continue. Swift Kick is the winner by default.” The crowd booed, displeased by the anticlimactic ending and the lost bets. Ponies were starting to get restless and began demanding refunds when Sombra spoke.

“Ponies please do not despair!” He shouted amplifying his voice via magic. All eyes turned to him. “For your entertainment, I propose a challenge to Princess Luna to see which pony’s royal guard is better in three, one on one matches. Do you accept my challenge, Princess?”

Luna felt the attention turn to her. Caught off guard by the challenge, and there was no way she could refuse. Not in front of this many ponies, if Luna did, it would make Equestria look weak. Regretfully she looked to Applejack, who was frowning, and mouthed “sorry” to her friend and cast the voice amplification spell on herself.

“We accept! My champions come forth!” Applejack, Nightingale, and Fury gathered around her each one mentally preparing themselves for the battles ahead. “My champions are here, where are thous.”

“I will keep them… hidden for now. They are rather exotic in appearance. I wouldn’t want them to wow the crowd before the competition has even begun.”

Luna narrowed her eyes, but chose not to address the matter further, instead focusing on the crowd. “Very well, the matches will begin in thirty minutes. Please wait while we set everything up.”

“Are we really doing this, Luna?” Applejack asked as she adjusted her armor. Glad she thought to bring her grieves, at least something felt comfortable, the crystal armor she wore felt stuffy and restrictive compared to her custom fitted night patrol armor, it made her jealous of Fury and Nightingale who had their own armor from home.

Luna sighed. “I’m afraid so Applejack. We accepted the challenge. I wish it were me fighting rather than you three. It’s my fault for falling for Sombra’s ploy. You three be careful. Sombra may try to pull something during the matches and no matter what don’t die. That is an order!”

“Understood!” The three saluted, each one smiling with excitement for the coming battle. Whatever the circumstances night patrol ponies don’t shy away from a fight! They would show Sombra’s goons just who they were messing with!

“I will cheer for your victory. Good Luck my ponies.” Luna said flying back up to her private booth.

Applejack, Fury, and Nightingale entered the arena. They drew lots to decide who went first Applejack drew the shortest so she would go first, followed by Nightingale and finally Fury, who was a bit muffled about being last. As Applejack took center stage in the large arena, Fury and Nightingale took their spots off to the side. Now it was time for Sombra’s challengers to enter.

The announcer cleared his throat calling for the crowd to hush. “Mares and gentlecolts welcome to the first round of our special royal guard match off, on the right we have Applejack of the Apple Clan, fighting for Princess Luna of Equestria!” The crowd roared with excitement. Applejack meekly waved, feeling a bit queasy now that she was the one everypony was looking at to entertain them with violence. “And the challenger on the left side fighting for King Sombra of Maredor is the lovely and exotic Equus hailing from faraway lands.”

Equus emerged from the shadows of the entrance hall, her gray striped body a marvel for the spectators. Zebras weren’t often found away from their homeland.

(A Zebra? Why would such a noble creature side with Sombra?) Luna wondered as the striped mare approached the center.

Zebras were much like earth ponies, but with their own unique brand of magic, that usually involved rhymes and potions and judging from the numerous pouches dangling from Equus’s neck, she had quite a stockpile with her.

“Uh, howdy, let’s have a good clean match.” Applejack extended her hoof for the other mare to shake. The night patroller had to crane her neck upwards to meet Equus’s eyes. (Boy howdy she’s tall!)

Equus looked curiously at the extended hoof before finally shaking it. “And the same to you little Jack, for I hope you can do more with your hooves then talk smack.”

“Ah ain’t talking any trash, so you best take that back!”

Equus chuckled. “It was a joke little filly, no need to be so silly, silly filly Applejack.”

Applejack huffed and stepped away from the zebra as the announcer prepared to start the match. “Competitors are you ready? On the count of three, you may begin 1…2…3!”

Applejack wasted no time and charged Equus head-on with the horn of her helmet, Equus side trotted allowing the Applejack to charge past her. Skidding to a stop Applejack turned sharply and charged again.

“You will have to do better than that little pony!” Equus taunted ready to side trot again. As the blonde mare approached she suddenly changed directions sliding around Equus in a semi-circle creating a barrier of stone spikes around her. “Impressive little pony.”

“Hah, you haven’t seen nothin’ yet!” Applejack said brimming with confidence. Rearing up on her hind legs, forelegs aglow with orange magic, Applejack slammed her hooves on the earth creating a chain of stone spikes that attacked the zebra.

Calmly Equus reached into one of her many pouches, retrieved a green powder and blew it into the air towards the attacking spikes. A loud noise like thunder echoed as the powder connected with the stone spikes sending harmless pebbles flying everywhere.

“A nice trick, but mine is better.”

“We’ll see about that.” Applejack replied hotly as they began to circle each other green eyes meeting yellow. Both combatants picked up speed circling closer and closer to each other. Applejack and Equus slammed into each other, the crowd wincing as the sound of cracking bone could be heard.

Stumbling on her hooves, Applejack dry heaved while quickly unbuckling her armor, revealing a rapidly forming bruise along her ribs. (What happened? It felt like I hit a wall of steel! She isn’t wearing any armor either, so why isn’t she hurting?)

Equus smirked and held up a bottle of purple liquid. “It’s call turtle’s shell, one drink can make the user's skin as tough as a turtles shell, pretty good no?”

Applejack wheezed holding her side, “More like (gasp) underhooved if you ask me. Don’t think that will be enough to bring me down.”

“Of course not Applejack, I have many more options to try, so please try not to die.”

“Dying is one thing Ah don’t plan on doing for a long time, at least not till I’m old and grey with a ton of little filly and colts running around.” Applejack said shakily standing on her hooves. The pain in her side was getting worse, and it was distracting. She had to be focused for this next move to work. “Now come on, give me all ya got!”

Equus snorted with amusement, “Very well.” She held up a red potion. “This one gives you the strength of five stallions. This will be over quickly” Equus popped the cork and drank the potion down in a single gulp. Her muscles bulged, expanding and strengthening to that of stallions and then even more than that. When Equus’s muscles stopped growing she appeared to be more bulk then zebra.

“Come on then! Come at me!” Applejack taunted as the Zebra come barreling towards her, seems the potion also gave her a speed boost, but it was no matter. Charging her apple bucking legs with as magic as she could Applejack waited for the right opportunity to attack, too early and she would miss, too late, and she’d be run over like grass against a stampede.

(NOW!)

Turning one hundred and eighty degrees Applejack pulled in her powerful hind legs and kicked Equus right in the face! The crowd winced as hoof met skull and the monstrous zebra was knocked aside, bouncing hard against the ground before coming to complete stop. Equus lay unmoving in the dirt covered in her own blood.

“Medic! We need a Medic in here!” The announcer called two ponies with red crosses for marks quickly picked the zebra up on a stretcher and carried her off. “The winner of the first round is Applejack by knockout or possible fatality. Please wait as we have a short intermission.”

Applejack stumbled to the sidelines feeling sick, hadn’t meant to hurt Equus so severely. (Ah’ve slain mah fair share of monsters, but a fellow Equine?) The mere thought of perhaps killing another pony made Applejack sick to her stomach, and this time she did throw up.

“You ok Captain?” Nightingale asked uncertainly as she helped Applejack to the sidelines. “You need some water or do you need a medic? That wound looks pretty bad.”

Applejack numbly looked at her side noticing just how bad it was. Not that she had time to actually look at it before, it felt worse now that she could see the damage done.

“Ah guess I wouldn’t mind a drink and a doc. Looks pretty bad doesn’t it?” She chuckled nervously as an image of what she did to Equus played over and over again in her head. She cringed remembering the feeling of bone breaking beneath her hooves. Imagining bits and pieces of the zebra’s skull shooting into her brain. The image made her shiver.

“Will the competitors for the next match please enter the arena?”

“Looks like I’m up. Wish me luck!” Nightingale said heading out, stopping short when Applejack called out to her.

“Wait Night.”

“Yes?”

Applejack rubbed her foreleg nervously. “Be careful, OK. Luna knows what you might be up against out there.”

Nightingale smiled and nodded wordlessly to her comrades and entered the arena. She took to the center, the announcer yelling her name and such to the crowd. She ignored him. Looking instead at the darkened corridor where her opponent was supposed to emerge. The announcer said something and the sound of muffled hoof steps could be heard from the dark hallway. Nightingale crouched into her battle stance, preparing to take flight as soon as the word to start was given. A figure emerged from the shadows. Nightingale blinked making sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her, her opponent was her?

Standing across from Nightingale was another pony, a pegasus, with the same blue mane and white coat as her. A carbon copy of her if there was ever such a thing.

“What the fuck?”

“Surprised?” The other pony replied, her voice the same as Nightingales.

Nightingale stared at her doppelganger, her thoughts running wild. (Is she my long lost twin sister or something? An evil magic clone? My daughter? No, no that last one is impossible, I’m way too young, and it’s not like I’ve ever been with a stallion. The sister thing is possible, but unlikely, so that leaves…)

“Begin!”

“You’re not taking over my life you evil monster!” Nightingale yelled tackling her doppelganger. The two rolled on the ground exchanging blows, till finally one of them managed to force the other off. “Ha, you suck at fighting! Whoever cloned you, trained you poorly. Now I’m gonna buck you up hard!”

“Oh at least take me out on a date first, its only proper,” The doppelganger said, making Nightingale blush and stumble in her attack. The doppelganger chuckled as Nightingale readjusted herself. “I see some pony still hasn’t experienced the touch of a stallion. I feel bad for you.”

“S-h-ut, shut up!” Nightingale stuttered, blushing so hard her entire face turned red.

The doppelganger laughed taking flight. “What an amusing child. Follow me if you dare virgin.”

“I’m going to bucking kill you!” Nightingale gave chase, chasing the doppelganger into the clouds. She landed in the middle of a giant muffin shaped cloud losing sight of her twin. She snorted angrily stomping her hooves against the clouds, thunder rumbling as the peaceful white clouds darkened to match her mood.

“Come out and fight me!”

A sultry chuckle echoed through the cloud as a tall shadowy figure trotted out from the fluff. The creature was equine in appearance with a black coat, bug-like wings, and a long crooked horn upon its head with hooves that looked like swiss cheese. The creature parted their lime green mane as smaller insecticide like equines emerged around them.

“What-what are you?” Nightingale asked warily she looked around for an escape route. All available paths seemed to be blocked except for beneath her, but who was to say more weren’t waiting below? She had to get out of here, but first, she wanted to find out what was going on.

The tall creature laughed flicking her mane as she walked towards the pegasus. “I am Queen Chyrsa, Queen of the Changelings. The adorable little creatures you see before you in case you didn’t know.”

Nightingale dug her hoof into the cloud preparing to dive, “Never heard of you. You some kind of alicorn rejects? You sure look the part. What do you even do besides look ugly?”

Chrysa’s horn glowed green as her fury boiled over, “Nothing worth explaining to a dead pony.”

(That’s my cue!)

Digging into the clouds, Nightingale dived down as a green beam of magic shot through the black fuff behind her. Several of the smaller changelings gave chase, but she easily outflew them and disappeared into the stormhead.

(Damn, how many layers deep is this cloud?) She tasted the air, it was filled with moisture, a storm front and in her anger, she foolishly flew into it without keeping track of just how far she flew in. Storm fronts were miles wide and high. Of course, logically all she needs to do was fly up or down to get out, which was easy enough except for…

Thunder and lightning roared and flashed, shaking her to the core as electric energy arced through the clouds haphazardly. She peeked down the eye of the storm, lightning dancing everywhere. Going straight up or down was no longer an option, especially with those changeling things hunting her.

A shadow of movement caught her eye and Nightingale swiped around to face whatever it may be, she relaxed her aggressive stance when she discovered it to be her doppelganger.

“There you are! Listen we have to call off the fight for a little while. There are some strange ponies up here, and we need to get back down and report to our… hey, are you all right?” The doppelganger didn’t speak, she just kept moving towards her, Nightingale stepped back away from her clone, her instincts screaming at her to stay away. “Hey, are you listening?”

The other her doppelganger hissed and leap at her. Nightingale dodged and kicked her with both back hooves in the flank sending her flying into an arc of lightning. The doppelganger screeched a death wail as electricity jolted through her veins and she fell to the ground motionless. Nightingale hesitatingly shook her, but she didn’t wake, and she never would. Her heart had stopped.

“Oh no…” Nightingale gasped stepping away from the corpse. “I-I-I didn’t, I would never…” Tears rolled down her cheeks. She’s never killed before, not even a monster, but now she’s killed a…

Nightingale couldn’t finish the thought as the need to relieve her stomach overtook her.

“I’m sorry.” She said to her fallen opponent after wiping the vile from her muzzle. “This isn’t how I wanted to win.”

After a moment of silence for the fallen warrior, Nightingale walked away to continue her descent to the ground. She needed to get down to Princess Luna and tell her about the strange creatures she saw. As she approached the edge of the eye a flash of green caught her attention. Nightingale looked back at the corpse of her fallen opponent which had changed into a dead changeling.

“What’s going on?”

She approached the strange corpse but stopped halfway when three more changelings dug through the clouds, and they didn’t look pleased. Not pleased at all. In fact, they seemed outraged, probably because she killed their friend.

“Hey… this is not what it looks like.” Nightingale said walking back to the eye of the storm. “Seriously it was an accident!”

They didn’t seem to be buying her story. The three changelings charged at her and Nightingale had only had two options; fight or flight and she choose flight!

Rearing on her hind legs Nightingale jumped down into the eye of the storm, dodging lighting arcs and fighting headwind. The creatures didn’t follow her thankfully. Instead, they screamed, at first she thought it was out of anger for her escape, but it turned out to be a cry for help as more appeared. A lot more, dozens to be exact!

“Oh, buck!” She screamed as the black swarm descended upon her. They charged fearlessly through the wind and lightning, barreling down on her like locust. Nightingale flew faster, staying just ahead of the swarm. She wished for her goggles right about now, it was hard to see in all this wind blowing in her face.

Though watering eyes she saw three black specs flying towards her. She thought she was beginning to black out, but as they specs grew closer they became more detailed, and she could make out the insectoid features of the changelings. Unable to slow down with the enemy at her back and enemies at her front, she knew it was time to fight!

Reaching out with her hoof Nightingale grabbed a bunch of clouds, fluffy white turned to black as she poured her magic into the fluff and reared back her hoof and slammed it into the nearest changeling! “Thunder Hoof!” She shouted triumphantly as lightning discharged from the cloud, electrocuting the changeling!

“Aha! Take that you varmints!” Nightingale whooped punching another changeling with the storm cloud. “Varmints? Captain Applejack must be rubbing off on me. Next thing Ah’ll be saying Ah like she does… and I’m already doing it, great…”

Nightingale fought her way through another group of changelings, more and more of the vile black creatures fell to her little thunder cloud making the others weary about attacking her. (My cloud is almost gone!) She noted looking at the small black pile of fluff on her hoof. One more zap was all it had left.

A light appeared up ahead, it was the bottom! Excitedly Nightingale flew at top speed to the opening, hoping the changelings wouldn't follow her beneath the clouds. Even if they did, she would have help.

“Not so fast little pony!” Chrysa, the changeling Queen, said appearing in front of the opening, horn primed with magic. “You’re not going anywhere!”

Nightingale pulled back her hoof with the storm cloud and shouted: “We’ll see about that!” She dived for the Queen.

Meanwhile down below Princess Luna searched the skies for her faithful patroller via opera binoculars commandeered from a fellow viewer.

“May I please have my binoculars back your majesty?”

Luna turned to the pony, her expression grim and said, “No.”

“I see, carry on then.”

Returning to her task, Luna growled having found no sign of either pony in the sky since they flew into the clouds over thirty minutes ago. The announcer tried to send up referee ponies, but the incoming storm front made it too dangerous to enter.

Lightning flashed in the sky, and the crystal unicorns summoned a dome over the arena to block the rain. Crystal ponies loved festivals and will do anything to keep them going. Not even bad weather could stop a crystal festival.

Luna was ready to fly up herself and look for Nightingale, regardless if it would disqualify her when a bright flash of blue and green appeared in the sky. The crowd awed at the display, but Luna’s attention was on the failing spec.

“Nightingale!”

Nopony saw the princess disappear via teleportation spell till she was already halfway to her falling subject. She caught the pegasus on her back and was happy to see her still breathing.

From the clouds emerged Nightingale’s opponent, who looked exactly the same as the pegasus down to the mane and tail, if not for Nightingale’s armor they would indistinguishable, but Luna knew there was something different about the other pegasus. Something she didn’t like.

“Back off!” She ordered, the clouds thundering with her voice. “You have won this bout, now reveal thy true self!”

The pegasus laughed. “And spoil the fun? I think not.” She flew down to the arena where the announcer declared her the winner. Luna flew down and handed Nightingale off the medics. She pulled Applejack aside. “Watch over Nightingale. I fear for her safety.”

“Against what?” Applejack asked.

Luna frowned, unsure of how to answer. “I don’t know Applejack. I truly don’t, but I fear something bad may happen if we don’t stay alert.”

“Gotcha, don’t worry Luna Ah’ll keep her safe, she is a comrade after all.”

“More importantly than that Applejack, she is a friend, and we keep our friends safe.”

Applejack nodded and trotted after the medics.

Luna began to walk back to her seat, stopping next to Fierce Fury, who was ready to fight. “Be careful Fury, something is a mist. I want you to show them what happens to those who hurt our friends.”

“I intend too.” Fury replied darkly as the announcer called him out.

“Our final champion fighting on the side of Princess Luna, Fierce Fury!”

Fury stepped into the arena walking tall and proud, showing off every aspect of his dragon/equine features to intimidate his opponent. The crowd swooned over him. Excited chatter filled the air as the bets shifted in his favor.

“Quite the specimen you have Princess,” Sombra said as Luna landed in her seat. “I imagine you must keep him close when your heat rolls around.”

Luna growled, but ignored him, as Sombra continued to blabber on, “I too have a fierce warrior in my guard, and you may find him familiar.”

A hush fell over the crowd, many gasping as Sombra’s final champion emerged from the shadows. Luna looked wondering what the all the fuss was about and she too was stricken with silence as she gazed upon Sombra’s final fighter.

“And fighting on the side of King Sombra, Blood Moon!”

A blood coated stallion with leathery wings and ears took up position across from Fury. There was no doubt in Luna’s or any ponies’ mind of want he was, he was the shadow of the night, the equine devil, a bat pony!

(A bat Pony? One of my children? Fighting for Sombra?)

I can't rhyme

Night Patrol CH 9
by Foxgear

(A bat pony? A bat pony was working for Sombra? How could this be happening? How could my child betray me?) Luna wondered frantically looking from the arena to Sombra, the stallion’s smirk widened with her glare.

“What magic have you cast upon him?” Luna demanded sternly.

Unimpressed at her rage, Sombra inspected his hoof, “Whatever do you mean? I need no magic to gain a pony’s loyalty. Of course, some food, water, and the promise of shelter and a job go a long way. I amazed that you, Princess Luna, left your so-called “children” to fend for themselves in the harsh caverns of the Everfree, which I remind you runs all the way up to Maredor.”

Luna seethed through her teeth. She wanted to yell so loud, that it would leave the black stallion permanently deaf forever! Yet, his hurtful words stung deep in her heart and Luna knew it was her fault her bat ponies have gone to Sombra’s embrace. In her misery she abandoned them, and when she finally came to her senses and formed night patrol, it should have come to no surprise that the caverns were empty when she went to recruit them to her cause.

“Please, be safe my ponies.” She softly prayed. “Both of you return to me alive, please.”

Fury circled his opponent, Blood Moon, matching him step for step. He didn’t know a lot about bat ponies. Other then what Luna had told him and the others, they seem no different from a Pegasus, except better built for night flying with night vision and better agility in tight flying spaces. Both advantages were useless in the vast open arena and broad daylight. Yet, looking at himself a dragon pony, Fury wondered if there were other tricks gifted to bat ponies.

Trusting in his robust scale coat Fury lurched forward charging Blood Moon head on. Blood Moon side trotted to the right dodging the attack. Digging his left claw into the earth Fury swung himself, skidding behind Blood Moon with his jaw wide open to chomp on the bat pony’s wing, only to bite air as Blood Moon took flight. He snorted angrily, flying up after him.

Up above Blood Moon stalls in midair, preparing to attack. Fury chest expanded as he made to counter. Once the bat pony turned around, it would all be over.

Blood Moon turned as expected, but something was amiss, his chest was also bulging? (Is he like me? Is he a dragon pony pretending to be a bat pony?)

Not taking any chances Fury fired first, unleashing a wave of searing flames. The ponies below screamed in horror, but he paid little mind to them. He didn’t care if they thought him a monster, they would be right, he was one.

A sudden ringing sound appeared in Fury’s ears. He blinks away tears as his body reacted to the ringing in his ears. He dipped a little, losing altitude, the flames above him burst apart, extinguishing in the air without his magic to feed them. He spotted Blood Moon flying through the fire, and he appeared to be screaming? Fury saw a small distortion in the air, the ringing worsened, the sound driving him mad as he tried in vain to scratch at his ears.

(It’s some sort of sonic attack.) Fury hissed, his mind going fuzzy, it was getting harder to think. He had to do something and quick! There was no way he could take another blast and stay conscious. Spotting Blood Moon coming around for another pass, Fury knew his time was short if his flames didn’t work then…

Blood Moon yelled “Prepare yourself you freak!” readying his sonic scream. Another blast would put the dragon pony down for good. Exhaling Blood Moon released a high pitch scream so powerful that it created shock waves. There was no way that the dragon pony could defend himself. Blood Moon smirked watching the sonic waves fly toward Fury, who was gathering up another fire blast, not that it would do much good. Fury released his breath, but instead of fire, a loud eardrum-shattering roar came out, the booming roar canceling out his sonic scream.

“What?” Blood Moon gasped surprised that his attack had been countered. In his moment of shock Fury flew up close and slashed his barrel. He dodged, barely avoiding injury, but the same could not be said for his armor which was ripped to shreds by the dragon pony’s claws.

Fury smirked viciously, “Having fun yet, bat?”

“More then you know.”

Fury flexed his claws. “Good to hear.”

The two charge one another hoof vs. claw attacking with unrelenting fury. Blood Moon’s feet smacked against Fury’s armor, denting it and busing the skin beneath, bones cracked, while Fury’s claws raked deep into Blood Moon ripping chest plate and leaving long red gashes all over the bat pony’s body. Blood rained down from the sky.

From below Luna watched in horror, “Please stop… please my children… stop…” she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks. Beside her, Sombra laughed, and she decided she’s had enough!

Magic filling her lungs Luna unleashed her Canterlot voice, “STOP! STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!” The crowd stilled at her words, but the fighting continued. “I SAID STOP!” She yelled again at the two, but they kept going too far gone in blood lust to hear her.

Spreading her wings Luna took to the sky, flying fast as her wings could take her. In a mere blink, she was between Fury and Blood Moon pushing them away with her hooves. Both ponies’ pupils were tiny slits, their eyes screaming with rage and the desire to kill.

“Enough, it’s time to stop,” Luna said gently, her tone soothing with a hint of magic mixed into calm the two. Slowly their eyes began to widen to their original size. “It’s over the battle is done.”

“Actually it’s just begun, Luna!” Sombra laughed maniacally.

Luna turned, gasping at the sight of Sombra FLYING right behind her with the aid of two skeletal wings!

“What are you?”

“Your conquer.” He said confidently. A flash of red magic shot from his horn into the sky, from the clouds black figures emerged and from the north, a more appear from the ground, all around the empire explosions erupt turning buildings into fireballs, and then all hell broke loose as the soldiers of Maredor attacked!

“I wonder what’s going on out there.” Curaga, the medical pony watching over Nightingale asked her partner, Splint, as she looked over the pegasus’s vitals. They had forced Applejack outside so they could do their work, the earth mare protesting, relaying her orders from Princess Luna, but Curaga assured her Nightingale would be safe and locked her out of the room. After all who would be bold enough to attack in the heart of the Crystal Empire? “Splint can you please stop staring out the window and help me?” She asked writing down Nightingale’s vitals. The clopping of hooves echoed behind her as she worked. “Thank you…”

A sharp pain erupted in Curaga’s flank as a hoof covers her mouth, muffling her screams. Through panicked eyes she saw that Splint was her attacker, he made soft cooing sounds as he laid her on the floor in the puddle of blood that formed from her wound. Tears fell freely down her face as the last of her life drained away, darkness engulfing her vision.

“Splint… why…” Were her final words as “Splint” removed his hoof her mouth.

A burst of green flame engulfed Splint, revealing his true form as a changeling. Expressionlessly he looked at the mare that had been his meal for the past several months. He had played the role of her friend/lover well and enjoyed it, but a lass the farce has come to its conclusion. The day of reckoning was at hoof, the day when the changelings would have their own land, their own kingdom, in the face of such things what was the life of one mare?

Speaking of mares, there was the pegasus on the bed he had to deal with and her friend outside. Such were things he guessed picking up a spare pillow to smother the sleeping pegasus. He was about to do the deed when her eyes snapped open! Quickly he pressed the pillow hard against her face, she struggled, her hooves flailing around wildly, occasionally smacking his face, but he held on. Splint readjusted his footing for better leverage and in an ironic twist of fate slipped on Curaga’s blood.

Nightingale threw the pillow off her face and screamed at the top of her lungs, “APPLEJACK!”

Applejack came barreling through the door taking only a second to look at the situation, the blood on the floor, the dead nurse, her friend gasping for breath and the black bug thing with blood on its horn and a pillow in its hooves. Magic gathers around the earth mare's feet as pure rage floods through her body.

“You no good vermin!”

Charging forward Applejack tackled the Changeling and straddling his torso and began pounding the life out of him with her bare hooves! The changeling’s face was a bloody mess by the time she was done, his head rolling to the side, his eyes meeting Curaga’s. Slowly he reached out towards her, he could feel the pony’s weight shift on his body, meaning she was getting ready to attack again. Her hoof came down crushing his foreleg just as it touched Curaga’s. He hisses in pain, but he did not let go.

“I’m…(cough, cough)… sorry… Curaga…” He whispered taking his last breath.

Applejack got to her hooves, rushing to Nightingale’s bedside as the pegasus tried to get up. Carefully the orange mare lowered her friend to her feet. Nightingale leaning heavily against Applejack's side as she caught her breath.

“You ok, Night?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Bloody changeling nearly got me though.”

AJ poked Splint’s body with her hoof. “Is that what this thing is? Ugly little thing.”

Nightingale laughed, “Yeah it is…” Suddenly her mind caught up with her as flashes of her fight in the clouds come to the forefront of her mind. “Crap, there’s more in the clouds! Applejack these things are shapeshifters, and there’s a ton of them!”

Explosions rocked the building. Both mares quickly look out the window seeing the city in chaos as changelings dive-bombed from the sky with hordes of Thestrials and ponies covered in black armor storming the northern wall, barring Sombra’s banner.

“Well, looks like they’re not in the clouds no more.” Applejack drawled keeping a cool composure. “Come on, we need to get to Princess Luna. Be careful of anypony too, no telling whose the enemy and whose friend with these things around.”

Nightingale nodded, “Right let’s go!”

The two mares made their way down the arena hallways as quickly as possible with Nightingales injuries. Thankfully they didn’t run into anypony as they entered the dugout for the fighters. Sticking to the shadows they peer out into the arena and if they thought outside the stadium looked bad, inside was worse, so much worse. Ponies were lying dead all over as the few guards fought against the changelings. In the sky they spot Fierce Fury going berserk as he savagely mangled any changeling in his path, his feathery scaled coat shimmered with blood, both his and his enemies. Even more impressive though was the fight going on between Sombra and Princess Luna.

Sombra with a pair of skeletal wings was matching Luna blow for blow as both rulers launch powerful spells that no normal pony could hope to match. Beams of magic collide causing explosions that pushed the two away from each other. Two changelings flew in from the right, blindsiding Luna, Sombra pressed the advantage, but Fury breathed a wall of fire in his path. Luna hit the ground in front of them. Applejack quickly rushed out and kicked the two changelings off her princess.

“Princess, you ok?” She yelled over the roar of the battle. Luna shook her head as she gathered herself.

“Applejack?” Luna dizzily replied as she regained her bearing, “By mother’s mane Applejack! You’re alright! Is Nightingale safe?”

Applejack nodded, “She’s fine. A little bruised but fine. What are your orders, Princess? What can we do to help?”

Luna surveys the situation, a haunting realization dawned upon her as she remembered the youngest member of their party. “By mother’s mane, Dusk! We’ve forgotten about Dusk! Applejack, you and Nightingale must quickly secure Dusk’s safety and anypony else you can along the way. Then find Symphony and clear a path for her so she can activate the crystal heart. Hurry or the empire will be lost!”

“Aye, Princess,” Applejack saluted, “You can trust us to get it done.”

Luna nodded with a soft smile, “I know I can.” She said taking to the sky again.

Applejack rushed back to Nightingale explaining their orders, the pegasus nodding and following Applejack's lead, pausing only briefly to stare to the south towards home. The skies clear. (But how long would they remain that way?)

Dusk followed King Treble down the hall of the palace with her head bowed to the floor. Earlier she’d been enjoying the festival with her own usual twist to spice things up and to make a long story short had gotten in trouble. Enough trouble that the vendors reported her to the royal guards, who then reported her to the king since she was a royal guest. Turned out making pies explode went a little too far. Now she is to face punishment! She had to watch over the Kings daughter Cadenza. Not a horrible punishment by any means, but taking care of a newborn foal was only fun a quarter of the time. She should know, she’s foalsat plenty of the Apple clans newborns (They had a lot, they breed like rabbits!).

Timidly Dusk said, “So how long will I have to watch over Cadenza?”

King Treble paused to stroke his beard outside the said princess’s door, enjoying Dusk’s squirming. “Hmm… till Luna or one of her guard's return, I suppose. Any pony’s guess when that will be.” He chuckled as Dusk’s face fell to near despair. Of course, he wouldn’t leave the filly with his dear foal for such a long time, but it was fun to pull the filly’s leg a little bit. He deserved a jest after having to deal with the mob that had brought the young mare under his supervision. He wondered how Luna deals with her, blowing up pies, turning dunking apples to stone, and just causing general mayhem. She acts just like… Luna… did during her and Celestia’s little pranking war. He remembered that particular event well, it was how he’d met Symphony after all, and it remained a wonderful and embarrassing memory as he was sent flying into the air covered in honey, landing at Symphony’s feet after walking into Luna’s prank set for Celestia.

“Here we are.” He announced opening the door to Cadenza’s room, his trip down memory lane over for now. The room looked as precisely as he’d left it. Toddler toys were placed in their proper place, a small castle play set located in the corner guarded by numerous stuffed animals, and finally Cadenza’s crib with the princess’s formal foal-sitter, an old crystal unicorn named Proper Upbringing keeping watch over her as usual.

Treble smiled at the elderly mare as they approach, “Hello Proper Upbringing, nice to see you doing well today.” The mare smiled softly back with a slight nod, scooting to the side to allow Treble and Dusk closer access to the sleeping princess. He smiled gently brushing Cadenza’s mane. “I’m pleased to tell you will be free to enjoy the festival for the rest of the day. This little filly will foal sit Cadenza for the remainder of the day.”

Proper Upbringing didn’t respond, her attention directed at the bright red light hovering over the arena. Her eyes flash green for a moment as she turned around walking towards Treble and Dusk.

“Proper?” Treble inquired expecting some retort from the mare saying she didn’t need a day off. He turned just in time for Proper Upbringing aimed her horn for his heart. Acting on his old guard training, Treble smacked her away with his hoof sending Proper Upbringing crashing into the castle playset.

“What is the meaning of this?” He demanded, snorting angrily. A burst of green flame engulfing the playhouse as “Proper Upbringing” revealed her true self, unleashing a high pitched battle cry that Treble knew all too well.

Looking at his slumbering daughter and then to Dusk, Treble knew he had little time. He wrapped Cadenza in his magic, blanket and all and quickly tied the little filly to Dusk’s back.

“Run now!” He ordered, gracing between the tall glass windows and the changeling in the playhouse. He could make out the bug like forms of more changelings answering their comrade’s call.

Dusk hesitated, looking between the door and Treble.

“I said go! Find Princess Luna! Trust no one until they’ve proven they are who they are! Now go! Keep my daughter safe!”

Dusk took off running just as the other Changelings broke through the window glass. Treble locking the door behind her making all the changeling’s direct their attention to him.

“Well… come on then! Let’s have at it!” He challenged lighting up his horn with magic. The changelings hiss and charge all at once. Gritting his teeth, Treble lets out an angry battle cry as he charged to meet his enemy.

Dusk ran as fast her little hooves could carry her. She didn’t know where she was going or where to find Luna, Applejack or any of the others, so she kept running, even as hell broke out around her. Changelings and crystal guards were brawling in the halls, busting down doors, breaking through walls in efforts to kill one another. A guard fell in her path, she quickly leaped over his body as two changelings race after her, only to be struck down by another guard.

Turning a hard right Dusk found herself in the throne room, which was filled entirely with changelings!

“Oh buck…”

All the changelings turn their attention to the two fillies. Dusk cautiously taking a step back towards the door, but it was slammed shut, leaving her trapped. She gulped preparing the only attack spell she knew, her horn light up with a black light as she aimed at the changeling horde before her. They chuckle, laughing at her efforts as they move in all at once.

“AHHH!” Screaming like a mad mare Dusk fires her spell, the black light hit a changeling dead center, a first nothing happens the changeling appearing unharmed as it blinked at her, touching its chest, then it happened. The changeling began coughing, blood sprinkling onto the crystal floor, the changeling looked directly into her eyes filled with fear and then he fell over dead.

The changeling horde hissed with anger and charge towards Dusk with blood lust. The filly tries to charge up another spell, but couldn’t as she was forced to dodge, escaping by sliding underneath another changeling. Her safety was only momentary as she found herself trapped in a corner. Dusk closes her eyes waiting for the inevitable, but after a long agonizing minute, nothing happened. Opening her eyes she was surprised and very grateful to see the towering figure of Princess Symphony, it was also the time she noticed a soft hum of music in the air. She looked for the source and quickly found it was the princess singing and it wasn’t any regular music, it was musical magic! From the looks of the changelings, she had all of them completely enthralled as they swayed back and forth to the melody. Then the music stopped, and Dusk wished she had kept her eyes closed.

The changelings began to kill each other.

Princess Symphony watched the slaughter with a monotone expression. She hated using her lovely music to commit such horrifying acts, but this time she felt nothing for her enemies. No pain, no sorrow, she didn’t even see them as living beings, all she saw was Treble lying on the floor in a pool of blood, five changelings lying around him dead, the sixth standing over him in victory. She made sure it was short lived. Next, she entered the halls finding her slaughtered guards and servants and more changelings, she made short work of them as well. Finally, she made her way here to the throne room, where she had sensed a spell being cast. She arrived to find not only her daughter but Dusk as well. She was so happy to see somepony alive that she almost didn’t notice the changelings in the room. She saw Dusk kill the one and the rest charge the little filly.

That was when she acted, beginning with the first keys of her song, she froze the changelings in their place leaving them still as stone, except for their eyes. They follow her every step as she made her way to Dusk and Cadenza. Cadenza was still fast asleep while Dusk had her eyes sewn shut, her body trembling with fear. She decided to leave them like that for the moment, they didn’t need to see what she was about to do.

Standing in front of the filly and foal, Symphony began the second verse of her song, a low, mournful tune filled with sadness and loss. The changelings respond, each one turning their sharp horns on another of their kin. Now it was time for the coup de grace. Symphony adjusted her key, her voice rising like a wave, filled with rage and hate, the changelings’ eyes narrow as they growl at one another. Then she released her spell, and the changelings plunge their horns into each other’s throats.

Symphony stared at the carnage unblinking, a strange sort of numbness overtaking her usually compassionate heart.

A startled gasp caught her attention. Dusk had opened her eyes and was staring directly at the carnage! Quickly she unfolded her wing blocking the horrid sight from the filly’s eyes, but the look in her eyes said she was too late. Gathering the two onto her back Symphony flew out the window, descending slowly to the ground towards the base of the castle where the crystal heart was located.

“We must purge the invaders. Stay close to me and keep my daughter safe.” Symphony said as they touch down. Immediately more changelings attacked, but a quick kick sent them hurdling away. Galloping toward the pedestal that houses the crystal heart, Symphony charged her horn preparing to spread her love and hope across the empire and repel the invaders.

Dusk cried, “Look out!” As two changelings charge from both sides, Symphony launched the fillies into the air so she could intercept the attackers. She quickly tossed the two aside and caught the foals on her romp again and began preparing her spell when…

“Look out!”

“Oh buck it!” Snarling Symphony dropped the two fillies near the pedestal, placing a magic shield over them as she faced the attackers. Expecting more changelings, but was left staggering on her hooves as two sonic screams nearly burst her eardrums. Dizzily she smacked the bat ponies aside, preparing to face the third shadowy figure head-on as she charged with her horn pointing forward. This proved to be a mistake as her horn become entangled in the jagged black mess of a horn that belonged to none other than the changeling queen herself, Chrysa.

“Hello Symphony,” Chrysa greeted grinning like a cat, “Been a long time hasn’t it?”

Symphony grunted pushing against Chrysa’s horn, trying to gain the upper hoof, “Not long enough I’d say! I see you’re still as ugly as the last time I saw you.”

“And you’re a potty-mouthed little princess, but why hold on to a grudge, we are family right?”

“You are no family of mine!” Symphony screamed regaining her balance.

Chrysa chuckled, “Still mad at me? You should really learn when to let things go, like this!” Unlocking her horn Chrysa watched with glee as Symphony stumbled forward without her to hold her back whipping down her horn across the Crystal princesses’ pretty pink flank staining it red.

“Dirty cheater,” Symphony growled stumbling on her hooves. Her right flank was bleeding badly, and it hurt to walk with. How could she have made such a novice mistake? (Have I become rusty? Must have, I can’t remember the last time I even spared, let alone fight for my life!)

“Now, now,” Chrysa taunted, “You’re making me blush.”

She scoffed applying pressure to her injury with her wing. “Why are you here Chrysa, why attack us? No matter how many of your “children” you brought with you, they are no match for the might of my crystal guards. Give up, and I’ll let you go in peace.”

Chrysa laughed circling around the pink alicorn. “That would be true. If it weren’t for the fact I have been placing my spies through your kingdom for years at every level of society; the common worker, the servants, the everyday citizen, and even the royal guard. We are everywhere Symphony, why do you think the castle was so easily overrun? Why are the northern gates wide open as the ponies of Maredor rush your walls. No Symphony, I will not be retreating, not this time.”

“Maredor… Sombra is with you?”

“In more ways than one,” Chrysa said coyly, “Call it a political maneuver with many benefits.”

“But our peace treaty!”

“Was all a ruse, suggested by me, all to ensure the downfall of the Crystal Empire!”

Symphony gritted her teeth, focusing on the floating blue diamond heart on the pedestal, if she can only get to it she can still save everypony!

Screaming Symphony charged, forming both a spell on her horn and with her voice, she fired a magical beam of blue magic, Chrysa countering with her own green magic once again grid locking them, but she had an ace in her boots. Softly she began to sing a low key to put Chrysa to sleep so she could do it permanently with her own hooves. Yet as the musical magic floated towards the changeling queen something happened, another higher pitch spell blocks her spell, effectively neutralizing it and there was only one creature that could do such a thing.

“Sirens!” Symphony gasped spotting the half fish ponies flying around the castle, three in total.

“There’s more in Maredor then mere bat and shadow ponies, so much more.” Chrysa grinned pushing Symphony back.

She could feel victory close at hoof! As soon as Symphony was dead the crystal ponies’ morale would be gone, and the empire would be theirs! Chrysa was so focused on defeating the crystal princess that she completely forgot about Dusk, who was staring at the crystal heart. Suddenly she felt a massive spike of magic erupting behind her.

Dusk couldn’t stand to sit back any longer. The need to do something spurred her on! Securing Cadenza safely under the pedestal, Dusk stepped out in front of the crystal heart. Symphony said it could repel all the bad ponies, she just had to figure out how to use it.

(Maybe if I hit it with my magic it will work!)

Dusk charged her horn and fired, creating a beam of black magic that began to spin the crystal faster and faster. A bright light began to shine from the core of the heart, Dusk pouring more magic into the heart, causing it to spin even faster and faster and faster!

Suddenly Dusk’s eyes widen, a white glow envelops her entire body. Her body floated off the ground a small beam of magic changes into a massive stream of power! The crystal heart reached its maximum velocity, and a vast dome of magic began to grow from it.

“What’s happening?” Chrysa demanded as the magic dome pushed against her, she tried to fight it, but it just pushed harder! She was pushed past Symphony, who was unaffected, so were the other crystal ponies, only the changelings and the ponies of Maredor were being pushed out!

“No, no, no!” Chrysa screamed as the dome pulsed launching her and all the invading forces out of the city. Adjusting her wings, she manages to right herself, growling as she stared at the blue shield covering the Crystal Empire. Far off to the north was Sombra, their eyes met and they both nod.

“Attack! Bring down the shield!”

Princess Symphony crawled along the ground desperate to get to her daughter and Dusk. Her eyes focus on Cadenza, the little foal crying out for her at the top of her lungs. She tried to move faster, but she lost too much blood and could barely stand. Glancing to Dusk, she was shocked to see the little filly was maintaining the shield.

(She has that much power? That’s impossible no foal can have that much magic!)

Then she noticed something different about Dusk, she seemed… taller? Suddenly Dusk’s body pulsed and grew looking somewhere in the age between fillyhood and marehood. (She’s using so much magic that she’s aging! I must stop her!)

Gritting her teeth, Symphony stumbled to her hooves and manage to sprint the remaining distance before collapsing beside Dusk. Gently she took Cadenza into her embrace and kissing her daughter lovingly on the forehead.

“I’m sorry Cadenza, but I have no choice… I love you.” Reaching up Symphony touch Dusk’s flank connecting to her magic, she felt a massive surge of power and quickly cast a spell disappearing in a flash of white light just as Applejack and Nightingale arrive.

--somewhere else

Two earth ponies a stallion and a mare were on their way home after a hard day’s work when a bright flash of light shines ahead of them. They quickly hid in the nearby brush, fearful of what the light may be. Much to their surprise a tall pink pony with wings and a horn stood on the road.

“Is that a princess?” The mare whispered to the stallion.

The stallion rubbed his beard stubble, looking closer at the horn and wings, as well as finery that adorned the pony, crystal boots, a crown, and that strange harness like the one Celestia wears. “Seems to be, though I don’t know of any princess that looks like that, perhaps she’s a foreign ruler that got lost on her way to Canterlot.”

“Dear, I think she’s hurt. Look at her leg.” The mare pointed to the princess’s back right leg, which was covered in blood. She gagged as she caught the sight of bone sticking out beneath the gore. “We should help her.”

“Right, it’s the right thing to do.” The stallion agreed walking out of the brush. “Hello there, you look like you could use some help!”

Symphony’s head sprang up at the sound of the earth stallion’s voice, her vision was being to blur, and she could feel the spell fading quickly, she didn’t have much time. Quickly she uses her remaining magic to cast a spell on Cadenza so she wouldn’t be pulled back with her.

“Please…” She cried holding her daughter out to the earth pony couple. “Please take care of my daughter, raise her, protect her, and love her as your own. Please, as a promise to a dying mother.”

The stallion gently took the foal from her hooves. For a moment her vision cleared and she saw the three them standing together as she and Treble had on the day Cadenza was born. Symphony smiled, at peace knowing her daughter would grow up with parents.

“What’s her name?” The mare asked.

“Cadenza, Mi Amore Cadenza, Cadence for short.” With that Symphony felt the spell wear off completely and she disappeared in flash of light, leaving her daughter in the hooves of two strangers.

--back in the Crystal Empire

“What the hay is going on?” Applejack shouted as she and Nightingale stumble upon something strange. Dusk was floating in midair her eyes whited out, Princess Symphony disappeared and then reappeared and Nightingale was staring off into the distance. “Night what’s going on?”

“It’s open…” The Pegasus whispered, making Applejack raise a brow as she tried to see what her friend was seeing.

“What are you talking about?”

“There’s a hole in their formation and their all focusing on trying to bring down the shield. This is my chance.”

“Your chance for what, Night?” Applejack demanded as Nightingale began to stretch.

“A chance to get out of here and get the others, if we miss this, we might never get out of here alive, but I’m going to need a lot of speed.” Nightingale turned looking Applejack straight in the eyes. “Applejack, I need you to buck me.”

Applejack’s mouth fell, “I beg your pardon?”

Nightingale blushed, “Not like that! I mean launch me with your boot things so I can get past the changelings!”

“Why didn’t you just say that?” Applejack retorted kicking up a boulder with a flat surface. “Get on and hold on tight, it’s going to be a rough ride.” The earth mare said getting into position, her expression turned solemn as she looked at all the changelings outside the shield. “Be careful Night.”

Nightingale smirked confidently, “Don’t worry, I’ll come back with everypony and show those bugs what’s for, you just stay alive till then.”

Nodding silently Applejack began gathering her magic, while Nightingale adjusts her goggles, once she was sure they wouldn’t move in flight she waited.

Applejack said, “On the count of three, Night, ready?”

“Ready Applejack, One!”

“Two”

“Three!”

With all her might Applejack kicked the stone causing it to fly like an arrow. She quickly turned around so she could watch Nightingale as she launched herself off the rock when it began to lose momentum. The white pegasus broke through the shield flying at top speed and appearing to go unnoticed until some changeling burst out of the snow. Applejack held her hat tightly as she watchesd Nightingale narrowly dodge them. One looked like it got really close, but they were too far away to tell for sure, soon enough they were mere specks in the sky, and then nothing.

Putting her hat back on Applejack trotted over to Symphony and found the crystal princess dead with a smile on her face. She gave a quick prayer for the departed turning her attention to Dusk, who was still glowing and firing magic at the crystal heart. Now that she was close, Applejack finally noticed the changes to Dusk’s body, mainly that she was almost as tall as her and her mane reached down to her flank.

“What in the hay?” Tentatively Applejack reached for the filly but quickly pulled her hoof back as jolt of electricity zaps her foot. Quickly putting two and two together Applejack realized Dusk was powering the shield. (How do I wake her up? Should I even wake her up? She’s keeping all those bad ponies outside for now, but at this rate, she’ll be an old mare!)

Applejack was at a loss. Save Dusk or save the city and everypony in it? Closing her eyes she searched deep inside herself for the answer, trusting her gut, and her stomach told her to save Dusk!

“Sorry about this sugar cube!” Charging up her hoof Applejack punched Dusk right in the face! Knocking the filly out of her trace and sending her bouncing across the ground. Applejack winced, realizing she may have overdone it. Thankfully the crystal heart was still spinning, and the shield was still there… for now.

The sound of hooves touching down caught her attention. Applejack turned coming face to face with a disheveled Luna and Fierce Fury, who was looking worse for wear and missing two of his talons on his left claw. Arriving with them was the remaining majority of the crystal army, and there weren’t many left.

The crystal ponies were exhausted and battered. They’d been taken by surprise and fought hard against the invaders. When the shield had been thrown up, they rejoiced in their small victory. Now they seem to dull and lose their shine as they found their princess lying on the ground in her own blood. Princess Luna silently approached her cousin and closed the mare’s eyes, noting the smile on her face.

She choked back her tears as she faced the crystal ponies. They stare back at her and kneel. One pony, the Vice-captain of the Guard, stood up and shouts, “Hail Princess Luna!”

His fellow guards soon join in the chant, and it spread across the empire like a wildfire. The fiery spirit of the crystal ponies was reignited as they clung to hope, to the light in their darkest hour. Ironically it was the Princess of the Night that was that light.

Luna raised her hoof for silence, and they promptly obey. “We haven’t much time! The shield will only hold for two days. We must prepare!”

“Yes, princess!” They salute fanning out to look for survivors, supplies, and weapons.

Once they were all gone Luna approached Dusk, who was still unconscious. She barely noticed Applejack and Fury standing by her side as she stared at what happened to Dusk. Using the Crystal Heart had aged the filly into a mare, and that wasn’t all it had done. Branded on the unicorn’s flank was an eight turn on its side, the symbol for infinity.

“Where is Nightingale, Applejack?” She asked deciding to address Dusk’s changes later when she was awake. Applejack pointed to the south, looking nervous.

“She went to get help from home. She got spotted on her way out by some changelings, I don’t know what’s become of her.”

Luna intensely stared to the south. “We must prepare. We have little time.” She said picking up Dusk and carrying her to the castle.

“What about Night?”

Luna sighed, suppressing her emotions, “I have faith in her ability, but… we cannot wait for help that may not be coming. Do you understand Commander Applejack?”

Applejack lowered her hat over her eyes, “I understand… princess.”

“Good, you know what needs to be done. Fury go and find any pegasus that can still fly and get them to combat ready, we’ll need them when the shield goes down. Applejack coordinate with the remaining soldiers, we need to fortify the castle. We’ll need to hold out till the crystal heart is ready to be used again. Understood?”

Applejack and Fury salute, “Understood.”

Luna watched them leave before entering the Castle, taking one final glance at the Crystal heart before closing the door.

--In the Arctic

Nightingale shivered violently as she dug herself out of the snow. Around her were the five changelings that chased after her, all dead, but they left their mark. She glanced angrily at her damaged wing, trying to move it, only to grimace in pain. No way was she flying out of here.

Stumbling through the snow she continued her way back to Equestria, hoping she didn’t die before she got there.

“I gotta make it home… I gotta make it home…” She chanted walking into the blizzard.

Just a reminder Unicorns magic usually looks like their eyes. I bring this up only because I have Dusk use magic in this chapter and her eyes are black. Just to Clarify she is not using black magic aka evil magic.

Night Patrol ch 10

By foxgear

Celestia flew through the early morning dew, raising the sun ever so slightly higher, smiling as she basked in its rays, relieving the morning chill from her coat. Usually, she wouldn’t be flying alone, or without her chariot, but she insisted on flying herself to the Crystal Empire for Cadenza’s coronation. This was her first vacation from Canterlot in a long while, she didn’t want anything reminding her of that dreadful place for at least a few days.

Stifling a yawn, Celestia peered down at the fresh snow on the ground. Winter in Equestria has been light so far, much to her enjoyment as it gave her a little more time to enjoy the fall before the snow turned everything white. Spotting a grove of trees, she decided to land and stretch her legs with a good run through the woods.

Looking around for anypony nearby she was excited to find there were none. With a squeal of delight, she ran at full speed, shaking the trees and causing the leaves to fall, showering her in a dazzling whirlwind of reds, yellows, and oranges. This was why she loved autumn. It was so beautiful and colorful, and best of all it meant shorter days, so she could actually spend more time with Luna…

Celestia's trot came to a stop as she thought of Luna. They haven’t talked face to face in months. She's been so busy that she hadn’t even had time to send a letter, and then Luna sent her a one, and it made her so happy! Until Symphony sent a later saying she invited Luna to Cadenza’s coronation. Celestia slapped herself for forgetting to post Luna her invitation to the event. She dreaded what Luna might think when she received the letter, so she decided to wait till they could meet face to face to explain.

Deciding she’s spent enough time on the ground Celestia prepared to take flight when she noticed something on the path ahead. Curious she trotted over to see what it was.

“Is this… is this blood?” She hesitantly questioned touching the red puddle with her hoof. She shivered as the thick red liquid stained her white coat. Frantically she began to look around for a wounded pony while calling out to them.

“Hello? Is somepony here? If you can answer, please speak up! I am here to help you!”

Hearing a low groan Celestia dash toward the source of the sound, coming to a halt as she found the bruised and bloody form of a white pegasus mare. She grimaced at mare’s wing, which was bent and broken, the bone sticking out and riddled with frostbite and infection. The pegasi spoke, and Celestia leaned down to hear her.

“Must… get… home… must get help… Luna…”

Celestia gasped“Luna?” (Has something happened to Luna?) She wondered fearfully.

Looking north to the Crystal Empire Celestia wondered what could have happened. She wanted so badly to fly there right now at full speed, but couldn’t with the injured mare. Gently she picked the pegasi up and placed her on her back. She hesitated momentary, before taking off for Canterlot. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t in good conscience leave the mare behind, nor could she go in horn blazing without knowing what was going on. She’d take the mare to Canterlot for healing and then plan from there.

“Just don’t die before we get there.” She begged the pegasus as she pumped her wings faster.

Pain was all Nightingale felt, and darkness was all she saw. Was she dead? She felt like she was floating, so she must be dead, right? (Wait… if I’m dead then why do I feel pain? That must mean…)

“The afterlife sucks!” Nightingale screamed as she once again returned to the land of the living. Suddenly there was light, too much light, in her opinion. Shielding her eyes with her forehoof, she found herself sinking. Bubbles float upwards as her lungs fill with water.

(Why am I in a pool?) She panicked as two sets of hooves quickly pull her above water. Her body felt weird like it was lighter or off balance because she didn’t feel any water resistance on her left wing.

“There, little pony, Shampoo no let you drown,” A pink, blue hair pony said to her.

“Sister Shampoo is right, we take care of you. Princess Celestia said you take the highest priority. I am Ginseng by the way.” The second pony said, also a mare with her colors reversed. “How are feeling Miss…?”

Nightingale coughed up a few more ounces of water as her mind tried to play catch up with what was going around her. “Uh… (cough, cough) Nightingale, did you say princess… what the buck happened to my wing!”

Nightingale stared blankly at her left flank and then to her right and then back again. Slowly she raised her right wing out of the water, flexing it, and then letting it settle back to her side. Then she tried to move her left wing, there was nothing, just a little stub of flesh and bone that stuck out of her body. Her wing was gone! Nightingale began breathing very heavily.

“I think she’s going into shock!” Shampoo yelled, quickly placing a nearby floating cloud beneath the pegasus to keep her above water. “Ginseng help me calm her down!”

“Already on it!” She replied quickly getting to work. Within minutes they had the pegasus stable again, but Nightingale has lost consciousness.

“That was a close one.” Shampoo said wiping her brow. “We should get her another blood transplant and get her on a real bed. I think the healing water has done all it can.”

“Agreed, its shame we had to remove the wing, but it was beyond repair. Maybe if we had the time to get a pegasus doctor here in time. We could have…”

“Enough Ginsengs, what’s done is done. We’ll do some research and prevent such a thing from ever happening again.” Shampoo smiled encouragingly to her sister, only for it to turn into a frown as she remembered their other problem. “I just hope we can get out this mess without too much backlash from the nobles. Lord Yellowblood wasn’t happy when the princess came to us and not his son, Doctor Goldcross.”

“As if he really knows what he’s doing.” Ginseng said with scorn. They worked eight years of their lives away learning all they could learn about medicine from here to Zebraland, and that spoiled brat walked in one day and boom, head doctor, outrageous.

The sisters did the rest of their work in silence, less some noble brown nosier overhear them. They had just gotten Nightingale onto the bed when Princess Celestia entered the room looking frizzled.

“Are you in need of shampooing your majesty? Your mane is looking a little… rat nested…”

The Princess shook her head as she sits down next to the bed. Her gaze fixed on Nightingale. “Has she said anything yet?”

The sisters look nervously between one another, they play a quick game of straws with their hair to decide who gets to break the news to the princess, Ginseng drew short.

“She did awaken for a short while, but I’m afraid after seeing that her wing had been removed she went into shock and fell back to sleep. There’s no telling when she’ll wake up next. Might I suggest you…”

“I’m staying,” Celestia said firmly. “Tell Bison and Stronghold to cancel all meetings and events. I am not to be bothered.”

“Of course princess, we’ll bring you some tea and snacks later on.” Ginseng and Shampoo bow and exit the room.

Celestia vaguely noticing their departure. Her worry for the mare in front of her and for her sister was at the front of her mind. She tried sending a message via magic flame, but it was blocked by some powerful magical force. She has since attempted to send fifty messages in the past few hours, all them failed. She wanted to fly to the Crystal Empire, find Luna, and get her out of there as quickly as possible, but logic told her to wait. To find out what was going so she could go with her best hoof forward.

“Please, my little pony, please wake up soon…”

Nightingale awoke with a groan and was feeling a light-headed, at least this time she wasn’t in some pool, but rather a nice soft bed. Slowly she removed the blankets, wincing as dull aches of pain bombard her nervous system. Carefully she touched the floor, wincing as she applied weight to the leg, only for it to fall out from under her.

“Ugh!” She grunted, clenching her teeth so she wouldn’t cry out. She didn’t want those nurses or anypony to try and stop her from leaving. She’s wasted too much time already! She had to get to the castle. Speaking of which where was she?

Going still Nightingale looked around the room, taking note of the elegant design, the pool where she’d been healed, and Princess Celestia sleeping by the bed… (Wait what?)

Whipping her head back around Nightingale confirmed that Celestia was indeed sleeping next to the bed she had been in. Meaning she was in Canterlot!

“Ok, ok, calm down.” She whispered to herself. “I just need to get outside this heavy guarded castle, through a crowded city, and cross county to the castle, all without being noticed, with only one wing and extremely exhausted.” Nightingale took a moment to plan things out and quickly come to a conclusion. “Yeah, that’s impossible. Plan B then.”

Nightingale maneuvered carefully to Celestia’s side, stood on her hind legs, and set her mouth right next to Celestia’s ears… and screamed really loud!

“Wake up princess! Rise and shine!”

Celestia snapped awake. Though she only flinched a little bit, not the fly up and hit the ceiling kind of flinch Nightingale was expecting, but rather a, ‘I knew it was coming kind of flinch.’ It was kind of disappointing.

“I see you're awake, my little pony.” The princess said staring directly into Nightingale’s eyes, causing the one-winged pegasus to shiver as it felt as if Celestia was looking into her soul. “We have much to talk about.”

Gathering her courage, Nightingale replied, “We do, and for the record, I am not little, I’m just a little under grown.”

“Of course,” Celestia replied with a smile, though it quickly faded to something more serious. “Now, how about we start things off with your name and how you gained your wounds?”

“I’m Nightingale of the Night Patrol. I am part of Princess Luna’s guard detail for her trip to the Crystal Empire…” Nightingale told Celestia the whole story, from arriving at the empire to the changeling invasion and to her flying to get help.

Celestia took it all in without interrupting. Her tactical mind quickly went to work on how she could help take back the Crystal Empire. The first step would be rallying the noble’s guards as they made up the bulk of the Equestrian warriors. Getting the nobles approval would be an entirely different war.

“Thank you for your bravery Nightingale, rest assured I will handle things from here. Once I amass our forces, I will…”

“We don’t have time for that!” Nightingale blurted out. “We need to move fast! Take me to the castle, let me speak with Commander Gadget, and we can get a force up and ready before those nobles can sit down in their chairs to argue about useless things, such as what they’ll be getting out of it.”

“I’m sure once I tell them of the empire’s plight the nobles will come around and agree to help our friends in the north,” Celestia said, but Nightingale only shook her head in disbelief. Genuinely shocked by the Princess’s faith.

“You know better, Princess, I know you do.” She said limping towards the door. Halfway out she stopped and turned to face Celestia. “When you come to your senses, come find me, and I’ll show you what your sister has created.”

“Bison, Stronghold,” Celestia called out to her guards. They emerge moments later from some secret passage in the walls. “Gather the nobles for an emergency meeting, tell them if they refuse to come I will personally see to it they are charged for treason.”

The two guards bowed and took off, leaving Celestia to ponder Nightingales words as she made her way to the council chambers.

“Surely the nobles are not selfish enough as to leave fellow ponies hanging… could they?”

-later in the council chambers

Celestia sat at the head of the table as usual, but there was something different in her posture that made the nobles weary. Never before has the princess been so… harsh with her commands. Her face wasn’t the usual soft kind expression they were used to exploiting, no, the princess before them was steely-eyed and stern. They knew the princess would develop a backbone, but it was much too soon for their tastes.

“You are all probably wondering why you were called here on such short noticed, yes?” The Princess began, summoning a map of the world onto the table. “Our allies in the Crystal Empire are under attack, by not one, but two armies. That of Maredor and the changeling hordes. My Sister, Princess Luna, currently leads the defense there. The status of Princess Symphony is unknown. The pony that informed me of the attack could only state that the crystal princess was lying on the ground when they left to get help. My ponies, we are in dire times, if we do not rise up and take down the invaders now, I fear they will set their sights on Canterlot next. So I beg you, gather your forces and march with me north to protect our kingdom.”

Silence filled the room and Celestia was filled with hope that they would see reason and march with her. She was wrong though, so very wrong.

“We must fortify our defenses!” Greenblood yelled.

Yellowblood interjected, “No, we should go north, but only if we agree to annex the empire to Equestrian territory!”

“I agree!” Shouted Lord Blueblood.

“Why should we help at all? Let Sombra take the empire and form an alliance with him.” Lady Violet suggested, earning a few nods for her suggestion.

Celestia could only look on with fear and disgust. Angrily she stomped out of the room, just when the doors were blown off, their hinges did the nobles stop their arguing.

“Princess, where are you going? We haven’t come to an agreement yet!” Lord Yellowblood stated, a little too smugly for the princess’s taste.

With burning eyes she turned facing the nobles with fury, the floor cracking beneath her hooves as her magic rose. “I’m going to go do what needs to be done! Stay here and cower in your beds for all I care!” With that she left, slamming the doors shut, only for them to fall again.

“She’s getting bolder. Soon she might start listening to that damned sister of hers.” Lord Yellowblood huffed as he fell back into his seat. “We must do something, to remind her of her true role as our puppet. Letting those common ponies think they have a voice.”

Greenblood nodded, “I agree, and I think I have something in mind.”

“Really, still going after that mare?” Lady Violet chuckled. “You’re so vindictive Greenblood.”

“Heh, I try.”

“Do you really think this a good idea?” A voice said, causing the nobles to stop their banter and stare at the speaker, Duke Blueblood. “Now is not the time for such actions, but rather no action, give the princess a little wiggle room. Let her think she’s in charge, and soon enough things will slip back to as they were.”

Yellowblood growled, “You’re a fool Blueblood! Who knows how long that could take! That blasted alicorn will outlive us all!”

“It’s not just us we must worry about dear Yellowblood. We must think of the future. I for one am looking forward to my son taking my place at this table, and I would assume the same for you all as well. Our goal is to preserve the noble class, less the princesses become wiser and figure out how much they don’t need us.” Blueblood slid out of his chair and began to walk away. “Good day to you all, I hope you do nothing foolish.”

The remaining nobles whispered amongst themselves.

“That fool, does he not realize how close we are to project Eternal Rainbow? Now is the time push!” Yellowblood whispered fiercely. Greenblood and Violet's blood nodding along, but the remaining two nobles, Red blood, and Orangeblood, who had remained silent all throughout the meeting, spoke up.

“We are in agreement with Blueblood. Haste makes waste as they say. We’ll follow his lead on this matter. You three do as you wish. Come, Cousin.” Red blood said leading the way, Orangeblood right behind him.

“You’re fools! All of you!” Yellowblood screamed at their backs. Slowly he sank back into his chair his chest throbbing.

“Take it easy my friend,” Greenblood said rubbing Yellowblood’s back, alieving the pain. “You’re not well.”

“All the more reason to speed things up, contact Doctor Hoofenstein, tell him we have another batch ready for him.”

Violet and Green looked at one another with concern. “Is that wise? If we take too many…” Violet began, but a glare from Yellowblood silenced her. “Fine, but I fear our friends may be right.” She sighed trotting off as Greenblood helped Yellowblood up.

“Are you going abandon me too, old friend?” Yellowblood asked Green.

Greenblood chuckled, shaking his head, “No, no, of course not, but perhaps they are right. We may be acting a bit too rashly. On the other hoof with both princesses out of the city, now is the perfect time to get things done.”

“Agreed, come take me back home. We have much work to get done and so little time.”

Nightingale trotted down Canterlot’s main road that led straight out of the city, her pace slow, but steady. There was a lot of land between her and Luna’s castle and running a full gallop would only delay her in the end. The thought of going to one of the night patrol’s outposts came to mind, till she remembered there were none close by. Strangely there were no villages between Canterlot and the castle of the two sisters, giving them no reason to build outposts out there. She’d have to bring that up in the future once everything is settled in the empire.

As Nightingale passed through the gates of Canterlot and out into the wilds, a large shadow flew overhead. There was a collective gasp from behind her as the sound of metal clicking against stone reached her ears.

“Change your mind already? That didn’t take long.” Nightingale turned to face the princess, grinning widely as she stared into Celestia’s fiery pink eyes, at the moment she reminded her of Luna.

The Princess of the Sun nodded solemnly, “Indeed I have. Need a lift?”

“Well I lack a wing at the moment, so why not,? Not every day somepony gets to stand on the back of royalty.” Nightingale said as she hopped on to Celestia’s back, much to the shock of the nearby guards and citizens, “Tillie ho Princess!”

“Don’t push it,” Celestia warned.

Nightingale chuckled sheepishly, “Right, of course, I forgot myself.”

Celestia offered the one wing pegasus a ghost of a smile as she took off. She was going to save her sister and everypony in the empire. She had too

It’s been two days since Luna and the others had left to the Crystal Empire, leaving Gadget as supreme commander of Night Patrol. To say the job is stressful would be an understatement, but that wasn’t what was causing the middle age unicorn to turn restlessly at night, nor was it his inventions that drove him to consume nearly the entire castle’s supply of coffee. No, it was neither of those things that were bothering him. The absence of his precious daughter Dusk was the cause of his ills. Even with the princess’s reassurance and Applejack vowing to keep an eye on her Gadget could not help but worry. Only when he was busy doing something for somepony or tinkering around with an invention could he be at ease, but when the time came to sleep, he could not find it. Dusk was at the forefront of his mind, and his fears of losing her were at their worst when he tried to reach the world of dreams.

A knock at the door brought him out his musing. Straightening in his chair and chugging down the last of his coffee he called them in. Much to his surprise, it was Firefly, who was supposed to be setting up a new outpost in the wilds between the castle and Canterlot.

“Firefly? What’s the matter? Why have you left your post?”

The pink pegasus tapped the stone floor nervously before answering. “Well, there’s a bit of a situation, sir.”

Gadget’s eye’s narrow, “What kind of situation?”

“Well (Gulp)… it's better if you just come with me and see for yourself.”

“Fine, lead the way.”

Firefly led him down to the courtyard, where at least two dozen patrol squads were standing in a circle, their weapons pose and ready for use. Curious he made his way through the crowd, the patrollers parting ways, creating a path for him giving him a free line of sight to whatever it was that had everypony in a frenzy. Needless to say, he was somewhat surprised to see the Princess of the Sun standing before him. His surprise quickly turned to worry as he spotted the pony next to her.

“Nightingale…” He gasped looking at the mare’s missing wing. He was about to demand what happen when he spotted something red dripping from the mare’s side. A quick sniff and he instantly recognize the iron scent of blood. “Get me a medic team here now!”

The princess stepped forward, only to back off as the surrounding ponies move in. “My personal healers attended to her, medical assistance is not…” Celestia’s words fell silent as Nightingale dropped to her side exposing her hidden flank and reopened wounds. Craning her neck back, Celestia was shocked to see more blood splatter on her back. (Why didn’t she tell me her wounds reopened?)

Celestia stood silently as medic ponies rush Nightingale to the hospital wing, leaving her alone in a crowd of very angry looking night ponies. Slowly they close in on her instinctively Celestia prepared to defend herself, but the unicorn that seemed to be in charge ordered them to stop.

“Enough all of you return to your posts! Princess Celestia may not be our Princess, but Luna would be very displeased if we treated her any less then the royal guest that she is. Now scatter, before I make you!” Sure enough, all the ponies quickly left, leaving Celestia and Gadget standing alone in the yard. “Come, princess,” Gadget called leading the way into the castle, “Let’s get you cleaned up and perhaps you can tell me what happened to my subordinate.”

“Of course… Mr….”

“Gadget, but you maybe know me better as Starwind the Beardless.”

Celestia blinked, “Starwind… Oh, yes! I remember now. Starswirl speaks very highly of you.”

Gadget raised a brow as he led the princess to Luna’s private bath. “Does he now? Strange that old stallion would give anypony praise. Anyways, here is the bath, as I’m sure you knew already. Feel free to explain what’s going on while you bathe.”

“You’re going to stay?” Celestia inquired, a light blush appearing on her cheeks.

“Is that a problem? Luna listens to our reports and gives out orders well bathing sometimes. It’s not like anypony isn’t seeing anything more than usual. She said when she first did it. Granted we were all rather embarrassed at first, but we got used to it.”

Celestia’s blush grew deeper as she removed her regalia stepping into the warm water. “Well then, I guess I should begin when I first found Nightingale on the northern border…”

She told Gadget everything she knew, from finding Nightingale, healing her, what Nightingale had reported to her and about Sombra’s and Chrysa’s invasion, and the noble ponies squabbling. She told him all of it, and he listened with rap attention. Never once speaking up or interrupting, Gadget just sat there with only the faint trembling of his hoof distinguishing him from the statues around the bath. When Celestia finished. Gadget stormed out of the room shouting orders at the top of his lungs, Celestia chased after him, her regalia forgotten.

“Firefly, Sixes, and Rawhide in the commander’s quarters now!” In mere minutes the three ponies gathered in the command center, Gadget frantically throwing maps and other odd things onto the large table there. Celestia awkwardly standing off to the side watching him work. The three others paused momentarily looking the regalia less princess over, before giving their full attention to their commander, who quickly explained the situation.

“The Crystal Empire is under attack, and Princess Luna is stuck right in the middle of it. Our enemies are Sombra, King of Maredor and Queen Chrysa of the Changelings, according to the reports from Nightingale, who manage break through the enemy blockade. The crystal heart was activated, but rather than destroying the enemy, it merely created a shield to keep them out. By Princess Celestia’s accounts, the heart will maintain the shield for at least two days, three at the most. We already lost one day, so we must act quickly. Firefly, you will maintain our patrols here. Princess Luna will never forgive us if we abandon all our hard work just to save her.”

“Aye, sir, I’ll get right on it!” Firefly saluted.

“Good, now Rawhide, I need you to pick our most experienced troops, whatever their race, though pegasus and unicorns would be the most useful. They need to be fast too. This is a quick run and grab mission, we are not going there to fight a war, we're just going to get our friends and any survivors out of there as quick as we can.”

Rawhide nodded, “Ah’ll get ya what you need Gadget, my troopers will be ready.”

“Thank you, you two go and fill out your orders.” Rawhide and Firefly salute and left, leaving Sixes and Celestia alone with Gadget. “Sixes, we are going to need every dragon pony for this one, most importantly ‘Them.’”

Celestia blinked, “Them? Who are them?” She asked speaking for the first time.

“How long will it take to recall them?” Gadget continued, ignoring Celestia’s question. Sixes tapped his chin, his brow frowned.

“A few hours by myself, I’ll take some flyers with me to reduce time, but it’ll still a bit of time to track them down.”

Gadget sighed, “I see. Well, get to it right away. I’ll have everything ready when they’ll get here, dismissed.” Sixes saluted and left, leaving Celestia and Gadget alone.

“What are you planning? It will take at least a week to march a force of any kind to the Crystal Empire, much less fend off two armies. We’ll be heavily outnumbered!” Celestia pointed out.

“Outnumbered, yes, out powered no,” Gadget walked to the door, motioning Celestia to follow him. “Come with me Princess, I got something to show you.”

Gadget led her down what must have been a million stairs. By the time they reach the bottom Celestia’s poor hooves felt like they’d been through a meat grinder. Speaking of meat, she’d have to get some for the Griffon ambassador coming next month. Pigs would do. It was the main reason they were raised, trade slaughter.

(Ugh, I’m getting off track! I wish Gadget would just tell me what it is he wants to show me!)

For the entirety of their journey Gadget remained silent, ignoring her questions about the renovations to the castle and what Luna has been up too for these past few months. Anything to kill the silence, but the graying unicorn seemed determined to stay tight-lipped. She wanted to press harder, unused to being ignored, but once she caught Gadget’s eyes and felt the worry rolling off him, she decided to leave the unicorn alone.

“Here we are.” He said walking out into a sizeable open room. Celestia was awestruck by all the machines being built. She’s never seen anything like it! She felt a tug on her wing and followed Gadget to the darkened part of the room.

“Lights!” Gadget yelled.

Celestia closed her eyes, shielding them from the bright crystal lights up above. When her eyes adjusted Celestia’s mouth hung open at the marvel that stood before her.

“This is the Moon Cutter,” Gadget said with pride, “The first ever flying battleship. This is how we will travel to the Crystal Empire. Come on, let me give you a tour.”

“This is the engine room, gems inside these big metal pipes spin at high speeds to create energy to push the ship, while ice gems keep the engine cool, a cloud machine creates clouds for the ship to sail on. Next is the galley nothing much there and then we have the hanger to hold troops and equipment and finally the bridge, where we can steer and give out orders, and there is the princess’s chair.” Gadget pointed to the black throne at the center of the bridge with a moon emblem engraved on it. “Any questions princess?” Gadget asked the shell shocked Celestia.

“What in Equestria was Luna thinking making such a thing.” Celestia gasped, a flying warship, the implications of such a thing, it made her shiver just thinking about it!

“Luna didn’t make it.” Gadget said turning to face Celestia. “I did. I designed it. I built it with my own hooves. Luna merely gave me the resources to make it.”

“Why would you want to build such a thing?”

Gadget shrugged, “Who knows, it just came to me in a dream one night, woke up the next day and drew out the blueprints. Though there is one special feature, Luna wanted added on.”

“And what is that?” Celestia asked warily.

“This!” Pulling on a leaver Luna’s chair moved to the side, allowing a similar white chair with a golden sun engraved on it to rise next to it. “Despite your little spat, Princess Luna insist I add your very own chair. She said that well you may disagree at the moment, she knew there would be a time you two would come back together. Even though the Moon cutter has been done for some time now, she insisted it stay here till she made amends with you.”

Celestia was speechless as she approached the throne. Tentatively she climbed onto the soft cushion, looking out the windows of the bridge and onto the landing deck. She closed her eyes, imagining Luna next to her, them together again, defending Equestria from their flying ship. Honestly, the idea seemed much less horrifying now, in fact, it reminds her of the old days. Maybe…

“Oh, there is one more thing Luna left for you, princess.”

“Please,” Celestia said raising her hoof, “Call me Celestia.”

“Of course, Celestia, now please follow me. I think you’ll like this one.”

Gadget led her down to a vault, away from the other inventions. Thick steel doors blocking their path. A mere flick of his horn and the doors open, revealing two mannequins. One was fitted with a suit of silver armor with a black moon emblazoned on the flank mail. Next to it was a suit of gold armor with the sun engraved on it and it looked like it fitted for her.

“Is this…”

“It is,” Gadget finished for her, “Your armor. Luna requested it for you. It’s adjustable in case your old measurements are… outdated. Will you need any assistance getting it on?”

Celestia shook her head. “No I… I want to do this myself. Please leave me.”

Gadget nodded, “Of course, I will finish the preparations.”

With that Gadget took his leave, leaving Celestia alone in the vault.

“So we ride with Sun butt?”

“Yes, we will be under Princess Celestia’s command until we rescue Princess Luna. Is that going to be a problem, Sixes?” Gadget asked the black Rinin.

A tapping of steel against stone echoed, all eyes turned toward the sound only to look away from the sheer radiance of light that came with it. Clad in armor of gold marched Celestia, her eyes darken by her helm, her hair was tied back, floating weightlessly in the air, on her back rests two large golden axes big enough to cut a pony in two with one swing. She looked like the legends depicted of her from the old days before the rise of Discord, no longer was she Celestia, Princess of the sun, she was Celestia the Sun warrior.

“I don’t think I’ll be having any issues Gadget,” Said Sixes with a coy smile, “In fact, I may be in love.”

“Well keep it tucked my friend,” Gadget whispered as Celestia approached them carrying Luna’s armor in her magic. “You may find yourself burned.”

“I’m fireproof remember?” Sixes added jovially, receiving a quick kick in the shin from Gadget.

“Are we ready to leave?” Celestia asked the two, her powerful aura nearly vanished with her polite and somewhat strained tone. She was panting slightly. (This armor is more substantial then I remember, and it’s draining my magic constantly too. No doubt from Luna’s modifications. I’ll have to ask how to use them. I might have to loosen the straps it’s digging into that wound Snige gave me.) For now, Celestia had to keep up her strong posture. Some time had passed since she last went to battle, but she understood the mentality of warriors, if she wanted their respect she would need to earn it, and showing any weakness would undermine that.

“Almost Princess, we are still waiting on some final preparations for the ship. The engines take some time to warm up,” Gadget explained. “Oh look, here come the troops.”

From the door, Rawhide emerged with a line of troops behind him, but it was the three dragon ponies behind him that got every ponies attention. They were tall, almost as tall as Celestia, and walked on six clawed legs. They look nothing like anything Celestia has ever seen before. For a moment she wondered if they were some leftover creations of Discord because there was nothing natural about these ponies.

One was a reddish orange color with a mane of fire, and unlike the other dragon ponies, lacked wings. The next one, a green pony with a mane and tail made of crystal with sharp diamond-like spikes sticking out of their knee joints and a long jagged unicorn horn atop its head. The third and final pony was pure white with two sets of wings and carrying two griffon swords on its side.

Monster Squad

“Princess,” Sixes said walking in front of the stunned royalty, “Allow me to introduce, the Night Hunters, Overheat, Emerald Cutter, and Killing Perfection, our fiercest warriors, though some like to refer to them as the monster ponies.”

Hey, been awhile, I was away on vacation to a Animecon, met the coolest Luna republic solider there, made a chest plate out of actual metal, really impressive. Anyways I hope you enjoy the chapter and I did a quick read through for mistakes, found many, and there maybe more. I'll be doing more rereads later, but for now enjoy.

Update 7/18/15
Hello everyone, I'm going through some life changes, new job and moving, and I just wanted to tell you all that the next chapter might get pushed back due to this. There is of course getting used to my new schedule and routine, but I hope I can have something for you guys done by mid August or sooner.

Night Patrol ch 11

By Foxgear

Dusk awoke to the sound of hammering and shouting outside, each thud feeling like a direct hit to her brain as she stumbled out of bed. Very quickly she discovered something was wrong, her mane twisted around her like a rope as she fell to the floor wrapping herself in a cocoon of hair. That wasn’t the only difference. She couldn’t put her hoof on it, but she felt… longer? No bigger? She blinked noticing something above her vision. Quickly she untangled herself reaching up to touch the strange object, noting the ground seemed further away than usual, the thing was long, pointy and atop her head…

“Is this my horn?” She cried surprised feeling its length with her hoof, by Luna it had to be at least a foot long! “This can’t be real,” Dusk said frantically running to the vanity mirror across the room. After much slipping and tripping on her long mane, she came face to face with her changes. “Is this… me?”

Dusk touched her muzzle, poking, and prodding, even slapping her cheek just to ensure it wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t. It was real. She was older. At least as old as Applejack she guessed.

“This is… awesome!” Dusk squealed, bouncing around the room with glee, only to end up tripping on her mane again and accidentally blasting a hole through the wall with her magic.

She stared at the smoldering crystal with disbelief. There was no way her magic was that strong! She hadn’t even been casting a spell! Yet, she blasted through solid rock? That isn't possible.

Once again untangling herself, Dusk walked over to inspect the hole, peering through to make sure no pony was hurt on the other side. Staring back at her was a large teal eye.

“I see you are awake.”

“Whoa! Princess Luna, don’t do that!” Dusk screamed scampering back from the hole, slipping on her mane again and fired another magical blast, this time it shot through the ceiling.

“It seems you’re having trouble controlling your magic,” Luna said entering the room. Slowly circling around the fallen mare. “Do you know why?”

Dusk shook her head.

Luna figured that would be the case. As smart and talented Dusk was she was still only a foal. How any pony could possibly understand the advance complex magic of the Crystal Heart? It was magic even beyond her understanding, let alone Dusk’s. Still, they could speculate.

Helping the aged mare to her feet, Luna led Dusk over to the vanity. Sitting Dusk down in front of the mirror Luna retrieved a pair of scissors from somewhere with her magic and began cutting her long hair into something more manageable.

“You will have to accuse my lack of skill when it comes to mane styling. I haven’t had to cut my own hair in… Oh, two hundred years or so, whenever it was that Celestia figured out how to turn our manes into what you see now.” Luna said snipping off locks of Dusk’s hair little by little. “How short do you want it? We will be going into battle soon. Shorter hair would be more practical, but having some length wouldn’t be bad either, some spells make having long hair beneficial. Why I remember this one spell Celestia and I found, it makes your hair as hard as steel, combined with another that lets you control your hair and makes a handy attack and defense combo. What do you think Dusk?”

“Some length would be nice,” replied Dusk, closing her eyes as Luna cut the hair covering her face. “Could you make it kind of spiky or misshapen? I don’t like it when my hair is even, it looks like the bowl cuts dad used to give me.”

Luna chuckled doing as requested and adding a little spikiness to Dusk’s bangs and then resumed cutting the back, deciding to cut it just below her neck. Once Dusk’s mane was reduced to a manageable length, Luna began to work on her tail.

“You’re awfully quiet, something on your mind Dusk,” asked Luna, of course, there was probably a lot on the young mare’s mind, but she wanted Dusk to tell her.

The muscles in Dusk’s back tense at the question. Her black eyes widened, telling Luna something more was bothering the young mare than just her new height.

“I… I killed one of them, one of those black insectoid things.”

“A changeling?”

Dusk nodded, “Yes, I killed a changeling.”

“I see,” Luna replied statically, a pang of regret struck through her heart as she thought of little Dusk killing, even if it was a changeling. “I’m sorry. No pony should have to do something like that, especially a pony as young as you. Tell me Dusk, how do you feel about it?”

Dusk sniffled as tears roll down her cheeks. Hiccups rocked her body as she buried her head into Luna’s neck.

“Sad, I feel really, really sad! I want daddy! I want to go home! But I know we can’t! Their still out there, I only knocked them away, they’ll be back, and more ponies will die because I didn’t want to kill them!” Dusk cried as Luna gently rubbed her back.

“Ssh, ssh, it’s ok, it’s ok,” cooed Luna. “No pony here holds anything against you for that, you did the best you could, and there is nothing wrong with not wanting to kill, nothing wrong at all.”

Dusk pushed away from Luna looking up at the princess with big black eyes. “But there will be more killing, and I’ll have to kill again too. I’ll have to fight, won’t I? Because of how much magic I have and don’t lie and say I won’t have too either. Not now. Not ever. Don’t lie to me.”

“Yes,” replied Luna, bowing her head, so her horn touched Dusks. “You’ll have to fight. You’ll have to kill. And I’m so sorry, but there is nothing I can do to prevent that.” Luna held Dusk close, burying her muzzle in the mare’s mane to hide her own tears.

-

Applejack ran through the makeshift training field she and a few of the crystal ponies hastily constructed per Luna’s orders. There was a pony in need of some special training the princess said. Instruction that only Applejack could teach, Night Hunter training, the toughest form of exercise in all of the Night Patrol.

She reran the course. The turns and weaves were tighter than the standard ones with spikes placed around every post, every jump and an uncountable number of pitfalls, even a hairs margin of error could lead to serious injury in this training, which is why Applejack was confused to why the princess wanted whoever it was to go through it. The training was designed to build maximum skill in a short amount of time, but two days? No pony could learn that fast. The exercise probably wouldn’t even help them in the coming battle. So why do it?

“Is everything ready, Applejack,” Luna asked, entering the courtyard with a familiar mare at her side. Applejack had to look a little closer, but once she saw those black eyes, she knew who it was.

“You cannot be serious, princess,” barked Applejack, her voice trembling with controlled anger. Confidently she matched the princess’s pose, standing as tall as she could to match the princess’s height. She wasn’t going to budge on this. “She’s not ready. She's just foal.”

Luna regarded with her a blank expression. “That is not for you to decide. Nor is it mine. I’ve went over the dangers and Dusk believes she can handle it so she will be tested. Besides she needs to adapt to her new body and physical training is the best medicine for that.”

“But Night Hunter training? Why that? Why not normal training?”

“We don’t have time for that,” Said Luna with finality. Applejack’s ears drooping. Placing her hoof under her chin Luna raise Applejack’s head, so they were looking eye to eye. “I don’t want to do this either, but it is what must be done. Besides,” Luna leaned in whispering into Applejack’s ear. “You and I both know Dusk is no ordinary pony, it’s time to accept that Applejack.”

Applejack pulled away looking at Dusk, searching for signs of fear and found the face of determined mare staring back at her. Beneath that look, she knew the same foal she rescued was still in there, probably afraid, missing home and her daddy, but always willing to fight. She lowered her hat. Dusk was just like her in that regard she supposed.

“Alright, let’s get started,” Applejack said going to the start line. “Keep pace with me. Do not slow down for any reason and do what I do perfectly.”

“Right,” replied Dusk taking up position next to Applejack.

“Let’s go!”

Both mares took off at full gallop. Luna sat down to watch them as they made their way through the first set of obstacles, a bunch of posts spaced about a foot apart from each other and covered in barb wire. Applejack weaved between them seamlessly, while Dusk fuddled around, stopping barely in time. Applejack yelled at her to hurry up and proceeded to the next obstacle, alternating high jumps with more barbed wire and pitfalls hidden randomly around. Again Applejack made it through with little effort, while Dusk barely made it out with only a few scratches. Next came the hard part, spinning moving barrels that shot arrows. Applejack had a little difficulty, but manage to dodge them all. Dusk was forced to use a magic shield to avoid getting hit.

“Did I break the rules?” Dusk asked as they trot up to Luna, who only smiled at Dusk’s question. Finding amusement in Applejack’s stern face and silence to Dusk’s actions.

“Don’t tease her now Applejack,” said Luna waving her hoof at the earth mare, who broke out into a grin.

“Ah don’t remember explaining any rules. Ya made it through on your first time with only a little damage. You were impressive, but you still need improvement.”

Dusk looked between the two older mares with a frown. “I don’t get it. I’m not in trouble for using magic?”

“Who said you couldn’t use magic,” Luna inquired, “You did want you needed to stop that attack from hurting you. That’s good instincts. That’s what this training is for, to train your instincts to sense and avoid danger. There are no rules when it comes to surviving Dusk, remember that.”

“So, I’m not in trouble?”

“No,” said Applejack grinning ear to ear, “But no pony said we were done either. Now get back in there, and this time you have to avoid me too.”

“What?” Applejack punched the ground at Dusk’s feet creating a hole.

“Ah’d suggest you start running.”

Luna chuckled as Dusk took off like a bolt with Applejack hot on her heels. Of course, the earth mare was taking it easy on Dusk, attacking slowly and predictably, each attack just barely missing the unicorn. That was part of the trick to this next part. After each attack Dusk dodged or blocked, Applejack would attack a little faster each time, adding a little more power to each attack. By the time Dusk made to the finish line, a line of craters had followed in her path. This time she had more than a few scratches.

“Are we done,” Panted Dusk. She looked up to Applejack and Luna with hopeful eyes, but instantly regretted asking as they look at her with smirks upon their lips, “Again, I’m guessing..”

“Correct. Only this time you’ll be dodging attacks from both of us,” Said Luna charging her horn. Dusk didn’t move at first, so Luna blasted the ground next to the unicorn’s face to get her moving. She took off with Applejack giving chase. Luna firing several more magical blasts, nothing that would hurt Dusk, but would stun her, which would leave her open to Applejack’s attacks.

Dusk did exceptionally well, summoning magical shields to block Luna’s spells and dodging Applejack’s attacks, which were getting faster and closer to hitting her. After one attack split the ground, open Dusk realized how dangerous things were.

“Very good, very good indeed, you’re almost a natural Dusk,” praised Luna, “Next time try firing back at me. Defense is good, but sometimes it’s easier to take out an opponent. Now I believe a short break is in order. I must go inspect the defenses. Send her through at least two more times Applejack and then send her to my room when you’re done. From there we’ll begin your magic lessens Dusk.”

“Ok,” panted Dusk as she collapsed on her belly.

“Roger that princess, I’ll get her whipped into shape.”

“I have faith in you. I’ll see you two later.

Leaving the training ground, Luna made her way to the front of the castle, where Fierce Fury was overlooking the defenses. Crystal unicorns were working around the clock to forge together a passable defense. Breaking down the crystals from the decorations and useless trinkets, anything and everything was being used, even the royal family’s jewels, though Luna secretly kept one gem in particular, Symphony’s engagement ring, tucked away for safe keeping.

“How goes the defense Fury?”

The Rinin clicked his tongue dismissively. “They could be better. This place has too many windows, too many doors, and we have to few to cover them all. We are working on covering all the windows and creating choke points, as well as setting up traps in rooms to help compensate for our small numbers. Our best bet will be to stay close together and not spread our forces too thin.”

“Like a parallax, brilliant idea, and what manner of traps have you constructed?”

“The monster killing kind,” replied Fury as several crystal unicorns march past with traps. Luna watch them leave with a grim expression.

“Those could harm our troops just as much as theirs when they go off, why make them? Why not something more suitable for close spaces like spike traps or hot oil?”

Fury snorted leading the way to a balcony. He pointed his claw directing Luna’s attention to the city. “This is not the only place where those traps will be laid. The further out you go the more lethal the trap. I plan to have a small number of ponies engage with the enemy in the outer rim to slow their ground force. I and the remaining pegasus will stay low and draw their airborne troops to the ground for anti-air traps. Our goal is to take out as many as possible. For every one of us they kill, I want them to lose a hundred.”

“What of Sombra and Chrysa, what do you have in mind for them,” asked Luna, her mind going over the cans and what-ifs of battle. No pony could take Sombra or Chrysa, even she would be hard pressed to fight them one on one. Hell, she and Fury barely fought of Sombra alone.

“Worried?” Fury asked, causing Luna to whip her head around with shock. “It’s ok to be worried, to be scared, and I’m sure you already know what it takes to overcome those things. So don’t worry. Applejack will be there to support you and possibly Dusk from what I understand, and if you should need it, you can simply call for me, and I’ll come to your aid. We all will. We are here to fight with you princess, to the end if we must.”

Luna looked to the setting sun, her heart heavy, “That is what I’m most afraid of.”

The bed felt like the softest thing ever as Dusk threw herself on it with the last of her strength. Her everything hurt. Her muscles ached, her lungs burned, even her hoofs, hard and durable, ached, and it also hurt to breath. (How does that happen?)

“Well, looks like you had a rough day,” chimed Luna as she entered the room, her horn glowing with magic as she waved it over Dusk’s body. “Does that feel better? It’s a healing spell, but you’ll have to eat for it to work at full effect.”

Dusk cringed at the thought of food, her abdomen hurt so much that just eating a crumb seemed too much. She didn’t want to be wasteful since they had so little food to go around.

“Just some water, please. I don’t think I can stomach anything right now.”

“Very well, I’ll mix in some flowers and fruits so you can at least get some nutrients,” Said Luna presenting a strange multi color drink that smells like flowers and strawberries. “Now drink up, or I will force feed you like a newborn foal and don’t think I won’t do it.”

Dusk gagged at the thought and levitated the drink to her mouth and taking sips, before chugging the entire mixture down in one gulp!

“That was good! Can I have more?”

“No, it’s an energy drink, too much and your heart will enlarge and explode.”

“That can’t be true,” Dusk quivered, imagining just that happening to her. Luna’s laughs made her cheeks burn as she glared at the Princess. “That’s not funny. Telling me stories like that, I bet it isn’t true.”

Luna stifled her laughter. “Well it’s not exactly a lie either if a pony were to drink twenty of these in a row their heart would explode, but one or two will just keep you up and hyper for an entire day.”

“Why would some pony drink twenty in a row if they're that dangerous?”

“Some ponies don’t know when enough is enough, now enough idle chatter, it’s time for your magic lessons,” said Luna, getting serious and levitating several books and diagrams onto the bed. “Let’s start by expanding your attack spells. You know a basic magical blast and shield, so now you need to learn how to break through a magical shield and this spell is a good one for doing just that.”

“Magical drill horn blast,” Dusk read questionably, “Who came up with that name?”

“Starswirl, now pay attention. To use this spell, you must imagine your magic rotating clockwise and… ugh, I hate how Starswirl words these things,” Luna complained closing the book. “Just watch and do what I do.”

Nodding Dusk watched as Luna charged up her horn with magic, slowly the magic began to turn gradually speeding up until it looked like a spinning drill. Taking aim Luna fired the magic drill at the wall, it burrowed through instantly and continued to drill through one of the supporting pillars around the palace and then into the ground where it finally stopped.

Luna and Dusk sat in silence as they look at the smoldering hole. Shouts of panic came from the courtyard as the soldiers thinking it was an enemy attack sprang into action.

“We do not speak of this,” said Luna, rushing off to quell the noise. “And don’t do that, of which I told you not to speak off!”

“What?”

“Good, girl!”

After the situation was taken care of with Luna passing the “attack” off as an accident with no possible way to identify the one who fired the spell. She sent the guards the back to their posts and returned to her room to resume Dusk’s lessons. Only to find the tawny mare sound asleep on the bed. Knowing that a good rest was sometimes better than the most brutal training sessions, she let the mare sleep.

“Shouldn’t you be getting’ to bed too?” Asked Applejack walking up from behind. The orange mare sat down next to Luna, following her gaze up into the stars. “They sure are pretty. What do you call that one over there? The one that bunch of stars that looks like a bucking bronco.”

“I don’t know. I never named it maybe I should name it after you. I shall call it The Apple bucker!” Luna laughed.

Applejack stared at her until she stopped and Luna smile faded, replaced with a frown. Far out at the borders of the city sat their enemy. The blue wall separating them crackled and weakening by the hour, they would break through sooner rather than later.

“I guess two days was a bit hopeful wasn’t it?” Said Luna solemnly, “A shame we didn’t have more time.”

“Yeah,” whispered Applejack, wondering if Nightingale had made it back. She hoped with every fiber of her being, but it was looking more, and more likely her friend didn’t make it home and even if she did it may be too late to save them. “You should really get some rest.”

“Yes, yes we should, though my bed is occupied by another. Mind sharing yours?”

Applejack blushed red, “Ah-ah guesses, but strictly platonic right?”

“If you insist,” said Luna with a shrug as she strutted over to Applejack’s bed. Applejack gulping as she climbed in beside her.

“I won’t tell you’re special somepony if you don’t tell my sister, ok? She gets jealous when I cuddle with other ponies.”

“So Ah’ve noticed, good night Luna.”

“Why thank you, I did work very hard on it tonight,” replied Luna, giggling as Applejack rolled her eyes as she wrapped herself up in the blankets, “Tis only a joke Applejack, good night and sweet dreams.”

Morning came too quickly it felt, the night passing over with no incident, however not everything was well. The survivors of the Crystal Empire awoke to find their only means of protection nearly gone. The shield made by the crystal heart was cracked all the way from top to base. From the outside, King Sombra hurled large blasts of magic at the blue force field. His latest attack struck as Luna emerged onto the balcony in Symphony’s armor.

“Princess Luna, good morning to you. I see you’re trying out a new look. I must say pink is a stark contrast to your normal regalia,” Said Sombra with a smirk. Observing the defensive positions of the crystal army and finding them in deplorable condition. He was certain his army could crush them the moment the shield dropped, but he wanted to try and persuade Luna one last time. “And I also see you are dug in for the good fight, but it would be a waste of life don’t you agree? Here is my offer to you and you’re ponies. Surrender to me and be sparred. Become my Queen…”

“Second Queen,” Interrupted Chrysa.

“Right, Second Queen, and not only could we take Equestria, but beyond! Think about it Luna, subjects that love and worship you rather than fear you. No more pesky nobles, no Celestia to outshine you. Think of it, Luna.”

Luna flew to the edge of the dome so she could face Sombra face to face, Fierce Fury by her side.

“A tempting offer Sombra, but one only a weak fool would accept. My sister is on her way, and she will bring the wrath of Equestria upon you. I assure you.”

Sombra laughed, “You assume Celestia is coming. Perhaps due to some notion of hope that somepony manage to escape? Well, I’d suggest you give up. I know of your little runaway and rest assured she has long since departed from this world.”

“Show me the body then.”

“Interested in seeing your own dead soldier? You grow more beautiful to me with every conversation. Very well, bring the corpse.” Sombra ordered, two changelings flew off and returned with the body of Nightingale. “I will happily accept that surrender now Luna.”

Luna glared at the unicorn king as she adjusted her vocals. “Fool! As if we could be fooled by such simple trickery! For we know our fair Nightingale possesses a piercing mark upon her marehood, which your dimwitted trickster has forgotten!”

“She didn’t have a piercing! I flew right under her… Oh…” said the disguised changeling.

Now it was Luna’s turn to smirk as Sombra blistered with anger. “My ponies, help comes! Hold strong till Celestia arrives! We fight for the glory of the Crystal Empire and Equestria!”

“Attack! Attack now! Kill them all!” Bellowed Sombra unleashing blast of magic that shattered the dome! The armies of Maredor poured into the city as the defenders took action.

“For Equestria,” shouted Luna leading the charge straight for Sombra. Their horns intersect as the battle broke out around them. Luna flew up, Sombra following with his skeleton wings. A group of changelings tried to slow her down, but Fierce Fury and his crystal pegasus intercept. Now high over the battlefield, Luna could cut loose without harming her own troops. Levitating the two lances off her back, she gave them a few practice swings and then attacked Sombra.

Be with me this day dear Symphony. I will avenge you and protect your kingdom in your stead. Luna screamed as she descended, letting her pent up anger and sorrow over Symphony’s death come to the surface. Sombra summoned a large scythe and swung the weapon connected with her lances as their fierce struggle began.

Below the armies of Maredor flooded into the city, the defenders easily giving ground as they charged, stirring excitement and vigor among the Mardorian ranks as they charged faster breaking their formations and running every which way in pursuit of the fleeing crystal ponies. Who scattered and attempted to hide in the nearby buildings. They followed all too eagerly. Glory and the spoils of war so easily in hoof! They couldn’t help it.

A slender figure caught the commander’s attention, an armored mare fleeing into an abandoned building alone. Eagerly he licked his lips as he led his squad into the building after her. Maredor, despite its name, was short on mares and he’d had enough of the changelings’ imitations these past few months and looked forward to having the real thing again.

“Come on boys! Let’s go get us some fresh fruit!” Bellowed the commander leading the way. They rushed into the building, scattering their numbers in search of the mare, they searched high and low, but found no sign of her. “Where is she?” The commander demanded, salivating at the lips. “Find her or I’ll have your heads! No pony touches her until I do first!”

“Sir! She’s over there!” Somepony pointed to the building across the alley, where the mare stood waving at them with an elemental fire bow and arrow primed and ready. Suddenly the smell of oil and tar became very prudent as she released the bolt and set the building ablaze in a glorious ball of fire. The soldiers of the black army now charred the same color of their souls.

“Command, this is Hot Lips reporting in, trap 139 had been executed with full effectiveness. We have a full house of burning rats, I repeat, full house,” Hot Lips reported into her communication Crystal.

“Roger that, continue to rally point A as planned.”

“Roger that, Hot Lips signing out, hail Luna.”

All over the Crystal Empire, the invading force felt the hurt as their first wave stalled. Many of their troops were lost to the defenders’ traps. Buildings went up in flames, sometimes entire streets, others were frozen over, the invader's progress slowed as their ground forces were forced to watch their every step and with their ranks broken their communication lines were thrown into chaos.

The enemy vanguard steadied their pace, creeping through the ruined city streets. Ignoring the buildings now not bothering to check them, assuming they were just full of traps. Groups of defenders emerged from the windows laying down a barrage of arrows and magic blasts, kneecapping the invaders, and disappearing before they could counter-attack.

In the east part of the city, the Maredor unit upon receiving reports of what happened to their advance units checked every building, sending five ponies in each to reduce causalities making sure they could hold their ground till help arrived. Buildings exploded, and arrows were fired as they engaged with the hidden troops, overwhelming the defenders and cutting off their escape with their superior numbers. As the captured soldiers were brought to their bellies, the officers of the Maredor army threw etiquette into the ditch to die. Allowing their troops to do what they willed. The stallions were killed, and the mares wished they had been.

Their momentum gaining the Generals of the Mardor army pushed harder, calling in Sombra’s elite troops, the Black Horns. The black horns were a unit made of the most powerful mages in all of Maredor. A unicorn unit of great destructive power with absolute loyalty to Sombra. With their ability, they ripped through the defenders, traps and all. Dropping entire buildings with waves of their horns. A trail of destruction followed them as they cut straight to the Crystal Castle. The last stronghold of the defenders.

“Come on, boys! Let’s go get the spoils!” The black horn leader cried out leading the charge.

Fierce Fury and the airforces were in a tight spot. They were just too few of numbers to stand up to the full might of Sombra’s bat ponies and Chrysa’s changelings.

At first, they managed to lead a good chunk into the traps designed to take out flyers, and it worked, very effectively too, but it was a one trick pony. For every enemy flyer killed another took its place and now that they knew not to fly too low. Fury and his troops had to fight at their level.

“Stay close together! Don’t let them separate you!” He told his lancers as they charge straight into the fray. Punching a hole right through the center and then made a quick retreat to the ground for cover fire from their unicorn squads. They continued this pattern, always making minor changes so the enemy couldn’t counter easily.

By the seventh charge, Fury took notice of the fact that over half of his original fifty flyers were gone and they were losing ground. The unicorn squads were forced to move back to rally point B. He looked toward Luna who was engaged with Sombra in an epic battle no pony dare to intrude upon. He did not like that he was being pushed away from his princess and rallied his troops to go and support her. They ripped through the enemy formation and made a beeline for Luna when they were blindsided by Queen Chrysa and her royal guard.

Fury growled breathing a stream of fire at the Changeling Queen. Chrysa threw up a green shield, deflecting the flames and charged with an ornate spear covered in beautiful jewels. The tip of the spear glowed as dozens of blasts shot from gems cutting down several Pegasi. One blast glanced his shoulder, his scales withstanding the attack. Readying his claws, Fury dived in close, chest swelling with flames, his cheeks puckered out, and he shot a barrage of small fireballs to ward of the Queen’s guards.

With a mighty roar, Fury swung his claw aiming for the gap in the queen’s armor, right between her neck and breastplate. Before his fangs could pierce her black flesh, a drone threw themselves into his attack path. The drone was skewered, his claws burrowing through the poor changeling's neck. The changeling clung to life and embraced him, trying to impede his movements.

“Get off me!” Fury tried to shake the drone as several more charged in from the right. The Queen raised her spear to run both him and the drone through.

“For the Empire!” A battle cry came as Fury’s wing pony, Stone Wing, charged into the attacking swarm. Taking the five changelings out in a display of raw skill and power. Sadly the grey crystal pegasi went down with them.

Taking the chance give to him, Fury ripped the drone holding him in two and flew back, the Queen too stunned by Stone Wing’s display to launch her attack.

“Do you really think you can win? Face reality freak, the time of Celestia and Luna is over! The reign of the changelings is now,” gloated Chrysa dodging Fury’s flames, while blasting beams of green magic at Fury, who dodged and charged head-on at her. The Queen deflected the attack with her shield, sending Fury veering off course. “You are skilled. Too bad your friends were not up to par.”

Slowly Fury turned his gaze downward. The bodies of his soldiers were still air born as he watched them crash into the ground with bone shattering cracks. The sound echoed in his ears. Their broken forms forever burned into his mind. All of them were dead, and it was his fault.

“I’ll kill you!” Screamed Fury as his body erupted into flames, startling Chrysa and the changelings surrounding him. Flexing his claws he dashed forward with complete disregard, ripping his way through the changeling ranks.

“What’s happening up there?” Commander Shiny Stone, captain of the guard, demanded observing the battlefield from the defender's command center. A couple dozen ponies worked tirelessly to relay messages from the front lines. Their crystal communication network went down several hours ago, so messenger ponies have been running back and forth between the front lines to keep communications open.

A hastily scribbled note was shoved in his face, reading that the third barricade has fallen. One more and the armies of Maredor would be at their front door.

“Miss Dusk.”

“Yes, commander,” saluted Dusk stepping forward. She was feeling antsy after she was ordered by Applejack to stay behind in the castle. Saying she was their last resort. She didn’t know what she meant by that, only that it was up to her if the fourth barricade was in danger of falling. Her orders were to attack with no restraint to keep the enemy at bay.

“The time has come for you to put your talent to use. Get out there and support our retreat.”

Dusk saluted once more and left with the remaining guards to the fourth barricade. Already shadow and bat ponies were fighting their way through the defenses. Her and twenty crystal unicorns met up with the fourth barricade's commander, Shiny Silver, Shiny Stone’s son.

“What’s the situation,” shouted Dusk as she took cover behind a crumbling wall with the commander. Three arrows embed themselves into the wall ahead of them. One crystal unicorn stood up to return fire, only to get a bolt through the skull.

“That,” pointed Shiny Silver to the dead pony, “That’s the situation. We’re getting slaughtered out here! There’s just too many to fight off. We’re getting overrun… Watch out!” A shadow pony emerged from the wall, poised to strike! Shiny Silver stabbed his horn into the pony’s chest and tossed it over the wall. “Please tell me there is a plan.”

Dusk smiled awkwardly, “Yeah, me.”

“Please tell me that was a joke. What can one mare do?”

“Luna’s a mare, and she does a lot,” Dusk retorted, Shiny Silver glared at her with a twitching eye. “Right no time for jokes. Just watch and be amazed.” (I hope this works.)

Dusk gathered magic into her horn, creating a sphere around herself she leaped over the wall and charged towards the enemy lines drawing their fire. Shadow ponies, bat ponies, and changelings, pile on top of her. She nearly buckled under the weight, but held firm and bolstered her shield.

“Anytime today,” She screamed as sweat dripped down her brow. Flashes of magic and everything from arrows to rocks flew overhead, knocking the enemy ponies off her shield. Taking a relaxing breath Dusk focused her magic and fired magic drill bullets from her horn through her shield. The magic drills burrowed through rock barriers and magic shields alike downing a dozen ponies in an instant. Morale surged for the defenders as the ponies began to attack in earnest, even managing to push the invaders back.

“Yeah, come on let’s get them!” A pony yelled, but she grabbed him by the legs holding him in place. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t be stupid,” She retorted, “Rushing in will get you killed.”

Shiny Silver nodded, “She’s right, Brick Hoof. Fortify our positions, prepare for the next wave!” The soldier saluted and began remaking the barricades. “Come on back here and rest we’re going to need your strength,” said Shiny Silver, leading Dusk back behind the wall. “You did well. Keep it up, and we may make it out alive.”

A shaky smile worked its way onto Dusk’s face. Shiny Silver gave her a knowing look as he patted her on the shoulder before leaving to help with the defenses. Once he was out of sight, her body began to shake as vile filled her throat. She tried to keep it down, but it was no use, she hacked up her lunch on the ground.

This wasn’t her first kill, yet that didn’t stop the shaking. She knew they were bad ponies, they probably killed a lot of ponies today, maybe even enjoyed it, but that didn’t make her feel any better. She killed them, and there was no changing that.

“Next wave coming in, Dusk we need you!”

“Coming!”

Far up in the sky Sombra and Luna clashed! Sparks and explosions fill the air as their attacks met. It’s an impressive display, but that didn’t mean the sides were even. Luna panted heavily, her coat soaked with sweat. Symphony’s armor was more cumbersome than her own, and her lances took much more magic to keep float then her star blades. Another problem was the alicorn amulet around Sombra’s neck, providing him with an extra source of power. Extending his own stamina, while Luna was forced to rely on her own waning strength.

“It’s not too late to accept my offer Luna, join me and accept your new role as my mate.”

“I’d rather die first Sombra!” Luna spat flinging her lances at the black stallion. Flying back she fired three blasts of magic for good measure. Sombra deflected the lances and blocked the spells, his smirk irritating her to no end. Summoning her lances back, she countered his scythe just in time, but the force of the attack made her aura waver for a moment, and she felt the tip of the blade press against her throat.

Sombra pressed harder, even pushing with his hooves, Luna called on her earth pony magic to counter his strength, but it wouldn’t last. Already she could feel the last of her reserves failing her. Sombra’s eyes lit up with dark magic, Luna felt her mind go fuzzy for a moment before shaking it off.

“You mind tricks won’t work on me Sombra.”

The unicorn king chuckled, “Perhaps for now, but how long can you resist? You’re fighting a battle on all fronts Luna, which will give out first? Your body? Your mind? Your magic? Time will tell very soon I believe.”

As much as she didn’t want to admit it, he was right. She couldn’t keep fighting like this, but what other option was there? She couldn’t break off and retreat. He would surely follow her and attack her ponies below. No, she had to stay, she had too… is that fireball with wings coming at her?

“LET GO OF HER!” Fierce Fury screamed ramming into Sombra’s side. With his claws, Fury dug into the unicorn’s side grabbing hold of the base of his right wing and shattering the bone. “Come on, let’s go!” He shouted, dropping the unicorn king and tackling Luna into a free fall dive. The flames surrounding his body disappeared as they fall.

Luna struggled in Fury’s embrace as she watched bat ponies come to Sombra’s aid. Cursing at missing chance to finish the unicorn king off. However something caught her attention as she felt Fury’s claws dig into her side, his missing talon wasn’t missing anymore.

“Prepare for landing,” Said Fury as they level out into a rough landing against the ground. Applejack and Dusk quickly rushed to their aid, both mares looking worse for wear. Before she could ask on their condition Sombra’s voice boomed over the battlefield.

The black stallion was grounded, but still kicking and was looking very angry.

“Don’t think anypony is getting out of here alive Luna! You brought this fate upon them! And you will watch as I execute every last one of them, while you’re helplessly chained by my side!”

Luna rose to her full height as her ponies rally around her. Sadly gazing back at them. They had suffered so much for her, for their freedom, for each other. She wished she could tell them they would make though, that all the suffering was not for nothing, but she could not. They would die here, with her, but they would die together.

Gathering up her courage she stood tall as she stared down Sombra from afar, prepared to face death, but then something shined in the distance hidden by the blinding rays of the sun.

Suddenly explosions blanket the enemy lines. Ponies scrambled to find out what was going on, but it was too late, far too late. Coming over the horizon was a sight no pony had ever seen before, a massive battleship sailing across a stream of clouds, filled with hundreds of battle harden night patrollers eager to fight! It was the Moon cutter, and it brought a tear to Luna’s eye when she saw the pony commanding it.

“Celestia…”

--inside the moon cutter

“We are in position Princess, orders?”

Celestia raised her hoof, her eyes hard like steel as she gazed out onto the battlefield.

“Attack!”

Night patrol ch 12

By Foxgear

“All ponies to battle stations! Squads one through five, prepare to launch! MOVE, MOVE, MOVE! We don’t have all day, get down there and fight!” Roars Gadget over the ship’s intercom as they blast Sombra’s army with a barrage of canon fire and lightning bolts. “Squads Six through nine fly around the city and flank the enemy, create a path for any survivors. Cannon operators keep a suppressing fire on the enemy don’t let them near us! Squads ten through eleven you’re on standby.” Trotting over the controls Gadget observes all the dials and doodads with a keen eye. Complex mathematical equations ran through his head as he calculates their fly time.

“We have enough crystal energy to keep the cannons firing for one hour Princess Celestia, I repeat one hour, after that we will be sitting ducks and we’ll have to retreat. Be swift in your mission, find Princess Luna and her escort and get them out, anypony else is extra. After the one hour mark I’m afraid anypony left behind stays behind.”

“Roger that Gadget,” Celestia replies on the deck of the Moon Cutter, the night hunters forming up her guard, “Celestia out.”

“Faust’s speed to you princess, Good luck.”

Celestia returns her crystal communicator to its place on her chest piece; it’s quite the handy little gadget, perfect for keeping up to date on things. Approaching the edge of the flight deck Celestia surveys the battlefield, finding utter chaos the likes of which could rival Discord. She’d hoped she'd never have to come to such a place again, but it just goes to show that for every tyrant taken down, another rises in their place.

“Allow me to lessen your burden Princess,” said a Pony, taking Luna’s armor out of her magical grip. “It’ll be easier to fight unburdened, don’t worry I’ll make sure it gets to Princess Luna.”

She smiles at the Rinin Pony with relief, her own armor was weighing her down enough already and carrying Luna’s with her would have worn her that much quicker. “Thank you, Uh…” Celestia looks at the pony’s flank, hoping to find something of hit to his name. There was nothing, just a number like the rest of the dragon ponies, this one was branded, 088.

“Nico Vega,” The pony answers, “My name is Nico Vega, apologies for not properly introducing myself right off.”

Celestia waves a hoof, “No, no it’s quite alright Nico Vega, and I appreciate the gesture. I hope to see you again after the battle."

“Don’t worry princess,” he smiles, “I don’t intend to die today.”

“None of us do, doesn’t mean it won’t happen Nico,” Speaks Overheat, snorting fire from his nostrils. “Now let’s cut the chit chat and get moving! Follow me to victory! Yahoo!”

Celestia blinks as Overheat leaps right off the edge of the flight deck which was at least a couple thousand feet in the air and he had no wings. She leans over the ledge expecting to see splattered pony on the ground, instead she saw a trail of flaming hoofsteps leading right towards the enemy lines.

“Don’t worry about him Princess he just likes the attention,” said Emerald Cutter, “Let’s not be left behind! Come on, patrollers charge forward for Equestria!”

Emerald Cutter too leap off the ledge, her horn a glow with dark green magic as she summons a pile of emeralds from the ground and rode them into battle. Below the unloading Docks open with Rawhide and his troops pouring out onto the field.

“Ready princess?” Killing Perfection asks unsheathing her swords.

Celestia nods as she raised her hoof to the sky, “All ponies ATTACK!”

Commander Bright of the Maredor Vanguard quickly rallies his soldiers around to face the enemy at their backs. He calls for their unicorn units to raise the largest shields they could muster against the cannon fire, ponies clamored under the shields like umbra’s as the cannon balls rain down upon them, however just because they were underneath a shield didn’t guarantee their safety. Cannon balls would bounce off the shields and roll down between the gaps at high speeds severing legs and splitting ponies in two as they haphazardly came to a stop.

“Incoming!” A scout yells pointing to a bright glowing figure charging over the ruins of the crystal city. Spears were raised and pointed as they waited for the enemy, a hush fell over their ranks as the smell of burning flesh and brimstone enters their nostrils as the irregular beat of trotting hooves grew closer and closer till finally a skeleton of flame gallops over their hastily made barricade, wood combusts into flame and metal melts as the burning skeleton gallops past, sucking up all the air and leaving a trail of destructing in its wake.

“Monster!” A pony screams in terror as everypony try to move out of the flaming pony’s path, but it followed them running them down, crushing them beneath its six legs.

“Commander Bright, look over there!” Yells one of the captains pointing to the sky as a hundreds of green diamonds fall from the sky like arrows, piercing though shields and armor like a hot knife through butter. A pony riding on top of a wave of green gems flew overhead, letting their beautifully deadly projectiles fall down like rain upon them.

Bright barely survived as he took cover on the underside of the hill he was positioned on. Looking out over his forces he was dismayed to see they were out of rank with many dead and wounded to take care off, but worse off all their morale has been utter shattered.

“Commander…”

“What the buck is it now?” He barks looking at the floating ship that had been the start of all his trouble.

Riding down across the barren plains was an army of heavily armed unicorns and earth ponies with a big red pony at the front wielding a large pick axe in his mouth? Above them was a much more terrifying sight, hundreds of pegasus and dragon Ponies were flying straight towards them, led by a in posing figure clad in gold armor, wielding two giant axes.

“Celestia…” Commander Bright shutters as the Princess of the Sun raise her twin axes with the sun shining right behind her, blackening out her body while shouting at the top of her lungs.

“Ponies of Equestria, Attack!”

Before Commander Bright could issue his orders the earth and unicorns were upon them, he blocks the pick axe with his shield as his support staff fell around him.

“You think you can win earth pony! You can’t! You will fall here!” He shouts levitating a spear off the ground.

The Big pony frees his pick axe and said, “We’ll see about that.” And then the pickaxe was lit a glow with magic, surprising Bright that an earth pony could use magic at all, he didn’t even have the chance to defend himself as the big pony’s pickaxe pierce through his shield, his armor, and then his head.

“Way to go Rawhide!”

“This is nothing,” Grunts the big Stallion, “Keep pushing! Time is of the essence.”

“Aye, sir!”

“Luna is that…”

“It is dear Applejack,” tears of joy rolling her cheeks as her sister and her ponies of the night charge into the enemy’s rear, “The Moon cutter with Celestia and everypony.”

“Heehaw! She made it! Nightingale made it! We’re saved everypony!” Applejack rears up whining as loud as she could. All the surrounding ponies rose up and cheer catching their second wind at the sight of reinforcements.

“Look out below!” A pony falling from the sky shouts, crashing in front of Luna. “Ouch, should have adjusted for the extra weight before going into that nose dive.”

Luna and Applejack blink as the familiar sight of Luna’s armor became clear as the dusted settles and pony wearing it dusts himself off.

“Nico Vega?”

“At your service ma’am,” The gray tone dragon pony said standing at attention, “I’ve brought you your armor and a message from Commander Gadget. The message is “Only one hour window to evacuate ponies, after that the Moon Cutter will be out of crystal energy for operating the cannons, all remaining power will be for the engines. Please try to get as many ponies to the Moon Cutter as possible” end of message.”

Luna mulls over the situation. Off to the west Celestia was making her way towards Sombra with what looked like Killing Perfection. Overheat was running around causing havoc and Emerald Cutter was taking out key enemy points, while their ground forces over ran Sombra’s, by all accounts they should stay and finish the job, but looking around again at the vast army Sombra and Chrysa had at their disposal and possibly hidden reinforcements it was clear they had to retreat.

“Nico fly back to the moon cutter and inform Gadget we are on our way, once the path is clear will make an all-out gallop for the Moon cutter. Everypony leave behind everything once the path is open make for the Moon Cutter and don’t stop for anything. Applejack, Fury, I want to you lead them to safety.” Luna removes Symphony’s armor replacing it with her own. She smiles solemnly as the pile of pink metal fell to the ground. “I will meet up with Celestia and hopefully we can take out Sombra here and now and let his armies scatter to the winds.”

“Understood Princess,” Salutes Applejack as she went to work gathering the injured and ordering them to be made ready for transport. Fury nods following after her with Dusk trailing behind him, leaving Luna standing on the hill alone with Nico.

“I could take the armor back with me princess, it would be no trouble,” Offers Nico Vega noticing Luna’s hesitance to leave the pink armor, but she shook her head.

“No, it would burden you too much. Let it lay here with its true owner. However this is one thing I wish for you to carry and keep safe for fear I may lose it in battle before the day is done.” Carefully Luna drops Symphony’s engagement ring into Nico’s claw. The Rinin nodding in understanding and took off to the sky.

Taking one last look at the crystal palace Luna bows her head to the home of her lost kin one last time and flew off to meet her sister.

Celestia and Sombra lock weapons, black scythes meeting golden axes in a clash of sparks that had both ponies pushing with all their might! Shock waves of magic rock the area, toppling buildings, cracking the earth wide open as the two titans’ wage war. One however held the advantage. Celestia had full control of the sky thanks to her wings, while Sombra was grounded with his one skeletal wing lying flat and useless under his cloak.

With the aerial advantage Celestia was able to outmaneuver Sombra, avoiding his attacks with a mere twist of her wings, another benefit was her ability to launch her attacks from any height or angle while using the sun as cover. Sombra was on the defensive as he kept his weapons close to block the rain of axes assaulting him. He calls for aid from his soldiers, but the white pony that accompanying Celestia cut them down before they could get close and Chrysa was too busy trying to lead their armies on both fronts. The Defenders of the Crystal Empire were fighting fiercer than ever before trying to get to safety, while their allies hack their way through to meet them. He had no idea Equestria had such a fighting force at their command.

“Quiet the impressive army Celestia! I wasn’t aware you had the stones to put your precious “Little ponies” in harm’s way or that you had a knack for the darker arts.” Sombra praised as he broke their stalemate and retreating into the narrow streets of the Crystal Empire to better limit Celestia’s movements. Celestia thrown off guard by his comments mindlessly follows.

“Darker arts? What poison does thy vile tongue spew now Sombra?” Celestia shook herself, blushing madly as she coughs into her hoof. “Sorry, the thrill of battle as me thinking of times of old and that just kind of slipped out. Now as I was saying, darker arts? What nonsense are you spewing now Sombra? I have never… ugh… intently practiced the dark arts. How can you a pony who so easily gave himself over to darkness accuse me of doing such a thing?”

Sombra chuckles sinisterly as he circles around Celestia, the white mare keeping pace, always keeping her eyes on him as he wants her to do.

“Well I simply assumed. I mean who ever heard of such a large clan of dragon ponies? There may have been few born throughout the centuries naturally to give life to the legend, but so many and all fighting for you? I was not aware the ponies of Equestria were so… intimate with the dragons of Firehorn to breed such a number of Rinin.”

“Oh well, you see that’s very easy question to answer, so simply in fact you probably wouldn’t believe it. I hardly did when Luna introduced them to me after discovering them in an old mine,” Celestia nervously replies. Her mind suddenly a buzz with political questions that could come up when the dragon ponies existence was made well known.

“A mountain you say, sounds suspicious. Are you certain Princess Luna didn’t create them and simply lie you,” Said Sombra, relishing the look of doubt upon Celestia’s face, the Princess of the Sun was completely off her game. Discreetly Sombra lowers his remaining Skeleton wing tapping it lightly against the ground while he occupies Celestia’s full attention. “Really Celestia, think about it. Luna’s was losing favor with the public, it’s well known all across the lands that you are the one and only true ruler of Equestria. Luna is merely a side show, something show off when convenient. I’m sure you’ve “used” her more than once to gain favor with rival kingdoms. Why wouldn’t she want an army to dethrone you?”

Celestia gasps, sputtering as her wings miss a beat causing her drop in altitude. “Luna, Luna would never do such a thing! You’re outrageous calms mean nothing! And what perverse propose are you daring to imply that I used my sister for? I would never do such a thing to Luna!”

“Strong words and so many, almost like you’re covering up a lie.”

Celestia burns red with anger, “I shall take no more of this foolery, En garde, Sombra!”

Celestia charges blindly. Sombra raise his remaining wing as Celestia drew closer, he brings it down just as she was in range. A glinting light shining in the distance down the long street, flying fast as it travels through the air, Celestia didn’t even know what hit her till it was too late and took an arrow in the wing just as she was about to reach Sombra. She drops like a fly and crashed, skidding against the crystal street, leaving a trail of blood and feathers behind her.

“Time for the sun to set, but don’t worry Celestia, I’ll take good care of your magic.”

Celestia reaches out, straining to get her hoof around her axe, but Sombra stomps on her leg. She screams in pain as he raises his scythe for the final blow. Regretfully she closed her eyes preparing for death.

(I’m sorry Luna)

“CELESTIA!”

Celestia’s eyes snap open, turning towards the sound of her name, her eyes weling up with tears as Luna flew in fast and hard, creating a trail of stardust behind her.

“Luna!”

Luna was flying high above the battle looking for her sister, when she heard Celestia’s cry, quickly she nosedives towards the sound flying faster than ever before. Rounding a corner she saw Celestia on the ground with Sombra’s scythe hovering overhead. Crying out her sister’s name she toss her star blades forcing Sombra to bring his scythe around to block. Not missing a wing beat Luna tackles the unicorn king to the ground, tossing him over Celestia and continuing to struggle against him hoof vs hoof on the ground, kicking, bucking, and even biting him in her rage.

“STAY (punch!) AWAY (punch!) FROM (Bite!) MY (kick!) SISTER!” Luna rages blindly, inky black energy misting off her coat as she continues to pound Sombra into the ground, even managing to dent his armor, and breaking the bones beneath the plated steel.

“That’s enough Luna,” Said Celestia struggling to get to her hooves. “Luna!”

Celestia’s voice snaps Luna back to reality. Turning to face her just in time for an arrow to whiz past her head skimming the outer shell of her helm.

Luna seethes as she touch the gouge in her helm, “Sniper.”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you, now come on let’s get out of here!”

“But Sombra,” Luna pleads wanting to finish off the unicorn king once and for all, but another shot from the archer had both her and Celestia fleeing for cover as volley of arrows assaults them. Once in relative safety and catching their breath, Luna caves in “Fine let’s go.”

Luna took off flying only a few feet before Celestia coughs reminding her that she could not fly.

“Right sorry,” Lifting Celestia up with her magic Luna took flight, glancing back at the down Sombra, wishing she had a clear shot to finish him as several unicorns appear around him covering him in a magical shield.

(There will not be a third time Sombra, I swear it!)

“My liege you are injured!”

“Thanks for stating the obvious Australian Sniper.” Snarling Sombra toss his helm aside wincing as he walks, yet never breaking his stride as he surveys his troops. Turning to the unicorn commander Sombra said, “I want this place wiped off the map! Gather our remaining forces for an all-out attack!”

“At once my liege,” The commander salutes.

Sombra watches him run off, then turns his attention to the floating ship, with feral growl he marched towards the object of his failure determined to bring it and everypony on it crashing to the ground.

“I swear none of you will live to see tomorrow.”

“We are nearly there sister, we are almost home,” Said Luna excitedly as they neared the Moon cutter. Time was nearly up and flocks of ponies were being marched on to the floating ship. Somewhere in the crowds Luna manage to spot Alto Melody, the pony she’d met at diner the night before and Symphony’s friend, she was relieved to discover she had made it. On the flight deck many ponies cheer and waves, happily she waves back.

“Princess.”

“Killing Perfection?” Luna gasps not expecting the white Rinin to show up on her flank. “What’s the matter?”

Grimly Killing Perfection points downward where a line of down beaten crystal ponies stood against the Changeling and Maredor hordes.

“I understand, please take care of my sister.” Luna said dropping Celestia into KP’s claws and diving down.

“Wait Luna,” Celestia screams. “Go back we can’t leave her!”

“I have my orders.”

“But…”

“Do not worry,” KP said, “We will not leave our princess.”

Celestia ease her struggles and watching helplessly as her little sister became a blinking black dot.

“Shiny Stone what is it do you think you’re doing?” Luna demands as she lands next to the old pony. Three changelings leap at her but three well placed magic shots made quick work of them.

The old stallion smiles as he knocking a changeling to the ground, stabbing the bug pony with his spear. “Well the old timers and I thought we’d buy the younglings some time to get aboard, besides someone gotta watch you’re flanks, might as well be us. We have a little fight left in us, enough to hold them off for spell or two at least.”

“But that’s…”

“It is what it is princess. We’ve had our time. Let us have this one last moment of glory to let the ponies of the world know that we of the old guard stood our ground so that next generation could flourish.”

Luna looks on sadly at the line of brave souls standing before her. She’s seen similar sights in the past, old soldiers looking for one last chance of glory to go out screaming their lungs out as they charge ahead to their deaths usually taking with them countless young colts with them to satisfy their lust for that moment. These ponies were vastly different from those old fools before them. They weren’t simply throwing their lives away just to throw them away. They were paying the price for freedom for those that come after them.

“I understand Shiny Stone. Know this day, we Princess Luna of the Night, will be witness to your bravery this day.”

“Thank you princess, now I believe it’s time for you to get out of here.” Shiny stone points out as a mass of black armored ponies lined up across from them, Sombra at the head of them looking very, very angry. “Go, go now!” Shiny stone yells leading the charge.

Luna hesitates for a moment not wanting to abandon the brave knights, but the cries of her ponies from the moon cutter make her take flight. As she glides she looks back as the crystal ponies where surrounded, they shined in the sunlight sparkling like a beacon against the darkness. Slowly the circle grew tighter as the crystal ponies fell one by one, by the time her hooves touch the flight deck the light was gone and tears fell freely down her cheeks.

“Luna!” Celestia shouts breaking away from the crowd. The sun princess nuzzling her neck ,her own tears mix with Luna's. “I’m so glad you’re safe. Come we must go now, before Sombra has a chance to give chase.”

“No.” The crowd of ponies was struck into silence as Luna turns towards the massive horde with her horn a glow with magic. “We finish this now! Night Hunters to me! Dusk you too!”

Overheat, Emerald Cutter, and Killing Perfection took up positions on Luna’s left flank while Applejack, Sixes, and Fierce Fury stood on her right. Dusk nervously stood next the princess as she links their magic together engulfing her and the ponies on her right in a midnight blue aura.

“I cannot do this without your help sister.”

“Very well, we shall finish this together.” Celestia said solemnly as she took up position on the opposite side of Dusk from Luna, her own golden magic expanding and covering Overheat, Emerald Cutter and Killing Perfection and then channeling through Dusk completing the link.

The sister’s rose into the air their magic’s crossing between each other, massive amounts of magic pass between them and the nine ponies, raising them all into the air. The princess’ colors invert, Luna’s coat turning white, while Celestia’s black as they cross their horns releasing a powerful beam of magic at Sombra who was riding atop of a giant red crystal, his own black magic swirling around him like storm.

“LUNA! CELESTIA!” The unicorn king screams as he rose toward them, firing a massive blast of magic.

“SOMBRA!” The sister’s yell as their blast collides with Sombra’s.

For a moment there was a pause as the two titanic attacks struck, pushing against one another seemingly tied in power, till soft “clink” sound echoes. The alicorn amulet upon Sombra’s chest cracking, finally reaching its limit, the gem shatters bursting into the sky and scattering across the lands leaving its owner defenseless.

“No, no, no, nooooooooooooooo!” screams Sombra as the sister’s attack completely engulfs his. The colorful display of magic hit him dead on, his armor cracking as the light ate him from the inside out. “I will not let it end like this! This is not over!”

With his final cry Sombra cast one last spell before his psychical body burst into crystals. The remains of the crystal empire were covered in smoky darkness engulfing the entire city and every pony in it and dragging it beneath the ice, leaving a vast icy wasteland in its place.

Celestia and Luna fell to the flight deck exhausted and bitter as they watch the once shining city disappear. They had fought so hard, lost so many, even defeated their foe, yet it felt like they lost.

A gentle hoof massage her back, Luna looks up into Applejack’s sad smile as the earth mare helps her stand.

“Come on, it’s ok Ah got ya, let’s get you inside and some hot cider.” Said Applejack as Sixes helps Celestia.

Exhaustion hit Luna like a ton of bricks as she leans heavily on Applejack for support, sleepily she said, “Some cider and food does sound good right now, but I think I’d prefer a good bed first.” At that moment Luna’s stomach rumbles loudly, earning a chuckle from the surrounding ponies and even Celestia whose stomach also growls. Blushing Luna covers her face as she broke out into laughter. “I guess food first, then a bed.”

“Gadget,” Luna calls out, the unicorn was busy hugging his daughter to death but stops to give her some air as he addressed his princess.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Take us home as fast as you can, I’m feeling a little home sick.”

“At once princess,” Salutes Gadget before running off with Dusk in tow, no doubt they had much to talk about on the way home.

After some food and drink Luna laid down on her personal cot, her eyes heavy, yet her mind a buzz with thoughts. She was alive. Celestia was alive. Applejack, Dusk, Nightingale and Fury were alive. A lot of ponies were dead too, Symphony, Treble, possibly Cadenza, Shiny Stone and countless others lost forever.

“I’m alive,” She whispers before the calling of sleep finally took her. As her eyes fluttering shut she saw a figure stand over her and run a hoof through her mane, the gesture was familiar and always helps her to get to sleep when she was troubled.

“Celestia,” Luna mumbles sleepily as a smile spread across her lips.

Celestia mirrors Luna’s smile as she settles down on the floor of the cabin with her head on Luna’s cot. She didn’t care if she had own room with her own bed, she wants to be with her sister again, even if it was only for tonight.

“I’m so glad you’re safe,” Celestia whispers as she too enters the world of dreams. Her hoof wrapped protectively around her sister.

Hi everyone I hope you like that chapter and I'm sorry it took so long for me to get it down. Was busy dealing with moving and changing jobs and some writers block/laziness towards the end.

Anyways I just want to tell you guys that sometime soon I'll be going on Hiatus for Fall harvest, I'm expecting to be busy most days and what free time I'll have will probably be channeled into my cosplay for Nebraskon. it'll be a bit before then, but I wanted you guys to know ahead of time and I'll be back up and running hopefully before November.

I'll try to update if I can, but I just don't know how much time I'll have. If nothing else I some one shots I might throw out there for you all to read. Don't know for sure yet.

That's all thanks for reading and have a good day!

Night Patrol ch 13

By Foxgear

The hull of the Moon Cutter rumbled as it made port waking Luna up from her slumber. Gadget apologized for the rough landing over the intercom, as it was his first. She chuckled as she rolled off the bed becoming a tangle of legs as she falls right on top of Celestia. The elder alicorn crying out in pain as her injured wing was crushed under her sister's body.

“Sorrysorrysorrysorry!” Luna screamed as she quickly rolled off her sister trying to do something to ease Celestia's pain, but Celestia held up a hoof to stop her as she hissed, fighting through the torment until the pain reduced on its own.

“It’s alright,” replied Celestia through gritted teeth, “I should have remembered you like to roll off the bed. I’m fine.” Rising to her hooves Celestia gave Luna her best smile, “Come on, let’s go get some breakfast. I’m sure you’re hungry after all that fighting.”

Luna’s stomach rumbled at the mention of food, causing her to blush. “That sounds lovely. I’ll have the kitchen make up a glorious feast for our victory if you can call it that, but before then there is one pony we need to see.”

“You’re talking about Nightingale aren’t you?” Luna nodded, causing Celestia to look away for a moment. “Very well, but I must warn you, sister, she’s suffered… critical injuries trying to get help. It may be tough to see her.”

“It does not matter, we must see her,” Luna declared walking out of the cabin, Celestia followed after her.

When they arrived at the room where Nightingale was resting, they found Applejack had beaten them there. The former farm mare was in tears as she leaned over Nightingale’s bedside, Nightingale herself was turned on her stomach, showing off her wingless back and large surgical scars.

“Oh Night, Ah’m so sorry…” Applejack sobbed as the sisters approached the bed, Luna wrapped her foreleg around Applejack, holding the earth pony close.

“Tis alright fair Applejack, we will do all we can for her.” Applejack leaned closer into Luna's mane hiding her tears in the alicorn's starry black hair. Nightingale wouldn’t want to see her crying, not after giving up so much to ensure their safety.

“Ah, huh, gotta go check… on somethings,” Applejack stuttered as she quietly excused herself from the room, leaving the sisters alone with the now wingless pegasus.

Luna ran her hoof over Nightingale’s scars only to quickly to retract it as the pegasus groaned in pain. She chose instead to simply hold the unconscious Nightingale’s leg as she expressed her thanks.

“Because of your sacrifice I’m alive and many other ponies as well. You have my eternal thanks. I know you wanted to be in the Shadowbolts and you have more than deserved the honor.” Luna choked up with tears as she thought of Nightingales dream being destroyed. “I’m sorry.”

Quickly Luna left for her room. She didn’t want to be seen crying by her ponies as the weight of what happened began crashing down on her.

Celestia watched her leave, but made no moves to follow her sister, not yet at least. Instead, she took hold of Nightingale’s hoof like Luna had done and pressed her head against the Pegasus nuzzling her lovingly.

“Thank you, thank you for keeping Luna safe, for being so strong when I was weak. I promise I will help you get your wings back, if it takes me the rest of my life, I will pay you back in full Nightingale.” Raising her head Celestia trotted out of the room, seeking to go comfort Luna when she bumped into Gadget, who was looking very down trot and holding a paper with a bunch of names and numbers. Celestia cringed as she figured out what he was holding.

“Casualty report?” Nodding Gadget offering it to her. She looked over the names. She didn’t know any of them personally, but that didn’t mean her heart didn’t bleed from the loss of her little ponies. Her heart ached, even more, knowing the time would come for Luna to see it, every name belonging to a pony she knew. This day Luna lost one hundred and eighty-seven friends.

“Thank you, I will make sure Luna see this, at the right time of course. Things are a little tough right now for her.” Celestia folded the paper putting it in her harness. As she walks away, Gadget called out to her.

“Don’t coddle her.” Celestia looked at the pony with shock, her mouth a gasp as the unicorn stared her down with eyes of steel. “Princess- no... Luna is a tough pony. Delaying will only hurt her. She knows we have to have lost some of our own, not every pony can walk away from a battle, she knows this, you know this, so don’t treat her like a filly. Treat her like the grown mare she is. Treat her like the princess she is. Treat her with respect like we do. If you do, things will get better between you two.”

“I-“Celestia was at a loss for words, so she simply nodded instead continuing on her way, only to pause as she watched Gadget fiddled with more notes and reports from the battle. The unicorn was looking positively taxed. His daughter came to mind, and she knew how he anxious he probably was to see her.

“Gadget.”

“Yes, Princess Celestia?” The stallion replied looking up from his work.

“Let me take care of that,” She said levitating the stack of reports into her magic, “You run along. I’m sure you have other things you’d rather be doing.”

“But princess…”

“It’s no trouble, I find myself in need of distraction at the moment. I’ll get everything in order and deliver the reports to Luna before the feast. Does that sound ok with you?”

Gadget smiled as the stress seem to melt off his body. “Yes, that would be fine. Have a good day princess. I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Goodbye Gadget, give Dusk my regards.” Celestia waved as the unicorn trotted away. Once he was out of sight she began scrolling through the list of things to the do, the first thing to check on was the resupplying of the Moon Cutter.

Trotting onwards Celesta made her way to the hanger, greeting everypony she passed, which they politely returned, yet there was something different in their mannerisms from the castle staff in Canterlot, the ponies here spoke to her as if she was an average pony rather than some divine being. It was sweet and refreshing, to say the least, she couldn’t remember the last time she was treated like just another pony.

Entering the hanger, Celestia couldn’t help but admire the floating ship as she weaved between the busy supply ponies as they carry crate after crate of gems to refuel the ship’s engines and weapons. Momentary she wondered why they were so eager to have the vessel ready again, and then remembered Luna had initially built the boat as a movable fortress for patrols. An idea she was still a little hesitant about, but she could certainly see its usefulness now.

“Excuse me,” Celestia asked stopping an earth pony who was directing a line of ponies repairing the hull of the ship, “Are you... Navy Von Coltenstien?”

“Aye, I am, whacha be needin’ Princess?” The stallion asked with a thick accent. He seemed to be around Gadget’s age, his red mane connecting to his long beard that hung down to his chest, giving him a strange look with his preach colored coat.

“Well I’m looking over somethings for Gadget before the feast, and I’m supposed to…” Celestia stared at the paper, not having a clue how to say anything written on it, “this ah… what is this?”

“Ah the GRCS, Gem reactor cooling system, we’ve got it under control just needs a little tinkering here and there, and we should be good. Still runs a little hot though, takes a lot of water and cooling gems to maintain safe temperatures. The cannons are mostly ok, had a few burnouts with some of the earlier models, but the later prototypes seem to hold up a lot better, but still in need some improvements. The hull overall is fine, but we may want to look at making it lighter, might help with our speed and overheating problem. You get all that?”

Celestia stuttered as she looked over the scrambled mess that was her notes, “Ah… could you say that again or maybe write it down… please? That’s a bit… much to take in at once, Navy Von, do you have a nickname?”

“Coltenstien or Colt or even Navy, but don’t call me Von unless you’re looking for a lay around.”

“Um… Ok?

Coltenstien chuckled as he took the paper from her and passed it off to another pony with a yellow and black helm, who wrote down everything Coltenstien had said.

“Funny thing, I’m one of the top engineers around here, and I can’t write, never could get the hang of it, tried mah teeth and everything just couldn’t do it.” Coltenstien chuckled offering the paper to Celestia, “Well that should be all on our end. Have a good day Princess. Come on boys, let’s go get some grub!”

Celestia watched the ponies file out of the hangar for the grand dining hall. Following after them only to pause at the exit and look back at the Moon Cutter and all its glory. A floating ship, such a thing had never been heard of before, let alone imagined and then built. Amazing was the only way to describe it, and it was all thanks to Luna for deciding to go against the impossible. Celestia wondered, do her ponies have such inspiring imaginations? Do they dream of reaching for the sky and beyond? If they do, and they surely must, does she encourage them and give them support and the things needed to do so? She always been for education and has sent many bits to schools in Canterlot, but thinking on it now she never went and looked at the schools herself. Starswirl is a great magician and talented inventor and has also received many gold bits for his works, but he worked alone and tended to keep his discoveries to himself. Actually very few ponies he even knows he exists, let alone still alive… she should probably check on him when she gets back to Canterlot too, it’s been… three months, since he last checked in? There were some defiant changes to be made and hopefully she wouldn't be making them alone.

Continuing on her mission Celestia traveled throughout the castle meeting ponies, taking in the new additions and lower levels, as well as the latest additions to the courtyard. Though she was a bit dismayed by the training faculties and obstacle courses, she was happy to discover the garden located behind the castle was still intact and receiving attention from the look of things. At the center of the garden was a small circular patch of flowers that made the image of the sun and the moon meshing together in harmony. She remembered her and Luna planting these particular flowers when they were fillies.

Memories of that day came flooding back, she smiled fondly of the simpler times when their crowns were pretend, and the world was easier to understand.

Taking out the list of the fallen Celestia read through it once again, burning every name into her mind, till she was sure she would never forget them. Standing tall she began the long walk to Luna’s room taking her time to deliver the news. When she came the to the staircase that split east and west, she took the stairs that led to the west wing first, wanting to her see her old bedroom after her prolonged departure. Poking her head in the door she found the place to be clean and free of dust, the bed sheets made and kept fresh with all her mane and coat shampoo laid out and orderly. Lovingly she touched the brush in the shape of her cutie mark, a gift from their mother, a tear escaped her eye, she quickly swiped it away when she heard hoof beats outside the door.

“Oh, why hello there princess, I didn’t expect to find you here. I’d thought you’d be downstairs with the others, but don’t mind me. I’m just here for a bit of cleaning. Princess Luna wants this room to be cared for with the best care available, why I think she even came and cleaned it herself a time or two when we were too busy with the rest of the castle.” The castle maid explained.

“I see, I will leave you to your work then, I was just leaving anyway. Good day umm…”

“Names AppleFiji have a good day, Princess Celestia.” The Apple family member bowed. “I started about a month ago.”

“Thank you,” replied Celestia as she made haste for Luna's room, by the time she reached the moon princess’s door she had a thin layer of sweat on her coat. Standing there panting Celestia spotted Rawhide standing outside some pony’s door and looking somewhat nervous as he knocked. The door opened to reveal Applejack, the two exchange some words and some blushes, before Applejack retreated back into her room, only to return shortly after wearing a modest green dress, hoof, and hoof the two ponies left for downstairs to the dining hall she presumed.

Now alone Celestia felt her own nerves raise as she raised her hoof to knock, suddenly her mouth seem dry as she gathered her courage. It shouldn’t be this hard, she was just going to talk to her sister. (Why am I so nervous? Why am I afraid?)

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Celestia knocked and then waited, each second feeling like a minute as she waited for Luna to answer.

“Come in,” Luna answered finally.

Releasing the breath she’d been holding Celestia entered.

“Hello Celestia, have you been down to the dining hall to eat yet? I haven’t, and there’s so much I need to do, but I’ve been here doing… nothing.” Luna lay curled up on her bed with her blanket over her, so only her head stuck out, just like she always did when she was feeling upset. Celestia found the sight kind of adorable.

Carefully Celestia climbed up on the bed beside her sister placing her wing over her. “Oh Luna, you’ve done so much in so little time, it’s more than I had ever done when I started going to Canterlot on my own. There I’ve barely held things together, but you, you rallied ponies of all races together, organized them and then spread them out throughout the land, helping even more ponies. You’ve rebuilt the castle, expanded it, and gave ponies a home to call their own. You’ve taught young fillies and colts that would have never gotten the chance to learn if you hadn’t given them a chance to. My little sister you have done so much, I think you deserve a moment to let your wings down and take off your crown, but I know you, so I took care of some things well you… processed the past few days.” Celestia pulled the notes and letters she gathered well walking around the castle over to Luna, who snatched them up with her magic and read them thoroughly.

“This is pretty good for a pony who doesn’t know how things run around here. You’re as adept as always, sister, but there seems to be something missing.”

“Right, I have it right here,” Celestia offered the list of the fallen over to Luna, “Good news first as mom always said.”

“I believe it was bad news first and then good news, so you have something to smile about,” Luna jokingly replied, her smile disappeared quickly as she reads through the names, “474 Silver Fang, 5881 Lift Wing, Thug Thompson, Slender Hoof, Water Colt, Phantom Pain, Ghost mare and so many more now gone. I knew they couldn’t all make it back but… I guess some childish part of me wanted to believe they could. They were the best, they trained hard, fought even harder, but they still…”

“Luna…”

“I’m fine Celestia, no, that’s not right.” Luna shook her head, spraying tears all over the bed, “That’s a lie, and I’m not supposed to lie, am I? I represent the element of honesty, I shouldn’t lie, so I guess I should say I will be fine, someday.”

Instead of saying anything Celestia just held Luna closer. They stay like that for a while, till both of their stomachs rumbled with the need for food.

Celestia smiled as they both blushed red from embarrassment, “There is a feast downstairs, be a shame to let it go to waste.”

Luna smiled tossing off her blanket, “Indeed it would be a waste, come, sister, let us go attend to our ponies, feast, and party and then we shall lay those that need it to rest.”

“Oh Luna,” Celestia chuckled as she follows her out, “You’re such a silly pony, a strong one, but still silly.”

“You know us well then sister, now hurry up! We hunger!”

The dining hall abuzz with conversation as the returning heroes told their tales of valor to those who stayed behind and to the youngsters who sat mystified by their tales. To the patrollers that went to fight the battle for the Crystal Empire was a victory, even if the empire itself was lost. Their mission was to rescue Princess Luna and as many ponies as they could, and they succeeded in that mission.

For the upper ranks of the patrollers, things were a bit somber as Sixes, Fury and Gadget wait for the princesses to arrive. Each of the three stallions harbored the same feelings, what more could have they done? What would have worked better, everything a commander thought when the lives of fallen weigh on their minds.

“Here are your drinks Gentlecolts, enjoy,” A harmonic voice sang passing out more hard cider. The three were surprised to see Alto Melody serving them.

“Lady Melody, we are flattered, but you are a guest, there is no need to serve us,” Said Sixes eyeing the crystal noble curiously. (She’s rather pretty) “Is that a maid uniform?”

“Yes, yes it is. I’ve decided to join the castle staff. I wish to repay you all for your sacrifice in trying to save my home, it is the least I can do I’m afraid.” She replied sadly, and then a fantastic idea accrued to her. “Excuse me, but you wouldn’t happen to have a few ponies with some musical talent would you?”

Gadget tapped his head in thought, “I believe Silver Belle would know a few, she was part of a band of musicians that joined up a few weeks ago, and I believe Rawhide knows how to play the guitar… somehow. How does an earth pony play the guitar?”

“Wonderful, thank you very much!” Alto said running off.

“No problem, I guess,” Sixes replied, but the crystal mare was already gone. “So ah, hows Dusk, Gadget? I see she got… taller since three days ago. Speaking of which where is she?”

“Sleeping,” Replied Gadget taking a swig of cider, “She spent the better part of the day crying and telling me everything that happened. I… I don’t know what to do. She’s a filly in a mare’s body, soon I bet she’ll start… you know… and I’m just not ready to deal with a teenage mare with possible PTSD.”

“There’s no way to change her back?” Asked Sixes, “A spell or some ancient treasure, or even Princess Luna?”

“She was changed by the crystal heart,” Fury chimed in, “An ancient artifact of the now destroyed Crystal Empire, its magic precedes the Princesses, and this is straight from Princess Luna herself. She already tried and failed to change Dusk back to normal. In a sense, Dusk reminds me of us, but at least she has the benefit of knowing her past.”

Sixes nodded in agreement, the three of them collectively sighed before gulping down more alcohol.

“So Gadget, you find anything else about us while doing your research stuff,” Fury asked as his cheeks became flush from the alcohol.

The unicorn looked into his cider with a frown. A while ago Sixes and a few other Rinin came to him and asked to try and find something, anything about them, but the research has been pushed to the wayside with his other projects taking up most of his time. Didn’t help Biology was never his strong suit, he was a mechanical thinker, not some dissector like Starswirl.

“Sorry my friends, but I haven’t had time to discover much, but there have been a few interesting developments such as why some of you have different breath magic, such as lightning, ice, and plasma, but nothing that really tells me about who you are. DNA is already tough to map out, but you’re DNA is a shambled mess, sometimes it seems like you have four or five different gene types floating around inside you.”

“Genowhat’s now?” Sixes burped swaying back in forth. Fury wasn’t looking much better if his redder complexion was anything to go by.

Gadget huffed, drowning his cider in one gulp. “Whatever I’ll tell you when you’re sober and after a couple lectures.” Slamming down his pint Gadget called for another round.

Celestia and Luna entered the dining hall, and all eyes turned to them as a hush fell over the crowd of ponies. Funny how that happens. The two sisters awkwardly fidget in place under the ponies’ stares that seemed to demand something be said, but they hadn’t prepared anything to say.

“My ponies,” Luna began her voice echoing throughout the room. “We gather here this night in celebration of our victory and in mourning for those we have lost. I know that those who cannot be here this day would not want us to wail in agony for their passing, but to rejoice in the life we still have and to live it to the fullest in their stead. For even as the stone in which we carve their names may fade and crumble, we, their friends shall never let them fade from our hearts. Now please eat, drink, and be merry and let no more tears fall this day in grief, but in joy! Huzzah!’

“Huzzah!” The room replied, everypony immediately went back to their merrymaking, leaving the two royal sisters alone.

“I’m proud of you Luna you’ve become a wonderful leader.” Celestia hugged her sister close and whispered, “A much better leader than I ever was alone.”

Joy was nearly bursting out her heart at Celestia’s praise. Smiling wide Luna returned her sister’s hug with gusto, squeezing the white alicorn for all she was worth.

“Thank you sister,” Luna said tearing up, “it means more then you’ll ever know to hear you say that, but that being said,” Luna separated from Celestia so she could look her right in the eyes. “We rule better together. Perhaps we could try to do so again?”

Celestia smiled warmly, extending her foreleg for a hoof bump, “Of course, I would want nothing more.” Luna smiled as she held her hoof up to Celestia’s.

“Then we are agreed, we rule together as day and night.”

“That’s right,” Celestia agreed, “Now let’s go get some food.”

Luna laughed heartily as Celestia’s stomach grumbled for food. Taking hold of her sister’s hoof she dragged Celestia down to the tables, where deserts of all kinds were being served, but most importantly her sister’s favorite, cake, which Celestia wasted no time in devouring, revealing her less than delicate mannerisms as she gobbled down the entire cake in seconds. There was silence as the ponies watch a princess of the land smothered her face in the cake.

With chocolate smeared all over her face and her cheeks puffed up with bits of the desert, Celestia spoke to her onlookers with her mouth full, “Well (munch) what are you (munch) looking at? (Gulp) Never seen a mare eat after starving for two days?” She demanded drowning a pint of cider to wash down her cake.

A roaring cheer thunders through the halls as the night patrol ponies party down with their princesses deep into the night.

Hours later as the night began to wane to the sun bring forth the morning. Luna and Celestia lead the ponies from the dining hall into the courtyard where the names of the fallen were being engraved into the memorial wall. The ponies though hungover and tired from the sleepless night, straightened their uniforms and stood at attention to respect their comrades and salute.

They stood there for as long as it took to engrave the names, no pony moved, not even the foals till the last name was craved.

“Hello, can everypony hear me?” Asked Alto Melody speaking into a commutator gem, her voice booming all over the courtyard, “Good, you can hear me I guess, that was a lot louder then I expected. I’m Alto Melody, a survivor of the Crystal Empire, and I’d like to express my gratitude to you all for all you’ve done for us. I don’t have much to give in return I’m afraid, but I do have my voice so I would like to sing a ballad of those you have lost. The ponies behind me have graciously agreed to help me, please enjoy.”

The song began with a soft haunting melody, it's power and force growing with each note, and then Alto seem to shine as bright as the sun as a magical burst of energy flew up to the sky like fireworks, depicting the battle and imagines of the fallen. Celestia and Luna chip into the display halting the sun and the moon, so that the beauty of the night sky merged with the rising sun, creating a scene of pure majesty. The final image was a burst of pink sparkles, depicting the late Princess Symphony.

Luna and Celestia tear up at the display and said goodbye to the only other family they had.

This the first time I've added a Youtube video to my story and I hope it's played ok. This is one of those chapter where I knew what I wanted to write, but changed and got a little muddled once I did start writing it unfortunately.

I was trying to show how different characters reacted to loss and pain and I hope I was successful.

Night patrol ch 14

By foxgear

Lord Greenblood was on his way home from a significant “business” meeting involving some ponies that owed him money and a reminder of what should happen if they cannot pay by the end of the mouth. He snorted in disgust at the memory of that filthy peasant throwing himself at his hooves, crying for his family as if he could be bothered by such things. They were just the riff raft that eats the scraps from his table, and even that was too good for them. He grumbled in disgust as he had his mare servant clean the hoof the wretch dared to touch.

“Make sure you get, WOAH!” Greenblood lurched forward as the carriage came to an abrupt stop sending him flying on top of his maid. Angrily, he pushed her aside and stepped out of the carriage. “What is the meaning of this…” The words died in his throat as Greenblood come face to face with an entire squad of night patrol ponies, clad in full armor and holding his guards captive as more ponies ransack his home, throwing valuable objects on to the lawn as if they were common garbage.

“Are you Lord Greedy Greenblood?” The leader of the squad demanded.

“I am, and what in the name of Tartarus do you rabble think you are doing? This is my home! How dare you defile it with your sully hooves! I demand to speak the pony in charge and explain what is going on!”

A shadow loomed over Greenblood, causing him to turn on his rump and stare as the shimmering towering figure of Emerald Cutter stood over him. Her sparkling crystal-like coat blinded him as her long blade-like horn drew closer as she lowered her head to speak to the shorter pony.

“That would be me, I am Emerald Cutter, and I at this moment officially charge you Lord Greedy Greenblood with fraud, tax evasion, suspicion of corruption, bribery, and assault. By order of the Princesses Celestia and Princess Luna, you are as a result of this stripped of your noble status and are to be detained until your trial. Nico Vega if you would be so kind as to escort Mr. Greenblood to his cell.”

Nico Vega grinned as he roughly grabbed Greenblood by the scruff of the neck with his claw. “At once, ma’am, Come on you, we got a nice cozy spot set out just for you.”

“No, this cannot be! I am a noble! You cannot arrest me!”

“Bye-bye,” waved Emerald Cutter as she looked over Greenblood’s guards, “Now, what to do with you lot?”

She leaned close, scrapping her horn across one of the guards’ helmets, making them tremble as she paced back and forth.

“I’m thinking banishment to the Northern wastelands or to Yakyakastand or how about the Everfree forest? You ever hear of the Everfree ponies? I hear they eat the flesh of other ponies they find wandering in the forests. I’m interested in finding out what ponies taste like myself, see, I got the teeth for it.” Emerald opened her mouth showing off her fangs, “Of course, you could tell me all you’re bosses dirty secrets in exchange for your lives, but…”

“We’ll tell you everything! Please, please don’t eat us!” One of the guards screamed, breaking down, crying a waterfall of tears.

“Well,” Emerald blinked, awkwardly she and her fellow patrollers watch the full-grown stallion balled his eyes out like a foal, “That was easy. Alright round them up and will somepony please shut that guy up!”

It was mid-morning. Usually the time for a late breakfast or a calming puff from his pipe, but not today, no today was the time for running. The word has spread. Lord Greenblood has been arrested, his house and assets seized, and the pony himself was sitting in the dark dainty dungeons beneath the castle, all by order of the princesses. He didn’t know what was going on, but he, Lord Shirker Yellowblood, was going to find out. He bolted pass, numerous guards, taking no note of their white armor or their various and strange races as he knocked open the door to the throne room.

“Princess Celestia! What is the meaning of this… out…rage…” His words fall flat on his tongue as he stared at the room full of ponies, very scary ponies. Ponies with claws and fangs, ponies that stared at him with disdain and hatred in their eyes, ponies that bore the symbol of the moon upon their white armor and there in the middle of them all standing tall and proud was the pony he feared the most, Luna.

“Ah Lord Yellowblood, how nice to see you even though you’re rather…” Luna twirled her hoof in the air thinking of the words to say, well tactful words at least, “well you’ve made quite the grand entrance. Now, what was it you were saying? Celestia and I were much too engaged in our work to hear you. I’m afraid.”

Yellowblood’s mouth went dry as both princesses approach him. They looked different. They felt different. There seem to be an aura around them that made him want to tuck his tail and run. By his own words, he would say the princesses looked… angry. Yet their faces were as welcoming and kind as any other day.

“I um… heard about Greenblood and I’m simply here to hear the facts is all. Arresting a noble is a serious matter, you know.”

“And these are serious crimes,” Chimed Celestia, holding up several documents, “Very serious. I would advise you to stay out of it, Lord Yellowblood. Your close friendship with Greenblood could, as you told me once about Luna actually ‘be hazardous’ if you get my meaning.”

“Yes, sound advice indeed,” Yellowblood slowly backpedaled out of the room as the monstrous ponies closed in around him. Their sharps eyes borrowed into him like knives, “Advice I will heed right away, my dear princesses, please excuse me.”

He fled the room as fast as he could, a cold sweat matted his coat as he stopped to catch his breath. Those eyes! He couldn’t get them out of his head!

“Yellowblood? Is that you?”

“Ah, what? Oh, lady Voiletblood. How nice to see you. I trust you’ve heard the news?” Yellowblood quickly stood up straight and proper, he needed to keep his mask of strength preserved, no matter how scared he actually was.

“I have,” She said with an agonizing cry, she was all ways a bit of a dramatic, probably from her short acting career. No pony questioned why it was so brief. Not if you read the reviews anyway. “It’s dreadful to think such a thing could happen to one of us, but that’s what you get when you’re not careful. Tell me how long till Greenblood is out? An hour or less?”

“Unknown.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“The princesses themselves are investigating him with an army of monstrous ponies! Lady Vi Violetblood, we must rally our colleagues if we are to counter them. We cannot let our work go to ruin before it’s ready!”

Violetblood recoiled as Yellowblood got in her face, his… enthusiasm was startling, to say the least. The look in his eyes disturbed her. He might do something dangerous if she doesn’t stop him now.

“I understand your concern Yellowblood, but…” (What to say?) “I think you're too hasty. Think about what may happen if we act too quickly. We could ruin everything with our impatience.”

“Are you betraying me?”

“What? No, no, all I’m saying is that we need to be smart. If Luna and Celestia are working together again, then you know there is nothing we can do politically to stop them, they are the co-rulers of the kingdom, if they both agree on the issue, then we the council have no say. That is the reason we drove Luna away, remember? And you know how long that took. We almost blew that when we got ahead of ourselves.” Yellowblood seemed to calm down at her words, for which she was very grateful. “Listen, you go home and relax. I will go gather the others for a… party let’s say. You just leave everything to me. Also, be careful about what you say from now on, who knows who may be listening.”

Yellowblood seemed to deflate, all his bravado leaving him like a gust of wind. The noble stallion hung his head as he trotted pass Lady Violetblood. “You’re right Vi, I’ll just go home for now. I’ll leave things in your capable hooves.”

Vi sighed with relief once Yellowblood was gone. Out of all them, he was always their most vocal member, but everypony knew he was a coward at heart and tends to let his fears overrun him if they weren’t there to keep him stable.

(Now its time to get to work.)

In the throne room, Luna and Celestia had their own conversation, mostly made of mischievous giggles as they laugh themselves silly at the look on Yellowblood’s face when he scampered off. After years of taking the nobles crap, it was nice to get some revenge. The fact it was Greenblood they went after first was of no coincidence.

Celestia’s mood took a darker turn as she thought of her personal maid, Dippy Hooves, and the mistreatment given to her by the noble class just because she was of lesser birth. She still remembered the day she found Dippy at home after she failed to report in for work one day. The poor mare had been beaten black and blue by some “Thugs” that tried to rob her. She gave them everything she had, which was very little and they still attacked her, if not for her guard Stronghold, who she sent to check on Dippy, who knows what could have happened. This, of course, this happened the day after Dippy accidentally spit hot tea on Greenblood.

“Luna,” Spoke Celestia, her tone devoid of the previous laughter as she seriously addressed her sister. “Will Dippy be safe at your castle?”

Luna gave her sister her best reassuring smile as she wrapped her foreleg around Celestia’s neck, “Rest assured sister, Dippy Hooves and her family are being guarded by not only my patrollers but also the entire Apple Clan and many more and she has the best personal bodyguard no amount of money could pay for. Trust me even Discord would have a hard time getting to her now. Killing Perfection will ensure no ponies’ breath even touches her mane.”

“I’m still not sure about her name, she’s a good pony, but Killing Perfection? How or why did she choose that name for herself?”

“Well…” Luna began, “In the early days when the rinin were choosing their names, Killing Perfection went out on a lot of missions against dangerous creatures and every attack she made always ended up being a killing blow. Ponies called her by many names, One shot, Sure Kill, White death, so on and so on, after being called by so many names, all of them involving death, she just took the name Killing Perfection, though I do wonder at times if that's what she really wants to be called.” Luna wondered how KP really felt about the matter, knowing such a title could be burdening. (I’ll have to talk to her about it sometime.) “Moving on, who’s our next Noble? Best to round up the ones we can prove are guilty quickly before they start covering their tracks.”

Celestia held up the list of names and crimes, “Let’s see Red blood and Orangeblood, followed by Blueblood.”

“Very well, let us make haste then!”

Duke Cobalt Blueblood sipped his whiskey slowly, staring out at the setting sun. A letter sat on his desk, opened, but discarded. His friends were plotting again, and he knew the game was up. Besides, it’s not like he had a lot of time left, why waste it in vain? When he could be doing something more significant. The others were fools thinking they could outlast the princesses. That would never work. Become their enemies today, and their children will suffer for a thousand years, but gain their favor, and they would be blessed for all eternity.

“Fetch me, my son,” Cobalt demanded, a maid rushed from the room with all haste. He waited only a few minutes for his eldest son, his heir, Azure Blueblood arrived. A stallion of many talents and always ahead of the curb. Cobalt remembered when he sent him out with a bag of bits and told him not to come back until he’s made double the amount. One year later Azure returned with four times the amount.

“What is it, father? Are you not feeling well again?” Azure asked with concern. Recently Cobalt’s health has been in decline. One day Azure found two maids’ whispering about some blood on his father’s favorite liquor glass, Cobalt denied the claim, and he dropped the matter, but he kept his eye on his father, and he’s noticed his father may not be as healthy as he claimed but refused to see a doctor.

Cobalt paused briefly before shaking his head. He placed all his hopes in Yellowblood and the other’s plans, ignoring his son’s concerns in favor of what they promised. He did, in fact, go and see a doctor recently and it’s too late for him. He wouldn’t last in time for the plan to bear fruit and as he held the small black book in his hooves that held everything the princesses would need to cuff and collar them all, his only thoughts were on his son and the punishment he would endure for his mistakes. He had to make this right.

“No, I just wanted to give you something before I go, lest I forget in the morning after drinking with the others.” Cobalt turned his chair around, so he faced Azure and laid the book on the desk. “I want you to have this. When the time comes, you will know what to do with it.”

“What is it, father?” Azure asked inspecting the book. He felt nervous like it was some omen.

“Don’t worry about it. Just know you may have use of it soon. Now I must be off, and I believe you have a date tonight with your mare friend correct? Go on and have fun and leave this old stallion to play cards and drink with his friends.”

“Oh, alright,” Said Azure uncertainly, his father’s behavior unnerving him slightly. “Have a good night, father.”

Cobalt tapped his hoof nervously has he watched Azure leave, one final thought picking at his conscious, “Wait, Azure, one last thing before you go.”

“Yes, father?”

Cobalt hesitated with his question, knowing it would surely make his son suspicious, yet he had to know, “I’m a good pony, son?”

“You’re a good father, you taught me what I need to know to be a proper stallion and much more.”

“I know, but am I a good pony? When you look back and tell stories of me to your foals, how will you remember me?”

“I-I don’t… why are you asking?”

“Please son,” Cobalt pressed, “Answer the question.”

Azure hesitated, “I think you are the best pony I know, you’re my hero, but in my travels, I have heard… unsettling things about you, but to me, you will always be a good pony.”

A tear fell from his eye, Cobalt quickly swiping it away, drowning the last of his whiskey in a single glop. “Thank you, Azure, for being honest with me. Rest assured, I intend to change my reputation aboard. Now off with you, the night is young and so are you. Enjoy tonight with Sapphire Sea.”

“I will, good night, father.”

“Good night, son,” Said Cobalt as the door closed, “And goodbye.”

Cobalt arrived at Lady Violetblood’s manor by carriage around ten-thirty. He recognized his fellow nobles carriages parked alongside the mansion, Greenblood’s was of course absent. The driver brought him around the front where a maid welcomed and offered him a drink and smoke. He accepts both needing to calm his nerves.

Vi’s manor was decorated with, of course, the color violet, shades of purple adorn every drape and chair, even the rugs. Thankfully she had the sense to contrast the color with some white marble. He knew the way to their usual meeting room, finding it quickly as he finished his drink and smoke. Determined, he entered the room.

Inside was every noble, not in jail, enjoying the finest Canterlot had to offer and in volumes that not even they could eat in one night. As he wandered the room taking another glass of whiskey and sat quietly between Redblood and Orangeblood. At the head was Vi with Yellowblood to her right. So far no conversation on the matter at hoof had yet to come up, but with his arrival, it was sure to begin any minute.

“Cobalt you’re here!” Yellowblood exclaimed, strangely excited, “I’ve devised the perfect plan to deal with the princesses. I’m sure our ‘friends’ abroad will be more than willing to support us in our endeavor. The kingdom will be ours and soon the secrets of alicornhood!”

Cobalt calmly looked through his glass at Yellowblood, who was clearly drunk, explaining his strange behavior. Poor guy must be shaking in his boots if he’s already this drunk.

“I think,” He began, all eyes turning to him. “I’ve had enough of this nonsense.”

“What?” Sputtered Yellowblood, spitting his drink all over the table, “What do you mean, you’re done?”

“Just that. I’m done. I’ve decided I don’t want to burn in Tartarus for this half-assed scheme. I’ve already set things in motion. The princesses will know everything by morning. Now I will take my leave, enjoy your freedom, it will only last tonight.” Declared Cobalt as he left his fellow nobles stunned. Quickly he slipped out towards the door, hearing the galloping of hooves, he turned surprised to see Yellowblood of all ponies charging at him with is horn lowered in attack.

“Die, traitor!” The yellow coated noble screamed as he jabbed his horn into Cobalt’s barrel. Cobalt winced in pain as he felt the horn puncture his lungs. Yellowblood stumbled back breathing heavily and swaying on his hooves from drinking too much and running so fast. Coughing up some blood Cobalt swiped his lips clean as he stared down Yellowblood, causing the yellow stallion to tremble as he towered over him.

“That all you got? Seems you forgot I served in the royal guards when I was young and unlike you, I was actually pretty good at it.” Cobalt punched Yellowblood with his hoof sending the stallion down to the floor with a single hit. “Anypony else?” The other nobles did nothing. Confidently he left the room, keeping pressure on the wound as he trotted out on three legs. On the streets he looked back, watching the silhouettes of his fellow nobles as they scramble to make a quick getaway. He looked up spotting some shadowy figures in the dark of the night.

The princesses would need evidence, and nothing was guiltier then a pony running before the crimes could even be named and for him, his injury, well unplanned, would help his son succeed into glory by the princesses’ sides. The Bluebloods would be around for a long time.

Hobbling down the street Cobalt turned towards the more unfortunate part of town, coming to the local cemetery, a fitting place to end things. He thought as he climbed onto a nearby bench. There he stared at the orphan graves.

Tears fell from his eyes as he imagined all those foals, foals just like his son, all gone, taken out of greed and desperation and misguidance. Blood fills his throat, he didn’t have much time left, and there was no pony around to tell. Dabbing his hoof in his own blood, he wrote his final passage. Once finished Cobalt laid back and closed his eyes as two ponies drop down from the sky. He could barely make out the one’s pony’s face in the moonlight, but he remembers those eyes, filled with determination and anger.

“Ferocious…”

“What was that he said?” Nico Vega asked as he looked the dead stallion over, he was one of the nobles for sure, and he suffered an attack to his lungs by horn or spear it seemed. “Did you hear him, Fury? Fury? Hey, are you listening?”

“Quiet Nico,” The red stallion said, pointing to the ground, “Look at this.”

“Foals in the factory?” (Foals? What foals?) Nico looked up at the orphan graves. “Fury?”

“Get Princess Luna, something more is going on here.”

Azure sat drinking his morning coffee, noticing the staff was strangely apprehensive this morning never meeting his eyes and avoiding small talk. He wondered what was wrong with them as he opened the morning paper. Azure froze as his eye caught a glimpse of the front page article. Slowly he turned it back, the headline reading.

Duke Cobalt Blueblood found dead in Cemetery. Princesses set to investigate

He dropped the paper dashing for his father’s study, where he had left the book given to him. He burst through the door, breaking the lock on the text and began to read it, it didn’t long for him to find what he needed to know, but he wished he hadn’t, oh the princesses he wished he hadn’t.

“Father… why…” He broke down and cried, trying to hold on the image of his beloved father as it faded away to a much darker one.

This chapter is a little shorter then usual, but it works out that way I guess. I getting into a part of the story where I want to keep some story plots hidden, yet trying not to be confusing. I always have some difficultly executing these things properly.

Night Patrol ch 15

By Foxgear

It was early morning, much too soon for either princess to be up, but then again morning and night have long since blurred together since starting their little witch hunt against the nobles. After only one arrest they had not one, but two dead bodies on their hooves. Blueblood, who was found in the cemetery and Lady Vi Violetblood, who was found hanging from her bedroom ceiling by a maid this morning. At this time all the other nobles were reported to be locked up in their homes, patrollers guarding the perimeters, so no pony could escape.

“Tell me about Blueblood,” Luna asked the medical examiner.

The medic pony, Doctor Ducky, adjusts his glasses as he reads his report. “Well my dear princess, it seems whoever did Lord Blueblood in did him a favor. The poor chap was suffering from a server case of lung cancer, probably from pipe smoking. His liver wasn’t doing much better. All in all, he probably had only a few months to a year as best.” Ducky turned the page. “Onto the juicy details, the injury he sustained was induced by a unicorn horn, about ten to twelve inches long, not the most common of lengths among ponies, but still quite a sum of suspects. On too Lady Vi, she hanged herself by all accounts, but I found something strange with her mana pool.”

“Strange? Strange how,” Inquired Luna.

“Strange in the fact it was much smaller then I was expecting. Lady Vi was known for having quite a bit of magic, but the magic coil in her body would suggest a much weaker unicorn. Why I would say, she doesn’t have much more magic than a common maid.”

Luna pursed her lips in thought, nothing was making sense. “What about Blueblood’s dying message? What was it again?”

“Foals in the factory,” Answered Sixes, “I’ve already sent out teams to investigate every factory in the city and Gadget is looking into the orphanages, given his past with them he’s sure to find something of use.”

“Good call Sixes, how’s Celestia dealing with the populists? I’m sure two noble deaths are surely causing a stir in the lower houses.” No doubt lesser nobles were either plotting to take their place, or they were keeping their heads down lest they are suspected of committing the crimes. Still, that left the common pony folk, who would no doubt be spinning an uncountable number of tales before the dawn was over. It won't surprise her if the news has already reached the griffons of the nobles’ deaths.

“It’s hard to say, no pony has come forward regarding either death, she is having Violetblood’s staff questioned, and there has been no word from the Blueblood’s other than the fact that Cobalt’s eldest son is in mourning. That being said, there is something strange about Violetblood’s family.”

Luna looked curiously at the dragon pony. “What is strange about it?”

Sixes chewed his lip, mauling over what the investigation team had turned up. “Lady Vi has no living family. No parents, no siblings, no children, no pony to inherit her title and wealth. Another thing is the fact that her mother, her grandmother, and all before are all named Vi Violetblood.”

“I fail to see the issue here Sixes, it is common for nobles to pass on their names. I never quite understood the reasoning myself, but it’s not my place to question it.”

“That’s just it. There is no Vi Violetblood insert a number. They’re all just Vi Violetblood, and none of them have any records of ever being married or even a birth certificate. Every Lady Violetblood passed on her title to some random pony before her death, yet some of the older lesser nobles we asked have stated there was no difference between one Vi to the next, they acted exactly the same, had the same favorite foods, music, everything.”

The gears in Luna’s mind began to turn as she recalled the Vi Violetblood she met so many years ago after they defeated Discord. She hadn’t spent much time with either one, but from what she remembered both the Vi from then and the Vi from now looked exactly the same. Then there was something the Vi she had met back then said, something that didn’t seem important at the time, until now.

“I wish I could be young like you forever,” Muttered Luna as she removed the blanket from Vi’s body. Opening the dead pony’s eye revealed that her pupils wide with shock and fear, not uncommon for suicides, yet something was off to her. “Who was the maid that found her?”

Sixes and the other patrollers look between one another and shrug.

“Where is she now? Do we have her in custody for questioning?”

“We took her testimony and released her this morning,” Said Sixes recalling the brief interrogation. For some reason he couldn’t picture the pony’s face, it was almost like he couldn’t remember her at all. In fact, he barely remembered what they talked about this morning or what her answers were. “But then we released her. I’m not sure why we did that. Why would we do that? She was a suspect. Why did we let her go?”

Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Luna could feel it in her bones.

“Find her, find her now!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Gadget looked on with emotions he couldn’t name as he looked at his old home. Not the ratty apartment he and Dusk had been living in before moving in the princesses’ castle, but the former orphanage where he had been raised. The damn place still looked like a pile of manure on cinder blocks. The siding was coming part, rotting off the nails that held the planks to the studs, the foundation was crumbling, and in dire need of repair and the sign, a faded barely readable said: Sunnyside Orphanage. There was nothing sunny about it, nothing at all.

“Oh Starwind, You came to visit!”

Well, except for her. Gadget smiled brightly as the old mare trotted over and wrapped him in a weak hug. Mrs. Flutter butter has taken care of the foals of Sunny Side orphanage since Canterlot’s construction. She was a cheerful old dear, who must be as old as Celestia, because no pony remembers a time when there wasn’t a Mrs. Flutter butter.

Gently Gadget hugged Flutterbutter back, minding her torn wings and her frail back. Briefly, he nuzzled in her long graying pink mane, taking note that her semi yellow coat was now nearly completely gray. For a moment, he was back in his foal hood, playing and laughing with the other foals. Wishing he could stay at peace like this forever, but he was an adult now and had responsibilities. There was no going back.

“Hello Mrs. Flutter butter, sorry Dusk and I haven’t been by lately. We moved out of Canterlot, so we can’t come by near as often I’m afraid.”

The elderly Pegasus waved him off, “Nonsense, I’m glad you and Dusk finally managed to leave this dreaded place. This place used to be a good place to raise a foal, but now day’s things just keep getting worse and worse. I can’t even get enough food feed the foals no more. No pony wants to donate anymore since times got tough. Some days I wonder what happened to all the kind ponies of the world.”

“They’re still out there,” Replied Gadget looking to the castle, “Trust me Mrs. Flutter butter, there are a lot of good ponies left in the world, and they're doing their best to make it better.”

The elder pegasus smiled warmly, “Sounds like you got some friends now. That’s good, that’s very good. I’m very proud of you, Starwind. I just wish Red Soul was here with you.”

Red Soul, Dusk’s mother, his wife, and a fellow orphan. They had grown up together. Left the orphanage together and then started a home together. He remembered the day they found out she was pregnant with Dusk, how excited they were to be parents. Everything had been going so great, but things changed. They changed fast.

“Starwind? Did I upset you? I’m sorry. I should have known better than too…”

“No, no, it’s ok. I’m fine.” He lied discreetly wiping his eyes. “I’m actually here on business from the princesses.”

“Oh, what could they want with me?”

“It’s not you personally, it’s hard to explain, but involves the late Duke Blueblood. We found him in the cemetery where the orphan foals are buried with a bloodstained message reading the foals in the factory. Does that mean anything to you?”

Flutter butter frowned deeply, “I don’t know. The orphanage is funded by the nobles, every once in a while when we get too many foals they come by and take some to orphanages out of the city, but… I never heard any more from them after that. Eventually, I’d get a letter saying a foal was adopted or they died of some monster attack or sickness. I tried to check up on them, but they threatened to cut the funding, so I let it go. The best I could do was at least give them grave markers. There are times, mostly when I try to sleep, that I wonder what really happened to them, but there’s just nothing I can do. I am old, I could risk angering the nobles by looking for the truth, but then who would watch the foals? I have no pony to take my place once I’m gone and I fear who they would pick to replace me, so I just hang on praying the day will come when salvation comes, and a nice pony takes charge of the foals.”

“I’ll see what I can do. We have a lot of ponies in the night patrol, perhaps a few of them would be looking to adopt.” At the very least they could live in the castle as Serfs under Luna. While it may not be the most appealing life; it was undoubtedly a better one than this. “One last question before I go, Mrs. Flutter butter, was there a foal by the name of Ferocious living here at any point?”

Flutter butter looked at him strangely, “Yes, there was, a long time ago, a few years before you come in if I remember right. He was quite the little pegasus. He didn’t adapt well to living on the ground, and he was the only one his kind in the orphanage at the time, so he got picked on by the local foals and few of the orphans, but I say this to you now, he was no pushover. He had the mouth of sailor pony and the seething rage of a dragon. He always got into fights. In fact, he even told lord Cobalt Blueblood to, pardon my words, to piss off, during one of the inspections.”

Gadget chuckled, that little foal had to have balls the size of the moon to say that to a noble. “And what the reason for Blueblood’s verbal rebutting? He said something the little guy didn’t like?”

“He made fun of his eyes, saying no pony would adopt such a savage feather brained pony with eyes like that.”

“Eye’s like what?”

“Oh, Ferocious had these beautiful golden eyes, like that of an eagle or maybe even a Phoenix. He had this wonderful shade of red for a coat with a red and gold mane, it made him look very striking and imposing like a phoenix. I have never seen anypony else look quite like him until I met this orange earth pony at the cemetery. There was this strange pony she was with sitting on a bench, he reminded me a lot of Ferocious, but I didn't dare to go speak to him. I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

Gadget felt the gears turning in his head, and then it clicked, “Applejack and Fierce Fury, they said they asked an old mare at the cemetery where I lived. That was you. You were the pony that sent them to my doorstep.”

“Applejack? Yes, I think that was the mare’s name, funny how life does that sometimes. Gadget are you ok? You’re looking a little pale?”

“I’m fine. I need to get going is all. I’ll stop by another day with Dusk and some other ponies and see if we can fix this place up a little bit for you.”

“Oh, that would be very kind…” Flutter butter said, but Gadget was already galloping away at full speed. “I wonder what got into him.”

Dusk was bored, really bored, she’s been studying alone in the library for the past few hours and long to go out and play with the other fillies and colts. It’s just she couldn’t bring herself to do it. The foals were welcoming, even after her ‘growth spurt’ as she has been calling it, but things just weren’t the same. She couldn’t label herself a filly at heart either. Kids her age don’t usually kill other ponies.

Her mind drifted back to the battle for the Crystal Empire. The carnage around her, ponies falling over dead, their lifeless eyes staring at her as Applejack shouted for her to get down. She remembered this one particular moment where she froze, and Applejack ended up crushing a changeling’s skull with her hoof. She remembered bits of its brains and skull splattering on her helmet. And then she remembered Applejack’s words as she hoisted her to her feet.

(Stand and fight! Stand and fight right now and kill these bastards!) The words rung through her ears even to this day. The look of pure rage on Applejack’s face made her shiver to this day, and she’s avoided talking to the mare since the battle. For the past three weeks since the empire’s fall, Dusk hid from everypony but her father, Princess Luna, and Applejazz.

Applejazz, her best friend, she was so grateful for their friendship. The young apple filly always came to check on her and ask her to play. A few times, she indulged, but her new size and strength didn’t make it fair to play many games, and her new magic was still a bit hard to control, hence the studying.

(Still I wished I had somepony to talk to.)

The door of the library swung open with a hard crash, prompting Dusk to look around the bookshelves to see who entered. Surprisingly, it was Nightingale. The wingless pegasus has undergone quite a change since the battle. She was never quite as cheerful as before and kept away from most ponies. She was still undergoing therapy for her injuries. Most of them involved reminding her she couldn’t just jump off a balcony and land safely, which she has done on more than one occasion. The bigger question was why was she here of all places? Dusk left her studying and cast a quick ‘Don’t see me’ spell so she could spy without being noticed.

“There’s gotta be something here,” The ex-pegasus grumbled glancing over a section of books. A strangled sigh escaped Nightingale’s throat and moved on to the next section. “Urgh!” She growled again stomping to the next set of shelves with Dusk quietly following behind.

For the next hour, Dusk watched Nightingale throw book after book off the shelf, her anger growing with each title that failed to satisfy her search. Her curiosity boiling over Dusk peeked at one of the book titles.

(Advanced Medi magic)

(Is she trying to grow back her wings?) Dusk wondered as the ex-pegasus threw another book while breaking down into the tears. Sobs racked Nightingale’s body, powerful hiccups added to her wails were interrupted with painful gasps of air.

It felt wrong to watch such a sturdy pony break down in such a way, so Dusk began to slowly back away so Nightingale could keep her dignity. But then she backed into a stack of books, breaking her silence spell as she let out a yelp as an avalanche of knowledge fell on top of her.

“Who’s there?” Choked Nightingale as she tried in vain to cover up her tears, her cheeks burning red with embarrassment as she discovered snot on her forelegs from wiping her nose. This is why she hated crying, she looks so pathetic, it was terrible enough to wail like a foal at her age, but for some reason she always got a runny nose to go along with the tears.

“Um hi…” Dusk waved meekly as she crawled out of the book pile, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, well I did because I followed around for an hour and then you started crying, so I thought I better leave, but then I bumped into these books, and they fell…”

“Dusk,” Yelled Nightingale covering the young mare’s mouth with her hoof, “It’s alright, I get it.” She said gently, pulling Dusk from the pile. “I get it. You didn’t mean to spy on me, don’t feel bad about it.”

Dusk exhaled deeply, her entire body slumping over as she relaxed. “Thanks, I needed that.”

“No problem, now what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be out playing or something?” Asked Nightingale, wondering why the magically aged mare wasn’t out enjoying time with her friends, then she promptly smacked herself at such a stupid question. Of course, it would be awkward for Dusk to play with her friends when she looked twice their age. “Um never mind, forget I asked that.”

“Ok,” Dusk replied quietly, looking the other way. “So um why are you here, if you don’t mind me asking that is.”

Nightingale sighed, of course, she would ask the question. That didn’t mean she needed to answer it, but… she did want to get it off her chest.

“I was looking for a spell book on growing limbs. I overheard Celestia and Gadget talking one day about trying to get my wings back. I got so excited I thought I could nearly fly again! Then Celestia and Luna started investigating the nobles, and then Gadget was called in to help, so healing my wings got pushed to the side. I thought I could help by looking through the library, maybe find something that could help them, but all I found were books on how to make temporary wings or books on the theory of limb regeneration, nothing about actually growing limbs back or just magically giving me new wings.”

“Well, you’d need to be Discord to actually physically give you wings again,” Dusk explained, reading through her pool of information on the ex-pegasus’s plight. She quickly regretted her words as Nightingale's frown deepened on the verge of tears again. “But that doesn’t mean anything! I’m only a beginner! I’m sure dad and Celestia can figure something out!”

“Yeah, I’m sure they can,” Nightingale replied quietly.

Dusk’s ears droop down from the lifeless tone in Nightingale’s voice. She wished there’s something she could do to cheer her up. Her mind turned to Applejack and well she was a bit afraid of the mare right now, but Dusk was sure she could help Nightingale. Applejack and Nightingale were friends after all and friends help each other, right?

“You seem a bit down. I’m not really… experienced with helping ponies, but maybe Applejack could be of help? You two are friends, right? Maybe talking to her would help you feel better?”

Nightingale snorted as she tried to cover up her laughter, but she couldn’t contain herself and ended up laughing very, very, loudly. “I’m sorry, kid, but I’m not good with the touchy feels either.” She blawked, holding her side. “But you may have a point. Commander Applejack and I seemed to be closer since the battle. She’s come by and visited with me whenever she can when I was laid up in bed. I don’t know if you’re in the gossip thing yet, but I think her and Rawhide maybe a thing now. Maybe. I’ve never been good at reading those things. But yeah, maybe I should talk to Applejack, or at least get some of her homemade cider. That stuff always makes you feel good.”

“You do know alcohol is depression drug, right? It actually makes you feel worse and sadder.”

Nightingale waved her off, chuckling all the while, “Some sour slump of a pony probably wrote that because he didn’t know how to have fun.”

“The book was written by Starswirl the Bearded.”

“And when was the last time anypony saw him partying it up hmm?” Dusk fell silent. No pony has seen or heard from Starswirl in a long time, not even the princesses, though that probably wasn’t a valid argument against the effects of alcohol.

“Anyways, I’ll see ya later Dusk and thanks for the talk, it was nice.”

“Oh, you’re leaving…” Dusk’s ears drooped down the side of her head, making Nightingale freeze at the corner of the bookshelf. The wingless pegasus rubbed her foreleg nervously, a wave of guilt passing through her as she looked at the sadness radiating off of Dusk.

“Well... I guess I have some time to play a game or two if you want. As a thank you for helping me out, so if there’s anything you want to play, count me in. Besides you look like you could use a break from studying anyways.”
Dusk instantly perked up.

“How about a game of chess, I’ll go get the board!” She bounds off before Nightingale could get a word in, leaving the white mare to chuckle to herself at the unicorn’s antics.

(She may look like a mare, but she’s still a filly at heart.)

“I got the board!” Yelled Dusk, returning with a four-tier chess board. Nightingale’s ears dropped at the sight of it.

“Are you sure that’s a chessboard?” (What the heck there’s four boards stacked on top of each other!)

“Yelp! Dad and I always play it this way!”

“Oh, ok, umm... you got a rule book?”

“Got that too, and it’s only two hundred pages long! I’ll explain how the mechanics work.”

(What’d I get myself into?) Sighed Nightingale as she slumped down on her rump for Dusk’s lecture. She was going to be here awhile it seemed, but the smile on Dusk’s face was worth it.

Luna and Celestia were chatting intensely in hush tones. Looks of anger and stress clearly mark their faces as they went back and forth on the issue they were discussing. Only a fool would dare to interrupt them with a minor cause. Unfortunately for Azure Blueblood, he had to for he held in his hooves the answers they were seeking, but at this critical time, his courage had left him shaking outside their door, the eyes of two big brawny guards staring down his back with suspicion. The only comfort was the guards were regulars and not the monsters he had heard of on the way here. Ponies that looked like miniature dragons were a genuinely frightening prospect.

“Are you going in or not,” The guard gruffly demanded.

“Oh, yes, sorry. I am a little nervous. I never met either princess before, so meeting both at once is a little overwhelming, you know?”

“Understandable, I would advise you to reschedule. The princesses are very busy and would probably not welcome you with warm smiles and tea as usual.”

Azure nodded in understanding to the guards but opened the door anyway. Along eerily squeak cut through the chatter making all eyes turn to him as he nervously walked into the room. The guards were right, the princesses didn’t look happy to see him, not at all. Hopefully, the book would change that, if they didn’t stomp him to death after reading it.

“Hello your majesties, I am Azure, son of Cobalt Blueblood…”

“We know who you are.” Luna leveled a hard glare at Azure, making the blue pony tremble as she stepped towards him. “What do you want? We have little time for the likes of you.”

“Luna,” Celestia scowled whispering into her sister’s ear, “He just lost his father. Cut him some slack. Look at him. The poor dear looks ready to cry any minute.”

Luna frowned at him, seemingly staring into his soul before she finally sighed and offered a small warm smile. “Is there something we can help you with dear Azure? Thy father’s death must surely find thee distressed. We wish we could give thee some clearance in thy father’s passing, but we have found little in that regard so far.”

“It is fine my Princess,” Azure humbly bowed, “In fact is it I, who wishes to help you in this matter. I have a… item. Left by my father, that may prove valuable to your investigation.”

“The item in question,” Asked Luna intrigued by the prospect. This could be the clue they were looking for.

“This book,” Azure held up the book up to Luna, who took it with her magic. “I must warn you, Princess, the contents are… disturbing.”

“We have seen many things in all our years young Azure. Nothing in this book could compare I’m certain.” Luna said, opening the book.

(Bluebloods Journal)

Page 1 winter year 0 AD (After Discord)

I begin this account on this day in winter, on the third day after the tyrant Discord was defeated, the day we officially make the alicorns Celestia and Luna, our rulers. Many of my fellow noble ponies are disgruntled in the fact they have chosen the title of Princess over Queen. They think of it as a sign of weakness to the other nations, and thus far they have not announced any suitors. Though I’m sure, they will find themselves flooded with them soon enough.

Spring 1 year AD (After Discord)

I have succeeded my father as Lord of the Blueblood estates as have many of my friends. On our first meeting, a strange conversation took place. My dear friend, Shirker Yellowblood, a fearful fellow always jumping at his own shadow, expressed interest in the subject of immorality. His reasons are vague, but he had decried it is not fair that Alicorns live forever and we unicorns still die with the rest of the ponies, despite our superior breed. It is a subject I wish to avoid, such fantasies are better left in one’s head, though I have not the heart to tell him this.

Fall year 10 AD

Time as pass and so has my father. At the funeral Shirker seemed shaken by the sight of my father’s corpse. Perhaps it is because of his own father has died just a few short months before. I fear for his sanity as he continues to search for a way to become immortal, spending Celestia knows how many bits on the matter. Strangely Lady Vi Violetblood seems to encourage the obsession.

Spring year 15 AD

Time as past and the days mundane and I find myself with not much to write about till today. Shirker and Vi have roped Ruby Redblood and Tangerine Orangeblood into their little search of immortally. They keep it secret, but I wonder how with the amounts of bits they spend on their project. They speak whispers of meeting a brilliant pair of ponies doing research on the matter and on alicorns and their ancient magic. I find myself intrigued by what they may encounter. Thus I have decided to join in with Lord Greenblood, who has become the money manager of the operation.

Summer year 20 AD

More than five years has passed since I’ve joined in on the hunt for alicornhood and our secret researchers have requested materials to begin their experiments. The articles in question are live ponies, foals, in fact, the younger, the better with or without cutie marks and from every race. This disturbs me greatly, but they say they will not be harmed. The decision was made to purchase several orphanages both in and out of Canterlot to acquire the foals.

Summer Year 25 AD

Princess Luna is proving to be a thorn in our side. She is much too brash and straightforward, going where ever she feels. Her dream magic keeping us awake at night. We acquired some potions to stop dreaming, but she started asking why we weren’t dreaming and worried if there was a problem. I’ll admit it’s hard to plot against a pony that shows concern for you.

Yellowblood seems to have a plan to get Luna out of Canterlot. I wonder what he is plotting.

Spring year 30 AD

It took five years, but we finally managed to get Luna to leave. A lot of bits were spent to make it happen, but it finally worked. Staff were bribed to speak ill of the princess behind her back and always in listening distance. Papers spread ill rumors, asking why we need the night and what’s so important about the moon? Attacks like these seemed to hurt her the most. But the coup de grace was Yellowblood’s plot at the gala. I must say though even I felt terrible about what we had done.

I remember the night well. Celestia had just arrived and began chattering. I overheard her speak of Luna’s reluctance to attend, but she managed to convince her otherwise.

Princess Luna arrived in what must have been the most excellent dress ever sewn in Canterlot, it shimmered in the moonlight, hugging her frame perfectly, she even wore a bit of blush on her cheeks to give them a rosily look. She seemed the happiest she’d been in months, and we ruined it.

She entered the garden at about midnight for some air. I watched from the window as Yellowblood set his plan into motion. His youngest son, Yellow Rupee and his friends waited above the entrance with bucks of unsavory contents.

When Princess Luna reentered the ballroom, a bucket of liquid cow dung was poured onto her. The look on her face was one of shock and heartbreak as the foals snickered, prompting the entire gala, safe Celestia, to laugh with them. Since they were foals, no pony was the wiser to the actual plot behind their actions, so they were let off with a warning to never do such a thing again.

I remember the absolute look of defeat on her face as she left the Gala, her dress ruined, her pride and dignity gone. I never saw her in Canterlot again after that night.

Winter year 35 AD

I have remained silent for many years. Our system is perfect. Thousands of foals were relocated to our researcher’s location over the past years, and today, we’re finally seeing what has become of them. I am excited to see a certain red pegasus again that I found in a Canterlot orphanage. He was such a spirited lad, I considered adopting him, but chose against it after some thought. I’ve regretted my hesitance ever since. I wonder what sort of stallion he’s become.

Winter year 35 AD (The day after the inspection)

It’s horrible, unimaginably horrible. The foals, the foals at the factory, they are treated as mere lumps of flesh. The experiments... How could any pony possibly do that to children? How could they... How could I allow myself to be involved with such a thing? These ponies are mad! There is no question, we are going to hell.

Fall year 50 AD

I’m dying. There is no cure for my sickness. The promise of immortally is but a pipe dream in the clouds that I have deluded myself in. I fear only now for my family. I have decided to betray my so-called friends and bring justice to those I have wronged.

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, if you are reading this and have read of the horrors of what I have seen, please do this for me. For the foals. For justice.

Kill the nobles and destroy Rainbow Factory. Such a horrid place should never be compared to such beauty, burn it to ground, save those foals that remained trapped there.

To my son, I can only say I’m sorry for failing you.

(End of Blueblood’s journal)

Luna’s mouth went dry as she tried to fathom the horrors written. She turned to her rinin ponies staring at them with disbelief and pure terror as she came to the realization that they were not born, but made.

“Princess is something wrong?” Asked Sixes stepping towards her, she shied away from his outreached claw muttering something barely audible, but he managed to hear her words.

“I’m sorry... I never noticed… we never noticed. We failed all of you.”

“Princess Celestia?” Sixes asked uncertainly to the older alicorn, who wasn’t looking much better as she looked ready to break down herself as she clung to her sister, whispering soft coos into the younger alicorn's ear.

“Commander Sixes….”

“Red and Orangeblood are attacking! They’re trying to free Greenblood!” Nico Vega announced charging into the room. The mood shifting drastically.

Luna brushed Celestia off, her face covered in angry tears as she shouted in a Canterlot voice so loud the entire city heard it.

“Kill them all! Not one of those pieces of filth is to leave this city alive! I want their heads and hindquarters on a platter before the day is done! Now go!”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Roared the night patrollers as they storm out of the room in a frenzy, their teeth and fangs out, and their eyes glowing with rage. They didn’t know what happened, but their Princess was crying, and they would make the ponies’ responsible pay. They would pay dearly.

“Come on, we got to run!” One of the red guards yelled as they lead Greenblood through the back alleys of Canterlot. They almost made it out the castle unnoticed, when the noble tripped and was spotted by some of the night patrollers. A fight broke out, and half of their unit was left behind. Judging by the neighing roars, their comrades were not victorious.

A chill ran down their backs as a chorus of roars resounds from the castle. Scores of dragon ponies, earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns pour from the castle, breaking into four groups. From their flight path, it seemed they were heading for the nobles' homes, where the remaining Color Guards were stationed. They duck behind some crates as a rinin flew by overhead.

The lead guard, Rufus, trembled at the sight of the pony’s eyes. The pony’s eyes were growling red. Not figuratively, but actually glowing red like a demon overtaken with rage.

In the distance, a column of fire erupts from the direction of Yellowblood’s home.

“Come on, let’s go,” Rufus ordered softly.

“Protect the estate!” Was the battle cry of the yellow guard as they fire a volley of magical blasts at the invading ponies. They had been told a day like this could come by the veterans of the guard, the ones that had actually served in the royal army before it was disbanded. They just never believed them, so they were caught unaware as ponies swoop down from the sky with fire and lightning as a line of unicorns and earth ponies surround the complex. There was no escape.

“Take them down!” Snarled Sixes breaking through his own lines and charging right into the fray, dodging every which way as he made his way to the front entrance of the house, the ponies before him were nothing compared to ones he faced in the Crystal Empire. They actually had some skill. These ponies were barely half as good. Puffing up his chest, he stops short just a few feet in front of the enemy lines. He felt the burning hot drip of liquid fire run down his chin, and he knew his attack was ready. Exhaling he unleashed a stream of hot lava onto the Yellow Guard. The flaming liquid burnt through flesh and bone with ease, melting armor, and pony all at once. The terror was evident in their eyes as they scream and ran.

Sixes looked to his comrades. “Well, you heard the Princess! Get them!”

The patrollers roared as they charged the house. The fire spreading everywhere, engulfing the entire mansion with everypony inside, including Yellowblood’s family. The house groaned as it collapsed muting out the last of the screams.

“You lot go to every gate and make sure no nobles try to sneak through, Unit two will patrol the surrounding countryside, Unit three keep watch here, Unit four tell the residents not to leave their homes. Canterlot is now under Marshall Law.”

The leaders of each group saluted and fly off to do their tasks. Sixes stared at the fire for a few moments, thinking of the ones inside, both the guilty and the innocent. The entire Yellowblood family had been inside, all of Yellowblood’s sons and daughters, his wife, and many others. All of them were now merely ashes, Lord Shirker Yellowblood himself should be dead with the rest, but there was a feeling in his gut that said otherwise. Yellowblood was known to be a coward, perhaps the biggest coward in Canterlot and there was no evidence of the noble going back home after the discovery of Blueblood’s body. It was only a gut feeling, not even a hunch, but he knew the coward had run away a long time ago and left his family behind.

“I’m sorry,” He whispered to the flames as he walked away. “I’ll make sure he joins you and stays with you like he should have.”

“Tie ‘em up tight! Don’t let any of them get away!” Applejack hollered directing ponies with a point of her hoof. The battle for Redblood’s mansion had been swift with the Red Guards putting up little resistance. A report from Overheat’s squad told the same story for Orangeblood’s forces. However, both nobles were still uncounted for, and the guards were not very cooperative, even against advanced interrogation. Something was going on.

Approaching one of the bound guards, Applejack pressed her boot against his throat. “Alright spill the beans buddy or Ah’ll have to get rough.”

The guard smirked, “I’d like to get rough with you. Not bad for a filthy mud pony.”

There was a shared grimace among the patrollers as Applejack punched the guard hard enough to knock his helmet off. Everypony was expecting another blow for the stallion’s crude remarks but were surprised when none came. Applejack stood frozen with her hoof in the air, staring at the guard with an unreadable expression.

“You…” She whispered, her eyes narrowing as she glared angrily at the stallion, “I know you.”

“What? That’s impossible this is the first…”

“You and your friends tried to foalnap Dusk!”

Every pair of eyes turned eerily to the guards all at once. One of the guards gulping loudly as the calm professionalism from before faded to anger. Claws and teeth slowly come into view as the rinin ponies closed in around the guards.

“That’s, that’s not true! I wasn’t there that night… oh… oh crap.” The guard blathered, his comrades shooting him hateful glares for him to shut up. He gulped as he felt one of the rinin take him by the neck and lift him off the ground.

“What should be done with him?”

“Nothing yet,” A voice called out. The crowd of ponies moved aside as the father of Dusk, Gadget, enters the courtyard. “Seems the princesses figured things out already, shame I did all that investigating for nothing.”

“Gadget? Where have ya been all this time?” Asked Applejack as the stallion trotted up to their prisoners.

“As I said, investigating, I did a little digging into the local orphanages listed under the names of the nobles, seems foals have been going missing for quite some time and always when the nobles came to inspect the orphanages. Always the most talented of the bunch, and then there are the attempted abductions of my daughter, a filly with more magic than any unicorn her age. Too good a prize to pass up isn’t she. That’s why you tried to kill me, but you only got my wife Red, you didn’t expect me to put up much of fight being a simple researcher.” Gadget grabbed hold of the guard with his magic and held him tightly. “Now you are going to tell me all I want to know and more.”

“I’ll never squeal!”

Gadget chuckled darkly, “Who said you have a choice?”

Black magic flared from his horn drilling into the guard’s head, his body flailing and shaking violently as Gadget probed his mind. Drool poured from the side of the guard’s mouth. His eyes whitened out, eventually, his body stopped moving, and Gadget dropped him to the ground, his body lifeless.

“Now who’s next?” He asked, charging his horn as he picked up the next one. “He didn’t tell me anything new, except for one little thing and that is the nobles’ escape plan. You get one chance to answer. I know you surrendered so that we would waste time interrogating you one by one. Now, where are the nobles going? What is their route of travel? Answer now!”

“That’s mind, magic! That’s illegal! Even if we have committed crimes, the princesses would never allow such a thing!” The guard cried, Gadget held his throat tighter.

“You are correct. It is illegal, but the princesses aren’t here, are they?”

“But Ah am.” Declared Applejack, “And Ah know this isn’t the way we do things and Ah know you know too. We are better than this.”

Gadget snorted angry, “When you have children came back and speak to me about ethics, till then, I suggest you look away.”

The guard screamed as Gadget worked his spell. Applejack bowed her head, covering her face with her hat as she turned away. When the screams stop, she looked back to see Gadget working on the next pony. She couldn’t bear the sight of the brain dead ponies lying lifeless on the ground, so she trotted away.

“Glad to see we all made it.” Said Yellowblood emerging from the brush as the other remaining nobles met him. They didn’t look too happy with him at the moment. “What is the matter, my friends? The plan worked, did it not?”

Redblood steps forward, crossing horns with Yellowblood, who quickly broke away from the red unicorn, running no less than ten yards away.

“You left early. Your guards were supposed to back up mine in case things went south, which they did, and instead of our forces fighting together, they were divided and easily taken down. Our window of escape is now much shorter than predicted. My Guards are tight-lipped, but that will only buy us a day or less, and we have a hundred miles literally to trot. Might I remind you that traveling in a group slows us down, not counting yours and Greenblood’s poor physic.”

“Hey, I resent that! I lost five pounds in prison.”

“You could have lost a hundred, and it wouldn’t have made a difference you fat slob.” A higher pitch voice said emerging from the darkness. It was a mare, young and vibrant, with a cream coat and a purple mane. “Honesty the nerve of you stallions leaving me to fend for myself like that with no escort, I say you may have made my list.”

“Vi? Is that you?” Questioned Orangeblood, looking over the other noble mare, she looked… younger. “What’s happened to you? You look twenty again!”

Vi chuckled, “Oh this little trick? I’ve done this for centuries. You see, my special talent is mental magic, specifically body transfer. Every few years when I start to feel the effects of age I arrange my will, pick a lovely young mare to be my heiress, change her name and then take over her body, leaving her mind in mine. Unfortunately, they never get to really enjoy the noble life till their unfortunate end, of natural causes, of course. I also place a little “forget me” spell on some ponies, so no pony asks any… damaging questions.”

“You’re immortal?” Gasped Yellowblood, “Why would you hide this from us! Our entire goal was right in front of us, and you kept it secret!”

“First of all, don’t get in my face,” She said, pushing Yellowblood away, causing the stallion to stumble and fall on his rump. “Second I am not immortal, I simply jump from one body to the other, while doing so has allowed me to live far longer lives than any of you, but I can be killed just as easily as any other pony. Thirdly this is my talent, only I can use this magic, meaning you a lot would have been left out, so be grateful that I included you in my quest for true immortality.”

“Enough arguing we need to get going, we’re wasting time,” Orangeblood reminded them, heading off, Redblood following her.

“They are right. I suppose. We can talk on the way,” Commented Greenblood.

Vi helped Shirker to his hooves and followed after them, leaving the cowardly noble behind. He quickly gave chase, forgetting to cover their tracks.

Up above hiding in the clouds was Sixes, his gaze intensely bearing down on the noble ponies, but he waited, wanting to find out where they were going. He knew that Luna wanted answers, answers he also wanted. He took a peek in Blueblood’s book before taking off. This was his chance to find the past him, and his brethren had lost, and he owed it all to that purple maned mare. Whatever spell she put on him and others really did make them forget about her, but not her perfume, which she wore right now making her easy to track.

“Why did you two follow me? Fury, Nico?” He asked the two as they emerge from the cloud next to his.

“Patrollers never patrol alone, you know that commander,” Nico Vega said with a much too smug smile in Sixes opinion. They may not know their ages, but he would consider Nico, a sort of little brother in some strange way.

“And you Fury? Luna and the rest will notice if we are both gone.”

“That is the plan. Once things settle down and Luna straightens out her thoughts, they can follow our bread crumbs to us, and just in case, we also have our commutators with us to call for back up. Really Sixes you need think things out better for going lone ranger on us.”

Sixes smirked, chuckling, “Says the pony that usually just gets mad and starts slashing things.” They share a laugh before becoming deadly serious.

“Let’s go hunting.”

I've noticed it seems like I'm moving Luna and Celestia into the background of the story, but this part I felt it was better they take a more leadership role rather then a front line roll in the story. This will change. The story is about them after all.

Not sure what else to say, I have more, but I forgot what it was.

Night Patrol Chapter 16

By Foxgear

Luna sat nervously on the floor of Celestia’s room while the elder alicorn circled around her like a shark. Irritation was apparent on Celestia’s face, as well as exhaustion, both of them have been up for the past two days with no sleep and little coffee. The clock struck eight marking the third hour since the sun had risen and the citizens of Canterlot awoke to discover mobs of soldiers in the streets and ash in the air. Even before the reports from the units came in. The ponies of Canterlot were demanding answers and Celestia faced down the mob of ponies alone. At Celestia’s smoldering suggestion she stayed in the sun tower.

“I’m sorry,” Said Luna breaking the silence between them, Celestia stopped her pacing and gives her a look that read angry and concerned at the same time. Luna wasn’t sure how her sister manage both emotions at the same time, but she did.

Tiredly Celestia sighed sitting down on the pillow across from Luna, her head hung low. “You need to be more careful with your words, Luna.”

“Sister I…”

“LISTEN TO ME!” Shouted Celestia rising back to her hooves, her frustration and anger boiling over, “You can’t carelessly throw words around when you have an army of ponies loyal to you to the point of death! Do you know what they did, Luna? Do you know what they did when you told them to go kill? They went out and killed Luna! They burned Yellowblood’s mansion to the ground with everypony inside, there’s not even a single bone left from the bodies! This is not how we do things! The nobles are guilty of crimes, but even they deserved to be trialed and punished by the rule of law. Running and dealing out justice without evidence or trial is how the griffons may do things, but we do not! We have ponies terrified by the actions of your soldiers and done at night no less! How do you think this will affect the opinions of ponies? Didn’t you want to should them the beauty of the night? How can they see it when crap like this happens?”

Celestia fell back onto her pillow, covering her eyes with her leg as she tried to regain her composure.

“You worked so hard, Luna, you made the night safer than ever before. I heard stories from my staff of ponies going out and exploring the night and coming back in the morning overjoyed by the wonders they found. I don’t want all the hard work you did to be for nothing, so I ask you, please take hold of your anger and let it go.”

“And let the nobles get away unpunished?” Luna interjected.

“I never said that,” Replied Celestia, “I’m just saying we have to do it civilly. This isn’t the old days when we could simply slay the villains, and everything would be fine. Ponies nowadays want law and order. I know of many ponies wronged by the nobles who would want them to face trial, to be held responsible for their crimes and to know they were judged.”

Luna’s ears flopped down, confusion evident on her face, “Is the judgment dealt last night not sufficient?”

“To you and me it is enough,” Celestia answered coolly, “But to the common pony. They want a trial in public followed by a hanging for all to see. To show others like the nobles, that they are not above the law.”

Luna shook her head, “I still do not understand the difference. What does it matter how we deal with villains if the results are the same?”

“That my sister is where we differ, I guess, but I will do my best to explain. In our view doing what we did was just, but in another view, the view of the common pony we look like tyrants getting rid of political rivals. That is the difference.”

“Surely our little ponies would not think such things of us?” Luna inquired, a fear growing in her gut as she thought of ponies turning against her and what they might do out of fear to her patrollers. “They wouldn’t, I mean how we are comparable to some tyrant? What is there to compare to?”

“Sombra.”

“What?”

Celestia lied down on the pillow, stretching her body over the plush furniture as she looked up at her sister. “Sombra did the same. He got rid of ponies he didn’t want, no trial, no jury, he just killed them.”

“How are we comparable to Sombra? What pony would even dare to compare us to him?”

“None yet, but if we continue to act like tyrants, ponies will see us as tyrants.” Celestia yawned. “Just keep your temper, and your words in check Luna and everything will be fine.”

“Only if thou do the same, you also command the night patrol.”

Celestia chuckled sleepily, “If you think they listen to me like they listen to you, then you need of some glasses, dear sister. You found them. You gave them a home, a purpose in life, a reason to live. They’re your ponies, Luna. If lines were drawn, they would choose you over everything else.”

“If that is the case, why don’t you form your own guard or patrol? Have an army of your own to countermine? It is the only tactical thing to do.”

“Perhaps, but it would only divide ponies if I raised an army now. Ponies could see it as a sign that I don’t trust you, Luna and I do. I trust you and the patrollers with my life, so no army for me. Now (Yawn) if you don’t mind, I need some sleep, do what you feel is right and then get some sleep yourself.”

Smiling despite herself, Luna laid a blanket over Celestia. As much as she wanted to deny her sister's words, she could see the logic in them and where her actions could lead her and her patrollers if she left them unheeded.

The fear in her gut churned her stomach as she thought over Celestia’s words. She must watch her words. As much as she wanted to deny that her patrollers follow her so blindly, Luna shuttered to think of what they would do if she said something she didn’t mean. Fear of what actions they would take if she so casually told them to hunt down and kill ponies again. Would they do it? Maybe not all of them, but at least one would and that scared her, it scared her a lot.

“Perhaps I need some grounding. A quick chat with Applejack would suffice.”

Applejack swayed haphazardly through the file of ponies, occasionally bumping into somepony on accident. Some shouted but quickly shut their mouths when they recognized her. A few asked if she was all right or if she was feeling sick. She wasn’t ill. She was just a little woozy from the hard cider she ingested last night is all. Not a big deal, if not for the fact she was on duty, but the need for a stiff one had been a great and powerful one, and she couldn’t resist the call. Not after what she saw last night.

Funny how somethings affect you like that, she’s done her fair share of monster-slaying and killed a good number of ponies in the battle for the Crystal Empire, but seeing Gadget turn a couple of no good vermin into brain dead slacks of flesh struck her the wrong way.

Maybe it was the way he did it or what he was doing to them with such disregard, or perhaps it was the fact that the goofy father could do something like that without a second thought. Or maybe, it was the words he said to her.

(When you have foals of your own, you'll understand.)

Applejack frowned thinking over his words, she wanted to say he was wrong and that she wouldn’t make the same choice, yet she’s gone down the darker road before for family, and they hadn’t even been her own kids. What would she do to get her foal back if somepony tried to take them? How far would she go? The answer was a mystery, but Applejack had a gut feeling that she would go as far as she would need to and wouldn’t think twice about it and that is what scared her.

Slumping against the wall, she pulled the canteen from her saddlebag and took a nice long gulp of refreshing water. Once she was done, she returned the bottle to the bag and stared out over the vast landscape of Canterlot. She had to admit, the city had its own appeal from this angle.

“Enjoying the view?”

Nearly jumping out her skin Applejack whipped around to see Luna laughing as she settled down next to her. The Princess’s magical hair blew into her face, making Applejack scrunch her noise as she waved the offending stains away. Luna giggled as Applejack swatted at her hair, her laughter prompting Applejack to join in, together they broke down into a hysterical giggling fit, then to a full-blown laugh.

“Thanks, Ah needed that,” Said Applejack as the giggles died down, the worry and fear that gripped her earlier seem to roll off her coat like rain. “Sure is a mighty pretty view up here.”

Luna agreed, “It is. I rather enjoyed this very sight many times when I still lived in Canterlot. After I left, I thought there was nothing about this city I would ever miss, but perhaps there are a few things worth coming back to see besides my sister.”

“Why didn’t you come back?”

Frowning Luna looked at her friend seeing… concern or maybe confusion, perhaps a little of both.

“You read the book?” Applejack nodded apathetically, Luna sighed thinking back all those years ago. To the day when the world literary shit on her.

“When I left Canterlot that night. I still ruled with Celestia for a few years afterward from our castle in the Everfree, so it’s not like I left it all to her for the last twenty-five years or so, but as time dragged on, the council complained about my absents. Saying if I wasn’t going to show up, I should just hand over my authority to Celestia. I didn’t do that, as much as I hated the job. I didn’t want to throw the entire burden of ruling on Celestia, though looking back that’s pretty much what I did. Eventually, they just stopped asking for my opinion, which worked well for their plans I guess, they feigned concern so they look good and I look like a lazy no good ruler. I think it was five or ten years ago when I officially stopped helping rule Equestria all together. I spent my time reading, walking through the Everfree and such. Then one day I felt the need to go visit some villages, to see how ponies are getting by and I remember this one village. They were so afraid of the dark that they begged me not to raise the moon in fear of the monsters that would come. The same thing happened in the next village and the next one after that and so on and that’s what led me to go out on that fateful night when I met you and look at where we are today. Things have changed so much.”

“Things sure have changed since then, seems we're fighting ponies more often than monster nowadays.” Applejack tilts her hat down, hiding her eyes. “Ah wonder what we’re supposed to be doing, everything seems so much more complicated now than before. Ah thought we’d just be fighting monsters when Ah joined up but feels Ah’ve killed more ponies then monsters recently.”

Luna wrapped her leg around Applejack’s shoulder, “Monster is just a word we use to describe creatures that frighten us, what those creatures are varies from cyclops to griffons to ponies, but never forget Applejack we are the ones that keep those monsters at bay, so that others may live in the illusion of safety.”

“Ah see what you’re saying, but that doesn’t make what Gadget did to those ponies right.”

“No,” Luna replied sourly, “but it is what needed to be done and thanks to him, we have a heading at least. One of the guards overheard Redblood saying they were going north, so we can at least start looking in the right direction. I've already sent out scouts. Hopefully, they find something.”

A bright flash of light exploded far off into the distance. Applejack instantly leaped to her feet and began running towards the source, but she didn’t get anywhere, and she realized her hooves weren’t touching the ground.

“What the hay are you doing?”

“You’re in no shape to go out there,” Chided Luna, “None of us are. No pony here has slept more than an hour in the past two days or eaten a proper meal. In short, we are in no shape to be rushing off into a possible battle.”

Applejack snorted angrily, “So you’re saying we just let them get away?”

“Of course not,” Luna pulled Applejack back over to her, so the earth pony was looking right into her eyes, “I’m merely saying we need to be smart. Situations like this are why we have reserves. I’ve already made the call, The Moon Cutter and a fresh platoon of patrollers will be here in a few hours, till then we will rest and keep tabs on our enemies movements.”

Luna let Applejack down. The earth mare simmering down. A long yawn escaped Applejack as she chomped her lips.

“Sounds good, Ah guess, some shut-eye sounds pretty good right now actually.” She muttered sleepily as the last of her energy yields to the demand for sleep. “Hey, have you seen Fury or Sixes around? Ah haven’t…. seen… them…in a while…zzzzz.”

Gently Luna carried Applejack with her magic up to her old bedroom in the lunar tower. She flew up the side of the white structure, not having the energy to take the stairs. Once her hooves were firmly on the floor, she unrolled the covers and placed Applejack on the bed.

Yawning Luna loudly copied Applejack’s earlier action of lip chomping before simply falling onto the bed with a soft “poof” of the mattress. She’d already spread the word for everypony to rest and eat, with a few ponies keeping updates on the scouts of course. The Moon Cutter was still being repaired from the battle in the Crystal Empire. Reports said all that was left was servicing the engine.
(Whatever that means, Gadget’s lecture on how the engine worked had been beyond my understanding.) all that was left for them to do here in Canterlot was to wait for Killing Perfection and the rest of the patrollers to pick them up.

“Where are Sixes and Fury?” Luna mumbled as she fell asleep.

“Come on, let’s go! Let’s go! Move it double time!” Rawhide roared over the clamor of marching hooves. The Moon Cutter’s repairs were finished and not a moment too soon as they have just received a letter from Princess Luna requesting reinforcement as quickly as possible.

“Is that everypony?” Killing Perfection asked, walking up the ramp to the earth pony, who gave her a salute. For the duration of their flight to Canterlot, she would be the head commander of the night patrollers, it was a position Killing Perfection took with great reluctance. She didn’t have an issue leading her fellow monster ponies, her confidence in their skills had her worrying little for their safety. Commanding hundreds of ponies was a scale she was not used too, and it weighed heavily on her. She hoped the flight would be smooth and she can pass the reins of command back to the princess as soon as possible.

Rawhide put his hoof down, “Yes, every active reserve member is on board.”

“What of Ms. Dippy? Her safety is still of the utmost importance.”

“She is under heavy guard and has been advised to not leave the castle until the all-clear is given by the princesses.”

Killing Perfection nodded, “Good, good, and has anypony check on Dusk and Nightingale? Gadget and the princesses are very… interested in their current conditions.”

Rawhide tapped his chin, “The last report was about an hour ago, they were playing chess and have not been alerted to the situation.”

“Good, good, and finally has Gadget’s new toy has been loaded into the hanger? He insists it is brought for this mission, though I’m not sure why it’s such a clumsy thing.”

“We just loaded it.”

“Good, let’s be off then.” Killing Perfection and Rawhide enter the haul of the ship, the ramp lowering beneath them as they walk away. The rumble of the engines shook the craft as the turbines came to life, by the time they enter the cabin, the motor was at full power, and they were ready to take off.

Rawhide trotted to the center of the room taking up the position of the first mate in place of Gadget, leaving Killing Perfection standing uneasily by Luna’s chair. All eyes were on her, she kept up her usual neutral expression as she prodded the chair as if it would come alive and bite her. Once she sat down, she would officially be in command of the Moon Cutter.

Sighing tiredly, she dropped down into Luna’s chair and pointed forward, “All hooves, prepare for takeoff!”

The cabin became a whirlwind of action as ponies shout commands through the intercoms, gauges sprang to life as the engine engaged, white puffs of clouds float up around them as the cloud maker roars to life. There was sudden jolt as the ship tilts left to right, trying to find its center of balance. Once they level off, it was time.

Fire exploded out the back of the Moon Cutter, launching the floating ship out of the hanger at high speeds. Right out of the gate the ship pointed skywards, the other side of the canyon coming dangerously close to scrapping the bottom of the vessel. They clear the canyon in seconds, quickly leveling off and turning towards Canterlot.

“We really need to find a new place to launch this thing,” Rawhide said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“Agreed,” Seconded Killing Perfection. Killing had no fear of flying, being able to fly herself, but being trapped in the interior of a pony made a flying ship, made by a pony that could not fly and operated by ponies that could also not fly was not very comforting.

The two Night Patrol commanders share a small laugh together before tending to their duties. They expect no trouble flying to Canterlot, but that didn’t mean they were about to let their guard down.

--break?

Deep below the decks of the Moon Cutter hidden in the dark shadows of the hanger were two ponies that shouldn’t be there, hidden within the ships new cargo.

“Nightingale are you sure we should be doing this,” Whispered Dusk, dressed into full battle armor and looking very scared as she watched the wingless pegasus play with the controls of the new machine. Thankfully it was turned off, so nothing was actually happening.

“Don’t worry Dusk, from what I hear the ship is only going to rendezvous with Princess Luna.”

“Oh, that’s good,” Dusk sighed with relief. They weren’t going into another battle, thank the sisters!

“But after that is sounds like we are going on a hunt for some ponies, can’t hear who through all this metal, but I’m sure it will be epic!”

“Oh.”

Nightingale frowned, looking over Dusk’s mood, “What’s wrong, kid?”

“I’m just… well, I’m scared! I don’t want to fight again; it was horrible last time, why would this time be any better?” Tears swell in the aged mare’s black eyes, making Nightingale question her logic in bringing her with.

“Look Dusk, I need to fight, no I need to prove I can still fight even without my wings. This is the only thing I can think of to get over… well, you know.” Nightingale wrapped a leg around Dusk, pulling her close. “And don’t you worry about fighting, you just want to see your dad, right?” Dusk nodded against Nightingale’s underbelly, making the wingless pegasus blush as she awkwardly pats Dusk’s head. “So there’s nothing to be nervous about. I’ll drop you off with Gadget and then sneak back on aboard with no pony being the wiser, (YAWN), but for now some sleep. Who knew playing chess could make you so tired.”

“Well, we did play all night,” Dusk pointed out, “And you didn’t want to quit till you won at least once, which never happened.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re a smart cookie. Now go to sleep. This thing we’re in doesn’t have a bed, but the seats are at least nice.” Sighing Nightingale sunk into the soft seats with a long yawn. “Hey, what does your dad call this thing anyway?”

Dusk eyes fluttered shut as she too felt the heaviness of sleep, but she did manage to answer the question, “I think he called it a tank, the AT-1 or something like that.”

“(Yawn) That’s cool… goodnight…”

Sixes, Fury, and Nico held their position on a cloud overlooking the nobles getting as close as they dared to get. They’d been on rotating two-hour shifts keeping an eye on the nobles, pushing their hiding cloud, and sleeping. They were somewhat surprised by the nobles’ pace. The aristocratic ponies were covering a lot of ground in very little time, mostly because they got tired of Yellowblood and Greenblood slowing them down, so the three remaining nobles carried them with their magic. It was hard to admit, but Redblood, Orangeblood, and the mare they identified as Violetblood were in excellent shape, both physically and magically. Enough to be worried if a fight were to happen.

The five nobles made their way around a narrow pass between two low mountains that gradually grew wider forming into a vast valley. Flowers drifted in the breeze, little critters roam through the grass, and a waterfall of rainbows fed into the river. The whole place looked right of a children’s fairy tale, and it left the three Rinin with varying reactions of, what the hell?

Sixes stared with his mouth open at the valley, “Maybe I read too many of those adventure novels in the library, but this doesn’t look like a place you run to when an entire country is chasing after you.”

“Agreed, hardly seems like a place for a factory of evil either,” Added Fury, his brow frowning at the rainbow falls. “You don’t suppose…”

“The factory is behind the waterfall?” Finished Nico, all three Rinin looked closer at the multicolored waterfall. In the shadows of the mist, a narrow rocky pathway could be seen. They held their positions as the nobles approached the path and began crossing behind the waterfall one by one.

Sixes nudged the cloud closer to get a better look. The inside was dark. Pitch black, in fact, making it impossible to see inside, but there had to be a cave or something inside.

“Stay here Nico, Fury, and I will take a closer look if we don’t return in two hours go back to the castle and report to Princess Luna,” Ordered Sixes as and he Fury clung to the high walls of the cliff leading into the waterfall. They entered the cave, crawling on the bottom of the ceiling. Their moon phase armor changing from white to midnight blue to blend into the surroundings.

They hid behind a rock formation the nobles below standing in a softly glowing circle.

(Runes? I think I read something about those.) Sixes mused observing the five with interest as they each activated their horns.

The five ponies pointed their glowing horn to the ceiling magic leaked out alike a mist and poured into the circle. A soft hum filled the cave rising in volume as flashes of light bounced off the cave walls. The light beams began to gradually right themselves traveling upwards to the ceiling, forming one huge beam of light. The eyes of the nobles were whited-out as they started to float in midair. The noise became deafening, the light blinding in the pitch darkness of the cave. But through it, all Sixes could make out the small specks of light rising off the bodies of the nobles.

Acting on gut instinct Sixes flew into the beam with Fury right behind them. The light whites out their vison making it feel like they were flying through a white void, and then everything cleared, and they were in a vastly different place.

Metal surrounded them, loud machinery roared, and the smell, it was nearly impossible not to smell it, the entire place reeks of new and old blood laced with fear and panic.

Voices down below brought the two Rinin back to their senses, and they quickly ducked under some sort of platform and hung from their claws. The nobles were directly below and none the wiser of their presence. Fury and Sixes exchange nods and held their position. This is no doubt, what they were looking for, but what and where this place was still needed to be answered, so they settled down for some eavesdropping. Tuning out the all other noise and the smell focusing solely on the nobles.

“This place is as drearily as the last time we visited. Would it kill them to put in some rugs or something?” Greenblood loudly complained as they were greeted by the Factory’s welcoming staff.

A group of frankly freaky looking ponies wearing beak masks and goggles approach the group, at the head of the herd where two ponies in white coats covered in red stains. They were Madhoof and Hoofenstein, head researchers of the factory and its founders. They regard their guests with an air of annoyance.

“Why are you here? There is no scheduled visit, and you have brought no new materials. What is the cause of this unannounced visit?” Hoofenstein demanded slamming his hoof against the metal floor, snorting angrily. “Do you realize the danger you could have placed us in with your foolishness? Now answer us, why are you here?”

“Well, you see Dr. Hoofenstein,” Yellowblood began, “There have been some complications in Canterlot.”

“What kind of complications?” Madhoof questioned darkly, getting right in Yellowblood’s face. Their horns touch and Yellowblood felt a shiver run down his spine as the strange coldness of Madhoof’s horn ground against his own, it felt as if it was made of metal rather than bone.

Redblood coughed getting the two ponies attention as he pushed Yellowblood aside. “We have been betrayed, Blueblood sold us out, and we were forced to flee. We set up some distractions during our escape to buy us some time, but only a day or less. Our best course of action would be to move the factory unless you have completed your experiments and can transcend us to alicornhood.”

The two Doctors blink, their highly intelligent minds going through the details at super-fast speeds. There was anger in their thoughts as they deliberated, all their hard work could be for not if they are discovered now, but then again this would be the perfect chance to test out their latest project.

“Yes, we might have something ready, but only ponies such as you are worthy of the honor! Please follow me, and I’ll show you the realm of the gods!” Madhoof theatrically waved the nobles to follow his lead, leaving his partner and brother to deal with the rest.

Once Madhoof and the nobles were gone, Hoofenstein tapped his hoof against the metal, creating a shock wave of magic that transverse the room. The two hidden Rinin wonder what he was up to when he suddenly looked directly at them.

“Hello again, 6666 and 1330, nice to see you my little runaways.”

“Fury!” Sixes' yelled as Hoofenstein fired a beam of magic from his horn. Both Rinin dodge and move in to tackle the pony, but something strange happened, Hoofenstein held up only a hoof to stop them. They met him head-on, and they quickly figured out they’d been duped as Hoofenstein held not just one, but both of them back with one hoof!

“Earth pony magic,” Sixes glared putting all his strength into trying to knock the pony down, but Hoofenstein held firm, not even moving an inch, “but you’re a unicorn!”

“Surprising isn’t little colt!” Hoofenstein laughed smashing Sixes into the ground as Fury leaped back, rage overcoming him as causing his body to be engulfed in flames. “Oh, that’s new.”

Fury’s chest puffed up as he exhaled a stream of fire, “Shut up and die!”

“I think not,” Hoofenstien shoots back, calmly casting a shield to block the flames, “tsk, tsk, you and that temper, a dragon and phoenix was the best choice for you Ferocious.”

“What did you call me?”

“Oh, did I say something? I tend to let my mind wander, but now is the time for focus, and right now, you should be sleeping!” Hoofenstein disappeared in a flash of light reappearing beside Fury, who stood no chance of dodging as the pony’s hoof smashed into his jaw, knocking him out.

“And that’s why you were a failure 1330, but don’t worry, you’ll be back with the rest of your failure brethren like before in the vault. Oh, I guess its bad manners for me not to do this,” Hoofenstein leaned down and whispered into Fury’s ear, “Welcome back to the Factory.”

You know I was a bit hesitant to use Rainbow Factory in this story, just cause it's something that's been done, but I've actually never read any Rainbow Factory stories, but I know the premise of the idea and very much like it, so I hope my interpretation of it will be enjoyable and interesting for you all as the story progresses.

Night Patrol chapter 17

By Foxgear

Nico Vega looked to the sun for the time, from the pitch of the shadows nearly two hours have past and no word from either Fury or Sixes since entering the cave. Scratching nervously at the ground, he debated on what to do. The obvious answer was to do as he was told and go back to the castle, but the other less rational side was whispering for him to go inside the cave and investigate. He waited another five minutes, struggling internally about what to do when he heard voices from within the cave.

Moving slowly Nico crawled along the wall like Fury and Sixes had earlier, entering near the top of the cave ceiling. Working his way through the forming stalactites with swift and precise movements he positioned himself over the wisps of lights below, where a group of ponies, unicorns from the looks of it, where busy working on something. The sound of metal hitting rock come to his attention as he narrowed in on the group, barely making out what they were doing with his night vision.

“Damn those nobles, don’t they have any idea how complex these transport circles are? Now we have to scrap this one because of their clumsiness.” One of the ponies grumbled hitting the ground with his pickaxe. Strange he was a unicorn, yet he was using his mouth to use the pickaxe.

“Pipe down Post Hammer and erase this thing. Don’t want the princesses to have a direct line to our base do we now?” Another pony said, picking up the broken pieces of stone and grinding them into smaller pieces till they were nothing but dust. “Don’t leave a single trace, we don’t know if the princesses have any knowledge of the magic we use, but best not to leave things to chance in case they have a book or some faded memory of it.”

Post Hammer snorted, “I doubt that Bluntford. We kept it under wraps from everypony. What pony could have any record of it?”

“How about the Alicorn that taught it to our ancestors? We know for fact Gaia kept a record of it and said records have been lost to time, who knows where they could show up. They could be in the princesses’ library right now, so keep your trap shut and help me turn this place into powder!”

“Alright, alright, Liquid Nitro, you ready?” Post hammer asked finishing up the last part of the circle. A pony of tall stature stepped forth with two barrels of something floating in his magical grasp. Carefully he set the barrels into the middle of the now powdered circle and stepped away.

“Everypony stand back,” Liquid Nitro ordered flaring his horn, a soft orange light firing from the tip and hit the barrels creating an explosion that shook the cave. The ponies step out from their cover spots and celebrate a job well done.

“Come on,” Bluntford ordered, making his way to the exit. “Let’s go to the secondary location to the east. Let the princesses stumble around here for as long as they like.”

“You know it,” Post Hammer cheered following behind the lead pony.

Once the group had filed out of the cave. Nico dropped down as he shook the wooziness from the explosion off. Stumbling on his claws for a few steps, managing to hold himself up by leaning against a nearby pillar taking long deep breaths with his eyes closed to help regain his sense of balance. Once he was sure the dizziness had passed, he slowly made his way out of the cave amongst the shadows following the ponies from a distance, leaving behind an engraved crescent moon in the earth as he went.

“I’ll find you, my brothers, you can count on it,” Nico grimly swore with determination. He would not give up, even it meant going beyond Equestria.

Luna awoke with a start, her coat wet with sweat and her breath raspy. Nightmares, she the Princess of Dreams, had just had a bad dream! The horrors of Blueblood’s book playing over and over in her head. The image of cowering foals surrounded by black silhouettes as they poke and prod with little care for niceties or compassion. Worse of all, she was there standing aside, letting the horrors happen before her without even lifting a hoof to help.

Cringing, she forced herself from her bed, landing on her hooves with a soft thump. Quickly she hurried to the water bowl located in the corner and drew herself a glass to wet her parched throat. After a full minute of gulping down the cold liquid, Luna regained her bearings.

Looking in the mirror, she recoiled at her disheveled mane, the black bags under her eyes, and the overall tired look she was sporting. A quick whiff under her foreleg told her just how long it’s been since she’s bathed. Taking a quick look outside and seeing no sign of the Moon Cutter insight, she decided a bath wasn’t out of line.

Strolling into the bath, Luna began filling the large tub with hot water and soap, humming a soft tune as she did so to pass the time. Once the tub was at the right height, she went to fetch her shampoos and other bathing supplies when a thought occurred to her. Walking over to where Applejack lay she gave her friend a good whiff, prompting her to clutch her nose with her hoof.

“My mother’s mane Applejack, when was the last time you bathed?”

Picking up the earth mare with her magic, Luna carried Applejack to the bath debating on waking up her friend before throwing her in, an idea she quickly discarded as she tossed the slumbering mare into the soapy water. A full five seconds pass before Applejack came surging to the surface, wide wake and ever so slightly annoyed.

“What the hay was that for?”

Luna grinned mischievously, “You needed a bath, so I decided to give you one. Now hold still.” Various brushes and shampoos levitated in the princess’s magical grasp as she saunters into the water.
“I don’t want to miss a spot!”

“Wait, wait, hold on now! Luna! Luna! Stop it!” Applejack cried, breaking into fits of laughter as the fine brushes brush against her coat, tickling her senselessly.

Eventually, Luna ended her torment, so Applejack thought when Luna finally stop brushing, but it only got worse as Luna began to wash her with a strange amount of focus. Luna cleaning nearly every part of her, behind her ears, her back, and the bottom of her hooves, if Applejack hadn’t insisted on washing her privates herself, she was certain Luna would have done those too. Frankly, this was a little too intimate for Applejack personally, but the strange look Luna had on while she washing her, gave the earth mare some pause in voicing her displeasure to being bathed like a newborn foal.

Perhaps she wondered if Luna simply needed something to do, something to keep her hooves busy while they wait for the Moon Cutter to arrive. Uncertain on her own feeling and too nervous to question Luna on hers, Applejack simply allowed the Princess of the Night to shampoo her hair.

“They're all done!” Luna declared cheerfully splashing a bucket of water over Applejack’s head. The earth mare giving her a withering look as she shook off her mane and coat sending droplets everywhere.

“Great, now it’s your turn.” Applejack turned around, wielding two brushes in her hooves as she corners the princess in the bathtub.

“I beg your pard-“

Luna didn’t get to finish as Applejack attacked with a vengeance! Her hooves a blur as she scrubs the princess’s blue coat with glee. A storm of laughter erupted from Luna as she halfheartedly attempts to ward off Applejack’s assault by splashing water at her, which Applejack returned in kind. After what seemed like hours of splashing, though only a few minutes tops in reality, they stop, both happy and laughing as they climb out of the tub.

For the moment everything was fine.

“Princess Luna! The Moon Cutter is in sight!” Gadget announced bursting into the other room. The unicorn looked around curiously, searching for his princess who wasn’t anywhere in sight. “Princess Luna?” He approached the bed, finding it a mess and Applejack’s hat lying discarded on the mattress. “What in the world?”

“Thank you for the update Gadget. We will be there to meet the ship when it docks.” Luna walked out of the bathroom, drying her coat with a towel, Gadget blushed, and turned away. “Is that all?”

“Yes, that is all. I’ll get the others moving so we can board right after they dock.”

Luna nodded approvingly, “Very well. We will be there soon.”

Gadget saluted quickly leaving the room as Applejack entered, retrieving her hat.

“Well, let’s go put the hurt on some noble assholes.”

“Agreed,” Luna seconded with suppressed rage, “Come, we will fetch my sister and our armor on the way.”

“Right behind you!”

The room was dark when Sixes came too, he found himself and his friend, Fury, chained and collared. His head throbbing from blow to the head he received from that strange pony, Hoofenstein, what was odd about him? Well, the fact he used both unicorn and earth pony magic was weird enough for him. He wasn’t an expert on the subject, but Gadget explained to him once while he was doing his genealogy research that crossbreeding ponies species usually result in the offspring taking on more the dominate traits from one parent than the other. There was a whole square box thing with other boxes he used to explain it. He wasn’t sure what the unicorn was talking about, but the gist of the lecture was the distinctive traits from other races didn’t mix. Which meant in theory, a unicorn couldn’t have both unicorn magic and earth pony magic or any combination of whatever.

Sixes mulled the information over in his head, confused as the day Gadget explained to him. In retrospect, he should be thinking of a way out of here. He tried moving his legs, but they were firmly cuffed and chained to the floor. Next, he tried moving his head and tail managing only to move either limb only a few inches, either way, even his wings were tied down. The only option left was his fire breath.

“Here we go,” Puffing up his chest he gathered the fire swirling inside his body, bracing himself for the pain of melting metal against his scales, only for a puff of smoke and some sparks to belch from his mouth instead of the stream of fire he was expecting. “Well… that’s not good.”

“Tell me about it!” Grunted Fury struggling against his chains, he wasn’t sure when the other Rinin woke up, but for whatever reasons the red Rinin was bound even tighter than Sixes. Fury sporting doubled the chains and was being held down on his belly with all his limbs pulled in every direction.

“Wow, what did you do to end up like that?”

Fury scoffed puffing smoke from his nostrils, “The hell I know, but somethings off about this place. That pony, Hoofenstein, he called me Ferocious before knocking me out.”

“Ferocious,” Sixes said frowning, “Isn’t that the name of one of the foul’s in Blueblood’s book?”

“Yes, it is.”

Silence filled the air between them. Sixes finding himself uncertain of what to say to his friend and comrade. There wasn’t time to anyways, the lights came on, and in walked the ponies, Madhoof and Hoofenstein. Each one holding various scientific tools, however, the sight of a little white colt had their guts turning with dread.

“Ah, you are awake, this is good, is good indeed. Now we don’t have to wait to get started. We want you to see this.” Madhoof ranted as he chained the foal in the center of the room. Once the colt was locked in he began to draw something around the white pony at high speed. Twenty pieces of thick white chalk scrap against the floor, each one creating a different set of symbols and runes that neither Rinin could decipher.

Meanwhile, Hoofenstein was carefully filling beakers and jars with various materials, some of it powdered, others liquid, and few were pieces of different animals and monsters, but one part stood out a long white feather.

“What are you doing to that colt?” Demanded Fury bucking against his chains, he tried to spit some fire at the mad ponies, but all he got was a few sparks and burnt throat for his trouble.

Madhoof chuckled as he continued his work, “Oh nothing much, basically the same thing we did to you two, though with some different material. We are hoping for a little more successful Bio transmutation this time. Hopefully, this will bring us closer to our goals.”

“And that is?” Sixes inquired.

“To make a better pony race, to go beyond even the might of the Alicorns and to establish a new nation. Free of the trapping of the elite and misgiving against our kind, to show that we are the supreme race!” Exclaimed Hoofenstien as he set his materials around different points of the circles.

Fury blinked, “Wow, you unicorns are full of yourselves.”

This prompted both mad ponies to laugh aloud to the point of tears.

“What’s so funny?”

Madhoof wiped away his tears, his smile dangerously wide as he reached up, grabbed his horn, and pulled it from his head much to the shock of the two. Hoofenstein did the same.

“What’s funny is the fact we are earth ponies.” Madhoof played with his horn in his hoof, showing the small spike sticking out of the crown of his skull where the horn rested. “It’s quite the procedure drilling a hole in one’s head and sticking a metal rod into said hole, but our research on unicorns was quite sound, and our craftponies are the best. With these, we can do all the things a unicorn can do by using our own earth pony magic, and thanks to the fact we use the magic rising from the earth, we are capable of harnessing an infinite source of magic. Just another step towards an earth pony empire and getting revenge on those damned ponies that thought they could look down on us just because they had a horn or wings. We’ll…”

“Settle down, Madhoof,” Hoofenstein commanded, “Put your horn back on and get back to work.”

“Right, sorry I lost myself of a second there.” The gray mane stallion replaced his horn going back to drawing the circles and runes.

Satisfied his friend was back on track, Hoofenstein walked over to Sixes grabbing a syringe from a nearby table.

“I just need a little blood from you 6666, feel honored you will be a part of our first-gen two experiments and the father of possibly our greatest creation yet.” Hoofenstein stabbed the needle into Sixes' neck, filling it to the brim with blood. “Well, I guess our greatest Biological experiment. Our iron hide project is our greatest nonorganic material transmutation of all time. Providing the nobles prove compatible with the process. Would you want to watch that experiment as well? You might get some satisfaction watching it.”

“Go to Tartarus,” Sixes spat snapping at the doctor, “What are you planning to do to the kid?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Hoofenstein quipped, “You’ll be finding out soon enough. Madhoof are you done?”

Nodding Madhoof carefully levitated himself over the runes as Hoofenstein laid the white feather and Sixes' blood in the center of the circle.

“Observe carefully you two, very few ponies get to witness the power of alchemy and even fewer get to see a new life be created right before their eyes.”

The two alchemists took to opposite sides of the circle, ignoring the wails of the colt in the center and the struggles of the two Rinin chained across the room. Magic filled the room, lighting up the transmutation circle with a sickish pink glow, pillars of light erupted from the five smaller circles, a beam of magic bounce between the columns forming a star that began spinning as it descended.

The white colt screamed as the star drew closer and closer to him. He looked to Sixes and Fury, reaching out for them. The night patrollers struggled with all their might! The iron chains groaned and stretched, but did not break, and before their very eyes, the colt disappeared, gone in a flash of light.

The light died away in the colt’s place was a full-grown Rinin pony. The new Rinin was pure white, the entirely of his body was scales, bright and shiny with red patches of scales on his shoulders and flanks, his wings were different, instead of leathery dragon wings, he had fluffy feather wings, a pair of antlers adorned his head, surrounded by a long blue mane.

The newly created dragon pony blinked absentmindedly, looking around his surroundings like a newborn foal, which he technically was. He then began the struggle of standing, on shaky legs the white Rinin rose to his feet and took his first step and fell, his claws unable to grip the surface of the floor, or more likely he didn’t know to use them. He tried again, this time smashed his claws into the floor as he rose. Once he was stable, he lifted one nail and dug it into the marble tile again, so he had some grip and moved, taking his first step. He continued doing this, his actions becoming lighter and more natural as he made his way over to Sixes and Fury.

The two patrollers wondered what he was doing when he finally reached them. He did nothing. He simply stood and stared at Sixes sniffing him, circling around the black rinin, the white Rinin come to a stop in front of Sixes. He made a strange series of soft roars and grunts before forming words.

“Fa-father,” The white Rinin raspily said, looking directly at Sixes and nuzzling the black Rinin’s cheek.

“What…” Sixes gasped, staring at the white Rinin.

“Well, we did use your blood, so it’s only natural, he would recognize you as his snare, but to know how to speak already is remarkable. That feather really proved to be worth the trouble.” Hoofenstein commented, observing the new creation.
He walked around the white Rinin, taking notes as he got measurements and such, “Hmm, he’s a little above average size, his wings are most interesting. I wonder if this also an effect of the feather or perhaps a dominant trait of 6666’s bloodline? Impossible to say for sure but not important either way, now I believe this is number 12467?”

Madhoof nodded, a red hot firebrand floating in his magic as he approached the new Rinin. “Father, son time is over I’m afraid, we’ll need to further test the results of transmutation in better detail. Don’t worry, you’ll see him again soon enough.”

“Don’t you dare touch him!” Fury roared pulling against his restraints. His eyes completely red, hot steam rose from his body, and the room became noticeably warmer.

“Now that's interesting. Do you think 1337 could have gained some new abilities?” Madhoof asked disregarding the branding iron for the moment. “This could change our results. Maybe we need to do another scan of his bio magical makeup?”

“Perhaps,” Hoofenstien said, rubbing his chin. Another pony entered the lab.

“Doctor Madhoof, Doctor Hoofenstein, we’d received reports that Princess Luna and Celestia have left Canterlot and are heading due north to the transport the nobles used.”

“It was destroyed as I instructed?”

“Yes, the team we sent just returned, but we discovered a group of Luna’s patrollers in the area if they search hard enough they could find us. We’ve already begun shutting down all non-necessary power and getting our ponies ready for battle.”

“I see, very well, stop all experiments and prepare project Sleipnir, we will be with you shortly.”

“Yes, sir!”

Hoofenstein turned to Madhoof, “Go get the nobles set up for their “Ascension” I will be with you once I’m done cleaning up here.”

“Alright, don’t take too long, I don’t want to be around those spoiled horn heads for long by myself, you know how I get.”

“I know friend, I know, they get under my fur too, but they have served us well, it is only right we hold up our end of the deal. Well, part of it at least.”

Madhoof chuckled, “Yeah, I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces. Alright, see you soon.”

Hoofenstein waved him off and then turned his attention to the three Rinin before him. The vault would be the best place for them. Judging from the looks of those chains, it wouldn’t be much longer before Fury and Sixes broke loose, and he couldn’t have that. Taking the three up in his magic, Hoofenstien began the long walk to the vault, which was on the other side of the Factory, a terrible floor layout really.

Sixes frowned as they were carried through the factory to what he assumes would be their prison. Along the way, they pasted dozens of earth ponies with metal horns. Now that he knew what they were, it was clear to see if a pony looked closely. Their robust stature, their muscle mass, the way they moved, all these things spoke of ponies used to working with their hooves, and now they had unicorn magic. Gadget would be impressed by their technology. Not just the horns, all of it, this base of theirs reminded him of the Moon Cutter with all the machinery and the familiar rumble of powerful engines beneath the floor, and the air was thinner and harder to breathe. They were defiantly in the sky.

(Now the question is where are we?) They weren’t moving that was certain, and the pony earlier had mention transports, like the one the nobles had used and subsequently the same one that brought him and Fury here. The range of these transports would significantly affect the search range for the others. Hopefully, Nico did as he was told and stayed in his position or better yet was had tracked the ponies that destroyed the first transport to the second one mentioned. If they had portals in walking distance of each other, then the range couldn’t be that great, hopefully. At best they were only a hundred miles, or so ahead of where they were, at worse they were thousands.

Then there was an issue of what they were going to go. The collars prevented them from using any form of magic, so no fire breath and whatever magic his son/clone had. He would deal with that later, much later. Right now, he needed to focus on escaping.

Looking to Fury, the red Rinin seemed to be keeping his cool, which was good. He needed his friend to be level headed right now. His anger could be unleashed later when it would be of more use. The newborn Rinin, he was looking around like an infant, curious and confused, so he was of no help right now.

They took a turn into a room filled with several strange devices, or maybe it was all one big device since everything was connected together. The machine took up the entire place, encircling the wall with at least a dozen empty chambers. Hoofenstein left them floating in the middle of the room while he talked to the pony in charge. A few levers were hit, and suddenly the tunnels were alive with flashing white lights bursting out of every chamber, from the short tubes a couple dozen ponies appeared from thin air, leaving Sixes to assume this room to be the transport hub, something to defiantly take note of.

Next Hoofenstein walked into a strange room with two liquid containers in the center. This had to be the most roundabout way to escort prisoners to a cell, but Sixes didn’t complain, enjoying the Intel he was gathering. Fury mimicked his silence, probably guessing his intentions as the red Rinin’s eyes darted around the room taking in every detail, while remaining incognito, not that Hoofenstein probably didn’t know what they’re doing. He seemed to be letting them get away with, either out of arrogance thinking they couldn’t break free, or a calculated move on his part. To what ends Sixes didn’t know, but no pony that could build an operation this big and keep it hidden for so long, could be called stupid.

On to the room’s contents, Sixes found them puzzling, there were only two things in here besides the glass tubes, and that was the things inside the glass tubes. Two baby pegasi with polar coloring. One was blue with a rainbow mane, and the other was kind of a tannish yellow color with a grayscale rainbow hair, both were sleeping in the tubes floating in who knows what. Sixes wondered what their purpose was.

“How are our little angels today, Shovel Shank?” Hoofenstein asked the pony tending to the two pegasi.

The pony Shovel Shank was also another earth pony with a false horn, as if his name didn’t give him away, he was dull brown with a blue mane. He seemed to have a nervous tick as he kept rubbing his forelegs together every other second.

“Yes, yes, they are doing good, stable, and bursting with magic. I dare say they might be ready to come out of the tubes soon.”

Hoofenstein huffed when he heard this, and a look of what seemed to be genuine concern crossed the mad doctor’s face.

“I see, unfortunately, that may have to wait, my friend. We are about to enter a critical time, and we can’t risk two little foals flying around. Until the danger has passed, they must remain inside their tanks.” Hoofenstein said patting Shovel Shank on the shoulder, the false unicorn seemed outright out depressed at the news. “But don’t worry, it would only be a few days, and you can finally let them spread their wings.”

“That’s- that’s nice. I’ll seal the lab then.”

“Keep up the good work Shove Shank, remember we only have each other rely on.” Hoofenstein patted the nervous pony on the back and took his leave.

Sixes glanced back at the pony Shove Shank, finding his demur unsettling as he stared at the floating pegasi. The pony was not one Sixes could say he would have trusted in any capacity, something seemed off about him, but he supposed it is only logical this place would be filled with equally insane ponies.

Hoofenstein walked for a bit more, stopping at another room, this one stranger than the last, yet filled with things more familiar. All around them, floating in giant test tubes, where monsters. Not just any monsters, but the very same monsters they’d been hunting since joining night patrol. Stone cyclops, white timberwolves, goblins mixed with ogres, even a few of the more massive beasts such as hydras, manitcores, and cockatrice. Seemed Luna was right, these creatures weren’t natural, they were made, just like they were.

There were no more stops after last room. Hoofenstein delivered them to what he called the “vault,” peculiar name for a dungeon, but that wasn’t the burning question on Sixes mind as Hoofenstein place them in small holding cell. There were two sets of doors. The first was the one they were brought through and the second presuming lead to “the vault”. The design allowing new prisoners to be placed inside, well minimizing the chance prisoners could escape, thanks to the second door.

“Well, you in go now,” Hoofenstein said, opening the second door with his magic. A second pony proceeded to push them into the vault, but Sixes dug in and struggled against the guard's spell. There was something he wanted to say.

“You created us and wiped our memories. Why?”

Hoofenstein signaled for the guard hold and shut the door. “An interesting, yet obvious question dear 6666, but one I will answer. I hate the sight of ignorance. It is one of biggest problems in this world in my opinion. I suppose your case it different, but none the less, some context could help you see the light as they say. You know of the Alicorns, correct, the race of ponies that embody the traits of all three tribes. They are the most powerful beings the pony race has to offer, the pinnacle of our evolution, yet such a strong and wise race is now reduced to merely two Alicorns and do you know why? Have you ever questioned either princess as to what happened to them all? What became of the great Alicorn race?”

Sixes remained silent, thinking back to the times he spoke with Princess Luna, the subject of her race or fellow Alicorns besides her sister had never come up. Nor had he ever asked.

“I’ll bite, what happened to them?”

“The same thing that happens to all great beings, they fell from grace, and it all started with a simple little wish. You see back in the days before the princesses, before Starswirl, before the meeting of the three tribes, there were only two. The Alicorns, keepers of the elements and protectors of the land and the earth pony tribe, the children of the Alicorn Gaia of the earth. At that time, there were no unicorns or pegasi, but one day the Alicorn of the sky, Tempestas, grew jealous of the children of Gaia. She too wanted to be loved as she was and so she created the first pegasi from the clouds and gave them dominion over the sky and all the power to bend it to their will. She proclaimed them better to the ponies of the earth and demanded a tribute to keep the weather fair and favorable for crops. Gaia reluctantly agreed and endowed the earth ponies with is magic to further enhance their connection to the earth, allowing for more crops to be produced to feed both races. Not long after the Alicorn of magic Minerva, grew jealous and wanted her own children, so she created the unicorns from her own essence and gave them the power of magic, to use in any way they saw fit. With this new tool they gained control of the sun and the moon and forced the earth ponies provide for them. Once again Gaia blessed his children with richer crops to support the new race, but it wasn’t long that the earth tribe began to be treated less like ponies and more like slaves. This outraged Gaia, who took up arms against Tempestas and Minerva, this caused the Alicorns to divide into three groups, those for who fought for Gaia, those that fought for Tempestas and Minerva and the third those who chose to run and hide. Thus the great Alicorn war had begun, and in the end no side truly won, and the Alicorns disappeared into myth until the tribes united after the wendigo’s winter and Celestia, Luna, and Symphony were discovered after they were found wandering in the wilderness. Sometime later after the defeat of Discord all three would be voted into being the rulers of Equestria, and I think you know most of the story after that.”

Sixes head reeled with information overload, trying to make heads or tails of Hoofenstein story. “If you know all that, then why are you trying to help the nobles become immortal? Sounds like you have less love for them then I do.”

“They have their uses. You remember Madhoof’s little burst of an earth pony empire? I, on the other hoof, desire a different future.”

“What you want everypony to be Alicorns? Is that why your taking foals and changing them into monsters?”

Hoofenstein shook his head, “No, no, you don’t understand my dear 6666, I want ponies to be premier species of the planet and to do that, we need to be something better then what we are, better than the Alicorns, we need to evolve and adapt. You and the others are merely the first steps in a larger game. With you ponies now can have the genetic possibility of claws and scales, nature’s armor and swords, next the introduction of new magic and innate abilities. When we erased your memories and dropped you off in that cave we wanted to test your behavior and instincts patterns. We wanted the experience to be natural, hence the erased memory. I must say you have performed wonderfully. You have become so much more than I first predicted and the potential of future generations with crossbreeding is fascinating. Look at your son over there, I simply can’t wait to see what he can do, but alas time is short. Hopefully we can avoid the princesses’ eyes, but I would be lying if I said I wished they didn’t find us, in fact I’m hoping they do.”

“And why is that?”

“Why the genetic material, of course! Think of how much progress could be made with a single drop of Alicorn blood, all the holes would be filled, and we could move our plans ahead so much faster.” Hoofenstein giddily grinned leaning closer to the bars of the door. “In simple terms 6666, either way, I win. Even if the princesses destroy this facility, even if they kill me or lock me up forever. I still win. Because for as long as one Rinin or any other of our experiments lives, my work lives on with them, goodbye 6666, 1330, enjoy your stay in the vault.”

With little effort Hoofenstein pushed the bewildered Sixes and friends into the vault and slammed the door. Inside was complete darkness save for the faint glow of a light gem floating in the center of the vault.

The vault was very primitive compared to the rest of the factory. The entire place was made of rough stone with holes dug into the walls, probably to act as prison cells. The question now was where the other prisoners were?

A sudden thud of heavy hoof steps had the three Rinin bouncings as whatever was making said stomps emerged from the darkness, the silhouette of the beast rose almost all the way to the ceiling. Sixes and Fury took up position in front of the white rinin… (I really need to name him) and bared their fangs at the monster approaching them. The beast’s head lurched downward, the light revealing it to be… a giant pony?

Sixes and Fury were taken aback at the sight of the thing, it smiled at them, its giant muzzle right in front of them. Hesitantly Sixes pat the giant, the giant responding to the gesture by falling onto its belly like a dog would, even panting like one too.

“P-Rex leave them alone,” A voice called out, emerging from the darkness was a strange-looking earth pony with a short silver ethereal mane with black white coat that looked very similar to the arrangement of a skeleton. More ponies emerged of all shapes and sizes, colors, and whatever Hoofenstein mixed them with. There were hundreds of them, and they each bore numbers on their flanks.

The ghostly looking pony stepped forward and offered his hoof, “Nice to see you two again.”

This chapter was Edited 9/16/19 and now feature's slightly better grammar the help of Grammarly.

Night Patrol ch 18

By Foxgear

The nobles gathered in what they consider a less than a luxurious room. Of course, anything was less than extravagant in their opinion, but the majority of them held their tongues. They were so close to their goal, immortality, and a lack of more exceptional necessities would not have them jeopardize that goal by annoying the ponies providing it for them. Yes, they knew they could be insufferable at times, and they had no qualms about it. After all, what pony would dare speak against them? Well that all changed with their impromptu self-exile from Canterlot and for the first time in all their lives they had some insight to those in need. If Hoofenstein and Madhoof went back on their deal, they would be left with nothing, no money, no social status, and no home. They had bet it all, and now it was time to see if their gamble paid off.

Some were even more skittish. Shirker Yellowblood was perhaps the most paranoid of all. After all, his friend Blueblood had betrayed them, and he had been one of the most trusted ponies of their group. How could they trust Hoofenstein and Madhoof? How could they trust each other? What if only one of them could become immortal? What then? What would happen?

In the far corner of the room, Vi Violetblood watched the other nobles with suspicion. She knew better than to let anypony here have her back, which was why she kept hers close to the wall. Despite their common goal and the fact she was the one that pulled them into all this, she never felt any trust or companionship for any of her fellow “Nobles.” Really why should she? She was so much older and wiser than any of them, having lived many more lives than they could even dream. She knew their fathers and their grandfathers and their fathers and so on and so on. She knew them better then they knew themselves.

Such as the fact if things came down to a fight, Redblood and Orangeblood would team up against the rest of them, their familial relationship binding them stronger together then the loose thread that tied their so-called “Friendship.” Then there was Greenblood, he wasn’t much of threat, all hot air and poise. He usually paid somepony to do his dirty work, but well, he had no money to bribe with, so he was a goner. Finally there was Yellowblood, the pony nobody trusted, he’d be the first crack if things got hairy. Right now he was probably panicking in fear and already thinking of what he would do if he had to choose between them and himself, which is why he didn’t sleep and why they didn’t either despite how tired they were from their trip.

The door of the room opened and revealed Madhoof, “We are ready for you, please follow me.”

They followed the Doctor to a large room. Inside a group of ponies were putting the finishing touches on what looked like four life-sized models of Saddle Arabia ponies, tall, slender, and sturdy looking with a few extra features, such as horns and wings.

“This is project Sleipnir,” Madhoof announced, “The key to your immortality. These armors are made of the strongest alloy ever discovered, Orichalcum, nothing can break it.” (Well almost nothing.)

“And how are these armors going to make us immortal?” Yellowblood skeptically asked, “You were supposed to be finding a way to make us into Alicorns!”

If Madhoof was imitated by the noble’s tone, he didn’t show it. “A valid point Lord Yellowblood, however, we have yet the means to do that, so this is the next best thing, no, the better option. Think about it, my dear noble ponies. Once your soul is transferred into the metal skin of this armor, you will never know sickness, hunger, the feel of old age, and you’ll be immune to the passage of time! Think about it! You won’t simply be immortal, you’ll be invincible!”

“Yes, yes, that does sound rather… ideal.” Yellowblood said memorized approaching the armor.

“But there are only four, which one of us will be left out?” Greenblood pointed out.

Each noble began eyeing the other, looking for the weakest link, this Vi knew, was her chance.

“I will opt-out. I prefer to enjoy life’s pressures with my own hooves, or rather real hooves. Besides, unlike you all, I already have a way to cheat death. I can wait a little longer for true immortality.”

They stared at her like she had grown a second head. Not that she minded, these youngsters could never really understand how boring life could be when you lived for as long as she has. Indulging in everything life as to offer was the best way to strive off that boredom. Being made of metal made enjoying said things hard and there was a second purpose, but that would have to wait.

Vi patted the budge in her saddlebag discreetly, to assure one more that the items she had cared for all these years were indeed safe and sound.

“Well go on, get on with it!” She gestured excitedly. The nobles seemed to shrug off their skepticism and entered the circles surrounding the suits of armor.

“Are we prepared to begin the process,” Hoofenstein asked, entering the room. Vi took a few steps back to give the Doctors room to do their work, but not too far. Silently she unbuckled the strap of her saddle pack, ready to act in a moment’s notice.

Madhoof and Hoofenstein took up their positions, their hooves touch the ground and the room filled with a pinkish light activating all four circles at once. Vi watched as the pink stars rose into the air and slowly descend upon the nobles and their new bodies. It was in this critical moment, she struck!

“Catch!” She shouted, grabbing the items in her saddlebag with her magic and tossed them at the nobles, who dumbly turn towards her out of reflex, giving her the perfect shot.

Hoofenstein gasped as four Alicorn amulets flew through the air, each one a different shape and color, and as powerful as the one they had given to Sombra. Each charm attached themselves to a nobles’ chest just as the transmutation completed, merging flesh with metal.

The light diminished and revealed the four suits ablaze with ethereal fire, each one barring a different color, green, orange, red, and yellow. The suits moved and bowed before Vi. Something was wrong, something was very wrong! Thought the scientists.

“How may we be of service,” Said the Green maned suit.

“Oh Greenblood, glad to see you finally know your place,” Vi rubbed the metal horse’s snout with her hoof, the other three eagerly join in, all of them wanting a touch. “That’s a good pony. Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy being my servants, it’s not like it’s much different than before.”

Hoofenstein stepped back fearfully from his creations. They were supposed to be under his control, the nobles were only supposed to provide the life force for the armors, but to add in Alicorn Amulets. How? How did Vi have so many?

“Where did you get those? It took us years to find one in ruins beneath Canterlot! How could you have four?”

“Well, let’s just say I have a lot of time on my hooves and I had plenty of bits to spend over the years. I guess having some knowledge of their whereabouts what kind of handy too.” Vi answered, her four new metal knights lining up behind her. “I am a lot older then I look after all.”

Hoofenstein narrowed his eyes at the mare, “How old?”

“Now that’s a rude question to ask, you never ask a mare her age, you know.”

The two stared down one another, each one waiting for the other to make a move, but before anything could happen, the entire factory shook.

“What was that?” Madhoof demanded angrily to the other staff members. None of them could provide answers just as a second explosion rocked the factory.

“Sirs!” A beaten-up pony yelled, bursting through the door! “We have an intruder! It’s number 088, and he’s disabled the camouflage shield!”

“How is that possible? How did he get in undetected?”

“There’s no time for that Madhoof,” Said Hoofenstein sharply, “All hooves prepare for battle! It won’t take long for the princesses to find our location. Now go, go, go!”

“Yes, sir!” The ponies saluted scrambling around in a frenzy.

Hoofenstein marched up to Vi, staring the mare in the eye, anger burned throughout his entire body at what he was about to do.

“I don’t know who you really are, but you now control my trump card against the princesses, so in favor of our mutual interests. I must ask for your help in this grave hour.”

Vi waved him off, “Oh, don’t be so dramatic. You still have to make me a better body. Think of these guys as my trump card, so that you don’t try to betray me like you did the others. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Good, now, I think it’s time I got put little Tia and Lunie to sleep, for good!” Vi laughed, leaving the room her knights following her.

The Moon Cutter sailed across the cloudless sky at a steady pace. Up ahead, groups of Rinin and Pegasi scout for clues high above in the air, while patrols of earth and unicorn ponies combed the landscape for clues. Thanks to Luna’s forward-thinking they managed to cover a lot of ground already searched by the earlier patrols. Now as they caught up to the advance scouting party, their progress slowed. Reports had to be given, troops needed to be rotated out and informed which area had been searched and which ones weren’t. Among all the chaos, Luna was missing two of her best commanders, Fury, and Sixes. Seemed they had gone ahead of everypony else after the nobles, along with Nico Vega. While she admired their dedication, they didn’t leave an easy trail to follow.

“Don’t worry Luna, we’ll find them,” Celestia assured from her chair. Despite being the Princess of the Sun, Celestia wasn’t much of morning pony and didn’t recover from all-nighters quite as well as her sister. Her eyes were haggard, threatening to close every second, opening and closing against her will. Even the sun seemed much duller than usual, reflecting the Princess’s lack of energy.

Luna hoped she would be out if by the time they found the ponies responsible for their troubles. A tired princess was not an intimidating princess.

“I know sister,” Luna replied, feeling equally tired, but managing to do a better job at hiding it. At least the black bags under her eyes were obscured by her coat. “Gadget, any word yet?”

“None yet princess, the forward scouts have yet to return, and no signal flares have been sent as of yet.”

“I see, continue to the search and keep me updated.”

“Of course,” Gadget bowed.

Luna sank back in her chair, wondering what has become of her three ponies. She swore when she found them she would punish them severely for making her worry so much. They better hope her hair didn’t turn silver because of them.

The sound of an alarm went off, jolting everypony out of their seat as they scramble to figure out what was going on. Luna flew out of her chair, Celestia at her side as she peered over the radar. Only a moment ago there had been nothing, but now there was something, and it was BIG!

“What is that?”

“I don’t know princess, but it looks to be a mountain, its magnetic pull must have bugged the equipment or something.”

Luna rubbed her chin with thought, “Stay on course, I want to investigate this mountain. Reduce speed and have weather teams two and three provide us with some more cloud cover. Get in contact with our ground forces and tell them to rally at position Bravo and be ready for anything. I got a bad feeling about this.”

Her mind was running so fast that Luna barely registered Celestia tapping her shoulder, until the older princess dropped her helm on her head, covering her eyes. She lifted the offending thing from her view and glared at her sister for such silly games in a time when they need to be serious. The words died in her throat though, as she saw Celestia strapping herself into her golden armor.

“I think you’ll need that,” Celestia smiled levitating the rest of Luna’s armor to her. The younger sister pawed the bits of steel with her hoof.

“A prediction?”

Celestia shook her head, “No, just a gut feeling.”

“I see, so you feel it too?”

“Indeed,” Celestia answered, pointing ahead, “I feel a massive about of energy coming from that direction. I believe we have found our enemies.”

“More than likely,” Luna agreed, equipping her armor. Checking to make sure every piece fit right and didn’t bind anywhere. Quietly she muttered to herself as she inspected her weapon. There was going to be another battle, like before in the Crystal Empire, this time though she was ready. She had her patrollers with her. Everypony outfitted with Gadget’s latest weapons and prepared for action. Still, the feeling of unease would not leave her.

She had no doubt the enemy would be excepting their arrival and would be digging in for a long siege. Time would be the most significant factor. The Moon Cutter could only carry so much fuel and ammo, and they had no way to resupply. Everypony was here, with the few exceptions still at the castle, but this was it. The full force of the night patrol would fall upon the ponies of Rainbow Factory. She intended to make the ponies who dared to snatch foals and play them for fools to understand what happened when you make an Alicorn Princess angry.

“Object in sight!” The radar pony announced.

Luna and Celestia flew to the front of the control deck to get a closer view from the deck's window. What they saw amazed them. It was a factory alright, a factory-built atop of floating mountain! A smart idea really, if it weren’t for the fact she was going to send it plummeting back to the earth.

“Cannons insight, princess, their preparing to fire!”

“Arm all cannons and make a hard right and fire a full broadside, followed by a turn left with another assault! All fliers are to take off after the first barrage!” Luna commanded, the ship swung right sharply, tossing anypony not prepared for it. A few blasts flew past them, they narrowly avoid contact, moments later the sound of their cannons firing sung in the air. Half a dozen of the ships forty four gem cannon hit the factory. Explosions blanket the outer steel shell as several dozen Pegasus and Rinin squads took flight, each one armed with two Hoof Mounted Gem Cannons (HMGC) on their front hooves and one rocket-propelled gem projectile or missile as Gadget called it. Luna wasn’t sure when he designed the weapons or when he had the time to manufacture them, but this would be their first battle test. She hoped they work as well as he claimed they did.

The ship took a sharp left and the second barrage fired. More cannons found their mark this time, but the enemy was firing back with greater fury. Long flaming beams shot out from the base of the factory. Luna called for the telescope.

“Thank you,” She said, taking the spyglass in her magic. Zooming in she spotted a familiar sight, stone cyclops, the very same she fought when she first met Applejack, acting as anti-air gunners. Their beams offering a controlled and precise attack that already claimed a few of her fliers.

“Squad three Captain Odds, Squad four Captain Evens, launch your missile volley at the cyclops! Take them out know! Captain Ace Spades, fly under and see if there’s any way to take out their engines if they have any. Send word to Commanders Applejack and Rawhide to begin their ground assault once the factory touches the earth.” Chatter filled the channels as ponies scrambled to full fill her will. “Night Hunter Overheat, you are to a company the ground forces, Emerald Cutter join up with the triplets and squad two and prepare a boarding party. I want you to get inside the first chance you get. Killing Perfection you’re on standby with Rinin unit seven.”

“Aye ma’am,” They all shouted over their gem coms.

“And be careful,” She added, “All of you, be careful, don’t get yourselves killed.”

A few of them chuckle over the coms, more than likely it was the Night Hunters, “Should we consider that an order ma’am?”

“Yes, yes you should,” Luna replied, smiling faintly.

Squads three and four fired their missiles at the cyclops, a few hit their mark, others didn’t, and close-quarters combat quickly ensues. Through her spyglass, Luna watched helplessly as Odds and Evens' squads faced off against the cyclops. Her stomach twisting as more creatures, this time ogres, come to the cyclops’s defense.

“Have squad five support three and four,” Luna ordered solemnly, “Spades, what’s your progress?”

Aces Spades, a black Pegasus with a green mane, looked warily at his situation. In front of him were four big rocket-like engines similar to the Moon Cutter’s only on a more substantial scale before him and he was at a loss at what to do. His missiles have proven ineffective against the engines, they were simply too big.

“Progress is at a grinding halt, ma’am. We gave her everything we had and didn’t scratch it. We either need a bigger projectile, or we need to manually shut the engines down from the inside.”

“I see, what do you think, Gadget?” Luna asked, looking to the mechanically minded pony for answers.

Gadget hummed collecting his thoughts, “We’d need to power down the engines generator, blowing up the fuel source would be the most effective method. We’d take out the engines and a good portion of the factory all at once. The problem is we need to get in there, and you see how well that’s going.”

“I think I can be of some help in that regard,” A voice said over the coms, Luna, Celestia and Gadget all turn to the radio pony, asking who spoke. The pony points to the 088 icons.

“Nico Vega?” Celestia questioned remembering the Rinin from the battle for the Crystal Empire. What was he doing inside the factory?

“That’s me, came in looking for Commanders Fury and Sixes, haven’t found them yet, but I did find their cloaking device thing and took it out. Glad to see you all showed up right away. I’ve been ducking tail for a while now. I don’t think I made them too happy with my little stunt.”

Luna gasped, “Sixes and Fury are captured?”

“Afraid so, I’m trying to locate them, but it’s not easy. Ponies are running everywhere, and I don’t really blend in very well. Hold on connections getting bad.” The com went silent for a solid minute; there is nothing but static. “Alright, I’m back, sorry about that, coms been going in and out for a while. What are your orders, Princess? Should I keep looking for the Commanders or do I go for the engines?”

Luna bit her cheek, wishing Nico hadn’t asked her that. Logically there was only one choice to make, but she didn’t want to say it.

“Disable the engines, Nico Vega, Sixes and Fury will take priority after that,” Celestia said suddenly, surprising Luna by how calm and composed she was. She smiled down at her, a tight smile that was forced but meant to reassure Luna that she knew what she was thinking.

“Roger that, I’ll get right on it,” Nico confirmed cutting off the transmission.

“Thank you, sister,” Luna whispered, “For saying what needed to be said.”

Celestia smiled softly, “It’s what I’m here for.”

With a slight nod and smile, Luna returned to coordinating her troops. They need to get the enemy’s attention off a Nico, so he could succeed in his mission, and there was only one thing that could possibly do that.

“As of now Celestia is the primary commander of the Moon Cutter, I’m going out to take field command.” Luna declared, earning a few gasps, “Killing Perfection, you’re my wing pony.”

“Understood,” The white Rinin saluted, “I’ll meet you on the flight deck.”

“Luna,” Celestia said, causing Luna to pause in her steps. “Be safe.”

She nodded, “I will trust me.”

Celestia sighed as Luna walked away, her stomach a twist of knots. “I do, little sister, I do, but I still worry.” She whispered under her breath.

Steeling her heart Celestia took the reins of the Moon Cutter once again, “Attention all squads, princess Luna is entering the battlefield. Keep an extra eye on her flank for me.”

“Roger that!” A herald of voices called over the coms with earnest, warming Celestia’s heart, her sister had befriended a lot of wonderful ponies.

“Thank you, my ponies, now let’s get these villains!”

Nico Vega ran for all he was worth, ducking in and out of the shadows passing by without a notice. Stealth was his best bet at getting to his objective as quickly as possible. He was ever so thankful, more than ever, of his dark colorings. His black and grey skin and hair blend perfectly in with the shadows. Quietly he crept along the side of the wall pass a pair of ponies standing still in the chaos. He wondered what their purpose was. Lowing himself down, he hoped to catch wind of some Intel, but they were simply standing there, silent.

Looking left to right for anypony nearby, he debated taking them down and interrogating them. The risk verse reward was questionable. They COULD know where the engine room and prisoners are, but if he could ‘convince’ them to tell him would be another story. There was also the fact that once he took them out, he would have to kill them, hide the bodies and hope no pony noticed them gone from their post.

He flexed his claws, going back and forth on what to do. Looking around again for anypony, he saw no pony around. It was now or ever.

He let go and fell on top of the guards before they could react, he knocked both upside the head dropping them to the ground. Quickly he grabbed their hind legs, dragging them into the room they were guarding.

Inside Nico took a moment to inspect the room, mainly for anypony else, but also out of curiosity. Really what could so crucial that two ponies remained on guard even during a battle? The answer was the two HUGE test tubes with two strange-looking beasts. They look like ponies, while their lower bodies did. Their upper body was something he’s never seen before. Maybe it was a gorilla? They sure had the muscles of one, but then they also had bull horns on their head, so perhaps they were part Minotaur?

“Tirek and Scorpion, huh, quite the names. Hmm, what’s this?” On pedestal behind the tubes, there was a sort of boot with claws on it, underneath was a plaque that read, “Use in case of escape. Well, that sounds important.”

Putting the boot on Nico was surprised to find it fit rather well, giving him a little more reach with his claws to boot. “I’m keeping this.”

“Now, what do to do with you two?” He wondered aloud as he shook the first guard awake. The pony groaned, gradually coming back to the land of the living. He snapped away when he got a clear view of Nico, but before the guard could really act, he was grabbed again and forced into a chokehold, with five razor-sharp claws against his throat.

“Time to spill some beans buddy, tell me where the engine and prison block are, and you might get out of here alive.”

“Go ahead and kill me now, I know there is no reason for me to live once I tell you, so go ahead and do it!” The pony yelled as he struggled, awaking his partner.

“My respect for your loyalty buddy,” He said plunging the metal claws into the poor stallion’s throat, nearly taking his whole head off in the process, but more importantly the blood sprayed onto the awakening guard, who screamed in horror at what probably had to be a pretty horrible sight.

Dropping the dead guard, Nico caught the other before he could get more than a few inches away, maneuvering other guards, so he was looking at his dead friend.

“Ten seconds, you have ten seconds to tell me where the engine room and the prison cells are, or you end up like him.”

“I-I- ddodont”

“Eight.”

“Theiereir”

“Four, come on buddy not much time left.”

“The engine room is-is at the base of the factory at the lowest level. The prison is located in the middle section on the far north side where the factory connects to the side of the mountain.”

“Thanks, buddy and I’m sorry.” Nico plunged his claws into the pony’s throat ending him quickly. He then dragged the bodies to the very back of the room finding a mat to place over the blood, it wasn’t a perfect cover-up, but maybe it would buy him some time if somepony stumbled inside.

Now how to get down to the lower levels? Better yet, where was he even at? There was no number on the walls or anything to really indicate if he was in the higher levels or lower levels. He hadn’t been paying attention after he stumbled upon the cloaking device and blew it up. They were giving a good chase and did manage to corner him… for a few seconds. He wondered how long it would take for another squad to pick up where their comrades left off.

“Maybe I can find some stairs or…”

“There he is!”

“Crap…” Looking around for anything that could help him, Nico spotted a vent and dived right in. The vent was big, big enough for a pony of his size to fit. Sometimes being on the smaller side had its perks.

“Well, at least I’m going down,” Maybe he’ll stumble on to the engine room like he did with the cloaking room. He seemed to have a strange sort of luck for this sabotage stuff.

After traveling downwards for what seemed like forever, Nico finally came to the end of the tunnel, literary and low and behold the engine room. The vent must supply air to the lower levels, kind of like in the Moon Cutter.

Peering, through the grates, Nico examined his target, which from the size of it would take more than some lightning breath to destroy. If complete destruction wasn’t possible, the next best thing was disabling. A machine this big had to have a lot of working parts, parts that needed to work, or nothing would. Gadget said something about generators… like those over there!

Breaking the grate, Nico flew up to the ceiling to get the overview of the engine. There were four big generators, all set on a grid from the looks of it. From what he could tell the generators were set up in a vertical style verses the Moon Cutter’s horizontal. None the less it seemed they too use gem powered engines. He’d have to bring that up to Gadget after this was all over. Whatever the case, the best way to take out a gem engine was to take out its cooling system. Once again going off the Moon Cutter’s design would most likely be a blue set of gems.

“That looks about right,” Nico flew over to the large tower engines, ducking below the giant gem spinning at high speeds and came to a stop at the smaller head-sized blue gems below, which sure enough were producing a large amount of artic air to keep the jewels above cold.

Reaching in Nico snatched one of the blue gems and ate it. Instantly he felt a chill down his spine as the cold spell was absorbed into his body. Expanding his chest, Nico felt the stinging sensation of glacial ice travel up his throat as he unleashed a stream of subzero ice breath upon the machine. Everything came to a grinding halt, frozen in ice, and with a little tap of his claw, the device shattered to pieces.

Immediately the other engines began working harder, trying to make up for the lost motor, but this caused the rotating gems to spin faster, making them hotter, so hot in fact that the cooling jewels couldn’t keep up. Wasn’t long after that a second engine blew and then the third, and now everything felt like it was falling.

“Time to go!”

Nico took off just as the factory-made contact with the ground.

Outside on the ground, Applejack and Rawhide were huddled in their foxholes with every unicorn and earth pony in the heavy infantry and scouts. Attach to Applejack’s hoof was Gadget’s newest toy, the hoof cannon, the thing was made with the same idea as Celestia’s grieves. By merely focusing their earth pony magic, she could create a small orb of magic and fire it. The hoof blasters didn’t have the stopping power of the ship’s cannons, but it would take a pony down. The downside was it took a full five seconds to charge a lethal shot, anything less was just a love tap. This made the rate fire pretty low, and if fired it too often and too fast it overheats. Still, it was nice to be able to attack from afar for once. She kept her grieves on through knowing eventually things would get up close and personal.

“Look alive! We got incoming!” Rawhide shouted as the factory fell to earth. Nico did his job. Hopefully, he and others inside were alright. The factory landed hard. Dust kicking up from the landing obscured their vision, and for a moment, everything was silent.

Applejack peeked up out of her hole, her cannon humming softly as she powered up a blast. All around her ponies emerged doing the same. Through the dust and smoke, they spotted figures rising up off the ground. Moments later, beams of fire slammed into the defensive positions.

“Return fire!”

The sound of hundreds of hoof cannons going off at once was deafening. Glowing orbs of magic flew into the figures, creating screams of pain. It wasn’t long that the enemy returned fire, beams of light, blasts from unicorn horns and cannon echoed, and then there were the howls. Peeking over the defenses, Applejack spotted the familiar sight of artic timberwolves charging at them. Their white bark skin cover in ice sent chills down her spine as she remembered her last encounter with them.

“Don’t let them get close! Use alternating volley fire!” She ordered taking a shot at the wolves, only to miss. That was the third problem with these things, it was more guessing than actual aiming at anything farther than twenty feet.

Sure enough, once the wolves were close enough, they were quickly taken out by the barrage of cannon fire, their wooden bodies bursting into flames. Now they were back to the start, firing blindly into the enemy ranks, unable to advance due to the enemies more accurate fire, but the enemy wasn’t willing to push into their fighting range.

“We need air support.” Applejack grumbled into her gem communicator, only to get a bunch of static, “Every damn time! You got any ideas?”

Rawhide peered over the battlefield, on top of the factory there was a barrage of anti-air fire, which what was probably keeping their units from descending. Of course they could fall back and join up with them from behind, but that would only ground the air units. In the middle section of the factory more stone golems lined up, firing into the sky at the Moon Cutter. There was also a horde of ogres forming at the base of the factory. They would be in tight pinch very soon if they didn’t do something.

“Well, we could dig a tunnel.” Rawhide suggested, anticipating Applejack’s ‘are you kidding me’ look he shushed her, picking up his pickaxe and infused it with his magic. With one mightily swing, he dug five feet into the ground.

“Dirt’s pretty soft, I used to blow through two feet of rock back in the day. I’ll have us under them in no time.”

“Alright then, you get digging I’ll keep things going up here. Signal me when you get to the enemy line. Hopefully, the Moon Cutter can get low enough for Overheat to jump down and join us.”

“You just keep your head down and keep those monsters at bay, I’ll be right back.” Rawhide grinned giving Applejack a quick peck on the cheek. He dug into the earth with vigor, disappearing into the darkness of his tunnel in only a few seconds.

“That’s very unprofessional!” Applejack called down, blushing. “Stupid stallion never serious when he supposed to be.” She grumbled firing at the enemy.

Sixes got up with a groan, if he were to guess, Luna and the others arrived. They could have waited a little bit longer to send them crashing to earth, preferably after they got out of here. Speaking of which, these walls were sturdy, solid mountain rock made excellent prison walls.

“That would be our friends,” He looked to the elected leader of the imprisoned ponies, Shadow Specter was what he calls himself. Shadow claimed to be a sort of ghost pony but was unable to validate his claim do to the collar blocking his magic. “Are you still hesitant about escaping?”

Since their reintroduction with their former cellmates, Sixes and Fury had learned a lot about the factory. Such as how long they had been operating and the many experiments they’d conducted. The 150 Rinin ponies that he and Fury had been a part of were one of the few mass production experiments. Most ponies here in prison were specialized experiments, some were variants of regular ponies, like the giant pony, P-Rex, and the Shadow Specter himself, along with a few more monster ponies similar to Overheat and Emerald Cutter. Altogether they numbered about a few hundred. Their numbers varied from as low as 004 to as high as 9989, other than the 150 Rinin, and the ponies here, all other experiments were failures, in which the subject died, leaving a rough total of four hundred and fifty successful trials, well four hundred and fifty-one, now. With maybe more in labs.

“It’s not that we don’t want to escape Sixes, of course, we do, but…” Shadow Specter hesitated, “We tried before and failed. These collars don’t just block our magic, they also act as a sort of anti-riot device. We get loose; it only takes a single charge of a horn to have us on our knees. Let me tell you from experience, it’s not pleasant.”

“So if we get these collars off, you’d fight?” Fury asked, making Sixes wonder what his friend had in mind.

“We’d follow you with vigor right into the mouth of hell itself.”

“Well then,” Fury said, expanding his chest, “Guess it’s up to me then.”

“Fury, what are you doing?” Sixes demanded as he watched his friend try to summon up his fire breath. Steam blew off the red Rinin’s body as his scales crack, at this rate Fury would explode! “Fury stop, Fury!”

Liquid fire fell from Fury’s mouth as he smiled, his entire body engulfed in flame. “I’ll see you in a few minutes,” He said, “Make sure you move the collar, I’d hate to do this again.”

Right before Sixes very eyes, Fury erupted into a column of fire and crumbled into ash. The metal collar ringing as it rolled across the stone floor.

Luna led the charge with Killing Perfection and the Rinin triplets, Trifecta (#301), Trinity (#302), and Thrice(#303), they were called the triplets, well because they all look the same. All three sported the same grey-blue coat color, silver mane, and stood at the same height. Overall they made a capable team.

As she and Killing Perfection flew in to try and enter the enemy stronghold, the triplets providing cover fire with their hoof cannons, blasting away at the line of stone cyclops. Ogres quickly filled the voids, swinging clubs and such at them. Luna wasn’t in a mood to play and grabbed the ogres with her magic and threw them off the side to the ground, it was a long way down.

With her hooves on the enemy base, Luna felt a brief moment of triumph. Working quickly she and Killing Perfection sent the rest of the monsters on the platform to a quick and timely demise viva pushing them off the side. They were about to clear the other platforms when half a dozen unicorns rushed them.

Pulling her star blades from their holster, she met the unicorn head-on with Killing Perfection, quickly finding out something was different about them the moment one slipped through her defenses and got a hit on her breastplate, denting it. Luna wheezed as the dented metal pushed on her lung, restricting her breathing. KP rushed from the side tackling the pony that dare hit her and sent him flying off the factory. The shuttering hiss of her swords being drawn filled the air as the white Rinin mercilessly craved her way through the five remaining ponies.

“Are you alright, princess?” She asked dragging Luna to the corner of the platform. Keeping one eye trained on the door leading inside as she worked to get the princess’s breastplate off. Luna pushed her away before she could though, Perfection stepped back allowing the princess to stand on her own hooves as Luna used magic to remove the dent in her armor.

“I’m fine. They just took me by surprise is all. I never expected a unicorn to hit that hard, it was almost like taking a kick from Applejack.” Though Applejack never tried to kill her, if not for her armor and the sturdy material it was made out of, she’d be breathing through her chest right now. “I fear I may have underestimated them. I thought they were the science type like Gadget and would be lacking physical department, but I was proven wrong.”

“I’m sorry, princess,” Said Killing Perfection, “I should have paid better attention, it’s my fault they got so close to you.”

Luna waved her off her concern, “Think nothing of it KP, one should guard their own life on their own. Relying on other ponies to do it for you only weakens one's own survival instincts. Let us take this lesson with a grain of salt and move on from here.”

“Understood.”

Luna nodded and retrieved her gem commutator, “This is Princess Luna, we have secured a foot hold, I repeat we have a foot hold, send down the assault teams.”

“Roger that, Emerald Cutter and her squad are on the way down,” The radio pony replied.

“Shall we secure the other platforms then?” Luna grinned mischievously lighting up her horn.

“Already got them done, princess!”

Luna and Killing Perfection ran to the edge of the platform to see the triplets each holding their own cleared platform. A few moments’ later diamonds rain down from the sky, wiping out the enemies on the platforms above, announcing the arrival of Emerald and her team.

“Sorry we're’ late princess, had to drag this lug with us.” Emerald joked pointing at Overheat.

The fiery monster pony gave a salute before jumping off the crystal pathway Emerald was making for the land units to travel on, hopping down to the lower platforms, and leaving a fiery trail in his wake as he made his way to the ground to support the Rawhides and Applejack’s forces below.

“Alright, let’s move out!” Luna commanded once every pony was on the platforms, together they entered the enemy stronghold.

Once inside they broke off into three teams, one lead by Luna, one by Emerald Cutter, and one by Killing Perfection. Their mission was to subdue all enemy combatants by whatever means and take the upper, middle, and lower levels.

Luna took the middle, while Killing Perfection took the upper, with Emerald taking the lower, each one with their own five pony unit at their command.

As the hoof steps of others disappeared in the distance, Luna prayed for their safety. More ponies would be joining them soon, the triplets would keep their foothold secured for the other units. Yet, despite everything going their way, the twisting knots in her stomach did not leave her. In the corner of her mind she knew something was wrong, very wrong, she just didn’t know what.

“It’s kind of quiet,” one of the ponies behind her said, making Luna stop in tracks and take a look around. There was nothing here, no ponies, no monsters, nothing!

“Princess?”

“Shoosh,” She demanded with her hoof. Closing her eyes, she stomped her foot on the metal floor, using earth sonar to find anything, anything at all. For a long time she felt nothing, when suddenly at the very end of the sonar's range, something appeared and it was getting closer.

Its hooves clang on the metal floor, loud like thunder, the noise deafening in the silence of the darkness. From the darkness emerged a pair of glowing yellow eyes, followed by a long metal horn, the thing was massive, at least a head taller than her.

It was a horse, a metal horse.

“Hello again, my dear Princess of the Night, how are you today?”

“Yellowblood,” Luna gasped, recognizing the noble’s voice. “What, what happened to you?”

The metal monster laughed, “I have given up my fear and have ascended to the higher plane! I now no longer afraid of you and your sister, or the insignificant power you hold. I am beyond you now. I will prove it two you now, by killing those slacks for flesh behind you.”

“You will do no such thing!”

“Really,” Yellowblood chuckled darkly, his horn engulfed in yellow flame, “Try and stop me!”

Luna lurched forward with her star blades posed to attack as Yellowblood’s magic flowed around her, only when it was too late did she realize her mistake. Her blades bounce harmlessly off the metal stallion's coat as his magic attacked the ponies behind her. She turned, foolishly giving her back to her enemy as she saw all five ponies fall to the ground with spears of light buried in their hearts.

Tears stained her cheeks as she faced to the metal pony laughing behind her, the shadows dancing around her in an angry frenzy. She screamed at the top of her lungs, magic gathered around her hoof as she struck with all her might. Yellowblood met her, their feet slammed together, creating a shock wave so powerful it ripped the floor beneath them apart.

They fell into the darkness below.

9/22/19 edited

Night Patrol Ch 19

By Foxgear

Applejack and Rawhide were in the thick of it when Overheat crashed down from the sky like a meteor and took out a dozen ogres with his landing alone. The six-legged fire stallion quickly went to work on the enemy forces, reducing a chunk of the enemy line to ash in seconds. Honestly the display left Applejack feeling a little outclassed. At least Rawhide’s tunnel worked out, and their fellow soldiers could cross the battlefield with minimal safety.

“Save some for us, will ya?” Applejack hollered over the noise as Overheat bucked a stone cyclops in two. The thing was still alive as it tried to charge a magic beam, tried being the keyword since she smashed her hoof through the thing’s eye before it could get the shot off.

“Take what you can, cause I always lick my plate clean,” Overheat said with his usual cocky grin. At least Aj assumed he was grinning, it was hard to tell when he was a flaming skeleton.

Whatever he was doing didn’t really matter to her, she was glad he was here. Having any of the monster ponies around in a fight made everything easier, fight a monster with another monster as they say. It was about as good as having one of the princesses with you. There didn’t seem to be anything the night hunters couldn’t takedown.

A pony tapped her shoulder, Applejack turned to see it was Rawhide, and he didn’t look thrilled despite their impending victory. She looked around and saw the field was almost cleared, so what was making him so sour?

Then she felt it, it was coming from the shadowed entrance of the factory, a chill ran down her spine like when she met Sombra back in the Crystal Empire. Vaguely she noticed the waves of monsters coming from the factory had stopped, filling the air with an eerily silence.

“Everypony get ready for anything!” Applejack yelled her hoof cannon charged and ready, everypony followed her lead, feeling the same mounting dread she did. They took aim for the entrance. The fear building as the “KUNK KUNK” of something massive stomped toward them. From the shadows emerged a gleaming dull gray hoof, followed by a longhorn, shrouded in orange magic.

She gave the command to fire before the creature could fully come into view, “FIRE!”

At least fifty blasts hit the entrance, of those that actually hit their shadowy target was uncertain, but they defiantly caused some damage. There was a crater for crying out loud! Yet, Applejack couldn’t shake the fear off her skin.

“Recharge and fire another volley!” She ordered, retaking aim, only for Overheat to move in front of her. “What are you doing? You’re in the way!”

Overheat shook his head, “No, you’re in my way, get out of here, all of you! This opponent is something else. Something you can’t handle.”

“We can’t just leave you here alone with that thing! Whatever it is…” Applejack protested.

Overheat eyed the thing in the smoke warily, it was awfully patient, or perhaps it was toying with them, he didn’t know or care to find out with everypony standing around and NOT doing what he told them to do.

“You and Rawhide might be of some help, but the others? They’ll just be cannon fodder. Get them out, and then you can come back and help me, now GO!”

Rearing up Overheat bellowed a stream of scathing fire at the metallic pony, which fired a blast of orange magic to counter his attack. The two attacks met and sent fire flying everywhere!

(At least it got them moving) Overheat snorted side trotting as the thing charged him, smashing the ground where he once stood, rearing back he struck the metal beast's flank with his four front hooves, each strike creating a shower of sparks, overall though it seemed ineffective, so he leaped back to grain some distance and reexamined his enemy.

The thing was a tall, if not a little taller than him, with a longhorn (about as long as Celestia’s) and wings perhaps? Then there was the thing’s metal skin, he didn’t know what kind of metal it was, but it was damn hard. His horseshoes hadn’t even made a dent, which meant melting it would be his best option.

“Well then, come on and get me!” He taunted, earning the thing’s attention. It charged its horn as he rushed it, galloping at full speed.

An attack, from the ruined factory entrance, sent him stumbling though, a red blast of magic caught his right front shoulder. Trotting on five legs Overheat veered left, avoiding several more explosions from both attackers. Ducking behind some broken stone cyclops he took a moment to catch his breath as a second metal pony joined the first.

(Ok, I could really use Applejack and Rawhide now, these ponies are something else.)

While debating on what to do, the two metal ponies start blasting his position, breaking chunks of the stone cyclops away with each blast, it wouldn’t be long before his cover was dust in the wind.

As Overheat was about to make a break for it, the firing stopped, followed by a loud ‘clang’! Peering over his defenses, he was glad to see Rawhide and Applejack in the fray, both earth ponies were going to town the metal ponies with all their might, Applejack with her four glowing hooves and Rawhide with his glowing pickaxe (When did he learn to do that?) together they pushed the two metal ponies back, their sudden rush catching the two metal beasts off guard.

Spurred on by their display of might, Overheat rushed from his cover aflame, taking his skeletal form. With a mighty leap, he jumped into the air and fell like a meteor on the red metal pony, burying the thing into the earth. The orange pony charged up an attack, but Rawhide stuck his pickaxe into the thing’s eye socket, causing its shot to veer off in a different direction.

“Think that did it?” Applejack asked as they regrouped at the factory entrance. The two metal ponies got back up almost instantly, looking none the worse for wear.

“I think that would be a resounding no, time for a change in tactics,” Overheat tapped his gem communicator, “This is night hunter Overheat, requesting the deployment of the AT-1, time to test out that new toy Gadget.”

“Roger that, AT-1 will deploy in five minutes.”

“Why is it always five minutes?” Overheat grumbled under his breath, preparing for the next round. He hoped they could last that long.

“Let’s go, let’s go! Get this thing moving!” A pony yelled as he climbed to the top of the AT-1, his name was Howitzer, an earth pony from the backwoods of Equestria and the AT-1’s test pilot. He studied Gadget’s manual thoroughly in preparation for this day. All he needed now was his crew to arrive, and they could deploy.

Opening the hatch, Howitzer vaguely noticed the tank begin to rumble as it came to life. He brushed it off, thinking somepony got here ahead of him. When he got inside, he was in for a big surprise.

There in the driver’s seat was Nightingale, who by his memory should be at the castle recovering, next to her reading the tank’s operations manual was a very nervous looking Dusk, who should also be at the castle.

“That starts the engine, and that’s the gun, and this is the throttle. To go forward you-“

“I think I got it.” Nightingale grinned, revving the throttle, “Now let’s stretch this thing wings or tracks or… whatever, let’s rock!”

“Wait, I want to AGGGHHHH!” Dusk screamed as Nightingale gunned the gas, propelling the tank forward to the edge of the lowered ramp, The Moon Cutter still airborne by the way.

Howitzer felt his body leave the floor of the tank as they drove off the ramp, free-falling to the ground at high speeds.

“Hit the parachute for Luna’s sake!” He screamed as he moved through the cramped cockpit and mashed the release button. There was a soft “Floosh” as the shoot deployed, followed by a soft jerk as the tank’s descent slowed.

“What in Luna’s name are you two doing in here?” Howitzer demanded as he tried to regain control of his tank, but Nightingale pushed him away, keeping him from the driver’s seat. He growled under his breath as they touched down on the ground. Eagerly Nightingale drove them ahead, leaving him little choice but to man the main gun.

“Well, the plan was for me to join the battle and for little Dusky here to meet up with Gadget, but we both overslept… a lot. We woke a little bit before the battle, but Dusk was too scared to get out and face her dad, understandable really, so she started reading the manual to calm down, and I was pretending- I mean learning how this thing works.” Nightingale explained excitedly as they neared the battlefield, “Now, are you going to work with us or keep whining like a foal?”

Howitzer scoffed, “Fine, but don’t be crying to me when Gadget chews your ears off.”
Looking through the telescope, Howitzer spotted their targets, “Dusk, I need you to load the cannon, while I aim and fire, Nightingale you’ll drive, try to keep us steady, but don’t let us get hit too often. This thing can take a hit, but she’s not unstoppable.”

“Alright, let’s do this!” Nightingale cheered, pushing the throttle to max speed.

Peering through the scope, Howitzer lined up his shot on the metal menaces attacking their comrades.

“Get out of the way!” He barked over the coms, Overheat, Applejack, and Rawhide quickly retreated from the two beasts, giving him a clean shot at the two. The sound of the cannon’s breach closing signaled that he was locked and loaded and ready to fire.

Unlike the ship's cannons and the hoof cannons, the AT-1 fired gem tipped projectiles, much like the air unit’s missiles, and while they only had limited ammo, each shot pack a lot more punch! With a raise of his leg, Howitzer stomped on the trigger, firing the round.

The round screamed out of the barrel, rocketing through the air at subsonic speeds, through his scope, he tracked the shot. The projectile impacted behind his targets, a miss, pleating them with chunks of earth. He cursed and adjusted his aim as Dusk loaded another shell.

“Incoming attack, move left forty degrees!”

Nightingale bit her lip as she maneuvered the tank, the sound of two magical blasts impacting behind them made her nearly draw blood. It was unnerving driving when she couldn’t see what was happening. Howitzer was the only one of them that could actually see clearly in this metal contraption. Everything relied on his guidance.

“Straighten out, don’t let them get a lock on our side or they might track us, and then we’ll be in real trouble!”

“Roger that!” Nightingale yelled, turning the tank.

Howitzer turned the turret slightly to get a bead on the enemies’ flanks, they didn’t seem too concerned as they moved their heads for another attack, keeping the broadside of their bodies in his crosshairs. He was about to show them how worried they should be as he fired another shot.

He fired again, this time he was right on target and caught the orange one in the side, and sent it flying from the impact! Right into the bottom of the factory! The red one turned away, rushing to the aid of the other.

“Can I get a confirmation on the target? Have we caused damage?” Howitzer radios, the dust from the impact completely blinding his vision.

“Target hit, but no way to confirm any damage. AND WOW that’s a big hole!” Applejack reported over the coms. “Woah! Oh, boy, he doesn’t look too happy!”

“Applejack, please come in Applejack.”

“Ah’m a little busy!”

Looking through the scope, Howitzer saw that three engage the red metal pony again, giving him no clear shot. He moved to the hole made in the side of the factory and zoomed in, finding no trace of the orange metal pony. Still, he wanted to be sure.

“Load the blue-tipped round,” He ordered Dusk. “We’re going to put that metal monster on ice.”

Blue round loaded, Howitzer fired into the hole. A moment later the hole was sealed entirely in ice.

“Drive us closer and position us beside those rocks there Nightingale, we’ll hold our position there and provide artillery fire on demand. Did you get all that Applejack?”

“Roger that, we’ll get you your shot. Give us a moment to wrangle this guy down, he’s getting awfully feisty.”

“Sounds like he’s quite the opponent,” Nightingale chuckled as she positioned them by the rocks. “Wish I could be out there right now. Maybe I should go join them?”

Howitzer glared at her, “We need a minimum of three ponies to run this thing. You’re not going anywhere. Now cut the chatter and be ready to move on my command.”

“Aye, aye captain,” Nightingale saluted with a cheeky grin. Howitzer grumbled under his breath, watching the battle through his scope. Since they were kind of stuck for the moment, Nightingale took a second to glance towards Dusk to see how the aged up filly was holding up. Overall she seemed fine, minus the trembling, the heavy breathing, the… ok, maybe she wasn’t doing so great.

“Hey, you, ok?” Nightingale whispered, placing a comforting hoof on Dusk’s shoulder. The black-eyed filly looked at her, eyes swollen with held back tears. Making Nightingale feel terrible for dragging her along on her little adventure. She should have pushed the younger mare out of the tank for her own sake if nothing else, but she didn’t. That was a real lapse in judgement in hindsight. Of course, it’s hard to remember how young Dusk actually is when she looked no younger then Nightingale herself.

Dusk nodded and tried to smile, but it wasn’t a compelling one. Nightingale patted Dusk's shoulder and offered her best smile. “Don’t worry, you’ll make it through this, I swear, I’ll make sure you do,” Nightingale promised, though she hoped it was one she could keep.

“Look alive, time for some action!” Howitzer said, firing a shot. Nightingale and Dusk quickly got back to work as Howitzer barked his orders

“Fire!” Applejack yelled over the coms as she ducked behind some rubble as the whistling sound of a gem shell flew over her head, it slammed into the red metal pony. She quickly crawled up to peek at the damage and cursed as a shimmer of red magic encased the metal pony in a protective dome.

Roaring at the top of his lungs, Rawhide attacked the metal pony from behind, his pickaxe glowing with magic as he strikes, remarkably it pierce the dome, but it was still too far away to do any damage. The metal pony dropped the shield and kicked Rawhide with his back hooves, sending the earth stallion flying into the wall.

Snorting angrily, Applejack rushed in low and swept the metal pony’s legs out from under him, rushing to Rawhide’s side as Overheat came in and stomped on the metal pony’s face before it could get up.

“You ok?” Applejack asked, fearful as she looked over Rawhide’s body for injuries. There was a stream of blood coming from under his helmet. Carefully she removed it, only to regret it as more blood flowed down and covered his face. She placed pressure on the wound and reached for her com.

“This is Commander Applejack, I need a medic pony at my position, ASAP, I repeat, I need a medic pony. We got a pony down!”

“We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Some Pony replied, in the distance, she saw some movement back by their barricades.

She sighed with relief, thankful there medic ponies stationed so close. She just hoped they could make it here and back with Rawhide safely, the battle was really starting to heat up.

Overheat was going hoof to hoof against the metal pony, both were so close to each other neither could really use their fancier moves or magic, so it was down to a good old brawl of brawn, which Overheat would probably win, if not for the fact he was facing down a literal wall of metal.

The night hunter smashed his barrel against the metal pony’s, trying to tackle him to the ground, but the metal pony wouldn’t give and pushed back nearly bringing Overheat down, if not for the fire stallion digging in with all six of his legs, he would have been squashed. With a grunt, Overheat pushed back, freeing his front claws, which he used to grip onto the metal pony’s neck. Giving him enough leverage to knock the pony over and give Overheat some breathing room as he trotted away.

“What are you waiting for? FIRE!” He shouted over the coms.

The sound of the AT-1’s cannon firing was comforting as the shell hit the metal pony, sending it skidding across the ground, barely missing the factory wall, unlike his kin before him.

“Whoahoo, that’s the stuff!” Overheat celebrated as the medic ponies emerged from the tunnel. They quickly tended to Rawhide, while Applejack fussed, he was about to go join them, confident the metal monster wouldn’t be getting back up again, but as he trotted away, he heard a groan from behind him. Stopping, he turned to the metal pony, whatever shell the tank team had used left a mark in the form of a massive hole in its barrel, but the metal monster was still alive and kicking and really pissed off now.

“You ingrates dare bring me to my knees, dare to lay a hoof on my beloved cousin, and expect to get away unscathed? I will see you hung by your entrails for such offenses! No pony makes a fool of Ruby Redblood!”

Overheat scowled at the metal monster, this was one of the nobles? (What happened? More importantly, what was that crazy red aura behind him? It looks like an Alicorn.)

“Take this!” Redblood screamed madly, firing a colossal blast of magic at Overheat.

The night hunter expelled a stream of fire to counter the spell, but it wasn’t a very even match up. He quickly found himself overwhelmed by Redblood’s attack and was losing ground rapidly. He summoned up all the magic he could muster and pushed back, gaining an inch for his efforts, an inch he quickly lost.

“Damnit!” Cursed Overheat as he tried to put more power into his attack, but alas, he was maxed out. In the background, he could hear Applejack screaming his name, probably rushing to help him, but she wouldn’t make it in time. Not that she could possibly do anything anyway. This pony, this metal monster of a pony, was too much for them.

Applejack ran for all she was worth, but she knew she wouldn’t make it in time, regardless Applejack charged up her boots with as much magic as she could muster, hoping it could do something, anything to that metal monster. As she drew closer, Redblood’s attack was about to engulf Overheat, Applejack screamed at the top of her lungs, trying to gallop even faster, but that wasn’t enough, Then a familiar voice spoke over her gemcom and nearly caused her to trip from surprise.

“GET AWAY FROM MY FRIENDS!” Nightingale screamed as she rammed the AT-1 at full speed right into Redblood, smashing the metal pony right into the wall of the factory!

“You crazy mare!” Howitzer yelled as the tank bucked from the impact. “You’re going to get us killed!”

“Shut up and fire!” Nightingale screamed savagely ramming the noble with the tank over and over again.

“Dusk, load an armor-piercing round, the silver one!” Howitzer ordered as they back off, he fired, point-blank into the noble’s face. Nightingale rammed the tank forward, only to stall as a blast of magic hit them head-on. The armor plating buckled under stress, bolts popped out of the walls, and ricocheted in the cab, one bolt hitting Howitzer in the chest.

“Come on, Nightingale,” He gasped, “It’s just a scratch! ONWARDS!”

Nightingale screamed, slamming the tank forward again, Redblood was unprepared for the assault as he thought he disabled them buckled as they pushed the metal noble right through the wall of the factory, blasting away as they drove deeper and deeper into darkness.

“Nightingale… Nightingale to you read me? Nightingale?” Applejack frantically called over the coms for her friend and received static as a response. Cautiously she walked to the hole the tank made and peered inside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the machine or the putter of its engine. Instead, she heard an explosion!

“NIGHTINGALE!”

“Applejack, what’s going on? What’s happened?” Gadget demanded over the coms, “Applejack, report!”

Applejack steadied herself against the broken wall of the factory. Taking long deep breaths to try and calm down.

“Nightingale, she-she was driving the tank. She…” Applejack explained what happened.

“I see, I’ll be right down with princess Celestia, you stay there and wait for us. Do not go in until we get there, do you understand?”

“Ah, do,” Applejack replied. The earth mare bit her lip, uncertain if she should tell Gadget or not yet, but decided it was best to tell him soon then later. “Gadget, there’s something else.”

“What’s that?”

“Ah think, Ah heard Dusk in the background over Nightingale’s com. I think she was inside the tank.”

There was silence, and then a ‘POP’ of magic as Gadget appeared beside her via teleportation. The greying unicorn had a mad look in his eyes like when he interrogated Redblood’s guards. Before she could speak a word, he ran into the darkness of the factory.

“Gadget wait, you can’t go alone!”

“DUSK!” Gadget screamed, completely ignoring her.

Celestia appeared in a flash, “Come on, Applejack, after him!” The Princess of the Sun gave chase after Gadget, leaving Applejack straggling behind as she ran full bore to keep up with the two.

“Wait, who in charge of the moon cutter?” Applejack asked, coming up beside the princess.

“Firefly is in charge,” Celestia told her as they swung around a corner, a trail of fire as their guide. “Things may be worse then I fear, we haven’t had any contact from Luna in the past half hour, I’m worried she may be in trouble as well as the assault teams.”

“Then, let’s pick up the pace then!” Applejack hollered, sprinting past the princess. She ran down a darkened tunnel that led to a larger chamber, from the looks of the ruins it was the factory’s engine room. In front of her was Gadget, staring down into a dark pit. She moved next him as Celestia joined them. They all stared in horror at the burning wreckage of the AT-1 down below.

“Dusk…”

Luna groaned as she felt her body bounced her hooves dragging across the ground. She felt tired like somepony had drained all the magic from her body. When Luna opened her eyes, there was only darkness. Being the Princess of the night meant being able to see in the dark, but everything was still only a vague shape to her right now. She then realized she was being carried and by Nico Vega of all ponies! Something that would be almost laughable given his size, if not for the grave situation they were in.

“Nico… what… happened?” She rasped, her throat dry.

The Rinin hummed, uncertain how to explain what happened, “I’m not really sure. You and this metal pony fell down a shaft and were fighting. I’m sorry to say it wasn’t going too well for you, but I’ll give you props for the cool looking aura you had up.”

“Aura?”

“Yeah, you had this black shroud thing hoovering around you, tearing everything around it to shreds! I didn’t know you could do stuff like that. Still, it didn’t seem to be working and the metal pony-“

“The metal pony is Yellowblood,” Luna informed him.

“Yellowblood, huh, who would have guessed that. Anyway, things weren’t going so well, so I jumped in and gave him a swipe in the eye with this thing.” Nico held up his claw equipped with the weapon he stole earlier. “For whatever reason, it managed to hurt him, I had hoped hitting his eye would let me hit his brain or something, but there was nothing there. Still, it seemed to hurt him, and you know what Killing Perfection says, if you can hurt something, you can kill it.”

“When did she say that?”

“Go patrolling with her sometime, and she’ll say a lot of things like that,” Nico answered, smiling. “She’s kind of a chatterbox when you get her alone.”

“I find that hard to believe… Nico, look out!” She grabbed the Rinin with her legs using her wings to propel them upwards as a blast of yellow magic zoomed beneath them.

Yellowblood caught up to them.

Luna turned them around, so they were facing their enemy, and she had to say she was impressed with Nico’s new toy, the gaping hole that once the metal pony’s right eye was a glorious sight indeed. Even if magic was spewing out of it like a broken faucet, giving Yellowblood a very menacing image.

The metal noble snapped his jaws angrily, charged another blast, and fired. Luna brought them upwards again, but a second blast escaped from Yellowblood’s horn and brought them back down to the ground.

Luna winced feeling the sting of the blast through her armor. She pressed her hoof against the wound blood stained her boot. Looking down, she saw a big tear in her armor. The metal was folded inwards, digging into her chest.

As Yellowblood stomped towards them, she felt Nico struggle to lift her up. She tried to get off him, to at least allow him to escape, but her body froze and went stiff again. Magic Exhaustion, she had magic exhaustion!

“Dammit,” She cursed as Yellowblood stood over her, hoof raised for a final strike.

“And so ends the mightly Princess Luna.” He chuckled.

Luna glared at him refusing to close her eyes, and with what little movement she had huddled her body tighter around Nico in a vain hope to shield him from the attack. As the metal hoof fell towards her, she noticed something strange in what would probably be her final moment.

A pebble bouncing on the ground, suddenly, the entire room began to shake as the sound of steel groaning and stone crumbling became a constant roar.

“What is that?” Yellowblood shouted, too distracted by the noise to finish his attack.

The wall next to them broke, shattering into a hail of debris as what had to be the biggest pony Luna had ever seen in her life gallop right at Yellowblood and smashed the metal pony into the adjacent wall.

“You look like you could use some backup Princess.” A voice said a sound she was overjoyed to hear.

“SIXES!” She cried; happily, the black Rinin smirked as he was joined by Fierce Fury and several other ponies she didn’t recognize.

“Allow me to introduce the new recruits.” He grinned as the strange ponies gathered around her in a protective formation. The giant pony from earlier came flying backward and smashed into the wall next to Sixes, they all glared at Yellowblood stomped out of the hole toward them.

“Night Patrollers,” Luna rose to her feet, unimaginable pain bombarding her senses, but she stood firm. She needed to show strength for her new soldiers, “ATTACK!

edited 10/8/19

Night Patrol Ch 20

By foxgear

Emerald and her unit stalked the shadowy hallways of the factory. So far, there was no contact with the enemy. This worried Emerald. They were in the enemy stronghold, the heart of their operations, they should be fighting tooth and nail to keep it. Unless…

“Princess Celestia, Princess Celestia, do you read me?” Emerald radioed over the coms, static-filled the air, frowning when nopony replied. “Is anypony there?”

“We’re-here-,” A voice said over the channel, there was a lot of static, but the voice defiantly wasn’t Celestia’s.

“Who is this?” Emerald demanded, “Who’s in Command?”

“Firefly, Princess Celestia put me in charge to join the battle.” Firefly answered.

Emerald Cutter let out a groan, their least experienced Commander was in charge. They were really spreading themselves thin.

“Firefly, listen up, I need you to connect me with the other Commanders and the Princesses. Something is very wrong here. We haven’t met a single enemy since entering, not even a single booby trap. I advise we pull out our units and blow this place apart from the outside with the ship's cannons.”

“We can’t do that,” Firefly replied, “We still haven’t managed to locate the prisoners, and we are having trouble connecting everyponies’ coms. We couldn’t order a retreat even if we wanted to.”

Emerald clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth in frustration. They had no choice, they had had to keep moving forward.

“Buckle, BootStrap stay here and keep the com lines open. The rest of you with me, we will…”

“Wait!” Firefly screamed over the coms, the high pitch of her voice made the gem coms scream with a horrible sound.

“What is it?” Emerald asked, clenching her teeth even harder. She was about to lose her patience!

Firefly took a moment to clear her voice and perform a fake cough. She was sweating profusely from the tone in Emerald Cutter's voice. She was not looking forward to their next face to face meeting.

“Sorry, I should have said this earlier, but we have been receiving reports of enemy combatants engaging with our forces. That’s why Celestia left to join the battle. From the reports, the enemy combatants are powerful metal ponies, and that used to be the nobles. So far we have encountered Orangeblood and Redblood, it is safe to assume there are at least three more. Be careful.”

“Roger that,” Emerald replied, straining her ears for any hint of the enemy. All was quiet and then.

(THUNK, THUNK, THUNK)

“Look alive, we have company.” She whispered to her unit. The sounds came from up ahead, down one of the corridors. Softly Emerald snuck closer, hugging the wall with her body. She waved Buckle over to look around the corner for her. Her longhorn would give her away before she could even get a peek at whatever was down there.

Buckle crept quietly around her, looking around the corner. His eyes widened in shock and fear at whatever he saw, but before he even had a chance to back away, a blast of green magic hit him in the head! Chunks of bone and flesh pelt Emerald’s Crystal green coat. The monster pony could do nothing but gasp at the sight of her fellow patroller falling lifelessly to the ground.

“Everypony back!” It was too late, though. Another blast blew the corner apart. Debris flew like cannon shots hitting them with lethal force. All were dead or soon to be dead, safe for Emerald Cutter, who survived thanks to her Crystal hard coat.

Rising through the rubble, Emerald got a good look at her opponent. He was one of the metal ponies, no doubt, the metal body a dead giveaway, and judging from the color of his magic, it was fair to say this particular metal pony was probably Greenblood.

“Not so high and mighty now are you, you freak.” The metal pony said, walking right up to her. “I will take great pleasure in humiliating you as you humiliated me! No pony makes a fool out of Greedy Greenblood! Especially dimwitted mares like you and that damnable Dippy hoof that don’t know their place!”

“Sounds like somepony has an inadequacy problem, what daddy’s money couldn’t make your little stallion any bigger? Must be why you got rid of it, not much to miss when you don’t have any balls in the first place.” Emerald sneered.

“You little!” Greenblood snarled his metal teeth, clanking angrily.

Emerald charged her horn slashing Greenblood with it, the metal noble backed away from her assault, but she followed up with her front claws grabbing the metal pony by the neck and tossed him over the side of the railing down a pit. Watching with satisfaction, Emerald sent a rain of gems down after Greenblood for good measure.

Satisfied with Greenblood’s demise, she pressed on going further into the factory. However, she didn’t get far when she heard what sounded like a gem engine roaring at supersonic speeds. Turning around, she just managed to catch a glimpse of Greenblood rocketing up from the deeps of darkness.

He zoomed around, making a circle in the vast chamber before flying right at her! Emerald formed a shield of crystals in front of her, but Greenblood rammed right through, his horn breaking through her crystal coat, sinking deep into her flesh and then coming out the other side of her left shoulder. Her left front legs went limb. With her right forelegs, she clawed at him, scrapping uselessly against his metal skin.

Greenblood chuckled as he smashed her against the wall, pulling his horn from her body he let her drop to the floor. Blood spilled from the wound profusely, a red puddle forming beneath Emerald.

“Not so tough now, are you?” Greenblood taunted, stepping on her wound with his hoof. Emerald screamed in pain as the metal noble dug his foot into the wound. She tried to charge up a spell, but he smacked her head against the wall before she could even gather the magic to do anything.

“This is your place, beneath me, you damn wench!”

Through swollen eyes, Emerald cutter glared at the noble pony and spat on his hoof. He hit her again, but she smiled anyway, she could still hurt his ego.

“Why you!”

He stomped on her again, but it didn’t matter, she was in so much pain she could hardly feel anything, probably nerve damage. Really what upset her was not the fact she was probably going to die, but the fact she was taken down by this poor excuse of a pony.

(Oh sweet Luna, that pisses me off!)

“Still trying to resist me? Oh, my dear, how much joy you bring me, but I grow bored with you.” Greenblood pressed his hoof against Emerald’s head and slowly applied pressure to her temple. She could feel the side of her skull cracking as more and more pressure was applied. Her skull would be crushed if she didn’t do something quick!

Igniting her horn, Emerald Cutter created an ethereal aura around her horn, drawing Greenblood’s attention. For a brief second, he lost his focus, and she managed to sneak out from under his hoof, stand up and stab the noble in the eye with her horn. His scream was like music to her as she jabbed her horn deeper into the empty armor.

“What’s going on? I shouldn’t feel pain! They said there would be no pain!”

Emerald chuckled darkly as she forced the noble onto his belly. She didn’t know what she was hitting to hurt him so much, but maybe stabbing a little deeper will finish him off for good. Casting another spell, the magic engulfing her horn grew longer, and with a raging whinny, she cut through the metal pony, cutting away half the right side of his face and the front right part of his barrel, revealing the inside of the armor. There, floating in a mist of green, was the green Alicorn Amulet.

“Well, what’s this now?” She asked, leaning closer to the amulet. Greenblood seemed to be in shock, his metal body may not feel pain, but his mind still could, and as far as it was concerned, he had just lost a fatal portion of his body. It would be sometime before he could process the fact he wasn’t actually hurt, not that he would have the time anyway as Emerald Cutter ripped the amulet free from the suit of armor. Greenblood’s soul dispersing into nothing.

Amulet clenched in her claw, Emerald Cutter limped over to where she thought the spot where coms worked was. She slumped against the remains of the wall, the feeling of warm blood running down her side, barely registering in her mind as she tried to call in.

“This Emerald Cutter, I have defeated Greenblood, I repeat I have repeated Greenblood. You need… you need…” Emerald’s vision flickered black. It was getting hard for her to think straight, she probably lost too much blood, and the head injury wasn’t helping. “I think I need a… medic…”

“Emerald Cutter? Emerald Cutter, are you there? Where are you? Emerald Cutter!” Firefly frantically yelled over the coms, she received no response. “Killing Perfection, I need you to check on Emerald Cutter, I think she’s badly hurt.”

“Roger that, I’ll find her,” Killing Perfection said, breaking away from her unit and diving down into a hole made by one of the earlier attacks. She flew with all her might, her concern for her friend pushing her faster and faster.

“Be alright Emmy, please be alright.”

Below in the bowels of the factory, Celestia, Applejack, Overheat, and Gadget scout the area where they found the tank. From the wreckage, they recover the body of Howitzer and thankfully found no pony else inside the tank.

“Look over here!” Applejack waved the others over to her, “Ah, found some tracks. Looks like Nightingale and Dusk made it out!”

The tracks were fresh, but they had been made in a hurry. Most likely, the two survivors had galloped away as fast their legs could take them. Applejack wandered over to the front of the wreckage where Redblood most likely would have been. She found another set of tracks, but they led in the opposite direction of Dusk and Nightingale’s. Why did he leave them be?

“Ruby probably went to look for Tangerine, they’re cousins, and have always been fond of each other, perhaps fonder then some would consider appropriate. They were big supporters of pure bloodlines.” Celestia said, looking over Applejack’s shoulder to get a better look at the directions of the tracks. She may not be a tracker, but even she could follow this trail. “Overheat, and I will give chase, I want you and Gadget to follow Dusk’s and Nightingale’s trail and get them to safety.”

“But…” Applejack began to protest, but Celestia shook her head.

“We can handle Redblood, don’t worry about us,” Celestia kneeled down to whisper in the farm mare’s ear, “I need you to keep an eye on Gadget, he doesn’t act rationally when Dusk is in danger. Reunite them as fast as you can, get them out, and then look for Luna. Can you do that for me, Applejack?”

Applejack nodded. “Come on, Gadget, we’re wasting time.” She broke into a light gallop knowing the graying stallion would tire himself out if they move too fast. At least this way, they could still make good time and hopefully prevent Gadget from getting impatient and run off on his own again.

As Celestia watched Applejack and Gadget disappear into the ruins of the factory, she hoped for their good fortune. Many have suffered today already, and no doubt, many more would suffer before the day was done, but at the very least, she hoped Dusk makes it out of here alive and well. She was much too young to already be in her second battle. She’s seen enough foals in wars that shouldn’t have been in, including herself and Luna.

“Are you ready to go, Princess?” Overheat asked her, already following Redblood’s trail.

Celestia nodded, “Yes, let’s end this battle.”

They follow the trail, which led to a tunnel made up of the factory’s engines. From the slag on the walls, it was apparent Redblood had made the tunnel. Melting the metal with his magic to create a path, what surprised Celestia was how fast he managed to make it. It couldn’t have taken them more than fifteen to thirty minutes for them to find the tank. How could have Redblood make such a tunnel in such a short amount of time? The size and length of it would take Celestia at least an hour or more. Even then, she couldn’t make one this long without getting tired, and Redblood before his transformation to the monster he is now was powerful, but he was nowhere near the level of magic needed to do this. There must be something else, something powering him beyond his normal limits. She knew of artifacts that could do such a thing, but the question is which one would it be?

Ahead of her Overheat came to a stop, causing her to nearly bump into him.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, igniting her horn with soft yellow light, trying to look past the large pony.

“The tunnel curves back! He tricked us! He’s going after the others!”

“We must hurry, Overheat!” Celestia yelled, “You follow the curve, and I will backtrack. Hopefully, we’ll make it in time!”

They separate, both galloping as fast as they could, but the tunnel, well large, didn’t allow them to run into a full gallop. Things were worse for Celestia, who always had to keep her horn lower to avoid hitting the ceiling, and her wings were rendered useless.

Redblood knew they would be coming, that’s why he set this trap, to separate them. He knew stronger members of the group would go after him first. But why, why was he going after Nightingale and Dusk? He was a snob like the others, but he was never really petty, was he upset about Orangeblood being attacked? Being hit with the tank? What was his motive?

So focused on her thoughts and avoiding the ceiling, Celestia never saw what happened next as Redblood broke through the sidewall of the tunnel, his metal horn piercing through her armor and into her flesh. He slammed her against the wall pinning her with his horn.

“Another trap within a trap, you are clever.” Celestia praised her horn igniting with magic, and in a flash, her axes tore through the air, destroying the tunnel and creating a much roomier battlefield. “But, your luck just rain out!”

Axes raised Celestia attacked with the power of a hurricane! She flung Redblood away, freeing his horn from her body and quickly sealed the wound with magic. She didn’t waste any time and followed up her attack, swinging both axes with all her might! Again Redblood was sent flying! Celestia fires multiple blasts of magic after him creating massive explosions! Before the dust could even begin to clear, she sent her axes swirling in with the force of tornadoes, ripping the area apart!

“Had enough?” Celestia taunted approaching Redblood, he tried to get up, but she used her axes to pin him to the ground by the neck. Metal or not, a pony couldn’t get up with its head pinned down, and its front legs folded under their body.

Redblood growled unintelligently at her. She chuckled, knowing how frustrated Redblood must feel. “Oh, don’t pout, you did well, but I’ve been doing this long before your grandparents even conceived your parents. I have faced many opponents far greater then you could ever hope to be. Now it’s just a matter of finishing you off.”

Redblood snorted, “Good luck, I am immortal!”

Celestia smiled warmly at him, but it lacked the warmth and motherly affection. Instead, it felt almost sinister as her horn ignited with golden magic.

“That’s what the last one said, and I can assure you, he is quite dead. Now let’s see... ah, there it is!” Redblood wondered what she was talking about when he felt a tug from within his body, something moved inside him. He tried to resist, but Celestia’s magic was too strong, and with a violent tug, the amulet inside him was pulled free through his mouth.

“How many of these cursed things are there?” Celestia wondered, walking away, tucking the red Alicorn amulet into her saddlebag. She didn’t even bother to watch Redblood’s soul disappear into oblivion. He didn’t deserve the honor.

“Princess Celestia, are you alright?” Overheat ran up to join her. He was looked overwhelmed by the destruction she caused. She always thought it was cute when ponies witness her fight. They always seem to have a hard time processing the fact that she could indeed fight. It was probably the princess title.
(Maybe we should have gone with Luna’s suggestion of titling ourselves Valkyries, it does sound more epic.)

“Yes, Overheat, I’m fine, hardly even worth writing down in the history books. Come, we need to regroup with the others. They won’t fare very well on their own.”

“Right, I think Applejack and Gadget are in that direction,” He pointed to what was probably north, it was hard to tell inside the factory.

“Really, I swore they were that way?” Celestia pointed in another direction. “Hmm, this isn’t good, any landmarks?”

Both looked around at the crater that once had been Redblood’s tunnel, nothing was recognizable.

“Hmm, Firefly, this is Princess Celestia, can you make contact with Applejack? Firefly? Can you hear me?” There was nothing but static. “Well, this isn’t good. Overheat you go in your direction, I’ll fly above and try to spot them, I’ll call you if I spot them and you do the same. Let’s move! We may not have much time!”

“Roger!” Overheat took off as fast as he could, while Celestia flew into the air.

--break

“Come on, Dusk, just a little further!” Nightingale encouraged the young unicorn as they climbed over the wreckage of one of the factory’s gem engines. She had managed to get Dusk out in time before the explosion, thanks to Howitzer taking over the controls and continuing to attack Redblood. Both of them knew he was a goner. He had been bleeding out fast from the wound in his chest, it was impressive Howitzer hadn’t died the moment he was hit.

She remembered that stupid smile he had on his face as she dragged Dusk out of the flaming wreckage. It was the kind of smile that said he enjoyed his life. She didn’t know him really well, but like her and many others who came to join Night Patrol, their lives before hadn’t been the greatest. When she got out of here, she was going to find out what his life had been before, as well as any family and give him the eulogy he deserved.

A massive explosion went off behind them, probably the tank, Nightingale concluded pressing onwards. They didn’t get much further when another explosion happened, this one three times larger than the first and further away.

“That’s gotta be a battle. I wonder who's fighting.” Nightingale said aloud.

“Princess Celestia,” Dusk answered, staring into the distance. “Princess Celestia is fighting Redblood, and she’s winning.”

Nightingale looked at the young unicorn skeptically, “Really, how can you tell all that from here?

“I can see them,” Dusk turned to her with her eyes were pure black, which really freaked Nightingale out.

“Ok… I’ll take your word for it. Can you just stop with the freaky eye thing?” Dusk didn’t seem to want to listen to her as she kept on speaking, eyes still black.

“Applejack and Dad are approaching our location from that direction and… look out!” Before Nightingale knew what had happened, Dusk teleported, grabbing her and then teleporting again. An orange blast of magic hit where they had previously been.

Nightingale swung into action pulling moisture in the air to create a thundercloud in her hoof. “Dusk, run!” She ordered as she stared down the metal pony that attacked them, it was Orangeblood, and she didn’t look happy. There was no way in hell was she beating this thing, but she sure wasn’t going to let it get both of them!

“Go already!” She yelled again.

Yelling like a mad mare, Nightingale charged at Orangeblood and punched her in the face with the thundercloud! Lightning flashed as yellow bolts hammered at the pony’s metal skin, but none of it seemed to have an effect. A quick swipe of a hoof sent Nightingale flying, sending her crashing hard against the debris with blood dripping down the side of her skull from the hit.

“What are you doing run already!” Nightingale yelled, spotting Dusk out of the corner of her eye. She cursed her own stupidity as Orangeblood turned her attention towards Dusk. “Get back here! You’re fighting me!”

Dusk stood frozen as Nightingale attacked Orangeblood again, getting smacked aside just as easy as the first time, but she got back up and charged again, screaming for her to run, but she didn’t run. She couldn’t run. No, she would not run! She was tired of running! She was going to fight!

“ARGGH!” Horn glowing black with magic, Dusk unleashed a blast so powerful it sent Orangeblood staggering back! Before the metal pony could even recover, she fired another spell, the magic drill bullet spell, the one she learned from Luna in the Crystal Empire.

The magic bullets punched through the metal ponies armor, which seemed to surprise her, but Dusk didn’t pay the noblemare any mind and kept firing, creating hail storm of bullets that tore through Orangeblood making her look like Swiss cheese.

“I’m staying!” Dusk yelled angrily at Nightingale, though she was still crying. “And you can’t stop me! I’m going to fight! I’m going to protect the ponies I care about!” Dusk’s mark, the symbol of infinity, began to glow as her eyes whited out. “I’m not losing any more friends!”

Head held high with her horn pointed to the sky, and with magic flowing through her body, Dusk unleashed the most potent magical blast in her entire life! The explosion melted the earth and steel around them, Orangeblood fired a counterspell, pushing for dominance. Dusk dug her hooves in deep and pushed harder, making Orangeblood lose ground, she began to walk forward. Her blast engulfing Orangeblood’s entirely.

“Die!”

In a flash of light, Dusk’s black magic overtook Orangeblood’s magic, blocking out any traces of the noble pony. Nightingale uncovered her eyes as the bright flash of the blast receded. Spotting Dusk belly down on the ground, Nightingale rushed over to make sure the unicorn was alright, thankfully Dusk was still breathing.

“She must have exhausted all her magic and fainted,” Nightingale concluded, knowing unicorns that overuse their magic was likely to suffer from magic exhaustion. Dusk would defiantly be incapacitated for a while, unable to move very quickly and could probably suffer from random temporary paralyze, but she was alive, and that’s what’s essential. “Still, you sure did a number on her kid.” Nightingale whistled while looking over the damage. A vast trench left by the blast. No way was Orangeblood getting out of that!

Gathering Dusk on to her back Nightingale prepared to go meet up with Applejack and Gadget, who, according to Dusk, shouldn’t be far behind. However, as she began to walk away, she heard something. Stopping in her tracks, she turned just in time to see Orangeblood drag what’s left of her out of what should have been her own grave.

“Son of a shod pony, what does it take to kill you?” She growled, turning to face the now three-legged noble pony. A few chunks of metal were missing here or there, but besides that, the noblemare was still in fighting condition, and Nightingale’s only hope of defeating her was lying limp on her back, “Horsefeathers."

“You lowly scum,” Orangeblood cursed limping out of the hole. “I’ll…”

In the distance, another explosion, from the same place as before, erupts, a pillar of fading red light following it.

“Ruby… no… no, Ruby!” Orangeblood called out desperately as she watched the last of her beloved cousin disappear into thin air. Orange tears of liquid magic rolled down her face, yet she could not feel it, she could feel nothing, only the coldness of her skin and the loneliness in her heart.

“You… you…I…I… kill… I’ll kill all of you!” Orangeblood screamed, her magic raging out of control. Pointing her horn directly at Nightingale and Dusk, who tried to run, but a blast of magic got the wingless Pegasi in the leg. “Just hold still, this will only hurt for as long I want it to!”

(Well, this is it) Nightingale pushed Dusk behind her in a most likely vain hope of protecting the unconscious unicorn from what was to come. If there was one thing she regrets, it was dragging Dusk into this mess, and a second regret would be not seeing Fury again.

Nightingale closed her eyes as Orangeblood fired her attack. She held Dusk close, covering her as much as she could with her body. The light of the beam grew brighter and brighter, drawing closer every second, Nightingale braced herself for what should have been agonizing pain. Instead, a strange coldness overtook her body. She looked up, and all around her was orange. They were in the middle of the attack, yet there was no pain. Where they already dead?

The attack passed by, and Nightingale turned around to look at Orangeblood, who looked as surprised as her. “I’m alive?”

“Impossible!” Orangeblood sneered, pointing at something with her horn. Nightingale followed the direction and came face to face with the strangest earth pony she had ever seen.

He had an ethereal silver mane floating in an invisible breeze and a black and white coat, the white looks like painted bones. Before Nightingale could utter a word, he dashed past her, charging at Orangeblood, Nightingale screamed for him to wait, but he wouldn’t listen and kept charging. Nightingale thought for sure he would be skewered by Orangeblood’s horn as he practically jumped into her attack, but something extraordinary happened. The pony’s coat inverted, black becoming white and white becoming black, and right before her very eyes, he passed through Orangeblood’s horn, her body, everything! Just like a… ghost.

“Sweet Luna, I really am dead!”

“You’re not dead,” The pony deadpanned his color reverting to normal, “I’m number 0013, Shadow Specter, I’m a ghost pony.”

“That’s not really helping with the not dead argument!” Nightingale yelled as Shadow Specter changed colors again as Orangeblood tried to run him down, but she only ended up running right through him. Shadow disappeared in a mist and suddenly appeared beside Nightingale, nearly giving her a heart attack! “Was that really necessary?”

“Hard to say, but long story short, are you a good fighter?” Shadow Specter asked as Orangeblood plowed into a piece of debris, sending metal chunks everywhere. The metal pony was having a hard time positioning its self on only three legs, but it wouldn’t be long till she attacks again, “Yes or no, please.”

“Yes, I guess? No scratch that I’m a great fighter! I even won in this tournament…”

“Irrelevant,” Shadow Specter interrupted, “Fact is I am not a very good fighter, inferior in fact, but there is something that I can do that will assure our mutual survival.”

Nightingale blinked as Shadow started reaching for her with his hoof. She scooted away, but he changed color, and suddenly, the world became very different. Her vision changed to black and white, as did her coat, which took on the same black and white coloring as Shadow Spector, but the most disturbing or perhaps surprising thing was the ethereal silver wings that grew from her back.

(I call this possession; you can now fight, while I support you by allowing you to use my powers. Congratulations, you can now walk through walls.)

“Alright, let’s rumble!” Nightingale flexed her wings, oh how good it felt to do that again, and took off into the air with blinding speed, charging towards Orangeblood while gathering moisture in the air forming two thunderclouds, “High-speed delivery coming at ya, and no refunds!”

The ghostly Nightingale grinned like a mad mare as she flew through Orangeblood, leaving the thunderclouds behind inside the metal noble. She formed another cloud and dropped down from the air-punching the center of the metal pony’s spine, the shocks reacted with the clouds inside, which results in a massive blast of thunder!

“Yahoo! I’m back, baby!”

Dashing around in a circle, Nightingale created a ring of clouds around Orangeblood, still reeling from the electric shocks couldn’t do anything to counter. The clouds blacken as Nightingale took to the air above Orangeblood, a small tuff of storm cloud attached to her hoof.

“Time for the coup de grace, Thunder Hoof!”

Nightingale dive-bombed hitting Orangeblood in the back with the cloud. Lighting arced between the metal pony and the clouds, sending thousands upon thousands of volts through her body, causing the metal noble to shake and spasm and then fall to the ground, but she got right up to Nightingale’s annoyance.

“Hmm, I thought for sure that would work,” Nightingale circled around the metal pony, looking for something, anything that could pinpoint her Achilles Heel. The Thunder Hoof seemed to cause some lasting damage or disoriented the metal pony in some way because Orangeblood wasn’t looking too hot as she stumbled around. Still, that didn’t mean she wasn’t a threat.

(Think I saw something inside her when I phased through earlier, perhaps it’s a power source?) Shadow Specter suggested as Orangeblood seemed to regain her bearings.

“It’s worth a shot, I guess.”

Nightingale dived, Orangeblood firing blindly with her horn, she fazed through the attacks and flew straight into Orangeblood’s metal body. For a moment, she was solid again, her hoof touched something, an orange gem covered in magic. Nightingale grabbed and fazed through to the outside of Orangeblood’s body and came to a stop in the dirt. Behind her, Orangeblood let out an ear-piercing scream as orange-colored magic poured out of her body and into the sky. The metal pony’s body shook violently and then simply fell to the ground in pieces.

“Well, that takes care of her,” Nightingale said, grinned victoriously, but she sure felt tired. She fell to her belly as Shadow Specter exits her body. He gathered her up onto his back and brought her to where Dusk lay in the dirt and set her down next to the unicorn.

“Thanks for the help,” Nightingale yawned. In the background of her vision, she saw Applejack and Gadget appear, followed by Celestia and then Overheat. She laughed weakly, she was probably in for an ass-chewing when she woke up.

“Dusk! Nightingale! Are you ok?” Gadget yelled as he ran up to the two. Much to his relief, they were both still breathing, “Oh Dusk, my sweet little Dusk. It’s ok, I’m here.”

Celestia walked up behind the inventor, amazed that the two were able to defeat Orangeblood all by themselves. They were genuinely talented warriors. She then noticed the pony standing close to the two. He was unlike any pony she had ever seen before, but she knew what those numbers on his flank meant.

“I assume you were the one who helped them?” Celestia approached Shadow Specter, who nodded nervously. He was probably intimidated by her size. “You have my thanks. These two mares, they… they are significant to me. I owe both of them a great debt. What’s your name?”

The black and white pony went rigged and gave a sloppy salute. “I’m 0013, Shadow Specter, I’m a ghost pony. You must be Princess Celestia.”

“That I am,” Celestia chuckled, “A ghost pony, hmm? My, my, the ponies of this place certainly are creative, I will give them that. I haven’t seen you or your number before, so I am to assume you are from this factory?”

Shadow Specter nodded rigged, “Yes, I was created here and kept here for as long as I remember. Till today was I a prisoner, but thanks to brother Sixes and brother Fury, I and my brethren are free, and we wish to help you rid the world of this place. The rest of my kin are with Sixes and Princess Luna, a few levels above us. We could feel the magical energy coming from below, so I, being able to walk through solid material, was selected to investigate. I just happen to stumble upon these two mares in need. From my count, that is one of four metal ponies killed so far.”

“Two,” Celestia corrected, “I finished off Redblood not too long ago.”

“I was unaware they had names.” Shadow Specter said offhandedly, looking at the pile of metal that once was living flesh and blood pony. “Shame they choose that fate for themselves, but at least they got to choose. Still, I never thought anypony would be that stupid.”

Celestia sighed, lamenting her blindness to the nobles' foolishness and greed, “Yes, it is a shame, but fear and greed can do that to a pony… wait, did you say four?” Shadow nodded. “But there are five nobles, shouldn’t there be five metal ponies?”

“That would be a fair assessment, but there are only four armors. The Doctors Madhoof and Hoofenstein like take us out of our cells every now then for further experiments and such, and sometimes we overhear things. Things like their other projects and future experiments, they tend to ramble while they work. Never the less, I can assure you, Princess, there are only four metal ponies in existence, not five. There is only so much Orichalcum in the world, you know.”

“Orichalcum!” Celestia gasped, the metal ponies toughness suddenly clear to her. “No wonder they were so durable. Though they must have weakened the metal when they added the Alicorn Amulets, the amount of magic the amulets produce would put a constant strain on the metal, it would take a few years, but at some point, the armor would have been destroyed from the power of the amulets. Still a clever idea to combine the two. I was wondering how Redblood’s body was able to stand up to the power resting inside of it.”

Shadow Specter shrugged, the Princess’s thesis going over his head, “It is beyond my understanding, but perhaps we should turn our attention towards defeating the final two armors. Currently, the one named yellow one is engaged in battle with Princess Luna, and my brethren above us and the last metal pony’s location is unknown.”

“Princess Celestia, Princess Celestia, can read me?” A statically voice called over the coms.

“Hold that thought, Shadow. This is Celestia, please report.”

“Thank goodness we got through!” Firefly’s voice said, “We just retrieved Emerald Cutter and extracted her from the battlefield. She had a run-in with one of those metal ponies but managed to defeat it, but she’s badly hurt. We wanted to get a warning to you, but we couldn’t get through!”

“Calm yourself Firefly, everything is alright,” Celestia said in her calmest voice, “Please take note that as of now, three of the four metal ponies have been defeated. I repeat the metal ponies, Greenblood, Redblood, and Orangeblood are all dead. Only Yellowblood remains and is currently engaged with Princess Luna and her forces, standby for our extraction call, we will be wrapping things up soon.”

“Roger that, we’ll be ready.”

“Shouldn’t we get Dusk and Nightingale out of here first?” Applejack asked after the coms went silent. “We can’t just leave them here, and it’s too dangerous to take them with us.”

Celestia nodded, “You are right, Applejack, but I fear splitting up at this point would be unwise. There may be other dangers lurking around that might be able to ambush the returning party at any time. Even if we sent Overheat and Gadget back with Nightingale and Dusk, their chances of getting out safety if attacked are low. Better to stick together and meet up with Luna and the others, and then we can all get out of here at once.”

“If I may suggest something Princess Celestia,” Shadow Specter asked, receiving a nod and continued, “Luna and the others are engaged with Yellowblood, but let us not forget the real masterminds of this place, Madhoof, and Hoofenstein. There is no doubt that they have already begun evacuating using the teleport room. That is why you have seen very few ponies running around, they are grabbing what they can and running if we hurry we may still catch them. Might I suggest that I and a few of the other able-bodied of our group go after them after leaving these two in the safety of Princess Luna’s group, where we can acquire more ponies to finish off the mad Doctors.”

“A reasonable plan Shadow Specter, we will do just that. Come, let’s put an end to this madness, once and for all!” Celestia declared leading the group, only to stop after a few feet and turn to Shadow Specter, looking somewhat embarrassed as she said, “Would you kindly lead the way Shadow? Being as you know the way to Luna and the others?”

The other ponies looked at her and share a quick laugh as they file behind the black and white pony, Celestia and Applejack taking up the rear. When no pony was looking, the farm mare waved for the princess’s ear and asked.

“Did you do that on purpose?”

Celestia grinned as they marched into the dark stairway to the upper levels. “Perhaps, a little humor in such depressing situations can do a pony some good. Some light in the darkness as they would say.”

“Ah, see, Ah, think we’re going to need a lot more light to get through this darkness, though.”

“Good thing the Princess of the Sun is with you then, right?”

Applejack smiled awkwardly as they walk deeper and deeper into darkness. Despite Celestia’s reassurances, it wasn’t the light of the sun she was craving for but that of the moon, for the moon was like the sun of the night that kept the darkness at bay.

“Hold on Luna, we’re coming.”

edited 12/9/19.