Chapter 12: Need to Know

Sleep comes slowly to Star Swirl, for in the days after the death of his beloved, he finds that no matter where he sleeps, the bed is never comfortable nor warm enough. Last night had been no exception, for he had surrendered the bed in his suite to the two foals he had talked to last night, leaving him the couch and a few blankets. While it was not the first time he had been forced to sleep on the couch, and in fact it is worlds more comfortable than the times he has fallen asleep at his desk or in his study on the floor, Star Swirl found sleep to be more elusive than usual as his mind worked over the problem the foals presented.

They knew him, that much was clear, and quite well by the way they acted around him. And as much as he does not want to know how they know him, he found himself wishing to ask, if only for something to cling onto in this strange new era.

When sleep had at last found him, he had decided that it was a problem left for later, for he was growing no younger and he would need his rest to wake with the sunrise as was his ritual.

But, just like it was loath to find him, sleep surrenders Star Swirl slowly. And much like many other days, he leaves it reluctantly.

However, unlike most days, what brings him back to the world of the waking is something he has not heard in many a year; the sound of small hooves attempting to cross the floor without waking him. For a brief moment, he sits on the border between waking and dreaming, and in that moment he can almost believe he is home in bed beside Hope, their daughter attempting to sneak past the door and into the kitchen. But as he cracks open an eye, the only thing beside him is a pillow on the couch, and he remembers he is in fact not where his heart wishes to be.

Yawning and stretching, a few loud creaks and pops issuing forth from his joints, Star Swirl rolls over on the couch and looks around to find the source of the hoofsteps. However, there is nopony to be seen, and the only indication that anypony besides himself had been in the room is the door to the balcony sitting slightly ajar. Rolling over and onto his hooves, Star Swirl rises from the couch and walks towards the door, judging that it is a few minutes until the sun rises. As he reaches the door, he opens it the rest of the way and stops at the sight beyond it.

Sitting on the balcony, her front hooves resting on the railing, is Moonshadow.

“I’ve always wished you had wings so you could fly with me,” Moonshadow says softly, her attention never straying from the horizon.

“Hope always used to say that to me,” Star Swirl chuckles weakly as he comes out to stand beside Moonshadow.

“I know,” Moonshadow replies quietly, lowering her eyes from the horizon. “You told me once how you and your wife would always watch the sunrise together. It annoyed Mom no end when I started doing it myself…”

“I take it your mother isn’t a morning pony?” Star Swirl laughs, relaxing slightly. “I am thankful for the company, though.”

“She’s the quintessential night owl,” Moonshadow responds, even as a blush rises on her pale gray cheeks. “A lot of the time, she’d be just falling onto the couch for a nap when I came down to drag her outside to watch…”

“Ah, well I guess I will owe you mother many an apology in the future?” Star Swirl hazards, raising an eyebrow at the filly.

Moonshadow chuckles a little nervously. “You know she won’t accept them…” she says. “She wouldn’t be who she is if she did…”

“And who is she?” Star Swirl says absently. “Why wouldn’t she accept the apologies of an old stallion?”

Moonshadow shrugs. “You’d be angry if I told you… But I suppose I could say that she owes you much more than a few missed naps.”

“I’m almost afraid to meet her now,” Star Swirl smirks before sighing and sitting down. “It’s been too long since I’ve last enjoyed a sunrise wi-”

Moonshadow cuts him off with kind smile as she puts a hoof to his lips. “Shh… You’ll miss it,” she murmurs softly before turning her attention back to the rose-gold dawn pushing back the dark blues and violets of the night.

Smirking behind the hoof on his lips, Star Swirl turns his attention to the rising sun. As the sky starts to fill with the brilliants swirling colors that mark the new day, Star Swirl scoots a little closer to his small friend, enjoying the company of the strange filly from the future. As the sun crests the distant hills, a small wing hesitantly reaches out, then rests on Star Swirl’s back, a growing blush forming on Moonshadow’s face.

If nothing else, Star Swirl decides he’s found a friend.

--

“Dear, I believe civilized ponies use spoons to eat their breakfast,” Leaf comments with an amused tone at Daring who is muzzle deep in a bowl of oatmeal and half awake. “Keep this up, and you’re going to ruin all the credibility you’ve built up!”

“Mmm, no I don’t want to go into the tomb, it’s full of snakes…” Daring mutters, blowing bubbles in the oatmeal. “Why is it always snakes…”

“What ever will I do with you, my love,” Leaf sighs, taking a sip of his coffee. Putting his coffee down, he looks around the dining room, taking note of the other ponies who are slowly filling in and making use of the hours when the majority of ponies are still in bed. Finding nopony of interest up and about at this hour, Leaf goes back to trying to extract his fiancée’s face from her breakfast.

“So, where do you think she is? They told us to come in here and she’d be here eventually,” the very familiar and perky voice of a mare echoes through the calm, Leaf ignoring it at first until the mare continues. “Stormy, do you think she’s still in bed? I hope she isn’t still in bed.”

“Why don’t we just ask Leaf?” retorts a second voice, this one a stallion and presumably Stormy. “He’s right there, after all.”

“He is?” the mare gasps, and Leaf’s ears go back against his head, remembering the entire month he woke up to that voice. The sound of hooves quickly pulls him from that thought, and he turns just in time to see white and blue streak shooting towards him. “LEAF!” And then, his vision is filled with a dappled white and grey smiling face as the mare hugs him. “It’s good to see you again!”

“Hi, Starry,” Leaf wheezes. “Think you could let me go? It’s been a rough week, and I’m kinda sore.”

“Oh, sorry,” Starry chuckles, releasing Leaf from her hug before looking over her shoulder. “Stormy and I just got in this morning.”

“Starry was adamant we get here as quickly as possible,” Stormy chuckles as he walks over and pats Leaf on the shoulder. “We would have been here sooner, but we got tied up in Ponyville station due to all the trains being unable to enter the city.”

“Yeah, the train station is an absolute mess from what I’ve heard,” Leaf sighs as he settles himself down on the seat next to Daring. “But, you’re here now, so why don’t you two take a seat.”

“We’d love to, Leaf,” Starry says slowly, shuffling from hoof to hoof, “but we need to report to somepony. So do you know where Senior Master Sergeant Yearling is?”

“I do,” Leaf smirks, but says nothing more.

“Oh? Well, uhm… where is she?” Starry asks quickly. “I want to report in so I can start helping!”

“Well, you’re in luck,” Leaf continues smirking, patting Daring on the back and causing her to mutter something. “This is her!”

“I accept the nomination for ‘best explorer of all time, ever’,” Daring mutters as she holds a hoof up like she is holding an award. “And I’d like to say something to all those who doubted me…” Daring promptly blows a raspberry into her oatmeal.

Blinking a few times, Starry leans her head to one side. “This is the current commander of the Reserves?”

“Yes, and my soon to be wife,” Leaf chuckles. “She’s never been a morning pony, and she was up all night talking to somepony about something or another.” He then clears his throat and pokes Daring. “But, since you need to report to her, I’d best wake her up.”

“And how are you going to do that?” Stormy asks.

“Easy,” Leaf assures the other stallion before raising a hoof to his lips and whistling sharply. “Rusty! I need a double shot over here!”

“Time to wake Yearling up, eh?” The shouted response comes, quickly heralding a stallion on a skateboard to roll by and place a bubbling cup of coffee off in front of Daring. “Make sure you keep a good hold on her! Last time we gave her this, she nearly shot through the roof!”

“Don’t worry, Rusty,” Leaf laughs. “I won’t let the city get any more damaged!” He looks to Stormy and motions with a hoof towards Daring. “Right, help me prop her up.” Stormy comes over and helps lift Daring out of her breakfast and hold her steady. “Right, now really keep a good hold on her, and watch out for her wings.” Leaf states calmly as he picks up the bubbling coffee with one hoof, using the other to pick up a napkin and wipe Daring’s face off before opening her jaw. “Alright! Time to wake up, Miss ‘Best Explorer of All Time’!”

“So, we give her this coffee, and she wakes up?” Starry asks slowly, coming around to the other side of the table to watch.

“Yeah, something like that,” Leaf says slowly. “Can you hold her head up, Storm?”

“Okay,” Stormy answers, putting an arm behind Daring’s head. “So, she looks really familiar. What does she do when she isn’t doing Reserve stuff?”

“Oh, you know, writes books,” Leaf chuckles. “Kicks my ass, and discovers ancient civilizations.”

“Ancient civilizations?” Starry asks slowly, raising an eyebrow. “What is she, Daring Do?”

“Uhm, yeah actually, she is exactly that,” Leaf shrugs as he lifts the coffee mug to Daring’s lips. “So, Starry… you were there during the recruitment when Dash broke the sound barrier from standing still, right?”

“Yeah…?” Starry starts, looking confused. “Why?”

“Oh, well, I think you might want to stand back a bit…” Leaf says in an off-hoofed tone as he tips the contents of the mug into Daring’s mouth before promptly closing it so she swallows.

For a few moments, nothing happens except Daring shuddering, but as Leaf quickly gets a grip on one of her arms her eyes snap open and she gasps as her wings shoot out and strike Stormy and Leaf in the face with a loud crack. She then jerks backwards, nearly pulling the two stunned stallions from their seats.

Shivering and shaking her head, Daring blinks rapidly and looks around. “Dear sweet Celestia in a little black dress….” She looks over at Stormy, her eyes unfocused. “Leaf, what the hell did you give me!?”

“Uhm… ma’am, I’m not Leaf,” Stormy says slowly, looking over at Starry who is giggling.

“Oh…” Daring mutters, looking over at her other side at Leaf. “What the hay did you give me!?”

“Coffee,” Leaf says smugly. “The kind that I am pretty sure is banned in most sports.”

“WHY!?” Daring demands, leaning suddenly closer to Leaf as she narrows her eyes.

“Because it’s nearly eleven in the morning, and you have to work,” Leaf comments with a sigh as he points over to Starry. “Dear, let me introduce you to Wingpony Starry Sky, she is reporting for duty. Her, her coltfriend - who is holding your other arm by the way - and I attended the academy together.”

Looking over at Starry, Daring leans over and narrows her eyes. “You’re Clear Sky’s sister, aren’t you…”

“Yes, ma’am,” Starry agrees with a salute. “Wingpony Starry Sky reporting for duty, per the general call to arms put out with the attack on Canterlot.”

“Ah… yes…” Daring says slowly, continuing to blink before sitting up straight. “Well, then, consider yourself on the roster, Wingpony Sky. If you’ll let me finish my breakfast,” she looks down at the mostly cold bowl of oatmeal, “and allow my brain to catch up to the kick it received, I am sure we can get your duties sorted… barring any unforeseen interruptions.”

“I’m sorry, Daring,” a stallion says from behind Daring. “But I’m going to have to unforeseeably interrupt you.”

Looking at the ceiling, Daring sighs as she removes her arms from the two stallions beside her. “Celestia, I know you’re laughing in whatever place you’re currently at. But really, can’t you cut me a break?” she then turns around and smiles. “Rapidstrike, to what do I owe the pleasure of a fellow Senior Master Sergeant?”

“Stay up all night talking with somepony and forget to sleep?” Rapid smirks. “And, as to why I am here, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment…”

“Sure, not like I’m going anyway,” Daring yawns. “Take a seat and tell me what’s on your mind.”

Going around the table, Rapid sits down on Starry’s left as Stormy likewise goes around the table and sits on Starry’s right. “It’s about the Wonderbolts….” he starts, looking at Daring with a serious expression. “I want to know if you’ve had any word from them after the letters went out.”

Sighing, Daring shakes her head. “No, I’ve not heard anything from them,” she pauses and smiles slightly. “Or your daughter. But I’m sure they’re all fine, Rapid, really.”

“How can you be sure, though?” Rapid counters, pointing towards one of the windows. “I mean, look outside, Daring! The city is in ruins… The Shadowbolts blew up the entire High Class district of the city from what I hear.”

“I know, Rapid,” Daring sighs, “I was here when it happened, both times. But Monkey is with Witch, and some of the most experienced fighters I’ve ever known, she’ll be fine.”

“So, how is Witch different?” Rapid suddenly says out of the blue. “You two are her family, or at least Leaf is related to her and you're marrying into the family, Daring.” He looks between the two, who look confused.

“Define ‘different’, Rapid,” Leaf asks slowly.

“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you two…” Rapid shrugs. “Monkey said something about her being ‘different’ in her letter, I was wondering if Witch said anything to you two.”

“Other than the mountains are cold, they got shaken up?” Daring asks, to which Rapid nods. “No, nothing really. Though, I suspect we’ll hear something sooner or later, both sides of the Royal Guard and the Navy are chomping at the bit to get out there.”

“Air Guard too,” Rapid agrees. “I suspect we’re all not rushing out there for the same reason?”

“Needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,” Daring shrugs. “City needs us more, and the Wonderbolts can handle themselves.” She then clears her throat and looks to Stormy and Starry. “I need to deal with you two now, I think, the coffee has fully kicked in.”

“Both of us, ma’am?” Starry asks, raising an eyebrow

“Yes, both of you,” Daring confirms. “Both of you are going to need to report to the armory for Reserve uniforms and combat kits, then you’ll meet me in the ballroom so I can give you further orders.”

“Miss Yearling, I’m a civilian,” Stormy says slowly. “I can’t wear the Reserve uniform. I missed the recruitment.”

“Not anymore,” Daring smirks. “Cadet Midnight Storm, under Article Seven of the Charter of the Private Royal Equestrian Air Force, Wonderbolts’ Reserve Division, as acting Command Sergeant, I am drafting you into the Reserves, effective immediately.”

Smiling brightly, Stormy stands up and salutes. “I’ll do my best to not let you down, ma’am.”

“Why’re you so happy?” Daring asks, continuing to smirk. “I’m your CO. Your flank is mine!”

“Sorry, ma’am, but I have to disagree,” Stormy says with a smirk and a wink. “My flank belongs to Starry.”

“And besides, I don’t share,” Leaf says in mock hurt as he pretends to pout. “But, if you don’t want it anymore, I guess the wedding’s off.”

“Oh, you’re not getting out of it that easily,” Daring shoots back. “My parents would kill me if we didn’t have a wedding, and I am sure your sister would turn you into something unnatural.”

“Yes, but you are claiming other stallion’s flanks,” Leaf sighs dramatically, putting a hoof to his chest. “It wounds me.”

“Well, we’re not married yet so I can stare at other stallions all I like,” Daring remarks with a laugh.

“Hm, yes that is true,” Leaf replies thoughtfully as he looks to Rapid. “Say, Rapid, do you think Twilight’s holding court yet?”

“Why, I think she just opened the doors,” Rapid says slowly, a smile spreading across his face. “Her schedule should be quite open for a short while.”

“Well, then I guess we’d best hurry!” Leaf declares as he turns to Daring. “Dear, I think I am going to take a page from my uncles for a moment.”

“What are yo-” Daring starts, only to be dragged out of her seat, and onto Leaf’s back as he starts walking towards the door. “Put me down!”

“Nope! Sorry, I only take orders from my wife!” Leaf laughs. “You can order me around all you like in a little bit, though.” As he goes he looks over his shoulder at a stunned Starry and Stormy. “If you two hurry, you can grab your uniforms and be in the throne room in time to witness me getting sold into favorable slavery!”

Blinking, Starry quickly catches on and grabs Stormy and dashes off.

-----

Yawning sharply, Twilight watches the latest group of petitioners walk out of the throne room. This was perhaps her fifth noble in the past hour, and she’d been up and open for court for only an hour. Each of them were wondering how the deaths and arrests were going to advance their status or what they’re going to gain out of it. So far, she’d only actually listened to a few of the ponies who had come in toting complete family trees and arguments towards advancing their status.

Shaking her head and hiding another yawn behind a hoof, Twilight looks to her left where Shiro has been keeping her company once again, adding the extra benefit of his glare weeding out those who don’t truly have business with her.

“If I did not know that a thousand years had passed,” Shiro comments without looking over to Twilight, “I would swear I was still in Equus, for nobility never seems to change in their desire to be above other ponies. If only by a fancy title.”

“I am glad you’ve found at least something familiar about sitting here advising me,” Twilight chuckles before hiding another yawn. “I just hope we don’t have to deal with this all day, and we get something that is actually interesting.”

“There is an old proverb from where I am from,” Shiro offers absently. “‘May you live long enough for your life to become interesting’.”

“Oh? I think I’ve heard that before,” Twilight yawns again, “what does it mean?”

“Truthfully, Your Highness, it’s a curse,” Shiro answers with a shrug. “An interesting life is hardly something I’d wish on anypony, for it means you get no rest nor end of strife.”

“I think I liked my definition of interesting better, Shiro,” Twilight sighs. “But, after the past week here in Canterlot, I’d say your life is quite interesting.”

“I won’t argue that, Your Highness,” Shiro sighs, shaking his head. “If anything, I wish life to become boring again.”

Opening her mouth to say something, Twilight is cut off by shouts at the entrance to the throne room. Turning her attention, Twilight watches Shiro instinctively stand up and get in front of the throne to protect her incase it is less than friendly visitors. However, the next sound from the entrance quickly allays any fears of hostile forces to rest.

“Leaf, I can walk!” Daring yells, the sound echoing through the throne room. “My legs and my wings work fine, so put me down!”

“No can do, Dee!” Leaf replies as he comes through the doors, Daring fuming on his back. “I have to make sure you get to where we’re going in one piece!”

“What, are you afraid I’ll get attacked? Trip? Fall down a hole in the floor?” Daring retorts ears flat against her head.

“Well, after everything that’s happened here as of late…?” Leaf lets the question hang in the air as he stops in front of Shiro and gives the large white alicorn a wide grin. “Morning Shiro, I hope we’re not interrupting anything?”

“Nothing important, Leaf,” Shiro rumbles as he looks between Daring and Leaf. “Though, I am curious as to why you two are here.”

“Well, I was hoping Twilight would do us a rather large favor,” Leaf starts, looking beyond Shiro to Twilight who looks down at the two with a raised eyebrow.

“If you promise it isn’t a petition to make you or Daring the head of some facet of Equestrian Government, then sure!” Twilight shrugs.

“Well, damn, there goes my idea to be made head of the Equestrian Antiquities Department!” Daring sighs loudly, throwing her hooves up in the air. “I guess we’ll have just have to go back to the dining room and finish our breakfast now that my plan has failed.”

“Quiet you,” Leaf shushes Daring with a smirk before continuing. “Actually, Your Highness, my request is something more meaningful.”

“Then I shall try to grant it, Honorable Leaf Wind,” Twilight smirks, falling back onto the title for Leaf.

“Then, Princess Twilight Sparkle, would you do Daring and I the honor of marrying us?” Leaf asks, standing up straight under the weight of Daring on his back.

“I would be honored,” Twilight says loudly, putting a hoof to her chest. “But, Daring is going to need to get off your back.”

“I think she’s turning a few too many shades of red and trying to hide her face under one of my wings, Your Highness,” Leaf chuckles.

“I’m not hiding!” Daring retorts from under the wing she has hidden her face under. “I’m checking to see if the wing is damaged.”

“Well, it’s not, so time to get off,” Leaf says promptly as he sits down, causing Daring to slide from his back and land roughly on the floor.

“Daring, do you have any objections to me marrying you and Leaf?” Twilight inquires as she rises from the throne and walks down to stand in front of the two.

“No, Your Highness,” Daring replies, her cheeks red. “I just wish I had more warning.”

“Well, if you’d rath-” Twilight starts, but is cut off by Daring.

“No, no let’s do this before I decide to run,” Daring says quickly, looking anywhere but at Twilight or Leaf. “Though, I think Leaf invited two of his academy buddies to be here…”

“If they’re a pair of pegasi wearing Reservist uniforms waving from behind the guards, then I think they’re here.” Shiro says slowly, smirking as he waves for the guards to let Stormy and Starry in. The two rush over and stop a short distance from Shiro and Twilight, bowing deeply to Twilight and staring wide-eyed at Shiro.

“S-sorry we’re late, it took a few minutes to find the proper size of uniform for me,” Starry says quickly, her eyes never leaving Shiro.

“It’s alright. You’re here on time anyway,” Leaf chuckles as he looks over his shoulder for a moment before turning his attention back to the matter at hoof. He shuffles closer to Daring, putting a wing over her and drawing her close to him. “So, I think we’re ready, if you are Twilight.”

“I am,” Twilight states as she smiles warmly. “Though you’ll have to forgive me, I don’t think we have time for a long speech, so I’ll keep it brief. If I don’t we’ll be here all day and the nobles outside will think I’m giving you special treatment.”

“Wouldn’t want the nobles to feel their entitlement is in danger,” Daring mutters. “Usually ends with things catching fire.”

“And I think we’d all like to avoid that,” Twilight smirks before clearing her throat. “Friends, we are gathered here today to bear witness to Leaf Wind and A.K. Yearling joining in marriage.” Her voice echoes through the room, carrying out into the area beyond where all the nobles are waiting. “It is a special moment, which normally I am sure we could all agree should be celebrated in length, but under the circumstances we shall have to settle with the smiles on their faces, so…” She looks to Daring who shuffles from hoof to hoof. “A.K. Yearling, do you take Leaf Wind to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do,” Daring answers, looking up with a smile on her face and a few tears in her eyes.

“And do you,” Twilight continues, turning her attention to Leaf. “Leaf Wind, take A.K. Yearling as your lawfully wedded wife?”

“Do I have a choice?” Leaf asks.

“No.” Twilight, Shiro, and Daring all answer at once.

“Then I do,” Leaf answers with a warm smile.

“Then I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, do pronounce you husband and wife,” Twilight intones, her voice carrying once more. “You may kiss.”

“Like you could stop us,” Daring chuckles, wiping tears from her eyes as she turns and wraps her arms around Leaf and pulls him into a kiss. Behind them Starry and Stormy clap, as do a few of the guards and the waiting ponies in the next room.

“I wouldn’t want to,” Twilight coughs, blushing. “But, if I could interrupt you two for a moment, I have a wedding present for you.”

Releasing each other, Daring and Leaf look up at Twilight.

“I think being married is present enough, Princess,” Leaf says with a chuckle. “That and the look on my grandparents faces when they learn I married beneath myself.”

“About that,” Twilight chuckles nervously. “See, I’ve been meeting with nobles all day, and one of the first appointments I had was from a ‘Lady Silk Scrivener’, who I believe you know, Daring?”

“Yeah, that’s my mom’s name…” Daring says slowly, raising an eyebrow. “What’d she want?”

“Well, she wanted to show me a family tree, of all things,” Twilight sighs. “Like a lot of nobles today, even if your family was very minor nobility.”

“Was?” Leaf asks, leaning his head to one side.

“Was,” Twilight smirks. “As grim as it is to know, a lot of ponies on that tree no longer hold any right to their title due to siding with Blueblood, and quite a few more are… unfortunately dead.”

“So?” Daring asks again, a cold sweat forming on the back of her neck. “What, is she suddenly a Baronet or something?”

“Actually, Daring…” Twilight chuckles again. “Quite a few more ponies than that are no longer bearing their titles… your mother’s official title is now ‘Furstin’, which is just a step below Duchess.”

“Well, congrats to my mom, now she can lord over her friends at their regular lunches,” Daring says quickly, starting to scoot backwards and try and drag Leaf with her. “That’s a wonderful present for my wedding, so now that it’s out of the way…”

“That wasn’t the present, Daring,” Twilight says curtly, but not unkindly. “With your mother’s increase in rank, you have also gone up.”

“To what?” Leaf asks slowly, looking between Daring and Twilight. “Because if you’re implying what I think you are, Twilight, I’m going to need to get the look on my grandparents’ faces framed.”

“I am,” Twilight winks at Leaf before looking to Daring as she stands up to her full height. “A.K. Yearling, it is my honor to inform you that you have been granted the rank of marchioness, by right of succession. Congratulations, and may you bear your title with the grace and honor you’ve exhibited as the leader of the Reserves here in Canterlot.”

“Wait, so, if Daring is a Marchioness…” Leaf starts slowly, looking at Daring whose eyes are wide and her ears against her head. “That makes me…?”

“A Marquis, Leaf, by marriage.” Daring whispers. “We outrank your grandparents…”

“Well, that’s not going to agree with the sticks up their flanks,” Leaf grins. “But I think I can live with it.”

“Well, at least one of you are taking it well,” a new voice comes from ontop of Shiro’s head. “Honestly, Daring, you look like this new title is a death sentence.”

“I was wondering when you’d show up to poke fun at me,” Daring sighs, looking at the wyrm on top of Shiro’s head. “How long have you been lurking, Jinsong?”

“A while now, Daring,” Jin shrugs as he lounges on Shiro’s head. “I would have come down sooner, but I couldn’t interrupt such an amazing scene.” He looks to Leaf and smirks. “But, it is good to see that you, my friend, are continuing the trend your sister started! Rising up the ranks of Nobility!”

“What do you mean by that?” Leaf asks, raising an eyebrow.

“As a certain annoying, and vaguely dragon-like, creature would say, ‘That would be spoilers.’ “ Jin sighs. “Suffice to say, I’ve -”

Before he can continue Jin finds himself encased in Twilight’s magic, he is then levitated off of Shiro, quickly gagged and promptly sat on.

“What was he saying about my sister?” Leaf asks, a little worry creeping into his tone.

“Nothing, Leaf, she’s fine!” Twilight states quickly. “I spoke with her not too long ago, and she’s doing fine. Nothing to worry about!”

“Then why are you sitting on Jin?” Daring asks, smirking.

“Because he is annoying, and I think you two have duties you have to attend to,” Twilight deadpans. “And I need to return to holding court, so we have no time to listen to his babbling.”

“Yeah, we really don’t have time for it I guess,” Daring yawns and shrugs. “I think we should return the mess hall, and I’ll get the two newbies behind me briefed and given orders.” She offers a salute to Twilight, which is mirrored by the other three with her. “With you permission, Princess?”

“Dismissed,” Twilight sighs, inclining her head.

The three Reservists lower their salute, stand, and walk from the room leaving Twilight alone with Shiro and Jinsong. For a moment, Twilight simply sits there, not really wanting to go back to meeting with nobles, but a muffled voice from beneath her quickly changes her mind.

“You smell like lavender….” Jin says slowly. “And old books!”

“Shhhiirrrooo!” Twilight groans, looking over at the older Alicorn as if to ask for his ancient wisdom in how to rein in the dragon-god.

-----

Sighing heavily as he makes his way through the dungeon beneath Canterlot Castle, Black Velvet cannot help but turn his nose up at the offensive stench that seems to permeate the every stone in the dismal place. If not for the fact that he had to be here, the Earl would not have even considered setting a single hoof into the deeps beneath the Castle.

Yet, business he has, of the most important and dire kind.

Walking up to a door with bars in it, he raps twice upon the wooden face and waits as a guard inside unlocks the door and allows him inside.

“I will be speaking with my client alone, Guardspony,” Velvet states, his tone leaving no room for argument. The guard snaps a salute and instantly obeys by leaving the room and closing the door. As the door closes, Velvet allows his professional air to drop, and a wide smile to spread across his face, but not quite touch his eyes.

“I see you finally decided to visit,” the stallion shackled to the table in the center of the room sighs. “Brother.”

“I could hardly pass up the opportunity to see you chained to a table, Tie,” Velvet chuckles as he slowly walks over to the other side of the table. “I mean, I’ve waited far too long to see you thus.” He then sighs and sits down, levitating a small briefcase onto the table. “Besides, I am your lawyer, as much as I loath to admit it, I have to defend you.”

“Well, Celestia forbid you actually do your duty as an older brother,” Tie remarks, rolling his eyes. “But, tell me how long will I need to dwell here? I am eager to return to my own bed.”

“Then you shall pine for it for a very long time,” Velvet smirks. “With what you, and the others, have done I do not foresee you escaping these dark walls for some time. If ever.”

“I know you’re a better lawyer than that!” Tie growls. “Unless they have something against me that I do not know about?”

“No, of course they don’t have anything, Tie!” Velvet assures his brother before pulling out a folder and putting it on the table. He opens it, his smile growing as he spreads the pictures inside on the table. “I do.”

Leaning forward, his chains clinking as he does, Tie stares wide eyed at the pictures before him. They depict him, sword held high, attacking his niece and great-nephew, a look of rage on his face.

“Where did you get these?” Tie whispers, barely keeping the fury form his voice.

“I had one of my retainers follow you,” Velvet states absently. “Honestly, it wasn’t hard. But, really, I guess I shouldn’t have expected much from you.” He looks his brother straight in the eye, a deep frown on his face. “Seriously, defeated by that malformed foal? I swear, I am almost tempted to acknowledge his as my great grandson, he beat you so soundly.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Tie growls. “That insolent little whelp is tainted, just like your precious daughter’s offspring!”

“You are right, but that is why I said almost, dear brother,” Velvet counters, gathering up the photos and putting them back into the folder. “If not for my other plans, saying he is my grandson would have been viable, but I am well past the need for such theatrics.”

“What are you talking about?” Tie demands. “What have you done besides trap your own brother in jail?”

“The only thing I could to protect Father’s legacy,” Velvet sighs, leaning back in his chair. “Seeing as my line is superior, trapping you here was only the start of things. As soon as Witching Hour returns safe, and hopefully a few ranks higher in the Wonderbolts’ Auxiliary, I plan to marry her off to somepony who will increase her status.” He gestures with one hoof, his eyes growing distant. “And, I believe I’ve selected the best stallion for the job, for it would have to be a stallion as I can’t rely on Leaf and his pigeon whore to continue the bloodline, they’re both already tainted as it is.”

“And who the hay did you get to agree to this?” Tie remarks, his eyes narrowed. “They’d have to be desperate, or-”

“Well, I got the Archduke to agree; you see he has been in need of a wife for some time,” Velvet states, cutting off his brother.

“Or stupid, very, very stupid!” Tie shouts. “And after the gloriously successful coup he just tried to stage? I’D SAY HE QUALIFIES AS THE LATTER!”

“That is no way to talk about your betters,” Velvet sighs. “But you never were one for tradition. Sad, really; if you were, you never would be where you are now.”

“Regardless, I doubt you’ll get that tainted spawn of yours to sell her daughter off into a political marriage,” Tie barks, leaning as far forward as he can with the chains around him. “Fine Brew is many things, but she isn’t as far under your hoof as you think!”

“That is where you’re wrong. My daughter is firmly under my control,” Velvet responds. “And I doubt she’ll have much choice, as I am sure she is as worried about the bloodline as I am. So, unless Witching Hour walks out of those mountains with somepony of far higher status than I, or her dear teacher, if one can even call Luna such a thing, intervenes, she’ll wed Blueblood.” Velvet leans forward, his smile growing cold and cruel. “Don’t worry, though, I’ll be sure to save a seat for your dear children, and your wife! They deserve to witness my triumphant moment so they can tell you all about it!”

With a howl of rage that would not be out of place for a dragon, Tie lunges forward, stopping an inch from his brother’s still smiling face by the chains.

“I WILL KILL YOU! YOU ARROGANT BASTARD!” Tie shouts, foaming at the mouth.

“You’ll have to get off that leash first,” Velvet chuckles as he packs his briefcase before rising, and shouting at the door. “GUARDS!”

The guards open the door instantly, rushing in to subdue the still shouting Tie while Velvet walks slowly from the room, his smile never slipping.

Author's Notes:

So, that was chapter 12! It was a lot of fun to write, because for once it wasn't all serious and stuff, but at the same time the plot is slowly advancing!

So, a few new characters showed up;

Starry Skies, who is Clear Sky of Squad Six's younger hyper active sister. Squad Six, for those who don't remember, is the squad led by Riptide, and formerly included Midnight. She made her first apperance in Witching Hour's story "Touch the Sky"

Midnight Storm, Starry's coltfriend, and formerly the Cadet Captain for his academy group. Like Starry, he made his first appearance in "Touch the Sky" by Witching Hour.

Rapid Strike, the father of Monkey Wrench, and uncle to Rainbow Dash. He is a fellow Senior Master Sergeant, however he serves in the Cloudsdale Airguard. He is also an OC of Witching Hour's that I was able to borrow for this story.

Continuing on, Daring is honestly me in the morning. If I don't get my morning cup of tea I'll be a zombie for hours... also it's nice to write Daring and Leaf snark again. ALSO they got married, at last! Twilight was of course more than happy to marry them, followed by dropping the surprise of Daring being vastly higher in rank than Leaf's family post-riots. Now, the idea to up her in rank was thought up between me and Witching Hour, as just something fun to throw into the plans of Leaf's grandfather Black Velvet.

And speaking of the annoying old stallion, him and his brother White Tie have words. Horrible, gloating, words in which Velvet explains he set his brother up, and how he'll never get out of jail now! But that's okay, it's all according to plan...

But, that's all for now, I'll post the next chapter next week!

Until then,

~Sylvian