Chapter 6: The Sound of Silence

“I still can’t believe that he is seriously considering this,” Wind Rider says for the the third time in the past five minutes. “Are you sure he isn’t just blowing steam?”

“I’ve seen him blow steam before,” Distant chuckles darkly, “out of just about every orifice he has. This? This isn’t one of those times.”

Shaking her head, Viscountess Fine Brew looks up from the map of Canterlot on the table before her. The table, which is located in one of the banquet halls of the Castle, has four other ponies currently holding silent vigil at the other end of the table; Daring, Amber Dawn, Moonlight Knight, and Wind Rider.

Daring, who yawns sharply due to the fact the sun is still early in its rising, has a peculiar look of annoyance and worry on her face. Doubtlessly, she had been dragged out of bed for this meeting. Fine is almost certain she had been sharing that bed with Fine’s son, Leaf. No small amount of motherly pride flares up at the thought that she had dragged her soon to be daughter-in-law out of bed with her son, as she was still quite young to have more than one grandfoal quite yet.

“I have to agree with Distant and Viscountess Grey’s assessment of the situation,” the voice of Commander Knight. “My guards have been noticing strange activity around what is left of his manor house, as well as the outlying armories. I had assumed it was simply curious locals, but with this new information…”

“With this new information it’s clear they’re attempting to find weak points in our defense,” Commander Dawn finishes from where he is standing beside his fellow, a cup of coffee in front of him. “Clearly, we underestimated him.”

“We all did,” Distant snorts. “I mean, honestly. How can anypony take him seriously usually? He spends half his time blowing hot air out his ass, and the rest of the time spewing shit from his mouth.” She scoffs and taps a hoof on the table. “Mark my words, if he had a mare holding his leash, none of this would have gone this far!”

“And, pray tell, Baronetess,” Fine speaks up with a smirk, “who would we sacrifice to attain that? I know of no mare who would willingly take to his bed, let alone marry him, to attempt the slim chance of reining him in.” Distant opens her mouth, as if to object or offer up a name, but is quickly stopped by Fine holding up a hoof. “No, even the most politically ambitious of us would never bear his whining. In many cases, I would think many would prefer forgoing title and land if their other option was to marry that oaf.”

“Not to stop this delightful conversation of sacrificing young virgins to the insufferable evil that is our Archduke,” Dawn says with a surprisingly straight face, “but we do need to figure out how to deal with the immediate situation.” He taps one of his hooves against the map on the table. “I am in favor of rounding them all up and tossing them in the stocks. Let a few weeks of languishing in a cell cool their flanks.”

“That won’t work,” Distant says with a shake of her head. “Doing that will draw more to their side, and possibly lead to a bloodier conflict.”

“Perhaps checkpoints?” Daring offers, speaking up for the first time during the meeting. “Wind and I can have some of our Reservists assist Dawn and Knight’s guards with setting them up. We can pass it off as simply making sure the flow of outside help stays orderly.”

“That is a start, I guess,” Wind agrees, looking at Dawn and Knight. “But that’ll only get us so far. In the event of an actual uprising, we are going to have to keep the civilians safe. I do not know a whole lot about Blueblood, but I do not trust the gentry to keep their swords pointed at just the Guards and us.” He looks to Distant and Fine, smiling slightly. “No offense, Baronetess, Viscountess.”

“Well, glad to see I’m still considered among the ‘normal’ ponies,” Distant laughs.

“None taken, Rider,” Fine says with a smile. “But, I think Distant and I can assist in that shortcoming. We can rally the lower classes, instruct them to go somewhere safe should things boil over.”

“Won’t that tip off Blueblood and his cohorts?” Wind asks, a worried look in his eyes.

“You don’t know the nobility all that well,” Dawn chuckles. “They’ll be too caught up in whatever they’re doing to look at how the middle class is acting.”

“And what of any outside help they call in?” This question from Daring.

“Hired blades likely won’t care,” Distant replies. “You know as well as I do what they’re like, Daring. They might notice, but they won’t do anything about it unless it directly impacts their paycheck.”

“Fair point,” Daring concedes. “Let’s just hope that you and Lady Grey here don’t endanger their paychecks, then.”

“Have no fear of that, Sergeant,” Fine replies with a warm smile. “We’ll be doing what every noble in the city has dreams about; making the lower classes fear the gentry.”

“Oh, well now,” Distant says in a sarcastic tone, fanning herself with a hoof. “Just hearing you talk about it makes me all hot n’ bothered.”

“Now now, Distant,” Fine smirks, “I’m married.”

“Drat, so am I.” Distant sighs, pouting.

“Distant, Fine, please!” Daring coughs a blush rising on her cheeks. “It’s too early for this!”

“Yes… I agree with Daring,” Dawn says, shifting uncomfortably. “We are also off topic.” He looks to Knight, who due to his white fur can’t hide his own blush, and clears his throat. “I think we have the basis for a working plan, so Knight and I will go… rally our troops and start on the checkpoints.”

“And Daring and I,” Rider coughs, attempting to fold his wings, “should attend to our own forces, get them ready in case of combat.”

“Then I guess Fine and I shall take our leave,” Distant smiles as she stands up from where she is sitting and crosses over to Fine. “Come, my dear Viscountess! Let us go have a day on the town!”

------

The day progresses smoothly, with checkpoints being set up quickly and handled as if they had been there the entire time by the ones staffing them. These checkpoints are tested as by the first bell after noon the first of the truly large relief waves come from beyond the city’s walls. The relief is comprised of mostly supplies, such as blankets, tents, and non-perishable foods that can be easily stored by the affected civilians. The majority of these supplies stop at the various triage areas, where most of the refugees from the upper class and some of the middle-class have gathered and made into central hubs for supply distribution.

Some of the carts, however, do not head towards these areas. Instead, they head deeper into the city, and to a large ruined estate with a large number of guards patrolling it. The guards are wearing the uniforms of J.S.S. and sneer at the guards whenever a patrol passes close to the perimeter of the estate. Beyond the walls and debris that marks the estate’s boundary is a once-fine garden now trampled beneath the hooves of the many ponies parking wagons, setting up tents, and generally clearing the area of the majority of the fallout from the blast. The ponies going about these tasks look to be gardeners and the expected staff and retainers of one of high status, but the blades and spears close at hoof speak otherwise to the trained observer.

The largest concentration of ‘staff’ centers around a large pavilion tent, a pair of J.S.S. sentries on both sides of the entrance.

A stern-looking smoke-grey unicorn breaks off from a freshly arriving train of ‘supplies’ and makes his way towards the pavilion, lighting a thick cigar as he draws near. The guards shift aside, one of them drawing back one of the tent’s entrance flaps, allowing him to enter unimpeded. Inside, a large table sits in the middle of the pavilion surrounded by stern looking JSS officers and nobles, talking quietly and gesturing towards the maps and reports on the table.

“Commander Trap,” Blueblood frowns. “I need your troops to be in place before sunset, the checkpoint guards should be changing shifts at that time, we’ll catch more of them at one time.”

“I understand, m’lord,” Commander Trap, a middle aged dark-red earth pony, replies in a neutral tone as he looks up from the map. Spotting the newcomer, he gestures with one hoof. “And, my surprise is here. Prince Blueblood, allow me to introduce you to Janus’ expert in artillery.” The unicorn exhales a large cloud of smoke and chuckles as he walks over to stand next to his commanding officer. “This is Backblast. He came here with a special gift.”

“Is that so?” Blueblood asks, raising an eyebrow. “And how much am I going to need to pay you for this ‘gift’?”

“Depends on how much I get to fire it,” Backblast chuckles, causing smoke to billow from his mouth and nose. “It’s an expensive gun, but it’s well worth the money.” His horn glows brightly as he creates a scaled down illusion of the artillery gun in question. It’s a massive monster set on a railway car, the barrel of the gun alone taking up nearly ninety percent of the entire thing, a series of shells are sitting next to it with a few ponies to add scale. “This, is what we in the ground-pounder section of J.S.S. call ‘Ladykiller’, it’s the largest single piece of artillery Equestria has ever seen.” The illusion shifts, and the gun is loaded by a group of ponies, followed by the gun firing it’s payload. “She was thought up during the whole Griffin-Drake war, y’know, in case those scaly bastards ever woke up something big n’ nasty.”

“Unfortunately,” Trap picks up as his compatriate blows another cloud of smoke. “Princess Celestia vetoed it, stating that such a terrible weapon had no place in Equestria’s arsenal.” Trap gestures to the illusion, which is being reloaded slowly. “So, we built her on our own. Just because the Princess tells us ‘no’ doesn’t mean she won’t want it later.” Trap then smiles slightly, an unsettling thing considering his he missing a few teeth. “However, there was always the possibility that… Equestria’s Diarchy would become unfavorable to us, and thus we also had to consider the possibility that we’d one day have to shoot at the Princess.”

“So, this ‘Project Ladykiller’ is…?” Blueblood asks, his eyes narrowing.

“If I’m firing this cannon, your lordship,” Backblast says with a sneer, smoke billowing up from his mouth and nose like the dragons his cannon was originally supposed to shoot at, “alicorns will die.”

“A necessary evil, m’lord,” Trap adds without missing a beat. “What with your claim of your aunt, our dear Monarch Celestia, having been murdered, and the other captured? We cannot leave anything to chance. The cannon can be used for more than just destroying single targets. In fact, if your lordship wishes, we can pre-plan and target important guard rally points within the city to cause their ranks to flee with minimal bloodshed.”

“No,” Blueblood answers. “As far as I am concerned, each and every one of the Guards are traitors to the crown. If they were complicit in the crime, or simply unaware, it does not matter. We must clear out the old blood, to make room for the new.”

“Our sentiments exactly,” Backblast chuckles. “So, pick your targets, and me n’the crew will make it rubble.”

Nodding, Blueblood looks to the map, his face growing hard.

Tonight, the blood of many a pony will be spilt. Tomorrow, he will sit on the throne…

-----

"Thank you for seeing me so promptly on such short notice, Earl Toffee," Fine says as she pours tea from a tarnished silver teapot. "I trust you won't mind that I took the liberty of ordering a pot of hot water to brew your preferred blend?"

“Not at all, Viscountess,” Earl Toffee, an aged unicorn wearing a purple top hat and a purple vest, replies with a smile as he picks up his teacup. “Truthfully, I am simply glad somepony is willing to take some time out of their day to entertain an old stallion, and not just talk about how things have gone down the waterspout what with the attack.” He takes a sip of his tea and his smile grows fond. “Mmm, as always, Viscountess, your skills at teacraft are without rival.”

“You flatter me, Earl,” Fine chuckles, blushing slightly. “I try my best, however, even with things as they are, I have a reputation to uphold, after all.”

“Don’t we all,” Toffee muses. “I sense, however, that you have sought me out for other reason than to gift me with a cup of my favorite tea, sorely needed as it was.” He smirks over his teacup, which is levitating just in front of his face. “So, my dear, what can this old stallion do for you?”

“I am sure you’ve heard the rumblings from our peers?” Fine starts tentatively, smiling sheepishly. “And doubtlessly you’ve heard that I am taking a stance against all of it.”

"Much to the joy of our peers, and I'm sure Earl Grey is positively ecstatic about the situation," Toffee replies, a bemused smile tugging at one corner of his mouth.

“My father is beside himself,” Fine sighs as she rolls her eyes. “If I didn’t know any better, I would say he’d be dancing in the streets.” She pauses to take a sip of her tea, taking the moment to study the stallion across from her. “And what of you, Earl Toffee, what is your opinion in all of this?”

“Oh, well,” Toffee starts, smiling warmly as he puts his tea down onto the saucer in front of him. “I am hardly as young as I used to be, and I am not of the revolutionary mindset.” He chuckles and shakes his head. “That said, I am staunchly firm in my belief that….”

“That he is with us,” a new voice interrupts, causing Fine to nearly lose her delicate magical hold on the teacup in front of her. “As the good Earl is part of the Gentry that has been displaced by these events, and stands to lose much should the Wonderbolts and the Royal Guard continue to be in control.”

Turning and barely resisting the urge to scowl, Fine offers a polite smile to the stallion who is standing a short distance from her and Toffee. “Ah, Uncle White Tie, so good to see you.” She gestures to an open seat at the table, purely out of etiquette rather than a true wish for him to join them. “I trust you are in good health? My aunt and cousins doing well?”

“I am quite well, Viscountess,” White Tie replies with a sniff. “And my wife and children are fair, though disheartened due to our house being reduced to rubble.” He looks to the seat indicated by Fine and a small battle plays across his features as he doubtlessly weighs social etiquette and the desire to be done with whatever had drawn him here. Something wins, as he shakes his head and walks up to the table, but does not sit down. “I sadly cannot join you two for afternoon tea, I have merely come to speak with Earl Toffee.”

“I seem to be quite the popular pony today,” Toffee remarks, looking up at Tie from his seat. “And, to what do I owe the pleasure of speaking with you, Lord Grey?”

Biting down a grimace as quickly as it forms, Tie attempts a smile as he speaks. “I wished to know if I, and my compatriots, could count upon your help in the coming days?”

“Ah, I see,” Toffee sighs wearily. “Your dear niece was just about to lay out her reasoning for why I should help her side of things. I am sure it would be quite convincing.”

“I would argue that my niece is too close to the whole thing for her own good,” Tie retorts, his eyes narrowing. “Her son is a Wonderbolt Reserve, and she has been staying in the Castle this past week! Clearly, she is in league with the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts, and is only seeking to lead you astray.”

“And what of my daughter?” Fine interjects, frowning. “Was not all of this started because Princess Luna was supposedly abducted?” She pauses a moment, waiting for her uncle to open his mouth, before she cuts him off. “My daughter is Luna’s student, Uncle Tie, clearly I have a vested interest in seeing the Princess remain in power.”

“Yes, but is she not also a Wonderbolt Auxiliary?” Tie frowns, clearly not happy about being cut off. “No matter that she is Luna’s student, she very well could have lured her mentor into a trap, and allowed the Wonderbolts to capture her! There truly are no lengths you and your… spawn will not go to remain where you are.”

“Empty words coming from you, Uncle,” Fine retorts coolly. “And Witch was, and is, Luna’s student first, a Wonderbolt second. She would never commit such a treasonous betrayal against Luna, no matter the reward offered.”

Waving a hoof absently towards Tie, Toffee sighs. “Like I was telling your niece here, I am firmly set in my beliefs in this matter, and you do not need to go preaching Blueblood’s words here.” He smirks slightly, lifting his teacup again. “I would inform your fellows of this. I am sure they will be quite pleased to know that Earl Toffee will not be speaking out against them.”

Smiling widely, and perhaps with genuine mirth for the first time, Tie inclines his head. “I shall do just that, Earl Toffee.” He looks to Fine, his smile slipping considerably. “Enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Viscountess.” He then turns and departs. As he does, Fine slumps in her seat a little, sighing. Looking over at the Earl across from her, who has returned to sipping his tea, she starts to stand up, stopping only when Toffee speaks up.

“Where are you going, Fine?” Toffee asks, a smile on his face. “I was enjoying our conversation, and you still have quite a bit of your tea left.”

“I… Well it’s clear you won’t listen to my side of things, so I figure I won’t waste your time,” Fine offers, a ghost of a smile on her face.

“Nonsense, my dear!” Toffee chuckles waving for her to sit again. “I merely stated that I will not speak out against them! I’ve said nothing about opposing them in other ways. This business of revolt, and all that goes with it, is hardly what this city needs.” He taps a hoof against the table, looking over at Fine with a sigh. “I do not know if what Blueblood is saying is true, I care not to believe it, but the belief of an old stallion hardly weighs well against the wishes of the world. But, I would work under the belief that Luna is well, that Celestia yet lives, and that the Guard and Wonderbolts continue to be loyal to the oaths which they have sworn.”

Sitting down, Fine smiles warmly at the older pony. “You mean...”

“Yes,” Toffee answers. “How can this old stallion help you save this city?”

--------

The streets of Canterlot of full of ponies despite the early hour, the sun’s journey through the sky showing it to be perhaps only ten in the morning. Many, if not all, of the ponies in the streets are attempting some semblance of normalcy despite the ruined state of the inner city, with a devout few venturing into the inner city to pick through the ruins and try and recover something from their lives before the blast.

Then, there are the ponies from outside the city. Many are pulling carts, or escorting those pulling carts. Many are wearing armor, or uniforms, and all are wearing some form of weapon as if worried they’ll be attacked.

And then there is the stallion striding down the center of the street, his sheer presence and force of will causing the sea of ponies to part before him, leaving a large space free of anypony but him. The stallion is tall, far taller than many in the crowd, and despite the flowing white cape he wears, it is clear he walks with the grace of a warrior long seasoned on the battlefield. What can be seen of him, mostly from the shoulders up as his cape covers everything else, is white save for his muzzle which is a deep crimson as if he has been eating food of that color for his entire life, a color reflected in his piercing red eyes which currently look straight ahead from behind a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. A white turban sits atop his head, which, although an odd sight in Canterlot, does not make him stick out from the crowd too badly.

Turning the corner onto an empty street, the stallion’s pace slows slightly as he looks up towards the large castle in the center of the city. How long had it been since last he had walked the halls of a palace? Since he had set hoof into the beating heart of a Kingdom? A thousand years, surely, and yet it felt just like yesterday he had stood in Fillyon speaking with his brother and sister in godhood, smiling at the foals playing in the garden. And now, he was going to the place from which those foals now ruled as adult mares.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” A voice comes from within the turban. “We should get in there and go talk to Luna! Or are you suddenly getting cold hooves, Shiro?”

Grunting, Shiro picks up his pace. “I am the God of War, Jinsong. I do not know fear in battle, nor in domestic matters like this.”

“I beg to differ, my ancient friend,” Jin chuckles, peeking out from beneath the turban. “For I know you quite well. And right now, you are afraid.” He pats the side of Shiro’s muzzle. “But that’s okay, I’m a little afraid myself.” Jin goes back into the turban and sighs. “The stories we’ve heard about little Luna… To think the mare we used to know grew up to be a warrior to rival even you?”

“To think she nearly brought ruin upon her kingdom,” Shiro grumbles. “I thought we had taught her better than that.”

“That was not her fault, and you know it,” Jin retorts. “We know, better than most in fact, that such things are sometimes beyond our control…” Shiro offers no reply, and simply continues walking towards the Castle, his pace picking up slightly as other ponies appear in the streets from amongst the ruins. “Honestly, though, I just hope she remembers us. It’s been so long, and she was so young…” This earns him a grunt, but still no reply from Shiro.

The two continue on in companionable silence, much like they had since they had entered the city, and soon find themselves coming up to the battered entrance to the Castle’s grounds.

“This place could use the gentle touch of a gardener,” Jin says in a sarcastic tone. “I mean, you’d think a bomb went off or something!”

“Considering your normal sense of humor,” Shiro starts with a pronounced frown, “I will assume you are simply attempting to defuse the tension.” He starts forward, pointedly ignoring the drake peeking out from between the folds of his turban.

The walk through the castle’s once beautiful grounds is somber, the occasional staff-pony or guard nodding towards Shiro as he passes, though quite a few give him suspicious glances. Shiro pays none of them any mind, however, as the peerless warrior in him is occupied by the castle’s defenses, and the state of the soldiers that patrol it. It is not up to his standards, but then he has not taught these soldiers; his hooves have not touched the affairs of mortal ponies for a very long time.

His inner musings last until they are at the gates of the Castle, the guards flanking it lowering their polearms across the door to bar his way.

“Halt! Access to the Castle is restricted to staff, Guards, and Reserves,” one of the guards states wearily, and as Shiro looks closer at him he can tell the stallion is injured and looks quite tired. “So, unless you have business with one of them, you may not enter the Castle.”

“I have business with your monarch, Princess Luna,” Shiro states flatly.

Frowning, the stallion who had spoken to Shiro leans his head to one side. “I am sorry, but Princess Luna has not been here since before the attack.” He lowers his spear and narrows his eyes at Shiro. “What business do you have with her?”

“My own,” Shiro grunts. “Is there anypony within I can speak to? If she is not here, then I wish to wait here until she returns.”

“You can speak to my commander, or the commander of the Reservists,” the second guard, a mare, speaks up. “However, they are both quite busy since the city was attacked, as you can quite clearly see.”

“I am sorry my visit is inconvenient for you, and your commanders,” Shiro offers in a deadpan, “but my business is important.”

Sighing heavily, the guard-stallion shakes his head and gestures his head. “Then no point in having you stand here. Knowing your type, you’d stand here until you got what you wanted, and we can’t have ponies standing here blocking the flow of traffic.” When Shiro doesn’t make a move to walk inside, the guard narrows his eyes. “Is there anything else, sir?”

“I require escort. I do not know where your commanders are,” Shiro states as if it’s the most obvious fact in the world.

Putting a hoof against his face, the guard stallion points to his companion. “Private, can you please escort our… esteemed guest to the ballroom.”

“Yes, Lieutenant,” the mare replies with a sigh as she gestures to Shiro. “This way, sir.”

Following behind the Private, Shiro quietly observes the inside of the Castle. He is pleased to see that beyond shattered windows the interior of the castle has not suffered much from whatever force attacked the city. He also notes on how next to a few servants and ponies who are clearly civilians, the hallways are thick with military personnel. The sights and sounds of being surrounded by trained soldiers, even if they are not his, eases Shiro a bit, as it is a familiar thing, almost long forgotten in the long years since the fall. It is enough, even, to bring a small smile to his face, which does not unnoticed by the drake hiding in his turban.

“You missed it,” Jin whispers in Shiro’s ear, “being in the middle of so many soldiers, striding through rooms full of ponies ready to defend their homes.” Shiro nods slightly in reply, unwilling to speak and give his friend away quite yet.

The guard brings them swiftly through the interior of the castle, and to a pair of large open doors. Beyond the doors is a spacious room full of ponies clustered around tables. The largest of the tables has a council of six around it, many of them bandaged and standing awkwardly as they discuss their current topic.

Pointing to that large table and its group, the mare who has escorted them there smiles. “There is your destination, sir. I hope whatever it is you came here to discuss with Princess Luna can be discussed with them, and if not, that you find your time here… more productive than the past few days have been for us.”

“Thank you, Private,” Shiro acknowledges the mare, his smile remaining. “You did well escorting us here so quickly, I will make sure your superiors know of it.”

“Thank you, sir,” the mare returns the smile, though hers is weary and lopsided. “Will that be all?” When Shiro nods, she offers a salute, and then departs, leaving Shiro and Jin to slowly make their way through the room towards the table and its occupants.

As he draws close, Shiro cannot help but raise an eyebrow as he observes the small gathering, one pony in particular catching his eye. Though he had seen her with fewer bandages, and certainly in a more rested state, Shiro cannot help but smile as he recognizes Daring standing at the table, facing him, in a military uniform. Sadly, she is the only pony at the table that he instantly recognizes. The others -- save for for one armored pony and one wearing what looks to be a fur-lined leather jacket -- have their backs to him. He is nearly upon them before Daring looks up, her eyes growing wide and a genuine smile crossing her features.

“Tell me I am not simply hallucinating because I’ve barely slept,” Daring says loudly, drawing the attention of all the others at the table. “Or have you truly dained to grace us with your presence, Shiro?”

“I should be asking you the same thing,” Shiro smirks. “For all that I have lived through, the sight of you wearing a military uniform is perhaps the most surprising.”

“Yup, you are definitely Shiro!” Daring declares, then narrows her eyes. “Which means there is a snake in your hat!”

“I am not a snake! Thank you very much!” Jin protests, poking his head out and sticking his tongue out at Daring. “I am a majestic drake! If I were my proper size, you’d all be quaking in fear!”

“Sure, and I am the Queen of Saddle Arabia,” Daring sighs, rolling her eyes.

“Well, if your majesty is finished bantering,” the stallion beside Daring wearing the jacket speaks up, “would you be willing to introduce us to your friend?”

Daring opens her mouth, only to have one of the three with their backs to Shiro speak up first.

“Shiro Hoshi,” the speaker, a mare wearing a fur-lined cloak says as she turns around with a smile. The mare is a stunning dark blue with a graying silver-blue mane, her sapphire eyes look up at Shiro with the weight of age and experience yet hold a cunning wit and deep humor to them. “Better known, at least to us of House Star, as Lord White Star.” She smiles warmly and inclines her head. “It’s good to see you again, Grandfather.”

“And you, little Diamond,” Shiro replies, his tone growing warm. “I see you have taken my advice and put your fiery spirit to good use as a warrior.”

“Retired now, but yes, Grandfather,” Diamond replies. She looks over her shoulder at Daring who has both hooves over her mouth to stifle snickering. “Is something funny, Senior Master Sergeant?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Daring says between snickers. “Just, never thought I’d see the scary, grumpy, serious Shiro I met all those months ago being… well actually grandfatherly!” She winks at Shiro, who frowns deeply. “It’s quite a sight. I just wish Leaf was here to share in this historic moment! Truly, when we rebuild the city, we should immortalize this moment in stain glass!”

“Focus, Yearling,” one of the stallions in armor beside Daring says.

“NO, a statue!” Daring continues, gesturing with one hoof in a broad sweep. “I can see it now! We’ll have Shiro smiling, of course the artist will have to guess at what he looks like when he smiles, because he really never does...”

“I do….” Shiro grunts.

“And we’ll have Duchess Diamond sitting….” Daring continues, only to stop and raise an eyebrow at something behind Shiro.

The sound of hooves against the hard stone floor echoes into the room as a pony charges in, calling out as he storms in.

“Daring, Dawn! I could use a little help here!” Leaf calls out, causing Shiro to turn around and raise an eyebrow. Leaf is panting hard, his bandaged wings twitching as if he wants to take flight, ears back against his head.

“What’s wrong, dear?” Daring asks, frowning as she leans over to look beyond Leaf. “Is someone chasing you? And where are the foals?”

“They’re the problem!” Leaf says hurriedly. “I swear, Tricks, I can handle, but his friends!?”

“Aww, what’s wrong Leaf?” Jin says, peaking out from his perch on Shiro’s head. “Can’t handle some foals? Is the husband of Daring truly so easily defeated by the young?”

“We’ll see if I send you a wedding invite now, Jin,” Leaf retorts, sticking his tongue out. “Besides, I can take care of foals just fine thank y-”

He gets no farther, as a young voice comes from the entrance, drawing all eyes towards it.

“There he is!” a unicorn shouts, pointing at Leaf. “Spark, Gust, get him!” The young unicorn, along with his two pegasus friends, charge forward with what can only be called a war cry, causing Leaf to turn around and start backing up.

“Now, we can talk about this!” Leaf says slowly, backing up towards the table. “I mean, really, perhaps Daring and Dawn…”

“I have no idea what’s going on,” a stallion next to Daring wearing golden armor says slowly, “but it looks like this one is on you, Leaf.”

“I have to agree with Dawn,” Daring chuckles. “What’d you do? Promise to take them out to ice cream if they were good?”

“Well, possibly, but that’s not…” Leaf starts, but is cut off as a pair of young pegasi, presumably Spark and Gust, crash into him followed shortly by the unicorn.

“He promised us yesterday, if we were good and followed orders, he’d take us out to ice cream.” Gust says from where he is on top of Leaf’s back. Leaf grimaces as Gust wiggles, as he is dangerously close to Leaf’s injured wing.

“And today,” Spark picks up the narrative from his position of attempting to put Leaf into a headlock. “He says he is too busy, and that streets are too dangerous!”

“But, Nana Brew and Auntie Yearling’s friend Distant are out there, so it can’t be that dangerous!” Tricks finishes. He, unlike his friends, is not attempting to tackle Leaf. Instead, he is tugging his tail, mimicking his mother in an attempt to get Leaf to move backwards.

All in all, Leaf is standing there with two pegasi on his back, a young unicorn pulling his tail with his magic, and a pitiful look on his face as he looks at Daring. Daring, for her part, is biting her bottom lip to stifle her laughter, with Dawn beside her pointedly not looking at Leaf while holding back his own laughter. In fact, the only person at the table who is laughing is Jin, who all but rolls out of Shiro’s turban and lands across his muzzle.

“Oh-ho! I was kidding when I said it earlier!” Jin laughs. “But this? This is too rich. You look like someone just took away your favorite plant pressing book!” He wipes a tear from his eye and then stops as he realizes everyone, the foals included, are staring at him. “What? Never seen a wyrm before?”

“No,” Tricks speaks up, staring at Jin with wide eyes. His friends follow suit and get off of Leaf to likewise stare at the small drake. “Where are you from?”

“Well, little ones,” Jin starts, sitting up on Shiro’s muzzle and standing heroically. “I am an ancient and venerable god! My grumpy friend and I are from a land far from here. Daring found us, and convinced my friend that the time to hide was long past.” He hops down, intent on landing in front of the foals, but is stopped when he is enveloped in the crimson magical glow of Shiro’s magic.

“I do not think they have time to listen to one of your stories, old friend,” Shiro states flatly. “And nor do we.”

“Are you a unicorn?” Gust asks, watching as Shiro lifts Jin and puts him on the table. “And why are you so tall? I thought only alicorns get that tall!”

“Because I am,” Shiro replies simply, instantly causing everyone at the table-- save for Daring, Leaf, and the two present of House Star -- as well as the three foals in front of him, to gasp and stare at him wide-eyed. Beside him, Diamond is stifling laughter.

“Wait, really?” Dawn asks, looking between Shiro and Diamond. “And why are you laughing?”

“Sorry, my grandfather is just rather blunt,” Diamond waves a hoof. “He likely forgets that alicorns are not all that prevalent these days. He is, after all, quite old.” She looks to the three foals, who look like they’ve just stumbled upon the most amazing secret in the world, then to Leaf who is slowly scooting away from them. “Leaf Wind, was it? You’re Viscountess Grey’s son, yes?”

“I am,” Leaf says, stopping in his tracks. “What of it?”

“Nothing.” She reaches under her cloak and pulls out a small coin purse. “Please, go treat these fine young colts to some ice cream, on me.” She looks to the three who’ve not taken their eyes off of Shiro as she walks over to whisper in Leaf’s ear. “It’d be for the best. I know they’re likely going to want to ask questions, but right now isn’t the best time.” She watches Leaf frown, before smiling. “Do it, and I’ll tell you some embarrassing stories about Jin you can hold over his head.”

Leaf perks up at that, and smiles broadly. “Not that holding anything over his head is hard, being as short as he is, but you’ve got a deal, Duchess.” He walks the short distance to the foals, swallows, and opens his mouth. “Say, how about we go get that ice cream?” The three caped foals do not move, and Leaf frowns. “I’ll even let you have sprinkles…. and whipped cream?”

“Chocolate sprinkles?” Tricks speaks up, still looking at Shiro, who is staring back unflinchingly.

“Y-yes?” Leaf responds slowly.

“Alright,” Tricks says, looking to his two friends. “Looks like we’ll have to ask him all our questions later.” The other two moan a little, but follow Tricks as he gets up and starts to the door.

Pausing for a moment, Leaf looks to Daring, who is smiling widely, and smirks. “You owe me for this later.” And then, with that, he chases after the three foals.

Chucking, Daring looks to the others at the table. “Well, I think with that rather… interesting interruption, we may as well take a break ourselves.” She looks over at Diamond. “I think Duchess Star and her son would like to perhaps get their grandfather here settled in and filled in on what is going on? We very well might need his help and expertise in the coming hours.”

“Not to mention, we have a lot to catch up on,” Diamond states with a nod. “I’ll fill him in, though.” She looks to the others at the table. “Commanders, Wind Rider, I hope next time we meet it’s not to plan how to defend this castle against its own citizens.”

“Agreed,” the armored stallion next to Daring says. The other, a thestral if Shiro’s eyes don’t betray him, yawns and shrugs.

“We’ve got things well in hoof, anyway,” Wind says removing his glasses. “Besides, it’s nearly lunch, and if I don’t get something to eat, I’ll get cranky.”

“Oh, you poor old stallion,” Daring chuckles. “And what do you mean you’ll get cranky? As if that isn’t your natural state anyway!”

Whatever retort Wind gives, Shiro does not hear as Diamond walks over and gestures for him to follow. “Come, Grandfather, we have a few rooms set aside here in the Castle for myself and the other senior members of House Star.” Shiro follows after her, along with her son who he vaguely recalls is named Dark Star.

As they walk, Jin flies out from beneath Shiro’s turban and lands on Diamond’s shoulders, burying himself in the fur lining of her cloak.

His head peeking out from the hoof that she currently has down, Jin sighs. “Ah, so much better than being cooped up on top of your grandfather’s head.”

“I can imagine,” Diamond remarks with a smirk. “So, I am sure you two have questions.”

“I have a few,” Shiro states as they make their way down a mostly empty corridor. “Such as, what is this House ‘Star’, and where is Luna?”

“Well, I’ll start with the easy one,” Diamond sighs, turning down another hallway leading towards the guest residences. “House Star is one of the oldest houses in Equestria, second only to the bloodline of the King, who gave his power over to Celestia and Luna.” She looks over her shoulder to Shiro. “It is, for all intents and purposes, your bloodline.” She looks ahead again, head held high. “As such, we are a house of warriors, officers, and defenders of the innocent.”

“Why was I never told of it?” Shiro asks, eyes narrowing.

“To what end?” Diamond replies with a shrug. “How would you have replied if one of us told you that you were the head of an ancient house created by Celestia and Luna as one of their first acts upon gaining the throne? Our cousins suspected you would not like it, as even if you are the ‘God of War’ I understand you never were one for holding power in any sense that your descendants could potentially rule over ponies.”

“And do you?” Shiro asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Not in the sense of the word that we order ponies around all the time,” Diamond replies, smiling at a passing servant. “I am considered a Duchess, which means I have the power to effect great change, but I rarely ever use that title, as our house prefers titles earned rather than given.” She waves a couple of guards to ease. “I earned a rank as a General, serving for more than half my life in the Army. My two sons, Dark Star,” She gestures towards the stallion who has been beside Shiro the entire time they’ve been walking, “here is in the Guard, and Gold Star is currently a ranking Admiral in the Royal Equestrian Navy.”

“I would expect no less from my descendants.” Shiro smiles as he nods.

“Truthfully, we don’t do it for you,” Diamond chuckles. “We serve because somepony has to. Because our bloodline has been serving since Equus, and we’ll keep defending our fellow ponies until the world comes crashing down around us.” She stops at a pair of doors with guards on both sides. “And, perhaps well beyond even that point.”

“You sound just like my son,” Shiro chuckles, earning a raised eyebrow from Jin, and a smile from Diamond. “He used to say he’d defend Equus unto his dying breath, and perhaps even beyond if it meant an innocent pony would live.”

“Glory Blaze must have been an amazing stallion,” Diamond offers as she opens the door and heads inside. “The stories I was told as a filly about his exploits, not to mention how he was friends with Star Swirl the Bearded, used to keep me up at night wondering if I’d ever be that adventurous, or even that good of a warrior.” She waits for Shiro to enter the room before closing the door behind him.

“And are you?” Shiro asks, stopping a little ways into the spacious common room he has entered.

“In my own way, I believe I am,” Diamond sighs, taking off her cloak to reveal the set of dark grey armor beneath. “But, one can hardly match up to the son of one of Equus’ Gods.” She looks to Shiro with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Not that I haven’t tried.” She gestures to his cloak. “And, there is no need to continue wearing your cloak and turban, everypony within these suite is of the house, and has met you before.”

Shrugging out of his cloak and levitating his turban off, Shiro stretches his wings and looks to Diamond. “So, what was that meeting about? It looked serious.”

“It was, and if you follow me, we can grab some lunch,” Diamond says slowly as she heads towards a door leading towards what looks to be a small kitchen. “And as we eat, my dear grandfather, I can tell you just how big of a political storm you’ve walked into the middle of…”

------

“If you value your house more than your own life,” Fine growls, ears back against her head as she stares at the stallion in front of her, “then you had best be prepared to defend it!”

“And what if I am?” the stallion replies. “This house has been in my family for generations, I will not allow it to be taken from me! No matter what you say.” He sighs, shaking his head. “Besides, I doubt what you say is even true! Blueblood… he is an idiot, but I can’t see him ever being able to fund and coordinate a full scale uprising like you’re saying he is.”

Fine opens her mouth to continue arguing, only to have a pair of hooves grab her by the shoulders and gently pull her backwards, followed by a voice. “We understand it is hard to believe, sir. But it’s the truth. If you want to stay, then we wish you luck. However, remember the Royal Guard and the Reserves are urging everypony to head towards the shelters should this break into fighting in the streets.”

“Thank you,” the stallion says, rolling his eyes. “I will keep that in mind. Now, good evening.” He closes the door and locks it with an audible click.

“I can’t believe I had to play the straight pony that time,” Distant, who had pulled Fine back away from the stallion, sighs. “I mean, me acting as the voice of reason! There is something wrong with this picture.”

“I know… I know,” Fine adds with her own sigh. “It’s just… all of this has me on edge. Between my uncle and my parents?” She slumps her shoulders and starts back out into the street.

Following after her friend, Distant nods. “I can understand that. Honestly, if I had your family, I’d have moved to Saddle Arabia and opened an inn!” She pauses, smirking. “Oh, wait, I did move to Saddle Arabia and opened an inn.” She nudges Fine in the shoulder and winks. “Hey, me and Sierra wouldn’t complain if you and Holly decided to open a tea-shop across the street. Or even in our inn!”

“Don’t tempt me,” Fine chuckles, a little of her good humor returning.

“Tempting ponies is just one of the many fine things I do, though!” Distant declares, shrugging. “But, all of this will be for naught if we don’t keep working on getting ponies out of here… or better defended.” She looks at the small stream of ponies that are actually going to seek refuge in better defended parts of the city. “And at this rate… I really hope more listen.”

“So do I,” Fine agrees, turning and walking down the street towards the next neighborhood. “Honestly, I am just ready for this day to be over.”

“You and me both,” Distant agrees, nodding firmly. “Who could believe that Blueblood would actually go through with his insane ravings? He just never has seemed capable of harming others in any other way than petty gossip and political maneuvering.”

Turning the corner around a boarded up shop, Fine sighs. “It really isn’t like him, but then ponies are always more than they seem on the outside.” She looks to Distant and shrugs. “Perhaps, he has always been capable of such things, but has never had a reason to do them before?”

“And perhaps griffins are able to be vegetarians and live in peace and harmony with the world,” Distant posits, rolling her eyes. “Honestly, something doesn’t add up about all of this, but I can’t place my hoof on it.”

“If we’re lucky, he’ll stand down once he realizes the Guards and Reserves aren’t pushovers.” Fine shrugs, eyeing a group of Civilians who pass by them wearing old armor and carrying swords. “And that the middle-class won’t let them push them around any more.”

“I just hope none of them get any ideas, and try and fight back first.” Distant adds in, her tone becoming worried. “Seriously, I am sure a few of the ponies we’ve warned will get it in their head to not wait, and we don’t even know when all of this is going to boil over! What if one of them goes and attacks Blueblood or another noble, and it ignites the powder keg we’re all sitting on?”

“We don’t,” Fine comments dryly. “Which is why we have to keep warning as many as we can, and prepare for the worst, then pray for the best.”

Nodding slowly, Distant sighs. “Well, that makes me feel loads better, Fine, thank you.”

“If I didn’t know you, Distant,” Fine chuckles darkly, “I would almost assume you were being serious, and not sarcastic.” She pauses at an intersection and looks down towards the entrance to the lower class district a few blocks away. “But, before we continue knocking on stranger’s doors, I need to go speak to someone…”

Following after Fine as she starts down the street, Distant raises an eyebrow. “And who is this mysterious friend? Should I be worried? Do I need to pretend that I’m not here while you warn your secret low born lover that soon Canterlot shall be wreathed in flames and chaos?”

Shaking her head and snorting in amusement, Fine shrugs. “Nothing like that, Distant. The friend is a doctor at Canterlot General, and she used to look after Leaf when he’d be his usual self, and even helped get my daughter a hoof in the door when she wanted to be a doctor herself.”

“Ah, so returning the favor by looking out for her?” Distant inquires, a smile spreading over her features. “I knew I liked you for a reason, Fine. Loyalty like that is a dying breed with ponies of your rank.”

“Well, glad to know you found a kindred, self-sacrificing soul in the ranks,” Fine chuckles as she rolls her eyes. “Anyway, we’re here.” Fine raises a hoof to knock on the door of the plain lower class house she has stopped in front of, but the door opens suddenly and an emerald green unicorn looks out from the doorway and smiles out at Fine. “Hey Emerald, got a moment?”

“Huh, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, Fine Brew?” Emerald, the green pony, asks warmly.

“Distant and I are just going around, warning ponies that Blueblood has grown increasingly unstable,” Fine sighs heavily, frowning. “We fear that he is planning an uprising.”

“Against the Royal Guards and the Wonderbolt reserves that have been helping mend this city against the destruction those horrible Shadowbolts caused?” Emerald gasped. “Is he insane?”

“Hey, somepony else that agrees with me!” Distant smirks, eyeing the group, especially the griffin behind Emerald. “But yes. We are urging everypony to get into the shelters, and we want your little band here to do the same.”

Both Emerald and the griffin shake their heads, as Emerald starts up, “My place is at the hospital. If there are wounded, that's where I’ll be needed most. I think I can defend myself from a few crazy, rich-blooded ponies.” Emerald waved a hoof.

“And if there is rioting, the hospital isn't as guarded as everywhere else.” the griffin says looking with determination at the pair of mares. “So my claws would be better suited there.”

Fine sighs, looking towards the griffin. “Just don't hurt them too badly then, ok?”

“Where are these shelters?” a muted grey unicorn asks.

“Closer to the castle, just follow the stream of ponies.” Distant steps back and points, then looks back at the unicorn, raising an eyebrow. “What, don't want to stay out here with these two?”

The unicorn quickly shakes her head. “No, I’d rather be somewhere safe. They don't need me at the hospital anyway. Lode and I can head to the shelters.” She turned to Emerald. “Just you be safe, okay? I don't want to lose you again.” she pulled Emerald into a soft hug.

Emerald hugged her back. “You two take care. Don't worry. If things get too bad, I can flee.”

“I’d suggest you take any possessions you have with you,” Fine says softly, looking beyond Emerald and into her house. “If you have any that is.”

The grey unicorn looks up at Emerald, who glanced back into the house. “Just one, the rest can be replaced after this is all over,” She glances to the earth pony in her group. “Take those leg guards with you. Talon will be wanting them when he comes back.”

He nods as he grabs the indicated leg guards, the earth pony puts them into a satchel, then looks at the statues. “What about these?” Emerald shakes her head softly.

“As much as I’d like you to take them, I don't want you getting weighed down. Just be careful you two.” Emerald turns back to Fine. “We should all get going.”

Fine nods to the group, and turns, gesturing for Distant to follow her. They start off towards the next house, pausing only as Fine looks back to make sure her friend and her group are heading out.

“You really worry about her, don’t you?” Distant asks, smiling softly.

“What can I say,” Fine chuckles weakly. “Emerald is a family friend… if something happened to her?” She looks over at Distant as the other unicorn puts a hoof on Fine’s shoulder.

“Say no more, I understand. If something happened to Daring, or her parents Celestia forbid, I’d be beside myself.” From behind them Emerald shouts something about her steed and the griffin lifts off with Emerald on his back. “Oh, she must fit right in with your family.”

“You have no idea,” Fine chuckles. “Well, back into the fray.” She walks up to the next house in the line, and goes right back to work.

Silently, she prays to Celestia that her words won’t echo into the silence.

-----

Yawning heavily and stretching, a few loud pops echoing through the master bedroom of her house, Perfect Night opens her eyes and looks around. She had allowed herself to be convinced by her husband, reinforced by her fellow nurses Natty and Poppy, to go take a short nap, but as she looks out the window she is astonished to find that the sun is starting its slow descent towards the horizon.

“I must have been more tired than I thought…” Perfect mutters between another yawn. Shaking her head, she gets out of bed and runs a hoof over her scrubs followed by her hair. Deciding that, for the moment, she looks less like she has just crawled out of bed, Perfect heads to the door, and then down the stairs.

Upon reaching the bottom, she finds that everything is exactly as she had left it, save perhaps for the quiet voice of her husband speaking from inside the area where most of the ponies who had not yet been sent to the hospital, or were not injured enough to be in the hospital, were resting. Walking into the room, Perfect smiles slightly as she spots Evening sitting beside a bed with the brand new Daring Do novel Prose had given the occupant of the bed, his voice low so as to not disturb the other ponies who are resting, but loud enough that any who wish to listen in can. But, for the most part, his efforts are all for the young pegasus filly resting in the bed, slightly burnt teddy bear clutched in her bandaged arms.

“And then,” Evening says slowly, looking down at the filly with a smile, “Daring and her brave assistant found themselves in a room as vast as the ballroom of Canterlot Castle, its walls filled with the most beautiful carvings and gems.” He turns the page, pausing for a moment to build dramatic effect before continuing. “But as they advanced into the room, Daring heard a loud scraping sound. Turning, she found her assistant had stepped on a pressure plate! Across the room, their prize, the fabled statue of the prophets, started to sink into the floor! Wasting no time, Daring charged forward, her assistant hot on her tail, desperate to get the statue before it is lost to them forever.”

The filly yawns in her bed, and blinks, causing Evening to stop reading put the book down.

“Why’d you stop, Mr. Evening?” the filly complains, yawning again. “It was just getting to the good part!”

“Because, my little friend, the hour is drawing late,” Evening replies with a fatherly smile. “And you need your rest if you hope to continue to heal after your own heroic adventure.”

“Alright,” the filly sighs, yawning again, “but promise you’ll read to me again tomorrow?”

“Of course I will!” Evening promises, gently tousling the filly’s mane. “I would never dream of not reading a bedtime story to you! I am a father, you know, and I would be doing fathers everywhere an injustice if I allowed you to go to bed without one.” His smile falters a little, and he clears his throat. “Especially since yours isn’t here to do it.”

“I’m sure he’ll be glad you did, whenever my parents come to get me,” the filly offers, yawning again and settling down into her pillow. “Tomorrow, I’m sure they’ll come and get me…” Her eyes drift closed, and she falls asleep with a soft sigh.

Setting the book down on the small end table beside the bed, Evening rises and turns with a weary expression which turns into a small smile when he spots his wife. Crossing over as quietly as he can, he gestures for her to join him in the hallway where they can talk.

As soon as they’re far enough down the hallway to speak, albeit softly, Perfect looks to her husband. “So, how is she doing?”

“Better,” Evening sighs, sparing a glance down the hallway towards the entrance to what had at one time being the living room. “The burns still hurt her, I can tell, but she is putting on the bravest face…” He looks to his wife, a sad smile forming. “She reminds me a lot of Midnight when she was younger.”

“She does, doesn’t she?” Perfect whispers, her own smile slipping. She shakes her head and looks over to Evening. “So, any word from her parents?”

“No,” Evening replies, shaking his head. “The Guard who brought her in has yet to find them, they might not even be…”

“Let’s not go there,” Perfect says, cutting her husband off. “We can entertain that if and when we get word of it.” She then sighs and looks to the front door, as if expecting some new injured pony to stumble in. “Any new arrivals?”

“Nope, it’s been rather quiet,” Evening chuckles. “I think the worst is past us, honestly.”

“Don’t jinx us,” Perfect chides her husband with a loving smile. “In my line of work, saying ‘it’s been quiet’ and ‘I bet nopony has been injured tonight’ is inviting trouble.”

“Oh, well,” Evening says, leaning over and kissing his wife. “If it’s inviting trouble, perhaps we can go get in some trouble upstairs? It’s been so long since you’ve been home with this much energy.” He gently places a hoof on her cheek and strokes it. “Besides, with the Reserves handling the weather right now, I don’t have to go into work… when was the last time we were both home at the same time for more than a few hours? I think we’ve earned a little rest.”

“What about the patients?” Perfect asks, blushing slightly. “I should really…” she tails off as Evening kisses her again.

“Please?” Evening pleads, giving his wife puppy dog eyes.

“Oh, alright,” Perfect giggles. “But only because I’m still tired…”

Evening opens his mouth to say something, but is stopped by the sudden tolling of a bell outside. The sound is haunting, ominous, and reverberates through the ponies striking right at their very cores. The first bell is joined by another, and another, and another. The loud ringing fills the air, causing Perfect and Evening to stand stock still.

“The warning bells?” Perfect breathes, ears back against her head. “I’ve not heard those since…”

“The Changeling invasion,” Evening finishes, quickly grabbing his wife and heading towards the kitchen. “I shouldn’t have scoffed at Miss Brew when she was here earlier. Perhaps there was something to her warnings.”

As they open door to the kitchen, the sound of distant thunder echoes from somewhere in the direction of the center of the city, followed by a shrill whistle…

And a loud explosion two blocks over.

The closest bell, positioned on a guard armory in that area, goes silent but is quickly replaced by screams from outside.

Inside the kitchen, Natty and Poppy are already rallying the neighbors who’ve come over to help with the night shift, and the few who remain from the midday one. Perfect opens her mouth to rally her troops when another peal of thunder, followed by a shrill whistle sounds. Evening pushes his wife to the floor as their back yard, which a moment before had been filled with the laundry from the refugees out front and the patients inside, explodes. The windows in the kitchen explode, as does the door to the back yard. Wood and glass spray into the kitchen, a few ponies getting caught in the blast and falling to the ground with shrill whines.

Evening gets up first, and offers a hoof to his dazed wife.

Ears ringing, Perfect takes the offered hoof and stands back up, quickly going into nurse mode as she rushes to the nearest pony. As she frantically attempts to stop the young mare from next door from bleeding out on her kitchen floor, Evening rushes to a trap door and opens it up. He goes down into their basement and returns a few minutes later after Perfect has gotten the bleeding mare’s wound under control. By now, Perfect’s hearing has returned, so she hears the sound of a lever being forced back with a click.

Looking over at her husband, she can’t help but do a double take at the fact he is holding an old crossbow in the crook of one arm.

“What in Celestia’s name are you doing?!” Perfect demands.

“Loading my father’s old crossbow,” Evening replies in a calm, detached manner.

“Why?” Perfect continues, tying off the bandage on the mare beneath her. “You’re not going out there! Are you?”

“No,” Evening states again calmly. “But Viscountess Brew didn’t know if Blueblood’s troops would ignore us, or try and attack us. I am not taking that chance.” He puts on a dusty quiver saddle and looks to his wife. “I am going to go upstairs, and if anypony that isn’t a Royal Guard or somepony who clearly isn’t a civilian comes to the door, I’ll shoot them.”

“And what am I supposed to do?” Perfect demands, fear gripping her. “And how the hay are you so calm!?”

“You, and the others are going to get everypony in the living room to the cellar,” Evening states, moving towards the door, ignoring the second question. “And perhaps any of the ones who have yet to flee from the front.”

“And after that?” Perfect asks, picking the limp mare up and placing her on her back. “What then?”

“Then,” Evening sighs, stopping in the kitchen doorway, “we wait. And we pray.”

Author's Notes:

And here we go, the start of the riot.

Like I said in my blog post, the end of this chapter was violent, but it is a small taste of what is to come I fear.

Also, I have yet to name the foal that Evening was reading to, but I really should xD she will be a reoccurring character.

Well, for those of you who read this, I hope you enjoyed it!

Until next time!

~Sylvian