StarStep gazed upwards as he reclined in the patio chair. The glass on the table sprinkled with condensation from the cool juice. There was a soft tink as an ice-cube shifted.

“Bit for your thoughts, dude?” Light's comment broke the blue-grey pegasus out of his reverie. The soft conversation of the outdoor cafe came back into focus.

“Sorry, Light. Just...thinking about the ponies in that file.” He lightly tapped a forehoof on the table. “I feel like there should be more to it. Some kind of lead. Eight confirmed missing and nothing. Not even an arrest.”

The tan pegasus sipped his drink, “Well, dude. They did say they had suspects, and that Detective Copper said he would get somepony to watch over Apple Bloom. I mean, if she's the next target, they can catch him in the act.” He slurped up the rest of his beverage before tossing a few bits on the table. “They did us a favor to let us know as much as they did. We're guards, not detectives, dude. It's not our town. Canterlot is our home now. Right?”

There was a quiet pause before Star nodded, “Yeah...Still. I'm going to talk to the Princess about it. I know she wants to let the PD do their job but...eight mares, Light. Eight. It's just not right.”

“I'm totally with you. But whatever the Princess says, you'd better stick with it. She's been dealing with stuff like this a LOT longer than your flank. Alright?”

Star nodded as he tossed his own bits to the pile. “Yeah, I gotcha.” He sighed and hopped off his chair. “Guess we should head on over to the restaurant. The girls should be done at the spa by now.”

The pair of pegasi trotted down the streets of Ponyville. Light looked about as they matched step. The setting sun casting a warm orange glow and deeper shadows. “Huh. I just noticed. This town doesn't have beggars or homeless ponies.” His companion blinked before taking a quick survey of the street.

“I never thought about it before. I guess Mayor Mare helps them get jobs and keeps them off the street. The whole town would pitch in to help a pony in need. It's not like Canterlot at all.”

“Or Manehatten. Dude, them ponies would totally turn their noses up if you asked for help. Lot of terrible things go on in the alleys that the better off ponies ignore.”

They halted in front of a nice restaurant just down the street from Rarity's boutique. The Wild Lavender, a sign proclaimed in bright purple lettering, high above the entrance. A door-pony raised an eyebrow at their approach, his judging eyes taking in their lack of formal attire. But he said nothing and held the door wide with his magic for the two colts. Inside, the soft murmur of dinner conversation greeted them before the hostess popped up from behind the podium. She glanced them over, a hint of a frown on her lips before she masked it with a fake smile, “Good evening Gentlecolts. Welcome to the Wild Lavender. Is there something I can do for you?”

Star nodded, his spiky charcoal mane bouncing a bit. “We're meeting some other ponies here. Not sure if they've arrived yet. Party for Luna?”

The unicorn mare blinked, smile forgotten in her surprise. “You two are here with the Princess?” She looked them over, a twitch at the edge of her lips. “Very well, please follow me.” She floated a pair of menus from the side of the podium and lead the two of them towards the very back. A large round table was tucked away from prying eyes, and sitting around it were Princess Luna, Cheerilee, the CMC, and the six elements of harmony. Star's eyes flicked between them all, pausing on the rainbow maned pegasus who was chatting happy with Scootaloo. The orange filly glanced up as the colts arrived, giving a giggle and holding out a hoof to accept a bit from a groaning Rarity.

“Am...I missing something?” Star asked as the hostess placed their menus at the last two seats and wandered off.

There was a shared laugh by all the mares at the table. Luna smirked from across the table, “Dear, Star. Art thou so oblivious?” It was at that point he noticed that all the ponies at the table, even the tom-boyish Rainbow Dash, was in some sort of dress. Though the wrinkles and smudges on a hem made it clear she only took it out of a closet for such occasions. Luna looked splendid in her simple evening gown of black silk that sparkled, trimmed with purple ribbons. Scoots was in a simple skirt and blouse, and Cheerilee had on a slender light pink dress with roses embroidered along the hem. He wondered how much longer the mare would be able to wear such things. The others had various dresses, from AJ's simplistic greens and browns, to Pinkie's pink extravagance. Rarity was showing off some new style he couldn't quite describe other than, shiny, and he remembered Twilight's from a past Galloping Gala. Fluttershy wore a loose sky-blue dress with flowing frills along the hem. It did nothing to hide her swollen belly. AB and Sweetie had simple attire, but it was cute. AB's hugged her toned flanks and Sweetie's had frills the color of her eyes. At last, Star's eyes returned to Luna's and he blushed in embarrassment.

“Oh...uh...I'm sorry Princess. I didn't know we were suppose to dress up.” He glanced at Light, who simply shrugged as he took a seat.

Rarity rolled her eyes, “Oh, Princess dear. You really must train him better if you plan to take him to royal parties. I imagine if I had not provided that dashing outfit for the gryphon gathering, he would have gone in nothing at all! Oh, the scandal!” Luna laughed at the unicorns dramatic antics.

Star gave a sigh before turning to shake hooves with Rainbow Dash to this left. “Hey Dash. It's been forever. I didn't expect you to join us.”

She grabbed Scootaloo's head in one foreleg and his in the other. “Hah, and miss the chance to tease Scoots for having a colt-friend AND a mare-friend? As if.” She ruffled their manes with a laugh. “Had a night off and the Princess offered a free meal. Besides, it's been too long since the girls and I have gotten together.” The other elements of harmony agreed. She released the two ponies and beamed a smile at the rather pregnant Fluttershy across from her. “Hey 'shy. You're looking good.”

The timid pegasus blushed and fidgeted with her hooves, “Oh um...Thanks, Rainbow.” She hesitated, “I've, I mean, we...um.” She glanced up, “My oldest is starting to learn to fly. Do you think, maybe, if it's ok...”

The Wonderbolt smirked, “Of course I'll drop by and give a few lessons. I'm really happy for you and Big Mac.” Her and the yellow pegasus shared a warm smile. “Where is the big lug anyhoof?”

“Oh, he wanted me to have a nice night out with the girls. He's watching the foals tonight.”

Dash nodded before a soft tinking of spoon on glass caught all of their attentions. Princess Luna released her magic on the utensil and smiled at each of them in turn, “I am most please all of thee could join me for this dinner. Tis short notice, and for that I apologize.” She waved a fore-hoof at them. “Truly, it warms my heart when I see that thy friendships remain strong, despite distances and events in thy lives. First, I wish to announce a few things.” She gestured a hoof at Sweetie Belle. “This dear has been through much these last few weeks. But it shall not be for naught. I am hosting a band melee...” She caught Star's soft shaking of the head and cleared her throat, “Apologies, band battle, in a few weeks time. I invite thou all to attend and lend thy support to Rarity's dear sister.” The ponies wished Sweetie luck and Rarity gave her a tight hug. “And secondly, I shalt be hosting a dusk wedding at the Canterlot Gardens in one month's time. Thou art all, of course, invited, as well as a guest of thy choice.”

Cheerilee tilted her head, “Even me Princess?”

The alicorn giggled softly when she looked down at the fuchsia mare to her left, “Especially thou. It would not be much of a wedding without thee.”

“Wha?” She blinked before a tugging on her dress sleeve turned her around.

Twilight Sparkle gazed lovingly into the eyes of her mare-friend, her fore-hooves rested gently on the school-mare's cheeks, “Cheerilee, will you marry me?” A soft gasp echoed around the table. Rarity bounced in her seat in giddy excitement.

Cheerilee's eyes moistened before she shut them tight, wrapping her hooves around Twilight's neck, “Oh, Twilight! Yes, a thousand times, yes!” Star chuckled at the two as he glanced around at the others. A mixture of tears of joys, smiles and knowing grins. At last the two pulled apart before Cheerilee kissed her lover, “Mmm...but...Twilight, a month? Why so rushed?”

The unicorn's purple cheeks darkened as she coughed lightly into a hoof, “Um...well...with the foal growing in you, and the dress and uh...”

“Twilight Sparkle, are you saying I'm getting fat?” She gave the unicorn her best stern teacher face. It lasted only moments before her mask failed and she began laughing. “I suppose you're right.”

The other ponies slid from their chairs to hug and wish them both the best. When it was Star's turn, both Twilight and Cheerilee kissed him on each cheek. They claimed it was for helping them find what they were missing. Dinner arrived soon after, and over the courses of salads and entree's, they bantered and laughed amongst themselves. It was while they were waiting for dessert that Star excused himself to the colts-room.

Down a hallway and into the lushly furnished restroom. He did his business and was washing his hooves when the lights flickered then the room descended into darkness. He turned the handle, shutting off the water-flow, shaking his wet hooves in the dark. “Hello? The lights went out. Can somepony hear me?”

“I hear you.” The voice came from the dark somewhere nearby. A colts voice he thought, though a little high pitched. There was no warning before Star was lifted off the ground and slammed into the mirror. He groaned, a steady pressure pinning him to the wall. Thankfully the glass only cracked. “I also saw you with my filly, AGAIN!” The pressure intensified. “After you knocked that fat little tramp up, I thought you finally were going to leave Apple Bloom to more deserving ponies. But no. Oh no. Not you. You have the Princess, that orange slut, and knocked up the school-whore. Why are there always colts like you, trying to take away the nice things in my life.”

Star could feel coils of magic snaking around his neck. It was tightening like a boa as the stranger ranted on, “In fact, because you're such a greedy bastard, I'm going to hurt you, and THEN, I'm going to take her away. You'll never see her again. Mine, all mine.” There was a pause, “Shame about your wings. Was it some other jealous pony you pissed off? Guess you wont mind if I snap them for good.” The voice hissed.

The pegasus strained against the field. He could feel it wrapping around his bandaged wings, tightening. Star fought off panic, trying to cry out for help but the coils around his neck were choking off just enough of his air supply. Suddenly, the fields around his wings fell away. There was a gasp of astonishment.

“What...what is this, why?” Again, it coiled, and again the magical fields slid from his injured wings. “Grrr...No matter. Guess I'll go for other bits.”

A crash of the colts-room door as it flew off it's hinges, dazzled Star as the light from the hallway spilled into the dark room. The Princess stood in all her fury, horn blazing blue and white. He twisted his head to catch a glimpse of his attacker. Light blue coat and white tail. The rest of the features were hidden in shadows before a loud pop accompanied the unicorn's teleportation spell. The telekinetic field dissipated and he slumped onto the counters, a hoof dangling in a sink. Star coughed, and sucked in air as the Princess used her magic to fix the lighting.

“Dear Star, art thou well?”

He nodded, rubbing at his throat, “Yeah, thanks Princess. How'd you know I was in trouble?”

She gracefully stepped up and caressed the feather on his chest as she nuzzled at his cheek, “We art linked. I could feel the hostile magic used against thou.” She glanced at the spot the attacker had occupied, a frown on her lips, “I know not this pony. I had not the time to catch more than a glimpse before they vanished. The residue from the magic is there, however...” She sighed as she assisted in helping him down. “It appears I will be unable to remain in thy company for the rest of the week.” She ushered him out of the restroom before healing the door she crashed open. The alicorn leaned close, whispering. “Tia hath sent a message, stating her need for my assistance. Seems a group is openly attacking our border patrols and hath killed both pony and gryphon ambassadors. The situation is deteriorating rapidly.”

As the Princess walked with him back to their table, he ignored the curious stares from patrons around the restaurant. She glanced up, noticing them as well, “Please, return to thy dinners. The door was merely stuck fast.” Most did so, the rest glanced between the colt and the alicorn. She smiled and nodded at a few before lowering her head to continue whispering, “I fear the timing is most ill. I am concerned for thy safety and of the missing mares.” She paused near decorative foliage. “This unicorn that hath attacked thee, is most skilled. They left no trace of their destination. I...wish I could stay and delve deeper into this. I see that pony's lives art at stake, my dear Star.” She caressed his cheek, “However, as much as it pains me to say, I must tend to the greater good. The attacks on the border may spawn a war. This must not happen.” She smiled sadly, lifting his chin with her crystal shod hoof, “Dost thou understand?”

The pegasus nodded, leaning up to nuzzle at the blue alicorn, “I do. I wish you would stay, though. I didn't stand a chance against that pony. I'm worried I wont be able to do anything to stop him on my own. Tartarus, my wings don't even work.”

She gave a soft sigh, “I suspect thou wilst not allow this matter to rest. Thou wilst pursue this wicked pony regardless of the danger.” He nodded, to which the Princess rolled her eyes and hugged the smaller pony tight, “Ask others for help. Be not afraid to share the burden. Advice, I myself should have listened to, many an age ago.” She shook her head, a sad smile on her lips. “Now, let us finish this splendid dinner together, and attend to duty thereafter.”

Dinner was long since finished, the groups splitting off in various directions. Luna gave Scootaloo and Star a heartfelt kiss and warm embrace before she took to the air, wishing them well. As Star watched his Princess vanish into the black sky, he turned to Lighthoof and the CMC. “Fillies and gentlecolt. There's something we all need to talk about.”

With the tale of the stalker and the attacks out in the open, their reactions varied greatly. AB was fuming mad. Kicking at rocks and nearby trees as she ranted about not needed protection. Sweetie Belle sat quietly, perhaps reflecting on how both her and AB were targeted by dangerous ponies. Scootaloo already knew bits of the story, but became rather clingy when she found out about that evening's assault. Lighthoof frowned and spent his time glancing at AB.

“Now see here, Star. I don't need no poh-leece watching mah flanks day in and day out. Yah right know I can handle myself.” Apple Bloom stormed back over.

“I know, AB, I know. If it was a straight up fight, most of us could. But this pony likes to ambush. How are you going to fight something you can't see?”

“Well I...well..that is...uh.” She stammered before stomping the grass. “If I catch this pony, I'll give em a what-fore, cause he done been attacking yah. Plus, if you reckon it's the same fella that's done foal-napped my friend, Roseluck, well, that's another beat-down ah-coming.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, “Apple Bloom, I know you think you can take this pony, but think a bit. Every pony he's taken were earth ponies. Maybe he has some kinda spell that's good at taking them captive?”

Sweetie Belle cringed and rubbed at her fore-leg, “I...think it's probably because he has a fetish for earth-mares.” Her friends turned to look at her, “There was a pony like that in Canterlot news. He liked to net pegasus fillies and uh...mount them.” She blushed. “When the guards caught him, he had a wall full of feathers and pictures. Seems he had a bit of an obsession.”

Lighthoof sighed, “Whatever the reason, he's seriously dangerous, and apparently skilled enough to fake out a Princess. My suggestion is for Apple Bloom to come to Canterlot for a bit. Just till this psycho gets over his latest crush and moves on.”

They exchanged glances. Apple Bloom balked, “No way, no how. I'm ah not closin' up shop cause some wacko has tha hots for me. Sides, who's gonna save the next filly he takes a likin' to?” There was an awkward silence. “That's wha I thought. Now instead of us all actin' like a bunch of ninnies, hows 'bout we think of a plan to catch him?”

The tan pegasus nodded, “I'm with Apple Bloom, dude. You said he's got a serious jealousy thing going on, right?” He paused and looked around the moon-lit grassy field they were in. “Well, then. Here's my plan.”

Together they plotted and schemed well into the night. The next morning, AB and Star were wandering through Ponyville, laughing and joking with each other. They stopped in occasional shops, browsing and sampling baked goods from Sugar-Cube Corners. In areas where the most ponies were present, AB would kiss his cheek and Star would nuzzle in return. It was quite the show they put on till early afternoon, the two wandering out of downtown towards the Apple Family orchards.

Beneath the shadows of the apple trees, AB pushed Star up against a trunk and began to nuzzle at his neck. She glanced up at the leaves and the orange pegasus hidden in it's branches. “Anything, Scoots?” The yellow filly whispered.

Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah, there's been some pony tailing you two all morning. Lighthoof is circling around to follow them.” She peaked out of the foliage. “I see somepony creeping through the trees. You two keep...” She paused and glanced down, noticing AB nibbling on Star's ear. “Um...yeah....that, I guess.” Star was wiggling about, laughing at the ticklish licks the toned mare was giving the edges of his ears.

Even over Star's snorts of laughter, and Apple Bloom's giggles of amusement, they could hear the soft crunch of hooves on leaves as somepony approached. Closer and closer. The two continued playing around till a shout and a heavy thud caught their attention. The two ponies broke apart, dashing around a thick apple tree to find Lighthoof pinning a startled reddish earth colt to the ground. Star blinked, “Copper?”

“Well, hello to you too.” He glanced up at the pegasus holding him down. “Um...might I maybe get up now?” He smiled weakly. Lighthoof glanced at Star as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle joined them from their hiding places. Hesitantly, Star nodded to his buddy and let the earth-colt regain his feet. “Ooof, you Night-guards pack a punch.” He rubbed at his shoulder. “Somepony want to tell me what that was all about?”

Star sighed and flopped on his haunches, brushing aside his spiky bangs. “Well, let's start with why you're here.”

“Yeah, I told the new case detectives about Miss Apple Bloom's possible connection to the foal-nappings. They sort of brushed it off. So I took it upon myself to keep an eye on her. I saw you two in town and thought that it was sure to bring this guy out of hiding. Seems we both had the same idea.”

Lighthoof frowned and kicked a rock across between the trees, “Dang, dude. I thought for sure this was going to work. Instead we catch the one pony trying to help.”

Copper stood and brushed leaves from his coat. “Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. That was a pretty good plan. How about we head back to town, I'll buy you all a round of ciders.” The ponies looked to each other before Star shrugged and accepted the invitation.

Back into town they went. Lighthoof was chatting with Copper, telling him about the crazy mob scene in Canterlot. Sweetie seemed disheartened by their failed operation. Scoots and AB flanked Star, pushing him one way then other like a game of pony-pong. It was a silly game, but helped keep the mood light. As they wandered down the street, there was a crash of glass. Apple Bloom gasped and took off at a gallop. The others watched her make a bee-line for a shop on the corner, curious at her reaction. Then Star noticed it was AB's store. He called after her, running hard till he slid to a stop in front of the broken front door. He could hear shouting inside, and the sounds of a struggle. The pegasus charged into the sales floor, nearly tripping over broken lumber scattered everywhere. Cursing his lack of wings, the colt hopped from one clear section to another, working his way towards the stock-room. He saw bursts of magic illuminate the boxes and barrels and thuds of falling tools and timber.

“Confound it yah dang fool, yah tearing up mah shop.” AB screamed in rage. A heavy thud rocked a shelf as Star worked his way through the trashed room.

“You were warned! Both of you!” Another mare screeched back. A burst of magic sent the last shelf flying over Star's head as he ducked. He heard a soft grinding and a scream. Peeking up over the wreckage of wood and metal, he found Apple Bloom clamping her teeth down on the horn of a light blue unicorn. The unicorn was wailing in pain.

“Trixie yields, Trixie yields!”