The frantic pounding on his door stirred the old Night-Guard from his dozing. He grumbled as he rolled from his bunk, glancing at the clock on the wall. Only a couple hours of sleep since the older stallion's shift ended. Urgently the pounding echoed in the room a second time.

“Aye, Aye, I heard ye. Keep yer horseshoes on.” The faded green unicorn kicked aside an empty cider bottle on his way to the entrance, jerking it open with a flash of white that matched his long tangled mane. He paused to glance over the two pegasi in the hall. “Oh, you two boy'os. Didn't right expect ye two back till the marrow.”

Lighthoof glanced at his guard-partner before clearing his throat. “Clooney? Sorry about the early wake-up. I know you probably just got off.” The unicorn gave a curt nod. “Are you still the contact point for the other Night-guards?”

“Oh, aye.” His eyes lingered on the blue feather hanging from Star's necklace before looking the two young colts over a bit more carefully. “Somethin' amiss?”

The blue-grey pegasus nodded. “The Princesses are out of town and we have an emergency to deal with. Would you contact the others and have them meet us in the Moon-room?”

A flicker of suspicion cross the old stallion's face, his eyes looking between the two warily. “I reckon I could. Ye two lads know Ol' Shining's in charge, aye? Why call ah meetin' of the Night-guards after hours?”

Both of the pegasi grimaced. Jumping the chain of command was frowned upon. Often resulting in punishment if the reason wasn't valid. Starstep exhaled heavily before meeting the demanding eyes of the old veteran. “Long story short, Luna's subjects are in danger and the Sun-Guards are likely to buck it up.”

“Mighty serious slander against ye brother in arms.”

“It's...it's not like that, Clooney. Every tool has a purpose. The Sun-Guards have theirs, and we have ours. The guards protect not just the Princesses' but their subjects. We don't have a lot of time, will you call the others?”

The older pony rubbed at his chin for a moment. “Alright. I'll give the lads a call. This emergency best be worth or I'll haul both yer hides to Shining.”

So it was, in the Moon-room Clooney, Starstep and Lighthoof stood on the dais overlooking the seats as the night-guards stumbled in. The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon, signaling the start of a new day and the complete end of the Night-guard's duties. A few were still in armor, having been summoned right as they finished their shifts, the rest were a mixture of some casual clothing or none. Voices grew louder as the assembled ponies talked amongst themselves, many were shooting the three on stage questioning looks. Clooney had to wave off a few who approached the dais.

As one final pair of guards wandered in, he gave a curt nod, turning his head to the colts standing next to him. “Aye, all present and accounted for. Ye best hope it's not a wild parasprite chase.” He cleared his throat. “Lads and lasses, shut her pie-holes. These two lads need to talk with yah.” He gave the two another suspicious glance before hopping off the stage to seat himself on the front row.

Starstep took a deep breath, giving his bandaged wings a flutter before taking a spot at the front edge of the platform. “In case some of you don't remember me. I'm Starstep, and this is Lighthoof.” He gestured behind him. “We called you because some ponies are in serious trouble and the members of the Night-Guard are better suited for the task.” He raised a hoof to forestall the questions on the audience’s lips. “I know, I know. We're suppose to go through Captain Shining. Please let us explain in the situation. All we're asking for is volunteers. None of this is official and going through the channels will waste a lot of time.”

There were nervous glances between the other guards, mutters amongst those in the back. Clooney raised his pale green hoof, halting Starstep as he was about to continue. “Erm, yes Clooney?”

“Aye, I just have one question for you, lad. Would Princess Luna approve of what ye doing? Seeing as yer courtin' 'er and all, ye probably know her best.” The veteran's question brought all the other guard's eyes down on Starstep. The crowd held in hushed silence.

Starstep looked out at all the faces, meeting every stare. “Yes. Princess Luna would approve of what I, we, are trying to do. So please, let us explain what's going on. If you decide to help, Lighthoof has a plan. We didn't come unprepared.”

His answer satisfied the other Night-Guards. The few who shifted uncomfortably in their seats before at the talk of jumping the chain of command, now were still and intently listening. Star realized it was their love for the Princess that held them there.

“Here's the short version. We were in Ponyville and happened across information relating to foal-napping. There have been at least eight confirmed foal-nappings of earth-mares over the last few years and we have discovered that the number is actually larger. The tip led us to a Diamond Dog tunnel network far on the outskirts of Ponyville.” He paused as Lighthoof pinned a map of Ponyville and the surrounding countryside. The area of the tunnels was marked in bold red. “The chances of anyone stumbling across it way out there, are pretty slim. This explains why they've gone unnoticed for so long. Down in the tunnels, with the help of Professor Sparkle's invisibility, we found at least forty ponies, mostly earth-mares, being used as slave labor to dig up gemstones.”

The news caused a commotion amongst the guards. Star waited for them a few moments then continued. “I'm afraid it gets worse. Amongst the captured, were young fillies and colts. Due to their age, and comments we overheard, we suspect these little ones were born down there. I'm afraid we don't have any real proof, but...we think the unicorn foal-napper is breeding the captured mares when they go into heat, and using their offspring to help in the digging as soon as they're big enough.”

Star had expected an angry roar, a stomping of hooves and declarations of justice. What he got instead, were looks of cold fury that promised retribution. Even in their anger, and they were furious, the Night-Guards were very much like their Princess. He was beginning to understand why they truly were his brothers, and sisters, at arms.

“Unfortunately, Professor Sparkle was too magically exhausted from holding the invisibilty for three ponies, that her teleportation was only strong enough to get the three of us out. So...we weren't able to rescue any at the time. The tunnels are filled with Diamond Dogs. Mostly armed with whips and spears. Except for a couple, they were lazy and unaware. This is why we had to leave all the captives and seek help. We can come back and strike fast and quiet before they know they've been discovered.” There were faint nods of agreement. “So, that's the basics of what's going on. Those ponies are in real trouble, and I fear what living down there is doing to them. Many seem faded and broken, so don't expect them to help when you free them. We can't go down there charging, waving swords and shouting out for the Princesses' glory. You all know how the Sun-Guards would attack the situation.” Again, the other guard-ponies nodded in agreement. “Bright and bold, that's our brothers of the Sun. They're well suited for the public eye and open combat. But us, we who love our Princess Luna so much.” He paused, looking out amongst them, one hoof unconsciously stroking the blue feather. “We who work under the cover of darkness. We who are few. We who understand the need for unseen strikes. We're made for this kind of work. To save our Princesses' subjects our own way.” He pointed a hoof towards the door. “If you still think Captain Shining and the Sun-Guards need to be involved, please, go fetch him. We'll sit around here for days while they come up with a plan.”

The blue-grey pegasus tilted his chin up, “For Princess Luna, I'm going to save those ponies. Who's coming with me?” Every pony lifted a hoof. “Alright then. Lighthoof?” He gave his friend and brother a smile.

Taking his cue, the tan pegasus trotted up to the front of the stage to take Star's place. “Since everypony is helping, I don't have to change my plans. Who's trained to be a medic?” Four ponies lifted their hooves. “Cool, you, you and you.” He pointed at three, “I'm going to keep you top-side to deal with the injured and rescued. The last one, you'll be our combat medic.” The four nodded. “Unicorns, raise a hoof if you can teleport more than yourself?” Five of the ten present lifted hooves. “Awesome, you five will be our relay team. You'll teleport out the ponies we rescued and any injured to the medics. Moon Dust, Clooney told me you can give your magic to others.” The slender unicorn mare nodded. “Ok, you'll be the teleport team's anchor. You'll stay underground to let them teleport back to you and boost their magic if they get weak. None of you six should be fighting. Let the others handle it.”

Lighthoof turned, lifting up to pin a new parchment up on the board. “This is a strike team list. A mix of pegasus, earth and combat unicorns. Stick with them, and watch each others backs. Hit from the shadows.” He smiled to the ponies. “Above all, remember that we're all Night-Guards. Gotta think out of the box. There aren’t that many of us, so do whatever you have to do.”

With that, he stepped aside and let the ponies file from the seats to look over the list. There were a few grumbles but nopony spoke against the plan or the arrangements. Once the assignments were clear, they departed to gather what they needed.

An hour later, they were on a train bound for Ponyville. The ticket seller was startled when a mass of Night-guards formed up in the queue. After Starstep had a discussion with the station manager, their entire group was ushered onto a train just for them. It was a zippy little thing with only enough cars to support the fifty or so Night-Guards. Even the pegasi were riding with their brothers and sisters. Most of the ponies were napping, resting before the operation. Others were tending to their armor or sharpening blades. Star could not help but look at them with a sense of pride. Whatever their reasons, these ponies were taking a big risk to help others. He only hoped they were skilled enough to do the job. All it would take was a single cry of alarm and all those captive ponies would be at risk.

__________________________________________________________________

The Diamond Dog yawned and stretched in the gloom of the tunnel. Just a few torches in sconces to light the passage. The two ponies in front of him were chipping away at the rocks. The steady tap of steel on stone made him drowsy. Through drooping eyelids he watched the other dog across from him pick his teeth with a crude dagger. The dog yawned again, eyes closing as he stretched his jaw wide. As he smacked his lips and scratched his rump, he tilted his head in confusion. The other guard was gone. He looked up one side of the tunnel then they other but all he saw was darkness between the torch halos. “Crusty, where you? Crusty?” The dog stood, spear cradled in his arms. Tap, tap, tap, went the slaves, oblivious to the guard. He took a few steps away from the diggers into the gloom, calling for the other dog again, anxiety in his growly voice. The guard opened his mouth again to shout when a rock sailed out of the darkness and pegged him between the eyes. He stumbled about a few steps before toppling over. From the shadows, four armor clad ponies trotted out. Two pegasi, a unicorn and an earth pony.

One of the pegasus-colts bro-hoofed the earth-mare. “Damn, filly. I guess I owe you five bits. Tartarus of a shot.” She blushed faintly as she accepted his praise.

“Hey, mare has to protect herself on the streets right? Bucking loose stones will send bad ponies running.” The mare replied.

The other pegasus just shook his head and chuckled softly. “Lighthoof, you and Maple can flirt later. Still more guards to deal with. I'm sure we're getting close to the rail-line.”

Lighthoof smirked at the other pegasus and rolled the Diamond Dog onto his belly. With the help of the unicorn, they bound him up and gagged him. While they attended to the dog, Starstep trotted up to the mining mares. They were still oblivious to their rescuers. “Hey, are you two ok? We're here to get you out.” Tap, tap, tap, they continued to dig. He reached out to halt one of the digger's hoof, drawing a confused look from her. “Hey, wake up. You're free now. We're getting you out.” The dust covered young mare blinked a few times, her mind slowly piecing it together as he pulled the bit from her muzzle.

“F-f-free?” She stuttered. Tears formed and crept down her cheeks. “F-f-free? No...no more digging? No more....he...he...” The mare collapsed in his arms, weeping. He glanced over to find the other captive mare looking at him, tears in her eyes as well.

“Blur.” He called to the unicorn. “Get these two outta here, we'll continue down this tunnel and wait at the next junction for you to get back.” He pulled himself from the clutching arms of the mare as the unicorn guard trotted up. With a flash of magic, the three vanished.

Starstep pulled off his helm, letting the illusion magic fade as he shook out his mane. Lighthoof and the earth-mare joined him. “That makes five down this passage. I hope the others are having as much luck.”

Lighthoof frowned, “All these side tunnels. I hope we don't miss anypony.”

Starstep thought back on the main assault on the quarry room. The pegasi had brought down clouds to roll fog into the massive chamber. With the gloom and the haze, the pegasi struck those at the bottom of the pit while the earth ponies had charged the ones at the top. The unicorns used a dampening magic to silence the combat and prevent calls of alarm. Thankfully, nopony was hurt and they managed to avoid killing the Diamond Dogs. They rescued thirty ponies there, mares and young fillies and colts. The sight of the forced slavery and the knowledge of how those young ponies came to be was boiling the blood of the Night-guards. Star could see that terrible fury build in their eyes. He hoped they would restrain that rage. Diamond Dogs could be dangerous and deserved punishment, but generally they were cowards and only followed orders from someone stronger. If the ponies could catch the one in charge, the dogs would be of little future threat.

“Hey, Starstep?” Maple the earth-mare hissed in his ear. “There's somepony coming from behind.”

“Blur?” He asked but she shook her head, stepping off into the shadows of the tunnel.

Plopping his helm back on his head, Star and Light followed her example and hid in the shadows. Sure enough, the soft clicks of hooves on stone heralded the approach of a pony. Holding their breath, they waited for the intruder to pass by them into the torchlight. It was a slender earth-stallion. He was looking this way and that, seemingly searching the gloom for something. The way the pony's coat caught the torch light and made it shine like metal caused Starstep to sigh heavily.

“Copper?” His voice caused the earth-stallion to freeze in his tracks. Cautiously, the detective turned his head and smiled warily.

“Uh...who's there?” The pony's body was tense, prepared to make a run for it.

Starstep trotted into the halo of light of a nearby torch. He lifted his helm long enough for the magic to fade and plopped it back on. “Starstep. Apple Bloom's friend?”

“OH, right.” He turned and beamed a genuine smile. “Sorry, all you Night-guards look the same to me.” He chuckled at his own joke.

“We get that a lot. What are you doing here?”

The earth-pony tilted his head. “Well, when a platoon of Night-Guards comes rolling off the train and marches straight through town, my detective senses start to tingle. So I followed to see what was going down. Guess I know now. Care to explain why you didn't bring the Ponyville PD in on this?”

“Same reason the Sun-Guard aren't involved.” He paused to gesture to the guards in the darkness. “Maple, Light, it's ok, he's with the local PD.” They stepped out of the gloom, dark purple armor glinting ominously in the flickering torchlight. “Look, no offense to your department, Copper, but this is bigger than the small town police. Besides, do you think your co-workers could sneak about in the dark like this?”

“Ah...yeah...got a point. Most of them would come in waving badges and shouting for hooves to be raised. Probably get a spear in the chest for their troubles.”

“I know your partner is trapped down here somewhere, so if you want to tag along, that's fine. Just, please don't get in the way. Alright?”

The reddish pony lifted a hoof. “Oh, hey. Don't worry about that. I'm a lover not a fighter. I'll just watch y'alls back and stay out of the way. That ok?” The others glanced to Starstep who nodded in agreement.

They traveled down the tunnel till it opened out into the main passage with the cart-rails. Sticking to the shadows of the opening, they waited for Blur who returned shortly thereafter. Blur gave Copper a quizzical look but after being informed of his role in the PD, nodded and took up position with the group. Thankfully, this section of the passage was clear of guards, so the four plus the trailing earth-colt, crept their way further down the rail line.

At the end of the passage, which opened up into the massive cavern, they found two other teams awaiting them in the shadows of stalagmites. Most of them seemed intrigued by the gem-covered structure across the gorge. One of the team's unicorn's lifted his helm and tucked it under an arm.

“Clooney.” Star nodded. “How goes it?”

“Well enough lads.” The veteran gestured towards the fortress. “I thought you was embellishing yer description of the fort. But, aye, that's the most hideous thing I've ever laid eyes upon. I know Diamond Dogs love gems but this is right daft.” He shook his head. “Despite that, our rescue count comes to eight. Not countin' the quarry bit.”

Lighthoof pulled out a small booklet and handed it to the pony. “Any of these?”

Flipping through the pictures in the booklet the green pony paused at one. “Oh, aye, this lass. Sassafras. Right sad thing. Had a little foal with her, helping move gems from ground to cart. Broke mah heart seeing the wee little one so sad and hopeless.” He offered the booklet back, glancing at Copper with a raised eyebrow. However, he said nothing.

Lighthoof circled Sassafras's image, made a little note and closed it. “Well, that makes five of the known foal-nappings. Still no sign of Marigold, Diamond Tiara, or Roseluck.” He glanced back. “Maybe the other tunnel teams will find them. If not, my bits are on that ugly flank building.” He tapped a hoof to this chin. “Clooney, can your team hold here, keep any surprises from biting us in the rump? Us and the other group will move into the fort and split the search.”

“Oh aye, no problem lad. You all get to moving. Best we get this finished soon. Some of the other pegasi are looking a might twitchy. The underground be messing with their heads.” With that he slipped his battered helm back on his head and motioned his team into shadows near the entryway. Star's team and the other stuck to the shadows till they were near the stone and wood bridge arcing over the gorge that split the cavern in two. Heat bathed them the closer they got, and light from the magma river below washed the walls in a warm light. As they huddled in the darkness of a group of stone columns, Star peeked around the edges at the fortress. Across the bridge at the gates of the fortress stood two Diamond Dogs. They seemed larger than the rest and far more alert.

“Well...these two again.” Starstep grumbled. “No shadows to approach. And it's too far for a safe frontal assault. They'll see us coming across the bridge.”

“No shadows here on the ground.” Lighthoof grinned. “You've been spending too much time in the castle dude. You're forgetting how to be a pegasus.” He pointed at the other pegasus from group two. Together the two shot towards the ceiling, following the surface of the column to the roof. Amongst the shadows of stalactites and columns, the pegasi swooped and glided across the length of the cavern. Starstep could only watch with envy, wishing he was flying at his friend's side.

Down came the armored pegasi, wings folded at their sides as they dropped like stones towards the heads of the Diamond Dogs. A fifty foot free-fall then POW, Lighthoof clobbered the dog to the ground and used his wings to bank from the ground. Unfortunately, the other pegasi only glanced the iron helm his target was wearing. Causing it to stagger for a moment as it's partner toppled over. The Diamond Dog raised his spear, leading the flapping pegasus before launching the three foot of wood with it's crude iron spike. Star gritted his teeth, unable to do anything but watch as the weapon flew true and hit the pegasus in the chest. There was a clank of metal and sparks, the Night-guard tumbled through the air and slammed into a column. He fell the last eight feet to the hard stone, the spear tangled in his limbs.

Quick as a snake, the dog snatched up his partner's fallen spear and readied himself as Lighthoof swept around for another strike. The mutt growled, waiting till pegasus was nearly upon him then launched his weapon. Light rolled at the last second, the spear clipping a few feathers before glancing off his flank-plating as he corkscrewed into the massive dog's chest. It gasped, staggering about while one claw was grabbing at the crude club on it's belt.

Starstep led the others across the bridge, sending the other team's unicorn to check on the fallen pegasus as the rest rumbled towards the Diamond Dog. Seeing seven more ponies approaching, the dog hesitated, raising both claws up, one still clutching the club.

“Me yield, me yield. No more fighting, yes?” As the pony drew up short of him, the mutt hurled the club into Lighthoof's face and ran the other way, cackling.

Starstep rushed to his friend's side who waved him off, blood pouring from his nose. “Uggh...I'm ok, dude. Bucker just got a cheap shot. Just a nose bleed.” He clutched a hoof to his muzzle and groaned. “Mother bucker, somepony go get that jerk.” The other ponies rushed into the fortress to chase him, but after a few minutes, they returned empty-hooved.

“Sorry, Lighthoof.” Maple said with a sigh. “I have to give the mutts credit. They're slippery when they want to be. We're going to have trouble soon.”

Star patted the mare on the shoulder. “It's ok. Twilight warned us how hard they are to catch. If we're lucky they'll pack up and run instead of put up a fight. But we have to hurry and get the rest of the ponies out of here.” A clipping of hooves across the bridge caught his attention. “Copper, where were you?”

“You told me to hang back. So I did. Sorry but fighting Diamond Dogs isn't exactly in the police handbook.” He glanced over at the fallen pegasus tended by a unicorn. “He going to be ok?”

The unicorn lifted his head and nodded. “Concussion, a few cracked ribs and a laceration.. Their spears are crap but that one threw it pretty hard. Punched the armor with sheer force. I'll get him back topside.” He looked to Lighthoof. “When I port back in, I'll let the rest know to advance and be ready for a fight.”

The pegasus nodded then turned to the other team. Talking around his bloody hoof he ordered them on, warning them to save their unicorn's magic for door locks and informing them about the cells. He asked Maple to join them and cover for the fallen pegasus. Once they were off he turned to his own team. “Star, Blur, and I guess you're in this now Copper. In here it wouldn't be smart for you to hang too far back. We need you to stick with us, dude.”

The rust colored pony shrugged. “Hey, yeah. I'm sure my days of hoof-boxing will come in hoof here. Lead on.”

With that, they pushed on down the rail-tunnel till it ended at the round-about with the deep pit. They moved on down one of the passages, a trail of blood droplets following them as Light attempted to stem the injury to this nose. As before, they found the hallways of cells shortly after. The first two sets were empty. Blur started off slow in getting the hang of popping locks, but soon fell into a rhythm. Trotting down a hallway to pop them all as the others followed behind, checking the now open doors.
The fifth set had all their doors already opened, which puzzled Lighthoof.

When the team turned the corner they found not a six passage but instead an ominous double iron door. Lighthoof and Starstep exchanged glances as Blur popped the lock on this one too. Cautiously, Star peeked in, slowly extending his neck till he could check both sides of the door. Quietly, he waved the others in as he himself slipped through and stuck to the wall. Inside was a massive chamber built like the throne room of Canterlot. In-fact, a throne of gems sat at one end, bathed in the glow of gem studded braziers. A pony sat near it, collared with a chain leading to the stone leg of the throne. At the other end of the chamber rested a pile of gems and gold, larger than Sugarcube corners. Behind it, a gigantic tunnel loomed, it's opening pitch black and foreboding. The doorway they entered was on the side of the long room, across from another. Between the doors, and between the throne and the pile, was a black pit. Star gestured to the others to sit tight in the darkness next to the door and crept up to the pit's edge. Belly to the ground and forehooves over the lips of the edge, he pulled himself the last few inches to look over.

Down below, about thirty feet, four ponies were collared, chains leading to anchors in the floor. They were in the flicking torchlight, picking through large piles of earth and cracking gems from attached stones with their hooves. Star immediately recognized Trixie, dirty as she was, her blue and white was unmistakeable. He figured the little colt at her hooves was probably Sly. He would pass his mother a stone from the pile and she would grunt in her efforts to separate the gem from the earth. A glint of metal on her horn explained why the unicorn hadn't escaped. He looked over the other two down in the pit, but their filth made it hard to discern their identities. The pegasus backed away from the edge on his belly, then quietly slipped back to the group. “Three plus young colt down there. Chained, no guards.” He glanced around. “In fact, where ARE the guards? There's no one here.”

Lighthoof shrugged, his face a mess with crusty dried blood. “Not sure, but that pile of gold and gems and the size of the tunnel frighten me, Star. Maybe the pony at the throne knows. I'll head over to the other door and watch it.” He gestured to the unicorn. “Can you make your way down the pit and free the ponies? I'm sure there's a ramp or something.” Blur nodded, then trotted towards the gaping hole. “Alright Copper, you stick with Star and watch his back.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah sure. Easy enough.” The earth-colt shrugged.

As Star and Copper trotted down the long cavernous room, the rust colored pony was nervously looking about. “You alright, Copper? You seem a bit distracted.”

“Yeah, you could say that. It's all just so...so...” He trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

Starstep made one more cautious look around before stepping from the shadows of the room into the light from the braziers at the throne. His breath caught in his throat. “Apple Bloom?”

The chained pony turned her head, blinking. “S-Star? Is that you? OH, STAR.” She jerked against the chain, eliciting a gasp for air. “Star, star. You came back, get me out. Hurry!” Tears were rolling down her cheek.

He wrapped her up in his hooves, stroking her red mane. “Shhh, it's ok, AB. Soon as the Blur helps the ponies in the pit, he'll get up here and set you free. We're taking you home.”

She nodded, head buried into his shoulder. “Oh Star. I was strong. I didn't cry, or scream or nothing...”

“Do you know who's behind all this?”

The mare shook her head and gave him a tight hug. “No, the dogs put me here not long after you left yesterday. I was blindfolded till then. Sorry, Star.”

“Hey, it's ok. We'll get everypony safe.” A click of hooves caught his attention. Turning his head he saw Blur leading the three mares and the little colt. “Hey, good timing. Can you get AB out of this?”

Blur nodded as Star pulled free from the mare's hooves. He trotted up to Trixie and gave her and her son a smile. “Glad to see you two are ok. I'm sorry I suspected you were AB's stalker.”

The pony tilted her head and raised an eye-brow while the colt hid behind her legs. “Does Trixie know you?”

“Oh, right.” He slid his helm off and set it on the floor. “Sorry about that.”

“Ah! The guard from the restroom. Trixie is ever so sorry about that. Trixie was only trying to protect her son.” She smiled and gestured to the white coated, blue maned little pony behind her. “Trixie apologizes, Sly is shy. This dreadful place is not helping matters.”

“Hey, it's ok. We'll get you out of here soon.” He reached out to pull the magic dampening ring from Trixie's horn and slid it into his belt pouch. She thanked him before the colt trotted up to the other two mares. They seemed broken and lost. Neither would meet his eyes. He reached out with a hoof to gently raise one's chin but she jerked away and whimpered. With a heavy sigh he tried the other and found her much more compliant. But she still wouldn't meet his eyes. “Hey, I'm with the Night-Guard. We serve Princess Luna and we're here to help you. Can you tell me your name?”

She hesitated, eyes looking everywhere but him. Then, she opened her mouth, whispering. “Mari...Marigold.” She cough lightly, rubbing at her dry lips with a hoof.

He looked at the other mare. “How about you, can you tell me your name?”

“She's Diamond Tiara.” Marigold said softly. Her eyes were on the floor. “He...does things to her...terrible things. Despite it, she fights back. Yet she's often lost in herself. You wont get much from her right now. Sorry, mister...?”

“Starstep. Marigold, I hear you were on this whole foal-napping case before you got taken yourself. You were Copper's partner, right?”

She nodded, eyes down-cast as she kicked at a pebble. “Yeah...” She looked up, a bit of hope in her expression. “Did you catch that bucker? Is that how you found us?”

The pegasus blinked and tilted his head. “Catch him? Copper?” The mare nodded. “I don't get it.” A sudden slam of the iron door they had entered echoed in the cavernous chamber. He did a quick look around, accounting for every pony except but the Ponyville detective. “What the buck is going on?” The only answer he got was a deafening roar from the massive tunnel at the other end of the throne-room.

“Star!” Lighthoof fluttered over. “I heard the other door being barred from the outside. We gotta go.” Again a roar, louder this time. There was a sound of thuds as something heavy marched down the huge tunnel towards them.

Together the group made their way to the iron doors they had entered. Blur attempted to pop the lock but grunted after considerable effort. “It's been shielded. I can't open it like this.” Another roar, leaving Star's ears ringing from the cavernous echo.

Lighthoof paced, fluttering his wings as he thought. “Yo, Blur. Can you tele-blink a pony to the other side of the door?”

“Yeah, but I'm exhausted. I could do one, but after that, I'm spent. I haven’t used hard magic this continuously since the academy.”

Lighthoof put a hoof on Star's shoulder. “I'm gonna have you blinked out of here, dude. Go catch Copper and find out what the bloody Tartarus is going on. That earth pony has some serious explaining to do.” Another roar, and the ground was shaking from something's approach.

“Why me? You have wings still. Why not one of the mares? Hell, even the little colt. What about Trixie? She can teleport.”

“Because, Star, if this pony gets away, we may not get the truth. Justice needs to be served.” He glanced at the blue unicorn weakly hugging her colt. “Just looking at her, I don't think Trixie has the energy to be much help. These ponies have suffered because of this jerk, don't let it be for nothing. Besides, you may be brave, but can you face down a dragon?”

“Dragon?!”

Light's legs were shaking faintly as he gave his friend a hug. “Hey, bro. It's going to be ok. I'm just going to play chicken with an angry lizard. That's all.”

“How the buck do you know it's a dragon? What about the mares and Blur and Sly?”

“The piles of gold, the massive tunnel, the entire place covered in gems? You think one pony could keep an entire Diamond Dog clan this organized or dedicated? I don't have all the answers, but you need to quit arguing and go catch that bucker. We're Luna's guards, bro. Let me do my part.” With that, he gestured to Blur. The unicorn's horn lit up and with a flash of magic, Starstep found himself outside the iron door.

It tore at his heart to leave his best friend and his brother at the mercy of an angry dragon, if that what the roaring really was. It also wounded him to not have a hoof in protecting the mares and little colt, but Lighthoof was right. If Copper was responsible for this, he had to answer for it. Determined, he charged down the tunnel, willing himself to ignore the roar that rattled the door on it's hinges.

On and on he ran, past the five hallways of cells and out into the central chamber with the cart-pit. He could hear shouting and roaring from the pit's black gloom and suspected it somehow led to the throne-room. However, he was forced to put that thought aside as he spotted Copper trotting down the rail-line. Star galloped to catch up, slowing when the pony looked over his shoulder at him.

“Hey Copper. We wondered where you went. Everything ok?” Star forced a friendly smile on his face.

A flicker of confusion flashed on the ponies face before he halted mid-stride. “Uh...yeah. I thought I heard dogs in the tunnel so I thought I'd go back and get that Clooney fellow.” The earth pony looked over Star's shoulder. “Hey, where's the others? And the mares?” The stallion danced just slightly on his hooves, eyes flicking about.

“They'll catch up. A couple were a bit delirious. Guess the stress of being down here this long got to them.” He reached into the pouch on the side of his armor. “OH, hey. AB wanted you to have this.” Curious, the other colt leaned forward just as Star whipped his hoof out to clobber him across the jaw. Reeling, Copper staggered back and shook his head.

“The buck was that for?”

“Marigold said you're involved in this. I suggest you surrender peacefully.” The rolling laughter was not what Star expected.

“A wingless pegasus threatening me? Oh, too rich. I should have cut that little cunt's tongue out long ago. She always was such a blabber-mouth. But then, she does give really good head. After I broke her in, of course.”

Star stalked forward, the earth-colt worked his jaw a little from the blow and smiled smugly. “Who the buck are you? Why make these mares suffer?” Star growled.

“Blah blah blah. I'm betting you're expecting me to go into a monologue of my exploits? No, I think not.” A sudden flash of magic slammed into Starstep, rolling him across the ground a few feet. “What's the matter fluff for brains? You can give it but you can't take it? Go collect your mares and go home. Thanks to your interference, I'll have to start all over.”

The pegasus staggered to his feet. “Magic? The bucking hell? Who are you really?”

“I'm exactly who I said I am. Copper, son of a mining family and detective for the Ponyville PD. Only...I never said I was an earth-pony.” The area on his forehead shimmered like heat on desert sands, then a pearlescent horn of bright rust to deep crimson appeared. “I have to count myself fortunate your Princess left before she met me. She would have seen right through the little illusion. Not many ponies can disguise themselves. It's proven very useful when investigators are looking for a unicorn foal-napper.” He turned as another roar sounded from deeper in the fortress. “I suggest you go help your friends. My employer is very angry.” He threw back his head and laughed, trotting down the tunnel towards the fortress exit.

With a roar, Starstep charged after the pony, getting another face-full of magic in response. He eyes were spinning as he laid sprawled on the ground. Star found himself panting from effort as he dragged himself to his hooves, limbs trembling slightly. “HEY, I'm not done with you! Why did you drag all those mares down here? Were you the one raping them? Siring foals then making your own children dig?” He was digging around in his armor pouch while he waited for a response.

The unicorn rolled his eyes. “Yes you are. Because gems and free sex pay better than the PD. Yes and yes. Now, if you'll excuse me. I've got to go set up a new operation before the boss gets angry at me.” The moment his back was turned, Star rushed Copper again. He ducked under the magic bolt, feeling the magical charge prickle the hairs along his spine before he swept up to plant a ring on the unicorn's horn.

Copper blinked, tilted his head at the colt and blinked again. “What...what did you?” As he reached up for the ring, Star slammed a hoof into his gut.

“That one's from Trixie.” He hit the stallion again, causing him to stagger back coughing.

Copper kicked dirt into Star's eyes and ran. By the time Star could see through tears, the other pony was on the bridge. “Hey, bucker. I'm not done with you!” He galloped hard, reaching one end of gorge bridge as Copper was nearing the other end. “Stop and face me like a stallion!”

The unicorn laughed, spinning around. A glint of metal being tossed from his hoof confirmed Star's fears. A magical field engulfed a mining cart at Copper's end and he hurled it at the pegasus. With a strong leap, Star dodged the cart just in time to get hit by a magical bolt. Finding himself flat on his back, he painfully stumbled to his hooves. “Oh come on, you wuss. Is that all you got? Where's the big time magic?”

“I was just going to let you stagger off with your tail between your flanks, but now that I think about it. It's your fault this operation has to be rebuilt. You should have just ran off to your fat little pink mare and had her pop out a few foals.”

“So you getting all pissy has nothing to do with the fact I was making out with Apple Bloom? Did you know I kissed Roseluck once? Or how about the time Diamond Tiara let me take her in the plot.” Star lied, watching the unicorn ground his teeth.

“MINE. Those ponies are mine! I warned you to stay away from Apple Bloom. Something so beautiful doesn't need your filthy hooves on her. How could you dare put your disgusting lips on Roseluck? She's so perfect and delicate.” The stallion stomped a hoof, his mane dancing lightly from the updraft of the glowing river of rock far below. “You wretched pony. So selfish. Taking all the mares for yourself. And AGAIN, taking them all...no...I, can't. If I kill you, Luna will...but...greedy, horrible pony. Stealing my loves. My family...ARRGggg! You're the evil pony! You're the one they should lock up!” His horn began to glow intensely. “I'm going to blow you into bits so small, there will be nothing left for the Princess to identify.”

A massive ball of energy formed at the tip of the unicorn's horn and Star swallowed. His legs began to shake as he realized he may have underestimated the pony. The bridge was too small to dodge and without working wings, he had no where else to go. With a defeated sigh he unfurled his bandaged limbs. 'Well, I guess if they're not working anyways...' he thought to himself. Then the sphere of magic and hate swirled towards him. He did his best to dodge to the side, but it wasn't enough. It was like the world moved in slow motion as he brought his wings up in a vain attempt to block the magic. The world went white, then he felt the earth heave. Through the spots in his eyes, he felt himself tumble backwards, the rails of the bridge twisting up and curling like straw in a fire, planks of wood and bits of stone collapsed around him. As Star's end of the bridge collapsed he saw Copper scramble for footing as the structure tilted down, still attached at his end.

The dust settled, and the remains of the bridge creaked dangerously. Star groaned, something was prodding at him as he laid on his belly. Blinking open his eyes, he gave a cautious glance about. He appeared to be on a very small rocky ledge down the sloping gorge. He could feel the intensity of the magma below, sweat beaded on his coat. Debris littered the little ledge, and he was laying on a plank of wood, one end under him, the other hanging a few feet over the edge. Two rust colored limbs were grasping at the plank. Ever so slowly, he stood, keeping his hooves planted on his end of the board. At the other end, Copper managed to pull himself up enough to wrap his fore-limbs around the plank.

“Help me up! Help!” The pony glanced down, his face paled. “Ahhh, help!” He cried terrified, struggling to swing his hind-hooves up towards the plank, but without success.

Star felt the board under him groan as Copper shifted about. “Don't dance around like that. You'll snap the wood.”

“This is all your fault, you...you...FREAK! How could you do this to me? All those beautiful mares, I love them, and you're taking them away, then you try and kill me. ME! With those freak wings of yours! MY MARES, MINE! Pull me up and go back to your fat pink one.”

“Wings? The buck are you going on about?” Star ignored the insults to Cheerilee. Clearly this pony was deranged and anger wouldn't help.

“You stupid foal! You pushed aside the magic, slammed it right into the bridge. You're a stupid, stupid, mare-hogging freak!” The colt closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. “Ok, ok. Look, I'm just flipping out, right now. Please excuse the insults and anger.” When Copper opened his eyes, he seemed calm and reserved again. “Please accept my apologizes. If you'd be kind enough to help me up, I'm sure we can find a civil way to solve this.”

Star put forth a hoof, just out of Copper's reach. “How did this operation not get noticed before. You have around fifty mares here. Maybe more.”

The pony grunted as he struggled to reach Star's hoof. “Just because we're outside of Ponyville doesn't mean that's where all these mares came from.” He made another swing for Star's hoof. “Just a little closer if you please.”

“So, wait. You've been foal-napping all over the kingdom and bringing them back here?”

“YES, yes. For crying out loud. Just pull me up and arrest me. Whatever.”

Star pulled back his hoof and narrowed his eyes. “You don't seem too concerned with being arrested.” He paused. “Your boss is that dragon back there, isn't he? He's just going to bust you out. Am I right?”

There was a quiet pause as Copper looked into Star's eyes. There was no remorse, no guilt, no kindness within their depths. Just greed, lust, and arrogance. “You'd do this all again, wouldn't you?”

The smile on Copper's face was all the answer he needed. “What is it with guards and cops and how much talking they do? It's amazing really. Thanks for being oblivious. Till we meet again.” His horn began to glow and Star recognized the hum of a teleport spell.

Starstep lifted his hooves from the board. He would always remember how Copper's smug smile fell, his eye widening in disbelief. It was slow motion, watching the stallion scramble to clutch onto the plank of wood in a desperate attempt to keep from falling as he and it toppled over the lip. The pegasus calmly walked to the edge and watched the unicorn tumble down head over tail, slam into the slanted sides of the gorge and bounce along to come to rest on a rocky ledge only a few feet above the rolling river of magma. Copper struggled to stand, his hind-legs twisted at odd angles. Only terror filled his eyes as he looked back up at the pegasus, supported by just his fore-legs. Then his mane and tail ignited from the heat, soon followed by his coat. He slapped at the flames, crying out in terror. As his skin blackened, it began to bubble and blister, his screams because fainter as the flesh in his throat thickened and his blood began to boil. In his final moments, he turned his face up at the pegasus, eyes missing, the bloody goo-filled sockets stared up at him accusingly before the unicorn toppled over the edge into the river of molten rock. A tiny flicker of fire to mark his passing.

Star felt the air shift around him as another pegasus landed at his side. His gaze still intent on the spot Copper died.

“He slipped.” Lighthoof said firmly as he too looked down on the flow of yellow, red and black.

“He slipped.” Starstep repeated.