As the reporters and quite a few nobles filed into the Day Court Room, Celestia watched from the sidelines.

"Everything alright?"

She turned to see Standish and his team appear. Their masks were back on their faces, and their axes sheathed at their right leg or hip.

"Yes, for now." Celestia said. "Is everything in place?"

"Yes, ma'am." Jacobs said. "Twilight's in a safe location, and if anyone tries to make a move, we'll be there."

"I hope so." Celestia said. As she entered the room, the press applauded and the nobles bowed. Celestia held up her hood, and asked for silence.

"Greetings, citizens of Equestria." she said. "I wish to reveal news that will shock you. Last night, there was an assassination attempt on Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Gasps, whispers, and murmurs of shock filled the room. Celestia again raised her hoof, and continued.

"However, due to the actions of four brave beings, the attempt was unsuccessful. Princess Twilight and Spike the Dragon were unharmed during the attack, and three of the assassins lie dead."

The crowd went silent as they waited for their ruler to speak. Celestia composed herself, and said.

"I reveal these beings to you now. If you would?"

There was silence. Then, four puffs of white smoke appeared in front of Celestia, and the crowd gasped at the figures of Standish and his team. They snapped to salute, but were silent and still.

"They saved the life of Twilight Sparkle, and offered their own in her stead." Celestia said. "Standish, Lyle, Paulson, and Jacobs, Equestria and I owe you a debt that cannot be repaid. Do you have anything to say?"

"A few things, Princess, if you don't mind." Standish said, surprising the crowd even further. Standish walked forward, and spoke.

"Alright, let's get to it." Standish said. "I'm not one for fancy speeches, so I'm going to be rather straightforward with you. We're not here to make friends, we are here to hunt."

Standish paused before continuing.

"We've also been briefed on your current political status. We also know who is responsible for the attack on Princess Twilight Sparkle. I and my team will be investigating...and eliminating those who masterminded this despicable act."

Standish scoffed loudly.

"By now, I bet your minds are coming up with all sorts of questions. Let me be clear. We're not answering them. We have better things to do then play diplomats. I'll finish up with this."

"Traditionalists, you had better watch your back. Step out of line on our watch, you'll pay the price. We are the Hunters. Whoever crosses us is prey. But rest assured, we're not going to skulk around and kill whoever we want. No, we have better things to do. Thank you for your time. We'll be starting our investigation immediately."

Standish motioned to his team, and exited the room with Princess Luna, to an aghast crowd and a grave-looking Celestia.

====

Standish and his team walked through the halls, expecting a rebuke from the Lunar Princess. Surprisingly, she didn't criticize them, only ask "Was all that really necessary?"

"Yes, ma'am." Lyle replied. "It helps to have fear on your side."

"I see." Luna said, unconvinced. "I have prepared dossiers on all the prominent Traditionalists for you and your team to look over."

"Good." Standish said. "Who leads this movement?"

"Amadeus Blueblood." Luna said. "He's the father of Prince Blueblood, Celestia's honorary nephew. He is the worst of the worst, as he compared Twilight Sparkle publicly to Queen Chrysalis."

"So she told us." Standish said. "We'd like to speak with him."

"I don't think that will be quite necessary…" Luna said as they approached the library where Twilight Sparkle was hidden. Several ponies in suits were present, and one was furiously speaking to a Guard.

"I'm sorry, sir." a Guard said. "We're under strict orders from Princesses Celestia and Luna not to let anypony in until they return."

"My business cannot wait." Amadeus said. "Let me in immediately!"

"I wouldn't be so hasty, sir."

The Traditionalists turned to see Standish and his team approach. They turned around and sniffed with contempt.

"And who might you be?" Amadeus asked, dripping with dislike.

"Standish. Lyle, Paulson, Jacobs." Standish said. "We're investigating the assassination attempt at the request of Princess Celestia. Before you get any ideas, we are also Twilight Sparkle's new security staff."

"So you support her reforms?" Amadeus practically snarled.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss that." Standish said. "I haven't read them yet. I prefer to read things over before I make my decision. Something you might want to take into account."

Amadeus and his group bristled.

"Are you insulting me?" Amadeus growled.

"That depends." Standish said. "I was just voicing my opinion. If you take that as an insult, that's fine with me. However, let me make one thing absolutely clear."

Standish then drew his Axe and put the edge on Amadeus's throat.

"I have no hesitations about dealing with problems face to face." Standish said. "I happen to prefer it that way. Next time you think about killing someone in their sleep, think again."

"Are you accusing me of masterminding the attempt?" Amadeus roared.

"Not yet." Standish replied. "Consider that a warning, sir. Now, I suggest you move along."

Amadeus snorted with anger and left, followed by his group. Each of them shot Standish and his team some very nasty glares as they exited the hallway.

"What a bunch of assholes." Lyle cursed once they were out of earshot.

"I agree, but let's focus on the task at hand." Standish said. "Let's gather all the intel we can about these Traditionalists. Alright Hunters, let's get to work."

"Roger that."

As they followed Princess Luna into the library, Amadeus pulled Prince Blueblood aside.

"Those beings must not interfere." he scowled. "They were lucky to have saved the false Princess's life."

"I agree, but what can we do?" Prince Blueblood asked.

"We wait and bide our time." Amadeus replied. "And when the moment is at hand, we strike her and her cursed reforms down."

"Yes, father." Blueblood said as they headed out of the castle. "It will be done."

Author's Notes:

Update, and I am sorry this took so long. I've been playing a lot of Destiny 2, with almost no time for the Division. That'll change, hopefully soon.