A soft 'ding' rings out repeatedly in a fixed pattern, coming from the hanging clock in Swirl's room. Such a quiet and passive sound causes her eyes to break open. Dark circles are under them, detailing the two hours of sleep she managed to get throughout the night.

She lifts her head off the pillow and tiredly rises. Her body is shaking off the lag, but the mental preparation to tackle the task ahead is already primed. She comes off the bed and sighs through her nose. In the process of forcing herself to wake up, she rubs her eyes and approaches her robe which rests on the reclining chair and throws it over her head. She then moves for the door and enters the living room.

She spots the trio dead asleep on the couches, pillows and blankets for each of them. Snowfall rests on the two-seater by herself, while Bulletpoint and Strix share opposite sides of the three-seat couch. Several emotions wave through her at once, the most prominent being the warmth she feels at seeing pretty much everypony she cares about in one room again. The second strongest is the mild jealousy of their peaceful rest, but she faults them not for it.

She quietly trots to the scrolls she left on the coffee table and takes them into her magic. She brings them and opens her robe, putting two scrolls in the left inner flap and one in the right. She continues to levitate the fourth scroll, it follows behind her as she returns to her room.

Closing the door quietly, she steps into the open space in front of the recliner and concentrates on the scroll. Her faint yellow magic becomes brighter, the scroll begins to unravel itself as the red ribbon disappears into nothing. The words on the scroll illustrate the same luminous glow as her horn - some begin to bounce off the scroll and dance around her before fading. A gentle wind is produced from the magical scroll, disturbing her pink mane and grey robe.

Swirl closes her eyes, entering deep focus. Her mind becomes an eye, and a projection of a certain Infirmary room enters her thoughts. It is hazy due to her uncertainty with any potential medical personnel being in the room with her target. This small discrepancy does wonders to distort her mind's sight. Still, she strains herself to conjure up the fabricated model of Moonlight's Infirmary room. With any luck, she's still awake... and actually there.

Her dreariness is quickly cast away once her anxiety rises. The questioning should only take a few minutes if all goes well, but that is assuming. There is nothing holding her back from finishing the spell now and teleporting, except her trepidation. If even one thing goes wrong and she is caught, it is over - for her, and for her friends.

...

She takes in a quick breath. Another, and another. Another, and another.

She stops herself and opens her eyes when she realizes she just started hyperventilating. She shakes her head and gets herself together, attempting again at casting the scroll's spell. Her eyes close once more, she paces her breathing to ease her nerves.

”In and out. ... in... and out...”

She and the scroll become enveloped with her yellow aura. In a flash, the room brightens with magical light and she disappears from her room.

‎
‎

‎
‎

Her eyes come open immediately when the temperature of the air drops from one second to another. She cranes her head around, assessing her surroundings quickly and desperately. She finds that she is in Moonlight's Infirmary room, the mare herself is sitting alone in her bed staring blankly at nothing. There is nopony else in the room, just as she hoped during the witching hour.

A tide of relief washes over Swirl, though she takes no time to rejoice. She quickly runs to Moonlight's side, putting herself in front of her lightless gaze. "Moonlight!" Swirl whispers to her, holding a wry smile at seeing her role model again in the flesh. It soon turns to a frown of concern at witnessing the state she is in. "… Moonlight? … Moonlight, it is I!"

The easy blue mare shows no apparent cognition, giving the ether her full attention while her mouth hangs open slightly.

"What is the Doctor planning to do with you?" She channels her magic to slip out a teleportation scroll, keeping it held and ready just in case. Her muzzle scrunches when silence is what she receives in response. "Moonlight, please answer me!"

Moonlight's pink orbs shift very slightly, that very minute movement demonstrating her return to awareness. She now stares at Swirl, but says or does nothing still.

Swirl clenches her teeth despairingly. She does not know exactly what to say or do to help Moonlight out from her decline. "I must know what the doctor and his subordinates are planning! Please, if there is anything I can do to aid you, prithee tell!" She looks around, trying to find anything of significance to assist her. The room is bare and soulless. Not one piece of personal property belonging to Moonlight is found, and nothing was brought in by anyone else, as likely there are no visitors allowed. Stepping into panic, Swirl continues to speak. "I am very sorry about what you had to experience, Moonlight, it was a grand injustice! I work to mend this catastrophe, but I need your help! You are the only pony I trust, and when the Consortium realizes I am plotting against them, they will cast me into the Dungeon! If I am found here, it shall happen sooner than anticipated! Please answer me!"

Moonlight keeps blankly staring into Swirl's eyes. "... Hnh?"

A spark of something. Swirl is encouraged by that simple sound directed to her. "Moonlight, I know you can hear me! Please, emerge from the darkness! Tell me what Doctor Ivy is planning!"

Moonlight suddenly turns her attention to the door, giving it a lopsided stare. Swirl's heart beats in her ears. Moonlight then looks back at the unicorn besides her, but says nothing. Though nothing is said, a twinkle in her depressive eyes shouts a warning. Swirl's chest tightens.

Knock-knock-knock

Cl-click, errrrrh...

A head pops in through the doorframe, a unicorn mare wearing nurse's garbs looks into the room. Her squinted eyes scan everything in sight, but stop on Moonlight sitting on her bed... alone. The blue unicorn still seems to be spacing out, as she has done for hours and hours.

...

Swirl trembles violently behind the frame of the bed. Her pupils, dilated to grains of sand, bounce left and right in dismay and prayer.

...

"Miss Wish, do you need anything?"

Moonlight fails to move or respond.

"... Miss Wish?"

Still nothing.

"... Please try to sleep. You will soon hallucinate if you remain awake for much longer."

Not even a flinch from Moonlight. The nurse pulls her head back and closes the door, leaving the room in silence.

...

Swirl comes up from the side of the bed with a deep exhale, sweating and quivering. Her breaths come out frantically. "I-I beg of you, Moonlight! We cannot rescue Crimson without your assistance!" A stark form of cognizance appears on Moonlight's face. "If another member of the staff returns and I am not so lucky, I shall end up imprisoned along side him!"

A certain keyword slowly ushers back more perception. Moonlight now directly stares at Swirl and darts her eyes small distances to take in her facial features. "... Im... prisoned?"

Swirl's dreadful frown turns to a bright smile of hope. "Y-Yes! Doctor Ivy! What does he plan to do with you? Why was Nurse Redheart relived?"

“H… He wants… he wants nopony to know…”

Glee fills Swirl's heart when Moonlight begins to speak. She nods quickly and repeatedly, trying to encourage her to keep speaking.

“T-T… Took Nurse Redheart away… and w-wants him dead…”

“Who, Moonlight? Who does Ivy want dead?”

“… Cr-Cr… Cr—"

“Crimson? Does the doctor want Crimson dead?”

Moonlight’s dumb, ape-ish expression begins to churn for sadness. Her lips quiver, her breaths stutter.

Acknowledging the silent answer, Swirl decides to try and comfort her instead of pressing the subject further so she does not cry. With some awkwardness to her movement, she reaches out and places a trepid hoof on Moonlight’s own. “We will not allow that to happen! My goal is to ensure his safety! You can assist me, Moonlight!”

Her breathy sobs manage to remain as such, not devolving into crying aloud. Her jaded pink orbs turn to Swirl’s.

“I learned that you may be requesting to return home! Is this true?”

It takes a few seconds through sharp inhales, but Moonlight nods slowly.

“When will this happen? Is there a date attached?”

Much sooner than before does the blue unicorn nod.

“Please, Moonlight, when?”

“T-Tomorrow... m-m-m… morning.”

Swirl’s eyes shift small distances in thought. “Are they planning to migrate medical staff to your home or Baltimare?”

“… B… Balti… m-mare.”

“Do they have a schedule? What times will they visit you?”

“… Mor--nings…”

A tide of relief washes through Swirl again. That simple piece of information, and the affirmation that Ivy is truly brushing everything under the carpet, is all she needed to know to coordinate her next plan. “Thank you, Moonlight. Thank you for telling me this. I am… again, I am very sorry for what you had to endure. I will try to remain as close as possible, and I will do my best to ensure nopony else tries to take advantage of you.”

“Y… You’re l-leaving me?”

This simple question confuses Swirl. It takes her a moment to interpret it. “I… I must, Moonlight. But, please, do not worry. As I said, I will try to remain close and available to you – as the others will too. Bulletpoint, Strix, and even Captain Snowfall as well! We all are working together to help him, and keep you safe.”

Moonlight returns to void-gazing, appearing to accept her words but being unable to react to them properly. Swirl lines her lips solemnly. Despite not wanting to leave her alone in such a dangerous emotional condition, she lets go of her hoof and slowly backs away from the bed. Her horn channels her yellow magic and envelops the scroll. Hoping the noise does not inconvenience Moonlight too terribly, she teleports back to her room in the residences.

‎

‎
‎

Eyes closed, Swirl holds still for a moment, both acclimating to the new environment that is her bedroom and pushing away the feelings manifested from having to see Moonlight in such a state.

She opens her eyes and looks to her bed. Heart hitting the ground, she walks sluggishly to it and lays back down.

Sleep does not come easy.

‎

---

‎

The morning sun brings rise to Canterlot. As the natural light shines through the windows of the Castle Residences, it basks the four ponies who sit together in the living room of Swirl’s home. Snowfall and Swirl take seats on the three-cushion couch while Bulletpoint and Strix share the two-cushion.

...

The room is silent for a moment, a blend of muse and morning grogginess.

"Judging by everypony’s sorry mug,” Snowfall begins, staring blankly forward, “nopony got a wink of good sleep. I sure didn't... thanks to more damned night terrors.”

Bulletpoint nods with a squint, sporting bags of dreariness under his eyes. "Yeah. Same ‘ea."

Strix raises her hoof, garnering everyone’s attention. "... Your nightmares... did it have a train? Covered in blood? Coming to Canterlot?"

Nods come from everyone around, serious and musing.

"I am going on a limb,” Swirl beings. “The train we saw in our shared experience belonged to the Black Horseshoes. Moonlight revealed to me last night that they plan to execute Crimson. My assumption is that the train is meant to transport him away from the city... but... where?”

“What I don’t understand,” Snowfall lines her brows, “is why we are having the same exact dreams. Maybe one stress nightmare about the same thing isn’t anything to write home about, but this is twice now.”

"What could it mean?" Strix asks.

"I cannot say for sure,” Swirl states, “but... I believe we are being assisted somehow. As our captain stated, this is no coincidence. Everypony having the same dream twice is specific - too specific. However, this could not make sense. A being capable of this manner of magic could only lead me to assume that--"

"Wah!" "Hoy!"

All four ponies are startled, with Bulletpoint and Strix vocalizing their fright, when something suddenly 'poofs' into reality in between all of them. It spawns in the air above the coffee table, is suspended for a second, then falls down with a placid 'tap tap.' Everyone looks at it scrupulously, seeing it to be a raveled scroll tied with a dark blue string. Everyone then exchanges disconcerted glances.

Swirl levitates the scroll into her magic hesitantly. She studies it quickly, seeing that it is not enchanted in any way. It is a simple parchment-based message scroll. Pouting her lips dubiously, she unravels it and clears her throat from the frog inside, scanning the words and reading them aloud. "To whom it may concern. This letter is to inform you that you must complete the drop-off. At the request of our mutual companion, the Belt of Uru located in Moonlight's room must be delivered to a hidden enclosure behind the Great Waterfall of the West. An associate will be found there."

Stern, concerned glares come from all eyes as Swirl reads. Confusion overwhelms the air.

"... Is that all it says?" Snowfall inquires.

"Indeed," Swirl affirms. “It appears that our shadow-hoof is intentionally being vague.”

“Who in Equestria could know about us?” Strix queries.

“A good question.”

"Letter’s shallow as fuck, but," Bulletpoint clicks his tongue, "... 'm I the only one sayin' we should check this out?"

"Let us not be too hasty," Swirl states seriously. "I do not recognize the print. This could potentially lead us to a trap. Remember, as we are now, we are actively plotting against the Horseshoes. By extension, the Consortium. If they have somehow caught on--"

"Which I doubt," Bulletpoint interrupts briefly.

Swirl shifts her biting eyes to him for cutting her off before she continues. "-- IF they have somehow caught on, we will feed ourselves directly into their jaws."

"I'm with Swirl," Snowfall states. Bulletpoint rolls his eyes and slumps back into the couch. "I know you wanna jump the bow, BP, but we have the tools to play it smart. Maybe take that scroll to the Head Researcher. She might know the formalities of that letter better than us."

"Ye, but them nightmare's ain't gettin' any prettier," Bulletpoint growls.

"I get it, BP, I’m as worried about Crimson as you are. Still, we need to get this done the right way. We won't be very useful to him behind bars."

The stallion crosses his arms over his chest stubbornly, but acknowledges what she says.

"Speaking of which," Swirl starts while rubbing her left eye in exhaustion. "Moonlight will indeed be returning home. She will be transported Friday morning. In the mean time, let us focus on Crimson. Bulletpoint." The stallion jumps lightly, his attention demanded. “You said you wanted to set up a recon, did you not? Your opportunity has arose. I want you to keep an eye on every flying carriage you see, as well as the Canterlot railroad system. You will let us know if you notice any strange arrivals. This is to say… captain.” The snowy mare, who was already looking at her, raises her brow. “Would it be possible for you to assign another guardpony to watch the throne in Bulletpoint’s place? I understand if this is not possible.”

“Don’t you worry about that,” she assures. “Had more than one complaint about his behavior there anyway.”

“Oi!" Bulletpoint exclaims, "If that rat-shit corporal tattled on me, he’s tryin’a cover up fer fallin’ asleep! Twice!”

Everyone shares some amusement at his expense, with Snowfall shaking her head. “Easy, BP. Just joking. ... Kinda.” She returns her attention to Swirl. “Point is, it’s doable. Got a few hopeful hearts looking to have the honor. Same with you, Strix,” she focuses on the yellow pegasus. “You’ll be relieved from your regular patrol and I’ll assign ‘special jobs’ for both of you. If anypony asks what you’re doing, you’re doing perimeter control. Since we recently had a ‘breach,' we could say that we’re preventing future incidents.” Both Strix and Bulletpoint nod with smiles of understanding.

“I will do my own research on this letter,” Swirl informs, “and analyze the patrol lists. With any luck, we will see the pieces move in the Horseshoe’s will. Then we will know how many enemies we truly have.”

Snowfall nods once firmly. “That's what I wanna hear. I’ll fetch some comm buttons for everypony so we can keep in touch. And don’t worry, these won’t fizz out in one use. The Second Head Researcher managed to extend their range and usable lifespan.”

“Ah, so he ain’t completely useless,” Bulletpoint jabs.

“Looks like it. You two," she commands Bulletpoint and Strix, "let’s get moving. Get suited up, and remember… Act. Natural.”

Still sleepy and groggy, but now invigorated and empowered by will, the three of them prepare to covertly exit the residence and blend back into the conglomerate face of Canterlot Castle. Swirl remains seated, eyes punching into the documents in her possession.

‎

---

‎

The sun shines high above Canterlot, noon strikes time. Bulletpoint sits on a folding chair atop one of the many balconies in Canterlot Castle's tallest towers. He posts himself on the highest point of the Western Tower. He uses binoculars to keep sight on the city below. To his side are two canteens of water and a duffle bag, one which contains his sniper's crossbow and rations.

Back rested against the balcony wall, he sits with a slight turn so he hangs one arm off the edge of the balcony with the railing rested on his armpit. The other arm has the hoof which holds the binoculars to his eyes, where he scans each and every pony and human that appears in sight.

He occasionally diverts his attention to the railroad system on the far west end of the city. From here, he has a fair view of when a train arrives, who comes off, who embarks, and when a train leaves.

A sparse number of flying carriages are seen coming or leaving city limits. He hones in on them, getting sharp looks at whoever is seated inside them. Many of the wealthier ponies and the rare Consortium board member come and go, but nothing more. Nothing that speaks Black Horseshoe.

He licks his teeth, spotting nothing of interest at the moment. Ever yet, he remains vigilant.

‎

---

‎

Soundless hooves tap against the polished floor of the Castle's halls. Tense and somewhat stiff, Strix tries to keep a neutral front whilst traversing these marble, stained glass, and gold innards. She analyzes the faces of the fellow guard ponies around, most of which are stoic and ignore her presence completely.

The maze-like expanse of these grand halls are known like the back of her hoof. With every turn and new face she encounters, the closer she gets to her destination. At least for now, nothing seems out of the ordinary. There is a higher density of guards now patrolling the Castle itself, but the routines and routes she is used to seeing have not changed.

Eventually she comes across one of the halls that acts as an usher to a deep staircase which travels for what seems like forever. She knows she must check the Dungeon's entrance to see if anything has changed down there, but she fears being stopped and questioned in the event someone new is posted down there. She has a lie locked and loaded in the event this occurs, but she would rather not have to use it.

Steeling her resolve, she takes this staircase down to its depths. Each step down, her silver armor clanks, yet her hooves are silent. The natural light which perforates through the many windowless openings across the Castle walls turns to null. Sunlight is replaced by torchlight, and the ambient temperature drops notably.

She eventually makes it to the bottom, where the stairs end and a massive double-door structure begins. This double-door is engraved very specifically, ominously, and there are two guards standing besides large cranks at each opposing end of the doors. Their armor is unique, the standard gold plating with red plumes is mixed with cloth garbs which completely cover their mouths and necks. She had not expected to see these two extras wearing Dungeon Master armor, as now she cannot even identify them. They look like executioners, and the stare that they give her makes her blood chill.

She presents herself for only a moment, shifting her attention between both of them. The two guards turn their stagnated eyes to her, as if finally finding something interesting in the lock of the mundane. She almost shivers. She purses her lips before attempting to smile at both of them. She thinks it is safe to say that this was an awkward venture, so she turns to walk back up the stairs.

"Is that you, Strix?"

She freezes, hearing her named called by one of the guards behind her. The voice is familiar, but his identity is hidden behind the cloth armor. She turns only her head and neck around, giving him a very worried look. Despite already having a plan in her head, in her heart, she desperately hopes they do not decide to question her. The thought of having to lie again...

The guard, who looks almost pissed from the style of his helmet and his hidden mouth and nose, reaches to pull the cloth down from his mouth. Only then does Strix realize who this is - one stallion with a deep red coat and snow white mane. "Long time no see," the stallion says with a smile that completely contrasts his attire.

"Vermillion!" She fully turns to face him. The other guard who is not Vermillion still seems completely uninterested in her, while the stallion himself continues to smile rather warmly. She trots up to him and reaches out to give him a hug, one which he has trouble reciprocating due to his clunky armor and from holding the long partisan in his arm. She holds him tightly before breaking the hug. "It really has been a long time! So this is where you've been!"

"Heh, yeah," he blushes lightly and smirks awkwardly, "though usually I'm on the other side. Got two new guys on the inside today. Being out here is at least some sorta fresh spill."

"I never knew you made it into the deadguard, dude!"

"Yup, got selected one day and, welp... just... kinda been down here most of my life now. Forget what the sun looks like sometimes. Since my post ends at midnight and all."

"That's, like, a super duper promotion, dude! I'm so happy for you!"

"Psh, says you. Look at you, wearing that fancy silver armor. You're the one that got a heck of a promotion. I mean, you're risking your life on a daily basis and all, but at least it isn't boring, heh."

Strix nods happily. "Extremely dangerous! I really don't mind it, but sometimes I wish Captain Snowfall didn't choose me for the Elite. I'd rather be down here, it's like super chill and quiet and stuff!"

"Oooh hohoho, no you don't. Trust me. Dying of boredom might be more real than you think." Strix giggles at his quip, which causes him to blush a little further. "Heh, well, uh... hey, speaking of that. What brings you down here? Some sorta new patrol pattern?"

Strix's eyes widen and she nods quickly. "Yeah! Ever since we had that... 'infiltrator,' a few of us got new patrol routes. So if you see me, feel free to ignore me! Just doing my thang~"

The stallion fixes the alignment of his helmet, chuckling bashfully. "Well that's gonna be hard, you're like the coolest pony I've ever met. Y'know, I don't think we ever got around to lighting one up under a full moon, like we planned months ago. Would, uh..." he stops for a moment, the pink on his cheeks remaining prominent. Even his fellow guard next to him looks over, raising a brow to his sudden trailing off. "... Would you be down to do that still?"

Strix nods repeatedly, giggling again. "Heck yeah, dude! I've honestly not touched any green for a good little while, so I'll probably, like, fly up and touch the moon with just one round!"

"Heck yeah, dude, that's awesome. Totally happy you're still down. Guess I'm not surprised you've been sober for a minute, with your super awesome promotion and all."

"It's been a little of a bummer, but... can't be a goofy teen forever and stuff!"

The stallion chuckles once more, this time somewhat melancholic and reminiscent. "Yeah, true that, sis. You just, uh... you let me know when you're down, alright?"

"Totally dotally, dude!" Her smile progressively weakens until it is but a lopsided simper. "Um, I'm, like... sorry, I'm totally ruining your vibe and stuff being down here so long. I'll leave you alone and keep doing rounds."

"No! Not at all, dude! It's great I got to see you again! It's been like literally months!"

"Feels like years, hehe~"

"Totally does! Hey, just... one more thing before you go. My sister just got back from vacay, bet she would love to see you again too. Maybe tell her about our little plans to light it up?~"

Strix brightens in realization. "Oooh yeah! That'd be awesome! Does she still work at the Library? I for real haven't been in there for, like... ages, hah~"

"Sheesh, it really has been a while, huh. Nah, man, she works in the Infirmary now. Happily working as an RN for the Castle instead of organizing dusty old books."

"Ooh, right! I remember she was getting her schooling done! It's been so long. That's so wild, I was actually in the Infir--" She stops herself, her heart feeling very heavy. Vermillion seems to catch this as well, looking more than just concerned. Feeling her heart pulse in her ears, she fails to think of anything that could divert the topic. She knows this is wrong, she knows this may potentially breaching her cover, but she cannot bring herself to lie again. Swallowing her tension and acting as if she just had to cough, she continues with the truth while attempting to put a happy front. "Excuse me, froggie in the throat~ I-I was actually in the Infirmary not too long ago! When did she come back from vacay?"

"Yesterday, actually! Got all her stuff unloaded and got back to work today. You'll probably see her in the eastern ward, that's where she mostly takes care of patients. But, you might just find her anywhere, heh!"

"That's super! Sorry for, like, totally forgetting she was working to be a nurse. I'm not a very good friend for forgetting..."

"Nah, sis, nah, don't stress. Like you said, it's been too long. Kinda feels unreal seeing you all of a sudden. Almost like we're strangers now, eheh." He sighs through his nose, making his smile as genuine as he can. "Give her a visit if your schedule allows it. She'll probably be even more happy to see you than me. Agh," he shakes his head, as if spiting himself. "Sorry, dude, now I'M the one stopping you from doing your thing. I won't keep you any more, don’t wanna get you in trouble."

Strix's smile returns to its former glory. She leans in and hugs him again, and this time, he does not bother reaching in and making it cumbersome. He lets her hug him, rejoicing in it as their armor clanks together. She pulls away and sighs lightly. Before she turns to leave, she waves at the other deadguard stallion who has remained stoic and alert the whole time. Only then does he move to nod at her, acknowledging her respectfully.

Strix begins to trot up the staircase, leaving the two behind her. Her warm smile falls to a gloomy frown, knowing full well she may not be able to go through with anything and everything she wants to.

‎

---

‎

Grass crunches under the hoof of the blonde snowy mare. Her icy eyes scan along each troop that runs through the obstacle courses, performs free-form exercise, or runs along the track.

Many of the grunts that spot her are quick to give a salute, which she only acknowledges them with simple nods, something she has always done in the past. Trekking along the field puts her at the front of her office building. Coming up the small staircase and entering through the glass doors, the receptionist inside briefly glances up to see who it is. Upon noticing it is the captain, her focus is fully given to her.

"Captain Winter," Polly politely acknowledges.

"Afternoon, miss Posie."

"I have some papers that came in for you, one direct from the Roundtable and the other from MedOps."

Snowfall walks up to her desk, tilting her head as the unicorn channels her magic to take out a manila folder and levitate it to over. She takes it into her wing and nods, "Thank you."

"My pleasure."

The snowy pegasus takes her leave and returns to her office. She enters and shuts the door behind her, locking it at the knob and moving to her desk. She sits down, sets the folder on the table in front of her, and sighs deeply. She gazes at the folder for a moment, not moving nor thinking. She holds blankness for as long as she finds it comfortable...

... and after about a minute, she decides to reach for it. She opens it, finding fewer documents than she usually sees in these types of ‘random paperwork deliveries.’ She knew already that it was not loaded with files, feeling rather thin, but she still cannot help but feel somewhat relieved. It is a set of files she recognizes immediately, a new patrol list written in ink with information on the front and back of half of the sheets, and a stapled manifest of a complete medical audit.

Confusion stirs in her, as she never requested an audit from the Infirmary. Not finding any immediately useful information from the medical audit, she begins to analyze the patrol list, and sees... nothing out of the ordinary. For now. She continues running through each name, location, and length of posting, and it is all the same as it was with the previous copy.

She squints. A sore thumb sticks out on the back of the last page. The deadguard assignments. She reads an increase of two guards, totaling four over the standard two. But the timeframes of these increased postings only count for... "Tonight?" she whispers to herself. Tonight just before midnight.

The first thought that runs through her head is getting this information to Swirl immediately. She had hoped to get some of her administrative work done right now, as to maybe seem as if she still cares about her job and its annoyances, but she gives herself another excuse to get back up and exit her office. She gives a parting wave to Polly, the receptionist delivers one in return. Snowfall trots the length of the fields and into the Castle again, returning to her robed companion.

‎

---

‎

She thoroughly remembers what Captain Snowfall had said, that she had already shown her face once here. Despite this, she cannot help but return here just once more to see an old friend again. The opportunity to do so may disappear forever in the relative future, so she deems a small risk worth to meet them again.

Strix enters the Infirmary building using the eastern junction from the Castle, opening metal double doors with push bars to enter the blue and grey facility. Using this entrance puts her in the very center of the complex, right where the receptionist is.

Strix does not meet and greet with the receptionist, instead walks into an argument. It looks like a mare and a stallion are having a heated conversation with the receptionist mare behind the glass-covered cubical. At hearing their exchange, she hides herself behind the corner of the hall.

“This is an outrage!” the stallion, a unicorn of an easy blue coat and dark purple mane and tail, cries angrily. “How are you going to tell me I’m not allowed to see my own daughter!?”

“Again, sir,” the receptionist says sympathetically, “I apologize, but we are not allowing her any visitors at the moment. Orders are strictly from her doctor. If you would like, I can add you to the mailing list once visitation opens.”

“Please,” the mare next to him, also a unicorn who dons a pink coat and a pink-cyan mane and tail, pleads timidly right after. “We understand that she is not in a good condition now, but we know how to treat her better than anypony.”

The receptionist shakes her head, “I cannot apologize enough.”

“This is insanity!” the stallion shouts. “I’m not going to let you stop me from seeing my own daughter! What room is she in!?”

“Sir, please, I would rather not have to call the guards..."

“Oh! So first you take her nurse away, then you threaten to incarcerate her parents! Your politics are the reason Canterlot lost its glory many years ago!”

“W-We’re not angry at you, ma’am,” the unicorn mare starts shyly. “We know you don’t have a say in the matter, it’s… we just, we really want to see our daughter. The aching in our heart won’t go away…”

Hearing this exchange causes Strix’s throat to catch. As their debacle comes to an end and the presumed husband and wife accept defeat, Strix turns and trots further down the hall so they do not see her as they leave. She puts herself in the corner of a connecting hall and hides, keeping one eye on them as they disappear from sight.

After waiting a few seconds and ensuring no one is watching her, she emerges from the corner, trying to keep her motions as natural as possible for any potential staff that may appear out of nowhere. She decides to trot down to the receptionist again, but once more finds herself stopped when she hears a voice speak up to the receptionist.

“Is the Princess still in the room?” the receptionist asks in reply.

She peeks in again, spotting a different unicorn stallion – one of green coloration who speaks in a cocky manner.

“Still there. She will be joining me shortly. Is everything prepared to send her home?”

“Yes, doctor. The carriage is already prepared, we await only Moonlight herself.”

“Great. We’ll send her out after we return. Does the therapist already have her schedule?”

“Yes, doctor.”

“Good. Await for my calling.”

“Of course.”

Strix puckers her lips. She glances around quickly, ensuring no one is watching her. A plan forms in her head. She backs away to the previous corner she used to avoid the husband and wife, reaching into her left saddlebag and retrieving a small metal disk with a red button in the center.

‎

---

‎

With piercing, dilated eyes does Swirl read what is before her. She sits on the large couch while Snowfall sits in the two-cushion. The captain watches her silently, acknowledging the severity of her expression. “Tonight?” Swirl grumbles questioningly.

“Exactly what I said. This shit is sliding down the slope faster than we thought it would.”

“They are increasing the deadguard staffing for one night. They would only do such a thing for inmate relocation. But that would mean—”

“Guys! Guys!”

Their attention is shot to the reverbing voice coming from each of their comms buttons. They retrieve them, Snowfall from her belt pouch, Swirl from her robe’s pocket. Snowfall is the first to hit the button and speak back to Strix. “What is it, sergeant?”

“I see them!” Her voice wobbles amidst the magic, coming as a whisper-shout. “The doctor! And Celestia! I’m following them right now!”

“Where they at, lass?” Bulletpoint’s voice travels right after.

Swirl and Snowfall lock gazes, both with brows lined atop their eyes. Swirl presses the button with her magic, holding it up to her mouth. “They are heading to the Dungeon.”

“Already!?” Bulletpoint cries out. “… Oi! Stop a minute! I see two nurses polishin’ up a carriage! West end of the Gardens!”

“That must be for Moonlight!” Strix deduces. “The doctor was talking about it just now!”

“Everything is moving too fast,” Snowfall growls. She stops to think for a moment, her eyes shifting quickly. “… Bulletpoint, you have some rations in that duffle, right?”

“That I do, cap’n.”

“Good. This is gonna be a tall order to ask, but as soon as you see them transport our guy, you follow them. Keep your button close.”

“Aye, aye, cap’n.”

“Strix, finish your rounds. Keep us posted on anything that changes.”

“Yes, captain!”

Snowfall’s eyes land on the coffee table, where next to the lava lamp sits a particular scroll. She eyes it for a moment, squinting briefly. “Swirl… you and I, we’re gonna see what this scroll is about.”

“Are you sure that is wise, captain?”

“I know for a fact it’s not, but we don’t have the time I thought we did. If it is some sort of trap…” she looks to the rolled teleportation scrolls right next to the ominous letter, “… I think you can bail us out of it.”

Swirl glances to what the captain looks at, putting the pieces together. She nods firmly in acknowledgement. “The relic inside Moonlight’s room. We must retrieve it.”

“That we do. The two guards posted at her room have been reassigned, so we won’t have to bother explaining anything to anypony. You have any good wrapping cloth around here? We can’t go strutting around the Castle with that relic in the open, unless we want the Consortium to put its eyes on us.”

“Indeed I do.”

“Then let’s get moving.”

‎

---

‎

It has been about three days without a semblance of proper sleep. He feels it. It is making him nearly delusional, but rage and desperation haunt him, and he still fails to rest ever yet.

Eyes closed, arms and legs hanging off the edges of the uncomfortable bed, he still cannot find the solace of sleep. His eyes feel like dried up raisins behind his eyelids, he prays that he will not have to open them any time soon.

Ck-CLACK!

"God fucking damn it…"

He spitefully keeps his eyes closed as the sounds of many marching steps come his way. They soon arrive to his cell, he already expected them too. Frustratingly enough, he knows for certain there are other inmates in other reaches of the Dungeon, but they do not seem to be getting the very special treatment he is.

He assumes it is time. Strange. He thought he heard Doctor Asshole say that it should be ‘tomorrow night,’ but they are here already. Certainly did not feel like twenty-four hours. They might be here early.

All the same to him. Time for the ball to bounce.

“Please retrieve him.”

He knows exactly who’s voice that was. "Fuckin' bitch."

“Hey!” the deep growl of a stallion guard shouts. “Get up!”

Crimson remains still with his eyes closed.

“I said get up!”

Sticking to his spite, he does not move.

“… Get him.”

These words are followed by clacking steps and rustling armor. Crimson discreetly opens one eye to glare down at the bars. He sees roughly five to six regular guards and another five mages. Celestia stands behind the regular guards, the mages are at her sides. Two guards work to retrieve their keys and unlock the bar door.

They get it open, all five of the regular guards march one by one to his sleeping form to disturb his peace.

"That’s right, come here. Come get me…"

They clear the door and surround him promptly. Three prepare their weapons while two carefully approach him.

"A little closer…"

“Get up, prisoner! Your lack of cooperation will serve to bring you pain and discomfort!”

He remains motionless.

“… You have three seconds, prisoner! When your count of grace has run through, force will be enacted upon you! Three!”

Crimson’s barely-opened eye scans through the force.

“Two!—Hrorh!” “Rruh!”

Gasps fill the room when the apparently sleeping man lunges forward faster than they could expect. He dives towards the cell door, slamming his palms atop the helmets of the two closest guards, and propelling himself off of them while simultaneously shoving them onto the ground.

At the same time the guards kiss the floor with powerful slams, Crimson bullets in the air like a plank through the opened cell door towards Celestia. His animalistic eyes glare at her as he cocks his right fist back. He pistons it like a machine into her face.

Despite the clockwork reactions of the mages, their attempts to channel their magic in time to catch and stop his flying form are too late.

“Hnh!” Celestia’s pink orbs turn to pricks. Her horn sparks and surges her powerful magic to blink her out of the line of fire. She manages to teleport herself a few meters up the stairs away from the punch, barely a coat hair away of being struck by death.

The guards and mages panic, but find instant relief when their leader saves herself. The five mages, empowered by emotion and anger, all grip Crimson’s form before his fist slams into the wall behind where Celestia stood. He is suspended in the air, he grits in fury and being unable to move at all.

“BASTARD!” “ENSURE HE’S DETAINED!” “RAHH!” The guards flock to the man and prepare their weapons, ready to butcher him into pieces. The two he bounced off of are adjusting their helmets and reacclimating themselves from the stun.

“CEASE!” Celestia’s voice booms much louder than usual, almost unnaturally so. The guards instantly adhere to her, stopping in their tracks before even one blade touches the man. “I am unharmed.... and he must be taken alive.” Though she is truthful that she was not hurt by him, her quickly beating heart and slight headache from panic-channeling such a difficult spell sits against her words. She looks at the man despondently.

“Forgive us, princess!” A guard calls for the group. “Should we get him transported now?”

Celestia continues staring at him for a moment longer. Crimson keeps his eyes forward, pinning them angrily at the wall. Emotions mix wrongfully inside of her. She knows she cannot overtly sympathize for him, but... “… Yes. Board him immediately. High Barter’s ponies are already on their way.”

“Yes, princess.” This acknowledgement comes from all five guards. With a bow from each of them, they command the mages to follow behind them with Crimson in tow.

They march up the stairs towards the exit of the Dungeon. Gargantuan steel doors with all sorts of engravings act as the barrier to the rest of the Castle. These doors are opened by two earth stallions wearing a unique mix of armor and cloth, giving them an executioner-like appearance.

The massive doors groan open when they handle iron cranks at each side of the wall. As the doors come open, two other guards stand on the opposing side, partisans drawn as if anticipating conflict.

The golden-armored guards step through the grand archway and continue to guide the mages with their prisoner. The points of the drawn weapons from the outside deadguard follow the floating man like sentries. Once the doors need to be closed, these stallions lower their partisans and begin to crank the levers on their side. The deadguard inside the Dungeon draw their partisans in return, and keep them drawn until the doors come closed.

Crimson is only able to move his eyes around. Being in this incapacitated position only serves to feed his spite against everything around him. He notes the exit to the Dungeon is simply a path to more stairs which rise up far and wide. They appear to be at the very base of the Castle, perhaps underground, but it is difficult to gauge right now.

As they continue to ascend these grand stairs, his assumption was right. They were underground, and through the exit of another imposing golden double-door, they finally reach the first floor. Swerved and passed through the halls, they exit the Castle from the front entrance.

He remembers taking this entrance with Moonlight many months ago. The stone path surrounded by grass that leads to the giant marble walls which surround Canterlot Castle. Passing through these walls puts them into the city.

The ponies of Canterlot moseying through its streets all stop when they witness this sight. Crimson can barely get a good look at the ponies who gawk at him, but he knows. He knows that they look at him with disgust, a completely diabolical contrast to the overbearing esteem and fantasy they had held for him when he was once ‘the angel’ of their dreams.

He could care less. He feels he should have done more. When he and Dahlia first visited Canterlot, he should have done more. A single punch and a kick was not enough. He should have rioted. He should have taken Dahlia and fucking ran. He would have avoided all of this…

He is soon taken to the train station. It seems that the train they are destined to take is already here. It looks like a regular Equestrian train, the same one he took with Dahlia and Moonlight some time ago. But there is something special he notices about this one in specific. There are carts at the tail end of the line made purely of a dark metal material that come off as very unfriendly.

No passengers come off the train, no other bodies wait to board. It is only them, a squad of Castle troops and their on prisoner waiting to ride the train to eternity. It is as if someone or something waits to confirm the identities of this group before the train cart doors hiss open. They board promptly, barely keeping from hitting Crimson’s head on the top of the entryway.

They promptly turn and walk down the first cart, taking the far door to enter the next cart. They continue to take him cart after cart until the warm ambers and yellows of the passenger boarding turns to the blacks and blues of a cold steel box. In this box, there are many cages formed exactly like the ones he saw in the human fighting ring – they even have the cloth tarps draped over them like they did before.

He is thrown into one of the vertical cages, one that accommodates for his height but for nothing else. His back slams against the cold bars as the door to the cage is slammed on his face - the magic lock engages itself with a light blue hue. At the loud slam of the cage, primal shouts and growls resonate from other cages.

More humans.

The mages look visibly satisfied at no longer needing to channel their magic. The guards share a distasteful glare at the man. None have anything to say to him, their judgmental looks are enough. They collectively turn and file out of the train cart before they close it, leaving him in the isolation of his cramped cage.

The other humans continue to bark and scream, showing no sign of letting up.

With only enough space in his cage to crouch, he does so, squinting blankly in front of him. The train is felt jostling lightly. It begins to move. He knows not where he goes or who he will encounter... but he promises them plenty of hell.

---

No one is the wiser to Snowfall or Swirl’s path. They have maneuvered through the Castle and obtained the relic from Moonlight’s vacant room. Not even a remnant of the visceral scene Swirl had seen remains. All looks as it was before the incident, but the feeling the room gives is far from normal.

With the clothed-up relic rested on her back, Snowfall guides Swirl. None of the Guards have bothered to stop her or question her, in fact, each one of them still salutes and holds her to their pride.

It is perfect, Snowfall muses. None of them yet know what she or her team is doing. If she can help it, they will never know.

She reaches the fields by taking the back archway, wandering into the Gardens. Many beautiful plants, trees, finely trimmed shrubbery, and tamed vines are set throughout this natural landscape. The waterfall can be seen not too far out.

She walks to the river the waterfall forms. Taking a small bridge that spans across it, she winds up in the pear orchard on the other side. She enters the shade of many trees and hides under it, swerving between trunks and bark. She eventually greets the wall of the mountain that travels up into the clouds.

Their destination is the waterfall just along this earthen wall. Snowfall and Swirl keep their trek casual and shrewd, ensuring to keep an eye out for any visitors or guardponies the Gardens may have at this time of day. A patrol or two spots them, perhaps a few interested eyes ogling into the captain’s business, though they say nothing and keep on their way.

Once close enough, the rushing water drowns their hearing. Snowfall remains acute, ensuring no one is watching her give intrigue to the waterfall. She then sticks close to the rocky walls of the mountain, peering her eyes just behind the water. It is hard to see, the water makes it unclear that anything is behind it, but there is a faint sign of a possible clearing. A space where one may stand behind the fall and not get wet.

Snowfall looks back to Swirl and nods, the unicorn returns one as well. Taking advantage of being in the clear, they kick into dashes and leap just behind the waterfall, barely getting wet in the process. They land one by one in this rocky clearing behind the water. The sun's rays wobble and dance inconsistently on the walls here, giving it a somewhat surreal air.

The two of them glance around, attempting to find anything of interest. Nothing looks obvious. They spread around the clearing and scan every inch.

"Captain!" Swirl shouts over the waterfall. Snowfall witnesses her crouched down while nudging a slab of rock that is almost perfectly flushed with the ground. She channels her magic and grasps a very small gap in this discreet cover and the actual floor, pushing it in and up. It reveals a ladder that climbs down into a hidden room.

Snowfall and Swirl give each other an unspoken acknowledgement to descend together and scope the room.

They come down the hatch one after the other, Snowfall taking the lead by flying down and Swirl using her magic to ease her fall into the hole. Snowfall lands on the cement floor first, then freezes. Swirl comes down next to her, assessing the room, and gasps.

Both mares have stopped completely. They are witness to a disgruntled tan pegasus mare with her back against the farthest wall. She holds in her trembling hooves something that appears to be a gun, looking about ready to fire it.

The room is silent, save for the muted white noise of the waterfall.

"Let's not be too hasty here," Snowfall calmly states.

"You better start talking! Fast!" Dahlia shouts in return.

"My name's Snowfall." She puts her hoof to her breastplate. "This is Swirl," she then points to the mare next to her, who remains unspeaking and serious.

"That's not what I meant! Why are you here!? How did you find this place!?" She levels the dart flinger, getting a sight at Snowfall's face.

"Put the gun down, we're on your side. Crimson, you know him." Dahlia's eyes widen, completely giving her away. Snowfall uses this to push forward. "We're trying to rescue him."

"Fuck off, 'captain!' You guardponies and robes are lying sacks of shit! I'll kill both of you!"

Though her heart pounds heavily, Swirl remains firm. “Our mutual friend sent us here so we could finish the delivery." Dahlia's ears perk up, thinking that she might be understanding what she says, but still takes in confusion.

“Here,” Snowfall takes the package from her back and into her hoof. "Easy, alright?" she attempts to soothe Dahlia. "I'm gonna set this down. You open it and tell me what you see."

"Hurry up, then! Before my hoof slips!"

Snowfall nods twice calmly. She walks diagonally to the left, heading towards the first bunk. She carefully reaches her hoof out and sets the cloth bundle onto the bed, next to a certain stack of clothing. She then backpedals, returning to Swirl’s side near the entrance.

Dahlia keeps the gun aimed unsteadily as she walks towards the bed. She glances between the wrapped item and them. She extends her left wing to take control of the gun as her two forehooves undo the white string. The cloth comes apart by itself when the string stops supporting it, revealing the belt inside. Her eyes glimmer and widen. She then looks to Snowfall with a grim expression. "Tell me what's going on."

"You wanna put the gun down first?" the captain passively retorts.

Dahlia considers it until she abides. She stops aiming it at them but keeps it in her wing.

Swirl uses this moment to channel her magic and move the slab of cement back onto the entrance, drowning out the noise of the waterfall out almost completely. Once hearing becomes much easier and tensions have halted, Snowfall begins to explain. "You might already know this, but Crimson just got himself incarcerated a few days ago."

"Yeah, I know," Dahlia grunts. "And you put him in there."

"Not without a reason. He assassinated a Royal Researcher."

"He what!?” She nearly drops the pistol from shock. “Crimson, what the-- rrgh! Why the fuck would he do that!?"

"It was not without just calling," Swirl interjects. "The stallion he killed was a Black Horseshoe, one who was attempting to rape another member of the Royal Research team. More specifically, the Head Researcher."

"... You serious?"

"Very. Magnifying Glass. He was the Royal Researcher Crimson slew. He forced himself non-consensually upon Head Researcher Moonlight Wish, and that is likely what caused the murder to happen."

"The question is," Snowfall starts, "how did Crimson know when to show up when he did?"

Dahlia's defensive wall has yet to crumble. "... How do I know you aren't just trying to get info out of me? How do I know you won't arrest me and take the relics with you?"

"We know you don't have a reason to trust us, but... I guess what I can say is that, we care a lot for him. He served in the Royal Guard Elite with us. We know he's a good guy, and we also know he acts rash with things that matter to him most. Even though we’re fitted in uniform, we plan on doing to the Consortium what it did to us. The terms that bound me to the Guard were broken after what happened to Crimson. I could just quit and sit around all day, hoof in my six, but I’d rather even the playing field."

Her alibi is visibly sticking with Dahlia. Her bullshit radar scans both of them, but alerts her of none of them. "... Snowfall, huh? And Swirl?"

"And you are?" Snowfall asks the tan pegasus.

"... Wisp," she gruffs.

Swirl's eyes lighten in surprise. "You are the... treasure hunter, correct? You have brought several enchanted artifacts to Canterlot. That name belongs to you?"

"Yeah, it does.”

“It’s also the same name kept in our jail records,” Snowfall adds. “For breaking and entering the Castle. Very ballsy of you to be here again after that stunt.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t remind me. So what? Going from arresting me to working with me? I still don't really believe any of you."

"If we really wanted to arrest you again, we'd have done it already. No reason to set up a play like this if we just wanted to interrogate you."

Dahlia supposes she speaks the truth, knowing the Guard's tendencies. "Alright, whatever, enough of this shit. Let's get down to business. What brought you all here? How'd you find this place?"

"That’s the part that’s got us stumped. We don't know for sure. But if whoever it was led us to you, and you've got hooks with Crimson, we're reeling this in. So tell me, are you working with him?" The tan pegasus squints at her. "This isn't a trick question, Wisp."

"What if I said I wasn't?"

"Then we'd be confused, and wonder why we were brought here. Crimson wanted the relics for no reason, and he killed a Researcher for shits and giggles. You're just some pony hiding in a secret box behind the Castle."

Dahlia considers her words and sighs her tension out. "Alright, I see your point. I feel like I don’t need to say this, but yeah, I'm working with him. Not just him, but with the Horseshoes too."

Expressions aghast take the two mares of the Elite. "You're working with the Horseshoes?" Swirl inquires.

"We are, as in, both of us."

Snowfall visibly ponders this information. "We're farther behind the loop than I thought. It would be great if you could fill us in."

"Hmm," Dahlia hums. "And what's in it for me if I tell you?"

"An invitation of trust and comradeship. We won't just be ensuring our friend’s safety, but getting your partner back too. And if you could care less about Crimson, you still need those relics."

"Hmh…" Dahlia tucks her chin, throwing her eyes between both of the Consortium defectors before her, “… If you try two-timing me, good fucking luck. I’m watching both of you like a hawk.”

Snowfall smiles. "Great. Glad we could come to an agreement."

“Psh,” Dahlia dismisses her rudely before she crawls onto the bed and sits on the edge, letting out a sigh. "So you want in on the loop, right? Then sit your royal powdered-asses down. There's a lot of shit to unpack." The two of the Elite team focus intently on what she has to say. "It started about two weeks ago, in the Slums..."

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