//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: Politics, and other games of Lies 
// Story: Peace Hunters 
// by NA_SolarEclipse 
//------------------------------//

 -Sometimes, Honesty is knowing when not to tell it.-





“You do know that this thing is obviously going to be trapped right?” Arkay said cautiously as Nero made his way over to the pedestal that the two of them had been searching to find for the past few, however long they had been searching.
“Yeah, I know, the trick is getting out as fast as we possibly can when the trap activates. Now, are you going to just sit there, or are you going to get ready to run?” Nero responded in his usual way of disregarding any signs of warning from his partner. 
“I swear Nero, you and your antics are going to be the death of me.” Arkay voiced to himself as the two hunters made their way across the open chamber. The walls were adorned with strange glyphs and nonsensical symbols aligned in such a fashion that even a zebra would have trouble deciphering it. 
As the hunters reached the pedestal at the end of the rather large and imposing chamber, there were the sounds of claws against stone somewhere within. Arkay heard it and looked around suspiciously, but Nero however was too entranced by the very, very old looking brace. Nero eyed the brace with an only slightly sadistic look that Arkay knew all too well. Arkay however was more interested in that scratching noise that he heard, the ceiling however was too dark to see anything that could be hiding, so the search proved hopeless. 
Nero, not being at all careful, grabbed the old brace and triumphantly placed it on his non-prosthetic hoof. “Ha-ha! Now let’s see what these old zebras have up their ancient sleeves!” Nero screamed victoriously as the two of them waited for everything to go wrong. 
However, there was nothing that went wrong. Nero shrugged and started toward the large open door at the other end of the chamber. Arkay however, looked up and froze. Nero looked back and called, “Hey, you gonna get out of here or should I just leave you to these glyphs and walls?” 
“No, but I don’t think you should have been so loud.” Arkay responded and gestured up toward the ceiling. Up above where before was nothing but black ceiling, were now hundreds of sets of yellow glistening eyes looking down at the two hunters. A few unearthly yawns and gnashing of teeth sounded. “Run.” was all Arkay said as he rushed by his partner; and so they did.



“You know, I don’t think taking that musty old brace is going to do us much good if we don’t GET AWAY FROM THESE CRAZY THINGS!” Arkay screamed at Nero as the two of them ran from the ruins opening.  The creatures on the ceiling turned out to be some sort of cross between a bat and a lizard and were quite fast and were slowly gaining on the two pegasus. 
Nero simply laughed in response and continued “Yeah, but if we do, this musty old brace is going to make us some serious bits!” The two make it out of the jungle-like forest around the ruins, allowing the two hunters to see that it is a rather cloudy and foggy day. This did not seem to discourage their rather large, scaled, and probably starving friends from chasing them down the muddy path towards the beach.
“I told you we should have just left this island and this job alone, even Naburu told us that nothing good can come from these ruins!” Arkay yelled as he narrowly avoided the teeth of a very hungry bat-lizard crawler, its lunge caused it to be trampled by the others.
Nero took flight, flapping his wings quickly to gain speed. He again laughed, but triumphantly this time, “Ha-ha! But we did get this!” he boasted as he again showed Arkay the ridiculously dusty brace with a single green gem in it. Arkay just groaned and continueed galloping for his life.



“Naburu! Start the boat, NOW!” Arkay yelled through the clearing as the two treasure hunters reached the beach. But there was no Naburu, only a note left on one of the posts of the makeshift dock. Nero took it and read it aloud.
“Told ya two ya should have jus left this cursed place alon. I won’t be stayin and waitin for ya, too many danjas in thes here parts. Was nice while it lasted tho, perhaps we will meet again in another life and ting.”
Arkay groaned. “ Ugh, his writing is as broken as his speaking.”  With no boat back, the two hunters turned back to face the creatures once more. “Maybe we should have tried treasure hunting on a deserted island a bit closer to, oh, I don’t know, CIVILIZATION!?” 
As the two backed up on the makeshift dock, Nero responded. “Oh shut it, we can just fly away, it may take a day or two, but we could make it to a city or town and rest up and peddle this old thing to a merchant.” The two reached the end of the dock. Arkay just gave Nero a look.
“That might work if they didn’t have freaking WINGS!” Arkay yelled. The bat lizards had both Arkay and Nero cornered and slowly closed in on them as they had their last conversation.
“Well, say your prayers to Celestia, or whatever it is you do when you are about to die.” Nero sarcastically suggested.
Arkay responded rather pointed. “I said mine before we even arrived; I just knew this forsaken spit of land would be the death of me.” Suddenly, one of them lunged at the two hunters.  They just cringed, waiting for the cold talons of death to take them.
But they never came. Both Arkay and Nero looked to see the strange grotesque bat lizard frozen in a field of light blue magic, and the rest held down in a field of yellow. Arkay heard the sweet and calm voice of their leader in his head, “The two of you were meant for great things, and you will not meet your ends here little ponies. However you must act quickly, as we cannot hold them off forever” 
Nero heard the voice of her little sister. “These creatures cannot stand the sunlight and will flee if exposed to it, the two of you must clear the skies of clouds to that the sun can shine through and repel these vile beasts.” Nero just noded and took to the sky busting up the thick clouds and clearing the fog. Confused, Arkay just shruged and joined in the cloud busting and fog clearing. 
“I hope the princess is right about this.” Nero said uncertain as the two finished clearing the skies. A powerful ray of sunshine flowed onto the small island as the two descend in exhaustion. With the magic fields gone, the bat lizards hissed and clawed at the sun as they retreated to the cover of the dense jungle forest canopy. Arkay and Nero just stared in astonishment. The princess’s plan had worked and they were not dead. 
Arkay slumped to the beach from exhaustion. “Remind me to never doubt you, or your plans.”  He said as Nero sat on the now warm beach.
“I can’t take all the credit; it was the princess who thought of that one.” Nero responded.
The hunters again heard the sweet voice of Celestia in their minds, “That was excellent work ponies, Luna was right about you. We require an audience with you two, there are things that we all need to discuss. Meet us in Canterlot after you are rested, this is a matter of utmost importance; we shall see you soon.” 
Bewildered, the two hunters looked at each other. “Okay Arkay, you can call me crazy, I just heard the voice of the princess in my head, again, go ahead call me crazy alright?” Nero laughed as he laid down on the sand. 
Arkay just shook his head and responded. “No, I heard it too, what do you think it means?” 
To that Nero got up and yelled at the sky above him to no one in particular, “Not a clue, but I’m sure it would mean more if we could GET OFF THIS DAMNED ISLAND!”
There was a calm and authoritative response, “That, sirs, is where we can help.” The two hunters turned to see a white and golden chariot with two white pegasus wearing golden armor strapped in to pull it. Next to that was a black and silver chariot with two dark blue pegasus with silver armor. But, instead of wings with feathers, they had leathery bat wings. 
Nero couldn't stop from blurting out, “And just who are you supposed to be?”
The two staunch white guards responded a bit indignant. "We are the royal guards of princess Luna, and princess Celestia, we were sent to get the two of you off this island.” Too exhausted to object, the two hunters got onto the two chariots and let the guards fly them to Canterlot.



The ride back was pleasant enough, but Nero couldn't get comfortable with the two bat-pegasus flapping their wings constantly. They were let off in front of the royal Canterlot castle. The two hunters had seen it plenty of times being in Canterlot frequently, but never up close. The architecture was incredible, magnificent, and any other adjective that you could think of to describe greatness if it was before you. The guards left wordlessly and the two hunters were invited inside the castle by a few well dressed butler ponies.
There they were in the main foyer, in all their glory. The two princesses of Equestria, Celestia and Luna, standing atop the stairs awaiting the two hunters’ arrival. Luna was the first to speak,” Welcome back, we cannot-” but she was interrupted by her older sister.
“Welcome back little ponies; I trust that your return was unhindered?” Arkay dropped to a respectful bow as Luna looked indignantly up at her sister and Nero stayed standing.
“Yeah, I guess it was alright, but could you have sent those guards a little earlier? We almost died back on that island!” Arkay just gave Nero a very serious look as Celestia motioned for him to get up. 
Celestia responded very calmly, “Yes, but we needed to see if you had the will and focus to continue on even when faced with uncertain odds. It was a test to see if the two of you were truly as impressive as my sister made you out to be, she tells me that both of you have very unique and important aspects and skills that are significant to our interests.” 
Arkay responded respectfully,”Of course your majesty.”
Nero just snorted. ”Still could have done something earlier.”
Luna this time spoke up. “Yes we could have, but had we not contacted you when we did, you would be dead. However, we both require your talents and cannot just leave ponies to their fates when they ask for help.” Arkay gave Nero a ‘told you so’ look.
Celestia continued. “Yes, it was a test not of prowess, but of courage and composure. We simply needed to see if you had the ability to stay calm in unimaginable odds, now I am certain you two are very tired, you shall sleep in one of the finest hotels here in Canterlot free of charge. We shall speak more in the morning. Now, off to rest you two, I need mine as well.” Celestia began walking to her bedchamber while Luna stayed and watched her leave.
When she is out of earshot, Luna spoke to Nero and Arkay. “Yes, we shall speak in the morning, when I am the one who is exhausted. You two, when we do speak tomorrow, I want your support in the matters we discuss. After all, it was my idea to clear the clouds so the two of you would survive, instead of waiting for the guards to arrive. Can I expect your support hunters?” 
Arkay and Nero exchanged a concerned look, but it is Nero who responded. “Of course, uhh, your highness. You have our support. We would be dead if not for your idea.” She simply nodded and walked up the stairs to her tower and flew off into the night sky.


Subsequently, the two hunters are escorted by two butler ponies to the hotel Celestia was talking about. Much simpler in design than the royal castle. Then again, what was to be expected? It wasn't the royal castle. The two hunters entered ‘The Crystal Jewel’ a rather redundant name for a hotel, and spoke to the pink unicorn mare at the front check in desk. Nero, being the better barter, spoke first. “Well hello miss pink, beautiful and high class. I am told that the two of us are staying here tonight, but will we be getting rooms of our own? Or am I staying with you tonight?” Arkay gave Nero an astonished look. How could he be flirting while being so exhausted? The mare at the desk however, didn't look impressed at all. 
“I have a name, its Cherri, but you would know that if those two different colored eyes of yours weren't staring at my flank just now instead of reading the name tag. And as far as the two of you staying here, I would have the two of you thrown out into the dumpster if I were not required by the royal princess’s request to keep you here for the night. Follow me to your rooms sirs, and could you please get this grey one to stop staring Mr. green pegasus?”
Arkay chuckled and responded. “Of course ma’am, and sorry for Nero’s behavior, he has this deal where he can’t keep is thoughts to himself when he sees a pretty mare. Please, lead the way.” Cherri seemed unimpressed with his excuse, but took it anyway to get the two of them out of her hair. She led the two to their rooms that happened to be across from each other. 
“You will be getting an early wake up call to speak with the princesses tomorrow, enjoy your stay sirs. And… Nero was it? Way to be discrete with those wings.” Cherri said and began walking back down the carpeted hallway.
Nero disregarded her comment and whistled to Arkay. “Oh they sure do know how to make a pretty mare in Canterlot huh?” 
Arkay just sighed in response. “Not going to disagree Nero. What do you think the princesses want to talk about tomorrow anyway?” 
Nero shrugged and replied tiredly. “Not a clue, but I am beat. I guess I’ll see you in the morning.” He then slowly trotted into his room and fell onto the bed within. Arkay didn't fare much better, and went into his room as well; being sure to close the door. Within the rather showy room was a small closet, no doubt for an extra change of clothes for overnight stays, a small devotional book, by requirement of the church, and around the corner was a small but tidy bathroom made almost entirely of what Arkay could only suspect to be either crystal or a pretty close substitute. In the center of the left wall was a rather out of place portrait of some fruit in a bowl. Under that was a very large bed with several pillows and at least three layers of sheets. Arkay tentatively rolled them back and made himself comfortable. It was the softest place he had laid down on in a long time. Soon after Arkay was fast asleep.



After the best sleep he had in a long time, Arkay showered in the very expensive crystal bathroom and quickly made his way to the check out desk before hotel services had to shoo him out. The check in area was completely deserted beside a silent earth pony sitting across from the green pegasus. “Well hello there sir uhh, how are you this morning?” Arkay tried to make polite conversation to no avail. The grey earth pony just remained silent. 
After about an hour of waiting, Cherri, the unicorn that checked the two hunters in last night, walked up to the front desk and promptly started reading from a newspaper. Arkay trotted up to the desk. Perhaps she would be more willing to converse? He stood there for a little while with a smile, but his hopes that she would start conversation were dashed after standing there for about a half minuet. “Hello there.” Arkay said. 
The response was very delayed. “Yes, hello. Are you going to hit on me too or just stand there by yourself?” Cherri said sarcastically, not even looking up from her newspaper article. Arkay turned around to see that the grey earth pony was not there, no sign of him. The door didn’t open nor did he even hear the pony leave. Arkay just blamed it on being early in the morning.
“No, ma’am, I’m not going to do anything like that. I was just going to engage in conversation until my lazy partner gets here. How are you?” Arkay said, trying to be as friendly as possible.
Cherri just looked up at Arkay with a bored expression then looked back down at the article. “There is a fine line I have for my standards of who I associate with, and unfortunately, your associate crossed that last night.”
Arkay sighed and rolled his eyes, “Yeah, I’m really sorry about him. Is there any way I can make it up to you?”
Cherri seemed to perk up immensely at that. “Really? I’m so used to stallions coming onto me. I didn’t think you were being legitimate. Well, the two of you are treasure hunters right?”
Arkay didn’t know how to react to her sudden mood change. “Yeah, um, well more like private contractors, but yeah. We are treasure hunters. We travel the lands, and recently the seas, of Equestria searching for valuables that can be sold on the black-erm. Well we sell them to our buyer.” Arkay didn’t want to let out that Shinny wasn’t exactly the most legal or credible job provider, so beating around the bush was probably better. ‘The less that know, the better.’ Shinny would always say to them after completing a job. 
Cherri gave him a confused look, but continued. “Well, whatever, I’m looking for a way out of this dead end job. The hours suck, the pay is terrible considering, and, well, let’s just say your friend isn’t the first one to hit on me. It’s exhausting. If you ever find a job that needs magical expertise, could you come by and tell me. I’m sure almost anything is better than this glorified dump.” 
Arkay considered her request for a bit. “Yeah, sure thing Cherri. I’ll keep an eye out.” He replied. Cherri gave Arkay a friendly smile. Almost on cue, Nero entered the main room. 
“Hey Arkay, I see your checking out. I’m guessing we are going to leave soon?” Nero said. But Cherri didn’t seem too happy about his arrival.	
“No, you two are leaving now before I lose my mind listening to you. Good day.” And with that, she set up a ‘back in 5 minuets’ sign and walked into the back room again. She shot Arkay a pleading look before slamming the door. 
“Jeez, what has her jimmies so rustled? You ready to go Arkay?” Nero said as if he never said anything wrong to her. Arkay just sighed and nodded. The two of them made their way out the main entrance to find a chariot waiting on the cobblestone road with two of the white royal guards pulling it. The guards didn’t say a word, but just waited for the two hunters to get into the glorified cart. As soon as they were in, the chariot started moving down the road to the royal castle.
A feeling of both anticipation and dread fell over the two hunters. They unsure as to what exactly to expect, and what Luna needed their support in. Why did she need their support when she had her all powerful magic? Not to mention her older sister. As the chariot stopped in front of the royal castle, the doors opened. This seemed to be well rehearsed and well planned to impress visitors from other cities. It most certainly was working to impress the two hunters as they stepped down and made their way inside, being escorted by several butler ponies again. It seemed that no one could enter or exit the castle without them showing the way. Again in the ridiculously huge castle, the two hunters made their way toward the dining room as instructed by the ever-present butlers. Within the dining room, the two hunters saw both Luna and Celestia sitting down to eat, silently.  However, at their arrival, Celestia greeted them.
“Good morning you two, how was your sleep?” As she spoke, Arkay fell into a respectful bow. Nero again just stayed standing.
“Alright princess, now that we are sufficiently in your debt, what is it you want us to do? Whatever it is, I‘m sure there are ponies more qualified than two treasure hunters.”  Nero responded, almost ignoring her greeting. 
Celestia chuckled, “There is no need to worry about debt my little ponies, but you two are actually exactly what we need. There are many other species and lands that border Equestria, and we need….ambassadors of sorts to make peaceful relations with them so not to seem threatening. As well as to mend the relations with others that see us as unreasonable.”
That elected a laugh from Arkay. “Ha-ha-ha really? So let me get this straight princess. You think that the pegasus who doesn’t even trust other pony races, not to mention his prosthetic hoof, and his part-time assistant in treasure hunting are more qualified to ensure good peaceful relations with other species than the most diplomatic speakers of your high class citizens here in Canterlot? Forgive me, but I don’t believe that for a second princess.” This time it is Nero that gave the surprised look to Arkay, not expecting that kind of outburst.
Celestia however, responded to Arkay without missing a beat. “Yes, actually the two of you are more qualified than any other ponies we have met. Arkay, your special talent is keeping the peace in a situation. You could turn even a confrontation into a peaceful negotiation. Nero, you are a prime example of the courage and loyalty of the ponies of Equestria, having you along with Arkay will show that we aren't afraid to stand up for one another.”
The two hunters exchange a baffled look, but couldn't formulate an argument. Celestia then continued “We have maintained the minimum level of communication with other species for long enough. We must begin to contact our neighbors while they still consider us to be non-hostile.” 
Not entirely sure how to respond, Arkay spoke up again. “Well princess, you certainly put up a good argument. But how many extra bits are we talking? Need to see how much you value this ‘important job’.” 
Celestia reacted almost immediately. “More than that old brace is worth ten times over.”
“We are in!” Nero chirped as quickly as Celestia reacted.
Arkay just sighs and nods. “It certainly is better job security than treasure hunting, we accept princess.”



With the meeting with the royal sisters out of the way, Nero and Arkay were given the rest of the day to recuperate for tomorrow’s assignment. Instead of walking the streets of the primarily unicorn centered city, the two wondered around the castle. They were several times shooed away by more butler ponies. But with the better part of the day over, Arkay and Nero made their way to the dining room to partake in some of the food Celestia promised. However, instead of butler ponies, they are greeted by an argument.
“There are plenty of ponies who are active at night sister! Just look at one of the concert halls in Canterlot, most events are during the night!” That had to be Luna.
“Yes sister but remember, without night there is no day. If there was no time to rest, how would any pony be able to work or live? Sleep is a very important part of living.” That was definitely Celestia. The two seemed to be arguing on a subject they had discussed before.
Arkay opened the door and spoke up. “Uhh, is this a bad time?” Nero gave him a disapproving look.
To that, Luna smiled. “No, actually your timing is perfect,” she gestured to Celestia. “I believe dear sister it is time that I rule in a way that the ponies see fit. No more of your simple rule! Ponies can think for themselves! We no longer need the ways of the old!” Celestia somehow kept composure through her sister’s seemingly ludicrous claims. Luna continued. “Let the ponies decide who shall rule sister!” 
Celestia simply replied calmly. “I think you are right Luna.”
Taken aback, Luna stammered over her words. “Y-yes, that is right sister, a system of voting should be put into place so that ponies can choose who-”
“No Luna,” Celestia interrupted her. “Either the ponies can stay under the system of rule that they have thrived in for years, or they can buy into your claims of freedom through democracy. I will not allow you to disrupt every pony’s lives for your own chance to rule.”
Luna contemplated that for a few moments, but then replied with a smile. “So be it. Nero! Arkay! There is much to do, and I need dependable ponies at my side, will you join me? I expect your support.”
Surprised, the two hunters exchange a concerned look. They then remembered that they did indeed pledge to support her. “Of course your majesty, just let us gather our things. Where will you need us to go?” Nero replied respectfully for once.
Luna again smiled to herself. “There is a new library of the small village of Ponyville; we will set up everything we need there. We will see you there.” Luna then took her leave. The room fell deathly silent for a while, but Arkay broke it.
“You didn’t need us to be ambassadors did you princess?” 
Celestia nodded sorrowfully and replied, somehow always calm. "You are absolutely right, this is no new topic for us. She has ruled equally with me for decade. But in recent years, she has desired to rule by herself under the promise of freedom from the ‘tyranny we have suffered through long enough’. This is not how things should be, but she doesn’t see that what we have right now is too good to throw away for ideals such as her own.”
“So,” Nero cut in. “what did you really want us to do if you didn’t need us to be ambassadors or whatever?”
Celestia just responds calmly still. “I need you to assist Luna in her aspirations to rule her own way and gain her trust. Give her no reason to doubt you are loyal to her cause. But all the while, I need you two to be informants in this republic she plans to make. I need to know what she is up to and what she sends you to do. I especially need to know if she has you retrieve something.”
Nero gave Arkay a confused look, so he explained. “The princess wants us to be double agents for her. Spies that keep her informed of what Luna is doing and not being found out by Luna herself.”
“Exactly.” Celestia confirmed. 
“What is in for us, maybe we think Luna has the right idea. What do we stand to gain from this?” Nero, always with the bartering.
Celestia chuckled. “If it is money you desire, I am sure we can come to an agreement, but it has to be inconspicuous enough so that Luna does not find out.”
“We can discus payment at a later time princess,” Arkay broke in. “I am sure Luna will be suspicious of us if we do not get to that library soon. We will be back when we can, or we will contact you when we can.” To which Celestia nodded knowingly.
“If you need contact with me, look for a dragon named Thorn. He is loyal to me, even if he is rather obnoxious. Now be on your way.” Celestia said, ever calm.
The two hunters nodded and turned to leave “Good luck; you will need it Peace Hunters.”