//------------------------------// // Overt Operation // Story: Nightmares and Dragonscapes // by Crosis //------------------------------// They found a cozy, unoccupied section near the rear of the train, far enough back to be unbothered by the whistle. Pinkie and the Crusaders took the compartment ahead of them, and after a great deal of apologizing and agreeing to model Rarity’s next fashion line, Twilight was allowed to share with Spike and herself. The studious princess promised to leave them be for the entirety of the trip, hopping into her seat and immediately diving into a book. That suited Rarity just fine. After spending an entire month creating costumes for the other townsfolk, she could use a nice relaxing trip with a warm and scaly pillow to rest upon. Stowing their luggage overhead, Spike settled himself with his back to the window. As soon as he was situated, Rarity wasted no time in cuddling up against his chest, bringing her legs up onto the seat with a comfortable sigh. Once the train rolled out of the station, Spike’s arms wrapped loosely around her, one of his claws rubbing slow circles across her back. The other compartment was anything but serene. The Crusaders were all but bouncing off the walls. First they practiced how they would act while trick or treating, the various things they could do or say that would fit their costumes. This of course led to an argument over whose costume was superior, which turned into a boasting match about who would get the most candy that night. Naturally, this led to Sweetie bopping the other two with her spear, which led to a full-blown wrestling match. Pinkie hopped up onto the seat to avoid the tussling fillies. She was about to break up the fight, or maybe set some ground rules, or at least check her bag for pompoms, when she noticed something out the window. Curious, she pressed her face up to the glass and peered out at the station. Nothing seemed to be out of place though. Just a group of ponies casually milling about… but wait! There was something about a particular pony that seemed a teensy bit familiar… “Ooh! Ooh, girls! Lookie, it’s that nice guard that followed us all the way from the library! Wave goodbye!” Had any of the three cared to stop their stooging long enough follow Pinkie’s advice, they would have noticed a very conspicuous stallion loitering on the platform, his bulky overcoat not able to fully conceal the scarlet cape or golden breastplate that he wore underneath. The white-furred pegasus watched like a hawk as the train departed, then turned and casually ambled back into town. Too casually, one might say, especially after he gave a conspiratorial nod to another trench coated stallion in a nearby alley. The second stallion nodded, then sidled back in a totally unsuspicious manner until he was out of sight. Tossing away his disguise, the unicorn guard scribbled out a quick message. Rolling up the scroll, he glanced left, then right, then left again. His horn glowed in a sequence of rapid flashes, and the scroll vanished in a burst of vermillion light. Back at the castle, Luna was lounging about in the throne room. The day had finally arrived and her preparations were all but complete. Sadly, that also meant that she had nothing left to do until the first trains arrived that afternoon. She didn’t even have Celestia around to pester at the moment! There was a loud knock at the door, nearly causing her to roll off the throne in surprise. “One moment,” she called, struggling to correct her sprawling posture and smooth the wrinkles out of her dress. “Enter!” A huffing and puffing earth pony staggered inside. “Princess Celestia! I bring urgent news from Ponyville,” he announced, not realizing that the monarch he’d addressed was absent from the room. This might be just what she’d been waiting for! Luna quickly rose from her seat. “Our sister hath been waylaid by her royal duties. Perhaps thou canst deliver this news to us?” “Of course, your majesty,” the servant wheezed out, unrolling the scroll he carried. “We have just received a message from the royal guard stationed in Ponyville. They report that your ‘special guest’ for Nightmare Night has boarded the train. He is on his way as we speak.” Luna’s eyes lit up. “Marvelous news! We thank thee for informing us. Consider thyself relieved of duty for the remainder of the day.” “Oh, thank you, your highness,” he said, tottering his way to the entrance. Despite her usual insistence upon royal decorum, Luna couldn’t help but squeal with glee. The first stage of her plan was complete. Now she had only to wait for his arrival. But that was easier said than done. Unbeknownst to her subjects, Luna was not the most patient of ponies. Matter of fact, she was downright fidgety. A thousand year timeout hadn’t exactly helped in that regard. The end result was a very impetuous goddess whose guest of honor was arriving far too slowly for her liking. And unfortunately for him, she had no qualms about abusing her royal authority if it meant retrieving him as quickly as possible. With a devious smile, Luna seated herself and clapped loudly. A bat-winged pegasus stepped in from the hallway. His expression was seemingly frozen in a cold glare that would send most ponies running, but Luna was unperturbed by his less than jolly demeanor. “Ah, Clavius! We have a very important task for thee. A train is on its way from Ponyville to our fair city. Thou wilt be retrieving one of its passengers and bringing him to us. Thou must let nothing stand in thy way! Nor must thou impart any information about thy mission to anypony. Dost thou understand?” “Yes, milady,” he said in a growling tone. Luna smiled widely. “Splendid! Now then, summon Apollonius and Tycho. We have no time to waste!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ They were about halfway to Canterlot when Spike got that feeling, the kind that prickles the scales on the back of the neck. Something was watching him. He glanced downward, but Rarity still had her face buried against his chest, half-asleep. That only left… He slowly looked to the left. Twilight was still holding the book up to her face, but her violet eyes were now peering over the top and boring right into his skull. He could tell she was pondering something, no doubt weighing her words for the inevitable question. After a few minutes of silence, Spike decided that having a staring contest with his best friend was not how he wanted to spend this ride. Snuggling up closer to Rarity, he turned his head to the compartment wall and tried his best to ignore Twilight’s continuing stare. He heard the quiet thump of her book being closed. ‘Here it comes…’ “Spike,” she said at last. “I know I promised I’d leave you two alone, but I’ve been thinking…” “That’s a surprise,” he said teasingly. Twilight’s eye twitched, but she continued on. “It occurs to me that while Rarity and the Crusaders are passably familiar with Canterlot, their knowledge of the city largely comes during normal conditions. Now, it stands to reason that the urban environment, coupled with the holiday excitement, will provide a much more hectic experience than what they’re used to. As such, I’ve been mentally considering the best ways for us to pair up, so as to provide the most structured and efficient outing possible. I’d like your opinion on some of the permutations.” Spike was about to reply that she was absolutely crazy when Rarity slipped free of their embrace and rose up to her knees. “What a marvelous suggestion, Twilight! My word, how could I have forgotten? Imagine, all those foals and their families running amok through Canterlot. Why, without some kind of organization, we might all be swept up and separated in the crowds!” “Oh, come on Rarity,” Spike pleaded. “It wouldn’t be that bad.” Rarity waggled a disapproving finger in front of his nose. “Ah, ah, ah, Spike! I won’t hear a word about it.” With a rather naughty grin, she leaned down close to his ear. “Besides, darling, the smoother our chaperoning goes, the sooner we can move on to our alone time.” Trying to fight down his blush, Spike turned back to Twilight. “You know what? You’re right! As responsible adults, we should definitely figure out a plan for tonight!” Shooing him off the seat, Rarity stood and retrieved two large garment bags from the luggage rack. “Thank you, Spike. Now, you go over with Twilight and start conspiring. Meanwhile, I have some work to finish for my costume.” Spike was back on his feet in an instant, trying to peer over her shoulder. “What’d you decide on for a costume, Rarity? Can I see?” Holding the bag protectively against her chest, Rarity shook her head. “Now Spike, no peeking! First of all, this outfit is unfinished, and I simply cannot allow it to be seen in such a state! Furthermore, I’m afraid that revealing it would prove somewhat… distracting. Suffice to say, I’m quite certain that you will love both of our costumes.” “Both of ours,” Spike asked in confusion. “But of course. You see, Spike, I took the liberty of designing and creating a costume for you as well. This way we’ll match!” Spike didn’t look convinced. “But why’d you decide for me? I’d already picked out a costume.” Twilight coughed. “Yeah. About that. I might have ‘accidentally’ left it back at the library.” Rarity put a hand to her mouth to hide her smile as Spike spun back to face Twilight, pointing an accusing claw. “You were in on this too!” Twilight just rolled her eyes. “Well, duh,” she said. “No offense Spike, but your taste in costumes is abysmal, to put it mildly.” “Hey!” “Well darling, during your first Nightmare Night in Ponyville you DID dress up as a dragon.” “What’s wrong with that? I thought it was pretty clever,” Spike said. He looked a bit offended that his fashion sense was being called into question. “And just last year you borrowed Shining Armour’s old guard uniform,” Twilight supplied. Honestly, there were many more examples they could have used, but Rarity felt a bit guilty by how flustered Spike was becoming. Perhaps a more… delicate approach was in order. Reaching out, Rarity slid one hand down his forearm. Spike froze in place as she drew a finger in slow circles across his palm. “Spikey Wikey,” she said in her most pitiful whimper. “I made this costume just for you, to celebrate our first Nightmare Night as a couple.” She faked a few tears and made her voice quiver. “Are… are you saying you don’t want us to match?” “NO,” Spike said in a panic. He quickly snatched up her hand in both claws. “I think it’s a great idea! Awesome, brilliant! Of course I’ll do it!” Rarity perked up in an instant. “Wonderful! Now then, be a dear and go sit over with Twilight.” Spike’s jaw dropped at being so easily tricked. She couldn’t help but giggle. He was just so cute when he was being manipulated. Patting him on the cheek, Rarity said, “Go along Spike. And maybe once you’re finished you two could plan where we’ll go on our date. If you come up with anything, I might even trade you details for a costume hint.” Looking much more enthusiastic, Spike obliged her request and joined Twilight on the other side. Taking one of their blankets, Rarity hung it down from the luggage rack as a sort of impromptu curtain. Obviously, this was to keep Spike from sneaking a peek, but it was also to keep her from hearing any details of their plan. As their first date in Canterlot, she most certainly wanted it left a surprise. Adequately concealed, Rarity unzipped the first bag and got to work. While she had always designed her costumes for past Nightmare Nights, this one had to be extraordinarily special. After all, she simply had to make a dazzling impression for the upscale Canterlot revelers. Therefore, she was putting a great deal more time, effort, and gems into this project. Being so deeply ‘in the zone,’ the passage of time was utterly lost to her. She completely missed her name being called several times, and she also failed to notice the first tentative knocks against the window. What she did notice was the familiar green-spined head poking through the curtain less than an inch from her nose and calling her name. She was a bit startled, in that she only screamed once and rolled off her seat, taking the blanket down with her. It only took a few seconds, however, to get her heartbeat back under control. Gathering up the broken pieces of her dignity, she sat up and pulled away the blanket as gracefully as she could manage. “Yes, Spike?” Still holding a claw over his eyes, he said “Sorry if I scared you. It’s just that we got our plan finished, and I just wanted to see how you were doing. I didn’t see any of your costume, promise!” By all rights, she should have been rather incensed at him for surprising her like that. Still, she never could stay mad at him to begin with, and it was rather sweet of him not to look. Besides, she simply couldn’t resist the temptation to brag about her newest creations. “It’s quite alright, Spike,” she assured him. “It was my own fault for not paying attention. And how chivalrous of you, covering your eyes. I think gallantry such as that deserves a reward, don’t you?” “Yeah!” Even with half his face obscured, he looked as happy as a hatchling. After securing her costume securely in its bag, Rarity took her seat and allowed Spike to open his eyes. The enthusiasm in his expression was just adorable, and rather contagious. “Now as I said before, this year I decided that our costumes would match, share a common theme if you will. However, it wouldn’t do to settle with something generic or blasé. No, I decided right from the beginning that it must be something dramatic. Something grand. Something that would truly represent our relationship.” “And that’s where I came in,” Twilight said. “Rarity came to me for advice, asking if there was anything historical or literary that might be a good idea. I did some research, trying to find something that would fit you both.” Spike was looking back and forth expectantly. “And? What’d you come up with?” Twilight gave Rarity a sneaky look. “I don’t know if we should tell you, Spike. I think it’s better if you guess.” “What? How am I supposed to do that,” Spike said in dismay. “Hmmm, I think we can give him just a little hint, don’t you Twilight?” “Yeah, Twilight! Give me a little hint!” The alicorn snickered. “Oh, alright. But you still have to guess Rarity’s character, okay?” Spike nodded quickly, looking like a little colt in a candy store. While Twilight looked ready to lead him on further, Rarity couldn’t stand to wait longer. “You’re going to be going as Perseus, darling.” Spike turned back to her, eyebrows furrowed. “Perseus?” “Sound familiar,” Twilight asked. “It better, unless you slacked off during our studies on myths.” “Oh course I remember,” Spike said. “He’s that pegasus hero that went on all those adventures and had a helmet that made him invisible and turned people into stone. That story was always my favorite! He gets to fight monsters, and be a hero, and even gets the girl! And I get to go as him? Sweet! Rarity just sat back and watched, quite pleased with his reaction. After he finally seemed to calm down, she reached out to tap him on the shoulder. “Spike? Aren’t you forgetting? You still have to guess something.” “Oh, right, right. Hmm, let me see. There were the crazy ladies with the eyeball, I really hope you didn’t choose one of them?” She gave him a disgusted look. “Whew, glad to hear! Moving on, uh, there’s Medusa… but I don’t think you’d want to make your mane look like snakes… One of the goddesses maybe?” Spike trailed off. His eyes widened as the dots started to connect. “Andromareda,” he asked quietly. Smiling, she nodded. With a loud whoop, Spike threw his arms around her and spun her around the compartment. Rarity laughed. “So I assume that you approve of my choice?” “You bet I do,” Spike said. “They’re perfect.” “Indeed so. Once Twilight explained the legend to me, I knew that nothing else would do. A romance full of danger and intrigue, why, how could I resist? Not to mention it gave me the opportunity to dabble in classical Grecian clothing.” Spike licked his lips, eyes darting to the garment bag. “Speaking of that, any chance I could get a…” “Still not yet Spike,” she said in a singsong voice. “You’ll just have to wait until it’s time for us to wear them. But worry not, I promise that you’ll make quite the dashing hero. And I, obviously will make a most ravishing damsel.” “That doesn’t really make it any easier to wait,” Spike whined. “Now don’t complain. I could make it worse you know.” She warned him sternly. "Yeah right." "Hmm, is that a challenge, darling," she asked. Spike's confidence wavered at the twinkle in her eyes. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to call her out on this... Working up his courage, Spike crossed his arms and gave her a challenging grin. “Try me.” “Very well, you asked for it. Twilight,” she said, turning to the alicorn who was watching raptly. “Would you please cover your eyes and ears for a minute?” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Why? You do realize that your sister is in the next compartment, right?” “It’s nothing like that,” Rarity blurted out, cheeks reddening. With one last shrewd look, Twilight grudgingly obliged, and Rarity watched for a second or two before pulling down another bag. Setting it on the seat, she undid the clasp and stepped aside. “Have a look.” Spike warily opened the bag like he was expecting this to be some kind of trap. Rarity’s impish grin was just too devious to trust. Craning out his neck, he peered down. His eyes widened as something caught the light. Reaching inside, he withdrew a length of blue chain that sparkled in the light. “Are these… sapphires?” “Do you like them? I had to practice quite a bit with my gem-shaping magic, but I think they came out rather nicely.” “They sure did,” Spike mumbled, admiring the delicate links. Not taking his eyes off the chain, he reached in. The entire bag was full of them, made of all sorts of different gemstones. “But… but what are they for?” Rarity chuckled. “Why, for the rescue of course.” “Rescue?” “Well, darling, when Twilight told me how much you enjoyed this particular legend, I was quite intrigued. I read through the entire story, and, well, I admit that Andromareda’s first scene gave me a few… naughty thoughts. So I decided that maybe tonight you and I could stage a little… reenactment.” Leaning past Spike, Rarity pulled a chain of amethyst from the bag. She dangled it in front of his nose, then slowly draped it around her throat, leaving the slack to hang down against her chest. “I’m afraid I don’t have a sea monster on hand, but I didn’t think you’d mind.” Spike’s eyes looked about ready to pop out of his head, and he began to stammer nervously. “B-b-b-but why are they made of g-g-gems?” Rarity’s smile was positively devilish. “Oh, I suppose I thought that you might enjoy eating them off of me?” Her coltfriend looked torn between kissing her and fainting on the spot. Sadly, he wouldn’t get the chance to do either. A series of loud thumps came from the roof of the train, like booted feet racing about. Twilight uncovered her eyes and looked around. “Did you two hear something?” Rarity quickly stuffed the chains back into her bag. “Hear something,” she asked nervously. “Whatever do you mean, darling?” Crashes and assorted screams came from the hallway as doors were thrown open. A chorus of voices echoed through the train. Just as the train sped into a tunnel, the door to their own compartment opened with a bang. Rarity let out a dramatic shriek as Spike and Twilight readied themselves for a fight. “There he is! Everypony inside! Go, go, go!” Dark figures crowded in. Rarity huddled next to Spike, holding her breath. Were they bandits? Assassins? Pranksters? Light returned to the car, and the figures were revealed. But instead of some unkempt hooligans or depraved brigands, Rarity was shocked to see several royal guards standing at attention. They looked to be pegasi, but their wings were very strange. Almost like a bat’s. She could have sworn she'd seen them somewhere before. But where? “Greetings, your majesties,” the lead mare said, dropping to one knee. Spike lowered his fists, and the glow around Twilight’s horn faded. Both royals now looked merely annoyed. “What is the meaning of this,” Twilight demanded. “Banging around on top of the train, opening every door in the hall and scaring the life out of those…” “Forgive us princess, but there’s no time to lose,” one of the guards said, pushing past Twilight and grabbing Spike by the shoulder. "Milord, you must come with us immediately!" "Wait, what are you talking about? I'm not going anywhere," Spike tried to protest. In response, the stallion latched onto one of his arms. “Captain, target secured and ready to depart!” Spike tried to pull out of the stallion’s grip. “Hey, leggo! What the heck are you doing?” Another guard took his other arm. “We have been ordered to take you to Canterlot immediately. It would be best if you comply.” Rarity was dumbfounded at how their lovely train ride had been disrupted so quickly. And now these brutes were trying to make off with Spike? “But… but we’re already on our way to Canterlot. Couldn’t you have simply waited until our arrival? All this seems needlessly…” She yelped in alarm as another guard pulled her away from Spike and shoved her back onto the seat. The guard looked her up and down, his lip curling into a sneer. “Good point, not interested. Now pipe down, lady.” “Well, I never!” Rarity sputtered, utterly scandalized. “Let me try,” Twilight said. Clearing her throat, she reached out and lightly tapped one guard on the shoulder. “Sir? Could you please answer my friend’s question?” Not even turning around, the stallion grunted and shook free of her hand. “Afraid not. Protocol states that the Royal Guard cannot disclose sensitive information with civilians. It’s none of her business.” Rarity could see Twilight’s jaw clench. Apparently her friend’s patience was wearing thin. “I’m well aware of that. However, Rarity is not an ordinary civilian. Besides, I’M the one making this request. I think you can make an exception if…” “Nope. Sorry, but we don’t even have time to explain why we don’t have time to explain. Move out, people!” Opening the window, one of the guards leapt through as the others began dragging Spike over. “HOLD IT! AS A PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA, WE ORDER THEE TO EXPLAIN WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON HERE,” Twilight yelled, her wings fully spread. The guards paused. Apparently Rarity wasn’t the only one who was unused to Twilight exercising her authority. “Can she do that,” one asked. “I don’t know. She is a princess.” “Maybe, but we’re not technically HER guards,” the commander whispered. She glanced back at them. "Let me handle this." Straightening up, she looked Twilight right in the eye. “Alright, your majesty. The truth is… quick, grab his feet!” Racing around her, the other guards hoisted Spike up like a sack of potatoes and passed him through to the guard hovering outside. “Twi! He~eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp…” Spike called as he was lifted into the air and carried out of sight. The commander gave a quick salute. “Thank you both for your cooperation. I wish you a pleasant trip” The pegasus dove out the window before either mare could respond. Rarity gasped. “Twilight, they took Spike! But why? What do they want? Whatever shall we do?” “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to get some answers,” she said through gritted teeth. The alicorn looked positively enraged. Whether that was due to the rude behavior of the guards, the abduction of her best friend, or the complete disregard for her station, Rarity wasn’t sure. “Ignore me, will they? I’ll show them!” A blinding flash lit the room. When it cleared, Rarity found herself standing alone in the suddenly deserted compartment. The fashionista blinked, looked around, and finally realized that she had been utterly ditched. “Well, fine! I… I suppose I’ll just wait here then!”