//------------------------------//
// Chapter II: The Famed Outcast 
// Story: The Clockwork Consequence 
// by Michy 
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Chapter II: The Prodigal Outcast


Chapter 1 Recap: Meet Twilight Sparkle, a mare with little to no social skills, and friends to boot. A timid unicorn who spends more time talking with her doll than actual ponies. A geek, a shut in, a nerd, and to her, an overall waste of space. Twilight Sparkle spends majority of her time delving into the many mysteries of magic through old library books, that, or reading about the next glorious adventure of the renown Great and Powerful Trixie in the latest issue of her comic book series. Thus leading Twilight to wonder, what could the equally as renown outcast and student of Princess Celestia herself, want with her presence? Twilight Sparkle is merely an unknown blank flank in the shadow of her older brother, attention is something often not desired on her part. But somehow, this one is different. Who is this Moondancer, and what could she possible want from the petty Twilight Sparkle?





I've had many regrets over the course of my life Moondancer. You were never one of them...

While she trotted the darker streets of Canterlot, Princess Celestia's past words echoed in Moondancer's mind. She thought about them constantly, even while in route to another location. It'd already been a few nights since she met that blank flank Twilight Sparkle, and she still couldn't shake the funny feeling she had about her. But Moondancer was currently busy with another task, as she practically hugged the walls of nearby buildings where she trotted. She was hidden in the shadows, wearing a cloak to further hide her identity. Other ponies who managed to see her only saw a hooded traveler, nothing worth troubling themselves over. Moondancer eventually came to a halt as she managed to reach her destination, still hidden under the cover of night. She looked up towards a massive structure then, now long abandoned, but still a familiar home to her. It was none other than the now barren Canterlot Castle itself.

Two Nightmare Guards guarded the perimeter near where she stood, conversing with one another without a worry. Afterall, it wasn't often anypony cared about the castle anymore, and until Princess Nightmare Moon addressed what she wanted to do with it, it'd remain as such. One of the guards nodded to his partner in acknowledgement. "So any word on what's with Princess Nightmare Moon?"

The other guard shrugged. "Rumor has it she's switched her priority to finding out about 'time' magic."

"Time magic? Then why're we guarding this castle?"

"Not too sure. Wish we were there to see that mysterious foreigner though, must've shook up the princess quite badly."

"Well regardless, I'm glad we're stationed here. I heard it's been really rough in some places."

"Truly, ever since Princess Nightmare Moon took over, the other races of Equestria have felt neglected."

"Well we do make up the majority. They should expect the princess to do well for us first and foremost."

"True, Princess Celestia's regime was far too kind to strangers. To be honest, Equestria feels safer than ever before."

Suddenly what sounded like a large bubble popping emitted a few feet away from the guards, causing them both to jump slightly. Both guards looked in the direction of the mysterious sound, only to notice a few faint sparks of magical residue resulting from a spell.

While already behind them, Moondancer trotted casually towards the castle, still completely hidden.





Moondancer didn't bother to open the front doors, she simply teleported past them, putting herself in the main lobby of the castle. Inside it was pitch black, nearly impossible to even see a few feet in front of oneself. She raised her head slightly before casting a spell, causing a tiny orb of light to tear itself from her horn and float there aimlessly at her side. It illuminated a large perimeter surrounding her as she continued making her way further inside. She didn't cast another glance in any other direction, and only continued to peer ahead, she refused to let too many memories get in the way of her reasons for being here. But still she never forgot, she recalled how this lobby was often used every year for the Grand Galloping Gala, which was now an abandoned tradition ever since Nightmare Moon's rule began. At this point she knew acknowledging the other parts of the castle would only bring her more heartache, so she stared firmly ahead as she made her way towards yet another specified location. She trotted silently towards the throne room of Princess Celestia herself.

When she reached the throne room, her hoof steps became gradually slower, until she came to a sudden steady halt. Moonlight pierced through the large glass windows, giving the room a beautiful bright white glow. She could see the tiny dust particles floating in the air, in the shifts between light and shadow, leading all the way up to the now empty throne. Moondancer finally took this chance to lower her hood, certain she was absolutely alone in this tranquil place. She cast a glance to the lower left and spoke comfortably to somepony she knew very well, likely wasn't listening. "Hello again Princess Celestia." A soft nostalgic smile crept onto the unicorn's face. 

There was no response, only Moondancer's own words echoed down the hall in reply.

She began trotting forward slowly then, her hoofsteps also creating echoes of their own as she cast playful glances around the entirety of the throne room now, particularly at the gorgeous glass windows. "There used to be so much color here. So much life. It's funny how quick they are to forget isn't it?" Her brows furrowed as she wore a look of bitterness, peering down now at the worn pink carpet she stood upon. "How quick they are to accept the changes since you've been gone." She closed her eyes as she felt overcome with a sudden sense of peace at the thought of Celestia, her anger slowly drifting away in remembrance. "But you probably don't mind. You would still love them all the same, as you always have." But an intimate, familiar pain, struck her again, causing her to halt. She started to tremble with frustration, with rage, and lowered her head, feeling ashamed for letting her emotions creep upon her so suddenly. "I'm so sorry Princess Celestia, I'm sorry that I can't do the same. I will NEVER forgive those that support Nightmare Moon. Never..."

There was a hollow whistling sound which surrounded the throne faintly, more than likely nothing.

Yet Moondancer still swiped her hoof at the throne in anger, like it was Princess Celestia herself. She couldn't even accept the difference anymore and she knew it, she accepted looking at the throne as Celestia for the time being. She needed this, to let loose all her pent up frustration. "At this point I've diverged so much from your teachings, I don't even know who I am anymore! Friendship? Love? Acceptance? They DON'T deserve it! They never deserved your generosity! Your kindness! Your loyalty! Your love!" Moondancer calmed down some as she just stared at the throne plainly, her expression sinking further into a pool of her own wallowing regret. "I'm sorry it's come to this Princess." She gave herself pause to muster the courage to speak further as her gaze drifted back down to the carpet. "But I can't forgive her for what she did to you, and I can't waste anymore time searching for them. I will never find them." Suddenly Moondancer reached back into her cloak, and dug into a one strapped leather satchel, removing a book before tossing it forward a few feet.

The book slid against the carpet with momentum, eventually coming to a gradual stop, at the foot of the first series of steps leading up to the throne. Upon the cover of the book was a golden unicorn head studded in what appeared to be armor, it had a single turquoise gem acting as an eye. Upon closer inspection one could see the tiny laced words referencing, The Elements of Harmony.

Moondancer stared plainly at the book with half-closed eyes, as she felt her very energy drain simply from looking at it. Suddenly it became enveloped in a flame spell, as she kept the fire contained in another type of bubble spell. As the book burned, Moondancer looked back up towards the throne. All that pain she had, the anger and bitterness, it all drifted away from her. Like the pages which soon turned to ash, all that negativity slowly began to disappear. Like a phoenix, she felt reborn through this simple action. She was now overcome with determination. "I will finish what she started. I will defeat Nightmare Moon with my own magic."

Of course, the throne itself never replied to her statements. Yet still an awry faint wailing surrounded it, an empty gust of wind.

Moondancer turned around as the book finally finished burning, now nothing but a pile of ash which slowly dispersed over the course of seconds. She spoke casually, in the fact she was addressing Princess Celestia out of utmost respect for her, utmost love. "Somehow Nightmare Moon has discovered the school of time magic Princess Celestia. You always told me never to dabble with the magic of time, but inevitably she will come back here, looking for any sign of it that you may have left behind." Moondancer began trotting away, leaving the throne room behind and not casting another glance back at it. "After I study all the scrolls, I will destroy them. Then only I will have the knowledge on how to manipulate time. I will learn how to go back Princess Celestia, I will set you free."





Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle's daily routine hadn't changed. She was currently busy wiping down a table in Joe's Donuts and wore an attentive expression to ensure it was spotless, almost frighteningly so. She scrubbed as hard as she could with a table cloth, with eyes so wide it was as if she were an eagle scanning a vast landscape for prey. Sadly it was nowhere near as thrilling, seeing as she was only looking for specks of leftover food. As was accustomed to her, she ensured Smarty Pants was still around her neck, her own personal comfort.

Twilight felt at peace in the workplace sometimes. Despite how hurried and rushed she looked, the frantic state of things she felt often kept her on her hooves. While she was cleaning a table, she could hurriedly port over to another just to take orders, often memorizing it without any effort. Before one couple could even finish requesting her presence, Twilight had already made her way to them. She wore a welcoming smile. "Hi there guys! What can we get for you today?" She tilted her head to the right. "Like as in food and such!"

The couple consisted of a white unicorn wearing a lavish fur coat and gold trimmed scarf, along with a neatly groomed stallion who had a recent mane trim based on Twilight's observations. They both regarded her with perplexed expressions. 

The classy lavish unicorn also spoke for her husband when she further inquired from Twilight, "We?"

Twilight nodded hurriedly. "Mhm! Me and Smarty Pants here!" Her smile widened at them. "We're best friends."

The couple looked at one another, chuckling, before turning to look at Twilight again in a humored manner. They commented in unison, "Riiiiiiight." The stallion spoke up in regards to their order. "How about you start us off with some coffee."

Twilight nodded to them. "Yes Sir, Yes Ma'am! Be right back!" And in an instantaneous poof, she was gone.

The stallion raised a brow at his wife and leaned in, cupping his muzzle with a hoof. "Was she serious? Hahahaha."

The lavish unicorn lowered her voice, giving off hushed chuckles and nearly snorting. "Oh dear, it is rare to see one so absurd. But did you get a good look at her? That pony does not even take the time to properly take care of her mane. Truly Joe could do better. "

The stallion frowned in disappointment. "She's a Canterlot unicorn for pity's sake. Take better care of your appearance."

"Quite funny, coming from two who are about to indulge themselves in a plate of donuts." The voice was soft, yet stern and direct.

The couple's eyes widened as they paused, and glanced over at whomever dared to speak to them in such a manner. But who they saw casually looking over at them, was the infamous ex-student of Princess Celestia herself, Moondancer. This caused them both to shudder and scurry further back into their seats with fear, yet intense anger. It was all they could do in the face of such a unicorn.

Moondancer continued to look at them from a few feet away. "That's right, you sit there and do nothing, as you're used to."

The couple gritted their teeth and snarled fiercely, letting off hushed growls of intense anger at Moondancer. It frustrated them to be put in their place. They would never admit she was right, even though deep down they knew the truth. But still, they were royal unicorns of Canterlot! They were ones of status! Yet this outcast felt she could speak to them in such a manner!? But they were powerless before her. She was the ex student of one of the most powerful ponies of all time, one who previously ruled Equestria. Nothing could be done.

Just like in the previous instance, Joe's Donuts had gone quiet with Moondancer's sudden arrival. She didn't eye the various patrons, and much like Twilight, she had grown used to the role she was given. Moondancer personally was disgusted with Canterlot, every bit of it, but she hid it well on her blank expression. Despite the city's outward appearance and beautiful craftsmanship, the tender care Princess Celestia ensured it had often masked the ugly truth that it had become one of the most atrociously spoiled societies in Equestria.

Twilight and Joe were currently conversing near the kitchen, while she absently levitated a plate with two coffees on it.

This immediately caught Moondancer's attention as she had already been glancing around looking for Twilight. When she caught sight of the mare, she immediately started making her way over. There she is. Good, looks like this is a part of her daily routine.

Twilight's was still currently engaged in a conversation with Joe. She wore a soft smile and looked up at him earnestly, as based on their body language they were discussing something of great interest to her. She smirked at him. "I'm pretty certain Joe."

Joe looked flustered, frustrated even, as he shook his head down at Twilight. "Listen Squirt! Are you suuuuure that's the best one to get? My kid loves these things, but I could've sworn that your brother was the hottest thing out right now!"

Twilight raised a hoof to her muzzle in question while looking at the marble floor beneath Joe's hooves. She felt it helped her concentrate more as she pondered his concerns. "My older brother is definitely a popular figure, but Trixie is my favorite so..."

"Twilight Sparkle!"

Both Joe and Twilight flinched and immediately looked towards the source of the sudden voice with confusion.

Moondancer stood on the opposing side of the counter with a stern expression. She had grown tired of all the prying eyes that were locked onto her still, and simply wanted to hurry up and grab the awkward unicorn. "A word with you please."

Twilight smiled wide and gasped in excitement. She was about to speak when suddenly she felt the hoof of another cover her chest and push her back, Joe having suddenly gotten in front of her. She looked up at him in confusion and concern.

Joe looked fairly serious, glaring at Moondancer. "What do you want with her kid? Don't think I don't know who you are."

Moondancer flinched as her nose wrinkled a bit in annoyance. "What do you want? Step aside Donut Dad."

Twilight poofed in front of Joe, pushing him back softly. She shook her head at him to get him to understand that Moondancer was no harm, desperately wanting to explain. "J-Joe! Moondancer is my friend! She won't hurt anypony because that's not what friends do!"

Moondancer frowned a bit as she looked confused. "Friend? What're you—" but she stopped mid sentence however, realizing that it wasn't surprising that Twilight Sparkle would assume that much of their short relationship already. She lowered her head some and concentrated back on what mattered. "Nevermind, whatever makes you happy. But Twilight Sparkle, if I may, that word?"

Twilight turned around to face her excitedly with a nervous chuckle. "Oh um, let me ask my boss!" She turned around suddenly and peered up at Joe with wide puppy dog eyes as her lower lip quivered and she began to tear up in silence. It was a cheap tactic that Twilight had learned about in a book, it was said such mannerisms often got mares what they wanted, though she didn't understand why.

Joe staggered back and raised his hooves in front of himself. "Whoa! Sure thing kid! Jeez, take a few minutes. I'll take the coffees out to em." But his expression suddenly became worried again, as he looked at Twilight as a father would his child, and sighed. It was apparent that despite Twilight being an employee, he did care for her somewhat. It was nothing personal against Moondancer, but the reputable outcast often drew the attention of individuals he'd rather not tangle with. "Just, be careful, will ya kiddo? You know her reputation."

Twilight frowned at Joe in disappointment, and lowered her head. She hated that word, reputation. Was that really what mattered to Joe? Moondancer's reputation? She didn't have a great reputation either, being known as the societal failure which was the blank flank in Canterlot. So why did he start judging now? "And, you know mine, Joe...." She turned around and made her way off towards Moondancer before smiling up at her. "Let's go Moondancer! I can spare 'The Word' now!" She smiled widely with puffed cheeks.

Moondancer rolled her eyes and looked at Twilight as if she were looking upon a little sister who needed tending to, but ultimately smiled at her with a pinch of tolerance. Twilight was awkward, but Moondancer knew that's what attracted her to the mare the most, her lack of talent for being able to lie or deceive. Twilight's innocence made it easy to trust her. "Follow me Twilight." And although she didn't say it at this current moment, it was another reason why she knew she had to return for Twilight, why she sought her. Moondancer turned around, nudging her head in the direction of the door as she motioned for Twilight to follow, before departing.

Meanwhile Joe frowned at Twilight in a guilty manner as he pulled down on his hat a bit. "Ah jeez kid, ya know I didn't mean it like that." He watched the two trot off with concern but brushed it off and smiled. "Well still, glad ya managed to find yourself somepony."





Twilight and Moondancer now stood together in front of Joe's Donuts, facing one another in the pale moonlight. But despite the mood having just been more casual, Twilight couldn't shake the feeling that things suddenly got a bit more tense. Moondancer just continued to stand there and peer at her with half closed eyes. Twilight felt as if she were being judged by such a piercing gaze. What was she on trial for? She didn't like this and was beginning to second guess her decision. She could feel herself starting to tremble and looking to Smarty Pants for some comfort, she raised a hoof to his and avoided eye contact with Moondancer. "So uh, Moondancer? W-What's wrong?"

Moondancer's stare remained fastened on Twilight as she squinted some. "Where do you live Twilight?"

Twilight looked at her in surprise, wondering if she wanted to hang at her place. "Um, a little deeper in the city."

Moondancer sighed and closed her eyes. "Well how long do you have until you get off work?"

Twilight blinked a bit, fairly curious, but for now all she wanted to do was not upset her. "A few more hours."

Moondancer opened her eyes again and nudged her head in the direction of Joe's. "Meet me out here after work. I don't feel like dealing with constant stares right now, so I'll just wait in this area. Head back inside, don't want Donut Dad getting too mad."

Twilight suddenly shrieked in excitement, beginning to jump around in circles. "Yes yes yes yes!"

Moondancer staggered back with a yelp and fell onto her bottom, thrown off by her reaction. "What!? W-What's with you!?"

Twilight suddenly stopped and looked down at her, before scratching at the back of her mane and laughing nervously with an awkward smile. she accidentally came off weird again and she knew it. "I mean, i-it's just, this is one of those things, a, playdate, right?" She began tapping her two front hooves together nervously. "This, this will be my first playdate in years. I mean I hang with Smarty Pants and we've had plenty of playdates. R-Really cool ones to! I mean, it's not like I don't knoooow how to host a playdate but, I mean, this is just so so exciting. We'll have so many fun things to do and read so many stories and you'll show me so many magic tricks and-"

Moondancer groaned, "Twilight!" And glared at her with wide now impatient eyes.

Twilight flinched and stopped talking, looking down at Moondancer worriedly and in silence.

Moondancer pointed a firm hoof straight at Joe's Donuts in further silence.

Twilight whimpered but still trembled with anticipation as she looked at Moondancer, while moving in reverse back into Joe's.

Moondancer, who was still on her bum, decided to lean back and spread out her hooves in a very lax casual manner. She looked up towards the night sky in contemplation then. For a shut in, she sure has a lot of unexpected energy pent up inside.





And as patiently as ever, Moondancer sat, baring the same demeanor as ever while the hours passed.

Moondancer didn't have a problem with waiting. Minutes were like seconds to her, seeing as she often filled in all her free time with reading a good book or studying, which she was doing at this current moment. However Moondancer had a particular piece of parchment sitting over the pages of the actual book, studying something unknown in particular. She hid it well, acting as if it were a natural page, although she also knew that nopony would likely be brave enough to approach her anyhow while she waited outside for Twilight. So she remained, sitting on the curb of a sidewalk located just outside of Joe's, further off towards the edge of the building, reading.

"Now look who we have here." 

Moondancer's eyes widened as she didn't recognize the voice, nor ever expected to hear such a smug yet comfortable tone. However she wasn't in panic nor truly phased by the surprise, actually it piqued her curiosity and interest quite a bit. So momentarily with a cold stare she turned her gaze up and towards the source of the voice, wanting to get a look at who exactly called out to her in such a manner.

Standing in the middle of the street were three mysterious ponies. To include Moondancer, it was only the four of them outside Joe's Donuts. There was an undeniable tension in the air, with confidence simply emitting from the obvious lead of the three individuals. Their features were partly graced by the moonlight while also being primarily hidden by shadow. The one who stood in the center smiled smugly at Moondancer. It was apparent she respected the unicorn, yet found her situation highly amusing. She had a flawless turquoise coat, a shade one could use to describe the ocean breeze, complimented by bright orange eyes. Her amber mane was short and spiked, giving her a tough and overall intimidating appearance for a mare. The night really complimented her, although she was near fully covered in Nightmare Guard armor. She had a plated helm hugged to her side with one hoof, as her wings were curled in, revealing that she was indeed a pegasus. The other two Nightmare Guards were fully armored and wearing their helmets, making it hard to determine their features. They remained silent as the pony in the center continued conversing with Moondancer in interest. "Why if it isn't Moondancer. The Famed Outcast herself."

Moondancer couldn't help but raise a brow at the smug pegasus in confusion. "And you are?"

The turquoise pegasus made her way forward and bowed her head to Moondancer in a respectful manner. "Lieutenant Dust, at your service." She raised her head with a smirk. "Part of Captain Dash's squad. Heard plenty about you in my training camp. Never expected to actually see you, especially relaxing in such a casual manner. Goes to show how even the most powerful unicorns can be mistaken for simple noponies, am I right?" She closed her eyes and snickered a bit. "But I'm just blabbering on aren't I, my bad my bad."

Moondancer squinted at the pegasus a bit in question. She recognized a name, but she had to think about it. And when it finally hit her during her recollection, her eyes widened significantly. "Captain Dash, one of The Big Three? You're a part of her squadron?" 

Lieutenant Dust leaned her head back and ran a hoof through her mane in flattery. "Hah, you bet! Only the best of the best!"

Moondancer continued, still curious about some things. "But Captain Dash is a pegasus assigned to Nightmare Moon's personal unit, what is she doing sending part of her squadron all the way up to Canterlot? That doesn't make much sense, at all...."

Lieutenant Dust couldn't help but snicker again and wink at Moondancer, pointing a playful hoof at her. "That's classified! Always feel so cool saying that haha. But I'll tell you this Famed Outcast, you're right to be catching on. Some big things are going down."

Moondancer's expression only continued to become more perplexed. "Big things?"

Lieutenant Dust grinned cheekily as she looked like she was having way too much fun with this. She raised a hoof. "Yep! Biiiiig things! Wicked things! Well maybe I'm over-exaggerating a bit." She lowered her hoof and smiled softly at Moondancer. "But why we're here is personal, ain't orders directly handed down from the princess. We're more on a private reconnaissance mission."

Moondancer's interest seemed to be fading pretty fast as she felt she caught on to this mare's antics and her story. "So the pegasus prodigy couldn't make it out here herself for this special mission? Must be pretty tough retrieving donuts for the squadron."

The two Nightmare Guards at Lieutenant Dust's side suddenly raised their spears in offense to her comment.

Lieutenant Dust immediately raised her hoof with a sharp glare straight back at them, causing them to immediately halt.

Moondancer didn't even react, as she looked at them in a bored manner as if she were almost amused they nearly assaulted her.

Lieutenant Dust looked back at Moondancer with a nervous chuckle. Due to her allies, the mood had shifted even though she had no desire for it to, which annoyed her. What were they thinking she thought? To nearly assault arguably the most powerful unicorn in the city, she could've cooked them like grilled tomatoes just now. Lieutenant Dust knew this wasn't the time or place for that, so she put on a smile and looked earnestly at Moondancer. "Haha, forgive them! They're a little emotional sometimes! Learn to take a joke right?"

Moondancer returned to reading her book as she sighed heavily, now completely disinterested. "Well if you don't mind Lieutenant Dust, I'm going to return to reading. It was a pleasure meeting you of course." She fell silent then, as if dismissing their presence.

Lieutenant Dust smirked again, her eyes widening with interest at the unicorn. "Hey, what're you doing here anyway?"

Moondancer spoke absently. "Waiting for somepony. Now if you don't mind I'm kind of preoccupied at the moment."

Lieutenant Dust tilted her head back some. "Oh, a friend? Who's lucky enough to be the friend of the infamous ex student?"

Moondancer shot a sharp glare straight at the pegasus. "Nopony you need to worry about."

And Lieutenant Dust laughed abruptly, nervously, as she nodded. "Right right right. Of course! That's true that's true." Realizing that this was turning south far quicker than she expected, Lieutenant Dust waved back at her fellow squad mates, nodding to them and with a playful smile. "Let's head on inside guys! Like she said, we need to go grab some donuts right!? Woot woot!" She did a hoof pump as she and the other two began trotting over towards the front door then. She tossed a wave back at Moondancer. "Take care of yourself yeah? You ever need anything from the Nightmare Guard, remember, some of us still remember where we came from!" She smiled earnestly.

Moondancer glanced over guiltily at them before returning to her book with a sigh. Perhaps she was too harsh with that one.





Lieutenant Dust didn't seem to take offense to Moondancer's personality however, it was almost as if she expected it. As they made their way into the diner, they were met with a few expected glances. They were Nightmare Guards afterall. Majority of the citizens looked at them in awe, two being a particularly bitter couple who sat not far off while sipping their coffees. They looked like they'd just gotten a stern lecture from their mothers. Lieutenant Dust always felt a little amused by such sightings, leading her to wonder what was going on in their lives. She tossed them a casual friendly wave, which caused the couple to almost immediately divert their eyes in an opposing direction, avoiding eye contact, which also wasn't unexpected. Dust still wore that cheeky smirk as she glanced back at her squad mates and pointed a hoof to an empty table in the far back corner. "Hey, let's grab that one over there. Seems suitable enough." She snickered confidently.

The two fellow squad mates nodded in unison at her, as the three began making their way over to that table. When they arrived, it was obvious to each of them they probably wouldn't be too comfortable holding spears or wearing helmets, so the other two removed theirs. Surprisingly enough to onlookers, they were both twins, pretty much only with different mane cuts. Lieutenant Dust always enjoyed when others noticed this, as if twins were a strange thing. They were also pegasi, and bore pale purple coats with silver manes. One had a very neatly groomed mane, fastened into a ponytail. She glared sternly at Lieutenant Dust in deep thought. Although one would imagine her to be the more passive of the two. Whereas the other twin was quite passive, yet had a wildly erratic bushy mane. The twins laid their spears on the floor, as did Lieutenant Dust. They placed their helmets on the floor as well, before finally scooting into their seats.

Onlookers tried not to be too obviously blatant with their staring, but they couldn't help themselves for the most part. 

The one twin continued to glare at Lieutenant Dust as she sat. It was apparent on her face that she was extremely annoyed with the pegasus. "Lieutenant. Why did you let her disrespect you like that? She didn't have a right to speak to you in that manner and you know it!"

Lieutenant Dust sat in the seat across from them with both hooves crossed over the table top. She closed her eyes and smirked in a casual manner before tossing them a hoof gesture in the form of a wave. She chuckled a bit, "Ah it's no biggie. We're Nightmare Guards, she's the famed outcast of Canterlot. She has enough on her plate as is, and to be honest with you, I don't feel like having beef with the likes of her. That's Trixie level material right there you know. She probably has all sorts of tricks up her sleeve, ones I prefer not to find out."

The opposing twin with a more wild mane and spiked bangs, wore an expression that could only signify frustration. Her nose wrinkled up and she couldn't seem to shake the pent up annoyance. "If Captain Dash were here, she'd put that unicorn in her place."

Lieutenant Dust wore an amused smirk with half-closed eyes as she pondered the thought. "Maybe. but Dash can get too serious." But they were already wasting enough time as is, and Lieutenant Dust glanced back and forth between the two with a now serious gaze. "But also remember why we're here you two. Special mission and all. The Captain's honor has been shaken, she hasn't been herself recently and we gotta do all we can to help her out, even if all we're doing is chasing filly tales." She closed her eyes and smirked a little.

"Um, hi there!"

Suddenly Lieutenant Dust's eyes widened as did her fellows, as they glanced over at the pony who'd just greeted them. What they looked upon was an obviously out of place purple unicorn. Her mane was an absolute mess, as if she just went to bed and woke up with it like that. She wore no makeup and bore no signs of class as was typical of Canterlot ponies, and wore some plain hoody. And was that a doll wrapped around her neck? Lieutenant Dust nearly burst into laughter at the sight of the unicorn, and was forced to lift a hoof to her muzzle to prevent herself from coming off too horribly. "Pft! O-Oh, hey, uh, can we help you?" She bit her lower lip a bit. But her expression eased up a little as she looked at the pony further. What really caught Lieutenant Dust's attention was the mare's colors. She was purple and her mane consisted of various shades of the same color with a light pink streak. She gave the pony a curious stare then. "Hm..."

Twilight wore a nervous smile and gulped. "Hiya! Uh, I-I'm sure you're probably not interested in my name. But I'll be your waiter today! So I'll be taking orders! Sort of like how you guys do? Get it? Cause, you know? That's what we waiters also do." She closed her eyes and puffed her cheeks with a smile. "N-Nevermind. So uh, what would you like? Starters? Things to start with?"

The twins looked at Twilight with a perplexed expression while Lieutenant Dust regarded her with interest still. "Hmmm..."

Twilight continued to smile, trying to not come off as nervous. "Uh, eheh, is something wrong?"

Lieutenant Dust remained silent as she leaned closer to the timid unicorn, suddenly with a smirk. "Nope."

Twilight began to tremble further as her gaze constantly kept shifting from left to right as she stood.

Lieutenant Dust kept up the act, as she never stated why. She just continued to sit there, smirking at the unicorn.

The twins now looked at the both of them, absolutely confused and losing quite a lot of patience.

Twilight suddenly turned, preparing to trot away. "I'll, I'll give you all some time to deci-" when she was suddenly grabbed. She froze as she couldn't cease her trembling. A sweat drop rolled down the side of her head as she glanced back at the pegasus.

Lieutenant Dust bore half closed eyes and a gracious warm smile. "Hey heeey now, don't be so timid alright? We'll start off with something simple for ya. A few donuts, any kind, a couple of glasses of milk, and some sugar cubes. That sound about right?"

Twilight nodded, still trembling as she wore a nervous and uncomfortable expression.

Lieutenant Dust closed her eyes and chuckled. "Sweet! Now go work that magic!" She grinned and let go of Twilight.

Twilight instinctively pulled her hoof back, holding it against her chest as she regarded the pegasus with a look of caution at first, before suddenly wearing a relieved and trusting smile, happy that she wasn't mad or anything. "O-Okay, coming right up!" With that Twilight hurriedly made her way off past the counters, as she leaned up onto a kitchen counter to tell the baker about the order.

The twin with the more professional mane fastened into a ponytail, gave Lieutenant Dust a troubled stare. "Way to be a creep. Seriously Lieutenant? That your type or something? I feel like I learn something more weird about you everyday."

The more wild erratic maned one the two suddenly planted a hoof over her face with a sigh. "I work with a bunch of lunatics..."

Lieutenant Dust grinned playfully as she closed her eyes before tilting her head to the right. "Haha! Ya think so?"





Time passed, as seemingly, it was truly as if the three Nightmare Guards had simply come for donuts. They had eventually received their food, drinks, and sugar cubes and even took the time to eat everything. At this point the three were casually sitting as they all had some cups of coffee. Lieutenant Dust was currently sipping her own cup with a cocky smile, while staring blankly at the table with half closed eyes, as if she were amused by something or at least in deep thought about it. The twins who sat across from her were playing some tik tac toe on the napkins, having borrowed a pen from the waitress from earlier. Lieutenant Dust's smile widened further suddenly.	

The ponytail twin slammed a hoof on the table in a furious manner. "Lieutenant! What're we doing!?"

Lieutenant Dust's expression didn't change. She just continued to sip her coffee. "Jeez, calm down will ya Flitter?"

The ponytail twin revealed as one named Flitter, scowled abruptly at her. "But you're wasting our time!"

Lieutenant Dust peered at her suddenly and spoke in a sarcastic manner with a smile. "Please, tell me how you really feel." Suddenly her gaze drifted to the left. Over near the counter, the waitress they were talking to earlier was chuckling happily in excitement, although Lieutenant Dust couldn't hear what she was saying, she was currently talking to the owner of the establishment, Joe himself, while she hung up her apron. The two embraced in a casual one hoofed hug as the waitress rushed past the counters hurriedly, seemingly making her way for the door, before catching sight of the fact Lieutenant Dust was staring at her, which caused the waitress to pause abruptly. 

Lieutenant Dust closed her eyes and gave the purple unicorn a casual friendly wave, before smirking playfully at her, and winking as well. The purple unicorn blinked a bit, closing her eyes and then returning the smile happily before making way for the door still in a hurried manner. Lieutenant Dust's gaze drifted to the right outside the window as she saw the waitress confront Moondancer, who acknowledged her in kind. The two then began trotting away from the establishment as the purple unicorn was practically frolicking with happiness around the famed outcast. Lieutenant Dust continued to wear that playful smile as she suddenly rose from her seat. "Welp! Time to go you two!"

Flitter suddenly rose as she regarded Lieutenant Dust with confusion. "What!?"

Lieutenant Dust didn't hesitate to scoot from the table and had already began trotting out of the diner.

Flitter rushed from the table as well, ensuring to grab her spear and helmet in the process. "Lieutenant wait, L-Lieutenant!"

The other twin sighed, as she ran a hoof through her wild bangs before rising from the seat and mimicking her sister's actions.

Flitter grabbed at Lieutenant Dust's wing in annoyance. "Lieutenant! What're you doing? What do you mean it's time to go? We didn't even do anything! What do you expect to tell the captain when we see her? She's been really upset as of late!"

Lieutenant Dust glanced back at Flitter with a smile. "I'm pretty sure the captain will be interested in what I have to say."

Flitter raised a brow at Lieutenant Dust, not following what she meant. "What're you talking about?"

Lieutenant Dust smirked happily as she tilted her head to the right. "We flew to many places today Specialist Flitters."

Flitters continued to listen as she still had her brow raised at Lieutenant Dust.

Lieutenant Dust continued as her eyes widened with a bright cheery smile. "Did you really not notice the difference here?"