A washout teams with a member of the royal guard to track down three criminals after a botched robbery in the Crystal Empire.
On one hand you have Lightning Dust, a Wonderbolt washout who's finally gotten over her failures. She's living out a pretty normal life in her own personal private sector. Now she finds herself called upon to jump back into the fray for a friend.
Then we have Flash Sentry, a royal guard pony who somehow has managed to miss out on a lot of the big events. His heart's always been in the right place but he's never been able to show where he truly fits. Not until a situation arises where a particular set of skills could make all the difference does he receive an opportunity to show what he can do.
Finally, there's the trio of Goldcap, Decepticolt, and Zappityhoof. The three have already crossed the Princess of Friendship and now find themselves in a tight spot. Their new plan for power and glory may yet hit another hiccup as what starts off as a simple in and out job turns into a run for their lives.
“Three months,” Goldcap moaned as she sat on a pile of smashed rock. “Three lousy months and we still haven't gotten all of our magic back.” The whole while the golden coated unicorn mare complained, her companions were busy breaking up some of the larger stones in the area around them.
The blue coated, black maned stallion in the group whom they knew as Decepticolt, dropped the pick-axe he wielded and turned to her with an annoyed look. “As if we needed you to point that out to us yet again. You know, we could get a lot more done if you weren't constantly bellyaching about it.”
“Oh I'm sorry for actually caring about getting our abilities back so we won't be stuck working in this pit of perpetual misery for the rest of our lives.” she shouted sarcastically as she took notice of her puffy orange mane and brushed out some of the debris from earlier.
“Hey, I know you're both busy but I could really use some help breaking these boulders up,” the red coated, silver maned Zappityhoof shouted to get the two to cease the argument as she struggled to get the work done. “I don't want to get in trouble with the boss again.” Her body shivered as if some dark specter had burrowed through her.
“Hey!” the trio jumped to their feet as the hard as nails quarry foreman, one Limestone Pie stood high above them at the top of the large hole they were in. “You think I can't see you not working? I can see you not working. Don't make me come down there.” She pointed a hoof directly at the three unicorns who immediately jumped to their feet and frantically got back to the task at hand. Limestone glared at them for several seconds before disappearing from the ledge.
Goldcap took the second of privacy to take a shot at her male companion. “And once our full magic returns remind me to thank your dear mother for this wonderful place of employment.”
“Hey, cut him some slack. It's the least we could do to pay her back. I mean she is unknowingly harboring three big time offenders.” It had been three long months since the unicorns had been temporarily stripped of their magic by Princess Twilight for stealing Rainbow Dash's wings. Since then the three had tried to keep a low profile and await the return of their full power. Fortunately, depending on which one of the three you asked, Decepticolt's mother had allowed the three to take up residence in her home and to pay her back they'd taken jobs at a local rock farm.
“Besides, let's save our vengeful energies for Twilight Sparkle.” On that the three could agree. They just needed to bide their time a little while longer until what was done to them wore off completely and they could even the score. A short while after the day of work had concluded the three made the long trip home on the dirt road which led to the small village where they'd taken up residence. “Next time we're stealing Earth pony magic. This work is killing my back.”
“How much magic could they possibly have?” Decepticolt asked. “All they do is dig around in the dirt.”
Goldcap interrupted her accomplices as they approached the town. “They have magic ding dong. It's just less noticeable than Unicorn or Pegasus magic. It's not on the surface like the others. When Tirek escaped why do you think he went after them last?”
“Because it was harder to reach.” As the stallion came to the realization the three crossed paths with a lone unicorn wearing a black cloak that covered their face. The lone pony stopped and, without much warning, raced up behind them. The hood over the now confirmed brown stallion's head flew off due to the quick motion and revealed his glowing horn. In an instant and before any of the three could prevent it, the group vanished into thin air and completely disappeared from the road. Seconds later the three found themselves dropped in front of a desk in a spacious office where a well dressed gray Pegasus stallion sat waiting patiently.
“Well, well, well,” he said as he clapped his front hooves together on top of the desk. Goldcap was the first to attempt to back away only to find their exit point blocked by not only the pony who brought them their but also two large Diamond Dogs. Her gaze then turned back to the pony ahead of her, a long scar running down the right side of his face. “Look who decided to grace us with her presents.”
“Mr. Overcoat.” Both Decepticolt and Zappityhoof noticed that their friend had lost the confidence of which she usually carried herself as the scarred pony rose from his seat.
“Please, call me Cement. You know, I was nice enough to give you an audience with me. Now you know my time is very valuable.”
“Ye-Yes sir.”
“I went to the trouble of digging up those seemingly useless pieces of rock for you and what did you promise me? What?!” Her legs quivered as she kept her eyes trained to the ground. “My investment back times ten. That's what you said. Now, I could care less what you did with that tablet but I was promised bits and I don't see bits. You know what happens when I don't get what's mine? Ponies get hurt, or worse.”
Overcoat pressed a button under his desk that opened a large pit in the center of the floor. The trio quickly moved away only to bump into the three guards that prevented them from going further. Down in the pit was a large bird-like creature that stood on two feet. It sported burgundy feathers with a massive, razor sharp black beak as well as deadly looking talons on either foot. “I'd like to introduce you to Harvey. He's what you might remember in your school pony books as a terror bird.”
The three unicorns attempted to keep their distance as the bird took notice of them and attempted to leap at them. The effort of course was futile as the guards formed a makeshift wall to make them hold their position. “Thought they were all extinct huh? Well you'd be surprise what money can dig up if you're looking for a unique pet. Best thing about 'em is they're immune to pony magic.” He gestured to the guards as they moved to push the three in.
“Wait, wait! I'll get you what I owe, I swear!” Goldcap shouted out as she and her companions struggled to keep from being bird food. “In fact, I have it.” Overcoat motioned his hoof for the pony and two dogs to cease, for the moment at least. “Rare artifacts and gold, worth way more than that old tablet. I just need time to get them. Just one day is all I'm asking. That's it.”
The Pegasus hovered over the pit and stared into her frightened eyes for what seemed an eternity before he flew over to the desk and activated the switch to close the pit. The three Unicorns flopped to the floor in a nervous heap as he addressed them. “Alright, one day. If by this time tomorrow it is not in my possession, I'm going to have Harvey down there rip into you like a Hearth's Warming present and I highly doubt you're full of toys and candy. We clear?” After they gave terrified nods of confirmation the pony clapped his hooves together as the other Unicorn transported them back to the road.
“That's who you got the tablet for the wing removal spell from?” the bewildered red pony said as she shook herself off.
“Well where did you think I got it, the arts and crafts show?”
“This is just great. Not only do we not have our full magic back but now we have to find something to pay back a shady mobster pony. So what now fearless leader? Do you actually know where we're going to get these supposed relics or should I just put bird feed in my resume?”
Reasonably stressed by the ordeal, the orange maned pony simply walked on from where they stood to the small building they called home as the other two followed closely behind as they awaited a response. She opened the front door of the house and took her regular route to the basement that served as their base of operations/room. “Is that you honey?” a mares voice called out.
“Yeah, we're home ma.” Decepticolt called out as they walked through the house. The two new arrivals that still remained on the floor soon met up with the older pony who had a duller blue coat than her son. Zappityhoof with a bright smile hoped over and happily hugged her.
“How are you this evening ma'am?”
“Come now, Costa will do just fine. Where's Goldie?”
“Don't call me that!” a shout came from the basement.
“She's having one of those days.” he said, knowing this was probably the understatement of the year.
“We're all going to be having one soon.” Zappity whispered offhand.
“Oh dear. Did you two have one of your little lover's spats?” Costa's comment almost knocked her son off his feet.
“What? No mom. I told you it's not like that.”
“I don't see why not. You have two beautiful mares in this house that would make...”
“Well would you look at the time mom. You know we really got to get down stairs. Some very important stuff to take care of.” He forcibly moved Zappityhoof to the stairwell and forced her down and away from the awkward situation.
“How sweet.” she goaded as they entered the basement.
“Shut up. It's been like this ever since we moved in with her. She's got this weird idea that one of you two is my mare friend.”
“That is weird. I mean what girl would want to be with you? You still live with your mom.” she punched him playfully in the shoulder as they met up with Goldcap who had opened a trunk on the far side of the room. “So you wanna tell us how we're getting out of this?”
She turned back to them and held out a rolled up map before she headed over to the circular table in the center of the room. The two joined her as she unfurled the map which turned out to be a set of blueprints.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Yep, I've had this in mind for a while but we've never been...”
“Desperate enough to try something so stupid?” Decepticolt interrupted as she looked up at him, clearly having no time for any of his nonsense.
“Yes, but what choice do we have now? We can get what we need out of there and we and that bloated gas bag will be squared.”
“And who knows what other juicy trinkets will find there?” the silver maned mare said as she stroked her chin.
“I can only imagine. Still, we're only going to get one shot at this so make sure you have what you need. This time tomorrow we'll either be paying off our debts or hightailing it out of Equestria.”
After they arrived in the Crystal Empire, Goldcap and her companions quickly set about making the necessary arrangements in order to pull off their plan. Among other things were a few minor changes to their appearances. Goldcap now sported a pure white coat, Decepticolt a green one and Zappity a light purple. “I don't know about this.” Zappityhoof voiced her concern as the trio made their way to their first destination in preparation for the daunting task ahead.
“I know it'll be hard but this is the only way to pay back Mr. Overcoat.” the blindingly white unicorn reminded as she led the way into the nearby hotel. “Hello ma'am,” Goldcap greeted the mare behind the counter. “My friends and I would like to rent a room, preferably something with a view if possible.”
“Hmm, well I could get you room twenty-three. It has a beautiful view of the castle.”
“That sounds marvelous, doesn't it?”
“Yeah, exactly what we were hoping for.” Decepticolt added as the three presented friendly smiles to the clerk that they hoped would help them pass for innocent tourists.
“Here you are. Enjoy your stay.” The clerk presented them with the key and directed them to the room's location.
The group waited late that night to make their move. Goldcap stared out the window as she eyed up the home of the royal family in the distance. She took a deep breath, realizing it was all or nothing now and turned back to her companions who were asleep on the beds. “Alright you two, wake up. It's time.”
The two slowly rose from the soft mattresses and shook off their drowsiness before joining the other pony. “We're all set then?” Zappity asked as she pulled out a large black sack from under the bed and received a confirming nod. “Ready.” The three unicorns turned to one another and focused their energies into a combined levitation spell that lifted them out the window and on to the empty streets below.
“Alright, we've only got a small window to do this so let's move.” Moving quickly but quietly, they made their way to the base of the Crystal Castle, making sure that the guard patrol had already passed by. Checking the surroundings they moved forward to the entrance and spotted the two guards at their post on either side of the crystal heart. Zappity picked up a loose stone and chucked it across the field and let the resulting sound distract the guards as one left his post to check out the noise. He rushed over to a bush and peered over it only to be pulled inside. His compatriot took notice, but before he could take action he found his helmet removed. It was placed back on his head a second later as the formerly red unicorn smashed it down on him and rendered him unconscious.
“Done with that.” Goldcap whispered as she and Decepticolt emerged from the bush, the latter with the guard's armor on.
“Are you sure this will work?” the stallion voiced his concern as he adjusted the helmet. “Why do I have to do this anyway?”
“Exactly how many female guards have you seen?” Goldcap countered. “Quit worrying. It'll be fine.”
As the three prepared to make their way inside, Zappity brushed up against the armored pony. “Plus, you're just masculine enough to pull it off.” She giggled as he took his place ahead of them and opened the door to the castle.
The halls were quiet except for the feint sounds of the guards patrolling the halls. “According to the map it should be right down this hall at the bend.” As Goldcap continued to read off the directions, ahead of the three a light from one of the guards flashed from around the corner. Panicking, the mares dipped into one of the rooms as he rounded the corner. The duo waited nervously as they could see the light under the door and hear muffled words being spoken and hoped it wasn't the disguised stallion being discovered and questioned.
After an agonizing wait they saw the light fade and hoof steps moving down the hall. Cap cracked the door and peered her head out to see the two stallions trotting down the hall and talking like old friends. “That should definitely buy us some time.” It took only a few more minutes for the two remaining members to get to the room they'd been dying to rich the entire trip there.
“Here she is,” the lead pony said as her eyes lit up. “Alright Zap, I'll keep guard. Now this is very, very, very, very, super ultra, I shouldn't even have to tell you how major this is, important. Take the sack and stuff it full of whatever you can find in there that's valuable. Got it?”
“Got it.” Zappity saluted and shut the door behind her. “Boy is it dark in here.” She focused what magic she could to give her horn some dim light as she made her way around the room. “Guess that's the best I can do for now.”
Goldcap was soon alone in the hall as she awaited Zappityhoof to emerge with the bag of goods and they would soon be on their way, once they collected the other member of the team of course. It certainly wouldn't take long as she could swear she saw Decepticolt racing down the hall without his guard uniform.
He skidded to a halt in front of her almost out of breath. “Turns out there's a secret code and hoof shake and to make a long story short, we'd better beat it.”
Goldcap tapped the door with her hoof as she attempted to hurry Zappityhoof. “Pick it up little lady, we've got to go.”
“This way!” They heard the guards shout as the sounds of multiple sets of hooves got ever closer.
“No more time, we're leaving!” Goldcap and Decepticolt burst through the door and slammed into Zappity as the trio stumbled over items littering the floor. They tumbled into the dark curtains and smashed through the window. All of them screamed as they knew what was bound to come next. The yells of panic ceased as the free fall seemed to come to an end, without the unpleasant aftermath.
“Are we...you know?” Zappity asked as she and Decepticolt stuck out from under shredded curtain. The eyes of both almost popped out of their heads as they saw the golden aura surrounding them. Goldcap, who's eyes were still closed, had her glowing brighter than the others had seen recently. “Goldie?”
“Wuh?” Her eyes creaked open as she looked around to find it'd been her magic that had saved them just before she lost her focus and they dropped the five inches to the ground. Before they can discuss what just happened, they heard a scream come from the castle and decided it would be best to hit the road. They made a break for the train station as Goldcap resumed the lead.
“Uh, the next train doesn't leave until the morning.” the stallion stated as they approached.
“We're not taking the train.” she responded as they raced passed the steam engine vehicle and into the frozen tundra. The other two glanced with concern at one another as they followed her lead. After they'd traveled a distance, Goldcap stopped dead in her tracks as the others moved around anxiously as they could hear the guards on their way through the snow flurries. Digging in the snow, she soon found what she was looking for and tapped her hoof against a hard surface as a wooden plank flipped up and she walked down into the hole it covered.
“Alright then.” Following, her companions found it led to a very tiny space, just enough room for the three to move a few feet all around. Packed in with them were a bag that Goldcap quickly opened that was full of winter clothing and some food.
“Here we are. The snow should cover over the door before they even know it's there. Then it's just a matter of waiting them out.”
“Where did this come from?” Decepticolt asked as he looked around the small space that was dimly lit by a single lamp.
The lead pony took a towel out of the sack and wiped off the coloring from her mane and coat as she tossed the others one to do the same. “This has been here for a while. Had a contact leave some supplies when I told him I'd finally decided to pull this off. Actually surprised he was able to get it done so fast.”
“Well, seeing as how we'll be here for a while might as well take a look at some of that treasure.”
“Agreed. Zappity, if you would do the honors.” the pony, now back to her natural colors, reached into the sack and pulled out the first item. “A...a rubber ducky?” Her ears fell as she looked up at the pony holding the bag, who reached her hoof back in, pulling out several more toys as the trio began to panic once again. “What is this?”
“Calm down guys. I'm sure it's just a...” Zappity stopped herself as she felt something squishy in the sack and pulled out the source of the noise, a cooing, white unicorn infant.
Goldcap's face was anything but amused as she glared angrily at the mare. “Well congratulations, you just stole a baby.” She was even less happy as the baby unfurled her wings. “And to make things even more interesting, you didn't just steal any baby. No, no, no. You stole the royal baby.”
Zappity put the baby down as she backed away in disbelief, placing a hoof over her heart. “Oh, here comes the big one! You hear that Granny? I'm coming to join you, but turn your head in shame when I get there. Your little sweetie pie's a filly-napper!” She promptly fell on her back as the baby alicorn climbed on top of her.
Crystal Castle Throne Room (One Day Later)
“Apologies but we've lost track of them Your Highness.”
“It's...It's alright.” A despondent Cadence said as Shining Armor comforted her. “We know you're doing all you can.”
“I'll have the guards double the patrols around the city. If there's any chance they've doubled back we'll find them”
Shining Armor put a consoling hoof on his wife's before addressing the guards before they returned to the search. “For now, we're just pursuing some thieves. No reason to cause anymore of a panic, understood?” The guards saluted before heading out themselves. One of them stopped as they headed down the hall.
“Hey Flash, you coming or what?”
“I'll catch up. I need to take care of something.” He turned around and headed back to the throne room where the prince and princess were discussing what should be done. The pegasus guard froze in the doorway as he contemplated whether or not to just turn around now. “Who am I to ease drop on their private conversation or to give my two cents when I've already got my orders from the captain?” he pondered as his legs almost gave out from nervousness.
“Do you think we should alert Celestia? She and Twilight might be able to help search for Flurry Heart.”
Finally he choked down his anxiety and pushed forward with what he had to say. “All due respect Your Highness, but I don't think that would be the wisest choice.” The couple took notice of him as he humbled himself. “My apologies for the intrusion.”
“What do you mean.” Cadence inquired.
“Well, I believe that the criminals, given their predicament, will be on edge after what just happened. Alerting the other princesses would put everypony on high alert and that could cause the perpetrators to act irrationally.”
“What do you suggest then?”
“They aren't going to stay anywhere near here and any big public searches could cause them to go to ground. Still they'll be doing everything in their power to stay hidden until they're ready to make their next move. So I would say the best course of action would be to send a small group that could follow the trail and go unnoticed.”
The royal couple looked to each other before nodding in agreement. “I believe that would be best. And we'd like you to take the lead in this mission.”
He looked up in stunned surprise before he responded. “I-It would be my honor.” As Flash excused himself, Cadence stepped down from her throne.
“I'm a little exhausted Shining. I think I need a little time alone.” The pink alicorn headed to her quarters and, after closing the door and ensuring she was alone, opened a jewelry box that rested on her dresser. Inside the box were several finely cut gems. Among them however, was a rather bland looking glass orb that she lifted out with her magic. Cadence placed a bit of her energy into it as it seemingly powered up.
Ponyville
It was a surprisingly ordinary day in the town of Ponyville. No monster had ravaged the community in a few weeks and the last magic related accident had been well over two months. Everypony was enjoying the relative peace and getting ready to enjoy a sunny day of festivities as the weather team cleared out the last remnants of cloud. Most had already headed back to town, with one particular pony mopping up. The purple coated, green maned Overcast zipped through the clouds and gathered the remaining bits of cloud into one mass before bucking them into oblivion.
“Hey overcast,” a voiced called as the pegasus mare turned to see weather team captain and Wonderbolt member Rainbow Dash fly up. “I think you've taught those clouds a lesson they won't soon forget.”
“Sorry Dash, sometimes I get little overzealous. I just really appreciate the chance to do some good work.”
“I can understand that. Just don't want you to miss all the fun.” Eversince she'd arrive in Ponyville, every last citizen she'd met had been nothing but kind to the pony. Dash herself was more than happy to have a hard working pegasus to aid in busting clouds in record time. She reckoned some, the Wonderbolt included, may not have been so welcoming if she'd revealed her true identity. Even the Berry family that was kind enough to take her into their home had no idea that she was anything more than a friendly pegasus that helped the family out.
“Wouldn't dream of it. Let me just head home first and pick up Pinch. Told her I'd take her for a quick ride in a cloudless sky.” The two bumped hooves as Overcast made her departure. She was never sure what to think of this town when she'd found out that it was the home of her former team mate and rival. Overcast gave it a chance and found the area to be a rather enjoyable place to lay her head. Difficult as it was, she'd managed to silently reconcile her past with both Dash and her own failings and start a new life there. On top of that, the constant work had pushed her into getting back to her prime cadet conditioning.
“Overcast! Hey, down here.” She looked down mid-flight and spotted Berry Pinch hopping up and down, waving her hooves to get the elder pony's attention.
The pegasus slowed her speed and gently hovered down in front of the filly. “Hey kiddo, ready to go I see.” To her surprise, the young pony quickly shook her head.
“I-I was...” Pinch turned her gaze to the ground.
“What happened Pinchy?”
“I was going through your stuff and...”
“You did what?!” The pegasus stopped herself after the loud outburst. True, the last thing she needed was someone browsing through her personal effects but that was no reason to get mad at the filly in front of her. She took a deep breath and responded to the clearly apologetic child in front of her. “You know you're not supposed to go through my things, right?”
“I know. I was going by your room and I saw this glow coming from a box under your bed and I wanted to see what it was.”
“A glowing thing? Was it a shiny glass ball?” Pinch responded to the question with a nod as the mare picked her up and raced back to the Berry home. Rushing up to her room she saw that the orb was still aglow which meant that a certain someone was in the process of trying to reach her. “I'll be a minute okay? Just wait downstairs for me.” she requested as the young unicorn complied as she closed the door behind her.
She placed the orb in her hooves and focused on it. “Princess? Princess, I'm here.” A few seconds later the princess of the Crystal Empire appeared in the orb.
“Hello? Lightning, is that you?” Cadence asked with a raised eyebrow. “You look...different.”
The pegasus chuckled. “It's Overcast now. Just thought I'd try something new to go with my new life. It's good to see you again Cadence.” She paused and noticed the look of distress on the alicorn's face. “Cadence, what's wrong?”
The Crystal Princess wiped a tear from her eye before she addressed her again. “It's Flurry Heart. Someone broke into the castle last night and took her.”
“What?”
“Two nights ago. We've sent out guards but I think they've left the empire.”
“If there's anything I can do to help,”
“Actually, there is.”
After hearing what Cadence had planned and requested of her, the disguised Lightning Dust grabbed the necessary items she felt she'd need. Once she had everything packed she made her way down the stairs and prepared to exit the home. “Are you leaving?” Spinning around she saw Pinch seated on the living room couch. She'd completely forgotten asking the filly to wait for her while she handled her other business.
Letting out a huge sigh, she walked over to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Yeah Pinchy. An old friend needs my help and she wants me to come right away. I'm sorry, I know how much you wanted to spend the day together.”
“It's okay. But we can do something fun when you come back right?”
“Definitely.” The two shared a hug. “Hey Pinch?”
“Yeah?”
“Have you ever had a secret that you really wanted to tell someone but you didn't because you thought it would hurt them?”
“Hmm, well I never told my mom I really don't like her three bean casserole since it's her favorite.” Dust couldn't help but chuckle. “Why?”
“Eh, it's not important. Now I'm trusting you to keep this place together while I'm gone and let Rainbow Dash know I'll be gone for a while so the weather team's not short handed.”
“Will do.”
“That's my girl.” After giving one last goodbye, the mare blazed through the sky toward her destination. As she flew, one thought moved to the forefront of her mind. “What kind of sick pony would steal a baby?”
“You idiots!” Goldcap shouted as she slapped her compatriot on the head repeatedly with a rolled up newspaper. “How could you do this to me? I offered you ultimate power, fame, fortune and this is how you repay me? By stealing a baby?”
“Ow ow ow! In my defense, how were we supposed to know they remodeled the castle and moved the treasure room?” Zappity said as the baby princess cried. The two and their male comrade had made their way out of the frozen north and southward just outside of a small town. They had made camp while they awaited Decepticolt's return as he had gone into the settlement to get supplies without drawing too much attention.
“You should know the difference between solid gold coins and a rubber duck!” Flurryheart wailed even louder after Goldcap's outburst. “And shut that thing up! It hasn't stopped crying since we left the last town.”
“Beg your pardon but 'it' is a she.”
“Well she is going to give us away if you don't keep her quiet. Use that stupid baby book we spent our hard earned cash on and figure out what she wants."
Zappity pulls out the book from her saddle bag and begins reading. “Let's see. Crying. Diaper change? Nope, did that five minutes ago. Ew by the way. Here we are, she's hungry.”
“We're all out of food. Find her some grass or something to munch on.”
“Says here baby ponies can't digest most solids.” She continued reading. “Says here a mother should...oh my.” Her cheeks turned an even darker shade of red as she blushed from what she had read.
“What?” Goldcap levitated the book from her and read it herself before she had a similar expression. “Oh...well, you'd better...get to it.”
“I'm not doing that. It's gross.”
“It's not gross. It's a completely natural thing for a mare to do.”
“Then you do it.”
“No way, that's gross.
“See!”
“Both of you calm down.” Decepticolt scolded as he returned from his trip with supplies and sat them down in front of them. “Give me the baby.” He levitated her over to him and pulled out a bottle of milk.
“This is it?” Goldcap chastised. “These are all the supplies you could scrounge up?”
“What did you expect? We barely had enough to make the trip out to the Crystal Empire in the first place. We're lucky to get this much.”
Speaking of which,” Zappity interjected. “What are we going to do about not having the hoard of priceless reckless we promised to a dangerous criminal?”
Goldcap instantly shot up in distress, having been so preoccupied with trying to lose the royal guard that she hadn't even thought about the sole reason they had embarked on this escapade. “That...is a definite problem. We are two days overdue and he will find us and make us pay for not having what I promised. Unless of course...” She looked over to the alicorn infant.
Decepticolt gave her a raised eyebrow in response. “You really think Overcoat wants to have the entire Equestrian military knocking down his front door to get this kid back?”
“Maybe we could ransom her back to the royals for what we need?” Zappity suggested as she took Flurry Heart back from her companion.
“A good idea. But we'll need some place to lay low if we are going to do that.”
“Well we can't go back to my mom's place. That will be the first place those goons will be looking for us.” Decepticolt began to pack up their supplies as Goldcap thought for a moment.
“I think I might just know the perfect place we can go where no one would ever think to look for us.”
Earlier
Donned in a black cloak, having left his armor behind in the Empire, Flash Sentry entered a two-level structure on the side of a forest road. The building acted as a rest stop of sorts for weary travelers taking these lonely roads. He entered bringing attention to himself as the sound of the door swinging open and the light seeping in caused the patrons to turn to his location. Flash calmly walked over to the barkeep, momentarily locking eyes with each shady looking mare and stallion that had their eyes trained on him.
“What'll it be, bub?” The unicorn barkeep asked as he polished a glass.
Flash stealthily placed several bits on the counter. “I was told someone was expecting me.”
The unicorn levitated the coins over to his side and slid them under the counter. “Upstairs. Might want to warn you, though. She might be a little antsy.” The muffled sound of glass breaking came from the second floor. “That would be your friend, I assume. Second door on the right.”
Flash made his way up the stairs and crept to the door and found it was unlocked and opened it slowly to see the lone occupant, a purple pegasus with green mohawk mane, slumped on the lone bed in the room with the earlier shattered mug on the floor. The liquid contents were spilled over the floor and the guard took care where he stepped as he cleared his throat to address the mare in front of him. “You must be the friend the princess mentioned.”
She turned her head to him and squinted for a few seconds before coming to a realization. “Oh no. They made you a royal guard? They made Slowpoke Sentry a royal guard? Oh, this is rich.” She chuckled as she sat up.
“Slowpoke? Who...” Flash paused before realizing something himself. “Lightning Dust?”
She smiled as she hopped down. “It's Overcast these days. Needed to try something new in my life. That other pony ain't exactly popular anymore.”
“Still, it's good to see you, so to speak.”
She flew over and wrapped a hoof around him in a hug. “Never thought the terrible two would be back together again.” She playfully brushed his mane before she got serious again. “Wish it was under better circumstances though.”
“Speaking of which, I'm sure Cadence has filled you in on the details.”
“I've got the gist of it.” Overcast flew over the spilled drink and to a table where a map was laid out.
“Not thirsty?” Flash asked simply as Overcast went starred down at the map.
“Found I lost my taste for cider a while ago. Just...an old habit rearing its head.” She waved him over as he found she'd marked a series of routes and out of the way locations. “If these ponies you all are after are moving like I think they are, then they aren't taking any main roads or any type of public transportation.”
“We've already ruled out trains and airships.”
“Cadence said there haven't been any ransom demands.”
“Nothing that we've received.”
“Then they can't want money, at least not from the royals.”
“Might be Changelings. Haven't seen them in force since Canterlot.”
“Could be, but they fly and shapeshift. Wouldn't be too hard to get away. I'm thinking whoever it is is grounded which means...” She circled an area on the map south of the Crystal Empire. “In the time span since the kidnapping, even if they aren't resting, they can't have made it further than this. There's our start. You ready to do this?” She held up her hoof.
Flash smirked and locked hooves with her. “Is your new coat color an eye sore?”