The train finally pulled into the station as the sun began its descent. Out of curiosity, I looked outside to see if an escort of some sort was waiting for us on the platform. At first I didn’t spot anyone, but with a second look, I saw a group of three watching the exits. That may be concerning. I made a mental note to keep Mirror within sight while we were here and got off the train.
The rest of the party was already off the train waiting for me, as the ones who bought bags had them already. Mirror seemed to be the only one annoyed by my delaying them.
“Ready?” She asked.
I nodded and turned to Twilight. “I do believe you are my escort, so if you would lead the way…”
“Of course…”
We fell into a group, Twilight taking point, and headed for the castle. I brought up the rear while carrying the luggage. Every so often, I looked over my shoulder in case the three from the train station decided to follow.
Rainbow noticed after the fifth time. “The big, strong fighter scared?” She taunted.
“I’m watching our six,” I said, before adding my own jab. “You decide when you wanna go for round two? I'm sure a quick match wouldn't be too taxing for me.”
Rainbow bristled at the comment. “Tomorrow at three! Training hall!”
I nodded. “Sounds fun. Meet you then.”
We arrived at the castle, where a new issue cropped up.
“The castle is closed to visitors at this moment.” A guard in purple armor told me as another took the bags and allowed everyone else in.
“May I ask why?” I began doing some deep breathing.
“I can't tell you.”
“I’ll give you one shot to have this not end badly, why the bloody FUCK can I not enter but those six can?”
“I only saw five…” The guard said. I cracked my knuckles. “But that beside the point! Princess Luna was expecting them. No one else is allowed in or out until all six and the ‘plus one’ has arrived.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “First: the information given to you was incomplete. It’s supposed to be plus two. Second: She is expecting me. And third: I’m coming in. The real question is: Will it be the easy way or the hard way?”
He drew a sword. “I think a trip to the dungeons should calm you down.”
“Nice sword.” I said, stabbing the blade into the ground. “Wanna try again?”
“How did you…”
“Disarm you? I took classes on that type of thing.” I went into a fighting stance. “Now, my patience has almost disappeared. Move, or I move you.”
The guard scampered to the side, allowing me to pass.
Inside, I quickly found myself lost and wandering the halls. I started to check rooms to see if I could find someone to assist me to the throne room. The first one was an empty study. Next were a lot waiting rooms, all empty as well. Finally, after fourteen other rooms of varying purposes, I came across a occupied one in the form of a personalized gym with a punching bag, a speed bag, jump-ropes, and a rack covered with boxing gloves. At the punching bag was a blond-maned pretty boy in a tight shirt and green pants.
“Excuse me!” I called out into the room. I was at my mental limit, so this was my last time trying to be patient. A kettle began to whistle.
“One moment, tea’s ready.” I heard him call. After a minute, he called out again. “Come in.”
A table was set up with two chairs and some steaming tea.
“I was looking for directions to…” I caught a whiff of the tea, and most of my anger was replaced with curiosity. “Is that Wild Orange Blossom?”
“Indeed, Have some.”
I took a seat and poured myself a cup. “Good stuff.”
“Of course,” He replied.
I finished my cup rather quickly and thanked him. “By the way, can I get directions to Night Court? I have an appointment.”
The stallion took a sip of his drink. “I think I’ll do you one better… I’m going there after this cup so I can guide you.”
“Thank you. Mind if I use some of your gear in the meantime?” I wanted to wind down. Punching a royal in the waking world would be a bit more of a hassle and I hadn’t used a jump rope in months.
“Go ahead.” He took another sip.
I grabbed a jump rope and started the exercise. When I got into the zone, I started reciting old rhymes. First was “Miss Mary Mack,” then “Three Blind Mice.” I continued through five or six more rhymes before the stallion was finished.
“That hit the spot. Now then…”
“...Your dad will fall into a bucket of paint… Oh, you’re done?” I stopped and returned the rope.
“Yes, time to go.”
The halls were a bit more populated than my first trip, but every maid we passed gave us a wide berth. I made note of it, but didn’t question it. Soon enough, we arrived at the Night Court doors. Each side had a guard wielding a spear held across the doors as to block them. They spotted us and, while the left one’s expression didn’t change, the right one gave my escort a glare.
“Evening, gents. I require entry into the Night Court.” My escort said.
“I afraid I can’t, Prince.” The right guard said, the last word laced with venom. “The only one’s allowed in right now are the element bearers and the one they are escorting.”
“It was two.” I said.
“Excuse me?” The left one asked. “Listen, Mr. Bodyguard or whatever, You aren’t allowed inside right now. If you could leave and come back later,” He leveled the spear at me and his next words were spoken in a condescending tone. “That would be nice.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe to stall the throttling the guard in front of me would get. Then, I felt it. The other dark power radiating from inside. Why... Then I remembered who else had that power. And she said a message… Shit!
“I don’t have time for this!” I grabbed the spear…. “I need to get in that room before a shitshorm happens.” And broke it.
The left guard drew a sword from his waist while the right readied his spear. “You made a mistake.”
They charged simultaneously and swung in unison. I phrased through the attacks and quickly opened the door. What I saw was a bit concerning.
Five guards were sprawled out on the ground, and four more were getting, well…. Destroyed was the best term for it. None of the guards could land physical hit, and spells were being shot wide. I could see Mirror was a whirlwind of destruction, as broken armor bits were scattered all over the floor. Neither Luna or the bearers were to be seen. I hoped that was a good thing and they had slipped out unnoticed.
The guards behind me saw the beating their fellow guards were taken and charged in… to also join into the sad display. My guide took one look in then turned to me.
“Is this why you wanted to be there?” He asked.
I sighed. “I was hoping for a good face-to-face meeting.” I started to walk in. “Wanna watch me fight?”
“You’re gonna fight that?” He asked. I nodded. “Good luck.”
“Time for a little stress relief.”