//------------------------------// // Chapter Eleven - Specialists. // Story: The Midnight Mares - Crazy Canterlot Catastrophe. // by Ausbrony //------------------------------// “Breakfast is served!” When Midnight entered the dinning area, she… had to be honest. She wasn’t expecting the sweet smell of pancakes and syrup in the air, hot water boiling as the teapot whistled loudly. She was also not expecting a vanilla white-coated mare to be singing happily, her hips swaying left and right with the beat as her tidy maid outfit flowed with each movement. In fact, she hadn’t even expected Quick Step to be up and so chirpy after last night. Also the towers of pancakes looked simply mouth-watering. “Huh?” Midnight looked around and saw her other favourite pegasus. “Quicky! I forgot you were here!” “I feel like I should be offended Miss Midnight, and here I poured all of my love into these pancakes here.” The mare giggled and placed a special set of pancakes for the thestral, syrup oozing as the small square of butter melted with them. Pockets was also there, happily eating her own meal at the other side of the table, “But I suppose I can’t blame you. I was rather silent last night after my little… ‘moment’. And with all the moaning and zapping going around, well I don’t blame you.” “Hey, I actually had nothing to do with that!” Midnight replied in an offended tone. “It was those two moaning like the undead and Pocket’s sleep-stealing and getting fried. I was innocent all night… long…” She stared at the pancakes, noting that they were topped with mango slices and rick syrup. And like that, Quick Step had the thestral mare embracing her. “Marry me?” “Hey!” Pockets protested with a mouthful of the bakery goodness, “I was gonna do that!” “Why a minute ago you didn’t even know I was here! And now you’re proposing to me?” Quick quirked a brow, a playful smirk stretching across her muzzle. She pushed Midnight away and slapped the thestrals cheek with her tail, shaking her lovely curves enticingly, “Sorry Miss Song, but I’d much rather marry someone more attentive and less forgetful~” “Hmm, like Cereza?” Midnight purred. Quick froze… she just stayed there in silence and her gaze darkened. “Uhm… Quickie?” Pockets poked the mare with her fork, “You alright?” “Oh?” The mare lifted her head and looked around, before giggling, “Sorry, I just trailed off for a moment. Do you want more syrup Miss Pickett?” “Oh yes please~” Pockets grinned and extended her plate, watching with an excited giggle as the gooey goodness coated the pancakes whole. “In any case, I’m no longer interested in my partner.” Quick Step said with a hum, not looking at Midnight as her smile wavered, “So let’s just drop the topic, alright?” Her world spun, and she found herself in the living room with Midnight. “Okay,” the thestral said with a flat stare. “Start talking. What happened Quick Step?” “Whatever are you talking about Miss Song?” Quick tilted her head curiously, “Nothing happened. Just a mare who got over a childish crush, nothing else. I assure you that the fact that I went and spied on my partner’s date yesterday had nothing to do with it.” “You spied on them?” Midnight asked her. “So, instead of, I don’t know, talking to her. You simply watched from afar and made your own conclusions. Yup, great plan Featherbrain.” “Oh believe me Miss Song, that was the best plan I’ve ever had! Seeing them smile, laugh, enjoy themselves in more than one way… it opened my eyes. There is no way me and my partner could ever be in a relationship, and I must learn to live with that.” Quick explained calmly and motioned towards the door that lead to the kitchen, “Your pancakes are waiting for you, you know? Made them specially for you, had to go out and buy some mangoes and that’s nearly impossible here in Canterlot this time of the year.” “I’m aware,” Midnight nodded. “But right now, one of my best friends needs me, which is way more important.” “I assure you Midnight, I’m perfectly fine.” Quick sighed and looked away, her voice full of both pain and peace. “If Cereza wants to settle down, if she wants to enjoy the rest of her life like this, then who am I to stop that? Her connection with this griffon is so strong that I... I stand no chance. I have to accept it. I’m learning to accept it. But trust me, I’m fine. So stop worrying so much about me.” Midnight sighed and then pulled her into a hug. “Alright… I guess if you insist, then I’ll follow your wishes.” She held the hug and then pulled back. “But I meant what I said last night. No matter what, Pockets and I are here for you okay?” “I know, and I appreciate that.” Quick nodded… before slapping Midnight’s flank with her tail, “Now get off me, I have things to clean!” “Ever the dutiful maid,” Midnight hummed. “Well, you’re damned sexy in that maid outfit, so it’s not so bad~” They headed back into the kitchen and Midnight started her assault on her pancakes. Oh wow, now she wanted to marry the Pegasus all over again. “So, what’s your problem?” Stella asked Quick Step. “Mopin’ around like that.” Quick shrugged and kept on dusting off the shelves now, seemed like it had been a while since somepony had cleaned them “I enjoy doing this, and well it’s the least I could do for my host. Why?” As she spoke, the pegasus’ bountiful flank kept on moving from side to side, her curves in full display. “No reason,” Stella shrugged. “I just think yer bitchin’ over nothing is all.” That’s when Stella noticed another certain pegasus looking their direction. And her eyes were totally not stuck on the maid’s flank. Nope. No sir. The thestral mare rolled her eyes and continued. “I mean, yer whinin’ because some mare stiffed you right? Or some shit like that?” “Yes, but that was yesterday.” Quick said and leaned down to clean some more, raising her flank higher and only making Secure’s blush thicken, “Today’s a new day, and I intend to start it with a smile.” Stella shrugged and looked at Midnight. “She does know about herd marriages yeah?” “Apparently not,” Midnight replied in between bites. Quick Step blinked and tilted her head to the side, thinking over that for a few seconds before realizing she had no idea of what they were talking about, “Excuse me? Her-what now?” “Herd… bloody twatminded featherbrain,’ Stella sighed. “It’s when you and as many fuckbuddies as yeh want all get married. I believe it’s also called polygamy.” “Huh… I… no that’d be just ridiculous.” She chuckled and went back to dusting, “That’d imply me also being in a relationship with the griffon and I barely even know him.” “Ah, so yer a marefucker as well?” Stella shrugged. “Well, Secure here can’t peel her eyes off of yer ass. So date her.” Secure almost choked on the tea she had been drinking, shooting Stella the mother of all glares, “WHAT!?” “As attractive as she might be, I didn’t mean it like that.” The maid chuckled calmly, moving over to a new shelf and working on it just as swiftly at the other two before it, “I don’t care about gender when it comes to the more… carnal activities, nor if I know the one I’m sleeping with well. But when it comes to relationships, I’m quite the picker, and I barely know anything about him.” “Wait, attractive?” Secure asked outloud, yet got ignored. “Well, fuck mare, quit yer damned bitchin’ and jus’ fuck ‘em both,” Stella sighed. “Ya know, as much as I love playing foalsitter to you cockwarmers, I have work to do.” She got up from her seat and wiped her mouth. “Thanks for the breakfast…” She looked at Secure and winked. “And the dessert~” Secure Lines blushed and mumbled under her breath, not daring to look at Stella in the eyes“Just go to work you idiot, You can fly out the window if you want, they’re easy to open.” “I’m civilised enough to use the door ya wang,” Stella replied as she opened the front door. “I guess this wasn’t as boring as I thought. Later!” And with a flap of her wings, she soared off into the sky. “I’m leaving too! Thanks Quickie, and thanks Cure! it’s been a blast.” Pockets chirped as she got her bag ready and kissed Midnight’s lips, “Take care my favorite bat, and don’t do anything I would do, alright?” “Hmm, well…” Midnight shrugged and looked at Secure and Quick Step. “I see two little pets that need punishing~” “Oh butts…” Secure gulped and sank down on the sofa. “Hmm, is that so?” Quick murred in a far more sensual tone, yet continued dusting the shelves, with a waggle of her brows and a side-to-side flank movement added to it, “And pray tell, how are you planning to do that?” Midnight paused. Well crap, all her usual gear was at home. “Bah, you get off easy this time,” she muttered. “Guess I should head for the castle as well.” Secure sighed in relief and chuckled, that was close. “Don’t worry Miss Song.” Quickie smiled and put the duster away… and now, her hooves were surrounding Secure’s neck, “I’m pretty sure I could find somepony else to punish me~” And that’s when Secure’s face became a red Hearth's Warming light and her wings sprung wide open. “As much as I’d love to see that, I think we all have to go to work,’ the thestral chuckled. She walked over to the two devilish pegasi and nuzzled them each, before moving back… Just as a golden arrow punctured the glass and embedded itself in the table, a few inches from Secure’s muzzle. The three mares froze. And without wasting a second the two pegasi were behind cover, the assassin maid with knives already in her grasp while the guard activated the defense mechanisms, wards of all sorts and colors appearing in each corner of the house and glowing brightly. Midnight just stared at the arrow. She knew that type of arrow. the way it hummed with solar magic. And she was more confused by the fact that all three of them were still breathing. “We’re… in a good deal of trouble,” she said. “Midnight? Tell me that’s a present from one of your thief friends.” Secure asked as she hid behind a sofa, “Because that shit just broke through my magically reinforced glass like if it was nothing!” “No…” Midnight said, and Secure saw that… was she actually afraid? “This is much, much worse. This arrow… is from one of our own.” The pegasus guard narrowed her gaze, poking her head from behind the couch to take a better look at the projectile. And soon, she shared the same expression of shock and confusion, and overall, pure fear, “No… nonono it can’t be! B-but why!?” “I seem to be lost here.” Quick grunted as she prepared her knives, the kitchen’s counter working as cover, “Who is attacking us again?” “He goes by the name Archer. His real name is Artemis,” Midnight explained as her ears flicked around, trying to hear anything. “He’s also a Specialist, like myself.” “We need to take better cover and find why the heck Artemis is attacking my freaking home!” Secure grunted and tried to peek towards where the arrow came from… Midnight pulled her back as an arrow shattered the window and whizzed past where her head just was. “Are you insane!?” Midnight yelled at her. “He could be several kilometers away. With his skills, we’re sitting ducks for him!” “We have two speedy mares here, and the area is full of manors and trees.” Secure whispered and pointed at the stairs, “We have three options. One, go downstairs and risk grabbing some shields. Two, go out there with nothing on us and try to grab his flank. Or three, stay here and pray Celestia herself decides to for some reason pay me a bucking visit and save our asses!” Midnight’s mind raced. She would have little choice, but she was bloodbound not to do that with vocal permission. Dammit all. Why was Archer out there shooting at them…? “That fucking bitch!” Midnight slammed her hoof into the ground. “How did she sway a bloody Specialist?” “Oh don’t tell me this is all because of the fairy bastard. Yeah… we won’t be able to do crap unless we get our hooves on him. Midnight, we have to do something, choice’s on you!” Secure called out, eyes fixed on the mirror that pointed outside. Midnight frowned. Well, time to do what she did best. “Sorry girls, I’m gonna do something stupid. Stay here and take cover…” She looked at Quick and smiled. “Take care of Pockets okay?” And with that, she flared her wings and flew like lightning out of the now open window. “Midnight!” Secure shouted and tried to grab the thestral’s hooves, yet failed. “Stay here!” Quick ordered Secure before taking off behind Midnight, her speed easily matching Midnight’s own, “What the buck are you doing!?” “Distracting him hopefully,” Midnight said and pushed Quick to one side as another golden arrow streaked by, impacting the floor near Secure. “I’m used to dealing with him. Now go hide. That’s an order!” “Sorry, but I don’t follow orders from you.” Quick smirked and in the blink of an eye did roll in the air, the incoming arrow barely scratching her fur, “I won’t let one of my best friends die!” “Dammit, if you’re in the guard, you do take orders from me,” she groaned and then blinked as something flashed in her eyes, before an arrow grazed her rump, right along her Cutie mark. A thin stream of blood arced from the wound and she gave a pained shout. “Midnight!” Quick exclaimed and tackled the thestral out of the sky, just in time to dodge the follow up shot. They crashed into a window and earned a scream of horror from a mare covered in towels, “Royal guard business! Get out of the area immediately!” She didn’t have to be told twice as she ran the fuck away. Midnight hissed in pain as she held the wound. “Ahh, buck… he’s still good, even as a zombie.” “This is bad.” Quick sighed and looked around, thankfully this house did have walls. Still, she knew this wouldn’t last much with arrows like those, “Midnight, I have an idea but you have to trust me, alright?” “Quick Step, you will not get yourself killed on my watch,” Midnight said. “Killed?” Quick smirked, “Do you even know me? Go down the stairs and walk there, stay under cover at all times. I’ll keep him distracted.” “And do what?” Midnight said, wincing from the injury. “Wait for my signal.” Quick extended her wings, “On ground level you have plenty of cover, so take it, understood?” Midnight frowned, but nodded. Without wasting a second, Quick Step took a deep breath, before flapping her wings and taking off. An arrow immediately came towards her, yet with amazing reflexes managed to deviate the arrow with her knives, the small sharp weapon bending slightly due to the power of the projectile. She still couldn’t see the archer though. Was Midnight not exaggerating when she said he could be several thousand hooves away? But, such accurate shots at that range were impossible… not to mention a bow simply cannot fire that far away. So how was he doing it? Were Specialists really that overpowered? Meanwhile, Midnight ducked downstairs and behind some furniture. Just what was Quick Step up to? Said pegasus was having a hard time dodging the fired off projectiles. She was really starting to doubt where or not this was a good idea. “Where the heck are you Mister Specialist?” Several kilometers away, inside a tower structure. A lone stallion silently drew back his bow string, a golden arrow taking form in his grip. He aimed at the pegasus mare in the maid dress. This arrow would go through her heart. With a look of utter indifference, he released… The arrow, remained static. And he could feel a strange sense of dread filling the room. He blinked slowly. This… should not happen. The arrow was meant to kill the mare… “Hey buddy.” Came a very angry scowl, “You hurt my marefriend, I hurt you. We cool? We cool.” And then, an incredibly powerful wave of red magic struck the stallion and knocked him back. A short statured mare with gorgeous ethereal wings was now in front of him, a strange aura surrounding her. Ah, the enemy. Artemis flipped in mid air and drew his bow, magically constructed arrows appeared, firing a volley of shots at her. The golden arrows streaked through the sky at Pockets, speeds faster than any eye could see. Pockets let out an almost bestial screech as her magic surrounded the arrows, slowing them down as they approached. With a flap of her powerful wings, an incredibly strong current of wind deviated the arrows. “Cute, but that shit ain’t going to work on me!” Her horn glowed, and from beneath the stallion a large red circle formed… and the floor beneath cracked loudly, before it shattered and the poor stallion fell from the roof and into the room beneath. Before he could figure out what just happened, something broke through the window behind him and tackled him to the wall, a vanilla-colored mare punching the hell out of him. His arrows had ruined her knives, but her hooves were intact. He grunted and fell back, just as Midnight caught up to them… her eyes staring wide at Pockets. “Again… you can never let me have my moment of badassery can you?” the thestral pouted. The unicorn blinked… and her wings disappeared. She fell to the floor with an eep and landed headfirst, the only thing leaving her mouth being a rather comical “Ouchie…” “Pockets? Didja run out of juice?” Midnight said and moved down to pick her up. When she did and Pockets returned the hug, she pulled her hooves back to see a red liquid stuck to one of them. “Oh shit… I knew something was wrong! I knew something happened to you! Fuck! I should have stayed with you!” The unicorn muttered angrily, “We need to get you patched up.” “It’s just a scratch,” Midnight rolled her eyes. “I’m fine… but seriously, what was with that glowy red, ‘Imma kill you’ aura just now?” “Anger I… guess?” Pockets shrugged, “Honestly don’t ask much, still getting used to this whole emotional magic deal. But are you sure you’re ok?” “I’m fine, he’s packing far less of a sting than normal… maybe cause he’s a zombie.” She sighed and looked down the hole. “I wonder if he’s…” She jerked back as an arrow flew up past her nose. “Nope, still there.” “I could use some help you know!?” Quick shouted from below. Midnight dove into the hole, landing right on top of Artemis and throwing him against a wall. He separated his bow in half and flew at her, slashing away with what were now twin swords. “Dammit, I could really use a weapon!” Midnight shouted as she dodged. “Did somebody say… weapon?” A blast of magic flew inches away from Midnight and struck Artemis right on the chest. A pegasus mare broke through the window, shining black and golden armor adorning her figure. She held a large crystalline lance with a glimmering purple gem on its tip, which glowed brightly. She dropped a bag on the floor which contained a variety of different weapons, from wingblades to daggers and even armor pieces, “Sorry for the delay, had to get my birthday presents first. Thank youuu dad!” She grinned. Midnight stared at the pile, enough to equip a small army. “What… the… buck?” Artemis growled… before flying out a window and off into the horizon. He was outclassed, and his Mistress was summoning him back for now. “Oh come on! I brought the good toys out just for you, you bloody ungrateful bird!” Secure shouted at him as he left, throwing her spear to the ground. Midnight was just staring at the weapons, drooling somewhat, before shaking her head. “No, we got lucky that he wasn’t, or can’t fight at full strength,” the thestral said. “Come on, we need to head back to the castle and inform the Princesses.” “Alright.” Secure sighed and looked at Midnight, noticing the cut, “Oh geez, that looks bad. At least you can say your flank is… bloody amazing.” She snickered at her own terrible joke, before taking off towards the castle, “Catch you there!” “That… was freaking terrible you flying tin can,” Midnight sighed. Dammit, her flank was really stinging now. Those holy arrows bucking hurt. “Are you okay Quickie?” “I’m fine.” Quick said nonchalantly, flapping her wings and letting Midnight have a glimpse of a rather deep injury on her ribcage, blood oozing out of it. Midnight’s eyes widened as she held the mare’s wing. “Pockets!’ she shouted. “Get a first aid kit. Hurry!!” “No!” Quick exclaimed, “I’m fine. I’ve received far worse blows, heck, I got stabbed in the chest once and survived without medical aid for an entire hour. I’m a professional. Let’s just go to the castle and we can worry about this there.” “Quick Step. You sit right. Bucking. There!” Midnight barked. “Pockets. I want that kit yesterday! Move it!” “On it!” Pockets nodded and teleported away. Quick rolled her eyes and lay down, holding back a hiss of pain, “You’re overreacting.” “The hell I am, bucking moron…” Midnight looked away, wiping away a few tears with a subtle motion. “Stop… making me worry about you…” Quick chuckled to herself and cupped Midnight’s cheek with a hoof, rubbing some more tears off of her gorgeous chocolate coat, “Said the one that tried to face the Archer by herself. I worry too, you know? And protecting your life is my priority both as the one in charge of guarding you, and your friend.” Midnight paused and looked at the mare. “Wait, you wanna run that whole ‘guarding me’ part by me again? Under whose orders are you to guard me?” Quick’s eyes widened up slightly. On one hoof, she could use her incredible lying skills to easily get off the hook, on the other hoof… this was Midnight, and she appreciated the thestral far too much to lie to her. Then again… “I’d tell you, but I know you’ll overreact and make a scene. So yeah, no.” “Oh really?” Midnight narrowed her eyes. “I have ways of making you talk. If I promise not to overreact, will you tell me?” “If you promise that, yes, I will.” Quick nodded, “And it stays between us, I have a spy reputation to keep.” “Fine, so tell me,” Midnight said as she tapped her hoof. What was taking Pockets so long? “Our agency, the Golden Swords, was hired due to the recent amount of enemies the crown has been facing, by Pr-” “Medkit!” Pockets’ startling exclamation completely caught the two mares off guard, teleporting right into the room and dropping a heavy metallic container on the floor. “Dammit Pockets!” Midnight sighed and looked at Quick. “You were saying?” Quick chuckled and nodded, “Me and Cereza were hired by the crown, meaning, Princess Celestia herself, to accompany you and protect you against all these crazy enemies you’ve been making.” “Celestia…” Midnight said quietly as she took out some gauze and bandages. She cleaned the wound, before applying the dressing. She was going to have words with that alicorn. “There, that should last you until we can get to the castle. Are you able to fly?” “Faster than you ever will.” Quick Step quipped and flapped her wings, “Thank you, by the way, for caring so much for this crazy, hopeless mare.” “It’s what I do,” Midnight replied as she tossed Pockets onto her back. “Alright midget, you ready to fly?” “Eyup. And on the way, you missy are going to tell me what the buck is going on and who the heck that is!” Pockets huffed and poked Midnight’s cheek. “Later,” Midnight nodded as she spread her wings and the three took off for the palace. A short while later, Midnight was walking into the throne room with a rather grim expression. One petitioner turned to tell her off for interrupting his discussion with Princess Celestia, but one fang-bearing hiss from the thestral had the noble tripping over his own hooves to escape from her. “Midnight Song,” Celestia sighed and descended from her throne. “I trust you have a very good reason for that.” “Aroma has some of the Specialists under her control,” Midnight said, Pockets and Quick Step seeing the alicorn’s eyes widen. “Archer, and possibly the other male members. We barely escaped with our lives from Archer.” “That… is not good news,” she said and noted Midnight’s and Quick’s injuries. “Are you alright?” “We’ve had worse,” Midnight said and narrowed her eyes. “Also, I’d like to ask. Why did you bring Quick and Cereza into this? Why do I and Pockets need protection? Do you not trust me anymore? Do you doubt my abilities as your guard!?” “Midnight!” Quick exclaimed and stomped on the ground, “You promised me to not overreact and not tell anyone! Bloody… No it’s not that she doesn’t bloody trust you you bonehead, but that she wants to make sure you’re not overwhelmed by the sheer amount of problems you have! You can’t do everything by yourself you know?” “She speaks the truth,” Celestia said with a small nod. “And Miss Step, do not be upset with Midnight. She is a rather earnest mare, and I should have discussed this with her much sooner. Will both of you forgive me?” Midnight rolled her eyes. “I’m not mad. Just… I dunno. Stressed I guess.” “You act like if this is all new for you: The stress; the danger; the risks of fighting against evil,” Quick huffed, “You’re a Royal Guard specialist for crying out loud, you should be used to these kind of things by now. If anything, Miss Pickett should be the one freaking out, yet look at her.” Said unicorn had stayed near the entrance, now playing swords against a piece of armor that was outside. She blinked at the mention of her name, and turned to the mares before waving happily and then returning to her duel. “See?” Quick chuckled, “Yes, this may be unnerving, it may be risky and even frustrating. But this is your job, isn’t it? To deal with all the stress so others can rest at ease, so others don’t have to worry about a bloody overpowered fairy ruining everything.” Midnight had nothing to say. She was right. Completely and utterly. She was a joke of a guard. She might as well hand her badge back now and leave it to somepony that can… “Midnight Song,” Celestia said as her horn shone. “I should have done this earlier as well. In light of recent events, I permit you to access your armoury. I no longer require Midnight Song. I need the Conductor.” Midnight paused and looked up… and Quick Step could feel… something change. “As you wish, Your Highness,” Midnight saluted. “As Leader of the Specialists, I will see to it that this evil is dragged into the light.” “Wait… the what now?” Pockets couldn’t help but ask from the doorframe, “Oh, that’s something I’ve been meaning to ask for a while. Who or what the buck are the specialists?” “There are always Seven Specialists,” Celestia explained as Midnight left the room. “No more, no less. They are… well, I suppose you could call them my last resort. When all other options are no long valid or have been exhausted, they will accomplish the task.” Quick Step chuckled, “Ah yes,I still remember the last group. You sent them to hunt us Sins down, didn’t you?” “I did,” Celestia nodded. “That would have been… hm, ten years ago now.” She sighed and looked at the pegasus mare. “And now, it seems I have to do it all over again.” “Well your highness, if Midnight’s their new leader then let me assure you, that those knockoff copies can’t possibly win.” The pegasus mare said with a confident grin before doing a reverence, “I know I’m not an actual specialist, but I’m under your commands Princess Celestia.” “And I’m counting on you,” Celestia nodded. “Midnight is… very proud and stubborn.” She lit up her horn and floated Pockets over to them. “I’m counting on you too to keep her safe okay?” “I’ll do my best Princess.” Quick gave a nod of her own before standing straight up and chuckling, “Look at me. Fifteen years ago I was one of the most wanted criminals in Manehattan, heck, even Equestria, and now I’m standing in front of the big mare herself in hopes of saving the day. Life sure is strange, isn’t it?” “It is indeed,” Celestia chuckled. “Still, we have quite the pressing matter at the moment. If Aroma was able to sway the male members of the Specialists. That means Archer, Berserker and Lancer could all be compromised.” “Lancer… Lancer....” Quick hummed in thought, “I’ll see if some contacts of mine can pinpoint him for you, hopefully we can save him before Aroma gets to him.” Knock knock! “Princess Celestia?” A guard called from outside the door, “”Your next appointment is here!” Celestia groaned. She really didn’t have time for this. “Well, sorry girls, that’s all the time I have. We’ll discuss this more at length later alright?” “Awww, alright.” Pockets said and waved her goodbye, “Off to school it is then! See ya Tia!” “And I guess I should probably help Officer Lines with her house cleaning, I’ll keep in touch your majesty.” Quick waved her goodbye as well and the two made their way towards the door, which opened for them. On the other side, stood a sight Pockets was not expecting, “Lancey!?” The disguised changeling blinked in surprise, before sighing and giving a soft chuckle, “Hello Pickett, funny seeing you here.” “Dude!” The stallion suddenly saw himself on the floor as Pockets tackle-hugged him with a loud laugh, “I haven’t seen you since you freaking kinda-saved my life! What are you doing here?” A loud faked cough called her attention, and she looked at the origin of it… to find a rather tall, toned light orange pegasus stallion, accompanied by a slender, beautiful light pink unicorn mare who was covering a giggle with her hoof. “Uhm…” The small unicorn trailed off, clearly lost on what was going on. “Pickett, these are my parents.” Lance said and squirmed his way out of the hug, “Celestia said she wanted to meet them, and they want to meet her as well. So we got an appointment and well… here we are.” The stallion chuckled and ruffled his son’s hair, before doing a small reverence and greeting the ones present, “Morning Miss Pickett, morning your majesty, mornin—” He was cut off as his eyes stopped on Quck Step, struggling to get his words out, “M-Morning Miss…” “Step.” The mare said with untrustful eyes, giving the stallion a good look. “Ah, just the individuals I was waiting for,’ Celestia smiled as she let them inside. She looked at Quick. “Miss Step, if you would be so kind as to locate Midnight Song and not let her into the throneroom. We don’t need any… incidents.” “Sure…” Quick nodded reluctantly and motioned Pockets to follow. The unicorn complied without complaint, giving Lance a hoof-bump before trotting out of the room. And then, she was pushed behind a corner. “What the wha-HMPF!” The unicorn’s muffled complaints were ignored by the pegasus mare, who quickly got several looks from the confused guards.She raised her other hoof, the one that wasn’t on Pockets’ muzzle, and leaned closer to have a peek inside, shooting the guards a death stare if they even dared to close the doors on her. “Your majesty.” The stallion began as he did another reverence, “We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity you’ve given our son.” “Oh yes,” The mare followed with a happy smile, “Considering all the hardships he has gone through for being a changeling… the fact that that has helped him save somepony’s life, well… it fills us with pride.” Lance blushed and with an embarrassed giggle waved the topic off, “I didn’t save her life per say, just brought it back to her.” “And we are quite grateful for that,” Celestia chuckled. “That was probably the reason Midnight Song didn’t eat you.” The family of changelings froze, a semi-disguised look of shock taking both the parents' faces. “She… has poor experiences from that fiasco at the wedding,” Celestia explained to them. “She was almost drained completely dry by several Changeling Hunters.” “Oh goodness.” The mare gasped. “We’re so sorry to hear that.” The stallion nodded with a shameful sigh, “Our powers can be so… dangerous. Those brutes…” “But we’re different!” Lance quickly said and without doubting it for a second, got rid of his disguise, “We are the good guys right?” “Lance!” His mother scolded him and pulled him from the ear, ”What have I told about just transforming like that? It’s dangerous!” “Ouch, ouch, hurts, mom please, mom stahp.” The young colt begged with a rather flat tone. He was used to it, the pain was nothing at this point… still, it was kind of annoying. Celestia chuckled again and raised a hoof. “It’s quite alright, i just wanted you to understand her trepidation to your kind. Still, I’m glad you have come. As we can now begin.” The two parents looked at each other and sighed, “Well… I guess.” The mare sighed. She flashed a vibrant shade of green and revealed her true form, a taller changeling drone with pink-tinted wings, her wings buzzing slightly, “Oh geez, it’s been a while since I used these.” She giggled. The stallion did the same. A now muscular, rather smooth-skinned changeling now stood on his place, a large scar spreading from the right side of his forehead to his muzzle on an almost perfectly vertical direction. Celestia blinked in surprise. They, looked somewhat different to the Changelings she saw on that fateful wedding day. “If I may ask,” she said, gesturing to the pink wings and scar. “Oh?” The mare quirked a brow, “Oh, I’m quite good with natural pigments, so with a few petals and a bit of oil, I just tinted the wings so they’d look pretty, even if only my family ever sees them. But oh well, they’re what matters to me the most so it’s worth it.” She said and pulled her son for a hug. “And I got the scar when I rebelled against the drones that attacked the city.” The stallion explained, “It’s nothing too big, and it remains hidden most of the time really. But it’s a sign of my pride as an independent changel—” “Stop lying to her, you bucking bastard!” Came a very, very angry scowl from the door. They all turned to look in shock and surprise, except for the stallion, who sported an expression of both fear, and worry… with a slight hint of anger. Quick Step walked into the room with two knives ready, her growls filling the room and her eyes shining with rage. “Miss Quick Step!” Celestia narrowed her gaze. “You’d best have a good reason for disobeying my orders and interrupting this meeting!” “Uhm… dad?” Lance began trembling in fear at the sight of the furious knife-wielding pegasus, “What is going on.” “Stand behind me.” He replied flatly, yet when neither his wife nor son did so, stomped on the ground and scared the heck out of them, “Now!” The two obeyed and took cover behind the stallion, who took a deep breath and looked at Quick firmly, “Listen, we don’t need to do this. We can sit this one down and—” And now, he was being tackled at max speed by the pegasus, who tried to pin him on the ground… only to be flipped mid-air and tossed into a wall with expert precision, an extra punch in the maw being delivered for good measure. The mare grunted as she crashed against a pillar, yet quickly got on her hooves and snared at the changeling, “Your majesty! Get behind cover, right now!” “We don’t need to do this Step, I’m not the same I used to be, alright?” The changeling said with a narrowed gaze, circling around the mare. “Likely story, Pride!” The stallion froze, and his gaze darkened, “That’s not my name..” He muttered. “What was that you scum?” Quick gnarled. “I said…” The changeling’s body flashed with a vibrant green hue, a powerful magical aura circling around him, “That’s not my name! You come here and try to ruin my already harsh life, try to humiliate me in front of the Princess and my son, and bloody attempt to stab me!? What is WRONG with you Lust! Just move on alrea—” “ENOUGH!!!” The thunderous boom of Celestia’s Royal Canterlot Voice blew everypony off of their hooves. The massive throne room doors were blown open like leaves in a windstorm. Quick Step was ensnared in a golden aura and dragged over to Celestia, her eyes burning white as her mane and tail ignited a deep orange, flickering like a roaring flame. “Explain! NOW!” For the first time in her entire life… Quick Step, was scared. She was frightened, she feared for her life and knew she had fucked up. But… she did it for a reason, a good one, “I… I’d recognize that face anywhere, that scar… I’m the one that made that scar. He’s not a Changeling drone, he left the hive decades ago. He… he’s my former leader and fellow sin, and the one we suspect is behind the group of thieves. He… is Pride.” “Excuse me?” He quirked a brow, “First of all, my name’s Chitin, you know that. Second of all, I am not responsible for anything! I work at a convenience store earning the minimum wage for Celestia’s sake! I have nothing to do with… thieves! I left that life long ago!” “You left me to die!” Quick snarled. “And I’m sorry!” Chitin replied with just as much intensity before sighing, “I really am. But I’m a changed stallion now… please, I know I hurt you, I know I did. And I’m sorry… but don’t ruin a reputation I don’t even have, and don’t let my son keep hearing that his father was a bloody wanted thief and murderer…” “For somepony named Pride, you seem to have quite a lack of it now…” Celestia looked at Quick Step and her mane returned to normal, along with her eyes. But she still looked very angry. “I expected far better of somepony with your training and discipline. We will discuss this later. Right now. Return to Miss Secure’s domicile. Take Pockets and Midnight with you. Disobey me a second time, and you’ll be cleaning the inside of a cell. Am. I. Clear?” Quick sighed and looked down in shame. She really had acted like a complete and utter fool, “Yes your highness… I’m sorry your highness.” She turned to Chitin and gave an apologetic reverence, before taking off, a trail of tears full of frustration and disappointment, mainly on herself, staying behind. Chitin bit his lip, and looked up to the still trembling Lance, opening his mouth to say something before closing it down and looking away in shame, “I… I guess that’s it then.” He said coldly, “All this work for nothing… my son saves a life and soon afterwards I get thrown in prison, bringing shame to a family that already had no bloody respect from anyone. “ He kneeled down and extended his hooves, his aura disappearing completely as he just awaited the handcuffs, “Please end this quickly, your highness.” “Very well,’ Celestia said and rose to her hooves, her horn shining brightly. “For you sins, I cast upon you, the harshest sentence that crime deserves!” She stepped closer, and the three changelings could feel the power she was radiating. “Are you prepared?” She leaned down and that power vanished with a small smirk. “Prepared for community service?” The changeling literally lost balance and he fell on his face. “W-what… but… but I did all those horrible things.” Chitin stuttered as he struggled to get up, “I… I’m Pride, former leader of one of the most dangerous groups in Equus’ recent history. I… I’m so confused… I—” “Former,” Celestia pointed out. “I’d like to think there is good in all my little ponies, no matter how far down it is.” She leaned down, then pulled the three Changeling’s into an embrace. “The past is a memory, the future is a mystery. But today? That’s when you make them smile. That’s why it’s called the present.’ Chitin blinked, yet he soon closed his eyes and gave an understanding nod. It was true, that was his past, a very shameful past, but one he had to leave behind, “Son.” He opened his eyes and looked at Lance, an honest, ashamed, yet determined face calming his nerves, “I want you to know that whatever I was before, I no longer am. I am proud of you, incredibly so, and I know since the day you were born, heck, since the day I met your mother, that I would easily leave a life full of richness and vices, a life of fame and danger… I’d leave it without thinking twice just to be with you, to be with this family.” “Dad… I don’t care who you were before. I know you’re a loving drone and that now, you wouldn’t hurt a soul. But… please tell me there won’t be more crazy ponies trying to kill us.” He grinned awkwardly, fiddling with his hooves. Chitin chuckled and ruffled his mane, “Promise.” He turned to Celestia and gave her a thankful smile, eyes getting watery form the overwhelming emotions that filled his body, “Your highness… I can’t fully express just how much I owe you, how much we owe you. I will fulfil any duty you give me, no matter what it is… I’m at your service.” “You don’t owe me anything, just make sure your family is happy and safe,” she smiled. “Now of course, what I am about to ask might make you a tad uncomfortable…” He quirked a brow. Yet before he could ask what she meant by that… “Yes, he puts eggs in the female.” His wife said with all the ease of the world. “Mom!” Lance’s jaw dropped, “What the heck!?” “Oh get used to it hunnie, everyone asks that at some point or another.” She chuckled. Chitin facehooved, “Sometimes Rehy… sometimes I wonder how you ended up being the smartest of us all.” “You love me.” Rehy giggled with a cute smile, pecking his cheek. “Apologies your highness.” Chitin shook his head and turned back to Celestia, “What is it that you need to know?” They got to witness a sight almost none had seen. The infallible Princess of the Sun, was standing there with her eyes wide and a fierce blush adorning her muzzle. “Oh would you look at that. Chrysalis struggled so much to take over, yet the only thing she needed to break Celestia was an innuendo.” Rehy smirked, before sighing, “Ok I’m sorry. I’ll shut up now.” “Good gods…” Chitin sighed, “Are you alright your highness?” “I um… eggs?” the princess blinked and then shook her head. “R-Right. Moving on. First, I’d like a little information from you.” Rehy opened her mouth, yet Chitin’s glare quickly shut it down. She still giggled at her own joke though. “And what would that be?” The changeling questioned. Celestia pulled out a report, specifically, the one Cereza had made after her investigation of Miss Wide Heart’s Orphanage. “Take a look at this please.” He raised a brow and took a look at the report, flipping page after page… His face went white. His legs trembled and he almost fell to the floor, breath hitching and eyes widened. Rehy rushed to help him and helped him stabilize, worry quickly taking over her face and Lance’s own as they looked at the frightened stallion. “So, it’s as bad as i thought,’ Celestia sighed. “And this is happening right here in Canterlot.” He shook his head and grabbed the report, taking one of the pictures and giving a look at it, making sure his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him. He sighed and nervously placed the picture down, showing it to Celestia. A large shelf with glass doors, where four strange-looking amulets hung calmly. Their emblems, they would be just odd symbols to any pony, but for Chitin… it meant trouble, “W-Whoever is behind this… they’re dangerous, very much so. Those amulets… those are the cursed amulets of Aka Manah… they are powerful artifacts able to turn any regular being into a killing machine. Enhancing the body, strengthening their magic, and most importantly, corrupting their mind. I know because I… I have one of my own. We all did.” “You have one of these Amulets still?” Celestia asked in a worried tone, and wondered if Quick Step still possessed one. “Hidden somewhere safe, yes.” He nodded, “But from the looks of it, they already got their hands on four if not more, meaning they somehow found the other Sins and stole from them, which is already quite the feat. From the looks of it… they are missing Pride, Lust and… Wrath if I’m correct. Wrath… if we could find him, we could possibly lure the thieves into an ambush.” “Well, so that confirms that Miss Step likely still has hers,” Celestia clicked her tongue as she took back the report. “And for Wrath… well I know exactly where he is.” “You do?” Chitin’s eyes widened, “Wait… was he jailed? We must find him and the amulet, now!” “Jailed, of course not,” Celestia tittered. “Why, we had tea together just this morning. He’s likely out in the courtyard training… young… Moonlight…” Her eyes widened. If Aroma was going after the Specialists… “We have to move. NOW!” This.. was going to get ugly. “Oh, oh, watch this!” Moonlight Steel focused and pulled his hind hoof back, before swiftly albeit clumsily striking a hay dummy that spinned around. “Mmm, that was most excellent Young Master Moonlight,” the massive Minotaur nodded, sipping delicately from a dainty little teacup. “However, you must adjust your stance, fix your center of gravity and your kicks will have much more power.” “Yes sir!” He nodded and tried, as clumsy as he was still, to follow the orders. He managed to keep a rather good stance up… before falling on his butt. “Ouch... Sorry!” He called out. “Too much adjustment,” the Minotaur chuckled and stood up. “Now… observe.” he moved up to a dummy and crouched low, before surging forward and striking out with a massive fist. The dummy was torn completely off of it’s post and sent sailing over the roof of the distant barracks. “Woah!” The colt gasped in awe, before hopping up and down excitedly, “I want to do that, please teach me more Mister Titan!” “But of course lad, ahh, if only the youth of today were as exuberant as you.” He wiped some manly tears from his eyes. “I am so proud of you lad! Let us achieve the pinnacle of strength together!!” “Sir yes sir!” He nodded and went back to kicking. Titan watched him and turned around to make some more tea… as an odd-coloured pink smoke covered his head. “W-What is this?’ he gasped and put a hand to his head. “No… not now. NO!” He fell forward, both hands on his head. Moonlight Steel paused and turned to him, “Uhm… Mister Titan? Are you alright?” “Get rid of him… get rid of anyone who dares to get on your way, and come home to your Mistress.” “Yes… Mistress…” he grunted as he stood up and pulled up his ridiculously huge hammer. The head of the thing was bigger than a full grown stallion. “Uhm… I don’t think I’m ready to use that sort of weapon Mister T.” Moonlight gulped and stepped back, “And that face is scaring me. A-are you alright? If… If you try anything funny I… I will fight you!” He tried to stand valiantly, yet his instincts made him walk back. “SMAAASSHHH!” The Minotaur roared, his body coated in a black shadow and his eyes burned a hateful red as his Berserker state took over. While Moonlight dodged the first blow, it struck the ground with such force that the shockwave alone sent him tumbling across the ground. And yet, the massive ragebeast moved faster that he ever could have expected as the shadow of the massive hammer loomed over him… But it never struck, when the colt opened his eye, Aerial Ace was standing over him, both arms raised as he caught the hammer mid-swing. “You… okay…?” he grunted. The colt just froze, trembling at the sight. “L… L… L-Leave him alone!” He squeaked out before kicking the minotaur’s leg… that did nothing. “Run lad!” Ace said and tossed the hammer to one side, before a punch sent the Minotaur stumbling back. He looked at his son and smiled. “I’ve got this. Trust me okay?” He looked at Ace, and then turned to see at Titan. He knew this was out of his league, and as much as he wanted to help… He nodded, and quickly ran for it. The least he could do is find help. Then he heard a sound that made his blood run cold, a sickening crack as Berserker used the distraction to slam Ace with his hammer. The griffon was sent rocketing across the ground, bouncing multiple times before hitting a stone wall so hard he went through it. Moonlight closed his eyes when his father flew past him, knowing that a glimpse at the afterstrike would probably make him stay and fight, which would end poorly. He had to find help, someone more capable, more powerful and agile. He had to help his dad. Ace coughed as he pulled himself up from the rubble and rubbed his chin. “Now that was a cheap shot Titan. Allow me to return the favour!” he let out a loud screech and raced forwards as Titan turned to Moonlight. He never reached him though, as the Griffon’s fist collided with his face, sending him sprawling across the ground. Ace didn’t let up, letting loose a barrage of punches to keep him down. Then his fists stopped, Berserker grabbed both arms and swung him like a hoofball bat, sending him flying upwards, before jumping up to meet him and slammed him back down, Ace hitting the ground so hard it left an impact crater. The minotaur’s figure loomed over Ace’s now injured body, his hammer in hand and ready to smash every single bone in the griffon's body. He raised his weapon, and prepared to strike… And then he felt a strong breeze of air, the scent of blood… and the sharp pain caused by the deep cut of a dagger on his cheek as a light brown blur dashed past him, landing behind the minotaur. “Now someone has been acting naughty.” Came a taunting, sensual hum, as a slim female griffon stood up and looked at him with a cocky grin plastered on her beak. She flapped her wings and hovered in the air, her claw holding a pitch-black colored dagger, a large red gem encrusted on the handle. “Time to teach this little bull some manners.” Steam rose from the wound she inflicted, healing up near instantly as Berserker snorted and looked at the new meat that had come for the slaughter. Aroma’s control had left, he had nothing but his Rage now. Rage that wouldn't be sated until all his enemies were smashed. Moonlight had stopped, something inside told him he needed to see this. “Now dear… usually, I would hold back. What with you being a fellow guard and whatnot. But… you look like you lost all control, and most importantly, you hurt my potential mate. And I do not take kindly to those who hurt the ones I care about.” She expertly circled the dagger in her claw as her grin widened, this looked like a fun challenge alright, “So I’ll give you one final chance before striking you down. Drop the weapon, and we can all sing together and celebrate the magic of friendship, alright?” He moved… Ah… So that’s what being hit by a train must have felt like. His punch had sent the griffoness into the ground like Luna had just dropped the moon itself on her. The griffoness’ breath hitched and she screeched in pain, feeling a couple of her ribs break. No biggie. “So… that’s how it’s going to be then..” She panted. And suddenly, she was gone. She was literally gone. Berserker looked around. Where did the little birdy go? “Looking for me dearie?” Came a cold giggle, the tingling sensation of a claw rubbing against his skin ran through his back… and then a sense of dread. The mare was now cloaked in dark smoke that emanated from the magical gem of her knife’s handle, using his own shadow to hide. This gave her a good chance to stab the minotaur’s back, a wound Cereza knew would heal soon. Not wanting to give him a break, she used the window of opportunity to push-kick the heck out of Titan, using just the perfect angle to do so without the slightest of difficulty. And as she predicted, the wounds started healing. And then Berserker got mad. He picked up his hammer and slammed it into the ground. The resulting shockwave was… Oh you have got to be bucking kidding! His hammer was made of Etherite? The shockwave scrambled all magic in the area… Cereza grunted in pain, using the momentum to take off and out of the blast radius, she knew getting close was a stupid idea, and that she was not even close of wearing him down. This… was bad. If only a long ranged expert like a certain vanilla pegasus was around…. The ragebeast swung his hammer, the movement left her slightly visible, and he saw her! He swung his hammer right for hr head, shadow or not, the Etherite would cancel it… “MOM!” Moonlight screamed. Then… a scent tingled her nose. The hammer never struck. There was a loud ‘THOOOOM’ though… was she dead? Well, that was painless and boring. “Dear,” Ace said calmly, holding the hammer at bay with a single claw. He used the other to remove his tattered red scarf. “Hold this for me would you?” “The scarf or the hammer?” She quipped and did as said, “Need any help love?” “Just one thing,” he replied as she saw his muscles ripple and bulge. “Stand back.” he shoved the hammer aside and narrowed his eyes. “Now Titan. Attacking a lady like that is rather rude. I know you aren’t yourself, but don’t worry. I’ll bring you back around with a good beating. Titan roared as Ace stepped forward, undeterred. The Minotaur swung his massive fist and the griffon grabbed it with his talon, before drawing back his own and the punch connected, sounding like a crack of thunder, the shockwave could be felt all over the courtyard. And the fact that the griffon knocked him clean off his cloven hooves? “It’s been a while since I’ve gone all out,” he mused and chuckled. “Do try and keep up~” “Really now Ace?” Cereza giggled and placed the scarf on her neck, it felt quite warm really, “Taking the thunder from me like that, kind of rude wouldn’t you think?” Moonlight just saw in awe and worry what was going on, fighting the urge to go and help. “Now promise me you’ll give me some time to shine next time, alright dear?” Cereza pecked his cheek and flew back, “Now go get them.” “Of course,” Ace cracked his neck as Berserker got back up, his black aura intensifying, his wounds healing. “Yes yes, you can heal from physical injuries… which is why I have to just hit you faster than you can heal!” Cereza and Moonlight blinked as Ace vanished, the ground under him exploding from the force he used to push off as he slammed into Berserker, his fists raining down like lightning as he struck blow after blow. “I have to exercise so much control,” Ace said as he struck. “I have to be so careful that I don’t break something…” he looked at his family. “Or someone… But you,” he smirked and looked at Berserker. “You can take it, can’t you big guy?” “SSMMAASSHHH!!” Berserker howled again, and the two clashed fists, the shockwaves were like an earthquake, enough to make Moonlight fall and even Cereza stumbled back from it. She was stopped as Celestia appeared, steadying the two with her magic. “Oh why hello your highness.” Cereza grunted, that was quite the wave, “Here to help?” “I dare not get between that,” Celestia said with a shake of her head. “Even I might not survive it.” Ace grunted, then smirked as the two started trading blows, each hammering down with the force of a meteor strike. Cereza and Moonlight could only look on as their fists became little more than blurs, and the pair could swear that the entire castle trembled with each furious blow. “Hrrm, I’m getting old,” Ace muttered. He’d have wrapped this up by now. Though, not much of the castle would be left if both he and Berserker were in their prime. Still, his regeneration was starting to get annoying. Steam rose like a blanket of fog as the pair clashed fists again, the ground around them exploding from the force of the collision. Then Berserker got a lucky hit in as he delivered a vicious right hook, sending Ace spiralling across the ground, bouncing a few times and landing close to the group observing. “Your Highness,” he said and gave a small nod to Celestia as he got back up. “Aerial Ace,” she replied, returning the nod. “Would you…” “It’s fine… a good opportunity really.” he looked down at his son and smiled. “Boy. Would you like to see something interesting?” “Uhm…” To be honest with himself, he was frightened, yet at the same time, pretty damn excited. This battle was just epic in every sense of the word! “Sure.” He nodded dubiously. “Excellent. Now, magic and physical blows aren’t too effective against him when he’s like this, so what do you think we should use?” “Mental attacks?” He tilted his head curiously. “Mm, not quite. The correct answer…” Berserker rushed at him, the ground shaking with each step as he charged. Ace took a new stance, standing upright as his left hind leg lowered, while the right extended out in front of him. He moved his arms into a position, one raised, the other curled in the opposite direction underneath, making a circle shape. And when when Berserker was in striking range? He lashed out with an open palmed strike. When it connected, it was like time stopped for a moment, it was… so blissfully silent. Then was a small flash of light, Berserker was blown backwards like he’d been shot out of a cannon, tumbling across the ground and skidding to a stop some thirty feet away. “This my son,” he said as he inhaled, then exhaled. “Is the power of Chi.” Then it was Ace’s turn to attack. He raced forwards as Berserker was getting up… ‘Beat Rush’ The attacks flew at impossible speeds, countless blows rained down in the blink of an eye as Berserker was reduced to nothing but defense, all his strength was put into just remaining upright. ‘Infinite Beat Rush’ And again, only the blows rained harder and faster, steam rose, not from Berserker’s regeneration, but from the air heating up due to friction. There was a series of small, rapid pops, and Cereza realised that Ace’s attacks were breaking the soundbarrier. “Now my boy… observe!” Ace flapped his wings and flew back. Berserker wobbled in place, the shadows around him flickered and waned, his regeneration couldn’t keep up with the speed at which he was injured. Ace drew back his hands, cupping them together as light started to build between his palms. Then as Berserker finally recovered and turned to Ace, his glowing eyes widened. Light spilled forth from the Griffon, swirling like water as Ace smiled. “BRAVE SHINE!” He flung his fists forward as the beam of energy tore up the earth, striking Berserker head on with a tremendous explosion that all of Canterlot felt. Celestia erected a magical barrier, just as dust and debris struck it. After a few moments, the shockwave passed and she dropped the barrier. The smoke and dust cleared, revealing a clearly unconscious and severely injured Titan. Ace looked rather haggard, taking deep breaths as he dropped to the ground. “Baah, exhausted… already,” he groaned. “I really am… getting old.” “Just a tad bit.” Cereza said calmly as she and Moonlight approached. She tossed the scarf to him and gave him a rather impressed smile, which she soon played off with a shrug, “I would have dealt with it in a far more effective way, but to each their own. Now while I’m not that blown off by your over-dramatic display, something tells me somepony else is…” “That… Was… AWESOME!” Ace suddenly found his neck being tightly hugged by a giggling Moonlight, who had never seen something quite as epic as that, and was pretty sure he never would, “You are awesome! So freaking awesome! You’re the awesomest dad in the universe!” Ace smiled, not because of his son’s praise but… “You, called me dad,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye. Moonlight’s eyes widened, and he stepped back with an embarrassed blush, “Oh! I… I’m sorry MIster Ace! I don’t know if you’re comfortable with that yet and… we were told on the orphanage that we had to give you some time to get used to that and—” “It’s fine my boy, better than fine,” Ace pulled the colt into a hug and smirked. “And don’t think I didn’t hear what you called Cereza either.” His embarrassed blush deepened, “Uhm… I… I’m sorry Miss Cereza. I know you and my… dad, aren’t, you know, married.” He was about to say ‘yet’, but held it back. “And… I messed up again didn’t I?” Cereza looked at him with a quite surprised expression, before sighing, “Yes, yes you did.” She said plainly, before pulling him over with a wing until her forehead was in contact with his own, “A true hero never doubts, never stutters. A true hero is firm in stance, and words. So stop hesitating child.” She gave the now confused colt a kiss on the forehead and patted his back, “Now let’s go dear, me and your father have a lot to talk about.” “Uhm… alright.” The griffon’s quirked gaze sent shivers down his spine, and he quickly nodded with a firm, “Yes ma’a- I mean mom!” “Good boy.” She giggled and draped a wing over the injured Ace, “So, I guess I’m a mother now. I should probably be far more angry at you right now.” “Perhaps, but I am far too handsome for you to stay mad long,” he chuckled and nuzzled her. Celestia was seeing to Titan, relieved that the possession seemed to be no longer present. But his amulet… it was missing. That, did not bode well. “Cereza?” she spoke up. “I have a job for you.” Cereza quirked a brow, an interested hum leaving her beak, “Yes my dear Princess? What can I do for you?” “I need you to head to a certain home, I have a bad feeling about something…” The grffoness narrowed her eyes. This... sounded like trouble. The Pie rock farm was quiet. It was always quiet really, save for when Pinkie Pie visited. In front of the roaring fireplace, three mares sat. One was a stoic-looking earth pony with a grey coat and a plum-coloured mane and tail. She wore a teal dress and closed her eyes in content as she nuzzled the mare next to her. “Ah! Not in front of mother,” she gasped, though she didn’t entirely dislike it. “Trixie’s mother does not want to see us canoodling.” “Actually, I don’t mind at all,” the older mare smiled and nuzzled her as well. “I'm glad you found somepony dependable to love.” She nickered softly and pulled back. Her silver mane hanging loosely against her midnight-blue coat. “You’re welcome,” Maud Pie said in her usual monotone voice. “She makes me very happy. Sorry I can’t contain myself.” “So I see,” Ultima Lulamoon chuckled and her ear flicked, her horn shining gently. She clicked her tongue in annoyance and stood up. “Is something wrong Momma?” Trixie asked her, her ears flattening. “I'm afraid so my Little Star,” Ultima sighed. “Mommy has to go to work. But I'll be back soon.” Trixie looked dejected, but another nuzzle from Maud cheered her up a little. “Okay…” Ultima nodded and bid her farewells, trotting out of the farmhouse and heading towards the station. “What trouble is that Sun-flanked moron in now?” she muttered irritably.