//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 // Story: Midnight's Shadow: Tainted Legacies // by Ponibius //------------------------------// I flew above Fillydelphia on black wings. The clouds above me rumbled, their discontent accompanied by a steady drizzle that made the cobblestones of the street slick. I watched through eyes that were not mine own as the citizens of the city went about their business whilst avoiding the steady rain. The streets were not as busy as when I first arrived. Whether that was because of the murder of their archmagus or because of the weather, I could only guess. Next I was standing on a tavern windowsill. The rain had driven ponies indoors, and business was steady as ponies talked between food and drink. Talk of the conclave was on many lips—especially the murder of Archmagus Tempus. Wild rumors flew. The Archmagus had been murdered by a rival. No, he had been poisoned. No, he had fallen afoul of one of his experiments. One table had convinced itself that the magi were on the verge of civil war, for they had seen a pair of magi battle in the street and level a whole city block. I transferred my consciousness to another raven busy watching a poor earth pony take advantage of the rain to clean their meager belongings. The next raven watched the city square as well-appointed ponies, likely city administrators passed from one building to another on business. Another raven busied itself pecking seeds thrown about by a kind-faced student at Fillydelphia University. Time and again I moved my soul from one raven of the Great Unkindness to the next in search of the warlock Hidden Facts. In a city of thousands, I needed to discover one pony who was damnably good at keeping himself from being found. But I had hundred of eyes all about the city, each searching for my quarry, and I had my own magical senses to further augment the efforts of the Great Unkindness. Still, as time stretched on I feared that my task might prove futile. Even with the aid of the Great Unkindness combing a whole city for one pony was difficult, especially when considering Hidden’s immense talents at avoid detection. Still, I had to put my best effort forward. The only alternatives were to accept failure or take Emeraude’s bargain, since I did not consider letting Hidden get away once again to be acceptable. It was only after nearly two hours searching that I came upon a discovery. I was within a raven flying to an abandoned building when suddenly I was violently expelled. The experience was a searing agony, as though I had suddenly struck a wall of fire and electricity as solid as brick. I fortified my will to keep myself from being thrown back into my body or worse, and through immense effort rebuilt my astral projection. Once I regained my senses I took in my surroundings. The raven had continued on forward, though briefly stopping in midair to turn in my direction, confused by my sudden expulsion. Carefully, I expanded my magical senses forward, detecting a powerful ward. Following its edges, I discovered the ward was set up as a dome over a single building located against the city wall: the abandoned militia barracks. Curious. What reason would a place like this have such a ward? ‘Twas possible the ward was some throwback to when the barracks had been in use before the Lunar Rebellion, but further examination determined the enchantment was fresh and solid. They would not be so after a decade of neglect. No, these were newly made, I was sure of it. The barracks were also supposedly haunted, though obviously the wards were not made to keep spirits within its walls. (1) These were specifically built to keep out intruders and prevent any kind of clairvoyance into the building. 1. Near the end of the Lunar Rebellion, the Blade Clan had taken up residence in the barracks since their disgrace and dismissal. Seeing an opportunity to remove the pegasi occupiers from his city while the main Pegasopolian army was stuck sieging Canterlot, the mayor of Fillydelphia ordered the garrison poisoned and then assaulted in the middle of the night. In a single bloody night nearly the entirety of the Blade Clan’s fighting strength was slain, and Fillydelphia liberated. However, the sudden betrayal and breaking of hospitality resulted in many ghosts rising up in the barracks. The Magi Order was unable to swiftly dispel the dangerous ghosts, and it was eventually decided to abandon the barracks and place several wards over the building and bar the entrance. I summoned more ravens to examine the barracks. I could not get close with my astral form, but the ravens could pass by easily. Once they were done scouting the building, they left the perimeter and returned to me. From there I entered their bodies and examined their memories. There were recent signs of activity within the barracks: fresh trash was stored in receptacles in the kitchen, and food was ready to be made and served. Another raven had spotted ponies within the building, one of whom I recognized as Moonwatch’s compatriot from the previous night. I flew through the memories of the other ravens sent to scout, and they all confirmed that the barracks was in use. Though none of them had spotted Hidden, that did not mean he was not inside. He could simply be disguised as one of the other ponies in the barracks, or in some room unable to be seen by window, and thus the ravens. It was enough to act on. I returned to my body with great haste and informed Shadow of my discovery. She in turn summoned Mother, and the two of them brought yet more ponies together to discuss what must be done. The two of them met with the archmagi available, as well as several other distinguished magi and guardponies they both trusted implicitly. Much to mine irritation, I was not one of those ponies. Despite all mine efforts in fighting and tracking the warlocks in our midst, I had been deemed of insufficient importance to consult on what must be done about Hidden Facts and his coven of warlocks. ‘Twas quite peturbing. I paced in the hallways near where everyone was meeting. Little surprise, the room had been heavily warded against any sort of eavesdropping or magic with similar effects. Thus I was stuck waiting. And waiting. And waiting yet more. Stalwart raised an eyebrow as he watched me pace back and forth. “Midnight, at this rate you will wear a groove in the floor.” I halted in my steps to look at my bodyguard. “That would take a great deal of more effort. This stone seems well-made and solid.” Mine eyes narrowed at the door leading to the meeting hall. “Of course, if this meeting lasts much longer, I might very well accomplish the feat.” “You seem troubled.” Stalwart took a seat on one of the cushions lining the hallway. “Shall we discuss it?” “Naturally I am troubled,” I told him as I returned to my pacing. “There is a dangerous band of warlocks in this city that needs to be hunted down and destroyed.” “And they will be,” he stated in a calm and measured tone. “Do you believe Lady Shadow will not make that her highest priority?” “Of course she will.” I grumbled under my breath and shook my head. “What I fear is that Hidden will slip away while we tarry. He is a slippery opponent who managed to evade Mother several times during the war, and has since avoided every attempt to find and kill him.” “And if we rush in heedlessly, how likely is he to escape?” Stalwart inquired. “Presuming it is indeed him in Fillydelphia.” I let out an annoyed huff. “That is true. He is a damnable enemy like that.” Stalwart frowned as he watched me pace back and forth. “Do you have so little faith in others?” I stopped to face him. “That is not what I said.” “You have no seeming confidence in anyone's abilities but your own when it comes to stopping these warlocks.” I felt mine irritation rise at this line of questions. “They have not caught Hidden thus far.” Stalwart popped his shoulder. “And surely a single young magus can accomplish what the greatest magi and warlock hunters of our age cannot.” I scowled deeply. “Art thou mocking me?” “Perhaps.” The Sergeant met mine unhappy glare with his own level stare. “A touch of mockery is good for all of us from time to time. The most cutting critique usually affects us because we think it true.” I growled and plonked down onto a cushion next to him. As annoying as it was, he was not incorrect. It was perhaps arrogant to think I would miraculously succeed where the efforts of the best of Equestria had thus far failed. It didn’t help that part of me did believe I could do so. And would it not be a great boon to my career to defeat such a great enemy to Equestria? Though the pragmatic and cautious part of my mind reminded me that I would never become archmagus if I got myself killed in some foolhardy venture. I crossed my legs over my chest. “So I should do nothing?” “Quite often you will find that thought, planning, and considering the advice of others is better than acting rashly.” Stalwart nodded to the door. “And that is what they are doing right now.” “I already know this,” I huffed. “But I am not even included in the discussion. Despite all I have done, I have been shunted off and told to mind myself while the adults discuss how to deal with this crisis.” “Yes. That is often the case when you are not part of the upper echelons of power,” he said. “They are the ones who must make decisions on weighty matters, and we must have faith in them.” “That is easier said than done.” I hated feeling helpless. Great forces were on the move, and I was stuck sitting here doing nothing but waiting for others to decide what would be done. “Is it?” Stalwart turned his head to face me. “You have never questioned your mother's lead before.” Mine ear twitched. “And why should I not, now and again? She questions everyone—even Princess Celestia. Should I not follow in her example?” Stalwart scratched behind his ear. “That is one of the benefits of her rank, and even then she does so carefully. She knows how to push without pushing too far. Otherwise she would not still be Grand Vizier.” I let out an annoyed huff. “So what wouldst thou recommend? Stoically stand aside and do nothing?” “I would at least hear them out before questioning and doubting.” Stalwart looked about the hall, making sure we were alone before he spoke more quietly. “Midnight, might I speak frankly?” I tilted my head, as ‘twas rare for him to make such a request of me. “Thou mayest.” “You are letting your humours become unbalanced,” he reprimanded. “You became so enraged you tortured a prisoner for information, and now you are driving yourself into a frenzy.” I blinked slowly. “Tick Tock had betrayed his master and consorted with warlocks that murdered an archmagus. His crimes are both great and foul.” “None of that makes my concerns any less valid.” Stalwart frowned deeply. “You did not know exactly why Tick Tock was there. He might have been the warlock’s prisoner, or otherwise present against his will. What is more, you were hasty to attack. There were too many ponies nearby who could have been hurt during your battle with Moonwatch.” I shifted in place and stared at the stone floor as my embarrassment grew. “Mayhaps I ... acted hastily. My blood ran hot when I spotted Moonwatch. I was nearly sacrificed by that warlock during the Rebellion, and the battle had done little to cull my rage before my attention turned to Tick Tock.” “And if our enemy is Hidden Facts, hot-blooded rage is not the best mindset to approach him in,” Stalwart answered levelly. “Not to mention the other problems likely to be born of it. Anger is natural, but if it runs uncontrolled it can destroy you as much as your enemies if not e'en more so. Your attacks against Moonwatch bordered on reckless, and he nearly defeated you as a result.” I thought back to the battle with Moonwatch and exactly how the battle had gone. To my great irritation, an analysis did not shed a good light on my efforts. Given his immense power, a head-on clash was not the way to fight. I had other options to potentially carry the day, as grating as it was to admit that even just to myself. “It seems I am doomed to always be lectured, whether by thee, Mother, or somepony else, but thy point is well made.” My bodyguard placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Mine intent is not to lecture, merely to help. For example, a rushed bargain with a fey could be incredibly dangerous.” I stiffened. “I am aware of that.” I sighed as I knew what direction this conversation was turning. “And thou art of course speaking of Emeraude and my dealings with her. I was not quite so hasty. After all, I found an alternative to her deal by discovering where the warlocks were hiding.” “I am, and I worry you are being hasty in this matter too,” Stalwart warned. “She is not to be taken lightly. She is an old and canny being who will not hesitate to take advantage of this crisis to get what she wants.” I rubbed my brow, suddenly very weary of this conversation. “Thy point is made. I will be careful in the future, but 'tis nothing I am not handling. I do not plan on making any additional deals with her until I have resolved my current bargains.” “Of course.” Stalwart squeezed my shoulder. “I merely thought to bring such concerns to your attention.” “That is fair enough, Sergeant.” I sighed and leaned back against the wall. “And really, I do thank thee for thy loyalty. I realize I am not the easiest pony to keep safe. Especially during days such as these.” Stalwart smiled and nodded. “‘Tis my pleasure, Midnight. You are one of the stranger ponies I have served with, but also one of the better ones. ‘Tis why I seek to council you.” “I suppose I can take the latter as a compliment,” I said. “You should.” A slight frown crossed his features. “Though I ask in that spirit that you do not manipulate me as you have been these last few days. I am a simple warrior who does not wish to be caught up in such games if I can.” “Ah.” Mine ears wilted. I had thought mine actions necessary, and it had not been mine intention to harm Stalwart in any manner. “Though I am still perturbed by—” My words were cut off when the meeting hall doors opened. A score of grim-faced ponies walked out, none so much as giving me more than a glance before moving beyond, whispering carefully to one another in small groups. Some of the last to leave were Mother, Shadow, and Morning, their collective countenance every bit as dour as the magi and warriors who preceded them. “Excuse me, Sergeant. I trust we can discuss this later? I wish to see how the meeting went.” “Of course, Magus,” Stalwart said, a hint of hesitation in his tone. I got up and trotted over to them. “What has been decided?” Mother’s eyes narrowed as she took me in. “Many things.” I frowned when nothing else was forthcoming from Mother’s lips. “Such as? Surely we plan on rooting the warlocks out of their den?” “Naturally,” Mother scoffed as she puffed her mane with a hoof. “We discussed several plans.” Morning nodded in agreement. “This needs to be carefully planned, lest Hidden Facts once again slip through our hooves.” Her face darkened with a dreadful scowl. “We cannot allow that to happen again.” “Indeed not.” Shadow’s wings twitched ever so slightly. “Assuming 'tis him, and not merely a lie.” “We should assume it is just to be safe,” Mother said. “I agree,” Morning said. “If 'tis merely a fraud then all we lose is overwhelming a less capable enemy. Either way, we need to be careful of a trap. Hidden was always a wily foe.” “Well said.” Mother’s eyes lingered over me. “Which is why 'tis vitally important the ones hunting him keep a cool head and measure their actions carefully.” I did not like the way Mother had said that, but kept my mouth shut for the moment. I dearly wished to join the hunt for Hidden Facts, and would not risk losing my place in that hunt to misplaced words. “That is why I have volunteered to stay here at the castle.” Morning scowled deeply. “I know not what I would do if I saw the murderer of my husband, so I will content myself with protecting the conclave as long as Shadow brings us Hidden's head.” “A task I should do quite well at, considering.” Shadow remarked, tapping her helmet. Her armor had a great many magical properties, the most potent of which made her ideal to fighting powerful warlocks. Besides Mother, she was the most formidable warlock hunter in the city. Still, even Shadow would need aid in this task. Hidden had at least a hooffull of supporters with him, and who knew what else hidden from view. “I would volunteer to aid you, Shadow. I wish to see Hidden defeated, his plans shattered, his followers slain by ice and fire, and all that he is laid low and put to ruin.” Shadow sighed and shook her head. “No.” I was momentarily taken aback by this response. “‘No’? Why not? You said I could come and end the menace earlier. ‘Twas I who discovered that Hidden was in Fillydelphia, who took Tick Tock prisoner, and who destroyed Moonwatch. I even found the warlocks’ hiding place. What has changed that I cannot aid in finishing off Hidden’s warlocks once and for all?” Shadow looked at Mother out of the corner of her eyes. “Thy mother was adamant.” Mother nodded firmly. “I will not have thee gallivanting about and getting pulled into one of Hidden's traps. Especially when 'tis plain they intend to target thee.” “Why me specifically?” I asked, my thoughts whirling as I tried to figure out how to convince them to allow me to join Shadow in hunting the warlocks. “Because I am your daughter?” Mother sniffed and raised her chin. “I am sure there are reasons, but I have no interest in beating them out of the enemy.” I ground my teeth together and felt my cholor rise. “And do I not have the right to see justice through with these warlocks? They tried to sacrifice me when I was but a child. Does that matter for nothing?!” Mother’s eyes narrowed as she addressed me coldly. “They will come to justice perfectly well without a single hot-headed, inexperienced young magus running about the city torturing prisoners into unconsciousness.” I felt as though a dagger had been stabbed in my heart when Mother voiced her accusations. After all I had done, after all my work trying to please her... Even after I had all but proven Daylight’s innocence, defeated one of Hidden’s most loyal supporters, and then brought us to the verge of dealing with one of Equestria’s most dangerous enemies, she still held such a low opinion of me. Her words rent a great wound, and it was a struggle not to tremble upon hearing them. I turned my back to her, my voice cracking as I tried to maintain my dignity. “Well, I see how highly you think of me, Mother. It would seem I am undeserving of going on this warlock hunt, much less your approval.” Shadow stepped up besides me as she shot a repoving glower Mother’s way. “Sunbeam is merely concerned for thy wellbeing, Midnight.” Morning placed a hoof on my shoulder. “We just finished with what you could call a ... spirited debate. We are all tense, and likely a bit unwise with our choice of words. After everything else that has happened, I am sure thy mother was not harshly reprimanding thee.” She also gave Mother a meaningful look. Mother let out a deep and clearly deeply annoyed breath. “Yes, of course. I am only concerned for thy safety. Hidden is a dangerous enemy, with all the skill and power of an archmagus and a practitioner of the blackest arts besides, and thou art still a junior magus. Thou art not ready to face one such as he. Neigh, I would not send even the most senior magi to face him alone.” Was it as they said, or were they merely trying to placate me and keep another argument from brewing ‘tween me and Mother? Mother had been working herself to the bone since coming to the conclave, and the murder of Tempus had not helped. Though I still doubted the sincerity of her half-hearted apology, and that knowledge on its own hurt. I also had to wonder if I had erred so badly capturing Tick Tock that I had lost the confidence of these ponies. Thinking back, I had probably been overly zealous in carrying out my duties. Seeing the likes of Moonwatch alive and in Fillydelphia had taken me by surprise. But if my actions had resulted in me losing the respect of these ponies whose respect I desired... My shoulders sagged as the reality of the situation fell over me. “So I am not allowed to go?” Morning shook her head. “Some of us must stay in the castle to watch over everypony here. Such is the case for thy mother as well.” My head tilted at the news. “That is so? I would have thought Mother would be leading the charge against Hidden.” Mother spoke with a trace of venom. “That is so, but we have our duties to fulfill and the wider picture to consider. We need ponies to remain at the castle to defend it in case Hidden attacks the conclave, not to mention ‘tis only prudent to hold back a reserve to befoul any evil Hidden might get up to within the city itself. It might very well be his plan to pull us out of position by luring us to the barracks whilst striking elsewhere. Thus I have left the hunting of the warlock to a warlock hunter.” She nodded to Shadow. “It was also Princess Celestia’s wishes that Sunbeam remain here while Shadow arrests Hidden and his followers,” Morning explained. “She is flying here with all haste to aid us if needed. We pray that we will not, but we saw no reason for her not to come.” They had contacted Princess Celestia through some magical means? Little surprise when the crisis was as serious as it was. “So what will I be doing then?” I asked. It seemed that I was fated to stay in the castle. Sulking publicly about it would do little good, so I tried to move forward with practical matters, as much as it might pain me. “Thou wilt stay at my side,” Mother declared. Her features darkened as she scowled. “Especially considering Topaz is being insistent about speaking with thee about what happened in the city. She wants to open a formal inquest.” I frowned deeply. It seemed that Topaz was attempting to spin the incident with Moonwatch into her favor, much as she had with Daylight and Tempus’ assassination. She might even intend on having me arrested in order to embarrass Mother and pressure her. “I see. And I take it we do not wish this to be so, aye?” Morning’s ears flicked as she glanced in Mother’s direction. “Among other reasons, thy mother wishes to keep Hidden's presence secret for now.” Mother scoffed and tossed her mane. “The last thing we need is half the city in a panic and the other half chasing after him in hope of a reward. ‘Twould be chaos that likely get a great many ponies killed and allow our enemies to escape.” “So you argued during the meeting,” Morning groused. “Far better a small team of talented hunters with armor and equipment suited to hunting an illusionist,” Mother countered. “We can put our trust in Shadow in this.” Morning let out a long sigh. “Then let us pray that you are right.” Mother’s nostrils flared. “I have quite a bit of expertise in hunting warlocks.” “And I will capture Hidden, if 'tis him we face.” Shadow placed a hoof on Morning’s shoulder. “Copper will have justice, that I swear to thee.” Morning took a deep breath and nodded. “As you say, Shadow.” “Then I wish you luck in your hunt, Lady Protector,” I said, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice. Shadow smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Midnight.” Thus I left Shadow and her team to deal with Hidden Facts. I could do nothing more.