//------------------------------// // Chapter 33 // Story: The Dusk Guard Saga: Hunter/Hunted // by Viking ZX //------------------------------// Steel was already waiting outside the door to Princess Celestia’s study when Hunter arrived, standing at attention with his saddlebags slung over his hindquarters, opposite a pair each of Royal and Night Guard. All five ponies had adopted the same focused stare, as if they were daring the others to blink first. Then again, maybe they were. They had to do something to pass the time, didn’t they? Glad we never get assigned anything like that. I’d go starkers before the day was over. He flexed his wings, catching Steel’s attention. “Hey boss.” His right wing still itched where the cuts on it from Sombra’s crystals were healing, and a post-mission physical by Dawn had found a number of other strains and small injuries across his body. The Crystal Heart could make things feel better, but it wasn’t a cure-all. “How’s it going?” “Lieutenant,” Steel said with a small nod as Hunter sat down next to him, facing the door to the study. “Got everything you need?” “I think so.” He glanced back at his saddlebags, both sides packed with papers and files. They’d been back less than a week, and Sky Bolt had already submitted a veritable tree’s worth of paper, everything from new armor designs and mod designs to alterations and adjustments she wanted to make to The Hummingbird. All of which would require approval. “It’s quite a stack. You think she ever sleeps?” “Sergeant Triage assures me that she does. She makes certain of it. I trust her to be sure of that.” Hunter nodded. “Well … good. Because I wouldn’t believe it looking at the amount of work she does. She’d have already fixed the windows on that airship if she hadn’t decided they could be improved.” The hallway went quiet once more, Steel still staring straight ahead. Probably thinking about what sort of questions the Princesses are going to ask during the debriefing. There was a fair chance he’d be called upon to answer a few of them, but at the same time … No sense worrying about it. He knew what he’d been through, and written the after-action reports of his time in charge. And there’s no way I’m going to forget any of it anytime soon, especially not in a week … A faint shiver rolled down his back. Thankfully, his dreams hadn’t been too bad after the first night, though he strongly suspected the Princess of the Night had a hoof in that. And Dawn was always willing to listen to him voice any concerns, though the pony he really wanted to speak with was unfortunately out on a long-range delivery that had her on the other side of the continent or something. And he wanted to speak with her. Badly. And not just about the mission. There were other things he wanted to speak about as well. Things that Sombra’s visions, as horrifying as they were, had forced him to face. Granted, a good bit of chinwagging would feel pretty good too. He could almost picture it perfectly: The two of them, him and Thistle, drifting on a cloud somewhere outside the city, over the rolling … Well, snow fields at the moment, but it’d be scenic all the same. Just talking and enjoying one another’s company. It’d been a long time since he’d had somepony in his life like that. Too long. Maybe it was time. Derpy would be ecstatic. He hadn’t mentioned it to her when he’d gone to Ponyville to see her and Dinky a few days earlier, but he could already imagine how overjoyed she’d be. I mean, she dropped hints even when I didn’t bring it up, he thought, stretching his wing again as it itched. And then there was that face she made when I told her Thistle was on a trip … which she probably already knew … Dang it, I spoke too quickly, didn’t I? He almost shrugged. Oh well. It’s not like it’s a secret. And she’s been hoping for a long time. I should see about returning the favor somehow. Maybe offer to sit Dinky or something. No … she can find sitters in Ponyville if she needs to. Still, I should do something for her. Maybe— Steel’s voice broke the silence despite its low, quiet tone. “Hunter,” he said. “Have you gotten any more out of the sergeant with regards to … the event?” The event? Oh! Right! He cleared his throat, keeping his own voice low. I wonder what the guards will make of this? Some sort of top-secret information? In a way, it was. “She’s decided to contact …” He glanced at the other members of the Guard before settling on what to say. “The other half of the equation first.” “You sure that’s wise?” Steel asked, one eyebrow lifting as he turned to look at him. “Honestly? Yeah, I do. There’s still a lot we don’t know about …” He paused for a moment. “The situation. Maybe there’s a reason things are the way they are.” Steel let out a faint hum. “Excellent point. Well, as long as the matter isn’t shoved under a rug. That never ends well.” “No,” Hunter said, shaking his head. “It doesn’t. I’ll keep you in the loop.” “Good. Do that.” They both went quiet once more, waiting. A minute passed, the only sounds those that floated in through the hall windows or the occasional messenger or member of the castle staff passing by. “By the way,” Steel said at last, his eyes still forward. “It’s good to see you in that Stetson of yours again. It’s you.” “You think you’re glad?” Hunter brought a hoof up, tapping the familiar weight of the hat upon his head. “I felt exposed without it during the mission. And that’s the last time, too. I spoke with Sky Bolt, and she says she’s going to figure out some way to make the sticking charm work. I can wear it over my helmet. It might get a bit torn up, but we’ve got magic for that.” “It’d cost you a pretty bit,” Steel said, but then let out a short laugh. “And I’m one to talk about that, dropping thousands upon thousands of bits on expensive prototype armor and everything else our team needs.” “Did you see Bolt’s proposal for griffon and minotaur weaponry?” “I did, and denied it. The Hummingbird is a transport, not a war vessel.” “I told her the same thing … though they would have been pretty handy when …” He paused, glancing at the Royal and Night Guard. Did all four of them look more interested than they had a few moments ago? It was hard to tell, but he’d heard an absolute horde of rumors floating around the castle in the last week since the Guard at the Crystal Empire had begun slowly rotating back. Save Captain Armor, who was staying with his wife and apparent new ruler of the place. “Well, you know,” he finished. One of the Guard seemed to shift slightly, perhaps in disappointment. “True. But The Hummingbird isn’t really built for it, either. And we’re going to drop more than enough bits on the upgrades she already suggested.” Again they fell silent, waiting for the doors to open and their meeting with the Princesses to begin. Hunter tapped one hoof, the sound of it striking the marble sounding up and down the hall with just the perfect amount of echo. He was about to open his mouth again to keep the conversation going when there was a sudden click from the door to Celestia’s study, and a moment later the door opened, several nobles trotting out. Two of them paused, looking at him and Steel, and then one spoke. “The Princesses said that if you’re the Dusk Guard, you should go in.” “Excellent,” Steel said with a quick nod. “Thank you.” He waited until the nobles had cleared the doorway, moving down the hall, before heading into the room. Hunter followed, taking one last look at the pack of nobles. A few of them looked familiar, but he wasn’t sure why. “Captain Steel Song and First Lieutenant Hunter.” Celestia’s voice was warm and matronly. “So good to see both of you.” She smiled at them as she motioned for them to take a seat. She was behind her desk, her multicolored mane shifting slowly in unseen winds as she carefully dropped a number of papers into a small folder. “We apologize for the delay.” Princess Luna was sitting beside her, a dark blue counterpart to her sister. “Out meeting with the new ERS leadership ran long.” Thought it was technically early in the day for the alicorn, she didn’t appear overly fatigued. Hunter lifted one eyebrow. “Those were the ERS board?” No wonder I recognized them. “They were,” Luna said with a small nod. “They are still dealing with the ramifications of the Tam sister’s betrayal.” “I didn’t see Golden among them,” Hunter noted as he sat down. “No,” Luna said, shaking her head. “You did not. Mint and Radiant’s betrayal, as well as his own role as an unwitting pawn, shook him deeply, in addition to nearly bankrupting him. He sold his shares equally to recoup some of the losses, and as I understand it, has since been a more reserved practitioner of business. Which while well and good by itself, has brought with it new struggles.” “New minds,” Princess Celestia said, sliding the folder away without looking and instead drawing a new one. “After what occured with the ERS incident, my sister and I both came to the conclusion that it was perhaps time we broke our majority share and passed the torch, so to speak. But …” “Now we are beset by these newcomers who have little idea of how to run a railroad,” Luna said, her calm demeanor dropping for a brief moment as she blew a lock of her mane away from her face. “Which means that my sister and I must take the lead for a while longer.” “Well …” Hunter said, letting the word hang for a moment in the air before he was certain he hadn’t overstepped his bounds. “At least you got the northern line to do its job.” “We have,” Celestia said with a smile. Luna, meanwhile, echoed her words, but with more hesitation. “Except …” “Except now they see that as all the more reason we should be in charge for years to come,” Luna finished with a frown. “Thereby cementing us in out positions, rather than gradually transitioning us gently out of them.” She shook her head, her long, starry mane fluttering. “But … We have not gathered here tonight to discuss those matters, relevant as they may have been to your team at one time. And do not be mistaken,” she added, fixing them both with a quick smile. “We do appreciate having the current trials to what might have been. That said, we have other business to discuss this eve. Sister?” Celestia smiled, her wings fanning slightly. “Captain Song and Lieutenant Hunter. My sister and I have read your reports, and we are most grateful to you for the efforts of you and your team. You all suffered much, according to your reports, but rose above your challenges to accomplish great things. I believe that without your involvement in this matter, things may have turned out quite differently for the Crystal Empire.” Her voice quieted. “Quite differently indeed.” “Nevertheless,” she continued, her expression brightening. “They did not. Your team performed admirably. Please extend to each and every one of them our undying gratitude and thanks for their efforts in seeing the Crystal Empire returned to us.” “Thank you, your highnesses,” Steel said, bowing his head slightly. Hunter followed suit. “We served in the capacity of our duty.” “I disagree,” Princess Luna said, spreading her wings. “From your reports, each and every member of your team surpassed what would normally be considered the duty of the Guard. You faced perils both physical and mental, against a foe that would have sent many fleeing for their lives. To be so humble in the face of such labors almost does your team a disservice. As my sister said, do convey to them our utmost thanks and praise for their roles in the return of the Empire.” “I will, Princess,” Steel said, bowing his head once more. “Thank you.” “You are most welcome, Captain Steel Song. And Lieutenant Hunter. Now—” Princess Luna lifted a stack of familiar papers. Their reports. “I and my sister do have a few questions for you. First and foremost, have you submitted yourselves and your team to additional scans since returning from the Crystal Empire? It is not that we do not trust your sergeant, captain, but …” Luna shook her head, a sad pallor falling across her face. “We know firsthoof how insidious Sombra’s magic can be.” “We have, your highness,” Hunter said, speaking up. “Believe me, once was more than enough. We’ve had the entire team scanned three times by specialists. There are no traces of mental manipulation, though in two instances they found and removed what they believed to be ambient leftovers, broken but inert.” “Which two?” Celestia asked, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “I was one of them, Princess,” he admitted. “Dawn was the other. Both were found on the first check, and we were submitted to deeper scans. We were both pronounced clean. Additional sweeps since then found nothing.” Princess Celestia nodded, the motion almost … stern. And of course it would be, Hunter reminded himself. She nearly lost her sister to this. Did lose her, actually. For a thousand or so years. I’d be concerned about us as well. “I am glad to hear that you, lieutenant, as well as your team, are free of his influence, and that you sought additional examinations,” Celestia said. “Believe me,” Hunter said. “The last thing I wanted was that crook thing inside my head, messing with my thoughts.” “While we are on the topic,” Princess Luna said, leaning forward with an indecipherable gleam in her eyes. “Your reports claim that young Sabra manifested a staff and expelled Sombra from all your minds in addition to his own?” “Those reports are accurate,” Steel said, giving the princess a nod. “Though if you are looking for more than was written in the after-action report …” He shrugged. “In all honesty, highnesses, I was hoping you could shed some light on that.” The two glanced at one another, a short, silent conversation passing between their eyes before they addressed them once more. “I’m not certain we could explain more than what Sabra already has,” Celestia said. Her tone sounded almost … embarrassed? “Only once have either of us borne witness to such an event. The master who did so told us that it was strength of will combined with her own innate magic and knowledge to make that will a physical force in the physical world. ‘Faith made manifest,’ I believe. A ‘gift from the Creator,’ something that could only be done in times of great need. Though more accounts than hers exist, it was the only one I or my sister have ever seen.” “Save Zawati,” Princess Luna said. “She was capable of manifesting one as well. Though admittedly, as we understood it that was simply her strength as an immortal. Perhaps it is the same gift, perhaps only similar.” “Unfortunately,” Celestia said with a nod. “That is all we know. We would, however, request that you ask young Sabra to speak with the Plainsland representatives at their embassy. I imagine that once they have our word that such a thing did happen, they will be very interested in making an account of what happened.” “Is … that wise?” Steel asked. “Some of what we experienced was, as I understand it, classified.” “He is right, sister,” Luna said, giving Celestia a quick glance. “There may be parts of his experience that should not be shared at this time. Not yet. Not until we are certain the Crystal Empire is safe and Sombra’s followers too weak to challenge it.” “A wise thought, sister. Very well. Captain, if you would, please advise young Sabra to refrain from offering too many details. Nothing specific, not where the shade of Sombra was concerned.” “I will, your highness,” Steel said with a nod of his head. “Excellent.” Celestia leaned to the side, peering at the reports floating in her sister’s magic. “While we are on the subject of young Sabra, do either of you know if he has found his answer yet?” Hunter shook his head as Steel replied. “No, you highness. To be fair, I haven’t asked about it recently.” “Very well. I was merely curious. Now, there is one more thing we need to speak about.” “Indeed,” Luna said, passing their reports from her own blue magic to the yellow glow of Celestia’s as she leaned forward, her wings spread wide. “The location of this body that Hunter and Nova found. At the head of the glacier.” Hunter nodded. Figures that would come up. “I’ve had some time to think about it,” he said when neither of the Princesses spoke. “I figure that was where he made his last stand, wasn’t it?” Luna nodded. “And that’s where the bowl that the glacier formed in came from, right?” “Nearly,” Luna said, leaning back and ruffling her wings. “The bowl was there, but home to a lake that was enchanted with warmth by a gathering of unicorns. Outcasts from Unicropolis who refused to unite with the other three tribes. An ‘order’ of sorts. Sombra was among their number.” “I think I see where this is going,” Hunter said with a nod. “Seized on old prejudices and made the place his own, didn’t he?” “He did,” Luna said. “Before making his campaign against the Crystal Empire. When we drove him from the city, he retreated there, to his origins. And it was there that we nearly defeated him.” “Now that he has returned and been destroyed, however,” Celestia said. “Your report indicates that there was plenty of ambient magic still present from our battle, buried under the ice. And you said you collapsed the entrance?” “Well, the one we used, yeah,” Hunter said. The Princesses exchanged glances. “On a guess, I’d say that a lot of the ambient heat that was making that creek possible was from something you did, Princess Celestia. Either way, if it’s still there, then the creek likely is as well. The collapse won’t have stopped it for long.” The Princesses exchanged glances once more. Then Luna spoke. “We will check on this remnant then. We must make certain that all traces of Sombra’s foul influence have been swept away.” “And with that,” Princess Celestia said. “I have no further questions about your reports. Again, Captain Song, you and your team have performed admirably.” She smiled at them, and then rose. “Now, with that,” she said. “I believe the next item we must discuss is that of financing for replacement equipment and repairs. However, as I have a previous engagement I am committed to, I would love to stay—” Luna’s eyes widened, her wings standing straight out in shock. “Sister? You wouldn’t!?” “I’m sorry, Luna,” Celestia said with a faint twinkle in her eyes that suggested she wasn’t nearly as sorry as she claimed. “I know you despise finances and accounting, but this meeting was planned weeks ago—” “Fie on thee, sister!” Luna said, rising as well, horror in her eyes. “You cannot leave me here for discourses on bits! I have—” “A completely empty schedule until night court begins in two hours, Luna,” Celestia said, a smile on her face that looked just a little too smug to Hunter’s eyes. “I’m afraid I really can’t stay, I have the meeting with the Manehatten mayor. I’ll see you in a few hours! Ta-tah!” She trotted around her desk, several files and folders sliding after her wrapped in the glow of her magic, and then ducked out the office door. Only after she was gone did Steel speak. “Recompense for a prank?” he asked, and Luna nodded glumly. “I changed her menu several weeks ago,” she replied. “Saw to it that she was served nothing but pickle and garlic-themed dishes in all her meetings that day.” Then Luna smiled. “Naturally, she had to eat to be polite.” “I get the feeling this is sort of a long-standing tradition between the two of you,” Hunter said, and the Princess nodded. “Yes. As many as our duties are, finding time to spend with one another at all can prove to be a challenge. Time, at least, that is not committed to a task required by our duties, such as examining Sombra’s ancient lair. And what says ‘I love you’ better than a subtle reminder in the form of a harmless prank?” Luna shook her head, her starry mane rippling. “No harm is done, and it reminds each of us that the other cares enough to set something such as this up. Besides, while I may not enjoy finances as my sister does, I am more than capable of partaking in their discussion. So …” She motioned for the two of them to move forward. “If you would, let us begin going over your budget to see what finances the Dusk Guard stand in need of!” “Actually …” Hunter said, his voice drawing both the Princess’ attention and that of Steel. “Before we get started, I had a question: has there been any word from beyond the border to the north? From the Ocean?” “Ah.” Luna tucked her wings tightly against her body. “You seek any word of your friend, the griffon mercenary. At the moment, I’m afraid we know very little. Only that there was a battle of some kind, the Ocean warring with itself. Our foreign experts seem to think it was the griffon eyrie against pirates, but we don’t have all the details yet. Last we were aware, the borders were still off limits.” “Gotcha. Thanks.” Well, I guess not everything works out all at once. And a battle? Ten-to-one Blade was involved somehow. I just hope she’s okay. “When we know more,” Luna said, “I will make certain you are informed. I am sorry there is not more to tell you.” “I’d appreciate that. And no worries. I’m sure she’s fine. She’s … tough.” “You are a good friend to stand by her after being forced to stand opposing her,” Luna said, her voice soft. “She is lucky to know you. Now,” she sat up straight. “Let us do battle with that most devious of foes: financing. Captain Song, you have new proposals for me to examine?” “I do, Princess,” Steel said, opening his saddlebags and passing them over. “New designs, upgrades, replacements … Much of it stemming from our first-hoof experiences with what did and didn’t work. For example, we had a real problem with ice build-up around the grating in our helmets and along the edges of the plates. Corporal Sky Bolt believes she can fix it with a new design, but she’ll need to do some prototyping first. She’s also got an idea for locking the helmet to the rest of the undersuit with a more advanced seal than we have right now.” Steel pushed several of the documents forward. “If you look right here, for example …” The discussion moved forward, Steel doing most of the talking, Luna asking questions, and Hunter occasionally slipping in his own observations or explaining some of Bolt’s ideas. Not all of Bolt’s designs or suggestions were approved without thorough questioning, and by near an hour-and-a-half Hunter suspected that at least half had been turned back, though only a few outright. Some merely needed additional information that Luna requested, others had been met with countering suggestions for alternatives for Bolt and the team to look at. Some, however, had been quickly approved. Thankfully, helmet and armor improvements were on the list, though the Princess wanted to see more on what sort of improvements could be expected outside of the list already given. All in all though, he thought as Princess Luna finally noted the time and politely excused them from the office to prepare for night court. All in all that went pretty well. Well … sort of. There was still … something itching at him, something he couldn’t quite put his hoof on what it was. But something was … Missing, he thought as he and Steel moved through the halls of the palace, moving silently through corridors and passages on their way back to the barracks. The further they walked, the worse the itch got. I didn’t forget to bring anything up, did I? Or did we forget to discuss anything? Suddenly he wanted to be back in his office, playing one of his instruments. That always helped him think. And relax. Music … relaxation. The answer came in a flash, and he wanted to facehoof. Of course! Hunter you bodgy … He took a low, calming breath. Of course. No wonder something felt off. Because things were off. One of the most important things. “So, boss.” Steel turned to look at him as they moved out of the palace and onto the Guard grounds. “What’s the plan for the evening?” Maybe Steel thought about it. Steel shrugged, and Hunter knew what his answer was before the olive stallion spoke. “Finish up filing the reports, go over what Luna’s approved with Sky Bolt as well as what she hasn’t and wants more information on. You should probably check in on the restocking …” His words trailed off as he caught sight of Hunter shaking his head. “No?” “Yeah,” Hunter said. “No. To all of it. I think we need to have a meeting. With everypony. I’d say emergency meeting, but we’ve had enough of those lately.” “All right,” Steel said, brow furrowing but without complaint. “What for?” “What you hired me for,” Hunter said. “Which I apparently keep forgetting, seeing as how it took me this long to remember.” Steel paused, the furrow in his brow growing more pronounced even as he came to a complete stop on the walkway. Hunter slowed then stopped as well, watching with expectant eyes as Steel thought it over. Then his look of concentration faded, and he nodded, not once but twice. “You’re right,” he said, a clear look of purpose coming into his eyes. “We could use— Not that we’ve had the time for it, really, until … What’d you have in mind?” His expression shifted, the stern look of concentration becoming a bit more friendly. “What’s our budget?” Hunter asked, giving Steel a grin. “Unless you plan on buying a building or another airship, effectively bottomless,” Steel said. “Though in all seriousness, we do have a lot of leeway. Just nothing too extravagant.” “So you agree?” Hunter asked as they began walking forward once more. Ahead of them, the Dusk Guard barracks sat on the edge of the grounds, the door shadowed in the twilight of the early evening. “Depends on what we’re doing,” Steel said. “Nothing bad,” he countered as they reached the door. “Then I agree. You know what you’re doing. And Hunter?” Steel said, pausing as he placed one hoof on the door. “Thanks. I slipped right into old habits.” “It’s what you hired me for, boss,” he said with another grin. “Next time I’ll make sure not to take a couple of days to think of it. That’s on me.” “Works for me. Like I said, we didn’t have time. And that … That’s on me. Next time it won’t be. I’ll make sure we have it.” Steel pulled the door open, stepping into the entryway and turning for the common room. “Go tell Sky Bolt, will you?” He nodded in the direction of the workshop, where a faint but steady beat emanated. “Sabra’s likely with her. I’ll find Dawn and Nova.” “Five minutes?” “Make it three,” Steel said, and then winked. “Keep ‘em hopping.” “You got it, boss!” He snapped a quick salute and then trotted toward the workshop, ignoring the bouncing weight of the saddlebags on his back. I can dump those off as soon as I’ve let Sky Bolt and Sabra know what’s up, he thought as the doors to the shop neared, the faint beat swelling. Bolt always worked to music, so much so that the volume—or rather lack of it—was a clue as to Sabra’s location. She only cranked the music down low when there was somepony else to talk to in the workshop. Then again, it’s possible she’s meeting with her suppliers, he thought as he reached the doors and pulled one of them open, a wave of music washing over him as the portal parted. But she wasn’t. At least, not that he could see. The bulk of the workshop was, as always taken up by the body of The Hummingbird, though now it was surrounded by scaffolding and framing as part of the repair process. Thankfully, the shop was high ceilinged. It had to be in order to hold the airship, large as it was. But it also meant that he could flex his wings and soar up above the numerous workbenches rather than try to peer past them. It felt good to be airborne once more, to stretch his wings in flight after such a long meeting. Still, he couldn’t see any sign of the grey mare, or her black-and-white striped coltfriend. Not that either of them had openly declared such a status. It simply … was, and everypony on the team knew it. With no immediate sign of the pair he flapped his wings, sending himself in a lazy glide around the front of The Hummingbird. Bolt’s sky-blue mane caught his eye, standing out against one of the rear propellers, and he spotted Sabra a moment later, carefully passing Sky Bolt tools while she worked on the propeller mechanism. Just part of a long list of things that needed to be fixed before the airship was sky-worthy once more. Not sky-worthy exactly, since it had flown back to Canterlot under its own power, but back at full capacity. Sabra turned toward him as he glided over, though how the colt had heard him coming he wasn’t sure. Especially over Bolt’s music. It was quieter than normal, but still fairly loud. “Lieutenant,” Sabra said, offering a quick nod rather than a salute, as both his hooves were full. “Does Sky need to meet with the captain?” “I’ll be a minute,” Bolt said without pulling her head out of the prop assembly. Half of the housing had been removed, her head and part of one foreleg shoved deep within. “I need to at least get this blasted … piece … out!” There was a sharp ping from inside, her foreleg jerking, and then she disentangled her head from the housing, a scowl—along with quite a bit of grease—on her muzzle. “Or not,” she said, still scowling as she pulled her foreleg out, a wrench clutched in it. “I think I’m going to have to cut it out.” “Still no give?” Sabra asked. “No,” Sky said, her scowl morphing into a pout. “It might be bent. Feathers. That’s not going to be an easy job.” “Well, you’re in luck,” Hunter said. She turned away from the engine, a curious look on her face as she looked at him. “It’s not going to be your project tonight. Emergency meeting in the common room in two minutes.” Sky Bolt’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “Another mission? Already? But we’re not ready!” He shook his head. “No no, no mission. Just a meeting. Two minutes. I’ll explain everything there.” “Well horseapples,” Bolt said, passing the tool to Sabra. “I guess as long as we don’t need to fly anywhere tonight. I can leave it for tomorrow. Two minutes?’ “Two minutes,” he said with a nod before winging his way back to the front of the workshop. He still had to think about what he was going to say. Or for that matter, where we’ll … Wait, no, I’ve got it. The perfect place. And if they’re closed, well … Dawn was, unsurprisingly, already waiting in the common room as he darted through, sparing her a quick nod on the way to his office. He was only there for a moment, his focus on dropping off his saddlebags, though his eyes did slip to the saxophone in the corner. Right after the meeting. Nova was just trotting into the common room when he got back, a look of curiosity on his face. But he didn’t say anything as he took a seat around the table, dropping onto the same couch Dawn was sitting on. They’re both quiet, he thought. Definitely should have thought of this sooner. Well, looking back is easy, he thought, fanning his wings slightly and picking a seat opposite the pair. This one’s on me. I’ll take my responsibility for it. “How’re things going?” he asked, looking first at Nova. The purple unicorn looked fairly well-rested, but there was a slight tiredness around his face. Nova shrugged. “About as well as it can be, I guess. Practice, training … looking forward to another late-night poker game with the Night Guard later. Hot Hoof says if I can beat her out of a week’s pay she’ll wager up the truth about those wings of hers; whether they’re real or part of an enchantment on the armor.” “Couldn’t you just use magic to tell?” Hunter asked. Nova shook his head. “That’s what I thought, but somepony specifically put some sort of shielded enchantment on that armor just to counteract that. Princess Luna, to be precise. She doesn’t seem to want anypony to know.” “I can’t say I blame her,” Dawn said, her quiet, collected voice cutting through their conversation. “Or them, really, given what little history of fruit ponies is known.” “What, what?” Hunter’s eyes widened as he looked at Dawn, who suddenly had a very smug look on her face. “You mean you actually know—?” “I’m a doctor, Hunter,” Dawn said, giving him a small smile. “Of course I know. Fruit ponies are a recessive genetic trait in pegasus ponies. Extremely recessive, with less than one in every three or four thousand, last a census was taken. Though that number may be lower than expected. They’re very shy about it.” “So they really do have the—?” Nova began to ask. Dawn cut him off. “Fangs? Leathery wings? Slit pupils? Yes to all three.” “Actually, I was going to say ear tufts,” Nova said, tapping one of his ears with a hoof. Dawn’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “But that other stuff would have come next.” “Wait,” Hunter said, holding up his hooves and leaning back. “So that’s really all natural, not just someone giving everypony a beat up? And it’s a pegasus … thing?” “Genetic marker?” Dawn supplied. “Yes. Much in the same way I suspect that crystal ponies are an offshoot of earth ponies, fruit ponies are a rare genetic marker in pegasus ponies. Though, with the intermingling of the three tribes, odds are high that most ponies carry it now. In the right combination during conception, well … you get a fruit pony. Even then, it’s very rare. As rare as two third-generation earth pony parents giving birth to a pegasus, only for pegasi parents.” “So rare,” Nova said. “But possible.” Again Dawn nodded. “And,” Nova said, his tone slightly incredulous. “They’re called fruit ponies?” “As I understand it, they’ve gone by other names before,” Dawn said. “They’re quite secretive about their origins—some like to claim that they came about after a pegasus and a dragon had a magically-assisted tryst, making them part dragon—” “Hence the wings, fangs, and eyes,” Hunter said. “Exactly,” Dawn continued. “But while they may bandy the rumor about as truth, ask one of them to bite into a gemstone and they’ll quickly change stories, if not topics.” “So where do they come from?” Nova asked, a thoughtful look on his face. “No one is certain for sure,” Dawn said. “Well, rather,” she added quickly, leaning forward slightly on the arm of the couch. “No one who’s telling. I’m fairly certain that the Princesses know, or at least have close theories, but they’re tight-lipped about the subject as always. Records of them exist before the origin of Nightmare Moon, so despite some of the more negative legends marked them as cursed into existence by Nightmare Moon herself, or by Celestia for following her sister, we know they are not true. In addition, Princess Celestia denies those stories. It didn’t help their cause much after her sister’s fall, however. Many of the fruit ponies found themselves held to blame and were shunned by Equestrian society at large for some time. That is where some of the less … polite … names come from.” “Okay,” Hunter said. “I’ll admit this is news even to me, but here’s the real question: why fruit pony?” “Because of their diet.” Dawn’s answer was matter-of-fact, as if it was something everypony knew. “The same genetic marker that gives them their unique appearance also gives them unique dietary requirements. Which leaves many of them craving more fruits and sugars than most ponies—though the fruits are the most healthy for them.” The door to Steel’s office opened, the captain trotting out without his saddlebags, a stoic, slightly concerned look on his face. “At the end of the day, lieutenant, where you would desire a single orange, they would want perhaps two or three, the extra material replacing something else you would normally consume.” Steel frowned slightly as he sat himself down on the opposite end of the couch from Hunter. “Putting my lieutenant on a diet, sergeant?” “Not at all, captain,” Dawn replied with a soft shake of her head. “Merely educating him and Nova here on fruit ponies.” “Fruit ponies?” I guess the boss is just as clueless as we are, Hunter thought before he spoke. “Yeah. Apparently the ponies with the leathery wings, little fangs—” “Ear tufts,” Nova cut in. “Right, those,” he said with a wave of his hoof. “And the slitted eyes. That’s not a glamour.” “Huh.” Steel leaned back, a thoughtful look on his face. “I always thought that might be the case.” “Really?” Dawn asked. “How come?” “Because I’ve sparred with a few before,” Steel said. “One pushed it when I was young, and I broke their wing. Despite everypony saying it was a glamour, that break felt real. Plus, none of the medics bothered to remove it when they started treating her. Seemed a little pointless to not drop a glamour if you were going to treat somepony.” “Very astute.” “Agreed,” Hunter said. “That’s thinking.” “Well, I never knew, and it seemed rude to ask. Fruit ponies, huh?” “Yup,” Nova said as the door to the workshop opened, Sabra and Sky Bolt trotting down the hall past the medical center toward the common room. “I’ll admit it: it was news to me too.” “What was?” Sky Bolt asked, hopping over the side arm of the last unoccupied couch with a flap of her wings. Sabra effortlessly followed her over the arm with a small, gentle leap, a single outstretched hoof carrying him onto the couch beside her. Both seemed to have taken a moment to clean up slightly. At the very least, most of the grease was gone from Bolt’s muzzle. Her wings, Hunter noted, or at least one of them, had also half-curled around Sabra the moment he’d sat down, resting lightly against the zebra’s back. Not only that, but the pair seemed to be just ever so slightly leaning into one another. “Fruit ponies,” Nova said. “Just got confirmation from Dawn that they’re legit. Ear tufts and all. Unless she’s pulling our collective leg.” He looked at the medic as if hunting for some sign of laughter. “Not at all,” Dawn said, even as Bolt let out a soft “Oh.” “Though I must say this is the third time you’ve brought up fruit pony ear tufts. Is this Guard you’re playing poker with … Well, is she catching your eye?” Hunter’s felt his eyes widen as Dawn grinned. “What? No!” Nova said, shaking his head. “They’re just really … noticeable. And fluffy, alright?” He held up both his hooves. “Nothing against Hot Hoof, but she’s not my type, and I’m not interested.” “You’re sure?” Dawn asked. Nova shook his head. “Ah, well, pity.” “Wait,” Sky Bolt said, her gaze darting between both of them. “Not that that it’s not fun to speculate on Nova’s love life—” “I don’t have—or want—a love life,” Nova said quickly. “Not in the cards right now.” Bolt kept on talking as if he hadn’t said a word, but Dawn did nod and lean back. “—but none of you knew about fruit ponies?” “Nope,” Hunter said, shaking his head. Nova and Steel mumbled affirmations as well. “I did not,” Sabra said, turning to look at Bolt. “How did you know?” “Well, my parents are earth ponies. So when I was born, the doctor made the comparison that my having wings was about as rare as a pegasus couple having a fruit pony. He didn’t call it that exactly, but he had to explain it to my parents, and later they used the same explanation with me, and then I asked the doctor …” She shrugged. “Yeah, so I was … eight maybe? Seven, before I found out?” “Well, it was news to most of us,” Steel said, sitting upright. “But before we get too distracted, I’d like to get this meeting underway.” All eyes turned toward him as he spoke, and Hunter followed. “I just want to start,” Steel said, “by saying how proud of all of you I am. Not one week ago, we faced a foe that … Well …” He shrugged. “I can’t even put it into words. A shade, a dark ghost, whatever you want to call it. He was evil, no way around it. He assailed our minds and our hearts.” “We faced other challenges as well. Inclement weather. His supporters, ruling over the Crystal Empire with an iron hoof. Native fauna. But despite all that …” He looked around at each one of them again, and Hunter was shocked to see a moistness in his eyes. “None of you stopped,” Steel said. “None of you quit. None of you asked ‘why me?’ and shied away from the challenge in front of us. You kept moving forward, kept fighting. When the Princesses first asked me to put together this team, I’ll admit that it was a daunting task. To ask so much of so few …” He shook his head. “And yet each of you has risen to the challenge. You’ve grown, fought, and bled together. Taken blows for one another. Thrown yourselves in harm’s way for one another, myself included.” “Now,” Steel continued. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be room for improvement. Improvement to our armor, to our equipment, to our tactics. But there’d be no point in working to develop those things if we already didn’t have one of the most dedicated, capable teams in Equestria. Maybe the world.” “Hunter, Dawn Triage, Sky Bolt, Sabra, and Nova Beam,” Steel said, looking at each of them in turn as he spoke their names. “I am proud to be your captain.” He brought his hoof up in a salute. One by one, each member of the team sat up straight and returned the captain’s salute, faces beaming with pride. Nova was the first, followed by Sabra, Bolt, Dawn, and then last of all Hunter, Only when the last hoof had fallen did Steel relax and sink back. “That said,” he began, his voice thick. “I should have said that days ago.” “Captain, days ago most of us would have been too asleep to hear it,” Dawn said, speaking up with a smile. “And if I may be so bold, captain, I am honored to serve under your command and use my talents in the field.” “Me too!” Bolt said, leaning forward, her wings fanning out and fluttering slightly. “The Hummingbird only flies because of you, captain.” “You extended to me an opportunity to serve I could never regret,” Sabra said, his voice soft but carrying no less weight. “You gave me a home,” Nova said, his voice somehow even quieter. “A chance.” Hunter nodded, turning to add his own voice. “You’re our captain, boss. We’re glad you’re proud of us … but we’re proud of you too.” “Thank you,” Steel said. There was no mistaking the tears wetting his eyes. “All of you.” Then he coughed, clearing his throat. “Though I think we all deserve a little credit, not just me. If this is—” He paused for a moment, and coughed again. “A home,” he said at last, “then it only is because each of you helped make it one. Together. Which …” He drew the word out. “Is partly why we’re here now. The lieutenant reminded me of something. Something very important. Our mission, as it were, isn’t done yet.” Well, that’s one way to put it, Hunter thought as he saw the surprised looks on the team’s faces. Who says Steel can’t be a little fun when he wants to be? “First Lieutenant Hunter has the details,” Steel continued. “But be aware that this is perhaps the most important part of our mission.” “Uh … captain?” Bolt said, holding a wing up. “The Hummingbird is in pieces right now. It’d take a good hour or two to get her ready.” Steel shook his head. “We won’t need The Hummingbird. Not for this. And before I let Hunter take over, Bolt, since I know you’re dying to ask, Princess Luna was interested in your ideas for improving the armor latticework with the thinner layers—” “Yes!” “—but she wants a more detailed summary report before any actual testing takes place.” “Mark three is a go!” “If the Princess approves a prototype,” Steel said. “Based on that early report.” “I could do it now!” Bolt said, halfway out of her seat. Then she paused. “Except … mission, right?” “Very important mission,” Steel said with a nod. “Hunter?” All eyes shifted to him, and he sat up. “Right team,” he said. “We probably should have done this a few days ago. Scratch that, we should have, but I lost my focus a bit what with getting everything fixed up and back in order. So now I mean to make good on that last bit of any successful mission.” Dawn had it. He could see it in her eyes. She’d figured it out; knew what was going on. And … she was smiling. Well, I’ve got her approval. “So, that said … Who’s hungry?” A chorus of surprised and confused looks bounced back at him. “Well?” he said again. “Anypony?” It wasn’t quite time for dinner. Hopefully they haven’t already eaten. “I am,” Nova said. “What’s going on?” There was a suspicious look in his eyes now. “We’re going to take care of the last, most important part of any mission,” Hunter said, giving them all a wide grin. “We’re going to party like there’s nothing else!” “A party?” Sky Bolt asked, ears twitching but excitement in her voice. “Really?” “True dinkum,” he said. “Any of you know the Fleet Beat restaurant?” He peered around the room, catching a nod only from Dawn. “Well, that’s where we’re going. Great food, live music that the crowd can join in on, the works.” His voice was rising now, and he gave a mental shrug. Why not go for it? He climbed to his hooves, wings spread. “We’re going to the Fleet Beat, we’re going to get a private table, we’re going to order whatever we want, and we’re going to party like we just beat an ancient, unstoppable shade of evil. Because you know what, Dusk Guard? We. Just. Did!” He slammed a front hoof down on the center table for emphasis with his last word. “So, are you ready?” A resounding “YES!” rolled back at him, matched by grins and smiles. Even Dawn had one. “Great!” he continued. “Here are your orders, then. You are to go back to your quarters and get ready. Dress up, dress down, whatever you want! In a half hour we will meet back here, and we will go to the Fleet Beat, spend our bits like they’re raining from the sun itself, and have such a ripper of a party, the other Guard units will be training to match it! Are your orders understood?” “Yes sir!” “Then let’s go and celebrate us kicking flank! Dismissed! Woo!” The meeting broke as ponies scrambled for their quarters, and he turned to Steel. “Pretty good idea, ri—?” He paused. Steel was already vanishing into his quarters. “Well, I guess it was.” “It is.” Dawn’s voice make him turn. She was the only other pony left in the room. “Will Thistle be joining us by any chance?” “Ah …” It took him a moment to shift his brain over. “No. She’s out on some long-range delivery.” “I see,” Dawn said with a slight frown. “Sorry to hear she won’t be free to join us. I would have liked to meet her. Another time, perhaps.” She turned and moved out of the room, leaving him alone, and slightly stunned. “Well … all right,” he said to an empty room. Then he grinned and turned, heading for his own office. There was a saxophone there that was simply calling out to him, and he’d chosen the Fleet Beat for more reasons then their superb food … Two hours later, his hooves wrapped around his sax at the team’s table as he bantered the band on stage with a friendly back-and-forth solo, Nova, Sky, and Sabra all cheering him on, a sudden moment of introspection him him, enough that he almost missed a note. Last week we fought a shade, he thought as he finished off the solo with a flourish, “passing” the song back to the band’s own brass section, who threw their own spin on his melodies. Other ponies were cheering and stomping, some readying instruments of their own. Before that, golems and insane unicorns. He sat back down, Nova, and to his surprise Dawn, clapping him on the back. Tonight, we relax and enjoy one another’s company. Tomorrow … who knows? But there’s one thing I can say for certain, he thought as the Nova excused himself and joined the dancers on the floor in front of the band. True dinkum, no whinging. Sky Bolt and Sabra joined Nova on the dance floor as the music shifted to something with more laid-back beat. Sky Bolt had put on some sort of dress of flowing silk that was much like the ones he’d seen the Plainslands ambassadors wear. A calculated move, if he had any opinion on it. We’re a team. He traded a smile with both Steel and Dawn. We’re a family. And no matter what comes at us, we’re going to rise above it. Because we’re the Dusk Guard. And the rest of the world had better look out. Dawn rose and extended her hoof to Steel, saying something Hunter couldn’t quite hear over the music, but he gathered to be a polite invitation to dance, and Captain Song rose, offering her a hoof as they both moved over to the dance floor. Because if anyone’s bringing trouble, we’re going to be there. All around him, ponies of all ages smiled and laughed, ate, danced, or enjoyed the music. Somewhere in the Crystal Empire, he knew, similar scenes were playing themselves out in their own way.  And we’re bringing our best. He set down his saxophone and joined his team on the dance floor.