Several days have gone by since the night forever known as the Children Plague. That cursed day when children all across Equis went missing. Reports came filing in from every town, village, and privately owned villas. Nowhere was safe from these wretched villains.
This only further increased the problem of mixed breeding as the majority of the ones taken were of such. Wishful Volcano and all of her friends were taken beneath the nose of those that would've been watching and caring for them. Twilight still mentally berates herself for losing their daughter and it has taken its toll on her mental and physical health. The same could be said for all the other element bearers as well as Luna and Celestia.
These actions have also brought about riots and public fighting. Creatures on both sides of the political scope have come to blame each other for the events that have transpired. One side demands the other to give up the kids so they can return to their homes while the other insists that they give up this charade of having lost their children to pretend predators.
Caught in between it all are those that are suffering from both issues. Parents wondering and worrying their lives away. Parents who have taken it upon themselves to hunt down the villains who have dared to enter their lives. And the vigilantes and heroes that truly wish for a happy ending.
But this is no their story. Their story takes place far beyond the current one. Whether they find a happy ending is beyond the scope of this. For currently, Spike has found something that could break everything apart.
Spike folds the letter in half before laying it on the nightstand beside him. To his right lays his wife, Twilight Sparkle, who, once again, has woken him up after being racked and ravaged by nightmares and visions of their daughter. His claw continues to stroke her body even after her body has fallen into calm sleep once more. These episodes have only gotten worse since the latest information passed onto their family.
The police force managed to get a hold of some critical information after a drug bust. It turned out one of the Griffins they were taking their products to wasn't prepared to be caught. Upon seizing him they found a hoard of some very unpleasant discoveries locked away beneath his home. Bodies were checked, families were called, and many began to dread where their children were at this very moment.
From there, the searches and busts only grew bigger. Next came something no one was expecting. Tapes were delivered to each home of the victims. The content of the tapes varied from creature to creature. Some got the voices of their children calling out for their parents, some screaming out in pain, other begging to be released, others can't even be talked about. The main thing they all had in common was the voice giving the parents and officers an option.
To those whose thoughts remain on the remaining children in the waking world, you can have them. But only if you can afford them. We'll be in close contact with you when we decide to auction off your child. And to the police officers who will most likely see these tapes, give up. This is a losing battle. You'll only ever find what we want you to find.
With that said, I wish you a good day.
Needless to say, the tapes have put everyone on edge. Everyone has been waiting and watching. Spike more so than others. He's begun to gather up his own party of defenders much like Twilight has with her friends. They might not have elements of harmony to help them, but they have the instinct abilities they were born with. As well as parental senses that could never be explained.
Though his group has yet to uncover anything the police haven't, they have been taken note of. It seems that the villain is very aware of what he and his comrades are up to and he doesn't appreciate it one bit. Especially since the police have decided to look the other way despite knowing whose responsible for the destruction they usually find in the morning. It probably helps that the police chief so happens to be part of this splinter cell as well. But that's only a rumor.
"I'll find her, Twilight. I swear this to you." Spike whispers glancing down to her gentle form and unkept form.
The sun slowly creeps above the horizon. The day was today.
The scent of death and who knows what else lingers in the air as Spike and several other creatures make their way through a destroyed unkempt hallway. All five figures have their identifies covered by masks, cloaks, and various spells. They are constantly being watched by several burly figures wielding weapons in either claws, hooves, or paws who continue to lead them down this distraught place.
They only part ways when they enter a pitch-black room. Even those whose eyes would naturally penetrate the darkness couldn't see anything. They find themselves blinded by a spotlight and defined by the sound of speakers starting up.
"Welcome. Welcome! To this year's auction! Today we have all sorts of beasts and former ponies in hope to pique your interest. And later we will have a special deal on an up and coming slave of ours! And I assure you if you value something as much as we do, you'll be happy to part with every. last. bit."
Spike suppresses a growl in the back of his throat knowing the last bit was for him. If he wants to save his daughter, everything would need to go right here. Nothing could be left to chance.
It was now, or never.