//------------------------------// // Chapter 15 - Plans brewing // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 3 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// When Jia first became an Imperial soldier, she had a fiery desire to protect the innocent and those she had loved. Had loved. Jia sighed, remembering her dying family’s looks after they'd had been raided by bandits. The Imperial soldiers had taken her in. Gave her food, clothing, and shelter. She was loyal to the throne. But now, it seemed like things were changing. Jia opened her eyes to see the hallway she, two Canterlot soldiers, and a burly brown stallion named Lei stood at the end of. “Does the General seem different to you?” Jia asked. Lei shrugged. “He’s been a little snappier but all the same to me.” He sighed. “I can’t blame him with the most wanted fugitive taking refuge with ignorant dependent ponies.” Jia briefly remembered the conversation she and Mystic had. The surprised look in Mystic’s eyes never left ever since then. It was almost as if... “Jia, are you okay?” Lei asked. “Oh, yeah,” Jia coughed into her hoof. “I’m just a little tired from a late-night shift.” “Stay strong, we can’t slack now.” “I know,” Jia faked a yawn, “Hong should be here any second.” While Mystic did show she was different than what she had been told, who knows how the years have treated her since then? How much had she really changed? “Attention!” a voice shouted. Jia stood tall, looking straight down the hall to see Hong approaching. When he got close, he stopped right in front of them. “At ease.” Jia and Lei both relaxed. “Did the congressponies and Bullion arrive yet?” Hong asked. “Yes sir,” said Lei, “All arrived a couple of minutes ago.” “Excellent,” said Hong. “May I ask the progress of Canterlot’s restoration?” Jia asked. “We’ve nearly completed restoring the capital,” replied Hong. “Which reminds me,” he cleared his throat. “I want you to know you two have been excellent soldiers.” His look softened some. “But things might be a little bumpy for a while. But just remember who you’re loyal to.” “Yes sir!” Jia and Lei said in unison. Hong saluted and walked past the double doors that shut after he entered. Jia briefly considered listening to see what it was about, but she shoved it aside because of loyalty and because a barrier was keeping all sound from coming out. Hong smirked to himself. When he first found out about Bullion's involvement with NIghtfall, he just had to find a way to get involved with him. He saw the large roundtable the three congressponies and Mr. Bullion sat around. Aside from Bullion, he saw a dark grey earth pony with a black mane, known as Shadow Prism, a yellow pegasus with a brown mane, known as Armored Spear, and a pure black earth pony with a white mane, known as Obsidian Note. He activated his magic, making minor modifications to his appearance. It's time the rest knew about Him, Hong thought, recalling how he needed to antagonize Mystic for a more ultimate purpose for Him, their new Master. “So,” said Prism, “We’ve finally managed to meet together.” “Yes,” Bullion grumbled. “And my sons and I have been kicked out of the School!” “Well, there’s that plan ruined,” said Note. “There’s no way we can break their spirits and get their little friendship thing to spin out of control!” “No,” said Hong, a sinister smile breaking out, “Our new Master, and I know this is perfect! These ponies need some sense of security but we’ll keep things bubbling and when the moment’s right, we’ll make our move.” “And how do you suppose we do that?” Bullion asked with a scoff, “Just because you’ve been invited here, doesn’t mean you’re the one in charge.” “Oh, we’ll see how things pan out,” said Hong. “The way I suppose we do it is to sabotage the school’s upcoming event. When those pipes burst and the electrical system goes out, Twilight’s reputation will be trashed for sure.” “What has become of that supposed lead you and Bullion know about?” Prism asked. “And...” She paused, confused, “What Master?” “The lead we've mentioned is our new Master,” said Hong, “Though he wants to remain discreet for now, he managed to get enough just enough strength to escape before the towers around Canterlot collapsed. But I can say things are working out for all of us.” Prism opened her mouth to speak but she was stopped when Bullion gave her a sharp look. Prism raised an eyebrow “Fine. But I want to be the first to know about this “master” whenever he wants to be known.” “Sure,” replied Hong. “Why did you just walk in here and think you’re the one in charge here?” Bullion glared, standing up. “I’ve been told by our Master that I’m the one to be taking charge of this squad now,” said Hong. “And if any of you don’t cooperate, I will know and I will see that your families won’t have any place in the continuing delayed operation.” He looked at the congressponies with a cold glare. All of them had their hooves raised but they went back down and nodded. “What?!” Bullion shouted, walking to the unphased general, “I’ve done most of the work! I’ve been keeping the School under scrutiny.” “Yes, you have,” said Hong, growing more impatient. “I agreed to Nightfall’s plan to get Twilight and her friends focused on their school and to get them into a political war! I deserve to lead this operation!” said Bullion. “You have certainly fulfilled your purpose, Bullion,” said Hong. “But our Master told me that now you’re to follow my lead when it comes to what Nightfall nearly succeeded at.” “I worked my flank off for this! I have more power here than you will ever have! I own all the business in Equestria and--” “Enough!” Hong roared, grabbing Bullion in his magic. He threw him up against a wall, stomped up to him, and placed his right foreleg on the earth pony’s throat. “If you continue with objecting to what we have on our table I will personally pull every tooth from your mouth!” He opened Bullion’s muzzle and yanked one of his front teeth out. Bullion screamed in agony before Hong’s magic clamped his mouth shut, the stallion squirmed and tried to get any sound out. “Do we understand each other?” Hong’s glare hardened. “And no more screaming.” Bullion nodded vigorously and Hong dropped him onto the floor. The general turned back to the congressponies who were all sitting with wide eyes, and Note’s jaw needed to be returned to a proper position. “As for your little plan, Bullion,” said Hong, “I believe I will take the reins now.” “Mm-hmm!” Bullion whimpered. “You and your friends will come into play after the move is made against the school.” “S-Sure!” said the burly stallion holding his upper muzzle. “As for another matter,” said Hong with venom in his tone. “Mystic.” “I don’t get it,” said Prism, “Why is that teenage filly so important?” “That part hasn’t been told to me by our Master,” said Hong. “But I have been told it’s adamant we break her spirit, too, and make sure she’s guilty with the court.” “How are we going to do that?” Spear asked, “That pony’s taking classes at the school.” “I am working on a plan and a story with the help of our Master,” said Hong, “We will succeed in bringing her in. Bullion might’ve known this, but our new Master is unlike anypony’s seen before.” He smiled sinisterly, “He has a plan to get the Mane Six weakened, so in order to finish the work Nightfall started, we must follow his orders.” “You could’ve told us about this development,” said Prism. “Well, we are now,” Hong glared at her. Prism went silent and Hong ignored the astounded looks of the other congressponies. Note looked at Bullion, but the brown stallion waved him off. “I also believe there is a weak link in Twilight’s group of friends that might be able to help us bring Mystic in,” Hong spoke up. “A cocky, brash pegasus I’m sure, but dedicated to the safety of her friends.” “You want to bring Rainbow Dash into this?!” Note admonished. “Yes, but I want her to be unaware that she’s helping us,” said Hong, giving him a hard stare, “She wouldn’t do anything too rash, but I know some friends Mystic attempted to make friends with have humiliated her.” “How did you get that information?” Spear asked. “I have my resources,” said Hong, thinking of how many spotters he has throughout Equestria that have even lived as citizens for years, “I’ve got a plan, so don’t worry.” He glared hard at the ponies sitting at the table. “And if you’re going to ask more questions our Master has told me to deliver, please take it up with him whenever he’s available.” “I have plenty of questions,” said Prism. Hong ignored her and waited for another response. However, after about five seconds, he turned around and began stomping off. “Our plans will be moving forward, keep your heads down.” Hong stopped and looked at Bullion. “You will receive all what’s been promised to you originally, Bullion.” He stomped out of the room, opened the door, and shut it behind him. Standing beside the entrance to the meeting room, were his two best soldiers standing tall. “Lei, I need to speak with you,” said Hong. “Jia, I need you making sure our negotiations to becoming Equestria’s allies are going smoothly.” “Yes sir,” said Jia. “And one more thing,” said Hong. “Is Mystic aware that I know her every move?” Jia nodded. “Yes, sir. Just as you asked.” “Good,” Hong smiled, “She needs to know she can’t run from me. You are dismissed.” Jia saluted and took her leave. Hong watched her leave until she turned left down another corridor. He looked at Lei. “I have a job for you.” “Whatever you need, sir,” Lei saluted. Still in her Wonderbolts outfit, Rainbow lifted the wine to her lips, not listening to the patrons nearby or looking up at the bartender. She relished in the alcohol running down her throat in the little pleasure she could get. I’m sure glad my friends don’t know about my little trips to the bar once in a while... Rainbow thought, scratching at her coat now bare from her Wonderbolt outfit. A small part of her didn’t want to look at it but she had to keep going to rebuild what Lightning Dust destroyed. She didn’t bother going to her parents or back to Ponyville yet. She decided to rent a hotel room for the night and get back home tomorrow. She hoped she could resume classes the way she used to but... Darn it, Mystic! You humiliated me in front of fans out in public! She thought, recalling ponies looking at her outside the stadium. Why do you always screw me and others over?! Rainbow gulped some of her wine down. She even became a hit among a lot of the students! Rainbow thought. Some believing she was the reason Twilight stood up against that awful pony! But that was ridiculous. Twilight would have eventually. Rainbow knew her best friend. Mystic isn’t the pony they think she is, Rainbow thought, her emotions running wild. Mystic was a criminal. She was on the run from Hong. They couldn’t have this issue of an international criminal within their borders. This is all her fault! She should never have come to Ponyville! Rainbow balled her hooves. Now I’ve been made like a fool in front of my friends and fans! However, her mind thought back to the events once in a while which caused her to doubt her accusations. Mystic had done some good things and helped them save their land. But she couldn’t help but doubt those doubts. Maybe I am overreacting, Rainbow thought, loosening the tension she’d built up. I just... ah! I don’t know! Rainbow facehoofed. What is wrong with me? She sighed. Maybe I should apologize to her... But her pride swelled within her chest, and she clenched her jaw and let steam out of her nostrils. She’s just so annoying! Rainbow huffed. “You’re looking upset, friend,” said a masculine voice. Rainbow immediately sat straight up. She looked to her right and saw a beefy male stallion with a sympathetic look. He had on a green shirt and blue shorts. “Yeah, so what?” Rainbow looked away, “I’ve had a rotten day.” “So, it seems,” said the stallion. He tapped the bar, and Rainbow saw the bartender walk over. “Give us both what she had,” said the stallion. “What’re you doing?” Rainbow asked, looking at him. “I’m buying you an extra drink,” said the stallion. Rainbow shot a glare, “I don’t need anything from a stranger.” “Maybe not, but from the Captain of the Imperial army? I think you might would want to change your mind,” the stallion smirked. Rainbow’s eyes flew wide open. “Wait...” She pointed at him, “You’re the...” The stallion nodded and held up his hoof to his lips in a ‘shush.’ Rainbow calmed herself and looked on, amazed at the sight in front of her. “What’re you doing here?” Rainbow asked, “I mean, what’s your...” “Lei,” said Lei, stretching out a hoof, “Captain Lei.” Rainbow beamed and shook his hoof, “It’s so cool to meet you! I mean, the army seems like another group of Wonderbolts only in a different cool way!” Lei chuckled, “I’ve heard a lot of talk about that flight team. They sound incredible.” Rainbow saw that her extra glass of wine had arrived along with Lei’s, she took it and began taking a drink. “I would love to know more about your army,” Rainbow said happily. Lei cleared his throat, “Rainbow, can I ask you something?” “Shoot,” replied Rainbow, taking another sip. “How would you like to help us take Mystic in for good?” Lei asked. “What’s in it for me?” Rainbow asked curiously. “Well, if you do, you’ll be rewarded for bringing in a criminal on our most wanted list and ponies would recognize you as you so deserve,” Lei explained. “I know of you lying to try and bring Mystic in and make her pay for her actions.” “I don’t know...” Rainbow muttered, but her pride swelled within her chest again. “Mystic is a very clever pony on top of looking like she's doing everything she's supposed to. So, sometimes it’s necessary to pull a veil over some morals to ensure the greater good prevails,” Lei looked right into her eyes. “You do want to ensure that you and your friends are protected after all that’s happened, don’t you, loyal Rainbow Dash?” “Well...” Rainbow said, thinking about it. However, the more she thought about it, the more tempting it was to finally bring somepony like that to justice. “What would I be doing?” “You would just be providing stories that aren’t exactly true, and speaking with some of our ponies to help build up a case against her,” said Lei. “That’s all we ask from you and you’ll receive what you truly deserve.” All of Rainbow’s doubts faded about Mystic being a criminal. Surely, nopony would approach her, an Element of Harmony like this unless it was crucial. She hoped her friends wouldn’t find out now, but she smiled at the thought of them congratulating her on a job well done on stopping Mystic. Rainbow nodded. “All right, what do I need to do to get started?”