//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: No one // Story: Apprentice of the Stars // by Vohira //------------------------------// Chapter 5 No one When Twilight walked through the castle in her new armor everypony turned their heads to look at her. The purple mare was pleased with how ponies she passed by bowed to her. At the beginning of the month it embarrassed her how the castle staff behaved around her, but now she really did enjoy the attention and bowing. In no time Twilight made her way to the throne room. After the workers have completed the renovation it looked quite stunning. The mirror like surface of polished obsidian that was the floor, reflected the black ceiling on which many gems were placed and filled with magic to shine with their natural colour. It created an illusion of walking among the stars, only disturbed by the dark grey stone pillars decorated with thin, silver vines. Delicate silver chandeliers were lighting up the side alcoves. On the path leading from the doors to the throne lay a black carpet trimmed with silver. Two steps from the dais on which was the black marble throne Twilight stopped and bowed slightly to the Princess that sat on it, looking over some documents held with hers magic. They were not alone, as there were three other ponies Twilight didn't know that stood close to the dais. Petitioners by the look of it. “Your request will be granted. In a weeks time the donation from the treasury will arrive to you.” Luna answered and then she looked up from the document to see Twilight slightly bowing to her all the time and the three astronomers bowing deeply to her, almost touching their foreheads to the floor. The Princess smirked as she observed the grateful ponies retreating from her throne room. “We are alone Twilight, drop the act,” the dark alicorn said smiling with a more friendly smile. When she gave the mare before her the proposition to became Commander of her Night Guards, she insisted on dropping the formalities when they were alone. “This armor looks good on you.” “Thank you. What we will be doing tonight Luna? More magical theory or do you want me to oversee the works again?” Twilight didn’t truly want to do the latter as she did it almost all the time for the past week. It was a waste of time, as whenever the workers and Guards saw her watching, they would be on their best behaviour and that meant there was almost no need for her to give orders. She could have spent those nights doing something more productive, like in depth researching of battle magic... but it was an order and as a future Commander she wanted to be an example for the other Guards. So disobeying an order was out of the question. “Neither. A day ago, a farm pony from Appleoosa came to Canterlot seeking help,” Luna looked at Twilight seeing her frown. “He reported that in the last two weeks, four earthponies have gone missing. All of them didn't return from their trading trips into the buffaloes territory. An investigation party had been sent and they confirmed that it wasn’t the buffalo behind the disappearances, as at least two young buffalo also have gone missing. Their chieftain was rather unwilling to talk about it in more detail.” Luna ended her little monologue with an annoyed snort. They were trying to help, but it would seem that the buffalo still had little trust in ponies. “So what is Princess Celestia going to do about it?” Twilight asked, deeply in thought. “Nothing,” the Princess of the Night saw the incredulous look Twilight gave her and raised her hoof to silence any protests. “Celestia gave the task of solving this case to me. And I gave it to you Twilight. It is a perfect opportunity for you to test your skills outside of this forest.” Twilight was a bit shocked. She didn’t expect something like this mission. Not that soon anyway. To make it worse she had a deadline on this one, the ball was only eleven nights away from now. “I will do my best Princess,” Twilight finally found her voice after a minute of silence. “But is there anything else that the pony reported. And can I take some of my friends with me on this mission?” “I think you will find it interesting, that some precious gems were found on the far eastern border of buffaloes territory. From what the ponies from Appleoosa learned, the buffaloes knew about the gems but they had no interest in them, until the trading begun that is.” Now Princess Luna only waited for what Twilight will come up with, she had a suspicion and she knew her apprentice will also make that connection. “You’re suspecting diamond dogs, aren’t you Luna?” Twilight asked with a scowl on her muzzle. She had some experience with that race, and it wasn’t exactly pleasant. “Indeed...” The Princess abruptly stopped and she scowled as her ears twitched a bit. “Come out now pony, or you will end in the dungeons.” When she heard that Twilight abruptly turned around and looked around the empty hall. Her horn ignited with her magic, she wanted to be prepared for anything. But when the eavesdropper walked out from behind one of the pillars the purple mare’s jaw almost landed on the floor. ********** She tried to fall asleep, she really did. But her curiosity was getting the better of her. Rarity knew she shouldn’t be snooping around... but it always was so much fun! So without further thinking, she got up and went downstair to see what she could find in the castle. While on her little tour Rarity was happy to note that no one paid to her that much attention. Some Night Guards looked at her suspiciously but other than that, they didn't bother her. And she was glad for it. The white unicorn didn’t quite count on finding the throne room, but when she did, Rarity saw backs of some three unknown ponies and a slightly bowing Twilight. Deciding to get a better look she sneaked inside when the Princess spoke to the trio and hid herself behind on of the pillars. She had to admit, Princess Luna looked intimidating on her black throne. Rarity realized that while Princess Celestia’s throne room always gave of the feeling of gentle warmth and comfort, this dark hall had a feeling of coldness and power. She also imagined, that while nopony thought twice before coming with their cause to Princess Celestia... She was sure, that everypony would think more than twice before coming before Princess Luna. Her thoughts came to a halt when she heard Twilight talking with the Princess. Rarity listened carefully and when she heard the news about those disappearances, she was shocked that something like this could be happening. And when she heard who was suspected, she couldn’t withhold a gasp... And the next thing she knew, Princess Luna was demanding that she came out of her hiding. She bit her lower lip and slightly trembling came out... she really didn’t want to end up in the dungeons. Among other unpleasant things that could happen... her mane and tail would be ruined by that! “Rarity! What are you doing here?” Twilight’s voice caused the white mare to look at her rather than at her own hooves. She shuddered more strongly when she found herself pinned under her friends annoyed glare... those cat like eyes didn’t help either. “Oh, y-y-you know. W-walking around...” Rarity’s nerves caused her to stutter. “Just please don’t send me into the dungeons!” She wailed in her high voice throwing herself on the carpet, and what a nice, luxurious carpet it was... Both the Princess and Twilight winced a bit at the volume her drama queen friend just used. “Do not fear. I will not send one of Twilight’s friends to the dungeons... this time, although eavesdropping is not something I tolerate. Are we clear on that matter?” Luna’s voice and expression was serious, she would not tolerate another attempt at eavesdropping. “Crystal clear Princess.” In an instant Rarity stood up as if nothing had happened. “Now then, with that settled. Princess my other question?” Twilight asked turning around to face her teacher again. “Of course you can bring your friends with you Twilight, also take Spike. I will be expecting news when you make any major breakthrough in this case.” The dark alicorn fall silent for a few seconds as if pondering something. “Go get some sleep Twilight, prepare yourself but don’t take the armor... It is not yet time.” “Then I... we, will be on our way to Ponyville.” Twilight said looking at Rarity and gesturing at her friend to follow her. With a quick bow Rarity followed the purple mare. ********** In the following morning, both mares agreed to meet at the train station around eleven, when the train to Appleoosa would be arriving. They had came to a conclusion that Rarity would have to be on the ‘team’ and Twilight decided that also Applejack would be needed. And right now Twilight was entering the Sweet Apple Acres. It was around eight in the morning but she could hear the sound of somepony bucking the apple trees. She decided to follow the sound and trotted in that direction. After about five minutes she saw her orange friend readying herself to carry a basket full of apples. When Applejack heard somepony coming closer she looked to her right and almost dropped the basket she was lifting onto her back. “Well I’ll be... That’s really you Twilight?” Applejack smiled broadly when she saw her purple friend. Form their group only she hadn’t seen Twilight for almost whole two month, that time six weeks ago when she came to ask for advice about physical training didn’t really count. “Yep, thanks again for your advice.” Twilight answered with an equal smile. She couldn’t help herself and decided to buck the tree next to her, to show off her new strength. What followed was a small rain of apples, she didn't clear the whole tree like Applejack could do, but she got at least half of the fruits. “Nicely done Twilight! Ah’m impressed.” “Thank you,” Twilight said cheerfully. “Uh... Listen Applejack I have a favor to ask. Could you come with me and Rarity to Appleoosa? They got some troubles and you could help greatly.” She wasn’t sure how to propose it so she just got straight to the point. Applejack looked surprised for a bit, then she got a determined look on her muzzle. “Can do sugarcube,” the orange mare said with confidence in her voice and after that she smiled. “Ah was curious how my little Bloomberg was doin’ anyway. So when do we leave?” Twilight told her the plan and after some small talk left the orchard. Next stop, Fluttershy’s cottage. The purple unicorn wanted to ask the timid pegasus to look after the library while she and Spike were gone, after that visit she would finally go home and pack her own bags. ********** The train ride was surprisingly short for the three mares, but it could have been that way because of their animated talking. They did have quite a bit of catching up to do, Twilight especially. However Spike chose to just sleep through the train ride. But the good things must always end at some point and when they arrived at Appleoosa train station their good mood vanished. At a first glance they could see that the town got bigger, Twilight could count five new houses built and two more being build. When they looked closer however they saw that about half of the houses got planks nailed to their windows, and the two build sites were abandoned. With only seven ponies including them wandering about, it looked almost like a ghost town. “Lets go ask sheriff Silverstar what’s goin’ on here.” Applejack took the lead. Twilight, Rarity and Spike just nodded their heads. After a quick trot, or a ride on Twilight’s back in case of the baby dragon, the small group barged into sheriff’s office without a warning. Silverstar heard the hooves steps outside so he wasn’t surprised when somepony walked into his office. What he didn’t expect was who exactly barged in. To say that he was happy was an understatement. Sure he counted on Royal Guards, but the three mares now standing before him were a good sign too. They even got a dragon, well baby dragon... “You have no idea how happy I’m to see you three.” He went to shake his hoof with them, of course Rarity did that rather reluctantly. “What happened to the town?” Twilight asked, and the other two mares also voiced their interest. Silverstar instantly lost his happy attitude and became somber. “Ponies left Miss Sparkle. They were scared because there were three new disappearances, closer to town...” the sheriff looked at Applejack. “I’m sorry to say this Miss, but your cousin went missing four days ago.” “WHAT?! Ah’m goin’ to the orchard!” Before anypony could stop her Applejack galloped away almost smashing the doors to the office into pieces. “Applejack! Ugh, that mare! I will follow her Twilight.” Rarity said before she cantered after their blonde friend. Spike also jumped down from Twilight’s back and made a few quick steps outside. “Are they going to be ok?” Spike voiced his thoughts from just outside the doors as he watched the two running mares. “They will be fine,” Twilight said with a sigh and turned her cat like eyes again on the sheriff. ”Tell me everything you know...” She was hoping that Silverstar found out something new that would help them. ********** The orchard was quiet. The air was still and blistering, there wasn’t even the smallest trace of wind. Some bird of prey screeched in the distance. And a panting Applejack stood still between the trees, looking at the ground on which she found traces of a struggle. Hoof prints and some traces she couldn’t discern were all over the place. Following the most prominent trails she saw that somepony was dragged by something away from the town. She was lucky that it didn’t rain in Appleoosa for at least two weeks, if the colour of the grass was anything to go by. And living near the Everfree taught her how to read the tracks. Her and Big Mac had to know if something prowled near their farm and sometimes even among their apple trees in the night, in case it was something dangerous. But there was something wrong here, she frowned... “Applejack!” Said pony turned her head around to see an out of breath Rarity running to her. “What are you doin’ here?” The orange mare asked turning again to study the traces. “Keeping you safe of course!” Rarity huffed. “The sheriff did say that ponynapings were getting closer to town... What are you looking at?” “Braeburn was here.” Applejack pointed her hoof at the disturbed dirt and grass. Suddenly the mares heard a quiet rustle of the leafs. The blond mare’s eyes widened when she understood what was wrong with the tracks. Some of them were fresh. “Rarity, get ready.” The farm pony whispered with the corner of her mouth and saw how her friends eyes also widened, and she took a step back. Apparently that was the sign for their hiding stalkers to come out. Or rather drop out of the trees. “Smart ponies, but stupid ponies.” One of the three diamond dogs that surrounded the mares said. Rarity was scared. She had personal experience with diamond dogs, but the ones she saw now were different from the previous ones. Their fur was lighter, probably to hide them in the plain grass and shrubs. They wore brown jackets and pants, but those were taken care of and not unkempt like the ones that the other dogs had. The two before her and one behind her were lankier than the ones she knew, and looked more athletic. All in all those three looked somehow more dangerous, more sophisticated. “Run!” Applejack’s voice woke the white unicorn from hers daze. She turned and igniting her horn with magic, grabbed anything that was laying nearby, which mostly were some pebbles and dried leafs, and tossed it at the her opponent. “That one has... ugh” Whatever the shouting diamond dog wanted to say was silenced by a powerful buck from angered Applejack, as she sent that one flying into a tree behind him. But she had forgotten that this was an uneven fight, and was easily knocked out by the second diamond dog, that jumped at her the moment he saw the orange pony moving to kick his pack mate. Her stetson hat drifted to the ground as Applejack’s unconscious body hit the dirt. Seeing that, with a very unladylike scream Rarity charged the diamond dog that knocked out her friend. She never made it as she felt something hit the back of her head, probably a rock, and she herself lost consciousness, her white coated body sliding into the dried ground. “Take... the orange one... leave... white one.” Whimpered out the diamond dog that was thrown into the tree, he was holding his torso and had a painful expression on his muzzle. As he looked at the orange pony, he smiled dangerously showing of his sharp teeth. He will make her pay for the broken ribs. ********** Twilight impatiently tapped her hoof on the floor of sheriff’s office. What was taking her friends so long? To add to her irritation, Silverstar had nothing new to say. Everything he said she knew already or she suspected it. She had lost almost two hours already, and some bits. Surprisingly Spike won quite a bit of bits. When the door opened all present in the office turned their heads from the playing cards in their hoofs or claws. Yes, Twilight was playing with the sheriff and her number one assistant to kill some time as she waited for her friends. Twilight and Spike dropped their cards and stared wide eyed at a sobbing Rarity, covered in dirt, with her mane and tail disheveled, and on hers neck Twilight spotted what looked like a dried streak of blood. The white unicorn was clutching a familiar stetson hat. The moment she drooped to the floor, Twilight run to her. Spike was too stunned to move or say anything. “What happened Rarity?” Twilight asked in a panicked voice. “D-d-diamond do-o-o-gs. T-t-hey were... were wait-t-ting. The-y-y-y too-ok her! They took her Twilight!” The sobbing mare was shaking, but at the end some strength returned to her voice, along with anger. “Shh.. Shh... We’re going to get her back. I promise... I promise.” Twilight whispered to Rarity and tried to comfort her friend. She saw in the corner of her eye how Silverstar left them alone and closed the door. While she comforted Rarity, Twilight’s expression darkened. No one hurt her friends, no one. ********** A/N: Dun, dun, duuuuun! Probably a bit to fast paced but I hope you still liked it... Also before the next chapter is posted I will be going over previous ones, trying to spot errors and correct them.