That afternoon the council was seated wearing armor and their uniforms as Celestia walked in and General Firefly took a breath. “My lady.”
Celestia sat down raising her hoof. “As you were. My title isn’t official yet, but I feel it is only right to get some answers myself.”
The council nodded as Bulk spoke up. “So do we, princess.”
A female unicorn nodded. “We already know how she died. We need to know why.”
“Do we really know how she died? She’s an alicorn. The royal family can't die, can they?” Bulk asked and looked at Celestia.
Celestia sighed and shook her head. “We can sustain injuries but usually our magic is strong enough to heal.”
Firefly was thinking as a stallion tilted his head. “What about anything directed with magical amplifiers?”
“Well…I suppose that is possible. But Equinox never authorized those weapons.”
The council froze as Nighthawk raised an eyebrow. “Wait what?”
“There was a personal request made to help amplify some new weaponry for experimental purposes.” Bulk stated as the council looked to Nighthawk.
Celestia coughed. “It was proposed, however, Equinox denied it.”
Firefly shook his head. “This wasn’t seen by certain crowds. The request was approved by General Firefox before he went missing.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow as Nighthawk blinked. “What weaponry?”
“The proposal offered new armor, artillery, and weapons that broke several technological advances.” A female pegasus stated.
“Equinox believed them to be too dangerous and denied the request. Or so we thought.”
Nighthawk grinned. “Doesn’t that seem odd?”
Bulk raised an eyebrow. As a unicorn tilted his head. “What comes to mind ensign?”
“Think about it. Two high ranking officers push a denied request for tech that can beat us out in a war. The queen gets assassinated with that same tech and the evidence we find is just broken glass. Thus, the experience of our assassin.”
Celestia sighed. “That’s basic enough but where should we start hunting the assassin?”
Nighthawk sighed not knowing the answer and drifted off to a flashback on a conversation he had with Phoenix Blaze.
“Come on dad. It’ll be the best place to go to.”
“Ponyville is nice, son, but wouldn’t be a liable place to go to. Too many places to hide in and very off putting. But, maybe we can go soon. I have some work down there.”
Nighthawk blinked and looked up hearing a few conversations going on and shook his head. “Ponyville.”
The council stopped and looked at Nighthawk with a confusing look.
“I’m…willing to bet that our assassin would be in Ponyville.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Do you have an idea who did it?”
Nighthawk nodded but didn’t want to confirm it. Celestia noticed his reaction and shook her head. “I wouldn’t believe it either. But we must confirm this.”
Firefly blinked. “Ensign how sure are you it's him?”
Nighthawk shook his head as Bulk sighed. “Very well. We need a team to push ahead and check.”
Celestia nodded. “My cousin runs an operating base near Ponyville.”
Firefly looked at Nighthawk. “I’m sorry to ask, ensign.”
Nighthawk perked up. “Mission to Ponyville?”
Celestia smiled. “Are you up for this?”
“I can do this. I would like to bring a couple of officers.”
“Whatever you need. It’s your’s.” Bulk stated, looking at a notepad. “Our flight there is first thing in the morning.”
He blinked. “Of course, sir.” Nighthawk bowed his head and felt scared about what he signed up for. Having to leave his love to hunt down who would very well be his own father who he believed killed the queen.
That night, Nighthawk was back on the balcony with Starfrost and Penelope, holding each other close as this would be their last night together.
“Y…you can’t.” Starfrost started with tears in her eyes.
“Starfrost. I have to. You know more than anyone else that my job is to the queen. Or was.”
“How do you know it's him?”
“I don’t, but I just can't let this go away. I’m scared something is going to happen. These missing troops, the general missing, all of it. I just don't know what.”
Starfrost sniffled and nodded. “And that’s why I want you here. I don't want you to go.”
Nighthawk held her hoof tight as Penelope started to chirp and coo to calm her. “And I want you to stay safe. That’s all I ever wanted for you when I first laid eyes on you. If I’m right. Then I’ll do my mission, leave and come back to the bravest, skilled and most beautiful unicorn I’ve ever seen.”
Starfrost blushed and giggled. “Most beautiful huh?”
“What? Do you think I say that to all of the ladies I see?”
Starfrost laughed as Nighthawk wiped a tear from her cheek and placed his forehead on her forehead. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled. “I love you.” He moved in to kiss her and for the first time the two felt connected much deeper than they were before. After the soft, tender kiss Nighthawk smiled. “My dearest Starfrost, I’ll always be with you, near or far and I promise I’ll be home.”
“I know.” Starfrost replied.
Penelope screeched and Nighthawk petted his phoenix. “As for you girl. I want you to protect her. Comfort her in my absence. Can you do that?”
Penelope flapped her wings and screeched as if she was saying yes and moved closer to Starfrost.
“See. With Penelope around, you’ll be in safe wings.” Nighthawk said with a chuckle.
Sapphire laughed and started petting and she nodded. “Get home safe you hear. I don't want to see you in a med bed.”
Nighthawk chuckled. “Are you kidding?” I don't want to let that become an embarrassment a second time. Although I do have a question.”
Sapphire and Penelope tilted their heads. “What are your thoughts on me flying?”
“No! No, absolutely not.”
Nighthawk smirked. “Why not? You don't want to fantasize a strong, strapping alicorn stallion walking through the door?”
Sapphire squeaked hearing his statement and blushed and took his hat off. “YOU SON OF A BITCH NOW I AM! HOW DARE YOU!” She squealed, hitting him with the hat and Nighthawk just laughed playing with her and Penelope flew up and screeched, attacking Nighthawk playfully.