//------------------------------// // Sixteen // Story: Civil War // by TheKing2001 //------------------------------// Aria I sat in full armor alongside Silverspeed, Shoeshine and Sunbeam as we sat in a private train car with the prisoner. We were transporting her to Canterlot for Celestia’s guards take over her custody. We had left the rest of the guards to stay with Twilight. “So why am I bring brought to Canterlot?” Lilac Blossom asked curiously as I gave her a shove. “Don’t speak unless you’re spoken to,” I snapped as Shoeshine and Sunbeam stood next to her. “Or else we will gag you.” “We’re bringing you to Canterlot because they’re taking custody. We can’t take you to the Crystal Empire because Shining Armor is there. Having a mare related to threats against his sister wouldn’t be safe for you,” Sunbeam answered as I nodded. The train slowed to a stop as Sunbeam and Shoeshine forced her up. I opened the door and stepped out with Silverspeed into the main cars. “Everypony stay seated till we get the prisoner off the train,” I ordered and the sitting ponies nodded as Lilac Blossom was dragged out by Shoeshine and Sunbeam. The train started booing and insulting her as we started walking. A blue stallion worked his jaw and spit at her as I glared at him. “Sunbeam, arrest him,” I pointed a hoof as Sunbeam levitated a pair of hoofcuffs and forced him up as I took her place at Lilac Blossoms flank. “What the hay?” The stallion shouted as Sunbeam locked the cuffs on his hoofs and levitated him to his hooves. “Walk,” she pushed him with her magic as we walked out the train doors. “You can’t spit on anypony, no matter the reason.” “Woah,” Silverspeed muttered at the long line of Celestia’s guards waiting for us. “Thank Celestia we quit robbing places, eh Shoeshine?” “Got that right,” Shoeshine agreed with equally wide eyes. “We’re here for the inmate,” a guard said and I pushed Lilac Blossom into his hooves. “We got another one coming. Spit on the inmate. Some landed on Shoeshine,” I said as Sunbeam pushed him out. The guard nodded and gestured for two other guards to take him. “Thank you,” he said and we watched them all escort the two away. “So what now?” Silverspeed asked as I glanced at the gray pegasus. “We’re supposed to stay here for the next few nights.” “We are being put up in a hotel near the castle,” Sunbeam answered as she examined a piece of paper she held in her magic. “I’m exhausted and could use a warm shower.” We all chuckled as we trotted in the direction of the hotel. I flopped back on the bed, marveling at how comfortable it is. Thank God for the Princesses putting us up in the most expensive hotel. Apparently this hotel gives free rooms to all royal guards. “So you guys used to be thieves?” I asked curiously as Silverspeed and Shoeshine relaxed in their own beds. Sunbeam was in the shower still based on her singing. We had all long since stripped out of our armor, sitting neatly in piles next to our respective beds. “Maybe,” Silverspeed said cautiously as she eyed me with her violet eyes. “Shoeshine went by Spotless, I went by Archer.” “You aren’t going to arrest us are you?” Shoeshine teased as she gave a smug grin. “The last place we robbed was the Barnyard Bargains. I was working there originally but got bored. Especially after a very tantalizing delivery of bits got dropped off.” I shook my head with an equally smug smirk. “I’m not turning you two in don’t worry. I can keep secrets well. Don’t tell anyone else though,” I said as I rolled in the bed. “The last robbery went poorly. The map was awful. Where did you ever get the map?” Silverspeed demanded as she glanced at Shoeshine. “I may have sort of borrowed them from a guy who knows a guy and I may or may not have slept with a guy that knew those guys through a-” Shoeshine admitted and rolled her eyes. “I think you get the point.” “So what exactly is your special talents?” I asked curiously. “Being quick like an arrow, and nimble like an archer,” Silverspeed answered with a smug grin. She pointed at her flank with a hoof. “Hence the cutie mark. I’m also good with a bow.” “I can look at different metals and decide which ones are worth more. Plus making horseshoes,” Shoeshine said and pointed at her own flank. Sunbeam trotted into the room with her mane flattened against her head with a towel flung around her neck. “There you are rockstar,” I smirked as she blushed. “Thought you’d never get out.” “Sorry,” Sunbeam muttered as she dried her mane and brushed it down to it’s normal style. “Room service!” A voice at the door called. We all looked at each as Sunbeam opened the door. A hotel worker stood at the door with a plate held in her magic. “Delivery.” “Oh thanks,” Sunbeam smirked and levitated some bits her way. “Have a good night!” “You too.” Sunbeam shut the door and set the tray down. “Ooh whiskey!” Shoeshine cheered as she pumped a hoof. “Hell yeah!” “Oh Celestia help me,” Silverspeed muttered with a grin. “Is there maregeritas?” “Can we even get drunk?” Sunbeam asked worriedly as she examined a bottle of vodka she held in her magic. The three mares looked at me. “She has a point. I kinda need this job,” Shoeshine admitted nervously as Silverspeed nodded her agreement. “We’re off duty so yeah we can. As long as we don’t go out in public,” I reassured the three. “The other guards and I get drunk at Berry Punchs bar often when off duty. Well, Wallflower and Sunbeam didn’t know that. Glimmer Shine doesn’t go usually. If she does, it’s to keep us in line.” “Hell yeah!” Shoeshine cheered again as Sunbeam levitated a bottle of whiskey her way. “Thank you Sunbeam.” Shoeshine poured out for shot glasses as I trotted over with Silverspeed and Sunbeam. We all nodded at each other and took the shot at the same time. I have a feeling tonight is about to be great.