Chapter 11
The princess’s eyes now ran across each of her guest’s faces, most of them had the look of curiosity, a few interest but one had the look of pure fear; Rainbow Dash.
“That was the first time I met Night Scorcher.” The princess concluded.
“So you mean to tell me that this guy was a royal guard, wielder of the element of loyalty and had the “stare ability.” Talk about triple threat.” Apple jack said looking at the princess, with worried eyes.
“Yes, he was the first pony on record to show this ability.” Celestia said using her magic to pour herself more tea. The five friends now all looked at Fluttershy.
“Oh...my” She said her typical shy voice.
“Well, what have you learned since then?” Twilight asked her mentor.
“We are still researching it, and we still have no idea how it originated. All we know is that It is extremely rare and it is not passed down from generation to generation, so Fluttershy you can rest easy knowing that you are not related to this pegasus.” The princess said with a warm smile.
“Oh thank you princess Celestia, I feel so much better.” Fluttershy said breathing a heavy sigh of relief.
“Okay princess I know this is interesting and all but how does that help me deal with him?” Rainbow dash said sounding impatient.
“Valid point Rainbow Dash, sister from your story so far this stallion sounds like a stand up citizen. What made him become such a threat?” Luna interjected.
“Okay, Night scorcher had been serving under me for ten years, little to my knowledge and to theirs, a great threat lurked in the darkness, Nightmare moon.”
Scorch, Flash, Breeze and Lance stood at attention in Princess Celestia’s private study. The four bowed their heads and awaited their orders. Scorch’s body now riddled with many scars, Flash’s mane was now cut short almost to his coat, Breeze had a similar look along with a scar running down her back almost to her cutie mark and Lance was now sporting an eye patch over his right eye.
“Greetings my friends it is wonderful to see you again although I would have hoped it would have been under happier circumstances.” Celestia said with a flat tone.
“We heard that there was a break in at the castle last night, your highness we came as soon as we were able.” Breeze said taking a step forward.
“You are half right, Lt. Breeze, someone didn’t break in, SOMETHING broke out.” Celestia said.
“What?” The group of pegasi said simultaneously.
“What I am about to say is top secret, we can never talk about it again, nor can you discuss it amongst yourselves once you leave this room. Do I have your word?” She said in a very serious tone.
“Of course your majesty.” Scorch said.
“Very well, my sister Princess Luna has turned against me.” she said with sadness in her voice. The four pegasi looked at each other shocked at what the princess had just told them, The co-ruler of Equestria had betrayed her country, her subjects and her own sister.
“I can’t believe Princess Luna would do such a thing.” Flash said trying to calm down the now sobbing ruler of equestria.
“I know, I believe that there are darker powers at work here. Which is why You, Misty Breeze and Shattered Lance will go under cover and find out the truth. Breeze your in charge of this mission.” Celestia said as she turned her gaze to the three pegasi with looks of surprise on their faces.
“You three will join her ranks and report anything and everything back to me.” Celestia said, her eyes staring on the three pegasi.
“But princess, we don’t even know where princess Luna is.” Breeze said raising a hoof.
“We have determined her location. She is residing some where in the Everfree Forest.” The four pegasi cringed at the name. They had been in there many times before and know all to well of the horrors that reside within.
“I am sorry for asking you all for this. But I fear that If nothing is done it could lead to open war.” Celestia said with sorrow in her voice. The four pegasi exchanged glances.
“Just leave if to us princess. We’ll get it done.” Lance said with a decisive tone.
“I know you will. You three had best prepare for the mission.” she said eyeing Flash, Breeze and Lance.
“Well, what about me princess? Am I back up?” Scorch interjected.
“No, you will remain here. I have a special assignment for you. Meet in my chambers after your team has departed.” She said looking at Scorch. “You are all dismissed.” Celestia said as she got up from her desk.
Scorch and his team bowed as they left the room. They all made their way to the armory to get provisions for their mission. As Lance and Flash were discussing navigation plans, Scorch had pulled Breeze aside.
“I don’t like you being on a mission on your own.” Scorch said helping Breeze get her things together. Breeze paused to look up at him
“I won’t be alone, Flash and Lance will be with me.” She said with a grin.
“You know what I mean Bree.” Scorch said as he filled her canteen.
“Look I know your worried, but we’ll be fine. I’m more concerned about you. Do you have any idea what Celestia wants with you?”
“No idea. But that still doesn’t change the fact that I’m worried.” He said as he trotted after her.
“Scorchy, you need to relax I can handle myself.” She said as she ruffled his mane.
“I know that better than any pony here.” He said with a smug smirk. Breeze then gave him a quick jab in his back. “Ouch! See I know you can handle yourself.” Scorch said as he rubbed his back.
“Then why are you so worried?” Breeze asked raising her fore hooves.
“You really want me to spell it out? I care about you.” Scorch said trying to calm his friend down.
“Keep your voice down! You know the rules, guards cannot be together.” She said putting a hoof over Scorch’s mouth.
“I don’t care about that. I care about you, we’ve been together for five years now.” Scorch said taker her hooves in his. Breeze then withdrew her hooves and backed away from her colt-friend.
“We knew it would be like this. We have to keep this under warps for now.” She said trying to calm Scorch down.
“I know. It’s just that I’m getting tired of the deception, the excuses and the sneaking around.” Scorch said as he was pacing the space between the locker and his mare-friend. Scorch started to scratch his mane in frustration, until he forged an idea.
“This mission is really, really important to the princess right?”
“Yeah, what’s your point?” Breeze said with a quizzical look.
“Maybe after this is over the Princess can make an exception.” he said with a small grin. Breeze’s eyes lit up hearing this plan, she then shot up and hugged him tightly.
“Okay we’ll wait until after this mission. Then we’ll talk to the princess about it okay?” Scorch said as he hugged Breeze. She returned the hug, and whispered in his ear
“Promise?”
“Promise.” He said backing out of the hug, Breeze then grabbed the back of his mane and locked him in a passionate kiss. The two broke apart and continued to pack.
Scorch, Breeze, Flash and Lance stood at the castle gate along with princess Celestia.
“Good luck you three, the fate of Equestria rests on your shoulders.” Celestia said bowing before the three guards.
“Thank you princess. We won’t let you down.” Flash said as he returned the bow. Scorch now stood next to Celestia.
“Princess, can I have a moment to speak with them?” Scorch asked as he looked up at the sun goddess.
“Of coarse. Just keep it brief.” Celestia then left the four guards to talk amongst themselves.
“Alright guys, remember check your corners watch each other’s backs and be sure to change Lance’s diapers at least once a day.” He said with a chuckle.
“Buck you.” Lance retorted with a grin.
“Breeze, watch after these two and don’t let Flash near anything sharp.” He said giving her a pat on the back.
“Yeah, yeah laugh it up.” Flash said with a smug look.
“I’m gonna get a head start.” Lance said as he turned to take off.
“Hey Lance in all seriousness, good luck.” Lance turned back around and saluted Scorch.
“Sir! It’s been an honor.”
“Like wise.” Scorch said returning the salute. Lance then took off into the sunset.
“I’d better go after him before he hurts himself.” Breeze said.
“Hey Bree, come back in one piece.” Scorch said as he gave her a hug.
“I will sir, thanks.” Breeze then went to fly after her colleague. Scorch then turned towards his oldest friend.
“Good luck Flash, hope you make it back in one piece and..” Scorch was cut off by Flash bringing a punch on his arm.
“Scorch, you talk way too much, and don’t worry I’ll bring Bree, back to you.” He said giving him nudge on the shoulder.
“How did you..?” Scorch asked in shock.
“I’m your best friend. I’ve known for about a year now. I mean It’s not like you two didn’t try and hide it. It took quite a bit of work on my part.” Flash said putting a hoof on his friends back.
“Thanks.” He said as he outstretched his front right hoof to bro-hoof him. Flash smacked the gesture away and brought him into a hug. Scorch returned the hug.
“Good luck man.” The two friends separated and parted ways.
“Hey, if I don’t see you....” Flash was cut off by Scorch saying.
“Flash, tell me when you see me.” Scorch said as Flash turned and began to take off. Scorch could have sworn he saw a tear roll out of Flash’s eye as he left. Once he saw his best friend leave his sight, he felt Celestia’s wing on his shoulder.
“Come Scorch we have much to discuss.” Celestia said turning back towards the castle. Scorch began to walk, but took one last glance towards the sunset and said with tears in his eyes
“Goodbye.”