//------------------------------// // Operation - Chapter 15 // Story: The Dusk Guard Saga: Rise // by Viking ZX //------------------------------// Chapter 15 The first thing he felt was faint pain, dull at first, but sweeping closer, like waves gradually making their way up a shore. With it came a faint roar, a sort of humming sound against the darkness that reverberated in his head. Everything around him was dark, but there were faint colors swimming through the black, flashes of purple and dark blues. I’m ... lying on my side? he thought as his senses began to come back to him. The dull pain had spread through his entire body now, although maybe it had already been there. He just hadn’t been aware of it. He tried to move one leg, straining, but found that he couldn’t, as if his limbs were encased in something. He couldn’t even tell if his eyes were open or shut. All around him, the colors were still flashing, faint blurs of purple that reminded him of his coat, mixing with dark blues that reminded him of his magic. My magic ... His memory began to come back to him as the faint humming grew louder. I was … fighting. Yes, I was fighting. With Captain Song, and the rest of Guard. Images began to flash in his mind, memories of golems, combat, noise. Pain. But we dropped … we dropped the building on them, and then— he reached back in himself, searching. A massive crystalline hand came into his mind and he grimaced at the sharp memory of pain that shot through his horn. The golem. The really big one, with Radiant in it. A new noise joined the humming, faint sounds that he couldn’t understand. And then I hit it with that spell— he paused for a moment as the memory sunk in. Am I dead? he thought. for a moment feeling a sense of panic. Around him the humming was growing louder, more intense, the faint noises that went with it taking on pitch and tone. No, I’m not dead, he realized as the pain he’d been feeling moved through his body, becoming more distinct. Unless I’m supposed to hurt like this when I’m dead. The noises he’d been hearing were clearing now, becoming more and more recognizable, even as his horn began to throb with pain. I’m— “—waking up,” somepony said. Nova opened his eyes, squinting as light filled his vision, sending another spike of pain through his skull. He tried to throw his hooves up, to block the light and keep the pain from entering, but they refused to obey. “Welcome back to the land of the living, kiddo,” the voice said. A faint blob of brown moved to one side, blocking the light, and Nova relaxed as the pain lessened. “How do you feel?” The voice was echoed, hard to make out. “Thir—” is throat was dry. “Thirsty,” he said, fighting to push the word out. There was the sense of a cup being pressed against his lips and he drank, not even caring that half of the water was running out of the side of his mouth. “Thanks,” he said as the cup pulled back. “What—” he tried to raise his head, but gave up after a few seconds, letting it stay on the soft pillow it had been resting on. “What happened?” “You did it,” the brown mass said, slowly resolving into the shape of a pony as Nova blinked. “We’re back on—” “The Hummingbird,” Nova said, managing a weak nod of his head. That explained the dull roar. “Heh, what’d I tell you?” the blur said, shifting and becoming clear enough that Nova could make out the familiar sight of a brown Stetson perched on top of a long yellow mane. “He pulled through.” “Of course he pulled through,” a second voice said. A familiar pink figure pushed Hunter out of the way, shaking her head. “I told you he just needed some rest.” The figure turned towards Nova, her features becoming more distinct even as the light framed her face. “How do you feel, Nova?” The echo was fading, words becoming clear. He managed a weak chuckle. “Like Cerberus used me a chew toy, Dawn,” he said, trying to raise his head once more and managing to lift it a few inches before pain overtook him and he let it fell back. “Let me guess,” he said, pausing and closing his eyes until the sharpness left, fading back into a dull ache that ran through his body with every heartbeat. “Magic burnout?” he ventured, cracking one eye open and looking up at Dawn. “Severe,” the mare said, giving him a nod. His vision was finally clearing enough that he could make out the worried expression on her face. “Very severe.” “No practicing for a few days, huh?” Nova said, pulling his lips up in a smile. He could feel his limbs better now, and he pushed out, twitching one of his hooves. “More like a few weeks, I’m afraid,” Dawn said, her eyes darting back and forth over him as her own horn lit up. “I won’t sugar-coat it, Nova,” she said, pausing and taking a deep breath. “You almost died.” Nova’s eyes widened as the pink mare continued on. “You didn’t just burnout, Nova, you did it while using up every speck of magic you had.” “I ...” Nova swallowed. “I didn’t know that could happen.” “Well,” Dawn said, her manner suddenly crisp and curt once more, even if she had the appearance of a mare that hadn’t slept in a few days time. “It worked out. Your suit helped maintain what little magic you had left after you passed out, and I was able to treat you almost immediately.” "How long have I been out?” Nova asked, watching her response closely. “About ten hours,” Dawn said, her voice steady. Her eyes didn’t dart away either. She was telling the truth. “Yeah, you had us worried,” Hunter said, ducking back into view and blocking the light coming through the forward windows. “When you collapsed out there, I thought you’d bought it.” “What about Radiant?” Nova asked, craning his head back a little. It didn’t hurt quite as much to move anymore, but the small motion still left him feeling weak, the room spinning around him. “Easy,” Dawn said, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “You should rest.” “We got ‘er, mate,” Hunter said. “Once you froze that thing solid, we cracked it open like an egg, pulled her out, took her down. She’s all trussed up like a Hearth’s Warming present in the back.” He gestured with a hoof and Nova craned his head back, ignoring the sudden swimming in his vision as his body cried out in protest. Radiant was tied up, unconscious from the look of things, secured with a horn-lock and hoofcuffs that were locked to the floor. Her sister was sitting nearby, awake but staring at the floor in silence, her eyes red and puffy. She also had a horn-lock and hoofcuffs, although she wasn’t secured. Nearby was the griffon, Blade, also in restraints, although she mainly looked bored. She met his eyes and gave him a grin. “Sabra’s keeping an eye on them,” Hunter said as Nova let his head slide back down the pillow. “Steel knocked Radiant out as soon as we broke the front of that golem open, and Dawn’s been keeping her sedated, she won’t wake up until we’re back in Canterlot.” “What about—” “You should rest,” Dawn said, laying a light blanket over him. “We’re still a few hours from Canterlot at this speed and you need all the recovery you can get.” Nova’s eyes darted down as she adjusted the blanket over him. “What happened to my armor?” he asked, eyeing the faint black material of his suit. “I removed it as soon as we got back to the airship,” Dawn said. “So I could do a proper examination of your injuries.” She finished adjusting the blanket around him, and he relaxed, warmth already seeping into his body. The glow on her horn winked out, and he realized she’d just cast some sort of spell, something that was chasing the pain back. “And if you say anything about me undressing you, or any derivatives thereof, I’ll  remove the pain-relief spells, understood?” Nova managed a faint nod, and Dawn gave him her usual curt smile. “Excellent,” she said, stepping away as his eyelids began to grow heavy. “Now you just rest—” The rest of her words were lost as he slid away from the world into a blissful peace. *        *        * Nova stirred as he woke up again, stretching his hind legs and letting out a yawn. He opened his eyes carefully, blinking against the bright light that was pouring through the windows and giving his hind legs another stretch. His mouth was dry and his throat raspy, like he’d stuffed his mouth with cotton and then swallowed it down. The pain was still there, throbbing away at the base of his horn and pulsing through his body, but it didn’t feel quite as intense as it had been when he’d last awoken. He raised his head, ignoring a twinge in his neck as he looked around the interior of the airship. Blade and the two sisters were still secure in the back, Sabra standing guard with his back to Nova, his staff extended and at his side. He was still in his armor, the surface chipped and battered, several large cracks visible just from Nova’s perspective. Hunter was chatting quietly with the griffon, low enough that the roar of the propellers concealed their words. He lowered his head back to a more neutral position and saw Dawn approaching from the other side of the aircraft, a cup of water floating in her grasp. “Here,” she said, pressing the glass to his lips as he sat up. He sucked at the glass until it was empty, relishing the relieving feel of the cool liquid running down his throat. “Feel better?” Nova nodded. “Much better,” he said, shifting his weight on the bench. “Still hurt though.” Dawn nodded. “You probably will for a few days. Your body has been through quite the ordeal, even without the burnout you put yourself in.” “How bad?” Nova asked, eagerly accepting another cup of water from Dawn. “Nothing major,” Dawn said. “But since I had you out of your armor anyway,” she said, giving him a warning look as he snickered, “I took the liberty of tending to your other important injuries. You have some internal bruises, but no bleeding, and you cracked several bones during the fight with the golems, all of which I’ve sped the healing process of. Some pulled muscles and sprains, a few shallow cuts and swellings. Nothing too difficult.” “Thank you,” Nova said, pulling his head back. “How’s everypony else?” “In more or less the same shape you were, minus the burnout,” Dawn said, floating the small metal cup back across the airship compartment and putting it away. “Lots of bruisings, light concussions—which I consider a miracle in itself, thankfully, as none of us had any proper headgear—and quite a few pulled muscles. Steel carried you back to the ship with a broken rib, which I’ve already set and fixed, but be sure to thank him later.” Nova nodded as Dawn made a quick pass over his body with her horn. “I need to get back to looking at Sabra, let me know if you need anything, and try to get some more sleep.” He nodded as Dawn walked away, heading for the back of the aircraft. Nova put his head back on his pillow, relishing the soft feel on the side of his face. He laid there for a few minutes, breathing softly and doing his best to ignore the faint pulses of pain that still moved through his body with every heartbeat. He shifted his weight once, trying to find a new comfortable position on the hard bench, but not succeeding. “How’re you feeling?” Nova started, his ears standing straight up in surprise as he turned to see Captain Song standing next to his bench. “I—uh ...” Nova stammered, trying to pull his mind together as pain flashed through his system. “Sorry, sorry,” Captain Song said, sitting back and raising both hooves. “I didn’t realize you’d missed me. I’m ... kind of hard to miss, normally.” “It’s fine,” Nova said, shaking his head. “I was preoccupied. What do you need, Captain?” “Nova, you don’t have to call me captain,” the stallion said, sitting back on his haunches. “At least, not right now. Just call me Steel.” “Alright Cap—Steel,” Nova said. There was silence for a moment as the two stallions looked at each other. “I heard you carried me back,” Nova said after a bit. “Thanks.” “Don’t worry about it,” Steel said, waving one hoof. “In fact, I wanted to thank you, Nova.” “Me?” Nova said, raising an eyebrow as he stared at his Captain. “Why thank me?” “For what you did last night,” Steel said, letting out a heavy breath. “You were willing to stop that golem, even at the expense of your own life.” “Well ...” Nova said, pulling his head back in surprise. “No, hear me out, Nova,” Steel said, his voice soft. “When I was first given your file I had ...” he paused for a moment. “Reservations.” Nova snorted. “I wonder why?” he said, giving his eyes a small roll. “Yeah, exactly,” Steel said, some of the gruffness coming back into his voice. “But I decided to trust the Princess. After all, if she saw a reason for you to be on the team, then maybe there was one. And I never doubted your proficiency or skills, I’d read your file enough to know that you were highly skilled. But there’s,” the stallion paused for a moment, rolling his hoof as if searching for the right word. “A drive, a personality aspect that I wasn’t sure you had, even if you had the skills.” “But last night,” Steel said, his eyes locking with Nova’s. “You proved that you have that drive, that will, that trait, to whatever it takes to protect those around you, no matter what you had to give up for it.” “Steel, I—” Nova said, his voice quivering slightly. Steel shook his head. “I thought about what you asked me, when we were running down to confront Radiant, about you just being a thief.” The stallion nodded, looking him straight in the eyes. “And you’re right, sort of. You are a thief, it’s a part of your past, a part of your skills that you’ll always have.” He put a hoof on Nova’s shoulder. “But you’re more than that, Nova,” he said, and Nova could feel his own heart pounding at the captain's words. “Last night, you were a hero.” Nova’s eyes widened in surprise.  “You were willing to give up everything you had,” Steel continued, “and I want you to know that no matter what your past or where you’d rather be right now, I’m glad that you’re a member of our team.” Nova lay silent for a moment, in shock as Steel took his hoof from his shoulder and stood, still looking down at him. Then, the old stallion turned to walk away. “Steel?” Nova called after him. The olive green stallion stopped, turning back to look at him. “Yes?” he asked. “I didn’t do it because of the team. I mean, I did, but that wasn’t the only reason. I think I finally know what Princess Luna was talking about,” he said, nodding his head. “I did it because you’re … you’re my friends. And for what it’s worth … Thank you.” “You know,” Steel said after a moment, smiling as his eyes took on a slightly distant look. “I think I understand what she was talking about a bit more myself. You’re welcome, Nova.” The stallion turned and headed for the cockpit, a strange lightness to his step despite the bruises covering his body. Nova turned back towards the wall, shutting his eyes against the bright light of the sun and letting his body relax. The Princesses were right, he thought, letting out a yawn as the room began to grow soft around him. I really do have a place here. I’m not just a thief or a prisoner, but something more. He opened his eyes again, taking in the few members of the team he could see, the last few steps of the captain as he passed into the cockpit, door sliding shut behind him. I am a Dusk Guard, he thought, smiling as he closed his eyes. And I belong here. He stayed smiling, even as he slid into peaceful, restful sleep. *        *        * Steel shifted his footing, looking up at the ornate doors that were the entrance to Princess Celestia’s personal study. He’d shown up fifteen minutes early, a report in his saddlebag and at the last minute deciding to wear the same dark green dress shirt he’d worn to the diplomatic dinner, complete with his captain’s pips on the shoulders. All-in-all, he would have felt more comfortable in his armor, but given that his armor was currently being examined with growing horror by the armorsmiths—who had expressed displeasure with what the team had done to their work in less than two days—that was not an option. One of the Guard shifted and Steel perked up, waiting to be ushered in, but then the Guard covered his mouth with a hoof letting out a muffled cough and Steel relaxed. One of his legs was aching again, and he shifted his hooves once more, trying to find a position for the partially healed leg that wouldn’t itch or ache, but the only one he’d found so far had been sitting, which he couldn’t do. At least, not until invited to. There was a gentle click and the doors to Celestia’s study swung partially open. Steel’s eyebrows raised in surprise as Golden Spike walked through the opening, his head low and expression contrite. What was he doing here? “The Princesses will see you now, Captain Song,” one of the Guard said, gesturing towards the open door with his spear. Golden Spike looked up at him, his eyes wide with surprise. Steel gave him a soft nod, heading for the study. “Captain Song,” Golden said as Steel moved past him. The stallions normally proud voice was soft and plaintive. “May I apologize?” “Apologize?” Steel asked, turning to look at the young businesspony. “To me?” “Yes,” Golden said, nodding. “I … apologize for my behavior at the diplomatic dinner, and for the way in which I treated to you. It was ...” he paused for a moment. “Unprofessional of me.” Steel raised one eyebrow in surprise. “Well, apology accepted, Mr. Spike.” “Just—call me Golden,” the stallion said. “I think I prefer it that way.” “Alright then,” Stell said, holding out one hoof. “Then apology accepted, Golden.” He gave him a small smile as they shook hooves. “You aren’t the first to fall into the allure of money, I think,” Steel said, pulling his hoof back. “No,” Golden said with a shake of his head. “I’m not. Regardless however, I am in the unique position of having lost much without having lost everything.” He let out a sigh, biting his bottom lip before looking back up at Steel. “Hopefully, I can make a more meaningful use of what I’ve been given in the future. That said,” he said, looking at Steel with gratitude, “I am thankful that you and your ‘Dusk Guard’ managed to prove me entirely wrong. You have my thanks.” “You’re welcome,” Steel said, surprised by the stallion's forthrightness. “But I, uh—” he tilted his head towards the waiting doors, and Golden nodded. "Of course,” Golden said with a sad smile. “Thank you again, captain, and the next time we meet, I hope it is under more agreeable—and less stressful—” he quickly added, one corner of his mouth turning up in a smirk, “—circumstances. Good day.” Steel nodded at the stallion as he turned and trotted off, looking a little less morose than he had moments earlier. With a satisfied smile, Steel turned and walked through the doors to Celestia’s study. “Your Highnesses,” Steel said, pausing to bow as he entered. “Steel Song,” Princess Celestia said, her voice twinkling with melodic tones. “It’s good to see you again.” “It’s good to see you as well, Princess Celestia,” Steel said, rising and giving the Princess-Regent a nod. “You as well, Princess Luna,” he said, giving the Lunar Diarch a nod as well. “I take it that everything went well in my team's absence?” “There were no other surprises, if that is what you refer to,” Princess Celestia said, motioning for him to sit. “But between the railyard and the events of yesterday afternoon, newsponies have been hounding both the Day and Night Court for answers.” “Which we will give,” Luna said, picking up her sisters words. “Although not to every question. How is your team faring, captain?” “Well enough, in Dawn’s capable hooves and horn,” Steel said, sitting down in front of the massive desk. After getting his own to shovel paperwork across, he now appreciated the effort that it probably took the Princess to keep it as clean as it was. “We had some minor injuries, and one close call with Nova, but nothing that Dawn couldn’t treat.” Princess Luna frowned, leaning forward. “A close call? What befell young Nova?” “Magic burnout and magic exhaustion,” Steel said, and Celestia let out a soft gasp. “He’s fine now, he spent the majority of the trip back sleeping it off, and I’d expect most of the night as well.” “How did it happen?” Luna asked, concern in her eyes. Steel smiled. “In about the proudest way it could happen, going above and beyond the call of duty.” He chuckled. “I may put him in for a medal, if it weren’t for the fact that he’d probably enjoy it more if he could steal it from me.” “I … see,” Luna said sitting back with a relieved look on her face. “So he is unharmed then?” “Dawn apparently had to warn him against making sarcastic comments during his treatment,” Steel said, smiling again. “So I’d say he’s fine. Now, since we’re on the subject already ...” Steel dug into his saddlebags, pulling out his report and placing it on the desk before the two sisters. “That report contains a detailed analysis of everything that happened as well as a functional breakdown of our equipment, teamwork, and anything else worth mentioning.” “Where are Mint and Radiant at this time?” Princess Celestia asked, glancing at the report. “We remitted both of them, as well as their griffon bodyguard, into the custody of the Royal Guard as soon as we arrived,” Steel said. “As far as I am aware, they are currently being held separately under arrest, awaiting a trial and sentencing.” “Good,” Celestia said with a nod. “Now, what of the collapse of the ERS Eastern Headquarters building?” Steel swallowed as she looked down at him, her expression growing stern. “I assume you have an explanation for the destruction of one of Baltimare’s more iconic industry attractions.” “Yes, your highnesses,” Steel said, carefully reviewing the words he’d thought out before coming into the room. It was no surprise to him that the Princesses knew. News courier pegasi were notorious for being the fastest messengers around, short of some of the inordinately expensive magical communication means. Half the papers in Canterlot probably had pictures of the wreckage by now, although hopefully not of the giant golem that had been lying nearby. “We collapsed the building because of a threat that we couldn’t hope to contain on our own. To put it simply, the golem that we faced here in the court yesterday was one of many. I would estimate that there were nearly a hundred of them, perhaps more.” Celestia and Luna’s eyes widened at his words but neither of them spoke, and he continued on. “Radiant Twist appears to have been the one behind the creation of the golems, and was waiting for us in the basement of the building with her army. When we realized that we had no hope of beating so many, we cut the cables and collapsed the building on them.” He held himself steady. Confidence, confidence in what his team had done was always key after an assignment. “It was a calculated risk of the moment, and given the choice, in the same scenario, I would do the exact same thing.” “And were you sure that the building above you was unoccupied?” Luna asked, leaning forward. “What if there had been ponies in the building itself?” “As far as we knew then, and know now, the entire building was empty,” Steel said. “We captured Mint before heading below, and she informed us that everyone had been evacuated earlier in the day. Had there been ponies inside however, the decision to collapse the building would have been a much different one.” There was a pause as the two sisters looked at one another, exchanging glances and likely words that he couldn’t hear. Steel sat, patiently waiting as the report floated forward, the two Princesses flipping through it, occasionally pausing on a page to examine something more closely. “Very well,” Luna said, breaking the silence as she set the report down. “Outside of a few questions, it seems that you have had a very successful first assignment.” “Thank you,” Steel said, giving the Princesses a respectful nod. “Do you have any other questions?” “The golems that your team destroyed—” Celestia began. “Are already being collected by the Baltimare Royal Guard,” Steel said, giving another nod. “Given the danger that they present, I instructed them to collect and store them, including the one that Radiant fought us in—” he noted the raised eyebrows on both of of the Princesses, “—which is detailed in the report. In any case, the decision is up to you.” “And what would your advice be?” Luna asked. Steel blinked in surprise. “Me?” he asked. “What would my advice be?” Princess Luna nodded, and Steel sat for a moment, thinking it over. “I think,” he said at last, “that despite how useful these golems could be, for now they represent a clear danger in the wrong hooves. I would recommend that they be studied. Perhaps destroyed. But,” he said, shaking his head, “I’m not the right pony to be asking.” The two sisters looked at one another again, and then Luna spoke. “Very well then, Captain Song,” she said, looking back at him with a smile. “Do you have anything else you wish to add?” “Well,” he said, giving them his best nervous grin. “We may end up going a bit over budget getting our armor repaired now that we’ve been able to give it a good, solid test.” Celestia put a hoof to her mouth, chuckling at something, probably his choice words. “I think we can arrange that,” Luna said, her smile growing wider. “After all, your team did manage to uncover a conspiracy of colossal magnitude and prevent a damaging blow to our economy, even if you—what’s the phrase? Broke a few eggs in the process?” she winked at him. “We’ll—uh, try to destroy fewer buildings in the future,” Steel said, letting out a light laugh. “And if we absolutely must, we’ll try and pick the less expensive ones.” “What is done is done,” Luna said, waving one hoof. “Although if possible, in the future, please do.” The look on her sister's face said that it would definitely be in their best interest as well. Steel’s eyes darted to the large, colorful clock on the wall. It was almost seven-thirty. “One more request, if I may?” he asked. The Princess glanced at one another and then Celestia smiled, nodding. “One member of our team, Sabra, would very much like to speak with both of you at some time with regards to question he has.” Celestia smiled again. “Something significant, I gather?” Steel nodded. “It’s the question he must answer before he is allowed to return to the monastery. As much as I’d like to keep him around as long as possible, he’s already done a lot for this team. If you’d be willing, I know he’d like to ask you both.” They smiled. “Of course he may,” Celestia said, a quill floating up in her grip and making a note somewhere on her desk. “He may ask me as well,” Luna said. “Although I cannot say my answer may be what he is looking for.” “All I ask is that you try,” Steel said. “Even if he ends up leaving your service after this, he’s done more than enough to earn it.” “Very well then, Captain Song,” Luna said. “We will do what we can to satisfy his curiosity.” “Thank you,” Steel said, offering a bow of thanks. “Will that be all, your highnesses?” Both Princesses nodded. “Yes,” Princess Celestia said, still giving him that warm smile. “You are dismissed. And again, congratulations on your first successful operation.” “Thank you, Princess,” Steel said, offering another bow before turning and walking out of the room. “Captain?” A voice called after him. He paused, turning to see Princess Luna looking at the last page of the report. “What is this?” she asked, flipping the report around. There was a symbol on the page, two crescents, one large and a golden-orange, the other smaller, nestled inside the first, and a shade of gleaming silver-white. “Oh, of course,” Steel said, smiling. “You wanted us to come up with a symbol for the Dusk Guard, something recognizable. That’s what I came up with.” He nodded toward the paper. “Most interesting,” Princess Celestia remarked. “It looks very similar to our royal seals, and,” she gave him a knowing look, “it appears almost identical to the the Cutie Mark so prominently displayed by one of your team members.” “Really?” Steel said, giving them a look of exaggerated thoughtfulness. “I hadn’t noticed. In any case, I hope it meets your approval,” he nodded, turning back to the door. “Because it sure meets mine.” The door shut behind him with a faint click, and Steel smiled as he moved down the hall. *        *        * “Whew!” Steel exclaimed, raising his hoof to knock on the door just as the distant clock tower bells began to ring out. “We just barely made it!” “Bah!” his companion said in a gruff voice as Steel brought his hoof down on the door with a series of sharp raps. “We could have been here ten minutes ago if we had flown.” Steel let out a chuckle as the familiar  sound of hooves racing down the front hallway met his ears. “Thanks, but no thanks, old friend. I’ve had enough flying adventures for today.” “To think,” came the response as several sets of hooves crashed into the door with faint thumps, earning what sounded suspiciously like a disapproving warning from further inside the house, “the day has finally come when the great Steel Song has had enough adventure.” A feathered head shook. “To think that I would live to see this shameful time.” Steel chuckled again as the door latch quivered, vibrating under the impacts of—if he guessed correctly—two different sets of competing hooves. “You old featherbrain,” he said, shaking his head. “There’s a lot of adventures out there. I’m just done with the flying ones for a day or two.” The door swung open, two young ponies spilling out of it across the threshhold in their rush to open the door. “Uncle Steel! Uncle Steel!” they both yelled, pulling themselves up from the ground and rushing into him, each wrapping his front legs in a hug. “Hey kids!” Steel said, bending down towards Jammer and Sparkle and wrapping his legs around them in return. “How are you?” “We’re doing great! And I’m really hungry!” Jammer said, hopping back. “That’s why I—hey, who’s that?” he asked, apparently noticing the figure standing to one side of Steel for the first time. Sparkle looked up and gave a little gasp, sliding behind one of Steel’s legs. “Who’s that?” Jammer’s eyes went wide as the gruff voice boomed out. “You mean after years of him telling you stories about me,” he said, gesturing at Steel with one talon. “You don’t recognize Blademaster Primetail?” Jammer’s jaw dropped, his eyes growing so large Steel began to wonder if it was physically possible. “I can’t believe this, Steel!” Primetail said, rolling his eyes as he turned towards Steel. “All these years of tales, and they don’t recognize me?” He gave his head a sad shake, winking at Steel with one eye as he did so. “Maybe they just never thought I was an important part of the stories. Perhaps I should go.” The old griffin gave an exaggerated sigh, turning as if to move away. “No!” Jammer said, bolting forward and grabbing onto Primetail's tail with his teeth, trying to hold the massive griffon back. “You can’t ‘o!” he said, his voice muffled by the tails large tuft. “You’re awe’ome!” “Oh-ho! I am, eh young one?” Primetail said, turning back and flicking his tail out of Jammer’s mouth. “If that’s so,” he said, bending down close with a grin. “Then how come you didn’t know who I was, eh? Maybe your Uncle here, maybe he’s not as good a storyteller as he thinks, no?” “What?” Jammer said, his face lighting up with confusion. “No, he’s awesome!” “So awesome you wouldn’t rather hear the tale from me?” Primetail asked, raising one feathery eyebrow at the small unicorn colt. He’d been wrong, Steel realized as he watched Jammer’s reaction in amazement. The colt’s eyes could get wider. “That’d be awesome!” Jammer said, as Primetail let out a deep laugh. “Are you here for dinner?” Steel chuckled. “Of course he is, Jammer, he’s the guest I was bringing.” Steel looked down at Sparkle, who was still giving Primetail a dubious look, one hoof still wrapped around Steel’s leg. “Go on, Sparkle,” he said, giving the filly a soft nudge. “Say ‘hi.’” Sparkle gave him a nervous look, but at his insistence, ventured out from behind Steel’s leg. Primetail bent down even lower, giving the shy filly a friendly smile. “And who’s this lovely young lady?” he asked, his voice soft. “I’m Sparkle,” she said after a moment. “Are you really the griffon from Uncle Steel’s stories?” “That I am, little missy,” Primetail said. “If not, then your uncle is more confused in the head than he already is.” “He’s already pretty confusing sometimes,” Jammer said, sliding in front of Sparkle. “So maybe. But you seem pretty cool so far, and I’m not worried as long as Uncle Steel’s around. He beat you, he tells us about it all the time!” Primetail gave Steel a flat look. “Really?” he asked, trying unsuccessfully to keep a grin from his face. “All our adventures together, and you tell them that one?” He began to laugh. “All right then, little ponies, tonight you’ll get a treat! For I, Blademaster Primetail, will regale you with tale of adventures your uncle and I have shared. And maybe,” he said with a mischievous grin in his eyes, “a few where I beat your uncle to the punch at something, eh?” Both Jammer and Sparkle were both staring with eager eyes now, drawn in by the griffon's promises of untold tales. “You’re not going to tell them about that one time I—” Steel began. “Indeed I am, old friend!” Primetail said, cutting him off with a laugh. “Indeed I am!” “Jammer? Sparkle?” Sapphire’s voice called from inside. “Are you going to let Steel and his friend come in?” “Yes, Mom!” Jammer called back. “Alright, well, let them in then,” Sapphire’s voice rang back in a sing-song tone that made Jammer roll his eyes. There was a faint laugh from inside, as if Sapphire could see what Jammer was doing, and then the buzz of conversation resumed from inside, a mix of several voices. “Okay, come on in,” Jammer said, waving one hoof. Sparkle meanwhile, had gotten up the courage to run one hoof along Primetail's wing, and at his coaxing, ran up it to stand on his back. “Hey, Uncle Steel,” Jammer said as he led the group through the doorway and down the hall towards the kitchen, “How is Primetail your guest? I thought you’d already invited somepony. She got here a while ago?” “I did?” Steel asked, poking his head around the door. “Who—” He stopped, a grin stretching across his face. “Cappy!” “Steel!” Cappy rose out of her chair, rushing over to wrap her forelegs around his shoulders. “Hey Cappy!” Steel said, smiling and returning her hug, the two sharing a cheek to cheek nuzzle. “What are you doing here?” “I invited her, of course,” Sapphire said, Steel breaking away from Cappy long enough to give his sister a hug. “When we reconnected a few weeks ago, I wanted her to come out and meet the family, since you’d told her so much about them. Since you were coming to dinner tonight, and you two had made up ...” She winked at him, and then looked past in astonishment. “And who’s this?” “Oh!” Steel said, shaking off the pleasant shock of seeing Cappy again. “Cappy, Sapphire, Click,” he said, stepping aside and extending his hoof. “This is Blademaster Primetail, an old friend from my days in the Griffon Empire.” “Charmed,” Primetail said, giving the trio of ponies a brief bow before shaking their hooves. “And Steel, I must complain that you’ve been hiding something aside from your sister’s lovely family.” Primetail brushed his beak against Cappy’s hoof in a light kiss. “You should have told me of this vision of radiance! I’d have stopped setting you up with my lady griffon friends!” “Oh, give it up you old buzzard,” Steel said, smacking Primetail in the shoulder as Cappy laughed. “You’ll have to excuse Primetail,” he said with a smirk. “He’s taken one too many blows to the head over the last decade or so.” Primetail let out an offended scoff, puffing his chest feathers in indignation. “One too many—why you overgrown weed-eater! I’ve taken less blows to the head than you! I should know,” he said, turning to wink at Sparkle on his back. “I gave him most of them. Why there was this one time—” "Alright you two,” Sapphire said in a no-nonsense tone, cutting Primetail off. “Before you both get going on some sort of macho competition—” Jammer let out a loud moan of disappointment at the pronouncement, “—and drag everyone else along for the ride, let's have some dinner.” “Oh, good!” Jammer said, his disappointment vanishing at his mother’s words. “I’m starving! Come on Mr. Primetail,” he said, his hooves sliding on the wooden floor as he ran for the dining room. “This way!” Primetail let out a loud laugh and turned to follow. “Is all the food out yet?” Steel asked. Click shook his head, motioning towards the kitchen island where several large bowls and platters sat awaiting servers. “I’ll grab one then,” he said, throwing another smile at Cappy, who had already set one of the bowls on her back. “You know,” he remarked as he moved to grab one of the platters. “You’re lucky I made it tonight.” “Oh?” Sapphire said, raising one eyebrow as she grabbed a platter and set it on her back. “Would that have had anything to do with the collapse of the ERS headquarters building?” Cappy let out a gasp at his sister’s words, looking at him in surprise. “Um … not officially that I can talk about at the moment,” Steel said. “No.” “You can’t?” Cappy asked, looking at him in surprise, her voice worried. “Why not?” Steel smiled, trying to put her at ease. “Because the reports haven’t been finalized.” He put a foreleg around her shoulders. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll be able to tell you all about it later.” He let out a casual laugh, and Cappy relaxed a little, although he had a feeling she wasn’t entirely convinced. He stepped in, giving her a quick nuzzle, and her worried gaze vanished as they rubbed cheeks. “Ew! Uncle Steel!” Jammer called from the doorway. “You’re supposed to be bringing us dinner! Not nuzzling your marefriend! Yuck!” Steel turned just in time to see Jammer make a fake retch, his tongue extended, before bolting away giggling. “Alright,” Cappy said, covering her mouth with one hoof to hide her smile. “Maybe we’d best get in there and stop holding things up for everypony else.” “Hey, it doesn’t bother me,” Sapphire said, setting a salad on her back and grabbing several dressing bowls in her magic. “The nuzzling, I mean, not the not-eating.” Steel rolled his eyes as his sister trotted out of the room with Click. Cappy just laughed, that same amazing laugh that still sounded like bells to his ears, and grabbed one of the platters, heading for the door. “So, then I guess that cinches it,” she said, winking at him. Steel grabbed the last bowl, trotting after her. “Cinches what?” he asked. “That I’m your marefriend,” she said, stopping and looking back down the hall at him. “Jammer has decreed it. But if that isn't enough for you..." She darted forward, and Steel's eyes widened as their lips touched and then pressed together. Then his eyes closed and he lifted one foreleg, wrapping it around the back of Cappy's neck as her own wrapped around his, the world slowing to a crawl. Then it was over, Cappy pulling back. He opened his eyes just in time to hear Jammer make another retching noise. Let him retch, Steel thought as looked at Cappy’s beautiful smile. Right now, I’m feeling pretty full. *        *        * Nova looked away from his book as the knock rang through his quarters. “Come on in,” he said, looking back down at his book. The door opened with a click. It was probably Dawn again, checking up on him. You sneak out just twice ... he thought. “Back again?” he asked as hoofsteps moved across the floor. “Again?” came a familiar voice, and Nova sat up, looking over at his visitor in surprise. “I was not aware that I had been here before.” “Princess Luna?” Nova asked, giving his foreleg a quick rap with one hoof to make sure he was awake. The midnight blue Princess didn’t vanish. Yep, I’m awake, and Princess Luna is standing in my quarters. “You are awake,” she said. “I can promise that, although as Princess of the Night, that may not always be the case.” She smiled at him. “Do you mind if I speak with you?” “Well, uh, no,” he said, feeling his heart race slightly. “You’re the Princess. Um—your highness.” “You can feel at ease, Nova,” Luna said, sitting down on her haunches. “I simply wanted to talk to you.” “What about?” Nova asked, running his mind over everything he’d done before they’d left. He hadn’t swiped anything of the Princess's had he? “About whatever you want,” Princess Luna said, frowning. “Usually when somepony is sick or confined to their bed, they appreciate a visit, but perhaps I was wrong to assume that you would welcome such a visit.” She rose. “My apologies.” “No! Wait!” Nova said, shrinking back slightly when Luna gave him a questioning look. “Sorry, you just caught me off-guard,” he said, feeling a sheepish grin climb across his face. “I’m not used to having anyone come looking to keep me company.” “Well,” Luna said, turning and walking back to his bedside. “Would you like me to stay and talk with you for a time? I regret that I won’t be able to stay for too long. The Night Court has been very active since yesterday, but ...” she gave him a hopeful look. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind the company.” Nova looked at her for a moment. The hopeful expression on her face looked almost … mortal, in a way. He looked back down at his book for a moment, and then smiled as he looked back up at her. “You know what?” he said, flipping the book shut. “I’d like that.” “Really?” Luna said, one eyebrow raised. “You would enjoy some company?” “Yeah,” Nova said, sliding the book to one side. “I would.” “Most wonderful!” Luna reared back, clapping her hooves together. “You may enter!” she called, turning her head to the door. Nova’s jaw dropped as the door opened, letting in Sabra, Sky Bolt and several bat-winged ponies in the armor of the Night Guard. “I’m glad,” Luna said, turning back to him with a smile on her face, “because I really wanted somepony new to play cards with. Are you familiar with this wondrous game known as poker? It has changed somewhat in the last thousand years, but I find it quite enthusing!” Nova looked at her in surprise, then at the entering guards, and then back at Luna. Then a smile began to spread across his muzzle. “Princess,” he said, grinning. “I might even be able to teach you a thing or two about it.” “Excellent!” Luna said, clapping her hooves once again, a display he’d never thought he’d see once, much less twice in one evening. “Then let the game commence!” As the night wore on, hand after hand of ruthless poker, Nova found that win or lose, he couldn’t stop smiling. *        *        * The study doors shut behind Sabra with a faint click as he left, a closing statement on what had been a most interesting hour. He paused for a moment, looking back and thinking over everything he’d just been told. An hour with both of the Princesses, each of them applying generations worth of knowledge towards his single, simple question. He resumed moving again, his mind buzzing with thought, an unusual feel compared to his normally calm, collected state. He needed to think things over, needed to contemplate. Needed to meditate. He could feel his heart racing as he walked out of the palace, a feeling that unnerved him. Something felt off, but he couldn’t quite put his hoof on it. It wasn’t that he’d lost fifty-seven bits the night before between Princess Luna and Nova, both of whom appeared quite adept at the game they’d all played, especially if one did not specify that it was considered cheating to sneak cards into one’s hand. And it wasn’t that Steel had canceled workouts for the morning, giving the team a free day to use as they wished. It was … something else. It was his thoughts. It had to be. Something about the discussion he’d just concluded with the Princesses. Something about it had left him feeling … what? Unsettled? Uneasy? That was the word that best described how he felt. Kujituka. Uneasy. But why? He slowed as he reached the entrance to the Guard Training grounds. Something about the Princesses' answers bothered him. He didn’t feel as if they’d been dishonest. In fact, he’d found their words full of viewpoints he’d not considered. Worse, he felt that had he spoken with them just a few weeks earlier he would have declared their wisdom the answer to his question, and left for home immediately. So why couldn’t he do that now? The moment the thought entered his head, he felt ill-at-ease, as if some part of him wanted to stay, to continue on as one of the Dusk Guard. But why, when he had his answer? He had it. Didn’t he? He looked out over the field, running their words over and over in his mind. Something about it felt incomplete, although he couldn’t pin his hoof on what. Their knowledge had been impressive, and yet something about it had felt hollow. As if to him, they were only words. He shook his head slowly. What was it about this that was so hard? To realize you do not understand is a virtue, Sabra thought, running the words of one of the great sages through his mind. Is it possible that I do not understand? He moved forward again, trotting across the field at a slow pace. Why now of all times, must my answer make me feel so conflicted? He paused outside the door to the barracks, and then swung his staff from his back, the now-familiar metal making a soft snap as it extended. There was a place he’d found on the roof, a small niche on the edge that gave him a wonderful view of the rising summer sun in the mornings. He ran at the wall, hooves pushing against small cracks and seams, using his staff to push himself even higher until he’d reached the roof itself. He flipped himself up onto the corner, balancing on the end of his staff, his mind racing. He balanced there for a while, switching from hoof to hoof in a pattern he was long familiar with, eyes closed against the rising sun. Was something about the words fundamentally wrong? Switch. What is life? He ran his question through his mind, putting the combined answer of both the Princess of the Sun and the Princess of the Moon up against it. Switch. The answer held, felt solid, and yet, he almost felt like—like— Like it is no longer the answer I desire, Sabra thought, switching his hoof again. Another thought from one of the sages came to mind: The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness. A laugh stirred at the edges of hearing and he opened his eyes, searching for the source. It took a moment as the world was upside-down, as he had switched to one of his forehooves during his thoughts. He switched hooves, spinning and righting himself as the laughter came again, followed by a familiar voice. “For the last time, mom,” Sky Bolt said, laughing as she practically danced around a pair of earth ponies, her wings fluttering. “I’m not going to tell you what the surprise is! You’ll just have to wait and see!” “And you’re sure that you suddenly up and joining the Guard isn’t part of the surprise?” The larger of the pair asked, his voice bright and cheery despite the early hour. His coat was a dull red, like some of the river clay from Sabra’s homeland, and what could be seen of his mane under a simple white cap was a dull yellow. “Yes!” Sky Bolt said, flying up in front of her parents and waving both hooves before dropping to the ground. “Well, it’s kind of related but—aggh! You’ll see! Come on!” She darted ahead of them, then back, and then ahead again, as if she couldn’t decide between moving ahead or waiting for her parents. “Well, whatever it is, I’m excited,” her mother said, flipping a long, light-blue curl over her shoulder, where it sat contrasting with her reddish-gold coat. “Her last surprise was the tickets for the cruise, and the surprise before that her job ...” Sky Bolt’s mother let the words trail off. “And her other surprises?” Sky Bolt’s father asked. “Like me getting my mane burned off?” “Oh come on!” Sky Bolt said, groaning. “That only happened twice! I was twelve!” There was a thump that resonated through his staff and Sabra looked down to see the door to the barracks bouncing back from the wall, Hunter already having flown through it. The pegasus did a quick loop, bringing him up to eye level with Sabra. “Whoah!” Hunter said, pulling himself to a halt, his eyes wide with surprise. “Almost ran into you there Sabra. Sorry about that. I need to watch where I fly!” The brown coated pegasus had a large pair of saddlebags thrown over his sides, and his Stetson was perched on his head like always. “Hakuna Matata,” Sabra said, waving one hoof. “Are you heading off somewhere?” he asked, eying the stallions saddlebags. “Yup!” Hunter said, tapping the bags with one hoof. “Thistle’s in town, so she and I are going to fly down to Ponyville to see Derpy and Dinky, spend the day down there.” He grinned. “What about you? I heard you had a big meeting with the Princesses this morning. You finally get that answer you were looking for?” He gave a nervous laugh. “I won’t lie, Steel’s been a little worried all morning. He’s hoping you won’t leave.” “I … I don’t know,” Sabra said, his shoulders slumping. “A few weeks ago, I would have been delighted with the answers that they gave me and returned to the monastery. Now ...” He shrugged. “Now I am unsure.” “Well,” Hunter said slowly. “Maybe you’ve changed, you know? Something about you is different, and the answer you once wanted isn’t the answer you want now.” “But what changed?” Sabra asked, as another laugh from Sky Bolt echoed across the field. “Hey, if I knew the answer to that, I’d be you, not me,” Hunter said, checking the position of the sun. “Look, I’ve got to fly so I can meet Thistle on time and make it to Ponyville early enough to do some of the fun stuff around town, but if you want to chat on it later, just let me know alright?” He did a quick loop in the air. “I may not be a big thinker, but if it helps, whatever, right?” He took another look at the sun. “Oh, ponyfeathers! I need to fly, Sabra, later!” There was a rush of wind as Hunter took off, his wings beating furiously as he rose into the sky. Something about you has changed. Hunter was right. That had to be it. Life was, after all, a series of experiences, changes. But what had changed him? What made his answer no longer the answer? His sat there, listening to the sounds of the field. The faint shouts of the Royal Guard warming up their morning practice. The usual roar of the city, rising as Canterlot awoke. And a familiar laugh. He flipped over his staff over the edge of the building, his hoof slowing his descent towards the ground. He landed in a perfect ota, opening his eyes as he stood. The barracks door swung open just as he was about to grab it, Captain Song stepping out into the morning light. “Captain,” Sabra said, giving him a quick salute. “Sabra!” Steel said, looking genuinely surprised to see him. “How was your meeting with the Princesses?” The captain's voice was more subdued as he spoke the second sentence, almost cautious. “It went well,” Sabra said, holding himself steady. “And did you get the answer you were looking for?” Captain Song asked. “Yes,” Sabra said, turning and running his eyes over the field, his ears twitching as Sky Bolt let out another laugh. She was darting around her parents now, doing loops, spins, rolls, all of it some of the most impressive movements he’d ever seen. “And no,” he said, turning back towards the captain. “A little of both?” Steel raised one eyebrow. “That’s … bad?” Sabra smiled. “I thought so, but after thinking about it, it’s no longer the answer that I thought I wanted. So, with your permission, captain,” he made one last glance over at Sky Bolt, swooping through the air. “For the time being, I would like to stay here.” “You mean it?” the captain asked. Sabra closed his eyes, listening as a laugh rolled across the fields like a breaking wave. He smiled. “I’m sure of it.” *        *        * “Alright,” Steel said, stretching his back legs as he looked over at the beautiful mare standing next to him. “Are you ready for this?” Cappy extended one long leg, lifting it up and over the back of her head as she stretched. “Oh, I’m more than ready,” she said, a playful smile on her face. They were standing at the edge of Canterlot, a long rocky dirt path in front of them that swung back and forth with the curve of the mountain, rising and falling until it vanished around the far side. “The real question is if you’re ready to be outdone by little old me?” Steel laughed, Cappy joining in as they sat there getting ready for their long promised run together. “I’ve got to say,” Cappy said, letting out a small grunt as she stretched her body low to the ground. “You weren’t kidding about Jammer and Sparkle, those two really are a hooffull.” “Yeah,” Steel said with a laugh. “They sure had Primetail eating out of their hooves though. They’d have stayed up all night listening to him if their mother hadn’t kicked us all out. Primetail always was a doozy of a storyteller.” “And they were all true, weren’t they?” Cappy asked, pulling herself back up and trotting in place, a wide smile across her face. “Well, pretty mu—” “Were all what true?” Nova asked. Cappy let out a yelp, jumping into the air as Steel spun around, coming face to face with the young unicorn, who was sitting on a nearby boulder. A boulder that had been devoid of any deep purple unicorns only moments earlier. “Nova ...” Steel said, his voice a low growl. “What are you doing here?” “Listening,” Nova said, giving the pair a nonchalant grin. “When you ran off with a never-before-seen smile on your muzzle, I had to see what the big deal was.” “Well, now you know,” Steel said in a dry tone. “I’m going running with Cappy. The Canter Mountain Marathon wilderness trail.” “This is Nova, huh?” He heard Cappy say behind him. “Your description definitely pegged him.” “Ooh, did it?” Nova said, looking intrigued. “What’d he say?” “Something about you being the most honorable and yet sarcastic thief he’d ever met,” Cappy said, chuckling. “I don’t think he was far off.” Nova’s jaw dropped. “Sarcastic? Honorable? Thief?” He shook his head. “Captain, we’ve been over this before. How many times do I have to tell you? It’s sarcastic, then cynical and dashingly handsome. And I’m starting to prefer the term rogue. It sounds a bit more exciting.” Cappy started to laugh as the purple unicorn struck a pose. “Alright, alright, Nova,” Steel said, raising a hoof. “What do you need?” “Easy,” Nova said, dropping himself back onto the boulder. “I’m bored and I can’t use magic. Mind if I tag along?” “Aren’t you supposed to be on bed rest right now?” Steel asked, narrowing his eyes. Nova shrugged. “ A full twenty-four hours of lying around is more than enough for magic exhaustion. I’m in the clear as long as I don’t use magic,” he said, tapping his horn with one hoof. “Doctor Dawn’s orders.” “I thought you hated running?” “We’ve been doing it for weeks,” Nova said. “It’s grown on me a bit. I even brought my own water.” He tapped a pair of saddlebags on his back. “Well, I-” “Unless you two old ponies are just worried I’ll kick your flanks.” “Alright, that’s it, he’s coming!” Cappy said, her eyes narrowing even as grin spread across her face. “Are you going to let a challenge like that go unanswered?” she asked as she tossed her saddlebags on her back. Steel looked over at her and smiled, grabbing his own saddlebags. “No, I don’t think I can,” he said, giving her his own grin. “See you in Canterville, Nova!” He said, throwing himself forward down the trail, kicking up a cloud of dust behind him. Cappy laughed as darted forward, galloping alongside him with long strides. There was a muffled cry of protest from behind them, followed by the sound of Nova’s hooves hitting the trail in hot pursuit. Steel smiled as the wind whipped through his mane, relishing the feel of the earth beneath his hooves, his breath rushing in and out of his chest. He let out a surprised laugh as Nova leapt past them overhead, using one higher ground and leaping from boulder to boulder. Cappy grinned at him, and they increased their pace, closing the gap between both themselves and the young unicorn bounding ahead of them. Together, the three ponies ran off into the early morning sunlight, smiling as the sun shone down on them. There wasn’t an empty heart between them.