Noise.
It’s a peculiar thing.
It generates a trail of sound, leaves a path to follow. Just like the ponies scattering about on the cold stone floor of the war room. Every now and then, with the cry of princess or your highness, a piece of map or new information report is shoved into my view before the pony departs to keep looking. It has been a long, long search but we can’t stop now. Not now. Not after all this. But unfortunately, not every creature leaves such tells of their path, trails to follow. And sometimes, I wonder why I even try… but no.
We cannot let this one get away, not after all the lives it tormented.
“Princess Celestia!”
Ah Shining Armor, perhaps with some news from the Crystal Empire, “Have you found any trace yet Prince Armor?” I can’t help but cut to the chase. We must be vigilant to catch this… monster.
He merely shakes his head before placing another report in front of me, the desk I’m at practically overflowing with similar reports from other foreign countries. By which I mean all of them. They all know the great evil that must be brought to justice...
With a sigh I address my former captain with a small smile, “Thank you for at least taking the time to look. I understand things have been busy at the Empire of late, but… this is important.”
Prince Armor nods in response, “I understand Princess… and well… he needs to be brought to justice. He has tortured so many…. Caused so many fights…” He sighs for a moment as he attempts to regain his composer which had been slipping, ”He even got to me at one point.”
Knowingly, I place my hoof on the stallions shoulder, physically showing that he’s not alone, that I WILL do anything to get this culprit to justice, ”I understand… Not even I am immune to everything, and he too got to me and escaped undetected… but soon. We will have him and he will answer for his crimes.”
Shining nods before departing the room, leaving me to the scatter of ponies frantically overlooking reports while I yawn. Even I need a break after all, I have been searching for three weeks with no sleep…”
With a sigh, I leave the room with a nod to my guards and general who immediately take over as I trot to my chambers. A few maids look surprised at my appearance as I pass, my no doubt un-kept mane everywhere with bags probably under my eyes. But I don’t care… I will do everything I can to protect my little ponies, even if it costs me everything I have. I still can’t hold in a small smile as I enter my room, the big central bed calling to me.
Or at least I think it is. I really need to get a spell for sleep deprivation that doesn’t have hallucinations as a side effect. Regardless of my sanity, the comforting embrace of the bed is everything and more to me as I collapse to its warm golden covers, dragging myself under the blankets protection and snuggling in.
Within moments I’m asleep… and I’m with my mother. I love this dream… these memories… she wraps her wing around me to keep me warm as I snuggle into her chest, enjoying the loving embrace of my mother by the warm fireplace. Its winter and we just had cookies with milk… and even better it’s game time!
“My little Tia, how about we play this game?” My mother asks holding something in front of her.
No…. no it can’t be… this isn’t a dream…. No… Mentally I shake and scream, I try to run away but my body doesn’t respond as I’m forced to play…. His game… I try to search for a clue…. To find anything, but it’s always the same, never any trace, always moving, never in the same place.
With a gasp, I’m awakened by Lulu, shaking me with worry on her face,” Sister! Tia wake up!” I can’t help it as tears flood my face, pulling Luna into a tight hug. She merely coo’s gently, whispering comforting phrases as I cry. She must of seen my dreams… seen my suffering. But she knows… she too was forced into his game… one that no creature should ever be subjected too.
“It’s ok sister… he can’t do anything to you here… You’re safe.”
I can’t help but grip her tighter as fear grips me. What if he was here, right now? Watching me? It takes me a while, but eventually I regain my composer and with a couple more sniffs, stand up off the bed.
“Tia, are you sure you should be up so soon? You have only slept for a couple hours.” Luna says with a concerned look. She knows my answer already, but I can’t help but smile at the worry despite recent events.
“It’s ok lulu, I… I have to keep looking. The sooner we find him, the sooner we can sleep peacefully at night, without fear. Without the pain….” My smile turns a bit grim as I stretch, Luna merely nodding before moving to the balcony.
“I have recently heard of a possible sighting in Ponyville, sister. I notified the elements since you were asleep and they assured me they are doing the best they can to try and find it.”
I can’t help but light up with joy, ”This is the best lead we have gotten in months! Rally the guard, I shall go now myself before he can escape again!” Then without a second thought I bolted through my room and out off the balcony, flying fast for the small settlement.
Where ever he may go, we will be looking. Where ever he may hide, we shall find him. As the wind ruffles through my coat, I know that this time, he will not escape. He will finally be brought down for his crimes. He may have multiple names but it matters not.
Waldo… Wally… you will be made to answer for your crimes.