Chapter II
Shadow Heart waited patiently at the foot of the ramp as the crew began to disembark. Several of them were carrying luggage and crates of some kind, taking special care to keep the boxes level and steady. Must be carrying something fragile... Shadow thought to herself as they passed her by.
As they walked passed her, she noticed that the crew wore a different style of armor from the standard Guard uniform. While she was wearing full barding that gleamed golden in the morning sunlight, they wore half-barding in a far more muted, dark blue color. She also noted that all the non-pegasus crew seemed to be wearing emergency parachutes as well.
While her attention was diverted elsewhere, she suddenly heard a condescending, petulant voice shout from above. “Now, you lot be careful with that. The contents of those crates are priceless, and I would not have my collection shattered by your incompetent hooves.”
Shadow Heart could have sworn she heard one of the crew mutter at that statement, but she decided to ignore it in favor of examining the source of that voice.
At the top of the ramp stood a earth pony stallion with a look on his face that simply screamed “pissed off”. His coat was an interesting dark blue, bordering purple color, while his mane and tail were both tri-colored. The primary color in his mane was black, with the two stripes being different shades of gray, one light gray and one slate.
What the stallion was wearing could only be described as gaudy. He wore a bright green suit coat that bot only clashed horribly with his natural coat and mane, but also served to cover up his cutie mark. On his head, he wore a rear-admiral-style hat that seemed to glitter in the early morning rays. As he got closer, she could see that the glittering effect was from all the gems and badges affixed to it.
As he made his way down the gangplank, she couldn't help but feel as if something was... off... about him. Besides the outlandish dress and surly, spoiled disposition. Maybe it was the way he carried himself that screamed “talk of the town”. Or maybe it was the walk that shouted “come and get it ladies”.
Or maybe it was the fangs and the teal, dragon-shaped eyes that looked at her with condescension and arrogance. That might be it.
She suddenly realized, with a start, that this was Captain Breeze, and that all her fears about him had been confirmed.
She thought it odd that earlier, she had assumed that the Captain would be a thestral, based solely on the fact that Rosy said he was from the Night Tribes.
Sure, she knew that the Night Tribes were made up of three different kinds of ponies, with each of the three kinds corresponding to one of the different Day Tribe ponies. However, the Dust Ponies and the Starlight Ponies tended to be far more skittish than their bat-winged cousins, preferring to stay in the mountains and caves that they had made their homes in after the Lunar Rebellion.
Slowly, Captain Breeze approached her and looked her up and down. “I take it that you must be Shadow Heart?” He asked her slowly.
“Sir! Yes sir! Private Shadow Heart reporting to Captain Breeze as ordered sir!” She said as she saluted, silently hoping that she was wrong in her assumption that this was Captain Breeze.
“Well, you've found him Private,” tartarus. “You will be my aid for the duration of my stay here because my crew will be otherwise occupied,” he said as he gestured towards the ponies unloading The Ascent. “In the mean time, I expect to be obeyed to the letter. I also have a few standing rules, and I expect them to be obeyed at all times."
He then walked past her, barely sparing her a glance as he gestured for her to follow him. “Rule one: Stay close. I might need you for something, or someone may make an attempt upon my life,” he said pompously. Shadow Heart just rolled her eyes at this, glad that he wasn't looking at her as she did so. “Rule two: Don't ask questions. Rule three: Always knock before entering my quarters.”
Inward, she groaned. I did not sign up for this load of horse apples. She thought to herself. What she said, however, was: “Sir, yes sir!”
“Good. I'm glad we understand each other,” he said as they made their way through Canterlot City.
Oh, I understand far better then you do. She thought bitterly to herself.
* * *
Three days had passed, and Captain Breeze had made no effort to improve Shadow Heart's impression of the spoiled noble's character; He had cussed out a maid because she hadn't made his bed to his liking, he had complained to the castle chef about the quality of the food, and he had nearly bitten her head off when she hadn't polished his hideous hat to his exact specifications.
Captain Breeze was no Captain of the Guard. He was a spoiled child with a badge and a rank.
Exhausted, Shadow Heart collapsed on her bed, glad for the short respite. Earlier, a letter had come for the Captain, and he had quickly dismissed her, telling her that he would call her when he needed her. That wouldn't be too hard for him either, considering that he had ordered her to move her belongings to the room next to the Captain's.
She let out a dispirited sigh. “Maybe my brother was right. If I had become a merc, I could have helped ponies on my own terms,” she said into her pillow.
She was just about to fall asleep, when she was roused from her dozing by a familiar petulant shout. “Shadow Heart, report immediately to my waiting room. I need you for something.”
Horse apples. She thought to herself as she roused herself from her bed. She didn't bother putting her armor on, considering that she had never taken it off. Inwards, she was almost relieved that she had been roused before she had fallen asleep in the full barding that she wore.
Almost.
She made it to the Captain's waiting room in almost record time, making sure to knock just before she opened the door.
He was standing next to the fireplace with a petulant, thoughtful look on his face as he stared into the ruby glow. “Private Heart, there is going to be a party down at the garden in one hour, and I have to attend. You need to accompany me, so go shower up and dress in your best dress uniform,” he said quietly.
Just great, now I have to deal with him in large numbers. She thought to herself.
She was about to turn and leave, but stopped when she noticed the Captain's demeanor seemed off. She frowned at this. He seemed almost... apologetic...
As if he were capable of feeling sorry for anything. She thought to herself.
Still, she thought it important enough to ask him about it. “Sir? Is there something wrong?” She said carefully.
His head snapped up at that. “I thought I told you no questions!” He barked at her.
“Sir, yes Sir! Sorry Sir! Won't happen again Sir!” she said as she saluted.
“Hmm... see that it doesn't. Now go and get ready, we must not keep the important ponies waiting now, should we?” He asked her in a sing song voice.
“As you say, Sir! By your leave,” she said as she quickly backed out of the room.
* * *
Once the door was closed, Captain Knight Breeze looked back at the letter that sat on the table next to the fireplace. Slowly, he picked it up, then read it one more time to be sure that he had memorized everything written on it. Then, without even pausing, he threw it into the fire.
He donned his hat and suit coat, taking special care to ensure that everything was in order. He then made his way to the door leading out of his apartments, glancing at the fireplace as he passed. Satisfied that the note had been burned to cinders, he made his way to the door.
As he passed, he caught his own eye in the mirror above the waiting room table. He took a second to look himself over one more time, paying special attention to his face. When he found nothing amiss, he nodded to himself, satisfied with what he saw.
“Showtime, boys,” he told the apparently empty room as he left.
* * *
True to the orders she had been given, Shadow Heart was washed and ready just as Captain Breeze left his quarters.
“Ah, good to see you ready for once. Care to see what the upper class is like?” He asked her in a jovial tone. She merely gritted her teeth as he passed, wanting nothing more than to kick him in his large, fat head. However, if she had been that impulsive, she would have never gotten through boot camp.
“Yes sir,” she said mechanically, covering up her irritation with her training.
“Good show. Now, lets get down there. While there is such a thing as fashionably late, we don't want to be too late,” he said as he led the way down to the Canterlot gardens.
As they made their way down, Captain Breeze continued to fill her ears with inane chatter. Constantly talking about this duke that was supposed to meet them there, or that countess who had recently lost her favorite ring. Frankly, she tried to drown it out, seeing as how it was all completely worthless information to her.
If she had been a little more observant, she would have noticed several ponies leave the Captain's apartments as they left the hallway.
Once they made it to the gardens, all of Shadow Hearts fears were made real. The music, while regal and classy, wasn't something she would ever play at any party. The ponies were all dressed to impress, yet remained uncaring about those around them. The food, while expensive looking, came in paltry amounts, as did the booze.
Sorry, fine wine and port. She thought to herself.
The worst part, however, was the looks she was attracting from the assembled nobility. They would give her the once over, then look away dismissively, letting out a slight humph as they passed.
Well, most of them. The one with the white coat and blond mane was staring at her in a way that made her distinctly uncomfortable.
Strike that, he was full on leering at her.
Perfect. I have had it up to here with Captain Breeze, then this plothole rears his ugly head. If he tries anything, I'm going to break both his hocks, I swear.
She shook her head to clear it of the violent thoughts that filled it, and instead concentrated on the couple that was approaching Captain Breeze. The unicorn stallion had a blue mane and white coat, while his light blue gaze sparkled with curious fascination. He was elegantly dressed as well, sporting a well fitted suit which showed off his three crown cutie mark perfectly. Over his left eye he wore a monocle, and at his throat he wore a purple bow tie.
The mare at his side was elegant and stunning, sporting a light pink mane and tail, as well as a white coat and Fleur-de-lis cutie mark. Unlike her date, however, she had opted to arrive at the party without any formal attire.
Shadow Heart also noted that, although the elegant mare's body language said that she was relaxed, her eyes told a different tale entirely. They constantly moved and darted around the room, taking in everything.
Her train of thought was derailed, however, when she heard a voice behind her.
“So, beautiful. Do you come here often?” she heard a drunk voice behind her ask.
* * *
Knight Breeze deftly maneuvered through the crowd, making small talk, yet keeping an eye open at all times.
Suddenly, his crystal ear piece buzzed to life, a familiar voice echoing in his head.
“Ok boss, we're in. Make sure you keep old 'snotnose' at the party for at least ten minutes while we crack the vault. He might have put up an alarm spell,” Rather Dashing said in his ear.
Knight Breeze took a casual look around the room. Ok, Blueblood is over at the refreshment table and... oh that pig...
While the leering attention that Private Shadow Heart was receiving was welcome, it still sickened him to no end. If this had been another time or place, he would have done something about the lecherous young prince.
However, the prince's debauchery would play in his favor, if his rapidly approaching form was any indication. I am so sorry about this. He thought as Blueblood made a beeline towards Shadow Heart.
His attention was interrupted, however, by Fancy Pants as he approached Knight Breeze. “Captain Breeze! How are you doing today, my fine gentle-stallion! It's been so long since your ship has made port. How goes the soldier's life?” He asked jovially.
“Not bad Fancy Pants, not bad. I recently acquired some new pieces from the Duchess of Stalliongrad. She was most hospitable with the transaction, I might add,” Knight Breeze said.
Fancy Pants rubbed his chin with his hoof at this, a thoughtful look on his face. “She had quite the collection. Did she say where she got some of those pieces?” Fancy Pants asked the Captain in a level tone.
“She gave a few hints, but nothing more. I'm actually looking into her sources right now,” Knight Breeze said pointedly.
“Almost got it boss. If it's going to sound an alarm, it would do so in a minute. Make sure he's sufficiently distracted for three while we clear the vault and make our getaway"
“Ah, I see. Well, I won't keep you then. You've given me a lot to think about. Also, keep an eye on your young bodyguard. She seems to have gotten herself in a bit of trouble,” Fancy Pants said as he turned to leave.
Quickly, Knight Breeze turned and looked back to where the Private was, only to groan in frustration at what he saw. Well, on the plus side, he's distracted. On the negative side however, I'm pretty sure Blueblood is going to be screaming bloody murder in 5...4..3... Knight Breeze thought as he watched as the young Private was pushed over the edge.
It didn't help any that Knight Breeze had helped get her to that edge. Honestly, he was surprised that she had lasted as long as she did, given her M.O.
* * *
“You know, I've always loved a mare in uniform. How's about we beat this party and head up to my pad. There I can show you my “Trophy Collection” if you know what I mean,” Blueblood slurred as he hooked a hoof over her shoulders.
“Sir, your attention is both unwanted and uncalled for. Under article XVI of the regulations and laws of the land, I am allowed to use force against any nobility that does not respect my basic rights as an Equestrian. If you do not remove yourself from my person, I shall do it for you,” she said pointedly.
“Aww, cum'on baby, don't be that way...” he said as he moved his hoof lower.
What happened next was something that could be described as equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
Quicker than the eye could follow, Shadow Heart kicked Blueblood's other front hoof out from under him. As the drunk prince face planted into the soil of the garden, Shadow Heart planted her hoof on his face, pinning him to the ground.
“...Listen, 'baby'. You ever try that stunt again, and I will castrate you with the rustiest knife I can find. Do you understand me?”
Blueblood didn't respond to her directly, but instead looked behind her. “Captain, control your dog! This is absolutely disrespectful!” He shouted at Shadow Heart's superior.
The clopping behind her alerted her to her spoiled captain's approach. “Private, release him at once, we shall discuss your punishment later,” he told her.
Private Shadow Heart slowly turned her head, disbelief clearly on her face. “But sir, he attempted to molest me. Under Article-”
“But nothing Private, he's royalty, and as such should be treated with respect,” he said condescendingly.
At that moment, something inside Shadow Heart snapped.
“Excuse me? Respect? If you and your whole freaking class demand respect, I hope you intend to start showing it for once. Respect is something that is earned. It isn't a right that you gain just because you were born into a specific family. Nor is it a privilege of the very wealthy,” she shouted at him as she removed her hoof from the prince's face. “You disgust me! I have done nothing but follow your orders to the letter, and all you have done is complain and abuse your power!”
“Private...” Captain Breeze started to say, but was quickly interrupted.
“No, you don't get to talk. It's my turn, even if it means a court-martialing. My dream was to protect ponies, thats why I joined the guard! Instead, I get saddled with running to and fro at the bequest of a self-centered, egotistical, arrogant, spoiled excuse for a Captain! Then his so called 'noble friend' attempts to make himself familiar with my person...” she paused for a second to catch her breath. “...and I'm the one who needs to be punished? I'm the one who needs to learn respect? You don't even know the meaning of the word,” she finished, breathing heavily.
“...Are you quite finished Private?” Captain Breeze asked her coldly.
“Sir, yes sir,” she said, not bothering to salute as she turned and stormed out of the gardens.