//------------------------------// // Caught In The Shade // Story: Shades Of The Past // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// Out in the plains, a squadron of Royal Guards were escorting a treasury carriage filled with hundreds of Bits (due to be received by the treasury of Dodge Junction, as a result of a recent tax refund) through the plains from Canterlot, with Lieutenant Caboose and Captain Fletcher perched atop the carriage. "So, how's married life treatin' ya?" Caboose asked, referring to Fletcher's recent marriage to his longtime sweetheart, Dove, the two having recently returned from their honeymoon. "Wonderfully." Fletcher smiled. "While it's true we were already living together before we were married, there's just something about doing it as husband and wife that makes it feel... complete." "Oh, I'll bet you've been 'doing it as husband and wife' like crazy, huh?" Caboose snickered. "We mustn't talk of such matters while we're on duty, Lieutenant." Fletcher chastised him. "I'm not hearing a 'no'." Caboose smirked. "Yes, well..." Fletcher blushed. "I will only say that our marital bed has been experiencing... greater strains as of late, and nothing else." "I knew it." Caboose chuckled. "Me and Daring were the same way right after we got married. We were at it like rabbits. One time, we did it so fiercely, we could barely walk afterwards..." "What did I just say, Lieutenant?" Fletcher sighed, as the other Guards turned their ears towards the conversation. "Okay, okay." Caboose shrugged. "No more bed-related talk." The other Guards turned away, visibly disappointed. "As for the matter of our marriage, I couldn't be happier." Fletcher grinned. "I feel as if my life is truly perfect. I have everything I need, and I want for nothing else. I'm sure you feel the same way." "Well, to be honest, I wouldn't mind a couple more days of vacation time." Caboose shrugged. "Especially days when assignments like this happen. This place isn't my favorite in the world..." "True, but it is quiet, and remote." Fletcher pointed out. "We don't have to worry too much about any bandits or robbers." "Yeah, I guess so." Caboose admitted. "It may be unbearably hot and dusty out here, but at least there are no nasty surprises..." Unbeknownst to the Guards, they were being followed by a small horde of masked ponies, pulling a gigantic, armored, cylindrical carriage. Ahead of them was a stallion whose form was covered by a poncho, a wide-brimmed stetson, and bandages wrapped around his face. About the only part of them that could be seen were his eyes, which were a vibrant orange. He raised some binoculars to them, seeing the wagon ahead of them. "Our target is dead ahead." The stallion declared. "Scirocco, give the word to attack." "Of course." Scirocco, a bald blue-gray stallion with a black moustache, cold silver eyes, a Cutie Mark of a desert wind, and bronze blades on his left front hoof, nodded gruffly. Scirocco walked over to the rest of the masked ones. "Our fearless leader says that now is the time to attack." He declared. "Oh, yeah!" One of then cheered. "We're gonna nab us a big score!" "The boss really knows how to pick 'em!" Another grinned. "This gang'd be nothing without him!" A third declared. "Yes." Scirocco said sourly. "He's just amazing... Now get into position!" The horde obeyed. "Geez, what's gotten into Scirocco's craw?" One stallion asked. "You know how he is." Another snorted. "Especially when it comes to the boss..." Back at the wagon, Caboose was commentating on their surroundings. "How is it you always see cow skulls in the desert, but never the rest of the skeleton?" Caboose wondered. "What, does the rest of the body just dissolve?" "I'm sure I don't know, Lieutenant." Fletcher rolled his eyes. "One of life's great mysteries, I suppose." "Yeah, like how they get all the bubbles into bubble wrap." Caboose frowned. One of the Guards heard the stomping of many hooves. "Did you hear that?" He called. "Hear what?" Fletcher turned. "I'm not sure." The Guard frowned. "Sounds like a tremor, but they don't get those out here." "Maybe it's Graboids." Caboose suggested. "Freakin' giant worms, with those weird tongues..." Suddenly, the armored carriage emerged from behind a rock formation, blocking their way. "Looks like we've got a little action at last." Caboose smiled. "Stand your ground!" Fletcher ordered. The air became tense, as a singular stallion appeared on top of the carriage, being none other than the poncho-wearing stallion. "Who are you, stranger?" Fletcher asked. "And what's with that shabby poncho?" Caboose snorted. "Somepony call the fashion police..." "Hello there, armored visitors." The poncho-wearing stallion declared. "I am terribly sorry to inconvenience you... but there's a toll for passing through this area..." "A toll?" Caboose frowned as he glanced around. "Where? I didn't see a toll booth." "Oh, it's a different kind of toll." The stallion gave a dark chuckle. "Don't you worry, though, the price isn't much, it's only... oh, say..." He pointed a hoof at the carriage. "Everything you've got in that fancy wagon there." "So, you're a thief." Fletcher growled, as the other guards cocked their crossbows, readied their bows, and charged their horns. "You're pretty gutsy... not to mention foolish. if you intend on robbing us all by yourself..." "Oh, but I'm not." The stallion sneered. The rest of the thieves emerged from behind a rock formation. Among their number was Scirocco, a trio of triplet Earth Ponies, a Pegasus stallion with several knives tucked into his wings, a gaunt-looking Unicorn stallion with a length of rope, a Chineighse Earth Pony with a fuzzy hat and long black moustache, and a tall Earth Pony with a prominent gut and a dull-witted smile on his face. "Now, I'm only going to say this once... fork over all those lovely Bits... or else." "And just who are you supposed to be, buddy boy?" Caboose demanded. "I go by only one name 'round these parts... I am the Western Shade." The stallion declared. "And these are my Fifty Thieves." "Shouldn't it be forty?" Caboose asked. "The name was already taken." The Western Shade cringed. "But alas, we are the Fifty Thieves... and all of you are metal pawns of the overbearing nobles..." "Kinda harsh, don't you think?" Caboose frowned. "We're just trying to make a living, just like everypony else. Besides, nobles are hard-workers too." "They are corrupt, complacent fools, lording over the common ponies." The Western Shade growled. "They are relics of a bygone era, and need to be cast aside, once and for all." "Enough of this nonsense. I'll say this only once: back away, or suffer the consequences." Fletcher declared. "Sorry, I haven't come all the way out here to leave empty-hooved." The Western Shade declared. "I came for that gold, and I will take it." "You'll have to go through us first." Fletcher countered. "Gladly." The Western Shade raised his hooves. "I always like it when my targets put up a fight." "Let's take 'em." Caboose grinned. "Boys, let's show them the works!" The Western Shade declared. "ATTACK!" The battle had begun. The underlings, led by Scirocco, charged for the Guards... "What a day! What a lovely day!" One thief declared proudly. "Out here, everything hurts!" A female thief sneered, as she punched one Guard in the face. As the two sides did battle, Fletcher and Caboose went straight for the Western Shade. "Taking me on yourselves?" The Western Shade sneered. "Guess you armored toadies are braver than I gave you credit for..." "You're pretty brave yourself... for wearing that outfit in public!" Caboose shot back. Caboose threw a punch, but the Western Shade easily dodged it, and retaliated with one of his own. "Yeow!" Caboose grunted, stumbling backwards. "My turn!" Fletcher charged in. "Give it your best shot, Cap." The Western Shade taunted. Fletcher swung his hooves at his opponent, but even his best blows were dodged by the bandit. "Pitiful." The Western Shade snorted. "What do they teach you at that fancy Guard boot camp anyway?" "How to defend the innocent, and defeat criminals!" Fletcher lashed out, finally landing a blow. The Western Shade stumbled back, his hat slightly askew. "Not bad." He declared, adjusting his hat. "Guess the warm-up's over..." The Western Shade, with uncanny speed, rushed over to Fletcher, grabbed him by the neck, and flipped him onto his back. "Ugh!" Fletcher cringed. "Remember me?" Caboose leapt back into the fray. "Unfortunately." The Western Shade retorted. "And remember my poncho?" The Western Shade suddenly flung the edge of his poncho over Caboose's face. "Ah! The tackiness! I can't see!" Caboose yelped. The Western Shade grabbed the poncho and twisted it, flipping Caboose over to Fletcher, who had just gotten back up. "You okay, Lieutenant?" Fletcher asked. "My eyes sure aren't." Caboose growled. "So tacky..." "What's the matter?" The Western Shade taunted them. "Are you high and mighty Royal Guards having trouble with a simple little bandit?" "We're just getting warmed up!" Fletcher drew his bow. "That's right!" Caboose pulled out his crossbow. "Try this on for size!" Fletcher and Caboose both fired, but the Western Shade, showing incredible speed and agility, sidestepped them with ease, the arrow and bolt swhishing through his poncho completely. "Whoa." Caboose frowned. "Inconceivable..." Fletcher declared. The two made to reload... only for the Western Shade to give a evil grin as he slipped his hooves under his poncho and pulled out two hollow metal tubes with wooden handles. "My turn." He sneered. "Oh no you don't!" Caboose quickly aimed his crossbow at the Western Shade and fired. However, as Caboose fired, so did the Western Shade, as two metal spheres discharged from his weapons. The first one obliterated the bolt Caboose had fired, while the second one went on to knock the crossbow out of Caboose's hooves, tearing it apart into the bargain. "Yeowch!" Caboose yelped, clutching his hooves. "Ow, ow, ow! What voodoo is this?" "Those are muskets." Fletcher frowned. "Muskrats?" Caboose frowned. "No, muskets." Fletcher corrected him. "They are a new kind of weapon, recently invented. From what I can understand, they use explosive powder to fire small metal spheres at the target." "Wait, you mean like a little cannon?" Caboose gaped. "Pretty much, yeah." Fletcher nodded. "Lauren Faust, what will they think of next?!" Caboose gaped. "An artificial horn that fires light beams?" "But I also know they take time to reload... time this thief won't have!" Fletcher readied another arrow. "Wanna bet?" The Western Shade reloaded his muskets expertly and quickly. "Whoa." Caboose gaped. "Unbelievable." Fletcher gasped. "You were saying?" The Western Shade sneered. With one shot, he destroyed Fletcher's bow. He then flipped to the side, and shot his quiver, destroying the arrows within. "Impossible..." Fletcher gaped. The Western Shade followed with a roundhouse kick, knocking Fletcher back. "You idiot." The Western Shade sniggered. "You fools always underestimate us lower folk." He then slipped his muskets back into his holsters, underneath his poncho. "You're lucky that I am a honorable stallion who likes to fight on even ground. How about it? Hoof-to-hoof... unless you armored tools don't have the guts?" "A thief has no honor." Fletcher growled. "And attacking with such great numbers? Who really doesn't have the guts here?" "Well, none of us are wearing fancy armor." The Western Shade pointed out. "We're brave enough to fight without it. You hide behind your armor, not that's it's much use against us. At the end of the day, what can you possibly do?" "You'd be surprised." Caboose smiled. "I got a few moves I'd love to introduce you to!" "Then please, don't keep me waiting." the Western Shade grinned. "Get a load of this!" Caboose threw a haymaker... which the Western Shade caught, and with a brilliant amount of strength, swung him overheard, sending Caboose flying. "Oof!" Caboose cringed, as he hit the hard desert floor. "Next." The Western Shade sneered. "Why, you..." Fletcher advanced. Fletcher pulled out some of his best moves, but the Western Shade wasn't even fazed. The masked bandit lashed out with brutal and precise attacks, striking Fletcher in pressure points that ensured maximum pain. "Take this!" The Western Shade struck Fletcher in one of his leg muscles. "Ahh!" Fletcher groaned. "And this!" The Western Shade jabbed him in the side of the neck. "Ugh!" Fletcher dropped to his knees. "Hang on, Cap!" Caboose got back up. "I'm coming!" Meanwhile, Scirocco made sport out of the Guards who challenged him, flinging them around like ragdolls. "Hah!" Scirocco sneered, as he struck another Guard down. "I thought the Royal Guard might actually provide me a challenge!" "How's this for a challenge?" A Guard roared, as he and two others charged. Scirocco smirked. He slashed at the Guards with his hoof blades. At first, it seemed like his attack had accomplished nothing. Then, the Guards' armor and weapons came apart, sliced to ribbons. "Hilariously pathetic." Scirocco smirked. As two other Guards approached the Chineighse thief, he karate-chopped a nearby rocky outcrop, which cracked and toppled, forcing the Guards to stop. "He who hesitates is lost!" The stallion leapt over the rubble. He kicked one, knocking him out, then grabbed the other as he charged, and threw him into the rock face. The triplets found themselves confronted by a Guard. Undaunted, they leapt on each other shoulders, forming a totem pole. "That won't help you." The Guard swung his spear at the middle brother, but he effortlessly leapt up, avoiding the swing. "This is my stop!" The top brother jumped off, slamming onto the Guard's back. "Rough landing, huh, pal?" The knife-wielding Pegasus was faced with another Guard. "You won't steal those Bits!" The Guard declared. "Who said anything about stealing?" The Pegasus asked. "I was thinking of a trade. The Bits... for these!" The Pegasus flapped his wings, throwing the knives. One knife knocked the spear out of the Guard's hooves, while four others pinned him by the armor to the stone wall behind him. "Good deal, right?" The Pegasus smirked. The tall, tubby stallion was charged by a Guard, but used his broad gut to deflect the charge, sending his attacker flying. "Huh, huh, huh..." The stallion chuckled. The rope-carrying Unicorn lit up his horn, causing the rope to rise up, and wrap itself around a Guard. "It's not good to get so tied up in your work." He taunted. Even two on one, Fletcher and Caboose were not faring so well. The Western Shade danced around them like the wind, easily evading their attacks. All the while, he retaliated with swift and vicious kicks and punches, hitting them both where it hurt most. "He's too wriggly!" Caboose yelled. "You'd think that tacky poncho would slow him down..." Fletcher made eye contact with Caboose, silently indicating for a two-pronged assault. Caboose nodded, and they came at The Western Shade from opposite sides. Western Shade leapt up at the last minute, kicking both of them hard in the face. "Please." The Western Shade sneered. "You armored idiots are so predictable..." "I'll give you... deductible..." Caboose said, dazed. "We're not done yet..." Fletcher groaned. The rest of the Guard were taken down quickly, overwhelmed by sheer numbers. "Disappointing." Scirocco sneered at a fallen Guard. "Still, maybe I can still have some fun with you..." He lowered his hoof blades at the Guard. "Scirocco!" The Western Shade yelled. "What do I keep telling you? Job first, fun later!" "As you command." Scirocco scowled. "Boys, hitch up the wagon." The Western Shade ordered. "We're leaving!" "You will not win this day, you underhoofed thief!" Fletcher roared, throwing another punch. "Just what I'd expect a lackey to say." The Western Shade sneered, as he dodged Fletcher's punch. He then struck back with a punch of his own, knocking Fletcher down. "Hey, nopony does that to my Captain!" Caboose grabbed the Western Shade from behind. "Off me!" The Western Shade flipped Caboose onto the ground. "Again, seriously?" Caboose groaned. "Zip it." The Western Shade kicked him in the face. The bandits hooked the wagon up to their carriage, and pulled it away. The Western Shade stood atop it, jeering at the defeated Guards. "Tell your royal leaders that they need to invest in better flunkies!" He yelled. "Victory chord!" One of the thieves hefted up a guitar with a flamethrower attachment. "Absolutely not." The Western Shade scowled. "Why did you even bring that thing along?" "I never get to use it!" The thief protested. "Well, too bad." The Western Shade growled. "I'm not risking that thing burning somepony's face off." "Awww..." The thief pouted. As they rode off, Fletcher and Caboose drooped onto the ground. "Great." Caboose sighed. "Just great." "Celestia is not going to like this." Fletcher bowed his head. "At all..." A couple of days later, Shine Paladin was visiting Big Red's homestead over in Dodge Junction. The anniversary of the death of his power-hungry uncle, Black Knight Paladin, was nearing, and Sleight had come to pay his respects to his uncle's grave. Though Black had done some terrible things in his quest for power, he was still family, and Shine felt as if he wasn't as evil as he seemed. This was further made concrete when he spoke with his deceased father and mother's spirits following Nalik Aqqbar-Royale's evil scheme to kill all non-Unicorns, and his father revealed how Black had tried to save him even though he was long gone. Although his actions greatly contrasted with this knowledge, Shine had a feeling there was more to Black's story than what was seen back at the Crystal Empire not so long ago. A reason for what he did what he did that day back when everything fell apart for him and his father. It pained him that he couldn't ask him himself back at the Garden of Souls, what with being unable to find him. All he knew was that Black wasn't the evil pony everypony had made him out to be... Unfortunately, not everypony agreed with this. That was to be expected, as Black did almost doom them all and was not very apologetic about it... but what was unexpected was the great opposition to this belief was from none other than Celestia. His wife refused to even entertain the idea, seeing Black as a monster for what he had done to her beloved Equestria. Again, he did not blame her... but their disagreement on the subject had bred a level of unease between them. As a result, things between the royal husband and wife had gotten somewhat strained as of late, with Celestia barely approving of Shine going to Dodge Junction. Shine knocked on the door, and Big Red answered. "Howdy, Shine." Big Red smiled. "What brings ya here?" "Hey, Red... sorry, it's not a social visit." Shine admitted. "I've come to pay my respects to Black's grave." Big Red's face fell. "Yeah... about that." He muttered. "Red?" Shine frowned. "Shine, Ah got sumthin' ta tell ya." Big Red declared. "Sumthin' ya ain't gonna like, but ya gotta know." "What is it, Red?" Shine asked. "Well, Ah... Ah'm jest gonna come out an' say it." Big Red swallowed hard. "Black's grave is... empty." "What?" Shine gaped. "But... but how?" "Ah don't know." Big Red shrugged. "...You see, after we got back from that trip with Discord... what you said about not seeing Black in the afterlife... it really bugged me... bugged me so much that..." "...Red, what did you do?" Shine asked. "...Ah dug up Black's grave." Big Red confessed. "I'm sorry." "...What?! Why would you-" Shine gaped. "I just had this feelin', Shine." Big Red frowned. "And in the end, mah feelin' wuz right." "What do you mean by that?!" Shine asked. "...Ah opened up the coffin, and it wuz empty." Big Red admitted. "Completely empty. No bones. No corpse. Nuthin'." "What?! Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" Shine asked. "Ah didn't want ta upset ya." Big Red bowed his head. "After everything that's happened, Ah thought you might not take it too well. But when ya showed up today, Ah knew Ah couldn't keep it from ya any more." "Show me." Shine said, dismayed. "Show me the grave." "Of course." Big Red nodded. Shine followed Big Red to Black's grave, where the empty coffin still resided. "Who would steal Black's body?" Shine shook his head. "And why?" "It's a mystery, alright." Big Red shook his head. "Not that many folks even knew he wuz here, and none a' them strike me as grave robbers. Besides..." He gestured to the grave of Black's brother, White Knight. "They left his brother's grave completely intact." He then pointed to the emerald azalea on top of it. "Heck, they even left him a flower." "Well, we can't just let this go unpunished!" Shine yelled. "Whoever did this has to pay!" "Whoa there, kiddo." Big Red tried to calm him. "Try ta rein it in." "Rein it in?" Shine spat. "They dug up my uncle's grave! This is unforgivable!" "Shine!" Big Red yelled sternly. "Get a hold a' yerself!" "...Sorry, Red." Shine sighed, getting his temper under control. "Ah know this wouldn't have bin easy ta hear, but Ah didn't expect ya ta blow yer top quite like that." Big Red mused. "It ain't like ya at all." "I know." Shine agreed. "It's just... things have been kinda tense between me and Celestia lately." "Aw, no." Big Red frowned. "Trouble in paradise... what's the hoo-hah?" "Well, it's all to do with the fact that the anniversary of Black's big attack is coming up." Shine reminded him. "Celestia doesn't like being reminded of what happened back then, what with Black nearly conquering Equestria, and trying to sacrifice Miracle..." "Understandable." Big Red nodded. "But lately, she's been so... angry." Shine continued. "Every time Black was brought up, she nearly blew a gasket. It's one thing to loathe Black because of his actions... but as far as she's concerned, Black was pure evil. I keep trying to reason with her, tell her that there's more to him than we know... but she won't listen. We've been having arguments left and right the past couple of months. One was even about me coming down here to pay my respects..." "All couples fight, kiddo." Big Red told him. "You wouldn't believe some of the quarrels me an' Cherry have had over the years." "It's more than that." Shine sighed. "Celestia's been getting... distant with me lately. I mean, ever since we visited the sanctuary, she's been spending more time on her own, heading out to deal with royal duties by herself, and even having meals without me... I dunno, Red, I can't shake the feeling that it has to do with my relation to Black..." "Now that's jest plain kooky talk." Big Red snorted. "Celestia would never hate a pony jest for being related to another..." "Maybe, maybe not." Shine shrugged. "But it feels like we're starting to grow apart..." "Ah'm sure that ain't the case." Big Red assured him. "Like ya said, this whole period a' time is dredgin' up some bad memories fer Celestia. Give her some time, and a li'l space, and Ah'm sure you two will be as close as ever 'fore long." "I hope so." Shine smiled weakly. "Thanks for the advice, Red." "No prob, kiddo." Big Red grinned. "And as for this..." Shine frowned. "Better let the Sheriff know that there's a grave robber around." "Will do." Big Red nodded. "Black had his faults, but he didn't deserve ta have his corpse desecrated like this..." "No, he didn't." Shine nodded. "Whatever he may have done, he should have been allowed to rest in peace..." The trip back to Canterlot was an uneasy one, thoughts of what could have happened to Black's body running through Shine's head. As he returned to the castle, he crossed paths with Celestia in the hallway. "Welcome back, Shine." Celestia said flatly. "How was your... visit?" She didn't say it, but Shine knew she was still sore over the idea of him visiting Black's grave. "It went... fine." Shine declared. He didn't want to tell her about Black's grave being empty, fearing she would assume the worst (and he didn't want to press the subject). "Glad to hear it." Celestia said icily. "Now, we must head to the throne room. We're expecting a visit from Director Everest." "Who?" Shine asked. "I don't remember hearing that name." "Elite P. Everest." Celestia clarified, a little annoyed. "He's the director of the Royal Defense Legion, and of the Royal Guard. He's been heading the entire Equestria militant force for years." "Well, I've never seen this guy before." Shine admitted. "I mean, in all of the Royal Guard functions, I never saw him." "He's... eccentric." Celestia frowned. "He rarely comes out to Canterlot. I was surprised to receive a letter from him earlier, requesting an audience with us." "It must be pretty important." Shine mused. "Perhaps." Celestia shrugged. "He didn't specify matters, though." "Well, let's not let him arrive to an empty throne room." Shine declared. "My thoughts exactly." Celestia agreed. The two headed to the throne room, their marital strife put aside for their royal duties (for the moment). Soon, a broad stallion entered the throne room. He had a pale gray coat with orange eyes, a messy white mane and short goatee beard, and most of his body was shrouded by a uniform cloak with the RDL symbol (the outline of an Alicorn with the intials of the organisation) on the front. There were age lines along his face, but he still looked well for his age. This stallion was Elite Everest. "Greetings, your majesties." Elite bowed. "Hello, Elite." Celestia smiled. "It is good to see you again, after so long." "It is good to see you too, Princess." Elite nodded. "I know we hadn't talked much in a long time. I thank you for granting me a audience." "But of course." Celestia smirked. "You are the reason that the RDL and Royal Guard are what they are today. If not for you, Equestria would be a far less safer place." "You flatter me, your highness." Elite smirked, as he turned to Shine. "Oh, this must be your husband I've heard so much about." "Hello, sir." Shine smiled, as he went up to greet him, shaking his hoof. "Shine Paladin. Pleasure to meet you." "Paladin, you say?" Elite gave a smile, "As in White Knight Paladin?" "Why, yes." Shine smiled. "He was my father. You knew him?" "Oh, yes." Elite nodded. "I visited the base in which he resided, as part of a routine inspection for the Director. Your father had recently joined the RDL and was just a rookie. But despite his inexperience, he had great skill and enthusiasm, and a strong sense of honor. That was a quality I found very admirable. Not even his brother could-" "Can we please stay on topic?" Celestia said bluntly. "What is it you are here for, Elite?" "Oh, right..." Elite cleared his throat. "I have come here to speak with you about a matter of great urgency. You see, one of the RDL's generals, General Sherman, suffered a freak accident regarding a tortoise and a faulty grenade, and was forced to take early retirement. As such, we are in need of a replacement. Normally, I would have somepony else do it and I would cover for the missing General, but my time is limited these days." "Limited how?" Celestia asked. "Official military business." Elite declared. "I have this task force I'm trying to put together, and so far I'm only up to two guys. It's something I can't put it off, so that's why I came here to see if there's any of the Royal Guards stationed here that you would recommend to take on the position." "I daresay many of our Guards would be up to the task." Celestia smiled. "So true." Shine agreed. "There are more than a few who would make a fine General." "I would presume no less." Elite nodded with a small sigh. "However, I can't just pick anypony. With your help, I would like to set up interviews, so that the perfect candidate may be selected." "We would be happy to do so." Celestia declared. "The Royal Defense Legion requires only the best to act as General." "That is the plan, your highness." Elite smiled. "I trust that with your help, we can find the best." "Of course we can." Shine smiled. "You can count on us." Just then, a disheveled Fletcher and Caboose entered the throne room. Both seemed rather flushed (no doubt from the heat of the plains), and Caboose was crawling, panting like a dog. "Captain, Lieutenant, what's the meaning of this?" Celestia asked. "Sorry to barge in... your majesty..." Caboose panted. "...But we had... a rough... couple of days..." As he was crawling, he realized that Elite was standing in his way. "Hey, old dude, do you mind? I'm tryin' to crawl here..." "Oh, my apologies." Elite declared pleasantly, as if amused by the pony's odd behavior, stepping aside. "Thank you." Caboose gave a nod, as he stopped where Elite was. "Oh boy..." "What's going on?" Shine asked Fletcher. "What happened to you two?" "Well, I am sorry to inform you... that Dodge Junction won't be getting their tax refund soon." Fletcher cringed. "We were... ambushed." "Ambushed?" Celestia frowned. "By whom?" "This pack of bandits. The thirty Thieves." Caboose declared. "Real road warrior types, with this kick-flank carriage. Like in that one movie..." "What movie?" Shine asked. "You know. All this desert, post-apocalyptic stuff, ponies in punkish outfits and lousy manestyles, and some guy named Joe who says 'Mediocre'." Caboose urged. "Ah, like 'Mad Mustang'." Elite added. "Hey, do you mind? We're talking here." Caboose growled. "Sorry." Elite apologized politely. "So, you're saying that they took the money?" Celestia frowned. "All of it?" "We tried to stop them. Really, we did... but they were just too much for us." Fletcher admitted ashamedly. "Especially the stallion in charge." Caboose frowned. "He really chapped our hides something good..." "He defeated you both?" Shine asked. "He must have been quite a fighter." "He was." Fletcher declared. "Very impressive for a raggedy desert bandit." "And boy, did he have a problem with royal folks." Caboose frowned. "Spouted out all this stuff about you guys being 'tyrants' and 'outdated', and junk." "Sounds like he had a real chip on his shoulder." Shine frowned. "Who is this guy, anyway?" "He calls himself the Western Shade." Fletcher revealed. "And from the way he was talking, it appears he may be a problem in the very near future..."