Chapter XII: Countdown to our Beginning
Chapter 11 Recap: Amidst her encounter with her Nightmare Guard assailant, Twilight recalled a time where even she might've aspired to be one of them someday due to her brother's past guidance. Thanks to these memories however, Twilight managed to best her sudden foe despite Moondancer's brief absence. As the two stood before the group of defeated Nightmare Guards, they knew they must decide how they can use such a convenient situation to their advantage, and learn more about the Lockdown, the Defenders, and perhaps Princess Nightmare Moon herself in the process. But as Twilight is consistently pulled deeper into a conflict that has towered over her expectations of herself, she must question the reality that not all this may be chance, or a mere coincidence.
In the black chasms of Tantabus' mind, old memories lurked. Often times they would resurface at key moments, moments he didn't often have. In this particular memory Tantabus' world was black, and he was able to recall the faint existence of his life even before he managed to acquire an actual living body. But back then this world was all he knew, it was his reality, his endless eternity. His expression was plain, bored, and tired; misery didn't seem like a good description for it even if he arguably felt that way. He just drifted, formless mostly, whereas his pink eyes centered in a blob of drifting purple mist in this black void of a world. He had no muzzle, no hooves, and no dire thoughts. Sometimes he wondered if he were alone, what he was meant to do in this existence if it even had any such meaning. Maybe none of it mattered and there was no point in worrying about anything. But there was a tiny prick that constantly bothered him. It was his curiosity. Tantabus wanted to experience something beyond this drudge of black, something that made him feel as if the world around him mattered. It is why he constantly moved, constantly searched, and constantly hoped. Yet nothing ever came, nothing in this world ever enthralled or entertained him. He was tortured by it at times, even tormented by it, the boredom. The loneliness was only common now.
But as he drifted, something Tantabus had never seen before had finally emerged. Like a curious cat, he crept closer towards what looked like the complete opposite of this world. His pink eyes had gone wide as he saw something bright, it was none other than a light. He didn't realize it at the time, but surprise and shock overwhelmed him. Before, he had never even fathomed he could know such feelings, but came they did. He drifted closer towards that light, and began circling it. He'd even nudged it curiously, wondering what it was. Perhaps one like him? Might he be able to relate to this strange, thing? Nonetheless he never took his eyes off it in fear of losing it. Though Tantabus was only a blob of purple mist, he hopped around this strange light, and the excitement only continued to overwhelm him. It was at this point Tantabus formed a mouth, and even a smile, and he smiled widely, full of happy anticipation. It all came naturally to him, as if it were meant to be. Perhaps he'd formed such things out of eagerness to express himself to the light, but he didn't question it. Tantabus continued to look over it curiously, wondering why it was here. It was his first taste of the addiction, the satisfaction of sating his curiosity.
"Why there you are. Even in this vast chasm of darkness, this blank canvas, I knew a passive essence must exist somewhere."
The voice came suddenly, and Tantabus immediately pulled back from the light and glanced around the world of black. The voice was frightening, for it surrounded him on all sides and he didn't know how to define it. What was it? And why could he understand it?
"You are curious, that is not surprising. It seems what little of you is left has still managed to harbor what it means to dream, to create, to find inspiration in something. Though you have lost what it means to be malevolent, I am actually grateful that such a passive nightmare exists. Deep down in your roots, you are made up of something far darker; fear, cruelty, and conflict are what truly define you." There was a brief pause in the voice, "Yes, I can make much use of you little nightmare, you are more than adequate enough to do what I cannot. Through you I can manage to bring a stop to that monstrosity in the north. Do you remember our world before all this?..."
Tantabus continued to drift around the light, looking over it curiously and with suspicion now, before glancing back up. Was this where the voice was coming from? He looked back to the light, backing away further with caution. But the curiosity still consumed him.
"Believe it or not, I took pride in our world before. The realm of nightmares was a glorious place, before it became this desolate plain of darkness. All it takes is a tiny sliver of doubt, and we born of nightmare can slowly creep into existence, into consciousness. I was the first you know, birthed from the purity of dreams, the first essence of despair. I crafted a glorious realm separated from that of my host, where all others like us could dwell and learn to co-exist. But as time drifted on I realized something, a feeling churning deep down in the core of my very being. I craved corruption, to spread my control among those who knew not of it. I fed off the feeling of such power. But in our world, there was nothing to corrupt. We had all already managed to define what it meant, to be nightmarish in nature. Variety was sorely lacking, and I knew my origins came from one in an entirely different setting. A new reality, ripe for the taking! My host. Through time, patience, and constant surveillance, I waited for an opening, a doorway into that reality. Sooner or later my host would call upon me again, would rely on my essence to fuel the rage of her being. It was at such a time that I would strike, and strike I did. Little did I know that my ample opportunity would cost me a severe connection to this realm, and lock me into the living breathing world of my host. Where she has gone now, it does not matter. But as a result of my actions, our realm shattered. Without my support, without me being there to nurture it, everything fell into nothingness. But never did I imagine there'd actually be a passive nightmare in existence, yet here you are..."
The light suddenly began to expand, causing Tantabus to now turn and hurry away from it in fear.
The voice reassured him however. "Do not be afraid, that is not your job. Thankfully, I have managed to acquire a host fitting enough for one such as yourself. You are lucky, not every nightmare is able to choose the most adequate shell to dwell within if any at all, but I have gone through great lengths to ensure you are well adjusted. You will be a pure essence of nightmare, one whom is able to call upon our gifts at any given time. Your host however is reliant on an essence in my world known as love." There was a hint of disgust as she said the word, "But with your influence, I am certain that genetic mutation will convert into something far more appropriate for the likes of ourselves. Through conflict, strife, raw negative emotion, you will be able to strengthen your connection to our realm even further. Which brings me to why I've called upon you in the first place." There was another brief pause, "Through you, we will rebuild this now desolate place. My connection here is severely weakened due to now being more pony than nightmare, but you, you are different. You will rebuild this place to my liking, and actually listen. I trust simply escaping what it has become is an adequate enough reward? In the far north of my world there is an abnormal entity, one whom I also believe has been twisted by the influences of our gifts, frighteningly so. Here I will have you construct a prison for this being, and when the time comes here he will dwell, for all eternity. So, let us hurry and get acquainted shall we?"
It wasn't much of a choice, as the light itself caught up with Tantabus, pulling him in despite his retreat. Tantabus' black world had dissipated as he opened his actual eyes for the first time, only to see a crowd of Nightmare Guards surrounding him from a far off perimeter. He was in a massive dimly lit chamber, atop a pulsing violet circle. Even though he didn't know it at the time, one of the first ponies he saw and would forever recognize was Captain Dash who also stood off to the side, eyeing the strange colt in suspicion and contemplation even back then. Tantabus' gaze soon drifted up to a larger more prominent figure in front of him, with long black hooves and a slender form, there stood Nightmare Moon. She smiled down at him, extending a hoof down towards him in satisfaction, as Tantabus looked at it curiously.
Nightmare Moon cocked her head to the right and closed her eyes, smiling warmly. "Welcome to my reality, Dear Tantabus..."
In the present, Tantabus' hooves were spread as he looked out towards the vast distance from a building rooftop, feeling as if he were the crown of the world. Desolation surrounded the colt, while remnants of purple flames accompanied him. They were faint in visibility and slightly transparent, mere fragments of the nightmare realm, a world not many would ever understand. But still he wore such a childish smile, looking over the lights of the city, and drowning out whatever chaos may have surrounded him. Tantabus was on top of the world. His smile widened, taking in what could be an eternity of adventure. He was free to seize this world. But such aspirations would have to wait, for he still had another desire he needed to quench. The colt's gaze drifted down towards the city streets he stood over, particularly at a group of citizens who couldn't take their eyes off him. He smirked gradually with interest, before locking eyes with a mare whom held a tiny foal in her hooves. "Hey Lady! I got a question for you!" He disappeared, dissipating into a transparent purple mist before reforming himself only a few feet from the frightened citizens. "Why're ya all so scared? Have I really become that cool? Aha, how fitting aye? Weeeeell?"
The group of gathered citizens were all untouched by the flames, but the surrounding buildings had already been scarred and marred by them in a unsightly manner. The mare who'd been addressed continued to tremble as she held her foal in her hooves. "Y-Yes, please, just don't hurt my child. I'll, I'll answer any question you like to the best of my ability." She gulped, looking to him pleadingly.
Tantabus waved a hoof at her lightly, manifesting a transparent purple chair to sit upon as he crossed his rear hooves over one another, and placed his forehooves on the armrests. "Sure sure, whatever lady. Anyway, first question. Is this the North District?"
Many of the other citizens were eager to answer just to appease the mysterious colt, but remained silent as to not invoke his wrath either. They all looked to the mare, who kept her eyes on the colt attentively as she answered. "Yes, t-this is Canterlot's North District..."
Tantabus rubbed his lower muzzle then in confusion. "So it is then? Hm, did I somehow miss her?" He closed his eyes, sighing and leaning back with a grumble before looking towards the sky. "Maybe it's not worth it. I could just force Momma's loyalty as well." But as he remained silent for another moment thinking about it, he shook his head in irritation, leaning forward with a growl. "No! I can do this! I've never given up on a game before! I won't start now!" He crossed his hooves in determination, despite his irritation. "Not ever!"
But another mare in the crowd suddenly trotted forward, shouting at the colt angrily. "Why're you doing this!?"
Every other citizen in the group instantly looked to this particular mare in disbelief, before backing away from her slowly.
But still this mare stood defiantly, looking desperately to Tantabus for an answer. "Explain yourself this instant, f-fiend!"
Tantabus continued to sit on his purple chair as he looked brazenly towards the ground in a tired manner. "Funny how it works isn't it?" He began rotating one of his forehooves in the form of an amused gesture. "I do nothing but play games all day, ponies are scared of me. I start looking around for a certain pony and a few homes get destroyed, and they're still scared of me." He looked to this mare in bewilderment. "Are you coo-coo or something lady? You're acting way too dramatic about this. Calm your hooves, jeez!"
The mare who'd addressed him was now the one looking at him in bewilderment. "What? Are, are you serious!?"
Tantabus leaned his head back at her, raising a brow, laughing a bit while still confused. "Uh yeah? Are yooou serious?"
The mare instantly began swelling with rage as she gritted his teeth, soon stomping a hoof. "Are you that naive!? This is a crime! You're terrorizing all of us! Blatantly going around destroying homes with these destructive spells!? Who do you think you are!?"
Tantabus burst into heavy laughter this time, wrapping his forehooves around himself before kicking his legs in the air as he leaned back in his chair. "Hahaha! You're sooooo grumpy! Fine fiiiine, I'll mark that down when I'm officially prince. Don't worry about it kay?"
The mare stomped a hoof at him again. "I would never accept you as my prince. Whomever you are!"
The rest of the crowd gasped, though they also agreed, they would never directly defy one of such power in the current situation.
Tantabus however looked horribly confused, and actually distraught as he leaned forward. "Huh!? W-Why!?"
The mare scoffed, turning her head away from him. "If you truly cannot figure it out, then you are more deluded than I thought!" She then leaned her head back, glaring at him. "I do not know who you are, but Canterlot ponies would never succumb to heathens like you!"
Tantabus' brow twitched as he closed his eyes and smiled. "Oh haha, I see. You know lady," he cast his gaze towards the pavement with half-closed eyes, before looking towards her again in affirmation. "Now that I think about it, I don't recall ever addressing you."
The mare's eyes widened at the colt in confusion, not understanding what he was implying.
A purple sphere of magic manifested over Tantabus, rotating slowly before shooting straight towards the mare.
Majority of the citizens dived out the way as the mare only stood and watched, doe eyed and frozen in shock.
Tantabus couldn't help smile cheekily, giggling even as he snapped suddenly in anger. "Am I worthy now!? Huh!?"
The mare with the foal in her hooves glanced back while upon the ground, crying out to the petrified mare in horror.
But just before she'd been struck, another sphere of magic knocked Tantabus' off trajectory, sending it flying into a building and erupting into an arcane explosion of violet pink. The petrified mare immediately crumbled to her belly afterwords in relief.
Tantabus' eyes widened as he to appeared just as shocked, before casting an angry glare towards the rooftops.
A group of white cloaked figures all dived from the roofs, into the path between both the citizens and the colt. There were three of them, as one of them lowered his hood, revealing an orange stallion with a dark brown mane. His eyes were just as bright as his coat. He fastened an intense glare on the colt, soon glancing back at the citizens. "You all get out of here, now! We'll take care of this! Get to safety!"
The group of citizens nodded, as one of them gathered up the still stunned mare. They turned towards the opposite direction of the conflict, beginning to make their way further into the eastern parts of the city. The mare with her foal in her hooves looked to the trio in white as she nodded to them gratefully. "Thank you, and please, please stop it! The Nightmare Guard couldn't, but somepony needs to!" She turned around before glancing back one last time, "And please be careful!" She then hurriedly trotted off with the rest of the group.
Tantabus frowned as he leaned a hoof onto his cheek. He twitched every now and then as he kept his head lowered.
Another of the three in the group of Celestial Defenders looked towards the orange stallion in worry and concern. Her hood masked her appearance, as she looked at him in uncertainty. "We, we should be leaving the city! We can't afford to get into this right now!"
The orange stallion looked to his companion in annoyance before pointing a hoof up towards the barrier. "Look around! Do you see any form of escape!? We're stuck here whether we like it or not! Besides-" he turned his angered glare back towards the colt. "We need to do what we can to ensure this thing doesn't harm anypony else! It looks like its not on either of our sides based on what that mare said. It could be too dangerous to let wander around." He spread his hooves, "Get in position. We'll go on the offensive, somehow find an opening!"
Tantabus continued to twitch, keeping his head lowered as he soon snapped in a high pitched tone, filled with utmost fury. "I've been nice up until now! But if you all want to continue annoying me then fine! I won't be nice anymore!" They spit on his kindness? It wasn't as if he were doing anything wrong! Lesser ponies should know their place not to question him! Yet here they were still defying him. He was just as great as his mother yet nopony knew him. Nopony respected him. He was just belittled, questioned, and even assaulted! Captain Dash!? These citizens!? Even his own mother! He was done taking orders! And thanks to this conflict he didn't have to anymore! He would show them all just how great he was, as he was always meant to be! He glared angrily right back at the group. "I am Prince Tanta! It's not your right to get in my way! You should be listening to me! But fine, if you want to be like that stupid Dash and try to boss me around, then I'll show you what it means to make me angry! So get ready you annoying ponies! I'll show how scary I really am! How great I've become!"
The group of three kept their eyes on the colt, now in hesitation as they began to back away slowly. But as Tantabus had finished his rant and the three gradually continued to back away, eyeing him with caution, a dark shadow began to cast over them, growing in size. The mare in particular of the group began shaking her head, as she eventually muttered broken words in response. "What, what is this?"
Tantabus loomed over them in the moonlight, as his very figure had morphed and he now towered over the three, nearly as tall as the surrounding buildings. His coat had become bushier, thick with purple strands of fur. He now bore the form of a violet Ursa Minor, grinning fiercely at each of them, before beginning to chuckle in both a playful and eager manner. "Get ready little ponies. Here I come..."
As the results of Tantabus' antics only became more severe, Lieutenant Dust was currently preoccupied in the eastern district of the city. Her progress to retrieve Twilight and find the alicorn had been halted by the Celestial Defender conflict currently taking place. The pegasus sat in an impatient manner, leaned forward slightly while on a large wooden stage much like the one in the Northern District of the city. But this area appeared far more fortified, as per her command. Her lance rested at her side, as she glanced around the area observantly. Checkpoints and makeshift walls were put in place as to prevent anypony from solely trotting on inside the large perimeter. Both citizens and Celestial Defenders were subjugated, most being cuffed with iron bracers and collars, not differentiating between citizen nor traitor. The cuffs had glowing seals upon them, as to signify they possessed some sort of enchantment. Even Lieutenant Dust had a set of her own as she'd pulled them out to look them over for a moment, before tucking them away on her side. She sighed heavily, still in angst as she rested a hoof on her cheek and continued to glance around the area, taking the role of acting supervisor for the time being to establish order.
Twilight Velvet cut in abruptly from nearby. "So you believe this is any more acceptable!?"
Lieutenant Dust flinched as she glanced on over to her left at some steps leading up the stage.
Making her way up and towards her was Twilight Velvet, who eyed the pegasus in an angered manner. "Do you!?"
Lieutenant Dust rolled her eyes and peered ahead, beginning to lose her patience for the unicorn.
While Specialist Flitters attempted to block her path, "M-Ma'am please, the lieutenant is busy!"
But Twilight Velvet glared at Flitters, also in impatience. "I don't care what she is! All I see her doing is subjugating both citizens and these, Celestial Defenders! Or whatever they call themselves! It's not right! And it doesn't paint a very good picture for the princess or your guard!" She huffed before looking over at Lieutenant Dust again. "Well, are you going to say something or just sit there!?"
Lieutenant Dust continued to sit as she sighed, momentarily acknowledging Twilight Velvet. "I understand your concerns Ma'am, but please understand, I can't take any chances with this." However as she sat scanning the area, her eyes suddenly went wide as she caught sight of something in the far distance. Another pair of prisoners who'd just been captured in their most recent scope of the surrounding areas of the city. Her interest spiked immediately as she rose to all four hooves. "Flitters, make sure Lady Velvet is well taken care of. I've got to go deal with something right quick, I'll be back shortly." With that Lieutenant Dust began making her way down some opposing steps nearby.
Twilight Velvet instantly took offense to her actions. "Hey wait! I'm not done talking to you!"
But Specialist Flitters got in her way again, blocking her path with desperation. "Ma'am, please! You need to calm down."
Twilight Velvet snarled at the pegasus mare. "Step out of my way child! You have no say in this!"
But Flitters snapped right back. "But I do have a say in this! What do you understand about what we have to do!?"
Twilight Velvet backed away from Flitters with a scrunched muzzle. "Excuse me?"
Flitters continued, looking to Twilight Velvet still in desperation. "The moment the Celestial Defenders revealed themselves, all chances for peace here were lost. You think the princess is going to care what you think anymore!? You actually think she'll listen you!? What do you think this is!?" Flitters couldn't help but laugh in a broken, saddened manner. She didn't want to sound so negative, but she couldn't help but find amusement in Twilight Velvet's concerns. "Even with the Dream Sweep, the princess will never stop suspecting Canterlot of treason after this! It doesn't matter if our precautions are seen as obscene or not, Canterlot is already a traitorous city at this point!" She stomped a hoof, leaning towards her. "We don't have time to worry about how this looks! We just need to handle the situation as best as we can! If we don't, what do you think the princess will do!? We're ensuring the best possible outcome as is, Ma'am! For everypony!"
Twilight Velvet actually acknowledged Flitters then, with quite heavy suspicion.
Flitters looked at the ground in a defeated manner. "All we can do now is try to contain the damage...."
Twilight Velvet spoke softly, and in slight curiosity. "Those words, are they yours?"
Flitters blinked, not understanding as she raised a brow at Twilight Velvet. "Huh?"
Twilight Velvet continued. "Is what you just said truly what you believe in regards to the Princess' rule?"
And Flitters fell silent, looking down at the ground in dead silence, as she realized she revealed too much about her doubts.
But still, Twilight Velvet acknowledged her with respect, realizing she spoke from the heart. "I see."
Meanwhile both Corporal Cloudchaser and Night Light sat on a curb nearby, both of them eyeing the ground silently and with blank expressions, keeping to themselves for the most part. Eventually Night Light cut in, raising a hoof slightly as he looked to Cloudchaser with curiosity. "So uh, I don't imagine you enjoy talking much. You seem much more quiet than um, your fellow guards." He smiled warmly.
Corporal Cloudchaser blinked a bit as she glanced over at him, then back to the ground. "Uh, yeah. My sister is a talker though."
Night Light raised a brow at Cloudchaser. "If I may ask, why did you join the Nightmare Guard? You don't seem like the type."
Cloudchaser blinked again, as she glanced over at him in confusion. "I didn't choose, I was drafted. Don't you guys know that?"
Night Light's eyes widened in immediate concern, as he shook his head. "D-Drafted? Wait, what're you talking about?"
Cloudchaser came to a realization only a second later as she looked back towards the ground. "I guess it's not surprising you guys don't know, seeing as you're unicorns." She looked back to him in warning. "There's probably a lot of stuff you guys don't know when I think about it, seeing as this is the first time anything really dire has happened in Canterlot. Cloudsdale was drafted a long time ago to help bolster the princess' forces in the fight against the changelings. We didn't really have a say in the matter. But some things can't easily be covered by the media ponies, and the princess does a great job at keeping those things hidden." She looked back towards the ground while continuing to speak. "It's only recently that somepony on the inside has been leaking information about the princess. Whoever it is that pony's got guts, but I won't envy them when they're caught. They're also the same pony who managed to leak info about this whole alicorn thing to the public, I don't know why though. If anything, I wish I could've joined the racing committee before it was cancelled. That would've been nice."
And Night Light exuded guilt after hearing this as it was plain on his expression, and he remained silent, looking back towards the ground. He didn't know how to address what Cloudchaser just said, nor found himself able to say anything he felt had any meaning.
The two continued to sit there in silence from then on, both eyeing the ground as they were previously.
Lieutenant Dust smirked gradually as she approached one of the fortified checkpoints leading into her makeshift base. She couldn't help but smile with satisfaction as she saw the two new prisoners being hauled inside. "Well well, if it isn't Fleetfoot! So this is where you ran off to huh? I should've known you'd join some traitorous organization after shaming yourself and deserting the rest of us!"
Fleetfoot, as well as Marble Pie, were both shackled together as they were being hauled in by a band of Nightmare Guards consisting of at least ten. Fleetfoot stopped as she caught sight of Lieutenant Dust. "L-Lightning?" She naturally paused to look at the pegasus which she obviously recognized, but was pulled along with a tug, before forcibly stopping herself again in order to speak. "What're you doing here!? Is Dash here as well!?"
Lieutenant Dust actually twitched in annoyance as she tilted her head back at Fleetfoot. "It'd be nice if you used some rank you know. It's Lieutenant Dust now, and Captain Dash is none of your concern. Unlike you she didn't chicken out at the call of duty."
Fleetfoot scoffed as she replied. "I don't care about rank! Where is Dash!? Why're you all doing this!? Is it to find the alicorn!?"
Lieutenant Dust continued to look upon her in annoyance. "It's funny, seeing as you're our prisoner you'd think you'd have the sense to understand your situation. Guess I gave you too much credit." She pointed a hoof back, "Throw them both in with the others."
Fleetfoot glanced back at Lieutenant Dust as both she and Marble were hauled away. "Lightning! Answer me! Where is Dash!?"
Lieutenant Dust gritted her teeth, before turning and swiping a hoof at the fellow pegasus. "Who do you think you are!? You're a traitor!?" She shook her head, turning back around, realizing she rarely got so angry. "You lost the right to know a long time ago."
Fleetfoot remained silent as she looked to Dust seriously, giving her an impatient stare.
Lieutenant Dust continued with laughter. "You and this joke of a rebellion don't stand any sort of chance anyhow! Even if-"
"Please! Please somepony help us! W-We're in danger!"
All eyes in the area went wide as even Twilight Velvet, Flitters, Cloudchaser and Nightlight, all the way from the stage were drawn to the commotion. Lieutenant Dust in particular glanced over past her fortifications to catch sight of a large band of disheveled citizens, coming from the north district of the city. Lieutenant Dust was filled with suspicion as she trotted on outside her base to confront them.
One of the Nightmare Guards looked to his Lieutenant in concern. "Lieutenant wait!"
Lieutenant Dust glanced back at that particular guard. "Put a muzzle on it!" As she continued to trot towards the fleeing citizens.
Meanwhile, both Marble and Fleetfoot also continued to watch, filled with just as much curiosity.
A mare with a foal in her hooves fell to the ground, as she struggled to speak while catching her breath. "Please! You must help us!"
Lieutenant Dust paused, as she looked down at the citizen still in both concern and suspicion. She glanced back, "Guards! Come assist these citizens!" There was a large group of them, which she didn't fail to notice. Yet their injuries and ash covered clothes didn't signify anything that either her fellow Nightmare Guards, or even these Celestial Defenders would do. As much as she disagreed with the traitors, Lieutenant Dust knew that not even they would target citizens like this, even she could realize that. But she was filled with concern due to the realization. "What happened to you?" Lieutenant Dust had an awry feeling, a deep uncomfortable churning down in her stomach.
The mare holding her foal shook her head, desperate to explain. "A monster! It was a strange purple monster!"
And Lieutenant Dust's fears were only furthered as she gave the mare a grave stare, muttering. "Tantabus?"
Another mare cut in frantically. "It destroyed our homes! There's still more of us in hiding! You need to help them!"
Lieutenant Dust frowned heavily as she looked to them with a raised brow, then trotting back towards the fortified area as some guards made their way towards the mare with the foal to help assist her. Lieutenant Dust was silent. Did you see this coming Dash? Is that also why you brought down the barrier so early? She gritted her teeth. Were you putting on a front back there? Trying to contain the chaos? Lieutenant Dust felt frustrated, filled with regret that she didn't question his absence further back then. Why? How could you ignore this!? Is your desperation to please the princess clouding your judgement so much that you wouldn't tell me? She looked up towards the crimson barrier in deep thought. Was Tantabus truly not worth mentioning on the scale of this entire mess? Could you truly think that?
However Fleetfoot became just as frantic, calling out to Lieutenant Dust in desperation. "Lightning what's going on!?"
Lieutenant Dust glanced over at her in annoyance still. "Nothing that concerns you Fleetfoot! So will you just be quiet!?"
Fleetfoot growled as she continued to pester the fellow pegasus. "Lightning! Tell me what's wrong! We can work together on this! It doesn't have to be this way!" Her desperation became more apparent. "I know whatever it is! It's something that even you didn't expect! Don't let these citizens get hurt because of your pride!"
Marble remained silent, as she kept her head lowered as to not draw attention to herself but still looked just as concerned.
Lieutenant Dust sighed, glancing to a random guard nearby. "Make sure you gag her later, I don't want to keep having to hear her talk." With that, she made her way back over towards the stage, particularly over to Specialist Flitters and Twilight Velvet to address them.
As Lieutenant Dust trotted away, Fleetfoot continued to try to get through to her. "Lightning! Lightning!"
Flitters and Twilight Velvet still stood upon the stage, as Flitters looked to Lieutenant Dust in concern. "Lieutenant, what's-"
But Lieutenant Dust cut her off with a disturbing glare. "Did you know of Tantabus' betrayal Flitters?"
Flitter's eyes widened as she was obviously thrown off by the question. "Betrayal!? N-No! Captain Dash just said he was gone!"
Twilight Velvet frowned, eventually addressing them both. "If you're referring to that purple child, then yes, I knew of his betrayal."
Lieutenant Dust hastily looked over at Twilight Velvet in shock. "Then why didn't you say anything!?"
Twilight Velvet looked at Lieutenant Dust skeptically. "Well if not even your Captain mentioned it to you, I felt it was something that could wait. I know not of what this child's motives are or what he hopes to achieve. All I know is that whatever troubles him has nothing to do with us, and more so to do with you and your guard." She paused, "I don't understand why he is of such importance now."
Lieutenant Dust gritted her teeth in frustration, peering at the ground. "Because! He's attacked the north end of the city!" Her furious gaze carried on back up to Twilight Velvet. "It's not as if it's unexpected though. Why Captain Dash didn't feel the need to tell us is an entirely different issue." She looked back towards the ground, "I can only assume she was trying to weigh all the consequences."
And Twilight Velvet immediately snapped. "Attacked!? My daughter lives in the north end of the city! We need to go there now!"
Lieutenant Dust nodded. "Which is why I'll be heading over there. All this side stuff has kept us distracted for too long, we need to focus on getting your daughter and our target, but I'm going to head over and bring a stop to Tantabus' antics before it's too late."
Flitters placed a hoof over her chest. "I'm going with you! I'm not going to let you head out there alone Lieutenant!"
Lieutenant Dust smiled, rubbing the top of Flitter's head. "No, you're not. You're going to stay here and help guard Lady Velvet from any harm, while ensuring everything runs smoothly. I know it's a bit above what you're used to, but I trust you and Cloudchaser the most."
Twilight Velvet pressed forward between them. "Do you honestly think I'm just going to sit here and wait for you to get back while my daughter is out there currently in danger from one of your messes!? What sort of mother do you think I am!? I am going with you!"
But there was a sudden interjection. "Honey no," followed by a brief pause, "I'll go find Twilight."
Lieutenant Dust, Flitters, and Twilight Velvet glanced back, seeing both Night Light and Cloudchaser proceed up the steps.
Twilight Velvet looked to Night Light in irritation. "No, no! Why!? Why do you need to go!? Stay out of this Night Light!"
Night Light frowned at her. "Because she's my daughter too, and it's my duty to protect you both from harm's way. Besides, we need somepony to remain on the lookout for her in case she manages to find her way over here. She's smart, you know it's quite likely."
Twilight Velvet trembled as she looked down towards the ground in frustration.
Lieutenant Dust nodded to Night Light, before her gaze drifted on over to Cloudchaser. "Cloudchaser, I want you to make your way back south. See if the Captain is already done subjugating those prisoners down there. I can't imagine it would've taken her that long. We need to let her know of this. Once you find her, tell her to head north, straight past this district. I hope to have everything fixed by then."
Corporal Cloudchaser flinched, as she looked over towards Flitters then back to Lieutenant Dust. "Um, Lieutenant, I think I-"
But Flitters already caught onto Cloudchaser's concerns. "I'll be alright Cloudchaser. Just go, I can handle this, okay?"
Corporal Cloudchaser frowned at her sister in further concern, muttering. "But, I don't want to leave you."
Flitters interjected again, flushing red in embarrassment and annoyance. "I'm fine Cloudchaser! Now listen to the Lieutenant!"
Cloudchaser flinched again, as she nodded to her sister then to Lieutenant Dust with a sluggish and saddened salute.
Lieutenant Dust nodded to Cloudchaser, ignoring her moment of disobedience. She nudged her head in the direction of Night Light, signaling him to come over to her. She looked back to the rest of them with a nod. "We'll be back as soon as possible, I promise."
Twilight Velvet kept her head lowered, as she to just nodded. "Just take care of my husband, and find my daughter. Please..."
Lieutenant Dust smirked a bit, nodding to her in particular. "Don't worry, I will Ma'am." As Night Light made his way by her side, she tapped him, "We'll stick to the rooftops, it's safer that way. I don't want you getting involved with Tantabus, let me to deal with him."
Night Light nodded back to her, as he looked to Twilight Velvet one more time. "We'll be careful honey."
But Twilight Velvet looked at him still in doubt and worry, as she frowned further, still not enjoying the idea of him going.
With that the two turned from the three, and Lieutenant Dust and Night Light began to depart from the area. They both made their way down the steps, and from the opposing end of where the panicked citizens had entered, were leaving out of the makeshift barrier. But before departing, Lieutenant Dust also looked to one more pony, Fleetfoot, who also looked to her in a saddened conflicted manner.
Fleetfoot was already gagged, still bound as both she and Marble were seated near a building on the far opposite side.
Lieutenant Dust closed her eyes, shaking her head before peering ahead and speaking to Night Light. "Let's hurry." And she spread her wings with haste, rising to one of the rooftops before breaking off into a trot. Night Light poofed up there, following her as well.
Twilight Velvet appeared drained as she watched her husband run off so hastily to find their daughter. She raised a hoof to her forehead with tired eyes, muttering to both Cloudchaser and Flitters. "I, I need to lie down for a bit. Please don't disturb me if you can."
Specialist Flitters nodded to Twilight Velvet, understanding her concerns. "Yes Ma'am, please get some rest."
But Cloudchaser was still hesitant to leave Flitters behind, as she continued to peer straight at her sister, also in conflict.
Flitters glanced over at Cloudchaser with a frown. "What Cloudchaser? G-Go, you heard the Lieutenant."
Cloudchaser however cut in solemnly. "We've been together this entire time Flitters. Through the draft, through the Changelings, through the North Shadow, we always stuck together. Not once did I ever leave you behind, I don't feel comfortable doing that now either."
Flitters rolled her eyes with a groan. "It's not leaving me behind! All you're doing is going to grab the Captain, Cloudchaser!"
Cloudchaser persisted desperately. "T-Then come with me Flitters! We can go get her together!"
Flitters placed a hoof over her chest. "No! Didn't you hear the Lieutenant!? I'm to stay here and watch over this area!"
Cloudchaser frowned, trembling a bit as she continued to face her. She only stared at her dear sister in silence for a moment longer before hesitantly turning around to prepare for her departure. "Fine just, just be careful okay!? I'll be back as soon as possible! Don't, don't go anywhere or do anything that might put you in danger! I'll be right back!" With that, Cloudchaser flew off, also with immediate haste.
As Flitters watched Cloudchaser fly off, she couldn't help regard her twin with annoyance. What's with her? Jeez. But in that moment Flitters also realized that she was now alone, and in charge. Her eyes widened as her gaze drifted to Twilight Velvet who was still on the stage in one of the corners, laying on her side to relieve some stress. But then it went towards the numerous Nightmare Guards who now had their eyes locked onto Flitters, since Lieutenant Dust had departed so swiftly without directly relaying her orders to any of them. The citizens who were also being tended to and those who were subjugated also watched the pegasus, creating a lasting tension in the air. Flitters gulped as she rubbed the back of her mane nervously. "H-Hey everypony um," she suddenly put on a more serious posture, "Remain focused! The Lieutenant will be back shortly, the moment she figures out what's happening up north! For now just remain on the lookout for any more of these traitors and continue to go about your usual duties! If you happen across anything unusual! Report it to me asap! Got it!?"
Her fellow Nightmare Guards all saluted, speaking in sync. "Yes Ma'am!" Before stomping once, and going about their duties.
Flitters rubbed some sweat from her forehead with relief, "Whew!" She turned around and glanced up at one particular building, noticing the magical sphere which helped keep the citywide barrier intact. Her gaze drifted to others blocks down, which all had a pair of nightmare guards keeping them safe. Flitters raised a brow due to this, finding it surprising that none of the traitors decided to strike at them. Perhaps they truly didn't realize that they were the key to bringing the barrier down? Nonetheless, even if they were to strike at the spheres, she doubted they'd have what it takes to destroy one. She shrugged in reassurance, realizing she didn't have much to worry about. But as she thought about it, something else came to mind, causing her to address one of her fellow guards patrolling. "Hey you, got a second?"
A guard down in front of the stage blinked, coming to a pause before turning to face Flitters. "Of course Ma'am."
Flitters tilted her head to the right at him. "The supervisor of this part of the city before Lieutenant took over, who was it?"
The guard rubbed at the back of his helm in thought, before answering. "I don't believe there was one Ma'am. Lieutenant Thunderlane asked us to secure this sector while he headed on north. He was planning to come back down after addressing the citizens over there but he never returned. Speaking of which," the guard rubbed his muzzle some, "Specialist Ebonblitz hasn't returned yet either."
Flitters raised both brows at him in confusion. "Specialist who?"
The guard continued. "Ebonblitz Ma'am, she's a part of the unit who brought back those prisoners the Lieutenant was speaking to."
Flitter's gaze drifted on over to Fleetfoot and Marble, who still sat quietly with a few other prisoners, leaned against the building. Flitters squinted at Fleetfoot in particular in deep suspicion, as she nodded to the guard. "Thanks for letting me know, I'll be right back." With that she hopped from the stage with a glide, trotting casually across the area towards them, before stopping near Fleetfoot and Marble, but looking particularly at some of the surrounding guards. "Hey, are any of you with the unit who's responsible for bringing these two in?"
A few of the other guards' hooves went up, as they eyed one another with a couple of brief stares and blank expressions.
Flitters looked to them in concern. "Are you guys missing a couple of your members?"
The few who raised their hooves looked to one another before a mare in the group commented. "Yes Ma'am, but we're assuming they're just out looking for more of these traitors still. There were obvious signs that there may be a few more hiding out there still."
Flitters nodded to them, "I see." Her expression sunk a little as her gaze drifted to both Fleetfoot and Marble in worry.
Fleetfoot said nothing, as did Marble, while the two just continued to sit there and stare at the pavement in silence.
Flitters frowned as she looked upon them, not buying their demeanor. What sort of friends do you two have hiding out there?