//------------------------------//
// Chapter XIV: Hearts of the Hopeful 
// Story: The Clockwork Consequence 
// by Michy 
//------------------------------//


Chapter XIV: Hearts of the Hopeful


Chapter 13 Recap: Through the use of a powerful spell once used in an attempt to understand the changeling race, Moondancer and Twilight have managed to acquire the information needed to help bring down the barrier which surrounds Canterlot City. But to their detriment they have also learned of the presence of a pony believed to be the offspring of Nightmare Moon herself. With Nightmare Moon's absence and Canterlot in such a dire state, the pair must decide whether they truly wish to leave the rest of the populace in their home city to chance, or become intimately involved with them, and lend a helping hoof in ensuring the conflict is truly brought to an end. As Twilight finds peace with the idea of trusting she has a more prominent role to play, she also chooses to trust in Moondancer's judgement. No matter the cost she must believe her world can change, that this world can change, she has to.





The group of three celestial defenders spread themselves out amongst each other, as they kept their distance from Tantabus.

Tantabus who stood yards away, placed both massive paws on his hips. His voice was still distinct, high pitched though with a deep curdling overtone attached to it. He laughed absently, "But maybe that's what you all wanted anyway. For the world to change?"

The orange stallion scowled, peering ahead still as he commented towards his companions. "Get ready for another attack."

The mare of the group nodded to him, as her blue magical aura lit from beneath her hood, making it obvious she was a unicorn. "R-Right!" As she began to cast a spell, a clear sheet of ice spread between both their group and Tantabus, acting a a divider between them.

Tantabus raised a paw to his face, before running it down. "Really? Don't you three get it by now? It's useless."

The orange stallion looked up at Tantabus, "You mentioned your mother earlier. What did you mean by that?"

Tantabus smirked down at him, before looking up tiredly at the moon. "You know Mister, in a lot of games I play, there's always a big hero surrounded by lots of friends. At first things are always bad but, the hero always defeats the villain in the end because they think their world is still worth fighting for." His gaze returned to the stallion, "Do you believe you're the hero Mister? That this is some story?"

As Tantabus spoke, it could be seen that despite being hidden in the shadows between buildings and within homes, that there were still citizens present in this district of the city. However, they were far too afraid to act out or defend themselves, so they remained tucked away hoping that the strange shape-shifting pony did not notice their presence or would simply leave. Yet still they watched silently.

The orange stallion frowned at Tantabus in annoyance. "I don't know or care. All I know is you're a danger to all good ponies here."

The mare of the group also spoke out at Tantabus, "Do you find joy in being a villain!? In bullying those weaker than you!?"

Tantabus looked at them with wide eyes for a second, and honest surprise. "Villain? Is that really how you feel?"

The three celestial defenders all gritted their teeth, glaring at him, making their answer to his question apparent.

Tantabus frowned a little, placing both paws on his hips again. "Aw! Well, that's a little lame, I mean, villains are really boring to me." He shrugged, closing his eyes before looking down at them tiredly. "Then again, this isn't really a world I would fight for either."

The orange stallion snapped, looking up at him still. "You never answered me! Why did you mention your mother earlier!?"

Tantabus snickered, "You really want to know don't you? Is it that hard to tell? Nightmare Moon is my mom little pony."

But this was just confirmation for the group, of the dreadful information they already felt they knew. But having the colt actually say it sent a shiver down each of their spines, as a sudden sense of hesitation overcame them and they once again, backed away some.

The orange stallion calmed himself, as he muttered. "Why did she order you to destroy Canterlot? What has she to gain from this?"

Tantabus' eyes widened again, as he burst into laughter, giving him a look of crooked amusement. "Destroy Canterlot!? What're you talking about Mister!? I was never told to destroy this place! I'm actually just looking for somepony, and you're all getting in my way of finding her! But this city is real huge, so it's hard to look around without messing stuff up!" He looked back up towards the sky past the barrier in thought. "But I still think I enjoy doing this my way." He tilted his head to the right at them, "I'm sure you can understand. Seeing as your group has been causing lots of trouble for Momma's and all. It's kind of nice for me, allows me to concentrate and stuff." Tantabus let both claws drop from his hips, as his massive bear arms hung at each of his sides and his head hung low. "Speaking of which, I think it's time I stop talking and wasting time you know? Since you all were nice enough to remind me I've got a pony to find and all." He smirked.

The mare of the group looked up at Tantabus desperately, then yelling fiercely at him. "Stop this! Please! You don't have to do this! I don't understand! Why are you!?" Her words were packed with anger, bitterness, and confusion. "Why must you be so pathetic!?"

Tantabus flinched as he looked down at the mare, appearing a little struck by her words. "Hey!"

The mare continued, swiping a hoof as if advising him to look around and see the damage he'd done. "How can you be so careless!? So disconnected!? Are ponies like you just naturally this way!? Is there some sadistic trait that makes up who you are or something!?"

The two opposing stallions of the group looked at the mare in both shock and surprise at how outspoken she was being.

And she did not cease as her voice became hoarse due to her yelling. "Do you get some sick kick out of it! Do you find some sense of joy out of what you do!? Of terrifying others!? How can you be so horrible!?" She shook her head, "What's wrong with you!?"

Tantabus appeared absolutely triggered by the words, as his brow twitched and it was apparent he'd become emotionally distraught. He put on a front at that moment, though one could see his large pink eyes swelling with tears despite this. It was so embarrassing, and not even he really got why somepony yelling at him in such a way caused him to show weakness. It was frustrating. "What's wrong with me?" Tantabus recalled himself sitting in his room in the castle, constantly in the dark as he played his games, read his comics, and paid no mind to the world around him. He recalled how in all those games, the stories were filled with hope, often a resolution to be had at the villains defeat, how there was always some sort of happy ending. These memories however, infuriated him. "Why should I care about any of you!?"

The mare was now the one who flinched, as both her companions shielded her instinctively, standing close by.

Tantabus immediately went off on his own rant, his voice booming once again. "What have you done for me!? What do you know about anything!?" Tantabus recalled his old world yet again with nothing in it, as he wandered endlessly. "Why should I have to like any of you!?" He recalled playing his games, and though within the memory he usually held a neutral expression, this time his face distorted into one of both frustration and anger as he bit his lower lip, looking down at the bright screen of a hoof held device. "I'm a prince, but it doesn't mean squat! None of you liked me then, and none of you like me now! There are no heroes, or villains! There's only jerks, all of you!"

The orange stallion looked up at the colt bewildered. "What're you going on about!?"

Tantabus glared at him. "Don't act stupid! I've seen what you all are actually like! All you dumb little ponies, you're all the same!" He huffed, "I asked you earlier Mister, if you thought you are the hero. That this world was worth fighting for?" He paused, leering at the stallion, "But you don't need to answer because I already know. All you ponies, you say what you do is right like some hero, but deep down you're all just selfish jerks, doing whatever you want. Dummy Dash, you all, you're all just a bunch of liars and telling yourselves that you're the hero, that everypony else is wrong and you're right. It's all the same, and I'm sick of it! I'm sick of all you lying little ponies."





Tantabus drifted yet again, back into the crevices of his mind. Days of sleepless nights where he'd been wrapped in his blanket, covering his ears while his eyes were closed, appearing distraught. I remember all of it. Why ponies were so horrible. Being made to inspect all the dreams. Every time I went to sleep, there were so many of them, and all of them were the same. Ponies doing nasty stuff, worrying about stupid stuff, ponies being kings and queens, princes and princesses, deep down they were all just wanting what was best for themselves! I hated every second of it! But nopony cared! It was just what I was 'meant' to do! And what was it for!? Nothing!

Tantabus breathed heavily, as he let his hooves drop from his ears as he leaned up halfway, still in his bed with tired eyes. Deep bags as usual underlined them, as he glanced around his chamber room. At this point in time he had no games, and his room only consisted of a large bed. He sluggishly made his way off the side of the bed, landing at first on his rear hooves before climbing off fully and being on all fours. He turned, trotting down a small series of steps which lead down to a more open area within his room. He made his way over to the large chamber room doors, before rising to his rear hooves and knocking on it. "E-Excuse me? Ms Dash? M-Ms Dash? Are you there?"

Suddenly one of the chamber room doors swung open as Captain Dash, still in Nightmare Guard armor, stood in that open doorway. Captain Dash as currently depicted, still had a shorter mane. Though it was not in her fashionable military cut she had today, and far longer. Tantabus shielded his eyes due to the lights from the hall blinding him somewhat, as Captain Dash looked down at him skeptically. "What is it Tantabus? You should be sleeping, the princess expects you to do a full dream sweep across the southern region of Equestria tomorrow. You don't have time to be asking me for favors." She sighed at him in disappointment, "You need to focus on your training."

Tantabus frowned at Captain Dash, shaking her head at her. "But I can't sleep, t-there's too much stuff in my head."

Captain Dash raised a brow at him. "Stuff? What, stuff?" She rolled her eyes, "Tantabus, what do you expect me to do?" Captain Dash began to turn back around as she glanced down at him in impatience. "Get back in bed, try not to think about any of this, stuff."

Tantabus looked up at Captain Dash with wide eyes, as from his perception he could see that she was seething with negative emotional energy. It emitted from her like an eerie mist, consisting of the colors pink and purple. Tantabus was familiar with this negative energy, seeing as he could even see when his mother had it, it only appearing when she was angry or upset. Tantabus' expression worsened into one of understanding, as well as solemn bitterness, for from that instant he understood Captain Dash wanted nothing to do with him at the current moment. He turned around sluggishly, beginning to trot back towards his bed. "Yes Ma'am." He lowered his head as he did so.

Captain Dash glanced back at him with a brow raise and a squint. "Hm?" That was simple. She went back outside the chamber room, shutting the door as she did so, and standing guard outside it. She leaned against the wall, crossing her hooves with a heavy sigh.

While standing on the opposing side of the doors was Lieutenant Dust, who smirked at Captain Dash. "Don't you think you're being a little hard on a kid Lieutenant Dash? Couldn't have at least gave him some uplifting words? That could come back to bite you ya know."

Captain Dash, then known as Lieutenant, glanced over at Lieutenant Dust with a look of further skepticism. "Hard? You know just as much as I do that he needs to toughen up. As he is now, he'll be of no use to the princess." She huffed, closing her eyes and turning her head look forward once again. "Either way, he'll get no leniency from me. This isn't a playground. He was made to perform and I expect him to."

"And perhaps he'll perform at his best when you give him some praise, Lieutenant Dash." 

Both Lieutenant Dash and Lieutenant Dust tensed up upon hearing a familiar voice, they each suddenly stood straight and made their way towards the center of the hall, then bowing their heads as they each spoke in sync and with utmost respect. "Princess Cadence!"

Standing before the two was Princess Cadence, her mane short trimmed while she wore two gold earrings and had a heart shaped pendant wrapped around her neck. She wore a neutral expression, as she was also levitating a gift at her side, wrapped up and neatly tied. She smiled to them, "No need to be so formal you two, I only came here to see Tantabus for a second. Speaking of which, Lieutenant Dash." Princess Cadence gave her a particular look of disappointment and slight frustration. "Expected to perform or not, you are one of the princess' most trusted guards. You could truly use your own experience to help better Tantabus. Is that what you believe you're doing?"

Lieutenant Dash rose her head, saluting Princess Cadence before looking at her plainly. "With all due respect Princess Cadence, I don't believe babying a pony with such capabilities will do us any good. If this is the pony that's supposed to aid us against the North Shadow, then I'm not buying it. He has a lot of growing up to do, and I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure we get to that point as quickly as possible. Coddling him and giving him praise for little effort won't do us any good in the long run. That's my honest opinion."

Princess Cadence still held that passive frustration with Lieutenant Dash as she closed her eyes and nodded to her. "I can see how you would come to that conclusion." But she regarded her with a smile while looking down at her then. "But you also know just as well as I do Lieutenant Dash, the natural capabilities of a pony pulled from the Nightmare Realm are still, fairly unknown, to us." She paused as she trotted past the two to get in front of Tantabus' door. "It'd probably be best to remain on the good side of one we know so little about. A pinch of love can go a long way you know." She smirked, before opening the chamber room doors and heading inside. "Just a thought."

Lieutenant Dust glanced over at Lieutenant Dash with a snicker as she raised a hoof to her muzzle. "Told you so."

Lieutenant Dash groaned as she rolled her eyes, before slapping Lieutenant Dust upside the head in annoyance. "Shut it!"

As Princess Cadence made her way inside, she glanced around the bleak chamber room for a second. "Tanta?" Her eyes widened as she looked towards the back of the room to see the colt was already in bed, supposedly asleep. "Hello Tanta, it's me, Princess Cadence." She smiled softly, before striding casually up towards his bedside, making her way up the small series of steps to where it was. She crept slowly, noticing he was fast asleep before raising a brow at him. "Oh already? That was fairly quick in that short span of time." 

Princess Cadence rubbed at the back of her neck, "Perhaps Lieutenant Dash was right about it being a small concern. Aw, I wanted to see him open this too, but don't want to wake him." She closed her eyes and smiled, "I guess I'll just leave it here for him as a surprise." She used telekinetic magic to unwrap the gift herself, before placing it at the foot of his bed. She then lifted his covers a bit, leaning down to whisper into his ear. "I know you complain about bad dreams playing out in your head Tanta. I'll let the princess know, but for now, hopefully this will help keep your mind off such things. Sleep well my Prince." 

Princess Cadence rose to stand straight again, before crumpling up the wrapping and smirking to herself. "There, now all that's left is to get rid of this trash." She soon made her way back down the steps and back towards the chamber room door. "Lieutenant Dash! Lieutenant Dust! Where's the trash bin around here? Actually, why doesn't he have a trash bin in his room? Don't you think he needs one?" As she left, it could be seen that at the foot of the colt's bed was a small hoof held gaming device, as well as a single game.

But Tantabus at that point had already retreated to the Realm of Nightmares, a realm he was now responsible for maintaining, a stage of countless dreams that needed constant surveillance. The colt stood in a never-ending hall with a neutral expression, made up of an infinite series of doors. The background of the world which surrounded him was hazy and purple. An assortment of voices spoke, all relating to various troubles, subjects, horrors, and desires, as each voice came from its own door. Tantabus looked ahead, not even attempting to single out any particular one as he only concentrated on Lieutenant Dash's words. Yes, he would concentrate on blocking out all these things, and remain focused on the job he had to do, which was to find anything of importance. It was his destiny after all, and he'd ensure he was the best there ever was. For ponies dreams held all the answers his mother was looking for, alongside all their horrors, they were still the key. 

I told myself I was important. But that was a lie too. Momma is just crazy, and doesn't have any idea what she wants!





Back in the present, Tantabus continued, " There are no 'Elements of Harmony'! There are no answers! And frankly, nopony likes Momma's world anyway so why does she rule!? Now she's scared of some other ponies and is sending me after them! But you know what!? I'm done being bullied in some lame world like this! There is no point in changing stuff if it still stinks anyway! But you ponies will never know, because you haven't seen what I seen! Only I know what it takes to really make a difference! And with all you selfish ponies running around, it won't matter if Momma wins, if you win, it'll still be the same! This world will still be lame! But I now have the power too, and I will make Momma understand." Tantabus unsheathed his claws from his paws, as he spread his arms as if preparing to attack. He turned his cold gaze towards them, before pointing a paw flatly towards them and speaking in an even colder tone. "I'll make you all understand."

The mare glanced over at her two companions. "Elements of Harmony? What are those?"

The stallion on the far right shrugged at the mare in question, uncertain.

The orange stallion's eyes widened as he swiped a hoof. "You guys, concentrate! Flake, slow him down!"

The mare responded, as she nodded to him hastily, "O-Okay!" Her horn started to glow again and the sheet of ice she'd created earlier began to glow with an intense crystal hue, as large spikes of ice then surged towards Tantabus with lethal intent and precision.

Tantabus cackled as he merely trekked forward straight into the spikes, as each risen ice spike simply shattered while making contact with his thick fur coat. What little gnashes were made instantly recuperated. Tiny slices were present on Tantabus' coat, only to quickly fade away as if they'd never happened in the first place. The entirety of the time the colt pressed forward with confidence, grinning down at each of them. "Bad strategy idiots! Haven't you ever played Pony Age Fire Soul Edition? Bigger enemies like me are made to take damage! It'll take a lot more than some stupid ice to hurt me! You should know that!" Tantabus ended up grabbing one of the spikes, tearing it from the ground before smirking down at the group of celestial defenders and chuckling, "Catch this!" Before hurling it towards them like a spear.

Almost masterfully, each of the celestial defenders dived to the side, two to the left and one to the right. The orange stallion and the mare known only as Flake, had dived to the left, whereas the unnamed third stallion of their group had went to the right. The hurled ice spike smashed against the ground, tossing and tumbling past the three and shattering into pieces in the process. The orange stallion huffed as he glanced to each of his companions, "Let's go!" He broke off into a sprint, as the other two mimicked his actions, sprinting with him.

Tantabus raised a brow at them as they appeared like little ants coming upon a behemoth. "Oh? Three versus one? Not like it matters!" But the colts brow rose as he glanced down, seeing that each of the celestial defenders made their way between the ice spikes, using them as cover and maneuvering their way between them. But despite the ice spikes obscuring his sight of them somewhat, Tantabus could still get a good idea of where they were. He raised his large paw foot, raising it over a supposed area he believed both the orange stallion and mare to be. "Get stomped losers!" He brought that pawed foot down upon the area as fast as his large burly body would let him.

But as the orange stallion and Flake saw the oncoming foot descending down upon them, they each nodded to one another, before letting themselves drop upon the icy ground, going into a uncontrolled slide which sent them out of harms way of Tantabus' stomp and past the large shape-shifted colt himself, as the two were now behind him. The third companion had already made his way into that position, before the orange stallion looked at Flake and nodded to her. "Flake, trap him now!" He then looked back up at Tantabus, concentrating.

Flake nodded again as her bright blue aura took hold of the divide of ice spikes, and they melted down into a pool of water only to instantly freeze again as that pool had wrapped around Tantabus' ankles like shackles of ice. She squinted, straining herself as she huffed, sweating a little while attempting to strengthen the makeshift shackles, using the chilly weather to create stronger ice as she gritted her teeth.

Tantabus smiled, cackling somewhat as he looked down at the shackles. "Wow really? Kind of cool idea you got here Lady! But-" he tried to pull his feet free, only to fail as he placed both claws on his hips again with a grumpy frown. "Wait, this is kind of tough? Weird."

The orange stallion suddenly broke off into another sprint towards the colt. "How about this!?" He leaped in the air with expertise, likely an earth pony trait, as he slid back onto the ground and bucked his hind legs right into the ice wrapped around Tantabus' ankles. The slippery surface beneath the colt caused Tantabus to slide forward and up with ease, and with his feet locked, his descent was but certain.

The third stallion, now took hold of Tantabus' neck with telekinetic magic, attempting to bring him down with greater force.

Whereas Flake squinted yet again, creating a sharpened spike of ice right beneath the position of where Tantabus would fall.

Tantabus' eyes widened as he felt himself descending. "Irk!" Before scowling in annoyance as immediately, a piece of him detached itself from his morphed form, immediately taking shape as the colt once again, as he landed atop one of the buildings. Tantabus watched as his Ursa Minor form broke down into nothing but slush, spreading upon the ground, as the three celestial defenders couldn't comprehend what'd just transpired. Tantabus looked down at them from atop the building in frustration, "They're so freaking annoying! Ugh! Fine!" Tantabus closed his eyes halfway before he concentrated on Flake in particular. I'm not used to that form anyway. He called out to the three from atop that rooftop. "You all win this little round! This was pretty fun but as said, I've got a pony to find. I'm done wasting my time here! You'll all come to get it soon enough. But once I find that pony, and find out why Momma regrets not paying more attention to her. I'll move on past all this and start working on making real change. This world won't be lame anymore! And be great, just like the games!"

The three celestial defenders immediately turned their gazes towards the rooftops, and to Tantabus. The orange stallion once again speaking out first, "Don't think you're getting away! If you think we'll let you terrorize the rest of our city then think again monster!"

Flake commented just as much, "We still got a lot of fight left in us! You won't get away that easily!"

But after letting a moment of silence pass by, Tantabus closed his eyes to a smirk, and looked down at them again in amusement. "Listen little ponies! Let me make it easy for you guys!" Tantabus raised a hoof then, as the pool of purple sludge that was once his Ursa Minor form, had morphed into perfect copies of purple ponies, in much similarity to him except far larger and appearing more natural in a sense. They all locked onto the three celestial defenders, surrounding them on all sides, as there were easily over a dozen of them. "You three have pretty cool moves! But it's nothing compared to my magic! Don't you get it yet? It's over. It's been over from the start you dummies."

The three celestial defenders were now on the defensive, looking around themselves and huddling closer to one another in both confusion and undeniable angst. Though they tackled a task they knew they likely weren't prepared for, their confidence had indeed taken a turn for the worse. The orange stallion lowered his head in frustration and doubt, unable to think of a good way out of this predicament.

Tantabus exhaled, smiling though giving them a pitiful gaze as if he felt sorry for them. "With every bit of fear, I get even better, even with you three I can see it all there. You're all pretty scared now right? And it's only going to continue from here." Tantabus began casually trotting back and forth at the edge of the rooftop. "This silly game you think you're all playing, it's completely useless. If you're not good enough to hurt me, you think you can beat my Momma!? Even Dummy Dash? Or even funnier, Princess Cadence?" Tantabus paused to wink at them, "O-Oh! She's gonna be my princess by the way. She's so amazing!" Tantabus did a grandeur gesture in reference to the barrier, "She made this thing! Isn't it neat? But that's besides the point little ponies." Tantabus stood straight, leering down at them again with a smirk. "No matter what you do, it's over. In the end, ordinary ponies can't do anything. You're all just wasting your time hoping."

"You're wrong!" A high pitched voice stated passionately, almost exactly like his.

Tantabus blinked, as he turned around to see a group of fillies and colts with pots and pans and other assortments of housing items in their muzzles. They were of course also accompanied by stallions and mares, who were all in hiding previously. Tantabus squinted at them as he raised a brow. "What the? Where the hay did you all come from? Well, not like it matters anyway. What's a bunch of normal ponies like you all going to do?" He chuckled, before turning back around to face the three celestial defenders, "It's all just a big fat waste of-" but his eyes went wide at the sight of something that threw him off guard, to his own detriment. "Huh!? When, when did all of this-"

Down below, more mares, stallions, fillies and colts, citizens of the North District were beginning to emerge from their homes. Having also listened in on Tantabus' tangent rants, they all were obviously making their decision to make a stand, and even worse, immediately begin it. Tantabus watched as his purple ponies were all steadily struck down by even the likes of children. His pink eyes scurried from each individual one as the moment threw off his concentration, as in similarity to units in one of his real time strategy games, they all fell easily when they weren't under the control and guidance of their master. Tantabus gritted his teeth, before snarling. "What!?"

One of the fillies trotted forward, speaking to him defiantly. "T-The Pwincess would neva wet you do dis to us!"

Tantabus scowled angrily, glancing back at the group of them. 

That filly who'd spoke was instantly shielded by a mare, who glared at Tantabus. "And even if the princess isn't as good as you say she is! We ponies aren't so willing to let you terrorize us as you've been doing! We're not as hopeless and pathetic as you claim we are!"

A stallion now made his way forward. "And after we're done with you, we will demand answers!"

The mare who guarded the filly spoke out yet again. "Look around you, and tell us what you see, Prince." 

Tantabus turned his gaze absently back down towards the swarm of citizens attacking his units, in frustration, in silence.

The mare continued, "You obviously understand very little of ponies, or you'd know that we know how to adapt to unexpected changes." Her eyes saddened as if she were recalling an older, fonder time. "Even if they're changes for the worse." She paused, "And like these changes, we'll find a way to overcome them and bring back a brighter more hopeful future. Even if we're scared for some time, lost, confused, when it truly comes down to it. We know what we must do to put a stop to big bullies like you!" She raised a hoof to her muzzle, "Well, maybe not so big at the moment, but that's besides the point." She continued defiantly, "And that's by taking a stand together!"

Another mare trotted forward, patting herself off. She spoke with sassy class, raising her head to the air. "It is truly a shame that we must abandon our sophistication due to more barbaric individuals strolling through our lovely city. But, I digress, and agree fully."

The mare whom was guarding the filly smiled at that particular mare in a thankful manner.

The entirety of that group of citizens on the roof all looked at Tantabus defiantly, before outright stating. "Together!"

Tantabus looked at them, lacking any form of expression for a second before sluggishly turning and looking back down towards the more open area where the citizens finished off the last of his makeshift units. He gave a tired and almost expectant gaze towards the upper right. For ponies manifested from the Nightmare Realm itself, they were quite useless. Though it was expected, since they had no form of conscience or own personal thought. Still, it annoyed him however. This entire situation annoyed him. He turned his gaze back down towards the group of celestial defenders, who all appeared thankful as they took a moment to catch their breath, due to the sudden aid of the citizens giving them that breathing room. Tantabus looked back up again, at the barrier in thought as he remained completely, utterly silent.

Tantabus continued to look at the barrier. These are the ponies you love Princess Cadence? A wide disgusted grin spread on the colt's face. How lame! Tantabus went into hoarse laughter, as the colt wrapped a hoof around himself, allowing soft chuckles to get louder and louder, until it was as if he'd found it all hysterical. But he couldn't stop, for he found it so funny how stupid ponies actually were. It was kind of like the games! Some absurd obscurity always getting in the way! He couldn't help but find it utterly humorous! Though his annoyance showed, and he made that obvious as his brows were furrowed despite the plain eager grin he wore. He looked back down at the group of now gathered citizens to include the three celestial defenders, while still knowing some of his enemies stood behind him.

The mass of citizens and celestial defenders now stood defiantly in front of the building Tantabus stood upon, waiting and ready.

Tantabus called out to them, "You think piling up on me will do anything!? Do you think somepony is going to come here!? Dummy Dash is on the other side of this city! Momma is super far away! You think you normal ponies mean anything anymore dummies!?" He snapped at them, laughing as he did so. "You're all so stupid! Don't you get it yet!? It's not that hard but still you say all this stupid stuff! Even if you could somehow win, you think going out into the big world will mean that you can stop everything!? Who do you all think you are!? So much you don't know or haven't seen but still you try to speak as if it doesn't matter! But you know what! Since you all took the time to get me all bothered, I guess I can stay just to show myself!" Tantabus raised a hoof, lost in his own sense of superiority, frustration, and confusion. Why don't they get it? Why are ponies such dumbos? As his hoof was raised, he focused on a sphere which helped keep the barrier up, far off in the distance from where he came, and where the nightmare guards in the North District were holding their announcement earlier. He looked at that sphere in anticipation, chuckling beneath his breath as he did so. But it doesn't matter, I'm going to bring an end to this stupid thing. This'll just make it go by faster if anything. "How pointless your actions are."

But as all the citizens kept their eyes on Tantabus in grave expectation, suddenly where the colt once stood there was a flash of yellow and an explosion of dust and debris, as Tantabus disappeared, and he'd been sent crashing down into the pavement below.

Tantabus smashed against the pavement, violently rolling against the tiled ground as the momentum sent him up and into the air for a brief moment before crashing back down once again and coming to a slow upon his belly. The shock was apparent on the colt's face, as he'd never been hit so hard before in his entire life, and the wounds upon his body quickly rejuvenated and shattered portions of his body quickly recovered just as much. Still, he could not cease in his trembling, and obvious trauma from the experience. His eyes were wide and he was silent, as he was upon his belly, soon turning his gaze up towards where he once was before. To where his pupils dilated upon seeing a familiar pony, and he closed his eyes halfway in both uncertainty and fear, though he'd never admit it. He gritted his teeth, scowling.

Touching down upon the ground where the celestial defenders stood, was Lieutenant Dust as she stood on her hind legs with her lance unsheathed, holding it in one of her forehooves. Her cheeky smile depicted she was quite glad to see Tantabus as she gave the colt a salute with her free hoof. Whereas standing beside her closely was Night Light with a heavy frown. Lieutenant Dust chuckled, "Aye Tanta." She glanced around the area, before giving him a smirk though with a serious gaze. "Looks like you've been busy playing adult huh?"

Some of the citizens immediately began going off on rants towards Lieutenant Dust seeing she was a nightmare guard.

One mare in particular snarled angrily, "Where have you all been!? This is a disaster! What is going on here!"

As a stallion cut in, "Is that truly the princess' colt!? If so, she has a lot of explaining to do! A lot!"

And another stallion. "After tonight the Princess will hear what we have to say about all this! We won't be oppressed!"

Lieutenant Dust covered one of her ears with one of her free hooves. "Whoa whoa whoa! Calm down! I just got here!" She sighed, glancing back and around at the group of citizens. "Listen, this wasn't part of the plan. He's doing his own thing alright? Jeez."

The orange stallion, and celestial defender, lowered his head a bit in regards to Lieutenant Dust. Though his tone was more calmed than the others. "Does it matter? On all fronts, this doesn't bode well for your princess. What this thing has done, what you all have done. You realize that there'll be chaos after all this right? When this long night comes to an end, the princess will have much to answer for."

Lieutenant Dust sighed, glancing back at the stallion and the rest of his group. "As will you." She looked ahead again, peering particularly at Tantabus who still laid upon the ground in a wounded manner. "But how about we all stop worrying about how we're gonna punish one another and try to get this situation under control first huh? Knowing Tantabus," she smirked in slight remembrance. "He has a lot of pent up feelings for the likes of us. I think sticking to the plan is a bit out of reach." She paused, "So we'll have to improvise." Lieutenant Dust then looked on over at Night Light with a puckered lip. "Aye, is your daughter over here? You see her in this group?"

Night Light shook his head as he frowned, "N-No, I don't." He looked angrily at Tantabus, "I swear, if he hurt her..."

Lieutenant Dust raised a hoof to him, "Aaaaaye, let's not jump to conclusions. What's she look like anyway?"

Night Light sighed, lowering his head. "Well she's a blank flank. It causes her to stand out quite easily."

Lieutenant Dust's eyes widened at him, before she instantly turned to face him. "What, did you just say?"

Tantabus called out to Lieutenant Dust however, "H-Haaaa, haaaa, haaaa! Very epic of you!" The colt slowly wobbled to all fours, as he nearly stumbled off balance again before finally being able to stand straight. He appeared still shaken by the blow overall.

Lieutenant Dust's nose wrinkled as she turned back around to face Tantabus, now glaring at him seriously.

Tantabus raised a hoof, swiping it as immediately rising from the ground would be an assortment of various groups of nightmare units. Three groups in particular, all having space between one another in formation. One group was made up of purple minotaurs, whereas another group of made up of purple bug bears. The final being another group of purple ponies, to which Tantabus commented. "You see it too don't you Dust!? Momma's plan has failed! You all failed! I win so hah! How does it feel to be the loser!? How does it feel huh!?"

Lieutenant Dust gave Tantabus a look of confusion, cupping her muzzle before yelling out. "Um! What, did you win exactly!?"

Light chuckles were spread out amongst the group she stood in front of, due to her obvious sarcasm and amusement. 

Tantabus kept his head lowered, as he once again had no expression. "You'll see." He raised his head, muttering to himself as he looked at the defiant group set before him. Instantly Tantabus was surrounded by a protective sphere, as he hid within it where he stood. It was meshed in with the ground, while also being transparent enough for him to see through it. He seemed distant, cold. "You'll all see."





Meanwhile as Specialist Flitters continued to guard the Eastern District during Lieutenant Dust's absence. A sense of unease suddenly overcame her as she was still at the stage with Twilight Velvet. She focused particularly on the traitorous Fleetfoot and her grey earth pony companion in uncertainty. She couldn't pinpoint why she felt that way, but something about them felt off. Though as she turned her gaze upwards, this entire night made her feel off. The Lockdown was a complete disaster, and she could only hope it'd gone better in other parts of Equestria. Either way, she knew there'd be hell to pay when the princess returned. A moment she hoped not to be around for. She looked back towards Fleetfoot and the grey earth pony, as the rest of the guards continued on their patrols. What's this feeling?

At the makeshift checkpoint leading into Lieutenant Dust's base, a guard halted two other approaching nightmare guards. "Halt!"

The two ponies each came to a sloppy halt, as it seemed apparent they weren't used to wearing their armor, strangely enough.

The guard at the checkpoint eyed the two suspiciously, before squinting at them. "Report!"

One of the two nightmare guards immediately saluted. Her coat was a buttery shade as her eyes were a dark purple. Thick black rimmed glasses could be seen beneath her helmet. "Specialist Moon Shooter reporting in Sir. We found nothing in the surrounding area."

The second of the two looked at her partner hesitantly in confusion, before she was immediately nudged by that partner to which she looked at the guard as well. "R-Right, um...Specialist, Twi-...Might. Reporting in Sir. I um, second that. Nothing in the surrounding area."

The guard rubbed his muzzle, glancing back and forth between the two still in suspicion. Though the buttery one managed to keep a straight face, her purple partner looked scared for some reason. The guard however, eventually shrugged, "Weirdos. Get back inside, and start patrolling the area. We've got a situation up north and for now we're remaining on our hooves. Anything can happen, so get to it."

The two nodded at him, as they proceeded on inside the base.

As they proceeded inside, the purple pony in guard armor caught sight of both Fleetfoot and Marble. Her eyes widened with a hushed gasp as she nudged her buttery partner, even shaking her somewhat. "M-Moondancer! It's them, look, those two from earlier."

The buttery guard, revealed as Moondancer, kept a straight face, attempting to remain professional. "I see them Twilight."

And the other, revealed as Twilight, raised a brow at her in impatience. "Well maybe we should help them?"

Moondancer's gaze however turned towards the stage, and particularly up at one of the spheres which helped sustain the barrier. She remained focused on it for some time, creating a long drawn on silence before finally speaking. "Don't worry, this will help them."