//------------------------------// // Chapter Seven - Old and Older Friends // Story: The Midnight Mares - Crazy Canterlot Catastrophe. // by Ausbrony //------------------------------// Click…. Click… Click… “Can you not do that? It’s infuriating.” To say Dusk Skull was annoyed, was an understatement. He was irritated to no extent. This guy, this… cowcolt, had been reloading his crossbolt over, and over, and over again. And he would not stop. “I told ya already. I ain’t gonna stop ‘til ya tell me why you broke me out of prison.” Dead Drop chuckled, and reloaded once more, adjusting his brand new hat, “Son, just tell me who your boss is so ah can get this over with.” “Fine then! Keep annoying me why won’t you.” Dusk gave up and sat on his flank, forcing his brain to try and ignore that annoying sound, “And I can’t tell you who he is yet, that's the one thing he told me not to do. He was supposed to be here an hour ago, anyways.” “Oh I’m here,” Shadow Blade said from behind Dead Drop. “Just enjoying the view is all~” “For Sombra’s horn… finally! I’m out.” Skull huffed before vanishing in a cloud of smoke “So, you the boss? The one responsible fer gettin’ me outta jail?” Dead asked with a quirked eyebrow, “You ain’t but a kiddo.” “I’d watch that tongue if I were you,” Shadow replied. “You’re cute, but I’ll not hesitate to tear it out with my bare hooves.” “And ah’d watch yours.” Dead grinned, raising his loaded crossbow, “You and I both know the kind of stallion I am. That’s why ya wanted me here in tha first place, ain't that right?” “More for your personal history actually,” Shadow replied, unfazed by the weapon. “We have… a little bat problem. I’d like you to distract her for a while. Do as you will, but try not to kill her. She’ll be useful later down the track.” “A bat?” Dead quirked a brow, “Are we talkin’ ‘bout tha same darn batmare who got my flank into jail?” “That we are,” Shadow nodded. “She’s a pretty little thing. Too bad I had a job that night or I’d have taken her and her cute friend for a pony ride. But alas, our love is not meant to be. At least not yet…” He turned and looked at Dead. “Now, I know that is asking a lot of somepony of your… cognitive abilities. But is this simple task within your skillset?” “That depends…” He hummed, “What about the unicorn gal? The one who drove that damn stupid pigeon-colt into my face?” “Hmm…” Shadow tapped his chin in thought. There was that interesting magic she displayed after the battle. “Leave her be. She’s harmless.” Dead narrowed his eyes, “Alright, but I’m gonna be doin’ things my way. Consider that I’m lettin’ ya put the terms boy, this ain't how I usually do business.” “Oh yes, because that worked out marvelously for you last time,” Shadow smirked. “Were you to fail, boss won’t bail you out again. You’re on your own.” Dead Drop shot Shadow a death glare, grumbling under his breath before looking away with a click of his tongue, “Fine! Ah’ll get that darn bat for ya. But ya better have some resources cuz ah have nothin’ but this ol’ dusty crossbow here, and to catch Midnight Song ya need way more than that.” “You will have whatever you need, simply request it from our resident Capricorn.” “Alright then, expect her down soon enough.” Dead grinned softly and accommodated his hat, “Will I then finally get to meet yer boss?” “Complete the mission,” Shadow said and walked towards the door. “The boss has no time for washed up has been’s after all.” With a loud laugh, he left the room. This idiot cowpoke wasn’t going to accomplish anything. But there was always the chance he’d get lucky and at least weaken Midnight for the coming events. “Hmmm… somepony… somepony turn the lights off.” Pockets had failed to see that what was illuminating the room weren’t the lights… but the sun itself that filtered through the curtains of the castle room Celestia had provided the two mares. She mumbled something about flying pizza slices and a butt-filled paradise under her breath and kicked a pillow off, squirming in bed as she tried to ignore the pain that all her muscles, particularly her brain, were enduring. Then Midnight grabbed the blanket and pulled it off, before opening the curtain widely. “RISE AND SHINE SOLDIER!” she yelled loudly. “AHHH! IT WASN’T ME I SWEAR!” Pockets eeped and rolled off the bed, landing on the cold wooden floor and panting heavily… before leaving out a mighty groan when she felt her head suddenly burn like if Tartarus itself was having a party there, “Buuuuck… I feel like shit.” “I SAID UP AND AT ‘EM!!” Midnight shouted in her drill sergeant's voice. “You can sleep when your dead soldier. Training started fifteen minutes ago. Move Move Move!!” Pockets’ eyes widened slightly, and with incredible amounts of effort she got on her hooves and waddled up to the door… and crashed into the door… repeatedly… that was most definitely not the door but a wall, her brain didn’t care it would still try until it somehow turned into one, “I’m going! Staaahp shoutin’” Midnight was wondering how long it would it would take the mare to realise they had a day off. It was the whole reason Midnight allowed her to drink last night. But this was just too much fun. “I… will get there!” Pockets mumbled, still trying to go out the ‘door’, “Training… can’t miss it! Today we got—” And then she realized, she had nothing to do that day, “—a day off…” She turned to Midnight with eyes half-closed and an unamused expression on her face, “Really?” “Ahahah, oh you are just too precious,” Midnight giggled and kissed her nose. “Consider that payback for kissing another mare last night lovey.” “Waitwat?” Pockets blinked, before giving herself the facehoof of a lifetime, “My gosh… what did I do now?” Midnight couldn’t help herself. She pulled out the photo of Pockets taste-testing Ember’s tonsils. Pockets narrowed her eyes at the picture, “I regret life itself… Midnight, I am so sorry. I swear that was drunk Pockets acting and I can barely control what drunk Pockets is doing. Tell me all I did, wait no that’d probs take all morning, just... the worst parts.” “Well,” Midnight put the picture away. “You did… say stuff about, marriage and foals…” Pockets’ eyes widened once again, “Oh Celestia… Midnight I-I my mouth just craps stuff out without thinking when drunk. I promise, I’m don’t wanna rush things through like that, I’m oh so fucking sorry if I made you feel awkward with that. Gosh me and my huge horse mouth!” “It’s… okay,” Midnight said. “I love you to bits hon. But… that’s a little fast for me. Ever since…” She paused, but decided that Pockets should know. “I used to be engaged to Moonie you know.’ Pockets scratched the back of her head, “Somehow… I can remember somepony saying something like that. And I know that’s hard for you. And it’s the exact reason why I hate myself for saying it, because I like fast, don’t get me wrong. But not that fast, especially with all the crap that happened to you. So… can we just forget I said that and just imagine I said something else entirely?” “I won’t forget it,” Midnight said with a shake of her head. “It was very sweet and… well I didn’t say no now, did I? Not right now… but maybe someday?” The unicorn blinked twice at this, before a small smile began to crawl up her face, “S-Sure… that’d be ni-OW that’s a hangover headache, buck me…” She groaned, falling on her butt and rubbing her head, “Thank you alcohol, for ruining this moment.” “And that’s what you get for drinking with us bats,” Midnight smirked. “Be thankful Stella wasn’t there. She’d have drunk you under the table in ten seconds flat.” “Stella? Now there’s someone you gotta introduce me to.” Pockets smirked and simply lay herself on the floor, “Could you do me a favor and bringing insta-anti-hangover magical liquid?” “If only it existed,” Midnight chuckled. “But yes, I will fetch some water and painkillers. Be riiight back okay?” With a light click, she left the room. “Alrighty.” Pockets nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Minutes passed, a minute seeming like an entire hour for the unicorn. Dry lips, world shaking, sweat falling over her body, small instances of nausea, the headache of a lifetime, an irrational anxiety…. gosh it had been a while since one of these hit her. “Please mighty alcohol god, if you exist and are out there, take this burden away from me!” Pockets begged to the immobile roof, which in her head seemed to be bending and stretching ever so slightly “Here you go.” Came a rather cold feminine voice from nearby, who placed a large cup of fresh water and a couple of pills. “Thanks alcohol god.” Pockets muttered, shoving the pills down her throat and aiding their journey down with the water. Had she been in a better state, she would have recognized the voice… but considering her entire world was blurry, and her head was spinning, she really just focused on getting those painkillers into her system. “How are you feeling? Any strange side effects?” The voice asked as it seemingly sat down next to her. That question would have been considered as off and strange by sane Pockets, but to hangover Pockets? It was as normal as asking about the weather. “Nope. Still feel the same.” The unicorn replied. “Good. Those are experimental drugs we use when someone gets poisoned. They’re supposed to act in an instant, yet sometimes they come with side effects ranging from more nausea, to even fainting… there was that one stallion who had a heart attack, albeit it was never found out whether it was due to the pills or not.” “Fun.” Pockets snorted… before realizing what she had just heard. Her eyes cracked open, and she glanced at whoever was next to her, and oh boy did she not expect that. Sitting right there with a wide smirk was a rather short, slim vanilla-colored Pegasus mare, “Q-Q-Q-Quick Step!?” “Why morning Miss Pickett.” The mare nodded, “And don’t worry, the heart attack story was a joke. He actually died of dysentery.” “What the fuck!?” Pockets shouted in shock. “I know, that was a strange evening, poor guy.” Quick sighed, “So how have you been?” Pockets had so many questions, ranging from the reason behind the short, yet still incredibly good-looking new haircut the Pegasus was sporting, to the fact that she was sitting right there next to her. “I… ah…” Then the door burst open, Midnight’s acute hearing had heard multiple voices and assumed that Pockets was being attacked. She blitzed across the room at lightning speeds, tackling the assailant and pinning her to the floor, one hoof on her neck as she bared her fangs… Only to be flipped in an instant and finding herself pinned to the ground by the smiling Pegasus, “Why hello Miss Midnight. Glad to see you are looking swell as well.” “Quick Step?” Midnight blinked. There were only three individuals that could flip her like that. She smirked as she put her hooves around her neck and re-introduced her to her long and flexible tongue~ Quick’s expression didn’t change much, at this point not really surprised by things like that. Yet… she didn’t really want to stop Midnight either, and she may or may not have returned the kiss with just as much intensity, but just to play along, totally not because she enjoyed it or anything. “And she complains when I kiss another mare.” Pockets sighed and closed her eyes once more, the pills actually doing wonders for her head. Quick Step broke the kiss and quirked a brow, trying her best to look as professional as always, “Was that really necessary?” “Mhm, I missed you… OH! Does that mean that Sphinxy is here too?” Midnight asked hopefully, picking herself up. “I’m afraid Agent ‘Sphinx’ is no longer with us.” Quick sighed, causing Pockets to gasp in shock. “Oh no! Did something happen?” Midnight gasped and grasped Quick Step. “What happened!?” “Sphinx died several seconds after you dropped off the train… but there’s a griffon mare with pink-tinted feathers and a liking for collars and maids that came with me, her name being… Specialist Rose Quill.” She smirked devilishly, “And you two are in fact now talking with Assistant Specialist Quick Step, her partner.” Midnight blinked. She took a step back and rubbed her ear. She had but a single word to sum up her thoughts. “Bullshit.” That is when Quick Step raised a little badge similar to the one Midnight herself had, albeit with rather obvious differences, mainly the rank that it read and the slightly different more brownish coloration. Pockets’ eyes widened at the sight, before letting out the mother of all groans, “Come on! Really!? You two just come here and get your badges before I do? That’s bullshit!” Quick Step tittered and shrugged, “What can I say? Perhaps I’m just better than you, oh wait, I am. And do not worry Miss Midnight, we’ll explain later when the time is right.” “Princess Celestia has some ‘splainin’ to do,” Midnight huffed. “Okay, so where is ‘Rose Quill’? whom I bet is a certain familiar sexy catbird.” “I’d tell you… if I knew myself.” The pegasus huffed back, “So much for her being the responsible partner. She simply vanished on the barracks while we were looking for you. She did mention that something was bothering her so she’s most likely dealing with that. At this point really, I don’t care.” “Aww,” Midnight hugged the pegasus. “You know, I still have that collar to try on you, Pet~” Quick blushed a vibrant red and shivered slightly, before quickly looking away with forced indignation, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Oh I think she does.” Pockets mused and walked up to her, “Come on now Quickie, you don’t have to hide that side of yours to us. You and I both know how fun being the ‘maid’ can be, why hide it?” “Because I know I will never hear the end of it.” Quickie pushed Pockets away with a deadpan that was hopelessly betrayed by yet another blush. “Too bad, that maid outfit looked so cute on you,” Midnight hummed. “Now, let’s see if we can find our wayward griffon. I have a feeling today is going to be a good day.” The trio of mares made its way outside and towards the barracks, beginning the hunt for the sneaky griffin spy. Luckily… they didn’t have to look very far. Shouts and cheers from a hollering, excited crowd was heard all over the building, coming from the crowded training field. “Ace, Ace, Ace!” Some shouted. “Go, go Griffoness!” Others shouted back. “What is going on?” Quick quirked a brow. “Ace is being stupid again,” Midnight deadpanned as she parted the crowd and made her way through. Her eyes widened when she saw who he was up against. “Sphinx!?” “What… the actual... hell.” Pockets said in pure and utter confusion as she saw the two griffons brawl it up in the skies. And even though she didn’t say anything, Quick Step was just as confused. This was not something Sphinx would do, not without a reason. “You’re getting rusty, old coot.” The griffoness grinned between pants as she flapped in the air, waiting patiently for him to make one single mistake that could give her a window of opportunity to take him down. “As have you,” the male responded as he caught a thrown knife and used it to pick some food from his beak before tossing it aside. “I’d be dead by now if you were serious.” “Now where would the fun be in killing you, dear? Letting such a fine specimen go to waste? That’s not really my style.” She grinned and flapped a bit higher, “And judging by how our injuries don’t seem to be anything serious… I’d say you’re holding back as well.” “Ah, seems I’ve been caught out,” Ace chuckled as he clenched a talon. “Well, I would feel pretty bad about messing up those gorgeous feathers. At least before nightfall anyway~” “Ah, as flirtatious as always I see. No wonder your student came out as she did.” Sphinx gave him a small sly grin, before pointing at the crowd with her extended wing, “Speaking of which… why don’t we give these sweet little darlings a show of what we’re truly capable of?” “Perhaps, but believe it or not, it was she that taught me far more than you might remember,” Ace chuckled, remembering some of those awkward attempts to try and get a nestmate for the evening. “But as always, you make a prominent point. Oh, it seems my student is here to watch.” “Indeed, I saw her coming when I tossed the knife at you. Now imagine how embarrassing it’s going to be for you when you lose against the new gal of the force.” And with a smirk, she darted forwards and prepared two knives that were hidden underneath her wings, her agility and control in the skies being more than admirable. Ace simply relaxed his body as he caught her, his arm snaking around and stroking a rather sensitive spot between her wing joints… Sphinx flinched and let out a loud moan that made more than a few stallions from the audience blush deeply, before finding herself on the griffin’s arms, their eyes inches away from each other. “Now… that was a bit uncalled for you devilish perv.” Sphinx said softly, before some sharp metallic object pressed against his back, “It was also a mistake.” Then she found herself flipped in mid air, her now stiffened wings offered little resistance as he struck with both palms against her chest. Oh, so that’s what impacting the ground at near terminal velocity felt like. It was painful. she was pretty sure… nope, certain that she’d cracked a few ribs there. “You’re opponents will rarely fight fair,” Ace said to his students. “While admirable, chivalry will also get you killed. Fight to win.” “Oh for crying out…” Quick mumbled and flew down to the field, rushing to help her griffon companion. “Dirty cheater…” Sphinx whispered with a small grin as Quick helped her up. “Look who’s talking. Didn’t you sleep with a Mafia boss only to literally stab him in the back?” Quick quirked a brow, causing the griffoness to chuckle softly and look up at Midnight and Pockets, who had so many freaking questions. “Hello dearies, it’s been a while.” She smiled at them, before grunting softly from the pain. “Yup,” Midnight said and looked at her chest. “Ooh, that looks painful.” She poked at the rib as the griffon hissed in pain. “Yep. hey Medic!!” A medical unicorn made her way through the crowd as Ace landed, but she was soon told to leave by Sphinx who was doing just fine. Something the nurse didn’t buy as she got down to start working. “Terribly sorry dear,” the griffon said. “I didn’t mean to strike quite that hard.” “Oh please, I’ve taken bigger hits from Quick Step here.” Sphinx smirked, flapping her wings a couple of times to make sure nothing serious had happened and ignoring the pain, making things difficult for the nurse, “And it helped remind me just how amusing and entertaining fighting you is. It’s been a while, my dear Ace.” “Ah, that it is dear Cereza,” Ace chuckled as Midnight’s jaw hit the floor. “I… what… HOW!?” Midnight looked at the pair. “I’ve known Ace for years! How… could I not know about this?” “Ah,” Ace nodded and smiled. “The reason is simple. I forgot.” It was said with such a carefree tone too. “I believe it was a cover ops… no, it was a mission to kill a diplomat… or was it back in my days at the Griffonstone army before it disbanded?” Sphinx, or rather Cereza, hummed in thought, “Also please do not say my real name out loud, here I’m currently known as ‘Rose Quill’ for security purposes. “ She whispered to him. “Your real name!?” Quick exclaimed in shock, her jaw dropping to the floor, “W-What is going on!?” “It’s too long a story dear.” Cereza shrugged it off, before turning to Midnight, “But yes, I really can’t quite remember how I met my dear Ace here.” “Either that, or you don’t want to tell us.” Pockets deadpanned. “Hmm, I do believe it was when I saved you from those Diamond Dog slavers,” Ace chuckled. “Someone was fresh on the scene and honestly had no idea what she was getting herself into. Words were exchanged. Then fists… then bedsheets were involved~” “Oh that’s right… one of my first missions actually.” Cereza sighed, that was a memory she did not want to remember, “He saved my flank, I have to admit. How did you work out my name again?” “It wasn’t hard,” Ace chuckled. “You dropped your Griffonstone Army badge remember?” “Really?” Quick deadpanned, “Just… really?” “I was younger and far less careful…” Cereza shrugged again before giving Ace a sly smile and slowly walking up to him,“Oh he just irritated me so much. He was just far too smart, too ingenious, to strong and too… irresistibly good looking.” She mused, her claw trailing around his cheek, “And then the poor bastard went into my room and chewed me out. Then again… that wasn’t the only thing he did in my room~” “I believe you called me out… loudly and repeatedly,” Ace chuckled and looked at Quick Step. “And, quite the cute marefriend you have there. Congratulations.” “Oh Quickie here? She’s quite the delightful—” Cereza purred and eyed the pegasus. “Partner.” Quick quickly said, not trusting this Ace guy one bit. “Partner.” Cereza sighed with a roll of her eyes, “We then destroyed every bit of that filthy operation, sadly their leader left before we could catch him but at least the mission was mostly a success. And… left.” She said in a deep, saddened tone. “Indeed, I searched the city and beyond for months,” Ace sighed, having not told her that before. “It wasn’t long after that, that I got the job offer from little Tia. And here I’ve been ever since.” He turned and looked at the guards present. “Oh, and anypony that repeats this will be getting some one-on-one training with me.” Nopony would dare breathe a word of this talk. Ever. Cereza looked at him with a quirked eyebrow… did he actually search for her for that long? That was… no, she was in a mission and that was far too long ago to think back to it. Shaking her head, she simply smiled at him with a small shrug, “Well apologies dear, but you know how my life is. I can never really stay still in one place. In any case now that we told our little story, do you have any questions?” Pockets opened her mouth to say something, before being rudely interrupted by Cereza, “Good. We have work to do.” “After I fix your ribs,” the nurse grumbled. “Seriously Ace, would it kill you to lighten my workload on occasion?” “Ahaha, I am quite sorry about that,” Ace replied and looked at his thestral student. “And you my dear. You look… better.” “I feel better,” Midnight sighed as she hugged her mentor. “Better than I have in a long, long time.” Ace looked her over. Before, the leylines of magic that ran through all creatures of Equus were… disjointed. There, but… wrong. Now, Midnight shone brightly. Her Inner spirit shone as brightly as she did on the outside. “I am so very glad to see it,” Ace said and wiped his eye, before grabbing Pockets and pulling her into a feathery embrace. “Thank you,” he whispered to her. “Thank you for bringing my student back to me at long last.” Pockets couldn’t help but smile and return the hug, “It’s nothing really. After all she’s been through? She deserves it.” “If there is anything I can ever do to repay you,” Ace said as he let her down. “Just let me know.” “I’ll keep it in mind.” Pockets said with a little titter, before turning to Midnight and pointing at Cereza and Quick Step, who were arguing about not letting a male sucker punch you to the ground just because he’s hot and feels you up midair, “Now this is unexpected. How long do you think it’ll be until something blows up?” One of the throwing knives Cereza had tossed then exploded, the enchantment wearing off and leaving a rather large hole in the ground. Everyone turned and looked at the Griffoness. Ace raised an eyebrow. “What can I say dearies? I do love a good explosion.” Cereza smiled innocently. “Nevermind then. Thank you world for answering for me. At least we know things are going to become far more entertaining.” Pockets sighed and and nuzzled Midnight. “True that,” Midnight nodded. With Ace, and now Quickie and Sphi—Cereza with them. These stupid thieves and whatever else was here didn’t stand a bloody chance. Royal guards. The force in charge of protecting the Princesses themselves. Strong, agile, smart, and loyal to the crowns, they were the top of the top on Equestria’s military forces. Such a responsible task can of course stress anypony. And it was because of this that it wasn’t uncommon to see the barracks filled with small parties and fun times. From the occasional drinks to the more daring games, when not in duty the guards would party as hard as the rules would allow them. And of course, most of them being young colts and mares, would sometimes invite a friend or two who lived in the area. It was because of this that when a seemingly random, expressionless stallion walked up to the East barracks accompanied by a strange-looking creature, the ones in charge of checking who went in and out didn’t mind letting the strange couple into the party. “Yooo, Hazel! I can’t believe you came buddy. We got worried bout you when you didn’t show up for training today!” The stallion remained unmoved… and as soon as his friend approached him he delivered a powerful punch right into the pony’s maw. Immediately, every pony in the room stiffened up and prepared to fight. Yet little by little, their minds became blank, their hearts began beating faster, and an unwanted sensation of love coursed through their very being. They turned to the other females in the room with a growl, slowly approaching them with weapons in their grasp. “Capture them.” Aroma ordered. And only one scream made it out before everything went silent... “So, let me get this straight dear. You have a thief problem, a mercenary problem, and an evil magical creature problem. Isn’t that right?” Cereza asked the two mares after she heard what was going on. “That about sums it up,” Midnight replied. “First we have the thieves, which consists of a Dark Mage, a Capricorn, a Diamond Dog, a hunky Thestral and a Zebra. Then we have the fact that somepony busted Dead Drop out of prison, I’m sure you remember that charmer?” “Oh very much so.” Cereza said in disdain, frowning at the name, "His base was quite...... blowupable." “I don’t think that’s a word…” Midnight started. “But yeah, we also have some… thing. We dunno yet. But she appears to have the same weirdo-yet-awesometacular magic that Pockets here does.” “Hmm… Quick Step dear. Doesn’t the group of thieves sound familiar to you?” The griffoness hummed in thought. Quick tapped her hoof on the ground, thinking hard to remember… until an idea came to mind, “A group of thieves consisting of several different species, each one filling up a role… could they be related to the Seven Deadly Sins?” She asked with a quirked eyebrow. “Wait… the Seven? I thought they were a myth.” Pockets asked both confused and surprised. Midnight stared at the three blankly. “What the Tartarus are you talking about?” “The Seven Deadly Sins, an urban legend from Manehattan. A practically demonic band of criminals whose magical powers were unmatched, one of the most dangerous groups on Equestria. But they never caught a single one of them until they disbanded, and supposedly no one ever dared to report them due to fear of what they could do.” Pockets explained, “And seeing as I lived in the Manehattan streets most of my life, I can safely say they’re a myth and not more than that. Nobody has ever seen them. They just… disappeared.” “Oh believe me dear. They’re not a myth, they are very much real.” Cereza chuckled and walked up to Quickie, before nudging her, “You’re looking at their Pegasus.” “No… way…” Pockets’ eyes widened up. “I call horseapples,” Midnight agreed. “Yeah, yeah. I used to belong to the Sins before joining the organization. It was a long time ago, too long really. Most of us were either caught, reformed, or just hid to live a new life..” Quick nodded. “I believe Ace here has some experience with one of their members. A minotaur known as ‘Wrath’.” Cereza smirked and looked at Ace. “Had,” Ace nodded grimly as he rubbed the scar on his neck. “He wasn’t so lucky when it came to that dragon attack. His brother is alive and well, and closer than you might think.” “Oh that must have hurt. But in any case, yes they are very much real. Now the problem is… there’s only five of them this time, meaning either our deductions are wrong, or something’s missing.” Sphinx hummed, “And besides… if the Sins splitted up, who’d ever think of bringing them back?” “Pride… or rather, Chitin would.” Quick pointed out, “He was always against us separating, and before I left he shouted something about not needing us and getting an ever better group.” “And who the buck is that?” Midnight exclaimed. “This story has enough characters already.” “He’s one of the most dangerous, deadliest changelings that I have ever met.” Quick growled in anger, the name bringing several memories back, “He’s cold, annoying, high-headed and utterly disgusting. If he’s the one behind this I swear I will finish what I started years ago and cut his head open” Pockets and Cereza were the first to notice Midnight freeze when the word Changeling was mention, but only Ace and Pockets knew why… “Midnight… calm down, it’s just a possibility. We don’t even know if that’s what’s going on.” Pockets slowly said, walking towards the thestral. She flinched at first, when Pockets hoof touched her and her wing twitched. ‘No, calm down Middy. It’s just Pockets. And decapitating your marefriend is bad for the relationship.’ Midnight Song took a deep breath, extending her hoof out from her chest in a sweeping motion. What? Candy taught her that and it was stupid effective for some reason. “Sorry, I’m good. You were saying beautiful?” “Which beautiful exactly? There’s like way too many sexy mares in this room.” Pockets pointed out, “Well not too many, there’s never too many sexy mares. But still.” “I think she’s referring to me.” Cereza chuckled, before looking at Ace with a rather serious expression, “From the looks of it, you’re also thinking the same as I am. If Chitin, or anyone else for that matter, is rebuilding the Seven Sins… we’re in trouble.” “Just a bit,” Ace sighed. “One problem after another…” “Then we take them as they come,” Midnight said with a nod. “I don’t care who it is. Thieves, Changelings or fucking Sombra. I’ll take ‘em all down. But first, is that bitch messing with my Pickett. She’s at the tippy top of my shitlist.” “Aww, I love it when you do that.” Pockets giggled and pecked Midnight’s cheek, “But you’re wrong, Midnight. You aren’t taking anyone down… we are.” “All of us.” Cereza nodded and pulled Quick into a hug. “Aw, I have no-one to embrace,” Ace pouted and then grabbed a passing guardstallion, hugging him tightly. “Huzzah!” “Uhm… sir?” The stallion said nervously. This was totally not awkward, “I… am kind of in a rush…” “Then you little equines should not be so huggable,” Ace nodded but set him down regardless. “Also, it may just be me, but has anyone else noticed a… drop in guard activity around the castle?” “Huh… no. I haven’t noticed anything.” Pockets shrugged, “Then again I barely pay attention to what happens around me most of the time.” “I can believe that,” Midnight nodded. But Ace did make a point, was the flu going around again or something? “I’ll go and speak to Celestia. Meet up with you guys later?” “Sure thing deary. Oh, and Ace dear, if I may have some words with you… in private.” Cereza grinned softly. “But of course my dear,” Ace nodded and followed the lithe griffoness, leaving Pockets alone with Quick Step. “So…” Pockets grinned mischievously at Quick, “A Deadly Sin huh? So what was your sin, I doubt it was Gluttony because a body like that you can’t get by eating a crap ton… Ohhh, were you Lust? You were totally Lust weren’t you.” She said with a wiggle of her brows. Quick Step turned with a raised eyebrow. “Did… you just call me fat?” A slow, wicked grin was crossing her muzzle. “Oh boy….” Pockets gulped. This... was not gonna end well. “You know,” Quick Step moved closer. “I always have wondered what being on the other end of the whip is like~” “Yeah my butt is not ready for that, OhheylookatthatsomethingIdunno!” Pockets eeped, before teleporting away and leaving Quick alone, who just giggled. “Oh I missed messing with that mare.” She sighed and walked towards Pockets and Midnight’s room. The maid-part of herself had been demanding her to go there after seeing the mess that place was, and do some serious cleaning. Cereza had to admit, she expected Ace to be living in the barracks or a guest room in the palace. Maybe a hotel room? But a loft room in one of the castle’s towers? Not what she was expecting. It was decorated with all sorts of things from the homeland, it made her feel rather nostalgic and homesick actually. Ace moved to one side of the room and placed a record on, a low, slow waltz of the griffon variety started playing. “Hmm, I remember that song. My father used to play it back home all the time…” Cereza mused before humming along melodically, looking at the room with a quirked eyebrow and a soft smile, “You have quite the place my dear, the decorations, the mood, the motive... . almost makes me want to go back to Griffonstone.” “I wouldn’t if I were you,” Ace sighed as he offered her a seat. “That place… is not the home we once knew. It’s getting better… slowly. But you know our kind. All that glitters is gold. We’re little better than the Diamond Dogs…” “You don’t have to remind me of that.” Cereza sighed as well as she sat down, “First the fall of the king, and then the multiple civil wars… I actually participated in one of them, you know? Back when the Griffonstone Guard still held some weight. But that’s an old story now. We’ve both made it out of the misery, and have nice, comfortable lives between these lovely ponies.” “That we do,” Ace chuckled as he poured a pair of drinks. “When I was but a hatchling, you’d have never convinced me that I’d cherish a little batpony more than anything. Funny how the world works.” He offered her the shotglass. “Careful, this might be too much drink for a delicate flower like yourself~” Cereza giggled and grabbed the shotglass, siping a small bit and humming in delight, it was good~ “Oh I haven’t had one of these since I left Griffonstone. I take it it’s homebrewed?” “That is is,” Ace nodded and held up a flask. “Though I have some that little Lulu gave me. This stuff’s been outlawed for five centuries… she still whips it up from time to time though.” “My oh my Ace, you, bending the rules, and with a Princess as your partner in crime? “ Cereza gasped in faux shock, “I am both disappointed and jealous.” “I tend to make the most of life,” Ace shrugged. “Whether fortune finds me or not.” “Well from the looks of it, it sure has found you.” The spy quipped and motioned at the room, “Quite the lovely place you have here. And I’ll take a wild guess and say a handsome, refined gentlecolt like yourself probably has a beautiful griffoness or pony mare to share this with? After all, I know rules aren’t the only things you tend to bend~” Ace paused and shook his head. “Not in a good long while actually. Between my travels and my training, it has left little time for nesting practises.” Cereza hummed softly, “Yes I know that feel… even if my job, my actual job, sometimes requires me to share bed with someone else it… doesn’t feel like anything but short pleasure really.” She said and played with her flask, “The closest thing to a steady nesting partner I have is my dear Quick Step, and as delightful as she might be, I doubt she’s interested in anything of the sort. But oh well, c’est la vie, and we must make the best out of it, don’t you think?” “Indeed, besides, Midnight has brought constant excitement to my life thus far,” Ace chuckled and ran a talon through his feathers. “Still… I do miss spending time with my kinsman.” “You and me both, old coot.” Cereza nodded before taking another sip of the drink, “By my dear life, I have something to discuss with you yet I just can’t get around to talking about business… these past days have been so stressful, it’s doing horrors to my feathers.” “Well, we certainly can’t have that,” he chuckled as he moved next to her and started kneading her shoulders. Cereza cooed and relaxed, letting his talons work their magic, “Oh my dear Ace, I almost forgot about your magic claws… that’s it, that’s the spot dear…” Ace chuckled as he moved to his wings and paused… before dropping a few hidden knives next to her with a small frown. “My rose has a few thorns left over.” Cereza sighed and flapped her wings, twirling them ever so slightly to let all the knives fall down to the floor, “Part of the job’s uniform. Don’t worry, those won’t blow up any time soon. And something tells me that with a powerful male like you, I won’t be needing those. Poor be the soul who would even think of attacking me here.” She grinned devilishly. “They would be most unfortunate,” Ace nodded. “It is a long way down after all.” he cracked his knuckles as he resumed his massage, before lowering his beak and started preening her wings. Cereza gasped and squirmed under his touch, letting him take complete an utter care of her. As a spy, she knew that was a terrible idea and that she shouldn’t let anyone get this close to her… but as a griffoness, she was at his complete mercy, “I… am pretty sure I came here for something other than being treated like royalty…” She mused, “But I can’t really remember why… oh goodness that feels good.” “You really should take better care of yourself,” he chided her as he straightened feathers and pulled loose ones, his claws kneading the space between her wings. “So, why are you here? Why are you employed by Celestia?” The griffoness purred for a bit, loving the sensation, the feels of his expert attention... before getting her head back into the conversation, “That my dear is classified information. You’ll have to work a tad harder if you want to know~” “That shouldn’t be a problem,” he mused as he moved along her wing and his caresses moved lower, now just above her flank on her lower back as he pressed a few pleasurable pressure points. Cereza sighed in sheer delight and softly ran her tail over his claw, “Alright then dear, you’ve won your piece of information with that wonderful performance. What exactly do you wish to know?” She asked and turned to him, fluttering her gorgeous rose red eyes. “Why did Celestia bring you in particular?” he questioned. “And what on Equus made your brother agree?” “Almost forgot you knew about my brother.” Cereza sighed and closed her eyes, focusing part of her mind on the pleasure his attentions were giving her, “Well in regards to your first question, Celestia didn’t bring me in particular, per say. She simply hired the Golden Swords’ services and due to my past experiences with those two troublemakers, me and Quickie were chosen and sent here. Not much more than that really.” She explained, “Now in regards to the second question, you ask like if I knew what Sky, or rather Golden Quill, is planning. Whatever he has in mind. He’s almost the same as my father, and we know how my father’s train of thought was… it was thanks to him that we lost our homeland after all. A heritage I am not proud of in the slightest. One would think serving the army to defend the country from the civilians trying to take the already fallen king down would clean my head from guilt, but...” She trailed off and soon realized she was probably saying too much, “Forgive me dear, didn’t mean to trail off like that and go there.” “We all have our penances,” Ace replied with a small shake of his head. Do not worry dear Cereza, I live for the present, as the past is gone and the future isn’t here yet.” “Words to live by.” Cereza hummed and simply relaxed, “I almost forgot dear, I need to ask you a favor. Something to help me with my mission.” “A favour from you is akin to dealing with something from Tartarus,” Ace said with a good natured chuckle. “However, I am crazy. So let us hear your request.’ “I need a search warrant dear, to go and sneaking into a rather new orphanage in town. We believe they might be tied to this whole ordeal.” Cereza explained, “I know that what I am asking is sort of ridiculous, but I assure you I have my reasons.” “An orphanage?” Ace paused in his ministrations and qave the griffoness a questioning look. “Cereza, you know I will need a little more detail than that. Especially if children are involved.” “We believe the whole place is a cover up. The one in charge of it seems to have some sort of connection with Chitin it’d seem, hence why me and Quickie quickly jumped into the assumption of the ‘Seven Sins’ being involved somehow. We already have plenty of proof to connect that orphanage and the thieves, the problem is… that amount of proof isn’t enough for the court, not like the court would trust us anyways. But you my dear,” She murred as her claw ran through his chest, “I know you’d believe me, and that you would help a delicate flower like myself, isn’t that right?” Ace stared at her with a blank expression. “You? Delicate? I’m sorry, who are you again?” Cereza sighed in defeat and gave his beak a friendly poke, “I knew that’d fail with you. You know me far too well already. Ace dear, I really need your help with this. I’m both happy and afraid that this might be my last job, and I wish to do it right. Not for me… but for the girls. They deserve better than this Ace, and I believe you know that perfectly well.” Ace frowned and sighed. “Well,” he finally said after a moment’s pause. “What would you have me do? I’m a fighter, not one made for your kind of approach with stealth and—” he shuddered. “—Subtlety.” “I know dear! But I still need your help in case things go awry. Not only would you be able to help me defend myself if I’m right, but most importantly take me out of any tight spot if I’m wrong and the guard is somehow involved.” She explained, “Besides, I’d much rather enjoy having a little secret adventure with you~” “This is going to end badly, I just know it,” Ace sighed. So they needed to sneak into an orphanage, but the problem was that as far as he remembered, Cereza was terrible with children. Then he got an idea, a wonderful, terrible idea. “Cereza darling,” he purred and smiled. “How would you like to have children?” Cereza blushed and almost choked on her own saliva, “E-Excuse me? Ace dear do not get me wrong. You’re incredibly handsome and a true gentle’fon but… wait…” And then, she caught up, “Ace my dear, you truly are a genius sometimes… oh sweet gods that is absolutely brilliant! I swear I could kiss you for that!” “What’s stopping you?” he purred and stroked her cheek with a talon. Cereza cooed in delight and closed her eyes, letting his nimble talon do its magic, “Well so far, the fact that this is far too enjoyable to stop it… maybe you’re the one that has to advance first and break this wonderful trance you’ve put me into. Go on then, show me what your student has taught you.” “With all of my pleasure,” he hummed as he moved over her and dimmed the lights next to the bed... Midnight Song nudged the door to Celestia’s study open and stepped inside. The mare herself was sitting at her desk, sorting over some papers before a scroll winked into existence above her head. “Oh, that one of Starbutt’s Friendship Reports?” Midnight asked, Celestia not wanting to admit she’d jumped slightly. She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed her enter. “Unfortunately not, she doesn’t send them much anymore,” Celestia sighed with just a hint of sadness. She really did miss those. “Just a report mostly, on recent events and the like.” “Bummer,” Midnight replied as she took a seat on the cushion. “So, care to explain how I got two new co-workers? One’s given a position I had to bust my flank to earn?” “That… is a special situation,” Celestia said. “A good deal of politics were played to obtain those two. A small token to appease the griffons.” “Well, don’t get me wrong,” Midnight said as she adjusted her position. “I love Quickie and Sph—Rose—Cereza. Gah! I am NEVER going to get used to that!” “Says the mare with two names herself, Lady Moonlight…” Celestia smirked as Midnight’s muzzle scrunched up in annoyance. “Yeah yeah,” the bat sighed. “So, what position did the catbird get?” “Well, the role of Assassin hasn’t been filled,” Celestia informed her as she set the scroll aside and poured the bat some tea. “But nothing’s official until I can contact Caster.” “Good luck, haven’t seen her in over a year,” Midnight chuckled and sipped at the cup delicately. Only in Celestia’s presence would the thestral actually act refined. “Still, that’s not the main reason I’m here. I’m sure you’ve noticed we’re missing a lot of Guards.” “I know,” the alicorn “And i believe I know the reason. It’s, something we need to keep quiet about or we’re going to incite a panic.” “Still, what’s going on then?” Midnight asked her, sounding even more concerned. “Why are our guards vacating like nobles at a surprise charity auction?” “I fear,” Celestia said with a disheartened tone. “That our latest problem is at work here?” “The one related to Pockets?” Midnight asked, Celestia nodding in confirmation. “Wonderful. But… why?” “Perhaps to get them out of the way? After what she did to poor Secure…” Midnight closed her eyes in thought. “There is something… odd though,” celestia added. “Only stallions are going missing. All our female guards are accounted for.” “Only stallions?” Midnight’s brown knitted into a frown. “Cure said something about the stallions on duty with her attacking her, like they were possessed.” “So that’s what her game is,” the alicorn sighed. “Use our own guard against us. Hard to fight back with numbers when the enemy is our own forces.” “Grrreat,” Midnight groaned. “So more get’s dumped on our plate, when we haven’t even gotten to the main course yet. Those thieves. Dead Drop. This mystery bitch. Missing guards. Griffons… You know, why don’t the Changelings invade again with a few demons from Tartarus?” “Don’t jinx it,” Celestia said, only half-serious. “Not with the Elements unavailable.” “Isn’t that why you have us Specialists?” Midnight smirked. “We’re Plan B yes?” “In the worst case scenario, yes,” Celestia agreed, sipping her tea. Deciding to change the conversation to a lighter tone. Celestia smiled softly at her friend. “So… tell me about Miss Pickett. Don’t think I didn’t notice that ring around her horn.” “W-Well… I…” Midnight’s face heated up with a slight blush. While she was one of the most shameless mares Celestia had known in centuries, overly romantic gestures often made her turn the most delightful shade of pink. “I… really like her you know.” “I’ve noticed,” the alicorn chuckled. “So, tell me all about your date~” “W-Well, it’s like this…” Meanwhile, somewhere in a recently remodeled hotel in the middle of the city, from the top floor, some old opera song was heard, all sang in changeling language. Valiant Heart truly loved this city, so beautiful, so full of potential, so many things he could do here. A knock on the door called his attention, Spark Cloud’s voice calling for him, “Valiant, it’s feeding time.” “Come on in Spark.” Came the changeling-turned-thestral’s voice from the other side. And once the Pegasus walked in… she was caught into a deep, passionate kiss as Valiant sucked the love out of her. The pegasus did seem a little apprehensive though. After a while, the kiss broke though, and without saying anything Valiant simply walked back to his seat, picking his book up. “You know, sometimes I feel like I should be offended that you just use me to feed yourself.” Spark said with a sigh and leaned on a nearby wall, “Can’t you get another female for that?” “I could… but you’re too special to let you go like that.” Valiant smirked flirtatiously, his eyes going over the book to meet Spark’s own. “You know what?” He placed the book down and pointed at the seat nearby, “Let’s talk, you seem stressed about something dear.” “I’m fine, don’t worry about it.” Spark snorted, yet took the seat nonetheless, “It’s just been some rather tiring days. Seems like someone’s been messing with both the guard and the criminals, and it’s been making business rather difficult.” Valiant hummed in thought, going over a few ideas that were already forming inside his head, “Is that so? Maybe we should try and see who this troublemaker is, perhaps get some sort of alliance, we could truly use some more help after all. And we still need an eight member.” . “An… eight?” The pegasus blinked in surprise. “I’ll explain in due time, but for now, we must focus on completing the team. Our time is running out after all.” The changeling explained as he dismissed the pegasus with a wave, “Now mind fetching Shadow Blade for me, please?” “Alright, I’ll go get him.” The pegasus muttered, flapping her way out the door… “Wait.” The changeling called, halting her movement as she turned to him with a quirked eyebrow,. “Do you mind if… I ask you something rather personal?” He said, practically whispering his words. Spark was surprised to say the least, this… wasn’t something the changeling would usually do, “Yes…?” “Do you ever feel like… you’re not yourself?” He said with a sigh, his gaze saddening, “Like you don’t belong?” Spark’s eyes widened slightly at this… no, he couldn’t know, he didn’t have to know, “It’s probably just the stress. Don’t think too much about it.” She waved him off and flew out, entering the lower floor through a window until she found who she was looking for. Blade was in his room, and much to nobody’s surprise, so was a giggling Mystique, “Blade. Valiant wants to talk to you, now.” “I’m a little busy right now,” the thestral said as he stroked the Capricorn’s cheek. “Have I mentioned how divine your scales are tonight? Did you polish them, just for little ol’ me~?” “Oh Blade, stop that, you’re making me blush!” Mystique giggled and melted in his touch. “Blade! Valiant’s office, now! You know what happens if you make him wait.” Spark scolded him, “And Mystique, you know the rules!” “But Miss Thunderstorm I—” “No ‘buts’! Gosh you two, I’m too young to be acting like your mother. Now Blade, go!” She pointed to the window. “Sorry Blade, maybe we can keep talking later?” Mystique said with a disappointed and saddened sigh. “I was this close too,” Blade sighed and looked at the mare. “Or could it be that my little Cloudy is jealous~?” “Blade I swear to the gods, I will slap you.” Cloud huffed, “Now go on! No losing time now.” “Bye Blade, good luuck~” Mystique sang as she left… but not before letting out an anger-filled shout that was heard all over the Orphanage, cursing Cloud before returning to her usual self. At this point, they were all used to her random outbursts of rage. “Blade?” Spark quirked a brow, “Are you going to keep looking at Mystique’s tail or are you going to come with me now?” “Well, it’s a very nice tail,” Blade nodded with small smile. “Prehensile too, ohh, the things I bet she could do with—” “BLADE!” The Pegasus shouted, tired of his shenanigans. “What, you were thinking it too… or were you busy thinking of the boss?” Blade smirked back at her. “Oh, is it true what they say about them laying eggs inside your—” And then he saw himself pinned to the wall with Spark’s hoof keeping his muzzle shut, “Another word that isn’t ‘I’m going now’ or anything of that alley, and I’ll make your morning training hell itself, understood?” “So is that a yes?’ Blade smirked, before flying off down the hall. “It’s certainly not a ‘no’.” A far too familiar voice came from the shadows, Skull’s glowing eyes appearing from seemingly nowhere. “Skull I get that you’re excited about your brand new spell, but if you dare to fucking spy on me one more time, I will cut your horn in half.” Cloud deadpanned. She didn’t get payed enough for this. Soon after, Blade reached Valiant’s office in a matter of seconds, finding the changeling reading his crime novel with a soft hum, that horrid and strange changeling opera still playing. “You know, usually when someone comes into my office, they ask for permission first.” Valiant said, not turning away from the book. “You called me Bossbug,” Blade replied with a small shrug. “So what’s up? Did that Drop Dead reject fail already?” “No, no. He’s getting everything prepared for his little trap. Something about an ambush. It’s not the reason I called you here.” He shook his head before placing the book down, his unseen horn levitating a large scroll from a nearby shelf, “I have a special job for you, my most brilliant student. Something only you, and you alone can accomplish.” “Hmm, and I get the feeling it doesn’t involve a pretty mare,” Blade sighed. “Alright Boss, watcha got for me?” The changeling extended the map and placed it on the table, a large map of Equus as a whole, “Tell me Blade, have you noticed that something’s… missing? A vital part of my plan.” “Thaaaat, you haven’t bothered to tell even me what that plan is?” Blade pointed out. “Seriously Boss, you can’t just ask weird rhetorical questions like that. Even if the whole villain thing demands it.” “Oh, right, right. I forgot about that little detail.” Valiant nodded, “Let’s get straight into the point then. You, my dear student, will be in charge of…’ ‘recruiting’ the last member of your team. And with that, I mean that you have to travel to a far away land… and get a certain item for me.” “Hmm, travel is always fun. Okay, so where am I going and what am I getting?” the thestral asked. Exotic mares were the best~ He pointed at a small island not far away from the east coast of Equestria, “You’re going here. The place is filled with dangerous creatures, all of them which would make great candidates. But I only need one specific egg....” And making sure nobody would hear, he began to explain what exactly he was looking for. “Wait… they’re real?” Blade looked to the map. Well, this could be fun in its own way. “Well sure, I’ll get it done for you.” “Good.” The changeling nodded and placed the scroll back into its place, “Any questions before you get ready to leave?” Blade paused as he headed for the door. “One actually, I asked Cloudy but she’s wouldn’t say. Is it true about changelings and putting their eggs in—” “BLADE I CAN HEAR YOU!” Spark’s shout came from out of nowhere. “It is, I don’t see a problem with it really.” Valiant chuckled, “I’m sure she’d love that.” “I DON’T GET PAID ENOUGH FOR THIS CRAP!” Spark shouted again.