The Clockwork Consequence

by Michy

Chapter X: The Children of Ignorance

Chapter X: The Children of Ignorance

Chapter 9 Recap: In what feels like a mere moment, Twilight's world has been turned upside down completely. Perhaps she is destined for something greater than a lounging homebody, or perhaps this is all just sheer bad luck. Regardless, with the appearance of this resistance, Twilight is forced into an emotional dilemma, one she isn't entirely sure how to prioritize just yet. She has chosen to follow Twinkleshine, member of the Celestial Defenders and outspoken believer that everypony has a choice to either run, or fight against the tyranny of Nightmare Moon. Moondancer has chosen to trail after the timid unicorn, still certain she's one of the few mares who can help accomplish her sole primary objective, despite her own personal beliefs regarding the Celestial Defenders who've only just emerged. Now reluctantly, the three venture off further into the city, towards an uncertain future.

---

The city streets have become a pool of mass hysteria and confusion. With Minuette's signals high in the sky, the Celestial Defenders have officially thrown themselves fully into the dilemma as well, some of which from the shadows of surrounding rooftops, while others from being hidden within the mass crowds, all of which were gathered at various rally points across the city. The confirmation that Nightmare Moon had finally gone off the deep end was all they needed, as many took the fight to the nightmare guards which patrolled their beloved city. But some Defenders have chosen to flee, hoping to meet up with allies beyond Canterlot's borders and regroup. Regardless, now that the majority know something which they are unable to ignore has come, many have stayed to wage on an offensive scuffle, showing they can't be controlled by the princess or her new regime. But there are still others who wonder if it's possible to make a difference in such a hopeless situation. With the clashing of hooves, and chaotic ambiance filling the air, there are those who will take advantage of the situation whether it be to run, or succeed in more nefarious plots and schemes. Nonetheless, change looms beyond the horizon.

---

A stone gray earth pony hopped from roof to roof, much in the manner of a few of her companions, as she to was adorned in the white cloak of the Celestial Defenders. Celestial Defenders? Hah, she didn't even know the princess intimately while she ruled, nor had fond memories of her rule even so. Still, she hopped from roof to roof in the dead of night, drowning out the enveloping chaos of the city which only progressively devolved into further anarchy. She glanced back down at the cloak she wore while lost in her own thoughts. The Celestial Defenders were a means to an end, was it wrong to think of them in that way? She was only here for one reason after all. A voice of purpose echoed in her mind, in the faint tone of one all too close to her. She began to drift back temporarily, pondering the meaning of it.

There was a constant downpour within her memory, as she laid on her belly in the mud, drenched, while in the background one could easily depict the remnants of a run down rock farm. She was tired, exhausted, and running off emotional energy, which wasn't blatantly obvious due to the nature of the scene. She reached out towards another, wreaking of desperation as she struggled to climb to her hooves. The figure a few feet ahead glanced back however, revealing a similar pink earth pony. The pink earth pony too appeared desperate, and gravely disappointed by the actions of the opposing gray pony, who was undeniably somepony of importance to her. The pink pony's words were drowned out by the rain. Yet the gray earth pony still could read the movements of her muzzle, which have haunted her since.

Beneath the canvas of plastered gray, baring little emotion, the pink pony stated. "Then come with me little sister."

"Marble!" Another of the group, particularly a light blue pegasus mare with a short white mane, stated with a glance back.

Marble Pie, the gray earth pony, was knocked out of her trance as she peered ahead, startled. "H-Hm?"

The pegasus glanced down as they progressively made their way across the rooftops, while she instead flapped her wings to carry herself through the air. She muttered, "D-Do you think it's true? That the alicorn who showed up, can possibly defeat the princess?"

Marble Pie raised a hoof to her muzzle, only lowering her head in response, as to say she held no certain opinion as she shrugged.

The pegasus glanced back at her and didn't say anything, appearing a bit troubled by her silent opinion. She looked ahead with determination then, moving past the personal subject. "Regardless, we should probably hurry. Whatever caused Minuette to signal the rest of us, means we probably don't have much time until something bad happens. We need to get out of the city by then, and regroup later."

Marble looked at the pegasus in a confused manner, prodding one of her wings as they continued to hop.

The pegasus blinked a bit, as she glanced down at the wing that'd been prodded before glaring back at Marble Pie. "F-For one, I'm not leaving you behind! I'm not a total coward alright? Two, it's best to lay low for now. Even in the dead of night, Nightmare Guards are trained to spot enemies during any time, thankfully we're not dealing with any of the princess' bat ponies. They are the most troublesome."

After a brief silence between the two, the pegasus looked ahead again as both their eyes widened. Seeing somepony in the distance. "Isn't that Twinkleshine?" The pegasus squinted a bit, also noticing two more figures behind her. "Who're the other two behind her?"

Marble Pie blinked, eyes beaming with curiosity as she remained silent, before shaking her head at the pegasus in response.

The pegasus glanced back absently at Marble again, before focusing back on Twinkleshine and coming to a halt.

As she stopped, Marble also came to a halt as they both waited to cross paths with Twinkleshine.

Twinkleshine continued to teleport from rooftop to rooftop. Her eyes also grew wide as she caught sight of the duo ahead of her, particularly the light blue pegasus. She gave her a displeased glare however, as her silent gaze was full of bitter history. Twinkleshine had yet to notice that Twilight and Moondancer were on her tail, as she sped up her pace somewhat in order to reach the other two. Once she arrived, she came to a skidding halt in front of them, still glaring at the pegasus. "Fleetfoot, what a surprise. Though I believe you're heading in the wrong direction." Her glare carried on over to Marble Pie. "You too Marble, why're you guys heading north?"

Fleetfoot looked seriously at Twinkleshine, giving her a glare herself, filled with suspicion, as she titled her head back in the form of a curious gesture. "I can say the same to you Twinkleshine. What're you doing heading back south? You know if Minuette and the others gave us the signal, that's our call to get out of the city. We're finding a path out the north end, it's a longer route to Ponyville but it's safer. You should come with us. These cloaks are now useless since they know who we are, we're getting rid of them once we're outside."

Twinkleshine frowned as she continued to glare at Fleetfoot. "I'm going back to help Minuette, whatever she's gotten herself into."

Fleetfoot shook her head as she raised a hoof to her forehead, rubbing her brows a bit in yet further confusion and frustration, before looking back to Twinkleshine skeptically. "W-What? That wasn't the plan Twinkleshine and you know it. Stop being emotional."

Twinkleshine got in Fleetfoot's face, firing back. "Emotional? You mean being an actual friend!?"

Fleetfoot also persisted. "We all knew what to expect when we joined! Ruining the plan with heroics isn't any better!"

Twinkleshine's nose wrinkled as she practically snarled. "That still doesn't make it right to abandon Minuette!"

Fleetfoot stomped a hoof, as her eyes grew more desperate and filled with frustration, the further Twinkleshine continued to argue. "Stop making it sound like we're betraying her! We're not some gigantic military force like the Nightmare Guard, Twinkleshine! We don't have the resources or means of fighting back an enemy like this right now! We need to get out of Canterlot and rethink another strategy!" She huffed, easing up a bit. "Once we're on the outside, we'll be safe from whatever Nightmare Moon is planning here. It's only for the best."

Twinkleshine's glare intensified. "Well some of us are staying to fight back! We're not cowards! And Minuette needs our help!"

Fleetfoot swiped a hoof. "Minuette would never have put herself into that situation unless she felt she had to. The fact she even revealed herself to give us the warning, shows that whatever is about to happen, we don't have much time regardless! We need to run!"

Twinkleshine scoffed, backing up some with a disgusted look. "Why am I not surprised hearing this from an ex-guard member!?"

And Fleetfoot flinched, obviously startled by her words and somewhat hurt by them as well.

Twinkleshine paused, due to Fleetfoot's hurt reaction. Her expression sunk apologetically, "W-Wait, sorry. I, I didn't mean it like-"

The sudden sound of a nearby crashing occurred, accompanied by a light "Oof!"

Twinkleshine, as well as Marble and Fleetfoot, froze, startled by the sound as they looked towards the source.

Having landed near the edge of that particular rooftop, closer to Twinkleshine, was Twilight Sparkle. She had her chin flat upon the pavement as her hooves were stretched back and her butt was in the air, while her giant sack was now situated upon her back. She blinked a little, as she began to wobble to her hooves as she muttered. "Sorry! Did I interrupt? I was hoping to catch up silently, um..."

Twinkleshine turned to face Twilight, honestly surprised. "T-Twilight? You're still here? I thought you guys stayed behind."

Meanwhile, Moondancer chose to stop on the opposing rooftop, silently watching from the background cautiously.

Twilight rubbed at the back of her mane, while now standing tall as Smarty Pants was still wrapped around her neck. "You used the guilty strategy effectively!" She glanced to the upper right, "My mom uses it all the time! It's usually a fairly convincing stratagem." Twilight continued by placing a hoof over her chest. "But even so, it'd be uh, preeeeetty bad to hear ponies were hurt in all this! So I suggest another course of action, a more peaceful solution. The perfect plan!" She lowered her hoof, smiling wide with anticipation. "Talking!"

There was a drawn on silence, as the three each gave Twilight a blank stare.

Twinkleshine raised a brow at Twilight, deeply concerned. "Talking, Twilight?"

Twilight continued, as she levitated her sack beside her, laying it on the ground. "Yep! Talking! We have plenty of options!" She teleported atop her sack, as she used her teeth to pull loose the knot which kept it shut, causing majority of the items to pour out which was an assortment of books, figurines, clothes, comics and much more. She used her magic to dig through the pile before pulling out a particular book. Her expression brightened up in an excited manner. "See here's one. The Art of Socializing! It's one of my favorites regarding the philosophy behind conversing and how certain dialogue branches allow us to connect with the pony mind." She tapped on her noggin before flipping to a random page. "Let's skip to chapter 14!" Her eyes began scrolling across the pages swiftly, as she simply started reciting the passages to them as if they were truly listening. "So it looks like the art of persuasion comes into play here, a really helpful skill and-"

As Twilight continued to talk to herself, Fleetfoot glanced over at Twinkleshine, still with a blank stare. "Who is this?"

Twinkleshine sighed heavily as she watched Twilight in an estranged manner. "Just a mare who lives here, she's kind of weird."

Meanwhile, Marble looked more intrigued as she silently watched Twilight, listening to her a bit more intently. "Mmmhm!"

Twilight continued to read, "Typically the bargaining tip is commercial and requires an item of value to spark a higher success rate for clear cut persuasion. I was thinking maybe my brother is in charge somewhere. This falls more along the lines of intimidation, but-"

Fleetfoot tilted her head to the right at Twilight, inquiring further information. "Brother, who's your brother?"

Twinkleshine's eyes widened as she was hit with a realization.

Twilight however didn't catch on, saying it right away with a bright smile on her face. "Oh, Shining Armor! I'm sure he can-"

But almost immediately, the two other Celestial Defenders surrounded Twilight. Fleetfoot and Marble stood at each of her sides, as Fleetfoot had a wing raised to the side of Twilight's neck, whereas Marble looked at her cautiously with a hoof against her chest.

Twinkleshine raised both hooves hastily, hurriedly in a panic. "W-Wait! Wait wait wait you guys! She's harmless!"

Fleetfoot glanced back over at Twinkleshine just as hastily. "Harmless!? This is the sister of Shining Armor! She's a threat!"

Twilight glanced left and right at the two with worry. "This certainly wasn't on the list for desired outcomes."

"What do you all think you're doing?....."

Twinkleshine cringed as she sulked heavily in a worried manner, gazing ahead. Aw crap....

Moondancer trotted slowly towards the group with a fastened glare, absently locked onto the lot of them. She remained silently focused, while she wore a one strapped leather satchel at her side. She came to a halt abruptly, "Step away from Twilight, now."

Fleetfoot groaned, only getting further annoyed. "And who're you?"

Twinkleshine rushed her allies, as she began shoving them off and away from Twilight. "Stop stop stop! Listen you guys!"

Fleetfoot and Marble looked to Twinkleshine, confused as they watched her with raised brows.

Twinkleshine held a hoof out towards Twilight, as well as Moondancer. "Twilight has nothing to do with Commander Shining! Yes they're siblings but I've been assigned to Canterlot my whole life! I know for a fact he's never taken the time to visit the city in recent years!" She then swiftily made sure to address Moondancer, "And that's Moondancer! Princess Celestia's old student, so stand down now!"

Fleetfloot shrieked. "P-Princess Celestia's student!? T-That's her!?" She glanced back over at Moondancer, gulping.

Even Marble backed away fearfully, realizing her error as her gaze drifted down towards the pavement worriedly.

Moondancer didn't hesitate to make her way beside Twilight. "If any of you attempt to pull off some idiotic stunt like that again without properly educating yourselves, then don't expect me to show you any form of hesitation next time." Moondancer huffed, as she glanced over at Twilight, patting the mare's head in an almost parental manner. "You alright? I was watching the whole time, I swear none of them were going to hurt you." She frowned at Twilight in frustration still, "I can't have you getting hurt out here Twilight, remember."

Twilight blinked a bit, lowering her head some and looking towards the ground, embarrassed by Moondancer's caring words.

Fleetfloot stomped a hoof, as she groaned in utter impatience. "Alright! Will somepony properly explain what's going on here then!?" She pointed a hoof towards Moondancer and Twilight. "Why're these two here!? What do they have to do with anything!? And better yet, why're you so trusting of the pony who's the younger sister of the commander of Nightmare Moon's forces!? Why should we trust her?"

Twinkleshine had to pause, as the question threw her off for but a moment. She took a second to acknowledge the fact that Twilight even decided to follow after her to begin with. She glanced over at Twilight as she spoke, who looked back to her with wide worried eyes, yet still peaked with curiosity as to what the mare was thinking. Twinkleshine stated, "Because she followed me." And then looked towards the others, "She had no reason to, yet chose to do so anyways. She is definitely trustworthy in my eyes, and has yet to do me wrong."

Fleetfoot shook her head, still not convinced. "That's not a reason! She could just be gaining our trust to betray us later!"

Twinkleshine frowned, tilting her head to the right. "Does that mean we should have those thoughts about you too?"

Fleetfoot flinched again, as she lowered her head. "T-That's not fair, I've proved my loyalty time and again!"

Twinkleshine nodded to Fleetfoot as she gestured a hoof back towards Twilight. "Which means Twilight should deserve the same sort of chance. She may be the sister of Shining Armor, but honestly, after that brief introduction of hers do you really think she knows anything really about the troubles we've faced when it comes to the Nightmare Guard? She's at least willing to stand beside us for now."

Twilight couldn't help but cut in, as she raised a hoof to her chest. "Wait! I don't understand what my brother did wrong. I don't really understand any of this stuff, but maybe if you explain, we can come up with a reliable solution to where both sides can resolve-"

Twinkleshine now couldn't help but get in Twilight's face. "Listen Twilight! I-" but as she caught notice of Moondancer's intense glare, she eased up some. "Listen Twilight, I don't know where you get the idea that this is happy friendship gaga land, but it isn't, this is Equestria! Maybe a long time ago it could've been, but not anymore, not at this point." She shrugged before continuing. "You're a homebody, you don't go out, and you probably don't have any friends besides Moondancer who's just as awkward as you are in her own way." She flinched realizing who she just insulted, as she glanced over at Moondancer wearily, only to find the outcast didn't care much for her insults. Such claims had already become second nature to her. Twinkleshine continued, "You obviously don't know the type of stuff that's been happening to the other races, among other despicable things here in the real world. The Nightmare Guard is a horrible establishment, and it's due time they're stopped. I'm not going to let my friends get captured and become victims to the princess' tyranny."

Fleetfoot looked on over at Moondancer skeptically. "Aren't you Princess Celestia's old student? Then you must know too."

Moondancer's expression went hollow, while her eyes gave hint to things she dared not dwell upon.

There was now a lengthy silence between the four, while Twilight glanced around at all of them in confusion. "W-What're you all talking about?" She chuckled softly, "T-The Nightmare Guard only follow the orders of the princess. The princess has only recently enacted this new regime. S-Surely she would listen to reason, or, or if she finds out all your concerns she can work out a better solution, r-right?" Twilight shrugged nervously, focusing on Moondancer. "The things she's done that we don't know about, they, they can't be that bad right?"

But Moondancer didn't answer her, and actually desired not to add to Twilight's concerns.

They all continued to remain silent, before Twinkleshine looked to Twilight seriously. "You don't understand Twilight."

Fleetfoot in particular was also silent about her experiences, as she kept her head lowered, not saying a word.

Twinkleshine continued, as she did a gesture towards the rest of the city. "This? What we're doing? This isn't anything compared to what's already happened. What's going to continue to happen. The worst days I think, sadly, still aren't past us."

But Twilight snapped, looking to each of them desperately. "You're wrong!"

Moondancer glanced at Twilight, startled by her outburst, while also fairly interested by it.

Twinkleshine frowned sternly at Twilight, offended. "I'm wrong? You know nothing Twilight, yet I'm wrong?"

Twilight looked at her nervously, filled with uncertainty as she looked down towards the ground as she spoke. "You're right, I don't know anything. I chose to hide from everything because I didn't want to deal with failing anymore. With the feeling of always being disappointed in myself." She glanced over at Moondancer hesitantly, "But Moondancer took an interest in me. She thinks I'm worth more than somepony who hasn't even earned their cutie mark into adulthood. Worth more than some talentless unicorn who even failed to even get into magic school." Twilight chuckled as her gaze turned back down towards the ground again, before she put on a humored smile. "I'm nopony special, but she still thinks differently." She then raised her head, showing a form of determination she wasn't even familiar with. "I want to be this special pony she thinks I am. All this that's happening right now, maybe I can make a difference, so even if you say I'm wrong or my opinion doesn't mean anything, I'll still say what I want to believe. I'll still take the chance that it can mean something." She paused, "And even if it doesn't. Even if what you said is true about bad things happening behind closed doors, there's still hope out there."

Twinkleshine continued to look at Twilight sternly, remaining silent and listening to her for the time being.

Twilight laughed nervously, as she looked to the rest of them brightly. "That alicorn might still be out there. Whoever she is, the princess is scared of her for a reason. I think, that in itself is enough to give everypony who knows what you know, hope, at least."

Moondancer regarded Twilight with a pleased smile, keeping her thoughts to herself, but pleased nonetheless.

Twinkleshine rubbed at the back of her mane tiredly with her eyes closed. "You're like a kid, it's almost funny." But she still wasn't amused, as she gave Twilight a tired glare, almost sympathetic for her. "But it's not like some speech will change anything."

Fleetfoot made her way up to Twinkleshine, grabbing her by the collar of her cloak. "Okay Twinkleshine, we get it. Alright?"

Twinkleshine sighed, rolling her eyes as she smacked Fleetfloot's hoof away. "I really don't think she does but okay." She turned around, back towards the south end of the city. "If you want to face the princess, you need to think realistically. It's the only way."

Fleetfoot groaned as she to rolled her eyes. "And what's that mean Twinkleshine? We should keel over and give ourselves up!?"

Though, before the two could devolve into yet another argument, Marble hurriedly nudged Fleetfoot.

Fleetfoot snapped at Marble, hurriedly turning herself to face her. "WHAT!?"

And Marble pointed a hoof straight towards the skies in a panic.

Fleetfloot glanced up, as her eyes slowly widened, and she to fell into a state of panic, and disbelief. "W-What's that?"

The entirety of the group was silent, as all eyes were locked on the sky. Twilight gazed upwards, eyes laced with concern, while Moondancer looked sternly expectant. She appeared as if she'd had a realization then. They all watched, as at this moment in time, the red lights which were once acting as sirens had all focused on a central point in the sky, radiating with magical energy. Soon enough, the central point began to expand, draping over the city in the manner of a dome. Minuette's signals in the sky slowly dissipated, disappearing as all that remained, was the crimson barrier, locking them all inside.

Even the city streets fell silent, as Celestial Defenders and Nightmare Guards who'd begun confronting one another even among the citizens, all watched as the barrier slowly wrapped itself around the city. Giving clear indication somepony gave the order early.

Moondancer peered off now towards the distance, to see a Nightmare Guard far off, who'd focused the light at that central point. She squinted a bit in her silence, before looking back towards the barrier which wrapped around Canterlot. So that's how it is...

"Wait! Twinkleshine!" Fleetfoot reached out to the mare, who'd already started rushing off.

But Twinkleshine wasn't listening, as she teleported over to the next rooftop, swiftly and hastily.

Moondancer flinched due to the outburst, as she glared at Twinkleshine who was already rushing off. Moondancer frowned somewhat, realizing that at this point, they were all now forcibly locked into this conflict, even the citizens, until somepony took down this makeshift magical barrier. Her interest was piqued however, seeing that it was controlled by the orbs of magic. I wonder how they managed to create such a thing. Cadence is the only pony I know who has powerful enough defensive magic to entrap an entire city. Were those spheres created by her perhaps? But Moondancer focused on one in the distance again. But I can't imagine her wanting her magic used for such a thing, so why? Did Nightmare Moon manipulate her? Does she even know these things exist? What're you thinking Cadence?

Twilight called back to Moondancer, "Moondancer! Let's go, we need to catch up with her!" As Twilight was already gathering up her things which she did with ease, and powerful telekinetic magic. She ensured to tie her knot for her sack again, as she grunted before putting it onto her back. She wheezed, puffing her cheeks and turning red due to the strain for a moment, before poofing over towards the edge of the roof in the direction where Twinkleshine was heading. She shaded her eyes and squinted at the unicorn in the distance. "It looks like she's moving fast, but um, I think if we stick to the rooftops we can still avoid a lot of the stuff going down below." She smiled.

But as Moondancer listened to Twilight, she saw a shadow cast on the opposing building's wall, closer towards the edge. Her expression distorted into one of horrid realization as she shouted at Twilight. "Twilight! Get away from there now!"

Twilight glanced back at Moondancer with wide eyes, still smiling, but confused. "Huh?"

Whereas Fleetfloot and Marble also looked back at Moondancer, startled by her, unsure about what she was panicking about.

But as Moondancer saw the confusion on Twilight's face, she gritted her teeth as her horn started to glow and she rushed forward.

However in that split second, in front of Twilight, a figure had emerged, grinning eagerly. Adorned in that familiar nightmare guard armor, a black pegasus mare held her lance in one hoof as she glared at Twilight who had yet to notice her, due to looking back at Moondancer. She cackled, "Why it's so nice and cozy up here! Mind if I join you, traitors!?" She swung the blunt side of her lance straight at Twilight's sack, hitting it in the side with pure momentum, sending both it and Twilight tumbling off.

As Twilight was forced off the edge of the building, plummeting down below into an alleyway, she still appeared clueless. "Eh?"

The nightmare guard grinned fiercely, cackling still as she pursued Twilight. "Hahaha! Let's have some fun!"

Moondancer was overcome with panic as she was still mid trot, before more nightmare guards rose in front of them, blocking the path to Twilight as they touched down upon the roof, glaring at the three remaining individuals sternly.

One of the guards rushed Moondancer, "Where do you think you're going!?"

But with pure telekinetic force, Moondancer blasted that particular guard, causing him to surge and fly back into the opposing building's wall. He slammed against it with a shattering crash, gasping for air before falling down below.

Three more nightmare guards revealed themselves, rising up and onto the roof, to further assist their comrades.

The second of the two previous nightmare guards, another pegasus mare, charged both Fleetfoot and Marble.

Both Fleetfoot and Marble were immediately in sync with one another, going into defensive stances as they'd dodged the initial thrusting blow the nightmare guard made, putting her lance between them.

The pegasus guard was obviously well-trained enough to the point where she was easily able to maneuver between the two. Using the momentum of her wings, she kicked off the surface of the rooftop, going into an upward reverse spin before attempting to bring down her rear hoof in the form of a downward kick right atop Fleetfoot. However, Marble Pie intercepted, blocking it with both her forehooves crossed, and a stern look. Fleetfloot took the opportunity to rise above Marble and sock the pegasus guard in the face with pure force.

That particular nightmare guard flew back, skidding and rolling against the rooftop before coming to a halt at the edge.

Moondancer snarled, her anger becoming more apparent as her horn glowed. "Get out of my way..."

Three opposing nightmare guards now stood before the outcast, all smirking as one stated, "Oh how cute. Somepony still thinks their the Princess' pet." Despite the fact that they weren't even certain if Moondancer or Twilight were these Defenders, they cared little, due to their obvious affiliation with them.

---

Down below, like a turtle stuck on its back, Twilight laid atop her sack with an estranged look, still in silence and slight shock.

The cackling nightmare guard still pursued her, now pointing the tip of her lance at her. "A traitor's fate! Is a traitors fate!"

Twilight shrieked in panic as she disappeared in an instant, leaving nothing but violet smoke in her wake.

The cackling mare stopped cackling then, as she looked shocked as her lance tip was only met with the surface of the sack, piercing into it before becoming stuck. "Huh?" Thrown off by Twilight's swift reaction, she remained in a state of shock for a few more seconds.

And Twilight re-appeared down in the alleyway, looking up at the pegasus fearfully before turning to run.

The pegasus looked at her with a blank stare, filled with confusion still by Twilight's movements. She stood atop Twilight's now torn sack, before forcefully removing her lance and spinning it, pointing towards the retreating unicorn. "You're quite lucky. But it won't save you!" She spread her wings, before surging forward straight towards Twilight yet again, smirking. I've got her this time! She raised her lance towards Twilight again, fastening it on her before thrusting it forward, sending it surging straight towards the unicorn.

But as Twilight glanced back in panic, she reacted, immediately leaping back in reverse, straight towards the oncoming lance.

The pegasus mare raised a brow, completely thrown off by this action as she flinched. What? What an idiot!

And once again, Twilight disappeared in a poof of violet smoke, before reappearing at the opposite end of the lance and catching it, before she propelled into a spin and swung the back end of it at the still oncoming pegasus. and crying out defiantly.

The pegasus mare was once again, overcome with utter shock as even her thoughts went blank. All she felt in the heat of the moment was the momentum of her own lance, now held by another, as the back end slammed into her face and sent her crashing into the wall.

Due to the spin and sudden momentum of it, Twilight to was sent flying back as the lance forcefully slid away from her and slammed into the wall, flinging off and skidding and landing against the alleyway pavement, before Twilight herself tossed and tumbled against the ground. She rolled back in the direction of her sack some distance, before sliding against the ground and coming to a gradual stop.

The pegasus mare trembled, as she held her swollen cheek and glanced back at her lance, then Twilight, once again with a blank stare. Her trembling only became worse as her expression distorted into one of complete rage, and she roared. "You think you're smart!?"

Twilight glanced up worriedly at the pegasus, as she still laid on her belly with a fearful look.

The pegasus stumbled, wobbling towards her lance. "So, you're a little fast, so what!?"

Twilight rose to all four hooves, gulping as she backed away from the pegasus. "W-Wait, please. I, I don't want this!"

The pegasus cackled again, as she smirked. "So now you think you're good enough to offer me mercy!? You traitorous scum!"

Twilight raised her hooves in front of herself in a defensive manner. "That's not what I meant, please!"

The pegasus kicked up her lance before catching it. "The kid gloves are off! I'll show you who's really fast!"

Twilight flinched as she bit her lower lip nervously, backing away some more before turning around to run again.

The pegasus roared, pursuing Twilight once again as she cried out. "You're not getting away from me you punk!"

And as Twilight currently retreated from her assailant, Moondancer still stood before three other opposing guards who eagerly blocked her path, while both Fleetfloot and Marble stood at each of her sides before their assailant decided to join her three fellow guards.

---

But as conflicts arose in all other parts of the city, a different sort of conflict had just ended not too long ago. On the north end of the city, closer towards the castle, remnants of purple flames were scattered across a particular courtyard. A once fortified stage and podium were now nothing but piles of charred wood and rubble, while some of the surrounding buildings were also damaged. Many of the citizens were gone, as strewn about the courtyard, nightmare guards laid unconscious and wounded. One nightmare guard in particular, the familiar black pegasus with a light blue mane, whom was briefing the north end of the city about the lockdown, also laid on his belly barely conscious. He attempted to crawl away from somepony in particular, as he coughed severely, wheezing and gritting his teeth in pain.

Then making its way up beside him were small purple feline paws, before those paws morphed into hooves, and the tiny creature itself morphed into a full-fledged colt who merrily looked down upon the full grown stallion. Tantabus snickered, "Wow, you look rough."

The pegasus turned onto his back, wheezing as he looked up towards the colt. "Why're you doing this Prince Tanta?"

Tantabus glanced up tiredly, looking towards the crimson barrier which was now wrapped around the city, in a bored manner. "Well for one, because I don't like you guys. Dash is a jerk, so I'm making things harder for her." He glanced back down at him with a smile, "For two, it's because I can, duh. I can do all sorts of stuff now that everypony's fighting, the bad energy here is great." He began to circle the stallion, as he raised a brow at him. "The more you ponies do stupid stuff like fight each other, the stronger I get. It's super awesome!" He raised his forehooves to the air before looking up at one curiously. "At this rate, I bet I'll even be able to take down Momma to."

The black stallion wheezed again, struggling to address the colt. "The, t-the princess was a fool, letting you out of the castle..."

Tantabus glanced back and down at him, fairly amused. "Aaaaaw, and why would you say that Mister?"

The black stallion glanced over at the colt. "Look at you, d-do you even understand? How horrible all this is?"

Tantabus blinked a bit, giving him a confused look as he began to glance around the area, seeing the ruined north district as remnants of purple flames hung around the place. He tilted his head to the right, before looking back down at the stallion. "Uh, no? Who cares?"

The stallion looked at the colt just as estranged, before looking towards the sky. "A-Amazing, I, I thought that since the princess appointed you to us, you might be more than some kid. But, you're even worse. You're the definition of a spoiled brat, you're a monster."

Tantabus grunted, before rolling his eyes and raising a hoof. "Oh sure! I let the other ponies go didn't I?"

The stallion smirked at the colt tiredly. "You're right, that is something to feel proud of. But, why did you do it?"

Tantabus shrugged, "Uh, cause why would I waste effort on such pointless ponies. Sheesh." He began to circle the stallion again, before kicking a pebble off to the side. "You know, I was doing this whole thing mainly because Momma finally let me out of the castle. Before all that, all she let me do was look out the window, and play games all day. I should thank that pony whoever scared her, without her I probably would still be stuck there. And as Dash was yelling at me like she owns me, I realized that, you know what, I don't have to take this anymore. I can do whatever I want!" Tantabus chuckled happily, looking up towards the sky. "You ordinary ponies are below me, so why should I have to listen to you!? I was made by Momma, who is also pretty much just some normal pony." Tantabus turned back towards the stallion, peering down at him with a playful smirk. "I can be anything, my magic is waaaaay better than any other ponies. I don't have to listen to anypony! And once I find that pony Momma wants me to find, then things are going to change around here. Just you wait Mister."

The stallion, now fading into unconsciousness, still attempted to speak. "W-Why are you even listening to the princess then?"

Tantabus snickered, prancing a bit. "Cause I like games you dumbo. I still want to make Momma happy, but she needs to learn that I'm better than her. I'll give her the pony as a gift!" He placed a hoof over his chest confidently, raising his head. "Riiiiiight after I take over her kingdom of course! I'll change lots of stuff! Just you wait Mister! Ponies like you and Momma, will see just how amazing I am, heh."

The stallion burst into utter laughter as he laid on his back, overcome with sudden energy due to the colt's claim.

Tantabus flinched, looking down at him, offended before puckering his lower lip. "Hey! What's so funny!?"

The stallion exhaled, before muttering softly. "You, really think these things? I've, never in my entire service, talked to one so delusional. You're, you're a hit kid." He glanced over at him, "Do you really think you even compare to the princess, even as you are now?"

Tantabus tilted his head to the right, confused. "So what're you saying? Even after seeing what I can do, Momma is still better?"

The stallion sighed heavily. "What I'm saying, is you're a stupid kid. Please, for your own sake, flee Equestria." He glanced over at the colt, almost in pity. "After what you've pulled here, the princess won't forgive these transgressions, you will be punished you know."

Tantabus smacked the stallion in the face with a hoof which'd morphed into a claw, before reverting it back to a hoof, and knocking the stallion out. He had a disgusted look as he regarded the pegasus, sneering a little. "What an idiot, who does he think he is?" Tantabus sighed, trotting away from the scene then. "He's just some ordinary pony, how dumb. Pft!" He paused, sighing as he looked back up towards the sky as he trotted away now with a frown. "Speaking of which, where is that dumb pony!? Jeez, this city is so big, where could she be?"

Comments

[Hobbestc]

This is getting pretty interesting. I should follow it now.

[Seether00]

Why is Undyne attacking Twilight?

[andmos]

Why can't I like this story more then one time?

[Xanderfox]

Not surprising that despite begin a bookish nerd and having little experience Twilight is humiliating her attacker. we all know for one behind the magic block she has is excessive amounts of magic power, and two Shining Armour would have of course taught her self defense. Being more powerful than she understands, taught how to protect herself by a professional solider and being afraid for her life she is dangerous. That Nightmare guard is going to regret picking the meek little unicorn as her target.

[KaijinZero]

fairly good, but Pinkie is actually older than Marble.

[Crochettail]

7003611 that's exactly what I thought
I saw "mercy" and then i stopped, reread that paragraph, and started laughing uncontrollably

[Backlash91]

I like the story alot, the idea is great..... but it seems like the chapters are too short. Like, if i connected chapters one and two, three and four, THEN they'd be chapters.....how it is now is like your leaving us in the middle of a conversation, and then starting the next chapter where you left off.

O.o

[Halira]

I really want to like this story, I really do. Bit Minuette and her cohorts just come off as annoying, childish, and completely without a real plan. Most of the other chatacters; Moondancer, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Lightning Dust, Prince Tanta, and Applejack are all interesting and engaging to read in this story but the resistance members make me lose interest in what I am reading the more they talk and bumble around.

[Linksta]

This is quickly falling into Darkness Induced Audience Apathy. Things just keep going wrong with no end in sight. If things don't change soon, I'm afraid I'll have to say the Eight Deadly Words.

[pahnazd]

The fecal matter hit the spinning air cooling device.

I kind of feel sorry for Tantabus. He really doesn't know better, as he seems to be lacking any form of education.
His pride will blind him, and his defeat will be spectacular.

[Fwelin]

I'm surprised that Twilight is still seen as someone without talent if she can teleport, when we've only seen four ponies in the whole show that have shown that capability.

[NexusDragon]

7006742

Someone had their early morning bowl of Trope-ios today. I see where you're coming from but I can't help but think we're far from "No Hope" town just yet. Barrier may have gone down over the city but it seems we're more in the state of peril than anything else. Heroes divided, but they already were to be honest. Twilight has more then enough magical energy and what seems to be a black belt in I-Didn't-Ask-For-This-Fu to buffer time and Moondancer definitely isn't going to let three scrubs get in her way. With Minuette getting away (if I interpreted what Tantabus said properly) then we've still got defiance abound in Canterlot.

That being said, things are starting to get a little convoluted, only starting though. I've got a hold of at least what, 5 plot devices right now and they're all going to be long hauls. Well need some focus soon of eyes will start spinning sadly.

[Crensler]

7007607 From what I understand so far it's because she doesn't have her Cutie Mark and for that reason alone she's considered someone without talent. Other ponies are being very literal here, since supposedly that's what a Cutie Mark defines: talent. So, her being an adult who's flank is still blank, she wouldn't be considered a productive member of society. Look where she was working before this whole mess even started, a freaking doughnut shop, despite the fact she's quite clearly skilled with magic, due to her as yet unrealized talent for it. Of course this is just my opinion, as I'm definitely no expert on the subject

[Kind of Brony]

"Why it's so nice and cozy up here! Mind if I join you, traitors!?" She immediately swung the blunt side of her lance straight at Twilight's sack, immediately hitting it in the side with pure momentum, sending both it and Twilight tumbling off.

As Twilight was forced off the edge of the building, plummeting down below into an alleyway, she still appeared clueless. "Eh?"

The nightmare guard grinned fiercely, cackling still as she pursued Twilight immediately. "Hahaha! Let's have some fun!"

Moondancer was overcome with panic as she was still mid trot, before more nightmare guards immediately rose in front of them, blocking the path to Twilight as they touched down upon the roof, glaring at the three remaining individuals eagerly.

One of the guards immediately rushed Moondancer, "Where do you think you're going!?"

But with pure telekinetic force, Moondancer blasted that particular guard, causing him to immediately surge and fly back into the opposing building's wall. He slammed against it with a shattering crash, gasping for air before immediately falling down below.

You may want to reword this stuff to get rid of some of those seven immediatly's. There's more to follow, but you get my point. Anyway, nice chapter.

[yeahok]

You keep using the words "estranged expression" a lot.

adjective
adjective: estranged
(of a person) no longer close or affectionate to someone; alienated.
"Harriet felt more estranged from her daughter than ever"
(of a wife or husband) no longer living with their spouse.
past participle: estranged

I don't think you were using it in the appropriate context here.

[Rising Shine]

Lookslike NM needs to teach some"pony" a lesson.

[AMuffinlover]

Hmm, wonder what's fluttershy's reveal going to be like

[the other sans]

You to Marble, why're you guys heading north
Then you must know to

1. Too.
2. Too