Chapter 41 - Infiltration
Last night...
Everything about the Crystal Empire was brilliant. During the day, the city felt like a dream, a wondrous paradise that shined perfection and delicacy into the eyes of many. But at night, it felt like a new place, a new world that glimmered from every other section of Equestria. Every structure, the buildings and streets all sparkled, tiny specks of light dancing and radiating their glow. Not only did the city twinkle, but so did the stars up above, like rhinestones joining in on the Crystal Empire's luminosity.
However, beyond the city's beauty, the Crystal Castle was the real structure to behold. In the centre of the Empire, standing tall, glorious and royal, the bright and pearly tower projected up into the night sky, only to be stopped by the barrier that kept the city secure from what lurked outside. Underneath the shimmering spire, the Crystal Heart remained protected, slowly twirling repeatedly.
Although it was night, a few Crystal Ponies wandered through the streets, some admiring the night while others were guards, patrolling and keeping an eye out for any sign of danger, but most of the Crystal Ponies slept in their secured homes, warm and safe. Despite the fact that there had been no sign of any threats coming close to their home, Princess Cadence persisted on keeping a barrier over the entire kingdom. A light blue bubble produced by the alicorn shielded her home ever since the incident with Manehatten, she couldn't afford any risks.
Alone, a unicorn sat just outside the Crystal Castle. It was rather late the moment Starlight thought about it.
It had only been a few hours ago since she had been called upon by Princess Cadence to speak with her. Sadly, it wasn't a conversation the unicorn was hoping for, nor was it the princess'. News from Canterlot, the Royal Sisters wrote a letter to the alicorn informing her on the announcement, how Fright broke, hurt and tormented Spike just to punish Twilight and her friends. Fortunately, they didn't go into detail, but they were notified on the changelings' plan to break out the prisoners of Tartarus.
Cadence looked hurt upon hearing the news just as much as Starlight did, a lot was on their mind, but comfort and hope still lingered. After much thinking and failing to get any sleep, that's when she wandered outside and rested just in front of the castle.
Starlight Glimmer sat down on a patch of emerald grass and focused on one thing across from her. Every inch of her eyes took in the glistening monument. Great, heroic and polished, the crystal statue of the baby dragon, the saviour of the Crystal Empire, Twilight's assistant and friend was a sight to all. Much like everyone else, Starlight didn't take it very well when hearing about Spike's disappearance, she remembered every day when Twilight broke down in grief, wishing for him to come back. It wasn't easy to deal with and she knew it wasn't supposed to.
But now, she thought hearing about his presence would be a good thing, she thought it would put her worries to rest, but whatever happened back at Canterlot, it hurt to think how Spike suffered, how her friends were punished just by watching him break. No good came when she began to think of what happened.
Lucky for the unicorn, her pondering had been interrupted, her ears winced upon hearing the familiar, pleasant and clear voice.
"Starlight?"
Turning her head back to the Crystal Castle, her eyes tore away from the statue and towards Sunburst, approaching her. In an attempt to erase the rest of her frightening thoughts, Starlight shook her head for a quick second and offered her friend a pleasant smile, however, her slightly tired eyes didn't mix well with the joyful expression.
"Oh, Sunburst." She greeted. "What are you doing out here? I thought you were helping Princess Cadence look after Flurry Heart."
"I was." He answered, sitting down next to her. "But she insisted that I take a break, she has everything under control and besides, I believe she'll be getting some sleep soon. It amazes me how a baby like that is so full of energy, she doesn't even look tired in the slightest." He finished with a light chuckle.
"Well, she is an alicorn," Starlight told while leaning back a little. "Just wait until she's older, she might even be like Twilight. Up all night, studying and researching. That, or she'll be bouncing off the walls like Pinkie Pie." She brought a hoof to her mouth and lightly giggled.
While the Royal Crystaller sat down, he straightened his robe and got comfy, exchanging a short laugh with Starlight, "Despite all that's happening right now, I think the future's gonna look bright for her. Once this whole... Uh... Ordeal ends, of course." He stayed positive, brushing down his beard with a hoof, his smile still intact.
"Yeah..." The lilac unicorn rolled her eyes back to the statue, her smile fading, failing to match with Sunburst who had noticed the sudden change in her expression. With a sigh, she continued, "A lot has happened. I want to say a lot of good things, but everything's just been rubbish, bad or just awful!"
"You don't like being here?" Sunburst asked concern, as well as confusion, raising in his expression.
"What?!" She winced, looking aghast. "No, don't get me wrong." She allayed while swaying her hooves up and down to try and prevent any form of misunderstanding. "I love being here, the Crystal Empire feels like an entirely new world from the rest of Equestria and I don't think I could ever get tired of hanging out with my first and best friend." She stated with a smile, however, it was short lasted.
Once again, her gaze turned back to the ground, letting sadness take over, "But when I heard about the attack on Manehatten, from Twilight getting hurt while trying to stop that maniac's contraption. A lot's been on my mind." She raised her gaze from the pure grass and stared at the statue of her friend once again. "Now, only a few hours ago... We get another message just to hear about another friend who got hurt."
Following her gaze, Sunburst directed his attention to the statue of Spike, happily and heroicly holding the Crystal Heart in his claw. With a look of sympathy crossing over his gaze, he put his focus back on Starlight, at first, his voice trembled.
"I'm... I'm sorry about what happened, I'm sorry about Spike..."
"It's alright, there's no reason for you to be sorry though, Sunburst," Starlight eased. "It's just... After hearing about what happened, I can't help but wonder why anypony- or anyone... Would want to hurt Spike. He's done nothing wrong. I mean, from what Twilight told me before he left, they had a bit of falling out, she said she had never seen him look so... Distraught before he ran off. We thought he'd been living the life he chose, but when we got the message after Twilight saved Manehatten, at first, I was relieved to hear something about him. The relief didn't last long when I found out that psycho had him."
"If I'm being honest, Starlight... I never really got know Spike all that well, I mean, I knew he was Princess Twilight's assistant."
"Number one assistant," Starlight corrected with a smile.
"Oh," Sunburst reformed his sentence, sharing a chuckle. "I knew he was Princess Twilight's number one assistant and saviour of the Crystal Empire, but they were just titles. From the sound of things, he seemed like a nice dragon."
"He's a great friend, Sunburst, just like you." She complimented, causing the Crystaller to respond with a sheepish smile. "He's dedicated, faithful, funny and just..." There, Starlight stopped and admitted defeat with a shrug. "I could go on... He would always please his friends, stick by them, I mean, he motivated me to see you again when I was having doubts during the Crystalling, do you remember that day?"
"How could I forget, that was one hectic day... One hectic day I am truly grateful for," Sunburst thought back as his eyes twinkled, just like the stars above. "It's hard to believe that not long ago I was constantly worrying about not being able to amount to anything. That I would achieve nothing and all my knowledge in magic would have been a complete waste. I really am grateful for that day, but more importantly..." He pointed his head back at Starlight. "I'm glad we were able to restore our friendship."
"I'm grateful for that day too," Starlight happily expressed. "I owe a lot to Twilight and her friends." The unicorn's expression shifted a little as a thought stroked over her mind, causing her smile to wobble, but pick itself back up as she spoke, "I gotta say, kind of funny how we're both tied to royalty now. You being a Royal Crystaller-"
"And you being Princess Twilight's personal protégé," He interjected. "I guess it is kinda funny how we both took different paths just to wind up on the same one." Sunburst relieved a hearty chortle, one that was quick to dwindle as remorse took over his expression.
Playing around with his hooves, he dropped them back down and built up his voice, setting free his doubts as he swayed his head, his beard following his movement, "I'm- I'm... I'm really sorry I left without saying anything to you. I knew if I-"
Before he could go on, Starlight brought up her hoof and mildly pressed it against his mouth, preventing him from speaking any further.
"Sunburst, seriously, that's all in the past." She pulled back her hoof and allowed it to rest while empathy seated in her eyes. "There's no need for apologies and besides, you've already apologised, like, three times." She nudged him.
"Oh." His face washed with embarrassment while stammering a little. "S- So I did." Regaining his composure, he looked up to the night sky as his sight travelled past Princess Cadence's magic barrier, gazing at the stars. "It's a beautiful night, wouldn't you agree?"
"Totally. The stars are trying their best to be noticed tonight, although, it is kind of hard to admire them with this barrier over us." She commented.
"I'm glad we could assist Princess Cadence with her magic, she's done terrific keeping the empire safe."
Just as the two unicorns adored the night sky, their gaze towards the stars disconnected when they heard the sound of guards travel past them, passing by them with ease as they carried on with their patrol.
"Y-You know..." Sunburst said, his sight breaking away from the guards. "I thought we'd be the only ponies up tonight, I understand the guards, but..." Immediately, the wizard stared at Starlight, noticing that she was in a world of her own.
"Starlight?"
The lilac unicorn's stare travelled beyond the statue of Spike, catching a glimpse of something mystical and eerie, moving... However, her focus broke when Sunburst's hoof slowly flailed in front of her eyes, snapping her back into reality.
"Huh, what?" She spoke in a rather confused manner.
"You okay? It seemed like you drifted off there for a second."
"Oh, no, I'm fine," Starlight assured, turning back, her gaze travelling beyond the statue once again, only to find that whatever she was looking at, was gone. "Just... Something caught my eye, but I..." Before she could go on, a yawn had broken her sentence.
"Heh," Sunburst chuckled. "Looks like sleepiness finally caught up with you. It is rather late, perhaps we should get some shut-eye."
"Yeah, okay." She acknowledged, rising from the patch of grass in unison with her friend. "Hey, Sunburst. This... This was nice. It certainly eased my worries a little, so... Thanks." She sent a warm smile.
"I enjoyed tonight as well." He eased, motioning his hoof. "I'm sure Princess Twilight is going to put a stop to this breakout the changelings are planning. After all, she is a brilliant pony." He said, taking lead as he made way to the entrance of the Crystal Castle.
A dainty smile rose across Starlight's face as she followed just behind her friend with ease, "Yeah... She is." The unicorn breathed, making her way inside the crystal spire.
Within the cavernous throne room of the Crystal Castle, clean, bright and lustrous, the throne that belonged to the Princess of Love was empty, looking lonely as did the whole room. Only two souls lingered in the spacious room. A mother and her daughter.
Princess Cadence's mind was wrapped like a gift, supplying many thoughts on hope, but also fear, it began to fill her with discomfort as she stared out of one of the many throne room's windows, gazing off into the distance. Much like Starlight, the recent message she had received from the Royal Sisters pained her. Anxiety trembled into her, she couldn't help but worry for Twilight and her friends, for Spike... For her husband.
Angry with the changelings, with Chrysalis, with Fright, her thoughts couldn't hover away. She feared the worst when hearing about the announcement and adding onto that fear, her husband had to guard Tartarus against their enemies from a planned breakout. The alicorn had not seen Shining Armour for quite some time and it hurt to be this far apart. True, she had complete faith in her husband that he would defend that prison from any attacks with all his might, but after hearing of Spike's torment, his suffering... Anyone could be next.
Noting a worried look, the alicorn whispered to herself.
"Please... Please be okay."
Although her mind had taken on many thoughts, it did not slip as she kept her baby close, her foreleg around the young alicorn. The worried look Cadence provided vanished when she heard Flurry Heart happily giggling to herself. She looked down and bestowed a motherly smile upon her child.
"Bah! Ba-ba-bah!"
When collecting her mother's attention, the baby alicorn appeared ecstatic, reaching her tiny hooves up into the air, wanting to make contact with her carer's face. Everything about Flurry Heart's face, her emotions... It just pictured happiness, delight and complete bliss. Her wide eyes projected joy as her amused smile failed to fade.
Cadence giggled in tune with her daughter, she was glad that her child could remain unaware of the fear and chaos that spread.
"You've been very good today sweetie," Cadence lightened her voice, putting on a delicate tone that thrilled her baby. "Yes you have and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings."
Flurry Heart's delighted burbling came to a sudden stop when her eyes closed, her mouth opened wide as she unleashed a yawn, sleepiness now filling the baby alicorn's eyes as her happy fidgetting ceased.
"I'm surprised you managed to stay awake this late, my little darling." She continued in a whisper, her voice still crammed with comfort as she gently and slowly rocked the foal.
There wasn't much hesitation in Flurry Heart's eyes as her eyelids began to droop, failing to stay awake. All of the energy the young alicorn possessed had faded, finally allowing herself to rest, secure and resting against the hoof of her mother.
The Crystal Princess looked down at her daughter, even though her eyes had sealed shut, her motherly smile did not die. Once again, her thoughts began to swell about Shining Armour.
'I bet your father misses you so much.' She thought to herself. 'I hope he's okay.'
"Your Highness?"
Snapping out of her thoughts and turning away from the throne room's open window, Cadence's eyes widened, bestowing upon the two unicorns, Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, patiently waiting in the centre of the throne room.
It occurred to the Princess of Love that she had been gazing out into the distance for quite some time, that and allowing Flurry Heart to absorb her attention. Breaking away from her position, moving carefully with three legs while the right foreleg supported the baby alicorn, she approached the two unicorns.
"Starlight," Cadence greeted quietly while nodding her head, then turning to the Royal Crystaller. "Sunburst. You know there's no need for you two to be so formal. We're all friends here."
"Right," Starlight shimmered shyly.
"Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine," Sunburst spoke. "Starlight and I were just about to get some sleep. Is there anything you'd like us to do before we turn ourselves in for the night?"
"You two have done plenty today." The princess settled. "I appreciate your help and company these past few days. I have to admit, it's been a little difficult without Shining here and I don't think I could have kept this barrier up for this long without both your knowledge of magic."
"We are the ones who are grateful, Princess," Starlight bowed her head, shooting herself back up and showing a look of embarrassment. "Oh right, the whole formal thing and all that jazz... Sorry." She let off a quiet, nervous laugh.
Cadence couldn't help but chortle, still gently rocking the baby alicorn.
"Just know, you two have played a big part in keeping the Crystal Empire safe." The alicorn said. "I thank you both for your bravery and dedication."
"We're just glad to help," Starlight said.
"I-I wouldn't dream of questioning your decisions, Princess," Sunburst spoke. "But are you sure you wouldn't like to let one of us substitute your position and cast the barrier for tonight."
"Thank you, Sunburst, but I'll be fine," Cadence assured. "But could you put Flurry Heart to bed?"
"Of course." The wizard adjusted his glasses and bobbed his head.
Slowly, the alicorn approached Sunburst, allowing him to take possession of the infant as she whispered, "She's sound asleep so be gentle."
Carefully, Sunburst held Flurry Heart close just like Cadence did, his dangling beard somehow managing not to brush against the foal's mane. With a bright smile, he quietly said, "I'll make sure she's all tucked in. Goodnight, Princess Cadence." And then turning to the other unicorn. "Goodnight, Starlight. I'll see you both in the morning."
"We'll see you in the morning, Sunburst," Starlight waved her hoof.
"Goodnight," Princess Cadence said.
Just as Sunburst left the crystal throne room, Starlight was about to leave, "Well, I suppose I should be heading off now. Are you sure you don't need anything?" She asked, raising a hoof.
"I'm fine, Starlight." The alicorn nodded. "You and Sunburst are really thoughtful and you've done plenty today. But I do believe I should be the one asking you that question."
At first, slightly confused, the lilac unicorn leaned her head a little, her expression only carrying a puzzled look.
Extending her foreleg outwards, gently placing her hoof under Starlight's chin, Cadence offered a sympathetic look, "I just want to know if you're doing okay." She said worryingly, lowering her hoof back down. "I don't think any of us wanted things to happen this way."
In response, Starlight sighed, "I'm... I'm managing." She assured. "It's just hard to believe that this is all happening." Growing frustrated, she pulled herself back a little. "It just baffles me why anyone would want to hurt Spike." Still, she remained disheartened, her ears dropping down as sadness consumed her. "I hope Twilight's doing alright. I'd hate to see how she's taking this. I know how much Spike means to her."
"I know, he's a good dragon and friend. The number of times he was there for Twilight was astonishing. He was always faithful to her, no matter what. The crystal ponies look up to him and I think they'd be crushed if they knew about this," Cadence ached. "But Twilight's strong, she's picked herself up countless times and now, the changelings, Queen Chrysalis and this damaged alchemist have gone too far. I know she'll put a stop to whatever their scheming."
"That's what I'm worried about though." A grave look wiped over Starlight's eyes.
This time, it was Cadence's turn to bear a puzzled look, "I'm sorry, Starlight. But I'm afraid I don't understand."
Nonchalantly, she lowered her head down. With trouble, the unicorn's mouth failed to work until she pushed herself to speak, "I... I have complete faith that Twilight will succeed against the changelings, but when she took me in as her student, she always taught me that friendship was the way to solve problems..." She looked up the alicorn with a face that conveyed discomfort. "But what if this is a problem that can't be solved by friendship?"
Princess Cadence listened carefully, a look of concern filling her eyes, "I understand how you feel." The alicorn soothed. "Twilight and her friends have accomplished so much and I, too, have faith that they'll succeed against our enemies. I hate to say it, but maybe redemption is possible for Queen Chrysalis and this damaged alchemist, but now... They need to be apprehended for their crimes. For what they did to Manehatten, to Spike and for the breakout they're trying to cause."
Still, Starlight remained disheartened, her ears dropping down as sadness consumed her, "It's because of Twilight, I managed to guide myself back onto the right path, reunite with my best friend and make some new ones along the way. I just hope she doesn't lose sight of how things can be after all this."
"We've all made sacrifices during this time of crisis," Cadence confessed. "The ponies of Manehatten have lost their homes, friends have been separated as well as loved ones." Her gaze drifted off to the window, staring out into the open, cold night, but promptly, pivoting her head back to Starlight's position. "As for Twilight, she's the Princess of Friendship and a shining star to many, so believe me when I say she'll never lose sight of how to help those in need. Neither will her friends and neither will you." She finished with a smile.
Seeing the Crystal Princess smile, hearing her words of comfort in her comforting voice cushioned the unicorn's thoughts. Finally, Starlight lifted herself up from her slouched position and stood upright, responding to the alicorn with her own smile. Her eyes filled with ease as the feeling of anxiety departed.
"Thanks, Princess." The unicorn softened her gaze, her voice erasing any sign of worriment.
With her smile unbroken, Cadence's eyes shimmered as she retracted a step from the unicorn, "A lot has happened today and you deserve your rest, I hope you sleep well, Starlight. There's a lot to do in the morning and I'm going to need you and Sunburst to keep an eye on Flurry."
"That won't be a problem," Starlight stated, a little too confident as she stretched a smile. "Have a good night, Princess and thanks again."
"And you too, Starlight." The alicorn nodded her head.
Still keeping a small smile, the unicorn made her way out of the throne room, leaving the Crystal Princess to ponder. It had been a long day.
As Starlight left, Cadence's posture dropped a little as memories of her husband began to crowd her brain, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake away the thoughts of Shining Armour, she desperately wanted to see him again, she wanted to see her sister-in-law, too.
Motioning her hooves, the Crystal Princess calmly made her way out of the throne room, her legs felt weak, tired from working, protecting and worrying. If she had been working any longer, her expression would have fallen from her face, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She had complete faith that the Royal Sisters, Twilight, Shining Armour and the rest would put an end to this crisis and all would be restored, the many thoughts of a brighter future couldn't help but lift a smile on the alicorn. The alicorn was impatient for Shining Armour's return, she couldn't wait for her whole family to come together again.
Finally, Starlight Glimmer drifted off into sleep, floating in a pit of slumber, not a speck of unhealthy thoughts invading her dreams. She was provided with her own room, much like Sunburst, although, he did have his own house, he was assured that he could stay in the castle.
Thanks to the two unicorns, their research on magic guided Cadence into learning a new spell. With great effort, she could keep the barrier around the empire while sleeping, but it wouldn't last long, she had already taken up most of her energy since the attack on Manehatten, it was quite a surprise to herself that she managed to keep the barrier active for this long. Cadence knew her magic was fading, she needed to rest and to let her energy increase. Starlight or Sunburst would have to substitute in keeping the Crystal Empire secure until the Crystal Princess regained her strength.
Sleeping soundly, safe and secure, the servants of the Crystal Palace fell into a peaceful slumber, much like the rest of the ponies secured in the empire. The servants of the Crystal Palace were fast asleep, safe and sound, much like the rest of the ponies secured in the empire. Although, the Night Watch kept a lookout for trouble, despite the barrier they were safe within.
After a few minutes, the pink alicorn directed her way through the frosted, icy halls, her mind was switching on and off, one moment she was thinking deeply, the next she was on auto-pilot, passing by the guards that patrolled the castle. Something about the interior of the Crystal Palace felt angelic as the alicorn travelled through the elongated corridors, colours of blue and white dancing with each other on the walls, mixing together in beautiful patterns.
Snapping out of her stream of thoughts, realisation sparked as she stopped herself to examine the double doors that belonged to Flurry Heart's room. Puzzled, Cadence couldn't help but notice that both doors were slightly open. Light on her hooves, she gently approached the entrance and studied the room through the slightly open gap of the two doors, not making a sound in the process.
Much to her delight and relief, the princess' eyes absorbed the sight of Flurry Heart's round, crystal crib. She could make out the little lump taking refuge underneath the bright, yellow blanket, concealed from the rest of the world, resting against the aqua, comfy pillow and soft mattress.
Cadence sighed softly, relieved that nothing had happened to her daughter. But seeing her now, the alicorn couldn't resist double checking.
Still, she remained light on her hooves and gently pushed one of the double doors open, slipping into the crystal-dome like room which was Flurry Heart's own little nursery. The room was usually luminous, seeing it the whole place dimmed always made Cadence feel odd for some reason, it wasn't like this for all places, just Flurry Heart's room.
Doing everything in her power to not wake up her daughter, she trod carefully, passing by the squiggly lines that stuck to the nursery's wall, all of them taking the form of curly trees that would usually be seen in dreams.
Calm, Cadence approached the baby alicorn's bed and peered down at the sight of the yellow blanket, concealing the infant. A heavenly smile rose on the pink alicorn's face, happy to be gifted with such a wonderful daughter. This happiness that wrapped around the princess' heart like a bow on a Christmas present didn't last long. Much like every wrapped present, it was soon torn to shreds.
Something didn't feel right... Not to the Crystal Princess.
The way she lifted her hoof from the floor was delicate, gently placing it against the top bit of the blanket and slowly, pulling it down. Much to her surprise, her daughter wasn't there, just her arranged, colourful teddies, slumped against the pillow and mattress.
Shock slowly sharpened its way into the princess as her heart skipped a beat when realising her child wasn't there. Shifting into a state of alarm as she turned wide-eyed, any bit of sleepiness erased from her panicked expression. Erratically, she tore herself away from her position and looked across the crib.
"Flurry?!" She called out in a frenzy.
The next thing Cadence heard froze her solid like a statue.
"Shhh..."
Her composure shattered like glass when she noticed her child missing from her crib, but hearing the eerie, distorted, quiet murmur made her feel sick, rotting the core of her stomach.
She feared to turn around, to locate the creature that ordered silence.
Bit by bit, she worked up the courage to pivot her head and soon, the whole of her body. With horror, she turned to the end of the room, across the crib's end where the intruder stood, in possession of the baby alicorn. His legs were crooked, his feet and claws were sharp and his face was nothing but a mask that was barren of any emotion. Smoothy, his long, keen tail remained still, much like the princess herself.
Over Flurry Heart's horn were little clumps of dark crystals, a blockade for her magic.
Taking in the sight, Cadence trembled, her breathing shaking, but remained quiet, failing to locate any words, almost as if speaking felt new to her like a baby.
There, he stood. Armoured, sharp and frightening, The Hunter stood tall at the end of the crystal dome-like room, his pale, skull of a mask not even looking at the princess, but the sleeping baby alicorn that rested tranquilly against his arm as he held her carefully, his other claw slowly hovering over the infant's face, but it didn't look like he was trying to harm her, but comfort the infant he now obtained.
"Don't wake her..." His whisper crept from across the room.
It pained Cadence to see Flurry Heart in the possession of this monster, but a part of her was thankful that she was still sleeping, unaware of what was holding her. The Crystal Princess wanted to say something, anything that would make this intruder go away, she forced her words out, wanting to sound bold, but it came across as more of a frail whimper.
"Wh-Who-"
Before she could even push out her question, The Hunter promptly answered.
"It doesn't matter who I am." He quietly responded, almost like he cared about the baby he held, not wanting to wake her up much like Cadence. "All that matters is that you listen to every word I say and try your best to understand."
"How did you get in?" Cadence stepped forth, boldness finally stepping into the alicorn. "What do you want from me?"
The Hunter remained silent, nonchalantly looking down at the infant that relaxed in his arm, her eyes sealed shut, softly breathing in her blissful sleep.
The other claw that hovered over her daughter's face was making Cadence uneasy, it was already uncomfortable that he was holding her and distressing that he infiltrated the palace.
"Put her down!" Cadence ordered, anger taking control over her expression, but despite her tone, her voice remained shaken.
Surprisingly, her command failed to wake up Flurry Heart, however, she did squirm a little, but The Hunter lifted her up a little and brought his other claw down, his sharp, index finger tenderly brushing down against her mane which comforted the sleeping child.
Her feelings were mixed up, she was mitigated that The Hunter didn't do anything drastic, but the way he comforted Flurry Heart only taunted her.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Cadence." He finally answered. "She's needed elsewhere."
Hearing his explanation only pushed the alicorn deeper down into a trench of fear, anger and agitation.
"You're not taking her anywhere! Why in Equestria would you even need her?!" She grew exasperated, her heart beating faster by the second.
"You don't deserve any of this." His void-like eyes looked back up to the princess. "You of all ponies, you don't deserve the terror that's to come. But Twilight... She needs to suffer!"
Stepping back a little in horror, Cadence stammered, "You're... You're with them... With Chrysalis. With Fright." The alicorn narrowed her eyes.
"No harm will come to your daughter, I assure you."
"Do you expect me to believe you?! After breaking into my daughter's bedroom and who you're helping?!" Cadence answered with frustration. "And after tonight, Twilight's suffered enough."
"Oh, I'm sure she has," The Hunter answered sarcastically, sounding irked as he tilted his head a little, the spikes around his mask shaking like a rattlesnake's tail. "I'm sure the Princess of Friendship knows what it's like to be afraid with friends and family constantly by her side. No matter how hard things get for her, she'll just pick herself back up, but not this time. I'll make sure of it."
"You don't know what she's been through, what we've all be through!"
"Oh, I do." He interjected with a growl. "I've endured my reality being twisted inside and out because of her. After Fright's done making an example out of her, I'll make sure she suffers properly, along with her friends. Then, we'll see Twilight try and pick herself up after I'm done."
"I'm sorry this has to happen, Cadence," The Hunter apologised, his tail lifting to his side and gently wrapping around the baby alicorn, taking her away from his grasp. "But like I said before, no harm will come to your daughter. I'll make sure of it."
The Hunter's tail now took hold of a sleeping Flurry Heart, it swayed to the side of him and remaining upwards from the floor.
"Buh..." The baby alicorn burbled.
Upon hearing the murmuring the baby produced, still deep in her sleep, The Hunter's head turned to her like a cog.
This was it. Cadence had found an opening. With The Hunter's attention placed elsewhere, she was quick to act. Using her magic, she levitated a nearby nightstand and threw it at the intruder. She didn't want to hurt Flurry Heart in the process and luckily, she didn't... But The Hunter needed to be stopped from taking away her child.
Failing to react in time, the nightstand thrown at him collided with his mask, knocking him back as he unleashed a growl in anger.
Aiming for his tail, Cadence flew towards him with great speed, but this time, with no distractions, The Hunter threw himself from the wall, raising his clawed foot and kicking the Crystal Princess back towards the crib.
Not wasting any time, acting fast, The Hunter proceeded to get down on his claws and feet, crawling with great speed, much like a spider, making his way out of the nursery with the baby alicorn secured and wrapped in his tail, remarkably, still sleeping, but leaving a hurt Cadence panicking and worrying, quickly getting herself up and leaving the room, following the intruder.
As she exited the nursery and into the dimmed corridors of the Crystal Palace, she watched The Hunter escape from her sight.
"Guards... Guards!" The alicorn shouted in distress and absolute terror, the look of dread now infiltrating her eyes as her shaken voice nearly woke everyone up in the Crystal Palace.
With a sudden, sharp jolt, her eyes snapping wide open, fully awake and alert, Starlight rose from her bed and glanced around her dark room, emerging from her comfortable slumber. She picked up the sound of hooves rapidly stomping against the floor through the corridors, just outside her room. From what she heard, the noise sounded like a group of ponies in a rush.
Disoriented, confused and alarmed, she bounced out of her bed and opened the door, stepping out into the corridor as she witnessed many of the crystal guards bolt down the hall.
Starlight hiked a brow and grew worried, questions raising in her head, wanting to know what was happening. The answers she formed were frightening herself. Carefully, she motioned a hoof up towards one of the guards passing by, hoping to question one of them, but before she could speak, a familiar voice reached out to her.
"Starlight!"
Whirling herself around, the unicorn watched as her friend Sunburst hurried towards her door, nearly out of breath, looking terrified. His glasses were slightly tilted and his robe looked was loosened a little.
"Sunburst." She spoke, perplexed, her eyes darting back and forth from the guards that past by her and back towards him. "What's going on?"
"It's- It's..." He tried to speak, but fear gripped his throat. "There's an intruder in the palace! He's taken Flurry Heart!"
"What?!" Starlight threw her head back, any speck of sleep shaking off her eyes, her worried expression matching Sunburst's. "Where's Cadence?"
"I don't know, I just woke up and heard the news." He answered, fixing his glasses back into position.
"Well we can't just stand here and talk about, we have to help! Come on!" The lilac unicorn exclaimed, spinning herself around and following the guards without hesitation.
"Starlight, wait!" Sunburst threw his hoof towards his friend but failing to get her attention. Not wasting any time, he followed the valiant unicorn.
If the furious stomping of guards rushing through the corridors didn't wake anyone in the Crystal Palace, then surely, the alarmed shouting did. At this point, everyone had been alerted of the intrusion. From left to right, guards were stationed all over the palace, preparing to encounter the intruder. Moving like a stampede, many of the guards were right behind The Hunter, charging at him.
"Stop him!"
Showing no sign of stopping, The Hunter continued to evade his pursuers. He leapt from wall to wall, down the many corridors of the Crystal Palace, still on all fours as he moved like a Timberwolf, his tail high in the air, keeping Flurry Heart away from those who tried to grab her.
Coming into view, four guards blocked his path and one of the unicorns looked as if he was ready to fire at him until one of the other guards warned him not to.
"Don't! You could hurt the princess!"
Still wrapped in his tail, Flurry Heart was awake and happily giggling, blissful and oblivious of what was happening, enjoying the ride as she was being swayed back and forth by her abductor, almost as if she was enjoying a ride on a swingset.
Bravely, the guards stood their ground and refused to move, almost acting as a barricade against their enemy.
Without warning, he threw Flurry Heart into the air, over the guards which made their faces drop in worriment. Rather than putting their attention on The Hunter, all of their focus was targeted on the baby alicorn, moving back a little in hopes to catch her.
The Hunter's body began to shift, completely vanishing into smoke, leaving behind a misty trail, slithering like a snake. Swiftly, he passed through the guards, tripping them all up, all of their bodies hitting their ground with a thud.
Easily, he took back his original form and landed on his feet, his claws scraping along the crystal floor that produced a discomforting screech, forcing himself to stop. Quickly, his head jolted up and caught the cheerful baby alicorn he had thrown into the air, securing her safely in his tail. Still, Flurry Heart was throwing her tiny hooves into the air, cheerily laughing.
Spinning his head around, he watched the many guards behind him continue their charge. They all displayed faces of determination and anger towards him, much like his own resilience, they didn't stop. Acting fast, The Hunter gripped one of the unicorns he tripped up with his clawed foot, throwing him at his pursuers.
The unfortunate guard was sent hurtling down the corridor with a scream, colliding with his comrades as it bought The Hunter enough time to escape from their sight. Quickly, he slipped around the corner, almost nearing his exit.
Slowly, the guards rose from the ground, regaining their senses.
"Quick! We have to-"
The guards that had managed to get up placed their attention on Princess Cadence, who leapt over them. They never witnessed their ruler move so fast. The alicorn moved with fear, but fury as well, gliding down the halls, carrying on with her chase.
Finally, she turned the corner where she located The Hunter evading the guards that stood before him, gripping their chests and throwing them to the walls.
His head flung back up in the direction of where Cadence stood, quickly returning back to his escape, fleeing down the stairs with Flurry Heart still enveloped in his tail. The fact that he still had her continued to taunt the princess.
The guards that were defeated rose their heads from the ground, letting out hurt groans, but their eyes widened when witnessing the speed of their princess bolt past them, following the intruder down the stairs.
Like an insect creeping and crawling, The Hunter travelled down the crystal, half-pace stairs, turning the corner smoothly while Cadence failed to control her speed, crashing into the wall with a thud. However, this failed to stop the princess, she simply leapt from the wall and down the remaining stairs, her teeth gritting against each other, her pupils on fire, her eyes raging against the monster, carrying on with her pursuit.
When reaching the end of the stairs, The Hunter bounced from the final step and into the centre of the main corridor, turning back around as his passionless eyes targeted Cadence, who was only inches away from him until he swiftly grabbed her by the neck, heaving her back towards the stairs.
Maintaining her ground as she slid on her hooves, the alicorn responded with a growl, furiously shouting, "Let her go!"
In response, The Hunter's spikes began to rattle as he lifted his claw, smoke emitting around his dagger-like fingers.
Within the darkened, main chamber of the Crystal Palace, Cadence's attention was drawn just below her, when she noticed a dark cloud forming just below her hooves. Instantly, all four of her hooves were stuck to the floor, almost as if something was restraining her. Greatly, she flailed her wings in hopes to lift herself from the ground but remained unsuccessful.
Desperately, the Crystal Princess tried to teleport out of her restraints, but she couldn't perform the spell, her horn only flickered like a broken light bulb. Keeping up the barrier had used up most of her magic.
The trapped alicorn's breathing grew erratic, she became stressed as her eyes widened in fear, shaking her head, tears forming as she pleaded, "Please... Please! Don't take her from me!"
Resting in the wrapped tail of her abductor, Flurry Heart began to cry, bawling just like a baby would, she tried to set free her wings but failed.
"I really don't want to do this, Cadence," The Hunter spoke rather wistfully, tilting his head in sorrow. "But this is how it's gotta be. I promise you, your child will not be harmed..."
Cadence struggled greatly, fidgeting from left to right as she tried to desperately pull herself from the smoked ground that restrained her.
"...But Twilight needs to pay!" He growled, his voice thickened with hate.
Unexpectedly, The Hunter felt a surge of pain, burning against his back as an unknown unicorn fired at him. He stumbled forward a little, still keeping ahold of the crying baby in his tail. Angered, he tightened his fist with the rattle of his spikes shaking around his mask as he released an irritated growl.
Speedily, he swung himself around, ready to punch the guard who stood in his way.
This was no soldier, but Starlight. She presented a look of horror as she flinched, retracting her position a little as she looked away, gripping her eyes shut, expecting the agony that was to come.
"Starlight!" Sunburst shouted, just entering the room, horrified.
Frozen, Starlight held her hoof a little from the ground, completely afraid to open her eyes. She had hoped her blast would loosen his grip on Flurry Heart, but all it seemed to do was anger him. Despite this, the pain she imagined never came.
Slowly and reluctantly, the unicorn allowed her eyes to unlock, opening them. Starlight was muddled at the sight of the intruder, it looked as if he was ready to strike her, but he held himself back, trembling a little. Hesitating.
"Starlight..." He spoke, lowering his fist down.
The lilac unicorn remained how she was, but her face washed over with confusion. Her mouth hung slightly open, lifting a brow. Although she had just met this demonic creature, Starlight couldn't but notice that the way he was acting was odd, considering he had no problem dealing with the guards.
'Why is he just standing there?' Starlight thought to herself.
This moment of silence, discomforting and eerie, shattered when Sunburst's distressed voice called out, snapping the two out of their state and turning to the crystaller.
"Quick! He's in here!" The orange unicorn alerted, the sound of multiple hooves approaching.
The Hunter heard well of the guards approaching. Nonchalantly, he raised his sharp claws, smoke dancing around his blade-like fingers, casting some sort of spell.
Before the guards came into view, dark crystals began to appear in the open doorway, sticking and forming together like a spider's web, cutting off reinforcements. Before the passage was completely closed off by the swarming, murky crystals, Sunburst tried to enter, dragging his robe, but failed to enter.
"Starli-" His voice was cut off the moment all entrances leading into the main chamber were sealed.
"Sunburst!" Starlight exclaimed, her head twisting from left to right, noticing all passages barricaded by The Hunter's power.
Angered, standing her ground, the unicorn turned back to her enemy, her eyes forming like daggers as her horn began to glow, enveloped in a teal blanket of magic.
"I don't know what you're planning, but you're trapped in here with us. There's no way out, just give up Flurry Heart and go!"
Despite Starlight's warning, The Hunter looked beyond her. She turned back to notice that the entrance to the balcony was still open, one way out for the intruder.
Growing anxious, she looked back. Her eyes widened as if she was being haunted. As worriment began to bubble within the unicorn, her scared pupils raced towards Flurry Heart, bawling. Behind them, Cadence struggled, trying to set herself free from The Hunter's restraint, refusing to give up, fighting the smoke that gripped her hooves and wings from moving.
The Hunter took one step and promptly, Starlight stood in his way, denying his escape as she stood tall, although, she didn't reach the same level as the threat.
"Don't even think about it!" She shouted. "Give back Flurry Heart, then you might be able to leave."
The Hunter spoke softly, "I don't want to hurt you, Starlight. I don't want to hurt Cadence and I don't want to hurt Flurry Heart." He told, gently swaying his tail back and forth as if he was trying to comfort the crying baby alicorn. "This needs to happen, so move."
"What needs to happen?" She arched a brow, riddled by his response. "More pain? More Fear?" The confusion in her eyes was momentary. "There's enough of that going around! If you really don't want to hurt Cadence or Flurry Heart, then stop this. Just give up and leave!" The unicorn ordered, completely fixated on the intruder.
"Starlight. Move. Now," The Hunter ordered, taking another step towards her.
Intimidated, the lilac unicorn stood her ground, "The whole palace has been alerted, you can't possibly escape the empire!"
"Wanna bet?"
"This isn't a game!" Starlight barked, frustration filling her voice. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?!"
"I'm doing what's right!" The Hunter argued, pushing himself forward towards the unicorn that obstructed his path.
"By stealing a baby from her own mother!" Starlight shouted. "How is that right? How is any of this right?" The unicorn threw her hoof towards the captured baby. "Look at her... Look at them." She commanded.
Easily, The Hunter followed the command and stirred his head to the baby alicorn he held in his lengthy tail. Her crying had eased, but the frightened tears remained in her soft, puddled eyes. Although he kept the crying child comfortable, she continued to cry and fuss and squirm, resilient on letting her wings break free from his grasp, all while murmuring uncomfortably.
From the crying child he had tried to take, The Hunter turned himself around like Starlight commanded, his deadpan eyes absorbing the desperation, the struggle and fear that enthralled Cadence as she tried to break free from the restraining spell he had cursed upon her.
The Crystal Princess' eyes dripped with tears, staring back at The Hunter as she trembled, hanging her mouth open a little in apprehension. Cadence weakly shook her head, her voice reduced to a frightened whisper as she pleaded, "Please... Please don't."
Starlight's pupils shivered as she watched as the intruded take in the image of the two alicorns he was hurting and right now, she hoped this creature was coming to his senses. Her heartbeat echoed through her ears and The Hunter's silence only made her feel anxious.
Finally, he turned back to Starlight and dropped his posture a little.
This time, it was her turn to take a step forward, "You said you didn't want to hurt them, so don't." She eased, gently bringing a hoof up a little. "Do the right thing and give Flurry Heart back."
"I..." The Hunter began, at first, his voice was soft, but it was quick to flow with hatred as he clenched his claws. "I'm not doing this to hurt them... Just Twilight."
The way his voice changed only alerted Starlight, but she kept her composure and continue to reason with him.
Starlight spoke but stammered a little, "Wh- Whatever resentment you have against Twilight, it doesn't need to be like this. She's the Princess of Friendship, she can fix whatever problem you have, it's what she does."
"She had her chance to help," The Hunter shouted. "Now move!"
At this point, her words were going nowhere. She presented a scowl against her enemy. Carefully, she looked back to the wailing baby and aimed her horn at The Hunter's mask, focusing her fire as she unleashed a powerful blast.
For a brief moment, The Hunter's upper body became smoke, the magic Starlight had fired at him travelled through the smoke. Transforming back, he swiped his claw in the air, firing back at her.
Before the unicorn could process his attack, she felt something cold latch onto her horn, blocking all use of her magic as an aching sensation pulsed through her head. Starlight threw her head up and unlocked a groan from her mouth. Placing both hooves against her head, she gave a worried look, nearly collapsing to the floor. She tried to use her magic, but the dark crystals swarming over her horn prevented any use of spells.
"My horn! I can't use- What did you do?!" Starlight demanded with a shout.
"It'll wear off," The Hunter informed, walking past the weakened unicorn. "I didn't want to do that, not to you. But you can't stop this." He raised his tail a little, keeping Flurry Heart away from the unicorn.
The baby alicorn began to push her hooves towards her mother the moment she was getting further away from her, blubbering and wanting to be free.
In the grasp of panic, Cadence's eyes remained widened, her pupils dilated as she watched The Hunter nearing the balcony, ready to make his escape. With her mind flaming, scared out of her mind, she did whatever she could to break free from the inky restraints that chained her hooves and wings to the floor. Despite her effort, every attempt failed, it only exhausted her.
"No! Don't!" Cadence cried. "Please don't take her from me!"
She tried to teleport again, but whatever spell she tried to use to break free only ended with her head aching. Keeping a barrier around the Crystal Empire had drained most of her energy.
Scared just as much as Cadence, Starlight twisted her head from the struggling alicorn to The Hunter. Quickly, she leapt from the ground, charging at the monster who was ready to escape.
Hearing the sound of hooves stomping against the floor, he quickly turned around to the unicorn who pursued him. Before he had stepped out onto the balcony, he raised his clawed foot and gripped Starlight's head, bringing her to a sudden halt, unable to move any further.
The way she was held in place only prevented her from moving, she felt no pain, nothing of the sort. She clenched her teeth, trying to push herself forward, desperately hoping to break free her magic from The Hunter's restriction.
"Please, just stay down," The Hunter advised, speaking softly. "This is punishment and nothing can change that."
He released the defiant unicorn with a push, sliding her across the room as if she was in an ice rink. Before Starlight knew it, she was back in the centre of the chamber, slipping over herself. It was uncomfortable to hear Cadence pleading and fearfully struggling to break free, sobbing as the intruder was ready to leave.
"Starlight, please!" The alicorn cried. "Do something!"
Frantically, Starlight turned away from the restrained princess and watched as The Hunter placed his foot on the golden railing, ready to leave. She watched as the baby alicorn cried, trying to reach her while wiggling her tiny hooves.
Anxiety, paranoia, fear. It was all sitting within Starlight. She had trouble breathing, she had trouble moving and she had trouble thinking. Her magic was blocked by the inky crystals that were cemented to her horn, using any sort of spell was off the table. All passages remained sealed, reinforcements had been delayed and there wasn't enough time for Starlight to make it to the balcony with The Hunter vanishing into smoke.
Dazed, she worryingly gazed at him, her eyes wide and tight, her lips quivering. Her mind was racing, her composure was beginning to wander off as she watched him grip both claws onto the railing, smoke slowly enthralling him and the baby alicorn.
'What would Twilight do? What would Twilight do?' She silently questioned herself in a panic, over and over, hoping that an answer would be gifted to her, but nothing.
The princess was relying on her to save her child, the pressure was enough to make the poor unicorn collapse. Agonizing, the amount of stressful thinking was agitating until one thought popped up.
Starlight didn't take much time to think about it, in the heat of the moment, she finally rose herself off the floor, still trembling and threw a hoof to the intruder, shouting as loud as possible.
"Take me instead!"
...
After hearing her own voice, she turned stone cold.
Upon hearing her cry in desperation, The Hunter froze as well, the smoke that surrounded him cleared. Slowly and eerily, he turned his head back to the frightened unicorn.
"What did you say?"
Starlight's chest continued to rise and fall, her breathing cracking a little the moment she had recaptured The Hunter's attention. Briefly, she felt relieved, but dread was quick to snap that feeling into angst. She didn't take much time to think about what she had said, a part of her cursed her mouth for it, but if it meant saving Flurry Heart from this beast, then she'd be willing to do so.
"If... If this is punishment, then take me." She said, her voice cracked for a brief moment in uncertainty, but she was quick to drown her doubts when looking at Flurry Heart.
"You said you didn't want to hurt Flurry Heart or Cadence, so take me instead," Starlight offered. "I'm serious."
Cadence could only observe the unicorn sacrifice herself for her and her child. She wanted to be relieved, but not if costed another pony.
"Starlight..." The alicorn whispered.
Intrigued, The Hunter thought for a moment and looked at Flurry Heart, seeing the frightened baby try and reach for her mother.
"I don't know what you have against Twilight, but she doesn't need any more of this pain. But if there has to be punishment, then take me. As the Princess of Friendship's personal protégé and friend, put me in Flurry Heart's place."
Adjusting his claws from the golden railing, The Hunter broke away from the balcony and made his way back into the icy chamber, tilting his head, accompanied with the spikes slowly rattling around his mask.
"You want to get captured?"
Honesty brushed over her expression and voice as she shook her head, "No... No, I don't. But I will if it means keeping Flurry Heart and Cadence together. A mother shouldn't have her child taken away from her, they don't deserve this."
The Hunter looked back to a fearful Cadence, her resisting had come to a stop. Just then, he placed his eyes onto the baby alicorn. Flurry Heart's scared, wide eyes didn't take a liking to his ghastly mask and his colour-lacking eyes as she continued to whimper and squirm uneasily.
"No. They don't." He agreed in a low voice.
Snapping back to the unicorn he negotiated with, The Hunter elevated his claw from his side. Wisps of smoke curled and danced around his blade-like fingers, slithering in the palm of his hand as he targeted Starlight, unaware of what trickery he was casting.
Expeditiously, strands of smoke crept and emerged from the floor Starlight was standing on.
Horrified by the creeping bits and pieces of mist that surrounded her, Starlight winced in a panic when she noticed the whole of her body gripped by The Hunter's ghastly projections, taking the form of dark, skinny and skeletal hands as they lifted her from the ground with ease, carrying her like ants stealing food from a picnic.
The helpless unicorn couldn't help but squirm much like Flurry Heart, but her eyes narrowed down upon drawing near to her enemy.
This whole scenario felt like it was taken from a nightmare as Starlight struggled to break free. Swiftly, she was brought inches away from The Hunter's cold, dark eyes, barren of any life.
He breathed, "Fright... Chrysalis... I promise you, Starlight, I won't let them hurt you. But I... I may hurt you with the truth and only the truth."
Helpless, Starlight couldn't bring herself to move, she couldn't protest, she could only feel scared and puzzled. Even though the way he spoke to her was rather gentle, it only came off as disturbing.
Calmly, The Hunter began to back away onto the balcony, keeping the captured unicorn close, stepping out into the night. Finally, his tail loosened around Flurry Hurt, setting the baby alicorn free to spread her wings.
Both Starlight and Cadence watched as the baby alicorn was set free, flying straight towards her as an arrow fired from a bow, creating distance between her and the armoured creature.
Whatever dark magic held Princess Cadence back, the inky restraints vanished, erasing from her sight. Despite this, she didn't take time to observe them fade away.
Over and over, Flurry Heart's wings flailed against the air that welcomed her back from The Hunter's grip. Without any warning, she dropped down into her mother's forelegs.
She welcomed her daughter back in her embrace, sitting on the floor and breaking down into tears of relief as she held Flurry Heart close, nuzzling her, kissing her and refusing to let go. Like two pairs of shields, Cadence enclosed both wings around her and the infant.
Flurry Heart recovered her smile and babbled, "Buh-uh... Bah!" Just by looking at her eyes, her smile, she was thrilled to be back in the care of her own mother.
"It's okay, Flurry," Cadence cried, her voice shaking. "It's okay." Just by looking at the Crystal Princess, it looked as if fear had strangled her, but now relief took over and shined through her tears. "I'm here... I'm here."
Slowly, the alicorn forced herself to look up at both Starlight and The Hunter. She wanted to scowl at the intruder, but one simple act could change his mind and take away her daughter again. Although her hatred burnt for the monster that tried to abduct Flurry Heart, she could only look at Starlight.
Lost for words, Cadence couldn't tear herself away from the unicorn who saved her daughter. Astonished, she stared at Starlight with childlike eyes, desperately wanting to say something, to thank her for her sacrifice and bravery. Even though she had reclaimed her child, losing Starlight to this hunter didn't remove any of the fear she felt.
As Starlight watched the mother and child reunite, she offered the two one last small smile. It wasn't like Pinkie Pie's bright and cheerful, wide smiles, instead, it showed satisfaction and uncertainty. Twilight's protégé was relieved, much like Cadence, but saying that she wasn't scared would be a lie.
Hesitantly, she looked back to The Hunter. She exhaled and locked her eyes shut for a second, opening them back up to the fearsome mask that held her captive.
"I'm ready," Starlight confirmed with a sigh.
"I don't take pleasure in doing any of this," The Hunter confessed. "I hope you know that."
Right now, she felt like a puzzle, one that could not piece together how she was properly feeling about the situation she had dropped herself into.
In a heartbeat, both Starlight and The Hunter vanished from the princess' sight. Shadows had ensnared them, sinking them into darkness and disappearing. They were gone.
Starlight Glimmer had been taken by The Hunter.
Breaking down, Cadence could only let her tears slide down her face. She had failed Starlight... She had failed Twilight.
"Starlight... I'm so, so sorry." She choked.
Upon leaving the Crystal Palace, the coal-like crystals that sealed the many passages into the main chamber deteriorated, breaking and crumbling into nothing, granting access to the many guards that directed themselves in, wandering around and searching for the intruder. In addition to the doorways being reopened, the dark crystals that cemented over Flurry Heart's horn crumbled, allowing the infant to regain access to her magic.
The first thing everyone noticed was Cadence, crying, nuzzling and holding her child closely in the centre of the room. They were relieved to see that Flurry Heart was safe, relieved to see that the Crystal Princess remained unscathed.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" One of the guards asked, but failed to receive an answer.
Finally, Sunburst entered the room, in a frenzy, twisting his head from left to right. Much like the guards that had entered, he put his attention towards Cadence and Flurry Heart, hurrying towards them.
"Your Highness." He approached. "Are you okay?"
Wistfully, Cadence raised her head when her ears flinched upon hearing the familiar, frail voice. With a sniffle, she did her best to look at the crystaller with pools of tearful eyes. He looked around the room for his missing childhood friend, failing to spot her.
"Wh-Where is she?" He looked around the room. "Where's Starlight?"
"I'm... I'm so sorry, Sunburst." She forced her words out.
"Where's the intruder?" He asked again, but this time, putting the pieces together. At this moment, Sunburst felt his heart slowly sinking, "Oh... Oh no. Don't... Please don't say-"
"He took her," Cadence softly cried, still shaking. "He took her."
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Ah, what a way to start the year.
Guess who....
From the Hunter:
Yes! Bravo Princess Cadence! Do not let fear stop you! Let it move you instead! It's only a shame the others didn't learn this beforehand.
Hmmm. Is that sentiment I hear?
When do you think the HUNTER will revealed his TRUE identity?
Seriously, by now, it’s not hard to figure out who the Hunter is.
It's too good to be true.
Well. This is quite a twist. But I'm glad to see that despite everything, the Hunter still has a heart.
Are you kidding? This was brilliant! We like a good twist now and then. Keeps us on our toes more for the unexpected.
(As the Joker) "I prefer to call it a work-in-progress. But it does show potential."
You as well, Virtual. And it's okay if you're a slow writer, and you have other issues to be concerned of in real life. We're not asking for perfection.
As long as you know what you are doing, we can wait.
Yes. He is the Hunter.
No No buddy, you did the right thing.
We’ll tell Fright to suck my d***!
9378588
I don't think it'll be soon. But, it's heavily impelled to be Spike. Most will be shocked if it was someone else under that mask.
9378746
Hmm them's true about that. When that time comes do you think he'll expose that he wasn't tortured that it was really all TWILIGHT & FRIENDS fault for why all this happened in the first place?
9378746
Please...I am getting a good idea what game inspired this so if its anything BUT spike, I'll eat my own foot...lightly pan fried with garlic butter and chips...
Damn.. what a chapter, and with what the Hunter said about not letting Fright or Chrysalis hurt Starlight.
Im really hoping we get to see The Hunter butt heads with Chrysalis who would no doubt want to torture and torment Starlight.
Well...That was certainly a twist I didn't see coming.
Seriously, well done on that. I did not expect that at all. Kudos to you.
Also, it's nice to see that The Hunter has some other sentiments aside from "YOU MUST ALL PAY FOR THAT THING YOU DID!!! WHAAAAA ANGSTY VENGEANCE!!!"
I never thought I'd say this, but now I'm actually sort of looking forward to see what happens next.
I completely forgot about a new chapter coming out last night definitely didn’t see that coming with starlight but seems appropriate, great chapter and hope you have a happy new year!
Least that answers THAT question. And perhaps Starlight’s disappearance will at least have a close-enough impact on Twilight, so technically, it’s still a win for The Hunter. And it’s nice to see a better depiction of the “Arkham Knight” antagonist that lets his morality show, and demonstrates he isn’t pure evil. Makes the idea of his identity more persistent in my mind. Still thought it was a nice twist to have him be the infiltrator, and have more development in the process. Awesome job.:)
I thought that the Hunter was about to reveal himself, but his tone when he spoke to Cadence and Starlight gives me a pretty good idea.
9379627 they did but you needed to find them late game.
9385542 Apologies, but I already saw the Arkham Knight patient interview tapes.^^;
She will find you. But when the time comes, would you be willing to give her a second chance?
please don’t let him be Spike... let him be anyone else just not him.
if he is don’t let this be another destruction of Equestria type story and have him and Twilight at least bury the hatchet in the end... i recently read a dragons requiem so i hope this doesn’t follow the same path.
also, why is he punishing Shining armor earlier but not Cadence?
9385542
See? THIS is how the story is going to be intense when the time comes.
Like the Arkham Knight, the Hunter holds quite the grudge towards Twilight and friends, but still cares for Princess Cadence, Flurry Heart, and Starlight Glimmer. However, the biggest difference is that Fright (Scarecrow) was the one who hollowed him out and filled him back up with hate. And yet, the Hunter wasn't aiming to take revenge out on Fright, which is understandable, considering how Twilight and friends were all responsible for his torture and rage.
It's quite the conundrum. Wonder how this story will be resolved?
With how much the situation is growing, and how much time is running out before Fright unleashes his master plan to the maximum, we're all left to wonder how Spike is doing in all this madness.
Without a doubt, he's not interested in going back to Twilight and friends. Especially after all the mistreatments they've done to him, which all worked in Fright's favor, apparently.
Also, it's kinda sad, and pathetic, to see how completely single-minded Twilight and friends are in this story. How from the start, even before this story, they always failed to see how sad Spike was in contrast to how satisfied and happy they were. And later, after Spike went missing, they just assumed he found a better life, failing to deduce he might've been in trouble. For instance, in Chapter 4 - A New Friend, had it not been for Fright, then Spike would've been eaten alive by those timberwolves. So....would Twilight and friends still think Spike is alive and living a happier life, had they failed to find the body?
And right about now, during Canterlot, Twilight was right to worry that Spike would hate her and never want to return to her by the time she and everyone finds him. But instead, the girls insisted otherwise. It's going to be a real heartbreak for Twilight for sure, when she finally finds him, and he finally reveals himself to her, as a different dragon. No longer that lovable baby dragon who was faithful to his surrogate family.
All the more reason this story's dark elements are so....suspenseful.
Though only time will tell with how this story will go. And if there would be a glimmer of hope for our heroes.
It hasn't been a month and the anticipation and suspense for the next chapter is overwhelming.
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Highly doubt it. Hunter REALLY hates the girls (especially Twilight), and on chapters 16 and 20 give a good reason for Spike to become the Hunter, to get revenge for what they did to him.
Chase after Fright, Twilight, if you can through the land that is now plagued with horrible monsters and prisoners of Tartarus. Equestria is now under their control. With luck, you'll find his prisoners before Fright unleashes his master plan at full capacity and before the story ends.
It all falls apart. Everything you worked for. The peace you built on a foundation of sands.
You keep telling yourself and everyone that you loved Spike and you wanted him back. But in truth, you wanted him back so he can serve you again, keeping him in your shadows, hiding him away from the world, because you are afraid of everyone learning your deepest shame. You were afraid of everyone knowing how you've downgraded Spike. Does Dragon Lord Ember even knew what had happened between you and him?
And where were you when Spike was in trouble? Sitting in your comfy chair, reading a book, with your new assistant Dinky by your side, without a care in the world, no doubt. You even called the search off. Clearly you didn't care enough to save him then. You've sealed your fate by prolonging Spike's torment. And they say you are the smart one?
Equestria belongs to Fright and his army now, to do as they pleased. Just as he did the same to your assistant.
Poor little Spike. Close your eyes. Can you see him? Cowering in the darkness, cursing the ponies who failed him? Oh yes. Fright has given the young dragon a new purpose. He has become your weakness, your obsession, dragging you deeper into the abyss.
Such brutality. You almost killed your own brother. You were ready to abandon your beliefs, everything you stood for. You tell yourself you are not like your enemies. You tell yourself you are something more, something better. You tell yourself you had no intention to hurt Spike and abandon him. But fear reveals the truth, erodes your self-control. Sooner, or later, you will find Spike. But will you return with him, dead or alive?
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Just role playing to pass the time. Hopefully it doesn’t spoil to much. But then again, if this is like the Arkham Knight, then we shouldn’t be too surprised with the similarities.
Hunter: “They’re gone. Did they hurt you?”
Starlight: “Spare me the good cop/bad cop routine.”
Hunter: “No, no, no. I just wanted to talk, that’s all.”
Starlight: “I don’t have anything to say to you.”
Hunter: “Then just listen to the truth I’m about to tell you. Twilight will say she’ll come and find you, or she’ll try to. But when she has to make a choice between her friends or the mission, she’ll choose the mission every time.”
Starlight: “You’re wrong!”
Hunter: “Look me in the eyes and say that.”
Starlight could hardly believe who the Hunter really is.
Starlight: “I...I don’t understand. Why? What did Twilight ever do to you? You of all-“
Hunter: “Everything! The neglect, the mistreatment, the humiliation. All the things she and her friends did to make me into this! I don’t expect you to believe me. You were never there when it happened. You don’t know what it’s like to be...abandoned.”
So what do we know so far?
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I’ll continue it.
Starlight: This is wrong!
Hunter: This is JUSTICE! As, soon as I disappeared, they forgotten me! Instead of looking for me, the looked for someone to replace me! If it wasn’t for them I would’ve never suffered!
Starlight: No, they didn’t! For three months they looked for you! Twilight never forgot you! She missed you every day. Come home.
Hunter: I won’t be blinded by their lies again! They abused me! They ridiculed me! They ABANDED ME! If Twilight never forgot me then she would’ve never replaced me! She must’ve forgotten how I reacted to Owlowiscious. Who I’m kidding of course she did, I’m in it! If they treated each other like how they did me they would never be friends! All thanks to Fright, who revealed their lies to me. It was hard knowing that truth, it hallowed me out, just like when you take ponies’ cutie marks away. Now I’m filled with anger.
Starlight: Spike, we can fix it
Hunter: I CAN FIX IT! I’ll take all of this anger, blackness, tears, and put it into my claws. Then I’ll chop the girls’ heads OFF!