> Equestria Enforcement Records
>  by WingmanRed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Eluisive Insanity & Shifting Illusions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Officer File: Elusive Insanity

“The report we just got is about a possible theft and escaped mental patient pony from the hospital at...”
The small red light glowed steadily as the camera was pointed directly at me. Shadow Film was focusing the camera at Officer Virtue as we steadily trotted onwards.
“uh, Let’s get a move on, try to keep up!” I said increasing pace and added “We wouldn’t want you to miss all the action now would we?”

A small filly had run all the way from the hospital to the station letting us know about the situation. Normally reports were sent by mail to the local outposts that are generally located near the various train stations for faster deployment of guards. During special occasions like the Summer Sun Celebration or any Royal visits there was always an increase in the presence of guard ponies. Even if they are not always in the public’s eye. However this was not a particularly eventful week in Ponyville and with meetings involving the Royal Sisters held in Saddle Arabia there were not many local guards left behind to keep an eye on things.


***

Ponyville Station, 16:34hrs, Paperwork

The evening had started like any other, sitting on my rump sipping some coffee and reading the local papers. This time there was even a copy of the local schools Foal Free Press. Shuffling around the papers so that it was on the top of the pile there was nothing in particular that stood out. One article was about what vegetables to plant this season, another about a Rainbow Dash fan club and even a small article advertising in the lower corner about a group called the Cutie Mark Crusaders. How cute. Skimming through the article I was wondering how a small group started by a few fillies had recently opened a new branch in Manehatten when suddenly a small chime from the bell above the main door shook me from my thoughts.

Lowering the paper and looking around the room the door had already silently closed by itself. My ears perked up and I could hear small panting coming from somepony, but the room looked empty. Rising from my seat I looked slowly over the sanded wood planks with various papers and quills spread out over what I call my desk and saw a small filly heavily breathing looking up at me with an expression that showed concern and worry. With a brunette mane and tail and a small white hat with a red cross on it I assumed she was one of the little nurses in training from the hospital. Moving from behind my desk around to face her I asked in a concerned voice.
“What’s wrong, has something happened at the hospital? Are you ok?”                                                                                    
She opened her mouth to speak, her eyes as big as dishes and managed to wheeze “wa..tr”
Grabbing the canteen from my desk I opened it and gave it to the polite little filly and with a look of gratitude she took a good swig gulping down some of the liquid. Her face winced a little. Swallowing and lowering the canteen she looked at me with a slightly pained expression and finally said something.“Cider? Uh... thanks alot.” Catching her breath and relaxing a little more she began to spill out words, some of which were not intelligible.

“I'm...Hospital... nurses... the doctor... escaped... mental!”
Seeing my blank expression I had at least gathered that the hospital was in need of a helping hoof she took a deep long breath and concluded.
“The nurses sent me here to get some guard ponies to assist in the search for a missing mental patient pony who escaped, the Doctor said she is quite unstable and needs to be found as soon as possible along with a suspected book thief!”

Realisation hit me as I finally understood the fast speaking filly so I quickly trotted over to my armor attaching it as fast as I could and started writing out a quick note to leave on my desk for any returning patrols to read if they decided to return to the station. Knowing some of them they would be drinking milkshakes further in town. This was the most excitement since the report of the Missing Princess during the last Summer Sun celebration. Additionally there was the report of a dragon or dragons and then there was that time of a swarm of insect like creatures, but I heard the report for that was eaten. I guess this wasn’t quite that exciting after all.

“OH!” the filly cried out waving something around in the air frantically as I finished writing out a very basic report “Here’s a file picture of the patient for you!” Opening her hat and pulling out a small picture of the... obviously troubled pony. 

I left it on the desk with the report and opened the door to find Shadow Film hastily assembling a camera which resulted in it being juggled around before he got a firm grip looking sheepishly at me. With a splattered milkshake on the bench next to him dripping out of the glass cup into a very sticky looking puddle. I could safely assume he had returned and overheard the entire conversation and was trying to record as much as possible. Rolling my eyes I knew he was going to be on my tail the whole time with that cameras’ little red light glowing.

Apparently the higher ups thought it would be a good idea to get some more public attention for the Guards of Equestria since the last few disasters had been solved by civilian ponies one of which was rumored to be one of the Princesses students. So since a student seemed to be outmatching Equestrias finest I was one of the lucky officers to have an assigned camera pony to help increase our reputation and hopefully recruitment.

Turning around I called out to the filly “Thanks kiddo, Are you going to b...” seeing her curled up on one of the benches relaxing and probably asleep I decided to leave her there, closing the door quietly.
“Ok!” I announced to Shadow Film the little red light glowing brightly “Let’s get moving!”


***

Ponyville General Hospital, 18:49hrs, Scene Assessment.

Travelling along the cobblestone paths we reached the hospital under the moon and star filled night sky. Fortunately filming at night on the move was not the best thing. Unfortunately there was a blinding light on the camera so I felt as though I was constantly walking away from “The Light”. Approaching the hospital there was already a group of ponies outside talking amongst themselves it seemed that it was only the nurses, a doctor and a single security pony. Approaching them they turned around looking at the camera and the silhouetted figure as the doctor asked in a high and almighty voice.

“Are YOU the only guard!?” raising an eyebrow slightly disappointed by the lack of response to the entire situation.
“Ahem, I am the initial responding officer of the Equestrian guard. Here to help.” I said responding in an equally high and mighty tone with a touch of the royal voice.
“Well then, thank you for coming.” The doctor said inspecting Shadow Film as some of the nurses let out a small giggle “and what is the purpose of your... friend with the camera?” Reminded of the camera the nurses quietened down and one or two of them tried to tidy their manes discretely.

“Oh don’t worry about him” I said waving a hoof in the air “It’s mainly to film fellow officers on duty, and enough questions start telling me what’s been going on here?”
“Well we had a book thief but that issue has since been resolved” the security pony spoke up in a gruff voice “however during that time we had a patient from level three escape and in the confusion I lost sight of her between the ponyville library and here.” He was looking down at the ground slightly embarrassed about the escapee.
“Ok well did you want to press charges against the thief? And at least we know a general area to begin a search first thing tomorrow morning.” At this the security pony looked up at me and the Doctor.

“Tomorrow morning!?” The Doctor exclaimed and becoming slightly agitated he replied “No we were not pressing charges that issue has been resolved! Haven’t you been listening? We need to find the missing patient!”
“I am sorry, but searching for someone who doesn’t want to be found in the dark is irresponsible. The chance of walking straight past them is too great it wouldn’t even be able to be called a search it would be useless”  I stated “I’m sure you all have been away from your other patients long enough, so you should all return to your jobs and let us handle this.”

“But you must certainly need to start looking tonight! You see she is not right in the head and has a problem with personal space and in extreme circumstances might harm herself and others!” The doctor pressured.
I hesitated looking towards the hospital and the surrounding trees. If this patient was a danger to herself and more importantly other ponies then some extra measures needed to be taken to ensure further safety for everyone.
“Fine. I’ll start an initial sweep of the area immediately and I suggest you and your staff carry on with normal duties. Your security pony will make sure the building is secure.

“Do you really think she’ll return?” Security asked.
“You ponies were the ones telling me she was insane, who knows” I replied “What was your patients name exactly?”
“Screw Loose.” The security pony replied quickly without thinking.
“Ahem.” The Doctor answered with a frown looking from the security pony back to me “Her name is Cotton Thread.”
“Thank you Doctor, I’ll let you get back to your other patients now and don’t worry we will find Cotton as soon as possible!” Turning away from the dispersing group my heart skipped a beat when I nearly ran into Shadow Film, completely forgetting he has been filming silently behind me the entire time. “Sweet apple pie falling on the floor! Don’t stand that close behind me again Shadow Film, I nearly trampled you.” Nodding he took a couple of generous steps backwards and continued recording. Silent as a rabbit.


***

Ponyville Outskirts, 04:26hrs, Search and Rescue.

Flying through the sky on a night like this felt great. The cool night breeze, the sparsely located fluffy clouds and the wind through my mane. Wind through my mane? My helmet. Where was it... ah mule wigs? I must have left it back at the station.
Gradually reducing speed I managed to fly next to Shadow Film after having him on my tail nearly the entire time. We had been checking for any signs of pony life in the area and even stopping a few times to call out the evasive lunatics name praying for a response. Maybe name calling her a lunatic was not the nicest thing in the world but it certainly tried to make you think of things in their horseshoes.

Approaching a dense crossroads that led back to the hospital we landed trotting up to the intersection that was flanked either side by dense roughly hedged undergrowth.
I started to hear hoof steps coming from around the corner so I increased my speed. Sharply turning the corner I had just enough time to see my warped reflection in someone’s armor when we collided. The pony I had run into tripped and fell into their side as I was knocked onto my back my head swimming, vision blurry and ears still hearing a faint ping from when my skull had hit the polished metal.

I could barely hear Shadow Film approaching as I started to focus on the quickly recovering armored earth pony rising to its hooves in the cameras light.
“I norder you to play where you are in the bane of the ma-aw” I half yelled half wheezed out at the pony, my tongue not forming the words I had thought. As I was trying to shake away my blurry vision I dragged my hooves underneath me as I shakily stood to face the reckless pony. I was astounded to see the large stallion standing at attention in front of me with his eyes straight ahead and a perfect uniform aside from a small dent with a slight red smudge on the front of his breastplate.

“Oui, monsieur.” The yellow earth pony responded politely.
“What did you say to me!? What’s your name and rank soldier?”
“Fonctionnaire Fromage, monsieur” He stated simply saluting again “à votre service monsieur’’
I looked at Shadow Film with a worried look. How hard did I hit my head? He was grinning as he filmed away, he must be having an amazing time.
“Okay, did you catch that Shadow? English please?”

The yellow stallion opened his mouth and was about to say something when he looked behind me and closed it. I could hear the sound of hooves falling hastily on the stony road so I turned to look at who this new pony would be. I turned to see an out of breath grey colored unicorn mare with flushed cheeks in a just less than perfect uniform. She stopped in her tracks as she saw the fancy talking pony standing at attention, a pony with a camera now focused on her and me looking at her with a look of wonder and confusion. I think I heard her let out a small ‘eep’ and then taking a few more steps towards me straightening her uniform and stood at attention squinting under the cameras light.

“Special Officer Gene Shock reporting sir” She said giving a polite salute and then walking up to the yellow pony she said in a low slow tone “Slow. Down. Fromage. If you keep running that fast I’m going to have to tie you up, not in a nice way.”
Fromage relaxed from his attention stance and gave a quick nod to her and then returned to his previous stance looking like a statue while letting out a quick “Oui, Mademoiselle.”

Rolling her eyes the grey unicorn returned her attention to me squinting a little from the camera light. “Don’t mind him he isn’t much for conversation” she said waving a hoof past the statue, then raising an eyebrow and both ears added “Where’s your helmet officer....?
“Virtue. Red Virtue Special Officer.” Pointing to the camera pony “That’s Shadow Film, wave hello Shadow!”
Giving a lazy wave Shadow Film thankfully reduced the brightness of the light and trotted up a little closer to the group. I was surprised he didn’t drop the camera when waving. 

“mm, yes, hello there.” She responded uninterested “Officer Fromage and I are here to assist in the search for the missing pony we have been hearing about, can you give us a quick briefing?”
“Uh, will officer Fromage...”
“Yes, yes he understands us quite well. Please continue, what are the details?” she exclaimed in a business manner

“One earth pony mare went missing from the hospital several hours ago. She was last sighted leaving the ponyville library heading back in the direction of the hospital when the security pony lost sight of her. Names Cotton thread, white mane white tail, cyan coloured coat with a screw for a cutie mark. I have a recent file photo of her to help. Apparently she has a condition and the Doctor wants her found as soon as possible. I have already searched the area from the sky with no success”

“Well of course not, what are the chances of finding her at night. Honestly you should know better.” Shaking her head
“I...uh...I know that. I was trying to at least get a good look at the surrounding area.”
“Well a notice has already been delivered to the surrounding stations and outposts. The other Officers and the odd Royal Guard will know about her and will be keeping their ears up and eyes open. Did you see anything on your flight? A possible place of refuge? I assume you had no trouble seeing without your helmet.” Officer Gene Shock asked sarcastically.

“Nothing stood out I’m afraid but the denser areas covered by heavy trees and barns or even towns may need further investigation.” I said ignoring her previous comment and looking seriously into her hazel colored eyes “I really don’t think this is somepony that wants to be found."

Officer Gene Shock shifted slightly in thought as we all stood in silence for a moment. The statue was still standing there with his ears listening for any movement from the surrounding trees. Shadow Film had changed positions and was now fiddling with something on his camera. The night was fading away as the faint light along the horizon started to grow as the sun was slowly raised.


***

Ponyville Central, 05:32hrs, Welfare break.

It had been a long night with no sleep and a now empty canteen of apple cider. I bet Shadow Film was regretting not finishing that milkshake back at the station. We had all decided to head back to ponyville as the likely place for the missing mare to be hiding. Gene Shock and her fancy speaking statue Fromage were going to check in with the hospital and see if there had been any sightings before heading back to town. I had said goodbye and good luck to both of them adding jokingly that Fromage should take good care of his unicorn friend and keep being nice to the mare that was just waiting for a chance to tie him up. I only got a slight grin followed quickly by a death stare from Special Officer Shock while Officer Fromage pretended not to understand me or he pretended to not hear me as they both left.

Walking through ponyville followed closely by Shadow Film we both kept an eye out for anything unusual. It was a little hard to do in a town that I had previously found a couple of irregularly sized balls inside a tree and random explosions of confetti at random times in places by a not so random pink mare known around town for her antics. Moving through the market area it was bustling with activity as ponies were going from shop to shop buying or selling. We were both pretty exhausted and it was time to get a snack or at the very least something more to drink.

Taking a shortcut through a path between two buildings there was a loud constant banging noise that echoed from between the buildings. Walking past some stacked crates and peaking around the corner at the annoying source of the noise I found myself looking at none other than Cotton Thread. Shadow film moved annoyingly close behind me filming from over my shoulder so luckily he couldn’t see how far my jaw had dropped. Cotton thread was jumping from the top of one stack of crates to the other while banging together a pair of cymbals. This was definitely one of the most absurd things I had ever seen, for at least a week. What was even the point of making the noise?

I stood there like that for a couple of minutes watching this mare jumping around banging together these metal plates with her lips moving saying something to herself. I decided it was time to bring this crazy show to a stop as I stepped out from around my stack of crates to confront her collecting my dropped jaw in the process.
“Stay where you are! My name is Officer Red and I am here to...” I spoke to the mare in a loud voice but as soon as I had said Officer she had turned around. Upon seeing my armor and unarmored head she threw the cymbals on the ground at my hooves with a near deafening clanging. I jumped back looking down at them and when I looked back up she was on top of the crate above me. She must have had her hooves caught in something because she was hanging down from the crate with her head just off the ground looking up at me with a disturbing smile.
“Hey! Hi there! Hay! What’s your name? My name is Hammer Mane!” she said gleefully dripping with excitement, and a little bit of saliva.

“My name is Officer Red Virtue and I am here to escort you back to the Hospital under the Equestrian Law and Pony Safety act 327 section C...” I began to say but before I had finished she put both of her hooves on both sides of my face grasping my mane as she pulled me a little bit closer to her. Nearly nose to nose I was staring directly into her wide orange eyes as I reared one of my forehooves ready to move back with my wings completely deployed sticking straight up into the air in shock.

“Ted... you’re boring.” She whispered quietly in a creepy way still looking into my eyes; her eyes seemed to shimmer green only for a milisecond. It must have been the lighting. “Cute, but OH so boring. You’re no fun. I'm going to try to find you a helmet! See ya!”
Staring at a rope hanging over the crates where the insane mare had been a moment before I looked back at Shadow Film as he was staring there with an expression of a stunned fish.

Immediately I launched myself into the air gaining altitude above the rooftops searching for Cotton Thread. It took a few passed around the central area of the town before I spotted her trotting down a side street without a care in the world. Diving and increasing speed I went in to tackle her but she changed directions suddenly to go smell flowers at a flower cart. Spreading my wings to slow down I managed a less than perfect landing as I ran towards her yelling this time.

“Halt in the name of Celestia! Stay where you are!” I was only a few meters away this time turning to see me her smile grew. I approached at a slower pace saying “Cotton Thread, you are coming with me back to the hospital.”
“Hi there Osifer!” Turning to the slowly retreating pony selling flowers she said in a loud whisper “That’s my friend, I’m trying to find him a helmet for his birthday tomorrow, do you sell helmets?”

Grabbing her with one of my wings I was reaching back into my bag for something, anything, to restrain this pony. I wasn’t sure if I had packed any rope. I felt something touch my head and brush over one of my ears as Cotton lowered some sort of flower wreath she had made onto my head. Trying to take a step back to admire her handy work and floral fashion sense I had to use one of my forelegs just to try and keep her still.
“Ted! Stop touching me! Guards! HELP! PONY BRUTALITY! “She whined as she continued to struggle. If I had the spare hoof I would have face hoofed.

“I'm detaining you until we return to the hospital Cotton Thread, so calm down!” I said loud enough for some surrounding ponies to hear. The last thing we needed was the public getting the wrong message and trying to interfere. Shadow Film was, as usual, getting all the good angles of the struggle.
“Who is Cotton thread? My name is Rolling Thunder! “She argued defiantly still twitching but struggling a little less now and added in a small sad voice with the big puppy dog eyes staring at me “Why don’t you believe me Ben Five?”

“Shadow Film for the love of Celestia make yourself useful and find me something to tie her up” I said dryly to the silent camera pony. Before he could take a step away Cotton thread started to wrestle more with renewed vigor to get free. My wing not made to hold a psychopathic mare for long gave way as I felt a sharp pain as she grabbed hold of it twisting it back around behind me, my hoof losing its grip as she jumped onto my back screaming “I am the Dragon Queen!” while waving one hoof in the air and the other still holding onto my wing "Kneel before my power!".

Two royal guards were rapidly approaching led by Gene Shock and Fromage next to her this time instead of a mile ahead. Regaining my balance I stood up high with the excited mare resting comfortably on my armored back and as the officers approached I did what any sensible pony would do. I fell backwards on purpose pinning the Queen of dragons under me. The pain in my wing was slightly growing but at least she hadn’t bitten it. She was trying yet again to wriggle free from underneath my weight when Officer Shock quickly cast some sort of spell of binding. The spell worked perfectly. On both of us. We both ended up hog tied lying on the ground surrounded by fellow Officers and Royal Guards.
“Oh, whoops, sorry Red.” Gene Shock spoke with only a small amount of remorse “At least Cotton Thread is nice and secure! I wasn’t completely sure if it was you or not without your helmet.”

“Thanks for not putting an apple in my mouth.” I said bluntly then testing my restraints with a grin “You really do know how to tie up a stallion.”
Blushing a little Officer Shock started to untie me with an awkward chuckle when Officer Statue trotted straight up and with a swipe of a knife cut me free. Getting back onto my hooves I looked at Fromage who was now checking on the detained pony and looking back at Gene she looked stunned but quickly recovered and told the Royal Guards they were no longer needed. They both nodded and trotted off to do whatever they were going to do now. I checked on Shadow Film who was still standing maybe a hoof step away from the place I had told him to go get some rope, he was very focused on his job.

I walked back up to Cotton Thread who was now secured to Fromages armor resting comfortably and ready to be transported back to the hospital.
“How are you feeling Cotton? Did you need a drink before we head back to the hospital?” I asked the wriggling pony

“Identification two! Is that you? It’s me! Remember that time you gave me that ride I’ll never forget? That was FUN!” Thread spoke to me from the back of the Statue.
“Uh, what was that Officer Virtue?” Officer Shock asked me with a grin and raised eye, she seemed to revel in the awkward situation I found myself in.
“Let’s get moving Fromage, back to the hospital” I said changing the subject trying not to look at Officer Shock or Shadow Film. Fromages response was a predictable “Oui” as he nodded his head a little and started to trot back to the hospital.

“Great Idea, you can tell me all about the report you are about to write on the way there!” Officer Shock jeered “Oh and don’t forget to get one of the nurses to have a look at that wing while we are there” Then using her magic she corrected the flower crown that was still on my head and added “You can give this to the lucky mare who bandages that wing, it’s a good substitute for that missing helmet.”

Slouching down a little bit more I promptly returned the wreath to the flower cart and handed over a couple of bits for the few flowers I kept and handed them to the mares that were coming with us to the hospital. A little something to wrap up the day. Officer shock smiled a little bit accepting hers while she made a temporary sling for my wing and I got a very wide gum showing smile from Cotton Thread who had relaxed a little bit now on the back of Fromage. “Thanks Ted!” Cotton said as I left it between her hooves. Something to keep her busy looking at or smelling for the journey home... and it’s gone, she ate it already. It had been a long day.


***

Ponyville General Hospital, 09:11hrs, Individual Apprehended.

Finally arriving back at the hospital several nurses and the Doctor rushed up taking Cotton Thread back inside up to level three. The Doctor didn't even bother glancing at us hen we walked in, he was only concerned for his patient. The last I saw of her was her crazy smiling face waving a hoof at me saying “Bye Fred!” as she was wheeled away on a bed with a doctor already by herside with a vial of something. I went over to talk to the pony behind a desk about my wing and was promptly pointed over to a bench nearby to sit on.

After a brief discussion I was taken to one of the rooms where a nurse with a red cross for a cutie mark wrapped some bandages around my wing giving a disappointed look at the lack of medical attention before arriving here. "One of the doctors will be with you shortly to double check your wing but things don't look serious so just take it easy ok?" The nurse warned me while leaving the room to attend to her other patients. Officer Shock and Officer Fromage had left wishing me well or as Fromage said kindly “guérir rapidement”. I had no idea what the buck he was saying but it was amazing he said something at all other than wee. Shadow Film smiled as he watched saying “Today was great! I got some good stuff.” Smiling at the camera pony I replied “Well this is only your first day out in the field. Who knows what could happen tomorrow, I might even find my helmet.” Finally the little red light blinked out.


+


Officer File: Elusive Insanity
Ponyville Station, 10:05hrs, Reported Disturbance. 

“The Domestic disturbance was reported at 47 Oak trail avenue. Special Officer Shock and Officer Fromage responded from the Evergreen outpost late last night.”

“Any further details Officer Arc?” The small office they were in was full of reports and files that had been submitted to the Administration officer, most of these would never see the light of day again however every so often some would be mailed to Canterlot for revision and analysis by the Royal Guard. Basically the room smelled of paper and dust with only streams of sunlight peaking through a small window to illuminate the one and only desk.

“Oh so this... really is only a business related visit then, Officer Virtue?” The chestnut maned mare with a grey coat asked sweetly looking up from her paper covered desk at the armored stallion.

“Always business Arc, when is there time for anything else nowadays? I haven’t heard anything about the situation since they were sent there. Doesn’t that ring any alarm bells?”

“They’re both capable officers you don’t need to worry, it can sometimes take days before reports are sent back to the main stations to be filed away back at headquarters. They might have even taken a, uh, detour on their way back to the outpost together” The earth pony replied casually looking back down to her desk shuffling a few papers around.

“Well then I might head out there today instead of next week. There’s a bunch of odd things that happen out near that forest so it’s not going to hurt patrolling it more than once a week.” Officer Red replied, turning towards the door.

“You’re leaving now, without your helmet? You didn’t even get me a present.” Officer Arc put on a small fake whine while trying her best to pout.

Turning around from the exit to face the mare behind the desk Officer Virtue walked slowly back up to her, sneaking out a small package from his saddle bags as his armor softly clinked against itself. Leaning over her desk slowly and looking directly into her brown eyes she started to shift uncomfortably in her seat blushing faintly not sure what to expect. The sudden noise of a package being dropped on the pile of reports on her desk jerked her away from the green eyes she was watching as she looked at it quizzically trying to figure out what was inside. The grey-blue pegasus made his way back to the door opening it this time and looking back with a grin as the mare poked the new object on her desk with skepticism.

“Something I picked up on my last detour Arc. I thought you might like some apple fritters.”

As soon as the words “apple” left his mouth she broke out into a wide grin looking from the package that contained apple-goodness back to the door way. As soon as she registered the thought that the tasty treats were most likely deep-fried in evil oil she shot a glance back at the nearly closed door and quickly yelled.“You know I’m watching my figure Red!” 
Something thumped against the door that sounded potentially bruising as Red latched the door closed, followed by a quick muffled “Thank you!”


***

Seven Hours Ago, 47 Oak trail avenue.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry it’s getting quite late and I might have misheard what you said. Did you just accuse your husband of not being your husband?” Officer Shock paraphrased the twitching mares’ previous statement as she waited patiently sitting on the couch opposite her.

Officer Fromage as per usual was listening while lingering in a corner, taking in everything that was said and every so often he would slowly peel back the curtain of the closest window he was near to steal a glance at the outside. The statues expression didn’t seem to change at anything that was said as if he was always deep in thought. Either that or he really liked those curtains.

Officer Gene Shock looked back at the mare with tired eyes waiting for her response. The cups of tea on the table had long since cooled and she barely had any notes written down.

“Mrs Keen? Mrs  Keen, we cannot help you if you don’t talk to us.” Gene Shock gently said to the violet earth pony.

“Um, well yes.”  Mrs Keen said quietly without any real confidence in her voice.

“Yes..? He isn’t really who he says he is?”

“Uh, well he was.”

“Your husband used to be your husband but now isn’t who he says he is? Are you recently separated and now he is bothering you?” The officer queried.

“Well, yes and no...”

“Physically or verbally? We will be able to-“

“-Oh no, please, it’s nothing like that!” Mrs Keen interrupted sitting up straight and looking more worried at the officers.

“Mrs Keen, I am afraid I’m lost again. You sent us a message...“ Gene started to say rubbing her face slowly with a hoof.

“I'm sorry, it’s just that... he... he has been, well, off.”

“Mrs Keen, please we have been here for long enough. Why are we here? Do you feel threatened or are you afraid of your husband?” Gene Shock said a little rougher than she meant, even prompting a quick expressionless look from the silent officer.

“I'm sorry, no one else seems to believe me. Honestly I think something weird has happ-” the sound of the front door being opened and closed stopped the mare from completing her sentence.

The statue changed from a motionless typical guard to some sort of intimidating authoritative figure who in no time at all using some hidden cat like reflexes positioned himself at the open entrance leading into the lounge with a hoof already on the hilt of his sword.

“Honey! It's me, but I think I need to hurry and report a-“ The stallion stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he rounded the corner from the main entrance into the sitting area.

Seeing a large yellow officer with full armor blocking the entry and another rising from her seat in the background with his wife would be enough to make anypony jump with shock. Recovering quickly and adapting to the new situation the dark grey stallion found himself in he addressed his unexpected visitors.

“Well, hello Officers. I hope everything is alright?” Mr Keen said with a forced smile trying to lock eyes with his wife.

Failing he looked back at the officers in his lounge.

“No cause for alarm sir. My name is Officer Shock and my sturdy companion here is Officer Fromage” 

“Oh, excellent! Perfect. I was just about to alert you fellows to a possible fire a few blocks away. I stopped back here to check on my darling wife but I was heading to the local fireponies station to report it of course.” Mr Keen said quickly looking back and forth between the officers.

His ears at full attention twitching slightly with eyes full of worry but something seemed odd to Officer Shock. She disregarded it as a possible form of distress due to the situation and begun to press the stallion with questions to gather key information as fast as possible.

“Mr Keen, please, where did you see this possible fire? How long ago was this? Do you think anypony is nearby or inside?” Officer Shock questioned one after the other with new found urgency.

“Not that far east, there was a lot of thick smoke and I am not completely sure...”

“Thankyou Mr Keen, I would ask that you continue on your way to the Fireponies station and raise the alarm if it has not been done already. We will head straight there immediately. Mrs Keen will you be alright here ?”

“Oh yes, I am quite sure, yes, I think” Mrs Keen said slowly not looking at her husband.

By the time she had finished talking Officer Fromage had already pushed past Mr Keen and exited the building as Officer Shock passed Mr Keen and replied over her shoulder to Mrs Keen.

“We will be back as soon as we can Mrs Keen!” turning to Mr Keen she added “Are you coming Sir?”

“Oh, yes. Of course officer I will not dilly dally long but there is something I must get first from my room and then I will be on my way to the station as you have requested of me.” Mr Keen replied to the mare officer with a wide smile.

“Thankyou again sir for your assistance. I will see you later.” Officer Shock said as she passed through the door turning briefly as Mr Keen slowly closed the door behind her his eyes reflecting an odd color from the light reflecting from inside.

“Yes Officer, do be careful. We will await your return.”


***


The smoke surrounded the entire homestead before rising high into the air drifting with the breeze across the night sky before dispersing. The grassy meadows and paddocks had a different layer of smoke slowly crawling across the small hills and cascading down into the lower areas forming warm pools of misleading fog trying to hide from the cool night air.

As the Officers approached they could see the immense smoke. It seemed to be everywhere but interestingly enough there was only a slight glow coming from inside the actual house itself. Galloping as fast as they could through the smoke they had to slow their pace as the smoke enveloped them making visibility increasingly difficult. Officer Shock tried to use an illumination spell but the smoke would not yield while their eyes began to tear up.

The front door gradually revealed itself and Officer Fromage rushed at it with the intent of breaking the door down. To his surprise a mare opened the door coughing excessively trying to get away from the smoke and he managed to stop right ontop of the ‘welcome’ door mat.

“Please!” The tan coated mare tried to scream desperately at Fromage but all that came out was mostly a terrible choking noise. Looking at him with reddened tear filled eyes she collapsed to her knees before him.  Officer Shock caught up and resisted the urge to slap the big stallion on the back of his helmet for running head first into a dangerous situation and leaving her behind again.

“Officer Fromage! Stop standing there and carry this mare back to the road immediately and help her as much as you can until further help arrives!”

"Madame..."

"Now!" She yelled, hoping that the volume of her voice would help overcome her own concerns.

One unnecessarily quick salute and a worried look at Gene and he raised the mare as carefully and quickly as he could while coughing heavily and steadily retreated into the thick smoke leaving her alone. Turning slowly and looking into the smoke filled house through the door she coughed several times. Using some spare cloth from her bag, she dampened it with her canteen of water and fitted it around her muzzle as best she could to help against the thick smoke. She was not sure if there were any other ponies inside, even if she yelled they would most likely be unconscious or worse by now. She considered the smart thing to do would be to return with Fromage and await further help.

“Mommy!” a small voice screamed with obvious exhaustion and desperation.

Officer Shock made her decision without further hesitation and was quickly enveloped further into the glowing smokey house. 

***

11:00hrs. 12 Oak Trail Avenue, Reported Fire with possible civilians inside residency.

“Officer Shock?”
The pain on her left shoulder and back faded in and out as the world was a black haze. Trying to look around through stinging eyes she was able to see several blobs around her and in the sky silhouetted by a reddish glow in the background. What had happened inside the house? The sudden slap across her cheek jolted her from thought and blinking a few more times her vision started to sharpen.

“Mademoiselle.”

“You, you hit me?” Officer Gene Shock stated with a raspy voice and stared at Officer Fromage with wide wet eyes and a slightly stunned expression on her face.

“Oui.”

With that he offered a quick salute of respect and trotted over to one of the fire ponies standing on the edge of the path to engage in some form of communication. A Pegasus with some sort of mask and bright yellow uniform flew overhead with haste pushing a dark cloud towards the glowing field behind her. One armored stallion without a helmet and a camera blocked her view of the hazy night sky so she sat up slowly coughing a few times with her head vaguely reeling.

“Welcome back to the land of the conscious! That hoof print that Officer Fromage gave you adds a nice touch of red to those cheeks of yours that compliments you under the-”

“-Shut it Red, get that camera out of my face.” Gene snapped, her head throbbing around her horn.

“Take five shadow, I’ll come find you soon.”

The camera pony reluctantly left the two alone and then realising there was much more to film he hurried off in the direction of the red glow and smoke.

“Gene, how are you doing? The medic said you will have a cough for a few days from the smoke and those burns might take a while to heal. They also need to take you back to the hospital to check that everything else with you is ok so take it easy and don’t stand up. Oh and they said you should drink sum water take this.”

“How long have I been out? Tell me what the hell happened to me Red, everything’s in bits and pieces at the moment” Gene asked quietly with her head leaning on one hoof for support and the other trying to open the water bottle.

Half a dozen more Pegasi were flying through the sky, each with a specific task most likely concerning clouds. The smoke was significantly decreasing and the slight night breeze brought forth fresh air. The glow was slowly fading and with it the surrounding landmarks and trees were retreating into the shadows of the night.

“Here let me open that for you. You were meant to be responding to a domestic disturbance and I had to follow the other emergency ponies when I heard of a possible residential fire. I didn't expect to find you here passed out.” Passing back the water bottle the mare snatched it back and drank half of it.

“I had to help, there were other ponies... where are the other ponies that were inside?”

“Relax.” Officer Red simply stated, trying to preventing the worried mare from rising and running off to Luna knows where. She slumped back onto the small mat separating her from the well trodden dirt path that used to lead to someones home.

“Everyone is accounted for. There are a couple of medical ponies checking over the filly you saved and the older mare Fromage had carried to safety. Actually I think one of them might be a vet or a dentist or something. Anyway it seems like the only harm that has happened was to the house. From what I have heard it wasn’t a normal fire, the immense smoke makes that quite obvious. The interior of the place is pretty rooted. All you need to do now is relax. We will be finished here shortly once some wagons arrive to bring you all back to the hospital ok? Gene are you ok, you don’t look so good?"

Her eyes started to become unfocused and everything seemed to grow dim. Even the sounds around her became distorted as she lay back staring up at the shining sky her head swimming with the pain from her horn growing.

“HELP, get over here I think she might need CPR!” Red yelled then stepping closer to the mare trying to get a better look at Officer Shock. A sudden hoof to Officer Virtues Jaw sent him two steps back and firmly seated upon his tail with the sound of metal grinding upon rocks from his armor. Glancing at the mare he could only place a hoof to his jaw and look at her in surprise.

“No...CPPPRR... idiot.” Officer Gene shock mumbled finally and her head fell softly upon the mat covering the ground slipping into unconsciousness.



19:22:14. Ponyville General Hospital Recovery Ward.  Patient: Officer G. S.

“bzzzZZZZZzzzzz-”

Her ear twitched.

“-bzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-”

She mumbled something incoherent barely awake but fidgeting beneath the sheets.

“-BBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.”

A, now, completely awake and very cranky unicorn sat up in her bed thrashing around with the sheets only to become entangled in them realising some sort of insect had invaded her sleep and maybe even her bed. It wasn’t the insect noise that was terrifyingly annoying to wake up to. It was when it stopped, right next to her head. In a last frustrated effort her magic lit up the entire bed spread throwing it all up into the air waving it back and forth until finally intending to throw it out the closest window. As the sheet was halfway out the window, a pitiful sacrifice to the sun so that its glare would hopefully be easier on her eyes, the door opened.

The nurse stared at the unicorn who was now half in the bed and half out with no sheets, covered in sweat with magic enveloped around sheets that were nearly out the window with a look that was ready to kill something. Gene froze and her cheeks began to redden even more as she tried to think of a reasonable explanation to give to the nurse. Her mane must look like a birds nest and the room around her looked like a hurricane had come. Out of the corner of her eye a small beetle flew out from the crumpled sheets back inside and straight through the open door past the nurse. The insect was either the stupidest thing she has seen so far or some sort menace living in the hospital to intentionally make things worse for the patients.

“I...I’ll come back at a better time and tell the Doctor your... up.” The nurse replied gingerly retreating from the room.

“Wait!-” Gene yelled but the door had been closed before she could say anymore.

“Gah!” She sighed surrendering to the forthcoming day by lying back on top of her bed drifting back to sleep.


***

Equestrian Guard Training Academy Canterlot. 15 months ago.

“Hmm, ahmm” Captain Redscotch murmured to himself, paying little attention to the nervous pony in front of him. Looking up from the files in his hooves he raised an eyebrow and asked simply “You graduated from Celestias Canterlot Academy for gifted unicorns, yet you only want to be a guard with further aspirations of an Equestrian Officer? There is so much more you could do with that qualification alone out of the list you have provided me.”

Gene Shock sat up a little straighter and insisted “Sir, please, it’s what I have chosen to do. I cannot even think of doing anything else with my life, I can help do so much!”

“Well I’m thinking you’re over qualified for this position...”

Gene stood up as straight as she could in front of Captain Redscotch. The polished redwood table was the only obstacle separating them as she gave him a stern look of determination while his eyes kept looking down at the reports completely unamused. She was used to getting what she wanted, and if she didn’t get it she would keep trying and working towards her goal until she achieved it.”Sir. Are you honestly refusing this magical graduate a position with the Royal Guards or as an Equestrian Officer? On the basis that I’m… to… too good for the job?”

“And what if I am Miss Shock?” He said quietly.

Gene Shock was fuming. She could feel her cheeks heating up and her neatly brushed mane was starting to look unkempt as she slammed a hoof down on the refined desktop.

“Are you insane?” She asked slightly raising her voice then added quickly “Sir.”

He chuckled bursting her balloon of hot air as she sat back down confused. “Your right, maybe I am. I am not going to make you an officer.” Glancing up finally to look into her angry narrowing eyes he added with a grin “I would like to offer you the position of Special Officer. That is if you want it? I feel as though your input would be better received and other ponies would have someone to look up to and learn from a shining example.”

The office seemed a little brighter now as Gene tried to relax and with her eyes getting glossy with the formation of tears she looked down.

With a big smile and rising from excitement she said “You've been thinking about this for a while, haven’t you?”

“We try to keep an eye on potential applicants and outstanding achievers. I believe you are just what we are looking for, however that doesn’t mean you get to skip all the training. Off you go.”

“Now?!”

“Yes, right now report to Staff Sergeant Bur. You have wasted enough of my time today. You're Dismissed.” He said with an amazing poker face leaning back into his chair.

“Oh, thank you so much Sir! Its true what your wife told me the other day at the GreenSeed Cafe!” Gene Shock said rushing around the table to give the Stallion a hug.

“You spoke to my… hnng?”  The Captain began but was cut short while being squeezed by the short mare.

Then releasing the stallion and rushing out the door with it slowly closing behind her Gene Shock replied with a smirk and a wink “You didn’t think I would have a meeting with you about my future without doing a little research would you?”

Giving the door a death stare as it clicked shut. Captain Redscotch sighed and mumbled to himself “She’s going to do just fine.”


***

18:22:14. 47 Oak Trail Avenue.  Residence of previously reported domestic dispute.

Officers Virtue and Fromage had helped take their companion to the hospital with the other medical staff. Seeing how Officer Shock was out of commission for at least a few days the statue had briefly said something about their previous job before they were called away to the fire incident.

Officer Arks information about the disturbance was limited and Officer Fromage did not have much to reveal of the situation so it was up to officer Virtue to check up on things and see if everything was alright.

Reaching the correct house and after a reassuring nod from the statue the Officers approached the front wooden door side by side followed by the camera pony. A small 'Do Not Disturb' sign was hanging from the door handle. Perhaps he expected the Officers to bash down the door or something cool like that. Red raised a hoof into the air intending to knock on the door a few times. ShadowFilm zoomed in on the door hoping for a forceful knock maybe even a few dramatic pounds on the door if he was lucky.

“Mmmmffhh”

The muffled sound was barely audible from the other side of the door yet it caused both of them to stop. Officer Red became like Fromage frozen with his hoof mere inches from the door and the statue seemed to remain indifferent.

“Mfhh”

“Uhh...” Red said quietly unsure what to do now looking back at Shadow film, the camera still pointed at the door. “We should probably come back... later.”

“Seems like they have kissed and made out... UP” Shadow film said quietly quickly correcting himself.

"Well, I guess... we can check back later..."

Treading carefully they all moved away from the door leaving the house with covered windows behind. Little did they know what really lay waiting behind the door in the shadows with a dark green conjured dagger.

Mrs Keen was bound and gagged with her violet coat matted and mane disheveled. She was trying desperately to make as much noise as she dared but through her tear filled eyes she could see the armored ponies through a crack in the curtains walking away.

“Now now now my darling” A dark shaped pony like figure said calmly walking out of the shadows illuminated only by a faint green glow from its head. “The more you struggle the more its going to hurt... yourself.”

Her eyes widened clearly seeing this monster for the first time directly in front of her. It was black and shiny with wings, fangs and holes. Holes seemed to pepper its body and its large cyan eyes didn’t seem right. Eyes that were directly looking into hers. Its magic wrapped around the cloth uncovering her mouth finally.

“What have you-“

“Tut tut. I will ask the questions Mrs Keen, since you nearly unveiled my cover. Years of planning, months of research and reconnaissance and weeks of watching you and your husbands boring worthless lives. You are perhaps fortunate that you have been asleep all this time since that stunt you pulled yesterday getting word to those idiotic authorities. Now that you are awake...”

It walked closer to the lavender pony licking its fangs hungrily as she pulled against her restraints and squirmed in the cushioned armchair.

“What did you tell them?”

“NOTHING! I swear, please leave me alone. Whatever you are!” Mrs Keen started to cry again but all the tears seemed to have left her for now.

Its horn started to glow brighter and brighter still looking at the helpless pony trembling in the chair in front of him. So much time and effort nearly ruined by a single mares  suspicions.

“It’s time we had a very, in depth, chat my dear wife.”


***

Unicorn Training Barracks. Two years ago.

Intense pain resounded through Cadet Shocks head and chest as she tried to recover after the power spell attack.
“What in Luna’s name was that one?” She asked her instructor.

“You don’t seem so confident now Cadet. Believe it or not but there are other places aside from Equestria that practice magic”

“You couldn’t go easy on me for the last week of training before final assessments could you?”

“Do you really think once you graduate it will be easy? Besides this was a more recent form of magic learned from beyond our borders-”

“Where? Why are you only showing me now? Who taught you?”

“I only show you so that perhaps one day it will help you. The magic is from a far waste stricken land-“

“-Well gooood morning Miss Shock! “

20:27hrs Ponyville Hospital Recovery Ward.  Patient: Officer G. S.

A pony in a white lab coat and a stethoscope around his shoulders stood at the foot of her bed studying the clipboard in front of him. The same nurse that walked in on her before was checking the medical equipment keeping busy and moving around the room. Gene just stared blankly at the stallion with bloodshot eyes.

“Don’t give me that look Officer, I am sorry for having to wake you but you have been out for a while now and you really need to eat something.”

“Ugh, I guess it’s ok Doc.” Gene replied still a bit drowsy and rubbing her eyes. “How long have I been out?”

“Hmm well you were brought in early this morning so don’t fret the world has not changed a bit.”

“How is the mare and filly I was brought in with? Are they feeling ok?”

“They have already been discharged and ordered to take it easy for a few days, they left you that vase of white tulips on your bedside table and told the nurses they would love to say thank you again when you are ready.”

“Aww” Gene said laying back down on her bed looking at the pretty flowers starting to relax again.

“Your fellow Officers were here for a few hours as well while you were asleep keeping an extra eye over you however I’m afraid I had to ask the camera pony to leave, we try to keep film equipment out of our wards.”

If that Shadow camera pony was filming her while she slept... she would definitely break the lens. Maybe a different part of the camera, or the pony.

“Do you happen to know where they are now and when they said they would be back?”

“They said they would be back around-” Looking at the closest clock on the wall and pausing a few seconds “-now.”

“Great, well thanks a lot Doc, I’m going to jump in the shower before getting stuck into that food.”

“Now hold on now, before you go running off there’s paperwork you will need to fill out at the nurses station once you are done. For the next few days I do not want you running around Equestria, you will be back to normal in a few days. Your coat might take a bit longer. I hope I will not see you in here anytime soon Officer Shock, I need to attends to some other patients now so farewell!” and with that she was alone in the white sanitary room with a  tray of something green left for her on the side table.

Slowly making her way to the bathroom she closed the door and paused looking at herself in the mirror. Singed tail and some missing clumps of her dark grey coated legs. Wait dark grey? She still had a thinly covered layer of powdered ash or soot over her body that had not been protected by armour, not to mention her mane looked like it had been struck by lightning. Things could have gone much worse though. She was lucky to only have some minor burns and scratches, nothing a few days and a shower couldn’t fix. Her armor covered most of her coat and mane so she decided she would wear it constantly for a few days or weeks until everything was back to normal even though it was the parts of her body that weren’t covered by armor that were affected.

There was a knock on her room door and she could hear Reds voice in the other room looking for her. Then a few seconds later another knock on the bathroom door.

“Uh, Special Officer Shock?”

“Shower. I’ll be out in 10 minutes.”

“Alright, we’ll wait at the nurses station for you”


***

21:56hrs Ponyville Hospital Recovery Ward.  Patient: Officer G. S.

Forty five minutes later Officer Shock exited her room wearing her slightly worn armor. Ignoring the stallions sprawled out on the waiting room couches and chairs she started talking to the nurse about her paperwork. After signing the necessary documents it was finally time to leave.

“So, who’s hungry?” Shadow Film asked out of the blue. Without his camera he seemed to use his mouth more.

“Great idea”

“Oui , petit homme”

“Lets get outta here then. “ Red said jumping up from one of the chairs.

“Wait, while I was out did you guys check on Mrs Keen?”

“uh well about that, I don’t think they were fighting anymore”

“What do you mean? Did she tell you everything was ok?”

“He means they were having-“ Shadow Started to say.

“-They were busy when we went to check on them. That’s what he means. I was going to follow up tomorrow” Officer Virtue said quickly cutting off Shadow.

“Ugh Stallions. So you didn’t check on the pair? You just assumed they were all happy and back to the typical family home and left?” She rolled her eyes and glared at them all.

“Well... yes ma’am.” Red replied looking at the yellow officer who seemed just as ashamed as he did.

“We are leaving this instance. I cannot believe you stallions.” Officer Shock said with a huff shoving open the main hospital door without holding it open for the following stallions.”

"So.. no food then?" Shadow Film called out after them.


***

23:32 Oak Trail Avenue.  Revisiting Officers Red, Fromage and Special Officer Shock. 

“OPEN UP IN THE NAME OF THE SUN AND MOON”

Special Officer Shock yelled while hammering on the door. She had sent Officer Fromage to check the perimeter of the house and make sure no one left from the back door. Officer Virtue stood back and a little to the right of Gene Shock as she banged on the door causing the little sign on the handle to drop to the floor. There was no reply and nothing could be heard this time and all the windows were still covered with no signs of life.

“Break down the door Red.”

“Um, ma’am-“

“NOW OFFICER RED VIRTUE!”

Turning around and kicking with both rear hooves the door gave a loud crack and some of the wooden panels showed signs of splintering yet held steady. Shadow film whispered something into her ear as Officer Virtue prepared for another attack on the door. However before he could Gene placed a hoof on his shoulder and moved passed him turning the handle with her magic. The door opened into the dark house with a prolonged squeak. With his short sword drawn Officer Virtue took the lead followed by Officer Shock ready to use her magic at a moment’s notice. Behind her Shadow Film followed filming everything he possible could trying to hold the camera steady as he trembled with excitement.

“If anybody is home make yourself known!”

Silence.

Red cautiously walked down the hall signalling that he was going to go into the lounge room as Gene turned right into the kitchen and dining area. Shadow film followed Red with the camera light illuminating his back and the walls on either side.
A tail and lavender legs were hanging over the end of the couch but the rest of the pony was concealed from view. Signalling Shadow to stay by the doorway Officer Red slowly made his way around the couch bracing for the worst possibility.
Mrs keen was there looking up at him. She blinked trying to focus on the armoured pony and had a hard time trying to talk with the cloth covering her mouth.

“Its ok, we’re here now, I’m so sorry...”

Sheathing his sword he stepped closer and pulled down the cloth to allow her to speak.

“He...it's still here...”

The camera light went out and the room was completely dark apart from the faint beams of moon light trying to find their way into the room. Mrs Keen let out a small whimper.

“Shadow?” Silence in the darkness.

“SHADOW?”

Officer virtue re-drew his sword and it glimmered faintly as his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. Straining to hear any danger he could only hear the movements from the couch and a very faint humming or fluttering sound. Slowly moving towards the closest window biting the curtains and pulling them off the wall. The room was basked in the dim glow of the full moon.  Mrs keen was still on couch and only shadows tail was visible at the doorway but before rushing to his aid some sort of thing slowly revealed itself from the corner of the room thumping down softly on the carpet as it landed. It had a black coat, a crooked horn, large cyan eyes and insect like wings.

“What the uc-“

Its horn flashed green and immediately the officers hind hooves were frozen in some sort of green goop
Raising his sword the green flashed again and the sword was propelled behind him through the window landing outside.

Gene Shock appeared and suddenly filled the room with bright blinding light causing everything to fade out to white.

There was a horrible shriek and as the light faded random beams of green were shooting from the things head covering the ceiling and walls in the sticky substance. Officer virtue could only force himself to blink and struggle to get free while being temporarily blinded. There was small electrical crackle followed by a zap and a final sound of something heavy landing hard on the ground. The silence returned.

The sound of hooves crushing broken glass approaching Officer Red was the next sound. Slightly recovering he could only make out a figure approaching him. With another smaller glow of magic he was free to take a few steps back getting into a defensive stand.

“Stand down Red. Its only me. Sorry I just need to catch my breath.” Officer Shock explained to the skeptic stallion.

“Where the hell did that thing go?”

“I tazed it and Fromage tackled it to the ground while you were being glued to the ground. Sorry about the sudden light spell.”

“Oui.”

Finally being able to recognise more than just blobs the room was in a state of disarray. A lamp was broken, the window was smashed and Officer Fromage was lying on top of a bound insect like pony thing struggling to hold it down.

“Sneaky, filthy, argh my eyes, you will all pay for this foolish attempt to subdue me!” It cried out from underneath the large yellow stallion in a shrill voice.

“Mrs Keen...” Officer Shock began turning to the mare hugging into the couch.

“Is...is it over?”

“Yes. Your safe now.” Freeing her finally from her bonds Gene gently helped her to her hooves.


***

08:00hrs. Ponyville Station, Debriefing.

“The Fire investigators surmised that the fire was magically caused and temporarily maintained by a spell. By the time emergency crews arrived and started attempting to extinguishing the source most of the smoke had already significantly reduced. However there did not seem to be one blazing fire, it was almost as if the spell was trying to stay inside the wooden structural beams to burn as long and slow as possible while somehow having a massive output of smoke. We expect now that this incident will be linked with the recently detained...suspect.” Officer Virtue stated to the small group of gathered Officers.

One of the younger local Officers stood up and asked “Well was he, this thing, working alone? We don’t even know who it is or where it comes from! What in all of Equestia was its motive, what does this mean?”

“An initial report has already been sent to Canterlot as high priority by a Pegasus Officer who should have already arrived and delivered the message. So to answer your question, I don’t know many details.”

There was a low murmur through out the group. Of all the strange things that can happen in Equestria this one was definitely an odd one out. Some sort of monster posing as a loving husband trying to get information about...everything? From the back of the room sitting next to Officer Fromage Officer Shock added. “We are still questioning Mrs Keen. However she is still in a distressed state and we have yet to find any trace of her real husband-.”

The door to the cramped meeting room flew open slamming against the wall as all eyes turned to the doorway with some hooves reaching for weapons and some horns glowed ready. Everyone was a little bit jumpy after hearing the disturbing report.

“By order of the Princesses this investigation is hereby closed. All information and relevant material is to be surrendered to Her majesties Royal Guards.”

A mare in a dark suit like clothing with shiny reflective glasses stated loudly for all to hear as she entered the room flanked by two royal unicorn guards in their shining gold armor. Outside the window another four guards stood around a carriage.

“Hey, wait a second this isn’t your jurisdiction and who sent yo-“ Officer virtue walked up to the mare standing a full head taller than the little earth pony. In one fluent movement the gold mare reached into one of her pockets and drew out a single scroll breaking the seal and pressed it up to Virtues muzzle.

“Read it and weep Officer.”

Grabbing the scroll and quickly skimming the contents it was definitely from Canterlot. A Royal inquisition.  The flanking guards had moved into the room taking everything that seemed of any relevance to the case as the rest of the officers looked around at each other not sure what to do.

“If all this paperwork is going to Canterlot I am going with it back to headquarters.” Officer Shock rose up and walked towards the mysterious mare. "This is my case".

“I am glad to hear that. It will make things significantly easier. Officer Fromage and Officer Virtue will accompany you or they will be escorted back to Canterlot with you. You three were the first responders after all. Oh and your friend with the camera is already waiting for you in the carriage, poor thing dropped his milkshake when we persuaded him to come with us.”

“Who the buck are you lady?” Officer virtue said placing the scroll on top of one of the Royal Guards already large stack of confiscated documents.

“All you need to know is that your case is not the first in Equestria. You will be coming with me to Canterlot, Captain Redscotch is becoming impatient with your tardiness.” 
> Revolutionary Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Time Unknown, Interrogation room Number 3.

"Once more. What happened? What else do you know?"

The small room was only occupied by a single plain looking metal table with one uncomfortable chair on each side. There was no echo so no matter how loud you yelled or screamed it most likely wouldn't be heard outside the chamber. There was a small shiny clock on the wall which was the single ornament to decorate the plain walls of the room. Unfortunately being so small it was almost impossible to see where its hands were pointing. The room felt crowded even though it was occupied by only three ponies and the claustrophobia was getting worse as the hours ticked by. 

Tick. 

“Officer Virtue?”

Tock.

“Officer?” The Mare in the grey suit sat opposite looking up from her paperwork at the fatigued Officer waiting for a response. 

"How is anything I'm going to say differ from the last five times?" Red Virtue replied after a hesitant pause. 

“I do not need to remind you that you are obliged to fully cooperate with this inquisition about certain recent events that concern the safety and security of Equestria.” the mysterious mare stated in such a way it would seem as though they had not even started yet.

“Ugh, just stop please. When do we have a break?”

Looking over at the sturdy guard by the door the only response given was a slight shrug and gesture with his head back at the interrogator. 





Time Unknown, Interrogation room Number 5.

“Please, I will tell you everything this time I promise! I just need one thing.” Shadow Film broke down burying his head in his hooves on the table top. 

The Royal Guard Sergeant looked up from reading the reports in front of him surprised by the sudden outburst from the dark stallion sitting in front of him. 

“You're in no position to ask for requests. Spill it.”

Slowly looking up from his hooves and staring intently into the Guards eyes shadow film opened his mouth.

“I want. My camera. I have nothing to hide let me go.”

“Request denied. The camera is in the evidence locker and your not getting any released just yet.” 

“Why you stuck up, no good son of a -”





Time Unknown, Interrogation room Number 7.

“-between section 11 and subsection A you are required under the Equestrian Forces and Auxiliary Powers and Responsibilities Act to provide suitable break times during intense interrogations and questioning sessions to keep all recorded evidence accurate and admissible in a court of law. Corporal? Corporal are you listening to me?”

“Ma’am yes Ma’am. I'm afraid I just cannot let you out just yet my orders are to keep you here until the conclusion of all the questioning. Sorry.”

Special Officer Gene Shocks patience was wearing thin and lecturing the unfortunate Guard that was chosen to babysitting her wasn’t amounting to anything. However the small beads of sweat that gradually increased on his face was somewhat amusing and a good sign he might crack soon and let her out earlier than originally planned by their superiors. 

“Unacceptable Corporal. I request you immediately go fetch me another cup of water while I think about what to report to your superiors about these abhorrent conditions your keeping me in. “

“Oh, yes ma’am. I can do that for you right away, Ma’am.”

The door opened to the blinding daylight outside making Gene Shock squint and turn away. As expected the door was closed and with a soft ‘click’ she was left alone, locked in the dimly lit room. Stretching and pacing slowly around the room she looked closely at a small clock on the wall noticing it was just past five in the afternoon. 

“Not long now until Princess Luna takes over from Princess Celestia. What in Equestria is holding us up?”





17:24hrs, Interrogation room Number 8.

Two Royal Guards stood at each side of the reinforced door preventing any escape from the intimidating interviewee. The air was still and the tension in the room could be poked and prodded with a spear. Officer Fromage stood on the opposite side of the table facing the pair of guards watching both of them watch him. With the single lightbulb in the room casting a shadow over his eyes neither of the guards could see if he was asleep or just staring. 

Breaking away from the marathon stare contest one of the guards turned to look at his comrade to find his head resting on his chestplate and eyes closed. Looking back at the shadowy statue he still had not moved an inch so the guard moved closer to his friend and poked his shoulder to find he was well and truly asleep. Slowly moving closer to the large yellow earth pony statue in the centre of the room assuming he was asleep as well at this point. 

Moving quick enough to give the curious guard a good jump scare Officer Fromage dragged out the chair on his side banging it loudly on the side of the metal table then sitting down on the chair with his hooves casually in front of him. The sleeping guard awoke at the sound of the chair slamming into the table drawing his sword to find one wide eyed friend and a very complacent stallion sitting down at the table with a small smirk. 

“La nuit est young messieurs.”





18:00, Interrogation room Number 3.

The door  to the small room was flung open slamming against the wall centimetres from the Royal Guard standing by the door scrambling to attention upon recognising Captain Redscotch. 

“Enough. This is taking too long Deltawire what the hell is taking so long with checking the accuracy of the reports? I was expecting your final summary report on my desk at thirteen hundred hours.”

“Oh Captain, hello Sir, I must have lost track of time Sir.” The smartly dressed interrogator now introduced as Deltawire was not sure whether she should salute first or reply to her superiors slightly aggravated questions. 

“Captain Sir, it’s good to see you again. How are the wife and foals?”

“Shutup Red, your virtue obviously isn’t in small chat. Go and make yourself useful and fetch Officer Shock and meet me in my office. Five minutes. I need to have a chat to Detective Deltawire here about punctuality.”

“Right away Sir.”

Leaving the Captain and Detective to discuss internal communication issues Officer Virtue passed the Guard by the door and emerged into the corridor lined with numbered doors. 

Every so often there was a window overlooking Canterlot which in the setting sky looked extra impressive and beautiful with the final rays of sunlight illuminating the clouds with a red and orange haze. Street lights and buildings were lit one by one making the city twinkle along with the strongest of the stars as they began to reveal themselves in the darkening sky.   

“I almost forgot how amazing this place was, night or day.”

Officer Shock slowed down from a trot to stand alongside Officer Virtue by the window viewing the vast landscape while Red looked at her staring outside.

“Why did you decide to leave? And how the hell did you get out of your room?”

Hesitating before replying she turned from the window and looked down at her armor pretending to rub off a mark on her pristine protective clothing.  

“I wanted to branch out and get more experience instead of staying in the same checkpoint everyday, I like to keep busy and learn new things. Why did you opt for rural patrolling?”

“Fair enough, and I didn’t.” Seeing her questioning look at the short answer to her question Red continued “Actually it was a mandatory deployment, I didn’t choose to do it.”

“Oh, well you must have really impressed someone back at the academy to be sent out working on your own.”

“Not really, it’s a long story.”

Before Gene Shock could reply Red Virtue remembered the impending meeting with their Captain in his office which was meant to start very soon. Wrapping a wing around the top of her armor and pulling her down the corridor startling the small mare wondering what the hurry was and their destination.

“Hurry Gene! I nearly forgot the Captain wants to meet with us in his office pronto. I’d prefer not to get a lecture about time management, we’ll have to catch up later.”

After the clarifying explanation for the sudden panic Officer Shock galloped off in front of her friend down the long corridor past some Guards who were changing shift with a pair of shady armored ponies waiting in a dimly lit alcove. Red folded in his wings and followed suit and listened to the galloping mare in front of him as she called back to him from over her shoulder.

“You really don’t want to find out what happens, when you're late a second time!”





18:09, The office of Captain Redscotch.

“To say the least on our current situation your report is the most detailed we have received so far. However do not think this is an isolated case. Reports have come in about unusual activity with nearly no solid evidence to backup any claims. I'm afraid as soon as we received your report we needed immediate verification and we were hoping for more leads… why do you both look like you just ran the obstacle course?”

Officer Red and Special Officer Shock  sat across from their Captain their faces slightly blushed and just enough sweat to mat their fur. Keeping their composure there were still many questions they wanted to ask however finding the right way to ask them was holding them back. It was an entirely new situation having a threat that could look like anyone around them as well as having the powers to fly and use magic. 

“No reason sir.” Gene Shock answered trying to hold back any loud panting. “Do you know what their motive is sir?”

“The Princesses have been constantly asking me that every second day Gene. If we knew for sure you and Virtue wouldn't be in my Office and I wouldn't have quite so much paperwork keeping me from my wife.”

“What about the Prisoner?”

Captain Red Scotch looked at Red Virtue then slowly turned around to a small side table with some glasses and various bottles. Pouring himself a drink he ignored the previous question. 

“Sir, sorry sir.”

“Thats better. I believe times are about to get even harder for us all however I will not have everything fall into disarray. The prisoner is currently being kept in a safe house, I need you two to go and find out what the Officers there have found out.” Taking a sip out of the clear crystal glass Redscotch continued. “Their reports are running late and the Princesses are becoming more concerned each day as we approach the Royal Event.”

“Which event is that, sir?” Red looked from Gene Shock back to their Captain sipping his drink. 
“Haven't you been keeping up with the news and current affairs?” She replied “Its the Royal Wedding.”

“Indeed. It’s only a few days away and the Captain of the Royal Guard has already been increasing security in and around the palace. However with the lack of information we cannot adequately protect the Royals and the Equestrian public from a threat that has been so extremely secretive. Its like we’re trying to watch the sky for meteors and there’s someone digging a hole directly underneath us.” 

“We better get started then, lets go Red. Sir.” Special Officer Shock stood and nodded in respect to Captain Redscotch as she prepared to leave. Leaning over the table and passing an envelope to Officer Virtue the Captain gave one final warning.

“We do not know the full extent of what these things can do so be careful and keep together. The address of the safehouse is inside the letter so do not lose it and properly dispose of it once you're done.” Finishing his drink in a large gulp and placing the glass down gently on the table he remembered one last matter of business. 

“Oh and Officers.” Gene and Red stopped halfway out the door looking back at their superior. “Officer Fromage and your friend with the camera will be staying around headquarters for a while. Just incase we have any other questions or developments.”

“Yes sir.” They said unison, closing the door behind them and progressing down the corridor towards the main stairs.

“We need to get a move on to the safe house and without Shadowfilm hovering over my shoulder we should be able to get there a hell of alot faster.”

“But why would the captain keep Fromage from coming with us? I mean hes still fairly new but wouldn't it be better off if we stuck together?” Gene asked a tad worried about being separated from her first partner on the job. 

“I'm sure the Captain has his reasons, and hey, i'll be with you the whole time. We can handle anything so long as we watch each others backs.” 

“I guess your right.” Officer Shock replied with a small smile. “Do you think we should say goodbye to them before we leave?”

“We shouldn't be that long. No point in wasting time and having a few hundred questions to answer to Shadow. For once nearly everything i'm doing isn't being recorded.”


“Sorry Red, since we are here I need to make a quick stop at my old locker before we head to that address, how about you check out where we need to go and I will meet you at the exit in a sec?”

“Sure Gene. I'll grab us a few snacks as well, don’t take too long though ok?” He said, caught off guard at the sudden subject change and an unfamiliar tone. 

“I wont.” 





Opening the door to the main locker room things looked exactly the same as they did years ago. The walls were lined with lockers and each row through the center had a small amount more of room through the middle with the odd bench. Her hooves clicked softly on the tiled floor as she listened for signs of any other ponies and made her way towards her locker near the back corner. The only noise she could hear was the faint hum of the lights over her head and one of the showers dribbling water noisily into the tiled floor and escaping into one of the drains in the floor. 

Arriving at her locker and entering in the combination to the lock it let out a loud click and the door screeched at her as she opened it in response to her years of neglect. The lower shelves had some old junk which she didn't need anymore but the reason she risked returning was for the small envelope at the very top still leaning against the back wall. Pausing for a moment she used her magic to elevate the letter into a pocket within her armor for safe keeping. Closing and locking her locker for the last time she started to leave the room pausing at the shower stalls running tap to use her magic to turn it completely off. 

“Hello Gene.”

Spinning her head around to meet the voice she prayed she wouldn't hear again, at least not while she was alone. Standing a few steps away from her was Senior Officer Kemphog in full armor. His eyes seemed to be looking straight at hers but she knew he was evaluating everything there about her. Taking a step backwards nearly entering the shower cubicle she faced perhaps the one person she did not want to meet. 

“You’re looking... quite well Gene. How has arresting uneducated rural ponies been treating you?” He asked not hiding this time as his eyes lingered over her armored body before returning to look directly at her. 

“What do you want Kip?” She took another step back as he took another towards her.

“I heard you were in town so I thought I would see how you were doing. You have been in meetings and Redscotchs office most of the day. Now why would the good Captain bring a few rural Officers all the way back to the capital headquarters? As far as I know he hasn't gone through more than one bottle of that detestable liquid he drinks this week so other than wanting to have a little catch up with one of his favorites I’m guessing something rather important is going on. Am I right?” he questioned.

“The Captains ten times the better stallion you are Kip. Why would I bother telling you anything?” Shock fired back at him, thinking of an excuse to get out and catch up with Red.

“Maybe he is. But you don't go for the better stallions do you Gene? You go for the bad one’s to match yourself. I think you will tell me because I’m asking very, very nicely and because I know things about you. Intimate things Gene. Don't you miss the fun we used to have?”

“Tha… that’s not true. That was a long time ago.” She replied looking away and taking another step backwards to find herself against the wall and no where else to go. Standing up straighter with her heart thumping she looked back at the larger stallion and defended “I'm stronger and better now. I don't have to tell you anything.”

“You little forest bitch. Don't think anyone can protect-” His eyes were glaring at her and was close enough for her to smell his disgusting breath. Before he could continue they both heard the main door open and multiple pairs of hooves tapping on the tiles as a pair of officers entered mumbling to themselves. 

“We aren't finished here yet Gene” Kip said under his breath in a hushed voice near her ear trying to block any attempt at an escape.

“We are. We’re finished Kip.” she replied pushing past his side and managing to just squeeze between him and the wall. With her head lowered and a few strands of her mane falling between her helmet and starting to cover one of her eyes she hurried past the entering officers who looked from her to Kip. She didn't want anyone to see her as her eyes started to fill with tears.





19:03, Officer Headquarters main entry.

Standing alone under the cloudy night sky Red Virtue was starting to become anxious about Gene Shocks tardiness. The cool breeze was starting to creep under his comforting armor and shifting nervously from hoof to hoof accomplished nothing except the odd glance from patrolling units. Taking in a deep breath he turned around to make his way back inside when he saw Gene Trotting down the stairs to him. 

“Gene, where have you been? You've been in there for ages!” As she approached something didn't feel right. She was looking down and brushing some of her mane out of her face and came to a stop in front of Red. 

“Sorry, I’m here now. It took a bit longer than I thought. Ready to go?” She replied straightening her helmet and looking at him with sad eyes and a small fake grin. As much as Red could tell in the gloom the light was playing tricks but she seemed a bit shaken up. Trying to get a closer look at her he could just make out where she had been fidgeting with her face a moment ago where her coat around her eyes looked slightly damp but she stepped back and turned on her serious voice. 

“Officer Red, are we ready to leave?” Her voice still not matching her composure she did her best to stay strong. “What are you staring at Officer, don't look at me like that?”

“Sorry ma’am” He replied. Concerned about what was bothering her he tried to defuse the growing tension by asking her in a more casual way.

“Gene, is everything alright? You're acting a little different to usual.”

“Enough Red. Let get a move on you lead the way. Its nothing you need to worry about.”

“Gene, if you need to talk-”

“I said lets go Officer Virtue.” She snapped back regretting it as soon as she had said it so she softened her tone. “Thankyou Red, but not now.”

“Ok.” With a worried grimace he turned around to exit the main gates taking the lead into the sparsely populated streets with Officer Shock following from behind. The streets were illuminated only by the stars and moon and the unevenly placed lamps it felt like it was going to continue being a cold dark lonely night. 





20:39, Safehouse.

“This is the place Gene, next house on the right. Feeling up to it?”

“Of course I am. Its time we get some answers, and figure out what the hell is go on around here.”

“Halt. Who goes there, identify yourselves?” A single Pegasus officer called out from near the entrance concealed in the shadows. 

“Special Officer Gene Shock and Officer Red Virtue. Lower your voice and weapon.”

Approaching the doorway Red could not tell much about this house apart from it being similar to any other average rural residence.  The yard was a bit more unkempt but other than that there was no way to single out this place or identify it as a safe house. If only the neighbors knew what the simple walls of the property contained. Giving a sidelong glance at Special Officer Shock waiting for some sort of signal on what to do next her face only wore a tired serious expression. Without further delay he opened the door and took a step into the residency.  

Walking through the empty entrance towards the only lit room Red almost forgot what awaited him. Hearing Gene close the door a few paces behind him he took in a deep breath and standing up straighter, determined to look as intimidating as possible he walked into the sparsely furnished room. 

The dimly lit room had a light pendant in the middle of the room which did little to illuminate the dark skinned creature that sat at the table with its limbs bound. An earth pony guard glanced at the newcomers quickly before staring back at the prisoner, determined not to let his guard down. To the left of the room was a small kitchen and behind the kitchen bench was a Unicorn Special Officer making some kind of hot beverage. Looking up from his mug he opened his mouth to introduce himself before being interrupted. 

“Fuagh! So they send the blinding timber bitch to torture me do they? Just you try that pathetic magic of yours on me one more time.” 

Trying to stand up and beginning to squirm in his seat causing the chair to rock, the prisoner was attempting to slip out of his bindings with little to no avail. The only reaction from the Earth Pony guard was a firm hoof on the shoulder pressing him down and causing him to stop his futile attempts of escape.  

Officer Virtue was quite puzzled at the initial greeting however he didn't think that the creature was talking to him. Shifting around the Red without touching or looking at him Officer Shock stepped into the light ignoring the rude pony-like creature She formally introduced herself to the other higher ranking officer. This seemed to create an even more tense atmosphere in the room with the prisoner defiantly death staring at the grey unicorn mare. Red decided his best course of action was to stand near the entrance and keep and eye on Genes back while looking as professional as possible. 

“I am Special Officer Shock and this is Officer Virtue. We have been sent here directly from Captain Redscotches office, I assume you are expecting us?”

“It’s nice to meet you Special Officer and Officer Virtue. I’m Special Officer Chromwell and I’m quite surprised at your visiting hours. I’ll be honest, I was expecting you both much earlier this evening or at least first thing in the morning.” 

Chromwell said with a nod to each of them before finishing mixing his drink and placing it in front of him on the small kitchen bench where he could talk to both of them and keen an eye on his assigned task. 

“I am sorry about the time, we were delayed. Has it said anything yet?” She looked into its large cyan eyes for a few seconds before turning back to the other unicorn. 

“That was, if you excuse his language miss, the most interesting thing he's said all after noon. Perhaps even since coming into my custody. I didn't believe the report when it said you apprehended him, no offense. I know now that you definitely deserve the respect and recognition for getting one alive.” Chromwells eyes widened in shock at what he let slip and hastily took a sip of his drink to recompose himself.”

“What in the Princesses names do you mean by ‘getting one’? How many of these things have you seen?” Officer Red cut in trying to clarify the implications of more than one of these things being in Canterlot or even Equestria. 

“I… I think you misheard me. Besides, it is all classified. I don't know anything.”

The pony thing started to laugh, softly muttering incoherent things under his breath while staring at the table as they all turned to watch him. Once he had finished after a few seconds he had an unpleasant smile on his face as he looked at everyone surrounding him in the room as if he was re-sizing them up. It seemed more confident now as his shoulders relaxed and leaned back into his chair taking in a steady breath.

“No. You don't know anything. You pathetic ponies know nothing.”

Chromwell put down his drink and reaching for a clipboard with some papers on it he began writing something down. Looking up every few seconds as he hastily scribbled out words at the very calm creature as if it would suddenly disappear. Stepping closer Gene came to a stop in front of him looking at him with a curious glance before checking behind her for support from Red and upon a confirming nod from him she thought it was time to try and get some answers.

“Well then Sir, would you care to enlighten us?”

“Sir? Sir… I like that. I hate you the most but that doesn't mean you will be the first. However since you are such a polite and well mannered little pony I may as well lay down some facts for you. You are all so simple after all if I don't tell you then you will never find out, besides its not like it will change anything. There are things in motion, Equestria wide, that cannot be stopped. Very soon you're all going to be out of a job.”

Having another small laugh at his own veiled jokes and threats he continued on uninterrupted from the increasingly nervous Guards. The way he was talking with all they could assume were poisoned words was causing discomfort and he knew it. 

“I am known as a Changeling and my name. Well, my name you would not understand it anyway so we can skip that pointless question you have been asking me every hour” Taking a moment to pointedly look at Chromwell he directed his attention back to Gene Shock and continued on in such a way one might have been mistaken for walking in on two friends talking at a local tavern. With the obvious difference of one being in restraints and the other in a complete suit of armor. 

“The question you were asking Chromwell that he so eloquently forgot to answer is that there are many more of these ‘creatures’ like me, all throughout this interesting land you call Equestria.”

“Well why are you doing this, what is your motive? Gene asked beginning to become worried about the security at the upcoming Royal event. These things can change into at least one other form as far as she knew. They could be anyone, anywhere.

“What do you want?” Red added. Not sure if the changeling was telling lies or fabricating some sort of half lie mixed with truth. 

“Well I suppose I want what you all hope to achieve in your lifetime. We all want something you all have and give freely. Something we need but I have at least decided on what I want.”

“What?” Red and Gene both nearly shouted in unison at the changeling patiently sitting at the small table staring at Officer Shock. 

“You.” He replied quietly, then in a slightly louder voice with a grin “I want you Office Shock.”

"Get this piece of filth out of here now and secure him in one of those back rooms. We don't have to listen to this filth." Chromwell barked at the Earth pony Guard standing behind the Changeling. Grabbing his drink Chromwell threw his drink into the sink as the prisoner was roughly dragged out of the room to be out of sight but not out of every ones thoughts.  The room was silent now with the exception of the sound of hooves being dragged into the back room and the Changeling struggling with his captors.

"Uh, so. What did we learn?" Red asked glancing at both the Special Officers trying to restart the conversation. 

"Well we know he doesn't like us and he especially doesn't like you or Officer Shock. Hopefully we will be able to get more out of him later on after he calms down. What do you think Gene?"

"Well I would say hes bored of being our captive and hes just making extremely vague threats. He didn't tell us anything other than what to call them and that there's a possibility of more incidences like the ones we have encountered. He really likes the sound of his own voice to even bother saying that much, however its a start. If there are more of these things throughout Equestria we need to find out how we can find them all, maybe some sort of screening process?"

"Is there a spell for uncovering these infiltrating creatures who are most likely trying to kill us all and bring an end to the world as we know it?" Red asked the unicorns, taking a seat at the empty table preparing some paperwork that Gene could send back to the Captain. 
Making her way into the kitchen and opening a few cupboards with her magic she began searching for something.

"I'm afraid there's no more coffee, we finished off the last cup before you arrived. Sorry about that." Chromwell informed the very disappointed unicorn.

"Well may Luna give me the strength to get me home then. I don't think we will get anymore out of him tonight Chromwell. I guess its time for us to head back to Headquarters Red and catch some sleep. We can come back tomorrow and hopefully get something useful to tell the Captain and Princesses."

"I know its late but your going to leave just like that? This things barely told us anything and I'm not sleeping while its under my guard." 

"I'm sorry Chromwell but I'm not an official interrogator, I cannot just get information magically out of his head. We were sent for an initial review and there's barely enough here to make a risk assessment for the Capital. We have both been in meetings all day and I know its nicer being on the other side of the table but I really want to head off. I promise I will be back first thing in the morning alright?"

"Fine, I cannot stop you. When you get back to Headquarters can you tell the changeover staff to hurry, I don't want them to be late. I think the three of us can handle the thing just fine but we don't know what its fully capable of at this stage."

Gene and Red got ready to leave and started heading down the corridor to the front room as Chromwell followed them out. Opening the door the cool night air caused them all to shiver and look around at the quiet neighborhood. A light fog was rolling in and already visibility was reduced to fifty percent nearly suffocating the streetlamps in the darkness. The Pegasus guard was still watching the front yard from the shadows however the light was reflecting off the wisps of smoke formed by his hot breath.

"Time for you to head inside Rom, go check on Nesbo in the back. No coffee left either before you ask." Chromwell motioned for the Guard to head back inside and prepared to close the door leaving Officer Red and Shock outside.

"Hey don't worry Cromwell, we will be back before you know it and I'll even bring a round of coffee. Keep things locked up and stay safe." Red said with a grin to try and lighten Cromwell grim expression. 

"Thanks Red I'd appreciate that, gonna need it as well. See you in the morning." 

The door closed behind them and with a few clicks of the locks they started walking down the empty streets. The light fog was all around them and the temperature had dropped enough for their armor to become icy to the touch.

"I should have brought my winter cloak with me. I haven't seen fog like this in a long time, cannot even see the stars tonight." Gene whined softly, not sure what else to say as they walked back towards their accommodation. 

"Looks like its your lucky night I've got a blanket in one of my saddle bags if you want it?"

"Oh, no its fine Red, I'll be OK until we get back." 

"Come on Gene, why not? Whats with you lately you seem down. Was it something the Changeling said? No... you have been acting strange since after the meeting with Redscotch. Was it something he said?"

"I'll be fine Red. Its nothing. I guess I'm just thinking about what we should tell Captain Redscotch tomorrow morning." Trying to change the subject Gene just wanted to go home and go to sleep, the day had been bad enough.

"mm, wait tomorrow morning? Were we meant to meet with him again, I thought we were going to head back there after visiting the safe house again?"

"Well we need to just quickly call in and tell him about what we know so far, it wont take long. You took a few notes didn't you?"

"I thought you did, Special Officer?" Half jokingly half worried Red did not want to disappoint the Captain. It felt as thought he hadn't studied for an exam and it was due the very next morning.

"I was the one talking to him. I thought you were ? I know Cromwell was."

"I'm going to go back." Red stated stopping on the sidewalk and turning around facing the way they already came.

"What? Are you crazy, what for its nearly midnight Red?" 

"I will be right back, I'll go get Cromwells notes and we can use them for tomorrow morning. Problem solved. He won't need them until after we get back anyway. Will you be alright heading back on your own?

"Of course I'll be fine. I took down the changeling! You were the one who was stuck to the floor."

"Valid point. I'll see you back at Headquarters Gene. Take it easy."

"You take it easy and be safe. I'll see you in the morning."

With that Red stretched out his stiff wings and took off flying low and slow back to the safe house. It was painfully obvious that Gene had more on her mind than the possibility of multiple psychopathic monsters lurking throughout Canterlot. However perhaps after some rest she may feel like explaining more about what was bothering her. 





00:08, Safehouse.

Landing softly and trotting for a few steps before coming to a halt Red was back at the Safehouse. The street looked exactly the same as far as he could see, which was only a few blocks at most. Feeling a bit more chilly now that the cool breeze was evaporating the sweat from his coat he was ready to retrieve the paperwork and get back to his bunk for the rest of the night. 

Walking between the low shrubbery talking a shortcut through the front garden instead of staying on the path Red noticed the same light was still on. All the other lights in the street were turned off and only the streetlamps fought to hold back the darkness.

"They must be afraid of the dark. Although having that thing staying with them I guess I cannot blame them" He thought to himself. 

Slowly approaching the door he intended to give it a couple of good hits with his hoof only to find that after the first knock the door creaked open slightly. Moving to the side of the door against the houses front wall he was just able to tell from the combination of filtered streetlights and the single light inside that the door knob and parts of the frame had been broken. Straining his eyes to look at the door he could see that splintered pieces of wood stood outwards sharply from the frame and the outside half of the door handle was on the ground.  He couldn't hear anything inside. No movement inside and the breeze outside had all but come to a stop turning the surrounding flora into towering shadowy statues. 

Officer Red did not have his spear with him and lacking his helmet he felt especially vulnerable and alone. Using his mouth he unsheathed his small knife holding it tightly between his teeth. It gave him a slight sense of security and courage, however it was only a knife and he didn't know what he was up against. If the prisoner had escaped then why was the door broken from the outside?

Using a fore hoof to lightly tap the door open it thankfully opened up completely without another sound. The corridor was exactly 
as it was before, nothing seemed different except the light at the end room was moving. Ever so slightly it was swinging back and forth casting long shadows across the floor and walls. He could only hear and feel his heart throbbing in his chest, listening for any signs of life or danger.

He gingerly took a few steps inside, quickly getting out of the doorways immediate choke point and into the closest room. The living room was a mess with cushions over the floor and a random blanket that looked like it had been thrown towards the doorway. The couch was crooked and the far wall had a large dent in the plasterboard and a shattered picture frame nearby on the ground. Interestingly the picture was of Canterlot at night with its bright lights shining out from the mountain side with a small title and subtitle at the bottom.


Canterlot, the shining Jewel of Equestria and the City of Harmony


Clearing the room he entered the kitchen as the light was slowly returning to stability. There was blood pooling around hard green patched behind the kitchen bench with blood streaks trailing off over the kitchen bench before again pooling on the table which looked as though something or someone was dragged and slammed down on top of it. Readjusting his grip on the knife and swallowing hard to suppress any emotion so that he could try and maintain his sense of calm. With this amount of blood at least one pony would have to be dead. Approaching the open door where the prisoner was taken to be restrained the door was opened. The adjacent bathroom door was open to reveal more blood on the tiles and a bath full of bloody water with the Pegasus guard Rom face down motionless in the dark. Red could even smell the blood from the hallway as it slowly evaporated and drained away with the water.

Looking back into the prisoners chambers we was surprised to see the thing had its back to him looking out the window. Its eyes moved from the reflection to look at him back to whatever was outside. Entering the room he turned on the lights with an outstretched wing watching the prisoner as it sat there unfazed. It still has its restraints on.

"Surprise." 

As the lights flicked on the voice came from next to the switch and as Red turned to step back from being startled he was shocked to find himself facing another changeling already in the process of swinging a crooked bladed ax held with its green magic in a downwards arc. In slow motion he saw the monster slice all the way through three quarters of his outstretched wing leaving a stub as the ax collided with his armor and came to a stop embedded in the wooden floor next to his severed wing covered in bright red blood. Falling backwards in pain into the door and stumbling backwards out into the hallway the searing pain threatened to bring him to his knees. Screaming in agony his knife fell from his mouth and fell rolling back into the room. 

Another Changeling emerged from the bathroom behind him preparing a spell and aiming at his back. With adrenaline increasing and his blood decreasing at a rapid pace Officer Virtue double bucked the Changeling back into the bathroom. Hearing the sound of breaking glass and a splash he assumed it would be down for the count. With the action of kicking his rear enemy he was now thrust back into the room bumping into the remaining Changeling who was trying to recover the small hatchet landing on top of the threat and pinning him down with what little strength he had left. Looking up for something to use he spotted his knife on his right side against the door trying to reach for it with his other wing. The changeling who sat at the window finally turned around and lifted the knife away with his magic throwing it away carelessly. As he heard the knife bang against something metal all remaining hope left him. Trying to hit the Changeling under him and using his remaining wing to unsuccessfully whip at the approaching prisoner it caught his wing between its holey hooves twisting it painfully then letting go and kicking him completely off its friend causing him to land flat on his face in a heap. Slowly rolling to his side gasping for breath he watched as the Changeling he had pinned pushed the prisoner away from helping him and regain his hooves. 

"GRAHHH" Red screamed in defeat with his last ragged breath. Hopefully one of the neighbors would hear the commotion and their cover would be blown. There was no way he would be escaping alive now trying to reach the bleeding stub he could almost feel as if the wing was still there. If he could keep the pressure on the wound he might live a few precious more seconds. 

Standing before him the changelings horn glowed and a cold sticky mass attached itself over the stub of his missing wing preventing it from moving back and forth. The floor was covered in blood and his armor was stained and dripping but the wound was sealed for now. The Changeling ripped out its small ax from the floor boards and Red tried not to look at the severed mass of feathers and bone that was once his wing.

"What are you going to do with this one Soldier?" The prisoner asked watching Red rock back and forth on the ground trying to stand back up. The soldier kicked Officer Virtue back into the wall adding another dent to the armor and again winding Red. 

"Whatever I want to you fool. Perhaps I'll get rid of that other wing while hes still alive. It's such a pitiful excuse for a soldier, this land will be easy enough to conquer."

"Release me."

"No. I have to complete the task I was sent here for first before doing that."

"What do you mean. Your meant to take me back to the hive, my cover is blown. I need to get out of here before more of them come." Desperately arguing for his freedom the prisoner was starting to become visible worried now.

"You think this was a rescue mission? Your an expendable scout. You have not served your Queen well and she does not want to keep any failures around." The soldier raised the ax over its head preparing to attack the chained Changeling.

"No, wait-" The ax landed on the middle of his head sinking through his skull leaving only the ax head visible. Dropping to the floor as a lifeless husk a dark blood began to pool on the floor. Leaving the ax in the prisoner the solder turned and left the room. After a few seconds it returned with a hurt looking changeling female dripping watery blood from head to hoof all over the floor. It looked extremely angry and there were a few small cracks in its hard skin where he had kicked it and an odd piece of glass or two still sticking out of its back.

Casting another spell it picked him up throwing him against the wall again before dragging him out of the room through the corridor throwing him into the bathroom leaving him on the ground on top of a few shards of bloodied glass which began to cut into anywhere he was not armored. Leaving him alone the soldier again disappearing for a moment returning with some chain that used to imprison the now dead Changeling. It was incredibly frightening they were now working in near silence as if it was something they had done thousands of times before. Tying his rear hooves and hanging him from the shower curtain railing upside down the remaining blood rushed to his head and he was already starting to lose feeling in his hind legs. The dead Pegasus guard was still in the bathtub face down below him now as he swung back and forth over the tub and the bloodied glass covered floor. 

"W..what are you waiting for?" Red managed to ask, not even expecting a reply anymore.

"Tell me about Canterlot pony. How many guards are there usually in the barracks? How many Pegasi and Unicorns are there?

"What? I... have no idea. Even if i did know I wouldn't tell you."

"Very well."

"That's it?" Mumbling in confusion Red was not sure what these things were planning on doing anymore.

They both turned around and left him hanging there as the chains continued to bite into his legs and the pain on his missing wing started to increase again. Officer Virtue would hear them moving things around and occasionally breaking something. They were looking for something but he didn't care what for at the moment. The room was getting darker and every time he blinked he felt more and more tired. Hanging there for an unknown amount of time he slipped into blissful consciousness releasing him temporarily from his pain and the smell of death. 





05:13, Safehouse.

Officer Red Virtue was dreaming about being back in a small sleepy little town. Walking beneath the radiant sun and beautiful sky down the sidewalk with his wing wrapped around someone he loved. The dream shifted from bright colors to  darkness and red, he could hear metal chains and someone approaching. Nearly returning to consciousness two earth ponies stood in front of him. Before he could sigh in relief thinking the nightmare was finally over the pony at the front stared at him for a second before kicking him in the chest again and again. Not sure if this was another terrible dream or not he remained hanging there limp unable to do anything to defend himself.

"Hes nearly finished." the yellow female pony remarked to her counterpart. 

"I better be quick then. But not too quick."

Reds vision was fading in and out from the darkness trying to take him away from the waking world but he kept willing himself to stay awake. To stay alive. Painfully stretching out his remaining wing the brown earth pony unsheathed an ax. Officer Virtues eyes closed involuntarily taking in a deep breath some words from his oath stated to replay in his mind as he braced himself for the worst. 

'...to serve and protect the land and citizens with honor... '

Blinking his eyes open once again he could see that the dirty ax was raised over the earth ponies head poised to disfigure his broken body once more before granting him a release from existence. Closing his eyes he awaited the blow and following pain. 

'...until I am dismissed from my service or death restrains me.'

"Wait. Hold up I think I can hear something outside." The female announced quietly placing a hoof on the males shoulder to prevent his actions.

"Whats wrong with you? Go check it out then."

She left the room and after a few seconds there were multiple explosions around the house. Red could hear glass shattering and doors being kicked in as the disguised female Changeling screamed at first in surprise and then in a crazed fit of rage. All he could see was the males head looking back through the door in confusion before turning back to the dangling officer and glaring angrily into his eyes.

"Their too late." was all he said before swinging the ax and severing the remaining wing. Thrashing wildly around in his restraints the warm blood started to freely flow down his abdomen and along his neck before dripping steadily from his chin. The changeling soldier grabbed at the damaged breastplate holding the officer steady before preparing to deliver the very final blow. The room was starting to loose color and it felt as thought all his limbs now had pins and needles sticking into them. 

In slow motion through blurry eyes Officer Reds rescuers charged into the bathroom. The silhouetted guards with silver and gold armor flung away the dirty weapon and tackled the enemy soldier though a supporting metal pole and into the sink basin shattering it as they fell struggling on the floor. The metal pole bowed and bent dropping Red half into the bathtub of bloodied water landing on top of the deceased pony. Trying to find something to grab onto to get out of the water he kept slipping on a combination of bloodied broken glass and water. The bathtub itself was lubricated with filth that was getting stirred up from Reds poor attempt at swimming and threatening to be ingested through his nose and mouth. 

Two strong hooves grabbed the sides of his armor and heaved him backwards causing him to land on top of some pony before rolling to his side coughing and spitting. The water was preventing his wounds from coagulating with the added sensation of intense stinging. 

"By the Princesses. MEDIC, get a medic in here now!" Some pony shouted and continued to shout but it was finally time for Officer Virtue to slip into a peaceful and dreamless state of unconsciousness. 






08:30, The office of Captain Redscotch.

Special Officer Gene Shock slammed open the door to the Captains officer making it bounce back and close itself behind her leaving quite a large mark on the wall. She only had a few hours sleep and was currently only in half her uniform standing before her superior however she had little choice. Being rousted by a messenger saying it was urgent that she meet with the Captain she wasted no time in getting to his office.

"Sir, Whats' happened?"

"I'm afraid it's not good news. Perhaps the worst report I have received for a very long time."

Captain Redscotch was bent forward in his chair looking down at a few pieces of worn paper in his left hoof and sipping his drink out of his right. The room was still dark with the blinds barricading the occupants from the risen sun draining the colour from the room and making the Captain look much older than before. 

"The safe house has been infiltrated and destroyed by an unknown number of assailants."

"When did this happen?" Taking a seat at the desk the realization began to set in about the seriousness of the situation. The safehouse held their only lead and beginning piece of the puzzle.

"Late last night or very early in the morning, I'm not quite sure at the moment. The replacement Officers reported something amiss with the building and called for reinforcements before entering the premises. We are not sure how the safehouse was compromised but at the moment we are trying to recover from our losses. Two confirmed Officer deaths, one Officer missing but presumed dead and another in critical condition after being severely beaten and mutilated." Redscotch let go of the papers and let them rest on top of his desk facing Gene for her to take a look. 

"The Princesses. Do they know?" Picking up the papers she started looking for more clues, anything that could help them. 

"They have been informed but there will be a proper meeting later today at the castle." Lifting up his glass he took another sip.

"Red went back to get some reports last night. Is he...?" She trailed off hoping that nothing had happened to him.

"I'm afraid he is the one they managed to recover however he is in critical condition. I'm so sorry Gene. Officer Fromage is guarding the ward as we speak at Canterlot Central Hospital."

"I... I better go check up on him. Sir." Nodding and standing up she began to leave.

"One last thing Gene. Deltawire should be at the scene of the incident, I need you to check in with her later on and see what you can find out. Someone must have said something to help our enemy."

"Yes sir. Don't worry we will catch the ones who did this."

"I'm afraid both of the suspects were unable to be successfully arrested. They were killed as a result of resisting arrest. The thing that you captured was also found deceased at the scene. We seem to have hit a wall in our investigation."

"They call themselves Changelings sir, we were able to find out at least that much."

"Changelings huh? I'll see what the researchers can come up with at the library. I want you as well to come to the meeting later today Gene. I know a lot of things are happening all at once but I need someone who I can trust to be my plus one and your experiences and knowledge will be invaluable."

"You can count on me Sir." 

Closing the door behind herself Gene tried to prevent herself from an all out gallop to the hospital but was only able to restrain herself to a very brisk pace. This brutal attack seemed to have only been the first of what the Changeling had told her would be an 'unstoppable event'. Walking out to the open streets they were bustling with ponies going about their daily business and others hanging decorations along the lampposts and houses getting into the celebratory mood. If they knew what was happening then it might trigger more attacks and a wave of panic throughout the country. The wedding will still go on, they just had to find a way to reveal their changing enigma of an enemy before there were anymore fatalities. 
	
	
	
> Separatist Infiltrations 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A feather gently glided back and forth, seemingly being flown by the gentle winds itself. It's pure silvery appearance complemented the visible slither of the Crescent moon shining up high on an otherwise pitch black evening. Finally landing perfectly on the surface of a reflection pool to one side of the Royal Canterlot Courtyard the glider was then transformed into a small makeshift raft atop the mirrored reflection of the moon. However the peaceful sailing did not last long as the raft came under fire from a sudden barrage of droplets above and began to sink into the pool leaving behind a dispersing red trail in its' wake. The moons once shimmering reflection changed violently from a pure silvery white to a soiled dark crimson as the water slowly removed all traces of evidence that was diving down from one of the Keeps many sentry belfries.


***


In response to the final preparations of the Royal Wedding, Canterlot was evermore the bustling Capital. With the added pressure of a dramatic increase in foreign and diplomatic visitors, there was little alternative to increasing the security around the entire City. Much to the dismay of the Royal Treasury the wedding itself would not be the highest expense that required funding. Supplementing the already over-whelmed Elite Royal Guard would be the Paramilitary Police Ponies of Equestria, various levels of General Security Ponies and Volunteers from the Equestrian Civil Defense Reservists. The final of which would not require payment in Bit's, only in various qualities of cuisine, much to the satisfaction of the Royal Account keepers.  With the Royal Guard and other security forces thinly spread around Canterlot it occurred to some that this quickly forged horseshoe of security & protection would have many faults ready to be exploited by any who wished to infiltrate with the slightest force.  

The rumors and speculation about the wedding, the wedding couple and the probability of a Royal Heir arriving at a specific date, weight and time were constant and inescapable. While this type of communication was positively effecting the populace of the nation a similar more uneasy type of hearsay was beginning to cause concern for those behind the purple curtains amid all levels of Security. Therefore the facade of stern professional guards was a mere cover to not reveal the disillusionment of a safe and secure Canterlot. The rumor that a secret safe house in an nondescript middle class region had been breached with the repulsive demise of multiple sentinels and unconfirmed reports of any survivors or arrests was causing unease within the ranks.

Reports being sent from the gates asking for more ponies, Requests from the Royal Equestrian Avian Aviation Force for more eyes in the sky and the perimeter reviews and assessments calling for increased patrols and stationed Ponies were starting to inundate and already busy correspondents office leading to multiple mail ponies knocking on the door of an already frazzled Captain of the Guard. The rumors are plausible. The threat is real. A desperate protective yet confining shield spell was conjured as an initial and last line of defense for Canterlot and it's swelling populace.


Canterlot, the shining Jewel of Equestria and the City of Harmony



***


"Virtue?"

A familiar voice summoned the restlessly sleeping patient back from the gentle embrace of unconsciousness. Beginning to stir Officer Red Virtue first stretched his hind legs underneath the comfy cotton sheets. Risking it all in a brief peak to survey his surroundings, the poor bet was met with a partially obscured view of a bandage and the warm blurry luminescent rays of the Sun Goddess in all her perfect generosity. Squeezing his lids closed to prepare for a second chance he was tutted at by the same gentle voice.

"Looks like he's ready to wake up today Nurse, go tell the Doctor and Guards please."

"Where am I, Gene?" He slurred with his eyes starting to water.

"Sorry about the blinds, I'll take care of them. Just try and relax, ok?"

Red could hear the sound of the door closing and somepony fiddling with the draw string of the wooden blinds. Behind his eyelids the brightness drastically decreased, hesitating he liberated this eyes and began starting them on their first mission of the day, focusing. He could hear movement of what he assumed to be a chair as She dragged it closer to the top right hoof side of his bed, which barely moved as she rested her hooves comfortably on top of his blankets. Red tried to sit up further in his bed, only gaining a small amount of height, causing  small itches on his back to start annoying him. 

"I'm afraid you're wrong Red, Gene's out working, it's me Ark... remember?"

"Is she alright?" Pausing for a moment before solemnly asking another question he dreaded to know the answer of. "and the others? Last night. What about them?"

"Officer... Virtue." Hesitating to find the words She was lacking. "I don't think now is a good time to be discussing-"

"-I don't think it's wise, Officer Arc, to withhold information about my friends and the current situation we are all in." Red rudely interrupted Arc with a more harsh voice than he'd meant.

His shoulders started to itch more as he shuffled back and forth against the bed trying to sate the itchiness.  Rubbing the tiredness from his eyes he was able to catch what was left of Arcs' surprised reaction before she could completely recover back to her professional demeanor. Neither of them wished to speak first as the silence began to grow. It was broken by the wards door opening and closing quickly as a small Pegasus in a white uniform entered.

Not realising her own interruption she proceeded to check the various equipment around the bed. "It's good to see you awake and well Mr Red. Let me get that gauze off your face." The Nurse Chirped cheerily as she removed the bandages around his head and neck. As the bandage was unraveled Red was able to get a closer look at the nurse. She wore a small grinning smile on her gentle face and her mane seemed to contain only the slightest gradient of white to pink. Her clean white uniform fitted her anatomy perfectly, protecting all the way from her neck to her rear fetlocks. The Nurses feathery wings were neatly folded behind her looking perfectly preened and inviting.

Now that he was completely convinced his eyes were back to one-hundred percent he was able to get a proper glimpse at Arc next to him she had not moved an inch. Arc was watching the nurse and glancing at him with a near perfect poker face, with the exception of her lips pouting ever so slightly. Most likely caused by his attitude. Seemingly satisfied after visually checking the nurse up and down she thanked and asked. "Have you finished with him yet and can you tell me when the Doctor and others are supposed to arrive? I need to go through a few things privately with our patient before they-."

"Oh no problem all finished for now." The Nurse taken aback by Arcs' sudden and stern questioning began to pack up the dirty bandages and finished scribbling a few things on the clipboard at the end of Reds' bed before continuing. "I'm sure they will all be here very soon. I asked one of those strapping Royal Guards to relay the message direct to the Officers' Capital Headquarters for you." The short Pegasus nurse chirped a higher pitch when mentioning the Royal Guard outside.

"I will be back soon to change those other bandages Red when you don't have any visitors." Nodding to Officer Arc and giving a small smile to Red before she opened the door and left the private ward to continue with the days busy timetable.

"Red-." Arc started.

"Arc-." Red simultaneously pleaded.

"Gene has been worried sick about you and Captain Redscotch has been extremely busy and wound up like there's some sort of diamond dog gnawing on his tail. Without him keeping Gene busy she would have been here twenty-four seven trying to watching you. However without Gene keeping the captain off your back he probably would have long since tried to rouse you with a bucket of fountain water."

"So you volunteered to watch me?" Red skeptically replied.

"I was conscripted, in her absences" She replied with a small smile.

"Hah well what a terrible waste of time on such a nice day" He chuckled back at her and rested his head comfortably back onto his pillow. The itch on his back was starting to become more invasive and tingling  all the way from his wings to the back of his neck. "By the way Arc, I'm not sure what day it is today?"

"Oh." Her smile transitioning back to a sad concerned face as her voice lowered to nearly a whisper."It's been nearly three days since you were dragged in, we would have had you up sooner but they were operating for nearly nine hours". She cut herself off already worried about how much she may have revealed. Her eyes started to sparkle as some beams of light were caught in the small tears she was trying so hard to repress. "We were all so worried Red, I - "

Not being able to look at Arc while she was lost for words he reached as far back as he could to try and rub at what was pestering his back only being able to reach just above where his wings were he was able to get some partial satisfaction. He still felt too stiff to try and get up as though the bandages were holding him back from moving around too much. Returning his hoof to rest by his right side near Arc, the movement caught her eye bringing her attention back to him. She let out a small pant as he looked down to find his slate-blue coat painted with just enough dark red blood to smudge his clean sheets.


"Arc?" He managed to grunt out as the painful memories gnawed their way out of his subconscious.


"Oh, Virtue" She lamented. Unable to look at him she tried to turn towards the partially closed window to clear her face with a hoof before turning her attention back towards the doorway.


Multiple hooves in the corridor could be heard approaching snapping her out of her pity as the door opened yet again interrupting any possible explanation from Arc. Red Virtues heart beat started to increase as he took a deep breath pressing his fore-hooves as hard as he could into the firm mattress. The door swung open slowly this time giving Arc enough time to place her hooves over Red Virtues right hoof in an effort to try and relax him and conceal the blood as she stared wide eyed at the doorway.

"Ah Mr Virtue. I am quite glad you survived the workbench." A dark grey pony with an orange mane wearing a lab coat entered chuckling to himself. "That is to say, we are all glad you are awake and well after all this time. I hope you can look forward to a large healthy meal whenever you are ready."

Seeing their mixed expressions of confusion and what he perceived was surprise he added with a smug look "My name is Dr. Caravery. I saved you."

With his right hoof still firmly held down Red lifted up his left hoof pointing at the Doctor menacingly "What the fuck did you do to me? What in Hells bloody name have you all done to me? I cannot move or feel my wings." 

"Well, that's not exactly the first reaction I had in mind." Doctor Caravery quietly replied to himself.

"What did you expect? My gratitude for maiming me permanently?" Red was still struggling with his restricted right hoof as Arc increased her grip.

"Unfortunately, Officer Red Virtue, there was nothing we could do to... reattach them." Picking up the clipboard at the foot of the bed he began reading then adding in small scribbles of his own as the Nurse had done."I was not the one who removed them in the first place and I would hope you come to realise, at time we had your very best interests in mind. If we had not surgically removed what was left of them the major artery would have kept bleeding. It would have made you weak and vulnerable for the rest of your life. We have the magic and medicine so we saved you and made you well again." Peering over the clipboard to observe the patient, one word and he could have this one sedated.

Red turned away from the Doctor as his jumbled memories combined back into the entire painful and bloody incident. Slumping back down onto the mattress he could still feel the itch on his back and a sharp throbbing from where his wings used to join to his back. The only solace he still had was Arcs hooves pressing his hoof into the mattress as she glared at the Doctors factual spewing of information. The bandages around his chest seemed even tighter than before as he thought about everything that was occurring so quickly.

Through the open doorway Captain Redscotch marched in with disciplined easy steps and behind him trotted Officer Gene Shock. The captain began with a harsh tone yet softened slightly with the presence of the mares.

"It's about bloody time you got up Virtue. The City might look amazing to you from up here however it's a logistical nightmare. Welcome back."

"Red!" Gene gently squeezed past Redscotch and the Doctor and moved around next to Arc looking at her hooves which still lay on the bedding. "Oh, and thank you Officer Arc for your vigilance and.. compassion for the patient. It's good to see you awake again Officer Virtue."

"It's good to see you back Officer Shock, I was just on my way to the bathroom now that you're here." Arc promptly withdrew her hooves and nodded a brief acknowledgement to the Captain before standing up and moving out of Genes way quickly as Gene switched seats and sat down next to Red.

"Ha ha you're looking good Red nice and snug!" Gene genuinely smiled at him but her eyes still revealed how tired and worried she was. "Much better than the last time I saw you."

"Well thanks, but if I was expecting guests I would have cleaned myself up a little bit. However it seems as though that has been taken care of by whom I hope was one of those nice Nurses." Grinning at Gene the sarcastic remark made him feel a bit better and resulted in a small smirk.

"The Nurse was a he, with griffin like appendages." The surly Captain replied emotionlessly from the foot of the medical bed. Giving Red a reason to again feel uneasy about the time spent in unconsciousness.

"Why's it so dark in here?" Gene questioned,  looking at the Doctor his reply was a shrug of the shoulders while apparently reading through page three of the clipboard of medical documents.

"I asked Arc to close them when I woke up, it was really bright."

"Well now that you are more conscious I think you need to take a look outside and see whats been going on while you have been out. You of all ponies should know how serious our situation is." Redscotch turned to Arc nodding for her to open the blinds completely. Hardly turning herself around a whitish aura encompassed the window as the blinds folded up completely.

For the first time Red looked out over the landscape to find that it was not just the sunlight that tried to blind him earlier but a large purplish wall as far as he could see filtering and reflecting the rays of sunlight.

"What in the Princesses names has happened to the sky?"

"It's a magically conjured force field." Gene explained.

"More specifically the Captain of the Royal guard has been literally breaking his own horn trying to protect the city from a threat we cannot directly identify or perceive. Yet." Redscotch was becoming more animated when he talked, the feeling of vulnerability for the ponies under his protection had been the most recent cause of enormous stress.

"Sir, surely we can wait until his debriefing-"

"His debriefing and briefing is here and now, where and when I say Officer Shock. We are on the precipice of disaster for ponies sake. Enough of this foal play Gene, it was a good idea to have someone watch him, I'll give you that. However I need answers and I need to return to the Royal Courts with something new."

"Captain?" was all she could say taken aback by his quick climb to pull the rank card.

"I will only ask once for you to sit quietly Gene or else you can wait outside." Turning back to the patient satisfied that there would be no further delays he asked his first question. "Did the things talk to each other and if so did they say anything that could be of any value to our investigation?"

"They killed our prisoner with little hesitation, mentioning how it had failed its Queen and Hive. All I know Sir is they were wanting more information on the Keep, I suppose they would have all they need by now. I don't really want to keep thinking of the safe house anymore Sir, not right now."

"These aren't honey bees we're dealing with, refusing to pollinate the daisy fields Red. By the Princesses if there's another monarchy uprising there's no telling how many of these things we are dealing with. The weddings tomorrow afternoon and we have already raised the security level to the highest since Princess Celestia went missing. Is there anything else you can tell us, anything at all that may help?"

"No, nothing. Sorry Sir." Red replied ashamed that there was not anything more he could say to help. "It seems as though you have been waiting for me to wake up for no new information."

"The Queen part was a new one, well done. I need you and Gene back in action as soon as possible and start patrolling for any new leads you can come up with." Redscotch barked out the orders to both of them before turning to the Doctor in an equally intimidating voice "When is he able to get back on his hooves Doctor?"

"Oh uh, well I suppose if he feels up to it light duties would be alright. He has been through some vigorous surgery though so I would suggest he takes it easy and does not go picking fights with other ponies anytime soon."

"I'll be fine Doc, there may not be an option to not defend ourselves over the next few days" Red replied trying to convince his visitors he was fighting fit under the glare of Officer Shocks 'you're a stubborn idiot look'.

"Then it's settled. Gene get him ready and on his feet and if that young Officer Arc returns tell her to immediately return to Ponyville and recall the remaining security forces. I'll either be at the Palace or Headquarters if you need to send a message, do not delay any information you can find out. Is that understood?"

"Yes Sir." Shock and Virtue replied in unison. Not wanting to question why the rural towns were being left with no protection on the vulnerable outskirts of Equestrias borders.

With that, the resolute Captain set off with renewed determination heading towards the Palace with the royal guards that were at the door following closely behind. The Doctor finished writing his notes on the clipboard before re-attaching it to the hook at the end of the bed and walking briskly to his next patients room. Officer Shock and Virtue sat there in silence for a few minutes not sure where to begin, it seemed as though the task that was before them was impossible.

"Red, I'm not sure if it's the best place we should start but we have had some anonymous intelligence about one of the taverns over at the west gate.  If you're feeling up to it of course?"

"Thanks Gene, yeah I might just try out my hooves first before we start parading out in public." Throwing aside the hospital bed sheets and wriggling out of bed as carefully as he could without disturbing the bandages wrapped around his stomach and back he staggered to the bathroom.

After relieving himself at the toilet he looked at the small clean shower and decided his next course of urgent action. Stretching out his bruised fore hoof he looked at himself for the first time into the mirror above the small metal sink. The surprised face that greeted him was not familiar to him, he looked more pale grey than blue and much skinnier. His hair was messy and still crimson, matching the bandages he could see on his back. Desperately trying to unravel the bandages he ended up using more strength than necessary to tear and bite away the concealing gauze which withheld and contained his most serious wounds. He needed to see it.

The bandages drifted to the floor and silently lay there in a heap with flakes of dried blood peppering the once clean white tiles. He couldn't say or do anything but look at the two large raw scars on his back where his wings used to be. Trying his best to control his breathing his vision started to become foggy due to his traitorous eyes and his mouth remained closed shut holding back all sound. All he was now was an earth pony, he didn't have any wings now for flight, balance or handling. He could hear Gene in the room open the glass window which shook him from his thoughts of uselessness and procrastination. He had a job to do for the City, the Princesses and for himself.

Steadying himself on his weak legs he turned on the shower with his mouth and waited for the temperature to become comfortably hot. There were a couple of options of cleaning agents he could use which was either a cake or a bottle of soap, both of which smelled overly fragrant of vanilla and roses. Knocking the cake of soap from its place he poked it into the corner of the warm shower so it could not escape and pawed at it to form a lather to scrub his dirty hooves and places he could reach. Sitting under the warm therapeutic water as it ran from his head down his back he concentrated on taking a few deep breaths and tried not to look at the dirt and blood escaping down the drain. Giving himself a moment to sit there in peace his body stung from the water as it touched his wounds.

"Uh, Red?" There was a soft tap on the door as Gene opened it half way and waited by the door for a response. It had been more than thirty minutes since she'd watched him stumble out of bed. She could just see the fogged up mirror and the silhouette of a pony sitting behind the perspiring glass of the shower, she wanted to make sure he was alright however observing the pile of bloody bandages on the ground she reluctantly allowed him some privacy. "How's it going in there tough guy, nearly done?"

"A few more minutes Gene, if you wouldn't mind I might need some help with my armor. I'm not sure where they left it." Squeezing out some of the bottled soap he rubbed it into his mane getting out the last remaining traces of grime.

"I think your armors pretty banged up, I can get you a new set if you want?"

"No it's fine, that's all I'll need thanks Gene. I'll be out in a minute."

It took only a couple of minutes for her to locate the box with the belongings he was dragged in with. There were no weapons of course they would have been confiscated, however his armor remained in poor condition. She heard the shower turn off and decided to quickly wipe it over with one of the spare towels.

"You didn't have to do that Gene, but I really appreciate it." Exiting the bathroom Red saw what Gene had been doing and he got ready to armor up while feeling refreshed and ready.

She managed to suppress a giggle watching him with a towel still around his neck slowly squirming into his armor. Finally attaching the last of his buckles for him to save some time, much to his stubbornness.

Grinning knowingly that he wouldn't want anyone to know about her helping him dress she continued on with where they were up to in the case. He straightened up his equipment before checking the room to make sure he had everything he was brought in with.

"Red, about the tavern we need to checkout. It wasn't so much of a tip off as it was that we found the places name and location on a business card on one of the dead changelings at the safe house. Last chance if you want to hold back coming with me?" 

"Let's get out of this place Gene, I can't stand this hospital food." With a solid explanation given he took the first few steps towards his freedom leaving Gene trailing a few paces behind muttering under her breath.

"You haven't even been awake long enough to eat any."


***


"Well this is hardly a surprise." Gene candidly spoke as they approached the tavern down the long narrow side street of Canterlot. Old oak barrels littered the sides mixed in with broken pallets along with other rubbish. Even though the street lanterns were lit the grimy glass did little to illuminate the poorly maintained buildings. Even the late afternoon suns reach did not seem to touch this area in neither light nor heat.

"Look at this Gene, even the door looks like its been raided more than once." The heavy oak doors hinges had rust all over it and the wooden door had protruding splinters and an old dirty look to it. Giving each other a brief look and nod they moved to opposite sides of the door preparing for a swift entry.

Officer Shocks magic engulfed the doors handles and Officer Virtue prepared to enter first. With a nod from Red the doors were flung open with a loud screeching of metal and the sound of a door chime. Entering quickly and professionally they stood by the inside of the door only to observe that the room was mostly deserted and their entrance had hardly warranted a glance from the few conscious patrons.

The standard declaration of  'Equestrian Enforcement Officers, cease all actions' died in Genes throat and with a nudge from Virtue they both walked up to the bar with the doors slowly swinging shut behind them. Waiting at the bar front for the barmaid to stop her conversation with a tall caramel earth pony Red took in his surroundings. 

Near one of the partially covered greasy windows was a light grey pony with some sort of quill cutie mark on his flank asleep with a few rolls of parchment scattered over the small round table. In one of the booths along the wall two ponies sat, a small light pink Pegasus mare and a large dark brown unicorn colt. The unicorn was very close to the mares ear with his mouth moving quickly as he sat close to her. On the other hoof she seemed to be half listening with her head resting on one of her fore hooves with her hair and hoof concealing her faces expression. Looking more closely she seemed to be pressed as far as she could go against the wall, trapped in the booth having to listen to a supposedly boring conversation. The colt shifted to look around the room and upon seeing the officer looking his conversation seemed to end mouthing a few more words to the mare as she sat up looking at him curiously through her curtain of light red hair.

"...Officer Virtue here is quite the diligent food and drink quality inspector. Isn't that right Officer Virtue?" With a hard kick to one of his protected shins he was transported from his room assessment back to the present introductions now that the barmaid had concluded her conversation with the caramel patron.

"Uh, yes that is correct Officer Shock it makes me sick to the stomach. I have seen my fair share of poorly made ciders and mildew covered hay to know that his establishment definitely needs a thorough check. As you can see I've already had a recent unreasonable experience at another establishment."

"Well do whatcha gotta do, I'm not going to stop ya" the olive barmaid replied to Shock before turning to Virtue with narrowed eyes "and you won't find any bad hay here."

"Thank you, lets check it out Red."

Starting on the lower levels and checking each of the three floor nothing seemed to be suspect or incriminating in the least. The old tavern was pretty much deserted and it was amazing it was still open for business. Surprisingly the kitchen was the cleanest place in the building looking as if it was the only room that was well used. Satisfied with their check they decided to call it and head back to headquarters entering the common room there were even less ponies now.

Gene decided to have some final words to the Barmaid and while Red was waiting he noticed the same Pegasus mare sitting in the same booth as before with a curious stare focused at him with a hoof on an empty pint. Leaving Gene to her smooth talking he approached the mare cautiously. Her response to his direct approach was to readjust her seating position to a more ergonomically comfortable position and wait.

"Excuse me miss. My name's Officer Virtue would you mind if I had a seat and asked you a few questions?"

"Such a polite yet disappointingly official introduction. How could I refuse, please take a seat Officer Virtue." She replied in a smooth calm voice looking at him with her sultry blue eyes.

"Well I couldn't help but notice your friend had left such a beautiful lady alone in this part of Canterlot, and with an empty drink no less." Red casually replied with a small smile on his face.

"Ha ha well that was quite the drastic change and much better Officer. Thank you very much however the colt was not really a friend and I'm sure if he had the bits he would have supplied them so I would not go without. You can call me Sphyna since you have such a cute curious look, but darling you look like you need a drink more than me."

"Perhaps if I was not on duty at another place, with another mare." Taking a seat opposite the Pegasus.

"Ouch, taken are we? Pity, I didn't think the one with the horn was your type. Who are you after tonight Officer, or perhaps I should say what are you after?" Sphyna asked inquisitively while fiddling with her empty pint on the table.

Changing the subject before it got out of hoof he continued "I was wondering what you were doing here tonight and if there could be anything you have heard around town lately?"

"Oh I'm just relaxing after a hard day of working at the markets. I think we have all heard the rumors around town, and with the Wedding approaching fast I know I'm sick of waiting and would like all these crowds to finally leave. I haven't done anything wrong have I officer?" Sphyna rested her head on her hooves and looked up at him playfully challenging him.

"Ha of course not, besides I do not have my hoof-cuffs. Although more seriously I'm curious about the rumors you have heard?"

"Mmm naughty" Grinning from ear to ear she brushed back her fringe and whispered "I've overheard people talking about the palace, wanting to get in for what I suppose is sight seeing. You are not the first person to ask me if there's any way I know of how to enter the gates and get past the two door guards. Perhaps you should go there tonight and make sure it's as safe as I have been saying."

"Who were these sticky beaks wanting to know about the palace? Can you remember anything specific?" Red shifted in his seat interested to see if there was anything else to this vague story that could be useful. His armor was starting to rub against his back while he was seated and the annoyance was starting to get distracting.

"Oh they were just Tourists or well wishers. For a few days it seemed like it was a different person each day" Waving her hoof in the air she acted as if there was nothing usual or that there was no need for concern.

"Ok then, well I need to go and check out a few things." It was time, Red decided, to check on the focus area that all these ponies were investigating. If this mare had been telling any truth at all that is. Rising from his chair his company seemed disappointed at the short conversation and couldn't decider whether to stand or remain seated. Gene was waiting for him at the door watching.

"So soon? Whats the rush to check out some silly rumors and tourists curiosities right now. I thought we were going to have a drink?" She pouted teasingly.

"I'm a few days behind at the moment. Another time perhaps, are you staying here then?" Red left a couple of bits on the table for the mare.

"I'll be here all night, thank you Officer Virtue." Smiling she said quietly as he walked away "Be careful."

"What was that all about Red, anything good?" Gene inquired once they were outside the tavern.

"I think we should pass by the palace before we head back, just to check on a few things."

"Ok just a quick visit. Then we are defiantly getting some food. If your giving free drinks for mares you just met at a bar then you can pay for my dinner as well."

"Done deal, let's go." Together they set off up the hill towards the palaces main gates leaving the dingy alleyway behind them.


***


Approaching the main gate the pair of officers could feel something was not right. With the shield overhead filtering the moons light the city looked darker and more ominous compared to the usual bright and pleasant atmosphere. The main gates being open was not unusual since it was during the week the night court was still an active civil service Princess Luna would continue to do until the festive wedding celebrations began. However even though the gates were not unusual, the lack of guards were a cause for concern.

"Where do you think they went Red?" Gene asked looking around behind and above them.

"Maybe they got called away or went to take a break."

"At the same time?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

Walking slowly past the large solid oak gate doors they were not hailed or stopped. The courtyard was as deserted as the perimeter seemed to be and now they were both getting much more anxious to get inside.  Picking up the pace it was time for them to briskly enter the palace, their immediate objective was to ensure the safety of the Royals.

The carpeted floor muffled their hooves as they approached the main hall where the night court was held finally being able to hear the first signs of life. Rounding the corner and entering the brightly lit hall they found themselves nearly alone with the exception of four guards and Princess Luna herself talking to one of her guards next to the throne.

"Princess! Is everything alright?" Officer Virtue loudly called out as they approached the throne.

The sudden question seemed to jolt the two earth pony royal guards rushing up to the intruding armored pair with their spears lowered while Princess Lunas Batpony personal guard flanked her assessing any possible risk to their Princess.

"Halt, identify yourselves Officers. How dare you interrupt the Night Court." One of the spear wielding earth ponies glared at the pair raising his spear once he was close enough to see that neither of them were even holding weapons.

"It seems as thought tonight I have have not interrupted anything other than your sleep. I only have the Princesses best interests in heart."

"How dare-"

"-Silence. Officers Shock and Virtue, We would like to know what is the meaning of this rude disruption?" Princess Luna addressed the pair wanting to find out the reasons faster than the bickering between Guards and Officers.

"Apologies Princess Luna, however we were passing the gates and noticed there are no guards on the exterior of the palace. Save the few you have with you now. We were concerned for your safety and came to check on you."

"We thank you for your concern young Officers however as you can see we remain unharmed. While tonight may be quite slow the only threat is our own drastic fatigue."

"Indeed Princess we know that now, we are very sorry for disturbing your court" Officer Shock replied solemnly.

"Your apologies are not needed as I appreciate your vigilance. Spear ponies go forth and seek out those meant to be on guard and make sure they return to their posts immediately and wake up a few extra Guards to begin a sweep to find me a reason for their absence." The Princess ordered prompting a very swift departure of the Royal Guards from the court.

"You may approach Officers. Your Captain left but a few hours ago, have you found out any new information?" Princess Luna asked them casually.

"I am afraid not your highness. It has been difficult finding any hard evidence or leads to investigate." Red sadly replied.

"Unfortunately we know all too well the lies that rumors spread and the damage they can cause. However it seems as though you were not lead here by just rumors or hearsay alone?"

"Of course my apologies Princess but I was. We have been speaking to a few ponies which caused us to leave and reassess if there was any threat currently here."

"While I agree Officer Virtue you seem to have done the right thing and check on an obvious possible target you seem to Me to have allowed your observant self to be distracted by the obvious, instead of staying on task and further questioning the sometimes simple answers. Return to the tavern and question the one who mislead you here. "

"I understand Princess thank you. I'll return there immediately and seek out the individual who lead us here"

"Not alone" Officer Shock interjected "I'll come with you and its about time we get Fromage and some others for backup."

"And I will stay here and guard the night court." Luna added.

"Thank you for your help Princess, we will return as soon as we have any new information" Red replied walking out of the hall with new found determination in finding the mare who's hints mislead them. He felt stupid.

Exiting the main palace and walking through the courtyard with Gene catching up to him the whole place was in a stir now. Guards searching the rooms and walls as well as a few more watching the gate. Even the sky had a few of Luna guards flying overhead silently. However Officer Virtue knew it could not last this way, after the area has been searched most would return to their rest in preparation for tomorrow.

"Wait up Red!" Gene called out flanked by a couple of Lunas Night Guards "We agreed on getting you something to eat, and we can wait for the others to arrive."

"We may not have time Gene, we don't know whats going on in this place or what could be going down at that tavern. We were there early and couldn't find anything, what if that was one of their meeting places but we were just early?"

"All the more reason to wait and plan."

"I've been waiting and doing nothing for three days Gene, it's time for some payback before any pony else gets caught up in this."

"You're not making this easy for me. Alright lets go." Gene reluctantly submitted

Together the small group trotted from the palace ground back into the lower areas of Canterlot ready for their second raid on the tavern.


***


"Ready?"

Gene asked the small group waiting at the door. Batpony guards flanked each side of the door ways with another couple on the roof, all of them ready to enter once the command was given. Each equipped with short swords, spears and armor they were ready this time if there was any resistance. This time they were the ones ready to surprise any possible intruders. Officer Virtue and Shock prepared for a swift entry once the doors were opened.

Zapshhh

Officer Shock fired a beam of bright white energy through the window causing it to shatter and implode glass into the quiet tavern. The blinding light glistened through the entire lower level with a few managing to escape through small gaps in the old roof. The heavy oak doors were once again flung open as the flanking Batponies entered quickly hugging each side of the room with Red taking the front and center followed closely by a slightly dazed Gene. 

Amazingly there were still a few prepared enough fora fight with one on the Night Guards on Reds left tripping over his stuck hooves with a green amber falling to the ground with a thud. The Guard on his right engaged one of the armored creatures sword to sword but before he could help he was thrown to the ground in a crushing hug dropping his sword sending it scraping all the way to the bar. A pair of turquoise eyes and white fangs came into view as Red swung his head into his opponents causing both of them to roll onto their sides in pain. All around him he could hear the sounds of fighting and the breaking of windows and wood splintering as he guessed the guards on the levels above were clearing their designated floors room by room.

As quickly as it had started it was over. Red managed to rise back onto his hooves as the previously stuck guard restrained reds still moaning opponent. With Gene cleaning up the green amber magic he was able to look at the mess they caused. All but one of the dirty windows was broken allowing some more light to illuminate the battle zone from outside. Most of the furniture was all over the place and broken glass seemed to cover the floor.

"Guards, quickly secure the surviving prisoners," glancing at a motionless changeling the blood seeping out from around the spear seemed crimson in the light, just like ponies. "Make sure they cannot use any more of that green crap from their horns as well"

"Officer Virtue, you're hurt." Gene said pulling Red closer to one of the side booths with a candle for a better look.

"I'll be ok Gene. Lets quickly search the place properly then I'll find a medic, alright?" 

"Mffh" was the only verbal reply he got along with a very obvious rolling of Her eyes.

Ten minutes after their assault and the prisoners were secure with a message on its way to the closest garrison for some investigating officers and a message to Captain Redscotch that their lead has resulted in prisoners ready for interrogation.

"Sir, Special Officer Red? You better come have a look at this Sir." A Young Batguard called Red over from behind the bar in a small pantry. Red  walked over to see what had caught the Nightguards attention while Gene lit another few candles and brought one over. Underneath an old moth eaten rug was an old cellar door with a brand new shiny lock.

"Gene, can you please open this immediately? Go fetch some of your comrades Corporal."

The Batpony left quickly and heard a loud crack with a bright light coming from behind him, the smell of burnt wood and metal greeted him upon his return with reinforcements however the Officers seemed to have already vanished into the darkness.


***


The smell was disgusting and clung to them like the darkness itself, later reports would say it was worse than the sewers. The candle was blown out upon reaching the floor of the basement and Gene decided to use her horn instead. They stood silently side by side as the cellar was illuminated revealing the poor conditions of the changelings hostages. The sight was not something they could ever imagine or prepare to see but a couple of the hostages were still alive with one of the newest additions being Sphyna, the female Red met only a few hours ago. The stone walled basement had barely any furnishings aside from mouldy wine racks and chain strewn across the floor and beams. There was an old well close to the entrance and looking into it they found more hostages seemingly thrown down into the degrading grave after their execution.

"Goodness..." Gene whispered looking at the hellish scene before them.

"Get a medical team here now!" Virtue yelled up through the hole, rousting the guards back into action. "These creatures truly are from Hell."


***


Crimson rays broke through the horizons walls cutting through the thin clouds signalling the rising of the sun. As the Princess of the Night returned to Her luxurious chamber under close supervision of her loyal guards the Princess of the Day was already prepared. Chirping birds and the first soft winds of the day greeted a morning patrol which had paused to take a relaxing breath outside in the courtyard.

The ambiance was shattered by a piercing alarm bell and a shout from a fellow patrol pony nearby. Racing to the scene the normally clear reflective pool had turned a disturbingly muddy red color. Confused the guards looked to the sky to see circling above Pegasus guards at the peak of the closest tower in a fluster shouting. They had found the evidence of what was left of last nights gate patrol guards. With the suns rays spreading as quick as a flash over the country, ponies were slowly rousing themselves with excitement ready for the big day, the wedding day was finally here.