Back on Duty, part 2 (SPG)


                                            Previous part: https://ponepaste.org/457


                                            > Anonymous was about to reach for the tap, but the maid beat him to it and her magic enveloped both handles. She turned them and water started gushing out of the faucet. He probed it gingerly with a finger, but it was already pleasantly warm. Very likely heated with magic, he guessed.

                                            "Listen, what's your name? I can't just call you 'the maid'."

                                            > The mare pursed her lips for a moment as she decided whether to tell him, but then she shrugged to herself and said: "Dusty. You can call me Dusty." It probably wasn't her real name and Anonymous nearly opened his mouth to say this, but he changed his mind. It was better than 'maid' and her real name didn't matter at the moment. It was more important to get the names of the higher-up.

                                            "Okay. Fine. Anyway, I can handle all of this," the man tried once more.

                                            > Dusty shook her head. "Staying right here. I've got orders. I'm not leaving you out of my sight until you're tied down with magic, so you might as well stop trying." She glanced him up and down and then pointed a hoof at his midriff. "You're going to bathe in these?"

                                            > If she would be there to watch then there wasn't really much of a choice.

                                            "Yes."

                                            > "Humans are weird. Here..." she didn't even have to look where her magic opened a cabinet and levitated out a bottle. "It's shampoo. I guess it'll work on human manes just as well as on pony ones."

                                            > There was a picture of a lotus blossom on the bottle and the large text promised a 'lustrous, shiny mane and tail'. Anonymous didn't comment on it. He kept reminding himself that it was temporary. Either he'd escape in a day or two, or Celestia would find him. She shouldn't need more than that, since they already strongly suspected Silvermane.

                                            > With a weary sigh, Anonymous glanced once more at the maid, who was sitting on her haunches and staring curiously at him. Her mask of dispassion was good, but few enough ponies had seen humans naked and Dusty was apparently curious.

                                            > His arms still felt weaker than usual, but he was able to hold the bottle relatively steady in the air. He looked around for a shower head. The water was rising, bringing pleasant and welcome warmth, but it would be a while until it was deep enough to dunk his head, even if he weren't worried that he'd be able to lift himself back up. Leaning against the tub was fine, but anything more was risky.

                                            > Strange, aside from the nausea, Anonymous didn't remember feeling that weak the first time Twilight had tried teleporting him. Then again, his first trip was barely the length of a room, while this was...

                                            "How far did they teleport me anyway?" he asked.

                                            > Dusty shook her head. "Far enough that Celestia won't easily find you. Trust me on that."

                                            > She was obviously on guard against his questions.

                                            "Well, do you have a shower or something?"

                                            > Rather than replying, the maid opened yet another cupboard and lifted out a wooden bucket. It took Anonymous a moment to understand what she was suggesting.

                                            "You've got to be kidding me..."

                                            > She didn't respond, other than a very slight smirk on her muzzle, but she dunked the bucket in the water and lifted it up above Anon's head. It was a good thing, too, because he wasn't sure he could have done it himself. If he thought he could stomach the smell of his vomit Anonymous would have sent her to hell and gone back to the room dirty. As it was, he had to struggle a little to keep the grimace from his face.

                                            > "Close your eyes," the mare said a second before pouring the bucket over his head. Hot water cascaded down his shoulders, taking some of the grime away with it. He heard a soft thunk as Dusty dropped the bucket next to the tub and Anonymous took that as a signal that he should begin with the shampoo. His hands shook a little from the effort, but he managed to gather a handful in his palm and slop it on his head.

                                            > He was about to place the bottle down, but the maid attentively plucked it from his hand, so he could start massaging his scalp. A few seconds later he was already winded, but Anon persevered.

                                            > "Jeez, the teleport really did a number on your rump, didn't it?" Dusty commented. She had a strange little smile and shifted her position so she was sitting a bit closer to the tub. "I better help you. I don't wanna be in here for the rest of the day..."

                                            > Anonymous wanted to protest, but opening his mouth allowed some of the foam to slide inside and he spent the next minute spitting out the foul taste. Meanwhile the maid found a long-handled brush and was already sticking it into the water to wet it.

                                            > "I dunno if you humans have a different shampoo for your fur, not that there's a lot of it, anyway," Dusty commented, "but this will have to do."

                                            > She squeezed a bit of the lavender shampoo on the brush and returned the bottle to the floor. Then she inspected Anon's form and brought the brush to his back. It pressed against his skin and the man grunted.

                                            "Not so hard!"

                                            > The bristles moved away, but a moment later they were back, a lot more gently this time. "Sorry," Dusty said and shifted the brush around for a better angle. Anonymous did his best to ignore it as it brushed small circles around his back and shoulders, but as soon as he felt his hair had been thoroughly shampooed, he grabbed for the handle to continue himself. The magic refused to yield and it was like gripping an immovable iron rod.

                                            > "Leave it," Dusty commanded. "Here..." The cupboard opened again and a sponge splashed into the water in front of Anonymous.

                                            > He let go of the brush and resolved to get the bath over with as quickly as possible. He could wash his chest and belly and then tell the maid he was done.

                                            > Lacking any other type of soap, he patted the sponge against his hair to soak up some of the lather, then started washing as best he could.

                                            > "You should remove these," Dusty said, tugging at his underpants, "so I can wash you down there."

                                            "No."

                                            > She rolled her eyes. "You'll have to take them off to get dry anyway."

                                            "No."

                                            > This time the maid sighed and the brush she was holding sagged for a moment. "Don't be foalish, Mr. Anonymous. I've had to tend to invalids in my life, I can deal with you. I'm a professional."

                                            > Her face was dispassionate, but Anonymous thought he saw a strange little glint in her eye as she said it. Something was strange about this mare. At first she had been almost annoyed at having to deal with him, but now she was helping him wash and asking him to remove his pants. He hoped it was just curiosity and nothing more than that.

                                            > While he tried to convince himself that the maid didn't have ulterior motives, Anonymous finished washing his front side. The tub was getting quite full, so he reached over and shut the taps off.

                                            > He wanted to enjoy the hot water for a minute or two longer, but Dusty was straying dangerously low with her brush.

                                            "Okay, I'm done. Get me some towels!"

                                            > The unicorn's mouth pressed together, but it only lasted a second before she nodded and let the brush drop from her magic. With her magic it was the work of moments to get Anonymous cleaned of lather and out of the tub.

                                            > He wasn't about to admit it, but without her grip he didn't think he could have stood up in the tub, nor climbed out over the edge.

                                            > Dusty didn't seem to mind the large puddle he was making on the tiles, nor the fact that the water was soaking into her tail. She took the opportunity to look the man up and down as he began to shiver.

                                            > Anonymous sternly resisted the urge to put his hands in front of his pants. He didn't want to see any more smirking.

                                            "Well?" he asked impatiently.

                                            > Without even looking, Dusty drew out a drawer and lifted up a couple of large towels. She ignored Anonymous reaching out to grab them and simply draped one across his shoulders and wrapped the other around his waist.

                                            > Glaring a little, Anonymous clasped the one around his midriff and tied the corners at the waist. Only then did he slip the underpants off. They landed in the puddle with a small splash and he kicked them toward the pile of his dirty clothes.

                                            > Dusty's eyes followed the garment before looking up at Anon's face again. "I'll ask Master if I can wash your clothes. He might want to move you."

                                            > Anon didn't like the sound of 'Master', but he was still grateful to get his clothes washed. With luck the ponies might be stupid enough to leave them in his room, although the man didn't dare get his hopes up.

                                            > He tugged at his waist towel to make sure it was secure, then started drying his hair. He tried to ignore the maid, but it was hard with her magic propping him up. It was a small mercy that she opted to wait in silence and not help in any way.

                                            > Anon couldn't help noting how Dusty's magical grip shifted around to allow him to dry his chest and belly. She even followed him smoothly when he bent down to wipe his knees and calves.

                                            "Thanks," he said grudgingly as he dropped the used towel.

                                            > "Sure," Dusty replied. "Come on, I have to get you back to your room."

                                            "Will you leave me alone?"

                                            > "Yes."

                                            > Maybe he'd have a chance to look around, maybe even open the window and see how high up he was. Anonymous cheered up a little as the mare led him out of the bathroom and back into the corridor. The stones were cold under his feet, but he didn't care. The room had a thick carpet anyway.

                                            > They didn't meet anyone else on the way and pretty soon the man was sitting on the chair, breathing heavily, while the maid was stripping down his mattress. She bundled up the soiled bedclothes and tossed them on the floor, then opened the wardrobe against the far wall.

                                            > There were fresh sheets and Anonymous brightened up. Even if the window was high above the street, perhaps he could use them to escape. Tie the sheets together in a makeshift rope or something.

                                            > Dusty replaced the bedclothes with expert efficiency and then looked at the man. "Let's get you back in bed."

                                            "I'm fine. I'd like to sit for a while," he countered.

                                            > The mare shook her head. "I have to tie you down and you'll be more comfortable in the bed."

                                            > He was about to say no again, but the door opened and Spring Morning came in. She smiled almost pleasantly at the scene even as she deftly stepped around the pile of laundry. "Good, you're done. Get in the bed." There was a small, dark bottle floating behind her and Anonymous couldn't help glancing at it nervously.

                                            "I'm fine," Anonymous said again.

                                            > The guard mare didn't listen and her magic simply picked him up. It was a lot less gentle than what Dusty had done and Anonymous found himself wishing he was still alone with the maid.

                                            "Hey-"

                                            > His breath was knocked out of him as the unicorn dropped him on the sheets. She lifted him back up into a sitting position and brought the bottle to his face. "Drink this."

                                            "No. What is it?"

                                            > "It'll help you sleep."

                                            "I'm not drinking it."

                                            > Spring Morning's grin widened and the bottle inched closer. "Either you drink it, or I force it down your gullet. Your choice."

                                            > Her expression made it plain which option she'd prefer. Anonymous considered fighting it, but with her magic he was pretty much helpless. His glare told the mare exactly what he was thinking and her grin widened as he reached up and grabbed the bottle.

                                            > The magic didn't let it go. "If you toss it, I'll just fetch another, except the next time I'll spank you on your bare rump until you're sorry, got it?" Spring Morning said with a note of warning in her voice.

                                            > Anonymous, who had considered just that, nodded in defeat. When the magic let the bottle go, he dutifully brought it to his mouth and tilted it up.

                                            > There was only enough for a single sip, but it tasted bitter. It reminded him a little of beer, except there was no alcohol. For all that, it wasn't too hard to force down.

                                            > "Okay, now swallow," Spring Morning commanded.

                                            "I did already!"

                                            > "Good boy!"

                                            > He refused to meet her eye, but the man blushed a little. It felt too much like being trained like a dog.

                                            "What the fuck was it anyway?"

                                            > Spring Morning looked at Dusty, but then decided the maid wasn't important. "Sleeping potion. It'll make you sleep without dreaming, so your precious Princess can't find you while you're out."

                                            > She watched his face crumple as yet another hope of escape was dashed and the mare laughed pleasantly. "We thought of everything, see? You just be a good, obedient little monkey and you'll be fine, as soon as Celestia accepts the demands."

                                            "What demands?"

                                            > The potion was definitely taking effect. Anonymous felt lightheaded and his eyelids seemed to be getting heavier. He blinked a few times, but consciousness was fading fast.

                                            > "Don't you worry about that. It's out of your hooves."

                                            > Before he could think up another question the darkness seemed to rise up and take him. The last thing Anonymous remembered was Spring Morning's magic lowering him down to the pillow. Hopefully he wouldn't throw up in his sleep, he thought, and then he was gone.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Princess Luna was walking with Silent Spell on their way to get some lunch. The Inspector's work ethic was thoroughly impressive so Luna didn't mind taking the driven mare to her and Celestia's personal dining room for a much-deserved snack.

                                            "I agree that the arrest was somewhat premature, but you must understand that Sister is quite distraught."

                                            > Silent Spell shook her head. "That's all very well, but I'm telling you if this goes to the courts, that could be a problem."

                                            "You still must agree that Silvermane belongs in prison. Blossom gave us his name, as did the prisoner."

                                            > The unicorn jumped ahead and faced the Princess with a frown on her muzzle. "What if they were talking about the son? Neither of them could give us a description, Princess!"

                                            > Luna shrugged a little. She couldn't envision the younger Silvermane doing something his father knew nothing about.

                                            > "Things have changed while you were on the moon," Silent Spell went on. "Yeah, once upon a time you and Celestia could toss anypony in prison and nopony would bat an eyelash, but we've come a long way since then. Partly thanks to your sister's efforts, might I add."

                                            > Luna was forced to admit that the Inspector was right and her ears splayed a little.

                                            "Agreed. But this is a special case, you must see that. I have not found Anonymous despite nights of trying. Sister fears the worst."

                                            > Silent Spell sighed and stepped out of the way so they could continue. "Fine. I'll interview Silvermane today."

                                            "Thank you."

                                            > Before she could walk, the inspector laid a hoof gently on her foreleg. "He's fine, I'm certain of it. It wouldn't make sense for them to kill Anonymous, not after all the trouble they've gone to already."

                                            > Luna just nodded and they continued on their way in silence. Soon they reached the correct door and she opened it with some trivial magic from her horn. She stepped inside and paused.

                                            "Sister?"

                                            > Celestia was sitting at the empty table, her head leaning on her hooves. She looked somewhat more... disheveled than usually.

                                            > "Anything?" Celestia asked.

                                            "Sorry. Silvermane refuses to talk and he will not be intimidated like the other. Silent Spell-"

                                            > "Hurt him."

                                            "What?!"

                                            > Celestia lifted her head and turned red, bloodshot eyes on her younger sister. Were they just a little bit darker than usually? Luna resolved to visit the Canterlot Library and look for a certain book she'd seen just once, a thousand years ago.

                                            > For now, she shook her head.

                                            "This is not like you, Sister."

                                            > Celestia just shrugged. "Maybe not, but it is like you, isn't it? Are you sure there's no Nightmare Moon left? You could visit him in his dreams and frighten the truth out of him!"

                                            > Luna glanced at the Inspector, who shook her head almost imperceptibly.

                                            "Sister, you are not thinking clearly. You are not yourself. Have patience and trust in your ponies. Trust in *me*."

                                            > The white alicorn opened her mouth to argue, but then she slumped back down. "It's been so long, Luna! I'm worried!"

                                            "I have called the Elements like you asked. Rainbow Dash is already helping with the investigation and Fluttershy is keeping Blossom occupied. I'm not sure what the others will be able to do, but I've called them."

                                            > "Good. What about Shining?"

                                            > This time Luna shook her head firmly and put her hoof down.

                                            "No, Sister. He has a kingdom to run and a daughter to raise. We have guards and we have Silent Spell, we do not need Shining Armor. Be sure I will call for him if that changes."

                                            > Celestia looked like she was about to argue, but she just sighed and returned her gaze to the table.

                                            "Have you slept at all?" Luna asked, despite already knowing the answer.

                                            > There was no reply.

                                            "Eaten? The cooks have prepared some Devil's Food Cake."

                                            > Luna glanced up at the counter where the said cake was sitting, untouched.

                                            > Silent Spell followed her gaze and whistled softly. "Wow, that *does* look amazing!"

                                            "Let us all have a slice, then."

                                            > Celestia didn't refuse and Luna hurried over to grab the cutlery and cut the cake. She made her sister's piece somewhat larger and floated all three plates to the table. The Inspector was already sitting and watching the floating dessert with rapt attention.

                                            > Luna sat herself opposite her sister so she could watch. For a while it seemed that Celestia was just going to ignore the moist, rich slice of cake right under her nose. She was getting really worried when her sister suddenly lit up her horn and grabbed the fork.

                                            > A large piece floated up into her mouth and Celestia closed her eyes in something approaching rapture.

                                            "There, isn't that good?"

                                            > Luna was only taking small nibbles of her own cake, more to encourage her sister than out of hunger or enjoyment, but Silent Spell was exhibiting a nearly identical expression to Celestia.

                                            > A thought occurred and Luna seized it, because it wasn't related to their current trouble.

                                            "Tell me, how did you two meet?"

                                            > It was Silent Spell who answered: "Las Pegasus civic banquet. We both kept coming back to the pastry table and we started talking."

                                            > Even Celestia grinned at that, teeth flashing white in the middle of a chocolate-brown stain around her muzzle.

                                            > "I remember being surprised that Las Pegasus needs a police department," the Princess added. "I thought of you about a year later when there was that bad business in Vanhoover."

                                            > Silent Spell nodded to that. "Interesting case."

                                            "What was it about?" Luna asked, determined to keep Celestia's mind off the missing human for as long as possible.

                                            > "Smuggling," Celestia replied and the Inspector added: "They were exporting priceless Equestrian art into the Crystal Empire."

                                            "How did you even realize it was happening?"

                                            > Celestia looked up at the ceiling and her eyes gazed, unseeing, into the distance. "We did not, at first. Not until they began stealing from museums and galleries. I asked Silent Spell to look into simple theft, but it turned out to be much more than that."

                                            > The Inspector suddenly chuckled to herself and twisted in her chair to look at the Princess beside her. "Remember the look on Cadence's muzzle when we told her?"

                                            > They both burst out laughing and even Luna had to giggle in anticipation of a good story.

                                            "Do tell me everything!"


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous woke up from what felt like the deepest sleep of his life. His thoughts were sluggish and his muscles didn't seem to want to respond. The memory of the past few days was fuzzy, but some things trickled through.

                                            > They were keeping him drugged, which made it essentially impossible to plan his escape. He'd tried everything he could think of: arguing, pleading, even resisting, but Spring Morning simply held him up with magic and forced the bottle in his mouth every couple of hours.

                                            > He tried keeping the syrup-like potion in his mouth so he could spit it out later, but the mare pinched his nose and tilted his head back until he was forced to swallow or suffocate.

                                            > The utter defeat and humiliation of it burned, but until his captors made a mistake there wasn't a whole lot Anon could do. He was also naked, which further compounded the fact.

                                            > Luckily they let him put on a towel when they took him to the toilet or on short walks, but he didn't even know where his clothes were being kept - if they hadn't simply destroyed them all.

                                            > "Good morning, sunshine!" the hated unicorn said cheerfully. Anonymous had come to detest her slightly mocking smile.

                                            "When are you gonna let me go?" he demanded.

                                            > "Soon. Probably. Your sweetheart has the boss in jail, which complicates things. Until he's out, I have my orders."

                                            "What is he paying you? I'm sure Celestia can-"

                                            > "Bah!" the mare interrupted. "I'm not after money, sweetie."

                                            > This was new. Until now, Anonymous had always assumed that Spring Morning was being paid well for her obedience.

                                            "Then what?"

                                            > Her smile grew wider and she shook her head slightly. "That's between me and the boss. Nothing for you to worry about. Come on, let's get you emptied out and then fill you up again."

                                            > Anonymous groaned. Even with one of the unicorns helping him up, the trip to the bathroom was both tiring and uncomfortable. His only consolation was that they left him alone to do his business.

                                            > If only the bathroom had a window. At this point, he'd risk breaking his legs and jump out, only for a chance to get away. Surely there would be passers-by who would help him.

                                            > The most annoying thing was that he couldn't refuse. There was definite pressure in his bladder and the only other choice was messing himself in the bed, which was unthinkable, even now.

                                            "You'll pay for this..." he said weakly, but his heart wasn't in it.

                                            > Spring Morning's expression didn't change. "Sure. Here's your towel."

                                            > The mare floated over the piece of cloth and Anonymous pulled it under the blanket so he could cover himself before she dragged him out of the bed. The magic pulled him upright and he tied the towel around his waist.

                                            > His legs felt like lead, but it was good to move about. It seemed the fatigue went away and his mind cleared with exercise. Besides, he was starting to get worried about bedsores.

                                            "How about a walk outside?"

                                            > The mare leaned her head to one side as she considered this. "If you're a good boy and take your medicine without struggling, I'll think about it tomorrow, okay?"

                                            > The man grimaced at her tone, but it was the first concession she'd given so far and he didn't want to lose it.

                                            "In my clothes?"

                                            > "If you're good."

                                            > Anonymous did his best not to glare. It would be an opportunity to see where he was. Maybe he would be able to surprise Spring Morning and get away. If he got out one good shout near a busy street, he might attract some attention.

                                            > His heart began to beat faster at the prospect and he felt his steps lighten. Spring still held him upright with magic around his waist, but Anon felt he was leaning on it a little bit less.

                                            > If the unicorn noticed this, she didn't bring it up.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Celestia was chafing at the bit to do something. Anything. The pony and human trafficking ring should have been falling apart with their leader in prison and their mine shut down, but her guards had still not found the captives, nor captured any accomplices.

                                            > More importantly - *just as importantly*, she corrected herself - Anonymous was still missing. Despite Silent Spell's best efforts and Luna's persistence in the dream world, Silvermane hadn't given up the location where Anonymous was being held.

                                            > The unicorn stubbornly maintained that he didn't know. That he had left the matter entirely in Spring Morning's hooves.

                                            "I don't believe that!" she told Luna for the umpteenth time.

                                            > "I do," the other alicorn replied much too calmly for Celestia's liking. "He ordered Spring Morning to take Anonymous... somewhere, and not even tell him. He must have expected we would question him. It is a reasonable precaution."

                                            > However much Celestia tried to convince herself otherwise, there was sense in what Luna was saying. She wouldn't be able to deny the logic of it any longer.

                                            "Well, what about Twilight Sparkle and her friends? Any news? Never mind, I will go ask her myself!"

                                            > She was about to stand up and go, but Luna laid a restraining hoof on her shoulder across the table. "We agreed, Sister. Remember your outburst yesterday? You are no use to them in this state."

                                            > Celestia hung her head and lowered her ears in shame.

                                            > "In fact, Twilight Sparkle-"

                                            "Doing nothing is just *so* frustrating, Luna!" she growled under her breath, interrupting whatever Luna was about to say.

                                            > "You cannot help when you are emotional, Sister. Trust in myself and Silent Spell. Trust in Twilight Sparkle and her friends. We will find Anonymous before long."

                                            > It was good advice, however much Celestia didn't want to hear it. She bit her lip and gave a slight nod.

                                            > It had been nearly a week and Celestia didn't think she had another in her. Surely she would go crazy if they didn't find Anonymous in the next day or two. She was just too worried.

                                            > Her gaze landed on the plate in front of her and Celestia considered taking a forkful. The cooks had done their best, but she simply did not have any appetite.

                                            > Luna noticed where she was staring and smiled encouragingly. "Do try the casserole, Sister. It is delicious. There are pancakes for later - sadly not as fine as you make them, but still quite good."

                                            > Celestia shook her head.

                                            "Not hungry."

                                            > "If you eat, I will tell you news from Twilight Sparkle."

                                            > Her head snapped up and Celestia glared at her sister.

                                            "You have news?! Tell me!" she demanded.

                                            > "Eat your meal, first."

                                            "Luna, this is not funny! If you know something we have to move fast!"

                                            > Luna shook her head. "An hour will not make a difference. One forkful?"

                                            > Celestia knew that look, which said that Luna wouldn't budge. Still glowering, she levitated a fork and stabbed it, viciously, into the meal. She put it in her mouth, chewed twice and swallowed.

                                            > A small part of her delighted at the taste, but Celestia pushed it to the back of her mind and glowered expectantly at her sister.

                                            > "It is not much," Luna admitted, shrugging, "but Twilight Sparkle says she can join a scrying spell with whatever magic Spike uses to send letters and make it find Anonymous."

                                            "When will it be ready?"

                                            > "Soon," Luna answered calmly. She scooped up another mouthful before continuing, all the time looking pointedly at Celestia.

                                            > It seemed she was going to trade mouthfuls for answers. Celestia glared at this obvious extortion, but her mouth was drooling and the casserole *was* delicious. In the end she gave in and took another bite.

                                            > "Twilight expects us in her guest room in two hours. She says you should cast the spell, since you know Anonymous better than she does."

                                            "Let's go then. Perhaps she will be done sooner!" Celestia said and stood up.

                                            > Luna's magical hold gently pushed her back down to the seat. "All you would achieve, Sister, would be to bother her and slow her down. Let Twilight finish. If she is done sooner, no doubt she will come find us."

                                            > It made sense and Celestia let her breath out.

                                            > "In the meanwhile, why don't you finish your casserole?" Luna prompted.

                                            "Fine..."

                                            > Now that she had been reminded how hungry she was, Celestia no longer hesitated. She was still worried, but here was something concrete to do. Surely Twilight's spell would work - she was the Element of Magic, after all. It would work and they would know where Anonymous was being held before the day is out.

                                            > Once they had him and Spring Morning, the other captives wouldn't remain hidden for long.

                                            > Perhaps it was hope which made the meal taste better, but it was one of the absolute best casseroles Celestia had had in her life!


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous drifted up from a gray, shapeless fog. The light hurt his eyes and he had a nagging, persistent headache. His mouth was so dry that his groan of pain came out as barely a croak.

                                            > "Here. Brought you some food," a voice said beside the bed. The man glanced over and saw a familiar unicorn. Her name...

                                            "Spring Morning?"

                                            > "Yup, still me. Come on, you're not supposed to die on us."

                                            "Ugh, why do I feel like-"

                                            > He shut up as memory came flooding back. In that first instant of realization, Anon would have leapt out of bed and tried his luck with the window, but his muscles didn't want to support him.

                                            "You've been drugging me!" he said.

                                            > Anger, tinged with fear cleared his mind of the aftereffects of that dreadful potion Spring Morning was making him swallow. How long has it been? Days? Weeks?

                                            > The mare didn't react to the accusation in the slightest. "Come on, eat."

                                            > Anonymous shook his head.

                                            "Water..."

                                            > Spring Morning blinked, but then gave a small shrug and exchanged the bowl and spoon for a glass from the bedside table. She floated it over to Anonymous' lips and he strained, eagerly, for the life-giving liquid.

                                            > The unicorn tilted it up a bit too quickly and some trickled down his face, but Anonymous was beyond caring. He eagerly gulped it to the last drop and lay there, panting.

                                            > "Okay, how about some stew, now?" Spring Morning asked, swapping the glass for the bowl again. "It's got meat in it!"

                                            > This last one made Anonymous furrow his brow. Most ponies were repulsed by meat and thoughts of eating it. Spring Morning had to be really worried if she went to such lengths.

                                            "Will you let me go?"

                                            > The unicorn shook her head. "Sorry. You know I can't do that until I hear from the boss. Come on, it's good stew!"

                                            > Despite his present situation, Anon didn't wish to die, so he closed his eyes and nodded in defeat.

                                            > "Afterwards I'll take you to the bathroom and then we can go up on the terrace and sit in the sun a little, okay? Would you like that?"

                                            > Again, the man gave a slight nod. Moving about and fresh air helped his fatigue.

                                            "Can we go to the garden instead?" he prompted.

                                            > That was the last chance for his escape. All he needed was for Spring Morning to be distracted for just a short while and for there to be a wall he could climb. The fact that he could hardly walk without the mare holding him with her magic was a detail Anonymous chose to ignore.

                                            > He had to try *something*!

                                            > Spring Morning lifted him up into a sitting position and brought the bowl closer. Maybe if he ate really slowly, that would give him time to shake off the aftereffects of the potion and gain back some strength. Perhaps enough to escape before the unicorn doused him again.

                                            > For that matter, he should take his sweet time on the toilet as well.

                                            "Can you get me some more water, please?"

                                            > Spring Morning glanced at the empty glass, then nodded. "Sure. Let's finish this stew and then I'll get you water, okay?"

                                            > Anonymous nodded and opened his mouth for the spoon. Under the blanket he clenched his fists and tried to make his muscles obey like they used to.

                                            >...

                                            > "There we go," Spring Morning said as she was dabbing at Anon's mouth with a napkin. "Wasn't that delicious?"

                                            > He refused to answer. Being fed like that hadn't improved his mood, but it strengthened his determination. The hot food was doing him good and a short walk would do the rest. Maybe if he faked how weak he really was, he could catch the mare by surprise and hit her over the head with a rock or something.

                                            > Spring Morning hadn't let her guard down around him in the past, but perhaps today...

                                            > Anonymous closed his eyes and focused on his breathing while the unicorn tied him up with her magic and left the room. When he was alone he strained against the bonds.

                                            > He knew he couldn't overpower them, but maybe the exercise would help him achieve better control over his muscles.

                                            > Pretty soon he was breathing heavily. It felt like trying to lift a mountain. He strained once more, then slumped back to rest. Spring Morning would be back very soon and he didn't want her to ask why he was winded.

                                            > Just as Anonymous managed to get his breathing under control, the mare came back with his water. She had a whole jug with her this time so she wouldn't have to fetch more if he asked for it. There was also a bundle of cloth, which Spring Morning dropped on the chair.

                                            > Anonymous watched his clothes almost hungrily as the unicorn poured a glass. She never left them in the room. He had been permitted to keep his boxer shorts, but nothing else.

                                            > His line of sight was interrupted when a glass bumped against his lips and Anonymous eagerly accepted the cool, rejuvenating liquid.

                                            "Thanks..."

                                            > The mare smiled pleasantly. "See? You can be polite if you remember to. Okay, let's get you up."

                                            > The magic holding him down vanished and was replaced by the now-familiar band of force around his waist. Anonymous let the mare lift him up with almost no assistance on his part. It made Spring Morning frown in slight worry.

                                            > "Are you feeling okay?" she asked. "You seem... Here, try to stand."

                                            > Anonymous made a show of barely staying upright. He swayed a little to enhance the illusion.

                                            > The mare seemed concerned. "Hmm, I'll have to change your dosage," she muttered to herself. "This doesn't look good."

                                            "Or you could stop!"

                                            > This time her sigh was almost sad. "Sorry, sweetheart. Orders, you see?"

                                            > Anonymous didn't answer.

                                            > "Come on," Spring Morning coaxed, "let's put on your clothes and take you for that walk. Maybe that'll help."

                                            > Anonymous let the mare lead him to the wardrobe and waited patiently as she pulled a shirt over his head. Moments later she helped him lift his legs for the pants, all the while supporting him with the ever present magic band around his chest. "There, now sit on the bed while I figure out these things again..."

                                            > She meant the shoes, which weren't a common sight in Equestria. He didn't have enough fine control over his fingers to tie his shoelaces, so Spring Morning simply did her best, forming the string into crude knots.

                                            > That left him pretty much dressed and the mare looked him up and down. "Handsome," she said and chuckled dryly. "Let's go."

                                            > Her magic around his chest tightened and pulled him upright. All Anonymous could do was follow, making sure his steps seemed particularly unsure and faltering.

                                            > She took him down the familiar hallway to the bathroom and guided him to the toilet. Once he was leaning with both hands on the wall, the magical grasp vanished.

                                            > "You sure about this? Maybe I should stay this time. You don't look so good."

                                            > This was a downside of his act which Anonymous hadn't considered. He shook his head firmly.

                                            "I'll be fine."

                                            > Spring Morning studied his face. "Really? You seem about ready to fall over. No way you can do this yourself."

                                            "I'm fine!" the man snapped.

                                            > The mare shrugged to herself. "Well, yell if you fall," she suggested and left him alone.She would wait outside the door until he was finished, something Anonymous had verified a few times.

                                            > He sighed and unbuckled his belt before placing a hand back against the wall for balance. He froze in thought, then carefully turned around and let his pants slide all the way down.

                                            > Pretending to go number two would buy him more time. He could almost feel the life gradually returning to his limbs.

                                            > Twenty minutes, he estimated, and he'd be able to run. Maybe there would be a low wall, or a gate or something. A place he could, if not exactly jump, at least tumble over.

                                            > Anonymous leaned back against the wall and settled down to wait as long as Spring Morning would let him.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > There had been no chance at all, which was making Anonymous fume in anger. The mare had watched him like a hawk the entire time. He asked for a glass of water once she had him sit on the grass, but Spring Morning simply refused. He could get it back in the room, she'd said.

                                            > Once or twice the mare glanced away, but before Anonymous could do so much as to think about finding a rock, she turned back. Her magical grip around his chest never wavered, even when he was sitting down.

                                            > It almost felt as if Spring Morning *knew* what he was planning. She never said anything and Anonymous wasn't about to bring it up either, but the mare was simply *too* attentive. > He'd asked to go farther, hoping he might get to see the wall or a street, anything, but Spring Morning kept him near the house. During the silence, Anonymous had tried to hear traffic, or any signs of a city, but there was nothing.

                                            > Surely this house wasn't in the middle of nowhere, was it? If he could get at least one good look at his surroundings he might recognize which part of Equestria this was! The potion didn't let him dream, but maybe he would build up some kind of resistance to it, or Luna would break through anyway.

                                            > Anonymous was in a foul mood when Spring Morning led him back to his bed. She was measuring out the potion in an empty glass, all the while keeping the man in place with her magic.

                                            > It was the ease with which she did it that irked the most. As if Spring Morning didn't even have to pay attention to Anonymous! As if he was below her notice!

                                            "Can we just not?" Anon tried.

                                            > The mare glanced over, but then went back to pouring the liquid. "I'll give you a bit less, since it's affecting you so much, but I can't let you dream. You know that."

                                            "Celestia is going to find me anyway, you know?"

                                            > It was an empty boast, but Anonymous couldn't take it anymore. He had to say something.

                                            "Dreams or not, she's going to find me. If you let me go, I can put in a good word for you."

                                            > The offer made Spring Morning chuckle pleasantly. "No she's not."

                                            "Your boss will crack sooner or later. He'll sell you out, you know? People like that only look out for themselves."

                                            > The mare pursed her lips for a moment before replying. "Possibly. That's why I made... arrangements of my own."

                                            "What kind of arrangements?"

                                            > Her muzzle split into a grin and Spring Morning's voice became softer, gently chiding. "Now now, no weaseling out secrets from your captors, Mr. Anonymous."

                                            > She levitated the glass towards his mouth. "Come on. It's a lighter dose, it shouldn't knock you out so heavily. You'll feel better tomorrow, I promise."

                                            > Anonymous had another idea. If he could pretend like the potion was making him weaker than it really was, perhaps Spring Morning would keep lowering the dosage out of fear of killing him. Eventually the dose had to be low enough to lose its effect of suppressing his dreams, hadn't it?

                                            > That was it! That was the way out!

                                            > Anonymous made sure not to show any of his glee on his face, but he didn't struggle against the potion. In minutes it would knock him out and he still had to get undressed.

                                            > "Oh, here, let me help you with that," Spring Morning said. She left the glass on the bedside table and her magic wrapped around Anonymous' shoes.

                                            > Suddenly there was a low rumble and a distant crash. The mare whipped her head up and her ears focused on the door.

                                            "What the hell was that?" Anon asked.

                                            > "Hush!" Spring Morning hissed. They listened until there was another loud bang.

                                            > Some dust fell from the ceiling and Anonymous actually felt the bed shift.

                                            > "Oh no no no no," Spring Morning whined. "Stay here!" she ordered and ran for the door. The command was superfluous as Anonymous could already feel the effects of the potion taking hold.

                                            > He fought to stay awake. Whatever was happening - surely an attack, or worse - he couldn't defend against it if he was asleep.

                                            "Fuck!"

                                            > He managed to half-stand, but a wave of weakness was spreading from his belly to his limbs. He shot out an arm to balance himself against the bedpost, but it slipped and he fell on his back.

                                            > "WHERE IS HE?!" somepony shouted. The voice filled his heart with relief and joy.

                                            "Cel- Celly..." he managed, but it was only a whisper.

                                            > There was another boom, closer this time, which ended with a scream and a thud. "I WILL TEAR THIS HOUSE DOWN!"

                                            > The man smiled faintly to himself. It was no more than Spring Morning and her accomplices deserved. Finally the nightmare was over.

                                            > He barely flinched when the door slammed open and she walked in.

                                            > To him she was even more beautiful than before. Her muzzle, snarling in anger, changed to a relieved smile when she saw him.

                                            > Celestia rushed over, her magic already enveloping Anonymous. "Are you alright?! Did they hurt you?" she asked.

                                            "'m fine. Potion..."

                                            > The Princess glanced at the bedside table and floated the bottle closer to her. She sniffed it and grimaced. "Some kind of sleeping potion?"

                                            > By now Anonymous could just shake his head. He wanted to tell Celestia that he would be fine, in time, but he couldn't make his mouth work. He hoped his smile would convey that he wasn't worried.

                                            > Celestia gathered him up gently in her magic and righted him on the bed. She pulled the covers over the man even as she kept examining his face. "I'll wait until you are better, my love. Rest. You're safe now."

                                            > Anonymous gave a nod, making sure to keep smiling. Everything was going to be fine now.

                                            > "I've missed you. You can't know how much I've searched and searched!" Celestia said, very carefully laying a hoof against his cheek. "I'll keep you safe while you sleep and then we'll go home. Rest now."

                                            > For the first time since his kidnapping, Anonymous went to sleep willingly. He just hoped it wasn't some kind of a dream or hallucination. He hoped Celestia would still be there when he woke up.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous woke up to the gentle sound of rain against the window. He had to struggle for a moment to get his eyes open. His eyelids felt like they were made from lead and filled with sand, but he managed and took a look around the room.

                                            > It was dim, but Anon didn't think it was night time. The curtains had been drawn from the window and he could see a hint of gray skies out there. Raindrops pattered against the glass, filling the room with their hypnotic, relaxing sound.

                                            > He slowly became aware of a warm presence at his side. The blanket was pulled over it, but a few seconds of trying brought the memories back. His eyes found the door, still torn off its hinges and the man smiled.

                                            > Celestia had come for him. Just to further convince himself that it hadn't been some kind of a dream, he forced his arm into motion and lifted up the corner of the blanket. He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw the white body pressed against his side.

                                            > The Princess seemed to be asleep, her muzzle buried in the crook of his arm and her ears splayed. The ethereal mane, which had been caught under the blanket, lifted up when it was freed like it had a mind of its own.

                                            > His mind felt clearer than in a long while and Anonymous smiled to himself as he observed. Celestia shivered a little and inched closer, pressing her flank more tightly against his side at the sudden chill. He let the blanket down again, but left the mare's head outside this time.

                                            "Thanks," he murmured.

                                            > An ear flicked to focus on the sound of his whisper and an eye opened to regard him with its beautiful magenta iris almost invisible around the big, round pupil.

                                            > Celestia didn't lift her head, but Anon could see the corner of her mouth twitch up in a smile. "Hi."

                                            "Hi yourself. Took you long enough."

                                            > The eye closed and for a moment Anonymous feared he had said something wrong, but a moment later her smile was back. "Sorry. They hid you pretty far out of the way, you know?"

                                            > Celestia's voice was muffled, but Anon didn't mind. Her breath felt delightfully warm in his armpit. He decided to enjoy this moment for as long as possible before they had to leave.

                                            > Besides, his muscles felt like jelly after the potion and it would take some time for him to even be able to stand. Now that he had been rescued, the man didn't like the idea of being carried out like an invalid.

                                            > His gaze darted to the broken floor and he remembered the sounds of battle he'd heard... yesterday? Earlier that day? It was impossible to tell how long he'd slept.

                                            "Spring Morning?"

                                            > Celestia regarded him for a moment, then shrugged a little with her wings. "Dead, I think. I'm sorry, but I hadn't intended that. Heat of the moment."

                                            > Anon didn't like the thought of the Princess killing a pony, but in this case he could forgive it. He'd have preferred the mare alive - she hadn't been *entirely* bad, he was sure. With some time in the jail and maybe some counselling, Spring Morning might have been redeemed.

                                            "Anyone else?"

                                            > He was thinking of the maid, whom he only saw a couple of times after that first day. Celestia closed her eyes and sighed. "Some were hurt. Servants, a cook and two... thugs," she admitted. "Captain Fire Fly took the prisoners to Canterlot. He left some ponies downstairs, guarding."

                                            "When do we leave?"

                                            > The mare lifted her head, letting cold air touch Anon's ribs and make him shiver while she examined the window. "We can wait here," she decided. "It's safe - now that I'm here. I don't want you to fly in this weather, not as ill as you are."

                                            "Ill?" Anonymous asked, suddenly worried. "Surely now that I've stopped taking the potion..."

                                            > Celestia shook her head and focused her gaze right on Anon's. She seemed worried. "They fed you some nasty stuff, Anon. You'll go through withdrawal now that you're off it. I dare not move you, especially in this weather, and I dare not teleport you."

                                            > The mention of teleporting made the man wince and Celestia leaned down to place a warm kiss on his cheek. "Relax, I said I won't."

                                            > It looked like he would stay in the house for a bit longer, but now that Celestia was with him, Anonymous didn't mind. It was just a house. He was getting bored with the room, though.

                                            "Can we go downstairs? Or anywhere else?"

                                            > Celestia looked at the broken door, then gave Anonymous a rueful smile. "Soon, my love. You're warm and comfortable. You need more rest before getting up. I'll keep you company, okay?"

                                            > It sounded like an acceptable compromise and Anonymous nodded. His agreement made the mare smile. "I did miss you, you know? I was so worried! I'm happy you're fine!"

                                            > Anon returned the smile. He'd missed the mare as well. He would never admit it, but he actually missed her pancakes in the morning!

                                            "Will you make me pancakes? All they fed me was stew."

                                            > He remembered the meat Spring Morning had brought him the previous day. It hadn't been bad, especially after his mostly vegetarian diet in the Canterlot Castle.

                                            "I think I'd like to have some fish once we're back. Or maybe some meat, every now and then. I can cook it myself."

                                            > Celestia nodded and her grin widened. "I think we can arrange that."

                                            > Her ears suddenly splayed and there was a hint of a blush on her muzzle. She glanced away from Anon's face and her voice lowered. "I l-love you..."

                                            > It took some effort, but Anonymous managed to lift a hand and place it against her muzzle.

                                            "Yeah, I love you too."

                                            > The words made her smile even more and the mare shifted her rump uncomfortably. Her gaze travelled down Anon's bare chest and she lightly bit her lip. Anon guessed she was trying to decide if he was strong enough for...

                                            "I dunno if it'll work, but you'll have to do most of the work," he told her.

                                            > The mare nearly jumped at having her mind read so precisely and her blush deepened. She shook her head and the smile came back, if a little more hesitant than before. "In time, dear," she promised in a low voice. "Rest first, there will be time for that later."

                                            > She nestled herself back down against his side, except this time she extended a wing across Anon's belly. Her muzzle went back in the crook of his arm and Anon covered her up to her neck with the blanket. It left his shoulder out in the chilly air, but he didn't mind, as long as he could glance down and look into her eyes whenever he wanted.

                                            > Everything was going to be alright and the man relaxed. A few more hours of rest and then he'd get out of the bed.

                                            > His thoughts strayed to the flight waiting for them and to the open, pegasi-pulled carriage. They wouldn't fly in this weather, but surely it would clear up by the next day. It hadn't rained once in the time he was there, so it was probably a rare enough thing.

                                            > Pretty soon they'd be in Canterlot, but even in this house, Anon felt at home. Wherever Celestia was with him was home.

                                            > He moved his arm and the mare shifted so she wasn't lying on it anymore. That allowed the man to put his hand on her withers and start scratching. The motion elicited a deep, half-moaning sigh from the mare.

                                            "Celly?"

                                            > She didn't look up. "Mmm?"

                                            "How did you find me?"

                                            > The mare still didn't open her eyes, but she shifted a little to bring her mouth out from Anon's arm. "I think they gave you wrong dosage of that drug. Princess Luna sensed your dreams, only faintly."

                                            "Huh. I don't remember dreaming," Anon explained

                                            > "She said you might not. It was very faint."

                                            "Where is this anyway?"

                                            > Celestia gave a slight, annoyed grunt. "Does it matter?"

                                            "Just curious."

                                            > "North of Las Pegasus, in the woods under Smoky Mountains. Silvermane has an estate here, I think as a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of Canterlot."

                                            "Huh. Well, I'm glad you found me."

                                            > The mare opened her eyes and smiled. "Me too."


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Princess Luna and Silent Spell walked side by side down into the dungeons. Neither spoke, so the only sound was that of their hoofsteps on the harsh stone.

                                            > They reached a guarded door, but the golden-armored pegasus just looked at the Princess,bowed, and stepped aside. Luna inclined her head in thanks, but didn't break the silence.

                                            > There were several cells in the hallway beyond, but most were empty. Only two, right at the end, were filled. The fake, would-be assassin, and Silvermane.

                                            > It wasn't long before the two reached the end of their walk. Luna glanced inside the second-to-last cell, where an amber-colored, green-maned pegasus lay curled up on a simple cot. He was looking out, undoubtedly having heard their approaching hoofsteps, but as soon as the stallion recognized who it was, he lowered his head, unwilling to draw attention.

                                            > The next cell was the more interesting of the two. Luna focused for a moment and lifted a wing to allow a key to float free. She slid it into the lock and twisted.

                                            > In the cell, the unicorn was already standing against the far wall, his muzzle a grimace of hate as he watched the two mares enter and close the door behind them.

                                            > Moments later, Silent Spell erected a barrier against eavesdropping and simply sat on her haunches.

                                            > "So, how are you feeling today?"

                                            > The unicorn didn't answer. He looked directly at the Princess, as if by ignoring Silent Spell's presence he wouldn't have to deal with the inquisitive mare. "I demand you release me this instant!"

                                            "Silvermane, Silvermane... that is not how it works," Luna said.

                                            > "We have a lot of evidence about your little operation. Why don't you tell us where you sent the prisoners - all of them - and maybe then we'll talk about some... luxuries?"

                                            > The stallion harrumphed, still determined to ignore the investigator. He shook his namesake mane and sneered. "What you are doing is wrong! You and your hussy of a sister! You're both just human toys!"

                                            > A loud slap surprised both him and Silent Spell, who looked at Luna in shock. "No, Princess. Don't! He's not worth it!"

                                            > Luna transferred her glare from the captive unicorn to the investigator and her muzzle relaxed from its rictus of distaste. She heaved a sigh and her horn, glowing and ready to slap the prisoner again, winked out.

                                            "You are right. Tell me who is in charge of your operation while you are here, Silvermane. Is it your wife or your son?"

                                            > The Princess was watching his face closely and caught the involuntary widening of his eyes. "No!" he barked, urgently. "Leave them out of this! They don't have anything to do with this!"

                                            > Silent Spell caught Luna's eye and gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod.

                                            "I will promise to leave them alone if you give me some names, Silvermane."

                                            > In truth, they had already brought the wife and the son in for questioning. They both claimed they had no idea of Silvermane's activities. The way Dainty had shivered in fear and by her sad, haggard face, Luna tended to believe her. The son, Paisley, simply burst into tears at her questions and began to wail that his father was innocent.

                                            > He was either the finest actor in Equestria, or he really didn't know anything.

                                            > Celestia had suggested tossing them both in prison and making sure Silvermane knew, but Luna took Silent Spell's advice and let them go free. She'd had the house watched closely, but so far it seemed the two were telling the truth.

                                            > "Tell me again about the mine," Silent Spell asked. "Whom were you selling to? How did you get exempt from government inspection for so long?"

                                            > Silvermane, still a little shaken from Luna's threat to his family, blinked and cast his gaze from one mare to the other. "What?" he said. "I already told you. I sold the stone to Fillydelphia and to the Griffins."

                                            > "What about the inspection? You must have bribed ponies at the Canterlot Castle. Who were they?"

                                            > Luna took a step forward and she seemed to loom above the stallion.

                                            "Tell us, or I will have your wife and son put in the cell right next to yours."

                                            > "Y-You can't do that!" Silvermane whined and his ears pinned all the way back. He dropped his gaze and took a deep breath. "Fine. Ember Wishes."

                                            > Luna glanced at Silent Spell, who gave another slight nod. They already suspected the unicorn, especially after her convenient disappearance. "Who else?" the investigator demanded.

                                            > "I don't know! Azure Wings and Spring Morning handled everything at the Canterlot Castle. I don't know and I didn't want to know!"

                                            > This made Luna sneer a little in turn.

                                            "What kind of a leader are you if you didn't know what your underlings were doing?"

                                            > Silvermane clamped his muzzle shut and glared at the wall behind the Princess.

                                            > After a minute of tense silence, Luna flared up her horn and dispelled the eavesdropping shield. She fit the key into the lock again and walked out without another word.

                                            > Silent Spell hung back and took a step closer to the noblepony. "I hope you'll reconsider, Silvermane. We can put you in a cell with a proper toilet if you just work with us here. I might even talk about extenuating circumstances when it comes to the trial."

                                            > His silent, smoldering look gave all the answer the mare would get. She sighed. "Just think on it."

                                            > She rejoined the Princess in the hallway and watched closely as Luna locked the cell again. The key went back under her wing and the two walked calmly out of the dungeons.

                                            > They were silent until they came above ground, far enough away that even the best ears couldn't overhear them from the cells.

                                            > "What did you think?"

                                            > Luna shook her head sadly.

                                            "I still believe Dainty and Paisley Silvermane are not involved. There is some affection, perhaps we can use that."

                                            > "No legal ground to toss them in the cells, although I don't think anypony would say anything if you did it anyway."

                                            > It was a tempting thought, but Luna firmly shook her head.

                                            "I already made that mistake once. I don't think Sister would appreciate if we started putting ponies in jail on a whim," she explained.

                                            > "Wasn't Celestia the one who suggested it?"

                                            > Again, Luna shook her head.

                                            "Yes, but she was not thinking clearly. Anonymous... Until she has him back in the Castle and he is fine, Sister might not be all that reliable."

                                            > There was a faint smile on Luna's muzzle, even while her ears drooped lower.

                                            "I do not think I have seen her this smitten yet. Then again, I was away for quite a while."

                                            > Silent Spell shrugged a little to herself. "Anyway, the Captain said they have Ember Wishes in custody in Vanhoover. They'll bring her here tomorrow and we'll find what we may find."

                                            > It was good news, but it wasn't good enough. Luna grimaced at the thought in her mind.

                                            "What about the prisoners? You said there were a number of humans and ponies in Silvermane's mine - how close are we to finding them?"

                                            > The investigator hung her head and sighed. "I have the Silvermane manor in Canterlot under surveillance and all the guards have descriptions of suspicious ponies. Well, as much as we know. The two earlier attackers who got away were masked."

                                            > Silent Spell thought for a moment, then went on: "They can't have just vanished and I don't think Silvermane would have them killed. We'll just have to wait until all his estates are searched, or he blabs."

                                            "How do we make him blab without beating it out of him?"

                                            > The pair had discussed that option, but both had rejected it, despite what Celestia had said.

                                            > "Did you see him jump when you mentioned his wife and son? Maybe if we allow them a short visit, then threaten to put them in chains again he'll crack?"

                                            "Worth a shot."

                                            > "You still can't get into his dreams?"

                                            > Luna shook her head.

                                            "It is as if his nights are full of nightmares. The instant he begins dreaming, he wakes up, possibly screaming."

                                            > Silent Spell shook her head in dismay. "Whatever could have him this spooked? Are we sure he is in charge of this whole thing? Because it seems to me, he's afraid what somepony else might do to him if he says too much."

                                            "Who else? All the clues lead to Silvermane."

                                            > The investigator gave a half-nod, but she remained thoughtful. "Well, what if we slip him a sleeping potion or something in his food? Something that'll keep him out for the whole night?"

                                            > Luna froze mid-step and a slow smile spread across her muzzle. She began walking again.

                                            "Brilliant. Arrange it with the Castle Alchemist," she ordered.

                                            > Silent Spell inclined her head.

                                            "I will go check on Blossom and Fluttershy. Meet me for dinner in an hour."

                                            > "Sure thing, Princess."

                                            > They turned down different corridors, but Luna stopped for a moment more.

                                            "Oh, and Silent Spell?"

                                            > The mare also came to a halt and looked back.

                                            "Please call me 'Luna'."

                                            > The unicorn smiled and nodded, before hurrying away.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > The day had started out awful, but it was getting better. After throwing up most of his breakfast, Celestia took Anonymous out to the walled garden for a walk. He couldn't go any significant distance, but the greenery was nice and the fresh air did him good.

                                            > They even had sandwiches on a stone bench overlooking the estate.

                                            "Reminds me of our picnic," Anon commented.

                                            > "Y-Yeah," Celestia replied, a tiny bit uncertainly as if she didn't know what he was talking about. "The one in the..."

                                            "The meadow, remember?"

                                            > The mare smiled and nodded. "Oh, sure. In the woods."

                                            > Anonymous blinked in confusion, but then he realized she must have meant their vacation.

                                            "Well, that too," he agreed, "but I meant back in Canterlot."

                                            > Celestia chuckled a little at the misunderstanding and pressed the man against herself with a wing. "We're talking about two different picnics, I think. They were both fun, though."

                                            > Shrugging a little to himself, Anon was forced to agree. "I didn't like the one in Fillydelphia. I mean, the walk was nice and I always like spending time with you, but it really wiped me out. I'm really out of shape."

                                            > He got a nuzzle as a reward for admitting it, or at least that's how Anon decided to think of it. Celestia shrugged a little before replying: "We'll get you back in shape, don't worry."

                                            "Hope there won't be any lasting consequences after this drug they fed me."

                                            > "No, I don't think there will. It's gonna take some time for you to get over it. Oh, by the way, are you feeling any withdrawal symptoms yet?"

                                            > Anonymous focused inward for a moment, then shook his head.

                                            "I don't... think so?" he announced uncertainly.

                                            > "Just in case, you should take small doses of it over the next few days. It'll make it easier to wean off," Celestia explained.

                                            > It sounded reasonable and Anonymous nodded to the suggestion. He didn't mind not dreaming for a while longer, especially since he didn't need Luna to find him anymore.

                                            > While he was thinking that, Celestia prodded him in the chin with her muzzle and when he turned to look, she kissed him.

                                            > Anon gladly accepted it, but he had to pull away to catch his breath after a while.

                                            "Don't be greedy, now."

                                            > Her ears folded down and the mare gave him a sheepish grin. "Sorry, I guess I just missed you so much. I'm still not entirely convinced you're back, you know?"

                                            > As he gazed into her eyes, Anonymous felt like something was out of place. He frowned a little and leaned closer.

                                            "Hold on a second," he murmured.

                                            > Celestia froze, her ears stopping mid-way through coming up. "What is it?"

                                            > Anon stood up so he could get closer and inspect her eyes in more detail. The mare blinked and tried to pull away, but he stopped her with his hands on her muzzle.

                                            > Whatever it was that had disturbed him, it was gone now. Celestia's eyes were just like he always remembered them - magenta. They'd always been magenta, with long, flowing eyelashes and pupils which glimmered more than they had any right to.

                                            "Nothing, I guess. I thought- well, never mind. Maybe the stuff's been messing with my memory, too."

                                            > The mare nodded sagely. "That does sometimes happen with this herb, but it's rare. Just in case, maybe we should go through the past few weeks, just to make sure there are no gaps."

                                            > Suddenly worried that his mind might be affected by the foul potion Spring Morning had fed him, Anonymous readily agreed.

                                            "Sure. Where do I start?"

                                            > Celestia looked around, frowning a little in thought, but then her expression cleared up. "Let's start from when I found you and go backwards," she suggested.

                                            "Okay, no problem. Oh, by the way - Spring Morning is dead or not? You said you didn't know."

                                            > The Princess glared a little at the name, but then she looked away. "She is not. Just injured. I had some of the guards take her to the Canterlot Hospital."

                                            "That's another thing, how come the guards aren't going crazy after I was kidnapped?" Anon asked.

                                            > He hadn't seen so much as a tail or feather of the Royal Guards. Celestia said they were patrolling the area, or guarding the entrance, but Anonymous was friends with most of the ponies in the Guard and wouldn't mind saying hello.

                                            > "That- I'm afraid," Celestia said with a tiny blush of shame, "is my fault. I wanted you all to myself for a bit, first. Sorry."

                                            > Her wide-eyed contrition was incredibly cute and the man couldn't help chuckling.

                                            "Selfish horse!" he chided.

                                            > Celestia's ears fell even lower and the pink in her cheeks deepened until it nearly matched her eyes. "Sorry," she said again. "Just for a day or two, okay? I don't want to-"

                                            > She turned her head away as she spoke and Anonymous suddenly felt the morning's nausea again. He groaned and put a hand on his stomach.

                                            "Ugh, not again!"

                                            > The mare instantly faced him again, embarrassment entirely replaced by worry. "What is it?!"

                                            "Feel... sick..."

                                            > Celestia lit up her horn and probed the man with her magic. She shook her head. "We've been out too long. You need to be in bed and you should probably take some of the potion. It's the withdrawal."

                                            > Anonymous nodded and tried to stand up. There was almost no strength left in his arms, but Celestia wrapped magic around his chest and helped him up. She stepped closer so Anon could reach her.

                                            > "Put your hands on my back," she ordered and he obeyed. The mare took careful steps and with that support Anon was able to walk slowly. He appreciated that Celestia didn't simply lift him up bodily with her magic and allowed him this small dignity of at least walking on his own.

                                            > That was the difference between her and ponies like Spring Morning. Not that there were very many of those.

                                            > He was glad that the unicorn had lived through her encounter with an enraged alicorn. Not so much for Spring Morning's sake, but because he didn't like the thought of Celestia killing someone.

                                            > She must have done in her long and colorful past, but Anon had never asked about it and he didn't want to start thinking it. He preferred the Princess the way she was in his house - carefree, happy, curious and, somehow, so very innocent.

                                            > The two made their slow way back to the house and in the ground floor. There was a clank of armor from the kitchen area, but Celestia took him right past the door and to the stairs.

                                            > "Good to hear you're doing better," a pony said. Anonymous quickly placed the voice and tried to turn around to see, but the hallway swam and it was all he could do to stay upright. The best he could do was lift a hand slightly in greeting.

                                            "Hi, Pop..." he managed.

                                            > Vanilla Pop sounded worried. "Everything okay, Anon? Ma'am?"

                                            > "Don't worry," Celestia replied. "I've got it in hoof. Anonymous just needs some more rest. Return to your post, Vanilla Pop."

                                            > The clank indicated a very smart salute. "Yes, ma'am!" the guard said and returned to the kitchen with loud hoofsteps.

                                            > After he was gone, Celestia turned her attention back to Anonymous. "Can you make it up the stairs? I'll carry you, if you want."

                                            "Let's give it a try."

                                            > The mare nodded and took a slow step. Anonymous leaned on her back heavily, but the alicorn could easily take his weight. He remembered their Nightmare Night costume that one year when he'd actually ridden her to the chagrin of most of the Canterlot elite. The memory brought a smile to his face, despite his current hardship.

                                            "How long... the side effects?"

                                            > Celestia understood. "No more than a few days. Watch out for the first step. Here, let me help."

                                            > Her magic around his chest tightened and lifted him, so Anon's legs didn't have to do any of the work. He cursed silently at the stupid drug making him this weak, but at the same time he was glad he hadn't thrown up again. Small progress, he thought to himself.

                                            > Slowly but surely, the two made it up the stairs and into the room. Celestia laid Anon carefully on the bed and went to draw back the curtains and open the window. "Fresh air'll do you some good," she murmured while the man caught his breath.

                                            > "I'll get some of the potion and some water, okay? Don't go anywhere!"

                                            > Her light, joking tone dispelled some of Anon's worry. Surely it wasn't too serious, especially if Celestia was joking about his condition. Just a momentary weakness.

                                            > In fact, he was already starting to feel better and his strength was returning.

                                            "I think I'll be fine," he commented.

                                            > "Well, stay on the bed just in case, okay? For me?"

                                            > The mare gave him such a pleading look that Anon couldn't find it in his heart to refuse. He didn't feel like he'd be up to roaming anyway, especially not down the stairs.

                                            "Okay, I promise. Anyway, when are we leaving?"

                                            > Celestia shook her head sadly. "Not for a few days, yet. I don't want you getting like this and falling out of the carriage and I really don't like to think what the rocking of the ground coach will do to you."

                                            > She came back to the bed and gave the man a quick nuzzle. "It's not so bad here with me, is it? Think of it like a small vacation."

                                            > She was right and Anon wasn't in the least bit enthusiastic about the long journey to Canterlot. He inclined his head, leaning his forehead against Celestia's warm nose.

                                            "Okay. A couple of days, but no longer. I really wanna see Blossom and make sure she's fine. Did you tell her what happened?"

                                            > Celestia gave a nod. "Yeah. She's crying her eyes out, but I think it's fine. Princess Luna is taking care of her."

                                            "Did Fluttershy had to leave?"

                                            > "No, Fluttershy is there, too, but Luna is helping out now that you're gone. That's what I meant."

                                            > It made sense. Next to Anonymous and Celestia, Luna was the pony Blossom was most comfortable with. Except for...

                                            "And Star Bright?"

                                            > Celestia looked blank. "What about him?"

                                            > That reminded Anonymous.

                                            "Oh, I forgot to tell you about it. Star Bright has a little crush on Blossom and I think she likes him back. I made sure he'd take it slow and not let her do something stupid."

                                            > Celestia brightened up. "Oh, so *that's* why he was visiting so often! Heh. That's cute, actually."

                                            > Anon smiled as well and the mare gave him a kiss on his cheek. "I'll get you that water and the potion now. After, we'll see if you can keep down some lunch, okay?"

                                            > Nodding, the man let her lower him down to his back and gave her nose a final pat before she slipped away.

                                            > Only a day or two more and things would go back to normal. He remembered that he'd forgotten to ask Celestia about the mine and the prisoners, but that could wait. With Silvermane in prison and Spring Morning incapacitated, surely it wouldn't take Luna and the Castle Guard much longer to find the rest of the captives and free them.

                                            > A job well done, even if he did get kidnapped. The important thing was that the slave trafficking ring was broken up.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            "Your orders, Captain, are to obey any orders from Silent Spell as if they had come from me personally, do you understand?!"

                                            > Fire Fly cringed a little at her sharp tone, but Luna had had enough of the guard coming to her for confirmation every time the investigator asked for anything. She kept up her glare for a moment longer, until the Captain lowered his gaze.

                                            > "Yes, ma'am," he said.

                                            "Good. Now go. I believe you have some orders to see to!"

                                            > The unicorn all but galloped away while Luna shook her head in irritation and entered the room. She had a difficult task ahead of her and the Captain's interruption hadn't been entirely welcome.

                                            > Strange, the mare thought, how despite everything she still thought of the place as Cadence's guest room.

                                            > Wrenching her thoughts to the present, Luna prepared to deliver bad news to Blossom. The scene in front of her made her pause, though.

                                            > The pink mare was lying on her back, but her head was resting in Star Bright's lap so that her mane was spread across the couch. The unicorn was carefully braiding it with his magic.

                                            > He was clearly bad at it, judging by the few misshapen, lumpy braids already done, but Blossom didn't seem to mind. Her eyes were closed and she had a hint of a smile on her muzzle.

                                            > It was in contrast with the dark circles under her eyes and a welcome change at that. Apparently Star Bright really was helping. Good thing Fluttershy had spotted their budding romance.

                                            > Thinking of the pegasus drew Luna's eyes to Fluttershy, who was leaning on the armrest, reading a book with Blossom's tail draped over her lap like a blanket.

                                            > "Oh, hello, Princess!"

                                            > The words made Blossom open her eyes and when she realized who it was the mare sat up. There was a hopeful smile on her muzzle as she scanned the room behind Luna, undoubtedly looking for her favourite human.

                                            "Sorry, Blossom. Still no word."

                                            > Her expression crumpled, but Star Bright wrapped his hooves around Blossom and rubbed his nose against her neck. It seemed to work and the mare didn't start weeping again.

                                            > "W-When will you f-find him?" she asked in a quiet voice without meeting Luna's gaze.

                                            "Soon. He will be fine, I promise. Just be patient."

                                            > All the earth pony could manage was a nod. One of her ears twitched slightly, as if she wanted to lift them, but in light of the news they stayed firmly down. Luna was sorry she didn't have any better news.

                                            "Silent Spell and everypony in the guard are working really hard to find Anonymous. I'm sorry that Twilight Sparkle's spell hadn't worked, but between her and Sister I have no doubt they will come up with something."

                                            > The mention of her friend made Fluttershy close the book and lay it aside. "Have you heard from Twilight and the Princess?"

                                            > Luna had to shake her head, but she kept smiling encouragingly.

                                            "I am expecting a message today, in fact. If not, I will go to them personally. Despite this crisis, there is still a country to run!"

                                            > Fluttershy just nodded, but didn't say anything. Luna knew the timid mare thought friends were more important than governing, but her personal experience told the alicorn otherwise. It was important to keep Equestria together, especially as news of the slavery ring was starting to come out.

                                            > No doubt Celestia would appreciate her efforts once everything was back to normal.

                                            > Still, while they waited for news and for the investigation, she could try and keep everypony's spirits up.

                                            "Blossom, would you like to join me for lunch?" Luna offered.

                                            > "Mm?" the mare obviously hadn't been paying attention.

                                            "I will be having cake and ice cream today, would you like some?"

                                            > For a moment it looked like Blossom would refuse, but Star Bright gave her another nudge with his muzzle and the mare nodded instead. "Okay."

                                            "Good! You should all come!"

                                            > She made sure to flash the unicorn a grateful grin, which he returned with a nod.

                                            > Fluttershy pushed Blossom's tail out of the way and slid from the cushion. "Come on, Blossom," she cooed gently, "let's go wash up before lunch!"

                                            > The earth mare obediently followed her friend into the bathroom, leaving Luna alone with Star Bright.

                                            "You seem good for Blossom."

                                            > Suddenly the stallion was embarrassed, all blushing and unable to meet her gaze. "Um... I like her a lot."

                                            > Luna didn't immediately reply, which obviously made Star Bright feel like something more was expected of him. He cleared his throat, glanced in Luna's eyes for a second, then stammered on: "Sh-She's not like other m-mares."

                                            "You know her history, correct?"

                                            > Instantly the stallion nodded. "Yes! Anon told me! I promised I'd be careful with Blossom! If she tries to- I mean... I know she used to do... *that* to make her life easier, but I'm gonna say no. I promised!"

                                            > It wasn't what Luna had been asking, but it answered her question. She had wondered if Star Bright would still be as interested if he knew, but apparently the answer was yes. Perhaps this really was young love, like Fluttershy had guessed.

                                            "Well, someday she will be ready to take the next step. I trust your discretion to know when the time is right."

                                            > Apparently it was very uncomfortable to talk about these things with an alicorn, at least judging by Star Bright's blush, but luckily Fluttershy and Blossom returned and the earth mare hurried back to whom Luna was beginning to consider her coltfriend.

                                            > The two nuzzled for a second and then looked up.

                                            "Shall we?" Luna invited with an extended wing.

                                            > They smoothly fell in step behind her as she led them out.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > The dizzy spell seemed to be getting worse, despite Celestia's incessant ministrations. The Princess was starting to look very worried even as Anonymous tried to assure her that he would be fine.

                                            > By late afternoon he couldn't even sit up to accept a glass of water by himself and the mare had to lift him up with magic.

                                            "S'fine..."

                                            > "No, it's not, Anon!" Celestia countered. "This is worse than I thought. Maybe it works differently on humans?"

                                            > She put the empty glass back on the bedside table and climbed up to take her place at Anon's side once more.

                                            > He had to admit that her presence was infinitely comforting. He had also been glad to hear when one of the guards came upstairs, asking the Princess what to do and she sent him - Anon thought it was Glory Tail - to fetch the air carriage from Canterlot.

                                            > The man was in no shape to travel, but having the option nearby to use as soon as he felt better gave him peace of mind.

                                            > He'd been a little sad when the guard had obeyed instantly and hadn't even come in the room, but there would be time to catch up with everyone once he was back in Canterlot. They had to be especially vigilant this far from backup, Celestia had explained, so the guards took turns patrolling and resting.

                                            > A warm muzzle brushed his cheek and Anon put a hand on her ears for some relaxing scratching. It was amazing how well that worked to relax both him and the mare.

                                            > The weakness seemed to be passing, or at least that's what Anon dared to hope as the dizziness subsided.

                                            > Celestia had given him very small doses of the potion to help him through the withdrawal. It wasn't enough to put him to sleep, but it was probably what was making him so weak. The stuff was probably a muscle relaxant or something.

                                            > "Try to sleep, love," Celestia said. "I'm sure you'll feel better once you wake up."

                                            "Don't wanna. I slept through most of the past week. Or was it two?"

                                            > The mare just shrugged her wings. She was right - the potion was making Anonymous tired, but he wanted to stay awake and enjoy Celestia's presence for as long as possible. He managed to lift his head a little so he could look at her face, which never failed to make him smile.

                                            > Celestia stared back. "Mm? What's wrong?" she asked.

                                            > There was that faint feeling of unease again. Anonymous had ascribed it to the situation, but now he was starting to wonder. He'd seen nothing to worry him since Celestia had arrived.

                                            > Why did he feel like something was missing?

                                            > The house was making him uneasy. It belonged to Silvermane, who was trafficking with both pony and human slaves. Perhaps it was the vibe or something, which was putting Anonymous off.

                                            "Celly?"

                                            > "Mm?"

                                            "When the carriage gets here, take me to Canterlot. Even if you have to knock me out and tie me down, I wanna get out of here."

                                            > The mare looked uneasy, but eventually she gave a shrug. "We'll talk about it."

                                            "No, I mean it! I-"

                                            > A wing feather pressed against his lips. "Shush. Rest. We'll talk about it."

                                            > There was no disobeying that voice, so Anon just nodded. He was about to close his eyes when movement caught his gaze.

                                            > The mare he saw made him gasp and try to push Celestia away.

                                            "You!"

                                            > As soon as the maid saw him looking, she ducked behind the wall. Anon pushed at the warm, white body sprawled over him until the Princess lifted herself. "What? What happened?"

                                            > To his surprise, the man found he had enough strength to lift himself up, if not quite enough to try standing. The hallway outside the room was empty.

                                            "I saw that maid! She was here when I first came!"

                                            > Celestia blinked a few times in confusion, then smiled. "Oh, Dusty."

                                            > At his incredulous, confused stare, the Princess sighed and laid a careful hoof on Anon's shoulder. "She knows the place and has agreed to help with cooking and cleaning. Don't worry, she has a magic blocking ring."

                                            > It hardly made sense that Celestia would trust one of Anon's captors with freedom like that.

                                            "What if she escapes?!"

                                            > "I told you, we're in the middle of nowhere. Besides, I put a spell on her which'll let me know if she ever tries to leave. Don't worry."

                                            > The alicorn raised her voice. "You can come in, Dusty."

                                            > Careful hoofsteps announced her entrance as the maid came in. Once inside, the carpet muffled the sound of her walking. She looked quite abashed and more than a little bit scared as she approached the bed.

                                            > "See? It's fine. You won't hurt Anonymous, right Dusty?"

                                            > The maid vehemently shook her head. "Never, mm- Princess! I swear!"

                                            > Celestia nodded in satisfaction and her mouth quirked up into a pleased little smile. "And you won't try and escape, right?"

                                            > "I c-can't..." Dusty said and angled her head the other way. Anon could see a thick band of yellow around the base of her horn, nearly hidden by her mane.

                                            > He relaxed a little. Of course Celestia would know what she was doing and he had complete faith in her. It had just been a little unsettling to see the maid just freely walking around the house.

                                            "Well, okay. I guess. Didn't you put her under arrest?" he asked.

                                            > The word made Dusty grimace and look away while Celestia answered: "Well, yes and no. I told her if she repented, I'd put in a good word for her at the trial. She'll be punished, but she was only acting on Silvermane's orders, so I don't think a prison sentence. We'll see."

                                            > That was right, Anonymous remembered. Celestia always preached forgiveness and redemption, so it made sense that she would practice it as often as possible.

                                            > While he was thinking what to say, Dusty spoke up again: "S-Sorry for how I treated you, Mr. Anonymous."

                                            > She still wasn't meeting his gaze, choosing instead to look at the carpet between her forehooves.

                                            "It's fine. You weren't too bad. I'm just glad that Spring Morning isn't around anymore."

                                            > At the mention of the name Dusty looked up sharply at Celestia, her eyes full of fear. Whatever the Princess had done when she burst in must have been pretty bad, Anon guessed.

                                            "Well..."

                                            > "W-Want me to cook something for you, Mr. An-Anonymous?" the maid offered.

                                            > The man shook his head. The dizzy spell seemed to have passed and the excitement did wonders to clear his head, but he didn't want to risk being sick again.

                                            "Thanks, but no. Actually, what I want to do is take a walk. It's still early."

                                            > A glance through the open window confirmed it. The sun was still in the sky and the evening was nice and warm. Suddenly Anonymous didn't want to be in the room anymore.

                                            "And then I'd like to say hi to Vanilla Pop and the others."

                                            > Celestia inclined her head. "Okay. Let's go on that walk and then we'll see how you feel. It's a good sign. Maybe you will be well enough to travel by tomorrow."

                                            > He grinned at that news and the alicorn smiled back.

                                            > "Um, I'll go now," Dusty announced as she left them alone.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > The extreme fatigue was gone, but now Anon suffered from frequent attacks of nausea. They seemed to come after exerting himself, so Celestia urged rest.

                                            > Except that Anonymous had had enough of rest to last him a lifetime and would much rather just power through the dizzy spells. The mare insisted as she kept feeding him minuscule amounts of the potion.

                                            > Grudgingly Anonymous had to accept that she knew what she was doing, because it was slowly getting better. Unfortunately, his improving physical condition did nothing for his peace of mind. He still felt deeply uneasy about something, even while Celestia reassured him everything was alright and they would be home soon.

                                            > Perhaps the most normal Anon had felt in the past couple of days was that time Vanilla Pop walked in on the two of them in a rather compromising position. Maybe it was a good thing that Anon couldn't see the guard's face.

                                            > Celestia had had him lie on his belly with his face in the pillow so she could give him a hoof massage. It would improve circulation and speed up his recovery, the mare said, but Anon felt she just wanted to feel him over. Not that he could blame her.

                                            > Pretty soon he was sporting a large tent and it was only sheer luck that he was facing down, into the bed. That was when Vanilla Pop had walked in. At first Anon didn't know who it was and feared it might have been Dusty, but the guard cleared his throat and started to apologize profusely.

                                            > Celestia just giggled and Anon froze in shock at being seen practically naked and with the Princess all but lying on top of him. There had been something Vanilla Pop had wanted to say, or ask, but Anon couldn't blame the stallion for completely forgetting all about it in that situation. He just kept apologizing and, Anon presumed, bowing all the way out.

                                            "You should have fixed that door!" Anon had said. "At least then they'd knock!"

                                            > The mare had just chuckled again. "Don't worry, love. He didn't see anything. Would it be so bad if he did?"

                                            > She had a valid point, but there was such a thing as propriety. They'd had this discussion when Anon had first arrived in Equestria and both had agreed that it wouldn't be very polite to rub their relationship in her subjects' muzzles. They all knew, of course, but it was a different can of worms to keep blatantly making out in public.

                                            > Maybe that little embarrassment was the reason all the guards tended to avoid meeting Anonymous and Celestia. He would have liked to catch up, but between his dizzy spells, his weakness and the guards avoiding him, Anonymous had no choice but to wait for a better time.

                                            > Soon, Celestia kept promising.

                                            "Is the carriage here yet? Let's just go home and be done with it," Anonymous pleaded.

                                            > The Princess looked uncomfortable for a moment, then gave the man a pleading smile. "One more day, please Anonymous? I'm still worried about you. Tomorrow you'll be completely off the potion and then we'll go, okay?"

                                            > Maybe she was putting it off so she could keep him to herself for a while longer? Like a kind of impromptu vacation?

                                            > Anonymous tried to convince himself of that, but it didn't quite work. Surely if she just wanted them to spend some time away from Canterlot and the hubbub of court life, she'd have said so and taken them somewhere else.

                                            > They were still staying in Silvermane's mansion, which didn't do Anon's disposition much good. He'd rather be done with the whole sorry mess, even if he had to pay for a hotel or an inn out of his own pocket.

                                            > Celestia saw how he felt about the whole thing and opted to take his mind off it by means of a very warm, very aggressive kiss. Anonymous had no choice but to respond in kind.

                                            > For the next minute or two all he could think about was the long, flat tongue in his mouth. He'd keep it up longer, but he had to breathe. Despite that the mare kept licking his face while he gasped.

                                            > He caught her gaze and saw deep lust, which matched his own.

                                            > "I- I think you're-" Celestia began, pausing to give his cheek another lick. "You're well enough?"

                                            > All Anon could do was nod. He'd already gripped his belt and was struggling with the buckle. Celestia was lying on it, but she hadn't noticed. As she kissed him again, Anon forgot about it as well and put his hands on her barrel.

                                            > The fur was just as smooth as always and the man slid his fingers down to her flanks, where he dug them in. The touch made the mare moan right into his mouth before pulling away. She smiled. "I love you!"

                                            > Anonymous opened his mouth to say the same, but then he suddenly saw it in her eyes.

                                            > It couldn't be.

                                            > Except everything fit together. It explained it all: the potion, the nausea, the delays.

                                            > "W-What's wrong?" Celestia asked nervously when his expression changed.

                                            > Anon's heart, already racing from excitement and lust, speeded up even more until he thought it would explode. He could feel the rush of blood and the tingle of adrenaline. He let go of Celestia's flanks and brought his hands up to his face.

                                            > He would only get one shot at this.

                                            > Before the mare could react, Anon bunched his fingers in a fist and struck right at her horn, as hard as he could.

                                            > "W-EE-" the Princess began to shriek, but he hit her again and she just went limp. The horn was extremely sensitive, especially to blows from the side. It was the only way to negate her magic without his own.

                                            > For a minute it was all Anon could do to just lie there, struggling to get his breathing under control. It wasn't until the unconscious Celestia stirred and groaned that he remembered himself.

                                            > Once she woke up, would she have her magic back right away? If so, what could he do about that? He tried to remember.

                                            > There had been a time when, during their passionate tossing on the bed Celestia had smacked her horn against a bedpost. She couldn't use magic without a headache for a good several hours after that. It was the best idea he could come up with on short notice. Hopefully his punch had done much the same and he had a few minutes to figure it out.

                                            > The mare was still a lot stronger than him in his weakened state, so that was the next urgent thing.

                                            > Anon's eyes landed on the sheets and he slid out of the bed. His breath came in short, almost panicked pants as he rolled it up into a tube.

                                            > It was too thick. There was no way for him to tie a knot.

                                            > Almost whimpering, the man looked at the pony who stirred again and tried to open her eyes. He didn't have a lot of time. He quickly unrolled the sheet and ripped it in half. Luckily it was thin linen and didn't offer much resistance. He tore it apart again.

                                            > He was left with a long, thin strip, which he hurriedly wrapped around Celestia's fetlocks. That took care of forelegs and Anon tied a crude knot with shaky hands. He tore another strip from the sheet and did the same for her hind legs.

                                            > There was just enough of cloth left to bind all her legs together. It wasn't perfect and she'd probably be able to get free, but it was good enough if he watched her closely.

                                            > The mare was definitely waking up by now, whimpering and growling, so Anonymous looked around for a weapon. Any weapon.

                                            > There! The smashed door had split and a plank was hanging loose. It wasn't exactly a club, but it would do in a pinch. Anon tore it from the frame, twisting it a few times to get it free, then hefted it above the prone mare.

                                            > Her eyes opened, blinked a few times, then focused on him. "W-Wha-?"

                                            "One sign of a spell and I'll whack you again!" Anon threatened.

                                            > Ignoring him, Celestia lifted her head and he made good on his threat. He hit her horn, but not too hard. It made the pony gasp in shock and fall back down.

                                            > For a moment Anon was worried he'd smacked her too hard, but the mare began whimpering and flapping her wings.

                                            "STAY STILL!" he ordered, nearly knocked from his feet by flailing.

                                            > In the moment of silence he listened intently, hoping there wasn't Dusty or someone else on their way to see what all the noise was about. Any one of them would be able to subdue him with no trouble.

                                            > "H- H-" the Princess worked her mouth to get her tongue to work once more. "How?" she asked hoarsely. "How'd you know?"

                                            > That confirmed his fear and a huge weight was lifted from Anon's shoulders. If this really was Celestia and he'd made a terrible mistake-

                                            > It had been a chance he'd been willing to take and the right one, obviously, now.

                                            "Look at me. Look me in the eye!"

                                            > The pony did as he commanded and Anon inspected her eyes. Now that he knew what to look for it was patently obvious.

                                            "You did a good job, but I guess you never saw Celestia from up close. She has tiny flecks of gray in her irises. It's not just solid magenta."

                                            > Celestia - or rather her imitator, closed her eyes and heaved a sigh.

                                            "And you used too many contractions!" Anon went on, triumphantly. "It's hard to spot, but she almost never does. I guess you didn't hear her talk enough."

                                            > All the mare did was grunt in what sounded like annoyance. She refused to look at him.

                                            "So I guess Vanilla Pop is a traitor as well?"

                                            > The mare shook her head, but the motion was subtle. Obviously her head hurt a lot and Anon was pleased about that. He hefted the board and considered smacking her again, just to be done with it. Surely she'd be out cold for a few hours and he could try to make for a town or a village.

                                            > "Ventriloquism spell," the mare said finally. "I can do voices. That's why he was always out of sight."

                                            > It made sense and now that Anon thought about it he realized he'd never actually seen the guard.

                                            "What about Dusty?"

                                            > The Princess - the fake Princess - shrugged with her wings. "Silvermane's servant. She obeys me."

                                            "What are you? I know a little about the changing spell and you shouldn't be able to keep it going when I hit you. How are you doing it?"

                                            > She just barked a laugh. "Somepony will come and find you, and then I'll have you. And I won't be gentle, either, you stupid ape."

                                            "I asked you a question!"

                                            > Anon mock-swung the board and the mare tried to jerk out of the way. Despite her brave words, Anon could see how she was nervously licking her lips and how her wings rustled. Probably a pegasus originally, he assumed. The reaction looked unconscious, which meant she was used to having wings.

                                            > "Fine. It's not like you'll live to tell anypony. Not after this!"

                                            > She closed her eyes in concentration and Anon gave her horn a light tap, which nevertheless made the mare gasp in pain.

                                            "No magic! I'm warning you, a single glint and I'm whacking you as hard as I can!"

                                            > The mare just grunted. "Fine. I'm changeling. Happy now?!"

                                            > All the man knew of her race was the tidbits he'd learned about Glowbug back on Earth, which wasn't a whole lot. From what Celestia had said, they were the ones who originally invented the disguise spell - or maybe it was something they could do naturally, which would explain why it didn't vanish when the changeling had been knocked out.

                                            > They also fed on emotion, which would explain why he'd felt so weak and drained lately, even after going off the potion. Anon forced his anger down.

                                            > The problem now was getting away. Sure, he could smack the creature unconscious and run for it, but there was no way of knowing how long she'd be out. Too soon and she'd raise an alarm and get him caught before he made it to safety.

                                            > Hit her too hard, on the other hand, and she might never wake up again. It was probably no less than she deserved, but Anon wasn't about to simply kill another sentient creature. Not unless it was the only choice.

                                            > An idea struck him and he looked at the bedside table. There was the brown, nearly opaque bottle with no label. He reached over and picked it up.

                                            "You're gonna drink this, or I'll smack you until you're out cold and pour it down your throat, understand?"

                                            > The mare glanced at the makeshift club in his hands, swallowed, and nodded. Her ears went flat in defeat.

                                            > The mixture made him sleep, surely it would do something similar for a pony. It also left his muscles feeling like wet noodles. That would take care of the changeling, at least for a while.

                                            > Maybe someone would find her, but probably not for a few hours. The last few days Celestia - or rather the impostor - had spent most of her time with him and there hadn't been any interruptions.

                                            > With that settled, all Anon had to do was think up what to do about Dusty and possibly some others in the house. The best way would be to sneak out. That would give him until they found the unconscious changeling, or until she woke up.

                                            > Or was it 'he'? He'd kissed the thing, which made Anon's stomach twist up.

                                            > He suddenly realized that he was standing still with the potion in one hand and the plank of wood in the other. The creature was watching him warily, waiting to see what he would do.

                                            > At least she wasn't trying to get free from the makeshift bounds.

                                            "By the way, what really happened to Spring Morning?"

                                            > The mare rolled her eyes. "I *am* Spring Morning, idiot. I've been in disguise all along."

                                            > It was all getting too complicated and Anon just gave up. If Spring Morning had always been a changeling, Celestia and Luna would know what to make of it. Right then, he just wanted to get out of the house.

                                            "Open up!" he commanded.

                                            > The changeling glared for a few moments, but then her ears lowered and she exhaled in defeat. Her lips parted.

                                            > Anonymous kept his hold on the plank and put the bottle against the mare's lips. He tilted it up, but his hand was shaking and he spilled a little around her muzzle.

                                            > He watched her throat closely and it looked like the mare was swallowing obediently. That was good, a relief that he didn't have to force her.

                                            > Very soon after that, the mare's eyelids began to droop. She seemed to be having trouble keeping her head upright and her wings were unfurling.

                                            > It could still have been an act, though.

                                            > Anon got a brilliant idea. He dropped the empty bottle and threw the remaining blanket off the bed. Then he hurried to the wardrobe and took out some fresh bedclothes. They went in an oblong pile in the bed.

                                            > There was a dull thump and he looked just in time to see fake-Celestia's eyes close. The noise had been her muzzle hitting the carpet. He should have thought about this step earlier...

                                            > It took some doing to get the heavy pony up in the bed, but there was no choice. Anonymous was winded by the time he had the changeling settled with her head on the pillow.

                                            > Was she faking the effects of the potion? Anonymous keept a close watch on her face and suddenly slapped his hand on her rump as hard as he could. Not even a flutter of an eyelash. Surely if she'd been awake, there would have been some kind of a reaction.

                                            > Reassured, he pulled a new blanket over her and the bundle of cloth he'd arranged. He inspected the effect from the door and almost smiled to himself. It looked exactly like two people in bed, sleeping.

                                            > It should buy him some time if one of the others came to check. Surely they wouldn't bother the changeling sleeping with her captive human.

                                            > For a moment he considered leaving the wood behind, but it was the only real weapon he had, so Anon opted to keep it in his hand. He was fully clothed, which was a relief, so nothing was really keeping him there.

                                            > He cast a critical eye over the scene once more and nearly cursed out loud. The empty bottle was on the floor. He hurried over and put it back on the nightstand. He still wasn't absolutely sure what it did, but he hadn't had a single dream since his kidnapping and Anon was pretty sure it wasn't due to changeling magic.

                                            > That was probably why the changeling had insisted he keep taking it. She must have worked out the smallest dose which would keep him from dreaming and alerting Princess Luna.

                                            > The story about getting addicted to it and having to be weaned off was just a lie. His lips pressed together as Anonymous went over what the impostor Celestia had told him and mentally marked it all as lies.

                                            > Everything seemed in order, so he walked to the door and listened. No hoofsteps.

                                            > He poked his head outside and looked both ways, but the hallway was empty. His best bet, Anon decided, was the back exit into the garden. The guards - or rather, Silvermane's goons - kept to themselves in the front rooms.

                                            > After that, it would be a different problem to find habitation.

                                            > Actually, the man reconsidered, he didn't need to find habitation. He just needed to stay hidden from his captors for long enough so the effects of the potion completely wore off and he dreamed. Undoubtedly Luna would find him.

                                            > Surely they hadn't stopped looking for him that soon, right?

                                            > Once Luna and Celestia - the *real* Celestia - knew where he was, at least the general area, they would probably rush over. They could figure it out from there.

                                            > That decided, Anon slipped out the back door, looked around the garden to make sure no one was in sight, then sprinted for the nearest wall.

                                            > It was head high for him, but filled with adrenaline as he was, the man had no doubt he could easily scale it.

                                            > Freedom, at last!


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous sat down heavily on a fallen log to catch his breath. He'd tried running, but couldn't keep it up for more than a few minutes. Now he was walking as far as he could and then waiting for the spots of lights to vanish from before his eyes.

                                            > Distance, that was the key. No doubt Spring Morning's pals would search the area in some kind of pattern once they discovered him gone, or when the changeling woke up.

                                            > He also had to assume that they'd be able to fly, so staying in the trees and keeping an eye out on the sky was a must. As he waited for his panting to wind down, Anonymous kept looking up and behind.

                                            > They might also use magic to track him, but since he didn't have a way to defend against that, the man had opted not to spend too much effort on worrying about it. Distance was the obvious thing, so he focused all his energy on that.

                                            > His breathing gradually slowed and Anon got back on his feet. Time to move on. The sun was on his right as it descended, which meant he was going south. Closer to civilization, hopefully.

                                            > At least the forest wasn't too thick, so it didn't take a lot of effort to walk. There was very little undergrowth and the ground was fairly even, which was just as well. His legs already felt like lead pipes and his muscles were burning with fatigue.

                                            > Apparently he wasn't completely recovered yet, but Anon was still determined to do what he could.

                                            > He paused to take a look behind him and then pushed forward. The trees seemed to be thinning out up ahead, which was both a blessing and a curse. The going would be easier, but he would also be much more exposed.

                                            > Moments later Anonymous recognized a road of hard-packed dirt. It didn't look like a major thoroughfare, nor could he see any travellers in either direction, but it made the man a little hopeful.

                                            > He contemplated walking on the road, but changed his mind and stayed in the trees. He still wanted cover in case any pegasi were looking for him.

                                            > The makeshift club had been left behind in the garden behind Silvermane's manor. It would only have been extra weight. If a pony tried to catch him, Anon would just have to rely on his fists. Hopefully they wouldn't expect that.

                                            > The going would be a bit slower off the road, but it was worth it. Anon looked both directions. To the West, the road seemed to curve back north, so he picked East and set off at a brisk walk.

                                            > It was late afternoon, which meant only a few more hours and then he'd find a hiding place. Anon thought about possible dangerous fauna, but he knew the wildlife was a lot nicer than on Earth. The truly dangerous stuff was in the Everfree, which was a lot further to the Southwest and maybe in the Frozen North, which was in the opposite direction.

                                            > Despite the burning in his limbs, Anon was happy and relieved to be out of that house. He'd escaped all by himself, which felt good and filled him with confidence, and soon he'd be back in Canterlot.

                                            > Hopefully, by now, Celestia had dismantled Silvermane's operation and had put everyone responsible behind bars. Spring Morning and her lackeys might escape, but it was a trade Anonymous was willing to make.

                                            > He slowed down and stumbled to a halt. His lungs were burning again and his vision was swimming. There was no convenient place to sit, so Anon just slid down under a tree and leaned against the trunk.

                                            > Still no sign of pursuit. Maybe he'd done a good enough job on Spring Morning, or whatever her changeling name was, that she'd sleep until next morning. The disguise of them in bed together should also keep any others away.

                                            > Despite his cautious optimism, Anon watched the sky to the north until he felt he could stand again. He took a deep breath and headed onward.

                                            > A flash of color through the trees...

                                            > At first he dove for cover, afraid one of Spring Morning's goons had overtaken him and was lying in wait, but the splotch of color was too large for a pony. Houses! Anonymous couldn't believe his luck! He caught another glimpse of white and red through the trees.

                                            > A few cautious steps forward revealed that it was a house. The sun was on its last rays and some of the windows Anon could see already had lights in them.

                                            > It was a small village, but in that moment it was more welcome than a palace. Relief masked the pain and he stumbled to the road. He wanted to get there as fast as possible.

                                            > Footsteps turned to a halting run and sweat poured into Anon's eyes, but he wanted the ordeal over as soon as possible so he pushed forward.

                                            > A plain, brown-colored pony - an earth stallion - was walking down the street and froze in place as he spotted him. Even at the distance Anon could see how his eyes widened in fear and the stallion hurriedly pushed locks of red mane out of his eyes before taking a step back.

                                            "No... Don't-" he gasped out.

                                            > Of course the stallion couldn't hear, but the man slowed and focused on gulping down as much air as he could. Everything hurt, but he really didn't want to collapse so close to his goal.

                                            > As he came nearer, the stallion finally saw in what shape he was and his look of fear changed into one of concern. Humans probably weren't a common sight in this part of Equestria, but he must have heard of them and knew they were connected with Canterlot and the Princesses.

                                            > He still approached cautiously, letting Anon walk most of the way before asking in a hesitant voice: "W-Who are you? What are you d-doing here?"

                                            > Anon shook his head and stopped. He fought for breath.

                                            "Police... Sheriff-"

                                            > The pony looked afraid once again and looked at the road in the direction from where Anon had come. "What? Is there danger?"

                                            > Rather than struggling for breath, Anon let himself sink to his knees. His legs wouldn't hold him anymore, but that was okay. Surely the village ponies would take care of him and they wouldn't let Spring Morning take him.

                                            "They're after me," he managed. "Silvermane's man- manor. I was being held pri- prisoner."

                                            > Each word made the stallion more agitated. "That place in the woods?!"

                                            > Rather than repeating himself, Anon just nodded.

                                            "Send- pegasus. Message. Canterlot- to Celestia. Name's Anonymous."

                                            > Finally concern won out over fear and the stallion stepped closer. "Okay, okay, I'll get the sheriff. Come on, let's get you inside, you don't look so good."

                                            > The commotion was attracting more attention and several other ponies were looking at them from the village. The stallion shouted for torches and help, before slipping under Anon's arm to support him upright.

                                            "Thanks..." was all he could say.

                                            > The stallion just grunted and started walking slowly forward. It took significant effort, but Anonymous got his legs under him and his hands on the pony's back. He could make it to a house and then he could rest.

                                            > "We'll get you some water and a place to rest up. Then you can tell the sheriff what's happened, okay?"

                                            "Sure... Thanks."

                                            > Anonymous was hardly aware of another village pony joining them and nuzzling from his other side. He swapped one hand to the newcomer.

                                            > It meant he was walking nearly bent double, but it was welcome support. He looked up and tried to see where they were taking him.

                                            > One of the houses was larger than the others and there was a sign out in front. The Inn, Anonymous guessed. He focused on the door like a lifeline. He just had to make it that far...


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous woke up with a start, looking wildly around the room before remembering where he was and why. He fell back on the pillow with a soft sigh.

                                            > Even scant seconds after waking, he'd already forgotten his vague, unsettling dream, but he knew he'd had one. Hopefully it had been enough for Luna, but even if not, his message to Celestia had to be on its way.

                                            > The man didn't remember climbing the stairs, but a glance at the window showed he was on the first floor. It looked like a typical guest room in a small village inn. The ponies must have gotten him up there and put him to bed. For some strange reason Anon was glad they didn't undress him.

                                            > He considered just lying there for a while longer, but too much had happened. He had to make sure the letter had been sent and that there'd been no pursuit.

                                            > Anonymous rolled over and sat up on the side of the bed. It was low, so his knees came nearly up to his chin, but he was used to this by now. What he wasn't used to was the ache.

                                            > All his muscles protested the movement. Everything was sore!

                                            > He wasn't sure he could stand without falling over. As an experiment, Anon held a hand out in front of him. It wavered up and down no matter how hard he tried to keep it steady.

                                            > Hopefully the fatigue would recede as he started moving about, otherwise Celestia would have to carry him out. That would be a bit embarrassing after having escaped on his own.

                                            > Anon rested for a few more minutes, then braced himself and stood. Tried to, at least. At first he underestimated how hard he'd have to push and he barely lifted himself up from the bed a few inches before falling back with a quiet grunt.

                                            > The second attempt was better, but this time he put too much effort in and nearly fell on his face. Only a hand thrown at the last second against the wall kept him from toppling.

                                            > It was getting better, now that he was moving once more, but Anonymous still held on to the wall as he made his way to the door. He paused before he opened it, listening for any familiar voices. If Spring Morning or any of her thugs had followed him here, Anon didn't want to walk right into them.

                                            > There was no sound, which was encouraging, so Anon switched his hands on the wooden frame and reached for the door handle.

                                            > The hallway was empty, but now that he was out of his room the man could hear sounds coming from the lower floor. Pots clanking, soft talking and the sound of water being poured. That last reminded him that he was parched and Anon made his careful way to the stairs.

                                            > He kept his hand on the wall but he needed its support less and less with each step. There was a handrail, but it was placed too low to be really useful to him. Anon gritted his teeth and stepped from step to step as slowly as he could.

                                            > His legs still jerked uncontrollably every now and then, but he was able to keep his balance easily enough. The ache came back in force at the unaccustomed exercise but Anon just ignored it.

                                            > He'd have to get into better shape, he resolved. One measly potion and a couple of weeks in bed shouldn't be able to wipe him out this completely. True, he'd pushed himself far beyond his limit during his escape, but that still wasn't very encouraging.

                                            > The trip to that place near Baltimare had been worrying enough, but this was just ridiculous. Anon resolved to start walking more. It wasn't as if there were no places around the Castle. The gardens made for a very pleasant stroll.

                                            > With that decision firmly established, the man finally reached the common room. There was a gray-haired old pony sitting at one of the tables and middle-aged, orange-colored mare behind the counter, washing glasses.

                                            > The sound of cooking pots was coming from an open door which led to the kitchen, judging by the smell.

                                            > Both ponies looked up and the old-timer gave a small start even as the mare flashed Anon a smile. "Relax, Gramps," she said soothingly. "It's just one of those humans from Canterlot, nothing to worry about."

                                            > "Humph," the older pony grunted. "Thought it was a minotaur for a second there."

                                            > Anonymous chose to ignore that. The old guy probably wasn't trying to insult him.

                                            "The name's Anonymous. Has anyone sent that letter to Princess Celestia?"

                                            > The stallion looked blank, but the mare at the counter seemed more informed. Her smile widened and she nodded. "Yep! The mail-mare took the job, special. It means no post today, but that's fine. Everypony understands!"

                                            > A moment's thought reminded the mare of her manners and a blush graced her muzzle. "Oh, my name is Apple Leaves and that over there is Gramps. We just call him Gramps."

                                            "Nice to meet you both."

                                            > Anonymous inspected the mare for a moment. The color was familiar, not quite orange although it was close, but one he'd definitely seen before. The mane was green, which threw him off, but the name matched and the apple cutie mark all but confirmed it.

                                            "You're related to the Apples in Ponyville, right?"

                                            > Her smile widened. "Yup! So you know Applejack?"

                                            "I've met her a few times, yes."

                                            > "Well, as far as I'm concerned, that makes you practic'lly family, right? Sit down and have some breakfast!"

                                            > Of course the mere mention of food, combined with the smell wafting from the kitchen was enough to make Anon's stomach growl and he gratefully sank into  a chair. There was no back support and it was a little too low, but he was still glad to rest his legs for a while.

                                            > The older pony, Gramps, watched him for a bit longer, but then shrugged a little to himself and picked up his newspaper again.

                                            > While he waited, Anonymous looked out the window, but he couldn't spot anything worrisome. If there was any pursuit, there would probably be some commotion, at least. He began to hope that his escape had gone unnoticed the previous day.

                                            > Spring Morning would be waking up soon, Anon guessed, but with so much time having passed, she might not have any idea in which direction to look.

                                            > She might try the nearby villages, but Anon hoped one of the Princesses would arrive before that. Or, failing that, the townsponies wouldn't just give him up. He felt a lot better about his chances now that he knew one of the Apples lived here. The entire family was well-known for their unscrupulous honesty.

                                            > His thoughts were interrupted as Apple Leaves slid a plate before him. There were fried eggs, some potatoes and a thick slice of bread, still steaming. It immediately made his mouth water and the man barely paused to thank the mare before picking it up and biting off a good chunk of the freshly-baked loaf.

                                            > The mare seemed pleased at his enthusiasm and went back to the counter to fetch him a pitcher of water and some coffee.

                                            > It was one of the best-tasting breakfasts Anon remembered having and he wolfed it down without a single pause.

                                            > When he was done, feeling much refreshed, Apple Leaves waved a hoof to get his attention. "Would you like some more? We got plenty!"

                                            > A thought which had been trying to make itself known finally rose up and Anonymous suddenly felt embarrassed.

                                            "Actually... I don't have any money. Um..."

                                            > He hadn't even considered it last night. The most important thing had been to get away and find safety, but this *was* an inn and they had a business to run.

                                            "I'm sure the Princess will pay my bill when she gets here, though!"

                                            > The mare just giggled, hoof covering her muzzle. "Don't worry about none of that, Mr. Anonymous. What kind of ponies would we be if we didn't offer hospitality to somepony in need?"

                                            > Once again Anonymous was reminded that this was Equestria, not Earth. He relaxed a bit.

                                            "Well, fair's fair. I'll make sure to send money to cover my bill."

                                            > "There's really no need-"

                                            "Please, I insist."

                                            > Apple Leaves just shrugged a little to herself. "Well, as you wish, sir."

                                            > The barmare was taking the empty dishes back to the kitchen when the front door opened, making her pause and look back. "Oh, hi sheriff. I'll be right out!"

                                            > Anonymous inspected this new pony. He didn't remember him from the last night, but the stallion had obviously seen him, because he headed right over and joined Anon's table.

                                            > He was an older stallion, with streaks of gray in his otherwise black mane and an impressive moustache. The hat and the vest with the star badge completed the picture and confirmed the pony's job.

                                            > "Feelin' any better?"

                                            "I do," Anon said cautiously. "Sorry, I don't remember your name."

                                            > The sheriff just inclined his head in acknowledgment as he gave it: "Silver Spur." Seeing the alarm on the man's face, he waved a dismissive hoof. "I'm not related to Silvermane, if that's what you're thinking. That stuck up, condescending, 'holier-than-thou' good-for-nothing doesn't own *everything* around here."

                                            > There was obviously some bad blood there, but Anon was glad to hear it. If the sheriff disliked Silvermane, he was a lot less likely to betray him.

                                            "I see. Well, my name is-"

                                            > "Anonymous. Yeah, you said. Our dear ol' Princess' plaything, right?"

                                            > This was just as unexpected and Anon couldn't help blushing.

                                            "Well, I-"

                                            > The stallion started to chuckle and reached over the table to place a hoof on Anon's hand. "Don't fret it. The filly needs some diversion. B'sides, they say you're a damn fine lawyer, too."

                                            > Shock turned to amusement at this pony talking about Celestia as if she were some young filly. Funny how she'd wanted to experience that side of her on Earth, and here it was, practically on her doorstop, if only she'd known where to look.

                                            > Then again, whatever he said now, the sheriff probably wouldn't act this way to Celestia's face.

                                            > Or maybe he would? Anon inspected the old pony's face. Sheriff Silver Spur's opinion wasn't shared by the majority of Equestria's populace, though, but Anon had a good idea where to take the Princess for their next vacation.

                                            "Anyway, you should send some people over to Silvermane's manor. There's some criminals hiding there and you should grab them before they get away."

                                            > The stallion's grin faded and his muzzle twisted into a grimace as he shook his head. "Sorry. No can do."

                                            "If they have something on you-" Anon began.

                                            > "Nah, 's not that," the sheriff explained, waving a hoof expansively. "It's that I don't have ponies. It's just me and the deputy in this nick o' the woods and he spends his afternoons working on 'is farm. I sent a pegasus to Vanhoover, but I don't reckon we'll get any backup for some hours yet."

                                            "Well, provided they don't immediately run away and spend some time searching from me in the forest instead, you should be able to get them. Just be careful, there's a changeling."

                                            > This was news to the sheriff, but he hardly showed it on his muzzle aside from a slight widening of eyes and his breath catching for a moment. "Changeling, huh? That complicates things."

                                            "The one disguise I do know is a unicorn, blue coat, gray mane, but she's not old. Something like a book for a cutie mark. Goes by the name of Spring Morning. She might be in Canterlot guard armor."

                                            > That last was still worrying Anonymous. Was there a real Spring Morning somewhere, or was that entire character a changeling's fabrication?

                                            "Oh, and she was able to fake being Celestia, so..."

                                            > "Sheesh, *really* complicates things!"

                                            "I know. Sorry."

                                            > The stallion shook his head. "Not yer fault. I'm still hoping the mail mare reaches Canterlot and we get some help from there. I don't mind telling you, this is way beyond my pay grade."

                                            > Anonymous murmured a thank you to Apple Leaves who'd brought a couple of mugs to the table. He glanced in and caught the smell of strong cider.

                                            > Silver Spur saw his hesitation and gave the man a bright smile. "Drink up. You look like you need it."

                                            > For a moment Anon thought about asking for something non-alcoholic, but maybe the sheriff was right. He'd just been through an ordeal and maybe getting tipsy would take the edge off his aching muscles. He leaned back, remembering just in time that the backrest wasn't there, and held up his mug.

                                            "To beating the bad guys."

                                            > The pewter mugs clanged together and the sheriff gave a curt nod at the toast.

                                            > It was surprisingly smooth and sweet, with only the slightest tinge of alcohol and a very strong aftertaste of apples. If Anon had to guess, it was Apple Leaves' or her family's work.

                                            > The drink put him in mind of that Grand Galloping Gala when Twilight's friend had brought a barrel for her and her friends and Celestia insisted he try it.

                                            > "Dunno what sort of magic those Apples have, but I sure can appreciate it!"

                                            > The sheriff's remark broke him out of his memory and Anon smiled faintly.

                                            "So, what do we do next?" he asked.

                                            > The stallion pointed a hoof. "*You* do nothing but rest. I'll round up some folks and we'll take a look around the village, see if we can catch any of those criminals skulking around."

                                            > It sounded like a plan quite well fitted to Anon's current abilities. He looked around the room. The old pony was still reading his newspaper and Apple Leaves was polishing the counter with a cloth.

                                            "Well, I'll be here if you need to ask me more questions."

                                            > The sheriff gave him a simple nod and left Anon to his thoughts.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > "'Nonny!!"

                                            > The squeal of delight nearly deafened Anonymous. He hadn't heard the young, pink mare enter and looked up just in time to see her practically flying towards him at chest-high.

                                            > It was a good thing that he was braced against the wall, or the flying Blossom would have knocking him right out of his chair. As it was, the impact drove all air from his lungs.

                                            "Blossom?!" he gasped when he could talk again.

                                            > It was probably a dream, the man decided. He must have fallen asleep on the table in the common room and now he was dreaming about Blossom.

                                            > Weird, though, why it would be her instead of Celestia.

                                            > The young mare grasped him around the midriff, buried her muzzle in his chest and squeezed until Anonymous found it physically hard to breath.

                                            "Sweetie? You're choking me..."

                                            > It came out as barely a croak, but the mare understood and relented a little. She pulled away, ears folded down and a light blush on her cheeks. "Sorry," she murmured. "I missed you..."

                                            > "Yeah, s-sorry," came a voice behind Blossom and Anon craned his neck to see Fluttershy standing in the entrance, too. "She, um, kinda got away from me."

                                            > The pegasus walked in the room and then...

                                            > It felt as if the world had brightened up a little, as if liquid sunlight was flowing into the room. There were three distinct gasps - one from old 'Gramps' from Anon's left and two from the kitchen door, where Apple Leaves and the cook pony whose name he didn't know smoothly fell into a bow.

                                            > "Please, there is no... need..." Celestia began, but fell silent when her eyes met Anon's. Her mouth quirked up in a smile and she walked smoothly across the room to him.

                                            > Blossom was forgotten in his arms because the man only had eyes for the Princess. He found himself wondering how he could ever have mistaken Spring Morning for Celestia. This alicorn was the one and only. No one else moved quite like her, or held that exact expression of quiet serenity.

                                            > Except her dignified look was cracking now as she approached. Her ears were lowering, like a puppy who's happy to see her master. Her tail swished and she rustled her wings unconsciously. In a few steps she was standing beside Anonymous.

                                            "Hey, you."

                                            > She brought her muzzle closer, examining his face in minute detail while Anonymous did the same. There was no mistaking those eyes. Even if it weren't for Fluttershy and Blossom, Anonymous would have known Celestia from some cheap imitation.

                                            "So this isn't a dream?" he ventured.

                                            > "I hope not," the Princess said.

                                            > As he continued to stare, Anonymous saw a few signs that all was not exactly well. A wrinkle, left by long days of worry. A furtive darting of an eye, expecting a trick or an attack. A slight strain on her smile.

                                            > Her mane was its usual self, billowing in some ethereal wind, but was it slightly more frazzled than he remembered? Was Celestia's fur matted here and there, and her feathers in a disarray?

                                            > Possibly no one who didn't know her really well would be able to tell, but Anon's heart constricted when he realized just how much she had worried about him.

                                            > She brought her nose closer, careful not to poke Anon with her extremely sharp horn. Her breath was warm on his skin, like radiant sunlight, and it smelled slightly of-

                                            "Cherries?"

                                            > Celestia's smile widened. "Sister made me eat on the flight here. She said I would need the sugar."

                                            > The time for talking and thought was over. Anonymous closed his eyes and pushed forward. Their lips met, to another chorus of gasps, which barely registered in his consciousness.

                                            > He didn't try any fancy tongue-work and neither did Celestia. Both were simply happy to be in each other's presence, sharing this intimate thing and basking in the love it conveyed.

                                            > At some point, Anon felt Blossom wrap her hooves around him again, but at least it wasn't such a death-grip this time. He lifted up his hand and brushed a stray strand of mane from Celestia's face. She pulled away, cheeks lightly flushed but still smiling.

                                            "I missed you."

                                            > "I missed you more."

                                            "Nuh-huh!"

                                            > She shut him up with a lick. "You need to shave."

                                            > Anon scratched his chin with his hand and was forced to agree. A few more days and the stubble would officially become a beard.

                                            "I know. What took you so long?"

                                            > Celestia blinked, eyes filling up with tears, and he was immediately sorry for the question.

                                            "Sorry. I'm just glad I'm out."

                                            > The alicorn sighed. "They were well prepared. They knew our weaknesses and how to use them. They kept you from dreaming. They hid from scrying. I couldn't- I-" Celestia fell silent with a sigh.

                                            "They had a changeling. At least one, maybe more."

                                            > The words reminded Anon and he tried to push himself up, but with Blossom in his lap he didn't have the strength.

                                            "The changeling! Back at the house, with some thugs, you have to catch them!"

                                            > Celestia gave a slight nod, but didn't move. "Princess Luna went ahead. She saw the place in your dream, moments before you woke up. We took Fire Fly and all the guards he could spare. Blossom insisted and I didn't have the heart to say no."

                                            > The mare in Anon's lap gave an affirmative little squeak at her name.

                                            > Celestia sat on her haunches and went on: "Luna took the guards to Silvermane's mansion. Do not worry, most of his... accomplices in Canterlot are in prison."

                                            "You found the rest of the captives? The mine?"

                                            > The alicorn shook her head slightly. "Sorry. Silvermane was not in charge of the operation. Silent Spell is nearing the true masterminds behind this whole mess. We should have them very soon."

                                            "He... wasn't? Spring Morning was taking orders from him, until he was captured..."

                                            > Celestia glanced around the common room and sighed. "Perhaps this is not the best place and you do not look well enough to do this now. Come, I will take you to Canterlot and we will talk when you've rested."

                                            > The man shook his head in frustration.

                                            "You can't just give me bits and pieces and expect me to rest! Tell me!"

                                            > Anonymous also looked around and saw that the barmaid and the cook were still staring. Neither seemed ready to approach, not while Celestia and Anonymous talked between themselves. On the other side of the room, Gramps was sitting perfectly still, also looking at the scene in wonder. He doubted any of them had heard a word, despite their pony ears.

                                            > Celestia seemed to reach the same conclusion and gave a nod. "If it will make you stop worrying, then fine. Silent Spell believes Silvermane was in charge here in Equestria, but he was taking orders from somepony else. Somepony on Earth."

                                            "Some- pony?" Anonymous asked, confused.

                                            > Surely there weren't that many criminals among pony kind, and none of them on Earth?

                                            > "Some *one*, then. It might not be a pony. Whoever it was, they came up with the idea of using slave labor. However, it was Silvermane who came up with the notion of an unlicensed, unregistered mine to avoid inspection. He had been bribing my clerks for a while!"

                                            > The admission wasn't easy and Anon could see how the knowledge rankled. Celestia gritted her teeth and scrunched up her muzzle in distaste. "I will make an example of him, you have my word on that Anonymous, and of whoever is in charge!"

                                            > Her explanation didn't answer all of the questions, but when Celestia looked at him with finality, Anonymous knew he wouldn't be getting any more. Not until he was back in Canterlot, he suspected.

                                            "Well, maybe Spring Morning and her guys can shed some light on this thing. A changeling would explain how they managed to infiltrate the guards so well."

                                            > "Indeed. Now that I know, I will order Fire Fly to use a disruption spell on all the guards when they come on duty and when they are done. You have found one, this Spring Morning, but perhaps she was not the only one."

                                            > At least that much was good news. The spying and infiltration would finally stop.

                                            > "Now shush!" Celestia said with finality. "Let's go!"

                                            > Anonymous glanced at the barmaid again and prodded Blossom in her barrel.

                                            "Sweetie, let me up please."

                                            > The mare slid from his lap with a small sigh of regret and Fluttershy came forward to put a hoof around her. That solved, Anon pushed himself upright and took a few steps to the bar.

                                            "Thank you again for the room and board. Princess, would you mind paying my bill? I seem to have lost my wallet somewhere..."

                                            > Celestia rolled her eyes, but she nodded. "I will have the Castle staff send you the bits. Apple, correct?"

                                            > "Yes, P-Princess!" the mare stuttered. "There's no need, Princess. Anything for you and, um, Mr. Anonymous!"

                                            > "Nevertheless," Celestia countered, "services rendered should be paid for. It is only fair."

                                            > The barmaid pony didn't have a reply to this, so she just bowed again. "As you s-say, Princess."

                                            > That seemed to settle it and Anon waved his goodbye.

                                            "Thanks again. I'll be sure to visit!"

                                            > He didn't wait for a reply, but rather made his way outside. Seeing Celestia - the real one - had given him new energy and he found himself able to walk with only an occasional twinge or ache in his legs.

                                            > Fluttershy held the door open for him, which was a nice gesture, and the sight in the courtyard was a most beautiful one. Normally the man didn't like Celestia's airborne carriages, but now it was a welcome sight. He didn't even care about flying, as long as it would take him back to Canterlot.

                                            "What about Luna and the guards?"

                                            > Celestia looked off into the distance, then shrugged. "She will handle herself. She is not called the 'warrior princess' in vain, Anonymous. My one priority is getting you safe."

                                            > Celestia was probably right. Luna was an alicorn and she had guards with her. The house only had Spring Morning and a few of her goons, and perhaps not even that. One changeling wouldn't stand a chance, not after the stories Anon had heard about their invasion of Canterlot some years prior to his meeting Celestia.

                                            "Okay. Let's get this over with, then."

                                            > Here was another proof that it was the real Celestia. She didn't try to keep him in this place but wanted him in Canterlot as soon as possible.

                                            > Anon didn't need any more proof, but there it was. He strapped himself into the seat and helped Blossom with her buckle as well.

                                            > Celestia and Fluttershy didn't need the belts, since they could both fly.

                                            > He gripped the edges of his seat even before the carriage began to move, but when he felt a warm muzzle press against his ear he let go with one hand so he could pat Celestia's nose.

                                            "It's good to see you again, Celly."

                                            > "You too, 'nonny!"

                                            > The nickname made Blossom giggle and even Fluttershy smiled, even though she tried to hide it.

                                            > He gave Celestia a quick kiss on the muzzle, then let her go so he could hold on with both hands as the carriage lurched.

                                            > For once, Anon thought, flying wouldn't be so bad. It was taking him home.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Celestia pulled out of the kiss with a small gasp as she urgently sucked down lungfuls of live-giving air. Breathing through her nose simply wasn't enough, not after that exertion.

                                            > Underneath her, on the Royal Bed in her chambers in Canterlot Castle, Anonymous was also panting. She'd insisted he leave everything to her, but it seemed the man couldn't stop himself from bucking.

                                            > A drop of her sweat fell from her muzzle to his chest where she watched it mingle with his own and slide down, to be lost between their bodies which were still pressed tightly together.

                                            > "I missed this, you don't know how much I missed this!"

                                            "I know. Me too," she answered, smiling. "Sorry I- jumped you the moment we were back. You still need to rest, the potion-"

                                            > Anon shut her up with a hand on her muzzle. "Is out of my system. It's just muscle fatigue from my escape, Celly. Relax, I'm fine."

                                            > She closed her eyes as his thumb stroked her cheek. "Besides, you did most of the work."

                                            > It was true and Celestia gave a slight nod. She leaned down and licked a bead of sweat from his face, grimacing only a little at the raspiness of his stubble.

                                            "You need to shave."

                                            > "I know, you said," Anon replied with a chuckle. "Is it really that bad? How about... well, before me, with stallions. You didn't mind they were furry?"

                                            > She was forced to agree - how hairy her lovers were had never been an issue, until now. The mare shrugged with her wings and grinned a little.

                                            "Let us just say you opened my mind to wonders of hairless flank, Anonymous."

                                            > She paused in case Anon wanted to make a joke out of that, but since the man wasn't saying anything, she went on with a sultry smile.

                                            "I hope I have also shown you the joys of pony flanks?" she prompted.

                                            > "Y-Yeah. You did at that," Anon confirmed, but he was staring up at the ceiling, his mind apparently a million miles away. A very unwelcome thought occurred to Celestia and she lowered her ears.

                                            "You did not- I will not be mad if you did. The changeling looked like me, I mean. Of course I could not hold it against you, Anonymous. B-But... did you?"

                                            > He blinked as he worked on that mess of a sentence and Celestia considered rephrasing it, but then his face split into a grin and he shook his head.

                                            > "No, of course not. She - it - wasn't nearly as... eager as you."

                                            > It was good news and the mare sagged with relief. The thought of having shared Anonymous with a changeling was an abhorrent one. Even so-

                                            "It was probably just after your love. That is what they feed on and lust is only a replacement when they cannot get love. From what you feel for me it is no wonder Spring Morning was taking it easy. Too much could have hurt her. It."

                                            > "Let's settle on 'her'. Until we know if there really is a Spring Morning, we say that's the changeling's original identity. Or the first one, or whatever."

                                            > Celestia inclined her head in a nod.

                                            "Very well. Luna is probably back by now, should we go and see if she captured them?"

                                            > Anon's hands went to her head and gently pulled her down. Celestia didn't resist and gladly accepted the kiss. There was no tongue-wrestling this time, just a sign of closeness and love. She enjoyed it nevertheless and it caused a slight stir in her nethers.

                                            "Y-You know... you are still... inside," she prompted in a voice which was too squeaky by half.

                                            > The lack of control made the mare blush and fold her ears down, but Anonymous didn't think less of her. He was just smiling back.

                                            > "I know," he said. "Wanna keep going?"

                                            "You are sure you can? It has been twice already. Maybe you should rest-"

                                            > The man bucked his hips and the motion made her gasp. A fresh spurt of their combined fluids leaked out. The blankets were undoubtedly done for and after this time the mattress would probably be ruined as well.

                                            > Celestia didn't care. The Castle had another mattress. More mattresses could be arranged.

                                            "Still!" she ordered with a hiss, "I will do it. You need rest."

                                            > Anonymous rolled his eyes, but he slumped back down. She could feel his legs shift. It seemed despite her command, he could not make his body lay still during lovemaking.

                                            > She felt a momentary pang of sympathy - his muscles would probably ache for *days*!

                                            > Well, it wasn't as if she hadn't warned him. All he had to do was say 'no' when she asked him that first time. She would have restrained herself, honestly she would have!

                                            > Anonymous had said 'yes' and that was that. Besides, she was doing most of the work.

                                            > Even as she plunged back down to give him as passionate a kiss as she could muster before the need for air overwhelmed her again, Celestia lifted her rump and ground it against Anon again.

                                            > Incredibly, he was still as hard as wood. Maybe she should arrange for them to be apart for a week or two on purpose sometimes, the mare thought, especially if the sex afterwards would be like this.

                                            > She slammed down on Anon again, making him moan a little in her mouth. She was sucking down air through her nose, but it wouldn't be enough. She needed to pant, so she broke off the kiss.

                                            > "Damn, I love you so much!"

                                            > It warmed her heart and laid the last few worries to rest. Spring Morning had been careful enough not to drain Anonymous completely dry of love. Silver lining, that.

                                            > She paused up in the air, letting a wink send shudders through her body. A squirt of fluid followed, splashing hot against her hind leg.

                                            > A shower. She would need to shower thoroughly after this.

                                            > Celestia shook her head and focused on the task at hoof. The stray thought faded away, dissolved in unthinking pleasure.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > If he walked slowly enough, Anonymous could move around. It really was just a matter of letting his muscles stretch and warm up. Besides, staying in bed like Celestia had ordered was boring and Equestria still didn't have TV.

                                            > A short walk to the Princesses' private dining room and a meal would do him more good than lying on his back, he'd decided. The shower with its abundance of hot water had already helped immensely.

                                            > Of course that meant a honor guard of the castle guards, but after Spring Morning's bold abduction he didn't mind them so much.

                                            > "Good to have you back, sir," Glory Tail commented from his side. The stallion was smiling in relief, but his eyes were a bit too round.

                                            "I said it before, Tail," Anonymous said with a touch of exasperation in his voice, "I don't hold any guards responsible. Spring Morning just outsmarted everyone, me included!"

                                            > He hit the nail on the head and Glory Tail's grimace proved it. "Well, we *knew* there were spies in the guards, sir. There really is no excuse-"

                                            "Just drop it. I'm fine and if I know Princess Luna, she'll have Spring Morning tied up and being dragged back as we speak."

                                            > "Actually, sir," another of the guards added from behind, "Princess Luna has returned half an hour ago."

                                            > Anonymous twirled around and immediately regretted it. His legs were fine if he took things slow, but sudden moves still sent pings up and down his calves. Luckily he managed to retain his balance this time.

                                            "She's back? Oh yeah, Celestia did say. Did she catch Spring Morning?"

                                            > The earth pony - Longstride, Anonymous remembered his name - gave a nod, smiling grimly. "She had a changeling with her, but it was unconscious. I don't know if it was Spring Morning, but who else could it be?"

                                            "Good!" Anonymous said grimly.

                                            > That... thing belonged in a prison cell. Besides, with Spring Morning and Silvermane both apprehended, their human and pony trafficking ring should collapse. The fact that it hadn't yet was a bit disconcerting, but surely now?

                                            > Some of the other guards had grim smiles at the news, Anon saw, but no one else commented on the situation. They were paying close attention to their surroundings, as if expecting an attack at any moment.

                                            > "F-For what it's worth, sir," Glory Tail continued, glancing away and pawing at the carpet with a hoof, "we were getting a little worried about the Princess when you were gone. I'm glad you're okay."

                                            "Worried?"

                                            > Anonymous remembered how haggard Celestia had seemed at the inn. He hadn't realized it at the time, but now it hit him: Celestia was immortal. If he'd seen lines around her eyes and muzzle, they could only have come from extreme worry.

                                            "Oh," was all he could say.

                                            > Glory Tail gave a slight nod and turned back to face the man. "Yeah. She- um- really seems to like you, sir."

                                            "For the hundredth time, just call me Anonymous, okay? Or Anon."

                                            > The stallion firmly shook his head. "Not while I'm on duty, sir. Protocol."

                                            "Fine, but you're playing a game of pool with me after, deal?"

                                            > The pony allowed himself a small smile. "Deal."

                                            > With that Anon turned back the way they were going, carefully this time, and resumed his slow walk. It was a relief to know that Luna had captured his... well *captors*. Otherwise he would probably keep looking over his shoulder, wondering if any pony he met was the changeling in disguise.

                                            > He slowly began to understand Celestia's reaction back at his house when she first figured out that Glowbug was a changeling. They could be both worrying and frightening if you knew them like this.

                                            > It also went to show just how much Earth had mellowed Glowbug out.

                                            > The guards kept their silence for the rest of the way, leaving Anonymous to his thoughts until they came to the familiar door. He reached for the handle, but Glory Tail blocked the way with his body.

                                            > "Just a moment, sir. I have to check the room."

                                            > Sighing, Anon stepped back and allowed the guard pony to enter first. There was a chorus of familiar voices raised in greeting and the stallion visibly relaxed.

                                            > "All clear, sir," he announced and backed out of the room. "We'll station out here, yell if you need anything."

                                            "Thanks," Anon said dryly and entered the room.

                                            > Blossom was there, which made sense because it was lunch time, but there was also Star Bright, whom Anonymous wasn't expecting. He was standing on a stool by the stove and making pancakes.

                                            > That made sense after a moment - the furniture in that room was Princess-sized, so the unicorn wouldn't be able to see well enough on the stove. Blossom was already seated at the table, eagerly awaiting her sweets. She lit up when she saw who it was. "'Nonny!!"

                                            > Anonymous hurried around the table and scratched her ears before the mare thought of jumping up on him once again.

                                            "Having a bit of lunch, you two?"

                                            > "Mhm!" Blossom said, nodding with palpable enthusiasm for the meal. She looked at Star Bright, who seemed a bit embarrassed.

                                            > The stallion cleared his throat. "The, um, P-Princess said it was alright and- and I can make a passable pancake-"

                                            > "Pancakes!" Blossom interjected, making the nervous stallion smile.

                                            > "I can make some for you too, Anon."

                                            > He was about to politely decline and make himself a simple sandwich or some oatmeal, but Anon changed his mind. The sugar would do him good, probably, and help him flush the remaining lactic acid out of his muscles.

                                            "Actually, that sounds delicious."

                                            > Star Bright smiled and turned back to the stove. "Coming right up!"

                                            > Sitting down, Anon looked from the mare to the stallion. Blossom was watching Star Bright closely, but it wasn't all just an expectation of sweets. Her small smile seemed genuinely happy for the unicorn's company.

                                            > A unicorn. It was still difficult to believe that just a few weeks ago the mare had been scared for her life when she saw one of 'the horns', as she used to call them. It went to show how far a bit of kindness could go.

                                            "So, what'd I miss while I was gone?"

                                            > The young mare shifted her gaze from her boyfriend - at least that's what Anonymous assumed - to him. "Star and me went on a date the other day!" she exclaimed, confirming the suspicion.

                                            "Oh? That sounds lovely. Where did you go?"

                                            > The grin widened. "Muffin place!"

                                            > It made perfect sense, especially for anyone attempting to court Blossom, but Anonymous still laughed with a mixture of relief that she was doing better and joy at her infectious enthusiasm.

                                            > Amazing how positive she was, especially considering her past. Ponies, Anon decided, really were a resilient lot.

                                            "Well, you should be careful with the sugar, Bright. Or else you'll have to roll her around to get her places before long."

                                            > The mare just poked her tongue out at him, but the stallion actually chuckled. "Don't worry, I got it all in hoof. We discussed this and Blossom will only have sweets for one meal of the day. It's salads for the other two, right?"

                                            > Her expression soured a bit and the young mare looked sullenly down at her hooves. "Yes," she finally replied in a small voice.

                                            "Really?!" Anon asked, quite incredulous. "Blossom and 'salad' in the same sentence? I never thought I'd see the day..."

                                            > He couldn't keep a straight face and ended up chuckling, while the mare in question smacked his forearm with a hoof. "Quit it!" she whined. "You're being mean."

                                            > As a conciliatory gesture, Anon put his hand back in her mane and gave her ears a couple of good scritches. Blossom quickly forgave the joke and leaned into his touch, eyes closing.

                                            > "First batch is done," Star Bright announced. "You can each have half and then I'll make some more."

                                            "It's fine, I can wait," Anonymous reassured him.

                                            > This earned him a grateful smile and a lick of his palm from Blossom, but she soon found all her attention occupied by the stallion who was levitating a plate in front of her. He also floated a jar of jam from the overhead cupboard.

                                            > Anon froze when he recognized the label. Blueberry and Lavender. He opened his mouth to warn the young mare, but she was licking her lips and staring at the jar. It was probably her favorite and Anon didn't have the heart to spoil it for her.

                                            > Besides, where was the harm?

                                            > Still, he pointed a finger at the cupboard before Star Bright could close it.

                                            "Strawberry for me, please."

                                            > Another jam floated down. This one was probably safe. Luna didn't particularly care for strawberries, them being 'far too bright red', as she put it.

                                            > While he waited for the unicorn to make more pancakes, Anon looked out the window where a patch of sky and a couple of clouds were visible from his seat. Celestia said she would attend court today, feeling reinvigorated and happy by their reunion and because Princess Luna was busy with capturing and imprisoning Spring Morning.

                                            > He didn't want to distract her, so Anon decided to take Star Bright and Blossom out to the gardens for a short walk. The sun was starting to get really warm, but a short outing should be fine, especially after being trapped in a bed these past few weeks.

                                            > After that, the man shrugged a little to himself, deep in thought, perhaps he would look for Princess Luna and ask how the capture went. He wondered if Spring Morning had been awake enough to put up a fight after he'd dosed her with the potion.

                                            > Tomorrow, he decided, he'd stroll down to his office and pick up where he left off. No sense in lazing around when there was actual, useful work to be done. Not like it was strenuous work, either.

                                            > He glanced over at Blossom, thinking that some of her friends were still caught, maybe still forced to work. Hopefully Celestia would soon get to the bottom of it, especially with Spring Morning to question.

                                            "You've got a little something..." he pointed out.

                                            > Blossom froze and her eyes crossed as she tried to see her own nose. Grinning, Anon brushed the speck of jam off with his finger. He looked around for a napkin to wipe it, but the mare would have none of that and simply licked the digit clean.

                                            > "Thanks!" she chirped and went back to inhaling her pancake.

                                            > Star Bright, who had looked over at the sound of Anon's voice, smiled to himself and pointed an accusing hoof. "The next one is for Anonymous, you hear? It's not his fault you eat these so fast!"

                                            > Blossom paused just long enough for a pout and to say: "But they're just *sooo* good!"

                                            > "Not my problem!" Bright said and turned back. He didn't see how the mare stuck her tongue out at him, but a twitch of his ears told Anonymous he knew.

                                            > They'd make for a very cute and interesting couple, if their relationship lasted. Hopefully it would be based on more than sweets, though.

                                            > The man went back to staring out the window as he waited for his turn. The important thing was that he was back home.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous was staring at the last morsel on his plate and wondering whether to eat it or just let Blossom take it. She had been giving it hungry looks and inching her chair closer to Anon's for the past few minutes, but hadn't said anything yet.

                                            > Even Star Bright seemed a little uncomfortable in his hide, leaning back on the chair with both forehooves on his belly.

                                            > Before Anon could reach his decision there came a soft knock on the door and one of the guards outside put his head in.

                                            > "Mr. Bright? There's a messenger for you. She says it's urgent."

                                            > This was unusual, but the unicorn was obviously expecting it, because he was off his chair in an instant. "Thanks, I'll be right out!" he said.

                                            > Blossom blinked at him in confusion, but then she forgot about it and looked very pointedly at the last bit of Anon's pancake. The man chuckled at her expression.

                                            "Yeah, you can finish it."

                                            > It was gone almost before he had finished speaking. As she chewed Blossom glanced at the door as it closed behind Star Bright, then smiled at Anon. "I mi-missed you, 'nonny," she admitted.

                                            "Well, I'm back now."

                                            > In lieu of an answer the mare simply threw her hooves around him and squeezed. "We were so worried when you went missing! The Princess..."

                                            "Mm?"

                                            > The young mare pushed herself away and her ears lowered at the memory. "S-She was... kinda shouty."

                                            "Shouty?" Anon repeated, not quite able to imagine it.

                                            > "Yeah," Blossom nodded. She glared at the far wall and banged a hoof on the table. "What do you mean 'nowhere to be found'?! Search Silvermane's house again!"

                                            > She tried making her voice deeper to imitate Celestia, but it didn't quite work. What it did was make Anon chuckle some more and he put a hand on Blossom's mane.

                                            "I see."

                                            > The mare shrugged a little, then turned away and simply fell backwards in the sure knowledge that Anon would catch her in his lap. He did so and Blossom wiggled a little to make herself more comfortable.

                                            "So, you're doing a lot better, I see."

                                            > "Mhm! There's a ton of stuff I don't know how to do, but Brightey's been teaching me. Um, he's teaching me how to read and write."

                                            > That last was imparted in a near whisper, like it was some big secret.

                                            > Anon patted the mare on her barrel.

                                            "That's good. I'm proud of you."

                                            > "Also, um- he asked if I wanna be his fillyfriend."

                                            "What did you say?"

                                            > Suddenly this was getting into awkward territory and Anon stiffened a little. He wondered if it was appropriate to discuss Star Bright and Blossom's relationship with her when the stallion was just outside the door.

                                            > Blossom lowered her ears and leaned her head back until she was looking Anon in the face, albeit upside down. "Um, I don't know what that means."

                                            "He didn't explain?" Anon asked, shocked.

                                            > "Nuh-uh. He just got all blushy and stammery when he said it."

                                            "Well, it's kinda hard to explain, actually. It's when two people like each other very much."

                                            > This cheered the mare up and she smiled. "I like Star Bright very much!"

                                            "Yeah, that's a part of it. Do you know what love is?"

                                            > The mare blinked, then her smile widened. "Yeah! It's when a colt puts his- mmmphm!"

                                            > Anonymous had been expecting that and quickly covered her mouth with a hand. He sighed and closed his eyes.

                                            "That's a part of it, but not the most important part. That's called 'physical love', Blossom, but what I meant is emotional love."

                                            > The pony shrugged and Anon removed his hand. "I dunno what that is," Blossom said sadly, frowning at her own ignorance.

                                            > It was a difficult concept to explain to the young mare, especially for Anonymous who was already blushing heavily, but he tried anyway.

                                            "It's when you like someone and want to spend a lot of time with them. You're willing to sacrifice for them and put their needs before yours."

                                            > Blossom's expression softened and a gentle smile replaced the frown, reminding the man that she wasn't really a child. Maybe that made it a little easier to talk to her about this stuff.

                                            "Anyway, since you're learning to read, have Star Bright teach you with a romantic novel or something. Maybe that'll help. Or you could write a letter to Princess Cadence - she ought to be good at this sort of thing."

                                            > "Okay," Blossom agreed readily.

                                            > Star Bright came back at that moment, pausing and blinking a few times at the scene. Blossom was only half-sitting on her chair and mostly leaning against Anon, who was holding her in place with both hands on her barrel.

                                            > Her forelegs were folded up close to her, but her hind legs were outstretched and kicked every now and then.

                                            > The stallion closed the door behind him and took a few more steps back to the table. "So, what did I miss?" he asked.

                                            > Before Anon could answer Blossom shot upright and blurted out: "Brightey, do you love me?!"

                                            > The poor colt actually took a step back and his ears went entirely flat. He glanced fearfully at Anon, but he just gave him an encouraging smile.

                                            > "Um... y-yess? I t-think so?" he answered. It sounded more like a question than a statement, but it was enough for Blossom.

                                            > She squeed and ran around the table to hug Star Bright. "I think I love you too! 'Nonny has explained it to me!"

                                            > "Oh?" the stallion asked, hesitantly putting his own hooves around the mare but keeping his eyes on Anon.

                                            "There's a lot more to it, Blossom. Just- don't rush things and you'll be fine."

                                            > That last sentiment was more for Bright's sake than the mare's and the stallion nodded knowingly. "Thanks," he said and closed his eyes as Blossom nuzzled him.

                                            > "No, silly," Blossom said with a giggle. "Thank *you* for pancakes! They were delicious!"

                                            > Both the stallion and the man laughed at that. Anon stood up, hissing a little at the pangs in his thighs after sitting still for this long. He had to grip the table to steady himself.

                                            > The ponies looked over, two muzzled faces filled with concern. "Um, you okay?" Star Bright beat Blossom to the question.

                                            "Fine, fine," Anon reassured them both. "Just ran too much... yesterday."

                                            > It really was only the previous day, Anon thought with wonder. So much had happened in such a short time.

                                            "I'll be fine after I stretch my legs a little. You two wanna come with me on a walk in the gardens?"

                                            > Star Bright glanced at Blossom and smiled. "Actually, that sounds really nice," he said and the mare clapped her hooves together in joy.

                                            > Anon was about to leave, but the stallion called after him: "I'll catch up. I have to wash up here."

                                            > There were their dishes and the pan, which the unicorn had left on the stove to cool down.

                                            "You sure? We could help."

                                            > "Nah, it's fine," Star Bright reassured him with a smile as he nudged the mare towards the man. "You two go on ahead, I'll catch up."

                                            > Shrugging a little, Anon held the door open for Blossom. His guards were still waiting outside, reminding him that there was still danger until they found all of Silvermane's accomplices.

                                            > He decided to put that problem out of his mind. No reason he couldn't enjoy a walk with his friends despite it. For that matter, he considered all the guards his friends too, so it was like a group walk.

                                            "Ladies first," he said as Blossom walked past him.

                                            > The expression made the mare giggle some more. Pretty excitable and entirely too hyperactive for his taste, but seeing her happy did him good.

                                            > Anonymous was happy to be back.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > It was nice to sit in the sun without any immediate worries, Anonymous thought. He sat the wrong way on the stone bench and leaned on the table with his elbows. It wasn't the most comfortable position, but it was the best he could do at lounging without a lawn chair or something.

                                            > He'd have to order a couple, he thought to himself, not for the first time. Then again, it wasn't enough of a priority for him to remember afterwards.

                                            > A short distance away, Blossom and Star Bright were sitting right on the grass, apparently completely engrossed in one another. They were talking about something, but Anonymous couldn't guess what it was, except that it seemed funny to the mare, who giggled loudly every now and then.

                                            > They seemed to be enjoying their conversation, which was the important part. Anonymous couldn't help smiling when he saw the mare happy. If anyone deserved it, Blossom did.

                                            > He was about to close his eyes again when the mare darted forward and pressed her muzzle against Star Bright's. Anon stared, even while feeling a bit guilty about doing so.

                                            > Even Star Bright seemed frozen in shock. The unicorn obviously hadn't been expecting it.

                                            > Anon was starting to blush himself, but then he saw a flash of pink tongue and realized it wasn't quite a kiss. Instead, Blossom was licking Star Bright's muzzle.

                                            > Probably for the remnants of sugar or syrup, Anon guessed. It made him chuckle. Star Bright's ear turned in his direction and the colt blushed a vivid red. He'd heard it and realized the man was watching, but he didn't push the mare away.

                                            > Good for him, Anon thought to himself and closed his eyes to enjoy the sun some more.

                                            > He couldn't help hearing Blossom giggle again, though. Probably she was amused by her coltfriend's embarrassment.

                                            > They went back to talking softly and Anon put the pair out of his mind. The warmth was doing wonders for his aching muscles and he was in real danger of dozing off.

                                            > Some indefinable time later, he became aware of several sets of hoofsteps approaching and opened his eyes to look.

                                            "Storm Pop?!"

                                            > The pegasus waved with a wing, smiling widely. "Anon! Good to see you're well!"

                                            "How did you know so fast?!"

                                            > His incredulity made the old pegasus laugh and he stepped aside to reveal a pristine white pegasus mare walking behind him.

                                            "Aura?"

                                            > She rushed forward and jumped on the bench where she could throw her hooves around the man. "We were so worried, Anon! I'm glad you're okay!"

                                            "Um, thanks. But still, I only got back a few hours ago, how did you find out this fast?"

                                            > The mare chuckled to herself and pointed a hoof. Anon almost didn't recognize the colt without his armor, but when he did pieces fell in place.

                                            "Snow Cover?"

                                            > The guard saluted, even though he was off duty. "Sorry, sir. We were all so happy you were back, I c-couldn't keep it to myself. Sorry."

                                            > Snow Cover glanced at Aura and his nervous grin steadied. It didn't take a huge leap of logic to figure out what was going on.

                                            "So, you and Aura..." Anon asked, just to confirm what he already thought he knew.

                                            > "Yup. The young private came back the next day after your visit, Anon," Storm Pop explained with a happy smile. "They seemed to have hit it off."

                                            > Both mentioned ponies blushed a little, but Aura quickly got over any embarrassment she might have felt and prodded Anon with a hoof. "So, wanna tell me what happened?" she asked. "All I heard is that you were foalnapped!"

                                            "Actually, I'd rather not talk about it now."

                                            > The mare was slightly disappointed, but she shrugged to herself and let it go. "Well, come by when you have a moment and I'll make you a cake, okay? You can bring Blossom, too!"

                                            > The younger mare was staring in their direction and brightened up when she heard her name in the same sentence, or nearly, with the word 'cake'. She looked at Anon with one of the most pleading, splayed-ears, big-shiny-eyes, sad-pony expressions he'd ever seen.

                                            > If she entered that in a competition it'd take first place.

                                            "Oh, fine, fine. How can I say no to that?"

                                            > "Yay!" Blossom squeaked in pure, unadulterated joy, and rushed over. She landed on the bench on the opposite side from Aura and put her hooves around the man as well. "Thank you! I love cake!"

                                            > All of them laughed at that and Aura was the first to answer: "Yes, sweetie. We noticed."

                                            > The statement made Blossom avert her eyes and lower her ears, but it only lasted a moment before she went back to nuzzling Anonymous. He didn't fight it, but he caught Star Bright gazing at them with a fixed, almost forced smile.

                                            "Sweetheart? I don't think you should be doing this. Your coltfriend is getting jealous."

                                            > Blossom pulled away, even as Aura gasped and looked around. "Coltfriend?" she exclaimed and quickly found the unicorn.

                                            > Star Bright was in the middle of protesting, with both forelegs held protectively up before his face. "I wasn't- It's not-" he began, but drew a deep breath before finding his words. "I'm not jealous."

                                            > "It's fine to be a little jealous," Aura pointed out. "Your fillyfriend is an absolute cutie! You're lucky I'm not into mares, or I'd be stealing her right now!"

                                            > Anon glanced to see what Blossom felt about all this, but she just seemed happy to have her friends together and talking. To her credit, though, the young mare slipped off the bench and went back to Star Bright.

                                            > She gave him a quick nuzzle, then tugged at his hoof with both of hers, leading him back to the group. "Um, this is Aura," Blossom explained. "She makes the best cake ever!"

                                            > "It'd be easy, too," Aura continued her thought. "Just offer some of my cake, that's all it would take!" It made Star Bright blush some more, but he tried his hardest to hide it.

                                            > Anonymous couldn't help laughing at their antics.

                                            "Don't worry, Bright," he reassured the stallion. "No one is stealing Blossom away from you."

                                            > His assurances helped and the unicorn began smiling in earnest then. He studied Aura closely, then went on to look at her uncle. He remembered his manners and offered a hoof. "Um, Star Bright. Nice to meet you."

                                            > The older pegasus accepted. "Likewise. My name's Storm Pop and any friend of Anon's is a friend of mine!"

                                            > With that, all introductions were made and everyone knew each other. Anon went back to leaning back against the table and soaking up the sun. He saw Snow Cover whisper something to Storm Pop and walk away to rejoin his fellow guards for a murmured conversation.

                                            > Meanwhile Aura and Blossom got into a discussion of cake-making, unsurprisingly, which left Star Bright and Storm Pop as the only ponies left out. The unicorn looked at the older pegasus and tried to find something to talk about. "So, um, how do you know Anon?"

                                            > It would be a long story and Anonymous tuned it out, opting instead to relax as much as possible. The only thing which would have made the moment better would be if Celestia was there with him.

                                            > Anon felt a pang of sympathy for the poor mare who was caught in court. After what they'd been through, she probably missed him a lot.

                                            > That decided it and Anon pushed away from the table. The ponies around him fell silent and looked at him.

                                            "I think I'll go and keep the Princess company. You'll be fine on your own here, right?"

                                            > Storm Pop was the first to answer and he waved a dismissive hoof. "Don't worry about us, Anon. Actually, I think I'll go have a word with the private over there. He needs to learn to leave work aside when he's on leave!"

                                            > He was right, Anon saw. Private Snow Cover had a far too serious expression as he listened to whatever the sergeant was telling him.

                                            "Good idea," Anon agreed.

                                            > "Um, can I go with Aura?" Blossom asked. "I wanna learn how to make cake."

                                            > The pegasus mare was nodding happily. "What'd you say, Anon? I promise to have her back by sunset and you can come over tomorrow to try what we baked. How's that sound?"

                                            > Anonymous was a bit uncertain about the prospect, but with most of the bad guys already caught, surely it was safe enough?

                                            "You know a couple of guards will have to go with you, right? The Princess won't let Blossom leave the Castle without escort."

                                            > Star Bright stood up and puffed out his chest. "I'll go. And there's Snow Cover. We won't let anything happen to Blossom, I swear."

                                            > That sounded okay, but Anon still pointed at the nearby guards. "Okay, but clear it up with Bright Beam anyway. He ought to know if Blossom is going out of the Castle."

                                            > "Sure!" Blossom said, taking the initiative. She hurried over to where Snow Cover was still deep in discussion, oblivious of what was being planned. Aura followed shortly after her.

                                            > With a grateful smile at Anon, Star Bright also hurried to join them, leaving the man alone with Storm Pop.

                                            > "Anyway, good to see you back Anon. Now you be careful something like that doesn't happen again, okay?"

                                            "Yeah."

                                            > "Good. Anyway, see you tomorrow, I guess?"

                                            "Yeah, I'll visit."

                                            > The old pony held out his hoof for Anon to shake, then went to gather all his impromptu visitors and lead them away. Anon watched them talk briefly, then the group peeled away and headed to the exit from the Castle gardens.

                                            > It seemed like Star Bright's proposal had been accepted, because no other guards followed them.

                                            > Then Anonymous stood up, stretching his legs carefully until the ache mostly went away. The guards came closer and the sergeant asked: "Where to, sir?"

                                            "The throne room, I think."

                                            > The ponies formed up around him and Anon followed them back in the Castle.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > "I see you are feeling much better," Luna said as she walked up from behind Anonymous in the hallways.

                                            "Luna! I heard you caught Spring Morning and some others."

                                            > The mare inclined her head. Her mouth quirked up in a smile, but it vanished almost instantly and her ears folded down. "I am sorry it took us so long to find you, Anonymous."

                                            > He just waved a dismissive hand.

                                            "They were well prepared. I guess a lot of planning went into the kidnapping."

                                            > The Princess leaned her head to one side at the expression, then she blinked and nodded. "Oh, you mean foalnapping. Well, I'm still sorry we didn't find you sooner."

                                            > She looked quite downcast from the perceived guilt, so Anon took a step closer and laid a palm against her muzzle.

                                            "It's fine. The important thing is that I got out," he reassured the mare quietly.

                                            > Luna nuzzled his hand for a moment, then pulled away, brightening up. "Speaking of, whatever did you do to Spring Morning? She was half-asleep when I got there."

                                            "So the potion worked even better than I thought."

                                            > "Ah, yes. What she was giving you to keep you from dreaming. How much did you give her?"

                                            > Anonymous shrugged a little.

                                            "I just told her to drink it and she emptied the bottle. That's what she was giving me."

                                            > Luna nodded to herself. "That would explain it, yes. Anonymous, the dose was meant for you. You weigh twice as much as a pony."

                                            > He was about to apologize, fearful that he'd nearly killed the mare, changeling or not, but Luna spoke first: "It did the job, anyway."

                                            "What about the other bad guys?"

                                            > Chuckling a little to herself, Luna patted the man on his shoulder with a wing. "There were two of them, a mare and a stallion, and they were no trouble at all. When Spring Morning didn't come down they went and tried to wake her up. When that failed, they didn't know what to do."

                                            > Anon resumed his walking and Luna fell in step beside him as she continued her story. "By the time I got there, they'd worked each other into such a panic that I think they were actually relieved to be arrested."

                                            > Anonymous frowned a little. He hadn't expected the bad guys to care about each other so much, especially if one of them was a changeling. They must have known, right? They had seen Spring Morning changed into Princess Celestia when she took him out for walks.

                                            > They were ponies, Anon reminded himself again. Why wouldn't they care for their friends?

                                            "So, did you get anything out of any of them yet?"

                                            > Luna nodded with a happy smile and Anon could have sworn her hooves pranced for just a bit. "Indeed! Once she came around, Spring Morning was very helpful indeed. Silvermane was not the leader of this slavery ring, did you know?"

                                            > Anonymous nearly missed a step in surprise.

                                            "What? But Spring Morning always talked about him as if he was her boss!"

                                            > "He was," Luna confirmed, "but there was somepony - or some*one* - even higher up. Silent Spell has a few leads she is following and I am expecting a report from her this evening."

                                            "Can I hear it too?"

                                            > The mare frowned a little at him, trying to decide if he was well enough. She caught his gaze and sighed. "I will ask Sister, alright? I don't wish to involve you further unless she is okay with it."

                                            "That's fair."

                                            > They walked for a minute in silence, then Luna said quietly: "I'm glad you're okay, Anonymous. Sister was quite worried." A moment later she added hurriedly: "And so were all of us."

                                            > Anonymous reached with his hand and patted her withers, but then they were at the open door to the throne room. There were a couple petitioners inside, but it looked as if the court was nearly done.

                                            > Celestia looked up from speaking with a garishly-clothed unicorn mare and smiled beautifully. Anon gave her a wave as he entered and his retinue of guards took their posts at the door, joining the two who were already there.

                                            > The other ponies in the room glanced over, some uneasily, others indifferently. Most of the populace, especially ponies from Canterlot, had gotten used to Anonymous' presence, but there were some who still didn't fully trust humans.

                                            > It didn't look as if Celestia would be caught up in court for a whole lot longer, so the man simply leaned against the wall by the entrance to wait. Luna continued on and climbed the steps up to the twin thrones. She stood beside her sister and the two shared a smile, before Celestia nodded at the unicorn mare in the fancy dress to keep going.

                                            > She began explaining something about about noise from the street keeping her awake, but it wasn't all that interesting and Anonymous tuned it out. He kept catching Celestia's eye and made a little game of seeing how much he could distract her from whatever the petitioner was complaining about.

                                            > No doubt she'd tell him off afterwards, but it was still an amusing thing to do. At one point when she glanced at him, he gave her a little wave, which for some reason made her blush.

                                            > Anon made a mental note to ask her what she'd thought of at the gesture, but later when they were alone.

                                            > The fancy unicorn finished her story, Celestia promised she'd look into it, and then it was time for the last two petitioners. As they approached, Luna leaned closer to Celestia and whispered something in her ear.

                                            > Whatever it was made the mare smile and she gave her sister a quick nuzzle before starting to climb down from the throne. Anonymous blinked in surprise and the petitioning couple stopped uncertainly, until Luna bid them to explain their troubles to her instead.

                                            > It was just one case, but still a very nice gesture and Anon resolved to get Luna a little treat as thanks. Maybe he'd find out where that blueberry jam she liked was being sold.

                                            > "I thought I told you to stay in bed, Anonymous," Celestia murmured as she made her way over. She stopped right in front of him and Anon laid his palm on her cheek so he could guide her nose closer for a brief kiss.

                                            "It was boring. I'm fine anyway, just a bit sore and tired."

                                            > The mare just nodded and looked back at where Luna was intently listening to whatever the earth pony couple were telling her. A faint smile of pride touched her lips.

                                            > "So," Celestia said, looking back, "what would you like to do?"

                                            > It wasn't a question Anon had been expecting really, but he thought fast and an idea occurred.

                                            "How about we walk down to the Saddle Row, pick a restaurant at random and order their daily special?"

                                            > For a moment the Princess looked uncertain, but then a slow smile spread across her muzzle. "Mm, sounds romantic. Are you not worried about the danger? We still do not have everypony responsible in prison."

                                            "I know, Luna told me," Anon assured her, "but maybe seeing that I'm okay will surprise whoever it is and they'll make a mistake?"

                                            > Celestia was forced to agree with his logic, even if she didn't quite like it. Her ears splayed, but she finally nodded. "Maybe. But we will still take-"

                                            "No guards. Give them the evening off."

                                            > "What?!"

                                            > Anonymous let out a sigh and reached up to scratch an ear.

                                            "I feel safe enough with just you, Celly. Besides, I don't wanna scare half of Canterlot with a large retinue of guards."

                                            > He thought of something else and his smile grew mischievous.

                                            "How do you propose we have a romantic dinner with a bunch of guard ponies around?"

                                            > His smile and wink clinched the deal and Celestia finally nodded. "Very well, Anonymous. I suppose you are right."

                                            > It was a bit of a walk, but he'd resolved to start exercising more and the stroll to Saddle Row in the afternoon was quite a pleasant one. Anon patted the Princess on her withers and followed her out of the throne room. He was sure Sergeant Bright Beam wouldn't like the idea of letting them go out alone, but he wouldn't disobey an order.

                                            > Besides, if Anonymous wasn't safe with Princess Celestia by his side, then there were no safe places in all of Equestria.

                                            > They hadn't had a real, romantic dinner out of the Castle in *ages*. It would be a very welcome change of pace.

                                            "Oh, and before I forget: Aura and Blossom are making you a cake. I'll bring it tomorrow after I visit. She actually asked if she could go and learn, can you believe that?"

                                            > He almost laughed outright when he saw the joy of impending cake war with worry for the young mare in Celestia's eyes.

                                            "Don't worry, she has guards with her."

                                            > That mollified the Princess somewhat and the cake won over. "Good. I wish you spoke with me before making a decision like that, but good. It better be a delicious cake though, Anonymous!"

                                            > This time he did laugh and patted the mare again.

                                            "It's an Aura cake, so yeah, I think I'm covered."

                                            > Celestia snorted, but she couldn't keep a smile from her muzzle even as she rolled her eyes.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > "Please be careful, Anonymous," Celestia was saying as they stood in the corridor. "Are you sure you will not have breakfast?"

                                            > The man shook his head for the fifth or sixth time.

                                            "I'll be fine. You know Storm Pop and Aura. They're gonna stuff me regardless and I'd prefer not to explode today."

                                            > The Princess could not argue that and simply inclined her head. "I am sending Glory Tail and Pepper Crush with you. Make sure you-"

                                            > The mare fell silent when Anon put his palm on her nose.

                                            "Hush, it's safe enough. I'll be fine," he repeated.

                                            > With a warning glint in her eye, Celestia shook free and frowned at him. "I only just got you back, Anonymous, but if you get yourself foalnapped again, I will deport you back to Earth!"

                                            > She had picked a weak threat and all it did was make the man chuckle. He put his hand right back against her muzzle.

                                            "Yeah, like you can give this up!"

                                            > He gestured at his body with his other hand. Celestia's frown deepened and Anon took his fingers away a moment before she could nip him.

                                            > "Try me!"

                                            > Laughing, Anon leaned in and planted a quick kiss on the tip of her muzzle, before peeling away and looking around for the guards who were meant to accompany him. Both the sergeant and the specialist were doing their best to pretend nothing untoward was happening, but light blushes betrayed them however hard they tried to hide under the helmets.

                                            "Well, let's go."

                                            > "One more thing," Fire Fly said from behind and the two guards froze mid-step. The Captain wasn't addressing them though. "Anonymous, when you see Snow Cover tell him to get his tail right back to the barracks! He was supposed to be on duty this morning!"

                                            > The unicorn seemed angry and Anon tried to mollify him, if only because he didn't want Aura to be sad when her coltfriend was in trouble.

                                            "He's keeping an eye on Blossom. They sent a letter they were sleeping over, remember?"

                                            > Fire Fly just shook his head with a snort. "If I know Snow Cover, that was only half Blossom's idea! More like an excuse to canoodle with that pegasus!"

                                            > Anonymous caught Celestia's eye and the Princess seemed to be having trouble keeping her face straight. He wondered if she would interfere, but a twinkle in her eye said she'd be looking forward to what happened.

                                            > Celestia tended to find amusement in the silliest of things.

                                            "Okay, I'll tell him."

                                            > "Good," Fire Fly said. "He is to get his tail over here right now and get in uniform!"

                                            > Anon just nodded. Having been a part-owner of the legal firm back on Earth, he understood that you had to be firm with underlings sometimes, otherwise the business culture shifted to a free-for-all.

                                            > Guards needed even more discipline, by all accounts.

                                            > He raised a hand and twiddled his fingers at Celestia, who inclined her head in return. That smile kept tugging at her mouth when she glanced at the Captain.

                                            > Thanks to Fire Fly's apparent foul mood, the other guards were a picture of smart efficiency and the two tasked with accompanying Anonymous didn't say a single word as they left the Castle.

                                            > Once or twice Anon opened his mouth to chat, but thought better of it. He had to admit that he had also been slightly worried the previous night when he and Celestia returned from Saddle Row and found that Blossom still wasn't back.

                                            > Thankfully her message had arrived, explaining that she would sleep over at Aura's. Star Bright and Snow Cover were still with her and everything was fine, but it was the first night since they found her that the mare hadn't spent in the Canterlot Castle.

                                            > On the other hand, the young mare sounded like she was having fun making cakes with her new pegasus friend, so Anon couldn't begrudge her a sleepover. It was perhaps the most normal thing she'd done recently.

                                            > He idly wondered just how many cakes they'd baked by now. Poor Star Bright, who was probably delegated to holding bowls, mixing and generally staying out of the way.

                                            > It sounded boring.

                                            > Past time he got there and rescued his unicorn friend, then!


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > There really was no rest for the modern Princess on the go. Sometimes Luna missed the moon with its quiet serenity. A mare could really reflect on things up there.

                                            > She had barely stepped out of the dining room, pleasantly full of waffles and maple syrup, but there was already a guard running right at her down the corridor.

                                            > "Princess!" he began even before the dust had settled. "Specialist Silent Spell sent me! You must-"

                                            > She merely had to hold up a hoof for the colt to fall silent. He blinked in confusion while she looked into the distance with a contemplative expression on her muzzle.

                                            > The pressure in her belly rose up and she released it with a small burp. That made it infinitely easier to walk.

                                            > Sister had been a little overbearing with breakfast, but seeing her joy at getting the human Anonymous back, Luna couldn't begrudge her. The food had been delicious, too.

                                            "Excuse me. Go on."

                                            > The side benefit of all that was that the guard had slowed down and explained himself much more intelligibly. "Um, Silent Spell wishes to speak with you in the smaller conference room, Princess."

                                            > Luna inclined her head in a silent thank you and headed that way. The messenger followed, but none of the other guards did. She'd made it clear to them on multiple occasions that she didn't require protection in her own castle.

                                            > If Fire Fly didn't like that arrangement, he was free to complain to her sister.

                                            "What else did Silent Spell say?"

                                            > The guard, a pegasus colt by the name of Comet Roll, paused to salute. "She found the house, Princess! The Captain has already been summoned, we are only waiting on you."

                                            > It was sooner than Luna had hoped and her pace, as well as her heartbeat, quickened.

                                            "So Spring Morning's information was good?"

                                            > "Apparently yes, Princess!"

                                            > The changeling had been tough to crack initially, but a little pressure applied at the right spot got her to spill some very interesting details about Silvermane's activities in Canterlot.

                                            > To think that he had kept his operation hidden for so long, right under their noses...

                                            > Luna became aware she was baring her teeth in anger and forced herself to stop. The pompous ass was in prison and his wife and colt were being kept in one of his estate houses - the one near Ponyville, Luna remembered.

                                            > The most irksome part, the mare thought, was that Silvermane was not even the leader of their little gang. So far her questions had failed to yield any concrete clues as to who it really was.

                                            > All Luna knew was that Silvermane was deathly afraid of whomever he called 'boss'. That pointed to either a dragon, a griffin or more changelings. There was no way a unicorn would be that terrified of another pony.

                                            > With luck-

                                            "The house is being watched, right?!" she snapped, sudden fear chilling her to the bone. "They *will not* sneak away from under our noses!"

                                            > This made the poor colt gulp in fear and he nodded hurriedly. "Y-Yes, Princess! Silent Spell ordered Corporal Silverwing to keep an eye on the house until we get there!"

                                            "Good. Silverwing is reliable."

                                            > They arrived at the conference room and Luna walked in without a pause. Silent Spell was peering closely at a map of Canterlot, while Captain Fire Fly looked on from the chair opposite. They both glanced up and the mare smiled.

                                            > "There you are," she said to Luna. "We must move quickly. No doubt word of Spring Morning's capture will have gotten out."

                                            "Naturally. Where? How do we approach this?"

                                            > If it were up to her, Luna would storm to the place in her full alicorn might and smash the house to pieces. The guards could arrest whatever they found among the rubble.

                                            > The Princess looked at the map, where Silent Spell had circled a specific building. She imagined how the city looked from above and fixed the position in her mind.

                                            > It wasn't one of the richest residences, and not one of Silvermane's properties, but it was still quite a large manor. Who knew what sort of bad guys might be hiding in it?

                                            > In fact, her wings itched to go, but the Princess made herself wait. It was a different time and Celestia wouldn't thank her for starting a panic among her ponies in Canterlot. She *certainly* wouldn't enjoy having innocent bystanders hurt in the process.

                                            > "The squad should be assembled in the courtyard by now, Princess," Fire Fly said, saluting. "I will accompany this mission personally and-"

                                            "I will go as well!"

                                            > For an instant it looked as if Fire Fly would try and decline, but one look at her expression made the poor colt swallow before saluting again. "Of course, P-Princess!"

                                            > "I will take Forward Point and Comet Roll. We will go down in the sewers and ward off the exits from the manor," Silent Spell said.

                                            "You believe they will try to flee through the sewers?" Luna asked, aghast.

                                            > "Sure! I would, if I saw you and the guards at the front door. No way they can out-fly or out-teleport you, so sneaking out will be their only option."

                                            > Luna nodded at that and rustled her wings.

                                            "We do not tell Sister about this until it is done. She would only slow us all down with procedure."

                                            > This command made Fire Fly uneasy, but he took another look at Luna's face and nodded. "As you wish, Princess," the Captain said.

                                            "Do not hold back. This is an order for you and all your guards, Captain. Protecting the lives of innocents is our top priority, but if some of them get bruised in this capture I will consider it a good trade!"

                                            > Fire Fly's eyes seemed a tad too white for his station, Luna thought, but she didn't comment upon it. At least Silent Spell understood and the mare was nodding approvingly.

                                            "Good," she proclaimed, even if the Captain hadn't explicitly agreed. "Let's move!"

                                            > Their course of action decided, Luna pushed the door out of the conference room open with a burst of magic and ran outside. She was dimly aware of Fire Fly and Silent Spell galloping after her, but her blood began to tingle with excitement and a grim smile appeared on her muzzle.

                                            > This! Action! Battle! These were the moments when a mare felt truly alive!

                                            > Whoever Silvermane's boss was, they wouldn't know what hit them!

                                            > As she ran out of the castle door, the Princess spread her wings and took off. She'd have to wait for the Captain and his squad to get there through the streets, but she could fly circles around the city and keep an eye on anypony trying to escape on wing.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > The door splintered before her and Luna rushed into the house. She heard more crashes from around the back, where Fire Fly had also begun his advance.

                                            > She glanced around the antechamber, but it was both unremarkable and empty. The only place anypony could be hiding was in the big wardrobe against the far wall, so the Princess yanked its doors open to check. Nothing.

                                            > She hurried onward and stopped at the foot of the grand staircase. She pointed a hoof at her retinue.

                                            "Corporal, search the top floor, yell if you find anything! You-" she pointed out another pony, "stand guard at this entrance. Do not let anypony out."

                                            > They both saluted and the squad ran upstairs. It left her alone, but Luna didn't mind in the slightest. An alicorn was a match for any five ponies, even if there were changelings among them.

                                            > She heard Fire Fly's barked orders from somewhere up ahead and nodded grimly. Anypony hiding in those rooms would be in for a nasty surprise. She picked the door to her left and her horn glowed briefly.

                                            > The wood slammed against the wall and Luna leapt into the room.

                                            > It looked like a sitting room which also served as a library. No closets or wardrobes and the only table in the room was made of glass, so nopony could be hiding under it. The Princess gave the room a quick inspection, noting another door in the far wall.

                                            > She ran to it, blasting it to bits even as she approached. Some noise and destruction might unnerve whomever was hiding enough to make them bolt. Then she'd have them.

                                            > Even if they got out on wing, Corporal Silverwing was still floating above the house, keeping an eye for any escapees.

                                            > The next room was a small office, or maybe a workshop. There was a table in the middle with several open books on it and a set of fine tools. Luna didn't take the time to identify what they were doing here. She ducked her head down to check under the table, then glanced around for more hiding spots.

                                            > There was a thick curtain pulled across a window alcove and she lit up her horn to yank it away.

                                            > Nothing.

                                            > Mouth pressed together in a thin line, she hurried back out to the main hallway, where she ran into the captain.

                                            "Fire Fly. Report!"

                                            > He inclined his head, eschewing a full bow, and pointed. "There are kitchens in the back, but all deserted. The pots haven't been used recently and the fire isn't lit. Princess- we may be too late."

                                            > Luna stomped a hoof angrily and shook her head, nostrils flaring.

                                            "I refuse to accept that! Search it all again! Forward Point is searching the upstairs."

                                            > "What about the cellars?" one of the guards with Fire Fly pointed out.

                                            "Good idea! Come with me. The rest of you are with the Captain."

                                            > The guard, Snow Cover, gave a nod and fell in step behind the Princess as she hurried back to the staircase. It stood to reason that the way down would be near the way up.

                                            > It only took her a few seconds to spot the small wooden hatch in the floor. A burst of magic flung it up so hard that it smashed against the ceiling.

                                            > The guardspony didn't even flinch at the noise, Luna was pleased to see. He was about to jump into the darkness, but she put a hoof in his way.

                                            "Light," she said simply and her horn sprang to life.

                                            > A glowing ball of white fire appeared and she sent it down into the darkness. It revealed a narrow stone stairway.

                                            > Snow Cover began walking down, shoulders hunched and tail flicking. He was expecting an ambush at every step.

                                            > Luna followed close behind, sending her light to scout ahead.

                                            > Soon they reached the end of the stairs and the young guard swore under his breath. The Princess hurried after him to see and a small groan escaped her as well.

                                            > "Definitely changeling work," Snow Cover pointed out needlessly.

                                            > There were two slimy cocoons against the far wall. Other than that, there was nothing in the room at all. A lingering smell in the air told Luna that once it must have been full of root vegetables. She smelled potatoes and beets at the very least.

                                            > She sent her light closer to the cocoons and followed it to get a better look. After a moment the guard joined her, armor clanking softly as he shuffled uncomfortably.

                                            > "That's- sweet Celestia!" he exclaimed when the light fell on a familiar muzzle.

                                            "Hmm, so Spring Morning was an actual mare. I wonder how long she's been in there."

                                            > She moved the light to examine the other one and Snow Cover gasped again. "Sergeant Azure Wings!"

                                            > Luna was scowling as if the two unconscious ponies were keeping secrets from her. She looked down at the guard and barked an order:

                                            "Go find the Captain. Send a flier to the Castle and have him bring a doctor. I will free them, but they may need medical attention forthwith!"

                                            > As much as Snow Cover tried to hide it, the relief on his muzzle was palpable. He was glad to be sent away from this place and galloped back to the stairs. Luna remembered too late that there was no light for him to see, but the stallion hadn't asked for any.

                                            > His hoof steps faded into silence as he made his way up top.

                                            > Luna thought quickly. Ponies freed from changeling cocoons were disoriented and weak. They would also probably be frightened.

                                            > Azure Wings might react better, thanks to her guard training, but Spring Morning was a wild card. They hadn't been able to find anything about the mare after she - or rather the changeling in her guise - had foalnapped Anonymous.

                                            > The mare had appeared apparently out of nowhere, having been assigned to the Castle from a small guard garrison near Neighara. Her record had been entirely unremarkable, but when they'd tried looking for her parents, neither she nor Celestia had found anything.

                                            > It could mean that Spring Morning was an orphan, but they'd decided that her entire identity was probably a changeling fabrication. In fact, there was a good chance that the mare's name wasn't even Spring Morning.

                                            > The Princess concentrated for a moment and her light split into four globes of pure white. It lit up the dark room until all the shadows were banished. She sent the orbs to the corners and fastened them there, so she didn't have to think about the magic anymore.

                                            > True, they would dissipate in a matter of hours, but that would be plenty of time.

                                            > Then she focused on the thick, green, gooey membrane of the cocoon itself. She pushed at it with a hoof, noting how it gave way before flowing back. The inside was filled with some kind of liquid.

                                            > She formed a blade out of her magic and chose the point where she plunged it into the goop. It immediately spurted out, some of it staining her hoof guard, but Luna didn't care. With a strong, brisk motion of her horn she made the impromptu dagger tear a long gash downward.

                                            > The ooze spilled out and coated the floor. Some of it went on her legs, but again the Princess paid it absolutely no mind.

                                            > The mare in the cocoon began to slide and Luna abandoned her ephemeral dagger in order to grasp the falling figure with her magic. She lowered her gently to the floor, but she kept supporting the mare around the barrel to keep her upright.

                                            "Wake up, Azure Wings. It's over."

                                            > The mare took a sudden breath, then began to cough. Some of the ooze, whatever it was, sprayed from her mouth as she cleared her throat of the stuff. Then she gulped down another big lungful of air and opened her eyes.

                                            > "W-Where? Wha-?"

                                            > Her eyes tried to focus on Luna and a small smile graced her muzzle. "Pri-Princess?"

                                            > Luna held the guard against her chest fluff, completely ignoring the goop she was smearing all over herself.

                                            "Yes. You are safe, my pony. Relax."

                                            > But it seemed the guard had more to say. Her ears folded down and a spark of anger entered her eyes. "Got me... hallway. Shift- end. Changelings!"

                                            "I know. I know, Azure Wings. We got them."

                                            > It wasn't completely true, or maybe it was. Perhaps Spring Morning, or whoever was in the prison was the only changeling attached to this operation. In either case, it wasn't something Luna wanted Azure Wings to worry about right now.

                                            "Can you stand?"

                                            > The mare put her hooves on the ground and lifted herself on shaky legs. Luna kept the magic supporting her, but the guard took it as a point of pride to stay upright by herself. "H-How long?" she asked after another bout of coughing.

                                            "I don't know exactly. More than a month, less than two."

                                            > The guardsmare nearly toppled over as she lifted up a hoof in salute. "P-Permission to come back on duty, Princess?"

                                            > It made Luna chuckle and pride warmed her heart. The castle guards really were the best of the best.

                                            "After the doctor has checked you out, Sergeant. Sit now and rest. There is one other we have to free."

                                            > Hopefully Spring Morning would take it at least half as well as Azure Wings had. Luna sighed and carefully withdrew her magical support from the guardsmare. She was sitting on her haunches by herself, which was very encouraging.

                                            > The Princess reformed the magical blade and plunged it into the other cocoon with a grim, slightly disgusted expression.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous had to carry a box with a whole chocolate cake in it as they walked back to the Castle. Star Bright had the one with fruit and cream combination.

                                            > That left Blossom and the two guards, Glory Tail and Pepper Crush unencumbered. For the guardsponies it made sense, since they needed to be ready to react to any threats. Not that Anonymous was expecting danger, but it just seemed like the proper thing to do.

                                            > The mare, however, should have been the one carrying her own damn cake, except that Aura had taken Anonymous aside and told him to help out. Apparently Blossom lacked the effortless balance most earth ponies seemed to possess. Any cake entrusted to her would likely end up as a splatter on the cobblestones.

                                            > On the other hand, Celestia would probably be happy with the gifts they were taking her, so it wasn't that much of a hassle.

                                            > He glanced at Blossom, who was still chattering excitedly at Star Bright. She was so engrossed in whatever she was telling the poor colt that she hardly even watched the street and relied on Bright's occasional nuzzle to direct her down a particular street.

                                            > "Nearly there, sir," Glory Tail announced, mainly for something to say. Anonymous could see perfectly well where they were.

                                            "Good. When do you come off duty today?"

                                            > The guard pegasus glanced at his colleague, then cleared his throat. "Um, we were supposed to be off duty at noon, sir."

                                            > That sent a pang of guilt through Anon, since it had been him who had insisted they stay a little longer. He had wanted to finish telling his story to Storm Pop and Aura had been helping Blossom brush her mane after a shower. It had been too cute to interrupt.

                                            "Sorry about that."

                                            > "No problem, sir. Glad to serve!" the other guard, Pepper Crush said.

                                            "Well, you're getting a slice of these cakes each."

                                            > The offer made Blossom squeak in alarm and she twirled around to face Anonymous. "B-But they are for the Princess!" She made a step closer and reached out a hoof, as if to snatch the package from Anon's hands, but he just lifted it up high, beyond her reach.

                                            "Don't worry, Celestia will get her cake, but you've made rather a lot. You can't expect her and Luna to finish both of these cakes, can you?"

                                            > Now the mare's ears folded down and she blushed, but she didn't reply. Anonymous connected the dots.

                                            "You were expecting them to leave some for you, weren't you?"

                                            > This accusation made Star Bright miss a step and glare at the young mare. "Blossom, we agreed! You already had plenty of sweets for breakfast today!"

                                            > The poor, put upon mare just lowered her gaze to the pavement and heaved the saddest sigh Anonymous had heard out of her yet. She stole a quick glance at Bright and then muttered: "Fine..."

                                            > They resumed walking and Anon carefully moved the cake box to one hand so he could reach down with his other and give Blossom a quick ear-scratch.

                                            "Don't look so glum. I saw you licking the beaters. Poor Aura had to keep washing them!"

                                            > "Yeah," Star Bright agreed. "Counting that, it was like you had two cakes for breakfast today. That's not very healthy Blossom!"

                                            > The young mare got to her hooves and followed. She caught up with Anon and pressed her muzzle against his thigh in apology. "I know," she said. It was still a little dejected, but then she looked at her coltfriend and brightened up. "You're gonna teach me how to kiss instead, okay? I don't think I got the hang of it yet."

                                            > It was the poor colt's turn to squeak in alarm and Anon lifted up the box to hide his grin. There was a faint chuckle from the two guards, but with both of them facing stoically away there was no way to tell which one it was.

                                            "Well, we're basically here. You two can go get some lunch, but make sure you come by the small dining room after for your cake, okay?"

                                            > The guardsponies looked uncertain and Glory Tail replied: "If it's all the same to you, we'll just see you to the dining room. It's on the way to barracks anyway."

                                            > Pepper Crush nodded in agreement.

                                            "As you wish," Anon said.

                                            > As they passed the Castle gate, the two ponies stationed there saluted and Glory Tail returned the gesture. Anonymous just nodded, having his hands full with the box he was holding.

                                            > "Ah, there you are. This is fortunate. Come with me, please," Luna's voice announced from the side. Anon moved the box out of his line of sight and saw the Princess and Silent Spell, who were coming from a side passage.

                                            "Huh? What for?"

                                            > Luna rustled her wings in her impatience to tell him and her muzzle split into a smile. "We found two captives. Azure Wings and, well, Spring Morning."

                                            "Wait, what? Captives? Azure and... Spring?"

                                            > At first it didn't make much sense, but then realization came.

                                            "Oh, so there really is a Spring Morning?"

                                            > "Yes and no," Luna said. She glanced over the other ponies with Anonymous and decided they were allowed to hear this. "The disguise was based on an actual pony from Neighara, but the name was not. Her actual name is Smoke Puff. She has been reported missing nearly five months ago."

                                            > It was too much information too quickly and Anonymous was starting to get lost.

                                            "Hold on, let me take this cake to Celestia and then we can talk," he offered.

                                            > "I can take that, sir," Glory Tail offered.

                                            > This kind of initiative made Luna proud and she inclined her head. "Good. I am not sure why you are fetching cake for sister, but the sergeant can take it the rest of the way. Come with us, Smoke Puff is waiting in the conference room."

                                            "Why me, though? Shouldn't Celestia-"

                                            > Before he could finish his question Luna had already interrupted with an answer: "I do not wish to bother Sister with this. I need you because-" the Princess looked around at the assembled ponies and shook her head. "I will explain later, just come."

                                            > This was both mysterious and ominous, but Anon had no reason not to trust the Princess.For an instant he thought she might be a changeling in disguise, but Silent Spell was with her and he doubted there were any changelings left in the Castle. If there were, they'd have attacked by now, or freed Silvermane and Spring Morning.

                                            "Okay, sure."

                                            > He handed his package to Glory Tail, who easily balanced it on his back and held it in place with his wings. Blossom eyed the box hungrily for a moment, but Star Bright noticed and distracted her with a quick nuzzle.

                                            > "Come on," the colt said, "let's get some lunch and give these to the Princess. Won't she be happy?"

                                            > The young mare squee'd in excitement and pranced a little as they set off. It seemed she liked giving gifts even more than she liked cake, which was useful to know.

                                            > "This way," Luna said, and led the man back the way she had come.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Everything went to hell the moment Anonymous stepped into the conference room, right behind Princess Luna. He had a split second to recognize the mare sitting at the table with a cup of something steaming before her.

                                            > She was the spitting image of Spring Morning, but that made sense; the changeling had copied her appearance. To her left was Azure Wings, also with a hot beverage.

                                            > Smoke Puff, which Luna had said was her real name, shrieked at the sight of him and scrambled backward so quickly that she toppled the chair and hit her head on the floor. That didn't stop her, however and the mare scurried into a corner.

                                            > "No no no no," she yelled, "get it away! Get it away from me! HELP!"

                                            > The mares reacted faster than the stunned Anonymous. Azure Wings hurried over to the shouting mare and put her hooves around her. That broke the line of sight, which reduced her shrieking to mere whimpering in terror.

                                            > Meanwhile Luna turned so she was standing in front of Anonymous and nudged him back and out of the room with a hoof. He was dimly aware of Silent Spell slipping past him into the room and slamming the door shut.

                                            "What the hell was that?!" he asked once he could speak again.

                                            > Luna seemed just as surprised and she glanced at the door. "I have absolutely no idea, Anonymous. Perhaps- would you mind waiting here for a minute?"

                                            > He nodded and the Princess pushed him to one side with a hoof, probably so there would be less chance of Smoke Puff catching another glimpse of him, then entered the conference room herself.

                                            > In the moment while the door was open, Anonymous heard Azure Wings' urgent murmuring and Smoke Puff's terrified whining.

                                            > He was shaken at the reaction, but still curious what could have brought it on, so he stepped closer and tried to listen through the closed door.

                                            > There was absolutely nothing and he wondered why they had all gone quiet so suddenly, but then he remembered that there was a permanent spell against eavesdropping on the small room.

                                            > "Anonymous?"

                                            > He twirled around, blushing a little at having been caught spying and at appearing foolish for doing so where it was clearly impossible. It was Princess Celestia, looking at him strangely.

                                            > "Mind telling me what is going on?"

                                            > He hurried over, putting a hand on her withers as much to calm her as to steady his own nerves.

                                            "I have no idea. She just started screaming the moment she saw me!"

                                            > Celestia leaned her head to one side. "Who started screaming?"

                                            "Smoke Puff. The mare Luna rescued from that house they raided today. From a changeling cocoon."

                                            > The Princess frowned a little. "Luna sent word that she had freed some captives, but I was in Court. I came here as soon as Glory Tail and Blossom brought me some cake from Aura and said Luna had dragged you away for something."

                                            "Well, she'll have a lot of explaining to do, I guess."

                                            > Celestia looked at the door and her ears twitched upright. She probably couldn't hear anything, but Anonymous still fell silent and waited for her to finish whatever it was she was doing. Her nose wrinkled and her eyes widened.

                                            "What is it?"

                                            > Celestia just shook her head to herself and focused on the man again. "Tell me exactly what happened when you went in."

                                            "There's not much to tell. Smoke Puff saw me and started yelling like I was going to murder her or something. She knocked over a chair and hid in the corner, and then Luna pushed me back out."

                                            > "I don't understand. Why such fear? Blossom had been exactly the opposite."

                                            > That was right! Anonymous remembered the younger mare's reaction to him and to Celestia. She hadn't been quite as terrified as Smoke Puff, but it was a close thing.

                                            "You're right. I wonder why."

                                            > "We will find out. Come, you need lunch and I think Smoke Puff will need some privacy," Celestia said as she urged the man to turn with a gentle pressure of her wing across his shoulders.

                                            "What? Why? You can't hear what's going in there."

                                            > The Princess shook her head. "No, but I can smell. Somepony... soiled herself. You must really have frightened her, Anonymous. Come, I will send a maid to help clean up."

                                            > An impossible idea occurred to Anon.

                                            "That means she's met humans before. Some bad ones, by the sound of it. But how? And where?!"

                                            > Celestia shrugged. "That is something we will have to find out. Come on, you cannot help if that was her reaction to seeing you. Oh, one more thing: who else is in there with her?"

                                            "Silent Spell and Azure Wings."

                                            > "Good, they will get everything in hoof. We will talk with them later. Come."

                                            > There was nothing for it but to let the Princess lead him away, though Anonymous kept glancing back at the door in disbelief. So scared of him that she peed herself? Just what had Smoke Puff seen?!

                                            > The contrast between her and Blossom could not be more poignant.

                                            > "The cake looked delicious, by the way," Celestia commented, aiming to take his mind off this strange, unsettling new development.

                                            "Well, Aura and Blossom baked both of them. I just helped them carry it here."

                                            > "Still, I thank you," Celestia replied smoothly. "Except next time, please do not promise my cake to guard ponies, Anonymous."

                                            > His mouth fell open and the man looked at the Princess in shock. Surely she wasn't that selfish, even for cake?

                                            > He caught her amused smile and relaxed. She was just joking.

                                            "I'll give what I want to whom I want, Celestia! Don't be greedy!"

                                            > She giggled and stuck her tongue out at him.

                                            "Or else I'll have to revoke your bath privileges again!"

                                            > This threat just made her chortle. "I am no longer in your service, Anonymous."

                                            > He didn't have a counter for that, so he just reached his arm around her withers and patted the side of her barrel as they both laughed.

                                            > She'd succeeded in getting his mind off the incident, though. What had happened with Smoke Puff was strange, but surely there had to be a logical explanation. No doubt Luna or Silent Spell would find it.

                                            > The important thing was that the mare was otherwise alright.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Everything was in hoof. Princess Luna was finally able to relax after Azure Wings had taken Smoke Puff away to settle her in a guest room.

                                            > Her reaction to Anonymous' presence had been utterly unexpected, but having heard her story it made sense. She wished it hadn't.

                                            > The Princess was sitting in the small conference room, listlessly staring at the far wall and completely oblivious of the smell.

                                            > A maid had poked her head in to clean it up, but seeing Luna's expression had made the mare mumble something about coming back later and duck back out.

                                            "Tartarus..."

                                            > There came a knock, but Luna didn't really hear it. A moment later the door opened to admit Celestia, who took one look at her sister's muzzle and pushed a chair next to Luna's.

                                            > The wing around her back was welcome, as was the soft, comforting presence next to her, and Luna leaned heavily against the older Princess.

                                            "I will not tell you. It is too horrible, Sister."

                                            > Celestia gave her a nuzzle, her breath warm and smelling faintly of chocolate. "Tell me," came the quiet command. The older sister had spoken softly, but it was an order and Luna knew it.

                                            > She still shook her head, but Celestia grasped her face with her hooves and made her face her. Their eyes met and Luna felt her own fill with tears.

                                            > "Tell me."

                                            > Luna closed her eyes and drew a breath.

                                            "There is another portal, Sister. It leads to a distant, cruel part of Earth. A place where the rule of law applies only loosely. Tartarus, it is worse than... *Tartarus*!"

                                            > This was certainly a surprise and Celestia blinked a few times as her mind obviously raced. "That... explains much. Now tell me the bad part."

                                            > Perhaps she was right. Two could carry the burden more easily than one. True, Azure Wings and Silent Spell had also heard Smoke Puff's story, but it would be the Royal Sisters who had to face this dark story.

                                            > The duty came with the power. They had to deal with it ultimately. Perhaps knowing that it was out of their hooves had made it a little easier on the other three mares.

                                            "We will have to arrange counselling for Azure Wings and Smoke Puff. Perhaps for Silent Spell, as well."

                                            > The investigator had proved quite resilient, at least for now. She had taken charge after Smoke Puff's story had come out.

                                            > Celestia didn't immediately answer, looking worried about what she was about to hear. "We will. Now tell me the rest. Why did you insist to bring Anonymous into this, without even telling me?"

                                            > Luna looked down, ears folding flat. 'The Warrior Princess' was one thing, but this was something else. She had made an error in judgement and disappointed her sister, which never felt good.

                                            "Silvermane is taking orders from one of the human warlords. He is sending gold to them and in return they are giving him slaves. Human slaves."

                                            > "Did you know this before... the incident?"

                                            > Luna shook her head.

                                            "I thought- perhaps, seeing how Blossom took to Anonymous, perhaps Smoke Puff would feel the same. That perhaps she would feel safe confiding in him, like Blossom had done. I did not consider that her experiences might have been that bad."

                                            > Celestia nodded a little to herself. "I see. A mistake, but one anypony might make. I do not blame you, but I wish you would have involved me sooner, Sister."

                                            "Yes, Sister," Luna replied, voice as meek as she could make it.

                                            > "Another portal. That explains Blossom's story and the people in the mine. I did not understand how they could have come through the border, but if there is another portal..."

                                            > Luna nodded slowly and then leaned against her sister once more. Celestia was warm and solid, a real comfort after this revelation.

                                            > "There is more," the older alicorn guessed.

                                            "Yes," Luna admitted. "Silvermane had given some ponies to the humans as servants- slaves!"

                                            > Celestia grunted and her muzzle scrunched up in disgust. "It is hard to believe, even of him. Perhaps he was under duress by the humans?"

                                            > Luna shrugged a little. It would explain his behavior, but she wasn't too optimistic. The stallion had been plotting with changelings and using slaves in his illegal mines. Him selling other ponies into slavery wasn't that much of a stretch.

                                            > "What were they paying him? Gold is worth a lot more than human money," Celestia asked.

                                            "I do not know yet. Silent Spell has promised to find out. Sister, that was not the worst bit."

                                            > "Oh?"

                                            "Smoke Puff- the human warlord..."

                                            > She stopped to draw a shuddering breath and tried to banish the mental image, but now that she had started she had to tell her sister.

                                            "He killed a pony in front of them. An escapee. He said it was an example."

                                            > Celestia was silent and Luna didn't mind. Any words in that moment would be superfluous. She leaned her head on her sister's shoulder and closed her eyes. Such evil was hard to imagine.

                                            > Smoke Puff had been in near panic when she had said it and for good reason. She had spoken of blood. So much blood. Doubtless she would have nightmares. Luna had her work cut out for her.

                                            "What do we do now?" she asked.

                                            > After some more silence Celestia replied: "Have Silent Spell speak with Silvermane again. He will be tried in court, but I do not yet know what the punishment should be. Perhaps... Tartarus?"

                                            > Her voice trembled at the word. It would be the first pony she sent there. At least the first *normal* pony, not some twisted monstrosity which had almost nothing left of the pony they used to be.

                                            "I do not envy you that decision, Sister."

                                            > "I know. Furthermore, I will involve the humans in this immediately. This is no longer only Equestria's problem. If there is a second portal we must have control over it, on both sides."

                                            "Smoke Puff did not know where the portal was, but she knew it was out west someplace. Beyond White Tail Woods; that land is not explored well enough."

                                            > The older alicorn gave a single nod. "I will send some pegasi to look for it."

                                            > Luna lifted her head and looked in her Sister's face.

                                            "I will join them!"

                                            > "Luna-"

                                            "They need an alicorn. They might need magic. Who knows what weapons the humans might have brought into Equestria?"

                                            > Celestia couldn't argue with that, of course. "Very well. Leave as soon as you can. I will tend to matters here."

                                            "Will you tell Anonymous?"

                                            > For a while there was no reply, so Luna just waited patiently. It was an important decision and she did not wish to rush her sister.

                                            > At long last Celestia shivered. "I will have to, but maybe not just yet." She turned to look at Luna. "We will have to tell Eli. He will need to take this news to Earth and coordinate the investigation there."

                                            > It was unfortunate, but Luna agreed, so she nodded.

                                            "I will send him to see you."

                                            > She was about to stand up and begin doing. A plan, at least a start of one, made her feel a little better. The atrocities Smoke Puff had described were easier to bear when she was working on stopping them.

                                            > Celestia's wing pressed her down and Luna complied. "In a minute. I wish to sit with you for a while, Luna."

                                            > Her sister's warm muzzle leaned against Luna's neck and she put her own wing around Celestia.

                                            "Perhaps we go to a different room. This one... smells. We should let the maids clean it."

                                            > Celestia didn't move. "In a minute."


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous wasn't a fan of Luna's idea. In his view, fear like Smoke Puff's was a result of severe trauma and should be taken to a professional.

                                            > The Princess, however, had a more rough and ready approach.

                                            > "It will be fine," Luna was saying, starting to get impatient with his recalcitrance. "I will be with you all the time and I will take Smoke Puff out at the first sign of trouble."

                                            "Yeah, but neither of us are psychiatrists, Luna. I don't think we're qualif-"

                                            > The mare just snorted, interrupting him mid-word. "Bah! I know that the best way to overcome fear is to face it head-on!"

                                            > Anonymous didn't subscribe to the same school of thought. He tried to play his trump card:

                                            "Have you talked with Celestia about this?"

                                            > The whole plan sounded like something Luna would concoct, so he was expecting a shame-faced no. Luna's triumphant grin came as a bit of a surprise. "I have!" the Princess said, grinning. "Sister agrees that it is worth a try and gives her blessing. She merely implores us to be careful."

                                            > It seemed like there was no talking her out of it, so Anonymous swallowed his unease and spread his arms in defeat.

                                            "Well, fine then. Bring her in. The moment she shows any signs she's uncomfortable, you're taking her out and going to a professional, understand?"

                                            > Seeing she had won, Luna took the condition with good grace and inclined her head. "I promise."

                                            > She walked over to the door and slipped outside while Anonymous sat back on the sofa in Blossom's quarters. The only thing he could do to prepare was to appear comfortable and nonchalant.

                                            > He heard some murmuring outside in the hallway, but he couldn't make out any words. Blossom's voice was unmistakable, as was Luna's, but the other two were too quiet for him to place.

                                            > Smoke Puff, most likely and maybe... Azure Wings?

                                            > A sudden realization made him blink in surprise. If Luna had Smoke Wings waiting in the hallway while she went to convince him to do this, she must have been very certain of her success.

                                            > The man didn't know whether to be pleased with how far Luna's diplomacy had come, or annoyed that she'd dismissed his opinion even before she'd spoken with him.

                                            > There was no more time to make up his mind anyway, because the door opened and Blossom walked in the room.

                                            > As he'd guessed, Smoke Puff and Azure Wings were there, hanging back, with Luna standing just behind them.

                                            > He had to take his eyes away, because Blossoms stopped right in front of him and glanced back, smile fixed on her muzzle. "See?" she said to the mares behind her. "'nonny is really nice and he gives the best scratchies!"

                                            > She pushed her forehead toward Anonymous and he obliged by giving her a quick pat. When the mare pressed forward again, he relented and let his fingers slip around her ears, which made Blossom give an exaggerated moan.

                                            > "Go on, say hello," Luna urged, giving Smoke Puff's rump a very gentle pat with a wing feather. "I'll be right beside you."

                                            > The mare was staring wide-eyed at the scene before her, but at least she wasn't screaming this time. Anonymous supposed that was some progress, at least. Then, to his amazement, Smoke Puff took a step forward.

                                            > She seemed skittish most of all, like a frightened animal. He didn't know how to act, so he froze uncertainly.

                                            > The mare was now inside the room, but she stopped and lifted up her head to sniff the air. Her eyes were large and unmoving, focused on him with pinpoint accuracy. He began to doubt that Smoke Puff was blinking at all.

                                            > It was obvious that the tension was building up and the mare was working herself into another panic. Luna's silly plan to get her used to humans would fail and they'd have another screaming session on their hands.

                                            > He sighed and opened his mouth to tell them as much, but Azure Wings brushed past Smoke Puff. "I wanna see how that feels," she said, nudging Blossom away. Glad of the distraction, Anonymous switched his hand to her and began rubbing her ears.

                                            > Azure Wings kept smiling, but her eyes glittered with impatience as she stared at the man. "Say something to her!" she murmured, so quietly that he barely heard.

                                            "Oh. Right. Um, sorry," he fumbled, before giving his best, most winning smile to Smoke Puff. "Hi there!"

                                            > This seemed to break the ice and the mare relaxed a little. It helped that Blossom, having been denied scratches, jumped up on the couch, flopped on her back and laid her head in Anon's lap.

                                            > It looked like a very comfortable position and made Anon proud. Quick thinking on Blossom's part.

                                            > Luna placed her wing feather back on Smoke Puff's rump and urged the mare forward.

                                            > Still looking quite uneasy, Smoke Puff nevertheless took a few steps. She came to a stop just out of arm's reach and then she leaned closer, as if to get a better look.

                                            "Hi. My name is Anonymous. What's yours?"

                                            > That usually worked on small children and it got a result out of the frightened mare as well. "S-Smoke Puff," she murmured, lowering her eyes for a moment in acute embarrassment.

                                            "It suits you," Anon commented.

                                            > This made Smoke Puff's mouth quirk up, but it was so brief he wasn't sure he'd seen it or just imagined. Her muzzle came a fraction closer.

                                            > Anon slowly took his hand off Azure Wings' head and held it out, palm upwards. At first Smoke Puff shrank away, but when he remained still she leaned toward him again. Her ears were pricked and her muscles tense, ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble.

                                            > It was a bit silly, especially considering her horn. She could have him wrapped up in magic before Anon knew what was going on, but the mare didn't seem to be aware of the possibility. He decided not to remind her in case she got spooked and did something drastic.

                                            > She was now so close that Anon felt her warm breath on his fingers. It came in rapid pants, so he didn't move any closer and let her come to him.

                                            > At long last she touched him, the merest brush of fur against his palm. She withdrew, but came back a moment later. This time Anon felt something hot and moist.

                                            > Surely she wasn't tasting him?!

                                            > He pulled his hand back, making the mare lean back in apprehension.

                                            "Look, this is silly. You're a thinking, talking creature and so am I. There's no need to act like a frightened animal, is there?"

                                            > This time Anon held his hand out vertically. He knew ponies had handshakes, even if they didn't call them the same and they usually involved both hooves.

                                            "I'm Anonymous. Pleased to meet you."

                                            > Smoke Puff watched his hand in astonishment, then blinked and scrunched her muzzle up in thought. "Um..."

                                            > She glanced back at Luna, who just nodded.

                                            > When she looked back, Smoke Puff was a little more sure of herself and lifted her foreleg to place a hoof against Anon's palm. He took a very gentle hold and shook it up and down a few times.

                                            "There. I'm sorry you met some bad people your first time, but most humans are okay."

                                            > The mention of her ordeal made Smoke Puff's ears flatten and she looked away. Anonymous was instantly sorry for having reminded her. He wanted to say so, but that would just keep dragging the bad memories up.

                                            > Luckily Azure Wings saw his predicament and threw a wing around the stricken mare. "Well, enough formality. Here, you gotta see how this feels, Puff."

                                            > She nudged the mare that final step closer and pushed her rump down until Smoke Puff was sitting on her haunches.

                                            > Taking his cue, Anon held his hand out again, just short of touching the mare's head.

                                            "Only if you want to," he told her.

                                            > Her eyes strayed to Blossom, who was apparently falling asleep in Anon's lap. "Um... ok-okay," she agreed and closed that last half an inch of distance.

                                            > By now Anon had had enough experience with ponies to know what to expect. Each one was different, but all their manes were incredibly soft. Of course, none could compare to Celestia and Luna's ethereal hairdo, but even the regular ponies' manes kept surprising the man with their light, airy softness.

                                            > He slid his hand to one side and found the spot just behind Smoke Puff's ears with his fingertips. For her first time, he just traced small circles around the area.

                                            > Some of the tension left the mare and she leaned into his touch, a sure sign that he was doing it right.

                                            > Anon smiled to himself and applied a touch more pressure.

                                            > "Oh... oh." That was all Smoke Puff seemed able to say.

                                            > Blossom finally stirred and flipped to her side so she was looking at the action. "See?" she said. "'nonny is nice and gives the best scratches. Just don't get used to it, because he's busy a whole lot."

                                            > That last sentence was fraught with such immense sadness and disappointment that Anonymous couldn't help but chuckle.

                                            "Hey, I always make time for you!"

                                            > Blossom shrugged, not quite saying that the man could do more to pamper her, but heavily implying it with the roll of her eyes.

                                            > When he took his hand away from Smoke Puff, the mare tried to follow it, but caught herself before falling flat on her muzzle. She seemed undecided for a moment, then sighed. "Sorry I screamed, um, earlier."

                                            "Don't be. You had a bad experience and I probably came as a surprise."

                                            > Anon looked up at Luna, who was grinning triumphantly with that 'I-told-you-so' look on her muzzle.

                                            "I still think you should speak with a therapist. Stuff like that doesn't just go away because you meet one good human."

                                            > Smoke Puff nodded in agreement, "I guess," she replied, looking at the ground between her forehooves.

                                            "There's no shame in it. You've had a very traumatic experience, um, Puff," Anon went on with the nickname Azure Wings had used earlier.

                                            > "Yes, yes, we will arrange for therapy," Luna said only a bit testily. She was annoyed that Anonymous kept pushing her in that direction when she was sure she could 'fix' Smoke Puff herself.

                                            > Azure Wings took the matters into her own hooves again and placed her wing around the other mare's withers once more. "So, how about you and me mosey on down to the kitchens and see if there's any dinner?"

                                            > Smoke Puff looked relieved, but then she cast an apologetic glance at Anon and gave him an uncertain smile. "It was n-nice meeting you, um, Mr. Anonymous."

                                            > He waved the title away.

                                            "Please, just Anon. We're all friends here."

                                            > The mare nodded and repeated: "Anon." Then she let Azure Wings lead her away.

                                            > Luna remained in the room, watching the two leave. Meanwhile Blossom grabbed Anon's hand and pulled it down to her head. He obediently started scratching and the mare let out a soft moan of delight.

                                            > "Smoke Puff will be alright, now that she is back. I have sent a pegasus to bring her parents here."

                                            "Yeah, you said she took a job with Silvermane in Neighara? Do you know how she ended up on Earth?"

                                            > "Yes. She told me everything, or nearly so."

                                            > Anonymous waited for a few seconds, but Luna didn't start talking. He frowned a little in confusion.

                                            "Will you tell me?"

                                            > The alicorn shook her head. "Not right now. Later. I am leaving within the hour to search for this new Earth portal. With luck, I will apprehend whoever is leading this trafficking ring!"

                                            > There was significant force behind her words and a stern, or maybe determined look on her face. Anonymous had no doubt she would do exactly as she said.

                                            "Well, good luck with that."

                                            > Just like that Anon was alone in Blossom's guest room with the mare. His hand was still on her head, idly massaging her ears and her head was still in his lap.

                                            > It was a comfortable moment and he relaxed, letting himself enjoy it for a while. Then he got bored and poked at the mare.

                                            "Get up. Let's go find Bright and see what he's doing. It'll be time for dinner soon, anyway."

                                            > Mention of her coltfriend smoothed over any disappointment Blossom might have felt over having her scratching time curtailed and she nodded. "Okay! Maybe there's some cake left!"

                                            "You already had all the cake for today, Blossom. It'll keep until tomorrow."

                                            > "Not if the Princess gets it!" she countered, looking worried.

                                            "Tough luck!"

                                            > She grumbled under her breath, but followed Anon out of the room anyway.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous was working. Well 'working'. It had started out like a regular day in his office, but quite soon after that Star Bright knocked on his door with a very unusual request.

                                            > The unicorn wanted Anon to keep Blossom company, citing an urgent, unavoidable meeting. Only a little bewildered, but fully intending to question the stallion in detail later, Anon agreed.

                                            > Unfortunately Blossom hadn't been able to sit quietly, so Anon decided to take a short break. That had been nearly an hour ago.

                                            > He could have gone back to work, but truth be told he didn't particularly want to. Especially when he glanced down at the mare.

                                            > Blossom had joined Anon on the couch in the employee lounge while he sipped coffee and she quickly wiggled her way into the most adorable position he'd yet seen.

                                            > She was now lying on her back with her head in his lap and her legs in the air, with her eyes closed and her tongue lolling out. Quiet grunts and an occasional sigh escaped her at Anon's ministrations. He had one hand on her barrel, playing with the soft fur there, and his other on her head, tickling behind her ears.

                                            > His coffee was cooling on the table, forgotten, as Anon concentrated on his fingerwork.

                                            > He brought both hands to Blossom's ears and began to massage them between thumb and forefinger.

                                            > "Mmmmmbh," the mare tried to say and failed. A small dribble of spit nearly escaped her, but she caught it with her tongue and smacked her lips. "Mmmmm- s'niiiiice," she moaned.

                                            > One of her hind legs kicked feebly and Blossom groaned. "Right... there..."

                                            > Anon became aware of Star Bright standing in the door, watching with rapt attention and with small smile playing across his lips. He brought up one hand and placed a finger against his lips, hoping the unicorn would understand the sign to keep quiet.

                                            > Blossom's ear flicked as it was left alone and Anon quickly put his hand back, massaging with renewed effort. He let his fingers stray lower, to the base of her ears, careful not to poke the ear canal.

                                            > The result was most satisfying as Blossom arched her back and let out another deep-throated groan.

                                            > Glancing back up at Star Bright, Anon saw that the stallion had one hoof in the air and was watching him questioningly. It was easy to guess what he wanted.

                                            > Anon nodded and leaned his head to the side, where there was still some unoccupied couch.

                                            > To his credit, Bright managed to move absolutely silently, even on the linoleum floor. It took him a long time, but Blossom didn't notice a thing. She didn't even feel the movement as the stallion climbed up.

                                            > Anon and Bright shared a smile, then he took one hand away to put it back on Blossom's belly. When he dug his fingers in, the mare let out what could only be called a moan. "Yessss."

                                            > He kept the scratching up for another minute, then took his fingers away and carefully grabbed Bright's hoof. The stallion watched in puzzlement, but didn't fight it as Anon brought it down.

                                            "Gently," he mouthed silently.

                                            > The stallion understood and nodded. He didn't have fingers, so he just lightly kneaded Blossom's belly with the frog of his hoof. That left Anon's hand free to go back to the mare's ears.

                                            > He wondered how long it would take her...

                                            > Nearly a full minute later, Blossom scrunched up her muzzle in thought. "Wait..."

                                            > She blinked her eyes open and looked down. When she saw it was only her coltfriend, she smiled and stretched. "Hi, mmmm, Brightey!"

                                            > The stallion grinned right back and kept up his impromptu massage. "Hey."

                                            > Now that they were talking Anon also opened his mouth.

                                            "So, what was this urgent meeting you had to do?"

                                            > The stallion blushed and looked around the room for inspiration. "Just... stuff. I'll tell you later, okay?"

                                            > Blossom was completely ignoring their conversation. She got a thoughtful look on her muzzle and stared at her coltfriend intently. "Um, Brighey? Can you... like... um, grow some fingers? This feels *sooooo* good!"

                                            > Both Anon and Star Bright chuckled and the stallion shrugged. "Probably not, but maybe I can do something similar with telekinesis? Let's see..."

                                            > He held up his leg, earning himself a regretful look from Blossom as the massage ended. Then Bright's horn began to glow and he frowned at his leg. Something like a pincer of magic formed and he tried it out on himself.

                                            > "Ow!" he yelped, shaking the limb. "Too hard! Gentler..."

                                            > Anon was grateful he'd tried it out on himself first. The second attempt seemed better, but Bright shook his head and muttered something to himself.

                                            > Blossom watched it all with eager expectation and Anon took his hands away to give Star Bright room. Finally the unicorn seemed ready, but he still gave the mare a concerned look. "Tell me if it's too hard, okay?"

                                            > She just nodded.

                                            > The glow went to one of her ears and Bright focused on his magic. His tongue poked out in concentration.

                                            > Slowly Blossom began to smile. "Mmmm... niiiice," she commented as she closed her eyes.

                                            > Her obvious enjoyment brought a grin to Bright's muzzle and he redoubled his efforts. "Dunno how long I can keep this up, but at least we know I can do it. Does it really feel that good?"

                                            > The mare just nodded, then tapped Anon with a hoof. "Show 'im."

                                            > Chuckling, the man obliged and put a hand on Bright's head, catching his ear and rubbing it between his fingers.

                                            > "Oh- oh, wow. Yeah, that *is* nice," the stallion commented. He leaned into Anon's touch and he obliged the unicorn with a few more seconds of scratching before taking his hand away.

                                            > "Aww..."

                                            > Anon ignored the disappointment in both their muzzles and lifted Blossom up from his lap.

                                            "Here," he told Bright, "your turn. I got work to do. Come see me when you're done, I'm still curious about this secret meeting."

                                            > "What secret meeting?" Blossom asked, sitting up and stretching her forelegs above her head.

                                            > Bright looked away again and stammered a little: "I'll t-tell you, um, later. Okay?"

                                            > Luckily the mare wasn't too nosy and she just nodded. "Okay," she said and threw her legs around the stallion. "So, what are we doing today?"

                                            > Star Bright didn't have to think too long. "Let's do some reading, okay? If we finish the book, you can get a muffin after lunch, how's that?"

                                            > Blossom giggled and clapped her hooves together in excitement. "Okay!"

                                            > They left without a backwards glance, already talking about the children's book Star Bright was using as his teaching aid.

                                            > Anonymous didn't mind. The pair had a very complicated relationship and they could be excused if they occasionally forgot to say bye.

                                            > In the meantime, he had to get back into the saddle, so to speak, and finally get the documents done.

                                            > As he walked back to his office he wondered if Luna was doing okay on her mission to the far west. Hopefully she would find the second portal and things would go back to normal.

                                            > Sometimes, especially in the offices it was hard to believe everything had actually happened. The kidnapping, the escape, the changelings.

                                            > It almost felt like a dream.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > "Um, Anon? Could I ask for another favor?" Star Bright said almost before the door had even opened all the way. The stallion stood just outside Anon's office with a pleading sort of grin and his ears slightly splayed.

                                            "What is it now?"

                                            > As hard as he tried, Anon couldn't quite keep the irritation from his voice. These interruptions were starting to become annoying.

                                            > "There's, uh, two ponies who should be arriving at the main gate about now.. Um, could you fetch them and bring them here? They'll be asking for me."

                                            > It was a very unusual request and Anon just pierced the unicorn with a stare, waiting for some explanation.

                                            > "Pleeeease?" the stallion whined, giving Anon a guilty smile. "I swear you'll understand as soon as you bring them down here, okay?"

                                            "Are they gonna try and kidnap me again or something? Have you been working with the bad guys this whole while?"

                                            > The accusation made Bright take a step back and his muzzle dropped open. "What?! Anon, you know I'd never- I mean... No! Of course not! I'd do it myself, but I have to keep Blossom busy!"

                                            > His panic was at least worth a chuckle, so Anon stood up and walked around his desk.

                                            "Okay, okay, I'm not accusing you. It's just... secretive. Why do you want to keep this from Blossom this badly?"

                                            > The stallion blushed again, but this time he stood his ground. "It'll be better this way, trust me! Besides, she'll know as soon as you bring them down. It'll be good, I promise!"

                                            "Is this related to the secret meeting earlier?"

                                            > Star Bright couldn't quite meet Anon's gaze. "Actually, um, there- there was no meeting. I got a letter."

                                            "Letter from whom?"

                                            > "Please... I'll explain everything, just go fetch those ponies?"

                                            > Shaking his head a little to himself, Anon did as he was told. Bright stepped away, thanking him profusely, then hurried back to wherever he'd stashed the mare for the few minutes it took him to bring his request to Anon.

                                            > The good thing was that now Star Bright owed him a few favors. Anon didn't know yet what he'd do with them, but he had them. Maybe the unicorn could proof-read some of his papers, or do some of that tedious searching for precedents through ancient scrolls.

                                            > He shrugged a little to himself, hardly even noticing the two guard ponies who had been standing beside his office and smoothly fell in step with him.

                                            >...

                                            > Anon immediately recognized the two ponies. They looked quite lost, even while explaining the purpose of their visit to the gate guard.

                                            "Afternoon?" Anon greeted.

                                            > The pair almost jumped when they saw him, clearly unused to seeing humans. Arrivals from some quiet, out of the way place, Anon assumed. The stallion managed a faint smile. "Um, hi... we're looking for, um, Star Bright. He told us to come here."

                                            > As Anon closed the distance between them he felt as if they were vaguely familiar. The mare was pink, somewhat darker than Blossom, with a deep red mane and the stallion was very light gray with a blonde mane.

                                            "Name's Anonymous. I'll take you to Star Bright. Mind telling me why you need him for?"

                                            > The pair looked at one another and frowned slightly at the question. Anon couldn't help noticing the lines around their eyes and muzzles. They were in their forties, as best he could determine, but they both seemed to have had a life of hardship and sadness, which was quite unusual in Equestria.

                                            > Finally the mare spoke up: "A-Actually we don't quite know ourselves, Mr. Anonymous..."

                                            "Just Anon will do."

                                            > "Mr. Bright just told us to come here. His letter had a seal from the Princess."

                                            > The mystery deepened and now Anon was burning with questions. Just what kind of espionage or intrigue was the unicorn playing with?! Not to mention that Celestia was probably involved. Either her or Luna.

                                            > Anon was planning to have some words with his mare. Something told him that this had to do with him, especially if Star Bright was a part of the conspiracy. Celestia should have told him.

                                            "Well, follow me, then."

                                            > He took a step and it seemed to wake up the two ponies. The stallion gave a small gasp and hurried to catch up. "Oh! Where are my manners! I'm Stepper and this is my wife, Morning Lily."

                                            "Nice to meet you."

                                            > They walked in silence, Anon lost in thought about what this great mystery could be and why Star Bright was involved, and his two guests were probably a little intimidated by his being human or the Canterlot castle, or both.

                                            > At long last they came back to his office, where Anon remembered that Star Bright hadn't told him where to bring the guests.

                                            "This way. Maybe he's in the lounge."

                                            > They gave a nod and followed through another set of doors. The guess was good and both Star Bright and Blossom were sitting on the couch.

                                            > The unicorn kept glancing around and his eyes widened when he saw the newcomers.

                                            > "Y-You're here!" he said.

                                            > Blossom followed his gaze and inspected the new ponies with a casual interest.

                                            > Still wondering what this was all about, Anon stepped into the room and introduced them.

                                            "Anyway, these are Morning Lily and Stepper. Now mind telling me-"

                                            > He noticed that the couple had stopped in the doorway and were simply staring at Blossom. The stallion's muzzle hung open and the mare was blinking in shock.

                                            > It took her a few tries to get voice working. "L-L-Lilly?" she whined, taking a half-step forward.

                                            > When he saw her expression, Bright scooched away from Blossom and watched the old mare carefully, unsure what she would do.

                                            "What?" Anon asked, totally dumbfounded.

                                            > Another step forward and the mare said again, her voice breaking: "Lilly Blossom?"

                                            > This caused the younger mare's breath to catch and her ears instantly flattened. She seemed to sway a little in shock, then opened her mouth. "M-Mom?"

                                            > There was a pink blur beside Anon and an instant later the old mare was on the couch, holding on to Blossom as if she would never let her go. Already she was bawling her eyes out even as she peppered the younger mare with little kisses.

                                            > "I'm *so* sorry sweetie! We've looked all over, b-but- I'm sorry! My sweet, beautiful filly..."

                                            > Her words devolved into wordless sobs again.

                                            > Anon glanced back at the stallion, who seemed to be a little slower at getting over his surprise. Seeing his wife embracing Blossom woke him up, though, and he hurried forward to grab both of them in his hooves.

                                            > Anon caught his gaze. Stepper wasn't crying, but his eyes were filled with tears threatening to spill over.

                                            > "Mom-" Blossom said, but it was choked off. "Mom... I- I remember you! And D-Dad!"

                                            > This was the last drop and the stallion began weeping softly as well. Even Anon felt his throat constrict and his eyes get a little bit moist. Star Bright rubbed a fetlock against his muzzle and then gave the man a faint smile.

                                            "How did you-" Anon began, but instead of finishing the question just spread his arms.

                                            > "The Princess," Bright explained. "She told me what to look for in the old records and I- I found them. They live in Las Pegasus now, but they were originally from Baltimare. Missing daughter, their names, colors. It all matched up, so I wrote and asked them to come here."

                                            "Well, you should've told me."

                                            > The unicorn just grinned and shrugged, before turning back to the happy reunion.

                                            > Blossom and her parents still weren't able to speak, so they just resorted to holding on to each other and nuzzling.

                                            "I'll go make us all a coffee," Anon proposed.

                                            > He needed to get out of the room before his eyes started to leak as well. Finding Blossom's actual parents was a stroke of incredible luck. It was what those sappy dramas were made of and it hit right in the feelings.

                                            > As he gratefully ducked into the small employee kitchen he heard Morning Lily murmuring something to Blossom. It sounded heartfelt.

                                            >...

                                            > The cups for the guest ponies were cooling, unheeded, on the coffee table while Anon and Bright nursed their own beverages. The stallion had left the couch to allow the family reunion more comfort and was sitting on his haunches on the rug, next to Anon's stool.

                                            > It wasn't the most comfortable seat, but the view was worth it.

                                            > Blossom had simply pushed her face in her mother's chestfluff and was gripping one of her forelegs tightly against her own belly. Every now and then she sniffled.

                                            > Morning Lilly, on the other hand, kept patting her daughter as if reassuring herself she was there. Whenever Blossom made any kind of noise, Morning Lilly gave her ears a nuzzle. It looked as if it would go on for hours yet.

                                            > The father, still completely overwhelmed, at least acknowledged the other people in the room, even if his hoof never budged from where it was lightly draped across Blossom's back. He cleared his throat.

                                            > "I- uh, I really don't know how to thank you for this. I- We've-" his voice broke and he coughed again to clear the constriction in his throat. "We've given up hope."

                                            > "Actually it was Princess Celestia and Anonymous here who found Blossom out in the country. Then the Princess told me to look for families who've returned from Griffinstone in the past ten years or so."

                                            > The stallion gave Anon a grateful nod, but his ears folded down at the memory. "We didn't want to come back. We thought our- little Lilly was still there, but the griffins just... deported us."

                                            "Why would they deport you without your daughter?"

                                            > Stepper closed his eyes and hung his head. He didn't seem able to speak, so Anon raised up his hands in a conciliatory gesture.

                                            "Don't worry about that now. My curiosity can wait."

                                            > Anon thought of something else and smiled.

                                            "So it's Lilly Blossom, then? Not just Blossom. Seems she didn't even remember her whole name."

                                            > The father shook his head and patted his daughter. "No wonder. She was taken from us when she was so little..."

                                            > The words made Morning Lilly shudder and let out a breath. She sounded like she was on the verge of tears again when she spoke up: "We never should have let them take you, my heart. W-We tried to stop them, b-but we couldn't. We should have tried harder! I'm sorry!"

                                            > At long last Blossom moved and pulled herself away from her mother's chest. She blinked the tears away as she tried to see Morning Lilly.

                                            > "It's okay, Mom," the young mare said. "I'm safe now. I forgive you."

                                            > It was a very mature thing to do and it brought a tear of pride to Anon's eyes. He had to look at the painting on the wall above the couch to bring his emotions under control once more.

                                            > Morning Lilly caught his gaze and smiled, even through her tears. "I really don't know how we can thank you, o-or the Princess. Anything-"

                                            > She sighed and her ears lowered. "Anything at all, but it's not enough. You gave me..."

                                            > The words were enough to make her sniffle again, but luckily Stepper knew what his wife was about to say and finished her sentence in a husky voice: "You gave us our filly back, Anon."

                                            > The man just shook his head and put a hand on Star Bright's head.

                                            "Really, it was pure luck we found her out in the wilderness. It was actually Bright here who spent a lot of time with Blossom and helped her with... well, with civilization."

                                            > Both parents stared at the unicorn, who began to squirm and stutter: "It- um, it was nothing, r-really. I l-like Blossom and it was a p-pleasure!"

                                            > The silence was broken when Blossom said happily: "He's my coltfriend!"

                                            > This was so unexpected that both her parents began chuckling, followed shortly by Star Bright, even if the unicorn's laugh was a little uncertain.

                                            > "Anyway," Star Bright said, eager to change the subject. "The Princess has set aside rooms for you. Well, actually, it's Princess Cadence's suite, but she said you can have it as long as you stay here."

                                            > Suddenly Anon realized this would mean that Blossom would soon be going away. Of course it was a good thing that she was going back to her family, to the ponies who loved her, but...

                                            > He'd miss her.

                                            > The young mare had incredible vitality and joy, despite her tragic past. He'd miss her smile.

                                            > It was probably even worse for Star Bright. Anon wondered if he'd continue 'dating' Blossom.

                                            > Despite that, this was still the right thing to do. Anon was proud of his unicorn friend for seeing it through. Were he selfish for Blossom's attention, he might have simply said he hadn't found anything about her parents in the records.

                                            > Still, this was Equestria. Love tended to find a way. He was a living proof of that, after all. Doubtless Star Bright and Blossom would be okay.

                                            > Morning Lily and Stepper were now talking with Blossom, but it was too low for Anon to overhear. It looked like a private discussion, so that was just as well. He stood up.

                                            "Come on, Bright. Let's give them a few minutes. Maybe we could walk down to the muffin store and get a snack for everyone?"

                                            > He'd been watching Blossom closely and her ear flicked at the mention of muffins, but the young mare kept her attention firmly on her mother. She smiled and nodded at whatever Morning Lily was saying.

                                            > "That's- actually a nice idea," Star Bright commented and stood.

                                            > Anon paused in the doorway just long enough to whisper to a guard.

                                            "Make sure they're okay. If they want some privacy, you can take them to Blossom's room."

                                            > Glory Tail nodded and saluted. Anon couldn't help noticing just how shiny the pegasus' eyes were. It seems himself and Bright weren't the only people caught up by the emotional scene.

                                            > Maybe sometimes there were happy endings...


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Some hours later Anonymous and Star Bright were having a quick snack before dinner on the small table in Cadence's suite, while Blossom was still being fussed over by her parents.

                                            > The fussing has been going on for hours already and it didn't seem likely to stop. Not that the young mare was complaining, though. On the contrary, Blossom seemed to be positively basking in all the attention and the nuzzling and licking.

                                            > At some points Bright seemed nearly jealous with the way he stared.

                                            > Eventually the father, Stepper, extricated himself and joined the other two by the table. Anon pushed a plate of lettuce and tomato sandwiches towards the stallion, who, after a moment's thought, took one and swallowed it whole.

                                            > "Thanks, I needed that. We, um, the missus and me didn't stop for lunch when we came to Canterlot. The letter said it was important..."

                                            "Don't worry, dinner will be soon and I'm sure the Princess will insist you dine with us."

                                            > Nodding his thanks, the pony grinned. "I guess it's everypony's dream to have dinner with the Princess, but even that seems... um, lackluster."

                                            > He realized suddenly with whom he was speaking and Stepper's ears lowered. "Um, no offense, of course."

                                            > Anon just chuckled and patted the stallion on the back by way of reassurance.

                                            "Don't worry about it. Getting Blossom back trumps everything else today, I think."

                                            > The mention of the name made Stepper look back at the couch and the nervous grin was replaced with a happy one. "Yeah. I still almost can't believe it, even though I can see and smell and touch her."

                                            > There was a moment of silence and then Stepper opened his mouth.

                                            > By his expression it wasn't hard to guess what he would say for the umpteenth time, so Anon raised his hand to forestall him.

                                            "It's fine, it's fine," he hurried to reassure the father. "Blossom has been a pleasure to have around. Truthfully, I'll be a bit sad when you take her away."

                                            > This gave Stepper pause and his eyes darted to Star Bright, no doubt wondering just what was the unicorn's relationship with his daughter. The gaze made Bright blush and look away.

                                            > It still wasn't the right time for this particular discussion, so Anon picked the first other topic which came to mind, even if it wasn't the greatest choice.

                                            "So, Mr. Stepper. I'm curious about your story and how- uh..."

                                            > The stallion understood and his ears flattened, but he took a deep breath and steeled his resolve. "How we became separated?" he finished Anon's question.

                                            "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

                                            > Anon couldn't help noticing that Morning Lily was looking over with an unreadable expression. Perhaps she gave her husband some kind of signal, like an imperceptible nod, because the stallion let his breath out and said: "I guess it has to come out sooner or later... Not like it's a big secret or anything."

                                            > It took Stepper almost a minute to prepare himself and neither Anon nor Bright dared interrupt. At length the stallion began to speak.

                                            > "I guess it was about fifteen years ago now," he explained, "when me and the missus decided to move to Griffinstone. We were young and foalish and so on. You know."

                                            > Anon nodded, recognizing that faint trace of wistfulness and wanderlust common to many young people on Earth as well.

                                            > Stepper flashed him a faint smile before going on. "Well, the relations had just gotten better, y'see. It looked like Griffinstone and Equestria would become friends and Lily and me wanted to be a part of it. We were living in Baltimare at that time so it wasn't all that far."

                                            > Suddenly Stepper looked at Blossom, still clasped in her mother's hooves, and smiled hugely. "That little blessing came very shortly after. We couldn't be happier and even our griffin neighbors said she was the most precious thing ever."

                                            > Even Morning Lily was smiling at that part of the story. She gave her husband a nod to encourage him and shifted the young mare a little higher so that Blossom would also hear the story.

                                            "I can imagine," Anon commented. "Even with everything that's happened, she's full of joy."

                                            > Star Bright nodded enthusiastically but didn't say anything, riveted on the story of his - hopefully still after that day - fillyfriend.

                                            > "Well, we got a grant from Canterlot and the griffins were kind enough to sell us a farm. Not a particularly good one, mind, but it was some land and that's all we earth ponies need, really. I guess I thought everything would turn out alright."

                                            > A darker bit of the story was coming, as evidenced by Stepper's ears which were rapidly wilting, and a slight twist to his mouth. "Well, I guess the relations soured, or something, because suddenly there was a landlord. We were working for somepony other than ourselves..."

                                            > That didn't sound legal and Anon opened his mouth to say so, but Stepper guessed his intention and forestalled him.

                                            > "Yeah, yeah, I know what you're about to say, but it was kinda hard to argue when a bunch of armed griffins showed up at our form and threatened my family. We weren't allowed to leave and they handled all our mail, of course. There was no calling for help."

                                            > At this point Morning Lily jumped in and added: "We were hoping somepony back home would notice and send help, but... neither Stepper nor myself really had any family left in Equestria. I guess that was part of the reason why it wasn't so hard to just up and leave."

                                            "Makes sense."

                                            > The stallion swallowed and glanced over at the two mares, who were clinging to each other in apprehension. Lily put her muzzle to Blossom's ear and murmured something, which helped relax her daughter.

                                            > Swallowing, the stallion continued, but his voice was less certain and slightly shaky. "Well, it went on for years and- well, they never did anything bad to us, there was just the threat. And the 'rent', as they called it, wasn't too bad. I... guess we kinda gave up trying to escape, especially with a young filly."

                                            > Stepper seemed ashamed of that fact and Anon reached over to lay a hand on his withers.

                                            "Perfectly reasonable," he assured him. "Of course you wouldn't risk Blossom."

                                            > That earned him a grateful smile, even if it was short-lived. "Thanks. Anyway, I dunno what changed suddenly, but the griffins wanted us out. I think somepony told me that peace was declared and the fighting was over. I hadn't even known there was a war."

                                            > Morning Lily let out a breath she had been holding and clasped her daughter more closely. By her flattened ears and darting glances, Anon figured the crux of the story was approaching. He nudged the cup of apple juice closer to Stepper to give the stallion a breather.

                                            > He drank it greedily, then lowered his gaze to the table. "T-The... landlord-" the pony began, shuddering a little at the memory. "Nasty bird. I wanted to pound him into the pavement so many times, but there were always guards."

                                            > Another breath and a glance at Blossom as the father steeled himself to continue. "He- he *took* Blossom. S-Said we owed him some 'rent'."

                                            > The words came out in a kind of a growl and the table creaked a little as Stepper gripped it with his powerful forelegs. "I tried to fight them... b-but it wasn't enough."

                                            > Morning Lily clicked her tongue in what could almost be an annoyance, were it not for the love in her eyes. "Honey," she said, with the air of someone who'd explained this over and over. "They knocked you down and stuck a spear in you! There were too many and they had weapons!"

                                            > Stepper lowered his ears, but didn't look at his wife. He drew another slow breath and simply went on. "Well, once I came to, we were... free, I guess you could call it. In the wooded mountains East of Griffinstone. Blossom was gone."

                                            > He looked like he was about to weep again, but the young mare struggled free from her mother's grasp and trotted over to poke her muzzle against her father's side in an urgent nuzzle. "I'm here now, Dad. It's okay."

                                            > The stallion put one foreleg around his daughter and it didn't look like he would say anything more.

                                            > Anon still had some questions, but the story was quite an ordeal on the ponies so he kept his mouth shut. Luckily, Morning Lily provided at least some kind of a conclusion.

                                            > "We searched forever," she said quietly, looking at Blossom. "They turned us away from any settlements and we couldn't swim the Celestia sea. For a while we lived on the beach, hoping some ship or boat would come by..."

                                            > The mare shook her head. "I guess despite the peace, there was little trade. Not that we would have gone. Not without our little Blossom!"

                                            "How were you rescued?"

                                            > "Princess Luna," Stepper said. "When she was finally back, we saw her in our nightmares one night. She figured out where we were and sent somepony to get us."

                                            "She didn't help you look for Blossom?"

                                            > Morning Lily nodded urgently. "The Princess did everything she could! B-But she said she couldn't find B-Blossom's dreams..."

                                            > At this point, the young mare added: "I g-guess I never really dreamed in the m-mine."

                                            > Anonymous opened his mouth for another question, but seeing the three stricken muzzles - four, if he counted Star Bright - he changed his mind. He reached over to pat Blossom's mane and tickle her ear. Their spirits needed picking up and there was only one thing he could think to say.

                                            "Well, you're all okay now and I think Princess Celestia has a cake in the works for all three of you."

                                            > This immediately brought a smile to Blossom's muzzle and, seeing her joy, Morning Lily and Stepper weren't far behind. The shadow of the past receded, though that faint, haunted sadness remained in the older ponies' faces.

                                            > It might take some time for that to go away completely, if it ever would, Anon guessed.

                                            > He stood up to lead them to the private dining room, but the old mare had one more thing to say to Blossom. "Sweetie?" she called, walking from the sofa to put her hooves around the young mare and her father both. "W-We thought you were dead. Um, we c-convinced ourselves. It was too hard to think of you w-with... them. I'm sorry..."

                                            > Her eyes were already filling up with tears, and Blossom quickly gave her mother a nuzzle. "It's okay, Mom. I'm just glad you're here now..."

                                            > "You three go ahead, I'd like to speak with Star Bright for a minute," Stepper said. The two mares looked at him, then at the young unicorn, before shrugging and walking off. They were so alike in their expression at that moment that Anon was thoroughly convinced they really were mother and daughter.

                                            > He saw from the corner of his eye that one of the two guards peeled away to escort them, while the other stayed behind to keep an eye on the rest.

                                            "If you don't mind, I'd like to hear this as well."

                                            > He didn't say it out loud, but he was worried Stepper might be a tad overprotective after having found his daughter again and he didn't want Star Bright to get hurt or something.

                                            > The unicorn looked more than a little bit worried of that possibility, judging by his flat ears and wide eyes. He had apparently forgotten that his magic could easily subdue the older stallion if he became a danger.

                                            > Anon sat back down and looked expectantly at Stepper.

                                            > "So... You took care of my little Lily, I hear?"

                                            > Bright swallowed, but nodded anyway. "Y-Yes, sir."

                                            > The silence stretched as the old stallion was apparently waiting for something and the younger was entirely oblivious, expecting nothing less than swift judgement.

                                            > At last Stepper rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh. "Well?"

                                            > "Um... well, what?"

                                            > Anon spotted a slight quirk to Stepper's mouth and relaxed. The old pony was just teasing the younger one. There probably wouldn't be an altercation.

                                            > "Colt, in my day it was customary to ask the young mare's father before courting her."

                                            > This statement nearly made Bright swallow his tongue and he paled from his customary gray to nearly white. "W-What? I wasn't- I didn't mean to- I'd never... w-with your daughter, s-sir!"

                                            > Stepper waved it all away and smiled openly. "Young colt, I've seen the way you look at Lily Blossom. I ought to- it's the same way I used to look at her mother. Still do, in fact."

                                            > Of course the unicorn didn't have a counter and didn't know what to say, but some of his color came back in the form of a deep, pink blush.

                                            > "While she is a tiny bit young," Stepper went on, "I think the things she's seen make up for it. Colt, all I need you to promise me is that you won't break her heart, deal?"

                                            > Finally Star Bright's tongue seemed to untie and he nodded so hard he nearly dislocated his neck. "I s-swear! Promise! I wouldn't... I l-lo- I really like Blossom!"

                                            > "Good enough. Just so long as we understand each other," Stepper conclude and stood up. "Might be hard when we take her home to Las Pegasus, but I don't doubt you'll find a way. Young love usually does."

                                            > Anon didn't comment on how this fact was not universally true. On Earth, young love often didn't find a way, resulting in some heartbreak on both sides. Perhaps it was different in Equestria, though.

                                            "Well, good that's all settled. Now let's go meet the Princess and have some lunch."

                                            > Star Bright swayed a little on his hooves from the upheaval he'd just gone through, but at the same time it looked as if a heavy load had been lifted from the colt. He hung back while Stepper left the room and whispered to Anon: "I already thought about it. There's a university in Las Pegasus, I'll ask for a transfer. They also have an observatory. I mean, it's not like the one here. It's not even as good as the one in Baltimare, but hey- that just means they need me more!"

                                            > Anon frowned a little at the implication. His friend would follow his girlfriend across Equestria, which would mean he'd rarely get to see him in the future, but the unicorn's happiness was worth it.

                                            "You'd do that for Blossom?" he asked.

                                            > "Mhm!" Bright nodded. "Anon, I really like that mare. I'd go anywhere!"

                                            > In lieu of a response, Anon just reached down and tousled the young unicorn's mane, before taking the lead and catching up to Stepper, who didn't know which way to go.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Luna made sure to fly slowly enough so that she and her escort of pegasi guards didn't exhaust themselves. She knew some of what to expect and needed them in fighting shape at the end of their search.

                                            > She glanced back to make sure her magic still held and smiled in satisfaction when she spotted a faint, translucent outline around each of them.

                                            > Her gaze lingered a few seconds more, marking the graceful, yet powerful curves on each of them.

                                            > Each of those stallions was hoof-picked by her from the whole of Equestria. The sergeant, for example, came all the way from the Crystal Empire where he'd been Shining's Armor top graduate a year prior.

                                            > True, she had Eli, but the Princess was of the opinion that it couldn't hurt to look, and it certainly didn't hurt that what she saw was good-looking.

                                            > Since guards were a necessary evil in Canterlot, if only to keep up appearances, then they might as well be pleasant appearances.

                                            > Besides, she'd endured enough of Celestia's little jokes about her human lover to have earned this small indulgence. It wasn't as if she'd ever cheat on Eli.

                                            > The eight she'd picked for this mission were her finest and fastest. Their destination, their target, was far away, so they were all pegasi. They didn't need unicorns, not when she was there.

                                            > Once again she rechecked the magical shields around them.

                                            > The barriers she'd created would let slow things pass through, but repel anything else, including magic. It wouldn't do much good against traditional weapons or even arrows, but here was where human weaponry actually helped her.

                                            > The Earth movies she'd watched with Eli had been most useful, after all. A few times her older sister Celestia had teased her about them, but now they were a source of inspiration.

                                            > Perhaps she would not encounter humans today, just like she hadn't found them yesterday, or the day before that, but it couldn't hurt to be prepared.

                                            > The unexplored forests to the East were quite vast and incredibly dense. They could easily be hiding an ambush.

                                            > Most importantly, the forests were completely uncharted. Well, officially, at least. Smoke Puff had said Silvermane and his human masters travelled this way sometimes to...

                                            > She didn't allow herself to think 'trade slaves', but the anger from the thought was still there. Her mouth tightened and her speed increased unconsciously, even as Luna wrenched her mind away.

                                            > Strange how ponies had never ventured this way in the thousands of years of their civilization, the mare mused. Then again, looking down, the jungle looked pretty impenetrable and unforgiving. A kind of place that put Everfree to shame.

                                            > Yet her reports said that there was a settlement. Well, 'settlement' was a strong word. Spring Morning, whatever her changeling name was, had described it as a patch of cleared forest with semi-permanent tents.

                                            > There was supposedly one wooden building, but nothing more substantial. She had even provided the direction and distance, after some... well, 'prompting'.

                                            > Luna closed her eyes and let her senses expand all the way to the horizon. She was searching for a specific feeling, a point of strong magical energy.

                                            > She knew what to look for because she'd taken a detour around the Earth portal to see how it felt. This second one had to be very much like the first, Luna reasoned.

                                            > Nothing.

                                            > Perhaps she was still too far. She opened her eyes and looked around. There was no ocean to see anymore. The place where this unexplored continent touched Equestria was a narrow strip of land, caught between two masses of water like in a vice, but it had since expanded and pushed the seas away.

                                            > There was nothing but forest as far as the eye could see before her, and an odd glimmer to her South. Perhaps a desert, or something stranger still. Towards North she could see a brighter patch of snow jutting up from the forest.

                                            > It looked just like the mountains of the Frozen North, the very same against which the Crystal Empire was nestled. Luna guess that that very mountain range continued all this way, perhaps even forming a ring around the whole planet.

                                            > Luna knew there was a sea passage to the North Pole up from the Celestial Sea, as a heroic explorer had proved nearly a century back. She had to think back to her hasty lessons of recent history with Celestia to come up with a name.

                                            > Muddy Road, yes. An earth pony with a crew of fifteen sailors, including a unicorn who could decisively prove that they'd reached the exact pole by measuring the magical leylines.

                                            > The Princess shook her head in annoyance. She ought to be paying more attention to where they were flying, and how fast, rather than reminiscing about strange tidbits of lore.

                                            > She slowed and let her escort catch up. There were some things pegasi were better at even than alicorns.

                                            "Sergeant, how far?" she asked.

                                            > Luna asked the same question at least four times each day, marking off the distance on her internal map.

                                            > "Five and a half days normal flight, ma'am," the colt replied. His voice was absolutely certain. She'd tasked him and another of his subordinates of keeping a close track.

                                            > The distance was five and a half, but they'd covered it in a little under four days. Such was the navigational skill of her officers that they could work out their relative speed and translate it into something usable.

                                            > She beamed at the colt with pride and almost giggled when her smile made him blush. Young, to have achieved that post, but then again all the ponies around her were young.

                                            > Mere infants, when compared to Celestia and herself.

                                            "Thank you... Moon Glow," she said, foregoing the title just to see how much she could fluster him.

                                            > His unusual name was perhaps as much a reason she'd demanded for his transfer to Canterlot as was his military skill. Her eyes lingered on that flank a little longer and Luna changed her mind. That crystal-sparkling blue-violet coat was the real reason, actually.

                                            > Spring Morning, the changeling, had given an approximation of five days' pegasus flight from the borders of Equestria to the portal, but the mare hadn't been entirely sure.

                                            > Changelings flew differently than ponies, so it had to be taken with a grain of salt in either case.

                                            > She had obviously underestimated, but that was okay. The worse possibility was that Luna had missed the direction, which would mean backtracking.

                                            > That was the reason she tried to sense the portal to either side as much as in front. If she covered a wide enough swath, being slightly off course wouldn't matter.

                                            "Let's keep going. Don't push yourselves and yell if you get too tired. We might have a battle on our hooves before the end of the day."

                                            > The sergeant gave a strong flap with his wings to push himsel higher and used the momentum to give her a smart wing salute, before continuing the precise, even pace of his flight.

                                            > Luna focused inward once more. She tried to expand her area of awareness, even though it lost precision. The portal was powerful enough that she should be able to-

                                            "There!"

                                            > She angled herself into a new direction and sped up. A rush of adrenaline flushed away any traces of fatigue she might have felt, even after days of constant flying and nights of restless sleep.

                                            > Her guard adjusted their heading and matched her wing beats easily, eyes already scanning into the distance.

                                            > There was nothing to see just yet, not until they got a little closer, but Luna was certain. Now that she'd felt it, the place shone like a beacon in her mind.

                                            "One hour, sergeant," she called behind her, muzzle already splitting into an eager grin. "We land and rest at thirty minutes, then we fly fast. We show them what the Night Guard can do!"

                                            > A cheer erupted from eight throats, a cry of boasting and anger. The humans wouldn't know what hit them.

                                            >...

                                            > After they had rested, and ate, and drank their fill, Luna gathered her troop around her to explain her plan. She had gone over it, at least in general terms, with the sergeant, but now it was time to enact it.

                                            "Good. Gather up, everypony," she called to them.

                                            > They clustered together in front of her in a loose semicircle, so she could see every muzzle. Despite all her precautions, there was a real possibility that some of them might not make it back.

                                            > Luna wanted to see their faces, burn them into her memory. She would have to live with what happened and she was not about to shirk her duty.

                                            > There was a reason she was called the 'Warrior Princess' and today was the day to re-affirm that title.

                                            "You might have noticed there was a magical bubble around each of you while we flew. There is a reason for that."

                                            > Not one of them had questioned, of course, but the eyes looking back at her were curious. In some of them, there was grim determination.

                                            "This is because the humans have weapons you haven't seen before. Their guns can shoot small pellets of metal with tremendous speed and accuracy. I did not want to take any chances."

                                            > There could have been forward scouts or a guard even before she felt the portal. Luna didn't think so, based on Spring Morning's description of how lazy these criminals were, but it paid to be careful.

                                            > Not one among her guard batted an eyebrow or flicked a tail at this news. She couldn't help but smile with pride.

                                            "There may be worse things - weapons which explode or spout flame. I will renew your shields before we attack, but come seek me out if they weaken," she instructed, then glanced at the officer. "Sergeant?"

                                            > He cleared his throat. They'd agreed that this part would be best explained by him, since Luna was rather rusty at hoof-to-hoof fighting. She'd been relying on her magic her whole life.

                                            > "Alright, stallions," the brisk, no-nonsense voice rang out. "When we engage the enemy, fly at them and fly fast. Hooves forward, the sooner you put them out of action, the safer for us all."

                                            > He pointed a hoof around the semi-circle. "You and you, you're with Corporal Heat Lightning. Your job is to take out solitaries or pairs." Then he picked out a glossy, black colt. "Velvet, you're with me. We watch the Princess' back!"

                                            > The chosen ponies saluted, but Moon Glow wasn't done yet. "The remaining three will be flying perimeter. Pick off any stragglers but don't expose yourself. Keep a watch on any of them fleeing into the forest or reinforcements coming out of it. We don't want any surprises!"

                                            > There were more salutes all around and the sergeant grunted in approval. "Good. Evasive action as we fly in. The Princess will protect us against guns and explosions, but any hit we evade makes it easier for her."

                                            > This time it was Luna who nodded her agreement. Each hit that impacted their shields would leech away a tiny bit of their magic. She was confident it wouldn't be a problem, but she was no Shining Armor.

                                            "Remember," she broke in, "there may be captives, both humans and ponies. Furthermore, there may be ponies helping the humans, so use your discretion. If you aren't sure, knock them out or point them out to me and I will stun them. We can apologize later."

                                            > Once more the squad saluted, wingtips touching foreheads in perfect unison.

                                            "We fly straight for the portal. We must prevent any of them from going through and fetching help. That will be my job."

                                            > She would have to seal the portal off somehow, or raise some kind of a barrier to prevent both fleeing humans and reinforcements. It would have to be creative, though, since there were likely unicorns with the enemy.

                                            > One particular bit of ancient magic came to mind and the Princess shuddered just thinking about it. It was dangerous, but it should do the trick. Most importantly, it wouldn't need her constant concentration.

                                            "We will fly low and fly fast. Weave through treetops. Make no noise. I don't want them to know we are upon them until it is too late, understand?"

                                            > There was a resounding "Yes, ma'am!"

                                            > She looked over at Moon Glow to see if he had anything to add. The sergeant barked an order: "Ateeeen- shun! Check your equipment! Two magical-dampening nets, each. Two bolas, each. Hoofguards. Armor. Helmet."

                                            > There was a clattering as each guard felt around their person for the mentioned items. A few of them pulled their helmets off and inspected them.

                                            > Heat Lightning, Moon Glow's second in command, watched the proceedings and when he was happy with the results he turned to face the sergeant. "All ready, sir!"

                                            > Moon Glow turned and gave Luna a nod.

                                            "Then let's go!"

                                            > She crouched and jumped, bringing her wings down in a swift, strong first flap like a thunderclap. She rose quickly to just below treetops and turned to zone in directly at the portal.

                                            > There was near absolute silence behind her as the rest of the pegasi flew up and established a formation behind her. A wedge with her in the head.

                                            > Luna knew they would hold rank precisely until battle was joined. She turned her next wing flap backwards and pushed ahead, heart pumping with the thrill.

                                            > Sometimes it was a damned shame there were no wars in today's Equestria. She hadn't realized how much she missed this rush, this contest of wits and strength and agility.

                                            > It really made her feel alive and it took an effort not to yell out her battle-cry.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > It began according to plan, but it quickly became improvisation as all military engagements tend to do. Luna swept past the first row of tents, grinning as the humans scattered.

                                            > Some of them had guns, but her appearance was so fast and unexpected they didn't think to use them at first.

                                            > Good thing she'd practiced her Nightmare Moon illusion for that misplaced Nightmare Night prank. It served her well to strike fear into the hearts of these mortals and, more importantly, into the few unicorns she spotted moving freely about.

                                            > Her wings were black velvet and her mane was a window into a starry sky. Her eyes were vertical slits and her teeth pointed, like that of a monster. Even her horn looked longer and sharper.

                                            > She glanced back to make sure her troop were still on her tail, then swooped around the wooden building and flew straight for the glimmering portal in a clearing.

                                            > Several humans were already running for it, but it was a trivial matter to pick them up in her magic and toss them aside. If they weren't knocked out by the landing, they wisely stayed down.

                                            > More were on their way and a few were already near, fiddling with their guns as she considered what to do next.

                                            > She looked back and barked orders:

                                            "Go! Don't let them use their guns!"

                                            > She pulled sharply up and the pegasi shot forward and split up. They had their jobs.

                                            > The portal. A simple shield would not do, especially since these humans had ponies on their sides. She saw one of the unicorns running toward her.

                                            > It would have to be her original idea, however distasteful. There was no real time for anything fancy, so Luna focused her horn on the ground around the portal. This was a little trick she'd picked up when they were fighting Sombra.

                                            > Black crystals shot up from the ground around the opening, higher than a man could jump. They crackled with dark energy and splintered into sharp points. No creature would be stupid enough to approach that.

                                            > It would have to be cleaned up later, but it was the fastest she could do in a pinch and it didn't need concentration to maintain. The black power within them had a life of its own. It would spread if unchecked and plunge this part of the world into corruption and mayhem.

                                            > Most importantly, it would serve her for a while.

                                            > There was a soft ping and she looked in that direction. The air rippled as more and more bits of metal - bullets, they were called - ricochetted off her shield.

                                            > That was good. Most of the soldiers were focusing on the biggest threat, which was clearly her, while the pegasi flew around the clearing, laying waste to the armed humans and ponies on their side.

                                            > She watched as a group of three unshaven men whirled to face the charge. Corporal Heat Lightning and his wing pony expertly flipped in the air, hind hooves bent like a coiled spring. They bucked and Luna thought she could hear the low thump of hooves on chests.

                                            > Two fewer defenders and the third one couldn't keep his grip on the weapon as it was kicked out of his hands. He went scurrying after it, but the piece of metal was twisted beyond usability.

                                            > She glanced the other way and saw one of her guards deftly evade a unicorn's spell and drop a net over the shocked pony. He pivoted practically on his tail and his hoof slammed against the unicorn's head.

                                            > More bullets impacted her shield and were deflected. It really was no effort at all and Luna slowly descended to land before the main group of soldiers.

                                            > She would show them what it meant to go against an alicorn!

                                            > One of the men tossed a small metal ball at her and shouted: "Grenade!"

                                            > The soldiers threw themselves down and she frowned at the thing. It was a bad idea to let it touch her, so she smacked it away with levitation, but it landed nearby and rolled to a stop. Just in case she thickened the magical barrier around herself.

                                            > Its concussive force nearly pushed her off her hooves and for a few moments all she could see was white. The world rang after the explosion and Luna took an involuntary step backwards, covering her muzzle with a wing.

                                            > She blinked her eyes, trying to bring two images back into alignment. She shook her head to get rid of the ringing in her ears.

                                            > There was a cheer from the humans, but she took a step forward and it died out.

                                            > Had the 'grenade' been a hoofstep closer, she might have been knocked down, perhaps even lost consciousness. It was a piece of luck and Luna was a little shaken.

                                            > Perhaps a touch more respect had been warranted.

                                            > Despite that, she bared her illusory fangs and snarled at the men. She kept a close watch for any more of these grenades lobbed her way.

                                            > The humans lost heart and turned to run. The front rank collided with the people in the back and fought to get out of her way.

                                            > It was time to finish the battle. Her enemy was on the run and their best weapons could not touch her. Luna lowered her horn and drew more magic into herself.

                                            > 'Try not to kill.' That had been her Sister's advice. It wasn't out of compassion for these brigands, but rather out of concern for her. Killing hurt the heart. It was to be avoided.

                                            > That was where magic provided much greater finesse than these crude human weapons. A blast shot from her horn and Luna swept it across the fleeing backs of men.

                                            > Where the blue beam touched a human, said human fell to the ground, stunned. They would sleep firmly, unable to wake, until at least sunset.

                                            > The sergeant landed before Luna, a fierce little grin on his muzzle. "They are on the run, Princess," he reported. "Some of them run for the woods."

                                            > Luna shook her head.

                                            "We must catch them. They will not survive alone in this forest. Have your ponies keep track of them from the air. They should stay out of reach of their guns."

                                            > She glanced back at the portal, but it was completely impenetrable. Even the best unicorns in Equestria couldn't get through that barrier. She shuddered a little at the dark, thorny feel of the magic coursing through those stones.

                                            > What a twisted genius was Sombra.

                                            "First, finish the search of the tents and the house. We do not want any surprises. If you find prisoners, bring them to this clearing."

                                            > Black Velvet few in from the side, muzzle twisted into a grimace. "Princess! Sergeant! Casualties!" he reported.

                                            > Luna's heart dropped and she remembered the other side of war.

                                            "Dead?" she asked, keeping her voice steady. There would be time to mourn later.

                                            > Velvet shook his head and it was as if a large stone rolled away from Luna's heart. "No, but... you might want to see for yourself."

                                            > She glanced around the clearing, but there was little else for her to do. A few earth ponies were dodging between the tents, trying to evade capture by her two of her pegasi guard, which was clearly a fruitless endeavour.

                                            > There were no bipedal creatures standing. Her attack had been so sudden that most of them had no chance to fight.

                                            > A few of them were kneeling with their hands on their heads under the watchful gaze of Heat Lightning.

                                            > The rest, she thought, had run into the woods, but there were winged shapes up above tracking their every move.

                                            "Very well. Let's go. Moon Glow, keep an eye on things."

                                            > The inside of the cabin was dark and gloomy. The small window didn't let in enough light. Not to mention that it stank of unwashed cloth, alcohol and sweat.

                                            > At first the scene made very little sense. One of her guards, Rain Drop, was standing in the middle of the room, a crude wooden spear in his hooves aimed at a cowering human.

                                            > She was about to ask where the weapon had come from, but she spotted a couple more leaning against the wall near the door. Beside the human was an unconscious unicorn with blood on his head. He was covered with the dampening net despite that.

                                            > In fact, red droplets liberally spattered the floor and Luna quickly identified the source. Rain Drop had a bandage around a foreleg, the fabric already pink.

                                            "Are you alright, Private?"

                                            > The stallion nodded without taking his gaze off the captive human. His eyes glanced down and Luna saw a knife, edge coated with blood.

                                            > "The unicorn... proved somewhat of a distraction and it allowed the human to strike," the private admitted, a touch of red gracing his otherwise azure muzzle coat.

                                            > The Princess transferred her gaze to the man, who snarled wordlessly at her. She didn't let him do anything else and lowered her horn.

                                            > He managed to get his arms up to shield his face, but it was useless. The stun ray hit and he toppled over. Only then did Rain Drop relax and let his spear fall.

                                            "Come here. Let me see your wound. Corporal, check on the unicorn."

                                            > The private took an unsteady step, trying to suppress a wince. Obviously the wound pained him, but he didn't want to show it. Luna unwrapped the bandage with a simple bit of levitation and hissed through her teeth.

                                            > The gash wasn't very big, but it looked quite deep. Luckily she knew some triage spells.

                                            "Hold still, this will sting a bit."

                                            > Her horn glowed and enveloped the injury. Rain Drop grunted, but didn't try to pull away, reminding her that she only picked the very best for her guard.

                                            > Let Celestia have her pristine white, statuesque stallions. She'd take the tough, the wiry, the fierce, regardless of their color.

                                            > If some of them had nice, firm haunches, that was only an added bonus.

                                            "There. Bandage it up and keep it clean. Report to Canterlot Medical as soon as we're back."

                                            > The stallion saluted. "Yes, Princess!"

                                            > A shadow blocked out what little light came through the open door and Luna looked up. It was only Moon Glow, but he had an interesting sort of smirk on his muzzle.

                                            "Sergeant?" she asked pointedly.

                                            > "Sorry, ma'am. Unusual to see Nightmare Moon tending the wounded!"

                                            > She suddenly realized she still had her disguise. She couldn't help chuckling at how the exchange with Rain Drop must have looked.

                                            > It was only a matter of stopping to concentrate on the spell and it faded. Her form went back to her normal, slightly less imposing, but infinitely more lovely self.

                                            > At least those had been Eli's words. That man had some strange ideas for the bedroom, some of them involving Nightmare Moon. She had to shake her head twice to clear the sudden memory.

                                            "The prisoners?"

                                            > "Six ponies, three humans. The ponies were being taken to Earth, the humans just came from there."

                                            "Good. There is one more thing I must do. See to things."

                                            > The sergeant just saluted as she squeezed out of the cabin past him. She walked to the portal and inspected her hoofwork.

                                            > Already the corruption of the crystals was spreading, but she didn't dare banish it yet. Some of their essence penetrated to the Earth side, warning all not to try enter the portal.

                                            > At least, Luna hoped they'd be smart enough to stay away. If they tried...

                                            > She didn't know what would happen. Probably nothing pleasant.

                                            > There was a bit of the portal still open near the top, but it looked like the crystals would cover it in a few minutes. That was perfect for her.

                                            > It took her a few moments to remember the spell she'd worked out with Celestia and the human scientist she'd brought to see her. Something like a beacon.

                                            > Her horn began to glow in the blue light of her usual magic, except a lot fiercer, and the mare grunted with the effort. The spell itself was simple, but she had to make it last as long as possible.

                                            > A ball detached from her horn and floated before her, its magical energy making an angry buzz in her mind, like a rasp being dragged across her horn. It was making the hair on her back stand on end.

                                            > Luna poured more into it, until the ball was as big as her head and the angry buzzing practically screamed at her. That was good enough and she didn't want to tire herself out unnecessarily, in case there was more trouble.

                                            > She nodded at the ball and it floated up. Then Luna flicked her horn and the thing flew into the portal.

                                            > It was pure energy and there was no way for the humans on the other side to stop it, even if they had built a building around the portal. The ball would rise several miles into the air and keep blaring out that annoying magical noise.

                                            > Celestia's scientist had called it a- what was it now?

                                            > Luna had to say it out loud to remember properly.

                                            "Wide-spectrum, high-frequency E. M. radiation. Huh..."

                                            > The words tasted foreign and she couldn't begin to guess what they meant. She decided to ask Eli when she was back.

                                            > "Princess?"

                                            > Corporal Black Velvet was standing behind her.

                                            "Nothing. Just something I heard."

                                            > He watched the portal, even though the ball was gone and the crystals were slowly enveloping the last opening. "What does it do?"

                                            "The humans will be able to sense it, somehow. With their machines in the sky. They will know where to go, where the other end of this portal is hidden."

                                            > One more thing, and an important one at that.

                                            "Stand back, corporal," she warned.

                                            > Black Velvet scurried out of the way as Luna aimed her horn down. It blazed pure white this time and a stream shot out to score a gouge into the ground. The furrow she made with it was filled with light.

                                            > Luna began walking backwards, keeping up the pressure, until she had circled the portal and the shallow trench became a moat of white light.

                                            "There."

                                            > She was beginning to feel a slight headache of magical exertion. She shook her head and sighed. Out of practice, out of shape.

                                            "It will keep the dark magic contained until the other side of the portal is secured. Then we will banish it."

                                            > "What will happen with this second portal?" Black Velvet asked.

                                            > Luna could only shrug.

                                            "That is for Sister to decide. I'm glad I'm not in her hoofguards, though. It will... complicate matters."

                                            > Still, she had won a victory and the mere thought was enough to bring out a smile.

                                            "Come. Let us see to the prisoners and plan how we will get everypony back to Canterlot."

                                            > The guard inclined his head and stepped aside to let Luna pass.

                                            "We will hunt down the stragglers, first," Luna added, looking at the dense forest around them. "I would not be civilized to let them die out there."

                                            > Besides, Equestria had to be shown those responsible. There had to be justice done, proper justice, not simply revenge.

                                            > That was something both Eli and Celestia had insisted upon.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Princess Luna stood on the roof of the only wooden building in the camp. It have her a good view over the activity around her without having to flap her wings to stay up.

                                            > She had to be extra vigilant. Thanks to her guard they'd rounded up all the stray humans from the forest, but she was still worried about a possible attack.

                                            > According to the prisoners she'd freed, the criminals made an expedition to Equestria and back approximately once each moon and one was overdue.

                                            > Her muzzle scrunched up in distaste. A caravan of fresh pony slaves was on their way to be shipped to Earth, where they would be mistreated and used.

                                            > Of course it was possible they'd seen her flying overhead, which may make them vary of coming in the open, but Luna didn't imagine they'd choose to stay in the forest.

                                            > No, they'd either come to the camp, hoping to escape to Earth, or they'd turn back toward Equestria.

                                            > Moon Glow had instructions to set up a line of watchers along the eastern border. It would mean a few weeks of roughing it for some of the local town guards, but it was a small price to pay.

                                            > Small, compared to what the captured ponies had to go through. Luna shook her head to dislodge the unpleasant thought. She sought for anything else to think about.

                                            > Her eyes landed on the portal, which was now completely covered with the black crystals. The ward she had put in place was keeping it contained, but she couldn't be sure the scourge wasn't spreading on the Earth side.

                                            > It wasn't a pleasant thought, but perhaps it was a good thing. It would unsettle the criminals on that side and make it easier to capture them. Once she had word from Celestia that the criminal camp on Earth was secure she'd be able to destroy the infestation easily enough.

                                            > Yes it spread like a disease, but without a malevolent, guiding mind it wasn't too big of a danger for an alicorn.

                                            > More than once she'd thought of banishing Sombra's magic and replacing it with a more mundane spell, but with that knowledge and with the additional fear that the humans on the other side might have some unicorns helping them, she'd decided to leave it.

                                            > Of course, it was possible that they might figure out how to banish the dark magic, but Luna thought it exceedingly unlikely. She only knew of two ponies beside herself who had both the skill and the power to do so.

                                            > "Princess?" a voice interrupted her thoughts and she looked around for the source. She hadn't even heard the private approach.

                                            "Corporal? What is it?"

                                            > He inclined his head, foregoing a formal bow on the sloped, slippery roof. "Lunch is being served. I can take over here."

                                            > Now that her attention had been brought to it, Luna did feel slightly peckish. She spread her wings and jumped into the air, hovering beside the private.

                                            "Keep a watch on the forest. A caravan may be coming from Equestria and we must catch them."

                                            > Black Velvet took the spot she'd just occupied and quickly scanned the horizon before throwing a smart wing-salute. "Yes, Princess."

                                            > She didn't bother replying and twisted in the air. She gave just one flap of her wings to gain some momentum, then locked them in place to glide down.

                                            > The half-spiral brought her to the entrance of the wooden house. She'd taken it as both her headquarters and the infirmary. It was where she'd housed the freed slaves who were too unwell to travel.

                                            > She entered the gloomy interior, but her eyes quickly adapted to the darkness. Two humans and a pony were watching her warily from crude, straw beds in one corner. Corporal Lightning looked up from a pot he was stirring in the other.

                                            > The house had a rudimentary fireplace with a chimney, so it was possible to cook inside. There had also been a table were the criminal leaders ate, but it took up too much space and Luna had her troops toss it out.

                                            > "Princess. Stew is ready," Heat Lightning announced. She'd never guessed he was such a good cook, but their extended stay in this camp had brought out that particular skill.

                                            > The smell was making her stomach growl and Luna licked her lips in anticipation.

                                            "Have you eaten?" she asked him.

                                            > "I will, Princess."

                                            > She turned around to the freed slaves and tried to look less intimidating. They were extremely scared of her, ever since seeing her in her Nightmare Moon guise. They'd seen how easily she'd vanquished their captors.

                                            "How about you? You should eat to regain your strength. The journey back to Equestria will be difficult, even on Sister's pegasi-pulled carriages."

                                            > The two humans stared at her and the pony, a pegasus mare, looked down at her hooves. They looked decidedly uncomfortable.

                                            > Luna came closer and tried giving them a warm smile.

                                            "Please, there is no need to be afraid."

                                            > Their reaction was just like that silly Nightmare Night in Ponyville all over again! It was all the Princess could do not to growl in frustration.

                                            > "Um, we already ate, Mah-Majesty," one of the humans finally spoke up. It was a younger male human, Luna saw, rather pale, with spindly arms and a short, messy crop of black hair. There was a sheen of sweat on his face and he was shivering, despite being wrapped up in a blanket.

                                            "Would you like some more?"

                                            > This made all three of them look up with interest. Their expressions were easy to read. Disbelief, mostly. They'd made their peace with being prisoners and now their world was being turned upside down.

                                            > She knew they used ponies to pull the carts through this thick, muddy forest. It was hard going and she'd seen the results of such labor in all the former slaves.

                                            > The pegasus mare had a sprained ankle. Well, it had begun as a sprained ankle, but since her captors hadn't been all too keen on providing her with even the most basic medical care, it had gotten worse.

                                            > She may be able to fly when they left, but Luna wanted her to rest a few days beforehoof.

                                            > The two humans both had a fever of some sort. She was hoping it would break before subjecting them to the arduous journey. Luckily it didn't seem to be contagious to ponies, at least.

                                            > Heat Lightning brought four bowls neatly balanced on outstretched wings and Luna levitated three of them to the freed prisoners. The human female grabbed it as if afraid it might be taken away and began gobbling it down, but the male had enough presence of mind to murmur a quiet thank you.

                                            > His accent was thick and unusual, similar to what she'd overheard from the other humans. They all seemed to understand her, but sometimes when they spoke they used wrong words, or hesitated as they sought for the right expression.

                                            > It seemed Equestrian wasn't their native language, Luna guessed.

                                            > "Thank you, P-Princess," the pegasus spoke up at last. They were the first words she'd said to Luna and there was still a large amount of fear in her eyes. She'd seen her Nightmare Moon act and for her it was possibly even scarier than for the humans.

                                            > She'd grown up with the legends of the Mare in the Moon, after all.

                                            "It's quite alright. What are your names?"

                                            > The mare lowered her head once more, but she murmured: "Lemon Drop, Princess."

                                            > It suited her bright yellow coat, Luna saw. She transferred her gaze to the human colt - no, he was a boy Luna corrected herself. He gave a start and nearly spilled his stew, but managed to recover in time.

                                            "Relax. We are here to help. What is your name?"

                                            > "Ah-" he began, but he'd spoken too quickly and some stew went the wrong way, making the poor lad cough. He was completely red in the face by the time he managed to choke out: "Akash."

                                            "Good. And you?" Luna asked and turned her head to look at the female.

                                            > For a moment it seemed the young woman was too scared of her to answer, but Lemon Drop draped a wing around her shoulders which gave her some courage.

                                            > "Um, Lalita, uh Princess."

                                            > They'd both stopped eating and were watching Luna warily, waiting what she'd do. She inclined her head to try and put them at their ease.

                                            "When you're feeling a little better we will take you to Canterlot, so that the doctors can take a look at you. After that you will be free to go, understand?"

                                            > This made Lalita sit up straighter and her eyes lit up with sudden hope. "We can go home?!"

                                            "Of course. It should only be a matter of days."

                                            > Luna looked at Heat Lightning, who was enjoying his own bowl of stew. He hadn't bothered with a spoon and was dipping his muzzle into his meal. When he noticed her looking, the guard straightened up and began hurriedly licking his muzzle clean.

                                            "I have informed Sister of our situation. She has sent pegasi-pulled carriages with reinforcements, but they will need several days to come here."

                                            > Her mouth twitched up into a smile.

                                            "The day guard are not as proficient fliers as you."

                                            > The corporal blushed a little at the praise and threw a salute. "What about the Sergeant, Princess?"

                                            "The reinforcements will find him with my help. It is useful to be able to walk in dreams, don't you think? They will take the freed humans and ponies to Canterlot, but the criminals will go the long way."

                                            > That would give Celestia time to work out the court proceedings and the legal matters, in particular where they touched citizens of Earth. Furthermore, slogging through the thick, Eastern Wilderness would work as a good start to their punishment.

                                            > "Thank you, Princess. I will fly another pass around the nearby forests in case we missed any of them."

                                            "Good. I suspect if we are unable to close this portal Sister will arrange for permanent pony presence here. If any of the humans have managed to hide, they will undoubtedly crawl back when they get hungry."

                                            > Heat Lightning threw another salute in lieu of a reply and slurped up the rest of his stew. That reminded Luna that she had her own meal floating in the air beside her.

                                            > She looked around for a spoon, but the only three seemed to be in use by the former prisoners, so the Princess simply brought the bowl to her mouth and sipped.

                                            > Speaking of the freed slaves, they were fully engrossed in their meal and slowly relaxing in her presence. Luna spotted some cloth in the corner and lifted up a blanket. She folded it and placed it on the concrete floor to sit on.

                                            "Tell me more about yourselves, please," she inquired of the three.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Princess Celestia dragged her hooves a little on her way from the conference room to her bedroom. She fought to suppress a yawn and nearly lost her balance. It was a blessing that no other ponies were about this late.

                                            > Her muzzle held a slight grimace, tinged with annoyance. Those military people from Earth were *impossible*! She was starting to think it was their job to come up with potential problems.

                                            "No, they are not going to escape from Canterlot Castle dungeons! As if we do not have magical enchantments on locks!" the mare grumbled quietly to herself.

                                            > The nerve of the man! However decorated he was, no human had call to doubt her methods! Not even the best unicorns would be able to escape her dungeons!

                                            > It all stemmed from the request - no, the *demand* - that the criminals be delivered into human custody at once. Celestia wouldn't stand for that.

                                            > Not only were some of the prisoners ponies, but had also been caught on Equestrian territory.

                                            > Well, that last one was more of a technicality, rather than absolute truth, but since Princess Luna had been the first pony to *legally* claim the unexplored East, that made it sovereign Equestrian soil.

                                            > Celestia sighed and lowered her head. She hoped her words wouldn't come back to bite her on the rump when the griffins and the dragons and the minotaurs heard about them. It would take careful hoofwork, especially if the portal couldn't be closed and she'd need to establish permanent presence in the far East.

                                            > Problems for another day. For now it was enough that she'd dissuaded this Commander Callahan from sending troops to meet the returning night guard.

                                            > Part of it was the fact that the jungle was completely impassable for human vehicles. From what Luna had explained the criminals had used pony-drawn carts and it was still quite a travail, only made possible by using slave labor.

                                            > No, the pegasi-pulled carriages would be an elegant sufficiency for the endeavour.

                                            > The Princess almost bumped into an unexpected human in the hallway.

                                            > "Hey, Celly."

                                            "Anon?"

                                            > Her mood lifted instantly and her scrunching muzzle relaxed into a grin.

                                            "You are a sight for sore eyes, love," she said with heartfelt conviction.

                                            > "I could say the same. I got worried so I came looking for you. Everything okay?"

                                            > Her smile slipped away and the mare growled.

                                            "It is that... Callahan!"

                                            > The pause and her tone of voice when she said the name betrayed that she'd rather have said 'idiot', but didn't want to undo her hard work in case anypony overheard.

                                            "Are all humans so- insistent? Eager? Controlling? He would not take 'no' for an answer!"

                                            > Anon chuckled and put one of his delightfully warm hands on her neck. "Sounds like a military type, yep." His fingers dug in and Celestia's knees trembled before she locked them in place.

                                            "Come."

                                            > She looked around for any of the palace staff and spotted two of her guards behind Anon. A flash of guilt almost colored her muzzle red before she could stomp it out. She hoped the man wouldn't notice her own escort was strangely missing.

                                            > There was no further need for it anyway. Silvermane was in prison and the human camp was captured. If the pony mastermind behind this whole mess wasn't among the prisoners, Celestia had little doubt they'd tell her who it was as soon as she got her hooves on the lot.

                                            > Those insidious, sneaky attacks on the Castle guests were over, especially now that they didn't have a changeling anymore.

                                            > True, there might have been more than just Spring Morning, but Celestia doubted it. If Silvermane had more changelings at his disposal, he'd have used them already.

                                            > It was time to stop with the exaggerated guard.

                                            "Private Cover, please go to the Castle kitchen and have them send some coffee to the big balcony. You are free after you finish that task."

                                            > The earth pony gave a salute and hurried off without a word in a display of brisk efficiency. He was bucking for promotion and something about that thought tickled Celestia's mind. She looked at the other guard.

                                            "Sergeant, you can finish for the day as well."

                                            > That one hesitated, perhaps feeling his rank a little more. "But Princess, Captain Fire Fly will-"

                                            "Not say a word about it. I will give him his orders first thing tomorrow. The guard is to be stepped down from high alert."

                                            > The pegasus quickly realized this was above his pay grade and dipped his head in a little bow. "As you say, Princess."

                                            > Finally she was alone with Anon. A smiling, mischievous-expression, sure-to-be-plotting-something Anon. She met his grin with one of her finest innocent expressions.

                                            "Shall we?"

                                            > He fell in step beside her and she lead the way to the balcony overlooking Canterlot. It was a lovely night and despite the late hour she wanted to share some of it with Anon.

                                            > "So that's it?" he asked. "No more panic. It's over?"

                                            "I believe so."

                                            > "What if the leader of this whole mess is still free, somewhere in the city?"

                                            "That may be the case, but they will be on their last hoof. No more allies and we will know who it is the minute Moon Glow brings in the human prisoners."

                                            > Anon nodded sagely, but then he grunted to himself and looked directly at her. "That could be a month from now. You said Luna intends to have the criminals walk the whole way."

                                            "Yes, that was her idea, but I gave Silverwing different instructions. I don't think I could keep Callahan waiting for that long. Half of his squad will pick up the entire party and bring them here, the others will go to relieve Luna at the portal."

                                            > "Good. Having them slog through the jungle could give some unscrupulous lawyer ammunition," Anon pointed out. "Cruel and unusual punishment, for one."

                                            > Celestia inclined her head and closed her eyes for a few seconds.

                                            "You know, memories of your court proceedings still haunt me some days."

                                            > Anon just chuckled, his hand patting her back as they emerged into the cool night air. It was summer, but the nights this high up the Canterlot mountain were still quite fresh.

                                            > She led him to the railing and the two of them looked across the mostly sleeping city.

                                            "Did you ever imagine you would be here someday? I mean, after you heard about my world, after the portal opened?"

                                            > He shook his head and stepped closer, so they could share a bit of body warmth. "Never. At first it was just curiosity. You know, Earth never had magic, at least not real magic. Then I guess I kinda dismissed it and focused on my work."

                                            "Until you decided you wanted a pony maid," Celestia giggled.

                                            > "Yeah, I don't really know what came over me. If I'd known how much trouble you'd be..."

                                            > Celestia turned to face him and her breath caught. Surely Anon wasn't regretting meeting her?!

                                            > "I'd still do it," he went on, eyes focused on the distance, probably not even seeing her. His hand came to rest against her muzzle and Anon leaned in to leave a light kiss on the tip of her nose. "Wouldn't trade this for the world, Celly."

                                            > Again her knees went weak and the Princess let her mouth split into a goofy grin.

                                            "That good in bed, am I?"

                                            > They both laughed at that, but fell silent when hoofsteps approached. It was one of the maids with a tray levitating in her magical grip. She brought it close, then bowed her head and lifted it up.

                                            > Celestia grabbed the two cups in her own magic and floated one over to Anon.

                                            "Thank you."

                                            > The maid murmured some polite reply, but Celestia wasn't listening anymore. She barely waited long enough for the hoofsteps to fade before stealing a light kiss from Anon.

                                            > "Oh, there was one thing I was meaning to ask," he said, suddenly thoughtful. His mischievous expression from before was back and Celestia steeled herself from a possible prank.

                                            "Anything, love."

                                            > "Do you think the Crown could put up a stipend for one aspiring baker?"

                                            > The request came out of the blue and Celestia blinked a few times in surprise. She tried to pierce the darkness to see Anon's face better, but it didn't sound like a joke.

                                            "Probably. Why, if I might ask?"

                                            > He shrugged and turned to look at the city. "Well, there's this bakery on the corner of Cloudsdale Lane and Restaurant Row. They're looking for an apprentice baker."

                                            > Celestia started to have an inkling where this was going, but decided to play along and pretend not to understand.

                                            "And I suppose you have a candidate in mind?" she asked.

                                            > "Yeah. Except they're not from Canterlot, so they'd need to find a place to stay, living expenses, you know. Not something a pony could afford on apprentice baker's pay."

                                            > The Princess pretended to think about it, then licked her lips.

                                            "I am quite fond of that particular bakery."

                                            > Anon chuckled and wrapped his arm around her neck to press her against himself. She wasn't cold, not with her fur, but it was still a pleasant gesture which she returned with a wing around his shoulders.

                                            "I do not know if I should be upset with you, you know? Blossom's parents had only just gotten her back and already you are plotting with Star Bright to take her away again."

                                            > She took the sting out of her accusation by means of a gentle nuzzle.

                                            > Luckily Anon didn't take her words too seriously. "I know Bright offered to move to Las Pegasus, but I don't think he should give up his own studies just to be with his girlfriend."

                                            "Fillyfriend," Celestia corrected. "And there *is* an observatory in Las Pegasus."

                                            > Anon sighed, but he didn't let her go for which Celestia was infinitely grateful. "Yeah, but it's not nearly as nice as the one here. I checked."

                                            > She grinned and leaned down to brush her muzzle against his hair. In truth, she'd already decided and she was just teasing a little.

                                            "Relax, Anonymous. I will give Lilly Blossom a stipend with which she can live in Canterlot. She can repay me in cakes. Just tell me this: are you sure it is her destiny to be a baker?"

                                            > "Well, it's what she wants. I know her cutie mark is some flowers, but from what I've seen those things sometimes have a very loose interpretation."

                                            > Celestia was silent for long seconds, then sat on her haunches, her wing sliding down until it was around Anon's waist.

                                            "That is one of my best-kept secrets, Anonymous. I hope you will not spread it around."

                                            > The man stiffened in surprise. "What? What do you mean?"

                                            "The fact that a pony has a large degree of choice when it comes to their cutie mark. It is not as set in stone as everypony believes. Whatever explanation they conceive of what the picture represents is usually correct, and aligns with their natural talent."

                                            > He was silent, so Celestia tried to explain it with a concrete example.

                                            "For instance, Lilly Blossom's cutie mark is water lilies, which most ponies would translate into something to do with actual flowers. Well, on the other hoof, it could represent marzipan flowers, such as one puts on cakes."

                                            > "Oh. I see."

                                            "With how obsessed my ponies are with cutie marks, this knowledge would make many wonder if they had chosen correctly. Please keep it to yourself."

                                            > Anon said nothing for a while, then ventured in a very careful tone of voice: "So, what else could yours mean, then?" He sipped his hot coffee, grateful for its warmth.

                                            > Celestia chuckled at the unexpected change in direction.

                                            "A Princess will never tell, but if you can guess I will reward you, handsomely."

                                            > "I'm not really after money, Celly."

                                            "No, you misunderstand. If you guess I will reward you by letting your handsome self do what you want with this Princess."

                                            > As if she wouldn't let him do anything to her anyway. They both knew it, but it sounded like an enjoyable little game and Anon readily agreed. "Deal. Let's see, sun. What else can an image of the sun represent?"

                                            > Celestia leaned her head on his shoulder, content to sit and let him talk through it. Soon it would be time to go to bed, but for now she could enjoy a quiet moment with her coltfriend.

                                            > A thought from earlier rose up again.

                                            "By the way, Anonymous. Do you perhaps know why Snow Cover is bucking for a promotion?"

                                            > This was another unexpected change in direction and it took Anon a few moments to bring his train of thought back under control. "Snow Cover? The new recruit guard?"

                                            "Yes?"

                                            > He thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Ooh, yeah. Fire Fly told me over pool yesterday. He proposed to Aura and wants a higher wage so he'll be able to afford the wedding."

                                            "Proposed?! Had they not only met a few weeks ago?"

                                            > "No," Anon explained, "it was right at the start of this whole mess with Blossom, remember? I went to visit Storm Pop and Aura a few days after we found Blossom on the road."

                                            "That still feels rather fast."

                                            > Anon shrugged to himself. "Not everyone has to go as slowly as us, Celly."

                                            > She had to give him that. Her own courting of Anonymous had taken quite a while, not least because of her own uncertainty.

                                            "Well, Snow Cover had shown himself capable. Perhaps I can find room for one more corporal. I will speak with Fire Fly."

                                            > "Great. Thanks," Anon answered and patted her side with his hand where he had it draped around her. "Wanna go inside?"

                                            "In a minute. I would like to watch the stars a little longer."

                                            > Anon turned his face up, perhaps really looking at the sky for the first time since they'd come out. "Yeah, the nights really are spectacular here. I can see why Star Bright likes it so much."

                                            "Thank you for these quiet moments, Anonymous. It has been a... strange few months."

                                            > Rather than replying, Anon just squeezed her a little tighter. They both sipped their rapidly cooling coffee and gazed at the stars.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Princess Celestia paused before entering the conference room. She closed her eyes and took a slow, deliberate breath. For a moment she forgot Eli Grant beside her and the insufferable Commander Callahan inside.

                                            > All she needed was this one moment of serenity, so that she could-

                                            > "Are you okay, Princess?" Eli asked. His voice was polite and respectful, but Celestia could detect a hint of worry.

                                            > He was probably concerned about Luna and was just projecting it on her, but the thought still warmed her heart and she forgave his interruption of her quiet moment.

                                            > She forced a slight smile, re-assumed her regal expression and went to reassure him.

                                            "I am fine. Let us just get this over with."

                                            > She reached for her magic to open the door, but paused once again when a new thought occurred to her. Why was she even doing this?

                                            > They'd had no news since Luna's message in her dream when she had captured the criminals' camp on the Equestrian side. There had been no word from Earth about the search for the other end of the portal.

                                            > True, such news would come to the Commander first, but Celestia would undoubtedly be informed about a message from Earth.

                                            > Not to mention that the search might take a while, given Earth's fractured and tense diplomatic situation. From what she understood none of their 'satellites' had picked up Luna's magical flare, so now they had to fly some kind of machines around the whole planet to find it.

                                            > All she was going to do for the whole morning was keeping the Commander company and saying no to his various demands. He called them 'requests', but the man was just a bully.

                                            > She was sick and tired of feigning politeness to his brusque and pushy behavior!

                                            > Something snapped in Celestia's mind and her eye twitched as she glared balefully at the door.

                                            > For whose benefit was she going through these motions?

                                            > If the answer was for Callahan's, then the next question was: "Why?"

                                            "Actually, a word, Eli."

                                            > She stepped away from that dreaded door and the diplomat followed. Ever since Bennett had returned to Earth, Eli had been invaluable as her link to the human government. Especially because of his involvement with Luna. She could trust he had Equestria's best interests at heart.

                                            > "Princess?"

                                            "There is nothing new for me to tell the Commander, Eli. Captain Fire Fly will join you in a moment and you can discuss what needs to be done. I have complete confidence in you both."

                                            > This obvious dereliction of duty didn't escape Eli's scrutiny, but he kept his reaction in check aside from a slight widening of his eyes. "Are you sure, Princess? Commander Callahan might be upset if you ignore him."

                                            > Celestia looked around for any eavesdropping staff, then beckoned Eli with a hoof to lean closer so she could impart a secret.

                                            "At this point in time," she whispered, "I do not give... hmm, what was that phrase he used? I do not give a rat's ass if he is upset."

                                            > This actually made the diplomat gasp and for a moment Celestia was worried she'd gone too far.

                                            "Please don't tell him I said that."

                                            > The shock on Eli's face was replaced with a knowing grin. "He is a bit... persistent, isn't he?"

                                            > She stifled her giggle and winked at her partner in crime before getting down to the business at hoof.

                                            "The Captain has all the missing pony reports from the past few months and there has been nothing new from Luna. I hope Sergeant Moon Glow will find their caravan on the way back from the portal, but it is a big forest and he has to bring back the rescued ponies and humans. We might have to do a search later on."

                                            > She thought about any other questions the Commander might have and came up blank. It wasn't like they hadn't covered every possible eventuality in detail already!

                                            "Make sure to ask what he intends to do with the rescued humans. They should be back in Canterlot within two days. I will ask the same on tomorrow's meeting, but I would like the Commander to think about it some more."

                                            > Eli had taken out his notebook and was scribbling some hurried bullet points. He finished the last one and looked up. "Anything else, Princess?"

                                            > She was about to say no, but a pang of guilt got to her.

                                            "Tell the Commander I am sorry, but an important matter of state has come up which requires my immediate attention. Unless there is news from either Luna or Earth, I will be elsewhere occupied."

                                            > This time Eli allowed himself a conspiratorial grin. "What will you *really* be doing?"

                                            > Again Celestia had to stifle a giggle. Despite his professional courtesy, the man had a bit of a mischievous streak. Perhaps he'd gotten it from Luna, but it was a refreshing change from Bennett's stiff self-importance.

                                            > She debated internally whether she could tell him, but decided to trust Eli. After all, Luna did.

                                            "I will take a relaxing bath. I do not think I have had one since this whole mess started."

                                            > He cast a curious look at the way she bit her lip and flicked her tail, but didn't comment on it further. "Don't worry, I will take care of this, Princess."

                                            > Celestia waited only long enough to give Eli a grateful smile before turning on a heel and practically bouncing away. She'd just won her morning back and she knew exactly with whom she wanted to spend it.

                                            > She even hummed snatches of a song as she bounded down the halls, oblivious to how the castle staff stared at her. One or two of the older maids looked away and tried to hide their giggles behind a hoof or a fetlock, but Celestia noticed and didn't mind.

                                            > She came to the right door and raised up a leg to knock before simply thinking better of it and barging inside.

                                            > "Wha-? Celestia?" Anonymous exclaimed behind his desk. He'd been pouring over some paper or other, but his hand lowered at her sudden entrance.

                                            "Come with me. It is important," she said gravely.

                                            > It wasn't easy to erase all traces of her exuberance, but Celestia managed thanks to long practice. The look of sudden worry in Anonymous' eyes almost broke her concentration, though.

                                            > "Is everything alright?"

                                            "It will be, as soon as I get your help with this matter."

                                            > He didn't argue, trusting her word implicitly. The paper dropped from his hand when Anon stood up and those same fingers came to rest lightly against her neck as he came around the desk.

                                            "Come. We must hurry."

                                            > There was no further hesitation and the man followed on Celestia's heels as she hurried back the way she came. She took occasional glances at Anon, almost breaking into a grin when she saw his eyes darting around.

                                            > He was watching where they were going and trying to work out their destination, hoping it would give him some clue of what was the matter.

                                            > "Celly, what's all this about?"

                                            "Hush. We're almost there!"

                                            > She took him past the conference chambers and the throne room, which just seemed to confuse him more and Celestia could nearly read his thoughts.

                                            > They were headed for the living wing, so this was not guard or government business. Maybe it had something to do with Blossom? Cadence's rooms were down that way.

                                            > Anonymous opened his mouth again and Celestia headed him off.

                                            "No, it is not about Blossom or her parents."

                                            > He almost stumbled, which made the Princess giggle in amusement. "How did you-?!" he sputtered, unable to even finish the question.

                                            "I know you too well, love. In here."

                                            > The distraction had been enough and only now Anonymous realized where they were. The bath chamber. She hadn't lied to Eli. Celestia really wanted to take a bath. She'd simply neglected to mention that she wouldn't be taking one alone.

                                            > "Wait, this is- What are we doing here? You said it was important!"

                                            > There was a slight tone of reproach in Anon's voice, but Celestia twirled around, closed the door with her magic and pushed her lips against his.

                                            > It wasn't a very passionate kiss, but it was the first of many and they had time.

                                            "It *is* important, Anonymous."

                                            > She kissed him again while she kept him in place with her wings. He didn't fight it, but neither did he react, apparently still confused about her little ploy. Celestia pulled away and sighed.

                                            "I missed you. I wanted you. That is why it is important."

                                            > He was still a little defensive and Celestia was about to apologize for her little trick, but Anon beat her to it: "Aren't you meeting that Commander around now?"

                                            > She just shrugged.

                                            "I delegated. There are no news from Luna and nothing from Earth. The Commander can wait."

                                            > Once more Anonymous opened his mouth to argue, but Celestia growled low in her throat and laid a feather on his lips.

                                            "Shut up and kiss me!"

                                            > His eyes widened in a most pleasing way, but the shock didn't last for too long after Celestia gave him 'the Look'.

                                            "Please? I have been so lonely..."

                                            > By now her lover was a veteran of 'the Look' and he could sometimes resist the large, pleading eyes brimming with tears and ears splayed in misery and the slight pout of her lips.

                                            > Anon shook his head, as if in dismay, but betrayed his amusement with the small grin which now graced his face. "Celly, we slept in the same bed until about two hours ago and then we had breakfast together."

                                            "So. Lonely!"

                                            > Her sad, quiet, heartfelt plea would have instantly broken the heart of even the most hardened criminal. Of course it worked on Anon!

                                            > "Oh, c'mere you goofy horse!"

                                            > She all but fell into his arms and sought out his lips once more. This time there was no hesitation and his mouth opened to allow her entrance.

                                            > Anon's tongue was at the same time a familiar thing and something completely new. She felt like this every single time and wondered at it.

                                            > Would it feel just as fresh in a hundred years' time? Like a schoolfilly stealing her first kiss from her sweetheart during recess?

                                            > Celestia staunchly refused to acknowledge rational thought. Anon *would* stay with her for another hundred years *at least*! She'd give him the Look until he agreed and mortality be damned!

                                            > They wrestled for a bit and Celestia tasted the remnant of Anon's morning coffee. She probed a little further but didn't push too hard, letting Anon know she wanted him in charge.

                                            > A warmth spread through her from where his hands were holding her in place and the Princess closed her eyes. She pulled out of the kiss for a moment.

                                            "We have until lunch. I want to enjoy it. Go slow."

                                            > Rather than replying, Anon shifted his hands to her muzzle and drew her back in. She let out a small moan and a shiver went down her spine, making her flutter her wings and swish her tail where it passed.

                                            > Celestia was hardly aware of sitting on her haunches, but she realized she was, all for giving Anon better access.

                                            > "Want me to fill the bath?" he asked when they broke apart once more.

                                            > She shook her head.

                                            "Leave it. It can wait."

                                            > He looked around. "It won't be very comfortable on the floor."

                                            > She let out another small growl from deep in her throat. It took some concentration, but Celestia used her magic to open a nearby closet and pulled out all the towels which were stashed in there. She stacked them on the stone floor.

                                            "Better?"

                                            > There didn't seem to be any more objections and Anon led her to the makeshift bed with a hand on the leading edge of her wing. She complied easily as he nudged her in place.

                                            > "Lie down."

                                            > She didn't have to be told twice. Her legs all but folded under her and she flopped down on her belly.

                                            > Anon chuckled and patted her flank. "No, I meant on your back."

                                            > Celestia returned his grin and turned around. There hadn't been enough towels to make the impromptu 'mattress' very thick, but it was comfortable enough. It was also a bit too small, so her head rested on cool stone, but she didn't mind at all.

                                            > The important part was what Anon was about to do with his hands. She tensed up in expectation but didn't look. Already there was a warm tingle deep in her belly, promising the fire to come.

                                            > Luckily he didn't make her wait too long. Celestia felt fingers dig into the fluff on her chest, even sliding under her royal peytral, seemingly intent on seeking out each individual rib.

                                            "Mmm, yes."

                                            > She allowed her eyes to slide closed and relaxed all muscles, becoming little more than putty in Anon's hands. She was dimly aware of her wings unfurling along the stone floor, but she paid them no mind.

                                            > His palms continued their massaging downward journey, quickly reaching her belly. Each sliding touch left a swath of warmth on her skin, making coherent thought just a little bit harder.

                                            > She didn't mind losing herself in the moment, though. There was just one thing she needed to say before letting go.

                                            "Mm-Anon?"

                                            > He left his hands on her belly, but stopped at the sound of her voice. "Yes?"

                                            "I promise I will return the favor-"

                                            > He brought all ten fingers on both hands to bear, pressing into her soft belly with precisely calculated pressure to turn whatever she was going to say into a low moan.

                                            > "Just relax. I can see you need this."

                                            "I lo- ah! -oooove y-yooo"

                                            > Her confession was mangled by the way Anon raked his fingers down her fur and cupped her small, perky teats. She shuddered as she winked... down there.

                                            > It was useless to try and talk. She'd trained him too well and he knew exactly what to do to drive her crazy. One of Anon's hands stayed there, playing gently with her exposed skin, while the other continued its journey to her thigh, where he paused only long enough for a light scratch before moving around her stifle.

                                            > Her leg twitched, but Anon held it firmly as he explored further with his fingers. He kept going around and ran his hand up to her flank.

                                            > Or down, since she was lying on her back. It didn't matter. He stroked her cutie mark a few times, then patted her lightly on the rump.

                                            > It just put more fuel on the fire between her thighs, making her reconsider leaving him in charge. The need burned stronger and Celestia was getting impatient for some real action.

                                            > They could do the slow, gentle loving later. There would be time in the bath.

                                            > The hand on her teats vanished and Celestia nearly looked to see what Anon was doing. Her answer came soon enough when he tugged one of the rear hoofguards off and let it drop on the floor beside them. The other quickly followed and then she heard the man shuffle around.

                                            > This time she did open her eyes, just in time to see him carefully removing the bits of gold from her forelegs as well. Their eyes met and, with a slight grin, Anon lifted her hoof to place a kiss on it.

                                            "Such- such a gentlecolt!" she breathed.

                                            > She was still wearing her ornamental peytral and was about to lift herself up to discard it, but Anon held her down with a hand.

                                            > "Leave it," he said. "You look cute in it."

                                            > Even after all the years, hearing those words still made her blush and Celestia slumped down. She kept watching as Anon unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged out of it.

                                            > He wasn't particularly muscular, but there was enough definition there to hint at strength. Well, strength he didn't necessarily have, but the promise was there. If he wanted, he could become quite strong.

                                            > More importantly, she absolutely loved running her tongue along his skin. Just the mere thought was enough for her to lick her lips and shudder with renewed desire.

                                            > Anon noticed and smirked at her. He leaned down to steal a quick kiss, but broke it off far too soon for her liking. She gave a slight whine when he withdrew, but it was to no avail.

                                            > He was sliding back down, heading for the treasure between her legs. He was going to-

                                            > The thought was blanked out by a particularly strong wink. Just the thought of what he could do with his fingers and tongue down there made the Princess gasp. She tensed all her muscles in expectation of sweet relief as Anon positioned himself.

                                            > He was being careful not to kneel on her tail, gentlecolt that he was!

                                            > One of his hands went back to her teats and the other came to rest on the inside of her thigh. His thumb stroked her outer lips, eliciting a faint whimper and another wink.

                                            > The wait was killing her and the roaring inferno in her loins demanded more. Demanded it now!

                                            "Stop!"

                                            > Anon looked up and met her gaze, confused. Celestia knew how crazed she must look. Her mane was already in a disarray and there was an unmistakable sheen of lust in her eyes.

                                            "No. You- I want you," she managed huskily. "Inside me."

                                            > No half-measures. It was a last-moment decision. Anon's tongue was marvellous, but she needed the kind of fulfillment she could only get from the real thing.

                                            > Luckily he didn't argue and began unbuckling his pants. She tried to help, but her magic tugging down just made it all harder for him.

                                            > "What's gotten into you?" Anon asked even as he grinned. He managed to free the belt and slide his clothes off.

                                            "I need it!"

                                            > It was the only answer Celestia was able to give. Maybe it was the naughty knowledge she was shirking her duties to be here, or just a sudden inspiration, but she did need it, badly.

                                            > There would be time for cuddles and gentle lovemaking later, right now she needed to be rutted fast and hard.

                                            > Anon didn't delay much longer and lowered himself over her. They came face to face and she reached up to brush his lips with a kiss.

                                            > When he came closer to follow up, she wrapped her wings around him and pressed him to herself in one swift motion.

                                            > She imagined she could feel every hair touching his smooth skin and it was electric. She pulled a bit harder and Anon stopped resisting. It always took a bit of persuasion before he let his weight rest on her.

                                            > His member also pressed against her, its length nestling between her folds and rubbing against her button. It wrung another gasp from her mouth and she sought his lips again.

                                            > She'd changed her mind about letting him guide and invaded his mouth with reckless abandon. The poor man never stood a chance as she twirled and twisted her tongue around, as if trying to suck out his very soul.

                                            > He moved, rubbing himself against her slit and earning an urgent, passionate moan. Her nostrils flared when she drew in a much-needed breath, but she didn't break their kiss.

                                            > She managed to hook her hind legs around his and jerked him forward, which pressed him even more tightly against her and made them both groan.

                                            > After a few moments, she winked again, this time against his shaft.

                                            > He felt it, there was no doubt from the squeak he gave. Finally she let him pull away for a moment.

                                            > "God, I love you, Celly!"

                                            > Her mouth tugged up in a small, mischievous grin.

                                            "You didn't- Ah! -didn't need to say my name twice."

                                            > That got them both chuckling and she finally released her grip on him. This allowed him to pull away and align himself. Unfortunately he had to take one hand away from her side, but that was okay.

                                            > She felt him prod right at the entrance and bit her lip to resist the urge of crushing him against her once more.

                                            > It didn't take much effort for him to slide a little way inside, filling her up in a place she really needed to be filled up.

                                            > All her world seemed to shrink down to just her passage and how it gripped Anon. She barely felt him shift his weight again to bring his hand back.

                                            > It was a close thing, but her magic caught his arm before he could wipe his fingers on a towel. Instead, she lifted it up to her muzzle and wrapped her lips around his digits, soaked with her juices. She knew her own taste, but it was different licking it from his skin.

                                            > She released her magical hold and allowed Anon to pull his fingers free with a slight pop. Then she swallowed, smiling all the time.

                                            > He'd been so captivated with her display that he hadn't moved any further, but now she felt him twitch inside her, which reminded her what they were about to do. Her hind legs once more wrapped around his and squeezed.

                                            > It tore a gasp from both their throats as they came together. She had been entirely soaked, so Anon sliding fully inside her was effortless. He was a little cooler than her core temperature, but that just made her more aware of his length.

                                            > For a few moments she just held him there, enjoying their closeness and union. His face came down once more for a kiss and she gladly accepted it. Her inner fire was calmed for a moment and she was content to simply feel him there, deep inside her.

                                            > Eventually she relaxed her grip with her legs and Anon took the hint. His leaving left an openness, a void in her and she almost stopped him. It was only the knowledge of what would come next that prevented her.

                                            > He took it slow, pulling almost all the way out before driving himself inside again in one, fell push.

                                            "Oooh!"

                                            > She felt herself wink against him, which made her clench from pleasure. She imagined she could feel every vein on his manhood throb with his heartbeat.

                                            > He liked it too, judging from the groan she'd wrung out of him.

                                            > The feeling lasted for a moment and then he pulled back again. She felt another wink and a spurt of her essence dribbled out and down, a line of heat dripping on her... back door.

                                            > The thought was as hot as her fluids and she couldn't help lightly biting Anon's lip. It spurred him on and he slammed back, strongly enough for his sack to slap against her.

                                            "Keep going!"

                                            > He muttered a yes, but it was faint and might only have been her imagination. In either case, he didn't need to say it for her to know he understood. Anon picked up his pace and settled into a slow, but steady stroke.

                                            > Each time he pulled out she wanted desperately to hold him in and when he came back, parting her, she let out a small moan of ecstasy. It wouldn't be much longer before...

                                            "Wait! Wait," she groaned, trying to stop Anon with a hoof on his shoulder. "I am almost there!"

                                            > He did slow for a moment, but only to smile at her and say: "Do it. Don't worry about me!"

                                            > Celestia suppressed a slight pang of guilt and let herself loose. Anon had slowed down, perhaps to allow her to enjoy the feeling longer, but it just made her more aware of him.

                                            > She could feel his head gliding in and out, perhaps reaching just a touch deeper with each push. She was aware of his skin lightly kissing her button each time he drove in.

                                            > Even his belly seemed to kiss her teats with each firm push. Her nipples rubbed against Anon's skin and the two little points of pleasure added to the whole.

                                            > His hands were clutching at her sides, keeping her in place and giving him leverage to pump, again and again, into her. Her breaths were now coming out in short pants, interspersed with mewling groans.

                                            "Yes. Please. Anon! AAAAn-"

                                            > She couldn't finish the word as her insides clenched up, almost painfully so. He had been ready and slammed inside for one last time, as deep as he could.

                                            > Her impending orgasm made her wrap her hind legs around him again to prevent him from leaving.

                                            > Then it came, pulsing like a bass beat from the biggest speakers in the universe, pressing down on her with thump after thump. Each spasm made her jerk her hips a little and her wings quiver.

                                            > Even with Anon's member filling her, she still squirted her fluids against his legs as her passage clenched and unclenched around him. It felt as if she was milking him with her insides, waves of pressure running from his base, up his shaft and culminating at his head.

                                            > A low groan was escaping his lips too and for a moment Celestia thought he was about to come just from that.

                                            > It made her moan once more and her dwindling orgasm came back in force for a few more heartbeats.

                                            > Neither of them dared move. Anon knew how sensitive she was right after and kept himself still. A true gentlecolt.

                                            > Eventually the pleasure receded and was replaced by a soft, warm afterglow. As soon as she was able, Celestia stole a gentle kiss.

                                            > "Ready?" Anon asked her.

                                            > She remembered he still hadn't finished, which made her smile. It meant she got to do all of it again. She nodded.

                                            > He began moving slowly, aware that she might be oversensitive right after an orgasm. The pleasure almost bordered on pain, but she could stand it.

                                            "Slow."

                                            > Anon gave her a nod and waited once he was nearly all the way out. Then he pushed with almost exaggerated care, slowly sliding back into place, all the while carefully watching her face.

                                            "I'm okay. Keep going," she reassured him."

                                            > This time she didn't clench around him, still coming down from her peak, but already the fire was starting anew. It was just one way mares were better than stallions, Celestia thought to herself with a smirk. They could keep going right after an orgasm.

                                            > She squeezed him with her wings, which brought his face close enough for a passionate kiss.

                                            > Gradually Anon's thrusting sped up and he began giving little grunts of effort when he pushed in. He was getting close, but she still needed some time. Celestia closed her eyes and tried to relax her muscles and focus on him.

                                            > It would be perfect if they came together, so she had to hurry herself a little.

                                            > Maybe it was a bit rude to let Anon do all the work, but she'd repay him later. She needed some spoiling.

                                            > She kept their kiss going, darting her tongue into his mouth for quick tastes of his, coaxing him out towards her.

                                            > "Mmmph!" Anon groaned against her as his speed increased.

                                            > She was winking again as the pleasure built up once more. The added sensitivity made her even more aware of they way his girth stretched her out.

                                            > Even without her conscious control, her insides were trying their best to hold on to his warm shaft, desperate for him to stay inside her.

                                            > She felt how slick her lower lips were with her fluid and how it dribbled down her ponut and on the dock of her tail.

                                            > More importantly, she felt each time Anon's balls pressed against her. They were no longer hanging loosely and slapping, but were bunched up as they prepared to unload their bounty inside her.

                                            > He wouldn't last much longer, but now Celestia was getting worried it'd be too soon for her second climax. She wasn't quite ready yet.

                                            > She bit her lip as she pulled away from their kiss. There was one surefire way to get her there.

                                            "Come on, Anon. Make sure to give me all of it. I want it inside!"

                                            > Just thinking about him exploding his essence into her hidden depths was enough to drive her further, faster. His grunt was the only answer she got, but it was enough of an affirmative for her.

                                            "Yeah, fill me up, love. Don't spill any!"

                                            > Her moans were reaching a crescendo and she put her hind legs around Anon's thighs to guide his pace.

                                            > With each pump he was growing more erratic, his limbs starting to jerk and his rhythm disrupted. He no longer pulled all the way out and ground himself against her with desperate urgency.

                                            > His tight balls pressed against her spread lips, his pubic hair tickled her clit and his belly rubbed against her nipples in a symphony of pleasure. She didn't need much more!

                                            > "Nnnngh!"

                                            > His arms clasped her tightly and Anon gave one last, desperate push, reaching new depth inside her and... swelling.

                                            > We was unloading his seed right into her. The feeling of it bursting inside her, along with the knowledge of it happening was enough to push her over the edge.

                                            > Celestia gave a cry and came again, clenching around Anon's length and pinning him in place with her legs and wings.

                                            > All they could do for a while was twitch in unison, letting out small grunts and moans as their orgasms intertwined.

                                            > Once again she squirted out, the hot mixture of fluid running down between skin and fur.

                                            > Soon Anon collapsed on top of her, panting. Celestia nuzzled his face and relaxed, waiting for her breathing and her heartbeat to wind down a little.

                                            "You don't know how much I needed that," she was finally able to speak.

                                            > "I... might."

                                            > They chuckled, but then fell silent once more.

                                            > Just lying there, together, Anon still inside her even if he was getting soft, was enough for now.

                                            > Later she would enjoy a hot, relaxing bath, and after that she would taste Anon with her mouth. Perhaps he would return the favor, exploring her some more with his talented tongue, or perhaps they'd just kiss. Either way it would be sweet and gentle, very unlike the roaring inferno they'd just shared.

                                            > She loved both ways of doing it.

                                            > For now Celestia was perfectly comfortable on a few thin layers of towel, with her lover sprawled over her, and with her head on the cool stone floor.

                                            > She closed her eyes and simply focused on her breath. There was a warm glow suffusing her body, emanating from deep within her belly where Anon's seed was already seeking...

                                            > It wouldn't find anything compatible, even if she were in heat, but the thought was still pleasant. It proved how much they trusted one another to share something so preciously intimate.

                                            > She gave Anon's ear a kiss and looked around.

                                            "I'll get the bath started. Don't move."

                                            > Magic was handy sometimes, especially when she wanted to prepare the next step of their relaxation without breaking the bond between them.

                                            > As soon as they moved Anon would slip out of her, but for now she was content to let him remain there and enjoy her warmth a little longer.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous surfaced slowly. The world was... soft.

                                            > Soft and warm.

                                            > His cheek was pressed against wet fur and he heard a strong, steady heartbeat inside, it's slow rhythm somehow calming against his ear.

                                            > A quiet splash of water prompted him to open his eyes. He was lying on an expanse of white fluff, but he could see the edge of the big bath tub beyond the fur.

                                            > Before his mind could connect the dots another touch registered, a slight pressure against his forehead. "Waking up?" It had been a kiss, Anon realized.

                                            > He knew the voice and it triggered a flood of memory rushing back. He was taking the morning off with the Princess and they'd gotten into the tub after...

                                            > Anon suddenly realized he was completely naked and mostly submerged in hot water. He pushed against Celestia's chest to lift his head a little.

                                            "How long?"

                                            > Her wings were partially wrapped around him, but not so tightly as to prevent him from rising. Anon came face to face with the Princess and then looked blearily around the room.

                                            > He saw the pile of towels on the floor where they'd-

                                            > "Only about an hour. There is no rush to get out. Relax."

                                            > Her suggestion was good and Anon allowed himself to slip back into the water.

                                            "It's still hot?"

                                            > "Magic," was all Celestia said by way of explanation.

                                            > Anon remembered their passionate, if brief 'fun' and put his arms back around her barrel.

                                            "You wanna-?" he prompted, not quite comfortable in saying it out loud.

                                            > This made the Princess giggle and the movement of her chest jostled Anon a little. Luckily she kept him from sliding off with her wings. "Eager, are we not?" she teased.

                                            > Before he could reply, Celestia went on: "For now let us just enjoy the moment, Anonymous. We do not often have time to relax."

                                            "That's true."

                                            > He tried to clear his mind and obey her wish, but now that he'd started thinking it was too late. Unwelcome thoughts and questions forced themselves into his mind and Anon began to fidget.

                                            > His fingers twirled in Celestia's wet chest fluff as he thought. At length he could no longer keep it to himself.

                                            "Anything new from Luna? I still can't believe there's a second portal."

                                            > The Princess sighed, but she didn't sound annoyed when she spoke. "Nothing after yesterday night. She is waiting for the relief effort and I expect her situation has not changed."

                                            > She stopped talking and Anon lifted his head again to look at her face. There was the barest hint of a scrunch on her muzzle and a faraway look in her eyes.

                                            "Celly?"

                                            > She shook her head, but didn't meet his gaze. "Just something Luna said. Well, the way she said it."

                                            "Yes?"

                                            > Celestia blinked and finally looked into his eyes. "Nothing important, but I got the feeling she has done something she considers wrong and does not want me to find out."

                                            "But you will find out, right?"

                                            > At his intimation the Princess grinned and Anon was glad he'd never been on the wrong end of her intellect. "Oh yes."

                                            > Anon hoped Luna hadn't done anything really bad. He didn't like it when the sisters argued. It was all too obvious to him just how much arguing with Luna hurt Celestia.

                                            "I'm sure it's noth-"

                                            > His word was cut off by a knock at the door. He jerked bolt upright and would have climbed right out of the tub and scramble to get a towel around his waist, but Celestia grabbed him with her forelegs and pulled him back down.

                                            > "Relax," she told him with a small grin. Then, louder, she called: "Enter!"

                                            > Despite her reassurance, Anon stiffened. The castle staff knew he was involved with the Princess, but he still felt distinctly uncomfortable flaunting their relationship so publicly. After all, she was something like a deity to the ponies.

                                            > It wasn't even as if any pony had remarked upon it, except for that trouble with Twinkleshine. The nobility looked at him darkly, but they didn't dare say anything, and the common ponies seemed positively delighted at how happy their Princess was.

                                            > More than once a maid caught Anon's eye and gave him a sly wink and a very inappropriate grin. It never failed to make him redden, which was probably why they were still doing it and why Celestia hadn't put a stop to it. She'd always said his blushes were cute.

                                            > Just the thought was enough to make Anon flush all over again. Those ponies cleaned up Celestia's room, after all!

                                            > All those thoughts flashed through Anon's mind in an instant it took their visitor to push the door open. A light gray pegasus in a black and white maid's outfit stood there. She bowed when she saw Celestia looking at her.

                                            > "Princess, Mr. Eli asked for you. He said there is news from Earth."

                                            > Anonymous knew Celestia was disappointed that their time together was being cut short, but she kept her face pleasant and even mastered her ears before they could lower.

                                            > "Thank you, Autumn," she said. "Please tell Mr. Eli that we will join him right away."

                                            > The maid bowed again and closed the door as she left. Only then did Celestia allow her ears to sag and her eyes to fall. "Duty never ends, does it, Anonymous?"

                                            "Sorry, Celly. I'll help you dry off."

                                            > That, at least, brought a smile back to her muzzle and she gave him a light peck on his cheek. "I suppose they found the second portal on Earth. Nothing else would cause Eli to interrupt... this."

                                            > Anonymous almost squeaked in alarm.

                                            "He *knows* what we're doing?!"

                                            > The Princess blinked in confusion at his reaction, but then her muzzle split in a very sultry grin. "Maybe he does. I did say I would take a bath and I... might have hinted that I would not be alone."

                                            "Celestia! There is such a thing as propriety!"

                                            > She stuck her tongue out at him. "Bleh! I have had a thousand years of propriety, Anonymous. Quite frankly, it is boring."

                                            > How far this mare had changed from the prim and proper maid who had entered his house on that distant autumn evening, Anon mused. Her stay on Earth really had brought out her childish side.

                                            > In a way it was cute. She'd had to repress that part of her in the name of ruling her country, but now Celestia had discovered that she can allow herself some playfulness every now and then.

                                            "Well, I guess we should get out then," Anon prompted, still being clutched to her barrel.

                                            > The mare sighed and let him go. "I suppose. You first."

                                            > Sometimes you just had to show the Princess a good example.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > It was a very nostalgic feeling for Anonymous as he was taken through the portal building on Earth. He'd gone back a couple of times since their close escape, but the place still felt oppressive.

                                            > He'd been so sure they would be caught when he tried to smuggle Celestia out of Earth and it had only been through a miracle that they'd escaped.

                                            "Tell me again why I agreed to do this?"

                                            > Callahan didn't even break stride. "It was your horse's idea, not mine. Apparently she trusts you enough to do this."

                                            > Anon sighed and followed the man past the border checkpoint. There were a couple of ponies waiting in line to have their passport checked, but no one gave him a second glance.

                                            > Once they were in the corridor and there were no civilians around, the Commander went back to his briefing. "The Princess demanded that any ponies rescued from captivity at the portal site should be escorted to Equestria ASAP."

                                            > Anon waited for the second part, but the Commander didn't say it. Perhaps he was hoping it would conveniently get forgotten.

                                            "The ponies working with the people traffickers are to be sent to Equestria for trial as well. No 'interrogations'."

                                            > Callahan just grunted in annoyance. "That part you'll have to discuss with the Secretary General."

                                            "Wait-" Anon came to a halt in surprise. "The Secretary General is in on this?!"

                                            > It was the first time he saw the Commander grin since he'd met him. It seemed this little revelation and Anon's reaction was giving him some kind of perverse pleasure.

                                            > "It's an important mission. What did you expect? Relations between Equestria and the U.S. are still strained."

                                            "Why?"

                                            > The smile faded and the Commander gave him a narrow-eyed look. "Sir, how did a lawyer end up being Celestia's personal lackey?"

                                            > He was trying to unbalance him through thinly veiled insults, but Anon had had enough practice in the courtroom not to fall for it.

                                            > Maybe the man had done some digging and knew about that hunt for Celestia when she was hiding on Earth. In that case, he could very well suspect Anon of aiding her escape.

                                            > Luckily, the Princess had considered the eventuality of such questions and had prepared a good cover story for him. Now, more than ever, was Anon grateful for Celestia's intellect.

                                            > "My firm was involved in that case about pony kidnappings some years ago. Maybe you've heard of it?"

                                            > Callahan looked blank so Anon explained some more.

                                            "It was the case that got Miriam Adams into the Supreme Court. It was in the news again just a while ago."

                                            > At long last some recognition dawned on Callahan's face. "Oh, so you were a part of that thing?"

                                            "Yep. After the case I got curious about Equestria and Ms. Adams was kind enough to introduce me to the Princess by mail."

                                            > That was the official story, at least. Some people on Earth might suspect otherwise, in particular Anon's ex-coworkers who'd met Celestia personally, but they all agreed to be quiet.

                                            > It hadn't been too hard to achieve, especially since they could end up in the middle of a scandal for 'hiding' Celestia at the office. More importantly, they all considered the Princess a friend.

                                            > "Funny how it turns out," the Commander commented, but Anon couldn't be sure if he believed the story, or just didn't want to dredge it up in face of something he considered more important. "This way to the car. It's about two hours drive."

                                            > The mention of travelling got Anon thinking about another thing he'd discussed with Celestia.

                                            "You're not gonna take me all the way to the other portal, right? Where was it again, somewhere in south China?"

                                            > "Malaysia," the Commander clarified. "No, we won't send you there. You just have to reach some kind of a deal what to do with prisoners and rescues. The U.S. military will handle the rest."

                                            "Okay. Good. Hopefully it won't take too long. Oh, before I forget, Princess Luna warns that your people should not approach the portal under any circumstance. Whatever she did to make the travel impossible might be dangerous."

                                            > "Celestia already said that. Understood."

                                            > It looked like that was all for now and Anon resigned himself to making uncomfortable smalltalk with the Commander. Either that, or uncomfortable silence.


                                            > ~~~


                                            > At long last the talking points ran out and the meeting was adjourned. Anon was just about ready to go to his hotel and fall in bed, but he waited in the hallway for the only bright point of this entire trip.

                                            > It took a few more minutes, but finally the woman he'd been wanting to speak with came out.

                                            "Miriam! I never imagined I'd see you here!"

                                            > She excused herself with her group of officials and came over. Anonymous was holding out his hand, but she pushed past it and gave him a hug instead.

                                            > "Nonsense. A big hubbub about ponies again? Where else would I be? To be honest," she said, all smiles, "I was expecting Celestia. How is she?"

                                            "She's well. How about you? I heard about the promotion, so congratulations."

                                            > He looked at Miriam's face, noting that she had a number of new wrinkles. Even her hair had more silver in it, but the combined effect was of a good-natured grandmother.

                                            > "Oh, it's just a job, Anon," she waved it modestly away. "Tell me about this thing now. Kidnapping and hu- people trafficking? Bad business."

                                            > For an instant Anon considered telling her about his experiences, the captivity and escape, but Miriam didn't need to know all that, at least not know. They might not have a whole lot of time.

                                            "It's bad, but I think we almost have it sorted. This portal stuff is the last bit. Apparently they were smuggling people in both directions. We found some human slaves in Equestria and they're on the way home as we speak."

                                            > The next bit made Anon sigh in despair.

                                            "They've also been taking ponies to Earth and selling them. We're still gathering all the missing person reports."

                                            > Suddenly the woman was serious and stepped closer. She was easily as tall as Anonymous and her eyes bored into his. "Do you know how many ponies they brought over? At least approximately?"

                                            > He was forced to shrug and shake his head.

                                            > "Shame," Miriam sighed. "No way to get them all back. I thought we were past this," she bemoaned. "Well, you've got our full support, but you already know that."

                                            "Yeah, thanks for that. Celestia wouldn't like it if her people were stuck in prisons on Earth, even if they are criminals."

                                            > The woman once again waved a dismissive hand. "The Secretary General can be a bit stubborn at times, but he doesn't want more tension with Celestia."

                                            "How are the others? Have you stayed in touch?" Anon asked.

                                            > He didn't want to go over the whole meeting yet again.

                                            > "Oh, swell, last I heard about them. Glitter Dust basically runs the store for Maggie, Heavy Hoof and Belle Hop got married. I didn't hear from Glowbug lately, but I think she's fine."

                                            "That's great!"

                                            > Miriam barely gave him time to digest all this before coming out with her own question: "How about Lake Frond? I didn't get the chance to see her little one last time I was in Canterlot."

                                            "Wow, I almost forgot. I haven't seen them in a while either. Tell you what, make some time to visit and I'll make sure they're in Canterlot, okay?"

                                            > Miriam Adams looked wistful, but her expression was pained. Anon imagined she was quite busy and couldn't take any time off, especially this early in her new career.

                                            "Come on, just take a couple of days off," he repeated.

                                            > The lady watched him for a while longer, then her face creased into a smile again. "Oh, what the heck. I'll try, okay? I can't promise more than that."

                                            "Great! I'm sure Celly will be happy to see you."

                                            > His nickname for the Princess just made Miriam's smile wider. She reached over and patted Anon on his arm. "I'll be happy to see her too. I'm still sore she didn't take my offer. She'd make a superb attorney."

                                            > This just made Anon chuckle.

                                            "I think she has bigger and better things on her plate, Miriam."

                                            > She joined his laughter and nodded. "I guess you're right. So..." Miriam looked around, but all the other people had filed out of the hallway, except for her driver, who was standing patiently at the other end.

                                            > "I'll write you and... mm, 'Celly' a letter, but I really have to go now."

                                            "Yeah, I'll head back to the hotel too. Too late to return today."

                                            > This time Anon had been expecting another hug, but the Justice grabbed his hand and have it a firm squeeze instead. "You look after that horse of yours Anon. Bye!"

                                            > He watched Miriam leave with a small, bemused smile on his face. Hopefully she wouldn't slip and call the Princess that in her presence. That or 'Celly'.

                                            > She accepted the nickname from him and, occasionally, from Luna, but if human dignitaries started using it, or - god forbid - other ponies, Celestia might have some choice words for his indiscretion.

                                            > After a moment's thought, Anon went back to the lobby of the building, looking around for the Commander. He didn't particularly enjoy his company, but the man was his transportation.

                                            > Having moved entirely to Equestria, Anon didn't have any cash on him, or any credit cards. Even if he wanted to get a taxi he had no means of paying for it.

                                            > Strange how visiting his home country left him feeling like a tourist.

                                            > Fortunately the Commander was waiting in the lobby, apparently in deep conversation with some of the other military types from the meeting.

                                            > He spotted Anon and held his palm up, signalling for him to wait while Callahan finished his discussion.

                                            > Looking for something to do, Anon strolled over to the nearby wall and started examining the paintings on display there. Hopefully the Commander wouldn't take too long.

                                            > By now Anon really wanted his bed. He felt so tired after that hearing - more like interrogation, actually - that he probably wouldn't even miss cuddling with the Princess before falling asleep.

                                            > Good thing he'd be heading home first thing tomorrow morning. In a way it was a piece of luck that the second portal was on the other side of the world, otherwise he might have to go visit it.

                                            > Or maybe not, considering Celestia's warning of how dangerous it was to approach it.

                                            > His eyes slid past the paintings, unseeing, as tried to imagine what Luna had done to it to make it that dangerous.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > The boring and uninterested dragged on. Perhaps the only bright spot in Anon's day was when he finally got back to the Canterlot Castle and Celestia all but scooped him up in her hooves and wings.

                                            > The way she lavished kisses on his face was nice, too. It was a good thing they were alone, at least momentarily.

                                            > After that there was a meeting with Callahan and Eli and Fire Fly, which Anonymous would have preferred to skip, but there had been no time to brief the Princess on what they'd decided, so it fell to him to present it.

                                            > He was just speaking about the decisions they'd reached with the Secretary General and mentioned how Miriam has helped on some of the more difficult points.

                                            > Callahan scowled a little at that, and the Captain and Eli looked blank, but Celestia gave a small gasp and her muzzle split into a grin.

                                            > "You did not tell me you saw Miriam, Anonymous!" she accused. "How is Miriam Adams?"

                                            > The Commander heaved a sigh and tried to drag them back to the topic at hand. "Princess, is this be best time for gossip?"

                                            > Celestia just ignored him, which made the man's face redden and a vein start to throb on his temple. Anon thought it best to finish the distraction quickly.

                                            "Yeah, I told her she should visit soon and I think she said yes. I'll tell you more after the meeting, okay?"

                                            > Celestia gave him a happy nod and turned to face the table again. "Very well, Commander," she continued as if there had been no interruption. "You may proceed with your... strike. When word comes back that you have secured the portal on Earth, I will let Luna know and she will allow passage."

                                            > So far so good. This part of the plan was to the Commander's liking and he nodded curtly.

                                            > "You are to send all the ponies, both the captives and their captors, over to the Equestrian side. I will arrange transport for them to Canterlot and we will handle it internally."

                                            > This was the bit Callahan didn't like. In his eyes the ponies who'd sided with the criminals were just as guilty as their human counterparts and they deserved a taste of the human justice system.

                                            > His heart was in the right place and the man staunchly believed in justice, but for some reason he was convinced that the Equestrian courts would go easy on their own citizens.

                                            > He didn't argue anymore, not after being ordered to do exactly what Celestia wanted by his superiors. "Yes, ma'am. I trust you will hold your end of the agreement and hand over the human prisoners as soon as they come here?"

                                            > It was a point Celestia had been willing to concede, despite wanting to keep the criminals for a couple of days of questioning. More importantly, she'd wanted to keep the freed slaves in Canterlot to make sure they were recovering from their ordeal.

                                            > She looked at Anon, who shrugged and nodded, telling her that the Commander was correct about the agreement they'd reached the previous day.

                                            > "Of course. We will hold to the agreement, Commander," Celestia confirmed.

                                            > "Good, there's just one more thing I need to know," Callahan continued, opening his briefcase and taking out a yellow folder. He removed some glossy papers and spread them on the table before himself.

                                            > Anon and Celestia shared a look and there was a question in her eyes.

                                            "I don't know, this didn't come up yesterday."

                                            > The Commander caught their exchange and a grin appeared on his face. "I only received these photos today, Your Highness. They are low altitude stealthplane shots and my men can't make heads or tails about them."

                                            > He pushed the papers forward and Celestia picked them up in her magic. Anon craned his neck to look and she accommodated him by holding the photos at arm's length.

                                            > It showed a stretch of some sparse forest with a couple of snaky dirt roads visible as white lines. There was a large clearing in the middle, but it looked like scorched grass.

                                            > Anon and Celestia stared, trying to make sense of the scale and the devastation.

                                            "Have they burned down their camp when they found out the portal was blocked?"

                                            > The Princess was staring intently at the middle photo, which showed the southern side of the clearing and a stretch of forest beyond. She was chewing on her lip thoughtfully and her ears twitched up and down as she considered.

                                            > "Maybe this will help. The plane was sent on a lower altitude to get some close ups of the camp itself," Callahan interrupted and slid two more photos their way.

                                            > Celestia's magic picked them up and held them alongside the original three. Most of the frame was black, with strange hints of structure, very much like burned grassland.

                                            > Anon could recognize a large, square building, but it was either burned to the ground or covered with tar, leaving only a few patches of white concrete visible.

                                            > "Hmm," Celestia said, eyes scanning the new pictures. The second was of a group of buildings, if that was what they were. There were square-shaped bulges in the black terrain.

                                            > Finally, Celestia lowered the photos and gave the Commander a tight-lipped look. "I'm afraid I don't know what to make of this. Perhaps Anonymous is correct and the criminals burned their camp down when they realized they'd been discovered?"

                                            > The man shook his head while Celestia passed the photos to Fire Fly and Eli. "I don't think so," Callahan replied. "I spoke with the flight crew on radio and they said the fires were green and purple. It definitely looked out of the world, they assured me."

                                            > This made Celestia blink in shock. "Green and..."

                                            > She was already white, but by now Anon knew her enough to realize she would have paled in shock. "Surely she didn't-"

                                            "Did what? Who? You know what this is?" Anon asked.

                                            > The chair clattered on the floor as Celestia sprang upright and began pacing the small room. He ears had gone completely flat and her mouth was pressed in a tight, displeased line.

                                            > She stopped and glared at the Commander with such intensity that he flinched back. "How large is the black circle?!" she demanded.

                                            > He glanced down at his notes. "The crew estimated at one-point-five clicks diameter. About a mile across, Princess."

                                            > The news made the mare grunt and she whirled around to continue her pacing. Anon stood up and stopped her with a hand on her withers.

                                            "Talk to me."

                                            > Celestia stared in Anon's eyes and said just one word: "Luna!"

                                            > Something tickled his memory and he recalled their conversation in the bath.

                                            "You think this is the bad thing she didn't want to tell you?"

                                            > "I bet it is," the mare almost growled. "Undoubtedly she thought she could clean it up before anypony knew. She might not have realized it would spread through the portal."

                                            > Celestia tore free from Anon's hand and went back to pacing and grumbling. Luckily she kept it low enough so that Eli and Callahan couldn't hear. Anon was close enough and Fire Fly had pony ears.

                                            > "I am going to *wring* that little filly's neck when I get my hooves on her!"

                                            "Hey, relax. It probably isn't that bad."

                                            > The Princess twirled again and faced the table. She took a forced breath to relax and closed her eyes for a moment.

                                            > When she spoke, her voice was calm again. "The ground is not burned, Commander, but rather infested with dark magic. I believe my Sister has used Sombra's magic to prevent passage through the portal. She must not have realized that it would spread on the other side, even if she is keeping it in check on ours."

                                            > This made Captain Fire Fly let out a small whimper and shrink down in his seat, while Eli and Callahan looked confused. The Commander regrouped first. "How bad is it?"

                                            > Celestia's ears folded down again, but she answered: "If left unchecked, the corruption will spread over your entire world."

                                            > "WHAT?!" Callahan was suddenly on his feet. "How do we fight it? I'll authorize a nuke right now!"

                                            > The word was unfamiliar to the ponies and Celestia gave Anonymous a questioning look. He swallowed and shook his head slightly, which was all the information she needed.

                                            > "No, not that," she said, forcing herself to speak calmly. "I am not certain any of your weapons would eradicate this- this *infestation*."

                                            > Suddenly her smile turned evil and both Eli and the Captain looked decidedly uneasy.

                                            > "Instead, what I will do is send Princess Luna with you to clean up her own mess. She will obey all your orders, as long as you do not make her commit crimes. I promise you that!"

                                            > This news calmed the Commander down a little and he took his seat again. "So, what do we do about this until then?" he asked.

                                            > "Nothing. Your men are to stay away. I only hope the criminals were smart enough to have run when it started to spread."

                                            "W-What would it do to a person?"

                                            > The Princess looked uncertain as she considered, then closed her eyes and shook her head. "Without Lord Sombra to guide it, I am not sure. My best guess is that it would enslave people like it was meant to do, but without orders they would simply... wait."

                                            "Can they be freed?"

                                            > This time Celestia nodded immediately. "Yes. Both myself and Luna can perform that spell. If it fails to work, we will have to bring them to the Crystal Empire so the Crystal Heart can cleanse them."

                                            > The news relaxed everyone at the table and even Celestia sat down, though her gaze was still troubled. Anon reached a hand over and patted her neck.

                                            "I'm sure Luna had good reasons for using this," he tried to reassure the Princess.

                                            > She shrugged. "Perhaps. What I am worried about, and Luna does not seem to realize: if the corruption draws enough power into itself, it can bring Sombra back. I do not want him loose on Earth!"

                                            > Commander Callahan accepted the photos back from Fire Fly and glanced them over before returning them to the folder. He cleared his throat. "Who is this Sombra and why is this magic bad, Princess? I need to know the worst case scenario so we can prepare."

                                            > She didn't really want to answer, but the man was right and Celestia owed him an explanation in her sister's name. She swallowed a lump and let out a slow breath.

                                            > "Very well, Commander. It is a long story, though. Captain," she turned to Fire Fly, "since you already know this, could you find somepony and ask for some tea to be brought in?"

                                            > The guard hopped to his hooves, threw a salute and left.

                                            > "Sombra came to power in the Crystal Empire a little more than a thousand years ago..."


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Nothing much had changed for Princess Luna as she waited for reinforcements at the human camp. The injured former prisoners were recovering well and none of the criminals had tried a counter attack to reclaim the camp.

                                            > Heat Lightning thought he saw some movement nearby on his night patrol, but by the time he could land and check it out, whatever had been there was gone.

                                            > Hunger would eventually drive them to surrender, the Princess had no doubts about that. Her bigger concern was boredom.

                                            > Sombra's evil crystal magic still held fast within its protective ring and there had been no obvious attempt to breach the portal from the other side.

                                            > Soon the enemy camp on Earth would be captured and then she could finally dispel the dark magic and stop lying to her sister. Celestia was getting quite nosy in their dream meetings.

                                            > The sun was setting and Luna finished her circuit around the quiet camp. She paused at the hut where Black Velvet threw her a smart salute.

                                            "Private, is the Corporal back from his round?"

                                            > "He's inside, Princess."

                                            > He probably had nothing new to report, or he would have sought her out directly. Guarding of the defeated human encampment was mostly boring, after all.

                                            "I will get his report and meet with Sister in the dream world. Then I will come and relieve you for the night."

                                            > The stallion was uneasy of having the Princess of all ponies stand guard while he and his superior officer slept, but he had been trained well enough never to question her orders.

                                            > "Thank you, ma'am!"

                                            > Luna ducked into the gloomy interior, where a single candle was flickering fitfully on the table. There were darker shapes against the far wall and she heard quiet snoring.

                                            > The Corporal was sitting at the dying fire. He had looked over when she was speaking with the guard outside, but now his eyes had been drawn back to the embers.

                                            "Anything, Corporal?" Luna asked in a soft voice so as not to wake their guests.

                                            > "Sorry, Princess. I'm sure there are some humans in the forest, but I wasn't able to spot them."

                                            "Any ponies?"

                                            > The soldier shook his head. "No. I caught a whiff of human a few times, but no ponies other than us."

                                            "Good. Get some rest. I must meditate to meet with Sister and then I will be taking the first watch. I want you on the second."

                                            > Rather than replying, Heat Lightning just saluted. He kept the gesture slow, so as not to clank his hoof against his helmet and wake the sleeping people.

                                            > He didn't move from the fire, though, even after Luna had waited for a while.

                                            "Corporal?"

                                            > His head turned again, eyes reflecting the fading daylight outside.

                                            "I said you are relieved for now."

                                            > "Thank you, ma'am. I'd prefer to stay up and... and watch the fire."

                                            "Is everything alright?" Luna inquired.

                                            > She sat on her haunches next to the guard and joined him in staring at the dying embers. For a while he was quiet, but eventually he answered his Princess: "It's just- Princess, I saw how the slaves were kept and how they were made to work. Why would ponies do that?"

                                            > It wasn't something Luna had been expecting and she took some time to think it over. What would Celestia say to this?

                                            "Corp- Heat Lightning. Most ponies are good, but not all. I don't know how else to put it. There will always be a few bad apples in the bunch, however carefully the crop was tended."

                                            > "Yeah, but I never thought they'd- all this!"

                                            "Don't worry, Sister and I will get some answers. We have the pony responsible in the Castle dungeon already. If there are more accomplices, they will be found and this cancer will be cut from our society."

                                            > Luna was staring past the fire, into her memories of the recent years as she had helped rule beside Celestia. She had seen that darkness sometimes took hold in even the best of ponies.

                                            "Perhaps we are not yet as homogeneous as Sister and I would like. Some of the elite still think themselves better than their kin. Sometimes, one such can convince themselves that other people are worth less. That other people are not people at all."

                                            > She watched the Corporal's face for any signs of understanding. She was about to explain again, but he gave a slight nod. "I'm glad we rooted out this place, Princess. I'm honored you chose me for this mission."

                                            > The fervor in his voice made Luna smile and she placed a wing around the stallion. He didn't seem to notice, at least not consciously, though he did lean against her side.

                                            "Stay still now, I must meditate to speak with Princess Celestia."

                                            > Luna closed her eyes and focused. With her experience it was easy to slip partly into a dream. Such half-measures wouldn't be enough to fight even the most basic nightmare, but it was sufficient to speak with her Sister, who should be asleep by now.

                                            > She soon found Celestia among the slumbering ponies. Luna could never explain how she did it, but she always knew where to look for whomever she sought.

                                            > Celestia wasn't dreaming yet, but it was relatively easy to create a shared dream and pull her sister into it. She made it the Canterlot Castle balcony on a beautiful, cloudless, moonlit night. Her dream, her rules, after all.

                                            > The white alicorn walked from the balcony entrance and her eyes immediately focused on her sister.

                                            > "Luna!"

                                            > There was a growl in her voice and a scrunch to her muzzle which Luna didn't find comforting at all.

                                            "Sister? Is something the matter?"

                                            > Celestia took three quick steps and stopped. She seemed to tower over her younger sister. "What have you done?! Tell me!"

                                            > Luna swallowed a lump and squared her shoulders. She was not a little filly anymore to be punished by her sister for every perceived slight!

                                            "I don't know what you mean."

                                            > Celestia snorted, but not in amusement. "Sombra's magic? Really, Luna? Whatever possessed you to toy with something like that?!"

                                            "How did you-"

                                            > "Because it spread to the other side! It is already a mile wide and growing by the hour!"

                                            > This was very unwelcome news and Luna lowered her ears. She gazed past her sister and her eyes darted around as she thought.

                                            "It should not spread at all! It did not spread on our side!"

                                            > "How do you figure?" Celestia demanded. "You know we never studied it in too much detail. Magic like that is simply too dangerous and unpredictable! I am very disappointed Luna! Whatever could have possessed you to-"

                                            "I had to make sure, okay?!" Luna defended herself with hot tears in her eyes. "I did not know what I would find when I attacked. I didn't know how many unicorns the humans had working with them. I had to block the portal off in a way that wouldn't require constant checking if somepony had broken the shield during the battle!"

                                            > "Why didn't you pull it down after the battle?"

                                            > Luna growled low in her throat, but she couldn't come up with an answer. By that point she'd already decided to leave Sombra's magic in place until the other side was safe.

                                            "I placed a ward around the portal to prevent it from spreading, but it didn't even try. I thought it was inert!"

                                            > Celestia sat on her haunches heavily and let out a weary sigh. She put a hoof on her face. "Because it focused all its power into spreading on the other side, where it was not limited."

                                            > It made sense *now*, sure, but how was Luna supposed to have known that?! She was determined to clean up her mistake, though.

                                            "Fine! I will tear it down and then I'll go through the portal and cleanse the Earth side as well!"

                                            > She stood up and was about to will herself out of the dream without another word, but Celestia reached out a hoof and laid it on Luna's back.

                                            > "Don't. We do not know if you can purge it through the portal and it could ensnare you the moment you step through. It is not safe."

                                            "Then what do you suggest?!"

                                            > "You will come to Canterlot as quickly as you can. The relief team will be at the portal tomorrow and you can leave your guards in charge until then. You will go to Earth with Commander Callahan and he will get you to their side of the portal. There you will work under his commands for as long as it takes to cleanse the corruption from his world."

                                            > It would mean being away from Eli and her comfortable quarters for longer still, but the shame of not having foreseen this problem stung enough that Luna readily agreed.

                                            "I will. I swear."

                                            > "Oh, and one more thing, Luna."

                                            "Hmm?"

                                            > Celestia looked frightened for the first time since her tirade had begun. "If the infestation on the other side becomes large enough, it may bring Sombra back. If you suspect that's happened, do not fight him alone. Callahan will use his machines to contact me and I will come help."

                                            > Suddenly there was a chill running down Luna's spine and she felt as if her horn crawled with insects.

                                            "That can happen?! I didn't know that!"

                                            > "I kept it a secret. We do not want misguided unicorns trying to bring him back."

                                            "What about the corruption on this side?"

                                            > Celestia shrugged. "There are unicorns in the relief team, you will teach them the purging spell in their dream. As you said, your ward is holding and it should hold for long enough until we have this whole mess sorted out."

                                            > Luna let herself relax a little. Of course her sister would already have a plan for fixing her mistake. She was irritating like that sometimes, but it was also a very comforting thought.

                                            > She took the two steps until she was nuzzling Celestia's neck. Her sister's hooves came around in a big hug and Luna could have sworn she felt the warmth of sunlight on her fur.

                                            "Thanks. I'm sorry, and- thanks," she whispered.

                                            > "You are to obey Callahan's every command, except if he tries to make you break the law or hurt somepony. Oh, and if he tries to take you to his bed. You may refuse that one."

                                            > Luna stiffened, but didn't pull away from the embrace.

                                            "He m-might do that?!"

                                            > Her sister's gentle laughter reassured her.

                                            "That was not funny!"

                                            > "Sometimes I think I would prefer that option to his demands to bring more soldiers into Equestria," Celestia murmured back. "Perhaps you and he will get along better since you both enjoy military matters. He can show you some of the machines he keeps talking about and you can show him how alicorns fight."

                                            > It sounded as if Celestia intended for Luna to stay on Earth for quite some time. She pulled away and looked her sister in the eyes.

                                            "Just how long do you mean for me to spend there?"

                                            > The older alicorn shrugged. "Until the corruption is banished. Send a signal to let the unicorns on our side know to dispel the crystals here, then you can return through the portal."

                                            > Now that it had been decided, Luna didn't want to lose any more time. The crystals had already spread across a mile on Earth in the few short days she had spent there.

                                            > The sooner she could start destroying them, the less chance of Sombra being re-instituted.

                                            "I will give my guards orders and begin my flight back immediately. With Twilight's lessons in long-distance teleportation, I will be in Canterlot by morning. Have the Commander ready to take me to Earth."

                                            > Rather than answering Celestia grasped her with forelegs and brought her in for another warm, sisterly hug. "I will see you off. Fly safe, Sister."

                                            "And you have sweet dreams."

                                            > Luna returned the embrace for a few more seconds, then woke herself up. Already excitement coursed through her. She'd forgotten about the guard pressed against her side in the night's chill and he fell down with a squawk as she stood.

                                            "Corporal, I have new orders..."


                                            > ~~~~


                                            "You're sure you'll be alright?" Anonymous asked once again, just to confirm.

                                            > Celestia, sitting on her haunches on the gravel, lifted up her foreleg to lay a hoof gently on his forearm. "Go," she said with a smile.

                                            > They were waiting at the landing area for airborne carriages when Star Bright came to find him. He was meeting up with Lily Blossom, Aura and Snow Cover for a friendly lunch in the city and was wondering if Anonymous would like to join them.

                                            > It sounded like a good chance to catch up, not to mention see how the guard and the pegasus were doing.

                                            > The thought gave Anon a slight pause when he recognized it. Had he really changed this much in the years he'd spent in Canterlot? Before meeting Celestia, something like a lunch with friends would have seemed... frivolous.

                                            > Now it seemed downright pleasant. While he didn't know Snow Cover all that well, he considered Aura and her father, Storm Pop, good friends and wanted to make sure the mare was being treated right.

                                            > Star Bright was also a good friend and Blossom, despite not having known her that long, would always have a special place in his heart, Anon suspected.

                                            > He refocused his eyes on Celestia and smiled in thanks, but before he could say anything he caught sight of an approaching carriage.

                                            > Rather, carriages. Two of them, pulled by Celestia's gold-armored guards and accompanied by Luna's darker Night Watch.

                                            > He could see several humans on board, most of them white-faced. It gave Anon the tiniest tingle of satisfaction to know he wasn't the only one who didn't like flying in these pegasi-pulled things.

                                            "Looks like they're here. I'll greet them with you."

                                            > Celestia shook her head and pushed at him with her hoof. "Go," she repeated. "I have this. Eli is keeping Callahan busy so at least I have a few hours..."

                                            > She didn't say it out loud, but Anonymous understood. Celestia wanted to make sure the prisoners' impression of Equestria wouldn't be forever tainted by what they'd experienced.

                                            > It had taken some arguing, but she'd gotten Callahan to agree that they at least deserved a good meal before being shipped to Earth. Eventually he even permitted her to feed the criminals, although they would enjoy their meal from the comfort of the Castle prison cells instead.

                                            "If you're sure. Okay, Bright, let's go."

                                            > The young unicorn took another glance at the carriages, then turned and led Anonymous back into the Castle. As soon as they were out of eyesight form the door, the stallion slowed so they could walk side by side.

                                            > "Um, so we don't have a reservation, but I don't think we need one. I asked Mrs. Nutmeg and she said they aren't too full, usually.

                                            "Where are you taking us?"

                                            > Bright smiled in eager anticipation. "It's that griffin place on Restaurant Row. I think it opened last year, right after Summer Solstice."

                                            > It didn't ring a bell, so Anon just shrugged. Wherever they went, the food would be good. It generally was.

                                            "Sounds good."

                                            > "It's called 'Hoof and Claw'," Star Bright kept on explaining. "They employ both pony and griffin cooks. Um... I hear you can order, uh, m-meat."

                                            > This sounded more interesting, but Anon still shrugged. He'd gotten quite used to a mostly vegetarian diet with an occasional fish for variety.

                                            > He'd had steak on some occasions, when Celestia organized a picnic with important human dignitaries, but she always complained about the smell from his mouth and made him brush his teeth multiple times before kissing him.

                                            "Cool, but I'm in the mood for something different. We'll see when we get there."

                                            > Star Bright relaxed a little. "Yeah. Sure. This way."

                                            > He led them to the guest rooms and stopped outside the closed door to Cadence's suite. His knock was so tentative that Anon thought no one heard it.

                                            > To his surprise, there came a high-pitched "Coming!" from inside, followed by hurrying hoofsteps. The door flew open and Blossom grinned nervously at her coltfriend.

                                            > For some reason Anon had been expecting her to dress up. It was a date, after all. Instead, the young mare looked just like she always did, her pink coat maybe just a shade darker because of a slight blush.

                                            > "Ready?" Star Bright asked, gaze firmly locked on Blossom. He appeared to be drinking her in with his eyes.

                                            > She glanced over at Anon and her smile widened. "Nonny!" she exclaimed and threw her hooves around the tall man's legs.

                                            > "Yeah, he'll come with us, um, if- if that's okay," Star Bright explained.

                                            > Blossom just nodded, dropped down to all four hooves, and brushed past the two males, paying special attention to rub her muzzle along the stallion's side.

                                            > Anon couldn't help but chuckle at the stunned, disbelieving look on his muzzle.

                                            "Where are we meeting the other two?" he asked to bring Bright out of his reverie.

                                            > The unicorn gave a start, then turned and hurried after Blossom. "Oh! Yeah, they'll meet us at the restaurant. Follow me!"


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > The evening got off on a slightly awkward note, especially between Snow Cover and Anonymous. For a while it seemed the two would have absolutely nothing in common, now that the guard was off duty.

                                            > Luckily Aura noticed their predicament and reached her wing around the colt to tickle his other side. His head whipped around and the rest of the table tittered in amusement.

                                            > Once he understood how he had been fooled, Snow Cover stared at Aura and gave her a slightly hurt look. She shrugged it off and gave the mistreated colt a peck on his cheek.

                                            > "Have I ever told you I wouldn't have these without Anonymous?" she asked and wiggled the tips of her wings at his face.

                                            > "Oh?" Snow Cover exclaimed and stared at the man. "How so?"

                                            > Her ears turned down and the young mare sighed as she stared at the table top. "I got hurt. Bad. Freak downburst. Shattered nearly all bones in my wings."

                                            > Snow Cover's expression wilted and he reached out a hoof to lay on Aura's foreleg. "Ow. Yikes," he said lamely, not knowing how to even respond to something like that.

                                            > His face scrunched up and he grunted in surprise. "How come you haven't told me any of that before?"

                                            > It was Aura's turn to look downcast, but she took Snow Cover's hoof between both of hers and held it up to her face so she could nuzzle it. "I should have, but there's never been a good moment. It's not something I enjoy remembering, you know?"

                                            > Almost immediately Snow's face softened and he pulled the mare closer, thanks to her firm grip on his hoof. Once she was in range he touched his nose to hers. "It's okay. I understand if you don't wanna talk about it now."

                                            > Aura shook her head. "I'll tell you. I can't not after dropping something like that."

                                            > Anon cast a glance at the other two. Star Bright had heard the story from him already, though he seemed uneasy hearing it first-hoof, but Blossom looked absolutely devastated. Her hooves were up over her mouth and her eyes were already brimming with tears. "How dreadful!" she whispered.

                                            > "Yeah," Aura said, fiddling with the tablecloth. She gave Snow Cover a long look. "Doctors said I'd never fly again. That I'd be lucky if didn't lose my wings altogether."

                                            > Her coltfriend couldn't stand it anymore and lunged at the mare to hug her as tightly as he dared. He was taking special care with her wings now.

                                            > Aura nuzzled into him for a moment, the pulled away and smiled. "Anyway, Anon here got uncle Pop an interview with the human ambassador while I was still in the hospital and they transferred me to Earth."

                                            > She chuckled suddenly. "I was so high on painkillers I don't even remember the journey there. I must have gone through the portal, but I swear the first time I saw it was on the way back."

                                            "You said you didn't like Earth when you came back."

                                            > "Not Earth as a whole. Just the hospital there." Her entire body shuddered. "Ugh, I did *not* like that place. They stuck my wings full of metal pins. I had like five or six surgeries! I was either in pain or drugged out of my mind."

                                            > She lowered her voice and leaned closer to Snow Cover, meaning that next bit just for him. Unfortunately she spoke in a slightly too loud of a whisper: "A nurse had to help me use the bathroom. You do *not* want to know about that mess."

                                            > The next bit was more cheerful and Aura brightened up. "Anyway," she said in a normal tone, "even once they got all the pins and stitches out I wasn't sure my wings worked at all. They were just numb."

                                            > Everyone at the table winced at that, but Aura began to smile. "It worked, though. Not only were they able to save my wings, but I could fly again after some rehab. So I forgive them," she conclude magnanimously.

                                            > "Wow..." It was all Snow Cover was able to say.

                                            > The mare gently pushed him away and extended one wing as far as she could in their booth.

                                            > She ran a hoof along the limb, then grabbed her coltfriend's and held it against the leading edge. "Feel that? How it's thicker than you'd expect?"

                                            > Unfortunately Snow Cover was too engrossed by the fact that she was making him feel up her wings, something normally reserved for intimacy among pegasi. Luckily the lighting was dim and their booth was in a corner, so no peering eyes saw.

                                            > Noting that, the guard relaxed and really concentrated. "Yeah. Wow, I never noticed before."

                                            > His admission made Aura smile. She didn't want special treatment because of her injury and this was exactly what she liked to hear. "Well, you must have noticed I take extra time unfolding and folding them, right?"

                                            > Snow Cover lowered his gaze and his ears splayed out in slight embarrassment. "Y-Yeah, I did. I kinda wondered, but I thought it'd be rude to ask."

                                            > At this the mare lifted up an eyebrow and gave the guard one of her finest, sarcastic looks. Anonymous was proud that she'd learned from him so well.

                                            > "Really?" she asked in a flat voice. "You propose to a filly but you don't think it appropriate to ask her about her body?"

                                            > This really turned Snow Cover's blush knob up to eleven and for a while his pristine white coat nearly matched Blossom's pink. He didn't know where to put his face until Aura reached over with a hoof, turned his muzzle to face her, and planted a very passionate kiss right on his lips.

                                            > It made the rest of the table shuffle their feet and look around uncomfortably.

                                            > "They still hurt sometimes, but it's not so bad. My wings aren't as flexible as they used to be, but they work just fine, so I'm grateful."

                                            > Snow Cover nodded, lightly stunned by the unexpected kiss. "Yeah, m-me too."

                                            > After the mare turned back to the table, the guard gave Anonymous an appraising look and a nod, one which didn't escape Blossom's eye.

                                            > "Yeah, 'Nonny is the best!" she picked up from there, earning a round of chuckles. "But I wouldn't trade him for Starry!" she concluded. Now it was Star Bright's turn to color.

                                            > Following Aura's example, the young mare leaned over the table and lowered her voice to what she felt was a conspiratorial murmur. "Did you know Starry taught me how to do everything? I didn't know about, uh, shampoo and stuff. Or, or, plates and knives and forks and all that!"

                                            > She tried to pick up a spoon, but the delicate maneuver was causing her a few problems until she managed to tuck it in her wrist.

                                            > "See?" she said triumphantly and put it down.

                                            > Anonymous knew for a fact that the young mare preferred to eat with her muzzle in the bowl, but he didn't point that out. Star Bright was a unicorn and they liked their table manners almost to a fault.

                                            > The topic brought to mind Blossom's captivity and the conditions she had been forced to endure, which caused a symphony of drooping ears and wandering gazes around the table. No one wanted to bring it up, though.

                                            > Anon broke the silence by reaching over to ruffle her mane.

                                            "You're doing a good job, Blossom."

                                            > She beamed at him, then remembered something else and looked at Aura and Snow Cover. She didn't know the guard very well, but Aura was one of her first real friends and it seemed that was enough for Blossom to take them both into her confidence.

                                            > "Oh, oh," she almost bounced on her seat. "Mom and Dad said I can go to school here in Canterlot, um, so I'll be able to see Starry every day! He's my coltfriend, you know?!"

                                            > Everyone laughed at her exuberance, except for the unicorn who sounded as if he had something stuck in his throat. When he finally managed to speak, he just croaked out: "I would have moved to Las Pegasus to be with you, Lily."

                                            > Aura shared a look with Snow Cover. "Wait, Lily? Your name is Lily?" she asked the younger mare.

                                            > Blossom shrugged a little. "I guess. I kinda forgot, but Mom and Dad reminded me."

                                            > The guard grinned back and gave the mare an appraising look. "It suits you. Nice to meet you, Lily Blossom."

                                            > He made a show of formally reaching across the table with a hoof, which Blossom took, and they shook before sitting back and bursting out laughing.

                                            > The young mare turned to her unicorn coltfriend. "Anyway, I know how your stars are important to you and I didn't want you to have to move to Las Pegasus. I know their- um... what was it again?"

                                            > She gave him a hopeless look with a pleading smile and Star Bright was only too happy to help her out: "Observatory?"

                                            > "Yeah, that! I know the one in Las Pegasus isn't as good. 'Nonny told me. So I wanted to do something nice and move here, so you could keep using the one here."

                                            > The act of kindness was making Star Bright's eyes water heavily and he gathered up the young mare in a hug. "You're just the best, Lily," he whispered to her, but it was loud enough so they all could hear.

                                            > Aura was suddenly embracing Snow Cover as well as she watched the touching moment. "Awww," she couldn't help saying.

                                            > The couples enjoyed their closeness in silence for a bit while Anon sat back and thought about Celestia. He determined to do something nice for her, maybe get her a bouquet of flowers. Or a pastry.

                                            > Or maybe he could go ask around that sweets shop if there was a way to combine the two. Since ponies ate flowers they must have thought about it before, right?

                                            > Their meal arrived, or at least the first course. It was mushroom soup, beautifully presented with a sprig of parsley and a smattering of sour cream.

                                            > For a short while there was just the sound of slurping and tinkling cutlery as the four sated the hunger which had gone unnoticed during their discussion.

                                            > Once they were all done, Aura looked around the table, then caught Snow Cover's eye. She was giving him a questioning look which obviously held some significance to the guard. He frowned for a moment, but then gave her a nod.

                                            > Anonymous happened to catch the exchange and wondered what was going on between the two.

                                            > "So, big news time?" Aura proclaimed, gathering everyone's attention on her. She reached out her hoof and Snow Cover grasped it with his wrist for some silent support.

                                            > "You're probably wondering why we're getting married this soon..."

                                            > Anon had been, but not particularly. Equestria was a lot friendlier place and the ponies were more open about their feelings. Love at first sight was commonplace.

                                            "A little," he admitted in the end.

                                            > Star Bright gave nod to show agreement and Blossom looked blank.

                                            > "Well," Aura went on and took a deep breath to prepare herself. Her free hoof went to her belly and she gave the group a nervous grin. "It's, uh, 'cause we're- we're expecting."

                                            > The unicorn gave a slight gasp and Anon blinked in surprise. Both ponies wilted a little under the combined stares and they both had a blush on their muzzles, but Aura was smiling happily.

                                            > She cleared her throat and went on: "It just kinda- happened. I guess I wasn't paying enough attention, um, to- to the date." She realized how that might sound and hurriedly tried to explain. "B-But, we're happy even if it wasn't exactly, y'know, planned."

                                            > The mare looked at her coltfriend and her smile grew. "I knew I loved Snow almost from the start. And I've always wanted foals, so this... kinda worked out."

                                            > She leaned forward and so did Snow Cover, so they could share a quick nuzzle.

                                            > In the ensuing silence Blossom asked in a loud whisper: "What does that mean?"

                                            > Star Bright coughed and spluttered, but luckily Aura had things in hoof. She caught Blossom's eye. "It means I'm going to have a foal in... about ten months, sweetie."

                                            > The sudden realization made Blossom's eyes go wide and she took a long gasp. "Really?! That's so cool!"

                                            "Congratulations, you two," Anonymous said.

                                            > "Yeah, congratulations," Star Bright added.

                                            > Blossom had already slipped out of her seat and hurried around the table, bumping it in her rush to get to Aura. She practically jumped in the older mare's forelegs and the two nuzzled.

                                            > "I'm so happy for you!" Blossom squeaked. "Someday I'll have a foal too and then they can be best friends!"

                                            > The proclamation just made Star Bright's coughing fit worse, which made Snow Cover laugh openly. Aura took it all in stride.

                                            > "Sure you will," the pegasus said with a smile. "Just make sure both you and your coltfriend are okay with the idea. Oh, and maybe give it some time, right? At least finish school first."

                                            > Blossom nodded to all that in a silent promise, before rushing back to grab the startled unicorn in her hug. "You hear that, Starry? Someday we'll have a foal, okay?"

                                            > To his credit, the colt rallied magnificently and returned Blossom's nuzzle. "Yeah. Some day, when we're both ready."

                                            > He got a crushing hug and tiny kisses peppered all over his face as a reward while the rest of them watched in bemusement.

                                            > The waiter came to pick up the dishes and bring their main course, paying no attention to the couple which was practically making out on the bench.

                                            > Hopefully the food would distract Blossom from trying to make a foal right there in the restaurant.

                                            > Anon turned to his own dish. He'd gotten an eggplant casserole on Aura's recommendation and it looked like the mare hadn't led him astray.

                                            > Before digging in, however, he lifted up his glass of wine and made a toast.

                                            "To the happy couple and their new family."

                                            > After a bit of an explanation from Star Bright, Blossom also had her glass and they clinked them all together. In the young mare's case it was grape juice instead of wine, but the gesture still counted.

                                            > Anon smiled a little to himself. Celestia would find this bit of gossip as juicy as the best of cakes. He was looking forward to her excitement.

                                            > There was just one thing he had to do before that.

                                            "Uh, Aura? Is it okay if I mention this to the Princess?"

                                            > She glanced at Snow Cover, who turned a nice shade of pink once more, but then gave her a hesitant nod.

                                            > The pegasus smiled and her hoof went to rest on her belly again. "Sure. It's gonna be public pretty soon anyway. Wedding's next month and we're gonna announce soon after. Of course you're all invited. We'd be honored if the Princess attended!"

                                            > Anon just raised his glass again by way of a reply and then focused on his food for the immediate future.


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > Anonymous was returning to the palace rather later than he'd expected with Star Bright and Lily Blossom in tow. After the lunch Aura had insisted they went to her place to celebrate with a cake and no one had the heart to say no to Blossom.

                                            > In truth, they did have things to celebrate and Anon was sure to have Aura wrap up a large piece to appease Celestia when he came back late.

                                            > She'd probably been kept busy by the arrivals from the second portal and didn't even notice him gone. It wasn't as if he was especially qualified to deal with traumatized ponies and humans.

                                            > "What in the..." Bright muttered, prompting Anonymous to look over at what the stallion had seen. His own mouth fell open at the sight.

                                            > A group of guards were escorting one of the nobleponies to the castle. That in itself was only slightly unusual, but the unicorn's formal dress was torn in several places, her mane was messed up and there was a large bruise blackening her eye.

                                            > The first conclusion Anon jumped to was that the mare had been attacked and the guards were there to protect her, but that didn't feel quite right. The noblepony was glaring pure murder at her escort and as Anon watched, one of them smacked her on the rump with a spear to keep her moving.

                                            "Huh?"

                                            > "The ring, Anon! She's got a ring on her horn!" Star Bright pointed out.

                                            > Anon saw it was true. It was a small, silver band, not entirely fitting the rest of the unicorn's wardrobe, but a piece of jewelry on the well-to-do didn't seem that out of place.

                                            > He was about to point that it was a small detail in contrast to the other anomalies, but Star Bright went on: "It's a magic suppression ring, Anon! I t-think she's a prisoner!"

                                            "What? Isn't she the richest mare in Canterlot or something?"

                                            > His unicorn friend swallowed and nodded. "Y-Yeah," he confirmed. "That's Duchess Opulence herself! She looks like she's been in a fight."

                                            > Something extremely unusual was going on and Anon saw that other ponies had noticed too. A large gathering seemed to have followed the guards, but they kept their distance.

                                            > Here and there he could hear murmuring and more than one pony pointed with a hoof.

                                            "I think I better go tell the Princess," Anon decided. "You take Blossom to her room." He held out the package with cake out to the unicorn. "Keep this safe."

                                            > He barely waited for Star Bright's nod before hurrying after the little procession to the main Castle gate. Before he'd gone three steps Anon turned around as he thought of something else.

                                            "You better stay with her. I don't like this."

                                            > "Yeah, of course," the unicorn said and nuzzled Lily to get her attention. She allowed him to turn her aside and lead her to one of the side entrances.

                                            > That taken care of, Anon broke into a brisk walk until he reached the gate guards. He gave Opulence's procession a wide berth, but the mare noticed and glared distilled hatred at him.

                                            "Do- uh, do you know where I can find Princess Celestia?"

                                            > Luckily the guards prodded the irate unicorn again and took her down a side passage and out of sight. Anon looked back to the guard at the gate.

                                            > The navy-blue-coated pegasus in the customary golden armor inclined his head. "Sure thing, Anonymous. She should still be in Court for another thirty minutes, although I'd hurry if I were you."

                                            "Why? What do you know about all this?"

                                            > The guard - Glory Tail, Anon remembered his name was - glanced at his partner at the gate. He got a nod of approval and beckoned Anon with a hoof to come closer.

                                            > "The Princess was the one who ordered the arrest of Opulence Chattel. No doubt she'll want to see her immediately."

                                            > That made even less sense.

                                            "Thanks."

                                            > He'd almost forgotten that basic nicety before walking off in the direction of the Grand Hall. After a few steps Anon broke into a run.

                                            >...

                                            "Hold on, wait!"

                                            > Anonymous caught up with Celestia, who slowed down at his shout. Fire Fly was by her side along with one of her clerk ponies, but whatever they'd been discussing was successfully interrupted.

                                            "Why did you have Opulence arrested?" Anon demanded.

                                            > There was a momentary grimace on Celestia's face at his brash proclamation, but it smoothed over and she seemed to sag a little. "I suppose everypony will know before long. Raven, handle things until I am done."

                                            > The clerk pony bowed, nearly making her spectacles fall from her nose, before trotting away and leaving the three alone. Once they were alone, Celestia resumed walking. "Come with me," she said, needlessly.

                                            > Anon was about to repeat his question, but the Princess beat him to it. "I had Opulence arrested, Anonymous, because I have proof that she is the leader of the trafficking ring."

                                            > An incredulous gasp escaped Anon's mouth and he almost stumbled.

                                            "The hell? How does that work? What evidence?"

                                            > "Captain?" Celestia prompted, directing the guard to field that particular question. He inclined his head and transferred his gaze to Anon.

                                            > "Princess Luna's escort brought the human and pony prisoners from the second portal today," he said, mostly to establish a reference rather than to inform, since Anonymous already knew. "We interrogated the ponies who'd been working with the human slavers and... well..."

                                            > Luckily Celestia finished what Fire Fly could not. "Opulence was in charge here in Equestria. Silvermane was just a pawn, it seems. Well, perhaps 'in charge' is too strong a word."

                                            "What do you mean?"

                                            > "You know that the Chattels used to be one of the wealthiest families in Equestria, right?"

                                            "Used to?!"

                                            > Celestia's mouth quirked up in a smile. "The recent generations have been somewhat... frivolous with their bits. Opulence inherited a title, a wagon-load of pride and an empty bank vault. Unfortunately she was not ready to give up the lavish lifestyle. She certainly was not ready for anypony to know she was broke."

                                            > Anonymous could imagine where the story was leading to and skipped ahead.

                                            "So they paid her?"

                                            > "That was how it began, yes," Celestia replied, looking rather pleased at his deduction. "There is more to it, though. I believe Opulence severely despises all humans. That was a part of it as well. Whatever her mental state, it made it possible for certain... agents to approach her and begin the whole sorry enterprise."

                                            "When was this?"

                                            > Celestia paused with a hoof in air and her companions stopped beside her. After a few seconds she began to walk again. "Within the past three years, I believe."

                                            "Then what about Blossom?"

                                            > "That is unrelated, I am sorry to say. Aside from the fact that Opulence's group purchased slaves from Griffinstone to help kickstart their operation."

                                            > They walked a few steps in silence before Fire Fly raised up his next question: "Princess, you said Opulence hates humans. Why would she work with them?"

                                            > Celestia nodded in approval, but didn't answer until they were through the guarded door to the dungeons. There she stopped to face them both while a couple of prison guards saluted the Captain.

                                            > "The reason, I believe, is two-fold: On the one hoof, this enterprise provided Opulence with much-needed income. I suspect Raven will find the Chattel family indebted with all Canterlot banks. On the second hoof, bringing humans into Equestria and making them work served as an outlet for Opulence's hatred of humans."

                                            "Why does she hate humans?"

                                            > This time Celestia shook her head. "I do not have all the answers yet. It is something I hope to find out. It was she who got Twinkleshine to attempt to discredit you, and also she who ordered your foal-napping. The prisoners from the Portal confirmed as much."

                                            > Anon didn't know what else to say to all that. He'd been convinced that Silvermane and his family had been behind the whole thing and that the matter had been concluded when they were put in prison.

                                            > To suddenly learn there was a kingpin, or at least a pony version of one, was quite unsettling.

                                            "But we're sure she's the one behind all of this, right? There won't be another pony popping up as the mastermind in a couple of weeks?" Anon asked in a dry tone.

                                            > Celestia smiled and shook out her mane, mostly to try her amusement. "I do not think so. Opulence worked directly with the human slavery ring on the other side of that portal. I think that is where the ideas came from. The real leaders are there, and they are Commander Callahan's problem. He and Luna already know of our findings."

                                            > It was a chance for a change of topic, so Anon took it.

                                            "Luna came back then?"

                                            > "Yes, but now is not the time, Anonymous," Celestia said and stepped closer so she could brush her muzzle against his cheek. He distinctly heard the rasp and realized he needed a shave. "Go and have dinner, I will join you when I am done with Opulence."

                                            > For a moment Anon could have sworn Celestia's eyes narrowed in anger, but she smoothed her expression before he could be sure. The Princess was understandably upset, especially considering the noblemare's position and title. It cast a bad light on Equestria and on the ruling Sisters.

                                            > Perhaps if he lightened her mood a little...

                                            "Okay, don't do anything drastic. Oh, Aura sent over some cake and an invitation to her wedding."

                                            > This was unexpected enough to make the Princess blink in confusion. She opened her mouth to ask, but shook her head and forced the look of steely determination back on her face.

                                            > "It sounds as if you have a story to tell me as well. I will hurry, my love."

                                            > She turned her head to one side in invitation and Anon placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

                                            "See you soon."

                                            > "And you."


                                            > ~~~~


                                            > A freshly-shaven Anonymous was catching up on some classical Equestrian literature when there came a quiet knock on the door.

                                            "Come in!"

                                            > Glory Tail poked his head in, but without his customary helmet. "I'm going off duty," he said by way of explanation, "but the Princess sent me to ask you to join her in the dining room."

                                            "Oh. Thanks. Have a good night."

                                            > The pegasus flashed him a smile. "You too, sir," he said before vanishing from the door. He left it ajar, expecting Anon to leave soon, but it was a few minutes later, after he'd gone in the bathroom and made sure he was still presentable, that Anonymous finally emerged out of the suite and set off for the room Glory Tail had mentioned.

                                            > The few members of staff he met along the way either ignored him, used to his presence by now, or acknowledged him with nods or waves. Pretty soon Anon joined the Princess in the dining room and stopped in the door.

                                            "What is all this?"

                                            > The table was laid and there was a rich spread of food on it. A basket of what looked like fresh bread, straight from the oven was still steaming. There were cheese platters, several jars of pickled vegetables, multitudes of dessert, a bunch of varied flowers, and Celestia was busying herself at the stove where she was apparently preparing something complicated.

                                            > She glanced back, but turned her attention to the pot she was stirring. "Just dinner. We have not had a hoof-cooked dinner in too long, Anonymous."

                                            "This is just for us two?"

                                            > The stirring paused for a moment and the Princess glanced over her shoulder at the table again. She gave him a somewhat guilty grin and prompted: "I hope you are very hungry?"

                                            > Before Anon could come up with a meaningful response she decided her latest project was done and lifted up the pot in her magic. "Mushroom soup," she explained as she laid it carefully in the middle.

                                            "Celly, what's really going on?" Anon asked as he sat down.

                                            > It might have been excessive, but the dinner looked delicious nevertheless. He took a piping hot piece of bread and availed himself of a few selections from the cheese platter.

                                            > Celestia paused only to remove her apron before taking her own seat across the table. "Sometimes cooking helps me think. Be glad I was not stress-baking."

                                            > Anon glanced at the bounty before him and raised an eyebrow.

                                            "Lots on your mind?"

                                            > That was an understatement and the mare sighed and lowered her ears. "I keep trying to see the angles we have missed, Anonymous. Were it not for the ponies Luna captured we would never have suspected Opulence. I worry there are others."

                                            > It was curious how her opinion had shifted from earlier that afternoon, Anon mused.

                                            "If there are, you'll root them out. You're playing the long game, remember that."

                                            > Aside from a very brief, grateful smile, Celestia didn't acknowledge Anon's words. Instead she leaned her head to one side and raised her voice to her typical 'pleading' tone. "Do you think Miriam Adams would agree to sit in on this trial? I would really value her opinion."

                                            > Another unexpected question, but the answer was obvious.

                                            "Write her a letter and ask for her help. If anything, it's a sign of trust."

                                            > "You are correct, as always. I will do that first thing in the morning. Equestria has not had a slavery-related court case yet and Miriam has first-hoof experience."

                                            > The trial meant that the ponies in Canterlot dungeons would have a chance to defend themselves. It wasn't a prospect Anonymous really liked, especially considering that they were rich and influential and well-able to afford extremely good attorneys, but it was the proper thing to do.

                                            "So you'll put Silvermane and Opulence on trial?"

                                            > Celestia nodded. "Them and some of the higher-ups Luna captured. I will let some underlings go with only community service." At his strange look she explained: "Those were the terms of the bargain of them revealing who their boss was. I will hold to the agreement."

                                            "Okay, good."

                                            > "Meanwhile, Luna will cleanse the corruption on Earth and do what she can to help Callahan capture the human ringleaders. Provided they can even be caught with all the warning they have had."

                                            > Considering where in the world the other end of the portal was located, Anon had his doubts. He didn't want to bring the Princess down, however.

                                            "Luna is resourceful and Callahan is particularly single-minded. I wouldn't doubt in their ability. Who knows, they may even become friends in time."

                                            > Celestia laughed softly at whatever image her imagination threw up. "I would pay to hear that story."

                                            > They shared a chuckle and then Celestia levitated over two bowls and filled them up. As it landed in front of Anonymous she also floated over a spoon, right into his waiting hand.

                                            "Oh, before I forget: Star Bright has a piece of Aura's cake for you. You might send for it before Blossom gets at it. It's only a matter of time."

                                            > This made Celestia remember Anon's earlier remark and her eyes widened together with her smile. "I almost forgot! You said something about a wedding! Aura and Snow Cover, was it not?"

                                            "Yeah. Apparently he knocked her up and they've decided to get married."

                                            > His blunt way of putting it made the Princess tsk a few times. "You might have said it a bit more romantically, Anonymous. Of course a foal on the way is a joy for most mares, even if the circumstances are not... ideal."

                                            "So, you'll attend?"

                                            > Celestia screwed up her face in thought. "I would like to, but that would make her wedding a wholly public affair. I am not sure I wish to drop all that on her back."

                                            > It was a conundrum, yes. Anon knew Celestia wasn't wrong. As soon as word came out that she was attending a 'common' wedding, pony-paparazzi would descend on the event and very likely ruin the whole day for Aura and Snow Cover.

                                            > The only was to prevent that would be to enlist a bunch of guards to keep the crowds at bay, but that would only heighten the fever and produce accusations of preferential treatment.

                                            > If only they could keep it a secret.

                                            "Wait!" Anon gasped at the devious idea. "Just go in your Supple Branch disguise, no? That way you're just another pony, no fuss, no outcry."

                                            > Celestia's stunned expression gradually morphed into a delighted smile. "That is actually an excellent idea! Oh! I will write to Lake Frond and Rock Lichen. You do not think Aura would mind if I invited them as well?"

                                            "Why those two? I mean, I guess she won't, but why them in particular?"

                                            > "You reminded me of them the other day when you came from that meeting on Earth. Miriam said she would like to see them, did she not?"

                                            > After Anonymous nodded she continued: "I realized I have not seen them in quite a while. Perhaps Miriam Adams will be in Canterlot at the same time and we can have a bit of a reunion."

                                            > It actually sounded kinda nice. There was just one nagging thought in Anon's mind.

                                            "So you don't want Aura's cake?"

                                            > The Princess paled in shock, a spoonful of soup coming to a halt before her open mouth. "I almost forgot!" she whined. The spoon clattered down into the bowl and Celestia rushed to the door. "I will send somepony to invite them to dinner. Be right back!"

                                            > Celestia forgetting about cake was a very rare thing indeed and Anon did his best to commit her face when she realized it to memory.

                                            > He really hoped she would never change, Anon thought to himself. The chances were good, considering her extended lifespan.

                                            > His thoughts went out to his own friends and ex-colleagues. Perhaps he could follow Celestia's example and invite them for a visit one of these days?

                                            > Wendy Locker would love it especially. Hopefully she was still the receptionist at his old firm, or if not, someone at the company knew how to get hold of her.

                                            > It wasn't long before the Princess was back, but this time she didn't go to her seat. Instead Celestia came to stand behind Anon and brushed her muzzle against his ear.

                                            > "I have said how much I appreciate you, did I not?"

                                            "Yeah, just about every day. Same, by the way."

                                            > Maybe it was his fancy, but Anon imagined he could feel her smiling there, just out of sight. It was like a ray of warm sunshine on his face. He reached blindly with his hand and gave her nose a careful pat.

                                            > "Is the cheese any good? I was not paying too much attention..."

                                            "It's delicious. Here, try it."

                                            > He grabbed the fork and speared a particularly nice chunk of Brie, or whatever ponies called it here. He lifted it up to the side of his head and felt a gentle tug on the fork as Celestia took it.

                                            > "Good," she commented, "but I am in the mood for something even more delicious."

                                            > Anon turned to look at what she meant and met her lips. Almost without his volition his hand went around her muzzle to hold her in place. It wasn't a particularly passionate kiss, but it was warm and full of promises.

                                            "We should do something like this more often. I like it when you cook. Maybe you can even teach me a thing or two."

                                            > Her laughter was music to his ears. "We should and I will."

                                            "It's going to turn out alright, isn't it? With the trial and Luna and all that?" Anon prompted, his mind going back to those problems despite his best efforts to keep it in the present.

                                            > "Yes."

                                            > There was quiet certainty in her voice and Anon allowed himself to believe her.

                                            > Everything would turn out for the best. After all, it was how Equestria worked.


                                            > ~~~ END