"Where did this murderer come from?"
"Dammit, Tores! How many dragons live in Equestria?"
"He's cutting over to fifth avenue—send Blue Star! Don't let that murderer escape!"
"Render the barrier! We can't hold him in the lower district!"
Prologue: The Tatsuo
Bulky stallions stampeded through darkened streets in Canterlot as rain patterned down on the rooftops. Puddles forming in the crevices were constantly disrupted as entire platoons were mobilized. Civilians watched in confusion and panic while very few knew of the tragedy that occurred recently as well as the danger jumping rooftops.
Guards of all races marched through Canterlot, reassuring civilians and standing guard in numerous areas. A white stallion with a blue mane branded in a golden Royal Guard armour marched at the head, his eyes bouncing back and forth as he scanned the rooftops.
"Captain Armour, orders, sir?" a grey Pegasus asked with a quick salute.
"He's nimble; no Earth Pony Guards! Have them escort the civilians to safety. I know he can't fly, so the Pegasi will be our eyes as well as clear the skies near the castle. Unicorns, broaden yourselves, stop lunging at him. Create a perimeter and stand guard so I may make a barrier!" Shining Armour demanded without flaw.
His stern expression seemed contagious as the other guards began working effectively, determined after getting clear orders. Shining Armour's horn flashed and he teleported to Canterlot Castle's walls. He stood atop the watch tower and looked down on the city. He picked up a megaphone and blew into it once to get the attention of the plethora of guards in the area to look up.
"He's heading for the castle, but hopefully we can keep him contained in the city. Regardless, have Theta Squad prepare to launch a magic net on the driveway. Epsilon Squad will be the last line of defence before the castle. We've tried our best to warn him so Epsilon Squad, you have permission to use offence spells." His horn lit up and it illuminated the dark courtyard. "We are the Royal Guard, and we will not let him get to the Princesses!"
The guards all saluted and scrambled into positions below. In the distance, roaring could be heard as well as pillars of flame shooting up from within the city, gradually moving towards the castle. Shining Armour took a deep breath and prepared himself.
I promise I won't hurt him, Twily, Shining Armour thought as his nerves set on edge.
With the guards positioned, the entire castle was almost silent; the only thing heard was the sputtering of the rain against the armour as well as various shouts and gentle roars. It silenced just as soon as the commotion reached the edge of the city where the transition from community to castle occurred. Shining Armour leaned over the edge of the castle's gate, stippling his breath. The suspense caused him to shake and he looked around frantically.
Just as he opened his mouth to ask the guard, he heard several guards next to him on the castle wall slam into each other and he spotted a slender draconic figure draped in a cloak tossing them to the ground. What little light was there reflected off the purple scaled body and green spines. Green slitted eyes stared out of the hood as the dragon barred its teeth. Shining twisted his body to face him and the dragon fell on all four claws, growling.
[*][*][*]
Princess Celestia's chamber was silent, void of all noise regardless of the chaos below. She snored gently, snuggling her pillows pressed into her large bed. Her bedroom was modest while maintaining a grand feel, reflecting on her kind personality yet regal authoritative position. The door opened silently with little creaks and a figure stepped into the room. Dark in colour with a slim figure, it approached Celestia's sleeping form, stopping at the edge of the bed. A limb reached out towards her neck, caressing Celestia's chin.
"Dear sister, sleep well. The perpetrator will be apprehended," Luna whispered softly.
She gently sat down on the edge of the bed, basking in the moonlight that shone through the window as the Pegasi cleared the clouds. She hummed a gentle tune, caressing Celestia's cheek. Warmth entered her body and she leaned over, resting her head on the silky sheets in comfort. Both princesses' seemed at complete peace and Luna allowed her eyes to close.
"Don't be shy, Spike the Dragon," Luna whispered.
Several steps accompanied by scrapes came from a corner of the room coated in darkness. The dragon that stepped forward roared and stared down Luna. She never once opened her eyes nor did she seem to get excited for battle. Softly, her eyes fluttered open and she looked at the dragon through the darkness. She sat up and smiled at the dragon.
"We don't have to fight, Spike. Turn yourself in and I promise nothing bad will happen. We can sort this out peacefully," Luna said quietly.
"Who said I needed peace?" Spike snarled.
He lunged forward and opened his mouth to roar. Before any sound could escape, Luna's horn lit up and engulfed the dragon's snout, stopping and holding him up in the air inches away from Luna. He began to swat at Luna helplessly, just out of her reach. He made several grunts and rumbles in place of roaring. Luna slowly stood up and walked forward, moving the dragon at the same time.
"Spike, please, for Celestia. For Twilight . . . and for your loved one," Luna pleaded. Her magic grip loosened. "Why?"
He began to struggle, shaking in Luna's grasp. Luna grunted as he seemed to absorb the magic holding him up. He snapped at the Alicorn, his hood shifting on his head. Luna smirked yet it was an eyebrow arch from being sad.
"I remember, years ago, dragons used to love magic. It made them an ideal couple as well as ensured protection. So why throw that all away?" Luna asked once more.
He attempted to kick Luna, an action that threw the hood off his scalp. The moonlight illuminating his face, Luna's magical grip loosened and her eyes widened. Taking this chance, he bit at the violet aura, seemingly eating the magic. With no more grasp, he took off in a full run towards the window and jumped through the glass, shattering it and continued on until he leaped the balcony. Celestia's eyes blinked and she slowly raised her head at the sudden chill.
"Sister? Why are you here and . . . is that a draft in my plexiglass?" Celestia muttered, leaning up and nuzzling her sister's cheek.
Luna didn't return the affection, her mouth stuck open and her mind at a pause. She shook her head and Celestia began to take notice.
"Luna, what's wrong?"
Luna's head dropped and she muttered a 'no.' She jumped off the bed and ran towards the window, jumping through the large hole made and she looked over the balcony. The dragon was nowhere in sight.
"Celestia, there has been several murders in this young night's presence."
