Chapter 2: Recon and Supplies

Edge of the Everfree forest
Local Time: 1200
One day since return

When the light from our teleportation faded I found us standing in a familiar clearing. My home, my original home, was still in the tree but in a state of near collapse. Not surprising considering that after Luna gave me my house nopony had a reason to come here anymore. The clearing itself was more or less the same the only notable change was the boxes of equipment that came with us. "Alright find your armor, make sure there's nothing wrong with it and report back to me. Take as much time as you need." I doubted that there would be any problems. Before getting my armor on I went over to the crate with our weapons. Inside were four short swords, five crossbows, five knives, some assorted ice weapons for Coryn, and my katana. I drew the blade making sure it was still sharp. It had been crafted during my time in feudal Japan when I had to learn the way of the samurai. It had the standard shape of the katana with very little personalization. The hilt had a black and dark blue pattern while the blade had a crescent moon engraved on both sides and the inscription, Everything I do, I do for my love. I had toyed with the idea of naming it like in so many stories but decided against it, there was no need to name it. Putting it back I started putting on my armor, while it wasn't the most complicated suit I've ever had to put on it wasn't the simplest either. I had Spark run a diagnostic program while I walked around. Nothing seemed to feel out of place or uncomfortable and Spark reported no problems with the operating system or the armor itself. Once the others had finished their own armor checks I explained my plan for the first day. "All right, no problems to report?" No one said anything, "Coryn I want you to go over to the home of Fluttershy, it's near the edge of the forest. Talk to her animals, if we can get them to act as informants that would cut down the time we have to search for Shade. Ask them about spreading the word too, we need everything we can get. Johnson, go into town. See if you can pick up some gossip and look for a job, we'll need a supply of bits if we're going to be here for an extended amount of time. Also go to the market, make a list of supplies that you think we need. I have an emergency supply of bits hidden in my old home, I'll get it bring it to you. Anderson I found a note with my armor, go into town and look for somepony called the doctor. Apparently he's going to brief us on what's been happening lately and answer any questions we have. Spyro, I want you to fly over the forest, see if anything looks abnormal or out of place. Cynder, head to Canterlot but stay out of sight. Try to find a lead we can use. Let me know if there have been any big changes since I left." With that they began removing their armor, I remained in mine because of my stealth oriented mission. I turned on my active camo and headed to Ponyville.

I sighed as I entered the town, which had expanded since my death, I wanted nothing more than to go see my friends but since I was dead that wasn't a possibility. There were three things I noticed when I entered Ponyville. The first was the increase of guards in the town, they didn't have armor I recognized, that was the second. The third thing was the large almost crystal looking tree, like Twilight's library it was also a house. Luckily I didn't see any of my old friends, I don't know if I could stay away if I had. Using the rooftops I managed to avoid bumping into anypony. After half an hour my house was just across the street, it looked pretty good. I glided to the front door, it looked like somepony lived there but looking inside proved otherwise. The lawn was cut, the paint looked good, and nothing was broken or damaged but inside everything was covered in a thick layer of dust. Applying a small amount of force to the lock and pushing broke it, opening the door. Despite the large amount of dust opening the door didn't cause a large cloud to form but I left hoof prints in the dust. I didn't bother to hide them, it's clear that nopony had been in here for a while. Heading upstairs I made my way to the master bedroom and removed the lose board from the closet floor. After I grabbed the bag I took a second to count what was inside: two hundred bits and a dozen assorted gems, just like when I put it away. On my way out I closed the door and made it look like it hadn't been touched. As I prepared to leave I noticed Anderson talking to Derpy next door. Taking to the sky I flew to the waypoint Spark had placed on Johnson's location. After giving him the bits I went back to the clearing. Seeing that the others hadn't returned yet, Cynder being an exception since she wasn't supposed to be back till nightfall, I took out my journal and made another entry.

Equestria- Day 1

I'm not sure how I feel about being back here. I want to see Luna again but that would put her and all my friends in danger. Plus we're not allowed to reveal our identities to anyone we knew. Because of these feelings I feel that I will need to make more than just an entry at the end of the mission.


POV change: Johnson

After removing my armor I walked towards the town called Ponyville, strange name but after the other places I've been I didn't waste time wondering about it. I did take a small detour to grab one of my Sweet Williams from my gear and lit up on my way. I was a little put off by the looks I was getting. I defiantly removed all my armor, maybe they have something against smoking. I was also a little disturbed by how much they were smiling. Maybe it's because of everything I've seen but it didn't feel natural for a whole town to be smiling at once. I decided to head to the market first and look for a job on the way. After asking for directions a few times I found it after about an hour, personally I think it was awkward to see ponies going to different carts or stalls for food instead of a single store. Not to mention the fact that they're ponies in the first place, but I had seen Krogan and the Luminoth, not to mention the aliens from my own universe, so it wasn't too hard to ignore it and move on. Taking a look around I made a quick mental list, apples, apple juice, lettuce, tomatoes, other assorted fruits and vegetables, yes. Flowers and hay, no. I felt someone- somepony bump into me and a small pouch appear under my hoof. Checking it I found bits and gems, Steel made the drop. Feeling my stomach growl I walked over to what looked like a bakery of some kind. It looked like a giant gingerbread house so it probably specialized in cakes, pies, and similar items. Stopping just in front of the door I put out my cigar and tossed in a trash can near a bench outside. I saw that there was a help wanted sign in the window as I opened the door and smiled. I was hoping to get in, grab a snack, ask about the job, and get out. Unfortunately they were in the middle of the lunch rush, so I took one of the empty booths. It was a large semicircle booth so I wasn't surprised when two ponies asked to sit with me. One of them was orange with an old cowboy hat and the other way cyan with rainbow hair… mane, I'm not quite used to the mannerisms yet. I shit you not, she was practically a gay pride icon, now I'm not homophobic but it's pretty damn funny. "Hey, I haven't see ya 'round here before partner, ya new ta Ponyville?"

"Yep, me and my friends are just passing through. Names Avery Johnson but most just call me Johnson." She extended her hoof for a shake, "Names Applejack, me and mah family run Sweet Apple Acers on the edge of town." I looked to her campaigning. "I'm Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria." It took all my training not to laugh at her name, "A pleasure." I tried not to sound sarcastic… it didn't work. We only waited another minute or so before a pink pony bounced over to us, literally she bounced. She looked at the two mares first, "Hi girls, the usual?" They nodded, "Alright, they'll be ready soon. My friends always get the best." She turned to me and gasped before running off. "Wait, what about our orders?" I could only stare with my mouth agape, "Don't worry that's Pinkie being Pinkie." Not long after a light blue pony came out from the back and picked up the pad that 'Pinkie' dropped. "Sorry about that, I'm Cupcake. Can I take your order?" I just got a regular cupcake, ironic that it's also that mare's name. I also asked about the job. I was the only pony to ask about it since they put up the sign, she said I would start out on a trial run. Starting on Monday I had a week to prove I could handle the job, if not at least I would make some bits. After eating I tried to pay for my snack but the mares sharing my booth insisted on paying for. "Consider it a welcome to Ponville gift, not to mention you let us sit with you," they said. Eventually I gave in and let them pay. Stepping back outside I traversed the market and bought some supplies. I felt like I was being followed on my way back to the clearing but after I met up with Anderson the feeling lessoned considerably. When we got back Steel and Coryn were already back and we could see Spyro flying over a nearby part of the forest, so he's probably almost done.


POV change: Anderson

This was getting ridiculous, every time I get to where somepony says the doctor is he's already gone. I think I'm a pretty patient man but this is pushing my limit. Eventually I gave up trying to find him and I switched to trying to find where he lived. I was told that he lived in an apartment on the west side of town. When I got there I didn't find the doctor I found mare named Dolphin Dream. Apparently the doctor had moved out almost four months ago, she didn't know where he was but told me somepony named Pinkie Pie would be able to tell me. Other than a description and her name I had nothing to go on and with the luck I've had today I would never find her. On the bright side I have her description with the doctor all I had was a name. I started heading back towards the center of town but as I passed a store that looked like an old careacle somepony ran into me… actually tackled is a better description. Looking up I got a face full of pink, when she back up and started to apologize I got a good look at her. Bright pink coat with a slightly darker mane and three balloons for her tattoo… what do they call them, Cutie Marks? Looks like I found Ms. Pie. "Are you Pinkie Pie?" She nodded, "Yes indeady, that's me. I work at Sugercube Corner and I'm the town's resident party thrower…" I tried to get her attention but she ignored me and kept talking. Eventually I just started walking to a different section of town, surprisingly she followed. I walked and she talked I chuckled when I realized how easy it was to tune her out... just like Udina, except I like her. "So what do you need?"

"Huh? Oh, right. I was told you could help me find somepony called the doctor." She nodded and pointed to a house on the corner. "Sure he lives there with Derpy. If he's not there she'll know where he is or when he'll get back." She suddenly gasped and ran off, all before I could thank her. Shrugging I walked up the path. I noticed a shimmer coming out of the house next door. Judging by the outline it was Steel, I guess he used to live next door. Knocking on the door I wasn't sure who to expect but I definitely didn't expect a filly whose horn only reached my chin. "I looking for the doctor or Derpy."

"My mom's not home right now but she should be here in a few minutes. Do you want to come inside?" I was honestly shocked, crime must be virtually nonexistent here. Before I could respond I heard the flapping of wings behind me. Turning I saw a grey mare with a blonde mane wearing what looked like a mailbag and matching hat. But those were second to the most noticeable thing about her, her eyes. In my universe most defects could be fixed with surgery, one of the few exceptions being Vrolik Syndrome, but she had eyes that looked in two different directions. To be honest I found it amazing that despite her disability she could still be a function member of society. I don't look down on those with disabilities but her lack of proper vision had to have been hard to adapt to. The mare walked past me, "Hi muffin, how was your day? Did Silver stop by after school?" She embraced the filly, "Fine mom, nothing really happened just another usual day at school. But I am looking forward to spending the weekend with you and Time. No the guard took her home during lunch, I think Diamond Tiara finally went too far. Oh yeah, he was looking for you." she said pointing at me. The mare extended a leg, "Hi, I'm Derpy Hooves."

"David Anderson," I said shaking the offered hoof. "I was wondering if I could talk to you about the doctor." She smiled, "Sure I can talk about Time Turner. Although he still hasn't told me how he got that nickname." I followed them inside and sat on the couch. "So what did you want to talk about?" It took me a minute to find a comfortable position, still not quite used to being a pony I guess. "Actually I wanted to know where to find him. A friend of mine asked me to talk to him." She looked at the clock, "I don't know where he is right now but he should be home in half an hour. You're welcome to wait here for him if you'd like." Wow crime must be really low, "As long as I'm not a burden." She smiled and I just waited. She offered me a drink but I said no, feeling like I was already taking advantage of her kindness. I moved to a chair and waited, though the chair was actually a cushion due to pony anatomy making it impossible to sit in an actual chair. I didn't have to wait too long before the door opened again. "Derpy, I'm back!" Turning the corner was a light brown earth pony with an hourglass cutie mark. Derpy came back in and kissed him, "Welcome home. How was your day?" He shrugged, "The usual, you'd be surprised how many clocks need repairs." They kissed again before he turned and finally noticed me. "Oh, hello. Can I help you?"

"Yes, are you the doctor?" He nodded, "Yes, I am The Doctor. What is this about?" He sat on the couch across from me, "A mutual acutance of ours told me to contact you on behalf of my group. I'm not sure if you were told to expect me." He nodded, "You're with him?" I nodded. "Well I'm afraid I have no time to talk to you today but I am free tomorrow morning. I'll met you at your camp at nine." With my business concluded I said goodbye and thanked Derpy for her hospitality again. About halfway back to camp I ran into Johnson and I got the feeling that we were being watched. Looking at the tree line I thought I saw three shapes, one pink, one purple, and one dark blue. But I blinked and they were gone so I wrote it off as my imagination. For the rest of our journey the feeling of being watched lessened but it was still there.


POV change: Cynder

Cnaterlot
Local time: 1430

The flight to the city was more difficult than I expected. It wasn't the distance that was a problem, it was the amount of others in the sky. It's been a long time since I was flying in a crowded sky… and it was a time I don't want to remember. But the city was my element with its numerous alleys and dark corners, not to mention my shadow powers. Plus I was only slightly taller than the average pony so once I get a cloak I can blend into the local population. If any of them somehow got a glimpse of me under the cloak there could be panic but with my shadows I should be able to shape them around myself to give me the appearance of a pony. It took me a while to find a cloak, due to the wealth of those who live in the city most of them own a dryer eliminating the need for a clothes line. I started at the market and moved towards the castle. Nothing stood out but I did pick up a few things the others should probably know, deteriorating relations with the gryphons, missing ships, and the hospitalization of one Fancypants due to food poisoning. That last one could have been Shade but he aims to kill, Fancypants wouldn't have survived if it was him. Not more than five blocks from the castle I heard the first bit of big news, there was going to be a wedding at the castle soon. I don't know when, what room it going to be in, or even whose getting married but it's a start. Using my shadow powers I got past the guards at the gate and moved about the castle grounds. The only information I got was regarding the wedding, it was in four days. Just as I was about to leave I almost crashed into Princess Luna, luckily my quick reflexes allowed me to fling myself into the bush next to the path. As she passed I heard her talking to somepony so I followed her. Once I caught up to her I saw that she was talking to an alicorn filly on her back. Personally I take pride in my ability to connect the dots faster than most so I wasn't surprised when I figured out in seconds who the filly was. What surprised me was that she existed. Steel never said anything about having a daughter but her eyes and how she and Princess Luna acted with each other… there was no doubt that the filly was his daughter. With that I decided it was time to leave. I kept the cloak on as I flew, mostly because I was having an internal argument. Do I tell Steel about his daughter? She is his daughter and he has the right to know, plus he won't be happy if he find out I knew and didn't tell him. On the other paw, telling him might cause his to go looking for her. What then, will he reveal himself to her and break one of the only rules we have? Would he risk the mission just to save her? I couldn't decide, even as the camp came into view.


POV change: Luna

Ponyville
Local time: 1200

Walking around town brought back memories that, while not unwelcome, I didn't want to relive. For instance, the street I'm walking down is the same one Steel and I took when he was walking home on the day we met. To be honest I'm not sure why these memories keep popping up, maybe it the dreams. For the past few days I've been having dreams about our family becoming whole. They were all different but the overall theme was that me and Silver would come back home and he would be there, waiting for us. Sighing again I continued to wander aimlessly through Ponyville. Silver was going to hang out with her friends after school so I didn't need to pick her up. To be honest I was hoping for some sort of distraction, if only to keep my mind focused on something else for a while. Eventually I found myself in front of a door, his door. Looking through the window I saw his house just as I left it, frozen in time, never again to be lived in. When I first found out I was pregnant I had toyed with the idea of living her with our foal but decided against it, too afraid that I wouldn't cope with the memories. Now, I think I could live here but I can't bring myself to open the door and destroy my own personal monument to his memory. I was about to leave when something caught my eye… the door. There was nothing different about this door it was just like every other, except that it was open when it should remain closed. Slowly opening it fully I felt a fire inside of me I had not felt since somepony disgraced Steel's grave. Somepony had broken the lock and entered his home. I took a calming breath, slowly closed the door, and teleported to Twilights 'castle' where I promptly exploded in anger. Twilight tried her best to calm me but I wasn't listening. It was bad enough that the Canterlot nobility had denied my proposal for a holiday in his honor and a young colt, who I let off with a light punishment, defiled his grave with graffiti but this, this was too much. "Animals, all of them! Do they just not care about everything he did? What he sacrificed?" By now Twilight was levitating me off the ground but I was so enraged I didn't even notice. "Luna, calm down. Tell me what happened."

"What happened? What happened, is that ponies no longer have any sense of honor or respect! Apparently ponies just don't care about each other anymore! They didn't care enough to honor or respect Steel like I wanted years ago and now somepony has broken into his house!" I could see her eye twitch at that, "Captain Wolf, I'm leaving. If anypony asks where I am tell them I am busy and not to be disturbed." He nodded from his position next to her throne. Lone Wolf was the captain of her personal guard. Many names were suggested for the new guard corp. including the Dawn Guard, mostly as a play on words considering her first name is Twilight. In the end Twilight decided on the Fade Guards, representing how day fades to night at twilight. Their armor was a pale orange pink mix to represent the last rays of light before the night and the plume on their helmets was white in the front and faded to black. It seemed only fair that she get her own guards considering I have the Lunar Guards, Tia has the Celestial Guards, and Cadence had the Crystal Guards. Steel probably would have gotten his own guards if he had been crowned a prince of Equestria… sadly that day never came. She teleported us to his house and nearly lost it like I did when she saw that what I said was true. She didn't waste any time in starting a tracking spell. Normally ponies would wave in greeting whenever we walk through town but they could feel the anger coming off us and wisely moved out of our way. Twilight led me towards the outskirts of town near the Everfree Forest, a place I have not entered since the end of the war. Unfortunately Twilight was so focused on the spell she didn't watch where she was going and crashed into one of our mutual friends. She shook her head with a smile on her face, like nothing happed. "Hi Twilight, hi Luna."

"Now is not the time Pinkie." I sighed, at least I could pretend like there was nothing wrong. She continued while Pinkie and I followed, "Aw, come on Twilight, turn that frown upside down. I think I know what will cheer you up, I'll introduce you to the two new ponies in town. One of them is a pegasus and the other's a unicorn, plus they both seem like nice Stallions." Twilight sighed and I had to stifle my laughs. "Pinkie, I'm not ready to start dating again." Pinkie just shook her head, "Twilight you and Broadsword broke up almost a year ago, you should get back out there." To be fair a better term to use is drifted apart, the two of them would probably still be together if it wasn't for their occupations. Her a princess, him a guard captain, both had very little time to themselves let alone time for a relationship. How Cadence and Shining Armor made it work I'll never know. "Later Pinkie, we're busy."

"Come on Twilight, they're just on the other side of the bushes." She parted the bushes giving us a quick glance at the two ponies before closing them again. "No Pinkie, this is important. Now, either help us or get out of the way." I frowned, "Twilight calm yourself. Confronting this pony angry will only make the situation worse. Now sit down and take some deep breaths." As Twilight calmed herself I filled Pinkie in on what happened. She was handling the situation better than Twilight but was no less angry. Pinkie was shaking, not with her usual energy but with rage. With Twilight managing her anger we set off again. Our destination was a familiar one that only added to the sadness that had been building these past few days. Sitting under what was once Steel's first home was an odd assortment of beings. There were the two ponies that Pinkie was talking about, one unicorn and one pegasus. Along with them was a barn owl, a dragon, and a figure hidden by the shadows of the setting sun. I found my attention drawn to the dragon and the mysterious figure. The dragon was unlike any I had seen before, if not for the scales and horns I wouldn't even think it was a dragon. It was purple with a gold underbelly and wings, his horns and spine were gold as well. Nothing was unusual about the colors but it was his body was a different story. All the dragons types I know stand on two legs during their foalhood and teen years and grow their wings later. He, or at least I think it's a he, was the size of Applejack's brother Big Macintosh, had fully formed wings, and walked on for legs. His form suggests he's a full adult but his size suggests otherwise, and then theirs his aura. The sight of a dragon would normally send fear into the heart of a pony because of how they carry themselves but looking at him I got a feeling of strength, determination, and safety just like I would get from one of my guards. I couldn't get a good look at the figure in the shadows but if I had to guess he was around my height maybe even a little taller. I also saw the light of the fire reflect off something he was wearing, most likely armor. I shifted my focus back to the dragon when he suddenly stood up. "What's taking her so long…?"

"Relax Spyro, Cynder will get here when she gets here." Had I not already been sitting I would have fallen over from shock, the owl just talked. Shadow passed over the three of us before I could think about it. Another dragon landed in the clearing. Its body was slimmer than the other one, clearly a female and probably who they were waiting for. "Good you're back, now we can begin." She lay down next to the other dragon. "Twilight," I whispered, "Which one of them broke into Steel's house?" She pointed, "Him, in the shadows." I moved, trying to get a better look at him but stepped on a twig. Instantly all of their heads looked in my direction and I heard a sword being unsheathed.


POV change: Steel

After a few moments I sheathed my sword and sat back down. If they were hostile they would have attacked already, it was probably just an animal. "Let's try this again. Spyro?"

"Nothing looked out of place other than the ex-ruins. Someone has completely restored the old castle. Lucky for us it looks like it was done by the princesses." I nodded, I had hoped to use the ruins as a staging area but it's not a major setback. Coryn went next, "The animals at Fluttershy's cottage have agreed to help although we do over them a few favors. They also said they would talk to some of the friendlier animals in the Everfree about helping as well." I smiled but no one noticed it behind my helmet. "Good, with the size of the Everfree and no large groups of ponies living there it's a good location for them to hide. I take it you couldn't find the doctor, Anderson." He shook his head, "No, I found him he'll be here tomorrow." Eh, I guess that's okay. I would had preferred to see him today, "What about you Johnson, anything to add?" He shook his head, "No, but I did manage to get a job interview so we might be able to get some bits soon." Turning to Cynder I saw that she was agitated, "Cynder?"

"Most of what I heard was unimportant but I did hear about an upcoming wedding. All four princesses will be in attendance, it's a chance to deliver a major blow to Equestria's leadership. He could even kill them all, especially if they don't know they're in danger."

"That won't happen, not with us here. How long do we have?" She shrugged, "Not sure but it should be either this week or next week. The doctor probably knows though."

"Excellent, if we're lucky this can all be over in a month. Here's the plan, tomorrow we meet the doctor. Depending on what he says either we'll leave for Canterlot immediately or we wait here for a while. If they do show up at the wedding we need to take the leader alive." Glancing at the clock on my HUD I decided it was late. "It's late, get some rest. We can work out the rest of the details later."

Authors Note: I'm back! I'm a little upset by the low amount of people who follow this story considering how many people were following Soldier of Harmony but that's life. Also I'm co-writing a story with Stumbledore called Luna's Trial, check it out on his profile.