The Marenoid Colt
A pony yawned as an alarm rang loudly next to him. Swinging a hoof around, he finally found his target to silence the device. Blinking a few times to adjust to the darkness, he got out of bed. Turning on a nearby lamp, the illumination revealing a fire engine red Pegasus with a swift-moving yellow cloud cutie mark. His blue mane with a purple lightning streak was matted from a bad night's sleep.
With sleep deprived eyes, he made his bed, checked his windows, opening them to let in some light from the morning sun, checked the half dozen locks on his door, took a shower, brushed his teeth, and made breakfast. With his morning routine accomplished, he sat before a bowl of cereal and fruits with a glass of orange juice. He casually read the newspaper of the Baltimare Sun, holding it in his wings while taking bites from his spoon.
After finishing and washing his dishes, he went to get dressed which consisted of a black tie, a pressed white button-up shirt with a badge insignia on its short sleeves, and a pair of orange shades.
Giving himself a once over and ensuring his tail and mane are in good order, he made a final sweep of the apartment. After confirming that everything seemed secure exiting, he pulled out a ring of keys, each one for a different lock. Then off to work he went.
The city of Baltimare was bustling with activity. Markets were full and commerce was booming. Fresh foods, sweets, and the fall trends were exchanged with excited energy. A typical day for the pony as he reached his destination, a large office building with the same insignia that was on his uniform. Upon entering, the place of business was just as busy inside, but with a more control and structure within it.
This was a place that he preferred. A place of order and predictability. Ponies moving from place to place with a sense of purpose as they prepared for their assigned duties.
He nodded to co-workers, who did the same as he reached his office, where another pony was sitting at a desk with a neat pile of papers on it. "Good morning, Flying Nimbus." The pale blue pony with a gray mane and mustache and a cutie mark of a crescent moon with a musical note inside. "
"Hey C-Note. Looks like business is gonna be intense this week."
"You got that right, Nimbus, and it's Crescent Note. C-Note makes it sound like I'm supposed to be rich, but I don't know why." The pony thought about it briefly before pushing the idea out of his head. "Anyways, lots of inspections to go through today. You know the company motto."
"SECURITY IS AN ART. IT CAN''T BE RUSHED." Both said in unison.
"That's why I like you, Flying Nimbus. We both have a passion for security."
"Ditto, but it's a thankless job, unfortunately. Many just see us as ponies that prevent them from having fun. Not protecting them from those with nefarious intentions." Nimbus sighed.
"You're not wrong, but it's a job worth doing if it's for the sake of others. At least that's how I see it." Crescent added. "Well, that's enough banter for now. Gotta head out for the train station for today's post. Here's your assignment for today." He passed a paper to the Pegasus.
"Inspecting the track I see. Well somepony's gotta make sure it's safe for those running it." Nimbus said after finishing.
"It's a big job. Think you'll be alright?" Crescent asked as the two made their way outside.
"It'll take a while since I have to fly around the mountains to cover both forests, but I should be done by the end of my shift."
"Well don't overdo it." Crescent said, departing for the train station.
"Same to you." Flying Nimbus said as he flapped his wings and took off.
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Flying Nimbus landed at the starting line where other ponies were setting up. A quick scan showed there were no issues as a few ponies waved at him as he returned the gesture.
"Well, off to the route." He said to himself as he went airborne again.
He scanned the surrounding area with an eagle eye, checking for strange occurrences. Sometimes there's the occasional pack of Timber wolves and cockatrice that wander from the Everfree Forest. So far, he found no such dangers during his sweep. There would be the occasional broken branch that a pony could trip on while they are running. He made sure to clear the trail of such obstacles. Even a stray pebble could alter the outcome of the event.
Luckily, he was always observant when it came to such details. Details that the Royal Guard and Princess Celestia were always overlooking. A thought that brought a look of annoyance to his face as his mind went back to that time.
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The Royal Guards were all standing in formation within the Throne Room. The stoic expressions from their military bearing gave off a tense environment.
"Psst, does anypony know why we're here?" Someone asked.
"Shhh." Another cut him off and silence returned once again.
Soon after, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked from another door, followed by Shining Armor in full regalia along with Princess Cadance.
"Atten… tion!" A pony shouted as everyone snapped together in unison.
Celestia stood before her throne with a wide smile as did Shining and Cadance. Luna was a bit more neutral with her expression, standing at Celestia's side.
"At ease everypony." Princess Celestia commanded as she cleared her throat before she raised a hoof and wings in proclamation. "Ponys of the Royal Guard, as you all know, there has been a threat on Canterlot! I know that this may be causing some difficult times regarding extra duties, but in light of this, I have an announcement to make! Today, I have the honor to inform you of the engagement of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence!"
The formation, upon hearing this, was visibly excited. "It's about time. I never thought he'd pop the question. What will I wear?" The series of voices radiated loudly.
Celestia raised a hoof as the group returned to silence as Shining Armor walked forward.
"I thank all of you for receiving this news so well. However, once Princess Cadance and I marry, I will have to step down as your Captain."
This news brought some confusion among everypony as Celestia decided to address their concern. "I know it is sudden, but there has been news of the Crystal Empire returning from its thousand year disappearance. Once it does, it will be in need of a Princess."
"Princess Cadance must rule a place of her own and once she does, I must go with her to protect her new kingdom. Until that day comes, I will continue to lead you all." Shining Armor declared.
From within the large group, a pony made their way out of formation. "Congratulations on your nuptials, Captain Armor and Princess Cadance." Flying Nimbus said, making his way to the front and bowing. "Permission to be frank, but have there been considerations for your replacement?"
"I have thought of this, but no names will be mentioned so as to not display perceived favoritism, Lieutenant Nimbus." Shining answered.
"That is fair and I have all confidence that you will choose the right pony for the job, but what of other protective measures?" Nimbus asked.
"I am aware that my talent in protective magic is rare, but rest assured that I will be thorough in my decision to protect Canterlot from such dangers. Anything else, Lt?" Shining replied.
"Apologies, but I'm not worried about enemies from without, but enemies from within."
"Would you care to elaborate what you mean?" The Captain inquired.
"Of course, sir. I can provide some extra security measures I've been devising that would allow a maximized perimeter and constant surveillance without overtaxing our current forces. Of course, it may take a few months for it all to be implemented, but there should be plenty of time before the wedding."
Celestia stepped forward. "Unfortunately, we do not have such time as the wedding is next week."
Flying Nimbus' calm demeanor shattered at this knowledge. "WHAT! WHO PLANS A WEDDING SO CLOSE TO THE ENGAGEMENT? NOT TO MENTION WITH THE KINGDOM UNDER IMMEDIATE THREAT OF ATTACK!" Flying Nimbus yelled, his shout mixed with both surprise and anger.
"Calm yourself Flying Nimbus, it is not my decision. Princess Cadance was insistent about having the wedding as soon as possible." The Princess replied, seemingly not affected by his outburst.
"But that's too soon? What if we already have enemies among us? Even here, in this very castle." The Pegasus spoke, almost hysterical as he began to pace back and forth frantically.
"Lt., you are always an outspoken individual and I am aware of your passion for protecting Canterlot, but I am also aware that your passion can turn into an obsession that borders on paranoia." Shining stated.
"But a week is too soon. I couldn't even get started on any countermeasures." Flying Nimbus looked like he was approaching a meltdown. "We must at least ensure everypony in attendance is who they say they are. A thorough investigation of everyone here would be a start. No exceptions."
"What are you saying? That we interrogate the Princesses' as well." Shining Armor asked.
"Yes." The Lt. answered, much to the shock of everypony.
"Flying Nimbus, such an inspection is uncalled for. Do you seriously believe that anypony, including me, pose such a security risk?" Princess Celestia asked, walking down the stairs.
"For one as high profile as this, it would be reckless not to prepare for every possibility. A threat of an immediate attack followed by an expedited wedding? It's all too coincidental." Flying Nimbus said, his attention focused on the larger pony before him.
"I have no doubt that there are those who would attempt to sabotage such an occasion, but I trust in those here."
"Does that include me?"
"Of course."
"Then you are a fool." His heated words aimed the Princess surprised everyone.
Luna was trying hard to stifle a laugh behind her sister as Celestia's eye twitched at this accusation. "Do you really think that of me, your Princess?"
"If that's who you really are." Nimbus couldn't back down now, having already gone so far as to chastise the Princess herself. "But to answer your question, absolutely. You may be a thousand year-old immortal and have taken down some of the most dangerous villains in Equestrian history, but you are acting like short-sighted witless foal to not see the danger right in front of you. The most dangerous threat to any kingdom isn't an army, but a traitor. I'm sure you are all too familiar with this, Princess."
This did visibly affect Princess Celestia to a pained expression as her gaze briefly shifted to Luna, who shared a similar look. "It is true of what you say and I can understand your reservations, but a single incident so long ago is not enough to require an overhaul of our security measures. We have had a thousand years of peace because of it."
"Even still, those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Even if there is 1% of a possibility, I will prepare as if it were 100% certain of happening. You say that you can trust me and indeed you can, but understand that if there was a chance of me turning. I alone am aware of a dozen different ways I could not only sabotage the wedding, but I even know where I could prevent a Princess as powerful as you from stopping me." His statement made as he pointed his hoof towards the ground.
"That's enough, Flying Nimbus, You've out of line!" Shining Armor ordered. "Threatening the Princess alone is tantamount to betrayal!"
"Took you long enough to get my point!" Nimbus barked, his anger overtaking his good sense. "And I am not threatening the Princess, I am merely informing her that nopony is unbeatable. Even the almighty Discord has been defeated, a being of limitless power, on more than one occasion."
Princess Cadance stepped forward to make her presence known. "I think that your subordinate is becoming a security risk right before our eyes, Shining Armor." She commented. "I don't think I would feel safe with him at the wedding."
To this, everypony agreed. The shock of the entire room turning on him was staggering.
"I believe that we will not see eye-to-eye in this matter. As your Princess, you are hereby suspended from guard duty until after the wedding. Maybe after you've had some time to cool off, you will see with a clear head." Celestia commanded, her tone stern and forceful.
Flying Nimbus' eyes burned with anger not only since nopony was considering his position, but even removing him from duty. "You don't have to suspend me." Nimbus tore his helmet off. "I resign." Throwing the armor so hard that it bounced at Celestia's hooves as he stormed off through the formation. "And don't come crying to me if something happens! Because I told you so!" He blasted over his shoulder, slamming the doors behind him.
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The sun had begun to set as Flying Nimbus finished the circuit. Everything was cleared, down to the last twig. The finish line had been set up long before and everypony had already headed home, leaving him alone with his thoughts as he looked towards the sky. Every passing moment its colors changed from orange to violet and slowly becoming dark blue.
"That brings back some unpleasant memories." He muttered as he flapped his wings and headed home. By the time he reached his apartment, the moon had begun to rise into the sky and the stars shined brightly against the sky's dark canvas.
"Another day, another bit." He sighed, rolling his wings a bit as he took his keys out as well as a collapsible rod, which he used to open his mailbox. Within it was a single envelope as he took it and went inside.
"Strange to have a letter outside of the bill window. I doubt it's from Blitz, even though I haven't heard from her in a while. Probably trying to take up white water rafting with a surf board." He chuckled at the thought as he brought the envelope to his face.
"Well it was only a matter of time. It seems. Of course, it could have been a bit less obvious." He said almost expectedly before he placed the envelope on a nearby table and walked behind a thick wood partisan that he brought out as protection. Pulling on a rope next to him, a bowling ball smashed the letter from above, cracking the table before rolling off.
"Well it's not enchanted, nor full of explosives." He said to himself as he came out wearing some piecemealed suit of armor with a gas mask. He set forth to boiling some water and steaming the letter open as it was suspended by a fishing rod.
After the adhesive weakened, the envelope peeled away as the pony reeled it in from a safe distance. "Well it's just a normal letter. So not this time it seems."
After pulling out the mangled, slightly damp letter, he read its contents.
IF YOU TRULY SEEK THE SECURITY OF EQUESTRIA AND HER CITIZENS.
COME TO THE CASTLE OF THE TWO SISTERS AT MIDNIGHT AFTER THE RUNNING OF THE LEAVES
"So instead of a trap, it's an ambush." He surmised. "Considering they know where I live and at least have an idea of, it would be odd to invest this much effort to bank on me entertaining the idea to even show up." He rubbed his chin quizzically. "Security of Equestria huh… Well, best to at least see who seeks my audience if not to take me out of the picture. Better let Crescent Note know in the morning that I'll be taking a few days off."
After eating dinner and finishing his evening by reinspecting his windows and door, he got ready for bed. "Let's see what this mystery pony wants." His thoughts fading as sleep took hold.
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A/N
In comes the brother of Blitz Krieg and he's just as intense as described.
