Canterlot Asylum- Frostby Mister SmileyChaptersThe InterviewThe CellThe ConferenceThe InterviewCanterlot Asylum, the largest asylum in all of Equestria and location of the most psychotic and dangerous ponies, was created by Princess Celestia and Luna over one thousand years ago to protect the innocent. Every week, one of the members of the royal family conduct an interview with one of the inmates to discover secrets or past events of the pony, and the royal family member will use the information to help the inmate become civilized. Two guards, one royal guard and one asylum guard, must be present to keep the interviewee safe, and the royal guard must record every action whether subtle or dangerous the two ponies perform. The purpose of recording these interviews is to determine what psychological aid each inmate needs and to insure the inmate would not distort the truth if brought to court, interviews, or conferences. All interview rooms have brick walls to prevent the inmates or any other pony breaking out or in, two one way glass windows where the interviewer and interviewee cannot see the guards observing, and a table with two chairs on opposite ends with three candle holders in the middle for light. This interview is being conducted by Princess Cadence but scheduled by Princess Celestia. The inmate is legally named “Blue” but has an alternative name, “Frost.” The inmate was sent to the asylum immediately after the pony attempted to murder her father. Despite not appearing before a judge, Princess Celestia ordered the pony to be sent to the asylum immediately. About ten minutes prior the interview, Princess Cadence was asked to conduct the interview since she was to keep watch over Canterlot while Princess Celestia was attending royal duties elsewhere. Additionally, Celestia knew that Cadence had to be the one to help Frost because her magic of spreading love. Celestia asked her brother and father about Blue and suspected that she and her father had an event that destroyed their relationship. Celestia said to Cadence, "Her eyes show feelings of vengeance and hate, and no pony should ever hate his or her own parents. From the brief discussion I had with her father and brother, there was a time when they were close but something happened. They refused to reveal what it was. Cadence, you must find out what happened and use that knowledge to bring them back together.” In present time, Princess Cadence sits in one of the chairs with the candles lit in the interview room. The door is open with no pony in front of it, until a guard steps in the room and says, “Your highness, the prisoner is here.” Cadence responds, “Send her in.” The guard moves allowing the prisoner to enter the room. The pony is a blue female with blue eyes, a cutie mark of a snowflake, a dark blue mane and tail with bright blue colors. She has a restraining jacket on her upper part of her body forcing her to walk on her back legs. She sits in the chair opposite to Cadence and looked directly at her with a cold stare. “Hello, Blue” Cadence says. “Don’t call me that.” the pony snaps, “I am Frost.” “Very well,” Cadence responds. “How do you even know that name?” “Your brother told Celestia and she told me. How are you feeling?” “Where is Celestia? I figured she would want to speak to me.” “She’s on royal duties, and, because of your actions, she’s late.” “Why would you or her want to speak to me?” “We want to find out why you tried to kill you father. Also, Celestia said that she saw ‘vengeance’ and ‘hate’ in your eyes. We want to know what happened to make you want to kill another, specifically your own dad. According to your family and Celestia, you were claiming that your father killed you mother, correct?” “He did and I will never forgive him, and he will pay!” Frost’s angry made her horn make a large spark, and within a second, one of the candles and its flame instantly turned to ice. The frozen candle spooks Cadence and she jolts her head back, drops her jaw, and widens her eyes. After a second observing the candle, she returns to her original stature. “Okay. Let’s stray from what happened earlier today and start with your fillyhood.” Frost takes a deep breath, lies back on the chair’s back, and exhales, “I lived in a small village near the Great Mountains. My parents loved me and took care of me. My brothers who were older protected me from any filly who tried to bully me in school.” “You were bullied?” Princess Cadence asked. “For a short time. In fact, I thank the bullies because if it wasn’t for them, I would have never discovered my cutie mark. It was near Hearth’s Warming Eve and school was getting out early so we didn’t have anything to do. The bullies mocked me for not having a cutie mark. My brothers were sick at home and I was alone. I was scared, helpless, and weak.” “Where was the teacher?” Cadence asks with a look of pity. “From what Mother said, she was close friends to the bullies’ families and spoiled them in the classroom just like their parents. Every time I or my brothers got in an argument or fight with the bullies, she punished us and not them. Anyway, the bullies were mocking and beating me violently. The teacher, of course, didn’t do anything. I was crying and so angry and begged them to stop, but they continued without hesitation. I tried to fight back but they tripped me every time I attempted to hit them. Every trip made the rest of the class including the teacher laugh. I felt like I was going to die on that day. However, I didn’t notice that my horn glowed brighter and brighter as the event went on, then suddenly, a blizzard barged through the windows. Ice started to form from the window seals into the classroom. Like a forest fire, the ice engulfed everything in its path, and the entire class left the room in fear, but strangely it was approaching me. When I saw that the ice had made its advance toward me, I tried to stop it by concentrating on my magic and the ice stopped. It was a risk of being frozen to death but I knew there was some connection between my horn and the ice. The entire room expect for the corner where I sat was covered in ice. It was only for a second before I passed out from the entire experience. I had never felt anything like that. "When I woke up, I was in bed at home and my parents informed me that I encased the entire school in ice, and they pointed at my cutie mark which, as you can see, is a snowflake. Despite being punished for freezing the school, I was given a small party for earning my cutie mark and fighting back. Due to the ice, the school closed earlier than expected, and I took the extra days off to test my magic. "Through countless practice routines, I discovered that I could create and control cold temperatures, develop ice and with a magic beam, make snow fall without clouds, destroy and reconstruct ice at will, and turn anything into ice instantly. Also, I realized that certain emotions control my magic. If I didn't or don't more present time control emotions like angry, sadness, or depression, my magic would or will also be out of control. An example was that flame on the candle. I lost control of my anger and my magic did that. By the way, that was unintentionally. Strangely, I don't lose control of my magic when I'm happy or joyful. Lastly, obviously by the bully event, I can cause a blizzard to appear whenever I want. Mother told me to be careful with my magic and use it for good.” “May I see your cutie mark?” Cadence asks. Frost simply stares at her for a minute but eventually steps off her chair and turns to her left allowing the princess to see the cutie mark. “It’s pretty and detailed. Please sit back down.” Frost does as the princess asks. “Sounds like you had a nice fillyhood. What went wrong?” Frost closes her eyes, lowers her head, exhales loudly, and then raises her head and opens her eyes. “Over the years of my life, my parents’ fighting intensified. They would argue every night and one of them would leave the house and spend the night at the local motel. In fact, my father did that more often. They were terrible times and I don’t want to talk about them. However, I will reveal what that changed everything. "When I was about fourteen, Father returned home after being gone for three days with another female pony. He admitted on cheating on Mom for a couple of months and demanded a divorce. At the end of it all, he took my brothers and left me with her. I don't know why, I strongly believed, and still believe, it was because I was the youngest which demanded more money. That was the event that ruined… our lives. "Mom loved me dearly and I loved her more. She was the only pony I needed. As the years passed, we struggled to survive, and she was suffering more than me. Mom had to work two jobs and longer shifts in order to feed us, pay for child support, for me go to school, and pay for monthly bills. Then one day…” Frost takes a deep inhale and breathes out slowly. Cadence says with great sincere, “Take your time.” Frost starts breathing harder and clinches her eyes tight. Then, tears form in Frost’s right eye and they streak down her face and splash on the table. Cadence gets out of her chair, walks beside Frost, and places on left front leg on the back of her shoulders. Frost's horn faintly starts glowing and some tears are freezing on her face. Even though Cadence knows it is a risk, she hugs Frost with her head against Cadence's chest. Frost starts sobbing. After about a minute, Frost stops and sits up on the chair. Cadence returns to her chair and awaits the rest of the story. “About a month ago, she told me that we were going to move to Ponyville to start a new life. Yes, even though I was or am twenty-one, I still lived with her because I refused to leave her. We packed everything we needed that night, and I remember how excited I was that we have given an opportunity to start over. That night, I lay in the bed, quivering with anxiety and she came in my room and told me, ‘I love you, Blue. Our lives will forever be changed starting tomorrow.’ I fell asleep and had wonderful dreams about our new home and the many new friends we would make at Ponyville. We pretty much isolated ourselves from everybody else because we were always busy and did not need others to bother us. However, when I woke up, she was gone. The door was open, but she was nowhere to be seen. I went looking for her in and around the village for hours and couldn't find any evidence what happened. The other ponies said had not seen her. I went back to our house and saw her stuff was untouched. I didn’t know what to do, so I lay on her bed hoping and praying she would return. I didn’t eat, sleep, or anything. After about seven days, I decided I had enough and take control of my life, and some pony needed to pay. I thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that Father was to blame. He had- no- needs to die.” “Why do you think that?” “He was the source of the torment. He betrayed Mom and only thought for himself. I know he didn't care about us. If he did, he would have contacted us. Heck, he would not have asked for a divorce. I hate him! She was everything to me, and he took her away! He killed her!” Suddenly, a magic beam shoots from Frost’s horn to the ceiling and freezes it corner to corner, edge to edge. Cadence jumps out of her seat and observes the ceiling. The asylum guard rushes to the door and barges in, but Cadence says to the guard, “Wait! Let her calm down.” The guard obeys and stands at the door while Frost takes in deep breathes calming herself. After sometime, the guard leaves and Cadence sits back in her seat. Frost has more tears frozen on her face, but ignores them. The room is now bright and a mild cold atmosphere takes over the room. The two remaining candles on the table are now out with smoke lines coming from them. “Would you like to relocate?” Frost asks Cadence. “No. Even though it’s a little cold, I can manage. Besides, the ice is beautiful.” Cadence looks up and admires the blue pony's creation for a second then turns her attention on Frost once again. “Please continue.” “I left my home to find him. I took all the food in the house and some jars to store water in. I didn't care how long it was going to take. The only thing that mattered to me was confronting and killing that monster. I searched for weeks in various villages, towns, and even cities but with no luck at the time. Every location I came across, I worked for a couple of hours to earn some bits. That was a smart decision because I ran out of food and had to buy some. While he was probably stuffing his face doing absolutely nothing, I had to work hard for my food, and at nights, I either stayed in a dirty, pest infested motel or a bench in a park. Mom may have let him get away with leaving the two of us, but I was not going to make the same mistake, and I prepared to face anything that stood in my way. In the middle of my journey, I decided to change my name to, ‘Frost’ even though I did not change it legally. 'Frost' was the name Mom to give me, but he wanted ‘Blue’ and that became my birth name. Today, that name is an insult because it reminds me how he destroyed my... our lives.” "You eventually found him here in Canterlot?" “Yes." “Then, what happened earlier today. I was in the castle in that happened. Can you please tell me?” “I was walking down a street looking for a place to eat, and at the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar face, my brother Reel. When we were separated he was seventeen, and I think he was or is considering present time about twenty-four. He saw me, and we ran into each other's arms and hugged tightly. I still love my brothers. They had nothing to do with anything that has happened. They were just like me, children caught in a bad situation. After hugging, he introduced me to his family. His pregnant wife was beautiful and had kind eyes like Moms, and his three year old son was adorable. He told me our brother who was the oldest of three of us was living in Ponyville as a doctor. Also, he told me that his dream on being a film writer and director has been achieved, and his first film was starting production soon. Then, he told me where father was. As soon as he said ‘Dad’, all of my emotions came to a halt. He said he would show me where he and his wife, now my step-mother, lived. I said yes but did not tell him what my purpose in Canterlot was. He told his family he would be home soon and took me where Father was living after I asked about him. He told me that Father was a general manager at a restaurant. The store has been very successful, and he has made friends with some of the high class ponies like Fancypants. He did ask question about me and Mom. I answered, but I lied. I couldn't tell him the truth. I know he would want to stop me from killing Father. Instead, I told him that I moved out, Mother was doing great, and I wanted to live here for work and education. He believed me and soon we arrived at his house. Reel walked up to the door and knocked on it. I didn't hear what the conversation was I did hear ‘Blue is moving here. She wants to see you’ and Father with her stepped out to see me. "At that moment, I shot a beam at ‘her’ feet so she would not interfere. Then, starting at his feet, I shot and held a magic beam and started to freeze him. I didn't want to freeze him instantly. I wanted him to suffer before his time. His legs were frozen quickly and his cried in agony. My brother tried to stop me but I froze him at the spot by shooting beam at his hooves. He's not a unicorn like me. Mom was an Earth pony and Father was a unicorn. So, there was a fifty percent chance I or my siblings became one or the other. Anyway, I turned to my father and screamed at him that Mom was dead, even though I didn’t know if she was dead or alive, and he was responsible. As I slowly froze more of his body, he tried to apologize by saying, ‘Please Blue! Don't do this! I love you! I beg you not to do this!’ I paused and responded, ‘You beg? For weeks, my nightmares had Mom with a terrified, helpless face. I ran to her but with no avail and she is frozen dead in place. These nightmares have haunted me since she disappeared, and I know that the only way for them to vanish, her to hopefully return, and for me to continue my life is by slaying you. How I’ve long to see that look frozen upon you. Die you monster.’ Then, I was jumped on by Celestia’s peagsus guards. I broke free and froze their wings and hooves where they stood. I turned to finish Father, but I was then shot by a fiery beam. The heat of it brought me down instantly, and I turn to see Celestia herself standing over me. She used her powerful magic to hold me down while she ordered other guards to restrain me. As I being restrained, I looked to see other ponies attending to Father. I screamed, ‘It can’t end this way! You killed Mom! I will have your head!’ Then Celestia threw me in here.” Princess Cadence is stunned by the depressing story. She expresses a face with great sympathy towards the blue pony and says, “I’m so sorry about your mother. I can’t tell you where your mother is, but I can send a search team. Anything that comes up, I will personally inform you. However, you will have to be charged with attempt of murder and serve your time.” “Of course.” “But I will try to help you. My special talent is spreading love to ponies. I’m sure if I invite your father to a conference, we can rebuild that love between the two of you.” “You can try, but I will not promise that I will not attack him, nor will I promise not to attack you if you get in my way.” “I expected that kind of responds. Guard, we’re done.” The asylum guard enters the room and escorts Frost out of the room. Before they exit, Cadence says, “Frost.” The guard and she stop, and Frost turns to look at Cadence. “You know what you attempted was wrong. Think about what your mother would say if she heard this or you actually killed your father. Also, think about the good times you had with him. Do you really want to get rid of those happy memories?” Frost lowers her eyes to the ground and walks with the guard to her cell. The CellThe majority of the asylum is made up of large halls with various cells holding inmates. All of the cells have thick brick walls with one of the walls being made of magic proof glass for any pony outside the cell to observe inside in the cell. Additionally, every cell has a sofa bed, a wooden table, and a wooden cabinet to store personal belongings. According to psychologists, items whether personal or not can keep a mentally ill pony calm and collective. As example, some inmates have cards and play solitaire on their tables, and most results have shown that inmates are less tempered. The doors of the cells are made of chrome steel which is one of the few steels in Equestria that is immune to magic. All doors can only open from the outside, and the doors open outward. To communicate to the inmates, every door has a small rectangular hole with a cover that can be moved, and when the cover is shut, the cover locks automatically. The guards must use a key in order to unlock the cover. The only other ponies allowed to open the covers are members of the royal family and the cafeteria ponies to slide food trays in and out. While walking to her cell, Frost observes the massive size of the hall. The hall has has three floors and all with holding cells. She can hear faint screaming coming from the upper floors, but she was not affected by them. She sees her cell about two meters away but then was distracted by the inmate accompanied by two guards heading for the opposite direction. The Earth pony had a black coat with orange strips and had cuffs on all four hoofs. As the bizarre pony passed by Frost, the two stared at each other with expressionless faces. As soon as the odd pony was out of sight, Frost returns to stare at her holding cell's door. Frost did think to herself, "Who was that? Though strange looking, I do like the way she looked." Before Frost enters the cell, the guards loosen the restraining jacket, and allowing her to walk in calmly. The guards shut the steel door making a loud crashing sound and immediately locking it, but the opening in the door was uncovered. The guards then leave the hall and several female ponies wearing aprons and mane nets enter the hall each carrying a tray of food. Each pony walks up to a cell and slides the trays through the opening, and the inmates in each cell takes the tray. One of the ponies slides a tray through the opening of Frost’s door, but as soon as it went through the opening, the pony shut the cover. She walks in front of the glass to see the blue inmate staring back with a cold stare with her tray in the air with her magic. This spooks the pony, but Frost speaks to her even though the two cannot hear unless the cover is open but the pony was able to read Frost's lips. She says, “Thank you.” The pony give a small wave giving the blue pony a gesture meaning: “You’re welcome.” Frost places the tray on the table, sits on her rump, and looks at the food on her tray. The cafeteria pony just stares at her because she did not expect this kind of behavior from a pony that tried to kill her own father. The cafeteria pony then walks away and approaches another cafeteria pony and says, “Have you seen the new inmate, Frost?” "I thought her name was 'Blue'?" the other pony responds. "Well, that is her real name, but I have been told to refer to her as 'Frost'." “Oh. Anyway, yeah. I have. She's a beautiful pony especially her mane and eyes, but she looks like a monster and who could snap any second.” “That’s what I thought especially the way she stared at me much like some of the other inmates.” “Is she like Stargazer? You know, she goes crazy if you look at her wrong and jumps right at the glass?” “No. After giving her the tray, she politely thanked me, then minded to her know business.” “Hm. I think that’s really odd for an inmate to act in an asylum, especially this one. Thank Celestia, Stargazer did not act up this time. In fact, she seemed calm this today.” As the two ponies continue return to the cafeteria still talking, Frost observes her food. The tray has a nicely folded napkin, a spoon with a clear wrapping around it, two carrots, a cabbage head, and a yellowish soup with steam coming from it. She proceeds to eat the carrots, then the cabbage, and lastly the soup with the spoon on the tray. Though not good, the soup has a sweet taste which that makes it eatable for her. Frost finishes her food and waits for the cafeteria pony to retrieve the tray. While waiting, Frost notices that she did not use her napkin and lifts it in the air with her magic. She unfolds the napkin and attaches the sides together forming a sphere, and she turns the sphere into a solid ice ball and proceeds to shed the ice with her magic. Later, the cafeteria pony returns and sees a beautiful ice sculpture in the form of a female Earth pony with extraordinary detail on the mane, eyes, tail, and cutie mark which was a tower of hearts. She walks to the door and uncovers the opening. “Um, Frost,” the pony says, “I need your tray.” Frost places the ice figure on the table, stands, and approaches the door with the tray in the sir with her magic. She slides the tray through the opening and the other pony places the tray on her head. She then slides the tray down her neck and onto her back and asks the blue pony a question, “Frost, that ice carving is beautiful. Please tell me how you did it.” Frost does not respond immediately but eventually does with a calm polite tone, “It is part of my special talent. My magic is controlling anything that is cold, obviously including ice. To make a figure, I can take any item and turn it into ice. Then, I think of the figure and the magic carves it until the figure is complete. For this one, I took my napkin, attached the edges together to make a sphere, and turn it into ice.” “May I see the one on the table?” the cafeteria pony asks. Frost looks at the figure and using her magic it floats to the opening. Even though the sculpture is too big to fit through the opening, the other pony can see it. “Oh my, it’s more beautiful and detailed up close.” Then, the pony she spoke to earlier nudges her on the shoulder indicating that she needs to return to work. “Sorry, I have to go,” she says to Frost before closing the cover. She walks back to her station, but she gives a quick wave to Frost. Frost gives a gentle wave back. She returns to the table with the ice figure, places it on the table, and says to it in a very depressing tone, “I failed you. I wish there were another way for me to say it. I cannot. I can only beg your forgiveness, and pray you hear me somehow, someplace. Someplace where you await for me and we can be happy once more. I will always love you, Mom." The ConferenceThree days has passed since the interview, and Frost has a strong feeling Cadence will return and take her to the conference room. To occupy her time, she has used her magic to make her environment her own image such as changing her room into an ice domain. The walls and ceiling are covered with smooth ice, and the rose and vase her brother sent her the previous day are protected with a see through ice cover much like a snow globe. It sits in the middle of the table with the miniature ice sculpture of her mother. She has also made a figure per day using materials on her food tray and turning them into ice. The first day's figure is a plant with dying pedals. The second day’s sculpture is her mother sitting with her eyes closed looking up. The third day’s figurine is the house where she and her family once lived in. All sculptures have the same exquisite detail that the original sculpture of her mother had, and she placed all three on the cabinet with the second sculpture of her mother in the middle. The day starts normal with breakfast being brought to Frost by Charity the pony who has become a friend to the blue pony. After giving the tray to her, Charity asks Frost, "Any idea what figure you’ll make today?" Frost answers, "Yes. A heart to symbolize my forever love for my mother." "I have said before, but I'm sorry to whatever happened to your mother." “I appreciate your kindness, Charity. You have been a good friend to me. In fact, you’re the first friend I’ve had in many years.” Charity gives a smile and blushes a little. The blush was not only for how kind the comment is, but she is honored to make an impact on Frost in some way. “Let me ask you a question.” Frost says. “Why do you work here?” “Well, I like helping ponies, and I feel that ponies like you need help to be civilized. I believe every pony has kindness in their heart, and simple communication can make a large impact on one pony. I know it’s not much, but it does work. I mean, look at yourself. You're the most calm pony in this hall, and you consider me as your friend simply through talking." Frost analyzes about Charity’s words and then responds, “Wow. You have such great commitment and a marvelous life changing goal, and yes. I do see how I have changed, and I thank you for it.” Charity smiles and blushes more. Frost sees the other cafeteria ponies heading to the exit of the hall behind Charity and says, "You better get back to work. The others are leaving without you." Charity then sees the others, closes the cover, and starts walking to the cafeteria with the others but manages to wave at Frost. Later, Frost finishes eating her breakfast which was a bowl of oatmeal. She then turns the napkin into an ice ball but hesitates because she does not know what turn it into. However, before she has time to decide, a guard says through the opening, “Frost. Princess Cadence wants to see you in the conference room.” Frost freezes and places the ice ball on the table. She stands on all fours and approaches the door. The guard with another opens the door and cuffs her front and back legs. The two guards lead her through the hall, and the three walk up to a different steel door. One of the guards opens the door, and Frost sees an empty chair, Cadence sitting in another, and Frost's father in a chair, arranged in a circle. The conference room is massive with metal walls and no other furniture. The ceiling has a lit chandelier giving the room enough light. Princess Cadence sees Frost and points to the empty chair. Still cuffed, Frost sits in the empty chair while staring at her father even though his back is facing her. Once she sits, the guards leave the room but stand outside the door. Her father looks at her with an expression of terror and says, “Blue.” Frost lowers her head but her eyes are still focused on him and responds, “You have no right to call me that. I am Frost.” Frost turns to Cadence, “Why is he here?” Cadence replies, “I want you to hear your father explain for his actions years ago. I haven't heard his side of the story, but he has agreed to speak to us. After we hear him, we can work together in rebuilding the relationship you two once had. Now, Mr. Manage, care to explain?” Mare Manage looks at his daughter with a face expressing emotions of disgust, anger, and vengeance. He turns to Cadence and starts, “Well, it was a terrible time. I have tried so hard to suppress these memories, but now I must confront them and tell both of you what happened. The convenient store I was managing at the time was involved in a lawsuit and payment decreased immensely. Heartfull, her mother, and I had no choice but to work longer hours at our jobs, and the stress for both us got worse and that was the start. She and I argued all the time, and I felt that she didn't love me anymore. Even worse, I knew that if we fought all the time and didn't love each other, our children would pay for the consequences by having terrible fillyhoods.” He looks at Frost to see her reaction, and she has a cold stare at him, and he is afraid her horn will start glowing. Luckily, it did not, and he continues, I love my children especially my little girl, but without another lover at my side, I couldn’t go on, nor could they have a happy childhood. One day, I was working at the store I was asked by the general manager to train a new employee named Ruby. She was beautiful and took my breath away." At the corner of his eye, he sees Frost shaking her head left and right in a very slow pace. After inhaling and exhaling to relax, he resumes, “However, as I trained her, our relationship grew stronger and stronger. I felt complete with her, and for the first time in a long time, I felt loved. I even thought that the children would love her as much as I did.” He looks at Cadence with a face of disgust, and, at his eye’s corner, Frost stopped moving her head and has an expression of rage. “Obviously, Heartfull,” he continues, “had suspicions of the affair because I mentioned Ruby a good bit. Also, I stayed at the store longer working with her. Of course, I lied about it. I wanted to prevent arguments between Heartfull and I for the kids. They would have a terrible fillyhood if we fought constantly. However, arguments we had got so intense, I left the house and stayed at Ruby’s place. This happened several times. After about six months, I decided to stay at Ruby's place and not to return home for a couple of days, and during those days, I spoke with a lawyer to file a divorce.” Frost asks, “May I say something?” Cadence nods her head but is concerned what she will say or do. Frost raises her head and locks on Manage’s eyes. “When you left with my brothers, I heard you say that you left me with Mom because it would ‘demand more money.’ Care to explain what you meant?” Her father swallows and starts, “Your brothers were getting to an age where they were ready to move out. I was tight on money during the time. The store lost the lawsuit, and it wasn't making as much money as it used to. In fact, it was shutting down. Ruby and I lucky bought a house in Canterlot before returning home and I only had so much to spend on you and your brothers. Additionally, a restaurant in Canterlot hired me and I had to make rash decisions on how to survive. I had to make a choice that was best for me and Ruby, but I couldn’t let you and your brothers suffer at the village with only your mother working. Her job as a rock farmer didn’t bring in as much income as me being a manager. I fought to bring all three of you, and even though Heartfull knew it was best for your brothers to live in Canterlot a place of opportunity, you refused to give you up. After about two days fighting over you, I decided to stop and have you stay. Besides, you and Heartfull were so close that I couldn't separate the two of you. I knew how much you two meant for each other, and ripping you two apart would have been disastrous. Now that I explained the situation, those words I said were not meant to be so harsh. We were arguing and I tend to yell things I didn’t mean. Leaving you with your mother was never, NEVER, over finances.” Frost responds sharply with a tears forming in her eyes, “But you didn't know that she took two jobs and worked long shift for both five days a week! You didn't think that she would work even harder to support me and her?! She's not a manager like! She was a rock farmer and a janitor at that local food place!” The tears started to streak down her face and horn starts to glow, and the room quickly grew colder. “You only thought about yourself and no pony else especially her!” Cadence jumps in front of her and says, “Frost! Please calm down!” Frost looks at Cadence with a look that strongly resembles her mother when she was angry all those years ago. Her horn stops glowing and the coldness disappears, but she keeps her intense stare on her father. “Thank you. Mr. Manage, anything else you’d like to say?” Cadence asks calmly. “I didn't know that. I had no idea what you two were doing over there. When we settled the divorce, she told me and I promised that I would never get involved with you or her. I kept my promise to protect you from me. I know that if I disobeyed and broke my promise, my trouble would come to you.” Frost silently gasps and her pupils widen in shock. Cadence turns to him and responds, “So, you let Frost, or formally ‘Blue’, stay with her mother and never communicated with your own daughter because you believed it was for the best for them?” He nods his head with tears streaming down her cheeks. Cadence faces Frost and speaks to her, “Now you know why he left you. He meant for the best for you. The disappearance of your mother was never his fault. I understand that he hurt you, but you must forgive him in order to move on. Also, think of Heartfull, your loving mother, would say if she knew that you tried to freeze him to death.” Cadence moves and sits back in her chair. Frost continues to stare at her father. She leans back on her chair, crosses her front hooves, closes her eyes, and thinks. About ten minutes later, she opens her eyes and turns to her father. She steps off the chair standing on all fours with the cuffs clanging. She walks to him calmly and says, “Step down.” He does as his daughter says with a look of sadness. As soon as he stands in front of her, more tears streak down his face and he says, “I never wanted you to suffer, and I don't blame you for not forgiving me. I deserve it. I'm sorry. I’m so…so sorry. But no matter what, you will always be my little girl, and I have and always will protect you, even if it means leaving you. I love you, Frost. I will always love you…Blue.” Then, all of a sudden, she lifts her front portion of her body up with her cuffed hoofs over her head. She lunges her hoofs over his head but they land behind his neck, and she then pulls him in and hugs him tightly. The father and daughter cry for a while. Cadence stares at the two happy that their love for each other has been resurrected. The two separate each other by Frost lifting her hoofs over her father’s head. Cadence then walks up the two, “I glad that you two are able to come together again. Sadly, Frost you need to stay here for a while. Attempt of murder is not tolerated by Celestia. But I know you will probably not stay as long when I report this to her. I sense a great change in you.” “Thank you, Princess.” Frost shockingly replies. “If it wasn’t for what you said about my mother earlier, I would have killed him. Again, thank you.” Cadence hugs Frost after that statement. She then calls for the guards to take Frost back to her cell, but instead with an angry expression, Frost leaves with a different appearance and feeling. It is not happiness and she cannot explain because she has never felt this emotion, but she loves it. When she returns to her cell without the cuffs, she sees the shards of the ice ball from earlier. Using her magic, she repairs the sphere and knows what exactly to crave.
The InterviewCanterlot Asylum, the largest asylum in all of Equestria and location of the most psychotic and dangerous ponies, was created by Princess Celestia and Luna over one thousand years ago to protect the innocent. Every week, one of the members of the royal family conduct an interview with one of the inmates to discover secrets or past events of the pony, and the royal family member will use the information to help the inmate become civilized. Two guards, one royal guard and one asylum guard, must be present to keep the interviewee safe, and the royal guard must record every action whether subtle or dangerous the two ponies perform. The purpose of recording these interviews is to determine what psychological aid each inmate needs and to insure the inmate would not distort the truth if brought to court, interviews, or conferences. All interview rooms have brick walls to prevent the inmates or any other pony breaking out or in, two one way glass windows where the interviewer and interviewee cannot see the guards observing, and a table with two chairs on opposite ends with three candle holders in the middle for light. This interview is being conducted by Princess Cadence but scheduled by Princess Celestia. The inmate is legally named “Blue” but has an alternative name, “Frost.” The inmate was sent to the asylum immediately after the pony attempted to murder her father. Despite not appearing before a judge, Princess Celestia ordered the pony to be sent to the asylum immediately. About ten minutes prior the interview, Princess Cadence was asked to conduct the interview since she was to keep watch over Canterlot while Princess Celestia was attending royal duties elsewhere. Additionally, Celestia knew that Cadence had to be the one to help Frost because her magic of spreading love. Celestia asked her brother and father about Blue and suspected that she and her father had an event that destroyed their relationship. Celestia said to Cadence, "Her eyes show feelings of vengeance and hate, and no pony should ever hate his or her own parents. From the brief discussion I had with her father and brother, there was a time when they were close but something happened. They refused to reveal what it was. Cadence, you must find out what happened and use that knowledge to bring them back together.” In present time, Princess Cadence sits in one of the chairs with the candles lit in the interview room. The door is open with no pony in front of it, until a guard steps in the room and says, “Your highness, the prisoner is here.” Cadence responds, “Send her in.” The guard moves allowing the prisoner to enter the room. The pony is a blue female with blue eyes, a cutie mark of a snowflake, a dark blue mane and tail with bright blue colors. She has a restraining jacket on her upper part of her body forcing her to walk on her back legs. She sits in the chair opposite to Cadence and looked directly at her with a cold stare. “Hello, Blue” Cadence says. “Don’t call me that.” the pony snaps, “I am Frost.” “Very well,” Cadence responds. “How do you even know that name?” “Your brother told Celestia and she told me. How are you feeling?” “Where is Celestia? I figured she would want to speak to me.” “She’s on royal duties, and, because of your actions, she’s late.” “Why would you or her want to speak to me?” “We want to find out why you tried to kill you father. Also, Celestia said that she saw ‘vengeance’ and ‘hate’ in your eyes. We want to know what happened to make you want to kill another, specifically your own dad. According to your family and Celestia, you were claiming that your father killed you mother, correct?” “He did and I will never forgive him, and he will pay!” Frost’s angry made her horn make a large spark, and within a second, one of the candles and its flame instantly turned to ice. The frozen candle spooks Cadence and she jolts her head back, drops her jaw, and widens her eyes. After a second observing the candle, she returns to her original stature. “Okay. Let’s stray from what happened earlier today and start with your fillyhood.” Frost takes a deep breath, lies back on the chair’s back, and exhales, “I lived in a small village near the Great Mountains. My parents loved me and took care of me. My brothers who were older protected me from any filly who tried to bully me in school.” “You were bullied?” Princess Cadence asked. “For a short time. In fact, I thank the bullies because if it wasn’t for them, I would have never discovered my cutie mark. It was near Hearth’s Warming Eve and school was getting out early so we didn’t have anything to do. The bullies mocked me for not having a cutie mark. My brothers were sick at home and I was alone. I was scared, helpless, and weak.” “Where was the teacher?” Cadence asks with a look of pity. “From what Mother said, she was close friends to the bullies’ families and spoiled them in the classroom just like their parents. Every time I or my brothers got in an argument or fight with the bullies, she punished us and not them. Anyway, the bullies were mocking and beating me violently. The teacher, of course, didn’t do anything. I was crying and so angry and begged them to stop, but they continued without hesitation. I tried to fight back but they tripped me every time I attempted to hit them. Every trip made the rest of the class including the teacher laugh. I felt like I was going to die on that day. However, I didn’t notice that my horn glowed brighter and brighter as the event went on, then suddenly, a blizzard barged through the windows. Ice started to form from the window seals into the classroom. Like a forest fire, the ice engulfed everything in its path, and the entire class left the room in fear, but strangely it was approaching me. When I saw that the ice had made its advance toward me, I tried to stop it by concentrating on my magic and the ice stopped. It was a risk of being frozen to death but I knew there was some connection between my horn and the ice. The entire room expect for the corner where I sat was covered in ice. It was only for a second before I passed out from the entire experience. I had never felt anything like that. "When I woke up, I was in bed at home and my parents informed me that I encased the entire school in ice, and they pointed at my cutie mark which, as you can see, is a snowflake. Despite being punished for freezing the school, I was given a small party for earning my cutie mark and fighting back. Due to the ice, the school closed earlier than expected, and I took the extra days off to test my magic. "Through countless practice routines, I discovered that I could create and control cold temperatures, develop ice and with a magic beam, make snow fall without clouds, destroy and reconstruct ice at will, and turn anything into ice instantly. Also, I realized that certain emotions control my magic. If I didn't or don't more present time control emotions like angry, sadness, or depression, my magic would or will also be out of control. An example was that flame on the candle. I lost control of my anger and my magic did that. By the way, that was unintentionally. Strangely, I don't lose control of my magic when I'm happy or joyful. Lastly, obviously by the bully event, I can cause a blizzard to appear whenever I want. Mother told me to be careful with my magic and use it for good.” “May I see your cutie mark?” Cadence asks. Frost simply stares at her for a minute but eventually steps off her chair and turns to her left allowing the princess to see the cutie mark. “It’s pretty and detailed. Please sit back down.” Frost does as the princess asks. “Sounds like you had a nice fillyhood. What went wrong?” Frost closes her eyes, lowers her head, exhales loudly, and then raises her head and opens her eyes. “Over the years of my life, my parents’ fighting intensified. They would argue every night and one of them would leave the house and spend the night at the local motel. In fact, my father did that more often. They were terrible times and I don’t want to talk about them. However, I will reveal what that changed everything. "When I was about fourteen, Father returned home after being gone for three days with another female pony. He admitted on cheating on Mom for a couple of months and demanded a divorce. At the end of it all, he took my brothers and left me with her. I don't know why, I strongly believed, and still believe, it was because I was the youngest which demanded more money. That was the event that ruined… our lives. "Mom loved me dearly and I loved her more. She was the only pony I needed. As the years passed, we struggled to survive, and she was suffering more than me. Mom had to work two jobs and longer shifts in order to feed us, pay for child support, for me go to school, and pay for monthly bills. Then one day…” Frost takes a deep inhale and breathes out slowly. Cadence says with great sincere, “Take your time.” Frost starts breathing harder and clinches her eyes tight. Then, tears form in Frost’s right eye and they streak down her face and splash on the table. Cadence gets out of her chair, walks beside Frost, and places on left front leg on the back of her shoulders. Frost's horn faintly starts glowing and some tears are freezing on her face. Even though Cadence knows it is a risk, she hugs Frost with her head against Cadence's chest. Frost starts sobbing. After about a minute, Frost stops and sits up on the chair. Cadence returns to her chair and awaits the rest of the story. “About a month ago, she told me that we were going to move to Ponyville to start a new life. Yes, even though I was or am twenty-one, I still lived with her because I refused to leave her. We packed everything we needed that night, and I remember how excited I was that we have given an opportunity to start over. That night, I lay in the bed, quivering with anxiety and she came in my room and told me, ‘I love you, Blue. Our lives will forever be changed starting tomorrow.’ I fell asleep and had wonderful dreams about our new home and the many new friends we would make at Ponyville. We pretty much isolated ourselves from everybody else because we were always busy and did not need others to bother us. However, when I woke up, she was gone. The door was open, but she was nowhere to be seen. I went looking for her in and around the village for hours and couldn't find any evidence what happened. The other ponies said had not seen her. I went back to our house and saw her stuff was untouched. I didn’t know what to do, so I lay on her bed hoping and praying she would return. I didn’t eat, sleep, or anything. After about seven days, I decided I had enough and take control of my life, and some pony needed to pay. I thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that Father was to blame. He had- no- needs to die.” “Why do you think that?” “He was the source of the torment. He betrayed Mom and only thought for himself. I know he didn't care about us. If he did, he would have contacted us. Heck, he would not have asked for a divorce. I hate him! She was everything to me, and he took her away! He killed her!” Suddenly, a magic beam shoots from Frost’s horn to the ceiling and freezes it corner to corner, edge to edge. Cadence jumps out of her seat and observes the ceiling. The asylum guard rushes to the door and barges in, but Cadence says to the guard, “Wait! Let her calm down.” The guard obeys and stands at the door while Frost takes in deep breathes calming herself. After sometime, the guard leaves and Cadence sits back in her seat. Frost has more tears frozen on her face, but ignores them. The room is now bright and a mild cold atmosphere takes over the room. The two remaining candles on the table are now out with smoke lines coming from them. “Would you like to relocate?” Frost asks Cadence. “No. Even though it’s a little cold, I can manage. Besides, the ice is beautiful.” Cadence looks up and admires the blue pony's creation for a second then turns her attention on Frost once again. “Please continue.” “I left my home to find him. I took all the food in the house and some jars to store water in. I didn't care how long it was going to take. The only thing that mattered to me was confronting and killing that monster. I searched for weeks in various villages, towns, and even cities but with no luck at the time. Every location I came across, I worked for a couple of hours to earn some bits. That was a smart decision because I ran out of food and had to buy some. While he was probably stuffing his face doing absolutely nothing, I had to work hard for my food, and at nights, I either stayed in a dirty, pest infested motel or a bench in a park. Mom may have let him get away with leaving the two of us, but I was not going to make the same mistake, and I prepared to face anything that stood in my way. In the middle of my journey, I decided to change my name to, ‘Frost’ even though I did not change it legally. 'Frost' was the name Mom to give me, but he wanted ‘Blue’ and that became my birth name. Today, that name is an insult because it reminds me how he destroyed my... our lives.” "You eventually found him here in Canterlot?" “Yes." “Then, what happened earlier today. I was in the castle in that happened. Can you please tell me?” “I was walking down a street looking for a place to eat, and at the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar face, my brother Reel. When we were separated he was seventeen, and I think he was or is considering present time about twenty-four. He saw me, and we ran into each other's arms and hugged tightly. I still love my brothers. They had nothing to do with anything that has happened. They were just like me, children caught in a bad situation. After hugging, he introduced me to his family. His pregnant wife was beautiful and had kind eyes like Moms, and his three year old son was adorable. He told me our brother who was the oldest of three of us was living in Ponyville as a doctor. Also, he told me that his dream on being a film writer and director has been achieved, and his first film was starting production soon. Then, he told me where father was. As soon as he said ‘Dad’, all of my emotions came to a halt. He said he would show me where he and his wife, now my step-mother, lived. I said yes but did not tell him what my purpose in Canterlot was. He told his family he would be home soon and took me where Father was living after I asked about him. He told me that Father was a general manager at a restaurant. The store has been very successful, and he has made friends with some of the high class ponies like Fancypants. He did ask question about me and Mom. I answered, but I lied. I couldn't tell him the truth. I know he would want to stop me from killing Father. Instead, I told him that I moved out, Mother was doing great, and I wanted to live here for work and education. He believed me and soon we arrived at his house. Reel walked up to the door and knocked on it. I didn't hear what the conversation was I did hear ‘Blue is moving here. She wants to see you’ and Father with her stepped out to see me. "At that moment, I shot a beam at ‘her’ feet so she would not interfere. Then, starting at his feet, I shot and held a magic beam and started to freeze him. I didn't want to freeze him instantly. I wanted him to suffer before his time. His legs were frozen quickly and his cried in agony. My brother tried to stop me but I froze him at the spot by shooting beam at his hooves. He's not a unicorn like me. Mom was an Earth pony and Father was a unicorn. So, there was a fifty percent chance I or my siblings became one or the other. Anyway, I turned to my father and screamed at him that Mom was dead, even though I didn’t know if she was dead or alive, and he was responsible. As I slowly froze more of his body, he tried to apologize by saying, ‘Please Blue! Don't do this! I love you! I beg you not to do this!’ I paused and responded, ‘You beg? For weeks, my nightmares had Mom with a terrified, helpless face. I ran to her but with no avail and she is frozen dead in place. These nightmares have haunted me since she disappeared, and I know that the only way for them to vanish, her to hopefully return, and for me to continue my life is by slaying you. How I’ve long to see that look frozen upon you. Die you monster.’ Then, I was jumped on by Celestia’s peagsus guards. I broke free and froze their wings and hooves where they stood. I turned to finish Father, but I was then shot by a fiery beam. The heat of it brought me down instantly, and I turn to see Celestia herself standing over me. She used her powerful magic to hold me down while she ordered other guards to restrain me. As I being restrained, I looked to see other ponies attending to Father. I screamed, ‘It can’t end this way! You killed Mom! I will have your head!’ Then Celestia threw me in here.” Princess Cadence is stunned by the depressing story. She expresses a face with great sympathy towards the blue pony and says, “I’m so sorry about your mother. I can’t tell you where your mother is, but I can send a search team. Anything that comes up, I will personally inform you. However, you will have to be charged with attempt of murder and serve your time.” “Of course.” “But I will try to help you. My special talent is spreading love to ponies. I’m sure if I invite your father to a conference, we can rebuild that love between the two of you.” “You can try, but I will not promise that I will not attack him, nor will I promise not to attack you if you get in my way.” “I expected that kind of responds. Guard, we’re done.” The asylum guard enters the room and escorts Frost out of the room. Before they exit, Cadence says, “Frost.” The guard and she stop, and Frost turns to look at Cadence. “You know what you attempted was wrong. Think about what your mother would say if she heard this or you actually killed your father. Also, think about the good times you had with him. Do you really want to get rid of those happy memories?” Frost lowers her eyes to the ground and walks with the guard to her cell.
The CellThe majority of the asylum is made up of large halls with various cells holding inmates. All of the cells have thick brick walls with one of the walls being made of magic proof glass for any pony outside the cell to observe inside in the cell. Additionally, every cell has a sofa bed, a wooden table, and a wooden cabinet to store personal belongings. According to psychologists, items whether personal or not can keep a mentally ill pony calm and collective. As example, some inmates have cards and play solitaire on their tables, and most results have shown that inmates are less tempered. The doors of the cells are made of chrome steel which is one of the few steels in Equestria that is immune to magic. All doors can only open from the outside, and the doors open outward. To communicate to the inmates, every door has a small rectangular hole with a cover that can be moved, and when the cover is shut, the cover locks automatically. The guards must use a key in order to unlock the cover. The only other ponies allowed to open the covers are members of the royal family and the cafeteria ponies to slide food trays in and out. While walking to her cell, Frost observes the massive size of the hall. The hall has has three floors and all with holding cells. She can hear faint screaming coming from the upper floors, but she was not affected by them. She sees her cell about two meters away but then was distracted by the inmate accompanied by two guards heading for the opposite direction. The Earth pony had a black coat with orange strips and had cuffs on all four hoofs. As the bizarre pony passed by Frost, the two stared at each other with expressionless faces. As soon as the odd pony was out of sight, Frost returns to stare at her holding cell's door. Frost did think to herself, "Who was that? Though strange looking, I do like the way she looked." Before Frost enters the cell, the guards loosen the restraining jacket, and allowing her to walk in calmly. The guards shut the steel door making a loud crashing sound and immediately locking it, but the opening in the door was uncovered. The guards then leave the hall and several female ponies wearing aprons and mane nets enter the hall each carrying a tray of food. Each pony walks up to a cell and slides the trays through the opening, and the inmates in each cell takes the tray. One of the ponies slides a tray through the opening of Frost’s door, but as soon as it went through the opening, the pony shut the cover. She walks in front of the glass to see the blue inmate staring back with a cold stare with her tray in the air with her magic. This spooks the pony, but Frost speaks to her even though the two cannot hear unless the cover is open but the pony was able to read Frost's lips. She says, “Thank you.” The pony give a small wave giving the blue pony a gesture meaning: “You’re welcome.” Frost places the tray on the table, sits on her rump, and looks at the food on her tray. The cafeteria pony just stares at her because she did not expect this kind of behavior from a pony that tried to kill her own father. The cafeteria pony then walks away and approaches another cafeteria pony and says, “Have you seen the new inmate, Frost?” "I thought her name was 'Blue'?" the other pony responds. "Well, that is her real name, but I have been told to refer to her as 'Frost'." “Oh. Anyway, yeah. I have. She's a beautiful pony especially her mane and eyes, but she looks like a monster and who could snap any second.” “That’s what I thought especially the way she stared at me much like some of the other inmates.” “Is she like Stargazer? You know, she goes crazy if you look at her wrong and jumps right at the glass?” “No. After giving her the tray, she politely thanked me, then minded to her know business.” “Hm. I think that’s really odd for an inmate to act in an asylum, especially this one. Thank Celestia, Stargazer did not act up this time. In fact, she seemed calm this today.” As the two ponies continue return to the cafeteria still talking, Frost observes her food. The tray has a nicely folded napkin, a spoon with a clear wrapping around it, two carrots, a cabbage head, and a yellowish soup with steam coming from it. She proceeds to eat the carrots, then the cabbage, and lastly the soup with the spoon on the tray. Though not good, the soup has a sweet taste which that makes it eatable for her. Frost finishes her food and waits for the cafeteria pony to retrieve the tray. While waiting, Frost notices that she did not use her napkin and lifts it in the air with her magic. She unfolds the napkin and attaches the sides together forming a sphere, and she turns the sphere into a solid ice ball and proceeds to shed the ice with her magic. Later, the cafeteria pony returns and sees a beautiful ice sculpture in the form of a female Earth pony with extraordinary detail on the mane, eyes, tail, and cutie mark which was a tower of hearts. She walks to the door and uncovers the opening. “Um, Frost,” the pony says, “I need your tray.” Frost places the ice figure on the table, stands, and approaches the door with the tray in the sir with her magic. She slides the tray through the opening and the other pony places the tray on her head. She then slides the tray down her neck and onto her back and asks the blue pony a question, “Frost, that ice carving is beautiful. Please tell me how you did it.” Frost does not respond immediately but eventually does with a calm polite tone, “It is part of my special talent. My magic is controlling anything that is cold, obviously including ice. To make a figure, I can take any item and turn it into ice. Then, I think of the figure and the magic carves it until the figure is complete. For this one, I took my napkin, attached the edges together to make a sphere, and turn it into ice.” “May I see the one on the table?” the cafeteria pony asks. Frost looks at the figure and using her magic it floats to the opening. Even though the sculpture is too big to fit through the opening, the other pony can see it. “Oh my, it’s more beautiful and detailed up close.” Then, the pony she spoke to earlier nudges her on the shoulder indicating that she needs to return to work. “Sorry, I have to go,” she says to Frost before closing the cover. She walks back to her station, but she gives a quick wave to Frost. Frost gives a gentle wave back. She returns to the table with the ice figure, places it on the table, and says to it in a very depressing tone, “I failed you. I wish there were another way for me to say it. I cannot. I can only beg your forgiveness, and pray you hear me somehow, someplace. Someplace where you await for me and we can be happy once more. I will always love you, Mom."
The ConferenceThree days has passed since the interview, and Frost has a strong feeling Cadence will return and take her to the conference room. To occupy her time, she has used her magic to make her environment her own image such as changing her room into an ice domain. The walls and ceiling are covered with smooth ice, and the rose and vase her brother sent her the previous day are protected with a see through ice cover much like a snow globe. It sits in the middle of the table with the miniature ice sculpture of her mother. She has also made a figure per day using materials on her food tray and turning them into ice. The first day's figure is a plant with dying pedals. The second day’s sculpture is her mother sitting with her eyes closed looking up. The third day’s figurine is the house where she and her family once lived in. All sculptures have the same exquisite detail that the original sculpture of her mother had, and she placed all three on the cabinet with the second sculpture of her mother in the middle. The day starts normal with breakfast being brought to Frost by Charity the pony who has become a friend to the blue pony. After giving the tray to her, Charity asks Frost, "Any idea what figure you’ll make today?" Frost answers, "Yes. A heart to symbolize my forever love for my mother." "I have said before, but I'm sorry to whatever happened to your mother." “I appreciate your kindness, Charity. You have been a good friend to me. In fact, you’re the first friend I’ve had in many years.” Charity gives a smile and blushes a little. The blush was not only for how kind the comment is, but she is honored to make an impact on Frost in some way. “Let me ask you a question.” Frost says. “Why do you work here?” “Well, I like helping ponies, and I feel that ponies like you need help to be civilized. I believe every pony has kindness in their heart, and simple communication can make a large impact on one pony. I know it’s not much, but it does work. I mean, look at yourself. You're the most calm pony in this hall, and you consider me as your friend simply through talking." Frost analyzes about Charity’s words and then responds, “Wow. You have such great commitment and a marvelous life changing goal, and yes. I do see how I have changed, and I thank you for it.” Charity smiles and blushes more. Frost sees the other cafeteria ponies heading to the exit of the hall behind Charity and says, "You better get back to work. The others are leaving without you." Charity then sees the others, closes the cover, and starts walking to the cafeteria with the others but manages to wave at Frost. Later, Frost finishes eating her breakfast which was a bowl of oatmeal. She then turns the napkin into an ice ball but hesitates because she does not know what turn it into. However, before she has time to decide, a guard says through the opening, “Frost. Princess Cadence wants to see you in the conference room.” Frost freezes and places the ice ball on the table. She stands on all fours and approaches the door. The guard with another opens the door and cuffs her front and back legs. The two guards lead her through the hall, and the three walk up to a different steel door. One of the guards opens the door, and Frost sees an empty chair, Cadence sitting in another, and Frost's father in a chair, arranged in a circle. The conference room is massive with metal walls and no other furniture. The ceiling has a lit chandelier giving the room enough light. Princess Cadence sees Frost and points to the empty chair. Still cuffed, Frost sits in the empty chair while staring at her father even though his back is facing her. Once she sits, the guards leave the room but stand outside the door. Her father looks at her with an expression of terror and says, “Blue.” Frost lowers her head but her eyes are still focused on him and responds, “You have no right to call me that. I am Frost.” Frost turns to Cadence, “Why is he here?” Cadence replies, “I want you to hear your father explain for his actions years ago. I haven't heard his side of the story, but he has agreed to speak to us. After we hear him, we can work together in rebuilding the relationship you two once had. Now, Mr. Manage, care to explain?” Mare Manage looks at his daughter with a face expressing emotions of disgust, anger, and vengeance. He turns to Cadence and starts, “Well, it was a terrible time. I have tried so hard to suppress these memories, but now I must confront them and tell both of you what happened. The convenient store I was managing at the time was involved in a lawsuit and payment decreased immensely. Heartfull, her mother, and I had no choice but to work longer hours at our jobs, and the stress for both us got worse and that was the start. She and I argued all the time, and I felt that she didn't love me anymore. Even worse, I knew that if we fought all the time and didn't love each other, our children would pay for the consequences by having terrible fillyhoods.” He looks at Frost to see her reaction, and she has a cold stare at him, and he is afraid her horn will start glowing. Luckily, it did not, and he continues, I love my children especially my little girl, but without another lover at my side, I couldn’t go on, nor could they have a happy childhood. One day, I was working at the store I was asked by the general manager to train a new employee named Ruby. She was beautiful and took my breath away." At the corner of his eye, he sees Frost shaking her head left and right in a very slow pace. After inhaling and exhaling to relax, he resumes, “However, as I trained her, our relationship grew stronger and stronger. I felt complete with her, and for the first time in a long time, I felt loved. I even thought that the children would love her as much as I did.” He looks at Cadence with a face of disgust, and, at his eye’s corner, Frost stopped moving her head and has an expression of rage. “Obviously, Heartfull,” he continues, “had suspicions of the affair because I mentioned Ruby a good bit. Also, I stayed at the store longer working with her. Of course, I lied about it. I wanted to prevent arguments between Heartfull and I for the kids. They would have a terrible fillyhood if we fought constantly. However, arguments we had got so intense, I left the house and stayed at Ruby’s place. This happened several times. After about six months, I decided to stay at Ruby's place and not to return home for a couple of days, and during those days, I spoke with a lawyer to file a divorce.” Frost asks, “May I say something?” Cadence nods her head but is concerned what she will say or do. Frost raises her head and locks on Manage’s eyes. “When you left with my brothers, I heard you say that you left me with Mom because it would ‘demand more money.’ Care to explain what you meant?” Her father swallows and starts, “Your brothers were getting to an age where they were ready to move out. I was tight on money during the time. The store lost the lawsuit, and it wasn't making as much money as it used to. In fact, it was shutting down. Ruby and I lucky bought a house in Canterlot before returning home and I only had so much to spend on you and your brothers. Additionally, a restaurant in Canterlot hired me and I had to make rash decisions on how to survive. I had to make a choice that was best for me and Ruby, but I couldn’t let you and your brothers suffer at the village with only your mother working. Her job as a rock farmer didn’t bring in as much income as me being a manager. I fought to bring all three of you, and even though Heartfull knew it was best for your brothers to live in Canterlot a place of opportunity, you refused to give you up. After about two days fighting over you, I decided to stop and have you stay. Besides, you and Heartfull were so close that I couldn't separate the two of you. I knew how much you two meant for each other, and ripping you two apart would have been disastrous. Now that I explained the situation, those words I said were not meant to be so harsh. We were arguing and I tend to yell things I didn’t mean. Leaving you with your mother was never, NEVER, over finances.” Frost responds sharply with a tears forming in her eyes, “But you didn't know that she took two jobs and worked long shift for both five days a week! You didn't think that she would work even harder to support me and her?! She's not a manager like! She was a rock farmer and a janitor at that local food place!” The tears started to streak down her face and horn starts to glow, and the room quickly grew colder. “You only thought about yourself and no pony else especially her!” Cadence jumps in front of her and says, “Frost! Please calm down!” Frost looks at Cadence with a look that strongly resembles her mother when she was angry all those years ago. Her horn stops glowing and the coldness disappears, but she keeps her intense stare on her father. “Thank you. Mr. Manage, anything else you’d like to say?” Cadence asks calmly. “I didn't know that. I had no idea what you two were doing over there. When we settled the divorce, she told me and I promised that I would never get involved with you or her. I kept my promise to protect you from me. I know that if I disobeyed and broke my promise, my trouble would come to you.” Frost silently gasps and her pupils widen in shock. Cadence turns to him and responds, “So, you let Frost, or formally ‘Blue’, stay with her mother and never communicated with your own daughter because you believed it was for the best for them?” He nods his head with tears streaming down her cheeks. Cadence faces Frost and speaks to her, “Now you know why he left you. He meant for the best for you. The disappearance of your mother was never his fault. I understand that he hurt you, but you must forgive him in order to move on. Also, think of Heartfull, your loving mother, would say if she knew that you tried to freeze him to death.” Cadence moves and sits back in her chair. Frost continues to stare at her father. She leans back on her chair, crosses her front hooves, closes her eyes, and thinks. About ten minutes later, she opens her eyes and turns to her father. She steps off the chair standing on all fours with the cuffs clanging. She walks to him calmly and says, “Step down.” He does as his daughter says with a look of sadness. As soon as he stands in front of her, more tears streak down his face and he says, “I never wanted you to suffer, and I don't blame you for not forgiving me. I deserve it. I'm sorry. I’m so…so sorry. But no matter what, you will always be my little girl, and I have and always will protect you, even if it means leaving you. I love you, Frost. I will always love you…Blue.” Then, all of a sudden, she lifts her front portion of her body up with her cuffed hoofs over her head. She lunges her hoofs over his head but they land behind his neck, and she then pulls him in and hugs him tightly. The father and daughter cry for a while. Cadence stares at the two happy that their love for each other has been resurrected. The two separate each other by Frost lifting her hoofs over her father’s head. Cadence then walks up the two, “I glad that you two are able to come together again. Sadly, Frost you need to stay here for a while. Attempt of murder is not tolerated by Celestia. But I know you will probably not stay as long when I report this to her. I sense a great change in you.” “Thank you, Princess.” Frost shockingly replies. “If it wasn’t for what you said about my mother earlier, I would have killed him. Again, thank you.” Cadence hugs Frost after that statement. She then calls for the guards to take Frost back to her cell, but instead with an angry expression, Frost leaves with a different appearance and feeling. It is not happiness and she cannot explain because she has never felt this emotion, but she loves it. When she returns to her cell without the cuffs, she sees the shards of the ice ball from earlier. Using her magic, she repairs the sphere and knows what exactly to crave.
