The Return of Mare Do Well

Chapters

Birth of Mare Do Well
Roomates and Memories
Night Patrol - Bank
Guard Silk
Corporate Espionage
Scootaloo Visits
Silver Ghost - Mare Do Well
Rest and Recovery
Hero Silver Ghost's Results - Suit Upgrade 2.0
Confrontation With Silver Ghost
No More Games
Silver Ghost's End
Back on the Streets
Nightshade?
Prison Murder - Mare Do Well a Killer?
Prison Search, Chain Pains
Revelation and Realization
Silver Ghost Returns
To Kill or Not To Kill
Sweetie?!
Goodbye, Sweetie Belle
Infiltration of Police HQ
A Visiting Nightmare
Choices - Once Made
An Evening with Golden Shield
Starbloom in Ponyville
A Rare Visit
A Chance Encounter
A Visitor at Night
A Day Out
Planning
Silver Ghost Returns?
Sweetie & Rarity
Change of Plans
Nightshade talks to Silver Blade
Ponyville Patrol
Venture in Ponyville
Lazy Afternoon
Confrontation at Silver Estate
The Silver Family
Tired reflections
Late Night Conversations
Meeting Cinnamon Apple
Silver Blade Confrontation
Mare Do Well's New Suit
Final Showdown - Silver Ghost
Twilight visit

Birth of Mare Do Well

Prologue

The night was cold and a dark figure was dashing from rooftop to rooftop a faint shimmer covering her body allowing her to easily cover the distance with out falling, a cape fluttering behind her as she moved. Those who did catch of glimpse of her didn't recognize her as the hero Mare Do Well.

Few remember the Ponyville Hero from so many years ago, those who did wouldn't make the connection to the cape figure in this city after so many years. Why would they, Mare Do Well had been little more then a ploy to teach Rainbow Dash a lesson in humility and once done the "hero" disappeared with out a trace.

The figure stopped on the edge of a roof top and peered quietly around ears panning slowly listening closely to the sounds of the city, eyes closed as she tried to pick of sounds of trouble. It didn't take to long when she heard the cries of help from a pony in trouble.

Mare Do Well quickly sprung into action running towards the sound of trouble leaping from the roof top, turning sideways and using a wall and a bit of magic to keep from falling to fast, she planted her hooves into the wall and used her magic to slide down it, her magic pressing herself against the wall to slow herself. Once she had reached level she dashed through the alleyways quickly to the sounds of the struggle.

She came face to face with a larger male stallion holding a smaller mare at knife point demanding bits. She growled softly and snorted to get his attention. He turned quickly to see who was interrupting his work. What he saw made him chuckle as he looked at the smaller pony wearing a purple and blue outfit, with a mask, cape and hat. "Is this some kinda of joke?" He asked in a demanding tone.

"Nightmare Night isn't for another three months ya weirdo, git lost," he said dismissively before turning his back on Mare Do Well. At which point Mare Do Well quickly rushed forward and in a swift turn on her left front hoof brought herself around before planting both hooves firmly into the ground and reared back in a full force buck into the larger stallions right flank. The buck aided with a bit of repulsing magic which added more force. Enough to send him flying out of the alley and into the busy streets of Manehattan.

The force of her buck was more then she expected and she didn't want to stick around for anyone to investigate. She quickly dashed back down the alleyway, leaping up and pushing herself off the walls to get back to the rooftops. Once she was safely away and out of sight of any ponies prying eyes she let out a deep breath.

She made her way to an apartment inside a nearby building and went inside through the fire escape. The place was in a more upscale part of Manehattan, though not high class it was nice neighborhood. The apartment was modest in size. Mare Do Well closed the window and curtain before turning on a light with a flick of magic.

She went to a small sofa to relax her hooves and let out a deep sigh and groaned. "Good going Starbloom, first night on the job and you almost blow your cover." She brought a hoof up and bonked herself on the forehead. "Focus, control, concentration. Remember your teachings and training, don't let your emotions get the better of you." She scolded herself in a sharp tone, she reached up and removed her hat and pulled back the mask of her suit.

She was a young earth pony by all accounts, she had a soft lavender coat, trimmed but still long blue mane with purple and pink streaks that rested flat against her head. She wore a silver and gold threaded headband with three shimmering gems, a large crystal in the middle covering a patch of gray fur with two smaller crystals on either side the softly pulsed in time with her heart beat.

Starbloom was in fact Twilight Sparkle who came from a different universe who lost her horn. She had been sent to this universe with the aid of Princess Luna a little over twelve years ago, after a lab experiment resulted in Spike's death. The spell used to transfer her to this universe also turned her into a filly.

She slipped out of the Mare Do well suit. She looked a lot like Twilight Sparkle in shape and coloring, her flank had gray patches of fur with a cutie mark showing a book with a magnifying glass crossing it and over top of it was an "all seeing eye" icon. Twilight had been quiet baffled by the cutie mark, no one had see a cutie mark like it before.

She discovered the cutie mark while trying to help Scootaloo find her scooter one day, she soon learned Silver Spoon had stolen it and hide it. While looking for clues she used her ability to see into her own world to recognize a fake wall Silver Spoon hid the scooter behind. Since then she devoted herself to being a detective, much like her grandmother had been, but Ponyville had little crime and Canterlot had the royal guard.

Twilight had been pretty upset when Starbloom told her she wanted to move to Manehatten to become a detective do to the increase in crime, but after talking it over agreed it was the best place for her. But only after Starbloom took lessons in Hoof to Hoof fighting, and learned some defensive and offensive magic.

Starbloom agreed and, after a year of intense training with Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack as well as a few other teachers. She had strengthen her mind and body and left for Manehatten. She joined the police force and had been very good at her job, but quickly learned the reason the crime rate was so high was do to corruption in the department.

After her partner abandoned her in a failed attempt to assassinate her, she left the department. That was when she decided it was time to resurrect Mare Do Well. She wrote Twilight Sparkle with her idea, and after some persuading got her to agree to let her do this. She got Rarity to send her a costume and all of the elements of harmony offered to supply her with bits to help keep her off the streets she also had a room mate that helped as well.

Her first mission was to make a name for her self on the streets of Manehattan, once she had managed to do that she was going to go after the corruption in the police department. She knew there was some good officers left, she just hoped she could get them on her side in her fight to take down the corruption in the department when it was time.

Once she had her suit off she packed away the uniform in a chest at the foot of her bed and used a magic seal on it before crawling under the covers. "Tomorrow is another night, and I wont fail this time." She told herself looking at a picture of her and Twilight, it was taken the day Twilight had adopted her. "I'll make you proud of me mom, I promise," she said with a smile before she used her magic to turn off the lights and close the heavy black out curtains as Celestia's sun started to raise.

Roomates and Memories

Chapter 1

Starbloom groaned rolled out of bed earlier then she wanted hearing a knock at the door. She used her magic to turn on the light and goes to the door glancing at the clock mumbling, she had only gotten 5 hours of sleep so she was feeling grumpy. She used her magic to open the door to her room. "May I help you Sweetie Belle?" She asked with a faint hint of displeasure in her voice.

"Good morning to you to Starbloom," said the familiar voice of her room-mate Sweetie Belle, as she came in to the bed room, "You looked like a manicore stepped on you. Still think this late night job of yours is a good idea?" Sweetie Belle asked going to sit on a floor cushion looking over at Starbloom.

Starbloom grumbled softly as she headed over to her bed and flopped down resting her head on the pillow with a yawn. Sweetie was one of only a handful of ponies who knew she was Mare Do Well, Twilight and the Elements of Harmony and Spike being the others. She kept the secret from as many people as she could, even Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, not that she didn't trust them. But she felt better the fewer others knew about it. "Of course, this city needs help and the police are to corrupt to do anything, someone needs to do something to help." Starbloom said looking up at Sweetie Belle, she must admit Sweetie grew into a lovely young mare. Tall, even more so then Rarity, graceful and slender, with a long horn, a pale coat, and a pink and purple mane that curled ever so slightly at the edges. She eventually got her cutie mark in singing, little surprise there. "So how was Equestria's newest singing sensations tour?" Starbloom eventually asked causing Sweetie Belle to blush.

"I'm not that popular a singer, I just do some concerts and broadway numbers." Sweetie Belle said trying to hide her embarrassment. "It was good, stopped in at Ponyville and saw everyone, Twilight is still worried about your decision to go vigilantly. She might be a princess now, but if you get caught there isn't to much she can do."

"I know she's worried, and she can't do much to help me... but I wont change my mind Sweetie Belle." She said softly taking a deep breath closing her eyes. "I guess Scootaloo's determination rubbed off on me." She sighed softly, Scootaloo's situation caught everyone off guard. She never did learn to fly, they eventually discovered she had a rare defect in her wings that caused them not to produce the enough magic to allow her to do more then hover a few feet.

Both she and Twilight did all they could to find a cure but they didn't have any luck. Scootaloo took it hard at first, but her determination kicked in and she focused on becoming the best scooter rider in all Equestria, she finally earned a cutie mark of a flaming wheel when she managed to beat to Rainbow Dash in a race. Scootaloo was now the captain of a team of scooter racers and Stunt performers called the Blazing Wheels.

They also learned Scootaloo did in fact have a home, but her mother had passed away and her father wasn't fit to take care of her, Rainbow Dash took her and eventually adopted her officially which made Scootaloo happy. She got into reading Daring Doo books, started doing better in school and helped take care of Tank.

Sweetie Belle sighed softly and nodding as she leaned back on the cushion humming softly for a minute before looking at Starbloom, "Apple Bloom is pregnant," she suddenly said which caught Starbloom off guard, she sat up quickily looking at Sweetie Belle her eyes big. "You wouldn't believe it but she and Feather Weight got together. Applejack is both overjoyed and pretty upset they didn't wait till they got married first."

Starbloom just stared at Sweetie Belle like she had grown a second head, "What?! Apple Bloom and Feather Weight? I though they hated each other? Specially after he took those black mail pictures during the Gabby Gums thing at school." Starbloom shook her head and rubbed her face before using her magic to float over a bottle of orange juice and took a drink and clear her thoughts. She took a deep breath before speaking again, "Well I hope they are happy together, but what about her job?"

"It's still early so she's still working at the construction company in Ponyville, plus she has her paintings she does on the side. Which reminds me, she wanted me to give you this," Sweetie said as she opened a saddle bag pouch and took out a wrapped painting and gave it to Starbloom, once her green magical aura was replaced with Starbloom's own sapphire colored aura she closed her saddle bag and settled back into her seat.

Starbloom opened the wrapping paper of the painting and smiled looking at the painting of herself and the other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, it was shortly after all four had gotten their cutie marks. Apple Bloom had actually been the last to get her mark, her Apple Family stubbornness kept her from recognizing her natural talent and love for building and painting. Sweetie Belle had gotten hers first, followed soon by Starbloom, then Scootaloo, finally Apple Bloom.

They stayed as Cutie Mark Crusaders even after getting cutie marks and helped other fillies to get cutie marks before Starbloom moved to Manehattan, Sweetie Belle had moved with her to follow her dreams of being a famous singer. While Starbloom's career in law enforcement might of fallen flat, Sweetie Belle's singing career looked brighter then ever, even if Sweetie Belle was being humble about it.

Starbloom got out of bed and used her magic to take the picture into the living room with her juice and hung the picture up on the wall before settling on the sofa and to relax taking another drink of the orange juice. "Still hard to believe Apple Bloom is going to get married and have a foal. I'm happy for her," she said moving herself to lay on the couch resting her head on hoof rest. "Even if it is Feather Weight, speaking of... how is his career going?"

Sweetie Belle followed her into the living room. "It's going good, he's a photographer for the Ponyville Times but he is getting offers to transfer to Canterlot and Baltimare. So they might be moving soon, after she has the baby and they get married. You know Applejack would be upset if they move first," Sweetie Belle said heading to the kitchen and fixes herself a cup of tea.

"That's good, Canterlot has better opportunities for art and construction then Ponyville.... most of the time." It had been a while but she did remember a time it seemed Ponyville got destroyed at least three times a year it seemed like and needed to be rebuilt.

"Yea, Batlimare has good jobs in the construction field to from what I hear," Sweetie said as she comes out of the kitchen and sat down sipping her tea. Looking over at Starbloom she sighed softly seeing her friend had fallen asleep on the sofa. She smiled softly and floated a blanket in off Starblom's bed and covered her up. "I hope you know what your doing Starbloom." She said softly before going to her room to unpack from her trip.

Night Patrol - Bank

Chapter 2

Starbloom woke up a few hours later on the couch under a blanket looking around as she sat up yawning softly rubbing her eyes with a hoof. She could hear music coming from Sweetie Belle's room though it was kept low she could just make out the song as one that Sweetie Belle had been working on before she went on tour.

She used her magic to fold the blanket up and put it on the couch before getting up and stretching herself out looking at the time. It was nearly Eight at night, she wanted to be on the streets by nine so had about an hour to get some dinner.

She headed into the kitchen and opened the fridge looking around sighing to herself and grumbled looking at the selection, old veggie pizza, some kind of noodle stuff that was turning green and something in a bowl she swore just growled at her. She closed the door and shook her head rubbing her forehead lightly. "Guess Sweetie hasn't had a chance to go shopping yet..." She said to herself looking around the kitchen spotting some apples on the counter that looked fresh and took one chewing on it.

She didn't want to bother Sweetie Belle when she was working so she made her way to the roof while eating the apple, the apartment was on the top floor of the building so it was easy to get to roof from the fire escape with out attracting to much attention. Once on the roof she started to stretch herself out limbering her muscles, before starting to practice her hoof to hoof combat.

First thing she did was spit the apple core into the air and quickly shifted onto her front hooves and kicked one of her back legs up sending core back into the air. Once the core flew back up and moved into a full front hoof stand and balanced herself up alternating between hide legs in kicks sending the core back into the air using careful aim so she wouldn't have to move hit the core each time, she kept up the kicks until one of the kicks finally splattered the apple core all over her hind leg.

She shook off her leg a bit to get as much of the core off as she could while using her magic to pull out a bucking bag and hung it from a beam holding up a water tower. She had made sure the beam on the tower was strong enough to support the bag and the force of her bucks before she started practicing the routine Applejack had shown her to strength her hind legs up. But she had also painted targets on the bag to help her with her aim, a suggestion Rainbow Dash had made to help improve her accuracy.

"So, this is why your always so tired during the day," Sweetie Belle's voice called out to her while she was bucking the bag using a single hoof style. Starbloom stopped the bag with her magic looking over at Sweetie Belle. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt your work out."

"It's alright Sweetie Belle." Starbloom said smiling at her stretching herself abit again. "I hope I didn't disturb your work down stairs with my practicing." She continued as she started to do some different stretches to work her muscles out more but still listen to Sweetie Belle.

"No you didn't, I came out of my room to get a drink and notice you had gotten up, I didn't see you in your room so I figured you had come up here," Sweetie Belle said placing a bottle of water on a table nearby. "You always forget to bring something to drink up here."

Starbloom looked over at the bottle and smiled at Sweetie Belle nodding at her. "Yea I guess I do, thank you for bringing something to drink," She said while floating the bottle over and removing the top, she took a drink before pouring a little of the water on her head to help cool off. She replaced the top and put the bottle back on the table.

Sweetie Belle smiled at Starbloom before looking out over the city from the rooftop sighing softly hearing the sirens. She remembered when they got this city she had been excited, now she wish they had never come to this place and just stayed in Ponyville. "Please be careful Starbloom, and come home." She said looking over at Starbloom.

Starbloom blinked at Sweetie Belle but smiled at her nodding, "Of course I'll be careful Sweetie." She said as she went over the rail onto the fire escape. Sweetie Belle followed her and they both went down to the apartment and inside. Starbloom went to the bathroom to quickly clean herself off before changing into her uniform.

Sweetie Belle sighed a bit, but smiled at Mare Do Well, using her magic to turn out the lights in the apartment making the place dark. "Be careful out there," Sweetie Belle repeated hearing the cape of the costume ruffle as Mare Do Well exited the out the fire escape quietly, but quickly moving to the roof.

Mare Do Well moved away from her apartment quickly, using the roof tops to keep herself out of sight. She was determined to do better tonight then she had last night. She perked her ears and listens tilting her head faintly hearing something not to far away. "Sounds, like an alarm....?" She sniffed the air lightly

"Not a fire..." She made her way quickly to the source of the alarm and saw a bank, the window busted in. She leaped into the air and focused her magic onto her cape using it to glide her way down across the street and when she was sure she had the aim right she pushed forward and burst through the already broken window slamming herself against one of the robbers sending him sliding across the floor.

The look out, a young pegasus colt, was quick to get back to his hooves and growled as the other two who had been filling saddle bags with bits came out of the vault, one was a unicorn mare, the other an older earth pony stallion. "What do we got here? Some freak who don't know when Nightmare Night is?" One of the robbers said, he looked older, and seemed to be the one in charge. "Get the weirdo!"

The young colt charged at her wielding a muzzle blade, Mare Do Well groaned a bit at the Nightmare Night comment and saw the colt charging her with the blade. She used her magic to throw a potted plant at him knocking him out.

The mare was not happy to see the colt get knocked down yelled something at Mare Do Well catching her attention and she turned just in time to catch a desk chair being thrown at her with the aid of the unicorn's magic. Mare Do Well thought to herself, "So this unicorn want's to play catch, let's play catch..." she sent the desk chair back at the unicorn, who managed to catch it, only to get slammed into by the desk the chair had come from knocking her against the wall and out cold.

"Fancy magic aint gonna help you against me!" The earth pony stallion yelled rearing up and slammed both hooves down on a desk splitting it in half. He turned quicker than she would of though possible for a stallion of his size and slammed a hoof into one of the halves sending it flying at her.

She used her magic to quickly deflect the desk before it could hit her and ran forward just in time to jump over the second half as he sent it flying at her, turning in mid-air she bucked him hard in the jaw, the blow staggering him back as she landed on all fours facing him.

"Tougher then you look runt," the earth pony said turning his head and pulling out a large muzzle blade and slashed at her causing her to leap back the blade grazing across her chest, not deep enough to cut her but it did graze the fabric. "Fast to, for a unicorn," he taunted slashing at her again.

She quickly dodged the second slash of the blade. She needed to think fast to take care of him and get out before the police arrived, she could already hear the sirens of the police ponies starting to draw near. She growled and ducked under another slash turning around quickly and bucked up hard under his chin forcing him to bite down hard on the handle of the muzzle blade.

The force biting made him howl in pain a bit and spit the muzzle blade out rubbing his jaw, "You little runt! I'll get you for that!" He yelled and swung his front hooves at her wildly, which made it easier for her to avoid being hit. She used her magic to fling the blade out of reach before sending a chunk of the desk at the side of his head hard enough to knock him out.

"Finally, stay down you idiot." She growled at him with a kick of her hoof. The stallion moaned in pain, she looked around not seeing anyone nearby, the three robbers would be out for a while, plenty of time for the police to arrive so she made her escape out of the front of the bank and around to the alley way making her way out the walls pushing from wall to wall to get to the roof tops and to a safe distances away from the scene of the crime.

Guard Silk

Chapter 3

After leaving the scene of the bank robbery Mare Do Well looked down at the front of her costume seeing the slash across front from the muzzle blade. It hadn't gone deep enough to nick her skin luckily but it was a close call. "Horse feathers, I can hear Sweetie with the I told you so already." She muttered to herself softly. She moved to the edge of the roof top and leap over the side gliding across to another roof. The night was still early so she went back to patrolling the city looking for more crimes to stop.

She had spent the rest of the night stopping muggers, saddle bag snatchings and stuff of that nature. It wasn't a bad nights work and she didn't get into any bad fights. Once the moon started to go down she made her way back to her apartment roof top. Once on the roof of her apartment she looked around making sure it was clear before slipping down the fire escape and inside closing the curtains. She turned on the lights in the living room and removed her hat and mask letting out a deep sigh of relief.

"Finally, I need to get some air holes in this thing or something." She said softly not wanting to wake up Sweetie. She also took a better look at the damage to her costume, the cut hadn't been to bad but the running around had caused it to spread. "Rarity would kill me if she could see this...."

"Yes she would, if I don't first. What happen?" Sweetie Belle said standing in the doorway of her room, she looked like she had just woken up. "It looks like somepony cut you. I told you this would happen." Sweetie continued as she came over to get a better look.

Starbloom squeaked a bit seeing Sweetie Belle, "It was nothing, just a little nick is all I didn't get hurt." She said pressing herself into the couch cushions behind her. "I'm perfectly safe and fine honest." Starbloom said trying to defend herself from Sweetie's glaring look. Starbloom might be good at taking on criminals, but an angry room mate was another matter.

"If your going to insist on going out more and more, I want you to wear better protection other then cloth." Sweetie demanded firmly looking Starbloom in the eyes. "I do not want to be the one to have to tell your mother something happen to you."

Starbloom gulped nodding at Sweetie Belle. "I will, there is this new type of cloth called Guard Silk that Rarity might be able to get ahold of and make into armor. It wont add to much more weight or make the suit bulky. But will keep me safe from being cut and stabbed." Starbloom said tugging the suit off and putting it away sighing looking over at Sweetie Belle. "I am sorry I worried you, Sweetie."

Sweetie sighs shaking her head before smiling, "It's fine, just be more careful." She said going to into the kitchen to make a light breakfast. "I worry about you as much as your mom does." She brought out some tea and toast sitting them on the coffee table, "Who else am I going to get to help with the rent?"

Starbloom rolled her eyes giggling softly as she took a seat at the coffee table floating over her tea and took a drink. "Like I pay rent..." She said softly sighing lightly, "This vigilante gig isn't very well paying." She gave Sweetie a smirk and sipped her tea. "To be honest I'm not sure why you put up with me."

Sweetie sat on the couch quietly sipping her tea. "Hmm good point, why do I put up with. You don't help with the rent, or pick up around the house." She mused quietly stroking her muzzle. Glancing over at Starbloom then grinned at her seeing her start to look nervous. "I wouldn't kick you out, your one of my best friends and like a sister to me. Next to Rarity your the only family I have left after my parents passed away."

Starbloom relaxed and smiled at Sweetie nodding at her. "I feel the same way Sweetie Belle, your as close to me as any sister. Your the only one I can confide in other then Twilight. I know Scootaloo and Apple Bloom would understand. But I don't feel as close to them as I do you, been like that ever since I opened up to you about who I really am."

Sweetie Belle nodded at her smiling, "I'm still surprised you never told either of them. Even after all these years they still don't know you use to be Twilight from another dimension." She lounged back on the couch and floated over a piece of toast nibbling at it. "You haven't even told them your Mare Do Well have you?"

Starbloom shook her head taking some toast and added some honey to it. "No, I haven't... I don't think I will either. It'll just make them worry as well, I trust them of course. But I think it's best if only you, Spike and the Elements of Harmony know. If I had a choice I would of only told Twilight, Spike and you, but I needed Rarity's help with the costume and the others found out." She said softly smiling at Sweetie before taking a bite of her toast.

"Speaking of costumes... are you sure this Guard Silk will protect you," Sweetie said looking over at Starbloom's suit with the cut across the front then back at Starbloom, "It sounds impressive but has it been tested?" Sweetie looked doubtful about trusting Starbloom's life to some new type of fabric.

"I'm sure it's safe, the royal guard is starting to use it now as added protection along with the normal armor they wear." Starbloom said as she sipped her drink. "I don't think Celestia or Luna would trust the guard's life to something that isn't proven." Starbloom continued trying to reassure Sweetie Belle.

"I suppose your right Starbloom," Sweetie said moving to her hooves and went into the kitchen to refill her tea, "I guess we should send Rarity a letter to let her know you need the improvement." She called to Starbloom from the kitchen, listening for a moment. When she didn't get a reply looked in seeing Starbloom had fallen a sleep. She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Honestly, can't you make it to bed first?" She said as she used her magic to carefully float Starbloom from the living room into the bedroom, covering her up and closing the door. "Sleep well Starbloom."

After getting Starbloom into her room and in bed. Sweetie Belle took out a scroll and started to write a letter to Rarity requesting a new Mare Do Well costume for Starbloom. She asked if it could be made out of the new Guard Silk for better protection. She also lets her know how the concerts on her tour went after leaving Ponyville.

Once she finishes the letter she seals it up and puts it in her saddle bag. It was late enough in the morning to mail it and take care of the shopping. She mailed the letter express to make sure it got to Ponyville as fast as possible then headed to the market place. Since she noticed Starbloom hadn't done that while she had been on tour. "I swear, that girl would starve with out me." She said softly to herself smiling.

Corporate Espionage

Chapter 5

After leaving her apartment Mare Do Well was quick to start her patrol. The new suit felt a little more bulky on her but it also felt good, offering her more protection when trouble started. It didn't take her to long to hear an alarm, moving to the edge of a building she saw an office building that had been broken into.

She tilted her head faintly. "Strange, wonder why they would break into an office." She said to herself before leaping down and used her magic to glide towards the broken down door. She released her magic to land and rush inside looking around. She couldn't see any suspects though, not right away.

She made her way slowly through the hallways, keeping her eyes open for trouble. It didn't take long, she felt a blade slash across her right side flank and turned quickly bucking the attacker hard knocking him back against a row of filing cabnits. She didn't have time to check to see if the new fabric held or not.

The attacker had been a earth pony and a simple buck didn't do the trick. She saw her get back to her feet and take the muzzle blade back into her mouth snorting and charged forward. Mare Do Well narrowed her eyes and waited for the right moment before dodging quickly to the right out of the way and bucking hard again sending the earth pony skidding down the hallways.

That blow had been enough to keep the earth pony down, for a little while at least. She came over and gave a final quick buck to the ponies head to knock her out fully. She then continued down the hallway a little more careful this time looking in each room to make sure no pony was going ambush her.

She spotted another earth pony thug in a room. As she looked in the pony swung a bat towards her head and she pulled it back quickly just barely missing getting hit. Turning she bucked the thug hard knocking him back, before leaping into the room. She turned to face the thug as he recovered and shook his head.

She glanced around snorting a bit and stamping her hoof in challenge. The thug snorting in return before charging forward swinging the bat towards her again. She leap towards the side quickly and used her magic to throw a office chair at him hard enough to knock him out.

She sighed softly shaking her head abit. "These guys, are strong, but not very bright." She said softly making her way quickly from the room and down the hall before pausing and listening at a door hearing some ponies inside talking. Tilting her head faintly doing her best to listen.

"Ya sure this is a good idea boss, that purple freak might show up." She could hear one pony say, sounded male younger maybe around her age. She frowned a bit at being called a purple freak. Sweetie was right, she needed to get her name out there.

"Even if she does, the others will take care of her. Now hurry up, if we get this information we'll be set for life." Another pony said, it sounded female, older, but not to old. Maybe five or six years older then she was. That was all she needed before turning around quickly and bucked the door hard using her repulsery magic to blow the door across the room.

Once the door was gone she turned quickly and leaped into the room turning to face the two ponies she had heard... but she wasn't expecting the other two also in the room that had stayed quiet. "Horse feathers," She swore softly to herself looking at them, both unicorns, the younger male had been a pegasus and the older female had been a unicorn as well.

The two male unicorns that had stayed quietly glared at her and with their horns glowing, the older female glared as well. "Get her boys!" She demanded as she went back to work trying to open a safe with her magic. "Do what you have to!"

Mare Do Well gulped softly and backed abit as the two unicorns started to walk forward one of them firing a fireball at her. She felt the blast hit her and yelped softly, before the suits magic put the fire out. She sighed softly and silently thanked her mom for the magic. She used her own magic to released a burst of levitation magic at the unicorn throwing him back against a wall hard.

The other unicorn glared even more and used his magic to hit her with a lightning bolt knocking her back and frizzing her mane. She shuddered abit and shook her head, "That hurt...." she muttered rolling to her hooves and getting up quickily dodging another bolt of energy and scanned the room, her magic flaring she threw a office chair at him. But he moved out of the way.

While she was dealing with the unicorn the pegasus colt flew at her and hit her hard in the side with a bat knocking her back against the wall. "Better stay down little filly, or else." He said grinning down at her and kicked her firmly in the side.

Mare Do Well glanced at the pegasus hovering near her and the unicorn standing near by. She considered her options for a minute before getting an idea. She quickly used her magic to grab the pegasus and just as the unicorn went to shock her again she moved the pegasus in front of her self using him as she shield before throwing him into the unicorn knocking both out.

Mare Do Well move to her feet after those two had been taken care of and turned quick to face the last unicorn. The older female who seemed to be the ring leader of the group, the ring leader looked nervous with out her back up. "I.. I give up! Please don't hurt me." The older unicorn pleaded looking around and backing into a corner.

Mare Do Well moved in close and blocked her in. "Tell the police, tell the other criminals, Mare Do Well, is here to protect this city from crime and corruption." She told her before backing away slowly keeping her eyes on the unicorn. She could hear the police coming down the hallway.

"A.. anything you say. Mare Do Well, I got it." The unicorn said staying in the corner of the room watching her as she backs away. Mare Do Well quickly turned and ran to a window blasting it open with her magic and leaped out. Her magic activating her cape and she glided safely across the street and into an alley before running off just as the police came into the room.

Once in the alley she made her way back to the roof using her wall jumping ability. Safely away from the crime scene she stopped and checked herself over. The fabric had held up the muzzle blade, and the fire. The lightning had hurt, a lot, but didn't seem to have damaged the suit. "Rarity and Twilight did a good job." She said after she had finished checking herself over. "No sign of damage."

Once she had finished that she made her way along the roof tops again to look for more signs of trouble to take care of. She heard another alarm and went to see what it was, as she got closer she smelled smoke and saw a building fire. She gasped softly, looking at the fire. "Hmm, not really my thing....." She said softly before hearing calls for help on the higher floors. "Horse feathers. The fire department can't reach them."

She sighed before backing up a few steps and leaped using a repulsery spell to get more height then normal and her cape to glide over. She made her way quick to the floor with the trapped ponies. "Hang on! I'll get you!" She called out to them. Once she found the group of trapped ponies she breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll lead you out, just follow me." She said and leaded them carefully down the stairs using her magic to blast the fire to put it out long enough for them to escape.

Once everypony was safe a bunch of ponies surrounded her and started to ask her questions. They wanted to know who she is, where she was from, why she was wearing the mask and stuff of that like that. "I'm Mare Do Well, I'm here to help the city, end crime and corruption and help all ponies live safe and happy lives!" She said after a few minutes before quickly pushing her way free of the ground and running off into an alley. A few ponies following her, but once she started to wall jump to the roof tops and weave the buildings around she lost them, even the pegasi had a hard time following her.

Once she was sure she was safe and not being followed she made her way back to the apartment and slide her way back inside sighing loudly closing the window and curtain. She went over and flopped on the couch pulling off the mask and hat setting them aside. It was a little early for her to be done but she was tired, it had been a long night. The robbery had taken a bit out of her, then the fire had been a drain on her magic as well as the chase. She snuggled into the couch and closed her eyes drifting off to sleep still wearing the costume.

Scootaloo Visits

Chapter 6

About two hours after Starbloom had fallen sleep, Sweetie Belle went into the living room and saw her sleeping on the couch still wearing her costume. She blinked lightly tilting her head before she sighed softly smiling. "Must of been a tiring night," she said softly trying not to wake her friend up.

Sweetie used her magic to carefully levitate Starbloom into her bedroom and place her on the bed. Then she used her magic to remove the uniform off her friend. While removing the outfit she noticed some soot and ash from the fire and sighed softly moving the suit out into the living room before covering Starbloom with a blanket, "Sleep well Starbloom," she said softly before closing the door.

"Not sure I want know what you been up to," She said to the suit's mask looking at the all the smoke damage from the fire as she took it to the bathroom turning on the water and adding some laundry soap. She pulled out the wash board and started to carefully wash off the Mare Do Well suit, to get it clean and get the smell of smoke from it.

It didn't take her to long to get the suit clean and hung up over the bathtub to dry out. She opened the window to let a nice breeze in before leaving the bathroom and heading into the kitchen to start some breakfast for herself. After finishing her breakfast she went to the hallway and got the morning paper taking it to the bar she sat down and looked at the front cover.

"Caped Vigilante Strikes again, self proclaimed as Mare Do Well foils Corporate Espionage Plot. Five ponies left injured after Mare Do Well stopped the plot, saving millions of bits in the plan to sell corporate secrets. The six ponies arrested in the break in are being held for questioning and an additional four arrest of business executives have been made based on there statements," Sweetie be said softly as she read the headline for the paper, she smiled softly to herself.

She read a little further in the paper tilting her head lightly. "Vigilante Mare Do Well saved Eight Ponies from a burning building, the masked hero is quoted as saying "I'm Mare Do Well, I'm here to help the city, end crime and corruption and help all ponies live safe and happy lives" before fleeing into the night. One witness managed to capture this picture of her." Sweetie looked at the image in the paper of Mare Do Well leaping into the air towards a wall, the edges of her hooves and her cape glowing faintly with magic as she got ready to wall jump.

Sweetie sighed softly folding up the paper, but smiled feeling proud of her friend. "Well Starbloom, your are starting to make a name for yourself and draw attention to Mare Do Well," She said taking a drink of her tea setting the paper on the counter.

Sweetie spent the rest of the morning taking care of the house and working on her album before going out at noon to have lunch and do her photo shoot for her album cover and promotional posters and billboards. She didn't like having her picture taken for the posters and billboards, but her agent told her it was the best way to get her image out there to sell records.

Starbloom was awaken to the sounds of someone in the apartment around six in the evening. She rolled out of bed quietly and carefully moved to the door of her room using her magic to open it silently and slowly looking outside peering into the living room. She could see the outline of a pony, tall, with wings and a short cut mane and tail. She didn't recognize the silhouette as anypony she knew.

She crouched low and opened the door to her room wide enough to slip out and makes her way slowly around the room, glancing to the bathroom she saw her costume hanging in the bathroom frowning. She didn't want to the pony to see it so she used her magic to carefully close the door and lock it. The sound of the lock drawing the pony's attention to the door. With his attention drawn away she turned quickly and bucked pony in the side knocking it over and jumped pining it to the ground.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my apartment!?" She demanded the gem stones in her headband glowing dangerously. Her magic turning on the lights so she can get a better look at the pony is before her eyes went wide. "Scootaloo!?" She jumped off her friend quickly and helped her up.

"Nice to see you to Starbloom." Scootaloo said softly with a groan rubbing her side flexing her wings abit. Sweetie Belle came into the apartment from the hallway using her magic to carry some grocery bags. Seeing the two she had a confused look on her face before facehoofing.

"Starbloom, did you tackle Scootaloo to the ground?" Sweetie asked putting the bags on the counter before closing the door to the apartment. "I meet her at the train station while on my way home. I invited her over to visit." She said sighing abit moving over to check on Scootaloo, but she didn't seem to be hurt to bad.

Starbloom just looked confused at what was going on for a few moments. "I thought she was a intruder," Was all she managed to say at first before shaking her head abit and blushed softly looking at Scootaloo smiling softly. "Sorry Scootaloo, it's great to see you again. I'm sorry for bucking you. I just woke up, all I saw was your silhouette."

"It's cool, that's quite a buck you got there. I've had falls off my scooter that's hurt less," she said smiling before taking a seat on a cushion, with her back to the bathroom. Starbloom smiled and moved behind her carefully and quietly using her magic to move the costume from the bathroom into her bedroom chest and sealing it away before Scootaloo can see it.

"So what brings you to Manehattan?" Starbloom asked moving around to sit next to Scootaloo. "I thought the Blazing Wheels was on tour for another three month across Equestria, but no stops near Manehattan." She continued as she relaxed her adrenaline rush wearing off.

"We are, but we're on break for a week before moving to Canterlot... thanks Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said, smiling at Sweetie Belle as she brought them all drinks and sandwiches as she joined them in the living room. "So I thought I'd stop by and see how you two are doing. I haven't really had a chance to catch up with either of you since you moved out of Ponyville."

"We're doing good Scoots," Sweetie said taking a sip of her tea. "I'm still working on my singing career, Starbloom has a night job in security." She smiled, Starbloom looking up her mouth stuffed full of a lettuce and carrot sandwich so she couldn't speak. Sweetie just rolled her eyes smiling.

"Really? I half expected her to be the Mare Do Well figure that's appeared." Scootaloo said half joking, causing Starbloom to choke and start to cough. Sweetie moving over to pat her on the back abit and Scootaloo blinked at the two of them "What? I was joking of course, I know she's a good detective, but a super hero?"

"I know Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said with a nervous smile and giggled at her. "Just caught Starbloom off guard I think. Isn't that right Starbloom?" Sweetie said looking down at Starbloom who was trying to catch her breath nodding at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"Yea, I'm alright." She said smiling at both rubbing her chest a bit breathing in and out a few time. "I'm not a super hero, just a detective. How are things with Blazing Wheels going though? Rainbow Dash still coming to your performances?" She continued trying to change the subject and move it off herself.

"Yea, she comes to all of them, she and the Wonder Bolts participated in a few as well. Joint Ground and Air shows. The crowds love those, they are so awesome. Next time we do one you two really need to come." Scootaloo said, the whole Mare Do well thing forgotten with her attention drawn to her passion. Sweetie Belle and Starbloom relieved at the topic being changed.

"Sounds like it's pretty amazing stuff Scoots, let us know the next time you do one of those join shows like that and we'll do our best to come to one of them." Starbloom said and Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement. They had been to a few of Scootaloo's shows before, but not as many as they would of liked to and they hadn't had a chance to see one of the joint air and ground shows.

Sweetie, Starbloom and Scootaloo talked for another couple of hours before Scootaloo said it was time for her to leave. Sweetie and Starbloom walked Scootaloo out and said their goodbyes before Scootaloo made her way to her hotel.

After Scootaloo left, Sweetie Belle and Starbloom went back upstairs to their own apartment. Starbloom went to the bathroom and took a shower, after getting clean she came out and smiled at Sweetie. "It was nice to see Scootaloo again, I'm glad she's better. Despite what happen with her father, it was sad to hear about his passing last year."

Sweetie Belle nodded at Starbloom. "Yea it was, she took it pretty hard. She dedicated the last show of that season to him to raise awareness for his illness." Sweetie said as she cleaned up the living room while Starbloom went to change into her Mare Do Well suit.

Mare Do Well came out of the bedroom and went over to Sweetie Belle putting a hoof on her shoulder. "I'll see you in morning," she said giving her a hug. "Sleep well," With that she used her magic to turn out the lights and slipped out the window silently disappearing into the city for another night of fighting crime.

Silver Ghost - Mare Do Well

Chapter 7

Mare Do Well was quick to start up her patrol route once she left the apartment. Moving silently from roof top to roof top her eyes and ears open for any signs of trouble on the streets below, but so far the night had been quiet. She swooped down to stop a the occasional mugging but other then that little had happen for the first hour and a half of her patrol.

"Might be a quiet night..." She mused quietly to herself as she took a break from her patrol to relax on the edge of a roof top ledge watching the street below, keeping just out of sight. But tingle in the back of her mind told her something wasn't right. It shouldn't of been this quiet.

Her eyes narrowed and she focused her mind listening even more closely, and for a moment she though she could hear something in the building across the street. But as her focus was directed across the street something came up from behind and hit her hard sending her flying off the roof top. She just barely caught the glint of something shiny as she flew off the roof.

She only had a few moments to right herself and activate her magic on her cape to catch herself before hitting the ground with full force. The impact had been hard but she was able to slow herself enough to keep from breaking anything, though she felt a sharp pain in her left hind leg. She growled and peered up at the roof top seeing a figure of a slender pony on the roof staring back down at her. The pony was dressed all in black, with a black mask covering it's face but not it's long braided silver mane. It also had a metallic slash across it's chest a long muzzle blade strapped to it's right flank.

"That was just a warning Mare Do Well!" The pony called down at her and Mare Do Well's eyes widen, she recognized the voice of Silver Spoon, but she couldn't understand why she was in Manehattan, or what she was doing dressed like that. "End your foolish quest or I, Silver Ghost, will put an end to it for you, permanently, this city is mine!"

Silver Ghost turned to gallop quickly away and Mare Do Well launched herself up hard from the ground using her magic to give her a boost before wall jumping the rest of the way up. It was tricky with out a second wall but she managed to get up. By the time she made it to the top Silver Ghost was gone. "Horse Feathers," She swore to herself and kicked the roof grumbling as she looked around for clues.

After about an hour of searching she couldn't find any clues to where Silver Ghost had run off to she. Mare Do Well sighed again and shook her head abit. "Why? I don't understand why Silver Spoon would turn to crime like this." She said to herself softly as she started to patrol again, her eyes peeled for Silver Ghost more, while going over things in her mind.

After nearly missing a landing on a roof she decided to call it night, she couldn't focus and her left hind leg was starting to hurt pretty bad after the fall from the roof. She was extra careful on her route back to the apartment to make sure Silver Ghost didn't track her back to it.

Once she was sure it was safe she went to the roof of her building and inside closing the window and heavy curtains. She turned on the lights and let out a deep sigh peeling off the costume letting out a sharp cry of pain when she got it off her hind leg looking back at it. It had definitely swollen up pretty good. She settled herself on the couch and groaned abit.

The noise she had been making and the cry had woken Sweetie up and she came into the living room wielding a golf club in her magic. She dropping it when she saw Starbloom on the couch. "Starbloom! What are you doing home so early?" She said moving over quickly to check on her. "Your leg! What happen to you?" She asked worriedly before going to make an ice pack.

Starbloom wasn't sure how to answer at first, none of them had gotten along with Silver Spoon, but how would she react to the news of Silver Spoon being a criminal that nearly killed her. She sighed softly. "A criminal, calling herself Silver Ghost, ambushed me and knocked me off a roof. I landed pretty roughly and twisted my leg pretty bad..... Sweetie.... Silver Spoon is Silver Ghost." She said softly looking away winching softly looking at her leg.

Sweetie was on her way back with the ice pack and paused, "S.. Silver Spoon did this to you?" She said her worry turning to anger, "I'll kill her!" She said putting the ice pack on her leg with more force then she had wanted causing Starbloom to yelp. "How could you let that spoiled little brat sneak up on you?" Sweetie asked peering at Starbloom her ears folded back.

Starbloom shivered abit and used her magic to adjust the ice pack, "Trust me Sweetie, this isn't the same spoiled little filly from Ponyville, she's fast... maybe faster then me. I don't know how she learned it, but has the speed of a pegasus and moves as silent as a ghost. I never heard her coming until I was already falling." Starbloom said her eyes narrowing dangerously. "If it wasn't for the suit, she would of killed me.... she said it was a warning but I know she hit me with a muzzle blade. Caught a glimpse of it was I started to fall."

Sweetie's anger was replaced with worry again and she softly hugged Starbloom nuzzling her shoulder. "You... your gonna keep going out aren't you? Even with her out there trying to kill you?" Sweetie asked looking up at Starbloom, though she already knew the answer.

Starbloom looked down at Sweetie and smiled softly nuzzling her back softly nodding at her. "Yea, she's very dangerous and who knows what kind of trouble she's planning if she wants to get my out of the way so quickly. I just wish I knew why she was doing this. She's always been a bully, but I never expected her to turn to crime." She said leaning against Sweetie softly.

Sweetie just nodded snuggling against Starbloom softly, it was still late at night and her adrenalin rush from being woken up and seeing Starbloom hurt was starting to wear off. So Sweetie had started to get sleepy again. Starbloom looked down at her and smiled sighing softly shifting so both of them could be more comfortable on the couch she floated a large blanket out from the bedroom and covered both herself and Sweetie with it turning out the lights.

"Good night Sweetie," She said softly so not to wake her up again drifting off to sleep herself, the events of the night starting to catch up with her. She still found it hard to believe that Silver Spoon had turned to crime, and was able to get the drop on her so easily.

Just before she feel asleep her eyes snapped back open as something dawned on her. "What.. if she hadn't turned to crime..." She said to herself softly, "The lack of any real activity from the criminals... tonight" Her eyes narrowed, "She isn't planning a big crime, she's just trying to get rid of competition because she wants to be the only hero."

She closed her eyes and took a slow deep breath to relax and settled herself back down she wouldn't be able to do much until her leg healed. She'll just have to see how good this 'Silver Ghost' was at solving and fighting crimes while she healed. She just hoped there wasn't a big mess to clean up when she felt better.

Rest and Recovery

Chapter 8

The injury to her leg had been more then she expected, so Starbloom would been stuck at home for atleast week. The first two days had been the worse. She couldn't walk with out help so she was pretty much stuck to her room or the couch most of the time. She kept her mind sharp and used her magic to keep herself in practice, but the stress of not being able to move was starting to show.

"Ugh! I can't take this, I need to move." Starbloom said forcing herself to stand up letting out a sharp cry of pain as her back hoof touched the floor and just the slightest amount of pressure put on it. She gritted her teeth and did her best to ignore the pain.

"Starbloom! Please sit back down and let yourself recover, the doctor told you it would take time to get better. If you push yourself it'll take longer to recover." Sweetie said going over and easing her friend back to the couch. "Just rest and relax, I know it's hard.... specially with what's going on in the city." Sweetie said sighing softly, she had considered canceling the paper, but she knew Starbloom would be furious if she did that.

Reports of Silver Ghost's acts of heroism had started to fill the papers since Mare Do Well had disappeared. Though her deeds had been more violent and even left a few ponies dead in her effort to stop crime, or so the papers reported. Starbloom was not taking the news well, she had hurt ponies of course in her effort to stop them but she never dreamed of killing any pony unless she had no other choice. Even then she wasn't sure she could actually do it.

"I have to get out there and stop Silver Ghost, she's killing ponies," Starbloom said whimpering lightly as Sweetie changed the cooling pads on her leg to help it heal. "The last report stated she killed a innocent by-standard who was standing nearby. Of course they called it an accident but still, she's reckless and dangers."

"I know Starbloom, I understand how you feel... the streets are more dangerous now that she's out there. The paper might report otherwise but I've talked to ponies who are more scared to be out now that she's tackling the criminals. The papers don't report the number of innocent ponies being hurt do to her actions. Muggers are more likely to just attack you and grab your saddle bags then ask for them." Sweetie said softly shaking her head.

Starbloom just sighed softly looking at her injured leg she wish she knew some healing magic to fix it so she could get back out on the streets. But healing magic was rare, even Twilight knew little that would be effective. The most she could do was sooth the pain. "I worry, every time you go out of the apartment Sweetie. Rarity would kill me if anything happen to you." She said looking up at her smiling a little. "I wish you would let me teach you some combat magic."

Sweetie smiled back at Starbloom, "I'm not suited for combat, you know that. It would probably do more harm then good." She replied to Starbloom moving into the kitchen to fix both of them a drink. She decided some get them some apple wine. "I'll be careful though," She said floating a glass over to Starbloom who took it and sipped carefully.

"Did you ever get into contact with Diamond Tiara to find out why Silver Spoon changed so much?" Starbloom asked watching Sweetie come back in from the kitchen and join her at the couch.

Sweetie sighed softly sipping her wine. "I did but Diamond Tiara didn't have to much to offer. They didn't speak to much after they broke off their friendship. From what she did know, Silver Spoon didn't make to many friends after that. The friendships she did make didn't last to long. Eventually Silver Spoon's family moved to Fillydelphia. What happen after that is anyponies guess." She said softly shaking her head lightly. "I must admit, I feel sorry for her finding it hard to make friends in Ponyville."

Starbloom sighed softly and gave a small nod closing her eyes sipping her wine. "I do to, a lot of this my fault I fear, if I hadn't separated Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, Silver Ghost might not be here now." She said before getting a bonk on the head from Sweetie Belle. She blinked looking at Sweetie who was glaring at her.

"Don't think like that!" Sweetie said huffing as she sat back down puffing her cheeks when she pouted. "This isn't your fault, you had no way of knowing stuff like this would happen and Diamond Tiara is a good pony now." She continued after calming down a little taking another sip of her wine. "All we can do now is stop Silver Spoon, when your healed."

Starbloom sighed looking at her leg again taking a drink of her wine, "Your right of course, as always. I just hope the modifications Rarity made to the suit work... I do not want to have to go through this again." She said softly resting her head on the edge of the couch frowning.

Sweetie smiled at Starbloom using her magic to cover her with a blanket. "I'm sure they will, you know my sister does her best." She said softly getting to her hoofs and moving the empty wine glasses to the sink. "I'm just hope she gets it all done before you go back out on the streets."

~*{Ponyville}*~

"Dear Rarity, I am sorry to trouble with a request again but Starbloom has been hurt and will need a week to recover, so in that time I hope you will able to make some modifications to the suit to strength it a little more for added protection. I will pay as much as I can for any materials needed.... this is very important to me. Love Sweetie Belle." Rarity read the letter out loud after getting the package a day after Starbloom was knocked off the roof.

Included in the package was the Mare Do Well costume and a list of reinforcements Starbloom wanted put on the suit. The list wasn't very long, but Rarity wasn't to sure how she would pull off some of the things she wanted. She was a fashion designer after all, not an armorer. "Well Opal, looks like we have about five days to figure this out. So let's get to work."

Hero Silver Ghost's Results - Suit Upgrade 2.0

Chapter 9

It had been nearly a week since Starbloom got knocked off the roof. The week had been rough on her and Sweetie, the reports in the papers had been more and more distressing each day. Filled with news stories of Silver Ghost brutally attacking criminals leaving them severely injured or dead.

After the fourth day Sweetie started to help Starbloom with her recovery to get her leg back into working order. But there hadn't been any word from Rarity on her suit modifications and Sweetie started to wonder if her sister could handle the job, she hoped either way the suit would get back before Starbloom was better. She knew her friend would go back out when she was able, even if it was in her original Mare Do Well suit with no armor or protection.

"It's been about a week now Sweetie, and my leg feels a lot better I think I'm ready to get back out on there and put an end this," Starbloom said looking at her friend that night. "Things are getting out of hand, she's attacking ponies for the simplest of crimes now."

"I know Starbloom but please wait until your new suit arrives. I told Rarity you need it ready as soon as possible." She said with a soft smile, "She'll have it here soon just need to be patient and wait is all." She added though she wasn't sure how long it would take Rarity to get the suit done.

Starbloom sighed softly and scuffed a hoof on the ground grumbling. "I guess one more night wont be to much of a difference," she said looking over at Sweetie smiling, "But only one more night, then I'll go back out in the old cloth suit if I have to, these ponies need help and not just from criminals anymore."

Sweetie frowned softly but nodded, "Alright Starbloom, I know your right." She said, it was the best she could hope for. She knew she couldn't keep Starbloom in the apartment longer once her leg was better. She just hope Rarity would hurry and get the new suit sent to them before tomorrow. "Come on, let's go to bed."

Starbloom nodded, and they headed to their rooms, "Good night Sweetie," Starbloom said going into her room closing the door after Sweetie said good night to her. But she couldn't sleep, she had been trying to keep her sleep pattern of staying up at night.

She got onto her bed, closed her eyes and focused her mind on meditating, channeling her magic through her body and into her crystals on her headband. With out a horn her magic had been limited pretty much to levitation magic and telekinetics. But she had found ways to adept her magic for many different uses.

Starbloom wasn't sure when she fell asleep but she felt Sweetie shaking her awake her up the next day. She shook her head looking around and got to her hooves looking at Sweetie and smiled. "Mmmm, morning?" She tried softly, but Sweetie just rolled her eyes a lightly.

"Late-evening actually. You got a package, it's just a guess, but considering it's from Rarity I'm guessing she finished your suit design." Sweetie said moving back into the living room.

Starbloom tilted her head and made her way out into the living room as she stretched herself out yawning softly using her magic to close the curtains in the living room. She opened the package and floated out the note glancing it over before sending it to Sweetie Belle to read while she looked over the suit itself.

Sweetie Belle took the note and read it out so Starbloom could hear as well. "My Darling Sweetie Belle, the requests you made were harder to preform so it took longer then I expected to get everything done. Some of which I couldn't preform. I did manage to brace the legs enough with out limiting movement, so if she gets knocked off a roof again she wont get hurt so bad. I just wouldn't put to much stress on them," Sweetie looked at Starbloom who nodded faintly and blushed.

Sweetie continued to read the letter, "The muzzle has a filter for smoke, which will need to be replaced at least once a week, they can be washed out and I added four extra so you can change them out. It's not the best system, but it's the best I can do with out redesigning the mask, same with the adjustments to the eyes. I had to get Twilight's help in enchanting the lens, they will adjust for darker areas and smoke filled areas. But they will need time to recharge after use so use them sparingly. You can activate them with a small magical pulse into the crystals and you'll get maybe twenty five minutes before your vision goes back to normal."

"As for what I had to leave out, I couldn't add any extra armor or protection against magical attacks with out making the suit more bulky, and Twilight can't add more magical enchantments to the suit with out adding enchantment crystals to it. With out completely redesigning everything from the hooves up this is the best we can do. Love Rarity." Sweetie said as she finished reading the letter.

Starbloomed nodded as she looked the suite over. It looked pretty much the same as before, the legs looked a bit thicker and stiffer then before, and the bottoms seemed to be raised just a little bit. She started to pull the suit on feeling the extra weight in the legs, it had been more then she expected it to be.

"Your going out now? It's still early isn't it?" Sweetie asked looking at the time. It was just passed seven in the evening. "You haven't even had anything to eat." She added frowning at Starbloom.

Starbloom looked back at her, sighing, "Sooner I get out there, the sooner I can put an end to all the trouble Silver Ghost has caused." She said but seeing the look in Sweetie's eyes she smiled. "I'll eat first though." She said moving to the counter and sitting down, she had all of the suit on but the mask and hat. Even with the extra weight, the she felt the hooves of the suit had a bit of spring to them which kept from slowing her down.

Sweetie smiled at her putting the note away, she went to the kitchen and prepared a salad and fresh bread for dinner. "I'll admit the suit looks good on you, it is nice to see you in it again." Sweetie said placing the salad and bread in front of Starbloom. "I'll just be glad when you don't have to wear it."

"Same here Sweetie," She said eating her salad smiling at her. "Getting Silver Ghost off the streets will help, after that just have to deal with the corruption in the police force." She said nibbling on some bread. She wasn't sure if she would be able to stop being Mare Do Well though. Crime seemed to be on the rise in the cities all over, not just in Manehattan.

Sweetie smiled at her and nodded, but she could see something in Starbloom eyes. She took a sip of her juice. "If you choose to stay Mare Do Well, I'll stick by you and help you. You know that." She said floating a piece of bread up and stuffs it in Starbloom's mouth as she started to speak. "You better get out there and stop Silver Ghost."

Starbloom smiled around the piece of bread and nodded getting up she finished chewing the piece of bread before swallowing it and pulling the mask on and the hat. Sweetie turned off the lights, and mare Do Well went to the window opening it, it was dark enough outside for her to slip out the window unseen and headed up the fire escape to the roof.

The new springiness of the hooves made it easier for her to leap from roof to roof with out needed to use to much magic to aid her jumps and falls. Though it did take some getting use to at first, she kept herself sharp, listening for signs of trouble and her eyes open for any signs of Silver Ghost.

Confrontation With Silver Ghost

Chapter 10

She hadn't been on the streets to long before she heard a scream of a pony in trouble. She ran quickly to the source of the trouble peering down. She saw a mugger swinging a what look like a piece of a rope with something on the end at another pony. She used her magic to grab the heavy thing on the end and pulled it hard while leaping down to street level.

"Let go!" the mugger yelled, it was a female pegasus pony. Little more then a filly, just about her own age, maybe younger. She turned quickly to see who stopped her weapon and her eyes went wide seeing who it was. "M.. Mare Do Well!? We thought you were dead!"

Mare Do Well looked at the mugging victim. Another female but this one was earth pony about the same age as the mugger if not abit older. "Go," She said simple, to which the victim replied by running out of the alley quickly before she turned her attention back to the mugger. "Are you nuts!?" She said throwing the weapon out of reach of the pegasus. "If Silver Ghost finds you out here she'll hurt you, or worse kill you!? Get out of here, now! Never do anything like this ever again!"

The pegasus pony quickly galloped out of the alley. Mare Do Well sighed shaking her head a bit until she heard some clapping behind her and saw Silver Ghost behind her on the roof. "How very noble of you Mare Do Well, letting the poor little filly go. She'll be back out here again though, and I'll get her then." Silver Ghost said narrowing her eyes down at Mare Do Well. "I thought I told you to stay of the streets, this was my town. In fact you had been gone so long I though you might of had a brain and listen to me."

Mare Do Well narrowed her eyes and leaped up quickly using the walls to get to the roof landing far enough away that Silver Ghost couldn't attack her. "I would never leave the city in the hands of someone like you." She said stamping at the roof top. "You might think your a hero and doing good work. But your worse then the criminals, your killing ponies."

Silver Ghost growled at her whipping her head abit making her braid swing around and snap in the air. "Preachy as ever Starbloom," Silver Spoon scoffed looking at her, "Don't be so surprised, doesn't take a genius to figure it out, how many hornless unicorns are there? Besides I recognized your voice. But your fooling yourself, killing criminal scum is something the police should be doing." She pulled out her muzzle blade and charged at Starbloom.

Starbloom's eyes went wide seeing her charge and moved quickly to dodge the rush attack. She felt the blade impact the side of her suit. She couldn't believe Silver's speed, turning quickily to face her she used her magic to pull a piece of piping loose and brought it around quick to block another attack just before it hit her neck. "Stop this Silver Spoon, we don't have to fight!" She said trying to get her to stop.

"Shut up Starbloom!" She said bringing a hoof up quick knocking her in the mouth with it staggering Starbloom making her stumble back. "We have never been friends, stop trying to act like your my friend now!" It was hard for her to see, but she could just make out tears in Silver Spoon's eyes.

She shook her head at the knock in her muzzle. She brought the pipe back in front of herself to ward off another muzzle blade attack. "Why are you doing this? I know we never been on good terms but I never known you to be violent." She asked, trying to get some answers.

Silver Ghost hunched herself down and prepared herself adjusting the muzzle blade. "You wouldn't understand, you never did and you never will." She said before launching herself forward again, fainting an attack to the right before quickly changing directs and jabbing hard to the left at Mare Do Well's side.

"Please, let's just talk about this." Mare Do Well tried before seeing her come in for the attack. She tried to block the attack to the right before seeing it was a fake and tried to compensate for it but no luck. She felt the blade pierce through the suit and hit her in the left shoulder causing her to wince sharply in pain pulling back to get the blade loose feeling blood run down her foreleg. She reached her hoof up to try and stop the bleeding gritting her teeth narrowing her eyes.

Silver Ghost smirked looking at Mare Do Well, "Your just as weak as you've always been, a preachy little brat." She said moving closer getting read to slash at her with the blade again. "Maybe when I finish you off, I'll go visit Sweetie Belle, I owe her and the rest of your friends for what you did to me."

Mare Do Well's eyes widen as Silver Ghost went to slash the blade across her neck, she used her magic to blast hard into Silver Ghost's chest. She rushed forward as quickly as she could with her hurt shoulder. "Don't you dare mention Sweetie Belle and my friends again!" Using her magic she flung the muzzle blade out off the roof into the alley below.

Just as Mare Do Well got close Silver Ghost got up and turned bucking back hard toward her. Mare Do Well doing her best to stop but getting hit in the chest and knocked back causing her to squeal a bit from the added pain to her shoulder.

Before Mare Do Well had recovered Silver Ghost turned and ran to the edge leaping from the roof to the ground below grabbing her muzzle blade she put it away and fled leaving Mare Do Well alone on the roof top. She sighed softly, groaning a bit holding her shoulder gritting her teeth. "This is not good," She said making her way back home as quick as she could.

Sweetie gasped when the window open and she heard a thud as something feel in. She went to see what it was and saw Mare Do Well laying on the floor, blood coating the front of her uniform. "No!" She cried not bothering to close the window or curtains she start to pull the uniform off Starbloom and check her over. "Starbloom! Tell me your alright, please..."

No More Games

Chapter 11

Starbloom slowly woke up in her room groaning softly trying to use her magic to turn on the lights but nothing happen. She reached up feeling her headband was off. "S.. Sweetie Belle?" She called out softly finding it hard to talk. She moved to get to her hooves but it was hard to move as well.

"Shh I'm here Starbloom, just rest you lost a lot of blood." Sweetie said softly using her magic to turn on the lights for Starbloom. "The doctor said your lucky to be alive, another inch to the right and the blade would of hit a lung." Sweetie continued looking down at her worry across her face. "Was it, Silver Ghost?"

Starbloom flinched at the light coming on nodding up at Sweetie slowly. "It was... I managed move before she hit me." She said softly looking around her room quietly then at her shoulder where the blade hit her, it had been bandaged up good and immobilized her foreleg. "I have to stop her, she threaten to come after you, and Scootaloo and Apple Bloom." She said straining a bit to get up before giving in and sighing softly.

Sweetie reached over and ruffled Starbloom's hair softly, but she was worried as well. It was clear Silver Spoon's motives was more about revenge then anything else. She used her magic to float over a cup of water with a straw in it so Starbloom could take a drink, which she did since her throat felt very dry. "How long was I out for Sweetie?" Starbloom asked after finishing her drink.

"Almost ten hours, the doctors wanted to transfer you to a hospital but I managed to convince them to let you stay here. I had to lie and told them you got mugged and found your way up here." She said frowning a little. "I hate to lie like that, but I couldn't tell them the truth." Sweetie continued as she place the cup on the night stand.

Starbloom nodded lightly looking up at Sweetie Belle smiling sadly at her. "I hate that you have to lie as well. But thank you for doing so." She said trying to sit up grunting a little. Sweetie sighed and used her magic to help her sit up using some pillows to prop her up.

"Careful or you'll aggravate your injury. Just be thankful this one isn't as bad as the leg injury. The doctor said just a day of bed rest should do it. With plenty of fluids, you should be fine." Sweetie said rubbing Starbloom's head again before giving her the headband back letting her put it back on, "And limit the amount of magic you use. Simple levitation or I'll take it away from you."

Starbloom nodded at Sweetie fitting the headband back on adjusting it smiling at her. "I'll be careful, thank you Sweetie." She took the cup of water and took another drink. After a few moments she spoke again. "She blames me for this, I could see it in her eyes."

"But it's not your fault, you know that right?" Sweetie said looking at Starbloom, but she just looked into the cup of water quietly. "Starbloom! It's not your fault, Silver Spoon made her own choices in driving her friends away. She has no pony to blame but herself for what she did."

Starbloom sighed softly shaking her head looking up at Sweetie giving her a faint smiling. "Of course your right Sweetie, but I can't help but feel I could of done something back then to try and befriend her." She said softly before leaning back against the pillows putting the cup back on the side table.

Sweetie leaned over and hugged Starbloom carefully not to hurt her already sore arm. "You can't help everypony Starbloom, some ponies just don't want it." She whispered into her ear softly, Starbloom hugging her back with her good arm. "Don't try to carry that weight on your back, it'll crush you."

Starbloom smiled and nuzzled into her shoulder softly resting her head on her lightly. "When did you get to be so smart Sweetie?" She asked then squeaked getting bonked on the head with a hoof. "Ow! I was joking, besides I'm hurt." Starbloom whimpered looking at Sweetie.

Sweetie stuck her tongue out at Starbloom. "You'll be fine, now rest and relax like the doctor said, don't worry about Silver Ghost, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are to far for her to get to anytime soon and I'm here so if anything happens you'll protect me." She said winking at Starbloom before leaving the room to let Starbloom rest.

Starbloom sighed softly and leaned back in the bed against the pillows. "Alright Sweetie, and your right, as always, I'm sure Scootaloo and Apple Bloom will be fine." She said smiling snuggling down relaxing quietly. She did get the feeling something bad was about to happen though. She was here to keep an eye on Sweetie of course, she let out a deep breath closing her eyes.

Starbloom had drifted to sleep and was awaken by a ear splitting scream coming from the living room. She rolled off the bed quickly to her hooves and scrambled as best she could to the living room on three legs. "Sweetie! What's wrong?!" She called looking around holding a fire poker in her magic. She saw Sweetie sitting on the couch looking at news paper. "Sweetie?" She asked putting the fire poker down and carefully trotted over to her.

She went white when she saw the paper, her eyes going wide. "Oh no... no Sweetie I'm sorry...." She said reaching over hugging her softly with her good leg resting herself on the back of the couch scanning the page Sweetie had been reading.

"Local pony Babs Seed found on the street left for dead after being brutally attacked by a muzzle blade. Police have no leads in the case as to who attacked the well known Apple Orchard owner. She is currently in Manehattan's General Hospital listed in Critical Condition. Her family is still holding out hope for her to make a full recovery." She read softly to herself narrowing her eyes.

"Why... why did she attack Babs?" Sweetie asked softly sniffling and rubbing her eyes with her hooves. "They barely knew each other. Poor Apple Bloom is gonna be devastated," she said softly then gasped. "Oh no, no no no! She'll come here! Apple Bloom is gonna come here to visit Babs, I know it and then Silver Spoon will attack her and the baby." Sweetie said franticly looking at Starbloom.

Starbloom gritted her teeth and used her magic to rip the bandages off wincing. "I wont let that happen Sweetie. I will NOT let Silver Spoon hurt Apple Bloom or her baby." She said turning to go to her room and pull out the Mare Do Well costume, it was cleaned up and magical repair system had fixed it enough for her to wear. She started to pull it on.

"Starbloom, your still hurt you need to rest." Sweetie said watching her suit up. "There is still a little time before Apple Bloom will get here. Please rest some more" She pleaded as she bit her bottom lip. But Starbloom was wasn't going to change her mind this time as she pulled the hood on and placed the hat on her head.

"I'm sorry Sweetie, but I wont let her hurt another pony. She's gone to far this time," Starbloom said going over and gave her a soft hug nuzzling her cheek softly. "I wont let hurt any more of our friends. I don't want to... but if I have to, I will kill her to stop her." She said softly lowering her head. The she hated the thought of killing another pony, but Silver Ghost was becoming to much of a problem.

"Starbloom..... I understand." Sweetie said nuzzling her cheek back softly as she stepped back. "Take this, Rarity made be bring it when we moved here." She said using her magic to float a box from her room and opened it, inside was a short unicorn blade. She floated it over and strapped it to Mare Do Well's back under the cape. "If you have no other choice... I'll understand."

Silver Ghost's End

Chapter 12

Mare Do Well left the apartment quickly, the sun was still up but luckily no one saw her leave the apartment as she made her way across the roof tops to the hospital. "I'm coming for you Silver Ghost, you wont get away with what you did to Babs." She said to herself folding her ears back.

She saw the hospital that Babs was at getting closer and started to make her way to higher buildings so she could to get on the roof. The sun was just starting to set as she got to the roof of the hospital and looked around quietly trying to find Silver Ghost, she knew she had to be lurking somewhere up here.

"I know your here Silver Ghost!" She yelled gritting her teeth abit, the yelling had strained her wounded shoulder and she was worried it'll start bleeding again soon. "Come out here, we have unfinished business to settle!" She demanded turning around slowly scanning the roof top.

"I don't remember you ever being this demanding," Silver said as she came out from behind a small building that had the stairwell going down stairs. "Then again you never really talked to me either." She added flicking her mane a bit behind her looking her over. "How's the shoulder?"

She growled softly under her breath looking at Silver Ghost. "It's fine, why did you attack Babs? I though you were suppose to a be a hero. Babs never did anything to you or any pony else." She said snorting softly keeping her eyes fixed on Silver Ghost.

"Well, I guess I'm not a hero then," Silver said pulling the muzzle blade loose from it's sheath. "Besides didn't you say I was no better then the criminals I was bringing in?" She asked shifting the blade watching Mare Do Well. "I guess you had been right all along, I make a better villain." With that said she charged forward moving to fake an attack but instead she spun around and bucked Mare Do Well hard in the chest sending her flying over the edge of the roof.

Mare Do Well narrowed her eyes preparing herself for the fake out, but didn't expect the sudden buck. She tried to block it with her front hooves but took most of the force to her chest and went flying. Her cape wrapping around her making it hard to wiggle loose.

"Not again!" She growled and managed to free herself spinning around. She tried to use her magic to slow herself but she didn't have time. She felt her hooves slam firmly into the ground sending a blast of dust up around her. The compression padding in the hooves in her suit exploding under the impact, and the reinforcement buckling around her legs. She was amazed her legs felt fine, other then a little jarred from the impact. The impact did open the stab on her shoulder making it bleed and start to hurt worse. She managed to push through the pain as best she could growling softly.

She didn't break anything and she could still move. "Thank Celestia for that..." She muttered then heard the sounds of scraping of hooves on brick. Turning quick as she kicked her legs to get the reinforcements off, she could see Silver sliding down the side of the building using the tip of the muzzle blade and her hooves to slow her drop until she was a safe height before leaping down at her.

"We're not done yet Mare Do Well!" Silver Ghost yelled bringing the blade down at her in a high arc as she dropped. Mare Do Well rolling quickly out of the way the cape getting slashed in the process, the fabric not designed for a slash of that strength.

Mare Do Well reached up and pulled the clasp removing the cape and used her magic to pull free her unicorn blade. "No more games Silver Ghost!" She yelled back snorting again holding the blade in front of her at the ready, a large crowd forming around them.

"Your right, no more games Mare Do Well," Silver said narrowing her eyes glancing around at the crowd before charging forward bringing the blade around quick in a wide arc towards her back. Mare Do Well bringing the unicorn blade around to block it.

Instead of countering the block she instead bucked her side sending her stumbling as she rushed over to a by standard and leapt onto this back, he was a large earth pony stallion. She flipped the blade around in her muzzle and pressed the sharp edge against his neck. "Drop the blade Mare Do Well, or I cut his throat." Silver Ghost threaten her eyes narrowed at Mare Do Well.

Mare Do Well froze seeing her hold a pony hostage. Her eyes going wide she dropped the unicorn blade. "Let him go Silver, this is between us, not him!" She said watching carefully not wanting any pony else to get hurt. "Please, just let him go..."

"Not so fast," Silver said narrowing her eyes looking at Mare Do Well, "Remove your hat and mask," she added threating the blade against the stallions throat more pressing the edge more. "Then remove your headband so you can't use that magic of yours"

Mare Do Well hesitated before removed her hat tossing it aside. She started to reach up to remove her mask before the stallion hostage yelled, "Don't do it Mare Do Well! Even if she kills me, defeat her!" He said causing Silver to growl and bite his ear hard. "AHHH! D.. don't let her win!" He continued, everyone else in the crowd starting to cheer for Mare Do Well.

Frustrated Silver pulled the blade away from his neck and rolled off his back to her hooves moving to stab him in the chest but Mare Do Well grabbed the blade in her magic and dragged her away. "No you don't! I wont let you harm more ponies!" Swung her around by the blade until she let go and flew against a wall.

Silver hit the wall hard and grunted hard the impact knocking the wind out of her. Mare Do Well rushed forward and pressed the muzzle blade to her throat her eyes narrowed reading to thrust the blade into her neck. "Go ahead, do it..." Silver said panting abit trying to get her breath back. "Do it or I swear I'll come back and first person on my list is Apple Bloom and her baby." She threatened looking up at Mare Do Well her eyes narrowed.

Mare Do Well pulled the blade back and rammed it hard, but instead of hitting her neck, she shoved it into the wall just grazing her cheek. "I'm not a killer like you Silver Ghost. Your going to prison," She said turning around and gave her a swift buck to the head knocking her out before limping away her shoulder injury starting to hurt a lot now.

She felt her hat rest on head and looked around spotting a unicorn nurse nearby smiling at her, she picked up the unicorn blade and sheathed it before getting her cape and put it on. The crowd cheering for her, but she could hear police sirens closing in quick. She started to make her way quickly away from the hospital and to her apartment. The stress from her injuries though slowing her down. Instead of going on the roof tops she stuck to back alleys. She climbed the fire escape slowly and made her way inside.

"S.. Starbloom, your home...." Sweetie said watching her come inside. "Is... is Silver Ghost, dead?" She asked a mix of fear and worry in her voice as she watched Starbloom come into the apartment slowly. Using her magic to pull the curtains close along with the window once she was inside.

"No... I couldn't killer her, she's going to prison," Starbloom said pulling off the hat and mask before collapsing on the couch. Sweetie helping her to remove the suit and storing it away. "Any news, on Babs?" She asked softly watching Sweetie as she treated the injury on her shoulder.

"She's stable, but still in critical condition.." Sweetie said softly doing her best to get the bleeding to stop with a cold press. "Apple Bloom and her family will be here tomorrow to visit her." She used some bandages to hold the press on her shoulder before sitting next to Starbloom.

"She was there, waiting just like I though she would be." Starbloom said shifting wincing, her whole body hurt from being bucked and the fall from the top of the hospital. "If I hadn't gone, I don't want to think about what would of happen...." She said moving to rest her head on Sweetie's shoulder softly.

"Then don't, just rest and get better... you deserve it, after what you've done I think the city will be fine with out you for a few days." Sweetie said putting a foreleg around her shoulder hugging her softly. "Promises me... you'll never do anything this reckless again." She said looking down at her.

"Because Twilight will kill you?" She said joking softly looking up, but she could see Sweetie was serious, she could see it in her eyes, the worry, the fear of losing her. "I promise Sweetie. I wont do anything this reckless again." She nuzzled against her again softly sighing softly. "I feel the same way about you."

Sweetie smiled softly nuzzling her back softly. "Good, if you do I'll kick your flank myself." She said resting her head against Starbloom's using her magic to pull over a blanket and turn out the lights wrapping them both in the blanket to so they could get some much needed sleep.

Back on the Streets

Chatper 13

The day after her fight with Silver Ghost, Sweetie insisted that Starbloom go to a doctor and get herself checked out. Somepony they could trust and tell who she really was. Starbloom wasn't to sure it was a good idea. But Sweetie was persistent so she agreed and they eventually found one that Starbloom felt was trustworthy named Doctor Westluck.

Doctor Westluck was an older unicorn stallion, with a dusky blue coat, a white mane and tail that had pale blue streaks and green eyes. It took a little convincing to get him to believe that she was Mare Do Well, but after seeing her injuries he started to believe her. The damage to her shoulder had been worse then she expected, the strain she put it on during the fight with Silver Ghost and the fall tore some of the muscle.

The bucks she had taken to her sides caused some bruising and even a few small fractures to her ribs. The impact of the fall didn't help that as well, but the damage wasn't as bad as it could of been. The suits protective hooves and reinforcement in the legs did it's job and took most of the impact.

"Well Starbloom it has been nearly a week since you started to come and see me. I must say you've taken remarkably well to the treatment. Your ribs have healed nicely, and the damage to the muscle in your shoulder is nearly fully healed up. In my option if you want you can go back to your patrols." Dr Westluck said smiling at her as he started to write out a prescription.

"Thank you doctor, It'll be nice to get back out on the streets and start making the city safe again." She said watching as he wrote on the piece of paper.

"There is one thing though, I can treat the body..... but I am worried about your mental state," He said looking over at her as he finished writing out the prescription. "All the violence you see at night can't be good for your mental health, you use to be an officer of the law, you should know that already."

"I know doctor, I do understand that...." She said looking at him before looking away sighing softly. "I'm just not sure if it would be a good idea to tell another pony who I am."

"I understand Starbloom, Sweetie told me it was hard to get you to come and see me. But do keep it in mind, I can make some calls and find a good trust worthy psychiatrist for you to visit. A pony that will keep your secret safe." He said passing her the prescription. "This is for any reoccurring pain you might have later."

"Thank you doctor, I'll keep it in mind." She said moving to her hooves. "And doctor, if you do make those calls, please don't tell them who I am, it'll be safer for the both of use if they don't know you treat Mare Do Well." She said smiling at him softly.

"Of course, I'll keep it to myself.... this city does need a hero like you, seems these days doctors treat muzzle blade injuries more then anything else." He said opening the door for her. "If you need anything else, just let me know."

"I will doctor, thank you again." She said as she made her way out of the office and started on her way to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled. She really wasn't to sure if she wanted to talk to somepony she didn't know about her issues, or her dreams. She sighed softly looking around tilting her head thinking for a minute before she picks up the prescription and two bouquet of flowers before leaving the pharmacy.

Before heading home she made her way to the hospital where Babs was still being kept. She made her way in and up to the recovery floor where her room was. Knocking on the door faintly to her room before going inside. "Come in," She heard Babs' voice answer the knock and she went inside.

"Hey Babs, how you feeling today?" She asked, still feeling a little guilty, she floated one of the bouquet of flowers out for her. "I brought you some flowers.'

"Hey Starbloom, I'm doing alright. Doctor's say I should be able to go home soon." Babs said smiling at her, looking at the flowers. "Those look nice, thank you." She said watching as Starbloom put them in a vase for her.

Starbloom talked with Babs for alittle longer, before a nurse came in to change some bandages. Starbloom said good bye and made her way back out and started on her way back home.

She thought some more on the idea of talking to a psychiatrist as she went into the apartment building and inside. The only ponies she every talked to about her problems had been Twilight and Sweetie. She opened the door to her apartment and went inside. "Sweetie, I'm home," she called as she closed the door looking around quietly, perking her ears she heard the music in Sweetie's studio stop.

"Welcome home Starbloom," Sweetie said smiling at her, "How was your doctor's appointment?" She asked tilting her head seeing the flowers perking an eye brow up. "Your not dying are you?" She asked jokingly.

"Well, that depends on if you kill me or not." Starbloom replied joking back with her, "The doctor said I'm pretty healthy and can go back to being Mare Do Well." She said floating the flowers over to Sweetie Belle with a sheepish grin. "The flowers are for you."

Sweetie smiled at her sniffing them before finding a vase to put them in. "They smell wonderful, thank you. I'm glad your alright, Rarity already sent your suit back, fully repaired and ready for you when your ready." She said taking a seat on the couch. "She's also happy for us, glad we got together. So is Twilight and everyone else in Ponyville."

Starbloom blushed softly scuffing a hoof a little embarrassed, nodding at Sweetie Belle. "I'm glad they are happy for us," she said going over and sitting next to Sweetie, "I'm also glad my suit is ready as well, not that I don't like being home, but I want to get back out on patrol."

Sweetie nodded at her smiling tilting her head faintly watching Starbloom, "I've known you far to long, what else is going on with you?" She asked, she could see Starbloom debating with herself. "Did the doctor say anything else?"

"Mmm can't hide anything from you can I? He thinks, I should see a psychiatrist, considering what I have to deal with on patrols." She said looking down at the floor, before looking back over at Sweetie smiling at her. "I told him I'll think it over... what do you think I should do?"

Sweetie smiled back at her and considered what she was asking. "Well, I do worry what the stress and what you see is going to do to you.... no pony should have to deal with violence every night." She said tilting her head faintly before speaking again. "But the choice is ultimately up to you Starbloom, I just want you to come home each morning safe, and happy."

Starbloom smiled at Sweetie before leaning over and kissing her cheek. "Thank you Sweetie, that will help me with the choice I end up making. I also talked to Babs, she's doing well and should be going home soon."

"That's good news, I'm glad Babs is doing better." Sweetie said smiling at her, "And I'm glad I could help you as well."

Starbloom stretched herself a bit. "If I am going to go out tonight I need to get some sleep." She said before getting to her hooves .

Sweetie smiled watching Starbloom get up and head to their room. "Sleep well Starbloom," She watching her close the door before sighing softly. As much as she acted alright with it, she was still worried when went out on patrols at night. After a few minutes she moved to her own hooves and went back to her studio room to work her album.

Sweetie woke Starbloom up around Eight at night. "Starbloom, it's time to get up." She said softly not wanting to jolt her awake. Starbloom shifted before sitting up and smiled over at Sweetie. Sweetie moving so Starbloom could get out of bed, both going into the living room. "I made some breakfast for you."

"Thank you Sweetie, it smells wonderful." She said moving to the counter and took a seat on a cushion, still little drowsy not use to getting up after so little sleep. It would take her a bit to adjust to her night time sleep pattern again.

Sweetie smiled and got Starbloom a bowl of oatmeal, toast and sliced orange as well as a glass of tea. "Your welcome Starbloom," She said joining her at the bar with a cup of tea sipping it. "Are you ready to go back to being Mare Do Well?"

"Yea I'm ready to. Things settled for a few days after Silver was arrested but the crime is on the rise again." Starbloom said taking a drink of her tea before starting to eat. "I've been at home to long."

Sweetie nodded at her softly smiling, she was right of course. After Silver Ghost was arrested crime took a sharp turn down, but with out Mare Do Well present the criminals started to get bold again. "Your right, just remember what the doctor said, take it easy. No epic battles." Sweetie said smiling at her, both serious and joking at the same time.

"I'll remember," Starbloom said smiling as she moved to her hooves after finishing her late night breakfast. She made her way to the bathroom to wash off before going to the bedroom and change into her Mare Do Well suit, it felt strange after not being in it for a week.

Starbloom looked at the unicorn blade in the chest before picking it up and putting it under her cape. "Just in case," She told herself softly before making her way out of the bedroom looking over at Sweetie Belle, her mask pulled back. "I'll be back in the morning, sleep well." She told Sweetie before leaning over and giving her a kiss.

Sweetie kissed her back and smiled nodding at her. "I'll do my best, take care of yourself out there." She said in reply to Starbloom before pulling the Mare Do Well hood into place for her smiling. "You come back to me."

Mare Do Well smiled using her magic to turn out the lights and make her way out onto the roof top. It had been a little over a week, and it was time for her to get back to work cleaning up the streets of the city. She swiftly started on her patrols moving from roof top to roof top, her ears listening for the sounds of trouble.

Nightshade?

Chapter 14

~*{Manehattan Prison}*~

Silver Spoon was sitting in her cell quietly when she heard a noise. Looking up she saw four unicorn guards standing in front of the door. One of them unlocking the door moving to the side to let her out. "You have a visitor," he said with little else in the way of explanation. The other three guards just watched her closely ready to stop her if she tried anything funny.

Silver Spoon moved to her hooves and slowly trotted from the cell and into line between the four guards being lead down the hallway of the prison. But they didn't go to the prisons visitor center, instead they headed down to the prison laundry area.

"You can leave, thank you for your assistance guards." Silver Spoon heard a disturbingly familiar voice speak and turned quickly as she the guards left the room hearing the door close and lock, her eyes locking on a shadow in the corner of the room.

"So, you decided I was worth killing after all Mare Do Well?" She said watching the shadow move and the figure of Mare Do Well come out, at least it appeared to be Mare Do Well, though something about it was off. She couldn't put her hoof on what it was though.

"Hmm? Kill you, now why would I want to do that?" The Mare Do Well looking figure said looking at herself before smirking, "Ah you think I'm that girl, trust me, I'm not her. As much I might appear to be her and sound like." She continued pulling off the hat and mask.

Silver Spoon blinked as she removed the hat and mask, she was for all intent an purposes Starbloom, same coat color, same eye color, mane was the same colors, broken horn... wait Starbloom didn't have a broken horn, or a horn at all. "Who are you?" She asked looking this new pony over carefully.

"My name is Nightshade, I'm from an alternate dimension to this world." Nightshade said walking over to Silver Spoon looking her over. "Unlike in this world, I ran things pretty well, after taking care of Nightmare Moon I turned on Celestia and defeated her as well." She grinned abit, "Everything went pretty well, until Discord returned that is, come to find out he liked his, game, as he put it Celestia. When he found out I killed her turned me into a filly and sent me to this world after breaking my horn."

Silver Spoon just stared quietly at Nightshade as she listen to her story. "So, what does this have to do with me?" She asked after a moment still unsure of Nightshade. "If your not here to kill me, why did you want to see me?"

"Isn't it obvious by now? I need Mare Do Well dealt with, I could do it myself but I prefer not to get my hooves dirty. I'll help you escape from prison, and in return you'll be my faithful henchman... double cross me though." She said turning quickly a unicorn blade pressed against Silver Spoons throat. "I wont show mercy like Mare Do Well did. Understood?"

Silver Spoon's eyes went wide at the sudden blade against her neck and nodded at Nightshade. "Y... yes Nightshade, I understand." She relaxed when the blade was pulled away and hidden back into the folds of Nightshade's cloak. "Now, how will I escape from here though?"

"That's the easy part...." Nightshade a wicked grin spreading over her face as she pulled the mask back over her face and put the hat back on her head. "Just leave that, to me."

~*{Manehattan Streets}*~

Mare Do Well had been out doing her patrols for about seven hours so far, she had stopped mostly muggings and a few carriage thieves so far. Her doctor would be proud, nothing to stressful on her, she was about to stop and find a place a to grab some dinner when she heard an alarm going off. Her ears perking she turned in direction of the alarm before heading in the direction it was coming from.

It didn't take her to long to reach the location it had come from, it was a bank similar to the one she had saved her first successful night on the job. She looked down at the robbery looking it over from her perch trying to get an idea of how many robbers there was before leaping off the side and using her magic on her cape and through the window.

The robbers consisted of two unicorns mares, an earth pony stallion and a pegasus mare, she looked them over before the pegasus extended her wings showing her wing blades and the earth pony pulled out a muzzle blade. "Look who we have here, Mare Do Well. Let's get her!" The pegasus said charging forward, twisting to slash with one of sets of blades.

Mare Do Well leapt back out of the way of the blades and used a desk chair to block the blades swearing under her breath. She felt a unicorn blade buzz her ear and blinked. "Oh horse feathers this is bad." She said to herself before ducking under a slash of the muzzle blade.

She bucked hard at the earth pony who was a little off balance from missing with the muzzle blade sending him staggering back and shoot a stapler at the unicorn who fired the unicorn blade at her catching her in the jaw stunning her, flatting herself to the ground as the pegasus buzzed over head with the wing blades again.

"Nimble little thing aint ya?" The pegasus commented flapping her wings hovering over head staring down at Mare Do Well, "You might be quick, but you can't fly!" She said turning around and diving down to buzz at her again the edges of the wing blades ready to slice across her side.

Even with the slash and cut protection on her suit, it wasn't effective against wings blades, the speed and force generated from a pegasus dive was to much. She quickly rolled out of the way off the blades and grumbled before feeling a unicorn blade graze her cheek. She growled and charged over leaping and slammed her forehooves down against her chest making her stumble back before turning and bucked her into a wall.

Just as she was about to go back to the pegasus she caught a glimpse of the earth pony getting back up and getting his muzzle blade. She sighed and let out a frustrated grumble before getting herself get bucked in the side from the other unicorn stumbling to the side. She growled spinning and bucked back, her bucks having more force though knocking the unicorn out. "Jerk! Can't you see I'm busy!" She glared at the unicorn sprawled out on the ground before charging the earth pony her own unicorn blade out now.

She heard the whistle from the wing blades behind her and grinned abit as she charged the earth pony grinning she flattened herself and let the two slam into each other, looking up seeing them both sprawled out in a heap. The impact from the two knocking both out cold. "Thank Celestia for stupid criminals." She said looking at the two putting her unicorn blade away.

She flinched lightly the fight had made her shoulder start to hurt. She considered continuing her patrols but remember what her doctor told her and sighed softly. She started back home to her apartment to get some rest. She if her shoulder stopped hurting after dinner she would come back out for more patrol other wise she would call it a night.

Prison Murder - Mare Do Well a Killer?

Chapter 15

Starbloom's shoulder didn't stop hurting so she took one of her pain pills and went to bed, careful not to wake up Sweetie when she got into bed. Sweetie moved into Starbloom's room shortly after Silver Spoon's arrest and turned her own room into a home studio.

Starbloom was awaken by Sweetie shaking her. "Starbloom, wake up, it's important." She said a tint of worry in her voice causing Starbloom to sit up. Sweetie looked down at her holding a news paper in her magic. "Something terrible has happen, look." She said holding the paper over to her.

Starbloom yawned a bit rubbing her eyes before taking the paper in her magic looking at the headlines mumbling to herself before reading out loud. "Notorious criminal Silver Spoon, AKA, Silver Ghost found murdered yesterday evening in the Laundry Room of the Manehattan Maximum Security Prison, her last reported visitor was Mare Do Well... wait.... what?!" She blinked and reread the last part.

"Mare Do Well requested the guards bring Silver Spoon to the laundry room for a private chat, a few hours later the guards came to get Silver Spoon only to find her stabbed repeatedly and hanging from a rafter by a bed sheet.... They hay is going on? I did not do this, Sweetie you believe I didn't do this right?" She asked looking over at Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie nodded at Starbloom smiling, "Of course I believe you Starbloom, you wouldn't do that to kind of thing, besides the time the report said it happen when you where here at home sleeping." She said taking the paper and putting it away. "But the question remains... who did it and why is the paper and guards saying it was you?"

She shakes her head a bit sighing softly. "I don't know Sweetie, it might be somepony pretending to be me... or it might be a frame up, there is still a lot of corruption in this city." She said shifting a bit to get out of bed. It was just past six in the evening and with this news she wasn't sure if she would get back to sleep.

Sweetie followed Starbloom into living room. Sweetie going to the kitchen to start dinner while Starbloom went to the bathroom to shower. Starbloom started the water waiting for it to warm sighing to herself. "This complicates things if ponies start believing I'm a killer..." She said stepping into the shower.

Starbloom let the hot water wash over her, looking at her shoulder. The fur of her coat hadn't started to grow back yet and the injury had started to scar. The doctor had warned her it might never fully heal properly. She used her magic to start scrubbing her coat clean. This was the first time in a while she had time to enjoy a good shower.

After her coat was clean she rinsed herself off and put some mane wash on her mane and tail and started to scrub both clean. She checked her mane after she finished washing it and considered getting it trimmed again before shaking her head and turning off the water and shook herself off.

After her shower she dried herself and brushed her mane and tail out before leaving the bathroom and made her way to the bar counter taking a seat watching Sweetie work on dinner. "I think I'm going start investigating the corruption of the police, and courts." She said after a moment.

Sweetie paused for a moment before looking at Starbloom nodding at her bringing over a her dinner, pasta with a vegetarian sauce and bread. "Alright, if you think it's best just be careful. That sounds more dangerous then going after street criminals." She said smiling at her fixing her a glass of tea.

"It is, but I'll be careful." She said getting one of her pain pills and took it before she started to eat. "I know either the police, or the courts set me up for Silver Spoon's murder. I want to know why, and expose them" She said frowning a bit flicking her tail.

Sweetie nodded at Starbloom as she got herself a plate and joined her at the counter sipping her tea. "I understand how you feel," She said softly and shook her head. "I think we have a small camera you can use to take pictures, if you need it... Oh I know what you could use."

Sweetie got up and went to her recording studio searching around before coming out with a small tape deck and some small tapes bringing them over. "My producer gave me this, to record ideas and demos on. It might be useful, just be careful it's pretty expensive."

Starbloom took the tape deck and looked it over before fiddling with the buttons rewinding the tape in it before playing it. Sweetie's voice coming over the speaker singing, "In my life there's been heartache and pain, I don't know if I can face it again, Can't stop now, I've traveled so far, To change this lonely life" Sweetie turned bright red stopping the tape and removing it.

"What? I though it was really pretty." Starbloom said smiling at her before tilting her head faintly. "Sounds kind of sad though." She said looking at Sweetie who was still blushing and fidgeting alittle as she put an empty tape in the recorder smiling at Starbloom.

"It's called, 'I want To Know What Love Is' I didn't write it though. It was written by a group called Foreigner. My producer wants me to do a concert with them when I go back on tour. Though it would be a good idea if I practice some of their songs." Sweetie said at her leaning over and kissed her cheek.

"Oh I see, well it's a nice song, if not a little sad." Starbloom said smiling at her. She put the tape recorder and spare tapes on the counter as she finished her dinner. Sweetie just blushed again smiling at her.

"Hmm with the camera and voice recording thing might need a saddle bag or something to carry everything." She said as she thought for a minute before shaking her head. "No that's to big, more like a belt with pouches in it."

"We got one of those, remember?" Sweetie said using her magic to float out a belt that had small pouches in it. "Scootaloo left it here a while back, it's from her Daring Do costume when she and Rainbow Dash went to the convention here."

"Oh yea, I forgot about that." She said looking the belt over before putting the tape deck it in and the tapes in another pouch fitting the belt on herself. "This should work pretty well. Might be tight with the suit on though." She said before she tried to fit the camera in one of the pouches but it was to big. "Guess I'll have to figure something else out for the camera though."

Sweetie just sighed and smiled at her shaking her head. "Go get changed already," She said using her magic to take the camera and the belt. Starbloom grinned sheepishly before going to the bedroom. Sweetie got a sewing kit and made one of the pouches bigger by combining two pouches together and put the camera in it.

Once changed Mare Do Well came out of the bedroom and Sweetie put the belt on her, it was a snug fit but it wasn't to bad. Mare Do Well smiled going over and raised her mask kissing Sweetie. "Have a good night Sweetie, sleep well."

Sweetie kissed her back and smiled in return. "Stay safe out there Starbloom," Sweetie said in return moving to turn off the light as Mare Do Well lowered her mask and moved to the window slipping out of it once it was dark. After getting to the roof she started for the prison first to search for clues to Silver Spoon's murder.

Prison Search, Chain Pains

Chapter 16

Mare Do Well soon reached the area near the prison looking the building over. It would be tricky to sneak in and after what happen with the papers she doubt they would just let her walk in. She looked around the area quietly wondering if she could glide over the wall, but she didn't see anything close enough to launch herself from.

"Hmm, this wont be easy.... but maybe." She said softly to herself sneaking around the side of the prison to a darker area and made her way close to the wall looking up the side. She hunched down before launching herself up used her wall jump until she got close to the top. She pushed herself up and away to avoid hitting the barb wire a burst of energy to push herself forward and over the wall. She used the nearby watch tower to get herself down using it and the wall to wall jump.

She let out a deep breath once she was finally on solid ground again, she was lucky the guard in the tower didn't see her come over the wall. Now that she was in she kept herself low and moved swiftly through the prison making her way first to the warden's office using her magic to jimmy the lock and slip inside searching the desk for clues.

"Hmm visitor's log for yesterday, at the time of the killing it says the visitor Silver Spoon had was named Nightshade... not Mare Do well...." She said softly as she slipped the camera out and took a picture of the page before stashing the camera way. "Wonder who Nightshade is..." she wondered to herself putting the camera away.

She put everything away and took the spare keys the warden kept in his desk moving to the door slipping out. She carefully and quietly made her way to the laundry room tilting her head. "No crime tape?" She thought to herself and frowned her suspicions raised as she unlocked the door and slipped inside.

She searched around quietly there was definitely a killing here, she could see blood on the floor, and wash basins. She looked up and saw the bed sheet frowning she tilted her head. She took out the camera and started to take some pictures of what she saw. She spotted some hairs and used her magic to grab them storing them in a pouch. She was about to take more pictures when she heard the door.

"Who's in here?!" She heard a guard yell opening the door using his magic to light up the room. Mare Do Well quickly putting the camera away and slipping behind a large wash bin to hide swearing quietly to herself. "I know someone is in here. Come out here now!"

Mare Do Well looked around quietly trying to find a way to escape with out hurting the guard. Something caught her eye and she used her magic to throw a bunch of sheets on the guard before galloping quickly to a sewer access hatch and opened it dropping down and pulling it closed before the guard had a chance to recover.

"Ugh... this stinks..." She groaned softly landing in the sewer water looking around then up at the access hatch moving quickly away from it before the guard looks inside. Hopping out of the water onto the walkway next to it. The filter in the masked helped a little with the smell, but just a little. She looked around before activating the vision enhancements on her suit, the eye covers starting to glow softly.

She galloped down the path in the sewer to make her way out as fast as she could, "Why was the access hatch unlocked?" She asked herself quietly as she moved, she was glad it was open but it should of been locked. Things about this case wasn't adding up for her.

She came to a large grate at the end of the sewer and noticed it had been cut so a pony could go through it. "Hmmm... this is curious." She said to herself pulling out the camera and took a picture of the grate before storing the camera and slipped out of the grate exiting the sewer.

She looked at the prison and frowned, something was going on and it was bothering her. The Nightshade pony, the lack of crime tape, the unlocked sewer access and grate. It was adding up to a troubling thought and she didn't like it.

She winced when her eye covers flickered and went back to normal shaking her head a bit. She started to head back to the city. Once in the city she got to the roof tops again and made her way into the heart of the city. She went to the roof of her building and looked around removing the belt and stored it in a safe location before starting her patrol.

Most of the night was pretty uneventful, other then a handful of muggers, she didn't have to many issues. As she started on her way back home she heard some cries for help and made her way to the source of the trouble and looked down seeing a young pegasus filly being harassed by a group of older unicorn colts wearing matching jackets.

She swooped down from the roof and landed behind the filly. "You boys have a problem?" She asked looking over the group. She looking to the pegasus, "Head on home now," She said softly to her before turning her attention back to the colts.

"Come on now, we're just havinsome fun," the larger of the colts said, clearly drunk, "We aint causin no trouble." He added frowning as the pegasus flew off to go home then looked at Mare Do Well, "Why ya go an do that? Come on boys let's teach her a lesson."

Mare Do Well sighed rolling her eyes. "Drunk and stupid, great combination." She muttered to herself narrowing her eyes watching the unicorn colts start to advance on her, each grabbing some sort of weapon from the ally. The leader staying back though to watch.

Two of the unicorns ran towards her and she crouched low before leaping up and over them onto there backs bucking back into there heads knocking them forward and out. She jumped off their backs ducking under a piece of wood coming at her head throwing a trash can at one of them knocking him over.

The one hit with the trash can scrambled back up and threw the can back at Mare Do Well, she ducked under it and shot a rotten apple from the ground that fell out of the can into his head staggering him before running forward. The one who threw the wood at her bucking at her, she rolled to the side out of the way spinning and bucked him hard enough to knock him into the one she hit with the apple causing both to fall over.

She raised her fore hooves up and whacked both firmly on the head knocking them out before leaping over them landing in front of the leader. Looking at him her eyes narrowed, snorting and scuffing a fore hoof on the ground.

The leader of the gang snorting back at her and held a piece of chain in his magic swinging it around. He swung it at her faster then she expected and tried to avoid getting hit but took the blow firm against her side staggering her. "Ya aint so tough Mare Do Well." He said laughing at her swinging the chain around again.

She growled moving back to her hooves and watched the chain carefully as he spun it around, ducking as he swung it at her again, but he changed the angle and she felt it hit her across the back letting out a sharp cry of pain. She turned quick to buck him but when she did she felt the chain smack her across the back again.

She tried to grab it with her magic, but his own magical force and the speed he kept it moving made it nearly impossible. When she tried to concentrate the chain came at her and hit her across the shoulder breaking her concentration and she winced at the sharp pain in her shoulder.

She growled more shaking lightly, the chain was causing her more trouble then she thought it would. She moved to avoid another strike, but instead of getting hit she felt it wrap around her forelegs and got jerk forward squealing as she hit the ground. Looking up at him her eyes narrowing. "I have had enough!" she yelled and her gems on her headband glowed bright enough to be seen through the mask.

The unicorn's eyes went wide as he felt a shockwave of kinetic magic hit him and throw him down the ally bouncing a few times before he slide to a stop. Mare Do Well growling loudly as she struggled to get herself loose from the chain before moving to her hooves and galloped over. She checked him over, he was out cold but alive.

She let out a deep breath and bucked a wall hard grumbling before wall jumping to the roof and made her way home, she got her belt and went inside carefully closing the window and curtains before turning on the lights taking a few slow deep breaths to ease her temper.

She pulled off her uniform carefully shuddering and biting her bottom lip so not to make to much noise and wake up Sweetie Belle. She used her magic to take one of her pain pills before looking herself over carefully. She frowned seeing bruises forming under her fur from the repeated blows from the chain. Sweetie was not going be happy when she saw this.

She used her magic to put the suit in the bathroom to be cleaned and get the sewer smell off it. She pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and curled up on the cushions under the blanket nuzzling a pillow. She turned off the lights and drifted to sleep, it had been a rough night and she was to sore to try to get into bed with out waking up Sweetie.

Revelation and Realization

Chapter 17

Starbloom woke to find herself in bed shifting and sitting up yawning softly looking around before getting out of bed. She figured Sweetie put her in the bed when she woke up. She flinched when her forehooves touched the floor. She was still sore from the chain hitting her.

As she left the bedroom she heard music coming from the studio and smiled going to the kitchen getting herself a bottle of apple juice and one of her pills to help ease the pain looking around quietly taking a deep breath. The smell of the sewer was gone as well. She hope Sweetie wasn't to upset with her about that. She herself still had a faint of the sewer on her coat, but it wasn't strong so she figured as shower could wait till later after the pill kicked in.

She sat behind the counter quietly sipping her drink listening to the music coming from Sweetie's studio, it wasn't loud enough for her to make out the singing but she could hear the beat and she liked it. After a moment it stopped and she saw Sweetie coming out. "Good evening Sweetie," Starbloom said smiling at her.

"Good evening to you Starbloom," Sweetie said as she came over to the counter, "What happen to you last night, you smelled like a sewer and your covered in bruises." She said looking her over quietly shooing her out of the way as she went to start dinner.

Starbloom squeaked at the shooing and moved to the other side of the counter. "Yea... sorry bout that. I feel in a sewer while escaping the prison...." She said softly blushing softly. "As for the bruises, had a rough fight with a gang.... think I look bad should see the other pony"

Sweetie raised an eyebrow looking at Starbloom, "You, got beat up by a gang?" She said almost not believing her ears. "Is that shoulder injury slowing you down?" She asked looking actually concerned now passing her a plate with a salad and some bread. "Maybe should have Dr Westluck check you over again."

Starbloom shook her head abit, "No it's not that, he was a unicorn and was swinging a chain around, those things can be tricky. It's hard to get them in a magical aura, and they can be fast." She said sighing softly shaking her head chewing on a piece of bread. "Shouldn't of let him get to be though and kept my calm. Could of just knocked him out easily instead of getting hit so much."

Sweetie pat her head softly before kissing her. "That temper can be your weakness." She said smiling at her before leaning back. "What did the search of the prison turn up?" She asked deciding it might be a good idea to change the subject.

"I think... Silver Spoon might be alive." She said sipping her tea. She hadn't eaten a lot of her dinner, not feeling to hungry. "I found some hair that isn't her mane color, and the crime scene looked staged. Somepony was killed in there though, but it wasn't Silver Spoon. I'm almost positive of it." She said narrowing her eyes.

Sweetie listen quietly nodding softly frowning at the news. "This... is bad. If she is still alive, then she's escaped, and as far as everypony knows she's dead.... she could come after us again." She said sighing softly. "I hope Babs and everyone will be alright."

Starbloom nodded softly at her, "I hope so to, but the fact she has been out this long and no reports of ponies being hurt or killed has shown up might be a good sign... she didn't escape on her own somepony helped her." She said sighing softly. "Just hope those plans don't involve our friends being hurt."

Sweetie nodded at Starbloom quietly shifting to her hooves moving around hugging her softly nuzzling her shoulder. "I hope so to Starbloom," She said softly into her neck feeling Starbloom reach over and hug her in return rubbing her back softly.

"Best I can do, is make sure your safe Sweetie," Starbloom said looking at her and smiling, kissing her cheek. "And just hope I stop her before she hurts our friends or anypony else." She added before moving to her hooves nuzzling her cheek before making her way to the bathroom.

Sweetie had washed the suit, she smiled and moved it from the bathroom to the couch before turning on the water and stepping in to wash herself off. She tried to get the scent of the sewer out of her mane and tail, as well as her coat. The suit absorbed most of it but some still clung to her. "Hope I never have to escape through a sewer again..." She mumbled to herself.

"Same here Starbloom," Sweetie said from the kitchen, Starbloom had left the door open. "That is not a pleasant smell to wake up to you know." She said making a face and puffing her cheeks pouting. "Took all morning to air out the apartment."

"Sorry Sweetie," she said sticking her head out the door pouting at her cutely. "I would of cleaned it up myself, but I was tired and sore." She said before pulling her head back into the bathroom and finishes her shower before starting to dry herself off.

Sweetie sighed softly rolling her eyes abit shaking her head but smiled softly. "I've heard that one before, and a bunch of other excuses as to why you can't help clean up." She said watching Starbloom come out of the bathroom after drying off.

She gives her a cute little smile wiggling her ears trying to look adorable. "Aww you know I want to Sweetie," She said but Sweetie wasn't buying it, Sweetie invited the cute looks when she was younger to manipulate Rarity on more then one occasion.

Sweetie just sighed again kissing her cheek. "Your lucky your naturally adorable," Sweetie said smiling at her sipping her tea again. "You better get changed, if you want to be out on patrol at your normal time." She said glancing at the clock on the wall and Starbloom nodded getting into the Mare Do Well suit.

Once Starbloom had gotten herself changed she gave Sweetie a kiss before pulling the mask into place and put the hat on. "Sleep well Sweetie," Mare Do Well said moving to the window. Sweetie smiling at her turning out the lights for her.

"Stay safe Mare Do Well, I'll see you in the morning," She said listening as she escaped out the window and closed her eyes waiting a few minutes before closing the window with her magic and pulled the curtains closed before turning the light back on.

Silver Ghost Returns

Chapter 18

Despite not having direct evidence Mare Do Well was positive that Silver Ghost was alive. She couldn't get back to the prison to find anymore proof though. So she decided her best bet was to pay a visit to prison warden and see what he had to say. She made her way across the roof tops until she reached the home of the warden.

"Rather upscale, for a warden's place, he must be doing well." She said to herself quietly looking at the larger estate she leapt over the fence gliding onto the grounds. She made her way across the yard sticking to the shadows. She glanced through the windows of the estate trying to find the room the warden was in.

"There you are," She said softly to herself seeing him, an earth pony stallion with a dark blue coat, green mane and tail and a cutie mark shaped like a lock. He was sitting in a study behind a desk looking over some papers. She used her magic to activate her eye covers and turned off the lights in the study and opening the window leaping inside. She caught him as he tried to run grabbing him in her magic and shoving him against the wall pinning him in place.

"Don't scream, I just have some questions." She said moving in close so he can see her in the faint light of the room. She narrowed her eyes as she folded her ears back. "Warden Pollesk, I want to know about the prison and Silver Spoon's murder." She demanded keeping herself close to him.

"M.. Mare Do Well?" He gasped shrinking back away from her against the wall. "It.. was a tragedy but that's all, you know that, you where there." He said struggling in her magical grip. "Everyone knows that, it was in the papers."

"Lies!" She said sharply pressing him against the wall more, hearing some noise in the hall she used her magic to quickly push his desk against the wall to kept any pony from coming inside. "I did not go to the prison, you know that. Your own sign in sheet in your office said it was a pony named Nightshade."

His dark blue coat paled to a shade of sky blue. "Y.. your the one who broke into the prison?" He said fear creeping into his voice. "I.. I don't know anything else, a pony dressed as Mare Do Well came in and asked to see Silver Spoon, signed in and asked for her be taken the laundry area. That's all I know."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously, "Do you think I'm a fool? Looking around this place, I know your on the take. A warden doesn't make that much in bits to pay for an estate like this." She said flinging him away from the wall to the middle of the room turning to face him. "Who is Nightshade? Why would he or she want to help Silver Spoon escape?"

He grunted hitting the ground and moved to get to his hooves facing her. "I don't know! All I know is what I told you, this Nightshade pony came and asked to see Silver Spoon alone in the prison laundry, she was dressed like you. S.. she paid me twenty thousand bits to keep it quiet. But that's all I know!"

She snorted looking around before looking back at him. "Very well, if I find out you helped her escape... I'll make sure you join her back in the prison." She said turning quickly and leaping out the window. She glanced to the sides seeing guards rushing towards her so she galloped across the yard and used her repulsery magic for a high jump over the wall sprinting quickly away from the warden's place.

She wasn't sure if she believed the warden's story or not, but it sounded true. The fear he showed was real enough as well, seemed he honestly though it was her. She got back into the city and took a seat on a ledge shaking her head sighing softly. "Who is Nightshade....?" She asked herself quietly the more she investigated the less sense it made to her.

"Nightshade, is going to be the savior of our world," Mare Do Well heard the familiar voice of Silver Spoon behind her say. She jumped to her hooves quickly and turned to face her narrowing her eyes. "Hello again Mare Do Well, I bet you never thought you would see me free again did you?" Silver Ghost said, wearing her black suit, it looked different though. She had a headband on with a long trailing tails, and she caught a glimpse of something shiny in her braid.

"Savior? What do you mean?" She asked keeping her eyes on Silver Ghost ready for her to try something. "If she went into the prison to fake your death, just to help you escape... I don't think she'll be much of a savior." She said shifting her stance to be more defensive.

"Oh, but she is more then just a savior, you'll see. If you live," Silver Ghost said grinning at her before narrowing her eyes twisting her head around quickly, the braid spinning around quickly the knife in her hair slice across her chest, cutting clean through the defensive padding and slicing her chest.

Mare Do Well let out a sharp cry feeling the blade cut across her chest and growled, surprised the blade managed to cut through her protective armor feeling blood trickle down. She folds her ears back and lunged forward twisting around to avoid getting hit with her muzzle blade. She fired a blast of kinetic energy into Silver's chest sending her sliding back.

She was about to go in for another attack when she felt the unmistakable blast of kinetic energy slamming into her side rolling across the roof top managing to stop herself from flying off the roof. She turns her head quickly to look at where the blast came from seeing, herself, staring back at her from on top of water tower.

"Silver Ghost, stop!" Nightshade said, Mare Do Well's eyes going wide hearing her own voice. "So, this is Mare Do Well? My, alter-ego... so to speak." Nightshade continued leaping down landing next to Silver Ghost smirking. "I thought she would be tougher then this."

Mare Do Well narrowed her eyes at Nightshade, watching her carefully taking in the detail, the costume was similar to her own, though closer to the original then her new one. Her stance, and the way she walked was a lot like her own stance as well as how she moved. "Who are you?" Mare Do Well asked after a moment.

"I suppose, I should formally introduce myself. My name is Nightmare," She said using her magic to remove her hat sitting it on Silver Ghost's head before pulling the mask back. Mare Do Well's eyes went wide again. It was like looking in a mirror, same coat color, mane, and eyes.

Though her horn was broken, instead of missing or whole. "I, like yourself, am from an alternate dimension. Unlike you though, I have real goals," she said pulling the mask back down and putting her hat back on. "Stay out of my way, and I wont hurt you or your friends... and I'll make sure Silver Ghost doesn't either."

Mare Do Well narrowed her eyes again, gritting her teeth, "How can I trust you and your friend? She already tried to kill my friends once, nearly killed one of them." She said growling softly glancing her eyes over at Silver before looking back to Nightmare.

"Yes.. Babs, I'll make sure to send her a nice fruit basket." Nightmare said looking over at Silver then back at Mare Do Well. "Something like that... wont, happen again. She wasn't under my orders at the time." She said almost sounding bored now. "But as I said, stay out of my way and no pony gets hurt. If you don't well..." Her horn flashed suddenly and a blast of magic sent Mare Do Well off the edge of the building before she had time to react. "You get the idea?"

"Oh sweet Celestia again?!" She squealed suddenly finding herself in mid-air scrambling to regain her balance and sending magic into her cape to keep from hitting the ground hard gliding roughly into a roof top tumbling before getting to her hooves looking up the roof she had been blown off of growling, bought Silver and Nightmare gone.

"Seriously getting tired of falling off buildings." She grunted putting her hoof on her chest feeling the cut across her chest stinging looking down at it. "How did that blade cut clean through layered guard silk so easy?" She sighed softly shaking her head. She started on her way home but halfway she started to feel sick.

After nearly missing a roof while jumping she changed course and headed to Dr Westluck's home office. She crashed through the window sliding across the floor shivering and coughing hard pulling her hat and mask off breathing heavy.

"M.. Mare Do Well?!" Dr Westluck said in surprise coming out of his bedroom hurrying over to her seeing her on the floor. "Hang on, I'll help you." He said as he used his magic to move her from the living room to his private exam room removing the suit seeing the cut. "Oh dear, this is looks really bad."

Starbloom was nearly out of it when he put her on the table her fore hooves twitching and her vision blurry. She was also finding it hard to breath and coughing up blood. "Looks like you've been poisoned dear." He said using his magic to take a sample of the blood around the cut before starting to clean it out to keep any more of the poison from getting into her system.

He quickly put the sample under a microscope to identify it, "Thank Celestia, this is pretty common, aggressive and deadly but common and the antidote is fast acting." He said going to a cabinet and unlocking it he took out an IV and hung it on a hook before putting the needle into her shoulder and started to fluid her system with the anti-poison.

"Just relax, you'll be fine. I'll go get Sweetie for you." He said covering her with a blanket before heading quickly from his home office to get Sweetie Belle. Starbloom groaning softly as she rested on the table, she could feel her breathing start to ease.

To Kill or Not To Kill

Chapter 19

Starbloom slowly opened her eyes shifting on the bed slightly but found she couldn't move to much. Lifting her head she saw she had been restrained to it. Panic starting to set in she tried to use her magic to pull the restrains off but her headband was off. "W.. what the hay? Hello?!" She called struggling until she felt a hoof on her shoulder turning head seeing Dr Westluck.

"Easy now, just relax Starbloom," He said softly using his magic to loosen the restraints. "We had to use restraints, the poison was laced with a drug that made you loose control of yourself. When I got back with Sweetie you had pulled out the IV with the antidote and tried to escape. Luckily Sweetie manage to calm you down enough so I could give you a sedative."

She shifted to a sitting position and looked around the office quietly before looking back at him. "I'm sorry for the trouble Dr Westluck, thank you for the help." She said softly looking at the floor sighing. "Did.. I hurt you or Sweetie?" She asked looking up at him.

"No, you didn't hurt either of us. Sweetie is in the other room sleeping on the couch. Do, you mind if I ask what happen?" He asked taking a seat on a stool near the bed she was on. "It's best to let her rest right now, she was up almost all night with you."

She frowned softly hearing that Sweetie had been up late. "Silver Ghost, is alive... her death was staged. I meet her on the roof and she hit me across the chest with a some kind of blade. It managed to get through five layers of guard silk and cut me.... I'm guessing it was laced with poison." She said looking at her chest, it had been bandaged to help the cut heal.

Dr Westluck nodded quietly as he listen to her. "I see, this isn't good news then. The poison she used is common, but aggressive and deadly, you just made it here in time for treatment. Another dose could prove fatal if your not careful. I could give you some personal antidote but if it's mixed with the drug again. It'll still be dangerous for you to get cut again."

"I understand doctor, I'll be careful not to get cut again...." She said softly, the idea of being drugged wasn't something enjoyed. Specially if she had to be restrained to keep her from hurting other ponies, even Dr Westluck and Sweetie.

"Starbloom, I'm gonna be honest with you," he said moving to his hooves and turned on a x-ray display putting some x-rays on the display. "Your doing a lot of harm to your body," he continued looking over at her. "The falls, and the abuse your body is taking. I've seen the bruises and treated your injuries."

"I know your a smart unicorn. I'm sure you know this already, but ponies aren't designed for this level of physical activity, specially a unicorn like yourself." He said using his magic to point at parts on the x-ray. "Your doing a lot of damage to your legs, and your back. If you keep this up... it could cripple you."

She looked at the x-rays before looking away taking a deep breath. "I know doctor, but I can't stop... not yet. Not until Silver Ghost is dealt with, as well as Nightmare. Please, do me a favor and don't tell Sweetie about this.... I don't want her to worry." She said softly looking up at him.

Dr Westluck looked back at Starbloom for a moment then gave a slow nod. "Alright Starbloom, as your doctor I'll do as you ask. The choice is up to you to tell her or not, it's not my place. But, as a word of advice, I do think it would be best to let her know what's going on."

She smiled at him softly nodding slowly. "Yes doctor, I'll take that into advisement. I'll let her know, when the time is right." She said before moving to get off the bed flinching, her body was still sore. Dr Westluck came over to her and helped her off the bed. "Easy now, your still recovering."

She nodded at him and with his help left the small home office and into the living room of his apartment. Sweetie was still asleep on the couch. She went over to Sweetie and nuzzled her cheek softly carefully waking her up. "Hey Sweetie, you sleep well?" She asked softly.

Sweetie looked up at Starbloom smiling before reaching over with a hoove and bonked her on the head. "Don't... you ever worry me like that again..." She said tiredly moving to sit up rubbing her eyes with her hooves. Starbloom smiling at her and moved to sit next to her grunting softly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you like that," she said softly resting against the couch, Dr Westluck bringing her some water and one of her pain pills to help. "Silver Ghost, is back, she attacked me on a roof.... her blade cut clean through the guard silk like it was nothing." She said softly taking the pain pill to help ease her pain.

Sweetie narrowed her eyes looking over at Starbloom, "So... it's true, somepony did help her escape from the prison... A pony posing as Mare Do Well." She said before leaning over against Starbloom sighing softly. "I hate to say it... but you should of killed her when you had a chance."

Starbloom looked down at Sweetie and moved a hoof to hug her softly resting her head on top of Sweetie's, "Maybe your right, it just didn't feel right to do that." She said nuzzling the top of her head softly. "But now, I might not have a choice to kill her."

"You know how I feel about it Starbloom, the though of killing another pony is not something I approve of... but if you don't have a choice... you do what you have to keep yourself and our friends safe." Sweetie said looking up at her. "I'll still be here for you, regardless of the choice you have to make. As long as you come back to me in the end."

She smiled at her and snuggled against her softly. "Thank you Sweetie, I'm know you will be... but it's nice to hear." She said before looking over at Dr Westluck who was sitting at his desk filling out some paper work before looking at Sweetie moving to get to her hooves. "Let's head home Sweetie."

Sweetie nodded and moved to her hooves as well stretching herself out. "Alright Starbloom," She said and both turned to face Dr Westluck. "Thank you for you help, and coming to get me Dr Westluck. Sorry for all the trouble," Sweetie said to him smiling.

"Thank you again, for taking care of me Dr Westluck." She said smiling at him. "Sorry for the trouble, and the window. I'll of course pay to have it fixed." She said blushing softly at him shifting on her hooves. "Oh, what happen to my suit?"

Dr Westluck smiled at both of them. "Your both very welcome, and it's no trouble at all. Don't worry about the window, I'll have it fixed." He said before smiling at Starbloom, "When I went to get Sweetie, I took it with me hidden in my bag. Sweetie put it away for you." He said nodding at her, and Sweetie also nodded smiling at her.

"Yea, it's at home. Stored safely away don't worry." Sweetie said at her smiling. "Now let's get home, it's been a long night, and we could all use some sleep, even Dr Westluck." She said both saying good bye to Dr Westluck again before leaving the office and heading back to their apartment.

Sweetie?!

Chapter 20

Sweetie and Starbloom left Dr. Westluck's home office and started towards their own home. It wasn't to long of a walk from the doctor's place but they had been moving slowly, both still tired from the long night. The early morning walk was making Starbloom feel uneasy and she wanted to hurry home.

As they walked passed an ally Starbloom suddenly felt a pair of hoofs impact her side sending her sprawling across the ground. The suddenness of the impact bringing her out of her daze and she quickly moved to her feet spinning around to face which every pony had done it.

She spotted two ponies, an earth pony stallion and pegasus mare next to Sweetie, the pegasus was trying to grab the saddle bags Sweetie had been carrying while the earth pony tried to keep her from moving to much by pulling her mane. "Give us the bags!" The earth pony yelled smacking a hoof into Sweetie's shoulder. It looked like they had already bucked Sweetie at least once from the hoof marks on her side.

"S.. Sweetie! Leave her alone!" She said trying to activate her magic to knock the muggers away from Sweetie but nothing happen, the pegasus looked at her and snorted before turning back to trying to get the saddle bag. "Horse feathers, my headband." She muttered then growled charging forward and rammed her good shoulder into the side of one of the earth pony. "I said leave her alone!"

The mugger stumbled back from the strong shoulder smash, the pegasus landing and bucked Sweetie's side hard, knocking her into Starbloom both stumbling over. Sweetie giving a cry of pain and collapsed, Starbloom moved to stand over her protectively.

She snorted and focused her hard on her forehead concentrating on her magic trying to draw it out with out her headband. She knew it was uncontrollable when she did it this way, but she knew Sweetie would be safe, and right now that's all she cared about. "I... Said... Leave... her.... Alone!" She growled dangerously her eyes flickering with magic and her mane fluttering around her as her body took on a purple aura.

The two muggers paused looking more then a little nerves seeing the aura around Starbloom stepping back. "To hay with this, I'm out of here! That mare is nuts," The pegasus said stretching out his wings. But he never got a chance to take off, the energy surrounding Starbloom exploding out of her violently throwing both muggers down the street, knocking over carts and carriages and blowing out windows.

It had been a while since she had to preform magic with out her headband, but the rage she felt over Sweetie being attack and her adrenaline help fuel the magic. She turned to look at Sweetie who was laying on the ground under her still whimpering softly. She had some nasty bruises forming on her sides, it was clear to see them with Sweetie's off-white fur.

"Hang on Sweetie, I'll get you some help." She said opening one of the saddle bags and digging out her headband putting it on she used her magic to lay Sweetie across her back and took off back to Dr. Westluck's office narrowing her eyes ignoring the pain building in her shoulder again.

Once she got up to the home office she didn't even bother knocking, she pushed the door open and came inside. "Dr. Westluck! Help!" She yelled moving to the examination room and moved Sweetie from her back to the table carefully not wanting to hurt her.

Dr. Westluck come from the office and saw Starbloom go into the examination room with Sweetie on her back. "Oh dear, what happen?" He asked hurrying into the room and started to check on Sweetie's condition, "You two just left here."

"We was walking towards our home.... when these two muggers jumped us. The kept hitting Sweetie and bucked her side." Starbloom said as she sat down next to the table out of the way whimpering softly. "I... I didn't have time to react to stop them.... she isn't as tough as me, I.. don't know if she can handle a brutal hit like that."

Dr. Westluck nodded softly as she listen to Starbloom explain what happen and look over Sweetie. Checking where she had been bucked and hit. "Nothing appears broken thankfully. I think she's more in shock then anything, she'll be sore for a few days." He said going over to Starbloom. "What about you? Did you get hurt?"

Starbloom shook her head, not bothering to tell him she got bucked or knocked over. "No, I'm alright I managed to chase them off," she said softly going over to Sweetie nuzzling her cheek softly. "I'm so sorry Sweetie, I should have been more alert...." she said softly resting her head on the table closing her eyes.

Sweetie slowly opened her eyes and licked Starbloom's nose softly looking at her. "D.. don't.. blame yourself, you did your best." She said smiling at Starbloom moving her head to nuzzle her cheek back. "I should of just gave them the silly bags huh?" She said tilting her head a bit looking at Starbloom.

Starbloom opened her eyes looking at Sweetie smiling at her a few tears in her eyes. "Yea, guess you got some of that stubbornness from me huh?" She said nuzzling her cheek again softly sighing softly. "I'm glad your alright Sweetie," she took a deep breath closing her eyes.

"You two can rest here for a few hours, when it'll be safer to walk home." Dr. Westluck said smiling at them moving from the examination room. "I don't have any appointments today, so feel free to stay in here." He added before closing the door leaving the two alone.

Starbloom smiled, "Thank you doctor," she said before he closed the door before removing the saddle bags from Sweetie and setting them on the floor. She settled herself on the floor and rest her head on the saddle bags to act as a pillow using her magic to turn out the lights.

Sweetie settled herself back on the table doing her best to settle her breathing so it wouldn't hurt to much. "Why did you lie...? To Dr. Westluck I mean" Sweetie asked softly after a few moments, she had heard Starbloom tell the doctor she hadn't been hurt, when she was the first one to be bucked.

Starbloom blinked tilting her head softly before sighing lightly closing her eyes again resting her head on the saddle bags again. "I'm a tough pony, I can handle a simple buck..." She said softly, truth was she wanted the doctor to focus more on taking care of Sweetie then herself.

Sweetie frowned a bit and moved to look down at Starbloom from over the edge of the table. The room had alittle light coming from the window. "I've known you way to long to buy that story Bloomy, now tell me the truth." She said and Starbloom's eye twitched at the nick name.

"Alright, alright, just do not call me that... please." She said, she hated that nickname, ever since Pinkie Pie came up with it. Even Pinkie stopped using it almost the same day she came up with it seeing how much it bothered her. "I just didn't want him to worry about me... I wanted him to make sure you were fine... if you want I'll have him check me out to."

Sweetie smiled at her sweetly and nodded. "I would like that Starbloom, thank you." She said moving to relax on the table again.

Starbloom sighed rolling her eyes as she got up going to the door. Looking over at Sweetie who smiled at her again before opening the door and headed out of the room closing the door carefully behind her. She went over to Dr. Westluck. "Dr. Westluck, I have to be honest... I was bucked pretty good in the side.... by one of the muggers." She said softly.

Dr. Westluck looked up at her from his paper. "Oh? Why didn't you tell me sooner when I asked?" He asked as he got up and check on her side carefully. "Wait, let me guess, you felt you were tough enough to handle it?"

"Yea... guess it's kinda obvious... that and I wanted to make sure Sweetie was alright first," She said softly wincing abit when he pushed on her side and checked on her shoulder. "Well, your side will be alright. A little tender but it should heal up fine, your a pretty tough unicorn mare.... but your shoulder..." He sighed softly shaking his head softly. "No easy way to put it, but that shoulder with all the stress and strain you keep putting on it, wont ever heal properly. Your always going to feel pain in it."

Starbloom looked at the shoulder then back at him nodding slowly. "I understand doctor, thank you for being honest with me." She said moving to her hooves. "I'll learn to live with it."

Dr. Westluck shook his head softly and looked at her with sad eyes. "Your a young mare, you shouldn't been suffering these ache and pains at this age." He patted the sofa next to him as he say back down. "Your from Ponyville right?" he asked looking over at her.

She moved and took a seat next to him nodding. "Yes doctor, originally from Canterlot, I moved to Ponyville when I was about 7 years old." she said tilting her head slightly. "Why do you ask?"

Dr. Westluck smiled at her, "I think it might be a good idea if you and Sweetie take a vacation down there, relax and take it easy for about a week or so. Specially after what happen to Sweetie, and yourself. I know things are bad here, but they can't get to much worse with you gone for a few days."

Starbloom watched him quietly then smiled softly lowering her head thinking for a few minutes. "A vacation huh...." She honestly wasn't sure if she wanted to say no or not anymore. Nearly being killed by the blade to the chest, then Sweetie being attacked. "You know what.... I think that's a good idea."

Dr. Westluck smiled at her and patted her back. "Good, didn't want to have give you a doctor's order to go." He said jokingly at her. "The time away will do you some good. Both mentally and physically, like I said a mare your age, barely out of filly hood shouldn't suffer these aches and pains." He said moving to his hooves. "No go get some rest."

Starbloom nodded at him moving to her hooves as well. "Thank you doctor, I'll talk to Sweetie about it when she wakes up." She said before making her way to the examination room, closing the door carefully behind her seeing Sweetie asleep on the table she smiled. "Hmm, a week in Ponyville does sound nice..." She said before laying back on the floor resting her head on the saddle bag.

Goodbye, Sweetie Belle

Chapter 21

Starbloom woke up around before nine in the morning and moved to her hooves stretching herself out looking around, she saw Sweetie still asleep and smiled at her. She decided to let her sleep and slipped out of the room making her way from the office, telling Dr. Westluck she was going get some stuff ready for the trip.

Starbloom made her way to the apartment and got an extra set of saddle bags and packed a few things in them before getting some stuff for Sweetie as well. She made sure the place was locked up good before making her way back to Dr. Westluck's home office. She took Sweetie's saddle bags and packed them for her, so it'd be ready when she woke up.

After everything was ready she checked the time, it was just passed noon so she went back into the room and leaned over softly nuzzling Sweetie's cheek smiling at her, "Hey Sweetie, good morning. Time to wake up." She said softly doing her best to wake her up gently.

Sweetie opened her eyes and nuzzled back softly smiling at her. Starbloom smiled as she watched her, "You ready to head home?" She asked stepping away from the table so Sweetie can get up off the table.

Sweetie stretched before slipping off the table and nodding looking over at Starbloom. "Yea, I'm ready to get home." She said still feeling a little stiff from the mugging. "What did the doctor say about yourself?" She asked looking over at Starbloom.

"He said I'm alright, the buck didn't hurt anything." She said smiling at her putting Sweetie's saddles bags on gently on Sweetie's back. Both of them leaving the examination room, looking around. Dr. Westluck seemed to be out so they quietly slipped out of the home office and started down the street.

"Hey, Sweetie?" Starbloom asked looking over at her smiling, when Sweetie looked back over at her she continued, "How would you like to visit Ponyville for a while?" She asked tilting her head, "Get away from the city and everything."

Sweetie blinked at Starbloom unsure if she was being serious or not. "Seriously?" She asked and Starbloom nodded at her, "Well, I would like to go to Ponyville, visit Rarity and all our old friends of course." She said smiling at Starbloom.

"Alright then, let's go." Starbloom said nudging her a bit to turn towards the train station. Sweetie blinking at the nudging as they start towards the train station looking at Starbloom oddly. "I'm serious, let's go now. We have everything we need." She said nodding to Sweetie's saddle bag then to her own smiling.

Sweetie blinked again at Starbloom as they walk towards the train station. "Well, if you really want to go now, then sure." She said smiling at over at Starbloom as they entered the train station and got into line to get tickets. Though, something about all this bothered Sweetie, she just wasn't sure what it was.

Starbloom smiled at Sweetie as they waited in line moving forward slowly until they got to the ticket counter. "Two tickets direct to Ponyville please." Starbloom said to the older mare at the ticket booth. Who got the tickets ready and passed them over, Starbloom passing over the bits to pay for them.

After getting tickets the started to the waiting passenger train car. "Starbloom, why the sudden urge to get out of the city?" Sweetie finally asked once they had gotten settled. Starbloom looking over at her smiling before frowning softly resting herself against Sweetie.

"When you got hurt, I got worried that something worse could of happen to you. Dr. Westluck suggested a vacation and it sounded like a good idea. A week away from the city, and everything going on here..... time to finally relax." Starbloom said smiling at Sweetie.

Sweetie smiled back at her and nodded, sounded like the truth, but something about the story also bothered her. She felt Starbloom was still holding something back and not giving her the whole story. But she decided to let it go and settled herself into the seat. She felt Starbloom move and looked over at her.

"I'll be back, going to get us some drinks." Starbloom said smiling at her and Sweetie nodded.

"Alright Starbloom," she said watching Starbloom head off in the direction of the dining car before relaxing back into the seat closing her eyes, she was still pretty drowsy. She felt the train shudder and jolt as it started to pull away from the station and sat up looking around.

One of the ticket checkers had made his way over to her, "Sweetie Belle?" He asked and she nodded looking up at him. "I have a note for you." He said passing her the sealed envelope before going back to his work.

Sweetie frowned after taking the note, she had a pretty good idea what was in it. She opened the note and read what was written. 'Dear Sweetie, I'm sorry to have come this far just to leave you alone. I know your a smart unicorn, and probably felt it even before we got on the train something wasn't right.... I just can't leave the city, not now. But you can, so please, go to Ponyville and stay, relax and enjoy yourself. I'll come and visit after taking care of Silver, I promise. Love, Starbloom.'

Sweetie finished reading the letter and sighed shaking her head resting in her seat. "Your right, I had a feeling this was going to happen.... but it still hurts that you did this." Sweetie said softly to herself putting the note away wiping her eyes with a hoof. "You better come visit in Ponyville."

Starbloom stood at the platform after having slipped off the train just before it left watching it pull out of the station. Everything had went the way she wanted, but she still hurt having tricked Sweetie the way she did. "I'm so sorry Sweetie, I will come to Ponyville, soon." She said before taking a deep breath.

She just couldn't leave the city in the hands of Nightmare and Silver Ghost, no matter how much she wanted to. Once the train had left and she was sure Sweetie Belle was safely out of the city she turned and went to deserted alley looking around she changed into the Mare Do Well costume, which had been the only thing in her saddle bags.

She dumped the empty bags into a dumpster and started to wall jump to the roof and start her patrol, even if was only noon. The sooner she got Silver Ghost and Nightmare off the streets, the sooner she would be with Sweetie Belle again.

Infiltration of Police HQ

Chapter 23

She wasn't sure what time she woke up, but it was still dark outside. She moved to her hooves getting a cup of water and one of her pain pills peeking out the window. She could see police pegasi swooping around over head searching for Mare Do Well. She frowned softly watching for a moment before taking a seat at the counter.

"This doesn't make sense, why are they hunting me so hard.... Silver Ghost killed a lot of ponies, barely any police action. I... I'm suspected of killing one pony, and full police presences on the streets?" Starbloom frowned as she thought about it quietly before something clicked in her mind.

"Of course, the corruption. I knew that warden was holding back." She growled moving to her hooves. "Nightmare paid him off, she must of paid off more officials I just need to find proof." She said getting an apple and chewed on it trying to think of the best way to do it. She moved to a window and looked out side. It was still pretty late at night.

Despite how late it was she could see police patrols on the ground and pegasi in the skies searching the streets and roof tops for her. She sighed softly, she couldn't risk going out as Mare Do Well with out getting caught. She would have to think of something else.

"Time to become a criminal, since I'm already being hunted." She said closing her eyes and took a deep breath going to her and Sweetie's room searching around. She got a black hoodie pulling it on and the belt with the camera and tape recorder putting it on as well, adjusting it so it fit better with out the suits bulk.

She paused as she came out of the bedroom, looking at the painting of herself, Sweetie, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. She smiled at the painting before turning and heading out of the apartment locking the door behind her and slipping the key into the band of her headband so she wont loose it.

She made her way to the streets keeping the hood pulled back so not to draw to much suspicion to herself. Seeing the officers on the street she smiled a bit, this could work in her favor now that she thought about it. She made her way to the police head quarters quietly.

She slipped around back and pulled the hood up over her head as she tucked her mane inside it and made her way to the roof. She kept low and made her way to one of the skylights peeking inside, just as she though... barely any officers inside.

She tested the door seeing it was unlocked she opened it and slipped inside making her way quietly down the stairs. She checked the door at the base of the stairs and finding it open she carefully pulled it open and slipped inside moving quietly and slowly down the hall to the commissioner's office.

This door how ever was locked, she sighed softly. Of course, can't make it to easy she thought to herself as she jimmied the lock and slipped inside relocking the door behind her. She started to search the office for evidence that Nightshade had paid them off.

It didn't take her to long to find a locked filing cabinet. She used her magic to jimmy open the lock and pull out the files searching through the files. "Hmmm.. plenty of corruption evidence, but nothing to help clear my name...." She said sighing, she stashed a few files inside her hoodie and closed the cabinet before searching more.

She heard a noise onside the door and frowned looking around quickly she spotted an air vent, she used her magic to open it and with some repulsing magic to jump up into the vent pulling herself into the vent closing it just as the door opened and the lights came on. She slipped out the tape recorder and started recording as she listened quietly.

"Commissioner, we've been out in force since Silver Ghost was killed, we have to assume Mare Do Well isn't in the city any more. There hasn't been any sightings of her since she evaded us in the sewers," Starbloom heard the voice of a female officer speak.

She heard a older gruff voice of a male speak, she figured it was the Commissioner. "She has to be in the city, no pony saw her leave the city. Even if she ditched the costume, we have to assume she stayed in the city to clear her name... She's around, and we'll find her." He said moving under the air vent looking over at the female officer. "Don't forget, who pays the bits around here. She wants results not excuses."

She heard the female officer sigh before speaking. "Right sir, just wish we didn't have to deal... with her. She gives me the creeps," Starbloom her heard officer say before the door opened.

"Maybe, but she pays very well." She heard the Commissioner answer, the lights in the room going off and the door close, she waited a few minutes before turning off the recorder and carefully making her way through the air vents as quiet as she could be getting back to the roof and out letting out a deep breath looking around. She slipped off the roof and pulled the hood back slipping back onto the streets of Manehattan.

'So... the police is working with Nightshade, this isn't good. No hard evidence, not even the recording is going to help much' She thought to herself as she walked down the street making her way to her apartment to get some rest and a light night snack.

She didn't have to worry about the crime to much, the police presence on the street searching for Mare Do Well definitely kept the criminal activity down. Once she made it to her apartment she went up stairs and slipped the key from her headband and open the door going inside closing it sighing, she closed the door locking it back before flopping on the couch.

Instead of getting something to eat she just curled up on the couch and feel asleep, she didn't even remove the hoodie sweater or belt. She pulled the blanket over herself and closed her eyes drifting off to sleep.

A Visiting Nightmare

Chapter 24

Starbloom awoke to find herself in bed looking around slowly unsure how she got into bed. She remembered falling asleep on the couch again. She shifted slightly blinking and started to struggle feeling her hooves bound to the bed. "W... what the hay?!" She cried out trying to use her magic to free herself only to find her headband missing as well.

"Well, good morning to you Starbloom," she heard an eerily familiar voice speak from behind her. She tried to turn her head to see who it was but it was no use. "Settle down, if I wanted to kill you, you never would of woke up." Nightshade spoke moving around to face her resting her forehooves in front of her, one of them coming over and pressed against her hurt shoulder causing Starbloom to grit her teeth in pain.

"If.. your not here to kill me, why are you here?" Starbloom asked wincing at the pain in her shoulder as Nightshade slowly twisted her hoof against her injured shoulder. Nightshade wearing the same bored expression as before, but not wearing the Nightmare outfit. Starbloom could clearly see the cutie mark of a nightshade flower on her flank.

Nightshade moved her hoof away from her shoulder looking at Starbloom smiling quietly. "Just to talk, really.... Did you have fun snooping around the police station? That took guts I'll admit, I never thought you would try something like that." She said using her magic to float up the files Starbloom stole looking them over before putting them on the dresser.

Starbloom narrowed her eyes twisting her hooves against the bindings keeping her restrained to the bed as she watched Nightshade with the files. "Don't worry, I'll let you keep them," Nightshade said smirking at Starbloom, "Not like any of that links back to me anyways."

Starbloom kept her eyes narrowed as she watched Nightshade. Nightshade moved around the room quietly looking at different things in the room, most of it personal items and pictures. Nightshade stopped looking at a picture of Sweetie Belle and Starbloom taken two days before Sweetie Belle went on her last tour.

"How... cute..." Nightshade said before turning back to Starbloom. "I want to give you one last warning." She said going back over dropping her forehooves on the bed lowering her head near Starbloom's moving a hoof forward. "I'll make sure you think long and hard about this warning to."

Nightshade jabbed her hoof forward hard into Starbloom's injured shoulder, the pain it caused made her cry out in pain and try to twist away from it. "Leave this city, today... or tomorrow the police wont just be hunting Mare Do Well, they'll be hunting you."

Nightshade moved her hoof away and she watched Starbloom pant hard while she glared at Nightshade. "Now, do you understand Starbloom? What I'm telling you?" Nightshade said tilting her head faintly as she watched her. Starbloom gave her a slow nod. "Good, make sure you understand," Nightshade said moving to her hooves.

Starbloom twisted her hooves a bit more grumbling as she watched Nightshade leave the room flopping her head back on the pillow. A few moments later she heard hooves coming into the room and she looked seeing Nightshade come back into the room. "Don't worry, I wont leave you tied to the bed." Nightshade said with a little grin.

Starbloom blinked at her, "What.. do you want now?" She asked bucking her legs a bit trying to get them loose. "You told me what you want," she said watching Nightshade quietly as she sat beside the bed again.

Nightshade frowned at Starbloom raising a hoof she slammed it into Starbloom's hurt shoulder causing her to cry in pain again. "There is no need for that attitude missy." She said looking down at Starbloom before clearing her throat
and settling back down next to the bed.

Starbloom shivered and groaned a bit, the pain in her shoulder making her feel sick to her stomach. If it wasn't for the lack of any real food she might of been physically sick already. "S... sorry..." she mumbled resting her head on the pillow panting softly trying to use breathing techniques to ease the pain.

"I want you to understand, just how this is going to work. I'll release you from the bindings, and leave. You'll get up, take one of your pain pills. Pack a bag, go to the train station and leave this city forever. If you come back, I'll expose your secret to everyone. They'll all know Starbloom, is Mare Do Well. They will also know Dr. Westluck is helping her with medical aid, and even dear sweet Sweetie Belle, rising star of the singing world, is giving her aid. All of you, will be arrested and go to prison, possibly executed." Nightshade said as she leaned in close, the look in her eyes showing Starbloom she was far from joking about any of it. "Do I make myself clear?"

Starbloom took a slow deep breath and nodded at her slowly, "Perfectly clear..." she said softly and watched as Nightshade smiled while she leaned back. She didn't want to leave the city, or let Nightshade win, but how she could risk Dr. Westluck or Sweetie's life by staying. Nightshade made it clear she would act on her threat and with the corruption in the city the police and judicial system, they would arrest both of them, and possibly have both executed as conspirators.

"Good girl, I knew you could be reasonable, given the right motivation." She said reaching up and pats her head with a hoof. Her horn light up releasing the restraints from around her legs. Before Starbloom had time to react, Nightshade teleported out of the apartment.

Starbloom growled softly before she sighed, she moved slowly to her hooves giving a soft cry of pain, the abuse her shoulder had taken was more then she could handle. She limped to the kitchen and found her pain pills taking two of them with some apple juice. "Do... I leave... or do I risk everything.... even my friends and stay?" She asked herself looking at the painting on the wall of herself and her friends.

Choices - Once Made

Chapter 25

After Nightshade left her apartment, and she had time to get the pain in her shoulder to stop hurting she started to think about what she was going to do. It would be easy to just pack up and move to Ponyville, leave Manehattan in the hands of Nightshade and spend her life in Ponyville with her friends and family.

"But... would Nightshade be happy staying in Manehattan?" She asked herself moving to her hooves slowly grunting softly looking at the painting on the wall. "My gut tells me, she wont be happy till she has all of Equestria in her hooves." She frowned moving to her bedroom and looked at the files on the dresser using her magic to pull the over and opened them looking through them.

"It's not much but maybe...." She went to Sweetie's studio and searched around before finding what she was looking for. She made copies of the files, twenty five of each putting them into envelops and addressing them to different news papers around the city, and Equestria, including Canterlot and Ponyville.

She also made the same number of copies of the pictures and the audio recordings putting those in to the envelops as well before sealing them and put them into her saddle bags. The originals she put in an envelop and addressed to Sweetie Belle before going to the post office and used what money she had left to send them express.

Once that was done she left the post office and took a deep breath closing her eyes. She hoped her plan would work, just enough to buy her some time. She made her way to the police station and went inside up to the front desk looking up at the large red unicorn stallion behind the desk.

"I'm here to turn myself in. I'm Mare Do Well." She said looking up at him, keep her expression straight to show she wasn't joking. "My costume is hidden in a sewer access point behind some loose brick at the corner of White Tail and 67th street."

The office just stared at her for a few moments before looking at one of the other officers. "Alright, book her, then send some officers to check the location see if she's lying." He looked down at Starbloom. "This better not be some joke kid, or your in serious trouble."

She kept her eyes fixed on the stallion behind the desk as the officer came around and fixed a large collar around her neck followed by the front ankle cuffs which would keep her from running. "Joke or not, I'm already in serious trouble." She replied to him before feeling herself being pulled away and to one of the processing and interrogation rooms doing her best not to stumble, the cuffs making it hard for her to walk with her injured shoulder.

Outside the police station standing on a roof top dressed in a outfit similar to Mare Do Well's outfit was Nightmare, this one had darker royal purples and blacks instead of blues in it. "Not the move I was expecting from you Starbloom," she said narrowing her eyes. "But it wont help, I still own most of the judges and police officers in this city. You just saved them from having to hunt you down."

Starbloom sat quietly in the small processing room shifting a bit trying to get comfortable with her shoulder. Looking out the window into the main lobby of the police station. She could see as one of the officers brought in a saddle bag with her suit in it showing it to the stallion she first talk to.

The stallion looked back over at her sitting in the room before nodding at the officer taking the saddle bag with him to the interrogation room. He opened the door and dropped the bag on the table closing the door as he took a seat. "So, after all this running and avoiding us. Why turn yourself in now Mare Do Well?"

"You can call me by my real name, Starbloom." She said looking at her suit then back at him. "I didn't have a choice, the one who really killed Silver Ghost.... threaten to tell everyone who I was and put my friends in the city at risk. I'm sure you know her, Nightshade, or Nightmare."

The stallions red fur went noticeably pink at the mention of Nightshade. "W.. what you know bout Nightshade?" He asked looking down at her glaring at her. "Even if she was real, plenty of police ponies saw you kill Silver Ghost and you have history with her."

"Just like I supposedly killed her in the prison, when Nightshade helped her escape?" She said looking up at stallion, "Warden Pollesk told me everything about it. I checked the prison out myself, I use the be a police officer, I know a staged crime scene when I see one."

The stallion looked flustered for a moment then sighed looking around before moving to close the blinds to the interrogation office and turned back to her. "Look, I'm not on the take like most of the officers here. Even if your story is true what can I do? I can't let you walk out, right now your the most hunted pony in Manehattan," He said looking at her.

"Then do what your suppose to do officer.... lock me in a cell, then get to work proving Nightshade is behind the corruption and clear my name." She said moving to her hooves. "And.. if you can... make sure Dr. Westluck and Sweetie Belle don't get mixed up in this..." she said softly looking up at him with a desperate look in her eyes.

The stallion nodded at her. "I... I'll do my best. Starbloom, and my name is Gold Shield... you can call me Officer Shield." He said leading her out of the room and to hold cells finding her a private holding cell opening it for her and removed the collar and cuffs. "I hope you know what your doing, I was routing for you."

She went into the cell and climbed up onto the cot settling herself onto it so she could rest her shoulder. "So do I... this isn't my first choice." She said quietly resting her head on the pillow and turned her to watch as he closed the door.

"What was your first choice?" He asked after closing the cell door tilting his head curiously.

"To go to Ponyville and be with my family.... I just couldn't leave the city in the hands of Nightmare though." She said softly closing her eyes. "But I couldn't let her put my friends in danger either."

"I see...." he said softly watching her before nodding. "I'll do what I can to help Starbloom, I promise." With that said he turned and left her to start on his own work.

An Evening with Golden Shield

Chapter 26

Golden Shield left the holding cells and went back to his desk taking a seat behind it. He wasn't sure how much of Starbloom's story he believed or not. He knew about the corruption in the police department, everyone did. But he also knew that Mare Do Well and Silver Ghost had history, so her killing her wasn't to farfetched.

He got up after a moment and went to the file room and pulled the files on the staged murder in the prison as well as a few other files going back to his desk he started to look them over. He hadn't been active in that case so most of what he knew was second hand knowledge.

"So... Starbloom maybe you have been telling the truth." He said softly to himself after looking over the case files for the prison murder. It didn't take long to see the crime scene had been staged and that evidence had been planted. Even a first rate rookie could tell that much just from the crime scene photos.

He looked at the time and saw his shift was over. He packed up the files on Mare Do Well, and Silver Ghost, as well as other reports into a saddle bag and placed them on his back. His interest in this case definitely peeked, he left the police station and made his way to his apartment.

He didn't live to far from the station, it was a decent single bedroom, one step up from a bachelor pad. Golden Shield himself was a gruff looking stallion, big like Big Mac, red coat, with a yellow man and tail that had silver high lights and blue eyes. He had a cutie mark of a gold detective's badge on his flank.

He placed the saddle bags on a table and took the files from them placing them on the table, taking a seat he started to look through them quietly looking through the files. "Hmmm, interesting.... surveillance pictures of Silver Ghost's murder.... the aura around the knife is purple." He said quietly as he pulled out the file on Starbloom from her record as a police officer and started to look it over.

"Starbloom Sparkle, Ponyville, Class S telekinetic unicorn, special talents in research, evidence collection and locating missing persons, magical aura sapphire blue..." he read the file and frowned looking at the surveillance pictures again, the aura on the knife was clearly purple. "Some pony did use magic on the knife to kill Silver Ghost, but not Starbloom if her aura is blue."

He got to his hooves and moved to the his kitchen opening the fridge and looked around getting a bottle of hard apple cider opening it and took a drink. "But how to prove it, as much as the image proves, it could be refuted as a camera glitch." He said to himself going to the table and took a seat.

He spent the better part of the night looking over different files and images. There was a lot of circumstantial proof to show Mare Do Well never killed any ponies, as well as proof that her aura was blue and not purple as was in the images of Silver Ghost being killed. But no images of Nightshade in the area or using magic.

He went to bed near eleven at night and sighed, "I'm not sure if what I have will be enough Starbloom, the evidence is just out of reach..." He said before rolling onto his side and drifting off to sleep.

When he woke up the next morning he got out of bed and washed off before putting on his uniform and heading down stairs. He looked towards the police station and tilted his head seeing a lot of ponies protesting out front as well as Canterlot Guards stationed out front. "What in the name of Celestia is going on?" He said to himself as he trotted down the street.

He made his way to the police station and was about to go inside when the guards stopped him, "Halt, no pony is permitted inside, Celestia's orders." One of the guards said looking down at him.

"But I work here, I'm Detective Shield." He said showing his badge to the guard.

"Even so, no pony is permitted inside. Here, you should read this." The guard said giving him a copy of the Canterlot Times.

"Alright..." He said taking the paper and made his way down the street to a diner, he noticed a lot of the officers he worked with that would of been here missing. All of them had been on the take, he took a seat at the counter. He did notice someone in the diner he didn't expect to see though. "Coffee, black, and a plain cake donut." He said taking the paper out and started to read.

It didn't take to long to figure out what had happen, it was front page news. "Breaking News out of Manehattan, late yesterday an envelop arrived at the chief editors desk naming multiple officers of Manehattan police force who had been taking bribes. There was also photographic evidence of a staged crime scene to help the dangerous criminal Silver Spoon to escape. Plus a recording of the Commissioner and an unnamed female officer talking about shading dealings and taking bribes from a third as of yet un-named pony. Princess Celestia has launched a full investigation into the corruption of Manehattan's police and judicial system. She has promised a swift resolution and harsh punishment of all corrupt police officers and judges involved."

Golded Shield tilted his head folded the paper and put it away. "Hmmm.." he took his cup of coffee sipping it. "I get the feeling your involved in this..." He said softly, smirking softly into his cup.

"Of course, it was the best solution." Starbloom said moving to sit next to him. "Though, I never expected I would get released myself...." she said softly, "Maybe having an alicorn princess as a mother can come in handy after all. Nightshade is still a problem though."

Shield looked over at her, "Nice to see you free, I did find some evidence to prove your case." He said pushing the donut over to her. "Not a lot though, this Nightshade is tricky to find evidence against."

She nodded at him floating the donut up and nibbled one on it quietly. "There... was one piece of evidence in what I sent to the reporters. Her name on the sign in sheet from the prison showing she was the one who visited Silver Spoon when she escaped and her murder in the prison was staged."

Shield nodded over at her sipping his coffee quietly thinking for a moment. "What are you going to do now? Even if you've been released I don't the police is going to trust you. There is always going to be that doubt, if you killed her or not." He said quietly watching her.

"I don't know, Nightmare is still out there... but after what happen I might just head to Ponyville and spend time with my family for a little while." She said finishing the donut. "I do want to thank you for your help Officer Shield."

Shield smiled at her and nods sipping his coffee, "Sounds like a good idea, your suit is probably still in evidence lock up." He said looking over at her. "When I can get back into the station what do you want me to do with it?"

She considered for a few minutes. "Hang on to it. I'll pick it up wen I get back." She said smiling at him moving to her hooves. "Thank you again for the help."

"Your welcome, Starbloom, have a safe trip." He said watching as she left the diner sipping his coffee before paying for the coffee and donut getting up.

He left the diner he went back to the station one of the guards calling him in to speak with him about the current situation. It was going to take time, but with most of the officers either arrested or suspended for corruption a platoon of Canterlot guards was going to have to be stationed around the city to help until new officers could be hired.

Starbloom got herself a ticket to Ponyville and sighed softly watching the station move by as she was finally on her way out of Manehattan, and on her way back home to Ponyville. She still felt uneasy about leaving the city like this, but the stress and what has happened was becoming to much for her to handle.

Starbloom in Ponyville

Chapter 27

Starbloom woke up slowly in her bed back in Twilight's library, her arrival back in Ponyville had been a blur of tearful greetings. But the trip itself and the stress of the last week had been to much for her and she went to bed only a few minutes after getting off the train.

News of both her arrest and release had reached Ponyville on roughly the same day, it took a lot of convicing to keep both Twilight and Sweetie from leaving that day from going to Manehattan. Luckily they had managed to keep the two in Ponyville since Starbloom arrived the next day.

Starbloom rolled over in the bed and felt her hoof smack somepony on the head blinking abit looking over she saw Sweetie grumbling at her with her cheeks puffed up. "Well, that's a fine good morning." Sweetie said before relaxing and smiling at her. "I've missed you so much," Sweetie said standing up and leaning over hugging Starbloom tight causing her to yelps when her shoulder was squeezed to tight. "Oops, sorry."

Starbloom gritted her teeth abit and relaxed as Sweetie loosed up her hug smiling at Sweetie, "It's fine Sweetie, I've missed you as well." She said slipping off the bed moving to her hooves taking a deep breath.

Both started down the stairs to the main hall of the lobby, Starbloom moving careful with her hurt shoulder. "How's life in Ponyville been treating you?" Starbloom asked Sweetie looking around, the library hadn't changed to much since she had moved out.

"It's quieter here, but I've enjoyed it.... have more time to focus on my music with out my producer breathing down my neck to do publicity and promotional stuff." Sweetie said looking over at Starbloom noticing her limp was worse. "What... what happen to your shoulder, it looks worse then before." Sweetie asked looking concerned.

Starbloom shook her head a bit sighing softly. "Don't worry about that, I just haven't had my medicine in a few days." She said softly looking away frowning softly. It was partly true but she didn't want to talk about what happen with Nightshade either.

Sweetie frowned but decided to let it drop for now. "Alright... if you say so," she said walking with her to the kitchen letting Starbloom take a seat at the table. "Your mom is in Canterlot with Spike talking with Princess Celestia about what happen in Manehattan. She left the library to use for a few days," she said getting Starbloom a cup of tea, toast and sliced apple. "Are we going back... to Manehattan?"

Starbloom took a drink of her tea and looked into the cup quietly as she considered the question. "I don't know Sweetie...." she said softly, she honestly wasn't sure if she did know the answer. When she became Mare Do Well she had so many good intentions but after everything that happen. She wasn't sure if she wanted to become Mare Do Well again. "Do you want to go back?" She asked looking over at Sweetie.

Sweetie sat across from her with her own cup of tea sipping it as she considered her question. "Right now, my concern is you. You health, your wellbeing, your happiness. I'll be happy here in Ponyville, but I would also be happy in Manehattan with you." She said honestly smiling at Starbloom, lifting a piece of toast stuffing in Starbloom's mouth. "Eat, you look like you haven't since I left."

Starbloom rolled her eyes at the toast stuffed her in mouth, Sweetie knew her to well. She chewed on the toast quiet before swallowing it. "I'll think about it... I don't know what I want to do anymore Sweetie." She said smiling at her before eating some more.

After breakfast was finished and the dishes cleaned, Sweetie and Starbloom headed to Ponyville General to get Starbloom a refill on her pain pills. She had left pretty much everything in the Manehattan apartment, which was paid up for the rest of the month, giving them about two weeks to decided what to do.

Sweetie took a seat in the waiting area while Starbloom went up to the counter looking around, she saw Nurse Redheart behind the counter working on some files. Starbloom used her magic she to ring the bell to get her attention. "Oh, Starbloom I haven't seen you in years. What brings you in today?" Nurse Redheart asked coming over smiling at her.

'Hello, Nurse Redheart. I have a prescription from Manehattan I would like to get filled here, if that isn't a problem." She said thankful Sweetie had enough forethought to get a copy of the prescription from Dr. Westluck. She gave the paper to Nurse Redheart.

Nurse Redheart looked the paper over and tilted her head a bit. "This is a pretty strong pain reliever Starbloom, I'll have to get Dr. Goodhealth to look it over first, he'll most likely want to check you over." She said and Starbloom sighed softly before nodding.

"I understand Nurse Redheart, I'll wait." She said making her way over to sit next to Sweetie to wait while Nurse Redheart went to talk to the doctor about her prescription. It didn't take long before she was called back.

Starbloom got to her hooves and headed back to the exam room where Dr. Goodhealth was waiting for her, he was a middle aged unicorn, with a blue and white mane and tail, tan coat and purple eyes. "So, Ms. Sparkle your here to get a refill on some pain medicine a Dr. Westluck in Manehattan has been giving you?" Dr. Goodhealth asked closing the door, and Starbloom nodded at him.

"Why would a young mare such as yourself need something this strong?" He asked looking her over, most of her bruises and injuries had healed on the surface so there was no visible need for them.

"Mostly for my shoulder Dr. Goodhealth. A few weeks ago I was stabbed in the shoulder," she pointed to the shoulder with her good hoof. "Dr. Westluck said that do to the stress it had been kept under it will never properly heal and always hurt."

"Stabbed? I must say I have never head to deal with such a thing here in Ponyville." Dr. Goodhealth said going to check on her shoulder using his hoof to move the fur, he could see the scarring under the fur of her coat. "Oh my word, that does look pretty bad." He said giving a soft push causing her to jerk back and clench her teeth.

"Very well, I can see the need for your medicine now." He said writing her a new prescription for the same medicine giving her the new prescription. "Here you are, just come and see me if you need a refill here in Ponyville." He said opening the door so she could leave.

She nodded softly moving to her hooves and made her way out of the room and passes the prescription to Nurse Redheart so she could fill it. She went over to sit next to Sweetie again waiting quietly. She looked over at Sweetie who was flipping through a magazine quietly trying to avoid being bored.

"Starbloom, your prescription is ready." She heard the nurse call and Starbloom got up going to the counter picking up the bag putting it in a saddle bag. "Thank you Nurse Redheart."

"Your welcome, now turn around." Nurse Redheart said and Starbloom blinked abit turning around, once she did she felt a needle stab her in the flank causing her to squeal then relax a bit blinking. "Dr. Goodhealth said to give you a little something to ease the pain before you left."

Starbloom grumbled softly as Sweetie giggled at the look on Starbloom's face when she got poked. "Thanks for the warning...." She grumbled softly working her shoulder lightly, it did feel better so she couldn't complain to much.

Sweetie came over and smiling at her, before both turned to face Nurse Redheart. "That'll be 250 bits." She said and Starbloom gave Sweetie a sheepish smile. Sweetie just rolled her eyes at Starbloom paying Nurse Redheart.

"How is it, your mom is an princess and your always broke?" Sweetie asked Starbloom as they started to head back home to the library.

Starbloom blushed at her a bit, "You know how mom is, all the money from taxes, that doesn't go to Celestia, goes straight back into the community. We live off what we make at the library.... but I'll try to find work here in town." She said looking at the ground as they walked.

Sweetie paused using her magic to grab Starbloom's tail when she kept walking causing her to stop and look back at Sweetie. "We're... staying here in Ponyville..?"

Starbloom looked away for a moment then looked back at Sweetie smiling. "Yea... I think so. I'm tired, of the stress, the worry, the pain, and of putting everyone I care about in danger... and most of all. I'm just tired of never seeing you."

Author's Note

No... this isn't the end, don't forget Nightshade is still out there.

A Rare Visit

Chapter 28

After Starbloom decided she wanted to stay in Ponyville, she and Sweetie found a small house in Ponyville near Rarity's boutique, the floor space was about the same as the apartment in Manehattan but the lay out was better. The bedroom was bigger on the second story, the open air design of the first floor made it easier for Starbloom to move around, and the basement was perfect for Sweetie's studio.

Starbloom herself got fitted for a shoulder harness and leg brace to take a lot of the pressure off her shoulder when she was standing and walking. It wasn't an idea she enjoyed, but it the alternative she liked even less which involved corrective surgery to try and repair the damaged muscle and tendons.

Instead of heading back to Manehattan Sweetie hired a company to pack up their stuff from the Manehattan apartment and bring it back for them. Starbloom sent Golden Shield a letter along with the bits to mail her the Mare Do Well costume back.

She also sent a letter to Dr. Westluck thanking him for his help, when she requested her medical records to be transferred to Ponyville General. The response she got from them was both a mix of disappointment and encouragement, wishing her the best of luck with her new life.

Despite everything, Starbloom ended up getting a career as a private investigator. It was what her special talent was based on so it's what she ended up getting back into in the end. Plus she couldn't shake this uneasy filling since returning to Ponyville.

~*{Two Weeks After Returning to Ponyville}*~

Starbloom was sitting at the bar counter, she had one installed since she preferred it to the table. She watched as Sweetie move around inside the kitchen fixing lunch for them and her sister who was coming to visit them. "Are you sure I can't help with something Sweetie?" Starbloom asked, and was meet with a glare that caused her to shrink back abit.

"Step one hoof in this kitchen, and I'll kick your flank. We're not having a repeat of last time." Sweetie said before going back going back to work on lunch. If there was one thing Sweetie took just as seriously as her singing, it was cooking.

"O.. okay I'll stay out." She said using her magic to float a bottle of fruit juice from the fridge. "When is Rarity suppose to be here?" She asked before she took a drink from her bottle looking at the clock hanging on the wall.

"She said she'll be here at one." Sweetie said as she relaxed a little after everything was for the most part ready and the bread was in the oven. She went over and kissed Starbloom's cheek. "Sorry I snapped, just don't want another salt, sugar mix up again." She said sitting next to her.

Starbloom smiled and hugged her softly with her good foreleg. "I understand, those cookies did come out pretty bad." She said offering Sweetie a drink from the apple juice bottle. "By the way... how did your producer take the news to you deciding to leave Manehattan for good?"

"He nearly had a heart attack, and begged me to stay." She said taking a drink from offered bottle of juice. "He doesn't understand why I had to leave. I did my best to explain it to him, with out going into detail. But even if I did go into detail I don't think he would understand. Something's are more important to a pony then fame and bits."

Starbloom looked over at Sweetie, smiling at her. "We could always move to Canterlot, the music scene is always pretty good there for an up and coming singer like yourself." Starbloom said but Sweetie shook her head no.

"It's fine Starbloom, I can work on my music here in the studio. Making demos and sending them to record labels to be produced and sold." Sweetie said smiling at her. "I wont make as much as I did when going on tour, but I'm still doing what I love, plus I can do concerts here in Ponyville for my friends and family."

Starbloom was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. Sweetie got up and went to answer it. "Rarity, how nice to see you again sis. Come in." Sweetie said moving to let Rarity come in.

Rarity came in smiling at Sweetie Belle then smiled over at Starbloom removing her hat and hanging it on a hook near the door. "Sweetie Belle darling, how lovely to see you again, and Starbloom dear, it's been ages. I've hardly had a chance to see you these past two weeks." Rarity said smiling over at her.

The past thirteen years had done little to change Rarity in appearance or how she acted. She did become the fashion designer she had always wanted to be, despite that she remained in Ponyville instead of moving to Canterlot. It did bring a lot of big names to the small town from time to time.

Starbloom smiled over at Rarity while Sweetie closed the door. "Nice to see you again Rarity," Starbloom said moving to her hooves moving over giving her a hug with her good leg. The brace giving her limited movement in the hurt shoulder. "How have you been?"

Sweetie smiled and went to check on lunch while Starbloom and Rarity got caught up. "I've been good dear, but what happen to your leg? Sweetie Belle refused to speak to much about what was going on with you." Rarity said with her genuine look of concern. Both taking a seat in the living room.

Starbloom looked at her leg and the brace sighing softly before looking up at Rarity smiling softly. "I got sloppy, and ended up stabbed in the shoulder. You know me, never one to listen to good advice, I kept putting stress on it and now it's permanently damaged." Starbloom said, trying to keep the mood light.

Rarity nodded as she listen, she could tell she was trying to keep the mood light. "I see, well darling if you want I can try to design something more.... aesthetically pleasing... for you. That really isn't your color you know." Rarity said looking at the brace, it was a mix of black fabric straps and tan colored metal beams.

Starbloom smiled Rarity nodding at her. "I'd like that, thank you Rarity." She said before hearing Sweetie call them for lunch.

Both Rarity and Starbloom got up and went to the small dining area near the kitchen. Both offered to help but Sweetie wouldn't hear of it so they took a seat while Sweetie got the table set and everything laid out. "Sweetie darling, have you always been this, independent?" Rarity asked watching her smiling.

Sweetie tilted her head at the question Rarity asked then smiled. "Yea I have, I picked it up from you, you've always been strong and independent." Sweetie said and Rarity blushed faintly smiling.

"I guess that's true Sweetie dear, but don't forget to ask for help if you need it. Same goes for you Starbloom," Rarity said looking over at Starbloom. "While I might not fully understand this relationship you two have, if your going to be partners in life, don't forget to rely on each other for help."

Starbloom and Sweetie looked at Rarity blinking abit then smiled nodding. "Alright Rarity, we understand." Sweetie said smiling, and Starbloom nodded. "Thank you, we will." It was subtle but they understood Rarity was giving them her blessing.

"But let's enjoy this nice meal you made Sweetie, it looks and smells wonderful," Rarity said smiling at the two, her horn lighting up to start preparing her plate. Sweetie's horn also light up as well as Starbloom's crystals as the three started to settle in for a nice lunch.

Nearby, a figured dressed in black was watching the small house Sweetie and Starbloom lived in from the roof top of a nearby house, the figures eyes narrow dangerously as it stared watching before dropping off the roof and disappearing into an ally out of sight.

A Chance Encounter

Chapter 29

Starbloom was out for a walk after Rarity had left, Sweetie kicked her out when she found out she had been slacking on her physical therapy. She sighed softly making her way around the Ponyville smiling to herself. She wasn't sure what she liked better, the simple life in Ponyville or seeing Sweetie puff her cheeks when she was upset.

She stopped by Roseluck's place and got a dozen red rose to ease Sweetie's temper when she went back, tucking them into her saddle bag before going back to her walk around Ponyville, she was amazed at how little the town had changed in ten years.

Everypony was still friendly and courteous to each other, few of the buildings have been replaced with new, more modern structures and while more advanced infrastructure had been installed they didn't take away from the rustic and down to earth living the town had become famous for.

She made her way into the market place and browsed the stalls trying to decide on a gift for Sweetie. While she was searching though something tingled in the back of her head and her eyes narrowed. Glancing slowly around she backed a few steps away from the stall she was at before spinning quickly and used magic to grab the hoof a pony trying to reach into her saddle bag.

"Eep! I.. I wasn't doing nuffin honest!" She heard a strangle familiar voice speak up. Starbloom looked at the pony for a few moments before her eyes went wide. She could barely believe it.

"T.. Twist?! Is that you?" Starbloom said looking over the light tan earth pony, with slightly curled red mane and tail and light purple eyes. She looked a lot different then she remembered from school. She didn't have glasses anymore, and her mane and tail was more smoothed.

"S.. Starbloom... is that you?" Twist said blinking at her narrowing her eyes as if trying to focus on her. "It is you, I haven't seen you since school. I thought you lived in Manehattan." She said, Starbloom noticed her lisp was less noticeable but still apparent in long S sounds.

"I moved back..." she said watching Twist quietly tilting her head quietly. "Why are you stealing from people's saddle bags... and what happen to your glasses?" She asked leading her away from the market place guiding her by her ear using a magical grip.

"Well..." Twist started before sitting down sighing softly. "Things haven't been going very well for me. My candy business didn't do very good, I lost my glasses and I can't afford a new pair. Starbloom, I got desperate if I knew it was you though I wouldn't of tried to take your bits." She said looking up at her smiling. "You, and the other members of the cutie mark crusaders was one of the few ponies who was nice to me."

Starbloom sighed, then smiled at Twist pulling her to her hooves. "Come on Twist, let's get you something to eat." She said leading her away from market place guiding her carefully with a magic hold on her ear so she wouldn't get lost or run into anything. She lead her back home and into the house looking around.

"Sweetie, we have a visitor." She called out looking around perking her ears to listen for her.

"I hear music down stairs." Twist said tilting her head abit. "Nice beat." She smiled bobbing her head to the music coming from Sweetie's studio. Starbloom just blinked at her.

"Wait... you can hear that? Even with the sound proofing?" Starbloom was amazed to say the least. She closed the door and turned a light. "If she's in the studio it might be a while before she gets upstairs. Make yourself comfortable."

Twist smiled and found herself a place to sit in the living room. "Yea, my hearing has always been really good. Specially since I lost my glasses." Twist said while Starbloom went into the kitchen digging around in the fridge getting some left over salad and bread. She brought it into the living room for Twist to eat along with some apple juice.

"What, happen to your parents Twist?" She asked looking over at her watching as she nibbled at the bread. She noticed her mood suddenly shift and go dark.

"We, moved out of Ponyville after I finished school. We moved to Vanhoover.... my parents was killed in a mugging about two years later, after that my candy business failed and came back to Ponyville with what little bits I had left. Nothing has really gone right since." Twist said looking at the floor.

Starbloom moved to sit next to her and patted her back softly. "I'll talk it over with Sweetie, but I don't think she'll mind if you stay here with us till you get back on your hooves." She said softly looking at Twist.

"Of course I don't mind," Starbloom heard Sweetie say from the doorway of the studio causing Starbloom to jump alittle. "She can stay as long as she needs to."

Starbloom panted heavily and looked over at Sweetie, "For Celestia sake don't do that. Your as bad as Pinkie Pie popping up like that." Starbloom said taking deep breaths to calm herself down.

Sweetie just rolled her eyes abit. "You just need to pay more attention." She said going over and sitting across from Twist and Starbloom. "I'm truly sorry about the loss of your family Twist, we'll do all we can to help you get back on your feet. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the hospital to get you some new glasses alright?"

Twist smiled and nodded at Sweetie, giggling softly at Starbloom who was grumbling softly. "Thank you Sweetie Belle, that will help a lot. I'll do all I can to repay your kindness."

Starbloom sighed then smiled nodding at Twist then smiled at Sweetie before floating the roses from her saddle bags. "Before I forget I got these for you Sweetie," she said blushing at her sheepishly.

Sweetie smiled back at her taking the flowers in her magic and got up getting a vase putting them flowers in it with some water. "Thank you Starbloom, they smell wonderful... But that still don't let you off the hook for slacking off on your physical therapy," She said peering at Starbloom who shrank back a bit.

She leaned over and whispered to Twist. "Don't get on Sweetie's bad side." To which Twist slowly nodded in response.

A Visitor at Night

Chapter 30

Twist woke up in the middle of night her ears perking at a strange sound. She moved slowly up stairs carefully using her hooves to keep from bumping into anything. She found her way to the bed and to Starbloom's side softly shaking her. "Starbloom.... wake up, I think someone is trying to break in." She said trying to get her attention.

Starbloom shifted a bit and opened her eyes. "Huh...? Break in?" She perked her ears and looked at Twist before looking around the room nodding. "Stay with Sweetie, I'll check it out." She said getting out of bed, not bothering with her brace.

Sweetie was just starting to wake up, when Starbloom started down stairs. "What's going on?" She asked looking at Twist. She rubbed her eyes with a hoof moving to get out of bed. "Twist, what happen?"

"I heard a noise, down stairs like some-pony trying to break in, Starbloom went to check it out." Twist said looking worried. "Will she be okay?" She asked softly biting her bottom lip.

Sweetie nodded slowly. "Yea, she use to be a police officer, I think she can handle a burglar." Sweetie said, though her voice laced with uncertainty.

Twist looked over at Sweetie hearing the uncertainty in her voice then looked over at stairs quietly, taking a slow deep breath she slowly started to creep to the stairs doing her best to be quiet, wanting to help if she could. She could hear Sweetie following after her.

Starbloom got to the base of the stairs slowly her eyes scanning the room quietly, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary, Twist had been sleeping on the couch. She went to the couch and moved it to see if it made any sounds, but it didn't. She frowned before something caught her eye moving pasted a window.

She narrowed her eyes and raced to the back door quickly using her magic to opening hearing a solid ~thud~ of something impacting the door. She went outside and checked to see who, or what had run into it. She looked at the door and saw a what looked like a small unicorn blade buried into the door. She blinked and narrowed her eyes seeing the blade.

She peered around to trying to see where it came from, but felt the sudden impact of something hit her the side knocking her over, just as she caught the streak of magic as another blade hit the wall near where her head would have been. Looking over at where the buck came from she saw Twist standing in the door looking into in the direction of some nearby houses pointing with a hoof.

Starbloom looked over and saw a figure wearing black standing in an alleyway turn and gallop away quickly. Starbloom rolled to her hooves and went to chase after them but heard Sweetie call, "Wait! You'll never catch them like that."

Starbloom sighed, she was right. She wasn't in the same shape she use to be. She used her magic to pull the blades loose from the door and wall coming inside and closed the door. "Thanks... for pushing me out of the way Twist." She said putting the blades on the counter looking at them frowning.

"Your welcome, I heard it coming right at you," She said squinting her eyes trying to get a good look at the blades. "What... are those things? They don't look like normal knives or pony blades."

"Unicorn assassin blades, they are illegal to own... unless your part of the unicorn royal guard." She said lifting one up and turning it around in her magic. "These aren't official blades, good quality imitations though. Probably why you could hear them, imperfections make them whistle in the air."

"Unicorn assassin blades..? Why would anyone wanna try to kill any of us?" Twist asked looking from Starbloom to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie frowning softly looking away and Starbloom looking more closely at one of the blades.

"Because... I use to be Mare Do Well," Starbloom said after a few minutes. "I think my past is trying to make sure I don't come back." She sighed softly getting a dish towel and wrapping the blades in it.

"Starbloom...." Sweetie started looking over at her. "Are you going to.... start going out at night again?" Sweetie asked biting her bottom lip softly. She had a feeling she knew what the answer was though.

Starbloom looked at the towel then back at Sweetie, "I'm going to do what I have to, to keep you safe. Tomorrow, one of these blades is going to the police station to be analyzed. But as a private investigator, I'm keeping one to do my own investigation. I want to know who is trying to kill us."

Sweetie sighed softly nodding at her, giving her a faint smile. "Alright, you know I'll support your choice." She said before starting to go back upstairs to trying and get some more sleep.

Twist was quiet for a while letting everything sink in before looking at Starbloom. "I'll do what I can to help. I'm a simple candy maker, but I read a lot of true crime books your grandma wrote and studied self defense." She said smiling at her.

Starbloom smiled back at Twist. "Thanks Twist, if I need help I'll let you know. Try to get some more rest though you have a long day tomorrow."

Twist nodded and went back to the couch curling up on it under her blanket. Starbloom started up stairs but instead of going to bed she went to her small private office to study the unicorn blade in more detail trying to find some clues as to who attacked them.

A Day Out

Chapter 31

When Sweetie woke up the next morning she didn't see Starbloom and sighed getting to her hooves. She glances over to the office. She knew Starbloom could be a workaholic so she went over to the door opening it peeking inside. She was right, Starbloom had fallen asleep at her desk.

"Oh Starbloom...." She used her magic to float a blanket it over and wrap it around Starbloom before closing the door and heading down stairs. It was early in the morning, but Celestia's sun was starting to come up. She saw Twist was still asleep on the couch as well.

She smiled and went into the kitchen to start working on breakfast for everyone. She kept it simple enough, oatmeal, with fresh slices of fruit and orange juice setting everything on counter once it was ready. Twist woke up while Sweetie was cooking and sat at the counter to watch.

"Good morning Twist, did you sleep well?" She asked smiling at her passing her a bowl of oatmeal and small plate of slice fruit.

"Yes, I did thank you Sweetie Belle." Twist said smiling at her squinting abit looking around. "Starbloom still asleep?" She asked eating some of the oatmeal after the question.

"Yea, she was up late last night. I'll wake her up before we leave to get you new glasses." Sweetie said sitting across from her as she started to eat as well.

"Really? I guess she works pretty hard." She said smiling licking her lips. "This is good oatmeal, you really are a good cook."

"Thank you Twist, I'm glad you like it." She said smiling at her, then sighed lightly. "Yea, she has a tendency to over do it though." She said shaking her head lightly.

Twist nodded at her eating a apple slice. "I can see how that would be bad if she over does it." She said then went back to eating her oatmeal.

Sweetie smiled and both finished off breakfast quietly, Twist got up to help clear away the dishes. "Thank you Twist," Sweetie said smiling at her. Once the counter was cleaned off Sweetie went up stairs to wake up Starbloom.

She opened the door to Starbloom's office, seeing her still asleep at the desk. Sweetie smiled at her going over and nuzzles her cheek. "Starbloom dear, wake up it's time for breakfast." She said smiling at her, Starbloom shifted a bit and mumbled softly.

"Mmm.... morning Sweetie." Starbloom said looking up at her sitting up looking at the blanket. "Thank you, for the blanket." She said using her magic to put it back on the bed.

She got to her hooves, Sweetie moved out way and Starbloom out to the bedroom getting her shoulder and foreleg brace putting it on. "What are your plans for today Sweetie?" She asked looking over at her getting her saddle bags on, floating the assassin blade in it.

"I'm going to take Twist to the hospital to get her some new glasses. After that maybe some lunch depending on how long it takes." She said watching Starbloom get ready before both headed down stairs to the living room. "Have some breakfast before you leave Starbloom." Sweetie said looking over at her.

Starbloom smiled at her heading over to the bar counter. Sweetie got Starbloom a bowl of oatmeal, and a plate of sliced fruit and her orange juice. "Here ya go Starbloom, we'll see you when we get back." Sweetie said smiling at her.

Starbloom nodded at her and smiles. "Alright, I'll see you later," she said smiling then looked over at Twist, "Have fun Twist." She told her smiling before starting to eat. The oatmeal had cooled off a little but it was still good.

Sweetie and Twist smiled at Starbloom, before heading out of the house making there way to the hospital. It wasn't to long of a walk from the house to the hospital, and Sweetie did her best to guide Twist so she couldn't run into anything.

Once they got to the hospital Sweetie headed to the counter and smiled. "Good morning Nurse Redheart, Twist here needs a new pair of glasses." She said nodding her head over to Twist. Twist smiled at Nurse Redheart.

"Morning Sweetie Belle, Twist." Nurse Redheart greeted before nodding as she listen to Sweetie, "Alright, I'll let the ophthalmologist know. Please have a seat and wait it shouldn't take to long." She told them before getting up and heading into the back.

Sweetie and Twist both went and took a seat to wait for Twist to be called back. Twist looked over at Sweetie, "I'm sorry you have to go through all of this for me," Twist said shifting a bit in the seat.

"It's alright Twist, I'm happy to do it, specially after last night." Sweetie said smiling at her patting her shoulder. Twist smiled back at her as both waited quietly in the waiting room.

Back at the house Starbloom finished her breakfast and put the dishes in the sink, running water in the bowl so the oatmeal wont stick to it. She took one of her pain pills then headed out of the house closing the door and locking it closing her eyes feeling the sun on her before she started to the police station.

It didn't take her to long to reach the building that housed Ponyville's police department. She went inside and looked around spotting one of the officers. She went up to the counter, "Pardon me Officer, I could use some help."

The officer turning and coming over, a earth pony stallion with a cutie mark of a police badge, he had a gray coat, short cute red mane and a tail. "Yes, what can I do for you ma'am?" He said looking her over for a moment. "Wait, Starbloom right?"

She tilts her head and nodded. "Yes sir, that right. Do you know me?" She asked, he did look familiar but at the moment she couldn't place where or who he was.

"We went to the academy together, I transferred back to Ponyville though. I'm Officer Wildrun" He said smiling at her, "I was impressed with your skills in deductive reasoning" He said before clearing his throat. "But you said you needed help. What can I do for you?"

She thinks for a moment then smiles nodding at him. "I remember Officer Wildrun, but someone attacked my home last night." She said opening her saddle bag and took out the unicorn assassin's blade putting it on the counter. "This is the only evidence I could find."

He tilts his head before using his hoof to open the towel his eyes going big seeing the blade. "Is... is this what I think it is?" He asked putting on a pair of hoof covers picking up the blade looking it over. "Starbloom, what have you gotten yourself into?"

She bit her bottom lip and nods. "Yes, I'm afraid it is." She said looking away closing her eyes before looking back over at him. "I'm the one that ended the corruption in Manehattan.... releasing the reports, images and audio recordings." She said softly.

"I see... someone really didn't like that. These blades are lethal if they hit you, though this one seems to be a fake." He said as he kept looking it over, "I can see imperfections in the design. Might be able to trace it back to the maker. I'll take it to the lab for analyst and see what I can find out." He said putting the blade into an evidence bag.

"Thank you officer Wildrun." she said moving to her hooves. "I know I'm not an officer anymore, but I would like to help if I can. I have my private investigators license." She said looking at him and he considered for a moment before nodding.

"I'll work it out with my commanding officer and see if I can't get you access to the lab to help. You've always been good with evidence and your deductive reasoning might help." He said passing her a paper. "Just fill this out and I'll come by with the commanding officer's choice."

She nods and fills out the paper checking it over to make sure everything was correct before passing the paper back to him, "Thank you again officer Wildrun. This means a lot to me." She said smiling before she left the station. Officer Wildrun smiling back before going back to his duties.

Starbloom made her way to the gym to start retraining her body, she was badly out of shape. She was still strong and fast for a unicorn, but for her she felt slow and weak. If someone was threating her and Sweetie, she wanted to be ready for them.

Back at the hospital the doctor called Twist back, Sweetie offered to go with her. "It's alright Sweetie, I can make it." Twist said smiling at her before following the doctor back to the examination room to get her eyes checked.

The tests didn't take long and it wasn't long before she had a new pair of glasses, the frames where smaller then her old pair, thin black wire frames. She once she got them on she went out to meet Sweetie. "Do these look good Sweetie?" She asked smiling at her.

"Those look very nice Twist," Sweetie said smiling at her before heading to the counter. The nurse gave her the price for the exam and the frames, close to eight hundred bits. So Sweetie set up a payment option with the hospital.

Twist blinked at the cost and looked at Sweetie, "I'm sorry, I'll pay you back as soon as I can." She said following Sweetie out of the hospital.

"It's alright Twist, it's something you really need." Sweetie said smiling at her, heading to Sugar Cube corner. "Come on let's get some lunch before heading home."

"Alright Sweetie," Twist said following after her, she was determined though to find a way to pay them back. Sweetie and Starbloom had been really nice to her. She just needed to find a way to make bits.

Twist followed Sweetie over to a table once they got inside the bakery looking around smiling. Mrs. Cake came over to the tablet. "Hello there, Sweetie and Twist, why I haven't seen you in ages. What can I do for you two?"

Sweetie smiled at Mrs. Cake, "I'ld like a chocolate milkshake, some banana nut bread please" Sweetie said before looking over at Twist.

Twist smiled at Mrs. Cake before speaking. "I'ld like, a glass of milk, a slice of cheesecake and a job." She said smiling at her. Sweetie's eyes went wide at the last part, unsure what to say.

Mrs. Cake was rather taken aback by the sudden request as well. "Well dearie, I guess we could use some help. Do you know anything about baking?" She asked looking at Twist.

"I ran my own candy shop for a while in Vanhoover, but didn't go so well. I'm can bake, but my special talent is making candies." Twist said smiling at Mrs. Cake nodding softly.

Mrs. Cake smiled at her, "Well we do need someone to help make the candies we use. You can start tomorrow, at seven in the morning." She said looking at her then at Sweetie Belle. "I'll be right back with your orders."

Sweetie smiled back to Mrs. Cake before looking over at Twist. "Well, things are looking up for you. Got some new glasses and now a new job. I'm proud of you." She said smiling at her.

"Yea, now I just need to find a place of my own so I'm not sleeping on your couch." She said looking at Sweetie smiling.

"Twist, you know your more then welcome to stay with me and Starbloom as long as you want. Instead of finding a place, we can have a room added to house pretty easy so you can have your own bedroom." Sweetie suggested.

Twist smiled at Sweetie, "Thank you Sweetie, that's a very nice offer... I'll keep it mind." She said looking over as Mrs. Cake brought the order over setting thing out in front of them. As well as some employment papers for Twist to fill out.

Twist filled out the papers smiling as he sipped her milk. Both she and Sweetie sat at the table talking over lunch and once they had finished they left, Sweetie paying for the lunch and Twist giving her papers before they headed back home.

Planning

Chapter 32

It was near dinner time by the time Starbloom got back home from the Gym, she had spent almost fours there retraining her body. She felt good, if not sore and tired and her shoulder was throbbing from the extra stress she had put on it. But she ignored it and went inside the house she shared with Sweetie, and now Twist.

"I'm home," Starbloom called after going inside and closing the door looking around. She saw Sweetie in the kitchen working on dinner and Twist on the couch reading a book. Both looked over at her and smiled, Twist waving at her. "Love the new glasses Twist, they look very nice on you."

"Thank you Starbloom, I'm glad you like them," Twist said smiling at her putting the book away getting to her hooves.

Starbloom smiled removing her saddle bags setting them near the door before making her way to the counter taking a seat smiling at Sweetie who leaned over and kissed her. "Have a good day Sweetie?" She asked looking over at Twist joined her at the counter.

"Yep it was a great day, got Twist her new glasses and she found herself a job at Sugar Cube Corner." Sweetie said smiling as she floated a glass of tea over for Starbloom.

"Really? That's great to hear, congratulations Twist." She said smiling at Twist who blushed faintly. Starbloom looked back towards Sweetie.

"How did your day go Starbloom? What did the police say?" She asked as she finished up dinner and started to fix plates for everyone.

"They are gonna try the trace the blade back to the maker. Since it's a fake one it shouldn't be to hard." She said sipping her tea. "Mmmm, the officer I talked to is gonna try to get me in as a consultant so I can help."

Sweetie tilted her head at Starbloom setting a plate of pasta in front of Twist. "Really? That explains the letter from police station is about." Sweetie said floating the letter from a stack of mail over and giving it to Starbloom.

"Mmm thank you Sweetie," She said opening the letter and reading it over. "They are going to let me help, do to my years on the force and a recommendation from Officer Wildrun. I'm temporarily reinstated into the force at the rank of Detective." She said and blinked a few times. "Wow I didn't expect that."

"Congratulations Starbloom." Twist said smiling over at her. "You get to be a police officer again."

Starbloom smiled at her and nods, "Yea, seems so. Thank you Twist." She said smiling at her putting the letter away and smiled at Sweetie.

Sweetie smiled back at Starbloom passing her a plate of the pasta as well, before fixing herself one and joined them at the bar counter. "Congratulations Starbloom," She said leaning over to kiss her cheek. Sweetie looked over at Twist before looking back at Starbloom. "What would you think about adding a room to the house?"

Starbloom tilted her head, blinking a bit. Twist looking over at the two. "I would be alright with it, could always use more room." She glanced over at Twist, "Unless Twist wants to stay with us, she'll need her own room."

Twist smiled at Starbloom and Sweetie, nodding at them. "I'll stay, as long as you want me to." She said smiling at them again.

Starbloom and Sweetie smiled at Twist nodding at her. "We'd be happy to let you stay." Sweetie said before they started to enjoy dinner, Sweetie bringing over some bread and drinks.

After dinner, Starbloom went up stairs to shower after her long work out. Sweetie got out the house floor plans to decide on the base place to add the extra room. After a few minutes she decided to add it to the east side of the house, which would let them expand the upstairs and make Starbloom's office bigger as well.

Twist had insisted on doing the dishes, so Sweetie let her. As much as she liked to tease Starbloom for not picking up around the house. Sweetie was insistent on doing most of it herself, but Twist did want to help out and feel useful, so Sweetie let her.

Starbloom came back down stairs after she had finished her shower and went over to see what Sweetie was up to. Tilting her head as she looked at the floor plan of the house. "I didn't know we kept those." She said blinking lightly tilting her head.

"Mhmm, I thought they might come in handy if we needed to expand the house." She said smiling up at Starbloom, "I think, if we add the extra room here, we can expand the upstairs as well to make your office bigger and give us more storage room as well."

Starbloom nodded as she looked at the floor plan smiling. "Sounds good to me, if you want we can also dig down and expand the basement for your studio as well to give you more room." Starbloom said smiling at Sweetie.

Sweetie considered for a moment then smiled. "If it doesn't cost to much extra we can do that." She said nodding at Starbloom looking up at her.

Once Twist had the dishes finished, she came over to the two smiling. "What you two doing?" She asked looking at the blue prints then back at Sweetie and Starbloom.

"Just deciding on how we want to add the new room." Sweetie said smiling at her. "Gives us a good excuse to do some remodeling on the house we been putting off."

Twist smiled at her and nod taking a seat across from Sweetie and Starbloom. "Oh, I don't need a lot of room so anything is good." Twist said.

Sweetie smiled at her and nodded, "Don't worry, we have it worked out. I'll stop by the local construction company tomorrow and get everything worked out. Be a good chance to catch up with Apple Bloom as well."

Starbloom and Twist smiled at her nodding. "Sounds like a plan Sweetie," Starbloom said moving to her hooves stretching. "I'm going to head to bed, going be a busy day tomorrow." Starbloom added before heading to the bedroom getting into bed after remove her leg brace.

"Good night Starbloom. I'll be up soon myself." Sweetie said smiling at her watching her go. Twist waving at her saying good night as well.

Twist looks over at Sweetie. "Do you think that guy will be back tonight?" Twist asked looking around then back Sweetie.

"Hmm, I don't know Twist we'll just have to hope he doesn't." Sweetie said smiling at her moving to her hooves. "Sleep well Twist, don't stay up to late you have work in the morning."

Twist smiled at her and nodded. "I wont Sweetie, good night." She told Sweetie who made her way up stairs. Twist looked around the bottom for of the house before turning out the lights and laying on the couch covering herself with a blanket. Carefully putting her new glasses coffee table.

Standing on the roof a house across the way watching, the figure in black watched as the lights in the house went out narrowing it's eyes. Turning around a flash of a silver braid was visible as it leapt down from the roof into the alley to wait.

Silver Ghost Returns?

Chapter 33

The house was quiet as everypony inside was asleep, though Starbloom was having a hard time staying asleep. She kept getting that tingle in the back of her mind telling her something was wrong. She frowned sitting up in bed and got to her hooves moving near the window scanning the nearby houses quietly.

A shimmer caught her attention from an alley and she cocked her head faintly to one side before gasping and ducked, a surge of magic throwing Sweetie off the bed just as five assassin blades came flying crashing through the window and hitting the wall.

"W.. what the hay?!" Sweetie grumbled moving to her hooves upset at being suddenly woken up the way she was. Starbloom glanced over at her and pushed her hoof to the ground. Sweetie tilted her head before lowering herself to the ground just as another volley of blades came through the window hitting the wall shattering a mirror and some picture frames near where Sweetie had been.

"Stay down Sweetie, I'm going to go check on Twist." She said her magic pulling the blades out of the wall as she crept low to the stairs and hurried down them hearing a thud of the blades hitting the wall by the stairs.

Twist was on the ground behind the soft, a handful of blades buried into the couch itself. "Twist, are you alright?" Starbloom called over to her.

"Yea.... I'm okay," Twist said looking over at Starbloom, she looked fine, and Starbloom sighed softly nodding at her.

"Stay down, and behind cover." Starbloom said pulling more of the blades from the couch glancing to the window, the down stairs windows had been blown out as well.

Starbloom used her magic to move a curtain around and she caught the glow of a horn just as three more blades came through the window hitting the curtain. "Got ya, you little punk." She said her magic raising one of the blades and fired it back through the window.

To her surprise, the blade suddenly came back at her, the glow from the horn flaring causing the blade to turn back to Starbloom, she squealed and flattened her self to the ground feeling the blade clip her ear. She gritted hear teeth and ignored the pain using her magic to lift the coffee table.

She used the table as a shield as she went for the back door hearing blade hit the table repeatedly before she dropped it and went out the back. She narrowed her eyes at the alley she kept seeing the glow coming from. She caught the glow again as another blade came at her.

She waited until it was almost on her before releasing a burst of magic sending the blade flying off. Turning she charged forward towards the alley narrowing her eyes using her repulsing magic to deflect the blades coming at her. She leapt forward and pushed herself off a wall slamming into the side of the pony.

Her speed surprising the figure in black, it didn't have time to react falling over from the shoulder slam. Starbloom used her magic to pull the hood off gasping. "N.. no way! Silver Spoon?" She said looking down at the figure, it looked like Silver, if she had been a unicorn, she coat color, same mane color, done in a long braid, even the same eye color.

Coming face to face with her old foe shocked her enough to for the filly to buck her and knocking her back before getting up, she snorted. "I'm not Silver Spoon!" She said, her voice similar to Silver's when she was younger. "I'm her younger sister. Silver Blade, and you killed her!" She said bringing a blade around getting ready to shoot it at Starbloom.

Starbloom looked up at her laying on her side in a corner of the alley. She managed to get a better look at her, she was smaller the Silver Spoon had been, she must of been no more then sixteen years old. "I didn't kill her, Nightshade did!" She said pushing herself up gripping the blade in her own magic to keep Silver Blade from firing it at her.

Silver narrowed her eyes her horn glowing brighter as she fought against Starbloom's magic. "Lies! You were there, I don't care what the report said. If it wasn't for you she would be here today!"

Starbloom strained against the magic Silver was using, it was more then she expected pushing more energy into her crystals. She let out a sharp cry as one of them explode causing her magic to falter. The blade came at her but the grip she had caused it to divert and slice across her side before hitting the wall.

Starbloom panted hard staring at Silver, the explosion from the crystal on her headband hurt her eye and fought off the pain to keep her eye open. "Your right, I was there when she died, I also sent her to prison. If it hadn't been for me she might be alive. But I didn't kill her." She said panting softly gritting her teeth. She saw Silver Blade raise another blade ready to finish the job. Starbloom tried to grip in her magic, but the crystals left on her headband sparked and fizzled. She gritted her teeth ready before something hit Silver hard in the side sending her sliding across the ground.

Starbloom looked over and saw Twist standing there panting hard. She had charge full force and slammed her shoulder into Silver Blade knocking her aside. Starbloom ran to the edge of the alley and looked. Silver Blade had already gotten up and fled the scene.

"Damn it!" Starbloom yelled kicking a hoof against the ground. She sighed in frustration and looked over at Twist wincing a bit the pain in her eye starting to get to her. "Thank you Twist... if you hadn't came, she might of killed me." She said smiling faintly.

Starbloom and Twist went back to the house. Starbloom sighed as she looked at it, the blades had done a lot of damage. The almost all the windows had been blown out, and the wood had been damaged from the blades hitting it. She went inside to check on Sweetie.

"Sweetie, are you okay?" She asked looking around the bedroom. Sweetie getting up from next to the bed. Starbloom gasped seeing her. "Sweetie your hurt!" She said running over to her.

"It's fine... I just from the glass." Sweetie said, she had a bunch of small cuts all over her from the glass shattering, her white fur causing the bleeding to look worse. "We can't stay here though, this place is a mess and there is glass everywhere...."

Starbloom sighed in relief nodding at her, looking her over again. "Yea, were can we go though? Not sure if Twilight or Rarity have enough room for us." She said softly nuzzling her shoulder.

Sweetie took a deep breath and sighed before biting her bottom lip. "My parents' place... me and my sister still own it... just neither of us felt right using it." She said looking at Starbloom.

"If.. your alright doing that Sweetie, we can go there." Starbloom said and Sweetie nodded both heading down stairs to get Twist. "Come on Twist, we're going to stay someplace else tonight."

"Okay Starbloom." Twist said nodding at them all three heading out and started to the house Sweetie's parents lived in before they died. Sweetie had a key and let them inside, turning on the lights.

"Twist you can stay in my old room upstairs." She said smiling at her faintly before looking at Starbloom, "We can use my parents room." She said softly looking at Starbloom, before taking Twist upstairs to show her to the room she could use.

Starbloom let out a deep sigh after Twist and Sweetie went up stairs. She took a seat on a chair flinching she looked at the cut on her side. It had been a glancing blow but it still cut pretty good. She pulled her head band off and looked at the crystals, the smaller left auxiliary crystal had shattered, damaging the main crystal.

She heard Sweetie come down stairs and looked over at her. "You alright Starbloom?" Sweetie asked going over to her and saw the headband. "Oh my..... last time you blew a crystal out like that... was in a practice dual against Twilight."

Starbloom nodded softly setting the headband down. "I know.. this little unicorn has a lot of magical power. Worse.. she's fueled by rage making her magic strength unpredictable." She sighed softly closing her eyes before opening the unhurt one. "It's.. Silver Spoon's little sister."

Sweetie's eyes went wide then looked confused. "She... had a sister? I don't remember seeing her around..." She said softly sighing. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know Sweetie, I'm going to have to report the attack. But I don't know if she can be stopped her with... out hurting her or killing her." She said softly biting her bottom lip.

Sweetie sighed getting a first aid kit and started to bandage Starbloom's injuries. "You'll do... what you have to. She almost killed all of us tonight." Sweetie said, looking at Starbloom. Starbloom looked back at her and nodded nuzzling her cheek.

Once bandaged up both Sweetie and Starbloom headed up stairs to try and get more sleep. But Starbloom found it hard to sleep, everything about the attack was bothering her. She sighed and just laid in bed with her eyes closed trying to calm her mind.

Sweetie & Rarity

Chapter 34

Sweetie was up first the next morning, looking around quietly sighing softly before slipping out of bed. She looked herself off, she really needed a bath her fur still red from the blood. She made her way into the bathroom and turned on the water looking around.

Biting her bottom lip, being back home brought back so many memories of her parents, on the counter of the sink was her dads mustache trimmer and comb. She looked away and took a deep breath before getting into the shower and started to scrub her coat clean. Being careful not to open any of the cuts but doing her best to get the red out of her coat.

She knew if they was going to stay here, she would have to pack away her parents things. She relaxed under the hot stream of water for a few minutes before shaking herself dry and climbing out drying herself off. She made her way down stairs and looked around the house quietly. She decided, packing everything away was a job for Starbloom, she couldn't handle it.

The loss of her parents had always been hard for her, she didn't even take a picture of them when moving to Manehattan, the memories it would bring make was to much for her to handle. The only pictures she brought was of her and her friends and her sister.

She wrote a note and left it on the counter for Starbloom before leaving the house heading to Rarity's boutique. She knew at this time of morning Rarity would more then likely be awake. She opened the door and went inside, looking around seeing Rarity at work on a new design.

Rarity heard the door bell when Sweetie came in and spoke with out looking up. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, I'll be with you in a moment." She said as she worked on some delicate stitch work.

Sweetie smiled softly to herself moving over and sitting nearby watching Rarity as she worked. Once Rarity looked up Sweetie smiled at her. "Morning Rarity, hard at work I see." She said looking at the design she was working on.

"Oh, Sweetie darling you should of said it was you." Rarity said looking her sister over quietly, "Is something the matter dear, you don't seem to be your normal self."

Sweetie smiled and considered saying she was fine but shook her head lightly, "Actually sis, yes something is wrong. It's been a rough couple of days." Sweetie said moving to her hooves.

"Oh my, come dear let's talk about it then." She said leading Sweetie over to the collection of cushions she had setup for guests. "Now tell me, what ever is the matter?"

Sweetie settled onto a cushion and took a deep breath sighing softly unsure how to start. "It's... everything had been going so well after getting back home. And now, someone is trying to kill us.... our home is ruined..." She said softly lowering her head to the cushion. "We had to stay at mom and dad's place last night....."

Rarity's eyes went wide, before she reached over and rubbed Sweetie's back softly. "Sweetie darling... honestly is it the attacks bothering you or being back in that house?" Rarity asked, she knew her sister was tough, but some things she had a hard time with.

Sweetie nuzzled her face into her fore hooves softly wiping at her eyes. "It's.... being back in the house... everything reminds me of them so much. It didn't bother me last night... I guess because of everything that had happen." She said softly sniffing softly. "But now... when I went to take a shower, seeing dad's stuff on the counter...."

"I know Sweetie darling, you had a hard time with it." She said rubbing her back softly. "You had been so close to our parents. I'm sure I could make room here in the boutique for you and Starbloom if you need to me."

Sweetie shook her head softly sniffling some more rubbing her eyes again. "No... it's not just me and Starbloom anymore, Twist is staying with us to...." She said softly taking a deep breath looking up at Rarity. "I need... to face this and push past it. I can't just ignore it anymore...." She looked away for a moment before looking at Rarity. "I want to move into Mom and Dad's house for good."

Rarity watched her sister quietly and listen to her as she spoke, her eyes going wide at the declaration. "Are... are you sure Sweetie? That would be a very big step... Of course if you want to I wouldn't have a problem letting you have the house, the old place needs some pony living in it after all... and when you and Starbloom have foals you'll need the space."

Sweetie blinked and turn bright red it almost looked like her injuries started to bleed again. "F.. Foal?!" She shouted in surprise looking at Rarity. "We're still to young for that, and we're not married yet or anything like that." She fidgeted and blushed looking at Rarity.

"Sweetie darling, you two might still be young but you don't want to put it off either." Rarity said smiling at her sister, glad her mood had shifted from being upset. "Besides I would love to have a little niece or nephew running around.... I honestly miss the day when you were little and getting into trouble." Rarity said and winked at her sister. "No matter how much I complained about it."

Sweetie's blush had lessened a few shades to pink. "I miss those days to sis." She said smiling at Rarity. "Thank you, for the talk and letting us have the house." She said reaching over and hugged her sister close nuzzling her shoulder.

Rarity smiled and hugged her back. "Of course dear, and I was serious don't wait to long to have foals." Rarity said as they separated from the hug Sweetie sitting back on her cushion.

"I'll keep it in mind sis." Sweetie said looking at Rarity tilting her head faintly to one side. "Why did you have a foal of your own? I know you had plenty of chances."

Rarity smiled at Sweetie and sighed softly. "You know me, I get wrapped up in my work." She glanced over at Sweetie, "Besides I had the joy of raising you. Before and after mom and dad passed away." She smiled at her reaching over ruffling Sweetie's mane softly careful not to mess it up to much.

Sweetie smiled at her and chuckled softly at the mane ruffling before moving to her hooves. "Thank you sis, I'm sorry I was so much trouble."

Rarity moved to her hooves as well smiling at Sweetie. "You wasn't that much trouble. A little rambunctious maybe. But looking back on it, I think I envied you more then anything." She said walking with her the door.

Sweetie paused tilting her head a bit. "Envied? How come?" She asked before catching up to Rarity.

"I got my cutie mark pretty young, so I never had the thrill of trying so many new things like you and your friends did. Not that I regret it mind you, I enjoy my work and love what I do." She said smiling at her.

Sweetie smiled at her and giggled softly looking at Rarity. "I guess we did try some silly stuff. Good bye sis." She said hugging Rarity again before making her way outside to go back to the house.

"Yes, you did Sweetie dear. But you had fun and that's what matters." Rarity said smiling at her and watched as she left. "Good bye Sweetie darling."

Sweetie made her way back to the house smiling softly. She stopped at the front door taking a deep breath before opening the door going inside. She saw Starbloom was up and busy wrapping and packing away her parents things into boxes carefully. Sweetie went inside and kissed her cheek before starting to help her. She decided to leave a picture of her parents on the mantle over the fireplace.

Change of Plans

Chapter 35

Getting the house cleaned up and cleared out didn't take to long. They broke it into keeps, storage, and donation. They decided to keep most of the furniture since a lot of what they had got ruined in the attack. Starbloom hadn't really had a chance to check out the house since arriving last night.

As she helped Sweetie get the place cleaned up she noticed it was munch better then she though. Three stories tall, and basement. The floor space was bigger. The second floor had three bedrooms and the top floor was a decent size open room. The ground floor had a large living room, a proper kitchen and a dining area. The dining room was separated from the kitchen was a bar counter that she liked.

After getting Sweetie's parents stuff stored away in the basement and dropping off what Sweetie felt comfortable giving away at a charity donation office, Sweetie and Starbloom headed to their old place. Starbloom had already reported the attack and the police ponies had finished going over the house and the area around searching for clues.

Both stood in front of the house quietly for a few minutes looking it over. "This is going to take a lot of work to fix up." Starbloom said as she got closer and looked at the damage to the frame work the blades caused. "Most of this wood is going to have to be replaced."

Sweetie nodded at her before going inside using her magic to start clean up the broken glass. "I know, but we can't leave it damaged like this." Sweetie said smiling over at her. Starbloom coming inside and started to help clean up the house.

It took quiet a while to get it done but the house was soon clean and all their personal items had been moved to the new house. Sweetie headed to the construction company to have the place fixed up, and Starbloom went to Sugar Cube Corner to check on Twist and wait for Sweetie.

Sweetie walked into the construction company office looking around. She saw Apple Bloom sitting at the receptionist desk. "Hey Apple Bloom, got you on desk duty?" Sweetie asked walking over smiling at her.

Apple Bloom looked up at Sweetie, "Heya Sweetie. Yea, gettin` to big to do much building." She said smiling at her. "What bring ya down here? Not that I don't mind the company."

Sweetie took a seat across from Apple Bloom. "Well, not sure if ya heard bout the attack or not, but mine and Starbloom's place need to be fixed up." She said watching Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom nodded at her softly. "Yea I read about that in the late edition. We'll be happy to help get the house repaired for you though. Were ya'll staying right now though?" She asked looking at Sweetie smiling at her not wanting to dwell on the attack.

"My parents old place," Sweetie said and Apple Bloom tilted her head faintly. "Don't worry I'll be alright. I talked with Rarity this morning... me and Starbloom packed a lot of the stuff away. I'm ready to move on."

Apple Bloom smiled at her and nodded. "I'm glad to hear it." Apple Bloom said passing her some papers to fill out. "When you get the house fixed, are you gonna keep it or sell it?"

Sweetie considered for a few moments while filling out the papers. "I don't know yet Apple Bloom. The place is to small for me, Starbloom and Twist. I think it might be best just to sell it." Sweetie said as she finished the papers and passed them back.

Apple Bloom blinked at Sweetie. "Twist is staying with you?" She asked checking the papers over. "If you want, the construction company will fix it and relist it for you. We'll keep the cost of the repairs and ten percent of what it sales for."

Sweetie nodded at her and smiled. "Yea, Starbloom brought her home the other day. She'd fallen on some rough times." She said and tilted her head at the offer. "That sounds good, cheaper then what Town Hall would end up charging. Town Hall takes twenty-five percent."

Apple Bloom smiled at her and nodded. "Alright, here just fill out this paper." She said passing her another sheet of paper to fill out."

"Thanks Apple Bloom," Sweetie said smiling and filled out the new paper before passing it back then got to her hooves. "It was nice to talk with you again."

Apple Bloom smiled at her putting the paper away after checking it over. "Yer welcome Sweetie, was good talkin with you again to."

Sweetie left the construction office and headed to Sugar Cube Corner to meet up with Starbloom. She headed inside looking around before spotting her at a table and took a seat across from her. Twist was also at the table with Starbloom smiling at Sweetie.

"Hi Sweetie Belle." Twist said smiling at her.

"Hey Sweetie, how did everything go?" Starbloom asked smiling at her.

"Hi Twist, Starbloom," She greeted and smiled getting herself settled at the table. "Everything went good, they'll get the house fixed, then relist it for us. Wont cost us anything, we'll even earn a few bits."

Starbloom smiled at Sweetie leaning over and kisses her cheek. "That's good," She said smiling.

She was about to speak more when Pinkie came up to the table. "Hiya Sweetie Belle! What can I get for you today?" She asked bouncing lightly in place looking at her. "How about a super-duper mega milkshake surprise?"

Sweetie smiled at Pinkie. "Hello Pinkie, mmm no thank you, as good as that sounds. I'll take a normal strawberry milk shake, and a some cinnamon raisin bread." She smiled at Pinkie.

Pinkie smiled. "Okie dokie then. And you Starbloom? What would you like?" Pinkie asked looking over at Starbloom.

Starbloom considered for a moment. "Do you have any focaccia bread?" Pinkie nodded and smiled. "Alright I'll take some of that and tea."

Pinkie smiled at Starbloom nodding at her. "Okie dokie and you Twist?" She asked looking over at her smiling. "Also great first day today."

Twist smiled at Pinkie. "Thank you Pinkie. I'll have some banana bread and milk."

"Okie Dokie lokie, I'll be back with your orders." Pinkie said before heading to the kitchen to start getting everything ready.

They enjoyed a nice dinner at Sugar Cube Corner before heading back home. Though Starbloom couldn't get that tingle out of her mind of someone watching them and following them as they moved. But she didn't want to alarm Sweetie so she kept quiet about it as they headed home.

Nightshade talks to Silver Blade

Chapter 36

Silver found herself sliding across the floor of the large house that use to belong to her parents' when she lived in Ponyville. She hit the wall hard and shuddered slowly moved to her hooves and looked over at the one who hit her with the blast of magic. The figure moved in closer narrowing her eyes before gripping her in the purple magical aura again and throwing her across the room causing her to slide and hit the other wall.

"What, did I tell you to do Silver Blade?" Nightshade demanded as she walked over to Silver using her magic to stand her up onto her hooves again. "It wasn't hard, it was a nice, simple little mission... so tell me what was it again?"

Silver shivered and winced her sides burning from sliding across the floor, she had been tossed and picked up about ten times now by her last count. "Y... you told me to... watch Starbloom, and her friends." Silver managed to get out panting softly.

"That's right, I told you to WATCH, Starbloom and her friends." A copy of the Ponville Gazette floating up in her magic and was shoved into Silver's face. "So what am I reading that her house was attacked... not once, but twice? By you no less?"

Silver looked at the paper gritted her teeth abit. "S.. She killed my sister, she needs to pay for that." Silver said narrowing her eyes before squealing getting tossed across the room again, she didn't even hit the floor first, she straight against the wall.

Nightshade turned to face Silver her eyes narrowed dangerously. "I killed your sister!" She yelled gripping Silver Blade around the neck and lifting her up by it causing her to struggle to breath. "You want to know why I killed her?" She asked moving close pressing her muzzle to Silver's.

"W.. why?" Silver asked gasping faintly against the magic holding her up by her neck.

"Because she couldn't follow orders. Ponies that don't follow orders are useless to me." She said dropping Silver to the ground. "Are you going to be a good pony and follow orders?"

"Yes m.. ma'am." Silver said panting hard struggling back to her hooves. She gasped finding herself pressed against the wall by a magic force, her fore hooves held firmly together.

"Good, because if you don't...." She said trailed off narrowed her eyes, an assassin blade shooting across the room burying itself into Silver's fore hooves, just missing all the vital veins. "I will be unhappy, when I'm unhappy... I'm unpleasant."

Silver let out a sharp cry of pain finding a the blade going through both her fore hooves. She struggled and kicked her legs a few times before Nightshade released the magic dropping her to the ground. She heard a light thud as a first aid kit feel next to her. She looked up at Nightshade whimpering softly.

"Clean yourself up, your bleeding on my floor." Nightshade said before turning and walking out of the room. Leaving Silver alone in the room, she looked down at her fore hooves seeing the blade pinning them together. She gritted her teeth and used her magic to remove it.

She gave a sharp cry of pain as the blade came out and panted hard gritting her teeth using her magic to open the first aid kit. She took out some gaze to stop the bleeding before wrapping her fore hooves with some bandage. She moved to her hooves gritting her teeth at the pain in her fore hooves.

{Starbloom & Sweetie's Home}

Despite her uneasy feeling, the night had been quiet for Starbloom and her friends. She and Sweetie spent the rest of the evening unpacking and making the house feel more like home. Twist was feeling pretty tired after getting little sleep the night before and getting up early for work so she went to bed early.

"Starbloom, what's wrong?" Sweetie asked looking at her as they relaxed on the couch. "Ever since we left Sugar Cube Corner you've been quiet."

Starbloom set down her glass of apple wine and sighed softly looking over at Sweetie. "Something, just doesn't feel right. At first I thought someone might of been watching use.... but that's not it." She said looking over at Sweetie.

Sweetie set her own glass down and snuggled into Starbloom's side softly. "I don't pretend to understand these, feelings, you get." She said looking up Starbloom. "But do you think it might just be what's happen the last few days putting you on edge?"

Starbloom snuggled back against Sweetie's side softly resting her head against Sweetie's. "Maybe your right Sweetie, it could just be that. Mmm, come on let's get some sleep." She said moving to her hooves. Sweetie following her as they headed up stairs to their room.

Sweetie feel asleep pretty quick, but Starbloom just couldn't shake the feeling and after an hour of laying in bed got up. She made her way out of the room quietly and headed up stairs. Looking through the boxes she took out her Mare Do Well suit.

Holding the mask up to her looking at the eyes. "We're not done yet, my old friend." She checked the suit over carefully, it had repaired itself after the last fight with Silver Ghost. She moved to her hooves and slide the suit on carefully before moving back down stairs.

She went into her and Sweetie's bedroom first looking at Sweetie sleeping quietly in bed before leaving a note on the night stand for her. She then went down stairs and slipped out of the back door quietly.

She crouched down low before pushing herself off the ground using her repulse magic to reach the roof of the house. She stood quietly on the roof, listening and watching for any signs of trouble. She knew Silver Blade was still out there, so was Nightshade.

Until she stopped both of them, she wasn't going to get a good nights rest. She leapt from the roof and started to make a patrol route around Ponyville moving swiftly and quietly from roof to roof, watching and listening for signs of trouble.

Ponyville Patrol

Chapter 37

The night patrol was quiet, though Mare Do Well didn't expect to much trouble in the small town. Then again she was more focused on catching Silver Blade. Two nights in a row her home was attacked, she wasn't about to let a third attack to happen.

She came to rest in the clock tower standing near the large bell looking out over the town. It was strange, no sign of Silver Blade and the sun would be up soon. She narrowed her eyes feeling a someone with her in the tower. She turned quickly coming face to face with Nightmare.

"Nightmare, why am I not surprised." She said snorting abit looking at the mask of the other mare. She crouched into a defensive stance staring at Nightmare. "Should of known you wouldn't leave us alone, even after getting what you wanted."

Nightmare snorted back turning her head abit. "Calm down Mare Do Well, if I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead along time ago." She said moving around the bell quietly. "I'm guessing your referring to Silver Blade's little attacks on your home. I've, reprimanded, her for that action. I told her to watch you, not attack you and your family. But I'm guessing you've noticed she can be a little... head strong."

Mare Do Well snorted again keeping herself in a defensive stance as she watched Nightmare move around the bell. "I'm having hard time believe that. Why have her watch us to begin with?"

Nightmare chuckled softly. "To make sure you stay out of trouble...." she said and her eyes narrowed, "And to make sure you stay out of my way. You're little trick in Manehattan cost me a lot of resources, I would hate to have a repeat of that."

Mare Do Well smirked watching Nightmare quietly. "You pushed me into a corner, murdering Silver Ghost and framing me for it. I don't take well to being cornered." She said moving to circle the bell keeping Nightmare in sight.

Nightmare smirked in return. "We have that in common, I'll keep Silver Blade from attacking your home..... you give up being Mare Do Well. There is no reason for this to get anymore, violent, then it has."

"To late for that," Mare Do Well said, her crystals flaring to life and she fired an assassin's blade at Nightmare. The sudden attack catching Nightmare off guard. She moved to avoid it the blade cutting across her flank and back.

Nightmare's horn light up and shoved the heavy bell at Mare Do Well. Mare Do Well's crystals sparking to life and grabbed the bell to keep from getting hit. "You should of taken my offer," Nightmare said before teleporting to safety.

Mare Do Well released her grip on the bell letting it swing the other direction leaping back away before it clanged loudly. She narrowed her eyes as she hit the ground on all four hooves, the compression pads keeping her from getting hurt.

"We'll see, Nightmare..." She said turning and making her way back home quickly to check on everything. The loud ring of the bell was sure to alert a few ponies. She also wanted to make sure nothing had happen back at the house.

Once she got home she made her way to the roof, and slipped her way inside through the upstairs window. She closed it and checked on Sweetie, then Twist. Everything was fine though, she let out a deep breath and went to the top floor and removed her suit storing it away.

She went back to her and Sweetie's room getting back into bed snuggling down under the covers to get some sleep. Her movements waking up Sweetie who looked over at Starbloom and smiled softly before seeing the note.

She read it over quietly and smiled softly kissing Starbloom's cheek. "Sleep well..." She whispered before going to wake up Twist for work before heading down stairs to start breakfast.

"Good morning Sweetie." Twist said as she got down stairs after taking a quick shower. "Sleep well?" She asked taking a seat at the counter.

"Morning Twist, yes I slept good." She said smiling at her passing her some toast and juice. She got herself a cup of juice and joined Twist at the counter.

Twist smiled and munched on a piece of a toast before looking around then back at Sweetie. "Starbloom not going to join us?"

Sweetie shook her head smiling again. "No, I'm afraid not. She was up late last night." She said then took a sip of her juice.

Twist nodded and finished her toast. "She must still be worried about that bad pony." She said moving to her hooves finishing her juice. "I should head to work before I'm late. I'll see you later."

"See you later Twist, have a good day at work," Sweetie said smiling as she watched Twist leave.

Sweetie leaned back a little and took a deep breath closing her eyes. She wasn't sure if she liked the idea of Starbloom going out as Mare Do Well again. But she couldn't stop her if that was what she wanted to it. She moved to her hooves and cleaned the kitchen making sure all the breakfast dishes had been put away.

She left the kitchen after it was cleaned and started to make her way around the house cleaning it. A habit she picked up from Rarity, though she did it mostly when she wanted to think a problem through. She made her way to the top floor, they had been using it mostly for storage.

She smiled a little to herself before she started to stack and reorganize the boxes to give Starbloom more room. She knew if she was going to be heading out at night as Mare Do Well, she'd use this room to change and the window to go in and out of the house.

Venture in Ponyville

Chapter 39

After Sweetie and Twist went to bed Starbloom sat down stairs drinking a cup of tea quietly. Last night was pretty quiet, other then her run in with Nightmare. She smirked lightly taking another drink of her tea before making her way to the third story looking around.

"Looks like Sweetie redecorated a little... that silly filly," She smiled softly opening the box with her suit in it, taking it out looking it over quietly. She took a deep breath before putting it on. She opened the window and climbed outside closing the window looking around.

She moved around the roof quietly for a few minutes making sure everything was fine before starting her patrol route she started last night. She like the night before everything was pretty quiet, she didn't see any signs of Silver Blade or Nightmare.

Even with the lower rate of crime in Ponyville she still had a few things to deal with. Mostly younger ponies causing issues. Just appearing and telling them to leave was more then enough to spook them. She went from roof to roof quietly checking for trouble.

Outside of a few run ins with younger ponies everything seemed to be going pretty quiet. She was about to make her way back home when something caught her eye. She watched as something moved quickly through the streets, but she couldn't figure out just what it was.

She started to track the quick moving object from the roof tops, moving swiftly and silently along the roof. The figure coming to a stop and could see it had the size and shape of a pony. "Hmm... interesting." She said softly to herself. The pony wasn't one she recognized, and it was wearing a black trailing coat and hat.

The pony turned and locked eyes with her, she froze and stared back at the it. The held eye contact for a few moments, before it took of with unbelievable speed. She leapt from the roof and gave chase moving as quickly as she could.

After a short chase the figure came to a stop near the edge of town and turned to face her as she caught up. They stared at each other for a few minutes more. She got a better look at him, she could tell he was male, dark coat... she gasped softly when she realized what she was looking at.

A changeling, she wondered what it was doing here though. The changeling noticed her change in stance and smiled faintly before speaking. "Don't worry, I aint here under Chrysalis command." He said stepping closer, he had a southern accent when he spoke. He stopping a few feet away. "My name is Venture, just keep out of my way and I wont cause any trouble for you."

She kept her gaze fixed on him quietly standing in a defensive stance. "What, are you doing here? If your feeding of love from the citizen I will stop you." She said quietly looking him over.

He gave a soft chuckle shaking his head as he looked at her. "I'm not feeding off the love... I'm a defective changeling, I feed off corruption from bad ponies." He said moving around her and looking at Ponyville. "Granted, there isn't a lot of that here."

She moved to keep a safe distance from him watching quietly as he moved. "Then why are you here? A bigger city would offer you more food." She said narrowing her eyes.

"I'm surprised at you Starbloom, I thought ya would of figured it out by now." He said looking over at her, seeing the shocked coming through even her mask.

"Don't look so surprised, we've meet." He said before using his shape shifting ability to turn into Officer Wildrun. "Back in the academy... I just want to help with Silver Blade." His said his voice and accent changing when he did.

Her eyes widen even more and she reached up pulling the mask back. "Wildrun.... why did you tell me?" She asked tilting her head faintly before sighing, she understood.

"You know why I didn't say anything." He said watching her for a moment.

"It's not just Silver Blade, Nightshade is here as well.... she must of followed me from Manehattan." Starbloom said sighing softly.

"Well, we'll just have to deal with her as well." He said looking over at her before back at the town. "The sun is coming up, I believe that's your cue to head home."

Starbloom nodded pulling the mask back down. "Your right." She said still not sure how she felt about a changeling running around town. But if he was the same Wildrun she went to the academy, she felt she could trust him.

She started to make her way home moving across the roof tops quickly before reaching the house. She opened the window and went inside closing it. She started to remove her suit and storing it away.

She went down stairs to check on Sweetie then on Twist. It was hard to understand, "Officer Wildrun.... a changeling." She said to herself softly sighing. If he was telling the truth, she had nothing to worry about. He didn't act like the changelings she rain into at Canterlot during Princess Cadence's wedding.

She shook her head abit going to the kitchen and took her pain pill, her shoulder starting to bother her again. She sat at the counter for a few minutes sipping a cup of tea. She heard some noise upstairs then noticed it was almost seven in the morning.

"Morning Twist," Starbloom said watching Twist as she came into the kitchen.

"Morning Starbloom, can't sleep?" She asked noticing how tired Starbloom looked. She got herself some juice and a muffin.

"Yea, I got a lot on my mind," Starbloom said smiling softly. "Don't worry though, have a good day at work."

"Okay Starbloom, have a good sleep when you go to bed." Twist said finishing her juice before heading to work, eating the muffin on her way out of the kitchen.

She smiled softly before yawning and started upstairs to get some sleep. She would just have to figure this out when she woke up and could think clearly.

Lazy Afternoon

Chapter 40

Starbloom gasped sharply sitting up in bed looking around. She grumbled a bit noticing it was only noon. She rolled over and off the bed onto her hooves before she started down stairs. She found Sweetie sitting at the counter looking over a book and nibbling on some apple slices.

"Afternoon Sweetie," She said smiling as she fixed herself some tea.

"Afternoon Starbloom, your up earlier then I expected." Sweetie said looking up from the book and smiles. "Bad dreams again?" She asked, it was still early for Starbloom to be awake.

Starbloom nodded faintly sipping her tea. "Something like that," Starbloom answered Sweetie going over and took a seat at the bar next to Sweetie. "What are you reading?" She asked, wanting to change the subject.

"Hmm, a book on musical theory and practice." Sweetie said smiling at Starbloom letting the subject of her dreams drop. "It's pretty quiet here with you sleeping and Twist at work."

Starbloom smiled at her a little. "I guess it is." She said smiling at her.

Starbloom was about to say more when a knock was heard at the door. "I'll get it," Sweetie said getting off the stool and heading into the living room to answer the door.

Starbloom smiled and waited for Sweetie as she sipped her tea, taking one of the apple slices and nibbles on it. A few moments later Sweetie came back into the kitchen with Apple Bloom.

"Hey Apple Bloom, good to see you." Starbloom said smiling at her.

"Hiya Starbloom. Nice to see you to." Apple Bloom said going over to join her at the bar.

"What brings you by? Shouldn't you be at work?" Starbloom asked Apple Bloom smiling at her. Sweetie fixed Apple Bloom some tea, and toast.

"Mmm I'm here on business as well, plus it's my lunch break" Apple Bloom said smiling, she took a bag of bits out of her saddle bag. "Your old home sold, this is your cut." She said passing it over to Starbloom. "Six thousand bits."

"Oh, thank you Apple Bloom." Starbloom said taking the bag with her magic and putting it away. "I didn't think we'd get that much for it."

"I used some of my ideas for the repairs, so it cost less to fix it back up." Apple Bloom said smiling at Sweetie when she brought her the toast and tea. "Thank you Sweetie."

Sweetie smiled at Apple Bloom moving to sit by Starbloom again. "Your welcome Apple Bloom."

Starbloom smiled sipping her own tea. "How has everything been with you Apple Bloom?"

"Pretty good, after talking it over with Featherweight. We decided to stay here in Ponyville, Applejack gave us a few acres of land on the East Field to build a house." Apple Bloom said smiling at them.

"Oh? That sounds pretty nice. Is Featherweight just going stick with the Ponyville Gazette?" Sweetie asked smiling at her.

Apple Bloom nodded at Sweetie taking a sip of her tea. "Yea, even though his talent and passion is photography, he's started working as a reporter as well."

Sweetie smiled and nodded. "I can see that, he's always had a sharp eye."

Starbloom nodded as well smiling. "Any word on how Scootaloo is doing?" She asked, with her on tour a lot they didn't get to see Scootaloo to much.

"She's doing good, the team is taking a break from preforming to do some races." Apple Bloom said smiling at her. "Her last letter said that she'll be back in Ponyville in a few weeks."

Sweetie and Starbloom smiled nodding at her. Sweetie spoke up, "That's good will be nice to see her again." Sweetie paused and thought for a few moments. "How long is she going be staying in Ponyville?'

"For six months, the team is gonna be in off for the season." Apple Bloom said smiling.

"Perfect, she'll be here for the wedding then." Sweetie said, and Apple Bloom blinked at her.

"What weddin`?" Apple Bloom asked looking confused.

Starbloom tilted her head at Sweetie, who smiled. "Mine and Starbloom's of course." Sweetie answered grinning.

Apple Bloom blinked again before smiling at Sweetie and Starbloom. "Oh well congratulations then. I always suspected ya two would end up together." Apple Bloom said smiling at both.

"Thank you Apple Bloom," Starbloom said smiling back at her.

"Yes, thank you Apple Bloom." Sweetie said, "Of course your invited, so is Featherweight."

Apple Bloom smiled at Sweetie and nodded before checking the time. "I should start back to the office before I'm missed." She said getting to her hooves. "Was great catching up."

Sweetie moved to her hooves to show Apple Bloom out. "Was nice catching up with you as well." Sweetie said, Starbloom waving as they left the kitchen.

Starbloom moved to her hooves as Sweetie showed Apple Bloom out. She put away her empty cup before moving to the living room. "I'm gonna head out for abit Sweetie," She said smiling at Sweetie kissing her cheek.

"Alright Starbloom, stay safe." Sweetie said kissing her cheek back.

Starbloom smiled before leaving the house. She started down the road heading to a more upscale part of town. She had been thinking it over and decided to go visit Diamond Tiara. She hadn't spoken with her since she and Sweetie had left Ponyville, though Sweetie kept in contact by mail, and visited her from time to time while on tour.

It wasn't a long walk, Diamond Tiara had stayed in her father's house. Her father had passed away shortly after she and Sweetie had moved. Sweetie went to the funeral but Starbloom was in the academy at the time and couldn't make it.

She reached the house and slipped in passed the gate heading to the front door, reaching up she rung the buzzer and waited.

After a few moments Diamond Tiara answered the door. She smiled seeing Starbloom, "Well, hello Starbloom. I haven't seen you in ages, come in." She said moving to let Starbloom into the house.

"Yea, it's been a while." Starbloom said smiling back as she went into the large estate house. "How have you been?" She asked following after Diamond Tiara to the living room, both taking a seat.

"I've been well, my business has really grown the last few years." Diamond Tiara said settling herself onto a cushion.

Starbloom smiled, Diamond Tiara had taken work as a jewelry maker. It was delicate work that most thought was better suited for a unicorn, but Diamond Tiara proved them wrong. She made some of the best fine jewelry in Equestria.

"That's good to hear, and part of why I'm here." Starbloom started smiling, "I need a set of wedding rings. One for a unicorn and one for an earth pony."

"Really? That shouldn't be to hard...." Diamond Tiara said trailing off as something came to her, "For you and Sweetie right?"

Starbloom smiled at her and nodded. "Yea, we decided a few days ago."

Diamond Tiara smiled at her nodding, "What took you two so long? I could tell before you two moved to Manehattan it would happen." She said moving to her hooves and going to a nearby safe opening it. She took out a box and brought it over setting it before Starbloom.

Starbloom just blushed and watched her bring out the box. Diamond Tiara opened it show two finely crafted bands. The larger hoof ring was gold and silver braid, encrusted with sapphire and amethyst. The smaller more delicate unicorn ring was the same gold and silver braid but was encrusted with amethyst and pink diamond.

"Oh wow, these are really nice Diamond Tiara." She said using her magic to levitate them up and look them over.

Diamond Tiara smiled as she watched her look the rings over. "I made them for you and Sweetie last year. Just had this urge to craft them."

"They are very nice, how much for them?" She asked looking over at Diamond Tiara.

Diamond Tiara smiled at Starbloom and shook her head. "Take them as a wedding gift."

Starbloom smiled at her, nodding. "Thank you very much Diamond Tiara." She put the rings back in the box closing it. "I will of course see you at the wedding wont I?" She asked looking up at her.

"I wouldn't miss it." Diamond Tiara said smiling.

The two talked for a bit longer before Starbloom made her way back home. She was eager to show the rings to Sweetie Belle once she got back to the house.

Confrontation at Silver Estate

Chapter 41

While she walked towards her home, she paused looking at Sugar Cube Corner thinking for a few moments before heading inside.

"Hey Starbloom, how you doing today?" Pinkie asked as she stood behind the counter.

"Hi Pinkie, things are going good today." Starbloom replied walking up the counter smiling at her. "I'd like one of your cheese cakes please."

"Sure thing, coming right up." Pinkie said smiling as she got one of the cheese cakes on a shelf and put it in a box. "Here you go, that'll be four bits."

Starbloom smiled and took the money out giving it to Pinkie, "How is Twist working out?" She asked picking up the box with the cake in her magic.

"She's doing a very good job." Pinkie said smiling at Starbloom. "She's a really hard worker."

Starbloom smiled at Pinkie. "That's good to hear. I'll see you later." She said as she left Sugar Cube Corner.

"See ya later Starbloom," Pinkie replied watching her leave before going back to work.

Starbloom smiled and hummed softly to herself as she made her way back home, using her magic to head inside she put the cheese cake on the counter looking around. "Sweetie Belle, I'm home." She called out.

"Welcome home Starbloom," Sweetie called back from the dining room.

Starbloom headed to the dining room smiling, Sweetie was at the table looking over different styles of invitations. "I got something, from Diamond Tiara," Starbloom said smiling as she floated the ring box over to Sweetie so she could see the rings.

"Oh?" She asked before smiling as she saw the box. She opened it and looked inside. "These are very lovely Starbloom. Can we afford them though?"

Starbloom smiled and nodded at Sweetie. "Yea, Diamond Tiara gave them to use as a wedding gift."

Sweetie smiled even brighter, "Well, that was very nice of her." She said as Starbloom joined her at the table.

"Yea, it was really nice of her." Starbloom said smiling at Sweetie.

They spent the rest of the evening going over details of the wedding, once Twist got home Sweetie went to make dinner. They spent the rest of the evening talking and working on the details of the wedding. Once it started to get late Sweetie and Twist went to bed, Starbloom went to the third floor to change.

After changing into her suit she slipped out of the window and started her patrol route. The patrol was pretty quiet, but she didn't expect to much trouble. She was more curious if Venture would show up again, still pretty unsure about the changeling.

She neared Silver Spoon's old home on her route and started to feel that familiar tingle in the back of her mind. She paused on the roof a house across the Silver Estate frowning softly. She wasn't sure what it was about the house but something about it felt wrong.

She lowered herself to the roof before leaping up and over the fence, the edges of her hoofs glowing from the repulsing magic to give her more range. She figured now would be a good time to investigate the place, maybe even get a lead on Silver Blade.

The grounds looked quiet and she couldn't see any lights on inside. She made her way around the house slowly checking the outside first. She spotted a small building near the back and went to check it out first. She found the door locked but it didn't take much to jimmy it open.

"Hmm... the smith workshop..." She said softly to herself noticing the furnace and anvil. Making her way inside she noticed fresh ore and different assassin blades in the works. "So, she is staying here."

She turned and started out of the building before making her way over to the large estate home. She found one of the windows open and slipped inside looking around. She was in a small office, the dust told her it hadn't been used in a long time. She crept quietly to the door and opened it heading out into a hallway.

She thought about activating her night vision, but decided to save it for now. She started down the hallway listening quietly. She knew if Silver Blade was lurking around inside the house it wouldn't take much for her to get the drop on her.

She came to another door and checked it, finding it unlocked she opened it slowly peeking inside, the room itself was large but empty. As she was about to leave the room she saw something on the floor and went inside to check it out.

While exploring the room she saw what looked like drag marks across the floor. Near one of the walls she saw a mark in the wall and blood on the floor, though it was dried there was a lot of it. She also saw bandages near by as well as a discarded first aid kit.

As she examined the area she didn't notice a figure slip into the room with her. Just as she was turning she felt a wave of magical energy hit her in the side. She dug her hooves into the ground as she slide, turning she saw the familiar purple glow on Nightshade's broken horn.

"I should of known you would be here to," Mare Do Well said narrowing her eyes at Nightshade. Nightshade wasn't wearing her Nightmare outfit. The crystals on her headband started to glow as she released a blast of magical energy back towards Nightshade.

Nightshade leapt to the side avoiding the blast and narrowed her eyes. "This is my home, of course I'd be here." She growled in reply charging her horn releasing a burst of energy at her.

Mare Do Well jumped out of the way of the blast and charged forward turning quickly to buck Nightshade in the chest. Nightshade turned quick to avoid the buck but hit in the side inside, the impact knocking her against a wall. Mare Do Well turned to face her. "Where is Silver Blade? What is with all the blood in here?" Mare Do Well asked growling softly.

Nightshade got to her hooves quickly and lunged forward shoulder ramming Mare Do Well sending her skidding back. "She's resting in her room" Nightshade said narrowing her eyes again, "I told you, I reprimanded her."

Mare Do Well's stopped herself from hitting the wall narrowing her eyes at Nightshade. "All this blood, looks like you tortured her." She said growling, despite what Silver Blade did. She couldn't stand the thought of torture, she released a burst of magic at Nightshade while charging forward.

Nightshade dodged the magical burst only to get slammed into by Mare Do Well. The force of the hit knocked her back and into the wall. She was about to attack again when a blade flew through the air and sliced across Mare Do Well's back.

Mare Do Well turned quickly seeing Silver Blade in the doorway. She felt a blast of magic catch her in the side and send her sliding across the floor. She leapt back to her hooves and narrowed her eyes looking at Nightshade and Silver Blade.

She knew she couldn't take both at once. She turned quick and fired a massive blast of energy into the wall blowing it out. She sprinted quick and leapt outside, galloping quickly she jumped over the fence. She glanced back not seeing them chase after her.

She made her way home quickly and sighed once she was safe. Wincing softly at the sting across her back from the blade cutting her. She slipped out of her costume and put it away turning to look at her back, it wasn't to deep she was lucky this time.

She bandaged her back and yawned faintly making her way to the bedroom. It was late and the sun would be up soon. She climbed and snuggled down next to Sweetie drifting off to sleep.

The Silver Family

Chapter 42

After Starbloom left the estate, Silver Blade limped her way back to her room. She was still in a lot of pain from the blade going through her fore hooves and running down the hall stairs didn't help. She flopped over onto her side once she got up stairs into room laying in her bed staring at the wall quietly.

"You got lucky this time Starbloom.... if the pain hadn't thrown my aim off I would of got my revenge," Blade said softly looking at the wall then at her hooves quietly.

It had been Nightshade that hurt her like this, and she hated her for it, but Starbloom was the cause of everything wrong in her life. At least that was what she grew up believing. She closed her eyes and sighed softly trying to relax through the throbbing in her hooves.

"I'm telling you mom, that stupid foal ruined everything in my life!" Silver Spoon yelled kicking a table with a forehoof. "Because of her Diamond Tiara doesn't want anything to do with me, she'd rather hang out with those looser blank flanks!" It had been a year since Diamond Tiara left her to hang out with Noi, and the crusaders.

"Look, Silver Spoon I know your upset but I think part of the reason Diamond Tiara doesn't want to hang out with you is because of how you act." Silver Smith said, she had a white coat, with a dark gray mane and tail and green eyes, her cutie mark was of a anvil and hammer. "Ever since you two stopped being friends you've been getting into a lot more trouble."

Sitting quietly in a chair watching her sister and mom argue was a young Silver Blade, she looked up to her sister and hearing the argument made her angry. Not at her mom though, or her sister. But at the cause of the argument, Starbloom, though she didn't know who she was it the pony made her sister mad.

"I haven't changed, that freak hornless unicorn Starbloom made Diamond Tiara change." Silver Spoon said grumbling as she sat down on the floor. "If it wasn't for her none of this would of happen and we wouldn't be moving to Fillydelphia."

Her mother sighed shaking her head. "We're not going over this again, we have to move because I have a better job offer there.... plus maybe you can make new friends there. You keep driving them away here." Silver Smith said shaking her head again at the scowl Silver Spoon had on her face.

Silver Blade sighed softly nuzzling her pillow looking at a picture of herself, her mom and her sister in Fillydelphia. Even after moving Silver Spoon had a hard time making friends. "Oh sis.... ponies just didn't understand what you went through." Silver Blade said feeling tears in her eyes.

The Silver family had been in Fillydelphia for eight years after moving from Ponyville, and despite her mom's success in the new job things hadn't gone very well. A little over five years after moving to the town, Silver Spoon and Silver Blade's mother was killed by a mugger.

Silver Spoon was still brooding over what in her mind was Diamond Tiara's betrayal because of Starbloom. "I'll get my revenge on them ponies... all of them." Silver Spoon told her sister, they had been in the house's gym and Silver Spoon was galloping on a tread mill. "You know that right sis?"

Silver Blade nodded and smiled. "I know sis, you'll show those mean ponies not to take your friends away." Silver Blade had gotten her cutie mark in making bladed weapons and basic cutlery. "What are you going to do to them?"

Silver Spoon galloped a bit faster narrowing her eyes. "I'm going to make them feel all the pain I have." She said grinning to herself as she kept up her fast gallop on the tread mill. She had been training herself physically ever since their mother was killed, increasing her speed and her strength.

"How are you going to do that?" Silver Blade asked watching her sister smiling. "Are you going to hurt them? I can make you a muzzle blade so you can." She said with a bright smile, excited at the idea of making something special for her sister.

Silver Spoon smiled at her sister slowing down before coming to a stop. She reached over and ruffled her sister's mane. "That sounds wonderful, you make me a nice muzzle blade and I'll use it to teach bad ponies a lesson." She said, knowing she had to learn how to use a muzzle blade. But that didn't really bother her.

Silver Blade wiped tears from her eyes and sighed softly. She always felt sad when thinking about her sister. Even though Silver Spoon tried to hide it, she knew her sister had been going out at night to fight muggers and people she thought was criminals.

"You didn't have to hide that sis...." She said softly. Despite trying to hide it, she could see the bruises on her sister when she woke her up in the morning. She wanted to go and help her sister, but she knew her sister would get mad if she did.

After making the blade for her sister, Silver Spoon and Silver Blade though it would be a good idea for her to have a secret identity and developed the persona of Silver Ghost. After coming up with Silver Ghost, the rate of assaults and murders in the city went up, though the name Silver Ghost itself never appeared in the papers, and most of the attacks was passed off to gang violence.

Everything had gone pretty well for the two, Silver Spoon steadily got better with the blade considering she trained herself and mostly attacked unarmed criminals and muggers. Silver Blade herself started to train as well, starting with strength and speed training. She found the design for Unicorn Assassin Blade's in a book and started to work on her own as well as train herself in how to use them.

One day though her sister came home, dropped a paper on the table and yelled. "That... that... bucking foal!" the yell scared Silver Blade who came into the living room.

"What is it sis?" Silver Blade asked before looking at the paper, she floated it over and read over the head lines. "Who... who is this Mare Do Well character?" She asked looking up at Silver Spoon.

"A lame wannabe hero that showed up in Ponyville for a while before disappearing." Silver Spoon said huffing a bit then pointed that paper. "That one though, is Starbloom... that loser can play dress up all she wants but I know it's her. Pack your stuff, we're moving to Manehattan... it's time for revenge."

Silver Blade sighed softly nuzzling her pillow again closing her eyes. "Sis... I will get revenge for both of us... on everypony...." Silver Blade said closing her eyes and slowly drifting off to sleep.

Tired reflections

Chapter 43

Starbloom found it hard to sleep, the cut across her back stung pretty bad making it hard for her to get comfortable. She did manage to get a few hours of sleep, but she did still feel pretty tired when she woke up. She slid off the bed to her hooves and made her way down the stairs and into the kitchen.

She didn't see Sweetie in the living room or kitchen, so she figured she was out or in her studio. She made herself some tea and got herself some bread, adding some peanut butter and honey before nibbling on it. She took a seat at the counter and considered the events of last night.

She wasn't that surprised to learn Silver Blade was staying at Silver Estate, she wasn't even that surprised that Nightshade was staying there as well. What did surprise her was even though Nightshade had hurt Silver Blade, that Silver Blade was still loyal to her.

She shook her head and sighed softly sipping her tea. "I wonder if it's possible to get that girl to realize what's happening..." She asked herself quietly before she let out a deep sigh. Even if she did realize she wondered if Silver Blade cared.

Her ears perked hearing the front door and got to her hooves using her magic to float her tea with her as she left the kitchen. "Hey Sweetie, welcome home." Starbloom said and smiled watching Sweetie as she came into the house.

"Hello Starbloom," Sweetie said and smiled as she moved past Starbloom to the kitchen carrying a couple of bags. "I picked up some groceries we were running low on a few things."

Starbloom nodded as she moved so Sweetie could get into the kitchen. "Yea, I noticed that." She said sipping her tea following her into the kitchen and going to take a seat at the counter again.

Sweetie placed the bags on the counter and started to put everything away. "Looks like you had a rough night, and I'm not talking about the cut on your back...." She said noticing how tired Starbloom looked.

Starbloom gave Sweetie a smile nodding at her. "Yea I didn't get a lot of sleep. This cut stings pretty good." She said shifting lightly, watching Sweetie who looked doubtful that the cut was the only cause of her restless night.

"Is that the only reason?" She asked as she finished putting the groceries away. "You've slept through worse then a cut."

Starbloom frowned slightly looking at Sweetie then sighed. "I ran into Nightshade and Silver Blade last night.... they are living the old Silver Estate." She said sipping her tea before continuing. "Nightshade is hurting Silver Blade, but she's staying loyal to her. I just have a hard time wrapping my head around why."

Sweetie frowned as she listen to Starbloom, shaking her head abit. "It's hard to imagine... maybe Silver Blade just doesn't care what happen to herself, so long as she gets her revenge." Sweetie said as she joined Starbloom at the counter.

Starbloom rested her head on the counter top and sighed rubbing her face with a hoof. "Maybe..." was all she could think to say as she though about it more. That level of dedication to a cause was something she herself understood.

"Try not to think on it to hard, you'll make yourself crazy." Sweetie said leaning over and nuzzling Starbloom's cheek. "Your to much like your mother in that regard.... over thinking things."

Starbloom nuzzled back and smiled sighing softly. "Your right, really isn't to much I can do about it right now." Starbloom said trying to push the thoughts to the back of her mind. She sat up and took another drink from her tea cup.

Sweetie nodded at Starbloom smiling as fixed herself some of the tea Starbloom made and sipped it, "Ehh... I never understood how you and your mother can drink this spicy stuff." She said eying the tea before passing it to Starbloom and getting herself some juice.

Starbloom giggled softly pouring the tea into her own near empty cup. "You should of started drinking it when you was little, it's an acquired taste." She said sipping her tea again. "Mmmm, so Sweetie how are things with you going?"

Sweetie blinked at Starbloom, but smiled. "Everything is going very good, I sent my new album to my producer in Manehattan so it should be released soon. Things for the wedding are going very well to, Twilight said we can use the library for the ceremony and Pinkie is going to cater everything."

Starbloom smiled as she listen to Sweetie sipping her tea quietly. "Glad to hear it, sounds like everything is working out good then." She said though she hoped she could take care of Silver Blade and Nightmare before the wedding.

"Oh, I got a letter from Dr. Westluck, he said he's retiring and moving to Ponyville. He should be here in a few days. Will be nice to see him again." Sweetie said as she sipped her juice.

"Really? Yea it will be nice to see him again." Starbloom smiled as well. She was curious as to why Dr. Westluck was coming to Ponyville, not that she wasn't happy though she did miss him.

Sweetie smiled and nodded at Starbloom. "Hopefully we wont fully retire and can still help us out with medical needs." She said and blushed softly, "Like foaling, as a medical unicorn he should be able to do the spell."

Starbloom almost choked on her tea and coughed a bit before speaking. "Y.. yea I'm sure he would know how." She said and blushed herself looking at Sweetie, "We can ask him when we gets here."

They spent the rest of the day going over additional plans for the wedding until Twist got back home from work. Sweetie was just finishing up dinner of, a spinach mushroom quiche, which was ready shortly after Twist got home. While Sweetie was finishing dinner Starbloom set the table.

Twist had brought home a cake from work, which they enjoyed after dinner. The three spent the evening talking before heading to bed to get some rest. Starbloom decided tonight she was going to stay in and try to get some rest since she had gotten very little the night before.

Late Night Conversations

Chapter 44

Despite going to bed early and taking a pain pill for her shoulder and back Starbloom still found it hard to get any sleep. She shifted and tossed a bit in the bed, before sitting up rubbing her eyes with her hooves sighting softly. She knew it was going to be another long night.

She slipped out of bed and went to the window looking out over the town. Ponyville was growing and expanding, but it still had that small town feel to it. She made her way down stairs to the living room using the glow of her headband's crystals to help light the way.

After getting down stairs she went to the kitchen and got out of a bottle of apple wine and poured herself a glass. Once she had her drink she went to the back door and outside sipping the drink. It was a nice night, the sky as clear and it the temperature was pleasant.

"Wont be to many nights like this," Sweetie said coming out behind her. Starbloom glanced back at her and smiled. "Having trouble sleeping again?"

Starbloom nodded slowly looking back up at the clear sky. "Yea, always had trouble sleeping at night, you know that." She said smiling before moving to a porch swing and settling onto it.

Sweetie rolled her eyes lightly before going to join her on the swing. "You know what I mean." Sweetie said glancing over at Starbloom. "You only have trouble sleeping like this if you working through a problem."

Starbloom sipped her drink quietly before offering it to Sweetie who took the cup and took a sip herself. "Your right, of course. This whole issue with Nightshade and Silver Blade is bothering me." Starbloom said looking at the cloudless sky.

Sweetie finished off the cup of wine and set it down on the small deck table before looking over at Starbloom. "You could always file a report at the police station, and join them in the raid of Silver Estate. Be a good chance to capture both Silver Blade and Nightshade." Sweetie suggested.

Starbloom watched Sweetie finish the cup before looking at the sky again, "I... suppose, but I'd be worried about the officers raiding the estate. Nightshade and Silver Blade are very dangerous." Starbloom said and shivered at a cool breeze.

Sweetie shivered at the breeze as well. "Fall is definitely getting closer," Sweetie said before looking over at Starbloom. "I know they are dangerous.... it's why I worry about you when you go out at night. But having the back up from the Ponyville police department will help keep you safe."

Starbloom took a deep breath and sighed nodding slowly. "I'll keep that in mind." Starbloom said slipping off the swing, "I just don't want any of the other officers to get hurt."

Sweetie got off the swing as well picking up the empty glass. "I don't want you getting hurt either Starbloom." Sweetie said before going inside and putting the glass in the sink.

Starbloom followed her in closing the door behind her. "I understand Sweetie, you know I keep myself as safe as I can." Starbloom said watching Sweetie who turned to face her.

"You better, I don't want to be a widow before we're even married." Sweetie said a little jokingly but Starbloom could tell by the look in her eyes and on her face she was serious as well.

Starbloom nodded at her and gave her a faint smile before starting towards the stairs to go back up to the bedroom. Sweetie followed after her to the bedroom. Just as they was about to get into bed they heard a knock at the door. "I'll get it," Starbloom said turning and heading down the stairs to the front door.

Sweetie followed her back down the stairs, curious who would be visiting at this late of night. Starbloom opened the door and saw Applejack standing in the door way. "Applejack? What is it?" Starbloom asked tilting her head faintly.

"It's Applebloom, she's gone into labor. She asked me to come get ya'll." Applejack said looking both excited and little panicked. "I'll meet ya two over at Ponyville General."

Sweetie looked surprised, and Starbloom did her best to keep composed as she nodded. "Alright Applejack, thank you for letting use know." Starbloom said and Applejack smiled before trotting quickly away from the house and towards the hospital.

"Should we wake up Twist and let her know?" Sweetie asked Starbloom who closed the door and turned to face Sweetie. "She has work but I think she'd want to know."

Starbloom thought for a moment then nods. "Yea, you go let Twist know." Starbloom said smiling. Sweetie went up stairs to tell Twist and Starbloom waited.

A few minutes later Sweetie came down stairs followed by Twist who looked half asleep but also excited. "Twist said she'll come with us. I'm sure Pinkie will understand if she's late or misses tomorrow." Sweetie said and Starbloom nodded.

The three made there way to Ponyville General Care, and went inside. They looked around and saw Applejack, Big Mac, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight all waiting in the waiting room so they went over to join them. Twist went to talk to Pinkie Pie and Sweetie went over to Rarity.

Starbloom went over to Twilight and sat next to her, Spike was with Twilight but asleep in the chair next to her. "Hey mama, how is everything?" Starbloom asked smiling at her.

"Hello Starbloom, it's still early but from what the nurse said everything is looking very good." Twilight said smiling at Starbloom. "Provided nothing changes it should be a smooth delivery."

Starbloom nodded and looked at the door leading into the hospital before looking back over at Twilight. "How is Apple Bloom and Featherweight?" She asked tilting her head.

Twilight smiled looking at Starbloom rubbing her head. "Apple Bloom is good, she's ready to have it. Featherweight, well he's scared but excited," Twilight answered her shifting her wings a bit.

Starbloom smiled at Twilight before looking at the ponies gathered in the waiting room. Applejack and Big Mac looked pretty nervous, Starbloom got to her feet. "I'm gonna go talk to Applejack and Big Mac," She said smiling at Twilight.

"Alright Starbloom," Twilight said smiling back before floating up a book and opened it. "I'll be here."

Starbloom smiled before going over to Applejack and Big Mac. "Hello Applejack, Big Mac." She said smiling at them, they looked up at Starbloom and smiled back at her. "Don't worry Apple Bloom is a strong girl she'll be fine."

"I know she is sugarcube, but I raised that filly like she was my own. I can't help but worry bout her." Applejack said smiling at Starbloom, "I just wish Granny Smith was here as well. I know she'd be proud."

Big Mac put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder and nodded. "Eeyup, I know she would be," he said doing his best to reassure Applejack.

Starbloom glanced down at the floor closing her eyes. Granny Smith had passed away two years ago of old age. It was peaceful and she was still as feisty as ever, but it was still hard on the Apple Family. "Don't worry, I'm sure she's smiling down from where she is." Starbloom said.

Applejack and Big Mac smiled at Starbloom nodding. "Thank you Starbloom, I'm sure she is to." Big Mac said Applejack nodding in agreement.

Every pony turned and looked when the doors opened and Nurse Redheart came out looking over at the group gathered. "Apple Bloom has given birth to a healthy colt. We'll allow all of you to back and visit with her in a little bit. But she has requested to see her sister and brother first. So you two can go back and see her now."

Starbloom went back and join Twilight as Applejack and Big Mac got up and followed Nurse Redheart to visit with Apple Bloom. Starbloom sat quietly next to Twilight, Sweetie coming over to join her. The two waiting quietly for there chance to go back and see their friend.

Meeting Cinnamon Apple

Chapter 45

Starbloom and Sweetie sat quietly in the waiting room waiting for their chance to go see Apple Bloom. The nurse only let a handful go back at a time. Applejack and Big Mac both had come out after about half an hour going back to Sweet Apple Acres to get some rest.

Starbloom and Sweetie went in next after Applejack and Big Mac, having been requested by Apple Bloom. They followed the nurse back to the room and went inside smiling and headed over to the bed standing next to it on one side. Featherweight was standing on the other side.

"Hi Apple Bloom, how are you feeling?" Sweetie asked after they got into the room and settled into place next to the bed. She held the small colt in her forehooves softly smiling over at the two.

"I'm doin alright Sweetie Belle, just a little worn out," Apple Bloom said smiling as she relaxed in the bed looking. She adjusted the colt in her forehooves a bit so they could get a better look at him. "This is Cinnamon Apple."

Starbloom and Sweetie looked at the small colt smiling, the colt had a light brown in coat with a reddish mane and tail like Apple Bloom's. "He's really cute Apple Bloom," Sweetie said smiling. Cinnamon opened his eyes for a moment looking at Sweetie and Starbloom before closing his eyes again, the eyes being brown like Featherweight's.

Apple Bloom smiled again watching Cinnamon before looking at Starbloom and Sweetie. "Thank you, I wish Scootaloo had been here as well. But I'll write her and let her know." She said resting Cinnamon back against her chest softly holding him.

"I know she would have come if she had a chance," Sweetie said looking over at Starbloom who nodded in agreement. "Same with Rainbow Dash, I know she would have come also."

"How long do they plan on keeping you here?" Starbloom asked tilting her head faintly.

Apple Bloom nodded at Sweetie before looking over at Starbloom, "They want to keep me for two days to make sure everything is fine, he did come a little early. But I think he just got impatient." Apple Bloom said smiling.

"He takes after his mother like that." Featherweight said joking, and Apple Bloom smirked at him. "What? You know it's true.... even you said so yourself. I'm to impatient to be patient back when you was still trying to get a cutie mark." He added giving her a cheesy grin.

Sweetie Belle and Starbloom both giggled softly nodding in agreement. Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes and softly rocked the colt in her arms. "Sure, tease the tired defenseless mother," Apple Bloom said in mock protest.

Starbloom reached up and ruffled Apple Bloom mane a bit smiling at her. "We tease because we care." She said and Apple Bloom smiled.

"We should go, you have a waiting room full of guests waiting to see you and you need some rest." Sweetie said moving to her hooves, Starbloom getting to her hooves as well. "Anyone we should send in next?"

Apple Bloom considered for a moment smiling. "Rarity and Fluttershy I think, would like to hold off on Pinkie as long as I can, she gets rather excited around foals and wont want to leave."

Sweetie and Starbloom nodded smiling at her. "Alright, we'll let the nurse know." Sweetie Belle said as they head to the door, "Was good seeing you again."

"See ya later," Apple Bloom said smiling watching as they go before relaxing back against the pillows. Featherweight waving goodbye to them as they go.

Starbloom and Sweetie walk with the nurse back to the waiting room, "She wants to see Rarity and Fluttershy next." Starbloom said once they got into the waiting room.

Fluttershy and Rarity got up to go back with the nurse, Sweetie and Rarity said goodbye to each other first as Starbloom went to say goodbye to Twilight. "We're going to head home now mama, have a good night." Starbloom told Twilight as Sweetie came over.

"Alright Starbloom, get some rest you look very tired." Twilight told her Sweetie nodding in agreement.

"I'll make sure she does Twilight," Sweetie said looking from Starbloom to Twilight.

Starbloom smiled and nodded before she and Sweetie started to walk back home. The walk was quiet, and once they got inside Starbloom headed to the kitchen.

"Hey you're suppose to be going to bed." Sweetie told her as she followed.

Starbloom looked back at her and smiled, "I know but I wanna get something to drink first," Starbloom said using her magic to get down a glass and a bottle of milk out filling the glass.

Sweetie sighed before smiling, getting her own glass down and takes the milk from Starbloom filling herself a cup before putting it away. "I could use a drink myself," She said putting the milk away after filling her glass.

They take a seat at the bar. "Besides one of us should wait up for Twist," Starbloom said sipping her milk, reaching out with her magic to get her bottle of pain medicine and takes one.

Sweetie watches quietly and nods. "I guess so, I can wait up for her," she said sipping her milk. "What do you think of Apple Bloom's foal?" Sweetie asked after a moment.

Starbloom closed her eyes as she thought about it for a moment. "It's really cute, she's lucky." Starbloom said after a moment smiling.

Sweetie smiled, "Yes, it is but that's not what I meant." she said looking at Starbloom.

Starbloom sighed softly nodding, "I know Sweetie," Starbloom said before smiling at her. "I think it's a blessing for the family. I do think they are very lucky to have him."

Sweetie smiled at Starbloom nodding, "I agree, the Apple family is lucky. I just hope we'll get just as lucky soon." Sweetie said leaning over and kissing Starbloom's cheek.

"I'm sure we will Sweetie," Starbloom said smiling at the kiss on her cheek. She finished her milk before moving to her hooves. "But, I'm going to head to bed now. Try not to stay up to late, Twist might be a while especially if she goes in with Pinkie Pie."

Sweetie nodded at Starbloom smiling. "I know, I won't stay up too late." Sweetie said sipping her milk.

Starbloom made her way up the stairs to their room and got in on her side of the bed settling under the covers as she started to drift off to sleep.

Silver Blade Confrontation

Chapter 46

With everything that has happened the night before, Starbloom found herself sleeping pretty late. Sweetie had woken her up for dinner and when she checked the time she noticed it was just after seven in the evening. She rubbed her head softly yawning.

She rolled off the bed and to her hooves making her way down the stairs to the kitchen. She didn't see Twist around, she wondered if she might be out. She stretched herself out going to the counter and taking a seat. "Where is Twist?" She asked Sweetie still rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"She is staying at Sugar Cube Corner for the night, Pinkie was pretty excited to have a sleep over." Sweetie said putting a salad on the counter with a bowl of soup and some bread. "I think she's been lonely since Pumpkin Cake moved to Canterlot and Pound Cake moved to Cloudsdale."

Starbloom nibbled on a piece of bread nodding quietly. "I can see that, I am surprised those two moved though. I would have thought they would take over the bakery." She said before eating some of her soup. "Mmm what kind of soup is this?"

"Sweet Potato Minestrone, old favorite I use to get for lunch back in Manehatten." She said smiling at Starbloom before joining her at the counter passing Starbloom her tea. "As for the Cake Twins, well Pound Cake wanted to become a weather pony so he went to Cloudsdale for training, Pumpkin Cake wanted to learn more about the business side of Sugar Cube Corner so she went to Canterlot to study."

"Oh... well it's very good." She said smiling taking a drink of her tea. "I'm glad to hear the twins have plans. Hope everything works out for them."

"So do I, I know the Cakes are happy, even if the twins did leave Ponyville. Cloudsdale isn't that far and Pumpkin should be back after her training." Sweetie Belle said smiling.

Starbloom nodded as she went back to eating. "Yea that's true, I'm sure Pound Cake will come and visit them when he has time."

"I'm sure he will, he always was a good colt." Sweetie said as she ate her own dinner. "I told Diamond Tiara about Cinnamon Apple as well, she was very excited and happy to hear about it. She said she would go and visit her as soon as she had a chance."

Starbloom sipped her tea quietly after finishing her dinner. "That's good, did anyone let Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash know?" She asked looking up at Sweetie Belle.

"Yea, I wrote them a letter and sent it express. They should know by tomorrow, I'm just not sure if they'll get a chance to come and visit until the performance season is over." Sweetie said finishing her own dinner.

"Regardless I'm sure they'll be happy to hear the news." Starbloom said getting up from the counter and putting her dishes away. "I'm going to go get ready."

Sweetie nodded and following Starbloom upstairs to the top floor turning out the lights as she went. She watched as Starbloom got changed into her Mare Do Well suit. She leaned in and kissed Starbloom, "Be safe out there." Sweetie said smiling at her turning out the lights upstairs.

"I will Sweetie, have a good night." Starbloom said kissing her back before slipping out the window once the lights went out. She made her way across the rooftops quietly starting on her patrol route.

The patrol went pretty quiet for the first few hours, so there wasn't too much for her to do as she searched the town for crimes to take care of. She landed on the roof of a small building to rest when heard a whistle then felt something pierce her side. She turned quickly and spotted Silver Blade standing on the roof across from her.

She glanced back and saw a blade sticking out of her hip, the armor of her suit slowed it down enough to keep it from going too deep but the pain was still intense. She took a deep breath glancing back at Silver Blade staring at her with hate filled eyes. "Silver, please you need to stop this." Mare Do Well said gritting her teeth as she pulled the blade free tossing it aside.

"I'll stop when you and all your stuck up friends are dead," Silver said pulling free another one of her blades. She fired the blade at Mare Do Well, who took her own blade out and deflected it.

"I don't want to hurt you Silver, please just stop!" Mare Do Well yelled gritting her teeth in frustration and pain. "Nightshade is poisoning your mind if you just think about it rationally you'll see that."

"I see everything perfectly fine!" Silver said pulling out her sister's muzzle blade and holding it her muzzle before charging forward twisting in a wide arc to cut across Mare Do Well's chest.

Mare Do Well bring her blade around to block the muzzle blade leaping back letting out a sharp hiss at the pain in her hip. She knew she couldn't handle a drawn out fight, her crystals flashed and she knocked Silver back with a blast of kinetic energy. "No you don't! Nightshade is abusing you, she doesn't care about you!"

Silver rolled back to her hooves from the blast and narrowed her eyes tightening her grip on the muzzle blade charging forward again leaping up she twisted herself around to bring the blade down in a deadly arc towards Mare Do Well's back.

Just before the blade hit Mare Do Well a bolt of purple magic flashed across the sky sending Silver flying off the room and into a building bouncing off the wall and hitting the ground hard. Mare Do Well glanced at where the bolt came from and saw her mother hovering in the air her wings gently flapping to keep her in place, her eyes glowing white with energy.

Twilight's eyes slowly returned to normal, she flew over head and down towards the area Silver Blade had hit the ground. Mare Do Well trotted over gingerly careful of her hip. She jumped off the roof and made sure to land on her uninjured legs to keep from hurting herself more.

"M... mother what are you doing out here?" Mare Do Well said looking down at Silver Blade, the impact with the ground had knocked her out and broken her hind legs but she was otherwise unhurt. Twilight's magic wrapped around Silver Blade and lifted her off the ground.

"I had a feeling something was going to happen tonight. I felt a strong urge to come out and check on things." Twilight said lifting Starbloom up and placing her across her back before starting to trot to the hospital. "It seems my feelings were justified."

Mare Do Well tried to protest getting lifted up like and placed on her mothers back but it was useless and the pain was getting to be too much for her. "Yeah.... I guess so, I'm glad you came when you did." She said softly relaxing as Twilight trotted to the hospital, "Mom... I can't go in there if I want to keep my identity a secret"

"Don't worry dear, just focus on getting well." Twilight said as she went inside and to the reception. "Nurse Redheart, please send for security, and a doctor." She said putting Silver Blade on the ground, "This girl is a criminal."

Nurse Redheart was unsure at first but nodded sending one of the nurses to the police station and another to fetch the doctor. "What about her?" Nurse Redheart asked nodding to Mare Do Well, "She looks injured as well."

Mare Do Well shifted a bit on Twilight's back unsure what to say when she heard a familiar voice coming from her blind spot. "I'll take care of it Nurse Redheart, thank you." Twilight turned and Mare Do Well see Dr. Westluck blinking a few times.

"Alright doctor, room 3 is free." Nurse Redheart said and Twilight helped Mare Do Well off her back careful of her leg. She followed Dr. Westluck to the room and went inside taking a seat on the examination bed.

Once inside the door Dr. Westluck closed and locked the door to make sure no one would come inside. Starbloom removed the hood of her suit looking over at him. "I thought you retired Doctor, what are you doing here?" She asked peeling off the rest of her suit flinching when she got to her injured him.

"I did retire from the big city, but I decided to stay on as a doctor just in case." He said going over and checking on the stab wound on her flank. "More private practice so I can pick and choose my patients."

Starbloom nodded quietly flinching when he started to clean out the wound sighing softly. "How bad does it look doctor?" She asked after a few moments.

"Looks fine, not too deep and hit mostly muscle it should heal up fine if you don't stress it." He said getting out a needle and surgical thread before starting to close up the wound. "I must say it was a good shot, right in the eye of your cutie mark."

Starbloom rolled her eyes and glanced back at him as he worked. "Yea, I'm sure it was amazing. Hurts pretty bad though."

"I'm sure it does, but you'll be back up before you know it." He said finishing his stitch work before giving her an injection for the pain and infection. "I know it's a lot to ask, but try to stay off it for at least two days alright?"

Starbloom nodded and pulled the suit back on once he was finished, "Thank you doctor. I'll do my best, by the way you will be coming to the wedding right?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it." He said smiling as he gave her some antibiotics and let her out of the room. "Don't worry about the paper work on this alright? I'll take care of it."

Mare Do Well nodded at Dr. Westluck before leaving and heading back to the waiting room making her way outside. Her mother was waiting outside and walked her home, it was dark out and Mare Do Well made sure no one followed them before they went inside.

"What happen to Silver Blade while I was in with Dr. Westluck?" Starbloom asked as she removed the suit once they were safely inside.

"Dr. Goodhealth is taking care of her, with three officers from the Ponyville police station. Once she is well enough she will be transferred to Canterlot's high security facility to await trial." Twilight said sitting on the couch.

Starbloom nodded softly and sighed taking a seat across from her mother. "I feel bad for her, so blinded by hatred and thoughts of revenge. She couldn't see Nightshade was using her."

"I know, but she made her choices and now she has to live with them." Twilight said shaking her head sadly. "Such a waste, hopefully she can be rehabilitated."

Starbloom nodded softly, but she was starting to feel drowsy from the shot the doctor had given her. She curled up on the couch. "I hope so, she isn't a bad pony just misguided." She said yawning softly nuzzling her head against the cushion softly.

Twilight smiled softly watching using her magic to cover Starbloom with a blanket. "I know dear, I know." She said softly watching Starbloom fall asleep before she left to return to her library.

Mare Do Well's New Suit

Chapter 4

Starbloom found herself waking up earlier then normal to the smell of something being cooked in the kitchen. She sat up slowly sniffing the air as her magic activated the lights in her room slipping out of bed. She trotted over to the door heading out into the living room looking around yawning softly. "Mmmmm something smells good." She said softly moving around to the bar counter that separated the kitchen from the living room.

"It's called food Starbloom," Sweetie said sticking her tongue out at her. "I noticed a lack of it when I got home from my tour. What did you live on when I was gone, take out?" She asked filling a plate with stir fried greens, and tofu before floating it over to Starbloom. "By the way... I think something is living in the fridge, I could of swore I heard something growl at me when I opened it."

"I call it Fritz, I think it use to be a slice of apple pie." Starbloom said jokingly her mouth watering seeing the stir fry. "Mmm this looks really good. Surprised your cutie mark isn't a chef's hat." She added while smiling and started to eat.

"Wait.. apple pie... You don't mean the one Apple Jack brought up when she and Apple Bloom visited do you?" She asked looking over at Starbloom who nodded up at her. "That was almost a year ago, no wonder the thing was alive it's probably mutated into some weird sentient mold monster by now." Sweetie Belle said blinking at the fridge then over at Starbloom. "Feel kind a of bad tossing it into the incinerator chute now."

She blinks at Sweetie Belle a bit then shakes her head a little before going back to her stir fry. "It was just a moldy old apple pie slice." She said smiling at her before floating over a bottle of apple juice and taking a drink. "When do you go back on tour?"

"I have the next three weeks off, to work on my new album." Sweetie said joining her at the bar with her own plate, forgetting about Fritz the mold creature. "But I also have to take some cover and poster photos for a promo deal coming up soon."

"I see, I'm glad you'll be home for a while." Starbloom said smiling at her finishing off her plate she floats it into the sink before getting up. She notices a news paper and floats it over looking it over. "Oh, I made the papers.... sorta. Masked vigilant stops bank robbery, police baffled." She said as she reads the headline. "Statements from the criminal reports a mare dressed in a purple and blue costume interrupted them. Reports says the vigilante is a unicorn who is also strong like an earth pony and fast like a pegasus.. Other reports says this vigilante has stopped muggings and saddle bag robberies around the city late last night."

Sweetie Belle listens quietly and smiles, "Mmm not a whole lot to go on it sounds like, but the word does seem to be spreading. Might want to let them know your name before they start to make stuff up though. Might end up being called the Purple Avenger or something." Sweetie Belle said smirking at her lightly.

Starbloom rolled her eyes and giggled a bit. "Could be worse I guess, but your right I do want to keep the Mare Do Well title." She said going to her room and getting out the uniform looking it over, checking the cut. Rarity did give the suit the ability to repair itself over time when not being worn. "Good looks like the cut has fixed itself." She said looking at the time, she still had time before nine so she returned the suit to her chest.

Sweetie Belle frowned softly looking at Starbloom, "Your going to go out again tonight? I was hoping you would wait until your new suit came in." Sweetie Belle said looking over at her. "I sent Rarity a letter tell her you needed the new one with the guard silk."

Starbloom looked over at Sweetie and smiled but shook her head a bit. "Sorry Sweetie, I can't take a night off, as much as I want to. Not until I strike fear into the hearts of the criminals and make them think twice before hurting other ponies." She said going over to the counter. "Don't worry though, I'll be careful."

Sweetie sighs softly but nods smiling at her. "I know Starbloom," she uses her magic and takes out a apple from the fruit basket nearby and stuffs it in Starbloom's mouth. "You need to eat more fruit though. I've seen your diet, specially when I'm not home."

Starbloom blinks and chewed on the apple looking at Sweetie Belle scowling abit before swallowing the bite of apple. "My diet is fine, look at Pinkie Pie, she eats mainly sugar sweets." Starbloom said huffing abit taking another bite of the apple. "Your remind me of Rainbow Dash when I was training."

"Who do you think told me to make sure you stuck to your diet?" Sweetie said winking at Starbloom putting her own dishes away. "You are a unicorn after all, to keep up that pegasus speed and earth pony strength you need proper diet and exercise."

Starbloom sighed softly and nodded slowly. "I know, I know." She said moving to her hooves smiling at Sweetie, "Your right of course," she said before heading out to the roof and started on her work out routine. She had plenty of time today to do a full work out.

Sweetie Belle smiled, but then sighed shaking her head frowning softly. She turned to the sink to clean up the dinner dishes and put away the left overs. As she worked on getting the kitchen clean she heard a knock at the door. "Hmm wonder who that could be... Coming!" She called going to the door and opened it seeing a express delivery pony.

"Package for Sweetie Belle, express delivery from Pony Ville. Sign here." He said holding out a clip board. Sweetie signed the paper before taking the large package. "Thank you ma'am." He said bowing before she closed the door.

"That was quick, I didn't think Rarity would have it done and sent so fast." She said bringing the package over to the coffee table and placed it on top opening it up. She saw the new Mare Do Well suit, it looked a lot like the old one, though thicker except in the joints, the muzzle also had small breathing holes in it and the eye covers looked a bit different. She took out the letter and read it.

Dear Sweetie Belle,

Thank you for writing and I'm glad your tour went so well. I'm also pleased to hear you and Starbloom are doing well in Manehattan. As requested here is the new suit, the guard silk was hard to get a hold so do ask Starbloom to be careful as this suit will be hard to replace if it gets damaged.

I did add some extra reinforcing to the hooves and more vital areas for added protection, as well as extra weaving into the cape to make it more resistant to tearing and ripping so she'll be safer when gliding. Do to the nature of the fabric I also added breathing holes around the muzzle. Twilight also added some enchantments to make the suit fire resistant.

Regardless of the changes, please do make sure she's careful. The suit might offer her a lot more protection, but she is only one filly and not invincible, do remind her of this from time to time so she wont take to many risks.

Love, your sister Rarity

Sweetie smiled abit but sighed, looking over the new suit levitating it out and looking it over. She then placed it across the back of the couch for Starbloom when she came down from the roof after her training. "Guess there wont be any chance of talking her out of staying home tonight." She said to herself softly, she floated the box into a closet to be disposed of later and tucked the letter away in her desk.

Some time after the package arrived Starbloom made her way down from the roof and back into the apartment. She paused seeing the suit on the couch and looked over at Sweetie Belle who was resting on the couch reading a book. "Sweetie did you take out my suit?" She asked tilting her head abit. "No, this one is different.... is this the new one?"

"Yes it just came in alittle while ago, Rarity had it done as quickily as she could and express shipped it here from Ponyville. Special delivery, she said to be careful though, the fabric was hard to get a hold of so she wont be able to make a new one any time soon." She said then blinked seeing her getting ready to put on the new suit. "Hold on there, before you put it on, shower first."

Starbloom sighed and rolled her eyes but smiled softly. "Fine, I suppose your right, I did work up a sweat." She said making her way into the bathroom to shower, the water felt good after the hard work out. Once she was clean and dried off she comes back out and puts on the new suit. She felt the fit noticing the extra bulk around her sides and flank and across her chest and neck. "Feels alittle thicker in some areas. But still pretty light and flexible." Starbloom said as she moved around to get use to the new suit.

"Yea, Rarity, added some extra padding to the more exposed areas, as well as to the hooves, Twilight also enchanted it so you're resistant to fire." She said watching Starbloom test out the suit. "But your not invulnerable so be careful ok?" She reminded her.

"I'll be careful," she said pulling the mask on over her head and put the hat on. "Glad they added air holes, the old one could be a little stuffy," She said breathing in and smiled. "Vision is better to, these eyes covers are not as tinted."

Sweetie Belle nodded at her and smiled softly. "Yea, Rarity made some improvements over the old design. It was never meant to be used long term, remember?" She said watching Mare Do Well quietly before turning out the lights. "Have a good night, and stay safe." She said watching as Mare Do Well move to the window.

"I will Sweetie Belle, sleep well." She said before moving out of the window and to the roof to start her nightly patrol, swiftly moving across the roof tops. Her ears perked up to listen for signs of trouble in the city she had sworn to protect.

Final Showdown - Silver Ghost

Chapter 22

Mare Do Well made sure her presents in the city was known as she moved through the streets and across the roof of Manehattan. She didn't keep to the shadows or out of sites as she moved from the train station onto her normal patrol route. She wanted to make sure everyone knew she was out on patrol.

After a few hours of stopping minor crimes she made her way to an abandoned building. She found a room that looked like it was in decent shape and used her magic to close off the door good enough that no one would be able get into it. She settled herself on the bed not even bothering to remove the costume and closed her eyes to get a few hours of sleep.

She spent the better part of two days doing the same routine of sleeping a few hours, and patrolling a few hours, day and night. Stopping both serious and minor crimes that she ran across, all the while trying to draw out Silver Ghost or Nightshade. She rarely went out with out her suit on, and when she did it was just to get something to eat. Something she did little of since Sweetie had left.

She was out on one of her normal patrols when she caught a glimpse of something shiny flash in front of her. She slide to a stop and backed away just in time to see a muzzle blade hit the roof. Turning quick she saw Silver Ghost standing in front of her pulling the blade loose.

"Mare Do Well, out on patrol, again. Been busy the last few days, problems at home?" Silver Ghost said watching Mare Do Well grinning at her around the muzzle blade adjusting her stance.

Mare Do Well narrowed her eyes and pulled her unicorn blade loose holding it at the ready in front of her. "I'm not here to play games, I'm ready to end this once and for all." She said rushing forward jabbing with the blade.

Silver Ghost was honestly surprised at the sudden attack bringing her muzzle blade around to block the unicorn blade. "Whoa now, I was joking about the problem at home thing." She said jumping back avoiding stab with the blade. She rolled around to the side and bucked Mare Do Well in the side sending her sliding.

"Do I look like I'm in a joking mood?!" Mare Do Well yelled digging her hooves in to stop the slide and charged forward again faking a jab to the right, when Silver Ghost goes to block she quickly pulled the blade around and shoved it into her shoulder.

Silver Ghost let out a sharp cry of pain feeling the blade bury itself into her shoulder dropping the muzzle blade. "C.. come on... Starbloom... I never known you... to be this violent..." She said pulling the blade loose panting hard. She turned to buck at Mare Do Well again, but the pressure on her shoulder caused her to collapse forward and roll over trying to get her muzzle blade.

Mare Do Well tossed the muzzle blade out of Silver Ghost's reach and levitated up the unicorn blade away from her. She moved in closer to Silver Ghost watching her as she struggled back to her feet. "I wouldn't have to be, if you had just stayed in prison where you belong." She said narrowing her eyes.

Silver Ghost smirked and wiped her hair around quickly bringing the poisoned blade around, expecting to catch Mare Do Well off guard with it, but it was caught in a purple aura and came back around catching Silver Ghost in the chest. Her eyes going wide looking down at the blade stuck in her chest.

Mare Do Well's eyes also widen at the blade suddenly going around and into Silver Ghost. "N.. no!" She turned quickly scanning the roof tops before spotting Nightmare standing on a water tower, looking down at them. "Why!? Why did you do that?!"

Nightmare just turned and leaped away using short burst teleports to get from roof top to roof top. Mare Do Well turned back to Silver Ghost and crouched down in front of her using her magic to pull the blade loose. "Silver..."

"G.. guess... I should of stayed... in prison..." Silver Ghost said smirking at Mare Do Well before she went limp.

Mare Do Well narrowed her eyes and moved to her feet growling before getting hit in the side by a pegasus dive bomb sending her sprawling. She rolled back to her feet and looked seeing the police fleet of pegasi surrounding the building.

"Mare Do Well, your under arrest for murdering Silver Spoon, AKA Silver Ghost, surround yourself," The chief pegasus called down at her. Mare Do Well wasn't about to let herself get taken in though. She turned and bolted for the edge of the building and jumped using her magic to glide across to the next building.

She heard the pegasi following after her and growled, she knew it wouldn't be easy to loose them. She made her way to street level doing her best to avoid the ground force of earth ponies and unicorns. She could feel the white hot energy of unicorn magic fly around her.

"I need to find cover," She muttered as she scanned the area while running. She grinned softly to herself and used her magic to pull the cover off a sewer entrance and dropped down pulling the cover back over it. Instead of heading further in though she doubled back and took as many turns as she could but kept going towards her apartment building.

She activated her lens covers to keep from having to use magic to see, it took her time but she eventually lose the police force following her. She got to an access point near her building and removed her Mare Do Well suit finding a place to stash it before making her way out of the sewer.

It was just past eight at night when she got out of the sewer sighing softly. "This... is bad." She said softly to herself slipping into her apartment building and to her apartment getting the spare key from where she kept it hidden going inside.

First she knew she needed a shower, once she was good and clean she collapsed on the couch and snuggled down under a blanket falling asleep. Now more then ever she wish she had gone with Sweetie Belle to Ponyville, she could be with her mom, and her friends instead of alone in their apartment hunted by the police for a murder she didn't commit.

Twilight visit

Chapter 38

Starbloom woke up around noon sitting up and rubbing her eyes quietly looking around. Ever since she became Mare Do Well, she started to sleepless. She started to surviving on just four or five hours of sleep a night. Even after she stopped she never readjusted to sleeping normal again.

She made her way down stairs looking around, she knew Twist was at work right now. She heard a light thumb of music coming from the basement. Smiling going into the kitchen finding a apple and munched on it licking her lips leaving the kitchen.

After getting her apple she settled at the counter sipping a glass of juice looking around quietly. Sweetie had a habit of popping up on her when she was relaxing. She set the bottle down and finished her apple. She moved to her feet and headed outside deciding to visit her mom.

The short walk over to Golden Oak's didn't take that long, she headed inside looking around quietly. "Mom are you home?" She called out not seeing anyone in the main hall of the library.

"I'm here Starbloom," Twilight said as she made her way down stairs from her bedroom tucking her wings next to her. "This is a pleasant surprise Starbloom, how are you feeling today?"

"I'm good mom, how are you today?" Starbloom asked smiling as she headed into the kitchen and took out Twilight's stash of spice tea. "Tea?"

"I'm doing very well," Twilight said smiling as she followed her into the kitchen watching as she started to make the tea taking a seat at the table. "Yes please."

Starbloom smiled at her and fixed Twilight a cup sending it over as she made her own. Once her tea was ready she headed over to the table and took a seat across from Twilight sipping her tea. "Mmmm.... always hide the best stuff don't you mom?"

Twilight smiled and blushed chuckling softly. "Of course, if I kept it out, everyone would want it." Twilight said smiling as she stretched her wings a little before tucking them away again. "So, what brings you by Starbloom? I know you well enough, you don't just stop by with out a reason these days."

Starbloom smiled at Twilight but took a deep breath, "You know me to well, just like Sweetie." Starbloom said sipping her tea. "It's just things with my, night job, really. Silver Spoon's little sister is out for blood, and Nightshade wants me to give up.... which I did once, when moving back here."

Twilight nodded at her lightly sipping her own tea. "I understand Starbloom, you just need to do what you think is best. But there isn't to much I can do to help, you know that."

Starbloom nodded at her smiling softly as she sipped her tea. "I know mom, if you could help you would. I just... could you enchant the house, warding magic on the windows and doors for protection. In case Silver Blade decides to attack again."

"Of course Starbloom, I can do that much for you." Twist smiles at Starbloom as she finished her tea. "I'll make sure no one will hurt you or your friends inside the house."

"Thank you, mom." Starbloom said smiling as she sipped her tea.

Twilight smiled at Starbloom and sipped her own tea. "Your welcome dear. By the way, I was talking with Rarity and she had a talk with Sweetie Belle the other day." She said grinning abit sipping her tea. "Given any thoughts on having foals?"

Starbloom choked on her tea abit at the question and coughed softly. "M.. mom?! What are you saying? Foals?" She blushed brightly and took a deep breath settling herself.

Twilight nodded at her and smiles stretching out her wings again before tucking them away. "Yes dear, foals. You and Sweetie have been together for what? Six years now, in Manehattan I think that's plenty of time."

Starbloom sat quietly as she listened to Twilight, she had a point. They had been together for a while, even if they had only been technically dating for a few months. "Do you really think we should?" She sipped her tea thinking it over.

"Of course Starbloom, but to do this you know you need have a good trusted doctor." Twilight said smiling.

"Hmm... a good trusted doctor?" She thought it over, of course Dr. Goodhealth was nice and all, but if she was going doing something like this she thought Dr. Westluck would the best choice. "I know a good one, if we decide to do this."

"That's good to know, if you and Sweetie want to marry first. As a Princess of Equestria I can preform the ceremony for you." Twilight said before standing up. "Come on, let's get your house protected."

Starbloom nodded and moved to her hooves as well. "I'll talk to Sweetie about everything tonight." She said walking with Twilight from the library over to her home. "And thank you, not just for protecting the house, but giving me something to think about."

Twilight smiled at Starbloom nodding at her. "Of course dear." Twilight said before pointing her horn at the house, her horn started to glow brightly as she worked her magic, the doors and windows starting to take on the purple aura of her magic. After a few moments the glow faded away, the windows and door holding a very faint aura of protection.

Starbloom smiled softly as she watched her mother preform the magic on the doors and windows. She always enjoyed watching her mom preform her magic. She moved to her hooves when the magic faded away.

"There you go dear, all done. Your house is protected from ponies with evil intentions opening the doors or windows." Twilight said smiling at Starbloom. "I'm going to head back to the library now." She said before turning to walk back to the library.

"Alright mom, thank you very much. I'll see you later." She said before opening the door and heading inside.

She looked around quietly seeing Sweetie in the kitchen getting herself a snack. Starbloom walked over to her and nuzzled her cheek. "Hey Sweetie, how are you today?" She asked smiling at her.

"I'm doing good Starbloom," Sweetie said nuzzling her beck. "How are you doing?"

"Doing good, just got back from visiting my mom. Had her enchant the house to keep it from being attacked." She said smiling as she moved and took a seat behind her the counter out of Sweetie's way.

"So, that's what that aura was all about." Sweetie said nodding at Starbloom passing Starbloom a small plate of carrot slices and apple slices. "Here ya go, I'm sure you skipped lunch."

"I had an apple." Starbloom said smiling at her, "But thank you I was still a little hungry." She floated up a carrot stick and nibbled on it. "Hey Sweetie, mom said you and Rarity talked bout us maybe having a foal.... is that true?"

Sweetie blinked then blushed nodding at her. "Yea, Rarity brought it up... said we shouldn't put it off. What do you think?" She asked joining her at the counter.

"Might be nice.... but we'd have to see if Dr. Westluck will come down from Manehattan to help." Starbloom said nibbling on a carrot again. "Mom, said she would marry us if we wanted to get married."

Sweetie nodded sipping her juice, "That would be nice, maybe I should start planning huh?" Sweetie said smiling at her.

"Mmmm, sounds good. Something small, maybe just a handful of friends like Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Twist, our moms and their friends. Sound good?" Starbloom said looking up at Sweetie, nibbling at an apple slice.

Sweetie smiled at her and nodded taking a slice of apple herself nibbling on it. "Sounds good to me. Don't want anything to big or extravagant. We can have it at Sugar Cube Corner, I'm sure that'll make Pinkie happy."

Starbloom smiled and nodded at her. "Yea, I think so just have to try to keep Pinkie from making a big fuss over it and inviting the whole town. You know how she can get at the idea of a party."

Sweetie nodded at Starbloom sipping her juice. "Mhmm... that's for sure, she gets excited." Sweetie said giggling softly before chewing on a carrot stick. "I'll do my best to make sure we keep it simple."

Sweetie and Starbloom kept talking over ideas for the wedding before hearing the door open when Twist got home. They decided to keep the whole wedding thing a secret for now till they had everything planned out and ready.