The Slumbering Servant.

The two unicorns known as Snips and Snails, after minutes of running, came to a stop in a large field. The town knew, they knew it was them that lured the ursa into Ponyville. They didn't dare stay, fearing what might be done to them.

"What...what are we gonna do, Snips!"

"I don't know! We...we just keep running and go as far as possible."

"We can't run forever! We gotta stop sometime!"

"We'll stop when we know they can't find us. Not Ponyville or our parents."

"But...but I miss my mom. And my dad. I don't want to be away from them forever." Snails started to cry.

"Neither do I, Snails, but we can't go back. Not now or ever. If we did, they'd throw us in the dungeons, or something worse."

There was a pause, then Snails looked at Snips. "Snips...I'm scared."

"So...so am I" Snips started to cry too.

The two hugged each other. They didn't know what else to do. They heard rustling in the grass and turned their heads. There stood Zakari. The two had seen him around town but never approached. The black armor made him scary enough, but now he looked like a demon ready to drag them back Ponyville. He removed his helmet, and sat on the ground.

"You two, we need to talk."

They took a few steps back.

"Look, I know I might be scary to you, but trust me, I'm not going to hurt you. All I want to do is talk."

The two looked at each other, then back to Zakari. They slowly made their way over to him.

"I know that you two aren't bad. I know that you two are sorry. I know that you two aren't malicious beings...just really stupid kids."

"We know! We're sorry! We didn't mean for the ursa to destroy stuff, we just wanted to show everypony how cool Trixie was. She said that she beat an ursa before, so we didn't think there would be a problem!"

"Yes, I saw earlier that you two were quite adamant in your belief of her abilities. But...even though you're sorry, you must still hear what I have to say. You are very, VERY lucky that the ursa didn't do more damage than it did. It could have wiped out that whole town. Some ponies got hurt. Some cuts, others broken bones. But...most got out in time without a scratch."

The two sighed in relief.

"However..."

The two gulped.

"This incident was not without casualty."

"W-who. Who..."

"Who was killed?"

"...yes."

"Do know a pegasus mare named Scootaloo?"

"Yeah...was she the one?" Snips started crying harder.

"No, she wasn't the one killed. But...she is an orphan now."

That was it, they lost it, they broke down. Zakari patted their shoulders.

"Now, you're probably wondering what your punishment is going to be. The answer is nothing. You did cause this, but not on purpose, not with the intent to harm. That's why I'm going to write to the Princess and ask her to pardon all charges. You knowing what you've caused is punishment enough."

"Thank you!" Shouted Snails.

"Thank you, we swear we're so sorry!' said Snips, who couldn't stop crying.

"There is one more thing." Said Zakari. "you're going to do the honorable thing and come with me back to town...and you're going to talk to Scootaloo. You're going to tell her what you did and why she now has no parents."

"No! Please no! Not that!"

"I know it's hard, but it has to be done." He stood up.

"But, what if she doesn't forgive us?!"

"Oh, she probably won't. But you should still tell her you're sorry. Maybe someday, not any day soon, but someday, She'll find it in her heart to forgive you."

Snips and Snails jumped back as Zakari unsheathed his sword.

"Relax, I already said I wasn't going to hurt you." He held the blade sideways so they could see it better. "Do you know what this kind of sword is called?"

They shook their heads.

"This is called a katana. Back when my kind walked beside yours, there was a group of warriors who used these swords. They were legendary not only for their ability in battle...but also their sense of unbreakable honor. When the time came for me to join the royal guard and Choose my weapon, I chose the katana. It was my way of showing that I too had honor, integrity, and principle."

"I...I don't think I can do it."

Zakari sighed. "Walking the honorable path...it's not easy. Doing the right thing...is difficult. But, there is a little girl in that town who is distraught. She's in pain. You did something to cause that pain...and now you're going to make it right."

Some time later, the three reentered Ponyville. Twilight and the others were waiting for him by the bridge. Zakari told them what he told Snips and Snails, and asked if they would watch over the two as they apologized.

The group found Scootaloo near town hall, crying. Zakari urged the two unicorns to go to her. They did. They talked to Scootaloo, told her what they did. She was furious, shouting her hatred of them for all the town to hear. She even tried to attack them, but was held back by Rainbow Dash.

The two unicorns were escorted away by fluttershy, while Zakari and the others talked to Scootaloo. She had a right to be angry, and she expressed that.

The talk went on for a few hours before everything settled down. Scootaloo was going to live with Rainbow Dash for a while, till they can find a place for her. Zakari went home with Twilight and sat in his corner. As he closed his eyes, he hoped that, even if Scootaloo didn't forgive Snips and Snails, she at least would't hold hatred in her heart.