All is Fair in Lies and War

Prologue

The night is silent, not a sound can be heard through the vacant streets on Canterlot. Most ponies were either fast asleep in their beds or enjoying a nice glass of wine on their balconies. But soon the beating on hooves slices through the silence. A lone. cloaked pony races through the streets, then soon arrives at the Sparkle residence, a hoof is raised and the sound of knocking echoes through the house.

Twilight Velvet quickly slowly opens the door as she groggily rubs the sleep out of her baby blue eyes. Not too long after, Night Light appears at her side, seeming mildly grumpy for being woken up.

"Yes, can we help you..?" Twilight Velvet eyes the stranger warily as they push back the hood of their dark cloak, then a collective gasp is heard from the two ponies.

The stranger is a unicorn mare, her mane and tail a deep red with orange streaks, resembling blazing fire. Her coat is a dark smoky gray,  and her eyes are a vibrant sapphire. She is tall, and every movement she makes is laced with grace. She meets Night Light's lime green gaze and a pretty smile spreads across her face.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle, it has been a long time, has it not?" The mare lets out a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with happiness. "I have missed Canterlot so much."

"A-Amaris?" Twilight Velvet's jaw drops as her eyes widen in disbelief. Night Light just seems stunned, frozen in place. "What is Equestria are you doing here?"

"I came to see  Shining Armor." Mirth glows in her eyes as she mentions the stallion' s name. It had been nine years since she had left to go to Baltimare. Her family's business had been so deep in debt that Amaris had had to go to Baltimare herself to work hard to get them far out of their troubled spot. But she is back now and here to stay. "Where is he? I have missed him so much.."

“Amaris...”  Night Life and Twilight Velvet exchange glances as they ponder on how to handle this situation as delicately as possible to the mare. “It has been 9 years, so a lot has happened.”

“I understand, but I really want to see Shining Armor, I have missed him...” Tears rim her eyes as she remembers the handsome stallion whom had been her coltfriend. Is he still mad at her for leaving? Sweet Celestia, her heart hurts just at the thought of such a thing.

“Amaris… Shining Armor is happily married now..” Night Light meets her gaze. Twilight Velvet nods in confirmation.

Amaris’ heart shatters upon hearing that horrifying sentence. Those words burn into her mind as a tear slides down her cheek. No… It is not possible! Shining had said he would wait for her! He had said that he loved her!

"No, you are lying.." Her voice cracks slightly as tears stream down her face, her voice hitching with every breath,. "That cannot be true, Night Light.."

"Amaris, you had left without even warning him, he had reason to move on, stallions do not wait around for the rest of their lives for a mare who just got up and left." Twilight Velvet has her a handkerchief, which Amaris uses to wipe away her tears. "Besides there are other stallions in Equestria."

"But he.." Amaris shakes her head, meeting Velvet's gaze, then turns around and leaves. Before Twilight Velvet can call after her, Night Light silences her with a look. He knows that the mare needs to grieve on her own.

As the sun streams into the room, Amaris sits up in her bed and sniffles, her eyes rimmed with red from crying the previous night. She had just rushed home last night and cried her heart and soul out.

As she groggily climbs out of bed and makes her way downstairs, the familiar sound of nails clicking against the hardwood floor greets her. Amaris smiles at the sound.

“Anpu, good morning!” The black jackal barks in greeting as his friend walks by, his tail wagging merrily. Amaris had tried her best to keep him from seeing her cry last night, and to her relief, she has succeeded.  She leans down and gently pets him. “Would you like some breakfast?”

Soon the smell of freshly cooked eggs and coffee fills the air. As she pours doggy kibble into Anpu’s food bowl, Amaris drinks her coffee, black as she prefers, and ponders on what to do. Well the love on her life had gotten married without even telling her that their relationship was over.

She wants answers and she wants them now. Why the hay would he do such a cruel thing to her? Shining Armor was usually such a kind and gentle colt. It just makes no sense whatsoever. With a sigh, Amaris begins eating her fried eggs while using her comb to brush her messy mane.

Then suddenly the thought comes to her. Twilight Sparkle! Amaris smiles at the thought of Shining’s adorable, bright little sister. The little filly had been so sweet and playful, Amaris had even thought of her as a little sister. Perhaps Twilight can help make sense of all of this with her. But she just needs to figure out where she is currently living...

--

“Ponyville, are you sure?” Amaris stares at Canterlot’s librarian, whom is nodding his head in confirmation.

“She moved there a year ago.” The librarian smiles, and then sips his tea as he settles back into his chair. “The library has not been as busy since she left.”

“Well thank you, have a nice day!” Amaris quickly races out of the library, Anpu, upon seeing her leave the library, instantly runs after her. Her saddlebags bounce gently against her flank as they make their way to the train station. She wanted to be prepared in case she was travelling far.

“One ticket for Ponyville, please!” The unicorn mare slams her hooves against the ticket vendor’s desk, causing the stallion to drop his playing cards. The vendor stares at her for a moment, then shrugs and passes the ticket through the window. Amaris smiles, then nods in thanks. “Thank you so much, sir.”

As soon as she settles into her seat, Amaris stares out the window, watching Canterlot disappear in the distance. She is getting to the bottom of this once and for all. Even if it kills her.