"At approximately 2:08, Sweetie Belle of the Belle family boutique was murdered right under the watch of the Ponyville Police Department and the Royal Guard Post not twenty minutes away. By the time authorities arrived, the only survivor was Rarity Saint Clair La Belle, older sister and proprietor of La Carousel Boutique. By this time, the mare says it wasn't a political killing or a coincidence. Foul play is certain. But what really lead to the tragic death of an up and coming athlete in the middle of a peaceful town...?"

The news shook everypony as they watched the story unfold. Children and their parents, old folks and women, they weren't safe. They all remembered the 1989 Slasher. Cheerilee worked her way into the list of interviews as the live program took to the local grade school.

"It's... it's horrible, really. You think our children of all people would be safe. And sound. But we don't have a strong security system in Ponyville. We don't have police officers all twenty four hours of the day. We need more than what we have to stop this from happening again. It's... it's not a good feeling to come from that day in 1989, when Wand Sparks and her sister All Sell were found on the edge of the Everfree. I- I was there. And she was my friend. If you asked me 'what is the most important thing we can do for Ponyville'...?

I'd say 'get better neighborhood watch programs and teach our kids about safety.'"

Twilight Sparkle rose from her seat and put her coat on. She'd already lost enough when she'd made the trip to Applooza weeks before. An eye and her pride didn't mean more than this. All she could do was trot out her door and gather men. The guards were in low spirits before she arrived. When the princess came in person with her silver cuirass, they all knew what was next. They felt right marching beside someone with such selfless ambition. Her highness let her head rise high as the residents of Ponyville gathered via her summons, hearing the royal trumpets. Young and old, male and female amassed beneath her banner.

"My Ponyville...! My home away from home! Time and time again, you've been victim to tragedy after tragedy. You've been victimized without end for too long. And that stops right now. As your princess, I will make it my mission to keep you safe. I'll hire all the retired veterans capable of keeping you safe. I'll give everyone and their family free self-defense training. I'll fund all the home security I can. And more...! I'll make sure every child in Ponyville sees tomorrow...!"

They all looked up at her with watery, hopeful eyes. And in those very eyes she saw thousands of children without a way to forget what happened. In them, the hopes and dreams of every one of their children resided, dormant when their lives were taken overnight. Twilight Sparkle wouldn't let it happen again. Not anymore.

"As of now, the town will be on high alert... All of Ponyville will be safe. Remember: remain in your homes until the appropriate siren starts...!"

Twilight was taken aback by the crowd cheering her name. It felt good to be there... To lead them and decide for them. She knew right then and there how sloppy she was before. By the end of the month, Ponyville would be the safest town in Equestria. Everypony in town kissed the grass she tread on. And in turn, they consecrated the very steps their leader took to save them. To be vigilant heralded the preservation of her people. And in turn, they would hear her. They would all hear her and remember each, incessant order and caution was for their benefit.

Twilight Sparkle would do what she could for her Ponyville.

Author's Note

I had to keep my promise.