“You and I need to talk Nightlight…” I gazed down at my father with a disapproving look. He looked up at me from the back at is cell, and frowned.

“The hell do you want Dusk!” He spat out, “Not enough to throw your old man in jail? Let me guess you’re here to twist the knife?” I glared at him, and sighed.

“No, I’m here to ask you something regarding that night.” I stated clearly, “And right now you are my best lead.” Nightlight didn’t say anything, but I could tell he was listening.

“Fair enough,” He spoke up finally, “What do you want to know?”

“Was Iron Lance the only pony with you that night?” I asked, “Somepony stole the scroll with notes that started all this, and now one of my friends has the same problem I do.” Nightlight’s eyes widened in shock.

“How bad?” He inquired.

“This is very bad Nightlight, those notes contained ingredients for a catalyst crystal.” I explained, “You know as well as I do that type of crystal reacts with the slightest bit of magic, and what it did to me is permanent.”

“And your point is?” He looked at me dumbfounded.

“I’m a Alicorn Nightlight, only the strongest of magic is capable of being permanent to somepony like myself or the princesses.” I continued, “So what would happen if that kind of magic affected a regular pony?” Nightlight cursed under his breath, finally seeing what I was getting at.

“I can assure you it was just myself and Iron Lance.” Nightlight answered, “I may have been drunk off my ass but that much I remember.” I took a moment to think.

“I figured as much, the lock on the basement door was picked so neither of you could have done it.” I stated, as much as I hated him right now I know for a fact he wasn't a liar, “My guess is somepony broke in before we found you in the wreck that was formally my kitchen.”

“...” Both of us said nothing as we glared at each other.

“The guards will release you by the end of the day.” I spoke flatly, “There’s no further point in keeping you here…” Nightlight was about to speak up, but I stopped him, “Nightlight for a lack of a better way of saying this, Mom may forgive you in time but what you said and did is something I won’t forget, nor will I put up with. I’m going to make this clear Nightlight, I never want to see you again…” I turned and walked off before he had the chance to say anything.

“Are you alright Princess Dusk?” A guard asked as I walked out.

“I’m fine…I just have something on my mind right now.” I reassured, “And please don’t refer to me as a princess.”

“As you wish.” He replied simply.

Being called a princess didn’t surprise me i was used to it by now, I figured the side effects of my accident would be common knowledge by now. Various rumours had sprung up without my knowing which is normal for such a small town like Ponyville where everypony knew everypony. Being called a prince isn’t anything knew, so I’m not surprised at being called princess by the guards.

Mirage or rather Trixie is now going through the same thing I am, I’m pretty certain whoever took the notes on his doorstep knew he would be too curious to try it out. Was it some sick idea of a test run of the spell? Or did they just hate him enough to ruin his life like that?

I stopped in realisation, a look of utter horror washed over my face. Could whoever have took the notes copied them? If what they did to Mirage was only a test run…then this could be disastrous.

I passed through the market and I frowned as I saw Flim and Flam back in town once again. They were prattling on about their shady wares once again, and from the looks of it they had attracted quite a crowd.

“That’s right folks what we have here is a crystal that is 100% guaranteed to give you a fresh outlook on life!” Flam boasted, “And we assure you it has been thoroughly tested!” There was a murmuring amongst the crowd, as they admired a small heart shaped crystal that was in the centre of slightly larger gold pendant.

“...Tch, figures it would be fake jewellery.” I shook my head and walked off. I had more important things to deal with right now.

“How did questioning Dad go Dusk?” Spike asked me as soon as I go through the front door.

“He didn’t know anything…” I answered simply, “I think some else took the notes after he fell asleep in the kitchen, but that’s not what’s bothering me.” Spike raised a brow.

“Then what’s bothering you then?” He asked curious.

“Someone could have copied the notes.” I replied, “They would have had enough time to.”

“But didn’t Mirage give you the notes back?” Spike stated, “And from the looks of it they were your notes.”

“That’s because they were, if I had to guess they probably tried to frame Mirage for stealing them.” I explained, “Mirage has made a few enemies in the past, but most ponies agree that he’s making up for it now.”

“Anyway I hear Flim and Flam are back in town.” Spike added, “You’d think those fools and horses would have learnt to quit by now.” I snorted and shook my head.

“Those two con artists won’t quit as long as money is involved.” I commented, “They don’t care whose lives they ruin for a quick couple of bits.”

“So how’s Mac taking the news about Mirage?” Spike asked me, “I’d imagine he’s taking this pretty badly considering how you and Mirage double teamed him?”

“...” I got up and went up to my room, I sighed when I closed the door behind me.

“Admit it Dusk you’re just as bad as Twilight.” I muttered to myself. As I propped myself against the door, “I wonder how Mirage is doing…”

Author's Note

First part of the new chapter, sorry it's been so long since I updated.

• Silent out.