Chrysalis watched in unbridled glee, while Shining watched in horror, as a group of humans trudged along in front of them. Every one covered in dirt, cuts and bruises. The chains and shackles severely limiting their movement and cutting into their skin made for an all the more pleasing sight for her. All of them avoiding eye contact with her.

All but one.

"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!" the Chief Overseer bellowed.

The human in question quickly looked back down to the floor, but it was too late. The human, and the others, knew all to well what punishment would now befall him. The humans stopped walking following a tight pull on their collars by their enslavers.

The overseer, a well built Changeling male a towering 7ft tall, marched over to the human and put a very tight grip around his neck.

"YOU LOOKED AT YOUR QUEEN! DIDN'T YOU?!"

The human didn't answer, instead he only tears and snot ran down his face, terrified at the punishment he knew he was about to receive.

"DIDN'T YOU?!"

The human nodded, unable to speak.

The overseer looked over to Chrysalis who simply nodded. The human was removed from the group and brought over to Chrysalis, keeping his eyes tight shut the entire time. The human was thrown to the ground at Chrysalis's hooves, tears and snot now dripping onto the floor. Chrysalis could only watch on in disgust, "You really are filthy creatures. How dare you look at me. You know what the punishment is?"

The sobbing human nodded.

"Overseer," Chrysalis replied, no taking her eyes off of the sobbing human, "Do it."

The Overseer walked over to the human, taking him in his iron grip and setting about his task with twisted pleasure. The human screamed as the Overseer pressed his fingers harshly into the humans eyes, gouging them out, blood pouring from the humans eye sockets. The horrific ordeal which seemed to last at lot longer than the few seconds it did, sent chills down the spine of Shining, mortified at what he had just witnessed. Still screaming in pain, the human was then thrown back to the floor.

"That will teach you for looking at your Queen, slave!" the Overseer bellowed, before turning to a subordinate "Take its teeth out."

"Let me out of this cage you foul fetid feral beast!" Blueblood raged, the chains holding him firmly in place. His arms were dangling from chains above him and his hooves where shackled likewise to the floor. A horn blocker prevented any magical attempt at escape.

"No," the male Changeling replied, caressing a bull whip, "Her Majesty has rewarded us for our success by gifting you to us as a toy, to play with however we please."

"I will never do anything you say!"

"You say that like you have a say in the matter."

"You'll never get away with this!"

"We've been getting away with this for months, pony. Now shut up!"

"Make me!" Blueblood spat, literally.

The Changeling guard, un-amused at having his face being covered in pony saliva, lit up his horn, "Very well. I will."

The guard levitated through a ball gag through the bars and fastened it tightly into Blueblood's mouth, "There. Now the fun really starts!"

The guard magically removed his armour, dumping them onto the floor and unsheathed his member, something Blueblood could only go wide eyed in horror at the sight of.

That's...that's huge!

The Changeling entered the cage and in a burst of green flames, took on a more familiar, horrifying form and whispered seductively into his ear, "Scream for me, Bluey!"

This is so wrong!

"Scream for your big sister, little brother!" Not-Cadence teased as 'she' began to enter from behind, "Your Princess commands it!"

Shining watched in horror as the human had his teeth forcibly pulled out with rusted pliers. The never ending screams of pain beginning to break his own mental resolve. After seemingly endless minutes of watching such bloody barbarity, the human, mouth full of blood, was then dragged to a platform and shackled spread eagle to four posts.

Another Changeling walked to the platform, concealing an item.

What is he doing? thought Shining, How could this get any worse?

Almost as soon as he finished that thought, the Changeling opened a chest and pulled out a large hack saw.

Oh fuck...

More spine chilling screams filled the chamber as the Changeling quickly hacked off the human's limbs without hesitation, remorse or pity. The four limbs were then taken by another Changeling and put into a furnace. The vile smell of burning flesh soon filled Shining's nose, reviling him to his core.

"You're disgusting," Shining said aloud, "All of you. Vile, disgusting, servile, rancid abominations of Tartarus!"

"I agree," Chrysalis replied, "I couldn't describe humanity better myself."

"I was talking about you!"

"Oh? Well that doesn't sound like us."

The mutilated human, somehow still alive, was then picked up by Chrysalis by his hair, "Put the disgusting vermin in the bull."

Dumping the human to the floor, he was quickly grabbed by another Changeling and taken over to a Brazen Bull, previously hidden by a large cloth. Shining, was forcibly moved along and made to watch as the human was placed inside and locked in as afire was lit underneath.

Too soon, the screaming started again.

"That was fun," the Changeling said as he put his armour back on.

Blueblood hung loosely from his shackles as tears ran down his cheeks and cum still dropped from his flaccid member. Tired, mortified and ashamed at what he had just took pleasure in.

"Don't look so sad...Bluey, my friend will be here soon for another round," the Changeling said, looking at the cum on the floor, "I can tell you enjoyed it."

I'll never forget those screams for as long as I live.

Shining kept running the horrific execution of the human in his mind as he sat chained to Chrysalis' throne, unable to comprehend the evil on show.

How could anyone hate someone else so much that they would do that kind of thing? And not only show no remorse, but justify it and do it wholeheartedly?

*THREE WEEKS LATER*

The midday sun shone brightly over Ponyville. Ponies out and about were doing their daily tasks, the town busier than usual given it was Grand Market Day; the one day of the month when ponies would travel from near and far to buy and sell in towns and cities all over Equestria. Gordon was amongst the potential buyers alongside Rainbow, the pair holding hands. Non-Ponyvillians would frequently cast a glance over, some fearful of Gordon because he's human, others because they get to see an Element of Harmony in person.

"Well Dashiekins, anything in particular you're after on market?"

"Some energy shakes, I heard a rumour a mare was selling some in other town's markets."

"We'll keep an eye out."

"Are you getting anything?"

"I might. I do need some bread and milk."

"More milk? You wouldn't need so much if you didn't drink so much tea."

"Like that'll ever happen," he laughed, wrapping his arm around Rainbow.

"You could try."

"And you could try boasting less."

"Not gonna happen."

"Exactly."

The pair soon went their own ways, agreeing to meet up again later for lunch, and Gordon soon found himself at a stall selling luxury chocolates. Row upon row of chocolates of all kinds stacked the shelves. White, dark, milk. Some alcoholic, some fruity, dozens of different kinds just waiting to be eaten.

"May I help you sir?"

Gordon looked up to see a brown pegasus mare.

"I'm just browsing thanks. Looking at these reminds me of a country called Belgium, a country famous for chocolate. And beer."

"Sounds wonderful, don't tell my brother though. I'd never get him to leave."

"Your brother?"

The mare nodded over to another pegasus with red fur and black mane, getting some chocolate boxes or varying sizes out.

"Sky Thunder," the mare said, "Come say hi to your newest hero."

"Sis!" the colt said, stumbling over to the counter, "He's not my hero!"

"Don't mind him, Captain," the mare said, "He's just fascinated by humanity."

"Anyone with a brain cell should be," Sky replied.

"Yeah yeah," the mare replied, turning back to Gordon, "I'm Caramel Fudge, or Cara for short."

"Pleasure. So, you a chocolatier?"

"My brother is. I mostly make fudge. But we decided to work in business together."

"You get along well?"

"We're rather close," Cara replied, pulling her brother in close, "He is my little brother after all."

"Ah, I'm an only child myself."

"Pity. You don't know what you've missed out on."

"Well, I had two kids myself once so I have a general idea."

"I heard about that," Cara replied, her face souring, "My condolences."

"Thanks. So, mind if I buy some chocolate?"

"No, so long as you buy some fudge too."

"Certainly. So do you charge per chocolate?"

"No, by box size. it's 6 bits for a 250 gram box, 12 bits for a 500 gram box, 18 bits for a 750 gram box or 24 bits for a one kilogram box or for a true chocoaholic, a Super Deluxe 1.5 kilogram box for 32 bits. Or if you've truly lost leave of your senses, a two kilogram box for 45 bits."

"Well, I lost leave of my senses many years ago. So..."

"One two kilo box coming up. Anything in particular?"

"No marzipan, and I have a preference for dark chocolate."

"Certainly. Alcoholic ones too?"

Gordon raised an eyebrow.

"Apologies. Silly question."

"Indeed. I'll take some slabs of fudge too. The salted caramel, mint and chocolate, bubblegum, vanilla and orange and chocolate. Fairly big slabs."

"Coming right up. Hey Thunder, you see to the chocolates, I'll get the fudge."

"Sure thing sis."

Gordon watched as Sky Thunder began filling a large card box with chocolates as he heard voices from behind approach, and saw Sky Thunder suddenly go nervous and his work pace slowing.

"Hey there Gordon."

Gordon turned around and dressed in her iconic flightsuit was Spitfire, her mane shining radiantly in the bright sun.

"Spits. What brings you here?"

"The same thing that brings you you gluttonous pig. Hey Cara!"

"Hey Spits," Cara called back, "The usual?"

"You know me," Spitfire replied, turning her attention to Car's brother, "Hey Sky."

Sky Thunder nervously looked up, "H-h-hey Ca-Captain."

"Come now Sky, I've told you before; just call me Spitfire."

"Tell you what Sky," Cara said, "I'll deal with Gordon, you deal with Spitfire."

"But-"

"Splendid!" Cara beamed, gently shoving Sky away in his back, "You know what her usual is?"

Sky nodded, "One kilo of white chocolate only."

Gordon watched as a terrified Sky was pushed over to where the white chocolates were displayed and began filling a box, with Spitfire leaning in close.

"He has a crush on her," Cara whispered as she returned, "Spitfire knows. She's just waiting for him to ask her out. She's turned down other stallions just for Sky."

"Why?"

"She finds him interesting."

"What does he like about her?"

Cara looked at Gordon like he'd grown another head, "Have you seen how smoking hot she is?"

"Fair point. But surely there's more to it than that?"

"Once when we were delivering chocolates to the castle, my brother was just walking back to the wagon when the Captain accidentally flew into him and knocked him out."

"Ouch."

"Yeah, he woke up in the castle hospital with Spitfire at the hoof of his bed in all her spandex clad glory. He already had a crush on her, but you can imagine how he would have felt."

"Sure can. Lucky git."

Cara laughed, "My dad said the same thing. Anyway, that's the chocolates done, now to cut you some slabs of fudge."

Cara began cutting some fudge whilst Gordon turned his attention to Spitfire and Sky and saw how the former was leaning in close to a clearly flustered Sky.

Poor lad doesn't know what to do.

A minute or so later, Cara brought the fudge slabs, each individually wrapped in grease-proof paper, and put them in a separate box, when her brother soon rejoined them.

"So little bro, how did your date with Spitfire go?"

"We weren't on a date. We were just talking."

"Talking?" Cara teased.

"Yeah, she...she..."

"She what?"

"She...said she wanted an order taking to Wonderbolt HQ later today."

"Perfect! And I know just the pony to deliver them."

Sky Thunder looked like he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

After visiting some more stalls including buying some bread, milk and a talon-crafted silver pocket watch from the Griffish Isles, Gordon saw a familiar face at the whiskey stall and walked over.

"If you eat all of that you'll rip that tight spandex."

"Hello to you as well, Captain," Spitfire replied, turning to face Gordon, "Shopping for whiskey now?"

"Aye. Saw you talking to the lad back there," Gordon said as picked up a bottle of whiskey.

"You mean Sky Thunder? He's a nice lad."

"Nice lad? I saw the way you looked at him."

"What can I say? Can't a mare be interested in a stallion?"

"So you try to get him to ask you out by getting him to make a delivery to HQ?"

"Something like that. Anyway, how are things going with you?"

"Too quiet."

"I know that feeling."

"Something is going to happen today" Gordon added, "I can just feel it."

"What makes you say that?"

"It's been far too quiet the last few weeks, and today is a big market day. The two don't mix well for me."

"I get you. It's like when I walk into HQ and the gang are oddly quiet. I just know they're up to something."

"Got any examples?"

Spitfire turned to Gordon, tapping her muzzle, "Now now Gordon, what happens in the barracks, stays in the barracks."

"Well what if I became a Wonderbolt?"

"You can't fly. Though I would love to see you in one of our flightsuits," Spitfire replied, smacking Gordon's backside with her tail.

"I bet you would."

"That being said," Spitfire continued, "One such incident involved lube, rope, a ball gag and the biggest vibrator a mare can put up her-."

Gordon turned to face Spitfire, "OK...feel free to not divulge more. I can do without such images running around in my mind."

"Why not? Afraid Dash might get ideas?"

"No."

"Or is it you don't want your little guy standing to attention?"

"Little?!"

"I think you'd fit in well to Wonderbolt 'after hours' parties. They're real team bonding sessions."

"Why am I picking up sexual vibes from that?"

"Because you have a dirty mind?"

"No comment," Gordon replied without emotion, holding up his hands, "You however..."

"Yeah," Spitfire laughed, "I'll freely admit to being a kinky minx who loves being tied up. You should see my toy box."

"I'll pass on that."

"I would say your loss, but having seen the contents of Rainbow's toy box I'd say you're one very lucky guy."

"What?"

Spitfire tapped the side of her nose, "A mare doesn't spill those kind of secrets about other mares."

"What about Sky?"

"Oh believe me, I know what he likes."

Gordon decided to refrain from enquiring further.

*MEANWHILE*

"This just gets worse!" Twilight muttered to herself as she looked through yet another of Gordon's books, "How can humans do this?"

She facepalmed and sighed, "Easily. They're human."

Putting the book back on the shelf, she left the library, closing the door and past the unconscious bodies of Star Cross and Nightlock, both of whom were asleep on the sofa, the game of PES 2017 still running.

Good thing I learned sleep spells at a young age.

She quickly left the house, teleporting away and returning to her own library.

"Much better," she said, sniffing heavily through her nose, "The smell of books worthy to exist."

I must remember to write to Princess Celestia to confiscate and destroy those books. No-one has the right to such things.

She walked over to her desk and began writing in her journal, oblivious to the flash of green from the other side of the window.

Having gone their separate ways, Gordon was alone again with a few more items in his possession. Apart from the occasional staring and muttered remarks, Gordon was mostly left alone. He was walking past the fast food stalls when he heard a voice call for him.

"Human! Would you mind-"

"Captain Gresley!"

"Excuse me?"

"You will address me as Captain Gresley!" Gordon snapped, turning around to face a grey middle aged unicorn mare, "Not 'human'."

"Whatever. Now-"

"No, not 'whatever'! You will address me in a respectful manner or not at all!"

"I will address you however I please, thief."

"Excuse me," Gordon snarled, marching over to the marshal, making the most of his towering height against the far smaller mare, "What did you call me?"

"I called you a thief."

"You dare to call me such a thing?! I have stolen nothing!"

"Yet a witness reported that you did."

"Did they really? Let us all see this 'witness'."

"The witness wishes to remain anonymous."

"Oh how convenient."

"Follow me, or I will have the police arrest you."

Gordon begrudgingly followed the marshal, walking over to a nearby table next to food kiosks and placed the bag on the table.

"Let's see what you have, eh?" the mare asked with smugness, placing the contents on the empty table.

"Good thing I'm a unicorn, otherwise I'd have to touch what you have with your dirty human hands."

"You mind repeating that?!" Gordon snapped.

The marshal ignored Gordon and continued like nothing was wrong, "One loaf of sourdough bread, one large box of luxury chocolates, two bottles of Alban Single malt whiskey, two pints of milk and a Griffonstone silver pocket watch."

"And?"

"How did you get these?"

"I bought them," Gordon replied.

"Really? With what?"

"With money."

"You expect me to believe you can afford these things?"

"I don't give a shit what you believe. It's the truth."

"What about this then?" asked the Marshal, pulling out one final item, "An eighteen karat gold pen."

"I didn't buy that."

"So you mean you stole it?"

"No," Gordon replied, regretting his choice of words, "I mean I don't know what it's doing in my bag."

"Why should I believe you?"

"You won't. Like many others it's obvious you have an anti-human bias."

"I have no such thing. All I see is a bag full of stolen merchandise and you can't prove you didn't steal any of it."

"And on the flip side you can't prove I did."

"I don't need proof. You're human. That's good enough for me."

"And what do you mean by that?"

"You will leave immediately. Don't bother ever coming back," the market marshal commanded fiercely, "Princess Celestia will be informed."

"Why just her?" Gordon asked, "Have you forgotten about Luna?"

"Get out."

"I want the things I bought."

"OUT!"

Gordon sighed tiredly, turning around and beginning to walk away.

"You xenophobic little arseholes are intent on getting rid of me aren't you? Maybe I'll move to Trottingham, or the Griffish Isles. At least there I won't be accused of shit I haven't done."

"If you hadn't done anything wrong then we wouldn't need to accuse you," the marshal replied, "Now get lost!"

"I'm already leaving you stupid bitch."

"How dare you swear at me!"

"Fuck off."

The marshal went to launch herself at Gordon, only to be held back by other ponies. Gordon failed to suppress a laugh.

"And you say I'm violent."

"OUT!"

Gordon continued to walk away, ignoring the harsh scowls and verbal scolding from the townsfolk, some of which he noticed had previously supported him.

Oh well, they had to conform eventually.

Gordon finally left the market area and started to make his way towards stores away from the market, quietly seething inside at to whoever framed him. He knew that Celestia would eventually find out and side against him. As usual.

I might have to pay the Griffon ambassador a visit, claim asylum. Staying in Equestria, sooner or later the locals will-

"Hey Gordon!"

Gordon turned around and saw Rainbow flying towards him. Almost before he could react, she ploughed into him, almost knocking him off of his feet and hugged him tightly.

"I saw what happened."

"I didn't steal that pen, Dash."

"I know that."

"What about the things I did buy?"

"The police took them, as 'evidence'."

Gordon sighed, "I just can't do anything without a damn pony trying to ruin my life."

"Stop worrying. Twilight's talking to the market marshal right now."

"That's not exactly helpful."

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Twilight, despite what she says, doesn't trust or like me."

"That's ridiculous. You're her friend."

"I'm anything but, and mark my words; soon enough she'll show everyone what she really thinks of me."

Star Cross and Nightlock examined the library, still groggy from their forced slumber.

"We know what happened, but we can't prove it."

"So she can do whatever the fuck she wants just because she's the Princess's personal fucking lapdog?" Nightlock asked, annoyed.

"Pretty much."

"What right does she have to break in and put us to sleep?"

"None. But what can we do?"

"Confront her, in front of everyone."

"She'll only deny it, and she'd then probably find a way to get rid of us."

*TWO HOURS LATER*

"Hey guys," Rainbow said as she approached her friends sitting outside the cafe, "Have you seen Gordon? He said he was going for a walk but he's not back yet."

"I've not seen him," Twilight replied coldly, "Isn't he at home?"

"No, I've checked. He was still angry about what happened at the market."

"Ah can't believe that Gordon would do that. Ah thought he was different."

"What?!" Rainbow replied, scarcely able to believe what she was hearing, "Gordon isn't a thief!"

"Then why did the marshal confiscate what he had and eject him from the market?" Twilight asked, "I spoke to the marshal and I believe what she told me."

"Rainbow darling," Rarity gently began, "I know it's hard for you, but-"

"Gordon is NOT a thief!" Rainbow screamed, "I thought- Pinkie, surely you know Gordon wouldn't do that?"

Pinkie uncomfortably played with her mane, "I don't know Rainbow. My Pinkie Sense didn't sense anything out of place."

Rainbow growled angry and turned to walk away.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy cried, "Please don't-"

"Just leave me alone! All of you! I don't want to talk to any of you right now!"

The girls watched as Rainbow left, a mixture of feelings amongst them.

I just knew the human would prove me right, Twilight thought, They haven't changed at all.

*SOMETIME LATER*

The townsfolk watched as Gordon strolled through town, back to his house, without a care in the world with all eyes on him.

"What is he carrying?" asked one of the townsfolk.

"It looks like a bunny."

"Why would he be carrying it over his shoulder though?"

Gordon ignored the mutterings and continued walking, an eerie silence falling on the market square.

A silence that was breached by an ear-splitting scream.

"MURDERER!"

"Will you calm the fuck down?!" Gordon snapped.

"You murdered a bunny!" the mare screamed, "You are a MURDERER!"

The mare's hysterical shrieks soon garnered the attention of other townsfolk and market traders who quickly saw the dead rabbit Gordon was holding.

"Will you shut the fuck up?" Gordon asked, "I eat meat. Get over it!"

"I will not 'get over it' you MURDERER!"

Gordon just rolled his eyes and began to walk away, much to the ire of the mare and some of the townsfolk.

"Get back here!" the mare demanded, "You're under arrest!"

"Under what charge?"

"Murder!"

"Murder is the premeditated killing of a sapient being. A rabbit isn't a sapient being ergo it's not murder."

"You killed an animal!"

"So? Celestia killed humans but you don't get up in arms about that."

"Princess Celestia killed violent humans that MURDERED ponies! She had every right!"

Gordon shook his head, "Just stay away from me you crazy bitch."

"Hey! Don't talk to my wife like that!!" a unicorn stallion bellowed getting up close to Gordon.

"Tell her to fuck off then."

The stallion took a swing for Gordon, who despite holding a rabbit, managed to duck and deliver a counter blow to the stallion's cheek, knocking him off of his hooves.

"Assault! The monster assaulted my husband!"

Gordon rolled his eyes.

For fuck's sake. They're like a stuck record.

"What's going on here?"

The gathered crowd looked over to see Twilight and the girls, sans Rainbow, running towards them.

"You OK Gordon?" asked Applejack.

"I'm fine. Just the squeemish locals getting-"

"What's that?" Fluttershy asked.

Shit.

"Err...a rabbit?"

Fluttershy looked down at the dead creature then back to Gordon, looking him dead in the eyes, her expression almost unreadable, but tinged with disappointment and slight revulsion.

"Gordon?"

The pair looked over to Twilight.

"What?"

"Is it true you killed a rabbit and then hit this stallion?"

"Yes on both counts."

"Why?"

"I killed the rabbit because I wanted it for dinner later and I hit the stallion because he went to hit me. Self defence."

Twilight blinked in astonishment at how Gordon casually admitted to killing another living being. Further strengthening her belief in that humanity hadn't changed at all.

"You...you better just get moving Gordon."

"Fine," Gordon simply replied, walking away taking his kill with him.

"You're just going to let him leave?!" the mare asked, "He assaulted my husband!"

"He took a swing at Gordon first."

Everyone turned their attention to Lyra, forcing her way through the angry mob.

"Of course you'd defend the hairless ape," the mare groaned, "Monkey-fucking traitor!"

"I'm telling Twilight exactly what happened," Lyra replied, ignoring the racist remark, "I can't say I approve of killing rabbits, though."

"She probably played a part in his stealing earlier," another pony said.

"I did no such thing!" Lyra snarled, "And neither did Gordon. He is NOT a thief!"

"Says the thief's accomplice," the mare replied, smirking, "If she fantasises about fucking a hairless monkey, who knows what she'd actually do for one."

The slap from Lyra could be heard across the market square, shocking everyone witness to it. The mare nursed the stinging cheek and laughed, "She's a human in pony form. Maybe we should shave her fur and cut her horn off so she can look like a monkey herself."

"That's enough!" yelled Applejack, getting herself between her friend and the mare, "There's no place for that kind of filth! In Ponyville or anywhere else!"

"It doesn't change the fact that he can't prove he didn't steal, and he fully admitted to killing an animal. How long before you're next on his dinner plate?"

The mare, smirking, began to walk away with two other mares with equally arrogant smirks, leaving the Elements with the townsfolk looking on.

*A SHORT WHILE LATER, INSIDE GORDON'S KITCHEN*

"You fucking idiot!" Rainbow screamed, slamming Gordon over the work unit and holding him there, "What THE FUCK would possess you to kill a rabbit?!"

"They taste nice in brandy sauce."

"Are you-" Rainbow spluttered, before snarling once more, "Are you serious?!"

"Very. I've hunted before," Gordon replied, freeing himself from Rainbow's grip and standing back up.

"You know you're not exactly helping convince ponies that humans aren't bloodthirsty monsters when you go around killing rabbits."

"Ponies won't believe it unless Celestia tells them too, and since she won't ever do that, they'll never believe it so why bother? I don't give a fuck if anyone has issues with me hunting. It's not illegal, I've checked, and I'll keep doing it."

"You know what? You can sleep on your own tonight, you jerk!"

"Rainbow!" Gordon said, grabbing hold of her arm.

"Let go of me!" Rainbow yelled, pulling her arm free, "I'm staying at my own place tonight. Hope you enjoy your kill today, you insensitive prick!"

Without another word, Rainbow stormed out, slamming the front door hard leaving Gordon alone in the kitchen with his kill.

Fucking cretins Gordon thought, So fucking what if I killed and skinned my own rabbit.

"Fucking hell, I need a whiskey."

*THE FOLLOWING MORNING*

"I'm coming!" Gordon yelled as the banging on his front door grew louder.

The banging continued until he opened the door where he was met with a hard and solid impact on the face, knocking him back slightly.

"You murdering bastard!"

"You mind explaining what the fuck your problem is?" Gordon replied, massaging his bruised jaw.

"YOU MURDERED MAH PIGS!"

"I've done no such thing."

"Don't deny it!" Applejack screamed, slamming an item down on the floor, "This is YOUR axe! It was found on MAH farm with MAH pig's blood on it!"

"And your inbred country mind jumped to the conclusion that I'm responsible?"

Applejack punched him on the nose, causing him to stumble backwards, lose his balance and fall to the floor.

"DON'T TALK OF MA FAMILY LIKE THAT!"

"Then stop falsely accusing me of things."

"Stay away from mah farm!" Applejack screamed, leaving quickly.

Gordon got to his feet and watched her leave his property, some other townsfolk watching on. Ignoring their disapproving looks, he picked up the axe and closed the door. Walking through the house to the garden, he approached and unlocked the shed, placing the axe inside.

I suspect a unicorn did this. They could teleport inside without tripping the motion sensor lights and be out and I'd be none the wiser. Just like now.

Closing the shed door, rather than head back inside, he headed through the side gate and round the the front of the house.

"Gordon?"

Gordon turned around, "Hey Star Cross."

"You OK?"

"I've felt better."

"I can imagine."

"I'm off for a walk. Not sure when I'll be back."

"OK. Just be careful."

"I will."

Gordon quickly reached the town centre, many ponies sill giving him harsh glares.

"PIG MURDERER!"

Gordon sighed.

"ARE YOU GOING TO KILL ONE OF US NEXT?!"

"WHY DON'T YOU KILL YOUR OWN KIND? OH THAT'S RIGHT, PRINCESS CELESTIA KILLED THEM!"

Just ignore them, they're trying to get a rise out of you.

He continued to walk, playing on his phone and ignoring any remark, where he soon approached the police station.

I wonder if they still have my property there.

Deciding on a whim to go an ask, he walked over.

"Turning yourself in?" a towns pony taunted, "It's about time! Animals like you belong in a cage!"

"Fuck off."

"Don't swear at me you filthy ape!"

Gordon stuck two fingers up at the stallion as he entered the police station, placing the phone back in his pocket. As soon as he entered, one of the officers on duty at the reception desk huffed and slammed a stack of papers on the desk.

"What's the problem now?"

"Excuse me?" Gordon replied.

"What problems are you causing now?" asked the police officer.

"I'm not the one causing problems. I've come to take back my property."

"What property?"

"The items I bought at the market."

"You mean the items you stole?"

"No. I bought them. That pen was placed there to try and set me up."

"Why would anypony ever do that?"

"You know? I couldn't possibly imagine why."

"Don't get sarky with me, human."

"I'm having my things,"Gordon said sternly.

"No, you're not."

"I wasn't asking."

The Chief smirked, "We know you didn't steal them, we just don't want to give them back to you."

"Why not?"

"We ate and drank the chocolates and whiskey."

Gordon scowled and leaned in close, his nose almost touching the constables, "Thief."

"What of it? You can't prove it," he replied, smirking, "You better leave or I may just arrest you for...for something."

"This isn't over," Gordon replied, turning around and leaving.

The door closed and the constable walked over to his desk and pulled out a half drunk bottle of whiskey, "Dirty ape."

"Hey Chief?"

"Yes, Cold Case?" he replied, looking up to see his lackey at his office door.

Cold Case walked into the office and closed the door, "Want me to stitch him up again?"

The Chief smirked, "I don't like the Apple family. See to it their livelihood is ruined completely."

"Certainly. I'm sure the human would be willing to 'help'. When I 'borrowed' his axe, I found rat poison in his shed. I could see to it the Apple's pigs feeds on it."

"See to it."

"Yes, sir."

"Before you do, just sign this suspension order. It requires another signature."

"Of course," Cold Case replied, pulling out a gold pen, "What is Ice Frost being suspended for?"

"He objected to our little arrangement, so I'm having him suspended for suspicion of misappropriation of police funds."

"The police funds we took that will finance our retirement?"

"The very same."

"You think he'll rat us out?"

"Not if he wants to see his wife and kids alive again."

It had been several days since Rainbow had stormed out of Gordon's home, and in that time had refused to see him under any circumstances. The other girls too had kept their distance, equally repulsed by Gordon's actions. And those he was accused of.

For fuck's sake, I used a rabbit trap. It's not like I shot it.

Despite only being 8AM, he was drinking a glass of whiskey and practising on the piano, his session was interrupted by loud, harsh knocks on the door. Sighing, he stood up, whiskey glass in hand and made his way to the front door all the while the knocking never ceased and only got louder.

"Alright!" Gordon yelled, "I'm coming! Calm the fuck down!"

He finally reached the front door, the loud banging still not ceasing. As soon as he opened the door he felt himself sent flying backwards down the hallway with an angry mare quickly on top of him.

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YA THINK YER PLAYIN' AT NOW?!"

"What the fuck's your problem this time?" Gordon replied, trying to shake Applejack off of him, "And what the fuck are you doing with that?!"

"THIS!" Applejack spat, holding the bottle in his face, "IS YOURS! YOU POISONED THE REST OF MAH LIVESTOCK!"

"I did no such fucking thing!" Gordon angrily denied, shoving Applejack off of him and getting back to his feet, "So take your false accusations and fuck off out of my house!"

"It wasn't enough for yer to slaughter mah pigs, so yer had to kill the rest of mah livestock."

"I didn't-"

"THE FARM'S DESTITUTE! WE'RE RUINED!"

"Again, I did not-"

Gordon didn't get chance to finish speaking as Applejack delivered a heavy blow to his face, knocking him off of his feet once more.

"Yer no longer welcome on mah farm," she spat, throwing the bottle at Gordon, "You come onto mah farm again and I'll truss you up like a turkey and leave yer fer TImberwolves."

With a hard kick to his shins, Applejack then left Gordon lying on the floor, battered and bruised but OK. Getting back up to his feet, he went to the front door, just in time to see Applejack talking to Twilight. Shaking his head and bracing himself for another condescending talk, he shut and locked the door. Looking down at his spilled whiskey, he picked the glass up and came to a quick decision.

I need another drink.

Heading straight for his drinks cabinet, he grabbed a glass and a bottle of Grants. Just as he finished pouring a glass and downing it on one go, he poured himself another. Just then, he heard the telltale signs of magic.

"Can't you fucking ponies knock before entering my home?!"

"Shut up, Gordon!" Twilight snapped, "Why did you poison Applejack's livestock?"

"I didn't. And curb it with the false accusations or fuck off."

"Yes you did!" Twilight spat, "Poison from your world was found, and apart from the Apple family, you were the only other person to visit the farm recently."

"Circumstantial. Didn't it ever occur to you that maybe, just maybe, someone stole my poison and then poisoned her animals?"

"Ponies don't do that kind of thing!"

"YES THEY DO!" Gordon bellowed, slamming the whiskey glass down, "YES THEY FUCKING DO!"

Twilight recoiled in fear at the explosive outburst and began to walk backwards as Gordon approached her, his towering height along making her fear for her safety.

"Ever since I came to this backwater cesspit of inbred simpletons I've been falsely accused of numerous crimes, assaulted, falsely imprisoned, had my name slandered, my home vandalised, disgusting graffiti sprayed on my garage doors! Tortured by YOUR Princess's guards! You ponies are no different than humans!"

"We are nothing like humans! We are far superior than you!"

"A bit rich coming from a species that exterminated humans!"

"We didn't kill them! They killed themselves with their greed and violence!"

"There's no getting through to you, is there? You can't see that you're being played like a violin by Changelings."

"Don't blame them for this! They haven't been seen since the wedding! And even they wouldn't sink to the level that is normal behaviour for you!"

"Open up your eyes, Twilight! Of course they're involved! They always were!"

"Stop blaming others for humanity's violent ways."

A moment of silence passed between the pair as they stared at one another. Gordon indifferent, Twilight scowling.

"I'm going to write to Princess Celestia about this."

"Like an obedient little pet."

*SLAP*

"How dare you!"

"It seems I struck a nerve," Gordon smirked, nursing his cheek, "Quite violent. Aren't we?"

Twilight went to slap Gordon again, only to feel her hand covered in a magical aura.

"Let me go, Shining!"

"I can't do that, Twilight. Not until you agree to leave."

Twilight turned to Not-Shining, noting the serious expression on his face, then to Gordon, once more looking at him in disgust, "Fine! I don't want to be near this animal anyway."

Not-Shining released Twilight from his magic and after snorting at Gordon, stormed out; slamming the door in the process.

"I stand by what I said," Gordon said, pouring another whiskey, "And I wish ponies would stop slamming my front door. And what the fuck are you doing here? I thought you were in Canterlot?"

"I had a bit of leave available so I took it. And I'm not accusing you, Gordon. But I can't condone what you called my sister either."

"It's true though. Twilight is incapable of saying, doing or thinking anything different than Celestia so much so she will come up with the most extreme bullshit excuses to do so."

Not-Shining sighed deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose, "As much as I want to disagree...I have to admit there is some degree of truth to that."

"What now, though? What shit are you ponies going to pull next? I don't give a flying fuck if you lot don't like me. Whether you like it or not I'm here in Equestria, and will be for the rest of my life."

"Just...stay here for now. I'll talk to the townsfolk, and to Applejack, try and talk sense into them."

"You're wasting your time. They don't want to listen."

"I knew it would happen," Twilight said, pacing back and forth in the library foyer, "Sooner or later his true human nature would come through. I just knew it!"

"Benjamin had just become a father," Fluttershy cried as she was consoled by Rarity, "Now those little bunnies will have have to grow up without one."

"I'm beginning to question my relationship with him."

Everyone looked to Rainbow, slumped in an armchair; crestfallen and wings sagging at her sides and staring into space.

"Sorry RD," Applejack replied, "But Gordon was a snake in the grass all along. We hold nothin' against yer fer bein' fooled by him. Deception is a human trait after all."

"Yeah," she half replied.

"Well I for one will have no further business with him," Rarity stated firmly, still consoling Fluttershy, "That revolting brute is no longer welcome in my boutique."

"I'll make sure the Cakes ban him from Sugarcube Corner too."

"And he can forget about buyin' any of mah apples."

"Hey Gordon," Lyra beamed happily, "Can I come in?"

"Sure," Gordon replied , stepping aside, "What do you want?"

"I heard what happened earlier, Twilight and Applejack decided to announce it to the whole town," Lyra replied, stepping inside, "I just thought I'd see if you're OK."

"I'm fine," he replied, closing the door, "Want a drink?"

"Have any blueberry milkshakes?"

"No, but you can make some."

"EEEEEEEE!" she replied happily, her eyes lighting up and clapping her hands together, "Really?"

Gordon nodded and Lyra bounced happily into the kitchen, with Gordon following, and took a seat at the dining table. Gordon watched in bewilderment as Lyra returned with a large number of ingredients in her magic and covered the kitchen work units in them, leaving no space uncovered.

"Lyra?"

"Yes, Gordon?" she relied, tying her apron pink PVC in place, its pattern containing cartoon pictures of muffins and cupcakes in various forms.

"I thought you were making blueberry milkshake?"

"I am. Plus other stuff."

"Other stuff?"

"Come on!" she stropped, "You have all of these ingredients, you may as well get use out of it!"

"I don't know how to bake."

Lyra rolled her eyes, "Those muffins imply otherwise."

"But-"

"But nothing Gordon. Now, put this on and help me," holding out a large multi coloured chequered PVC apron.

"Why?"

"Because I bloody well told you to!"

For a very brief moment, Gordon saw Michelle instead of Lyra. Remembering those early days in their relationship when she would bake with his mother and he would absentmindedly walk into the kitchen and be Shanghaid into 'helping'.

"Fine," Gordon huffed, taking it, "Where did you find these anyway?"

"In a cupboard, why?"

"The one you're wearing was Michelle's"

"Oh," Lyra replied, suddenly feeling awkward, "I can wear a different one."

"Nah, it's fine. Keep it if you like."

"You sure?"

"Sure. It's just an apron."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome," he replied, putting his own on, "Want a whiskey?"

"Tartarus yes I do!" she replied with a beaming smile.

"I'll go and grab a bottle. In the meantime try not to set my kitchen on fire."

"Oh ha ha," Lyra replied, hands on her hips and feigning indignance, "I set the smoke alarm off ONE TIME and Bonny never lets me forget."

Gordon briefly left and returned with a bottle of Grants and two tumblers. Pouring a shot for each of them, he handed one to Lyra.

"To humanity," said Gordon.

"To humanity," Lyra replied.

The pair clinked glasses and downed their shots, Lyra immediately beginning to cough.

"Well if there's on thing I've discovered today," Gordon said, laughing, "Is that I have a new whiskey buddy."

"I'm a rare breed of unicorn that can handle her liqueur," she replied, downing another shot without coughing, "I must have human blood in me."

"Who knows?" Gordon replied, pouring icing onto the bottom layer of a cake, "It's possible."

"I really hope it is. I mean, my long distant ancestor Bosphoramus Heartstrings had a relationship with a human, but he disappeared."

"I've heard that story when I visited Trottingham. Apparently he knew of what was being done to humans at Celestia's old castle."

"Yes," Lyra replied, looking down in sadness, "Officially, he disappeared. Unofficially, he was tortured to death by Starswirl the Bearded but you-know-who covered that up."

"Imagine my shock. Not so long back I saw some skeletons in that castle. One of them could be his remains."

"It's possible."

"A DNA scan will verify it or not. We should carry one out."

"Maybe. I'll need help though. I'm not going into that deathtrap on my own."

"Sure. And if it is him, we give him a proper burial. And if it isn't then we will still give him, and the others, a proper burial."

"I'd like that. Now, how about pouring some whiskey in this chocolate cake?"

*LATER THAT DAY, NIGHT TIME*

Gordon and Lyra, having spent all afternoon baking and decorating cakes, were now resting in the lounge. Lyra having a go at Goldeneye, specifically the Silo level.

"You're pretty good at this."

"It's fun."

"I remember my mum getting it for me the day it came out."

"Good day?"

"I was quite popular at school, put it that way."

"I bet you were OH COME ON!"

The telltale sign of blood trickling down the screen indicated the issue.

"Wait until you play Dark Souls. Even the calmest, most patient person will be driven to rage induced fury."

"Hmph!"

"Now now Lyra, it's just a game."

"You don't mean that. Anyway, I better get going, Bon Bon will we wondering where I've got to."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"OK, take some cakes with you though."

Lyra quietly closed the door and moved slowly in the pitch black to avoid making any sound and risk incurring the wrath of Bon Bon. As she approached the kitchen, hey eyes reduced to pinpricks as the lounge light suddenly came on.

"You're late back."

Lyra turned around, "I was busy...with work."

Bon Bon raised an eyebrow, "You work from home."

"Errr..."

"And you're carrying tins full of cakes."

"Well..."

"And you're wearing an apron covered in icing and frosting."

"I was baking with Gordon!" she said quickly, feeling guilty.

"With Gordon? You do know-"

"He's innocent of what he's accused of!"

"Lyra, I-"

"I thought you were better than just jumping to conclusions Bon Bon!"

"Lyra!"

"He can't do anything right! No matter what he does-"

"LYRA!"

Lyra immediately went silent as her eyes reduced to pinpricks again.

"Now listen," Bon Bon said, walking over and grabbing some of the tins, "I know Gordon's innocent."

"You do?"

Bon Bon nodded, "And....there's more."

"More?"

"I'll tell you later."

"Fine, just let me put these away."

Lyra, still holding some tins in her magic, made her way over to the kitchen and began to take her apron off.

"Leave! That! On!"

"Err, why?"

Bon Bon pointed to the sink. Lyra followed and her heart sank to the deepest depths of Tartarus at the sight of no small amount of pots, pans and dishes all covered in all manner of foodstuffs, many of which from Bon Bon's confectionery cooking.

"It's your turn to wash the pots, Lyra. I did them yesterday."

Bon Bon left the room, leaving Lyra to look at the depressing sight, "Bummer."

A couple of days had passed since Lyra's visit. Apart from Star Cross and Nightlock keeping him company, Gordon had been on his own. Rainbow in particular had been avoiding him like the plague and was greatly surprised when Rarity, whom he thought was above such petty behaviour, slammed the door in his face when he visited to have a pair of trousers repaired, having accidentally torn them while chopping wood, the seams ripping when he squatted down to pick up chopped firewood.

To add insult to injury, when he returned home, the axe he had been using was nowhere to be found.

Even Pinkie refused to serve him in Sugarcube Corner which more or less confirmed to Ponyville that Gordon wasn't to be trusted.

'If even Pinkie doesn't trust him, then he must be bad', he heard the townsfolk say.

Simple minded morons, he thought, If ever they gained the ability to think for themselves...

A few more days passed and yet again Gordon was refused service at every single store he went to. Having been denied service at the market as well, wanting only some fresh vegetables, and being forcibly removed from the town square again, Gordon decided to take a walk on the outskirts of Ponyville to clear his head and calm his nerves while Star Cross volunteered to get some fresh food, using the implied threat of arrest of obstructing the Royal Guard if she was refused service.

Walking aimlessly, Gordon soon found himself near the clubhouse of the CMC.

Maybe the foals will provide more intellectual conversation.

Approaching cautiously, weary of angry farm ponies who would not hesitate to attack him, he noticed movement from inside from figures too large to be foals. And voices too deep to be that of fillies. Approaching low and quiet, he began to shimmy sideways along the clubhouse wall and peered inside through the window causing his blood running cold at the sight. The crusaders, bound and gagged, crying and covered in bruises. Without hesitation, he ran to the front entrance and, finding it locked, kicked the door with considerable force and went inside to deal with the intruders.

"Game's over, vermin!"

The three Changelings turned to face Gordon. The leader of the trio, stepped forward, smiling maliciously.

"Look here boys," he grinned, "A human not in chains."

What?

"They're barely recognisable without them," the second Changeling added, "We should correct that."

"Indeed. Her Majesty will be most elated if we bring the anomaly to her."

Anomaly?

"Get him!"

The two accompanying Changelings lunged at Gordon, while the leader wielded a weapon very familiar to Gordon.

So that's where it got to.

Dodging the attacks from the Changelings, he delivered his own attacks, delivering a strong uppercut to one of them. All the while the Crusader's slowly bled to death, much to the delight of the leader.

"Such a pity," he said to himself, "So young."

Screams of pain caused the leader to turn back around. Gordon had grabbed one of the knives being carried by the Changelings and had stabbed him with it through the abdomen. Staggering backwards, the leader had the space to swing his, or rather Gordon's, axe. Dodging the swing but crashing into some chairs in the process, Gordon turned around just in time to see the axe bearing down on him. Swinging his leg, he took the leader off balance, causing his swing to miss and Gordon to get to this feet. Grabbing one of the child size solid wood chairs, he swung it into the face of an approaching Changeling, instantly knocking him out.

Two down, one to go.

A short walk from Sweet Apple Acres beside Ponyville Lake, the girls were now sitting around enjoying a picnic in the sunshine. But not enjoying the topic of conversation.

"Legally," Twilight said, "We can't do anything because the evidence is only circumstantial."

"But we know he did it!"

"I know Applejack, but as far as the law goes you need to show irrefutable proof. And unfortunately we can't."

"Isn't that Scootaloo?" asked Fluttershy, interrupting the conversation and pointing in her direction, "I thought she was at her clubhouse with her friends. Why is she clutching her tummy?"

"Does she have a tummy ache?" Pinkie asked, "That would be awful."

The girls watched as Scootaloo walked closer.

Or rather, staggered closer.

"R-r-r-rainbow," she cried, her eyes filled with tears, "H-h-help."

She collapsed before reaching the table. Immediately the girls rushed over and discovered to their horror what the problem was.

"Scootaloo!" Rainbow yelled, "What happened?"

The girls were beginning to draw a crowd, some of whom began listening in. Scootaloo, now cradled in Rainbow's arms, spoke as loud as she could, her eyes half closed and breathing slowly ceasing.

"G-G-Gordon," she replied tiredly before losing consciousness.

Rainbow more closely cradled Scootaloo in her arms as sheer unbridled anger raged through her veins.

"Let me take Scootaloo to the hospital," Fluttershy said, "I promise I'll take care of her."

Rainbow, angry tears falling from her eyes, handed Scootaloo over to Fluttershy, "You take care of her, I'll take care of that bastard!"

As soon as Scootaloo was safely in Fluttershy's hands, Rainbow rose to her feet and flew away towards the clubhouse.

Meanwhile, back at the clubhouse, Gordon and the remaining Changeling, conveniently the leader, the other having been knocked out by Gordon, were now both covered in blood. As the two wrestled once more, they stumbled outside and fell down off of the platform and into the dirt.

They both continued to fight until something caught both of their eyes.

"Rainbow," Gordon muttered.

Gordon got up to warn her, but in his haste let his guard down. The leader ponced and casting a spell, disguised both himself and his comrades just in time before Rainbow had a clear view of the scene. Landing then walking into a fast pace in one fluid motion, she approached Gordon with only one thing in mind.

"Rainbow!" Gordon yelled, "Get help! Chang-"

He was cut off by a strong kick to his face.

"You fucking bastard!"

Gordon tried to free himself from the Changeling's grip, but weakened and exhausted from his fight made the attempt fruitless.

"Rainbow!"

Rainbow looked behind her and smiled at the sight.

"Thank Celestia you're here, AJ."

"What happened? Where's ma sister and Sweetie Belle?"

"Probably in the club house. I came only to see this bastard causing problems."

"Causing problems?!" Gordon bellowed, "This sack of shite is a Changeling who tried to kill your sisters!"

"Oh? Then why did Scootaloo say you attacked her?"

"Wait here," Applejack said, not taking her eyes off of Gordon, "I'm goin' to check inside the clubhouse."

Gordon tried again to break free of the disguised Changeling's grip and almost succeeded only to find Rainbow had joined in in holding him in place.

"Thanks," the leader said, "You got here just in time."

"What happened?"

"This freak attacked your sisters."

"Liar!"

"SHUT UP, FREAK!" the leader yelled.

"GORDON!"

Everyone looked to the clubhouse to see Applejack emerge with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom in her arms, both blooded and bruised from their ordeal.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity cried, running over to her, accompanied by Twilight.

Taking hold of Sweetie Belle and looking at her state, bloodied and abused, she turned to Gordon, "You truly are a vile, disgusting monster. To think I considered you a friend...I feel sick."

"I didn't hurt them!" Gordon yelled again, "It was Changelings!"

"Save your lies for the Princess," Applejack replied, handing Apple Bloom over to another pony, "We're not interested in hearing them."

"You're jumping to conclusions again!"

"Shut up," Applejack replied, taking the rope off of her shoulder and walking over to Gordon, "You're under arrest."

With years of practice and great skill, Applejack swiftly tied Gordon hands behind his back.

"LET GO OF ME!" Gordon screamed, struggling desperately to escape from Applejack's iron grip.

"Shut up!" Applejack snapped, finally succeeding in tying the knots around Gordon's wrists, "After what you've done-"

"I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG!"

"You have a very warped sense of what's wrong if you think trying to murder fillies with an axe as 'nothing wrong'," Twilight spat venomously, "And after reading what humans are truly capable of, I feel like a fool for giving you any chance to prove humans are good. Because they aren't. Get the human to its feet."

Gordon was hauled to his feet and held firmly in place by Big Mac.

"Twilight!" Gordon yelled, "Listen to me. I didn't hurt those fillies. It was Cha-"

Gordon felt something shoved harshly in his mouth and tied tightly behind his head.

"Thanks Twi," Applejack replied, "His lying was making me feel sick."

"No problem, Applejack. As I was saying, I recently read another human book, one the human had, that tells of something so monstrous, not even Changelings would do something so evil."

"What are you talking about, Twi?"

"It's something in human history called, the holocaust. Simply put, some humans didn't like other humans so they put them in camps and killed them. Millions of them."

The gathered ponies jaws slowly dropped, scarcely able to comprehend such barbaric actions.

"Furthermore, other humans knew about it but did nothing to stop it. In total, six million of those humans were exterminated. And the humans known as 'Allies' allowed it to happen."

Gordon tried to correct Twilight on her inaccuracy, but the gag stopped him, though his attempt to speak didn't go unnoticed. Twilight marched over to Gordon and with a flash of her horn, showed the book she was referring to.

"Don't deny it," she snarled, "This book told me everything. And the photos...I can't comprehend how any living thing can be so evil."

Gordon tried again to speak.

"Stop trying to defend humanity. It's impossible. Princess Celestia was right."

"Where do you want this monster putting, Twilight?" Rainbow asked, grabbing firmly Gordon's arm, deliberately twisting it in the process.

"Put the monster in its dwelling," she said, "I will write to Princess Celestia and let her know what's happened."

"Just dump it anywhere, Big Mac," Rainbow said, "Leave it tied up. Leave the gag in too."

"Fine with me," Big Mac replied, dumping Gordon onto the hardwood floor, causing Gordon to grunt.

"Did that hurt?" Rainbow asked, "Too bad."

Rainbow and Big Mac left Gordon, exiting his house and locking the door.

"To think that I loved him," Rainbow said aloud, a tear falling down her cheek, "I feel so stupid."

"He's human," Big Mac replied, "Deception is their way. Now come on, the townsfolk can keep guard."

"Sure."

Big Mac and Rainbow left the property premises, nodding to the townsfolk who volunteered to keep guard and make sure Gordon couldn't escape.

"What about his other guards?" asked Rainbow.

"Shining is informing Mayor Mare of what's happened, Photon never came back from Canterlot and Star Cross and Nightlock have been...dealt with by Twilight."

"Dealt with?"

"RELEASE US NOW, CIVILIAN!" Star Cross screamed as she thrashed violently against the restraints.

"I can't do that," Twilight replied, "You're too close to Gordon and are a security risk."

"He's innocent! You just can't accept that!" Nightlock added.

"Please be quiet," Twilight calmly replied, "This is a library."

"This is your basement with all manner of fucked up experiments running!"

"I wouldn't expect you to understand. Now calm down, I'll let you go once Gordon is safely behind bars."

"You bitch!"

"Goodnight, Star Cross," Twilight replied as she walked away.

"Fuck you, you fucking bitch!"

Twilight ignored her and left the basement, locking it behind her and casting a sound proofing spell; the two siblings relentlessly thrashing against their restraints.

Gordon held the photo in his hands. The photo, taken while on their cruise on the Allure of the Seas, was the last photo ever taken of himself and his family together. Taking another gulp of whiskey, the burning sensation providing temporary relief, he put the photo in his shirt pocket and stood up. Staggering drunkenly to the stairs, he slowly made his way to the top floor.

Once there, he head towards his railway room, only to open to the storage cupboard opposite.

Moving some boxes aside, he found what he was looking for.

He pulled back a fake book, opening a door to his secret room.

Stepping inside, memories flooded into his mind of days gone by. Every item had a memory to it and he could remember each one with perfect clarity. A painting of flowers done by Atticus during his first week of school, the hand made father's day cards, the dress and tiara Zelda wore when cosplaying as her namesake character.

Good days those. Zelda as Zelda, Atticus as Link, Michelle as Impa and myself as Ganondorf.

Also in the room, the drawing Zelda made the day she was killed.

Picking the drawing up and taking it out of the frame, he now recognised the two symbols all too well.

Celestia's and Luna's cutie marks.

Folding it up and putting it on his shirt pocket with the photo, he took one last look at the room before setting up what he came to do. Looking up at the exposed steel beam, he felt a tinge of happiness.

I'll be with you soon.

*MEANWHILE, IN THE LIBRARY*

Twilight was quietly reading a book, seemingly unfazed at falsely imprisoning two individuals in her basement, when there was a harsh knock at the door. Fearing she could be found out, she readied a sleeping spell just in case.

"Who would be calling at this hour?" Twilight asked as walked over and opened it.

"YOU GULLIBLE BITCH!"

"Calm down, Lyra."

"I WILL NOT CALM DOWN, TWILIGHT!" Lyra bellowed, forcing her way inside, "HOW COULD YOU THINK THAT GORDON WOULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!"

"Quite easily, he's human."

"You are just using all that bullshit propaganda to justify getting rid of him. You believe it because you want to believe it."

"I believe it because it's the truth."

"And to you, the truth is merely what Celestia says it is."

"That's Princess Celestia too you!"

"She isn't my Princess. Not anymore. Fuck that bitch!"

The next thing Lyra felt, was a sharp stinging pain on her cheek.

"Get out!" Twilight bellowed, "You're banned for life from this library!"

"I will!" Lyra snarled, "I would press charges but we all know Celestia's little pet will get away with it. Like she always does!"

"OUT!"

My dear Twilight Sparkle

Whilst I am delighted to hear from you again, I must say that I am furious as to what the human has done. Yourself, your friends and the citizens of Ponyville, should be commended for your bravery on subduing the monster. Place the monster under house arrest until I can make arrangements my end. I assure you, the monster will be punished severely for its actions and placed in the deepest dungeon cell in my castle and put under 24/7 restraint. Escape for it will be impossible. Bring the monster to me tomorrow after sunset. I look forward to seeing you then.

Your Princess and mentor,

Princess Celestia.

The letter dissipated in green magic, on its way to its recipient.

"You'll never get away with this," Celestia said as a horn blocker was reattached.

"I already have."

"I have done as you asked," Celestia cried, "Now let Luna go!"

Chrysalis turned to her General and nodded. The General let go and Luna, still shaking from her ordeal, ran to Celestia and was quickly embraced by her big sister. The embrace was short lived before Luna too was shackled to the wall, out of arms reach of Celestia.

"Sleep tight, little children," Chrysalis mocked as she walked to the cell door, "Tomorrow is going to be a fun day."

The door shut, leaving the sisters to each other's company.

"I'm scared, sister."

"I know, Lulu."

"But what of Gordon? I do not believe he would commit such vile acts. Changelings must be involved."

"I...agree."

"You do?" Luna replied looking up in surprise.

Celestia nodded, "And I believe I know who Gordon is."

"Thanks for helping me girls," Twilight replied, teleporting them into Gordon's home, "I couldn't do this without you."

"No problem Twi," Applejack replied, "Glad to help. You OK, Rainbow?"

"I'm fine. I just feel so stupid for believing him."

"We all do, darling."

"But he will get what he deserves," Twilight stated firmly, "Princess Celestia has assured me that he will be placed in the deepest dungeon beneath Canterlot Castle under the highest security measures. He will spend the rest of his life chained to a wall in a dungeon cell."

"Good," Rainbow replied, "He deserves it."

"But first," Twilight continued, "We need to get him to Canterlot."

"That'll be easy," Rainbow replied, "He can't escape."

"Of course he can't," Applejack laughed, "I'm the one who trussed him up."

"For which we're-"

Twilight came to a full stop.

"What's wrong, Twilight?"

The other girls filed into the lounge and saw the issue. And it wasn't the several empty whiskey bottles and empty paracetamol packets.

"We need to find him," Twilight stated in a panic, "NOW!"

Wasting no time, the girls split up and frantically began searching Gordon's vast house for him, including the garages. After several minutes, they found no sign of him.

"How did he break free?" asked a perplexed Twilight, "He was hogtied by Applejack!"

"He can't be far," Rainbow added, "Where's Fluttershy?"

"She was checking the top floor," Rarity replied, "Though there's very few rooms up there so I don't know-"

"AARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGH!"

The bone chilling scream, heard from two floors away, sent the girls into action.

"Fluttershy!" Rarity gasped.

"Hold on Fluttershy!" Rainbow yelled, "I won't let that bastard hurt you!"

Flying rapidly up the levels, Rainbow very quickly reached the top floor, the screaming becoming more frantic. Very quickly, following the noise, Rainbow soon found Fluttershy, pressing her back into a wall in what appeared to be an attempt to flee the area. Moving over to her and embracing her friend to help calm her down, she saw what had triggered her friend's panic.

"RAINBOW!"

Rainbow didn't reply.

"RAINBOW!"

Footsteps came running closer.

"Rainbow! Will you answer-"

The girls stopped in their tracks, they too now having seen the sight before them.

"Oh my," Rarity said quietly, beginning to regret just having lunch.

Dangling from Applejack's rope, was the motionless body of Gordon, looking hauntingly back at them.

Author's Note

AU = After Unification