Equestria's flame

Chapters

Second beginning
Waking up
Settling in
A beautiful blaze
Travel
The sting-setup
The sting- confrontation
Chaotic rose
Catching up
The next day
Out on the town
Canterlot Interlude
A new threat
Don't piss off a Rose, or you're gonna get thornes

Second beginning

So, I have no idea where to start. Guess it should be where I was dying in the hospital, seeing as how that's how this whole thing- my second life- began.

I had been in the hospital for a little over a week, now, dying of liver cancer, and lung cancer. Yeah, it was painful, I'm not gonna lie, and no matter what the doctor's tried, they wouldn't entirely go away. Because of that, along with how much I kept myself otherwise healthy, the doctors had given me about a year to live, which had been eighteen months ago.

Anyway, I had had an episode related to the lung cancer eight days ago, and was now here, plugged into various machines, in what the doctors considered my final hour of life. At my request two days ago, the doctors let my husband, daughter, and brother-in-law in to see me.

"Hey, sweetie," my husband-average height and wearing a RWBY shirt-said. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, well," I said. "Except dying, that is." We shared a laugh. Even after what I had done to him a few years back, and continued to do behind his back after learning of the fact I had cancer, we had agreed we'd try to keep our death as lighthearted as family death can be. Joking, even if it was in terrible taste, was just how I avoided pain. "What about you guys?"

"We're doing fine, mom," my daughter-also wearing a RWBY shirt, this one mainly having Ruby on it- replied.

"And school, young lady?" I asked with a somewhat sinister grin that instantly turned into a grimace of pain.

"Seriously, mom?" she asked. "You're in the hospital, and you're worried about my schooling?"

"You still have a future, young lady," I said before sighing. "I don't." I then looked at my step-brother. He never liked to talk much.

"What about you, Josh?"

He shrugged. "Good, considering," he said before glancing at the heart monitor. "Docs said your heart wasn't beating strong, considering."

I gave a light hearted chuckle. "Yeah, they said I'd have a little over half a day when I woke up, at best." Funny I said that, considering I had been feeling tired for the past few hours. I then looked to my daughter. "You remember what we talked about, right honey?"

She nodded. "Yeah, me and the others are working everything out." She then sighed. "It'll be different without you there, mom."

"Just remember," I said. "Don't go for me. Go for you." I then closed my eyes, let out a sigh, and opened them again. "I guess I'll see you guys later, huh?"

Two smiles and a single shrug-the shrug having a "Maybe" to it-later, I let a small smile out. "Then bye, I guess," I said as I saw my vision go black, my eyes close, and felt a single smile on my face, the last sound being the flatline of the monitor before it just stopped.

"Well, that was interesting."

I opened my eyes-the fact I could open my eyes flying over my head- and saw I was in a black void, and was face to face with a woman in a gray dress with rainbow colored hair that went to her shoulders. "I'm in hell, aren't I?" I asked.

"No," the woman said. "Nor Limbo nor Heaven," she added. "But you are someone I've been interested in."

"That sounds like something for a porno," I muttered.

"You'd know," the woman said in a joking tone. Didn't stop me from blanching. "Before you ask," she said, holding up a hand, "I have my ways of getting information. The reason I brought you-or, rather, your mind- here is to offer you a second chance."

"Would I see my family?" was the first question out of my mouth.

"Perhaps at a later date," the rainbow haired woman replied. "If you do choose to take this second chance, you will gain certain powers, as you'd be going to a world where those I choose have certain abilities."

"Only if I get to see my family again," I said.

She nodded. "I'll see what I can do, then. But they will probably be changed by then. They will still have their memories, but may be different in appearance."

"That's good enough for me," I said. "I do still want to make up for what I did."

"Then I'll send you where I sending you," she said. "When you wake up, ask for the sun and moon, and tell who ever comes that you're sent by Harmony."

Before I could ask what that meant, there was a flash of light, and then nothing. Again.

Well, may as well see what I got myself into.

Waking up

I don't know how long I was out, or even where i now was. All I knew upon waking up was that I had a headache, and the room I was in was ungodly lit up. Seriously, who needs this many light fixtures in a single room?

Anyway, with my eyes closed until I felt I could open them, I sat up, and rubbed my head, hearing a voice say, "Doctor, she's awake." I then heard hooves on the ground. I swear, if I landed in some sort of Centaur land, I am going to kill that woman who sent me here next time I see her. Anyway, just as the sounds stopped, I opened my eyes, and looked in the direction of the sounds, and be surprised upon seeing a human shaped like figure, only his face seemed to stretch into a muzzle, and he had a horn jutting from his forehead.

I was in an anthro form of Equestria.

` Now, I wasn't a pegasister, but I didn't dislike the show. I mainly just watched it with my daughter and step-brother, pegasister and brony respectively, at least well enough to know the important characters. And be around when ever Josh would talk about certain things. Like why The H in Harmony for Elements of Harmony were- you have got to be kidding me. Josh, I swear, if you were right. . .

"Miss, are you alright."

"Other than a headache-" and being essentially brought back from the dead- "yes," I replied, the voice coming from my mouth not being mine, but closer to another's. I cast a quick glance at my slothes and saw, instead of a shirt and pair of shorts I would ordinarily wear, I now had on a red, off the shoulders, v-neck minidress with yellow accents along the sleeves and the collar bone area, a blue feather. . .thing on my right hip, a black choker on my neck, with a glimpse of black shorts under the dress, dark, glass heels, and right ankle having a jeweled anklet. This outfit I knew well, as I was a huge fan of the people who created this character, and, with it, could take a guess at my abilities.

I was now, at least, dressed as Cinder Fall from RWBY.

"Where am I?" I asked the unicorn doctor. Can't believe I just said that.

"In Canterlot, Miss. . .?"

"Cinder Fall," I replied. Hey, I look the part, may as well go with it right now.

"Well, Miss Fall, you're lucky the guard patrol found you when they did," the doctor said. "If they hadn't, then you may not be here right now."

"Where did they find me?" I asked.

"In the slums of Canterlot," the doctor replied. "That's where those who are. . . less than proper live, and most would have enjoyed taking you for themselves."

Well, that doesn't sound so-stop that now. I took this opportunity for a new start, I said to myself. "Tell them I thank them for that."

"Of course, miss," the stallion said, bowing slightly. "What exactly led to you being there, if I may ask?"

"I don't remember," I lied. "Much, at least. All I remember is a voice telling me to ask for the sun and moon. I think it meant the princesses."

"Well, that's somewhat concerning," he muttered. "Did they ask why?"

"No," I said.

The doctor sighed. "Well, my scans earlier didn't pick up any latent spells, so I suppose it wouldn't hurt," he said. "But before you try anything, they will have guards."

That was to be expected. "I suppose that makes sense."

"Then I will see if I can get them."

With that, he left, and I spun to the side of the bed, my legs hanging off the edge. Well, may as well see if I can walk under my own power now. With a deep breath, I laid my hands on the edge of the bed, and quickly slid off, letting go of the bed as I landed.

Even though my legs were shaky at first, I was able to stand up by my own, a large contrast to my last week in the hospital in which I died, where i needed either help or a wheel chair to move around.

I sighed at the thoughts that came up with that. I wonder how long it's been for Mark-my husband- and the others since then, and how well they're doing. Lilly-our daughter- especially, as the two of us had always been close.

I was brought out of my thoughts when the main door to the room opened, and in walked the doctor trailing behind the two royals, with Celestia wearing a silken, white dress, her etheric hair flowing behind her, her regalia shining like gold. I can only guess how much they'd sell fo-stop that right fucking now. That's how I was before this, not now. Luna was in her first season look, with a dark blue dress and the baby blue hair and tail, and, I noticed, her walk being one of a nervous outsider. Makes sense, considering. Walking next to them were four guards each, all wearing the basic golden armor with a spear in hand.

"Doctor Suture said you requested to speak with us?" Celestia said.

I bowed as she and her sister stopped walking. "Yes, your highness, but it is more of a message. One best delivered out of ear shot of others."

"We can not risk that," Celestia said.

"Sister, what of silencing spells," Luna suggested. "Can thou not cast those?"

Celestia blushed in embarrassment. "I had not thought of that," she said before she lit her horn, and a bubble appeared me and the two royals, shaped to where we were the only three in it. "So, then, miss Fall, what is that message?" Celestia asked.

"That I was sent by Harmony." Here, Luna's face paled, and Celestia's probably would have if she wasn't already full white. "What?" I asked.

"Harmony is the name of the one who made us alicorns," Celestia said. "An actual goddess while we are simply given longevity."

"What did she look like?" Luna asked.

"She was about Celestia's height with gray skin, wearing a white dress, and had rainbow hair."

"That is how she prefers to appear," Celestia muttered. "Did she say anything else?"

"No," I replied "Why?"

"Because she would not send someone from another world, which you clearly are," Celestia said, "without reason."

"How do you know about that?" I asked with a glare.

"Unlike most of our subjects," Luna answered, "we can sense the subtle differences in dimensions, especially when it come to those from other ones, and you feel not like any of this world would."

"Ah," I replied. "So, what exactly are you going to do with me, then?" I asked.

"Well, there isn't much going on in Equestria, currently," Celestia said. "So, I suppose, we could offer you a room here in the castle."

I curtsied, and said, "Much appreciated, your Highnesses."

Celestia held up a hand. "You can drop the formalities, Cinder. If Harmony sent you here, then we may as well treat you as an equal."

"Then doubly thank you, Celestia and Luna," I replied.

"Of course," Celestia said before the glow on her horn faded, as well as the bubble. "Captain, take Miss Fall to the guest quarter nearest mine and my sister's quarters. Which is to say somewhere between them distance wise."

"Yes, ma'am," a guard said. "Follow me, Miss."

"Of course," I said before he turned around and, with me following, left the room.

So, I was sent here by a goddess of another universe filled with anthropomorphic ponies for some unknown reason, and only a chance at seeing my family again. Well, could be worse.

I could be in hell.

Settling in

It's been an hour since I woke up in the castle medical wing, and I was currently in my room. It was large, considering my family wasn't that well off before I came here. It wasn't exactly decorative, simply grand. The bed seemed to be a king sized one-which I think is overdoing it for a single guest- with the windows having ornate drapes. Really, everything was an ornate eyesore. Should probably ask the princesses for a change in the decorations. Maybe for a tailor to make additional clothing, seeing as I'm only wearing the usual dress Cinder wore in the show.

Anyway, I was standing next to the window in my room, looking over what I could of Canterlot. Just from the sight, I'm reminded of Vale. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing, to be honest right now. As i was doing that, I held my right hand up by my best as I tried to activate my abilities. It wasn't difficult surprisingly. All I had to do was call, and it came. Though I'm not eager to see if I have the fall maiden powers. Don't want to destroy the castle, after all.

I was brought out of my thoughts with a knock on my door. I quickly doused the flame by cutting off my power to it, and said, "Enter."

The door opened, and in walked Celestia. "Hello, Cinder. Are you settling in well?"

I nodded. "Yes, but the room is much too ornate for me," I replied. "I'd prefer something a little more. . .common, if you can allow it."

She chuckled. "I will. You have no idea how exhausting it is hearing ponies live in the conditions they aren't used to when visiting me."

"Then I am glad I'm able to break the monotony," I said. "Still, I have to ask, other than seeing if I was settling in, is there any reason you're here?"

"Yes, actually," Celestia said. "The doctors said that you have no magic, and yet I felt it as I neared here."

"Ah, that," I said. "I figured you or your sister-" or Twilight- "would ask eventually. Well, basically, what I was using was my aura," I explained, "which is basically my soul, in a sense. More specifically, my semblance, which is unique to everyone. Mine is the ability to control flames. An aura also protects those with theirs unlocked, though it does have limits that are based on the individual. If that breaks, you take everything as a normal person would." No idea if the powers Salem granted Cinder in the show are aura based or not. Which is to say a semblance of sorts.

"So the abilities you have are unique to you?" Celestia asked, to which I nodded.

"When it comes to others of my race, yes," I replied.

"Just making sure I understood that correctly," she said. "So, other than a decor change, is there anything else you need currently?"

"Well, is there someplace where i can practice with my abilities?" I asked. "Just so I don't get rusty should I need them, I mean."

"Yes, actually," she said. "Though it is something i hide from the guards, or they'd constantly be worried."

"Why's that?" I asked.

"Because it's also my way to work off stress," Celestia said with a small but somewhat evil smile.

I like this version of her better than what we saw in the show. Me too. "Can I head there?" I asked.

"I'll show you the way."

An hour later

I sighed with relief as a straw dummy exploded in flames. "Yep. Definitely helps with anger," I stated.

"So, then, what are you mad about?" Celestia, now wearing a sports outfit with a sleeveless tank top and knee length shorts, asked.

"The fact Harmony didn't tell me why I'm here, specifically," I replied as the yellow glow on my dress- which always became active when I had my abilities active- faded. "I don't like being in the dark."

"In most cases, I can agree," Celestia said. "Other times, it makes for a fun surprise."

"I guess it just depends on what that thing is," I muttered. "There's something I forgot to ask you, actually."

"And what's that?" Celestia asked.

"Are there any good tailors you know, as I only have this, and it wouldn't feel right, or fit right, if I borrowed your or Luna's wardrobe."

"Well, there is one pony," Celestia said. "She's actually a friend of my student, and she helped free Luna a month ago, and of what Twilight's told me, she is one of the best seamstress she's seen. After looking at some of her work, I have to agree."

"So, where does she live?" I asked, even though I knew already.

"Ponyville, a town not far from here," Celestia replied. "If you want, I can get you on the next train headed there. And while you're there, you can see if there's any furniture for your room you want."

I put a hand on my chin in thought. "I suppose," I said after a few seconds.

The solar alicorn nodded. "Then I'll get a train ticket ready for you, and let Twilight Sparkle know you're coming so she can meet you at the train station in Ponyville."

"Thank you," I said. "Let's just hope nothing happens while I'm there, then."

A beautiful blaze

A few hours have passed since I talked with Celestia, and I was currently in my own train car on its way to Ponyville. I didn't need any guards, as most ponies who tried to rob a train, Celestia told me, work on terror tactics, and the fact I was able to match Celestia in raw power-even if it wasn't as all around as her's- made it to where there was little that could intimidate me currently.

I had been in the train car for near thirty minutes, playing around with my flame abilities to keep myself entertained when it began to slow, and I lurched forward slightly as I deactivated my powers so as to avoid any unnecessary fires.

Once the train was at a full stop, the doors opened, and I got up and made my way outside, expecting to see a lavender unicorn, but was surprised when no one came forward, though I did hear a lot of "ohh"s and "awww"s, and made my way there, taking care to not damage my glass heels on the stone roads.

Upon reaching what I assumed to be the town square, I saw a large, multi-colored crowd, which was also the source of the noises. "Pardon me, excuse me," I said as I tried to make my way to the front of the crowd to see what the commotion was about.

After quite a bit of difficulty, with some of the ponies making me want to burn them alive for how rude they were-which included attempted gropes that led to me having to reign in my past-self and a few burnt hands as the result- I was reached the front of the crowd- next to Rarity and Twilight-with Rarity wearing a white designer dress and Twilight a pair of jeans and a blue shirt- while Rainbow was on a stage, one I remembered from watching this show with Lilly. Hello, Miss Braggart, I was hoping to not see you here.

So, yeah, Trixie was giving her story of how she defeated an Ursa "Major" She had just finished saying she had made it flee back to its cave, which is when I decided to speak up.

"Oh, and where's the proof of that?" I asked, crossing my arms. "Surely they gave you something as a token of their gratitude?

As the crowd looked at me, some with looks of confusion, though Trixie had one of anger. "Hmph," she said. "Of course a deformed pony would say something like that to make one like the Great and Powerful Trixie look false!"

"Then show us something as proof," I said with a small smirk. "That is, unless you're making it up."

"Yeah!" Spike-who looked pretty much the same as his show counter-part- said.

And then the cancer known as Snips and Snails came to Trixie's defense. Yay.

"Hey, stop it!" Snips yelled. "Why would somepony as Great and Powerful as Trixe lie!?"

And here we go. "Because," I said as I strode forward, "she seems to be the insecure type who's not happy with being a nobody, and would do anything to be someone, even lie. I should know, I've dealt with people like that before. Either she's telling the truth about her magical capabilities, or she's lying, and I'm willing to bet and prove the second one." As I finished the sentence, I stepped up onto the stage.

"Well, if you wish to be utterly embarrassed, at least you can say it was by the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

"Just shut up," I said. "Your voice itself is annoying, and let's not even touch on the third person speak. Now, then, I think I'll go first." With that, I brought both my hands up by my side and created trails of flame that didn't at all burn me, using my aura to change the coloring to to random but subdued colors so as to add a little flair to them before spinning, creating embers in the air that alternated colors as well. After the spin, I clapped my hands together, creating a large flash and a small boom. When the light faded, I was now wearing a black dress that seemed to be made of silk with gems of red strewn into it, along with a pair of black gloves. I put my right hand on my hips and said, "Try and top that." There was some applauding from the audience at that as well.

"Oh, that was simply fabulous," I heard Rarity in the audience say.

Trixie scoffed. "That dress is nothing but fire overlaid with a protective spell," she said before water poured on me. Though I was pissed she had ruined my hair, the dress, much to Trixie's anger, remained. Definitely need to experiment there. Maybe it's that black glass, given it does seem to reflect a little. Still, I was bale to use my Semblance to dry my hair at least to where it didn't stick to me.

"Im-impossible!" Trixie shouted. "The only way for the dress to be there-"

"Is if it was real. And I said to try and top it, not disprove it. So, Miss 'Great and Powerful'-top it. That is, unless you can't."

"Fine!" she yelled before doing what I had done, resulting in a dress matching her coat in terms of main with it matching her hair and tail in secondary, with elaborate designs. "Ha!" she yelled. "Trixie is not only Great and Powerful, but also-" her upcoming rant was cut short as a bucket of water was thrown on her from the audience, and the dress faded.

"A fraud," I smugly said. "So, you really want to stay here, or move on to the next batch of ponies?"

"I think that I'll go," Trixie said before I left the stage, only to be rushed by A: Rarity and B: Twilight, the latter recognizing me as Celestia's guest-I'm guessing she sent a picture- and the former complimenting my dress.

I held up my hand to stop them both. "One at a time, please," I said before looking at Twilight. "Twilight Sparkle, I presume?"

"Y-yes," the lavender unicorn said nervously. "Sorry i wasn't at the train station. I was on my way there when Snips and Snails, those two unicorn colts who were defending Trixie, pretty much rammed into Spike, and I chased after them, and I lost track of time."

"No apologies needed," I said with a small smile. "I never did like individuals like her." Even if you used to be one. Can somebody say hypocrite? It's not being hypocritical if I don't do it anymore.

I then looked at Rarity. "And you are?"

"Rarity Belle," Rarity said. "Twilight said a friend of the Princess was coming to have a few dresses designed by me, but I must say, Miss. . ."

"Cinder Fall."

"Miss Fall, that you're current dress is exquisite already."

"Thank you," I said, "but I had no idea I could do this, and I have no idea what happened to the outfit I had on when I got here, so I still need some outfits. Nothing too fancy, though."

"Of course," Rarity said. "And you don't need to worry about paying. Princess Celestia already sent payment, and even then, as a friend of the Princess, I'd be doing this as a favor for her and you."

"Then I guess we'd better get started, then, I suppose?"

"Oh, I suppose," Rarity said. "Please follow me, darling, and I'll be bale to get started." With that, the white unicorn turned around, and I followed, eager to get more than one outfit.

Manehattan

It was a rainy day in the city, a heavy downpour, really. As such, the only ones outside were those at work or those in their way there. As a result of this, nopony noticed a small flash in a random alleyway, with none near it to see it of hear three individuals-one wearing a white coat over a black shirt with a black hat and orange hair and a cane, the second being female with mint green hair and wearing an intricate white top and olive, shallow cut undershirt, along with white pants and brown chaps that end at her calves and an overlong, twice wrapped belt, along with a silver armband on her left arm, and a green beads on her forearm near her wrist. The third figure was a male wearing a slate gray and black two-tone partial-zip jacket, that covers his upper body, along with a black pants, a single notched belt, and a sash. On his arms were a set of rebraces and vambraces.

"Oh, my head," the female said as she and her compatriots stood up. "The hell happened?"

"No idea, but I have a feeling it's got something to do with that a-hole from earlier," the first male said as he stood up and put the cane across his right shoulder. "If so, can't wait to make him pay." He then looked at the female. "Hey, Liz, you look different."

"Yeah, you two, James," she said as the second male stood up. "Can't say the same the Jacob, though."

"Well, any idea where we are?"

"Nope," the orange haired man said. "And I think it'd be best if we got out of the rain so we don't get a cold, and maybe find someone to ask about that."

"Agreed," the other two said before the three made their way out of the alley, and towards a nearby hotel the was across the street.

Travel

A week has passed since I arrived in Ponyville, and I had been staying with Twilight, mainly because Rarity would insist on treating me like royalty, I'm not exactly one for manual labor like I would be as a guest of Applejack, I'd barbecue Angel if I stayed with Fluttershy, I'd go crazy if i stayed with Pinkie, and I cant exactly walk on clouds for Rainbow's house.

Of course, I did go over to Rarity's every day so she could have some input on how I wanted my clothes to look like. Fortunately, my original outfit was under the dress I had made when showing up Trixie, so I did at least have two outfits. The first outfit i had Rarity make for me was the one seen when the in-show Cinder infiltrated the Beacon tower in season two, just if I needed to handle some stuff later on where stealth was needed.

Anyways, I was just finished eating a sandwich for breakfast-thank god there is a stall in the market that sells meats for the few griffons in town and Fluttershy's pets- when Spike came in, a scroll in his hands. "Uh, Cinder?"

"Yes, Spike?" I asked as I put the plate i had eaten from in the sink. "What is it?"

"Princess Celestia just sent you a letter," he said as he handed the scroll to me. "No idea what she wants or said."

"Well, thank you for delivering it, Spike," I said as I opened the letter.

Cinder,

I hope you are doing well in Ponyville, but I fear something has come up in Manehattan. What I'm about to say, you can't tell anyone else. You see, I have a special guard that the public doesn't know about with agents in each city, and those in Manehattan have reported a small string of robberies, each with those having been stolen from swearing they were looking at the thief while others in the store saw the theft, and that the being is not a pony, but more resembles you, and my agents report seeing her meet with two males. If it isn't too much trouble I'd like you to go there, and help my guard track down and apprehend them.

-Celestia

"Spike?" I asked.

"Yeah?"

"Tell the others I'll be doing something out of town for Princess Celestia for the next week at the least, month at the most, I need to go to Manehattan. And don't tell them until afterwards. I'm not one for Pinkie parties," I told him. "Also, there a suit case I can use to pack my two other outfits?"

"Yeah, one in the guest bedroom," Spike said. "And you got it," he said with a thumbs up. "I'll tell Princess Celestia you said yes to whatever it was."

"What makes you think I said yes?" I asked.

"Well, you never once talked about going to Manehattan since you got here," he pointed out, "except for just now, after the letter, so it probably means your little trip has to do with the letter, and, far as I know, you and Princess Celestia are good friends, so I don't see a reason for you to say no to what she asked." He grinned a little. "Plus I may or may not be part of a certain secret guard, the fact of which I would keep hidden from the others so that no rumors spread, as Pinkie's terrible at keeping secrets. The smae guard that may or may not exist that Celestia is planning on sedning help to in Manehattan."

"Ohh, devious," I commented with a smirk before I walked out of the kitchen.

"Hey, I'm only a baby in terms of body. Dragons mature mentally faster," Spike said. "I'll see you when you get back, then," he said before heading to the reading room, as Twilight and the others were currently out doing something.

Anyway, I made my way to the guest room, where the suitcase was, then to my room in the basement-I prefer to sleep away from others when it's just me- to pack my outfits. Once that was done ten minutes later, I made my way to the train station. Upon arriving, I was bumped into a mare with beige skin and two toned hair of blue and pink. I saw her drop something after she said, "Sorry," and walke doff.

Curious, I opened it, and, inside, it said, "Royal paid tickets from Celestia. Lets you get on a train whenever and to wherever you want to go . - Sweetie Drops. P.S.-If you try to find me after you get back to thank me, look for Bon Bon. That's the name I use in Public."

Hm. I'll need to thank her and Celestia next chance I get. So, yeah, with that, I was able to get on the next train to Manehattan. The trip there was mainly uneventful, so I really just looked out the window at the scenery. Upon my arrival and exit of the train, I saw a unicorn stallion with a sign saying "Cinder Fall". The stallion was colored black-including his hair, though that did have some red high lights at the end, and was wearing a shirt with the guard crest on the left shoulder, indicating he had been in the guard, though a perceptive eye could see he was still young, and had both arms with no scars on his face. Either he lost his legs-unlikely, as he was wearing khaki shorts- or he's part of that separate guard. I'm going with the latter.

"Miss Fall?" he asked me as I walked up.

"Yes. Why?"

"I believe you know, Miss," the stallion said. "You are here to help us with those robbers, right?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Then follow me," he said, and the two of us left the station. "

"So, what's our name?" I asked.

"Lone Shadow," he replied. "Leader of the Shadow guard, and was here in Manehattan on vacation when this all started, so I took the helm on it. When we get to our HQ, I'll give you what we know on these three."

"So, just exactly how many am I going to be working with?" I asked. "I don't like working in large groups."

"Including you, six," Lone replied. "Most of the time, each town and city has four members of the Shadow guard in it, with additional ones coming in from other cells if needed, though that's rare, as, most of the time, we take care of problems before they get to that degree."

"So, then, which cell do you work with?" I asked before he looked at me. "Right, personal deployment details. Forget I said anything."

"Good," he said. "So, Princess Celestia sent me a letter with what you told her about semblances and auras. There any possibility illusions can be in there?"

"Yes," I answered. "In fact an old. . . comrade of mine had an illusion semblance."

"Then it may be you'll be able to help us," he said as we stopped in front of what looked like a rundown apartment building. "Come in, we got work to do."

The sting-setup

As I followed Lone into the apartment building, I was surprised by the fact it looked like something you'd find in Canterlot. As if he could read my mind, Lone said, "Illusion spell on the outside to make it look abandoned while we make it livable on the inside in cities like Manehattan. Though the inside design is up to the individual cell and ultimately dictated by majority." He then shrugged. "Believe me, I like the one in Canterlot better. Those there are tired of the whole 'elegant' shit, and made it much more. . . well, to put it in the words of a friend of mine, 'charmingly rustic'."

"Can't say I blame them," I commented. "Hell, my room in the castle? I asked if it could be made to look more common."

Lone chuckled. "Oh, thank Celestia. You would not believe how annoying ponies are who think the best is the nobles. If I met her, I'd probably hate the Element of Generosity, as report say she's obsessed with Canterlot culture. Buck, she thinks the blandest food critic is the best one in Canterlot. Now come on, time you meet the ones you'll be working with while you're here."

I nodded. "Right." With that, I followed him up to the second floor, and, from there, one of the rooms there.

He knocked- receiving a "We're decent!" from inside the room- and opened the door before walking in, and I followed him in. To my surprise-because this was Equestria, probably home of the subtlest racism ever- there were more than just ponies in the room. I mean, there were two, one being Lone, but there was also a griffon, a changeling, and a zebra.

"Hey, plotholes," Lone said in a friendly manner. "How's everything?"

"Hey, Lone," the other pony- a unicorn mare wearing a black tank top and workout shorts over her dark blue skin, her blue and dark green hair tied into an ironic ponytail while her actual tail wasn't styled at all-said before noticing me. "That her?"

"Yep," Lone said before turning to look at the changeling. "Anything on their location, Mist?"

The changeling- wearing a short sleeved, lime green shirt and cargo shorts- shook his head. "Nothing since the robbery last night." He shrugged. "On the upside, it does confirm that they seem to steal only from high end jewelry stores here in the city."

"Don't forget the area," the griffon- a female wearing just a sports bra and pants with the head cardinal and the body of tiger, if the stripes were any indication- said. "That gives us another data point for us to use to look for where they hide out."

"That is, assuming, they aren't trying to fake out the cops," the zebra- a male wearing a white shirt with one of those old, leather cowboy jackets with the tassels-seriously, what are those called- and cargo shorts- commented. "Even if they aren't near our level of effecieny, they have the basics, and are already combing the area we've found, with little success. True, there's a lot of places to search, but they aren't looking for something to narrow it down."

"Guys, slow down," Lone said. "Introductions, then we talk about this. I'm sure you all know of her, at least. Cinder, this is the Manehattan branch of the Shadow guard. Their leader, Azure Shadow- no relation to me," he said, as the mare nodded, "Green Mist, one of the first changelings in the shadow guard; Gina, who's the recon specialist for the gang here, and finally Zeke-before you ask, that's the name he gave us upon us coming to him, and we don't have his actual name on file- who's the analyst and messenger of the cell."

"A pleasure to meet you all," I said with a head nod. "Though, I have to ask you, Mist, why is it a changeling, if not changelings, are in this particular division of the guard? i thought ponies-even Celestia, saw your kind little more than parasites."

"Yeah, well, that's just a small portion of our population," Mist replied. "Mainly led by a nut job who wants all of Equestria as her personal conquest. Most of us have actually lived with the ponies in disguise but putting on ourselves for the personalities."

"And as to the while thing about most seeing them as parasites," Lone said. "Yeah, um, don't tell Celestia this, but I kinda went behind her back. Now, don't get me wrong, she wouldn't have become a ruler without good reason, but a lot of the choices she makes, I just don't see the logic, like her banishing her sister to the moon when she could have easily just fixed it, along with other stuff the basic guard and civies don't notice because they think she's perfect."

"Yeah, if there's any who know she isn't, it's those of us in the Shadow guard," Azure said. "Tartarus, my brother's in the main guard-none of which know the Shadow guard exists, btw- and most of them are pansies who are an insult to the word guard. Trust me, some of our friends who aren't in any part of the guard can kick his plot."

"Can we get back to the important matter at hand?" Zeke asked.

"Yes, please," Lone muttered. "Azure, you want to tell her about your brother, do it off duty or when we're not hunting criminals like this."

"Right, sorry," the unicorn mare said, embarrassed.

"So, for Cinder, what we got?"

"Nothing much," Mist said. "Just a pattern, an an area. The pattern being only high end jewelry store, and," he said as he used his magic to reveal a map of the city on the wall with various words and a circle in the upper right area, "they all take place in this area."

"Which matches with that magic surge I felt a week ago, right near the center of it," Azure said. "Doubt it's a coincidence."

"Yeah, and I can't do recon there," Gina said. "Place is very anti-griffon, and would attack me with whatever they have on hand. Mist can't get in because he has a limited magic pool for his disguise, and we need solid proof. Zeke can't because a zebra here in the city would just call for the media whores. Azure never felt comfortable in crowds like there, and-"

"I bucking hate crowds and am annoyed by them," Lone growled. "That's a reason why I made every cell for the Shadow guard four at maximum. And trust me, in this city, you don't want to get me pissed off in a large crowd."

"Let me get this straight," i said, holding my forehead between my thumb and index finger. "You can't do recon because you can't use an illusion spell?"

There was silence for a few seconds before Azure faceplamed. "Can't believe we didn't think of that with Zeke."

"I still wouldn't be able to go," he said. "My mannerisms make it obvious I am an outsider, and chances are, these three are on the lookout for that. What we need is one who can blend in easily and is not annoyed by crowds, nor is anxious in them."

"Well, why not me," I offered. "My mannerisms are those of a pony's, and I can work in a crowd. All I'd need is an illusion over myself, as well as a lead on where they're going to hit."

"I can handle the illusion spell," Azure said.

"And, fortunately," Lone said as he looked at the city map, "in the designated area, there is one store not yet hit that fits with current criteria for those three."

"Then I guess I'd better get ready."

The sting- confrontation

A day has passed since I had joined up with the Manehattan branch of the Shadow Guard and began helping them with this whole thing, and, with an illusion spell placed over me to make me appear as a pony- one with red skin and black hair while wearing a similar dress to my usual- as I stood in the only jewelry store in the area they had figured out that hadn't yet been hit. I had been in there for just a little under ten minutes when I heard the door opened. I looked at it, and saw, not exactly to my surprise, Emerald. Looks like someone was Displaced as her, so that probably means someone dressed as Mercury and Roman are here too. Fun.

She scanned the various cases as I kept my eye son here as I pretended to do the same before a pony came over to her. They talked before the pony took a ring out of the case and handed it to Emerald, who examined it before the pony looked as if he was grabbing it out of thin air before placing said air back in the case and Emerald left, with me following close behind. The streets weren't badly crowded, so I was able to follow her with ease as she went into an alleyway, where I stopped to hide at the edge and look into it to see her meeting with the other two. Looks like my guess was right.

I did a quick glance to the rooftop opposite my position, and saw Azure there overlooking the scene. I nodded, a signal that these were the thieves, and to drop the illusion.

There was a slight shimmer around me as the illusion dropped, and with that, I walked into the alleyway. "Well, look what we have here," I said, getting their attention. "What are you three doing here?"

"C-Cinder?" Roman asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, nothing much," I replied. "Just making sure you three don't screw up. So, how exactly did you three get here?"

"That's just it," Roman said. "We got no idea. One moment, we were at RTX with some of our friends when we saw a guy dressed as Ozpin who had every single character's weapon. We bought what went with who we dressed as, and now we're here, but it's just us here. So, how'd you get here?"

I scoffed. "You wouldn't believe me if I said."

"You do realize we're in a land of talking anthropomorphic ponies that can use magic, right?" Mercury asked.

"Fair point," Cinder said. "The quick version is that I was in the hospital dying of two types of cancer when I died, but the Goddess of this world somehow was able to get me here as I am now."

"Wait a minute," Emerald said. "Before you got Displaced, what was your name?"

"Christine Smith," I replied. "Why?"

"Oh my god," Emerald said. "Miss Smith, it's me, Liz! Lilly's friend!"

"Liz? As in the Liz my Lilly got drunk with the first time?"

"I said I was sorry!" she yelled.

"Yeah, to her face," Mercury muttered.

"Oh, shut it," Emerald snapped at him.

"And I'm guessing Mercury's Sam?" Her brother before coming here.

"Yep, and Mr. Ginger here's our dad," Mercury said. "Well, before we came here, that is."

"Hey, Christie," Roman said.

"Hey, Jake," I replied. "So, I'm guessing you guys were at RTX with Lilly?"

"Yeah," Emerald said. "For your, um, well, you know, and we were each dressed as the characters like we had planned before you came here, if you know what I mean."

I sighed, and placed my forehead in my hand. "And I assume you all got something from that Ozpin guy?"

"Yep," Mercury said.

"Then that means we'll probably see them later," I said. "So, why did you guys start robbing?"

"Well, it's not like we had any money," Roman said, "And in case you didn't notice, we're in Equestria, where they can be suspicious of someone just for not being a pony. We didn't want to take a chance they'd try to stone us."

"Well, the fact you've stolen doesn't hep out," I replied. "But the fact someone you know is friends with the Princesses does."

"Wait, what?" Mercury said. "How the hell are you friends with those two?"

"Another story I'll tell another time," I replied. "For now, return everything you stole, and meet me at this address," I said as I pulled out a sliver of paper form my sleeve, and handed it to them. "I'll see you later." With that, I turned around, and left the alleyway and made my way back to the HQ of the cell.

After walking for a while, Azure popped up next to me and asked, "I'm guessing you knew them?"

"Yep," I replied. "They should be over at the base soon. Reason why they stole is because they didn't have money, and they weren't willing to risk ponies in government positions see them."

"Considering most are afraid of changelings even though the minority is violent, I can see why," she said. "Still, they will need to pay for what they did, even if they return the stuff."

"I'll talk it over with Celestia," I said.

"Then let's hope they don't do anything to screw it over," I heard Azure mutter.

An hour later

"Wait a minute," Mist said, holding one hand up as the five of us sat in the main room of their HQ eating ice cream. "So the thieves are actually friends of yours from where you come from, and only did so because of pony racism?"

I took a bite of my ice cream-vanilla with sprinkles, my favorite when I was a kid- before replying, "Yeah."

Mist threw his hands up in the air. "WHY THE BUCK IS THAT NOT SURPRISING!?"

"Yeah, his family grew up in one of the more tolerant towns," Lone said, a vanilla waffle cone coated with chocolate in his hand. "When they moved out, he was a colt, and one time, he accidentally dropped his disguise in a less tolerant town, and, well. . . the royal guard was called in when they were still willing to kill, and, well, I'll leave it there."

"Fair enough," I said just as there was a knock on the door. "And that's probably them." I set my ice cream on a table nearby, and got up before heading to the door, and looking out the peephole to see my three friends. "Yeah, it's them," I told the other four before unlocking the door and letting them in. "Guy guys."

"Hey, Cinder," Roman said with a two fingered salute as he, Emerald, and Mercury walked in.

"Guys, these are my friends Roman-the ginger- Emerald, and Mercury. Other guys, this is Azure, Zeke, Mist, Gina, and Lone. They're part of a special guard division," I said, noticing Azure with two vanilla cups when she had one before, and mine missing, making me cast a glare at her, only for her to look away and act innocent.

"Hello," Lone said.

"Hey, Mist said.

"What's up?" Gina asked.

"Greetings," Zeke said with a small nod.

"Yo," Azure said.

"Definitely an interesting crowd," Roman muttered. "So," he said much louder, "what do you want us to do to make up for what we did?"

"That's up to the Princess," Lone said. "And that's where you three are going: Canterlot. Cinder, you got that ticket?"

"Yeah, why?" I asked.

"Because it also allows you to take up to three with you," he said. "Though it isn't printed on it or the notes. It's a special symbol on the thing train conductors are trained to look for. Just show it to them when you board." Before he could say anyhting else, a scroll appeared in front of him in a flash of green flame.

"The fuck?" Roman asked.

"Dragon flame message," Emerald- a pegasister before coming here. "Used by Princess Celestia, and is the equivalent to a text message here. Which reminds me, do we have our scrolls?"

She and the other two checker their pockets, and pulled out small, white rectangles with curved edges and a golden rhombus-or two-dimensional diamond like those in baseball games. Looks like a yes.

Anyways, Lone opened and read the scroll. "Well, shit, Cinder, we're coming with you guys," he said as he burned the scroll with a normal flame as he got up from his seat.

"Why's that?" I asked.

"Celestia wants us to head to Ponyville to work on evacuation. Something about chaos."

"Oh, shit," Emerald and i mutter, having a good idea what this is about. "Come on, then," I said, and the nine of us left, Lone and I in the lead. Looks like Discord arrived earlier than I thought he would.

Chaotic rose

The nine of us were on the train to Ponyville and had been for the past three hours, and those with weapons were readying them in case we had to shoot or stab something, though the two groups- my team as well as the Manehattan cell of the Shadow Guard- were separate from one another in terms of location. The only ones this didn't apply to were me and Lone. "So, i'm guessing you four were friends before coming here?" he asked.

"Yeah, we were," I replied as the train sped through the hills. "Though we were a little different then. I know it doesn't look like it, but back home, Mercury and Emerald are Roman's kids."

He chuckled. "Yeah, you're right, they don't," he said. 'So, what exactly happened to bring you here to Equestria anyway?"

"Well, I have no idea about the others, but for me, Harmony gave me a new life after I died in the first, along with my current abilities," I told him. "That's all you're getting out of me, though."

"Fair enough," he said. "I noticed you didn't have any weapons. That part of the abilities?"

"Yes," I answered. "Same with you?"

"Not natural, but yes, abilities I have gained over time," he replied before Azure spoke up.

"Uh, guys, look out the windows and tell me what you see," she said, and we did so.

"The fuck?" I heard Roman say, and most of the others said the same, the exceptions being me, Emerald, and Lone. "The sight outside was that of checkerboard hills that were two different shades of blue with pink clouds raining down chocolate milk and, my personal favorite, Ballerina buffalo.

"Well, looks like he's back," Lone said. "Code Opposite, people."

"Oh, you've got to be shitting me," I heard Mist mutter. "I thought he was a statue in Canterlot!"

"Seal probably weakened since he was imprisoned," Lone said. "Still, we can only hope the Elements and the others in Ponyville can keep the bastard busy enough for us to evac the civilians." He then pulled the emergency stop chord that was along the ceiling of the train. "We get off here, and hoof it-no pun meant- to Ponyville. We're close enough to do so. Gina, Mist: recon. Go in from the air and ensure you aren't seen. Azure, get an invisible spell around the rest of us so we can move in. Long as Discord's focused on the others, he won't notice us."

"Right," they said before he opened one of the doors. "Cinder, you and your group can do what you want here. Just make sure he doesn't get inside your head, or he will turn you against one another."

"Yeah, Emerlad and I figured," I told him. "Let's go, guys," I said as we were the first to leave the train.

"So, can one of you two fill us in here?" Roman asked.

"Discord, god of chaos, has returned," Emerald said. "Just about everyone in the community thinks of Q from Star Trek: Next Generation are voiced by the same person and, from what I've heard, act in a somewhat similar way. He's able to get in someone's head and completely change their personality."

"And given the landscape," I added, "it's safe to say the Element bearers have been Discorded, which is to say mind raped."

"Then what chance do we have!?" Mercury asked in a whispered shout.

"Honestly, none," I replied. "We just have to hold him off long enough for the show events to happen." Soon as I said that, the four of us heard something very familiar, something that sounded like a shotgun blast. "Or we can see what that was and hope it'll help."

With that, the four of us rushed to where we heard the sound, which was coming in more frequently. It led us to the new town center where Discord's throne was and, to our surprise on two fronts, the Mane six were each imprisoned in a bubble as if this were the season four finale and Twilight had been imprisoned as well and stripped of her wings. The other thing was four girls-teenagers, really- somehow standing toe-to toe with the god of chaos-meaning either he was toying with them, which was a possibility, or they were just that good. The fact it looks as if team RWBY is here may mean both, but who knows.

"Well, looks like Lilly's here too," I heard Emerald say.

"What!?" I shouted at her.

She shrugged. "Yeah, Lilly dressed up as Ruby and the same bastard who had these," she said as she held up the two guns Emerald used in the show, "also had Crescent Rose, the one thing Lilly couldn't get made before hand, and we both know what she's like when it comes to completion of something. Valarie dressed as Yang, Amanda as Weiss, and Blake as Blake."

"Really?" I asked on the last one.

"Hey, I don't see why you should be complaining," she shot back."We did it as a final memorial to you before this whole shit storm happened! Besides, we told you we had all bought something from him."

"I didn't expect them to get here this soon after you three," I said as I rubbed my forehead. "Plus I guess I was hoping a little after what you told me that Lilly hadn't gone."

"She'd be worse off," Roman muttered as we heard another Ember Celica shot. "Turns out Mark disappeared a day before we went to RTX. We didn't tell Lilly because she was looking forward to this. It helped that he had flown out to Comicon a few days before, or we'd have been doubly screwed."

"Why did he go to Comicon?!"

"Memorial to Josh. Got ran over a month after you went, and he wanted to go to Comicon, so Mark, Adam, and James went their dressed as Oryx, Didact, and some kind of mad scientist respectively, and disappeared in the first week."

"Can we talk about this later?" Mercury asked. "Preferably after this crisis?"

"Fair enough," I said. "Merc, deliver a kick to his face, would you?"

The silver haired boy smiled. "On it," he said before running towards Discord.

"Everyone else, get ready. I'll head to where team RWBY is and talk with Ruby and tell her what's going on."

"Right," Roman said before the end of his cane popped up to reveal crosshairs, and he took aim at where Discord was and Emerald did the same with her two weapons.

"Fire soon as Merc hits him," I ordered as I began to move to where RWBY was. A few seconds after leaving them, I heard their weapons fire, which, from my point of view, got team RWBY to turn their attention there and be surprised to see what was in the show their enemies helping them.

"What are you four doing, waiting for an invite?" Roman asked them. "I don't see why seeing as how you started this party."

The three that were furthest from Discord-Ruby, Weiss, and Blake- looked at each other before shrugging and getting back to dealing with the Chaos god from a distance while Yang and Mercury worked on him from closer up. Throughout that little portion of it, I wasn't seen as I had snuck up behind the three of them.

Once I was behind them, I saw Discord-his body still intact after taking what were essentially shotgun blasts everywhere-- say something, as I was too far away to hear- before he created an orb of fire in his lion paw hand before launching it at team RWBY and, by extension, myself.

Acting quickly, I thrust my hand out and created a wall of black glass in front of the three of them, stopping the fire ball and making them look behind them towards me. "We'll explain later," I told them. "Fir now-" my next words were cut off as, to my surprise, the black glass wall vanished, and we saw Pnyvilee before it was Discorded.

"Um, what just happened?" Weiss asked no one in particular before a giant, wide screen television appeared off to the side. And I do mean it just appeared.

It switched on, and we saw Discord wearing a suit and reading a script. "And in other news: it seems as if my sister has brought eight humans to Equestria, with the leader on the elder group of four being mother to the other leader for RWBY. Also, it seems as if the forecast for this month includes," he said before stopping and counting, "nine other humans arriving across Equestria." He then looked at the camera. "We thank you for watching chaos news, I'm your chocolate rain loving host Discord, and I'll see you all next time." And with that, the television vanished.

"I reiterate," Weiss said. "What just happened?" Though that went to the back of my mind as Ruby rushed up to me.

"What is my name before this and what were my school grades?" she asked me.

Smiling a little, I replied with, "Lilly, and straight A's despite going to parties with Liz every week."

And it was here I was tackled to the ground by a large, red bullet. "Mom!" Ruby yelled in glee before we hit the ground. "Oh, sorry," she added before I laughed.

"No need ot be," I replied. "You're here, after all."

Catching up

A few hours have passed since I was reunited with Lilly and her friends in Ponyville, with Discord having fixed the place and the Element bearers afterwards. . . or just before. With him, who knows. Anyways, Lone and the others from Manehattan had left a few minutes afterwards, not wanting to have to explain just why other ponies were there, and the eight of us- team CRME, or crime, and RWBY- along with the Element bearers were currently in Canterlot. More accurately, the castle. Personally- and a little bit of fortunately and unfortunately- I was glad/disappointed the nobles hadn't pissed off Yang by insulting her hair. Rarity tried that on the way here. Only reason she's not in the hospital now is because it took Applejack, Rainbow, Twilight, and Mercury to hold her back as Fluttershy used the stare on her.

Still, right now, Ruby and I were walking in the gardens, spending some mother/daughter time together as, for her, it had been a few months since, well, me coming here. "So, Lilly, did anything other than the obvious happen while I was here?"

"Well, volume four was announced," she said. "New art style and new models for everyone. To be expected with Yang, I know. Even got a trailer for it that showed that the in-show Ruby can split into three crimson tornadoes now." She referred to the move Ruby first does in chapter one, volume two as the crimson tornado for I think obvious reasons.

"That's actually impressive," I replied. "So, what exactly happened when you guys got here?"

"Well, we woke up in the Everfree just as things went to hell in a hand basket," she started. "Of course, being the only pegasister in my group, I knew what was going on, and went straight to Ponyville with the other following me, mainly to stop me, and when we got there, we saw Twilight and the others-god forbid if Pinkie and Nora ever meet and have a sugar high together- in those bubbles, and, even though we haven't been in these bodies for long, decided to distract Discord until Celestia could arrive. Or you guys, in this case."

"I still wonder why he decided to leave," I said, "even knowing he's Harmony's sister."

"Looks like uncle Josh won that little bet," Ruby said as she put her hands behind her head, and leaned her head into them before sighing. "Considering what happened with you, mom, I'm kinda wishing the same thing happened with him and he was sent here."(1)

I sighed too. Josh would have loved being here. Mainly because he could then try to romance Luna, his waifu. Good luck, Josh. With how much of an introvert you were, that was never going to happen, even if something happened and our world and some version of Equestria could travel to one another. "Well, where ever he is, I'm sure he's having fun."

"So, once we're allowed to leave the castle, want to get something to eat?" my little rose asked.

"Depends. Are you going to pay?"

"Mom, I just got here, and I'm sure Roman, Mercury, and Emerald stole at least some stuff given the time gap you told us about between them coming here and us arriving," she replied. "Besides, you heard Princess Celestia: that badge she gave us lets us eat where we want for free as it, and I quote: 'designates those holding it as her majesties personal agents, and any and all accommodations they wish for that are within reason are to be given.' You know, I'm suddenly glad Jack wasn't with us, or he'd probably use this to sleep with the Element bearers, and we'd have to hold at least one back from castrating him when they learn he did it for bragging rights."

I chuckled a little at that, remembering one of Lilly's more perverted friends. "Yeah, probably," I replied. On the other hand, though- shut it. I swear, I really need to find a way to talk with a psychiatrist without the others knowing. Not because I don't want their support, but because they'd be afraid of the smallest thing setting me off, and I don't wan tot be doted on all the damned time. "So, going to anothe rtopic, what do you think of having to live here now?"

"Well, and this may just be the whole Displacement thing going on and changing my mind a little, I do still want to be a Huntress and kill anything that could harm anypony if it can't be reasoned with," she said. "Other than that, probably just see what type of stuff we get into."

"Somehow, I don't know which would be worse for this Equestria," I said with a single giggle, making Ruby blush.

"Mooom," she whined, proving that she had most definitely taken on the in show persona with a few alterations.

Anyways, we were then approached by Yang and Blake, who were running towards us. "Ruby, Cinder!" Yang yelled as the two stopped and began to pant.

"What's up, guys?" Ruby asked.

"Blueblood. Weiss."

"No, I don't ship those two," I said in confusion.

"No," Blake said before taking a few more breaths. "We saw Weiss talking with Blueblood. . .and, well we think. . .that, given the glow of his horn-"

"He may have used some kind of magic roofie of Weiss," Yang finished.

Before I could say anyhting, there was a gust of wind, and Ruby was gone. "She didn't even ask for directions," I muttered. "Definitely Lilly." I then looked at the blonde bombshell and cat faunus. "Where?"

"North wing is where we saw them going," Yang said.

I sighed. "Then let's make sure that, much as I want him to keel over, Blueblood doesn't die and Weiss isn't scarred for all of her life or that we get caught up in some kind of scandal." With that, I began to sprint to the north wing, hoping to get there before anything happens, whether it be Weiss being legally raped or Blueblood getting sliced in half.

The next day

I never thought torture would be useful. Oh well. Anyways, it's been a day since Blueblood, ahem, was found dead and hung above his own bed with some deep cuts on his wrists. Suspicious? Yes. Did any one care? Enough for some to rejoice at it.

Now, you're probably wondering why Luna helped me out. Well, it's because- and this is how I understand it- alicorns have an innate bloodlust, sorta like a vampire, but the blood has to be from someone not related by blood. Luna had been okay for a thousand years because the spell that sealed her on the moon essentially froze her body, stopping the body from functioning. Think cryogenic slumber. The odd thing is that she said Celestia told her she had gone five hundred years without. Now, according to Luna, this is impossible for one of two reasons. The first being that, after a while, the smallest hint of blood in the air will send an alicorn into a frenzy, maybe a week without any, like a shark in the water. The second is that blood, for alicorns, is an essential food, and it has to be in the diet for them to live.

Anyways, RWBY, myself, and the rest of team CRME were in Ponyville. Using funds from Celestia and Luna-along with some help from the Ponyville branch of the Shadow Guard- we had rented out the entire top floor of a hotel, mainly as a precaution if others showed up as characters from RWBY. We each had our own room, and Ruby, as was the usual when she was Lilly, stayed inside while everyone else was out and about.

I, personally, was at Golden Oaks to see if I could find any mention of alicorn bloodlust in history, just to see what it could be connected to. Apparently, the Shadow Guard was aware of this as Spike just so happened to mention a legends section after I brought up the topic of alicorn legends after Twilight said everything on alicorns was public. Sweetie, I hate to ruin your world view, but even if Celestia is a benign ruler, she's still a politician, and politicians lie. Still, long as it doesn't fuck my life over, I guess I can live with it.

"So, Cinder," Spike asked, "I haven't really had the chance to ask, but are those Hunters and Huntresses I heard Ruby talking about your world's equivalent of super heroes, only, you know, real?"

"Those that don't go rogue, yes," I replied. "Those that do go rogue would be considered super villains, in a sense."

"That's cool," the dragon said. "Wish we had more than just Twilight and her friends here. Excluding you guys from that count, of course. I mean, don't get me wrong, they've done good so far, but what about if it's something they can't handle." And if the Shadow Guard couldn't get there in time, was the unspoken part of that sentence.

"Well, there may be more coming soon," I said. "Something Discord said about it before he fled. i know I shouldn't trust him but still."

"Yeah, I got that feeling too," Spike said as he went to the kitchen to grab a snack. After about a minute of silence, he walked back in with a bowl of chips in one hand and a drink in the other. "Want some?"

"Nah, not hungry," I replied. "Thanks though."

"No problem," Spike said as he sat down.

"That's interesting," I commented after ten seconds.

"What?"

"I'm reading an old history book that an someone who will go unnamed gave me this morning. Its says a thousand years ago in the north, there was a city made out of crystal, but when a tyrant took it over and the alicorns defeated him, it vanished," I said. "Now, I also read the official history book Celestia and Twilight gave me, and it makes no mention of said Crystal city. So, what does that mean?"

"Either it's an old legend, or it actually existed and was covered up for some reason," Spike said, "which would bring in the question of why it was covered up."

"Bingo," I said. "Trust me, Spike, where I come from, all politicians are liars and many- myself included- don't really trust them, and to me, princesses are trust politicians. Now, given the name of this city was called the Crystal Empire," I said, putting emphasis on "empire".

"It stands to reason it was a military city, and given how peaceful Equestria is and how terrible the guard are, if they wished to declare war, they would steam role Equestria, even if the Shadow Guard became public."

"So Celestia chooses to deny it for the most part so that the illusion of peace can be upheld, then," I finished, smiling. "I can see why you're in the guard at your age, Spike."

"Heh, thanks," he said. "So, should I tell Lone about it?"

"If you want," I said, shrugging. "Something tells me Celestia shouldn't know." This made him chuckle.

"Trust me, something like this is something Lone would hide from her," the dragon explained. "He has an inherent distrust of everyone, and will always have some shred of doubt to their loyalty. Something about his past, I guess."

"I'l bet," I said before looking at the clock in the room. "Well, guess I'll talk with you later Spike. Emerald, Yang, Blake, and I are going to have some fun while we can. I'd invite you, but I don't want to risk Yang trying anything while drunk." With that, I closed the book in my hands and got up.

"Copy that," Spike said. "See ya later, Cinder."

"See ya," I said as I left the library.

Out on the town

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Canterlot Interlude

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

A new threat

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Don't piss off a Rose, or you're gonna get thornes

Yang, Blake, and myself ran to Blueblood's quarters to make sure that A: Ruby didn't kill him; or B: he didn't rape Weiss, which would result in both of them killing him. On the other hand, though. . . no, not unless I go batshit and take over Equestria, which at this point will only happen if I'm corrupted by dark magic.

"From the lack of screams," Blake said, "I'd say there isn't any murder going on yet."

"Same," Yang said just as a guard crossed us, and I stopped. "Blueblood's quarters. Where?" I asked.

"Second left down this hall, last room on the right," he said. "Your daughter came by and asked the same, Ma'am. Whatever happens, please castrate the bastard. He did raped my sister and got off scot free because he said she was a prostitute. Though true, not even she would do him willingly."

"No promises!" Yang yelled in response as she turned down the designated hallway.

"Thanks," I said before continuing running and going down the same hall, getting about halfway down it before seeing Yang deliver a buckshot from Ember Celica, and open the doors as Blake stood next to her, Gambol Shroud in her hands but on her back, waiting to be drawn.

"Hey asshat! Get away from her!" she yelled before a high pitched scream echoed through the hall, and the blonde bombshell leaped into the room before a blue of white and yellow-one fortunately wearing clothes- was tossed into the opposite wall.

As I neared, I heard, "Thanks, Yang. That spell had more power then I thought."

"Obviously, since we were both willing to suck him off." And now I'm willing to indulge in some dark shit.

"Oh, shut it Weiss," I heard Ruby growl as I stopped next to Blake and- to try and make it to where Blueblood would have a quick death-turned to face the asshat.

Shall I list off all of our dark killing fantasies? For once, yes. Yes!

"You think anyone'll miss him?" Yang asked.

"Somehow," Weiss said as she came out of the room using a bed sheet as an improvised dress while Ruby followed behind, still fully clothed, "I doubt it highly."

"Well, even though I don't think we should kill him," Blake said, "he does need a permanent reminder not to do something like this again."

Dark fantasy one twenty? No, let's go with three oh one. "Hey, Ruby, think you can take him to my room. Blake, I need to borrow Gambol shroud."

"Just make sure it's clean when you give it back," she said, probably already having an idea of what I wan to do. Before we came here, she as one of the few who knew how dark I could get, seeing as how we had that as a common hobby.

"I'll make sure the blood isn't obvious," I replied as Ruby picked Blueblood up and slung him over her shoulder before speeding off to my room, and Blake handed me her blade.

"I have a felling i don't want to know," Yang said.

"Same," Weiss replied. "So, Yang, after I get my clothes back on, want to head to the doughnut shop?"

"I didn't think you were into doughnuts, Weiss," Yang said as I began to walk off.

"Weiss, maybe, but Amanda loves them."

"Never thought I'd hear you speak in the third person," was the last part of that conversation I heard before they were out of ear shot. Oh, I ma going to enjoy this. Then I'm going to see a psychiatrist. The bitch in my head needs to go afterwards.

Throne room

Celestia and Luna-the latter sitting on an improvised throne which was really just a recliner- watched as the last petitioner left the room. Once he left, the Lunar alicorn lit her horn, and a silence bubble appeared around he rand her sister. "Celestia, we do not understand why thee do not just smite the annoyances," Luna grumbled.

"Because it's illegal, Luna," the solar alicorn replied.

"How can it be illegal if we can just rewrite the law, or if thou are the one who made it?" Luna asked.

"Because if we broke it, it would most likely encite a rebellion," Celestia said. "And given you recently just got the throne back, we don't need an incident involving either of us."

". . .Thou art no fun," Luna said before she removed the spell around them. "Honestly, though, if any should get executed, it is thy nephew. From what we hast glanced in the dream realm as well as rumors, he's a despicable creature worse than a rabid Manticore. Truly, what happened to your bloodlust, sister. We both know it would not vanish in the thousand years we have been gone"

Here, a letter appeared in front of the two sisters, and, out of instinct, Celestia used her magic to grab it before she seal of the lunar court, meaning it was addressed to Luna.

"Looks like you have your first petitioner, Lulu," Celestia said, making the younger sister roll her eyes as she grabbed th eletter with her hand and opened it before reading it to herself.

"So it'd seem," she said after reading through it. "She asks if we may meet her in private, as she rarely leaves her house, and even then, it is under force from her friends and family."

"I don't see why not," Celestia said. "I will see you later, Luna."

"And we you," the lunar alicorn replied before she teleported out of the throne room, only to appear in one of the guest rooms and seeing an unconscious Blueblood strapped to a table and Cinder-wearing an apron covering her entire front-standing over him, a small sword on a table next to her.

"Hello, Luna," Cinder said. "I take it you want in?"

"Please," Luna said. "Even with my patience, I can only keep my bloodlust satiated for so long." She eyed the unconscious asshat on the table. "The excuse?"

"He was caught sending a letter to a Griffon extremest group, and, through out a long torture session, he did not say a word, and so thus, we have no further intel."

"Devious," Luna said before she smirked. "I like it. And besides, he deserves this for using a hypnosis spell on two of those who stopped Discord."

"Glad you agree," Cinder said. "Now, what do you say to starting our fun."