Crash Landing

Chapters

Commencing
Day #1
Experiment #01
Week #1
Experiment #02
ErroR: Initiating Lockdown
Error: Unknown Variable

Commencing

Psssssh...

"Release of Subjects: In progress."

A blast of hot air shot out of the piston as all the pressure around Nova released all at once.

"Pressurization levels: Normal. Cabin air filter levels: Normal. Toxins detected: None." An electronic voice droned on, speaking. The glass door to the pod opened as Nova crumbled out of it. His hooves and horn felt sore as if he had spent the last night drinking way too much tonic and cider. "Vital signs within acceptable parameters. Commencing... Experiment: CRASH LANDING." The electronic voice stopped before a sharp tone shot through the speaker.

"Welcome, subjects." A more pony-like voice spoke this time. The voice was deep, yet warm. The stallion's voice had a slight accent attached to it, although Nova couldn't decipher exactly where he was from. Different buzzers, beeps, and other voices nearly drowned out his own. Subjects...? Nova was confused. He didn't remember signing up for anything like this, and certainly not anything about being locked inside a pod. "You lucky few ponies have been chosen to continue on our previous subjects’ quest for the betterment of Ponykind!"

Nova's head spun. Where was he? How did he get here? Where was here? His hooves were also having trouble finding a strong footing.

"Now, some of you may be experiencing some... er... 'side-effects' from the medicines we gave you, and the hyperbaric pod's amplified pressure, but it's nothing to be worried about, trust me. The effects will wear off soon."

"Why me?" Nova's speech was slurred.

"Switching to single room frequency. Casting to: Subject #004. Gender: Stallion. Race: Unicorn. Age: Twenty. Name: Nova [REDACTED]. Occupation: Scholar. Coat color: Dark blue. Eye color: Gray. Hair color: Black--"

"Enough! I can see him now, you know."

"Very well, doctor. Resuming normal procedures.”

"Nurse, note that Subject #004 was the first to become conscious."

"Yes, doctor." A mare's quiet voice responded. Nova could barely hear them coherently. He was fighting to stay conscious and losing quickly. I've gotta... gotta get up. His blurred vision and hooves guided him towards the pod he had just exited.

"To answer your question..." The volume of his voice lowered for a moment before he huffed. "Cura, do you see his cutie mark anywhere in these files?"

"No, doctor."

"The interns must have forgotten to note it, of course..." He sighed. "Please note that his cutie mark is a large, imploding star with one, two, three, four, five smaller stars around it. Get a photograph of it if you can, darling."

"Yes, doctor."

The stallion cleared his throat before continuing. "As I was saying before, we put a variety of ponies through different filters and parameters for physical strength, mental capacity, and background. You fit one of the ones we're looking for, and that's..." The stallion paused for a moment. "Subject, please tell me you're not going to go right back to sleep? Your heart rate is lowering, and you're staggering."

Nova pulled himself up to the pod before his hooves collapsed, landing with his fore-hooves and chest up in the pod.

"Sleeping already... what a bore... computer, set his management to...automatic. I'm going to check with the other..."

Eclipse slammed her shoulder into the glass pod. A wailing siren droned on as she continued to try to force her way out.

No way this is happening to me! I won't let them get their hooves on me!

"Warning! Warning! Pod integrity at 50%. Pressurization: Dropping."

"Switching to single room frequency. Casting to: Subject #002. Gender: Mare. Race: Pegasus. Age: Twenty-seven. Name: Eclipse. Occupation--"

A gasp shot through the intercom, causing the robotic voice to pause. "Stop, stop! You're depressurizing the pod!"

"You think I care?!" She drove her shoulder into the glass another time. The glass cracking echoed throughout the pod.

"You won't when you're dead! Depressurizing suddenly at that level will kill you!"

Eclipse froze, her shoulder still in the glass.

"That's right... look, I dunno what caused your pod's opening to fail, but I can still get you out. Just sit back and I'll open it manually. Got the button right here in front of me."

Eclipse slowly, cautiously leaned back onto the white, vinyl seat of the pod. She folded her wings behind her back, using them as a pillow.

"I'm gonna open the door, okay?"

Eclipse sighed. "Just hurry up. I think I cut my shoulder trying to break through." A small cut had formed on her right shoulder, easily noticeable due to her white coat.

Psssssh...

A sudden jolt of pain shot up Eclipse’s spine as the pod slowly opened. She looked back, seeing a sharp syringe pulled back into the pod with another hiss.

"Sorry, but you're too unstable for me to release you into our environment right now. I've administered a sedative."

Eclipse stepped out the pod, suddenly dizzy. "What... you... you son of a..." She flapped her wings, rushing up towards the speaker and the black windows beside it.

"No, no, no--"

Eclipse's wings, suddenly too numb to continue, gave out, sending her into a tailspin into the ground. She landed with a loud thud. Her light yellow mane came to rest in her eyes and on her face. "Whew... that was close, subject. It is a bore that I haven't gotten the chance to find out more about you and the other subjects."

"Others?" Eclipse asked, looking up at the speaker she had just tried to attack.

"Oh yeah. Don't worry, you'll meet them soon." The doctor halted for a moment. "Well, looks like our time is up. I'll send in my nurse to bring your food and clean up that wound."

Eclipse rested her head on the cold floor, slowly losing consciousness.

"Authorization card recognized. Depressurizing cabin. Welcome, Nurse Cura."

"Switching to single room frequency. Casting to: Subject #003."

"Computer, tell me, who's this mare? She's slipped my mind, thanks to the last subject."

"Of course, doctor. Gender: Mare. Race: Unicorn. Age: Twenty-five. Name: Rarity [REDACTED]. Occupation: Seamstress. Coat color: Light grey. Eye color: Azure. Mane color: Indigo."

"Ah... right... at least they didn't forget her cutie mark. How could you..." The doctor swooned, especially interested in Rarity. However, a quick slap brought him back to reality. "Ah, all right, just teasing! Can't I just have some fun?!"

"Not with another mare, you're not!" A mare's angered voice ordered.

"But she's not just another ma-" The stallion froze for a moment, before nervously chuckling. "Just kidding. I would never do that to you, sweetie." He said in an unusually cheerful tone. The mare remained silent. "Let's get to work, shall we? Depressurize her pod and release her. Let's hope she's in better shape than the last unicorn I saw."

"Yes, doctor. Depressurizing pod. Releasing: Subject #003"

Psssssshhh

A choked coughing fit bounced throughout the room as a single white hoof stepped out of the pod. Rarity rested her other forehoof on the side of the pod as she stepped down out of it.

"Where--" Another cough ripped through her before she covered her mouth. "Hello? Pardon me, is anyone here?" She called out as she stepped behind the pod.

"Up here, darling. I can see you."

Rarity turned back up to the speaker. "Oh, thank goodness! I thought I had been abandoned here to fester. Where are you?"

"At your control panel. I can see you through this window." The tink of a hoof tapping against glass could be heard from the stallion's side.

"Control panel?" Rarity chuckled. "Alright, Rainbow Dash, who's the lovely acquaintance you put up to this practical joke, hm?"

"Hm... I don't think she knows you're here, dear. Not yet, at least."

Rarity halfheartedly laughed. "You may stop now. I'm fully aware this is your idea of a 'joke.' It is beginning to run a bit ragged, darling."

The stallion snorted. "I'm sorry my lady, but I'm afraid this isn't a joke. We're going to continue with the testing in a few hours, so please prepare yourself."

Rarity's heart dropped. She nervously chuckled. "O-okay, you can stop now. You've made your point, now please put an end to this practical joke."

"Ohhhh boy.... this is gonna be interesting." He huffed. "How do I explain this... nopony knows you're here. At all." Fear filled Rarity's heart. "Not Starlight, not Sweetie Belle, not Spike... especially not Princess Celestia or Luna. Just you, me, and a few other ponies."

"Stop it please, darling!"

"There's no reason to be scared. You'll just be here a few months and then you'll be on your way. It'll be like nothing ever happened."

"A few months?! Oh, no-no-no! That simply cannot be!" Rarity looked around the room, frantically looking for her sister. "Where's Sweetie?!"

"Sent to Sweet Apple Acres. You went on a 'long business trip.’ You won't be back for a week, perhaps two."

"How did you get me here?!"

"Oh, a little finesse, a few bits, and some over-the-counter medication can go a long way if you know what you're doing."

"How-how dare you!" Rarity lost her ladylike composure. How dare he assault her!

"Ooo, a temper! I like it."

"Swine! Disgusting swine!"

"Ah, ah, ah--" The stallion spoke in a sonorous voice as a loud buzz went through the room. "Remember sweetie, I'm in charge here." He warned. "And as much as I would hate to punish you, I won't hold back on giving you more hours on your experimentation time."

Rarity bit her tongue, despite her burning need to spew some very unladylike things to the stallion who had kidnapped her.

"Oh, and we still have hygienic products in the room to your right, so you don't have to worry that pretty little head about that."

"Don't you dare speak to me like that..." Rarity spoke under her breath. Thankfully, the stallion hadn't heard her.

"Aw, looks like our time's up for today. I still have one more subject to get to. See you tomorrow, love." The stallion could audibly be heard trotting away. "Ta-ta!" He mocked.

"Switching to all room frequency."

"Vile..." Rarity cursed. "Étalon vil!" She turned, finding she had been placed inside an entirely white room. White tiles, white padded walls, a few white cabinets (hopefully with food and water stocked inside), the pod... even the sheets inside were white.

At least he's competent enough to not clash anything... Rarity noted, almost in a joking manner. There were two doors to her left and right.

I suppose I could at least make sure this facility is secure. Rarity turned to go towards the right door but was halted by another piston hissing.

"Authorization card recognized. Welcome, Nurse Cura."

All right, rush out, take out as many as you can, then run, Alto Volare ordered to himself sternly. He always followed a code while he was on duty, even when he was just in the training academy: Fast, hard, and no heroics. Although he had repeated it back to himself countless times before, he still repeated his own code to himself over and over again, almost obsessively. His cutie mark told his story perfectly. With a spear atop a shield on the sides of his flanks, he was the example of a model officer.

"Switching to single room frequency: Casting to... Subject #001. Gender: Stallion. Race: Earth Pony. Age: Twenty-nine. Name: Alto Volare. Occupation: Trainee Officer. Division: Night's Guard. Coat color: Grey. Eye color: Hazel. Mane color: Silver."

"Now... let's see... ah, the officer. Computer, open the pod."

"Yes, doctor. Depressurizing pod..."

A bolt of steam shot out of the pod as it opened. Alto covered his mouth, coughing as he was overwhelmed by the smoggy smell of the steam. He rushed out, looking around. The room was completely empty, aside from the pod at the middle, the pads on the walls, the two doors on each side of him, and the intercom with the black one-way window below it.

"All right... what the hell is this?"

"Well, a room, but that's not the point." The stallion chuckled. Alto looked up to the speaker.

"Who are you?"

"Oh, that'd be ruining the surprise." He snickered. "But I know everything about you. For being such a highly regarded junior officer, you were rather easy to subdue."

Alto growled. "Come here and say that to my face, don't hide behind that glass if you're going to insult me." Alto turned back to the pod he had just exited, looking at the pipes and insulation leading into the pod. He took hold of the nearest, largest pipe, ripping it off the hinges and galloping towards the window. With a swift, yet heavy hoof, he swung the pipe towards the middle of the glass, cracking the glass with ease.

"Whoa-- hey! We're on a budget you know!"

"Like I care." Alto drew back, winding up for another swing and leaving another mark where the pipe had hit.

"Escape attempt detected and logged. Initiating lockdown."

The padded walls suddenly locked over the glass before Alto could get in another swing.

"Oh, I love this computer. Certainly more than I love you right now..." The stallion sighed. "You just gave me a whole mound of paperwork to sort through... I have to log this whole incident now." He said, dreading work. "You get one freebie, but that better not happen again. The Administrator will not like this."

"Administrator?"

The stallion had gone silent. It remained for a minute or so, lingering as Alto awaited his answer.

"Hey, answer me!"

"Switching to all room frequency."

A unicorn with a white cap stepped in, trotting through a previously hidden padded door. She had a black and silver stethoscope draped over her neck, sticking out over her white coat. Her black mane had strands of gray at the hairline, and her mane had been tied back in two pigtails behind her head. Rarity took a step back, cautious of the mysterious mare.

"Calm down, I'm not here to hurt you." She trotted up to Rarity. "Dr. Lost Legacy wanted me to make sure your vitals were still good. Equipment's been bugging out recently."

Rarity bared her teeth. "Stay away!"

"Why the hay do they always fight…?" The unicorn sighed. Her voice was cold, without any compassion or care for the mare standing in front of her. "Look, either you can willingly let me do it or I can have the guards come in and hold you down while I do it."

Rarity, figuring the former would be a wise choice, reluctantly relented. "Just complete it hastily."

"Don't worry, I don't want to be here as much as you do." She breathed as her gray magic lifted the stethoscope over her head, gently placing the earpieces in each ear. She placed the silver end on Rarity's chest.

"Elevated heart rate, normal with anger." The unicorn muttered to herself. Her magic moved the stethoscope lower. "Deep breath." She ordered clearly. Rarity followed her order. No point in opposing her, I suppose.

"Out."

Rarity, once again, followed her order. "Everything's normal. The daily schedule is on the back of the pod, showers and bathrooms are to the right. There's a few books and magazines to keep you entertained outside of experimentation hours, but that's really unimportant. Food will be placed in your chamber every other day. I'll be here every other week to check your physical health," the unicorn said in a rushed manner, as she had already begun trotting away. "Blah blah blah, don't bother escaping. And if you break your neck trying, I won't help." She stepped back behind the door before it closed.

There was something strange about that mare... Rarity noted. She was cold for being a nurse. But... She stepped back behind the pod. I suppose I can use the schedule, hopefully to my advantage.

There was a small glass panel between all the bolts and pipes leading in and out of the flooring.

Subjects' Daily Schedule.

Note: Subject to daily changes, as set by the Administrator.
Note: Experiments are on a mandatory bi-weekly basis. Failure to comply will result in severe punishment.

"The Administrator?” Rarity questioned. Perhaps that pony is the leader of this chaos?

6:00 AM: Subject wake up
6:05-6:45 AM: Breakfast/morning hygiene period
6:45- 8:00 AM: Daily Dream Session

Dream sessions? Rarity was confused. Why would they need a dream session only 45 minutes after waking up?

8:00-11:00 AM: Assigned Research time
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Rest period/Lunch
12:00 PM-4:00 PM: Assigned Experiment #1 time

Rarity's heart dropped. An experiment? For four full hours? No, no! This cannot happen! She had been afraid when an old friend would experiment by putting a spell or two on her for a few minutes, but how would she survive for four full hours? More importantly, why would they do this to her of all ponies?

5:00-6:30 PM: Assigned subject interaction time

Subject interactions? There's more than just me? Rarity, in truth, felt some relief just by reading that. Perhaps knowing that she wouldn't be alone helped her in a way.

6:30-7:00 PM: Nightly hygiene period
7:00-11:00 PM: Assigned rest period
11:00 PM-6:00 AM: Allotted sleep time

Thank goodness, only seems I'll dislike the experiment time. She quiet released a relieved sigh. There must be a clock on here. They wouldn't supply me with a schedule without providing me with a method to determine how long I may have before it starts.

Current Time: 6:05 AM

The doctor rushed down the hall, walking by different doctors, nurses, and just general passersby. He followed a continuous red line. The line was long and tedious, but he always knew which step to take and which turn to make, such is the brilliance of this doctor. However, he wasn't feeling so brilliant at that moment in time. He felt... almost terrified.

The Administrator is gonna be angry... the doctor dreaded. He hated coming to her office, mainly because it usually ends with her throwing him out. No, I have no choice. Either go or get dragged there, he told himself as he approached the large, wooden door. He straightened his gray mane back as quickly as he could, wiping it back on top of his head. Taking a deep breath and summoning up whatever courage he could, he knocked on the door three times.

"Enter." The Administrator spoke in a two-toned voice. Her voice was quiet, yet commanding, and with confidence.

The doctor stepped into the dark room. His brown coat almost blended in with the wooden chair in front of her desk. His administrator was sitting in her usual chair; tall, and clad in elegant leather. He glanced up at the clock behind the Administrator's chair, noting that it was still early in the morning. Her face and body were covered by shadows. The only things visible were her armored purple horseshoes and her thick black cloak.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, ma'am. I know you're busy, but there's been a.... a-an incident with one of my subjects.”

The Administrator breathed out an exasperated sigh. "How many times have we gotten through this process, Lost Legacy? Hm?"

"Too many, ma'am." Legacy quickly replied.

"Exactly; too many times. We're not made of money, and we can't continue to fund this project if you're not going to make any progress."

"With all due respect ma'am, we have made progress. Subjects #024, #214, and #100 have passed through the program. Subject #024 could barely work at her farm for the months after the experiments, #214 went into hiding for years, and #100 barely flew for the year after."

"All of it has been temporary. We want permanent results, dammit. For all the work and sleepless nights we've put into this, they should suffer twice as much as we did." The Administrator stood, bitterness strong with her voice. "Even the few you do manage to brainwash, they don't last long without our magic. We need permanent."

"I-I can give you permanent!" Legacy spoke out of term and immediately regretted it. She turned to him with an angry glare. The clock suddenly stopped ticking.

A tentacle of dark, dangerous magic snaked its way around his hind hoof. It lifted him off the ground, slithering its way up to his neck, tightening as it circled around him like a boa constrictor.

"You should be well aware of what happens to ponies who speak out of term. "

"A-Apologies ma'am!" Legacy grabbed the tentacle, pulling it away from his throat. "Please don't!" He pled. The Administrator opened a single, cat-like eye staring him down. The iris widened, becoming normal, almost like a pony's, except it was an unusually dark shade of purple. The tentacle retracted, releasing him.

"I... I'm sorry. I just--" This voice was... different. It was only a single tone, and it sounded like an actual pony's voice. "You've got a couple of months. Give us results or the funding will be the least of your worries." She returned to her normal manner of speaking.

"Yes, ma'am." Legacy straightened his posture and brushed his mane down, making sure no strands of his gray mane had gone out of place. "We'll put it into overdrive today."

"No, we don't want them breaking too fast."

"B-But-" "You'll get an extra month or so to work, keep your head."

Legacy sighed, relieved. "Yes ma'am, thank you."

She nodded. "One more thing, when you get to Rarity, bring her to us. We'd like to deal with her personally."

"With all due respect ma'am, I don't think that's going to end well for her."

"And with all due respect Legacy, we know what we're doing."

"Of-of course, ma'am. Sorry." He bowed.

"Now get out. We need time to ourselves."

She didn't have to tell him twice. Legacy quickly made his exit, closing the door behind him.

Day #1

Nova jolted awake with a gasp. The dizziness and confusion he had felt earlier were gone; now the only thing that remained was fear. He rushed up to his hooves, tripping over his own cloth cloak, somehow tied around his neck. Quickly correcting himself, he paused and lifted the cloak off of the ground, taking care as to not scuff or tear his black and blue prized possession. He threw it back over his back and shoulders, tying it at the base of his neck. Sis gave me this. Good thing she's still with me. He smiled.

"But I don't remember wearing this when I..." He looked back up to the pod. It was shut now.

Who the hay did that?

Before anyone, let alone himself, had any time to answer, a loud buzz went through the speaker.

"Subject #004, please enter the room to your right. Subject #003, please enter the room on your left. Failure to comply will result in punishment."

"Wh-what punishment?"

"You'd rather not know." The same stallion that had awoken him previously had interrupted the electronic voice. Nova took a nervous gasp of air before he headed to the door on his right. He stopped in front of the door.

What if this is a trap? Or-or an ambush? His heart rose up to his throat with fear.

"Subject #004, enter the room now. I can have a guard or my nurse come in there and force you in there if you don't do it yourself."

"I-I'm going, okay?" Nova tried to sound brave, but with his voice weak and cracking, he failed spectacularly. He quickly pushed inside, bringing his forehooves up as he entered.

"Um... pardon me?"

Nova peeked over his hoof. A beautiful mare stood in front of him, her coat as white and clean as porcelain. Her long, purple mane curled just under her shoulder. She smelled of roses and lilacs, with a slight tinge of sweet gooseberries. Don't make a fool of yourself... Nova warned as he dropped his hoof, taking a nervous swallow.

"Who-who are you?" He blushed, brushing his mane up flat to his head and behind his ears as he glanced away.

"My name is Rarity. What about you, darling?"

Rarity? There was something familiar about that name.

"Nova. I'm sorry-- have we met?"

"Hmm... No, I'm afraid not. Why do you ask?"

"I could've sworn..." Nova finally realized where he had seen her. "You were that mare at the Canterlot Carousel the day it opened! Now I remember!"

"Oh, yes." Rarity giggled. "So many years ago... Did you purchase anything there?"

"Not personally. My sister bought me this cloak when it opened."

"Ah, I see..." Rarity took a step closer to him. She gently grabbed onto an edge of the fabric. "Would you mind?"

Nova's horn glowed with his dark blue magic aura. It quickly untied his cloak, guiding it to Rarity.

"Ah, yes. This was one I had sent from Ponyville earlier. Although, you must've grown some since then, yes?"

"Mhm. We had it extended a few times."

"Professionally or otherwise?"

"My sis did it herself." He claimed with his chest poking out slightly, proud of his sister's accomplishment.

"Honestly?" Rarity looked up at him, surprised. Nova nodded. "Wow! The craftsmanship is magnifique! And the extensions are almost... seamless, for lack of a better term." She chuckled. "Surely she's considered sewing and dressmaking as a career? Because with such craftsmanship like this..."

Nova turned downwards. "She's been... indisposed, as of late." His face contorted into something resembling a frown. Discomfort and sadness wearing his happiness down.

"I'm sincerely sorry to hear that. It's quite a shame, too." Rarity's light blue magic held the cloak up. "Allow me." She rested it on his shoulders, tying it at the base of his neck into a little bow. Nova glanced downwards. The topic had made him understandably uncomfortable.

"I must apologize. I never intended for this conversation to become like this."

"I-I understand. You can't have known." Nova had become reluctant to even speak to the mare standing in front of him. Rarity sighed as she sat down in front of him, befuddled. There had to be something else she could do to comfort the stallion, or at least to get him to talk more. He was the first pony she had seen since she had arrived here, and she wasn't about to let him slip through her hooves so easily.

"If it helps at all, I've had a close friend that I've lost too." Rarity said somberly, trying to empathize with the poor stallion.

"I-I heard." Nova crossed his hooves over his chest.

Rarity nodded somberly. "It was a shame. We never should've let her venture so far... I assume you know the rest of the story..."

"I'm sorry. I couldn't imagine something like that happening to my sister... just disappearing like that..." He spoke softly. "I don't know how I'd sleep at night..."

"We tried to follow her, but neither Princess Celestia nor Princess Luna let us follow her. It was too late."

"I'm so sorry."

Rarity nodded before taking a moment of silence.

"Sorry... it's been so long since I've thought of you as an Element of Harmony... of any of you, really."

"Oh, it's no problem at all." She smiled politely. "Even I forget at times. It's been so long since we've been actually met and had a proper conversation." Her head turned towards the floor, her radiant smile dimming slightly. "We really haven't had a proper meeting in years..."

"Y-You know, if it makes you feel any better, my sister and I always looked up to the Elements of Harmony."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yeah, I'd be surprised to find a little filly or colt who didn't back then." He laughed. "I always preferred Twilight, what with her wit and magic. She made it look easy, and here I am barely able to perform mid-level magic." Nova smiled, remembering back to what seemed to be simpler times. "Not to take away from you or the rest, of course. My sister especially looked up to you."

"Oh- stop it!" She waved him off. "You'll make me blush!"

"No, really," He leaned towards her excitedly. "She'd always try and imitate your mannerisms, try to make your dresses, style her mane like yours... She wanted to try and see you the next time you came to the Carousel Canterlot, but that was before..." Nova trailed away from the thought, his mind returning to the unwanted thoughts. Rarity pursed her lips for a moment, before pulling him close.

"Listen, darling, whatever is going on with your sister, don't remain idle after you get out of here. You simply don't know just what might happen."

"I-I won't, I promise."

A calm, tense silence came over the room.

Nova, surprisingly, was the first to speak. "I should go. It-it was nice meeting you.” He stood, trotting back to his door.

"Likewise." Rarity said, standing as well. "We'll meet each other again, hopefully. Farewell." She finished before she hastily made her exit. Nova entered back into his room. However, to his surprise, his room wasn't the same as before.

Eclipse hummed quietly, looking up towards the poster. A small, white pony sat behind a DJ's booth, wearing her iconic blue glasses. She scratched at the discs playing on the table, shrouded in purple light.

"Ah... interested in the DJ PON-3 show?"

The voice was warm, welcoming, yet calm. Her body recognized it, a small smile on her face as she turned to meet it, yet her mind was a few moments behind. She couldn't quite place it, yet she definitely knew who he was.

"Mmhm." Her ponytail swung as she turned her body to her friend.

"Mind if I come over tonight? Ma's out of town this week, so I don't want to just be sitting at the house for the rest of the night."

"Sure." She smiled. "Mom and dad are supposed to go on a date night once I get home, so we'll probably have the house to ourselves for the night."

"Great, thanks."

"So, when's the show coming?"

"Next week, on the fifth. Tickets are 50 bits a piece."

"I think I can scrounge up some extra cash. The drill sarge pays ponies who clean up the stallion's dorms seven bits an hour."

"Nice, I have mine covered already."

"Good, good." He leaned in towards the poster, his face a blur. "Wonder if the real deal is as cute as this is."

"Oh, can it!" She chuckled, exiting the training academy. Her right wing reached back behind her head, pulling her scrunchie out and hanging it on her brown saddlebag. Her short mane fell to her side.

"I'm serious! Think about the possibilities, E!"

"Yeah, the possibility of you getting thrown out..." She chuckled. The warm, orange glow of the sun kissed her skin.

"Or... free tickets to her concerts!"

"And why would she do that? Why should she even pay any attention to you while she's running a show?"

"Because..." He paused for a moment, lifting a hoof to slick his mane back. "What mare doesn't like a member of the royal guard? C'mon, you protect the princesses, you have your own spear, and you've got that shiny armor."

Eclipse laughed aloud, barely able to contain herself. "R- Right!" She wheezed. "So you and I are gonna get free stuff just cause she likes you! Good luck!"

"Well, it sounds worse when you put it like that..." He mumbled under his breath. "Even if we don't get into the show free, it's still gonna be awesome."

"That's for certain..." She breathed, wiping tears from her eyes. "Alright, Casanova, you think you're so hot, why don't you put your money where your mouth is "

"And how would you like me to do that?"

"If you can get a kiss from anypony at the academy, I'll pay for your ticket, and whatever drinks or food you want at the place. You don't, and you have to pay for my ticket, and whatever food and drinks I want there. "

"Hope you've got some money saved up then!" He grinned. She waved him away, shaking her head.

"Mmhm." She nodded. "We should probably hurry, actually. Mom and dad don't like to leave unless there's somepony there to watch my little brother."

"Right, right, let's..." He stopped suddenly, allowing her to walk in front of him. That's... weird. She turned back.

"What's wrong?

"Um..." His voice shook and his smile disappeared, swallowing audibly. Her smile slowly crept away. The blurriness in his face had begun to clear. She could finally recognize him.

"Alto?" She stepped in front of him. "Alto, what's wrong?"

"Y... Your house..."

"What do you-" Eclipse paused, realizing what he was speaking about. She turned around, a horrified gasp ripped from her.

Her family's home had been set ablaze. The roof was covered in flames, the glass windows at the side blown out from the heat, with fire covered the sill. The flames danced along the trim of the door, the wood beside it sagging slightly.

"How..." Her eyes snapped wide. "Mom, dad!" She sprinted toward the house.

"Eclipse, wait!"

Alto gasped, jolting up with a scream. "Eclipse!"

"A... Alto?"

Alto quickly jerked to his right. Eclipse had been sat beside him. The weight of Equestria had been lifted up off his shoulders. With a relieved chuckled, he pulled her into a hug.

"It's so good to see you again." He smiled.

"You too." She whispered, though she clearly didn't sound happy.

"It feels like it's been years since we spoke."

"Mmhm." She released him, bringing her head back up. Her voice sounded distant, and she was teary-eyed.

"What's wrong?"

"I..." Her eyes shut tight. "I dreamt about... it..."

His throat became tight, his mouth becoming dry.

"I... did too."

"What?" She looked at him. He nodded.

"I'm... sorry for-"

"Were the two of you afraid?" The stallion over the intercom interjected. Scribblings of a pencil quickly jotting down notes played under his voice. "For research purposes, of course."

Alto growled, turning towards the sound of his voice. "Sick! You're sick!"

Eclipse grabbed his hoof. "It's fine, trust me." She sighed, standing up. "I was fine."

"Really? Because according to your vital signs whilst you were asleep, your heart rate elevated during your REM phase of sleep. Higher than an average pony's, in fact. Your heart rate was even higher, Subject #001. So either you're both not as healthy as you let on, which I doubt, or you're lying to me."

"How do you know?" Eclipse inquired. If they could tell her heart rate and what type of sleep she was in a matter of mere moments, what else could they do?

"That's for me to know, and for you to hopefully never find out." He chuckled. Alto growled. "Oh, don't worry. It's just throwaway data for the computer. Gets deleted after a few days. That is unless something interesting happens. It goes on this baby--" He patted the top of something metal, with the clear tink of his hoof making audible contact. "Or my trusty little notebook."

"Why?"

"You'll see in a few hours." The stallion gasped. "Oh, almost forgot. I need to wake up the other two subjects. Keep talking while you can, you only have a few minutes left before you must separate."

"Switching to all room frequency."

Nova ran up the brick staircase to his home, his cloak pulled over his head. His fur was soaked, his mane clinging to his forehead. Dear Celestia. The one day I forget my coat, and it rains...

He pushed the cloak back down from his shoulders, using a cloud of his magic to wipe his mane up from his eyes. "Static! You here?!" He called out, his voice bouncing off the wooden floors and panels on the walls. "I'm back from the academy. I-I didn't pick anything up, so we can cook if you'd like."

Yet again, silence.

"Or I can pick something up." Nova sighed, hanging his cloak up on that metal coatrack to his right. She's probably still with Ms. de Lis. He headed out into the living room. With only two ponies living there, there wasn't a need for much; just two loveseats and an old recliner in the corner, right next to a window. The kitchen was to his left, opened up to them and separated by a single step. He slowly walked up to the ragged chair, stopping in front of it. The seat smelled of musky cologne. Dunno why grandpa always had that stuff on... guess I'm kinda glad he did now. It gave us something to remember him by.

He ran a hoof over the seat, feeling the worn cloth. Years of use had removed any fluff or comfort from it, leaving it to be but a hollow shell of its former glory. He used to just sit at the window and watch it when it'd storm... "That's y'all's ma up there, makin' all that racket!" He grinned. I miss seeing him here. He'd have loved this.

Nova looked up towards the window, staring through the blurriness of the rain washing over the window and up at the storm clouds above. I wonder if she'd have liked this... if she'd have liked... me.

"You killed one of the only ponies I've ever loved!" He could hear his sister's voice. They had been getting into more and more arguments lately.

Grandpa's passing was so hard on her... she's been so angry...

His eyes wandered down from the window, his vision clouded. He wiped his eyes, but it seemed like his mind still had more torment in store for the poor boy. I-I never meant to...

Nova stomped his right forehoof, straightening his shoulders and planting his hooves firmly on the ground. Stop it! Grandpa wouldn't want to see you like this. Static wouldn't either, so stop it!

He stayed as calm and composed as he could for a moment, before relaxing, lowering his shoulders. His head turned back to the window, looking up at the storm clouds.

I just... wish I had the chance to meet you. To just talk to you, even if it's only a day.

Nova slowly stepped away from the window, heading away from the chair and past the loveseats. He stepped into the kitchen, walking towards the small fridge in the corner.

Looking like another scrambled eggs night-

His thoughts came to a screeching halt at the sight of his sister, lying face down on the kitchen floor.

"Static?!" He rushed up to her.

"No!" Nova fell to his knees, shaking her. "Static, get up!"

"Hmm..." A mare's voice noted, quiet, and calculated.

"Please help!" He beckoned to the mare, not even bothering to look at her.

"Perhaps this one may interest us."

"Please miss, she's-"

He stopped suddenly, seeing a dark purple eye peering down at him. The figure hulked over him, at least two or three times his size. His heart skipped a beat.

"What's the matter?" She asked. "Speak. We cannot gauge your use if you don't speak."

Nova swallowed, grabbing his sister, and pulling her close, hugging her.

"W-Who are you?"

She remained silent, silently stepping to his side. He pulled Static even closer as she approached him, her head resting in on his chest. "Protective... attentive, academically sharp." She rambled on. "Yet, cowardly... weak, socially naive."

"What do you want?"

"..." She stopped in front of him, staring down at him.

"H- How did you-"

Dark purple magic suddenly ripped his sister out of his hooves, holding her in the air above.

"Hey!" Nova jumped up, pushing against the mare. "Let her go!"

"No." She replied plainly. "She's of use to us. We'll take her unless you think you can do something."

He kicked at her hooves, his assault bouncing off of them as if they were made of steel. Nova backed up, aiming towards her head and readying his magic.

A bolt of magic shot out of his horn, moving quickly towards her face. She calmly tipped her head down, just enough for her horn to take the brunt of the shot. However, the magic just seemed to... vanish. Like it had never been cast in the first place. Just... gone.

Nova stared up at her, wide-eyed. Her horn flickered and spark. "His magic is nothing special..." She noted. "How disappointing." She dropped his sister, her body landing with a thud. He glanced over at her, then to the mare above.

"P-Please, don't-"

Before he had the chance to finish, she turned to Static, pointing her horn at her as a ball of her dark purple magic formed.

"You'd better be useful to us. Otherwise, we'll make this nightmare a become reality."

Nova's eyes shot open. He was back in his cell, leaning on the door he had exited from.

It was just a dream... Nova released a relieved sigh.

"Subject #003, lay in your room, flat on your stomach with your hooves out. A staff member will arrive shortly."

Rarity? He was confused. Why do they want her?

Rarity had been blindfolded. Nurse Cura had taken her by her hoof, leading her.

"Are you sure this is really necessary, miss?"

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have you blindfolded now, would I?"

"Must you be so impolite?"

"Lady, if you know who I was and what I've had to do, you'd be a little cranky too." Nurse Cura said as she stopped. "Wait here. Try to run, and the Administrator will deal out your punishment herself." She walked away, her horseshoes clacking and clicking as she stepped away. A door creaked open.

"She's ready." Nurse Cura said aloud. Her clicking shoes came closer, taking her hoof and pulling her up a few stairs. She pushed Rarity forward, a sudden burst of cold air rushing past her, a door slamming behind her.

"Hello?"

The blindfold slipped off her head, sliding down her shoulder, falling to the ground. A single dark purple eye stared her down. Rarity's throat suddenly began to dry as the uncanny, light purple eye watched her like a hawk, a slight excitement about her. The clock ticked onward as they stared at each other.

"Sit, if you will."

Rarity dared not to immediately anger the intimidating mare sitting down in front of her. The two remained silent, with Rarity straightening her posture as best she could. I mustn't be sloppy. This seems like an important mare. she reminded herself as she cleared her throat.

"Would you like a drink? Perhaps some tea?" The Administrator offered. An elegant, porcelain teapot floated up, carried by dark purple magic. The teapot sparkled dimly in the light, the surface perfectly smooth, yet dusty. It was clear that they weren't put to use very often. Gold etching circled around the teapot, starting at the beginning and end of the handle. Two teacups followed quickly behind it, having similar golden etching at the bottom. The handle of the first had been cracked slightly

Rarity simply nodded. Best not to decline such a polite offer from such an intimidating mare.

"Good. No sugar, just black, correct?"

Rarity nodded again, although with a slightly uneasy feeling about her. She waited patiently as the Administrator prepared their cups, placing one at the front of the desk and the other in front of herself.

"It's truly good to see you again. How are you doing here?" The Administrator inquired as she poured Rarity's tea into her cup. Steam rose from the deep black liquid as she topped off the cup. Rarity's eyes snapped up to the Administrator's.

"F-Fine." Rarity stated plainly, keeping a straight face and a strong voice.

"Just fine?" The Administrator glanced up, giving her a mixed stare. One part concern, one part annoyance. Her eye darkened, the iris becoming narrow, almost catlike. The clock's ticking suddenly began to slow, yet didn't stop. "Not wonderful, not magnifique, not remarkable, just... fine?" The handle of the teapot cracked slightly at the base, running up the spout as the magic cloud tightening around

"No, no," Rarity leaned forward, somehow keeping her voice from breaking with fear. "It is not horrendous or atrocious, it's simply... not home."

The magic around the handle loosened. Her eye lightened, the iris spreading as it returned to its previous state. "Ah... we see. You're homesick." the Administrator's magic lifted the pot as her teacup filled, resting it on the side before moving to the cup, taking a small sip of the piping hot drink.

"That's a perspective you could view it from..."

The Administrator swallowed the tea before speaking again. "Well, we're afraid that there isn't much we can do. We must finish our little tests on you first."

Rarity nodded, although not happily, before quietly taking a sip from her cup.

"The Canterlot Carousel and the Carousel Boutique are doing well, according to our sources." The Administrator stated before taking a sip. "You must really be able to afford that lavish lifestyle you always wanted, hm? Of course, a lot of that profit goes to H.O.O.F and to charities. And of course, let's not forget the Pony Tones." She chortled lightly. "On the front pages of fashion magazines, recognized throughout Equestria for your generosity and charity... you're rather big in the world now, aren't you?"

Rarity felt a lump form in her throat. Now that's a little... a-a little frightening. she allowed herself a moment of frightened weakness, before bringing herself down to reality. No, you are a lady, you are above this! You cannot allow this- this charlatan to get to you! She's done her research, that's it.

"And Sweetie Belle just got a scholarship, of course. If memory serves, it should be somewhere around Ponyville... Odd how we cannot find a name..." She huffed. "Regardless, how couldn't she with all exemplary scores throughout her last couple of years." The Administrator lifted her teacup to her lips, taking a final gulp of tea.

Rarity's heart dropped. Only a select few ponies had heard about it, and certainly not to anyone who would've been involved with her.

There's no possible way she... she truly could know... who... what is this... this thing?

"Well, it has been nice catching up." She stood. Her eye darkened, her iris returning to its catlike state. The clock stopped ticking. "But we must get to work."

Black, slimy tendrils suddenly flew over Rarity's hooves, led by a dark purple magic. She looked up to the Administrator, struggling in her bindings. The leather straps refused to budge or buckle under her strength.

"Hm... we wonder how long you'll last."

Experiment #01

"What should we do first..." The Administrator pondered aloud. Her eye disappeared, causing Rarity to gasp. "Fluttershy broke the quickest, but we didn't expect much of anything from her. She's always been soft-hearted, even if she used it to deceive us." She stood as she continued to speak. Fluttershy was here? Impossible! Rarity was confused. She never recalled Fluttershy being missing, nor did she ever notice her disappearance. I'd have noticed her absence in our spa trips... How did she...?

"Applejack was by far the toughest to crack. Exactly what we expected from her, but it didn't make it any less frustrating. You know how stubborn she can be when she has her eyes set on an objective, yes?" The voice circled closely around her, yet Rarity could neither see her nor feel her steps close to her. "Took us almost a year and a half to crack that hard shell, but she was putty in our hooves once we finally broke through, just waiting to be molded into something new." She said. "Quite a shame too, a few more months and I'd have had to give up on her. Cannot waste too much time on the past."

Applejack as well? Rarity was silently cursing herself for losing contact with them for so long.

"And Rainbow Dash... oh, Rainbow Dash." The Administrator sighed, nostalgia in her voice. "She was our perfect little test subject. Hurling insults at us for 'changing,’ begging us to 'come to our senses and stop this.’ You wouldn't believe how many times she tried to escape. Alas, eventually, she broke like the rest of them, but she was the most interesting, by far." Her eye suddenly reappeared in front of Rarity, a black void standing in front of her, with the cat's eye staring straight at her. Rarity's breath became caught in her throat as it rushed towards it. She flinched, tucking her chin into her chest as she squeezed her eyes shut. The creature roared, its thunderous steps bouncing the chair's legs up and down before it suddenly stopped. A hiss of air rushed past her, blowing her mane into her eyes. "Unless you change that..."

Rarity gently opened her eyes, the monster missing, only replaced by The Administrator's eye. Her hooves were quivering, her heart pumping. "W... what is going on?"

"Don't worry your pretty little head about that. Just focus on why you're here, rather than what's going to happen here."

"How should I know that? What even is going on here?" Rarity questioned, trying to reply with dignity and confidence, yet her voice still shook despite her best efforts.

"If you knew us, you'd know how." The Administrator chuckled. "That reminds me... tell us, who do you think we are?

"I... I haven't a clue. I cannot see you."

The Administrator laughed, although it was clearly disingenuous.

"We're hurt, honestly. You're fully capable of recognizing on voice alone." She stood, trotting up to Rarity. Before Rarity even had a chance to get a good look at her, the Administrator had already made it in front of her. She touched Rarity's horn with her own, sending a spark into the air.

"Release." The Administrator chuckled before stepping past Rarity. She had stopped struggling against her bindings, barely moving at all in fact. She only blinked and breathed. Her eyes stared into an empty void, not following any particular object or thing. "You'll feel strange since this is your first time with this spell, but it's only temporary." Her eye lightened, becoming a light purple color as it returned to its pony-like state. The clock continued ticking.

Knock-Knock

The Administrator went back to her chair. Nurse Cura entered.

"You knocked, ma'am?"

"We're finished. Gather the subjects in the interaction chamber and bring her there. Use her as an example."

"Yes, ma'am. Right away, ma'am." Nurse Cura quickly began to unstrap Rarity. She pulled her up out of the chair, only for Rarity to collapse into a quivering mess.

"With all due respect ma'am, was such a powerful spell needed on her first day here?"

"Trust us, it's nothing. Her heart rate will be elevated until the spell's effects wear off."

"Yes, ma'am." Nurse Cura managed to get Rarity up onto her back.

"By order of the Administrator, Subjects #002 and #001, please enter the rooms to your right and await further instruction. Subject #004, enter the room to your left and await further instruction."

Alto sat silently at the corner of the small room he and Eclipse had woken up in. The pair had become quiet. The topic wasn't exactly conducive to conversation.

Come on... He smacked himself mentally. You've been through worse than this, say something!

"Cruising misses you."

"R- Really?" Alto chuckled. She nodded with a small grin.

"He misses his 'Bubba.'" She giggled quietly. "We're staying at the summer house now. Ponyville's not as active as Fillydelphia, but I don't mind it, honestly. It'll be a nice little place for him to grow up."

"Good, good." He nodded. "My ma's sister-in-law knows the mayor, I can pull some strings if need something better."

"No, thank you." She waved him away. "The house is smaller than..." Eclipse paused for a moment, staring blankly at the ground. "Than... mom and dad's... b- but we'll manage." She smiled, though her eyes were watery.

"Ma's got some room at her place if-" "No, no," She waved away his offer. "Mom made sure she and dad had life insurance. I have more than enough to keep us good for a while. I've got some for him to go to college or university if he wants. Might have some to go back to the officer academy if I want to."

"Oh, right-" He cleared his throat. "After- um... after it, happened, they promoted me to a Junior Officer. The SO said I was 'one of the best rookies he had ever seen.' Even thanked me for saving you when... Your house..." Alto trailed away from the thought for a moment. He looked up at her. "They said you were great too, better than I was. He gave his condolences to your parents, but I never got the chance to tell you."

"Oh..."

"Y-Yeah, sorry, I-I shoulda-"

"No, tell the old stallion 'thank you' when you see him when we get out. If we get out."

"Aw, don't lose-

The door to their right creaked open.

Maybe she's back? Nova hoped silently as he entered the room. He noticed another pair of ponies inside, one pegasus mare and one earth pony stallion.

"Oh, great..." The stallion's voice was filled with dread. "More weight to carry..."

What's his problem? He questioned internally, but his meek nature didn't allow him to speak against the much larger and muscular stallion. The mare beside him smacked his right forehoof, the slap echoing in the room, yet the stallion didn't even flinch.

"Alto-- Sorry, I'm Eclipse. The stallion standing beside me, who has no manners, is Alto."

"N-Nova." He quietly greeted the pair.

"Thank goodness. Glad there's someone else in this crazy place."

Alto snickered unintelligibly beneath his breath under his breath. Eclipse, clearly annoyed, turned to him, standing up to him and whispering in his ear. "What? It's not like I'm gonna save his lanky flank if there's a choice between escaping with you and him."

A lump had formed in Nova's throat. He hoped it would never have to come to that if they were to ever try to escape.

"Alto!" She punched him in his chest. "What?" He asked as he rubbed his chest. "You know that if it were me or him, you'd choose me in a heartbeat. Besides, even if he did get out over me somehow, he wouldn't survive if there's a resistance or, Celestia forbid, an army. He wouldn't last five minutes."

"That's not the point! He's--"

"Authorization card recognized. Welcome, Nurse Cura."

A piston hissed as the padded panel in front of the group dropped. Nurse Cura was standing at the other side, in a small white cap. She glanced to her right before she turned her attention back to the group of subjects standing in front of her. "The Administrator has ordered that I show you what happens to rebels and 'betrayers.’" Nurse Cura grabbed a small cart to her right and rolled it into the room. Curled up on top of it was the same porcelain mare Nova had met earlier in the day.

"Rarity!" He rushed up to her, grabbing her right forehoof. Her other hooves were visibly shaking, dried tear stains ran down the side of her face, and her mascara had begun to run down her cheeks. A bandage had been sloppily slapped on her cheek atop a small, inflamed cut. Her eyes had become glassy, staring blankly at the ceiling above. "Wh-why-- what happened?"

"The Administrator cast a spell upon her." Nova and Eclipse's hearts dropped. That could've been me... The very thought of being in the mare's position sent a cold chill up her spine.

"She will be in your care whenever she isn't in the Administrator's office."

Nova nodded, although his thoughts were still focused on what he had just seen. Nurse Cura rolled Rarity back out. The panel closed.

"H... Horseapples," Nova swore under his breath. "No... No!" He slammed his hooves against the ground. A few moments of silence ruled over the room.

"You could've saved her." Alto said quietly. Eclipse gasped, covering her mouth as her eyes widened. Nova's darted up to look at him.

"How?!" He trotted up to him, anger forcing his timidness to the side.

"Stay with her, bring her into your room, go to hers-- just never split up!" He spat angrily. "I thought unicorns were supposed to be smart..."

Nova stared at him, furious. "You have no idea what--"

"Okay, okay. Enough fighting, kiddos. Return your rooms. You still have one thing left to do before you can play." The stallion said before Nova had the chance to fight. He silently thanked him as he stood, trotting back to his room quickly, slamming the door behind himself.

"What the hay?!" Eclipse asked. Alto sighed.

"You know what I'm trying to do. It's for his own good."

"But this-- using that poor mare for that, then telling him it was his fault..." She turned away from him, disgusting. "Would you've done that with me if I stayed?"

"That's different-" "Yes or no, Alto?"

"No." He answered. "You are my friend, 'Clipse. The unicorn's weak."

"I was weak." She muttered, stepping back, all the previous aggression coming back to the forefront.

"You were not-"

"Then why couldn't I help them?" She turned up to him. He huffed, searching for the words to comfort her, but not finding them.

"Because I-"

"Alright, foals!" The stallion over the intercom shouted. "Time to head back to your rooms, we have experiments to do!" His voice was hyper, excited.

The pair looked up to the speaker at the corner of the room. She sighed, lowering her head. "We should probably go... I speak to you later." Eclipse headed back towards the door to her room.

"Right, see you-" The door shut behind her before he had the chance to finish.

"... Later." Alto sighed. before he turned to go back to his room.

Rarity stared at the lights above her. The nurse hadn't cared enough to blindfold her, not that she'd see anything that'd be useful to her main objective: getting out of the facility. Her eyes were frozen in place, only staring at the ceiling while occasionally passing by the fluorescent light fixtures and ventilation shafts above.

The cart slowed to a stop. Nurse Cura walked past her. She knocked on a door ahead of them before returning to Rarity. The cart continued on its way, going through an open door.

"What were their reactions?"

Oh no... not her... The Administrator- Rarity remembered her. She remembered how frightened she was, yet, she couldn't force herself up and away from her. Her hooves refused to move.

"Subject #004 was shocked, obviously caring for this one. Subject #002 was troubled, but not nearly as much as Subject #004 was. Understandably, since it was their first time meeting. Subject #001 had little to no reaction. He only looked away, ma'am."

"Good, good. Leave her here. We must conduct our first experiment."

"Yes, ma'am. Do you need any help?"

"Of course not."

"Yes, ma'am." Nurse Cura nodded before exiting, shutting the door behind her. The tapping of horseshoes approached Rarity.

"Oh dear..." She gasped, concerned as she trotted up to Rarity. Rarity recognized her voice as she stopped at the right side of her table, boasting a new white surgical mask, which covered her mouth and snout, only leaving her one, light purple eye to be observed.

"What do we have here?" the Administrator asked as she bent closer to Rarity. Her mane was long but straight and as neat as possible. It was hard to say for certain, but Rarity could somewhat tell that her mane was dark purple with black stripes down the sides. Her bangs slanted downwards, covering most of her forehead and her left eye was covered by a large, black bandage. The rest of her mane and face was obscured by the mask.

The Administrator's horn brightened. Her magic brought a small napkin up to Rarity's face, wiping her running mascara clean from her face. "A mess..." She inspected over the napkin before setting it on Rarity chest. Her eye darkened momentarily, before returning to its previous color. She turned away from her, trotting out of sight, before returning a few moments later with a large nail file. "Don't worry, we won't leave you looking in such terrible condition. You'd hate that, right?"

The file made a small tink against the metal cart as she sat it down beside Rarity's forehooves. The Administrator brought a new napkin up, wiping her mascara clean. Her magic brought one large comb and one small comb up to her. Rarity was almost paranoid at first, afraid, admittedly foolishly, that the Administrator would ruin her perfect mane.

"'That's correct. Down, follow it with the small one, then make a perfect little curl to my left darling. No-- using the small one.'” The Administrator repeated, imitating Rarity's voice. Even going as far as to copy the inflections in her voice. "'Then do the same with my right, but longer, and a small bit larger. Don't trouble yourself about the tail darling, I'll style it myself.’ That's right if our memory serves." She finished with perfect style as if she had done it a million times before.

"Now, let's take care of that pesky horn." The Administrator's magic brought the file back into Rarity's field of vision, as she put away the two combs. She slowly, carefully began to file down her horn. It didn't hurt-- it actually felt pleasant. Like she was at the spa with a dear friend, excluding the dark mare hulking over her and the dark, humid room.

What is she doing? Rarity questioned. This was no torture- no interrogation. It barely counted as an experiment. The lack of any shocks, serums, or surprises was welcomed , although she knew it wouldn't last too long.

"We remember the days where you'd take us to your spa. We were never the type of pony who really liked it, but we enjoyed the time we spent with you." She said, continuing to file away at Rarity's horn.

"See? We can be nice when we want to be." The Administrator turned away from Rarity, continuing to speak as she trotted away from her. "You just have to- ugh-- get on our good side." She quickly trotted back over to the cart, sitting something large down atop it. The object landed with a loud thud. "Unfortunately for you, that would be a near impossibility at this point." Mechanical tinkering filled the room as the Administrator sighed. She turned back to Rarity, a small, metal object floating right beside her head, thanks to her magic. It took on the shape of a cone with two metal rings, one at the base, and the other right before it hit the narrow tip.

What is that? Some- some insidious invention? Rarity pondered. The object didn't look to be anything dangerous. Everything was round, no points, no jagged ends to stab someone with, not even any nails. Everything had been molded together.

"Let's see... that should be small enough..." She muttered to herself as she slipped the device onto Rarity's horn. "There we go. Perfect." The Administrator nodded to herself. She turned back to the end of the cart with a loud bang. Rarity would have jumped if she could move.

"Ah-- horseapples." The Administrator cursed to herself, kneeling down. "Stupid... no, it's still good." She muttered to herself, lifting up the hefty device and waddling it back over to her desk. "Clumsy... get a handle on it!" The Administrator cursed to no one in particular as she turned back to Rarity. Her horn brightened as she lifted Rarity's stiff body off of the cart, placing her back in the same chair as before. The chair was different this time, with a pair of leather straps on each arm of the chair. She strapped her in physically, stepping back.

"Return." The Administrator stated aloud as she touched Rarity's horn with hers. Rarity gasped, suddenly out of breath.

"What- where am I?"

"Our office. Do you remember what happened?"

"I-I remember going to the rooms, seeing the others. Nova took my hoof... but nothing before that."

"Good. Best it remains that way." The Administrator noted, before trotting up to her. She placed a small, balled up piece of paper on Rarity's lap. "Lift that."

Rarity glanced down at it. Her horn brightened as she prepared her magic, but what had become a simple task now seemed rather difficult. Her magic waned in strength, barely surrounding the paper before it died.

"Ugh... I can't."

"It's working perfectly." The Administrator was almost giddy, excited that her small invention had worked. "That object on your horn-- it'll pull you out of focus when you try to use spells. A safety precaution, as you surely understand. We can't have our fun ruined so soon, now can we?"

"Pardon me?! How dare you--" Rarity was furious. However, when the Administrator retorted with a cold stare, her quickly heating blood was bumped back down and cooled.

"Now, what should we try first?"

Nova sighed as he sat against the wall. "That damn earth pony... Alto." He cursed aloud. He's lucky I didn't go off on him.

"Subjects, please enter your pods for the first experiment."

Nova stood. No way to get around it. Not now, at least. He trotted up to the pod. The glass had already started slowly open. It had just enough room for Nova to slip inside. He took a seat and waited. And waited. And waited...

"Subject #001, please enter your pod. Compliance is mandatory." The electronic voice ordered over the intercom. Another minute passed before a loud buzz filled the room. "Resistance attempt detected and logged. Deploying task force..."

Distant pistons hissed as the loud thumping of multiple steps echoed to Nova's room. He could feel the vibrations from the multiple ponies. After a minute or so of yelling, the room calmed.

"All subjects accounted for. Initiating experiment..."

Just get it over with. I need out of here as quickly as I can.

The pod door slowly began to shut with a hiss. Nova sat, waiting for something to happen.

"Just as a piece of advice, honesty will be your best strategy, Subjects #002 and #004. Unfortunately for Subject #001, he's going to be punished regardless of the right or wrong answer. For each question." The stallion's voice was cold and calloused at the end of the sentence, lacking any sympathy for Alto. Nova somewhat agreed, although he most likely did because he was still angry. "One more thing before we start, this experiment is going to be much shorter than the typical one, depending on if you answer honestly or not. Don't get your hopes high thinking that it's going to be this easy each time."

"Switching to in-pod frequency. Casting to: All subjects."

"Protocol: Experiment #01. Hello subject. This is a standardized--" The electronic voice skipped for a moment. "-- for stallions and mares. This is being recorded for research purposes and shall be shared with lab workers and other personnel. Please, audibly answer. Failure to comply will result in punishment." It paused for a moment before continuing. "Warm-up phase. Please note that this will not be counted for or against you, and no punishments will be dealt out as a result."

Thank Celestia.

"Do you like: rock-climbing?"

"No...?"

What kind of a question is that?

"Answer logged. Do you like: Daring Do?

"Of course, they're classics!"

"Answer logged. What is: some of your hobbies?

"Studying magic, walking... what is the point of this?"

"Answer logged. Comment: irrelevant." A quiet beep shot through the pod. "Warm up phase complete. Stage one commencing."

"Is your name: Nova?"

"Yes." He said quickly.

"Correct. Are you a: stallion?"

"Yes," Nova answered yet again. If it was this easy, he was going to fly through it. Static did always say I was good at this kind of thing.

"Correct. Are you a: unicorn?"

"Yes."

"Correct. Are you: twenty years old?"

"Yeah."

"Correct. Stage two commencing." The voice paused for a moment. "Is your sister's name: Static?"

"Yes..."

"Is she: suffering from depression?"

"Who're you to ask that?" He answered immediately, and harshly. A loud buzz sounded throughout the pod Something smooth and round prodded him in his back before the buzz became louder. It shocked him before retracting as quickly as it came. He took a few quick, deep breaths.

"Is she: suffering from depression?"

"Yes," Nova answered with a deep breath.

"Has: anyone in your family died recently?"

"--No" Eclipse answered.

"Correct. Stage two commencing."

"Has: anyone in your family died recently?"

"As if I'd tell--"

A buzz sounded quickly before a slick, round device pressed against her back with a sudden shock hitting Eclipse in her back. It retracted quickly.

"Has: anyone in your family died recently?"

"Buck off--" Another buzz, with another shock, this time with greater intensity. Eclipse head shot back, before relaxing, her chin falling to her chest.

"Has: anyone in your family died recently?"

"No..." She whispered, her fury dulled along with her resistance. The shocks taking were its toll on her muscles and body. Without a warning, the shock returned. Her head suddenly shot up, hitting itself on a pipe of the pod. It lasted much longer than the previous ones. Once it finally allowed her some rest, she put her head back down and allowed her mane to fall in front of her face.

"Has: anyone in your family died recently?"

"Yes." Eclipse answered in a monotoned, breathy voice. The fight had been forced out of her.

"Correct. If you answered the previous question with yes: how many family members were lost?"

"It's just me and my baby brother... two, two died." She said, continuing with her monotone voice.

"Correct."

“--Correct. Stage two commencing.”

Alto Volare’s breaths were heavy and labored. His back was stinging from the constant shocks. They were dull, but they had taken their toll on the stallion.

“Have you: been in a relationship in the past year?”

“No,” Alto answered before another shock went through him. He had already gotten used to the unusually rounded object constantly pressed against his back.

“Correct. Have you: wanted to be in a relationship for the past year?”

“Of course not--”

An intense shock passed through his back.

“Correct. Are you: afraid to hurt somepony?”

“No.” He squeezed the pod door again as another shock went through him.

“Correct. Are you: afraid you’ll hurt someone innocent? Follow up question. Are you: afraid you’ll hurt someone unintentionally?”

“No, and of course not--” Before he could finish, the orb shocked him again with more intensity

“Are you: afraid you’ll hurt someone innocent? Follow up question. Are you: afraid you’ll hurt someone unintentionally?”

“No!”

Another shock, another scream through his pod. “Fine, fine! Yes!” Alto hated showing his weaknesses, but his body could take no more of the more intense shocks.

“Correct.”

Alto groaned. How much more would he have to suffer through?

"Hm... this has been coming for years... what would fit as a good punishment?"

Rarity watched as The Administrator paced in front of her desk, contemplating what torturous plan to use against her.

"I-If I may, what have the other ponies and I done to be taken here against our will?"

The Administrator turned to her, a fire in her dark purple eyes. The clock behind her suddenly stopped ticking. She stepped to Rarity, slapping her across her face.

"What did you do? What did you do?!"

The Administrator returned with another, leaving another cut across Rarity's cheek. "You stupid mare! You've ruined lives! Our lives!"

"What do you mean? What did I do to you?!"

"You still haven't figured it out?!" The Administrator backed away, almost offended. Her fury quelled as she sighed, looking at the ground. Her hoof went to her mask, gently grasping the tip of it, holding it for a moment. "No. You don't deserve to get our identity that easily, not yet. You'll have to figure it out yourself." She gently released it, before slappping her one more time. The Administrator touched their horns together. "Release." She ordered. Rarity gasped, returning to her previously frozen state.

A loud knock at the door, followed by two quieter ones, interrupted her before she could continue her punishment. The Administrator softly growled.

"Ma'am? May I come in?"

"Yes, Legacy." She sighed. The door cracked open.

"We've finished our experiments. All our results seem legitimate, and subjects are still in good health. I'll have Cura bring you a copy when it's a better time."

"Good, good. Do that. In the meantime, work on something else while we take care of our own subject." The Administrator looked down to Rarity, a menacing look in her eye.

"Of course, ma'am." Lost Legacy said, shutting the door gently.

"We hate lackeys..." She muttered. "We'll be back in a few moments, darling. We'll get you something to eat while we're out. Any preference?" The Administrator asked although she knew she wasn't going to get an answer. She waited a few moments. "We suppose not... Oh well then, we'll just find something." The Administrator stood up straight, trotting away with an opening and the shutting of a door.

Week #1

Day One

Nova's pod opened with a hiss of air. He fell forward, catching himself on his forehooves as his body slammed against the ground. His back had turned red from the constant shocks. He turned back onto his back, sighing with a relieved, breathless laugh.

It's over... It's finally over. Nova took a deep breath. Thank Celestia.

"All right subjects, good first day. We got a lot accomplished today. Eat, rest, get some sleep, do whatever the hay you need to do to recharge. We're done for the night, thank Luna. I'll see you all tomorrow morning for the dream session." The stallion's steps could be heard trotting away before the audio cut out.

"Microphone disconnected. Experiment #1 status: Complete. Logging questions and answers. Entering hibernation mode..."

The lights dimmed slightly, just enough to ease the strain on Nova’s eyes. He was exhausted; he could barely hold his eyes open. Unfortunately, before he could get a chance to rest, a growling in his stomach reminded him that eating was a rather important thing. He groaned, turning onto his side. I'll just grab something tomorrow...

Nova slipped a forehoof under his head, resting the other on his chest. He shut his eyes as he eagerly awaiting sleep to come and take his consciousness away. However, before he could, a slight noise quietly echoed throughout the room, just loud enough to make him open his eyes. He focused on the wall in front of him, the sound intensifying and becoming clear as he cautiously crawled towards it. The sound wasn't mechanical; it wasn't clicking or clacking with bits and pieces of moving or colliding metal. It almost sounded like...

Who's crying?

Eclipse sat in the pod. The door had been opened, ready and waiting for her to move out. She just... couldn't force herself out. It had been a token of her life recently, and the irony of it was too good.

I wasted all that time running away from my problems, and when I wake up and actually want to fix them, I get trapped in another one. It'd be funny if it wasn't so sad. She giggled, the situation suddenly hilarious. Her giggles turned into laughing. It was almost hysterical when she forced herself up out of the pod. She landed with a thud before the laughter suddenly ceased. Her wings had gone numb and her hind hooves were tingling, her nerves still on edge from the experiment's shocks.

A... And now I'm going to have to pick up the pieces of what's left of me after this. All over again. I have to. Because they had to leave me... Her eyes stung as tears quickly began to fill them. She growled, angry at the ones who had so uncaringly left her to deal with the world by herself. Eclipse punched the tiled floor beneath her. She followed up with another. Then another. She beat against it as if it were the ponies who betrayed her, taking out all the rage and frustration she felt against them. Her muscles were already sore from the experiment, and eventually, her hooves fatigued.

"Mom... Dad..." Eclipse whimpered, before coughing hoarsely, choking on her own breath. "Why?" she asked as if the two could hear her calls. "Why would you leave me alone?" Her tears finally broke through as she wept. She laid there, crying as she tried to forget. Forget everything her parents had done for her or to her, good or bad. It only hurt to remember.

"H-Hello?" A quiet voice beckoned.

Eclipse froze. S-Somepony else?

"Hello?" She called.

"Over here!"

Eclipse looked over at her right wall. She quickly crawled over, unable to stand without feeling weakness in her hooves.

"Is anypony there?"

"It's the unicorn from before. Nova." Nova's voice was worried, his tone rushed. "I'm sorry-- are you alright? I heard you crying."

"I'm fine." She said immediately.

"Okay, I just wanted to make sure. I know that experiment was bad."

"Tell me about it... I can barely feel my wings."

"My hooves are tingling. At least my horn's fine."

"Good, good." They remained silent for a few moments.

"Do-do you mind talking a little bit more before we go to sleep?"

"Sure, why not." She shrugged her shoulders. Anything to get them off her mind.

Day Two

"Return."

Rarity gasped, returning to consciousness. Experiment, release, return, experiment, release, return, experiment, release, return... Even though she had only been here for a few days, she had already begun to tire of the constant cycle the Administrator was putting her through. She didn't care to try and look around with a blindfold still covering her eyes. The Administrator's horseshoes clicked as she passed by Rarity. Rarity jumped suddenly as a hoof brushed over her ear and mane.

"How is our favorite little lab rat?" The Administrator questioned before she grunted, something creaking under her voice. Rarity opened her mouth to reply, but only a dry wheeze escaped her.

"Oh... We guess you're starting to dry out, hm? Understandable. You haven't drunk anything since you've got here," the Administrator noted. A hoof held Rarity's right forehoof, causing her to jump. "Don't worry, we're not going to allow that to happen. Plus, we cannot waste a such a special subject."

Water splashed, then came to a slow trickle as it filled something. Rarity gasped as something bumped into her chin, causing her to jerk back and a cool liquid to splash on her chest.

"Go on. Drink."

"H... How do I know that the beverage isn't tainted?" Rarity questioned. Her voice was raspy, and her throat and vocal cords lacked so much moisture that the very simple, welcomed act of speaking pained her.

The Administrator paused, before sighing. The blindfold lifted high enough for her right eye to see. A glass of water was levitating in front of her, held up by a dark purple magic. Clear, pure water.

"See? Now drink."

Rarity leaped at the opportunity, greedily gulping down the water and forgetting any of her usual ladylike manners. She quickly gulped down the glass, only stopping every few seconds to breathe.

"There." The Administrator pulled the glass away as Rarity finished off the glass. "Better now?"

Rarity nodded. "Thank you." She breathed. A handkerchief enveloped in the Administrator's magic rose from her desk, quickly wiping the excess water that had accumulated around Rarity's lips. It slipped down her chin before coming to rest back on the Administrator's chest.

"Your supplements were mixed with it. Nothing to worry about, we assure you. You'll feel full and you'll have some of your strength back soon. Not enough to break those straps, of course, but just enough to have you feeling refreshed," the Administrator said, standing. She trotted up to Rarity, leaning down to her. Her surgical mask had been replaced with a blue, sterile one.

"We hope you’ll be fine too. We're about to start our next experiment." The Administrator giggled happily, patting Rarity on the head as she stood up straight.

"W... What do you mean?"

"We want to see how far we can push your generosity." The Administrator took a step forward, beginning to trot past Rarity. "From this day forward, your little 'friend,’ Nova, won't get a good night of sleep. Nor will you." She turned, going behind her. "Each time you get close to sleep, you'll get sudden..." A pair of hooves suddenly jumped on her. "Jolt. But we won't do it to both to you. Instead, you get to choose. Who'll go a night without sleep, you, or Nova?"

"I will--" "We weren't finished," the Administrator spat harshly. Rarity remained quiet.

"It'll continue like this until you say, 'I give' or 'I can't endure this anymore'. You won't get a single wink until you choose yourself over him. We've been wondering how long you'll last." She trotted back past her right side, returning in front of Rarity. "A day? Two? A week?" The Administrator pondered, bringing a hoof up to Rarity's chin. "That'll be up to you, darling." She released her, walking back to her desk and sitting down. "Oh, and it should be obvious, but we won't be using our spell to make you come and go, not until this is over." The Administrator's magic covered Rarity's eye back up. "So, what will it be?"

"I will." Rarity answered without hesitation. The Administrator smiled beneath her mask.

"Good. We're glad to see you're so... eager." Discontent was poorly hidden in her voice. Close to sadness.

Why is she upset? Rarity pondered. She hadn't seen her show any vulnerability, not yet at least. Perhaps she has retained some morality?

Regardless of why, the Administrator turned down to the paper in front of her, forcing a smile as the scribbling and tapping of a pen filled the room as Rarity dreadfully awaited her experiment to begin.

"You think that there's any way out?"

"Of course. There's always a weakness, small or big. Just gotta search for it." Eclipse nodded. Her time in officer training had been brief, but she still retained some of the knowledge she had been taught. Plus, she had always been an optimist before everything happened.

"But finding it is just going to be the problem..." Nova was doubtful, clearly. He was afraid they'd only get caught with their resistance.

"C'mon, chin up. This could be the weakness, we just haven't broken through it yet."

"And find what? Ourselves? And what about the earth pony-- uh..." "Alto?"

"Yeah, yeah. How'd we get him out?"

"We can find a way. One thing at a time. We can always come back for him if we need to." She spoke with confidence. .

"Really? Hm... A willingness to abandon her friends..." The stallion spoke over the intercom. Eclipse and Nova both gasped.

"You knew about this?!"

"Of course. You two were taking waaaaay too long when you were eating. So, I might've eavesdropped."

"And you let us talk?" Nova questioned. It didn't make sense.

"Of course. I think it's healthy to have somepony to talk to. Who knows, it might blossom into a bea-utiful friendship." The stallion sighed loudly, seeming excited. "Plus it keeps you sane longer. More time to experiment equals more results to work with, which equals more information for me."

Eclipse sighed, disgusted. There always was an ulterior motive to their methods. "Of course... Why didn't think of that first?"

"Anyways, I wouldn't worry about Subject #001 anymore. He's fine by himself. Plus he's still paying for breaking a window."

"He can handle himself." She affirmed.

"Ooo, bold claims. Let's see if you can back that talk up in our next experiment. It's still a few days away, don't worry." The stallion cleared his throat. "And just so you know, this facility is impenetrable. Even if you do somehow manage to escape, you won't make it very far."

"We'll see about that..." Eclipse muttered under her breath.

"Anyways, I have things to attend to. Ta-ta."

"Switching to all room frequency."

"Horseapples," Nova whispered as he sat back down beside the wall. "Should we stay quiet or anything?"

"No, no. They already know, no point in trying." Eclipse sighed. She slammed her hoof into the depression, sending a vibration through to Nova. "Horsefeathers!"

"It-it's gonna be fine. We just have to be more careful--"

"Current time: 8:00 AM. Preparing research equipment. Subjects #001, #002, #004, please enter your pods."

Nova sighed. "I'll see you after this is done."

"Yeah, same to you. Good luck." She called as she stood, trotting back over to her pod.

Hours Later

Rarity sat in her chair, feeling her eyelids get heavier and heavier with every passing minute.

"Please, I implore you to cease this nonsense." She called. "You must have had family--" "They abandoned us." There was a sharp, bitter tone in her voice. Rarity chewed her lip nervously. Her face relaxed into more of a frown. "They've forgotten us by now..." the previous bitterness had disappeared, replaced with heartbreak. "What does it matter? We never finished anything with them." the Administrator muttered to herself, almost trying to convince herself of that fact. shook her head slightly, returning back to Rarity.

"W-Well, you must have friends--" "Friends are useless. Their help is only temporary, and they distract you from your main objective."

"That's simply not true." Rarity proclaimed(against her better judgment). The Administrator stared at her as if she had just been insulted. "Er- I mean, what I was getting across was that friendship can help you in more ways than one. How do you think I've amassed as much as I have without it?"

"Because you're weak." She leaned up, empowered by her words. "You couldn't get to the top by yourself. No, you used each and every pony you knew to help you there, step by step until you didn't need them anymore."

"And who are you to make such unfounded accusations?"

"Something with the right to speak what we do more than anyone else." The Administrator hissed lowly. She breathed through her nose, straightening herself as she stood. The Administrator’s horseshoes clicked louder as she trotted towards Rarity. "How are you fairing right now?"

"I'm fine." Rarity answered quickly Too quickly.

"Oh, that was rather fast. You're sure you're not feeling the least bit tired?" She asked, although she already knew the answer to her question. "Bags under your eyes, speech beginning to slow... we suppose it's almost time."

Rarity gasped with a jump, feeling something cold and slimy stick to her right shoulder. Another stuck to the right side of her chest.

"Here's how it's going to work." The Administrator lifted Rarity's blindfold as she stood, the floorboards creaking she trotted towards Rarity. Rarity looked down at her chest, gasping as she noticed two dark tendrils stuck to her chest and shoulder, exactly where she felt them at. The clock behind her was frozen, and the room was unusually dark. They lead up to a black, powered monitor. "We put this right here to monitor your heart rate and the other to check your blood pressure. If it drops below this," She pointed to a red line near the bottom of the monitor. "you'll start to enter light sleep. It'll shock you automatically, waking you up."

"Please--" "And if you keep begging us to stop, we'll keep the shocks on for longer. Just for fun."

Rarity reluctantly capitulated to her demands. She sighed before a sudden jolt of electricity went through her. Her head shot up as her chest pushed itself forward.

"Oh, we forgot to mention; we can change the level in which it shocks you at any time." The Administrator laughed before the shock stopped. Rarity's muscles relaxed. Her once clean, styled mane had become unwashed and bedraggled. "We'd wish you good luck, but this isn't actually something you can avoid."

The rest of the night was filled with shocks of electricity, jolts, screams, shrieks, tears... torture. The torment of a defenseless mare echoed throughout the Administrator's office for the remainder of the night.

Day Three

Nova awoke to a shriek. Albeit a quiet one, it was filled with fear and pain. He leaned forward, only to bump into the pod.

"Hey-- hey!" His hooves tried to force the pod open, but it refused to budge. "Hello? Doctor?" Nova called. "Who is that?"

"Switching to single room frequency. Casting to: Subject #004"

"Ugh...You're not supposed to be awake yet, subject." The stallion's speech was groggy as if he had just woken up.

"Who is that?"

"Your little mare friend managed to make the Administrator angry. Furious, in fact."

"Who? Rarity?"

"Who else, smart one." The stallion replied, clearly annoyed by the minor inconvenience that was Nova. "She's taking a bullet for you, y'know."

"What do you mean?"

"The Administrator gave her the choice of giving you a restless night of sleep or giving herself one. She chose the latter."

"Wh-What do you mean?"

"Oh, for Celestia's sake." He slammed his hoof right beside the microphone. "She's getting shocked, bozo! Electrocuted, jolted-- whatever the hay you want to call it! Is that clear enough for you?!" The stallion suddenly hissed, speaking fastly.

"Why?"

"All I know is that she has the choice to give it to herself or to you, alright?" The stallion answered, calmer than before, his voice becoming groggy again. "I know about as much as you. She and the Administrator had some history, apparently."

"Shouldn't I get a choice in this? She shouldn't suffer the weight of that!"

"I personally agree, but she's the boss. She makes the rules, and gets to carry out any and all experiments she wants." The stallion yawned. "Welp, I need another cup of coffee. I'll open your pod, but don't wake the other subjects."

"I won't." Nova agreed. The pod door slowly opened.

"You've got about a half hour before I wake the other subjects. Use it wisely." The stallion advised. "Computer, enter silent mode."

"Yes, doctor."

Nova's pod slowly opened. He stepped out, noticing the lights were still dimmed from the previous night.

It is a half hour before the others wake up... What can I do? He pondered. Suddenly, he remembered the conversation he and Eclipse had yesterday. There's always a weakness, small or big. Just gotta search for it.

This is the perfect opportunity! He quickly galloped over to the side of the padded wall, feeling it down for any loose bolts or failing joints. You've got plenty of time. Take your time, feel for anything loose, then go on to the next one. Nova repeated to himself, giving himself a mental pep talk as he moved to the next panel.

Rarity's head fell, her mane following her as she tried to stay awake. Her chest and right shoulder burned from the constant shocks, the skin around the straps turning red from the contact. The Administrator sat at her desk in front of Rarity, smiling, almost giddy in seeing the pony in pain.

"Please... please. You must stop..." Rarity pled, looking up to her. "This is sullying whatever you worked for in your life... No matter how much you think that everypony has abandoned you, you've still got someone who'll care once they see what has happened to you. Cease--"

Another shot of electricity burst through her, sending her head back into the contracted position she almost had come to get familiarized with. Rarity screamed, trying to desperately rid herself of her pain somehow. However, it remained. For what seemed like an eternity before it suddenly came to a stop. Her muscles relaxed, exhausted from the night of torture. She felt something trickling down her snout, rolling over her lips. Blood, dripping down her chin and onto the floor below.

"Don't patronize us. You know you hate our guts for this. It's distasteful to lie to us, pretending to be our friend." The Administrator said before she sighed. "We've decided to give you somewhat of a reprieve." The Administrator stood, before the red line on the monitor lowered drastically. "You'll be allowed to get some rest, although it'll still shock you if you enter deep sleep." She leaned down, opening a desk. The Administrator pulled out a white surgical mask, her magic lifting it out of her hoof and tying it around the back of her head, covering her mouth and snout.

"Plea..."

"What was that?" She leaned down. "An admission of defeat? Or maybe you've cracked?"

"Please..."

"Speak louder. Stress on the lungs really impedes the vocal cords' ability."

Rarity snapped up to the Administrator, flinging small rivets of blood onto her cloak and fore legs. Her mane and coat were glazed in a coat of sweat, and her mane had fallen across her left eye.

"You are not going to make me surrender!" She proclaimed, leaning forward. The Administrator stared her down with a twitch in her eye. Rarity returned it post haste.

"You...!" She straightened her neck, inhaling sharply. "Fine. We were planning on going easier on you if you showed some restraint soon, but this puts a wedge in our previous plans..." Her magic surrounded the bits of her cloak stained with Rarity's blood, pulling the liquid out and wiping it on Rarity's chest, much to her disgust and dismay. "Fine then. No rest for the weary," she affirmed before trotting past her, exiting the office. Rarity glanced back, making sure she was gone and the door was shut, before allowing her head to fall.

I have to remain strong... Nopony else can get injured in this. She reminded herself, although a few unruly thoughts suggested otherwise. Rarity pushed those away immediately, before closing her eyes, trying to get what little rest she could.

Nova took whatever time he could to search the wall up and down. Before and after the dream session, during lunch, even interrupting his usual midday chat with Eclipse. He continued after the research period and right before dinner. Somehow, he had just made it to the end of the wall.

"Switching to single room frequency. Casting to: Subject #004."

The stallion opened with a sigh. "You're still looking for an exit? Who the hay lit a fire under you to get you working so much?"

"There's a way out-- I know it!" Nova refused to humor the stallion.

"Believe what you will, but it's a fact that there is no exit. Only until we've collected enough data or you've come into such a state to which we're unable to retract from you is when we'll release you. Not before, not after." He said firmly, confident of his facility's security.

"Then you're wrong! There's always a weakness!"

The stallion sighed, in a quicker manner this time, clearly losing his patience. "You know what? Fine. I'm tired of dealing with you. Instead, my boss is going to work with you instead. She's been dying to see you since your first dream session."

"Authorization card recognized. Welcome, - [REDACTED]"

The panel at the front opened, with a mysterious purple mare stepping through. Her mane was dark, and the only noise she made was the clacking of her horseshoes against the tiled floor. She looked up at him with one cat-like eye. Nova gasped, recognizing her.

"You!"

"Surprise." She turned, trotting towards him. Nova backed away, into the top right corner of the room. He felt his back touch the padded wall as he saw her coming ever closer.

"Stay back!" Nova warned, his horn brightened as he prepared to defend himself. The mare continued towards him. Nova pointed towards her, firing a violent bolt of magic at her. She simply pointed her horn at it and stood still. As it touched her horn, it turned dark purple, to her own magic, before returning it back to him. Nova ducked, narrowly missing the much more powerful magic. It burned a hole padding above him. By the time he had the chance and the courage to look back up, she was already in front of him. Nova ducked back down, tucking his head between his hind hooves as he covered his head with his forehooves.

"You have potential."

Nova cautiously looked back up to her. She looked down at him, a mixture of curiosity and intrigue spelled across her face. Her eye color lightened, becoming bright purple.

"Wh... What do you mean?"

"You may not be as powerful as most in magic." The mare admitted. "But perhaps there is something there. We're certain you could become more than a simple scholar."

"But I don't want to be more--" "Oh, don't lie. You'd love to put your sister in a better situation. We know you'd do anything to put her back on the straight and narrow."

Nova glanced away. He knew there was some truth to that.

"We can give you the skills necessary to get to there if you'll join us." She extended her left forehoof to him. "We can take you out of this cell and show you your full potential. But only of your choice."

Nova looked at her hoof, contemplating his choice. He extended his right forehoof to her before he noticed a small spec of blood on her horseshoe.

"That's blood..." Nova looked up at her, furious. "Who's blood is that?! Rarity's?!"

The mare looked down, noticing her mistake and quickly putting it down. Her eye darkened quickly.

"How could you possibly know--"

Nova spat on her left forehoof. "How dare you hurt somepony like that! How dare you hurt anypony like that!" His rage had been unleashed. The mare lifted her hoof, slapping him. "Fine! We'll tell her exactly who just made her life miserable!" She yelled before stomping away, the panel closing behind her.

Nova's fury disappeared, the words bringing him down to reality.

W... what did I just do?

Day Four

Rarity's muscles ached with her nerves on edge. Yet, her mind was in a worse fashion than her body.

It... it's okay darling, you've given enough now, he can take a night... you may stop now.

No! The poor stallion cannot stay through a night of this! You must endure, even if it is just a brief bit longer!

But your... everything, is hurting... You cannot continue, your body cannot take any more.

You must!

You can't!

The door of the office creaked opened, pulling Rarity from her thoughts.

"Ah, good. You're awake." The Administrator noted as she trotted past Rarity, returning to her desk. "Good thing too. Now, let's see how many shocks you've been put through while I was gone..." She looked at the back of the monitor, examining over the back of it. "Thirty-three? Ouch. That's more than Rainbow Dash went through, that's for certain."

"S... She went through this?"

"Mmhm. Thought she could take the pain, but she gave in two days into it. Boring, but the action certainly picked up in her next experiment." The Administrator reminisced about her previous subject, fond of her work. "Regardless, thanks to disrespect I was shown thanks from a certain subject of mine, I'm increasing it." The red line rose up to half the screen. Rarity's eyes widen as the line dropped below it, sending a slight jolt through her. It only lasted half a second, but her chest was already burning. "One last chance before I start. Would you rather take this or give it to Nova?"

Rarity's head shot up as she recognized the chance to allow herself a night of refuge from the experiment. This is your chance! Take it!

What about Nova?! He'll be forced to endure this! Are you really going to put him through this?!

Rarity whimpered, her mind in turmoil. Could she really put another pony through this? Could she endure another night of this?

"Taking longer to decide this time. Perhaps you're finally coming to her senses? Seen the path that friendship leads you down?"

"No... no." Rarity sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.

You cannot put him through this. He's in mourning, what if this forces him off the edge?

But you're exhausted. Just one tiny word and this is over...

Rarity whined again quietly. I-I... I can't continue... I must... he cannot go through this.

She opened her eyes, looking up to the Administrator. "I-I... I will."

She stared at her momentarily, before her eye twitched along with her jaw. "Good." the Administrator's voice shook, although it seemed to have a degree of control. "It'd be boring if you didn't resist some." A click followed the Administrator as she exited, trailed by shocks and shrieks.

Day Five

"Ugh... I hate this!" Nova slammed his hind hooves on the tile floor.

"You and me both. That mare is insane."

"She came to see you too?"

"No, but the doc told me about her. She looked kinda familiar from what I've seen of her, though..." Eclipse placed a forehoof to her chin, trying to recollect what she could from what she had seen of the mare.

"You know her?"

"I never said that. Just thought that she might've looked like somepony that I've seen before. Can't place a hoof on it, though." She paused again. "Maybe she was somepony from Canterlot?"

"I didn't recognize her. But she's had this surgical mask every time I've seen her, can ever get a good look at her.."

"Did she look like a doctor?"

"No. She looked younger than what I'd expect to be a doctor, really. But she only had one eye."

"Celestia..." Eclipse whispered. "My mom was a doctor. Worked in Fillydelphia." She grinned, a rush of memories flooding her. Good memories. "She would take me there every now and again to see what it was like. It was before I could fly myself, so she used to let me sit on her back and pretend I was flying."

"Oh... that must've been nice," Nova replied a touch of envy in his voice. "What did she look like?"

"Short, white mane, little curl over her left eye... purple coat, soft as a pillow." Eclipse turned away, sadness overwhelming her. No... You can do this, you can do this. She reminded herself before turning back to the wall. "She was an earth pony, my dad was a pegasus."

"What was he like?"

"He tried, but he couldn't really be there for me much. He was a higher-up in Celestia's day guard. The armor he was in looked so cool at the time, made me want to be like him. Ended up just being bulky." She chuckled. "What were yours like?"

"I..." Nova exhaled. "I've never known mine."

Eclipse's heart dropped, realizing the terrible mistake she had just made. "I'm so sorry-- I didn't realize--" "No, it's fine, trust me."

Nova moved onto his shoulder. "I'll talk about it tomorrow. It's about time for the research period." He stood up, trotting away from the wall.

"Oh... okay." Eclipse said, sitting against the wall for a moment. Horsefeathers... Stupid! She thumped herself in the head for her own incompetence before standing and walking away.

Rarity's head bobbed, trying to keep herself awake. Her half-lidded eyes had become bloodshot from her lack of sleep.

You imbecile! You had the chance to end this! Why didn't you take it?!

You did the right thing... even if- A shock ran through Rarity's chest and shoulder, causing her muscles to contract suddenly. Her head shot up as she clamped down on her bottom lip, holding in a pained yelp. It only persisted a few moments longer, but it seemed like an eternity to her. Even if it's killing me to do it...

The door behind Rarity slammed opened, the knob nearly crashing into the chair. The Administrator stomped in, settling in front of her.

"Okay, this is getting ridiculous now." She sighed, annoyed. "We're sure you're tired of this too. Just say a single pony's name and this will all end." the Administrator turned to the right, stepping in front of Rarity. Rarity glanced away, turning to her head to the right as she refused to speak, not allowing her the satisfaction of hearing her break.

"You know what?" The Administrator's voice shook as if she was having a hard time speaking. The control she carried in her voice was gone. "Fine. We don't care anymore. We're going to break you tonight." her hoof shuddered as she hiked the red bar up to the middle of the screen. A sudden shock went through Rarity, causing her to sharply gasp. Her eye flashed to light purple for a moment before returning to the previous dark purple color.

"Don't make us do this. You won't like this."

This is your opportunity! Take it!

No! You can't!

Rarity silently wept, the decision weighing heavy on her shoulders. I... I-I can't.... I can't continue.

"Why... why are you crying?"

Rarity glanced upwards towards the Administrator, surprised by the hesitation in her voice. The clock had slowly begun ticking, the tendrils attached to her becoming slightly translucent. The darkness in the room suddenly flashed, revealing it only for a second before returning to darkness. Is... is this it? Have I truly gone insane?

"We're doing something good... I- I'm doing something good, so why are you crying?"

"I... I give up... you win... do what you will with me." Rarity whispered, the darkness continued to disappear and reappear.

"What?" The Administrator seemed genuinely shocked, her head reviling back in horror. "No, no! That's not what I wanted!" her head lowered. She put her right forehoof to her forehead, her head slowly shaking. "I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen." the tendrils disappeared as the room became brighter, the clock beginning to tick. Her eye had brightened, becoming light purple. The Administrator removed her hoof, the room brightening as she stepped closer to Rarity.

"Please, don't hurt-"

Before Rarity had the chance to finish, the Administrator knelt down, wrapping her hooves around Rarity as she hugged her tightly. She rested her head on Rarity's right shoulder. "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." the Administrator whispered gently as not to assault Rarity's ears.

"W-who are you?" Rarity asked, genuinely curious as to who the pony currently inhabiting her torturer was. She was completely different, from being a cold-blooded, heartless mare to a compassionate, comforting one.

"I," The Administrator pulled her head back, frowning, her face straining as if she genuinely didn't know. "I don't remember. Everything is so fuzzy..."

"Fuzzy how?"

"I don't remember... anything." Her eye widened, before flashing dark purple. "No... they're coming back!" she brought a forehoof to her mane, tears in her eye and her voice shaking.

"W-Who?"

"Them! The N-!" The Administrator cried out in pain as she backed away, slipping on some fallen papers. She landed in her chair, rolling back. The room began to darken as the back of the chair came to rest against the wall. Her eye reappeared, dark purple.

"We..." She took a shaken breath before clearing her throat. "We apologize for pushing you so far." the Administrator grunted as she stood up. Her horn brightened, picking up the papers she had tripped over and resting them upon the edge of her desk. The dark cloud of magic motioned towards Rarity, surrounding the strap binding her right forehoof to the chair.

"Can you walk?" She asked as she walked out from behind her desk. Her magic pulled the strap from its velcro snare, releasing her hoof. The skin beneath had reddened, raw from Rarity's constant struggling and shaking.

"I-I am not entirely sure-" "Yes or no, can you walk?" The Administrator asked again, firmer, yet keeping a gentle voice. The second strap released, allowing Rarity to move her forehooves. She pushed up out of the chair, only for her hooves to collapse as she reached the ground, too weak and tired to catch her.

"We suppose not." She knelt down, slipping a hoof under Rarity's chest and lifting her, high enough to where she could stand.

"I don't think I can..."

"That is... acceptable. We have a spell that may help." Her horn brightened, a thin trail of magic slithering through the air, before slipping around Rarity's hooves. Rarity felt a new-found strength come about her, returning some energy to her fatigued hooves. The Administrator removed her hoof, allowing Rarity to stand on her own.

"It'll last long enough for you to get back to your room." Her horn brightened, something behind her clicking. "He'll be here in approximately two minutes. Try to stay awake, you only have to endure a little bit longer."

Rarity nodded, although barely. Her mind was tired, all she wanted was to sleep.

Sure enough, a couple of minutes later, there was a knock at her door.

"Ma'am? You ringed me?" The doctor asked from behind the door.

"Enter."

He opened the door, walking through wearing his usual white lab coat. HIs eyes cast a glance on Rarity for a moment, before returning to the Administrator. "Yes, ma'am?"

"We need you to take Rari- Subject #003 back to Subject #004's room. She's to be given a two-day respite from any research or experiments."

The doctor raised an eyebrow. "Are you all right, ma'am?"

"That's not your concern. Your concern should be that she gets back to her room, safely and unharmed. Now."

"Yes, ma'am." The doctor spoke quickly, taking Rarity by her right forehoof and gently pulling her away. "Don't worry sweetheart, you can count on me." he said quietly as they stepped out into the hall. Rarity could honestly care less about the stallion's remarks, she was just glad she would be able to rest. She blindly followed the stallion, unable to keep her eyes open any longer. Her head lowered, only her hooves remained energized.

"You feelin' alright, darling? You don't look so hot..."

All Rarity could manage was exhausted moan.

"That good, huh?" The stallion chuckled. "Watch your step, we're heading down some stairs." he tightened his grip around her hoof. Rarity managed to open an eye, keeping it planted on her hooves as she took a step. The staircase wrapped around its supporting beam, with ventilation tubes and small, metal tubes holding the ventilation in place. Even while fatigued, Rarity had a keen eye, noting that the doctor had a small cart sticking out. The stallion's last name was visible. Hm... Legacy. I need to remember that.

"I'll make sure these heathens don't get their hooves on you, don't worry." Legacy whispered. Rarity glanced to the right, seeing two doors, both leading to a locker room. The first was empty, however, the second was filled with stallions, clad in black, slick armor. So many, Rarity couldn't tell them apart. The only difference between the stallions was a lone, brown stetson hat sticking up, the top barely poking above the group. Is that...? Rarity blinked, squinting. Yet, when she looked a second time, the hat had disappeared. Before she had another chance to look back, they passed by the door, stealing the sight away from her. You're tired... it's just your imagination. she told herself as she looked forward, down the dimly-lit hall.

"Just a few more steps honey and you'll be home free." Legacy said, quickening his pace. They turned into a large, white door. An intercom stood overhead, in the middle of the wall above the door frame

"Please state your authorization card code, clearance level, and identification card."

He sighed. "I always thought this was too complex. A moment, if you will." Legacy stepped forward. "Authorization code: 24690142B. Clearance level: A. Aaaand..." he poked his mouth into his coat pocket, pulling out his ID. "Hwere!" Legacy looked back up to the door with his card pinched between his teeth.

The door remained closed and silent for a moment before a light beep sounded through the intercom above. "Twere." he turned back to his pocket, resting his card back inside. "Now. we're almost there." the pair stepped forward, trotting into the open room. There were four doors, two at the two opposing sides of the room, and two at the wall in front of them, stood in the middle of the wall with a foot or so separating them. "I believe your room is right... here." Legacy trotted up to the door on the left wall.

"Please repeat your authorization code."

"Ugh... I'm so updating your software for making this nice lady wait." He brought a hoof to the bridge of his snout before he sighed. "24690142B."

The door beeped, pushing out, beginning to shutter upwards.

"Authorization card recognized. Welcome, Dr. Lost Legacy."

"Ah, here we are. Just a few more steps."

Alas, Rarity didn't have didn't have a few more steps in her. The first step she took into her room, her hoof collapsed, her eye shutting as she fell forward.

"Whoa, there," Legacy(thankfully) caught her. "Alright, c'mon. We can make it..." he grunted, his voice waning as Rarity began to finally sleep.

Day Six

Alto grunted as he sat up. A small ball of sweat rolled down the side of his forehead. He wiped it away with a huff.

"Switching to single room frequency. Casting to: Subject #001."

"Still gnawing away at training, huh?"

"Nah." Alto, turned onto his stomach, planting his forehooves down as he began to do a few pushups. "Just my daily routine."

"I don't guess you're doing this on your own volition. Have someone you're trying to impress, hmm?"

"No." He huffed, going back down. "I don't need anybody but myself. You can join in if you think it'll do you any good."

"Oh-- haha! Very funny." The doctor spoke sarcastically. "Eclipse said the same about you. And I've got a mare of my own, thank you." He muttered under his breath.

Alto suddenly stumbled, his hooves suddenly giving out on him. He bumped snout first into the tile. With a groan, he turned onto his back.

"She said what?"

"Oh, yeah. She said she couldn't care what we did to you. Whatever the hay happened musta been bad."

"I didn't-- she needs to--" Alto stumbled over his words, before exhaling a loud sigh. "Could you leave me alone, please? I need to concentrate on getting this done."

"Fine then. Just thought you should know." The doctor said happily.

"Switching to all room frequency."

"Bucking mare... like I need her." Alto whispered, before turning back onto his stomach and returning to his exercise regime.

Rarity awoke with a quiet yawn. Her mane had been washed, cut, and freshly styled, her coat was freshly cleaned, her hooves had been recently pedicured, and the device that had been around her horn was placed on the table in front of her. My hooves-- She glanced down, seeing the leather hanging at the sides of the chair. This is my opportune moment! I can escape this Tartarus! Rarity quickly stood. The sore, stiff feeling that had plagued her was gone. She quickly galloped past the chair, grabbing the door handle. The handle jiggled, moving, but locked.

Oh no! There must be a key somewhere! Rarity quickly galloped behind the desk. Her magic pulled open each drawer open, looking through them. She inspected each element of each door until she finally spotted one. Rarity took a surgical mask as well before she closed the drawers, tying it over her mouth as her magic guided the key into the lock. She jiggled the key, before it managed to turn, unlocking the door. It slowly swung open, revealing the empty facility's gray concrete floor and drywall panels. Cords and different electronic utility devices were visible, clearly built in a rushed and hurried manner.

This is it! She rushed down the hall. Her hoof traced over the glass panel, seeing the now empty room, one of which she had been held in. But... Where is everypony else?

Thunk

Rarity looked forward. The hallway in front of her had suddenly been carved out, replaced by her bedroom at the Carousel Boutique. She took a step forward before she heard another loud thump from the other side of the room. There was a window, clouded by black, dark clouds. A dark mare stood in the mirror, facing the opposite direction. Her purple coat was almost instantly recognizable, and her purple and pink-striped mane told volumes about who she was to Rarity. She gasped. "Twilight!" Rarity galloped towards. The figure disappeared as soon as she came close to the window.

"What...?" She turned back to her bedroom, now replaced by the same window. This time, the mare was faced towards her. Rarity gasped, noticing the mare's face. Or rather, the lack thereof.

"Why?" They both asked. "Why did you all leave me?"

"No..." Rarity turned back to the glass panel, replaced by a window. Another identical mare without a face was facing towards her. She turned to the first one, realizing it had turned towards her too.

"Why?" The trio questioned again. "Why did you leave me behind?"

"W-we didn't! We couldn't go after you!" Rarity called.

"You left her." They repeated one after the other, their coat colors changing from purple to azure, from azure to orange, from orange to sky blue. Rarity backed away, only to bump into something, causing it to crack. She turned back. The same figure was staring at her through a cracked window. Her coat shifted from purple to butterscotch.

"You left her." They repeated at the same time. Rarity crouched down, covering her ears.

"I-I didn't! I'm sorry!"

"Betrayer," "Traitor," "Backstabber," The voices whispered into her ears. Her guilt was beginning to become too much to bear.

"I didn't mean to!" Rarity called out in desperation. "Stop!" She ordered. The voices, as if they followed her command, suddenly stopped. Rarity looked back up, finding that the mirrors had disappeared. She was back in the facility. Nothing was out of place. Everything had been just as she left it.

W-What just... What just occurred? Rarity looked around, confirming everything was normal. She cautiously stood.

"You betrayed her."

Rarity gasped, turning around. The Administrator was standing behind her. Three jagged, black tendrils of magic pointed towards Rarity, leading back to her stomach and chest.

"And justice will be served." The tendrils rushed towards her.

Nova grunted as he sat down. He had dreaded this all day, but there was no avoiding it-- Eclipse would pester him endlessly if he missed a chance to speak with her, especially after yesterday.

"You there Eclipse?"

"Yeah." She sighed, unable to contain her remorse anymore. "Look, I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to bring up that-- I mean, I did, but--" Eclipse groaned. "Why does this have to be so hard..."

"It's okay, trust me. It's ancient history, I don't mind talking about it." Nova chuckled. It was a rarity that Eclipse was ever so flustered, or at least in the short time he had known her.

"All right, just as long as I'm not freaking you out." She exhaled, relieved that she hadn't hurt him. "Just-- whenever you want."

Nova nodded, as if he could see her, and took a breath. "My mom... She never really wanted another baby. I never actually found out why. Maybe they were too poor, maybe she was too sickly or too weak, or perhaps she just didn't want me..." He glanced down at himself. I guess she was right if she didn't want me...

"I never really met my father either. He wasn't around for my birth, and my sister never really speaks about him. I guess it's for the best- don't want to get my hopes too high on meeting him." He chuckled, though it was definitely not a laughing matter.

Eclipse had already begun to regret this. She could tell from the strain in his voice that he still wasn't fully over it. "Y-you have a sister?" She figured that a chance of topics, even if it were temporary, would help.

Nova smiled. "Mmhm, her name is Static. She took care of me for a while until we found someplace else to stay. Worked two jobs and she was barely a fully grown mare." He loved his sister, and most importantly, he respected her, more than anything in the world. "But, I'm getting ahead of myself." Nova straightened his posture.

"My mom died giving birth me." He paused. Even though they had never met, it still stung talking about her passing. "Long story short, my sis and me were left alone. They made us leave the hospital eventually because we didn't have any reason to be there. She was out on the streets for weeks, weeks with me. Father hadn't even told my grandpa that Mom had died. He had to find out himself when the Canterlot guard found Static trying to steal some food. He took us in, and, thankfully, he had some money left in his retirement fund, so we lived relatively comfortably, even though my sis worked two jobs when the time came that she could legally work." Nova’s voice sounded strained. He tried so hard to hide that he was angry and hurt, but even he could tell it was obvious.

"He sounds like a good pony."

"Mmhm, he was." Nova frowned. "He passed away six months ago."

"O-oh..."

Why am I so stupid?! Eclipse questioned herself. She had taken every wrong turn since yesterday.

"He was the closest thing I've ever had to a dad... no, he was my dad." A tear came to his eyes. "And now... now I'm a idiot, Static is depressed, and I'm gonna lose it all before I can even get out of this fucking hellhole." He cursed, his voice shaking. "She's all that I have left in this world... a-and I'm gonna lose her."

"W... Why do you think that?"

"Why not, Eclipse?!" He slammed his hoof against the ground. "I've searched this cell as much as I can. There's nothing I can pull off or break off so we can at least try to escape!" His emotions were too much for him to contain. Eclipse was a similar state, her rage bubbling up.

"You can't just give up on your sister like that! How dare you!"

"Buck you! How could you know anything I'm going through?! How could you know what it's like to be me?!"

"Because I've lost my parents too!"

Nova's world came to a screeching halt. In all his sadness and anger, he hadn't considered that possibility. He had missed that variable in his calculation.

"Eclipse--"

"I watched the home I grew up in burn to the ground with my parents trapped inside!" Her voice cracked and broke as she stumbled through the sentence. "I-I wasn't like you, I had it easy! But you got off not knowing what happened! I remember every cry for help, I-I remember my hooves and back being singed from trying to lift a burning beam off the door, I remember my baby brother asking 'where are mommy and daddy'!" She managed to finish before her despair overwhelmed her anger.

"Eclipse..." Nova's voice was weak, taking a rest from the strain it had just been put on. "I-I had no idea..."

Eclipse managed a choked sob, her tears flowing down her cheeks as she pulled her hind hooves to her chest, hugging them closer with her forehooves. Nova could hear her through the wall, worsening his already tremendous guilt. He put a gentle hoof to the depression in the wall. Eclipse felt it bump against her side, causing her to freeze.

"I'm sorry." He apologized. Eclipse cautiously put a hoof to the bump, squeezing it. She needed something else to focus on.

"H... How recent was it?"

"T-Three months." She whispered, wiping her eyes with her free hoof.

"Where?"

"I don't wanna talk about it..." Eclipse muttered quietly. "please."

"Okay." Nova squeezed her hoof tightly. "I understand. Just let me know when you do."

"I... I'm sorry." Eclipse quietly said. "It's just- I've had nightmares about it since it happened. It-It replays in my head every few nights a week. It's happened every night this week... it-it must be the stress." She sighed.

"It's fine. I understand, trust me." Nova smiled from behind the wall.

"Thank you--"

Pshh

The wall suddenly straightened, tightening and forcing the two hooves away from each other. Another piston hissed as the wall slowly dropped.

"What?" Nova questioned. There was another hiss as the pad beside it suddenly lifted, moving to take the place of the one beside it as it retracted into the wall. A small control panel had been hidden, with one large, red button.

"Do you...?"

"Yeah, my wall moved too." Eclipse said quietly. Nova slowly, cautiously moved his hoof towards the opening. He crossed into Eclipse's cell.

"I think it's okay--" Nova jerked as a sudden shock went through his hoof. "Horseapples!" He fell back onto his back.

"You okay?

"Yeah, just-- Celestia, I wasn't expecting that." Nova rubbed his forehoof as he straightening himself, sitting back on his knees.

"I should go. We'll have to sleep soon." Eclipse's voice was a whisper, frail and tired. She stood, her hooves visible now thanks to the hole in the wall. Nova stood, trotting away. He figured he'd go for the same reason.

Day Seven

Rarity awoke, coming to consciousness. She opened her eyes, looking around the room she was in. The same white padded walls, she felt the same tiles underneath her. She was back in the rooms.

"You're awake."

Rarity jumped at the voice, looking around the room. Thankfully, it had not been the Administrator, Nurse Cura, or the doctor. It was just Nova. She smiled.

"Oh, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Rarity sighed, standing as Nova trotted up to her.

"I was afraid you'd be out of it for good. The doctor told me what that mare was doing to you..." Nova glanced away, clearly uncomfortable as he took a step back. "I'm really sorry you had to go through that. You could've given me a night or two. I could've helped."

"Don't fret, darling. I selected to do that myself."

"I know... but I can't help but feel like I could've done something."

Rarity put a hoof on his right shoulder. He glanced up at her with a rose blush on his face.

"Trust me, it was perfectly fine." She said with a smile. Nova took a breath before nodding.

"Sorry to interrupt this lovely moment," the doctor said through the intercom, a twinge of jealousy in his voice. "Subject #003, the Administrator has decided to give you a two-day break. If I were you, I'd rest up." He advised her.

"Switching to all room frequency."

"Well, on that note, I suppose I shall retire to my room. I should get my rest before she summons me back to her." Rarity turned, trotting towards the door to the left.

"Wrong door." Nova noted. Rarity quietly gasped, before giggling.

"Oh, sorry. My room is the opposite." She turned back, trotting towards the door to the right. Rarity went through into the small area where she and Nova had first met. She pushed through to her room, greeted by a stainless steel cart, with tons of different perfumes, makeup, hairspray, and even scissors and a brush to style her mane properly. Another cart sat behind it, with a plate of fruit salad in the middle of it. All of them were brand-name, and all were some of Rarity's favorites.

What is all this? How did they know which I preferred? Rarity questioned as she stepped forward. She walked up to the second cart before noticing that a small note had been left beside the plate. Her horn brightened with her magic as she lifted the note up eye-level and began to read.

Dearest Rarity,

I'm We're sorry for pushing you so far with that experiment, especially considering it was one of your first. We hope this will be enough to portray that we're remorseful. We've ordered the doctor to leave you out of the research period for the next two days, to give you some time to recover. You probably hate me You're likely to show some... resentment towards us, which is perfectly fine. We're not here to become friends, we're here to experiment, you of all ponies should know that.

You're likely to be tired, even with the extended amount of sleep you've had. Thankfully, we did not have it at such a high voltage to cause any permanent damage, so you will be back on your hooves soon.

S The Administrator

There were a few more lines, but they all had been scribbled out. Rarity smiled as she lowered the note. I knew she wasn't all bad. she trotted up to her pod, resting it on the inside of the metal bars, before returning to the first cart, using her magic to lift the hairspray and comb, beginning to restyle her mane.

Experiment #02

"Switching to pod frequencies. Casting to: all subjects."

Eclipse suddenly gasped, a loud thump against the side of the pod waking her from her slumber. Her pod's lights were still dimmed, making it near impossible to see too far outside.

"Okay, subjects. Today is not following our usual schedule. Instead, we'll be doing our experiment first, then a research period, and finally you can relax." The doctor noted. "Subjects #001 and #002, you may want to hold onto something solid inside your pod."

Before Eclipse had any time to react, the pod suddenly flipped onto its front, sending her crashing into the already weakened glass and metal panels that had kept the pod somewhat intact from her assault on it the previous week.

"Can't say I didn't warn you." The doctor laughed. "Now, get your body off my pod, you'll smear the glass," he added.

"Buck you..." She pushed up against the metal panels, using her teeth to rip a small hole in the top of it. Eclipse slipped her right wing into it, contracting it as she pulled herself up, managing to slip the left wing in to get some extra grip on the sheet. Thankfully, the vinyl sheets had been sewn into the edges of the pads of the pod.

The pod door slowly began to open, the gears squeaking as it opened halfway, just enough for Eclipse to fall out if she were to let go.

"The computer will automatically open it a little bit more every fifteen to thirty minutes. It'll continue until either the pod door is fully open or one of you falls."

"So?" Alto Volare's voice could be heard. A panel to the right of Eclipse lowered, showing Alto and his pod in his room. He had slipped into the glass door of the pod, holding onto his own sheet. "A fall from this height won't kill us."

"That's where the floor tiles come in."

Eclipse looked down to them. Nothing seemed to be different or wrong about them... but she couldn't see them very well since she was so high up.

"They look normal. At least try to seem convincing when you know you're bluffing." Alto claimed. The doctor exhaled.

"They're not. I mean, you can choose not to believe me, but if you want to find out for yourself, let go."

Alto glanced down to the floor. He was almost certain the stallion was lying. Almost. And the prospect of trying it out himself to see if he was lying or not wasn't very likely.

"What's wrong with them?" Alto asked. The doctor didn't respond. "Hey!"

"Disconnecting from pod frequencies: Subjects #001 and #002."

Alto snarled, kicking the pod door. "Son of a--" "Alto!"

He glanced over at her. "Oh, what do you want?" Alto replied, clearly not happy to see her after everything the doctor had told him.

"You need to calm down."

"What the hay do I have to be calm about?! You're a pegasus; you can fly out of this! I don't have wings!" Alto exclaimed before the pod door shook again, sending a gasp through him. Eclipse internally screamed as she released the sheet, flying between the narrow slit between the pod and the door, hovering in place in front of the open panel. She reluctantly went towards the open panel.

"Fine, fine. I'll just--" A sudden zap of electricity went through her hooves. Her wings suddenly gave out as she fell.

"Eclipse!" Alto called. Eclipse opened her wings, managing to recover a few feet before hitting the tiles. "You had better be okay!"

"Ugh..." She groaned. "I'm fine!" Eclipse called back, although she wasn't entirely sure that she was. Her wings were tingling from the electricity.

"Switching to single room frequency. Connecting to: Subject #002.

"Forgot to mention, Subject #002, you'll be shocked if you try to make physical contact with his room. As I said, this ends only when you or he hit the tiles. Subject #001 is just going to have to rely on his own strength, and you're going to have to rely on your own ability to fly. Good luck."

"Horseapples!" Alto cursed under his breath.

"Switching to all room frequency."

"Well, what the hay are we gonna do now…?" He said quietly.

"We can figure this out, don't worry." Eclipse ascended higher, returning to the open panel. She inspected over the edges of it, focusing on anything that looked out of place or weak. "Look at the panels around the opening. See if anything's changed. If we're lucky they might have left something for us to exploit."

"We'd better hurry then."

Nova looked around his room, contained inside his own pod. He had gotten into a habit of waking up earlier than anypony else since he had awoken to Rarity's screams a few days ago. That's weird... The doctor hasn't let me out yet. Maybe he's just running late?

"Switching to single pod frequency. Connecting to: Subject #004."

"Computer, power off all lights excluding the interior and exterior pod lights," the doctor ordered. "Lucky you. Since you're awake the earliest, I get to experiment with you first without having to focus on anypony else. Aren't you excited?" He said with a morbid, yet giddy joy.

"Just leaping with joy..." Nova sarcastically said. He was dreading it.

"The Administrator has ordered that I run a specific experiment on you. Hey, she might be in it herself, I dunno. I'm kinda... Well, left in the dark for lack of a better term." He chuckled. "Ooo, they're here already!"

"Who?"

"You'll see."

The hiss of pistons sounded outside the pod as a battalion of hoofsteps trotted up to the back of Nova's pod.

"Well, well, well... What do we have here?" A mare's voice questioned, before chuckling quietly. It was a different one than the one that had visited them in the previous days, "What do you guys think? I think this one'll like us! Not like all those other, boring ponies. About as fun as a bag of dirt."

A roar of laughter began to erupt as the banging of hooves hitting the metal of the pod filled the inside. Nova rattled inside, fear running through him.

"All right, all right, go easy on the pod. I'm on a budget."

"Oops- sorry doc." The mare's light hoofsteps trotted around the pod. She stepped to the front of the pod, revealing her pink coat, clad in black, padded armor, strands of pink stitched across the chest and down the hooves. Her puffy pink mane rolled over her shoulders and hid her ears, almost making them invisible. She stood in front of the pod door, revealing both her dark blue eyes and the black metal bat to Nova. One of her servants followed her, wearing similar but lighter armor, as well as a bat with a black grip and a white tip. His head tilted askew, confused by why the unknown mare was approaching him.

"Oooo, you're the newbie!" She chimed in excitement.

"Um..." He suddenly jumped, a small smile stamped on his face. "You're Pinkie Pie! The Element of Laughter!"

Oh?" She tilted her head slightly. "You already know me?"

"Of course! You're an Element of Harmony, who doesn't?!" Nova chuckled, giddy. "I always wanted to meet you and your friends, but I never would've imagined it'd be-" His movements came to a screeching halt, suddenly realizing that this was still an experiment.

"Wait... what are you doing here? Why are you working for that mare?"

"Well, let's just say that I sorta, kinda, owe her a looooooot." Pinkie Pie admitted although she didn't seem too sad about being indebted to the mare. "Anyways, why don't we get started? Doc, open the door already!"

"Gotcha." Legacy replied with the click of a button. The pod door hissed as it opened slowly. Pinkie Pie slipped her forehoof under the door, forcing it up. She smiled widely, tilting her head slightly as the group of stallions crowded behind her. "Don't worry, we're gonna have a lot of fun today!" She took a step back, the smile still plastered on her face as the stallions yanked Nova to the floor. The squad of stallions began to unsheathed their bats, one by one, beating him mercilessly.

"Well, at least, I will..." She whispered, watching with a smile.

Rarity blindly followed the forehoof leading her. She had been blindfolded by Nurse Cura once again before being pulled out of her room. The hallway was filled with different voices to her left, chattering on about scientific statistics, how bad the coffee was, or experiments being performed as she passed by clicking and tinkering of machines to her right, busy recording data, alerting scientists to new information, and buzzing overhead of the ventilation system kicking in.

"I hope I don't need to tell you where we're going."

"No, no, darling." Rarity knew too well of where she was going; the Administrator's office.

"I'm not your darling." Nurse Cura replied coldly. Rarity wanted to give her an angry glare but was obviously inhibited. She withheld her discretions for the moment.

"Stairs up ahead. " Nurse Cura warned. Rarity followed her up them with little problem, A door opened, before Rarity was pushed inside. She barely managed to get her tail in before it slammed behind her, propelled by dark purple magic. The blindfold was quickly removed by the same magic.

"Sit," the Administrator ordered from her leather chair, pointing at the chair, which Rarity had become somewhat accommodated to. At least, as much as she could be, knowing that something horrendous would follow. She sat down in it reluctantly.

That monitor... Does she have it in use? Rarity questioned in her thought, just noticing that it had still been turned on, but without the red bar and her heart rate.

"We feel like today, you could use another break. We've pushed you hard so far, and we don't want you breaking before our fun has begun." The Administrator's magic gently strapped the leather bindings over Rarity's hooves. "So, here's all you have to do." She leaned up from her chair, flipping the monitor's power switch on. The monitor suddenly cut to a four by four square of security cameras. The top left had a picture of an earth pony stallion, hanging from his suspended pod by a white sheet, and the top right was a pegasus mare, hovering around an open panel to the previous stallion's room. The bottom left was static, and the bottom right was green, as the night vision feature of the camera had kicked in. There were at least five or six stallions surrounding something on the floor, with a lone figure watching in the distance. "You watch their experiments."

"Why? It is not like I am going to freely follow your every whim."

"We don't want you to, but perhaps we could offer a trade?"

Rarity raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You've captured my attention..."

She grinned from under her mask. "We thought that would." the Administrator leaned forward. "We're willing to give you a chance to stop their experiments early."

Her intrigue quickly shifted to confusion. "And precisely why would you do that? What would you attain from permitting me to stop your sick experiments?"

"You're getting ahead of us." The Administrator stood, trotting past her desk. "You may stop all these experiments at once, on one condition."

"And what might that be?"

The Administrator kneeled, allowing Rarity a full view of her masked face. "Tell us, who do you think we are?"

"How am I supposed to know with all certainty?"

"You aren't supposed to. That's the point. Think of it as a memory test. You've met us before." She sat back, but just close enough to her head and face to in the light.

Rarity stared at her, squinting as she tried to decipher any other unique facial features under the mare's mask.

"Queen Chrysalis?"

The Administrator chortled. "What reason would she? She's made peace with her former enemies, try again."

Rarity's attention was suddenly turned back to the screen, where a large red button was flashing in the top left corner. The earth pony's sheet had begun to tear, and the pod door had opened a little further, destabilizing him. The group at the bottom had dispelled, leaving an alone pony standing in the middle of the room with...

"Nova?"

"Oh, we guess that our task force was blocking your view. Yes, that's him."

"Why are hurting him? What has he done?"

"He's shown something... special about him. We want to drive that out, see what he's really made of. But if you're uncomfortable with that, you can stop it at any time." The Administrator chuckled. Rarity turned her attention back to her, trying her hardest to sort through all the bad ponies she had met in her lifetime to see if she could get a match.

Eclipse worked quickly, trying to find something-- anything that would allow her to slip through. Time was quickly running out.

"What the hay is taking so long?!"

"Shut it!" Eclipse ordered as she hovered to the side of the open panel, trying to push it to the side to see if the stallion had perhaps forgotten to extend it to that one. It wouldn't budge, even for her strength.

"No-- My sheet is ripping! You need to hurry!" Alto barked as he wrapped the sheet around his right forehoof.

"Why should I?" She stopped, looking back to him. Her dam of anger had finally broken. "What makes you think that I wanted to be saved?"

Alto suddenly stopped, his mouth hanging ajar as he turned to her. His eyes were filled with regret.

"What... Eclipse..." "No, let me speak. Let me speak because I have been holding this in for months- years." Her voice was filled with hatred. Alto inhaled a deep breath before nodding.

" When I saw my house on fire, I- I wanted to fight. So hard..." Her voice shook. "I wanted to save them... e-even if I knew it was a long shot... I thought that everything I had- everything was gone. M... Maybe..." Eclipse's voice broke as she continued. "Maybe I wanted to join them... b-but you wouldn't let me..."

"Eclipse!" Alto called back. She didn't care for his pitiful attempts at feigning his remorse.

"I-I had no idea--" "Shut up," Eclipse ordered. Alto stumbled over his words before becoming silent.

Nova’s breath was rapid, barely able to catch it after the vicious attack. His right eye was black and swollen shut from the assault, not to mention his aching hooves and bruised ribs.

"You're a tough cookie, aren't you?" Pinkie leaned down with a chuckle, staring at him. "I looooooove tough cookies. Especially the little crunch that they make once you bite through them. I wonder if you can make that sound too." She giggled maniacally. "Don't worry though, we still have a lot of fun in store!"

"Why..." Nova sharply inhaled, trying to catch his breath. His chest felt so tight. "Why are you doing this? Y- You're an Element of Harmony..." He wheezed. "You're supposed to be a symbol..."

"Because the Admin tells me to. Besides, it's so much fun!" She winded up the bat with her hoof. Nova winced, lifting his forehooves to protect from the imminent strike. A sudden buzzing interrupted her. She released her bat before hopping up, pressing her freed hoof against her right ear.

"Yello?" The buzzing became louder as she turned, a black, circular earpiece in her ear. "Ah, okay. All right." she giggled aloud, certainly tickled by whatever the pony was saying. "Got it. Thanks for the info." Pinkie turned back to him. "That was the Admin, and she just had an amazing idea!" She knelt down, retrieving her bat. "Wouldn't it be fun if your big-sis joined in on the fun too?!"

Nova held his tongue. He knew it was just a ploy, he wasn't going to allow it to get to him. Not yet.

"Just imagine what we could do!" Her right forehoof pressed against the earpiece. "Can she come in the next cycle?! Can we?! Pleeeeease?! She lives in Canterlot, right?" she released it, turning to Nova. "In your grandpa's old house, right? Or at Ms. de Lis'?"

She's just trying to get to me... don't listen to her... Nova reminded himself, trying to steady his breathing to try and control his anger.

"Oh... you look angry?" Pinkie knelt down, resting her bat down at her side. A quiet buzzing preoccupied her for a moment. "Ooo, home right now! Why don't we go get her?"

That made him snapped. His sister was in imminent danger, he couldn't sit idly by while she was in trouble.

"C'mon, let's go!" Her right forehoof came forward, going for Nova's right shoulder. He slapped it away.

Pinkie smiled widely. "Now you're starting to join in on the fun!" she stood. "But don't get too busy yet, we still have to pick up Static-" "You aren't doing that to her!" he barked. Nobody would threaten his sister. Nobody. She giggled loudly, excited by the prospect of picking up his sister.

Nova grunted as he forced himself up, in spite of his injuries. "Stop it!" he trotted up to her while casting an irate scowl at her. Her laughter slowed to a stop, her curled lips slowly straightening. "Oh... you're that one out of the group. You gotta be a party-pooper."

He stepped towards her, yet the pink mare held her ground. Her mane slowly began to deflate, resting on the right side of her face. A stallion stepped towards her.

"Ma'am--" "No, I'm fine. He's mine." Pinkie stopped the stallion who had stepped up, allowing Nova to stay momentarily.

"Well, since you're gonna be a grumpy-grouch, maybe your sister'll enjoy my party." She turned away from him, pressing her hoof to her right ear. He quickly grabbed it, pulling her away. Pinkie turned back to him with an annoyed glare. "Why are you doing this?! You already ruined my fun!"

"Ooo..." Legacy watched in awe, the tapping of a pen following him.

Nova looked at Pinkie, it taking everything for him to resist hurting her. She smirked at him, before nodding. "Alright, that's how you wanna be then?! Fine!"

He fired a bolt of magic at her, only for her to jump to the side, dodging it. It burnt a hole in pads, deep into the metal. "All right, we have what we need." Pinkie Pie stated. Her task force quickly galloped to Nova, taking him down to the floor.

"Let me go!" He pushed up against them, his previous timidness completely gone, replaced with rage.

"No, no! We need more results! Keep going!"

"Don't worry doctor, we'll get what you need since this stallion doesn't like me anymore." She walked up to her group of stallions. "Lift him up. Make sure he can't move his hooves." Pinkie ordered. The stallions did as she said, one of them holding him up as four others spread out his hooves to assure he couldn't move them.

"What exactly are you gonna do if I go get your sis, huh?" She asked, stepping forward. "We'll have a lot of fun together and I won't invite you!"

"You won't get your hooves on her!" He kicked at her. She sidestepped it and slugged to his stomach. Nova grunted, folding inwards.

"We could've had a lot of fun today, but noooo. You had to ruin it." Pinkie added, still clearly bitter. Nova's stomach and chest crumbled, his head following. The wind had been knocked out of him, almost along with his lunch.

"Get him back in the pod," she ordered. The stallions lifted him up and threw him in. Nova tried to shove his way out, only for one of them to return, holding him in. "Legacy, lock it down for a while. He'll need to cool off, y'know?"

"Mmhm. Already ahead of you."

The pod began to slowly shut. The stallion waited until the last moment to let go of Nova. Nova rushed for the pod door, but it was already shutting. "Thanks, doc." Pinkie added, some of her enthusiasm returning to her voice. Nova grumbled quietly, kicking the pod door.

The bottom right screen cut to black. All that was left was the top right and the top left.

"King Sombra?"

"You're just guessing at this point." The Administrator exhaled aloud. "Do we sound like a stallion?"

"Well, if you would be so kind enough to remove that mask... perhaps it could aid me."

"No, we can't make it too easy for you. Although we can tell you that we're somepony you've met before. Now, continue."

Rarity looked downwards. Suddenly, a name came to her head. "Princess Luna? Nightmare Moon?"

"Ah, now you're inching closer. We've been with her before. Alas, things worked out terribly for us, so she cannot go unpunished."

"So she knew you? You were friends- perhaps you were even a servant of hers?" Rarity questioned. The Administrator simply smiled under her mask, remaining silent.

"Oh, looks like our next experiment is about to be over." She pointed to the top left square. The sheet had ripped in half. The stallion was barely hanging on. "Better hurry, we think his grip is starting to fail him."

"Eclipse..."

She ignored his calls. Honestly, she could care less about him right now. She was hurt, and it was because of him.

Alto huffed with a sigh. "I didn't want to lose you, okay?"

Eclipse's head rose, suddenly interested in him. He pursed his lips, before sighing.

"I... I didn't mean... " He paused and cleared his throat. "I didn't let you go because you would have died, 'Clipse." Alto confessed. "Look- I- I don't have anybody. Not since you left. Not even Ma understands.." He confessed. "I know it's selfish... b-but I'd be all alone in this world if you were gone." His voice shook slightly, tears stinging his eyes. "I need my best friend back. I am so sorry if I hurt you, but please, if this is really it, I don't want to leave you on bad terms."

Eclipse, with a quivering smile and tears in her eyes, quickly hovered back up, coming into Alto's line of vision.

"Eclipse?"

"I'm gonna get you out." She pushed against the right panel, trying to break through.

"Eclipse... We both know it's hopeless."

"N-no--" Eclipse pushed against it harder

"I'm relieved we could end this on good terms." Alto smiled. Eclipse looked over to him, only a small bit of the sheet left, and his pod door was fully open.

"No-- I can get you out!"

"It's not going to happen, Eclipse." He looked down to the tiled floor, awaiting his fate. Eclipse's mind raced. I could use the blanket as a rope-- No, too short. Try to reach through-- I'll get shocked. Buck, buck! Her mind raced as she tried to find something to save him. Then, there was one small detail she had remembered.

"This ends only when you or he hits the tiles."

Eclipse looked down to the floor, then up to Alto.

"There's still one way." She turned back, flying down.

"Eclipse?" Alto called back as she flew down towards the floor. "Eclipse?!"

Eclipse closed her eyes as she slowly glided down to the floor, waiting for something.

The two top squares cut out to a black screen. Rarity gasped, just having witnessed both the mare and the stallion fall.

"Time's up."

"Please-- Please tell me they're okay!"

The Administrator shrugged her shoulders. "We have doctors if they're not. But let's move on to more important things." The Administrator leaned forward. "You've got one more chance. Tell me who we are."

Rarity gulped nervously. If she were the pony she had been thinking of, this would get ugly.

Rarity chewed her bottom lip. "P-Perhaps you're Princess Cadence?"

The Administrator's face lightly brightened under her mask. "No... no, we wish we could be like her. Kind, caring, helpful... She's the good one." She spoke warmly of Cadence.

"The good what?"

"The good alicorn. What other is there?"

"Princess Celestia and Luna-" The Administrator slammed her hoof against the desk, causing Rarity to jump in the middle of her thought. "Don't speak of them. They're no heroes, there no saviors, they're two cowards who were lucky enough to be born into royalty. They send their officers and soldiers to do their dirty work for them. As if they're above the rest of us... as if they're not ponies too." The Administrator spoke with utter disdain for the pair of rulers.

"Whatever do you mean?"

She growled, removing her hoof. "What do you think happens to the ponies you defeat after Celestia or Luna get their hooves on them? They're tossed into dungeons or locked them away for months, years, sometimes centuries at a time like Discord. They've even banished ponies from their own world like poor Sunset-" the Administrator paused suddenly, realizing the information she had just disclosed.

Rarity blinked, reviewing over what she had just heard to make sure she had heard her correctly. "'How would you know about Sunset Shimmer?"

"We should finish this." The Administrator grunted as she stood.

"No, wait, you answer me this instant!" Rarity demanded as if she were in a dispute with her younger sister. The Administrator stared her down, killing any defiance within Rarity.

"It will all become clear soon. Just remain patient."

The Administrator's horn brightened, slipping over the front of the mask to the back. It slowly slipped its way across the string, going back behind her head. The magic quickly undid the strings, pulling them to the sides. Rarity stared at her as she waited for the mask to fall--

Click

The door squeaked open. The Administrator gasped, not expecting somepony to be coming in. Rarity glanced back looking for the pony.

"Oh. P." She said, relieved as she tied the strings of the mask back behind her head.

"Hiya, Admin. I've got my status-" Pinkie Pie stepped to the desk before noticing Rarity, as lively and enthusiastic as ever. She sat a folder on The Administrator's desk before turning to Rarity, her mane puffy. "Oh, Rarity! You're the last one, aren't you?!" She turned to her. Rarity was breathless.

"P-Pinkie?" She questioned, horrified to see that her friend had become caught in this web too. "W-What do you mean, 'the last one'?"

"You're the last piece of the puzzle! We'll finally reach the end of our game!"

"What game?!"

"The game, silly!" Pinkie giggled. "How can't you know about the game?!"

"Don't worry P, she'll know what her purpose is soon enough." The Administrator said. Pinkie nodded. "Don't forget, you and A are supposed to experiment with her tomorrow."

"Oh-- right! Almost forgot!" Pinkie turned to Rarity with a morbid excitement, leaning close to her face. "I can't wait to toy with you! A'll love it!"

"Pinkie, please. Consider what you're about to attempt--" "Nope, nope, nope! Not changing my mind, Ms. Fashionista! It'll be fun anyways, you'll enjoy it!" She rotated back towards the door, trotting away.

"And once we start with you, you'll be begging for mercy in minutes." Pinkie said, any sort of joking manner leaving her voice. She chuckled lowly, growing into laughter as she trotted out of the room. Rarity gulped nervously, turning back to the Administrator.

"Please, don't--"

"Release."

Rarity gasped, returning to unconsciousness with that spell.

Nothing came. No swift swipe of a blade, no shock to render her helpless, no toxin pumped into her room to choke her... nothing.

"What...?" She opened her eyes, looking around. Nothing had changed. Everything was exactly the same as before. "Oh, you have to be kidding me..."

"Eclipse!"

"It's safe! Drop down!"

"What?!"

"Switching to single room frequency. Connecting to: Subject #002."

"Oh, come on. Did you honestly think I'd kill you? I may want to experiment, but I have some morals."

"You're bucking jerk, you know that?" Alto said as he dropped down.

"Aww-- I'm sorry I used some of the tension between you. But look on the bright side, you two lovebirds are on good terms now!"

"We're not lovebirds." They replied. The doctor laughed. "Sure, sure... Now, let's get onto the research period and you'll be done."

ErroR: Initiating Lockdown

"Return."

Rarity gasped. She blinked, clearing her blurry vision. The Administrator and Pinkie Pie stood at either side of her. She tried to lean up, but her head had been tied down, along with each of her hooves. The device unfocusing her magic was still atop her horn. The Administrator glanced up at Pinkie.

"A is running late." She noted. Rarity looked around the room, her heart rate slowly beginning to rise. The room was completely white. Only a silver cart and gray cabinets to her right stood out. The cart held medical tools such as syringes and scalpels, while the cabinets held more practical things like rope and a hammer, as well as a few strange things mixed between the two, such as black earmuffs and a blindfold atop the cabinet.

"She's taking forever..." Pinkie sighed aloud, her head falling and her mane covering her face.

"Go get her."

"Okay!" Pinkie's head shot back up as she quickly ran past Rarity and the Administrator.

"H... How did you get control of her?"

She simply smiled, remaining silent. "You'll find out soon enough"

"Why? Why are you targeting us?"

"Oh, Rarity. We thought you were supposed to be the sharpest now." She sighed, disappointed.

"Why?" Rarity asked breathlessly. What wasn't she getting?

The Administrator grinned beneath her mask. "Think for a moment. What stopped Nightmare Moon when she returned?"

Rarity gasped breathlessly. There's no way- she couldn't!

The Administrator smiled, seeing the fear in Rarity's face. "Even fragmented, the Elements of Harmony are still a powerful tool. So, instead of blindly rushing in as she did, we've spent these last few years collecting all of you. Guess what?" she bent downwards, towards Rarity's left ear. "You're the last of the group, the final trial before we may begin our rule," she whispered. "After you, there'll be nothing anypony can do to stop our conquest, not even Celestia or Luna."

"You- you won't!" Rarity turned to her. "I won't let you!"

"And what exactly will you do to stop us?"

"Something! Anything I need to!" She proclaimed. Rarity absolutely could not let herself become like the others. The very fate of Equestria depended on it.

"Found her!"

The Administrator calmly straightened her neck, turning back to Pinkie.

"Ah-Ah'm sorry, ma'am. I-I musta forgot."

Applejack... not you too. Rarity looked to the left, seeing an open door with Applejack standing in the doorframe. She was wearing her usual stetson brown hat, with black armor very similar to Pinkie's(although, without the pink), and had her mane in the usual ponytail. Pinkie trotted past her, returning to Rarity's side.

"Don't let it happen again." The Administrator trotted away, towards the door. "Make sure we get what we need." she called as she passed Applejack, who was trotting at a snail's pace with her head pointed to the ground.

"C'mon AJ. I'm getting bored..." Pinkie impatiently stated. AJ's head shot up, speeding up. Her coat was the same as always, and her eyes were no different.

"Sorry. I ain't feelin' like myself today." She forced a laugh, standing where the Administrator previously was. Her eyes wandered to Rarity, silently horror-struck, as she saw that her friend had been tied down. Rarity looked up, not knowing whether to feel relieved or scared.

"Now, lemme get everything we'll need..." Pinkie turned away, trotting to the cabinet. She opened it and looked for whatever she needed. "Check... Check... No. Hey, have you seen the pliers?" Her head turned back, looking at them as her hooves continued to dutifully look for the pliers.

"I think Legacy may've took it with him. Said there was somethin' wrong with his button panel."

"Aw..." Pinkie groaned, slumping over. "Okay, I'm gonna get those from him. Don't start without me."

"Alright." Applejack said, remaining still as she passed by her. As soon as she was out of sight, she quickly bent down to Rarity's ear. "What the hay is going on?" She asked. Rarity quietly sighed with a smile.

"Thank Celestia. I'm so relieved to see you. I was terrified that you were going to continue on with them with that scheme."

"I'm glad to see you too." She smiled, before looking back to the door. "Look-- I dunno what's happenin', but I promise I'm gonna get'cha out just fine, alright? Just hold on for a little while, Ah'll find us a way out."

"Okay, darling. Just hurry, please." she importuned. Applejack nodded.

"Just a little longer. We'll--" "Got them!"

She stood up straight as soon as she heard Pinkie's voice. Rarity turned away from Applejack, pretending like they hadn't just spoken. She stepped into the room, holding the pliers between her side and her underhoof.

"Now... What should open this day of fun with?" Pinkie asked aloud to no one in particular. She lifted the syringe. "I know we have some meds we could use. Some nonsense about increasing pain and sensitivity. Sounds fun, but complicated. Or... we could use these babies." she giggled as she showed the pliers in her hooves. "I can't decide. Too many options. What do you think A?"

"Ah..." Applejack pursed her lips, looking over Pinkie and trying to find the least painful thing.

Please, please allow this to prevail... Rarity silently prayed.

"The earmuffs and blindfold?"

Pinkie turned back to her, confused with a slight frown at first. "Are you sure you're feeling all right? You're usually excited for this kind of stuff."

Rarity held her breath silently.

"It's gonna be worse than it sounds, trust me." Applejack answered confidently. Pinkie glanced down. Rarity gasped silently as she jumped, expecting her to go for her.

"Sensory deprivation! Of course! Why didn't I think of that?!" She reached over Rarity, reaching for high-hoof. Applejack pulled a fake smile and replied with as much ingenuous enthusiasm as she could muster, making a loud clap as she returned it. Pinkie pumped her fist before turning back to the table, grabbing both objects as she returned to Rarity. She slipped the earmuffs over her ears and carelessly slipped the blindfold over her eyes. "Now... syringe..." The earmuffs were surprisingly effective, rendering any chance of hearing what the two were saying null. Nor could she try to make out the movements of their mouths thanks to the blindfold. Perhaps this wasn't the greatest idea...

Rarity suddenly gasped, a sharp stinging in her right forehoof. She turned towards her hoof, surprised by the sudden sensation. Her hoof numbed for a moment, the pain disappearing as a slight tingle went through her hoof, spreading like wildfire. The earmuff on her right ear slid back.

"That was that medicine I was talking about. Don't worry, it'll only sting for a sec." Pinkie said. Rarity turned towards her voice.

"You can't continue!"

"Why not? The party's just about to begin." She reminded. "Besides, all you have to do is just say you don't want to continue, and I'll stop."

Rarity held her tongue. You cannot give up. she reminded, shaking her head.

"I knew you wouldn't be a party pooper." Pinkie pinched Rarity's cheek before sliding the earmuff back onto her ear.

Nova stared at the piece of metal, the cloth of the destroyed padding hanging from the sides of it, burnt black from the magic. I did that? He barely believed he had the power to do that. The strange part was, he could remember every detail, even down to minute details like what color their bats were. It was almost frightening him. Those ponies came in here... with the armor. What did they do to me?

"Nova!"

Nova pulled out of his thoughts, returning his gaze to the depression in the wall. "I'm sorry-- What?"

"You were telling me about your experiment, but you blanked out on me."

"Oh, sorry... was just thinking."

"Well, don't leave me hanging."

Nova sighed. "I've never been that angry before..." He was almost disappointed in himself for allowing them to get him so worked up.

"So? It's healthy to get angry every now and again. Keeps your friends on their hooves."

"No-- You don't understand. It was like this... this primal, animalistic rage. When I heard that mare talk about bringing my sister here, I wanted t-to kill her, Eclipse. I remember that, but after..." He trailed away from his thought.

"Can you at least tell me what the pony's name was? You said she introduced you to her. "

Nova paused for a moment. "Promise me you won't freak out."

"What? Why would I-" "Eclipse, promise."

"Fine, fine. I promise."

Nova looked up to the glass, staring at it. "It was the Element of Laughter, Pinkie Pie." He whispered.

"What?" She hissed. "How? Why?"

"I dunno, but something is wrong with this place. If an Element of Harmony is here against us- against a fellow Element of Harmony, then something big is going on. What else could be happening?"

Applejack stared down remorsefully at her friend. Every breath was jagged and quick. Pinkie had already begun her merciless assault on her. Rarity had a diagonal cut running across her left hind hoof, wrapping around to the bottom, blood leaking onto the stainless steel cart. The tip of her right forehoof was bloody, the skin and flesh having been pinched raw and nearly crushed by Pinkie's brutal assault with the pliers. She was cut across her chest, stopping at the top of her stomach. She'd be wincing in pain and disgust if she didn't have to keep her composure. Not only for herself, but for Rarity.

I've gotta end this soon. She told herself, looking up from Rarity as she tried to focus on anything else. We'll get caught quick if we go out that door... We could hide, but Rarity'd need some help soon... Applejack scratched her chin, trying to find something.

"Feel free to jump in at any time, AJ. There's plenty of room!"

Applejack looked back to Pinkie, staring at her. She smiled nervously. "Ah'm sorry. Not really in the mood for this kinda stuff today."

"What? When aren't you in the mood for this? Just one cut, please?!"

"I-I really shouldn't--" "One cut." Pinkie said more sternly. She turned back to the cart, retrieving the bloody scalpel and handing it to her. Applejack stared at the foreign object like a weapon, before reluctantly taking the clean hilt into her teeth. "Yay, now you'll feel better!"

"Thank ya..." Applejack looked down to Rarity. A beat of sweat rolled down her forehead. Where'll it hurt the least... C'mon AJ, think!

"Come on, I'm getting impatient." Pinkie bounced beside the cart with a macabre excitement. Applejack nodded. The calf, maybe? She ever so slowly leaned down, sticking the blade into Rarity's right hind calf. I'm so sorry darlin'. Forgive me for this. Blood suddenly squirted out as AJ drew it down her hoof, splattering onto her cheek and Rarity's hoof. She gasped suddenly, jerking away from the blade. Rarity cried in pain.

"No!" She shook, trying to break away from the bindings. "I-I can't take this anymore!"

"Aw..." Pinkie leaned down, removing the earmuff from her left ear. "You're giving up already?"

Rarity stopped, chomping down on her bottom lip. Even then, she would not yield. "N... No."

"Great! It'd be boring if you gave up after AJ only got in one cut. Let's make it two."

"Are ya sure you don't wanna do this sorta thing?" AJ was desperate to get the scalpel away from herself, even if that meant giving it back to Pinkie. She didn't know if her conscience would allow her to slash her friend a second time.

"Yeah, let's take turns. I got my half-hour in, now you do."

"It... It's only been a half-hour?" Rarity's voice trembled, terror rocking her. Applejack could share that same feeling of uncertainty and fear, but certainly not to Rarity's extent.

"Mmhm. You've got a looooooooooong day to get through, sister. You could always cut it short though, swallow your pride and finally let this game end."

"N-Never"

Pinkie sat, crossing her forehooves. "Suit yourself then, seamstress!" she laughed grimly. AJ chewed on her cheek as she bent down to cut her again. Just get it over with... not gonna do me or her any good if Pinkie gets suspicious.

"You still there?"

"Yeah. Just thinking."

"Bit for your thoughts?"

"Don't you think..." Nova paused for a moment, pursing his lips for a moment. "Don't you think people would've noticed that we were gone by now?"

"Yeah..." Eclipse sat up for a moment. "You're right, someone should've come looking by now!"

"I thought that too, but I don't have any idea where we are." Nova looked up towards the roof. "I can't remember what happened when they took me, do you?"

"Not really... I took my baby brother to his grandparents for the weekend and that's it. They had to have gotten me on the way back, right?"

"I guess... All I remember was waking in my house. That's it. They were probably waiting for me."

"Mmhm... I'll ask Alto-"

A loud siren suddenly sounded through the siren, interrupting the conversation. It droned on loudly, before stopping suddenly. A red light lowered from the ceiling, every few seconds.

"Connecting to facility frequency. Lockdown protocal intiated." The electronic voice said before the siren continued.

"What the hay is going on?" Eclipse asked, speaking louder to try and drown out the sound of the siren. She didn't.

"Subjects, please enter your pods and await further instruction."

"If you can still hear me, be careful! I'll see you after this!"

Nova ran over to his pod, stepping inside. The pod hissed as it shut, the lights dimming with a red tint going over the room.

The lights suddenly dimmed. What the hay is going on?

"Stop, stop- please!"

Applejack glanced away, guilt-stricken. She stared down at Rarity, convulsing violently as Pinkie sliced away at her ribcage. Splotches of dried blood clung to her chin and cheeks, her lips pursed slightly as she watched her friend writhe in pain.

"Nah- I still got one more hour before I gotta break out the big guns! Gotta pull those sincere screams out before I consider it a complete job."

I'm so sorry... She turned away, staring at the corner, just barely managing not to visibly shudder. A small, yet visible vent on the left wall, at the corner with a metal cover over it. That's gonna have to work.

"Maybe... Hmmm..."

AJ looked back down, only to see Pinkie dig the scalpel between Rarity's ribs, grinding into the bone. Not far enough to cause any real damage, but just close enough to where it could pierce the skin and draw a lot of blood. She wailed in pain, her voice breaking and cracking. Applejack knew she couldn't take much more abuse.

"Now, that scream was genuine."

"N..." Rarity whimpered before she could finish. Beads of sweat had formed on her head, pitifully whimpering with each breath

"Got five more spaces to get to."

"Pl... Please." Rarity raised her left hoof, squeezing Applejack's hoof. "S-Save me..."

She squeezing her hoof tightly for a moment, giving her a few seconds of comfort before releasing her. Her ears rung as Rarity's screamed again, nearly deafening her. Her hooves violently shook, shaking the cart. "No more! Please! I can't stand it any longer!"

Pinkie's ears dropped, realizing the fun was now over.

"Aw... Okay. The rules are the rules." Pinkie brushed Rarity's mane away from the blindfold as she pulled it off, tossing it carelessly to the other side of the room. "Don't worry, I'm done. Nothing from me after this." She lifted the earmuffs gently, throwing it beside the blindfold. Tears had welled in Rarity's eyes.

Applejack took a hoof-full of Pinkie's mane, slamming her into the cart snout first. She stumbled back onto the cart. "What the hay--" She rushed P, slamming her into the cart. Pinkie pushed back.

"What the hay is wrong with you?!" She questioned, swinging and landing on AJ's chin, knocking her hat off.

"What is wrong with you?! You're hurting Rarity!" Applejack slammed her into the cart again, before pushing her back onto it. She turned away, bucking her back. Pinkie fell over the cart, spilling its contents over herself along with it. Applejack quickly galloped back to Rarity, pulling her free from the strap across her left forehoof.

"We gotta go!" She went down to her hind hoof, then to the other two. Rarity leaned up, putting her hooves on the floor as she slowly slid off the cart. Her hooves trembled under each other before collapsing. She moaned in pain. "We don't got time for this!" Applejack groaned as knelt down, pulling off her blindfold and earmuffs.

"I-I can't..." Rarity quietly said, her eyes staring blankly at Applejack.

A siren suddenly went off, the door behind them closing with a metal paneling.

"You gotta move! We can get outta this place, now c'mon!" Applejack forced Rarity onto her hooves, pulling her towards the ventilation. She allowed her to sit beside it as she tried to yank it off.

It ain't budgin'! She gave it one or tug before she stood. Taking up as much strength as she could, she bucked back, kicking the metal covering in. "There!" She grabbed Rarity's hoof but paused as a loud cranking went through the room. The metal panel had begun opening. There were at least six or seven armored ponies, with one, a purple horseshoe-wearing pony in the front. Applejack gasped, forcing Rarity into the vent.

"Go!" She ducked down, taking off her hat and pushing it into the vent. But before she could crawl in to follow behind Rarity, a forehoof grabbed her, holding her right hind hoof in place.

"You're not getting away with that!" Pinkie held herself to that statement, holding her as the metal panel opened fully. Rarity looked back, halfway down the vent.

"Go--" A black tendril snaked its way around Applejack's torso, suddenly pulling her away. Rarity gasped, shocked as Applejack yelled.

"Let go'a me! You're not brainwashin' me again--" A loud bang echoed through the vent as Applejack became silent. She quickly grabbed her hat.

"We'll see about that." Horseshoes tapped towards the vent, coming closer as Rarity backed away from the vent. Her back touched the metal ventilation as she reached a crossing. Left, or right.

No! They can't capture me again! She quickly crawled to the right, stopping at the corner.

"We know you're in there. We'll get you."

Subtle thumping echoed through the vent. Rarity held her breath, remaining still. As she tried to remain silent, a small, sharp tentacle slithered to the back of the vent, stopping beside her. It looked to the left, staring down the vent. Rarity slowly, quietly, and carefully scooted away.

Please don't look at me, please don't look, please--

Rarity suddenly gasped, running out of space to crawl back. She fell down a shaft, crashing into a metal covering as she did. Her head landed first, followed by her chest and forehooves. She groaned in pain, her ears ringing.

"..."

Rarity opened her eyes, looking around the square metal area. There was another shaft in front of her. She slid forward, into the vent. I-I'm so sorry AJ... Applejack's hat had somehow remained on her head in the ensuing panic and chaos. She straightened it, turning onto her stomach as she slowly crawled forward. Her right forehoof and calf were bleeding, her heightened heart rate and movements worsening the bleeding.

There must be another exit, I just need to search for it. Rarity crawled forward, following the flow of the air. She gasped suddenly, her right forehoof throbbing. Turning towards it, she suddenly realized that the pliers were still stuck in her hoof, and bent at a rather sickening angel. I've to remove it. she told herself with a dreadful groan. I need to extract it... Rarity weakly scrapped the pliers against the metal, hissing as it wiggled around on her flesh. Of course it would still be clamped on... why wouldn't it be? Magnificent... she rolled onto her back, trying to use her magic to remove the pliers, yet, her magic refused to focus on the device.

I-I need to remove this device from my horn. Rarity slipped her left forehoof through the small space left in the vent before scraping up her hoof, the device sliding up as her hoof pushed it upwards. She gently slipped it off, the metal clanking with the ventilation. Thank Celestia. Something simple for a change. Rarity's magic surrounded the pliers. She glanced downwards, her hoof shaking. This is going to hurt. allowing herself a final, deep breath, her magic pulled the handles of the pliers apart, successfully removing the pressure on her hoof. She inhaled a sharp, pained breath as blood began to recirculate through the tip of her hoof. Slowly, she looked at... the wound. She... she could see her r-raw flesh, and- and cartilage...

Th-That is my hoof... The ghastly sight was almost too much for the frail mare to take. Rarity became light headed, moving her uninjured hoof to her forehead as she rested her head on the bottom of the vent. I-I need a moment... she sat still, slowing her breathing as she tried to calm herself. Thankfully, her hoof didn't bleed too profusely.

No, that's enough. I need to find AJ. Rarity spun back onto her stomach

Eclipse waited in her pod, trying to decipher if any figures were in the darkness of her cell or not. Her ears had been playing tricks on her, plaguing her with the sounds of hoofsteps behind her, but she could never tell if there was actually somepony there, rushing in and out of her room.

"Can't wait for this to be over..." She was used to being active. Sitting in one place for too long always annoyed her.

"Attention: Subject #024 has been recaptured."

Recaptured? She questioned leaning up. So it's like a prison break or something?

And I'm not a part of it... great...

Rarity grunted as she pushed herself up into another shaft. The ventilation system was a maze, having many twists and turns in the inner workings of it. There has to be an escape somewhere, she told herself, refusing to believe that after everything she's been through, after everything she has fought for, that it all was for nothing.

Before Rarity could continue, a quiet scream echoed throughout the ventilation. She remained as still as a statue, awaiting somepony horrid to come and catch her, but no such thing happened. W... What was that? Rarity slowly inched forward, before there was another scream.

"Ya can't do this!"

Her ears perked as she recognized the voice. "Applejack!" she whispered, rushing as quickly as she could down the ventilation shaft.

"Why shouldn't we?"

"'Cause you're a good pony! We were friends-- I know you can still be kind and lovin', like old times!"

Rarity followed Applejack's grunting, getting louder as she crawled towards it. She slowed to a stop in front of a metal cover to the vent. Looking down, she saw the Administrator's office. Applejack was strapped into the chair and the Administrator was standing in front of her.

"We're not a good pony, not anymore. Because you damned us to this."

"I didn't do nothin'--" The Administrator slapped her before backing back to her desk.

"You did nothing?! You cursed us to this fate!" She backed handed her. Her hoof went to her mask, ripping it free from her face. "Look at what you did to us!"

Rarity put a hoof over her mouth to prevent herself from gasping. Tears came to her eyes as she finally saw who the “Administrator” really was.

"Twi... Twilight." She whispered breathlessly.

Twilight Sparkle stared at Applejack, tears in her left eye and a tear streak rolling from underneath her bandaged right eye. A large, diagonal scar had burnt its way over her right eye, starting right at the far right of her forehead, over her right temple, and stopping right beneath the bandage.

"You all left us there to perish! We cried ourself to sleep every night thinking that you five would come for us! We starved and sat in the blistering cold for months while you got a roof over your head and food in your stomach! And you have the audacity to say you did nothing wrong?!" Twilight screamed. "Do you even realize what we did to our eye?!"

"You... You've told me before." Applejack bowed her head, remorseful. "I- I am truly, truly sorry for what happened Twi', but we had no choice."

"Twilight..." She muttered, louder than the last time. Twilight's ears perked, a tendril suddenly perking out. Oh no! It suddenly wrapped around the vent, crushing it and cutting it in two. Rarity's hooves scrambled, trying to find something to hold onto in the impossibly smooth surface, but there was nothing. She slid out, only to be caught by Twilight's tendril. Applejack's hat floated down to her hind hooves.

"We knew we'd find the other traitor soon enough." The tendril slowly wrapped its way around Rarity's chest and forehooves, her pliers falling out of her hooves. She struggled against Twilight, but it was fruitless. Their grip was too strong.

"Twilight Sparkle, you must return!"

"We are not Twilight. We're more than she could've ever imagined." She replied confidently. "We are Midnight Sparkle."

"You don't understand--" "We don't want to understand. We already know what happened." Midnight Sparkle interrupted, the tendril began to slowly wrap around Rarity's neck.

"C'mon now, I'm the one you want--"

Another tentacle went to Applejack's mouth, clamping it shut. Rarity tried to move her hooves to pull the tendril off her neck, but the lower, thicker body of it kept her in place.

"Twilight--" She pled. "We would never harm you purposefully!"

"Then why did you forget us?" Midnight Sparkle asked angrily. "While everyone else was moving on with their lives, we were fighting for ours!"

"We tried to get to you-- We begged and pled Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to let us go, but they said it was too dangerous!" Rarity said with sincerity. "It-It was so surreal... we were heartbroken without you."

Twilight's tendril loosened for a moment. "What do you mean?"

"Twilight..." Rarity stared at her, speaking softly. Tears came to her eyes as genuine compassion and sadness flooded her, overwhelming the mare. "We loved you. Starlight was devastated-- She was angry at the princesses for not helping you, with RD and AJ. She almost relapsed back into her old ways. We had to convince her that you'd want her to carry your legacy. Spike refused to consume a morsel for days on end, Fluttershy went to the Everfree Forest and didn't come out for weeks, Pinkie didn't host a single party for months." A tear came out of her eye. "Applejack and Rainbow Dash didn't speak to us or each other at all for-for the months after that. Starlight and I-- W-we tried to hold things together as best we could, but everypony was lost. I missed you... hearing your voice, filled with excitement as you described a new spell or book you had finished, I missed the time we'd spend together... when you'd let me restyle your mane and tail... I missed our slumber parties. I missed you, Twilight." She looked back up to her, straight into her eyes. "And a life without you... it didn't seem possible." Twilight's eye had returned to normal, as a single tear rolled down her right cheek. "Rarity... I..." She was shaken. Her coat had lightened ever so slightly, and her voice was only one tone.

Applejack stared at the pair, shocked that Rarity had somehow managed to coax the real Twilight out. The tentacle covering her mouth suddenly pulled away.

"She's right!" Applejack agreed. Twilight glanced back to her. "The princesses and us- w-we tried to let people know about you- k-keep you alive, e-even if we thought you weren't."

Twilight's face brightened, turning back to Applejack with a giggle. "T-They still remember me?"

"Yes, darling. We were talking Mayor Mare into having a statue near the Castle of Friendship, w-we're almost finished with it... it's beautiful..."

Twilight was at a loss for words, looking away from them both. The tendril calmed, slowly slithering back to her

"Please, sugarcube, this ain't anything like you. You-you could release everypony, we could go back to Ponyville, back to the way it was always meant to be. I know we ain't gonna be able to replace what time we lost, but we can make up for all the time we did lose for all those years."

"Y... You think so?"

"I know so." Applejack nodded. Twilight glanced downward. Her head remained still, before suddenly jerking up to Rarity.

"I-I dunno what to say..." Twilight was at a loss for words. She blinked away her tear, staring downwards as she slowly began to lower Rarity. "Would they really accept me if they came back?" Her right forehoof moved to her eye, wiping away her tear. "W-What if they don't believe me? If-If they hate me for becoming M-Midnight Sparkle?" she looked back up to Rarity. "Will Celestia and Luna be d-disappointed?! What about Shining and Cadence?! I-I'll make everypony l-look horrible!" she turned away from the pair. Her fears were potent, relentlessly tormenting her. Rarity stared at her, giving a passing glance to her freed forehooves. She slowly lifted her hoof, tenderly touching Twilight's shoulder. "I... I should've just died on the moon..."

"Don't say that." AJ's voice quivered, tears welling in her eyes. "We're gonna work this all out, you and y'all's are gonna be fine. The princesses'll understand."

"I know you're scared, but you must trust us." Rarity interjected, trying to pull her other hoof up and hug her. Yet, Twilight was too far away.

"We're gonna be there every step of the way with ya, no matter what anyone says."

Twilight, tears forming as her hooves began wobbling as she glanced downward. "I-I don't know what to say..." she glanced up to Rarity, staring at her. Neither exchanged words, but just by Twilight's relaxed face and silent tranquility in her eyes showed that she felt... safe. No hatred, no anger, just peace.

Before Rarity could join her in that peacefulness, the tendril around her suddenly tightened, slowly slithering back up to her neck. An uneasiness suddenly sprawled about the room, the tendril becoming darker, more solid. "T... Twilight?" Rarity looked back up to her, seeing that her tears had gone, her iris becoming cat-like and her eye becoming a dark shade of purple.

"Don't lie to us."

Without warning, the tendril around Rarity suddenly wrapped tightly around her neck. Rarity's free hoof immediately moved to it, trying to pull it off. Applejack gasped. "No!"

Rarity gasped for air, choking down whatever she could get down. "T-Twilight!" the tendril thrashed against her hoof's grasp.

"You cannot be trusted. The ones who sentenced us to this fate cannot be trusted." She said. Rarity's hooves shook, struggling in her grasp. Applejack kicked the chair, trying to break the straps or the legs- anything to get out.

C-Can't breathe! Rarity wrapped her hoof around the tendril, forcing it up off of her neck. She heaved suddenly, taking in as much air as she could. Midnight Sparkle growled in frustration.

"You-" She slammed Rarity back into the wall. "Are not-" the tendril rammed her head up into the vent hanging ajar above them. "Stopping us now!" she flung Rarity into the wall, releasing her in mid-air. The back of Rarity's head crashed into the wooden wall, her back landing flatly on it. She fell limply to the ground, her hooves not even attempting to catch her,

Applejack stared at Rarity, still in shock. Midnight Sparkle glanced up at the ventilation hanging overhead, though her hooves still shook like a paint mixer.

"W... What did ya just-" "Honesty." She sighed. AJ paused, her green eyes darkening. "Yes, ma'am?" her horn brightened as she released the straps binding Applejack to her chair. "Take her to the infirmary. Return and let us know how her condition is."

"'Course, miss." She stood, quicking walking up to Rarity. With some assistance from Midnight Sparkle, Applejack hoisted Rarity onto her back.

"Go, quickly." Midnight Sparkle said with a tone of urgency. AJ quickly, yet carefully, ran up to the door, opening it and leaving it ajar as she moved down the hall.

"Just a few steps..." She told herself, her wobbly hooves stumbling towards the door. A shaken forehoof pushed it shut, before she turned back, barely managing to get to her desk before her presence faded.

"I... What... What did I just do?"

Twilight shook her head slowly, barely managing to comprehend what had just happened. What her hooves had just done.

"Rarity..." She whimpered, remorseful. For the first time in years, she wept. She wept like a newborn foal. So many emotions running through her. Remorse, rage, sadness, catharsis, despair... isolation. "What d-did I do?!" Twilight sobbed, balling her hooves on her forehead. For the first time in her entire life, she felt totally and truly alone.

"Hush now. You'll understand eventually."

Twilight glanced up, tears flowing freely. A mirror image of herself stood at the front of her desk.

The Nightmares had manifested into their last host, boasting the same white medical mask Twilight usually had.

"Why...?!" She questioned aloud, slamming her forehoof on the desk. "You could've killed her! Why did you hurt her?!"

"We had almost fallen into their trap." She took a step up to her desk. "Well, at least, you did, dear friend."

"Liar! There was no trap!"

"They had you in the palm of their hoof and you didn't even notice it." Her words were sharp, piercing the paranoid side of Twilight

"They were being truthful! You aren't manipulating me anymore!" She proclaimed, impassioned. Nopony would treat her friends that way, not even them. "Get out! Now!"

"Fine. Perhaps we'll speak when your anger has subsided." In the blink of an eye, she dissipated. Twilight stared back at the desk. She grabbed the surgical mask, tying behind her neck. No, no more idly standing by! Twilight stood, grabbing her mask. You broke her, now you're gonna fix her! She paused at the door. I need to calm down first. I'll screw this up if I can't think straight. She paced in front of her desk, waiting for her anger to decline.

Error: Unknown Variable

Twilight took a deep breath, shaken to her core. She stood at the door of her office, her surgical mask draped over her neck.

Keep your cool, Twi'. You just need to get to the infirmary and back. Act like they would and nopony'll notice. A cloud of her magic pulled the mask back over her snout and mouth. She brought her hoof up to the doorknob, twisting and pushing it open. Twilight stepped out, taking a step towards-

"Oh, hello ma'am."

Her head shot to her left, seeing Dr. Lost Legacy standing to the side of her open door. He had a few yellow file folders tucked in the pocket of his lab coat.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He quickly apologized. "I have this week's experiment reports. There's also a copy of the introductory booklet inside. I-I made a few revisions, I just wanted to make sure you approved of everything." his voice quivered slightly as he spoke.

I am twice his size... no wonder he's so intimidated. Not to mention what she could've done to him while I was under her control.

"Put them on our desk."

"Yes, ma'am." He hastily hurried inside her office, a moment or two of rushed rustling before he returned. "Okay, they're at the center of your desk. But... I have a question, if that's okay, ma'am."

"Of course."

"Why is your office so wrecked?"

"One of the subjects were a bit rougher than expected." Twilight blurted out quickly, saying the first thing that came to her.

"Er... okay, ma'am. I'll make sure our engineers repair the vent." Legacy took a step back, beginning to slowly walk towards the hall to the left. "My office is down the hall if you need me." he turned, trotting away from her.

Stupid! I should've expected that! She scolded herself as she rushed down the hall to the right, following the green line painted on the concrete floor. He's out of my mane now, I just need to get to Rarity. Twilight kept herself at a brisk pace as she went down the hall. It seemed like this hall was empty(thankfully), only holding a few doors to the side and one at the end. The fluorescent light fixtures overhead buzzed quietly, only adding to the growing list of things for her to worry about.

How long has she let the Nightmares regain their authority over her? When would they try and persuade her to return? Would she return to them? If she did, would they try and finish Rarity off?

Horseapples, Rarity! Her heart skipped a beat when the image of her friend being bashed head-first into the vent made Twilight move faster. That won't happen again! She turned to the left, reaching the end of the green line.

At the end of the hall stood a single door. The frame had been painted a dark green, and a small sign above it had a green cross in the middle of the frame. Twilight hurried to the door, stopping suddenly before she reached it. Use plural pronouns, Twi. Act like they usually would. she straightening her mask before her magic twisted the doorknob and pushed it open.

"AJ, I-I really can't treat another patient at the moment-"

Twilight's eye widened as Fluttershy turned back to her. She almost blended in with the bright yellow walls of the infirmary, and her white uniform matched the tiled floor. She had a single red cross on her shoulder. Her mane was tied in a ponytail behind her head, keeping the majority of it in the front, at her left cheek. "Oh, I'm s-sorry Administrator. I didn't mean think you'd come to the infirmary this time."

Did I really get them all? She hoped she hadn't. If what she could remember doing to Rarity is what she did to all of them, she didn't know if she could handle those repercussions.

Twilight nodded. "What is Subject #003's condition?" she asked, just barely keeping herself from saying Rarity's name. She glanced back to the curtain behind Flutters', seeing Rarity's hind hooves sticking out from behind them.

"Her head's swollen on the top, she has cuts on the back of her neck, her hooves, her sides, and severe lacerations on her chest and the tip of her right forehoof ma'am. To my knowledge, the patient more likely than not has a concussion, maybe more. I'll run more tests to see if we need to do anything else."

"That's... impressive." Twilight was surprised that Fluttershy could deduce all that information from a simple physical.

Fluttershy smiled, blushing deeply. "I-I mean, you helped learn all this medical stuff." her right-wing brushed her already straight mane down.

"Um, ma'am, is there anything else you wanted? I-I don't mean to rush you, but Subject #003 could use my attention."

"Ah, right-" Twilight straightened herself. "Let us know if her condition changes. We'll notify AJ to bring you anything you need if it arises."

"Thank you, ma'am." Fluttershy turned back to the curtain and stepped behind it. "Don't worry, you're gonna feel a lot better in a few moments." Twilight heard her whisper as she closed the door behind her. I hope she's being sincere.

"As do we. It would be a shame to lose control over all of the Elements of Harmony."

Twilight continued walking, though she slowed slightly. She tried her best to ignore the dark figure looming to her left side.

"A shame, but not a tragedy, of course. It'd mean that Celestia could never fight our subjugation."

She turned to her right, only to meet with the Nightmares. They had manifested into a copy of their previous host. It was as if Twilight was staring into a mirror.

"It'd be useful to us regardless. Just one less piece we have to worry about in the puzzle."

"She's not just another puzzle piece." Twilight hissed lowly through her teeth. She turned her attention towards the end of the hall.

"Right, we're sorry. We shouldn't be so cold towards your supposed 'friends.' For as much good as they ever did you..."

"I never wanted them dead, even if what they did to me was heinous." Twilight slowed down as she turned the corner.

"You're too soft-hearted, dear Twilight. They left us to die up there, don't you think they deserve some sort of punishment?"

"..." Twilight pursed her lips. "It-It doesn't mean that I don't want to forgive them... or for them to forgive me."

"Forgive you?! The justice we dealt them was just a fraction of what you went through, what we went through!"

"I-I guess so..." She entered her office, shutting the door behind her. "But I don't think I can do this anymore."

Midnight Sparkle materialized in front of her, a dark form around her. "Why not? We're so close to finally having the tools to end those tyrant's rule." she took a step closer. "You're going to throw away seven years of our hard work for some worthless friendships with ponies who only used you?"

Twilight remained silent, only taking a breath as she passed her. "You're actually considering it?!" she stepped behind her desk. Twilight grunted as she sat down in her chair, a cloud of magic going down to her right hind hoof and massaging the sore muscle. "I need to think."

"This is ridiculous Twilight." Midnight Sparkle appeared at the opposite end of the table. "We have worked too hard for this!"

"Don't yell at me." Twilight stared down at the desk, seeing the folder Dr. Legacy had left her earlier. "Haven't I earned the right to not be yelled at?"

"Not when you're considering throwing away everything we've worked for- everything you've worked to achieve for ponies who would abandon you again if they were given the opportunity." Midnight Sparkle sighed, her rage dulling for the moment. "We're only trying to protect you Twilight, but we cannot if you're not willing to protect yourself." she breathed. "We'll give you some time to think. Do as you wish, but don't make the same mistake twice, friend." in a few seconds, she had sunk back into the shadows, her form disappearing.

A bit of uncertainty and regret had grown in Twilight's stomach. Had she been too stubborn? They were the only true friends she had known. If she were to lose them...

I need to clear my head. I can't think about this logically if I'm busy worrying. Her magic surrounded the folder, flipping it open.

Crash Landing Project

Experimentation Cycle #9. Experimentation Week: #3

Experiments & Details on pages 2 and 5 respectively. For further history of experiments, contact Dr. Lost Legacy, Nurse Cura, and/or the Administrator.

Twilight turned the page.

Subjects

Current Cycle

Subject name: Alto Volare

Subject number: #001

Coat color: Grey

Mane color: Silver

Cutie-mark: A spear resting on a shield

Occupation: Junior Officer in the Royal Guard. Division: Nightguard

Residence: Canterlot(city)

Subject note(s): Rather stubborn and hot-headed, though he organizes himself fairly quickly. Humor his good side if you want to gain his trust. Caution is advised when interacting with him.

I think I remember him... he was the one Dr. Legacy was complaining about having so much trouble with.

Subject name: Eclipse

Subject number: #002

Coat color: White

Mane color: Mousy blonde

Cutie-mark: A small, circular shield with a red heart in the center

Occupation: None

Residence: Ponyville(formerly Manehattan)

Subject note(s): She seems to hold a strong sense of guilt about the death of her parents(see details for more information). Try to comfort her to gain her trust, or perhaps give her an update on her younger sibling.

I remember her... poor mare.

Subject name: Rarity

Twilight's face contorted into a small frown, glancing away from the page. I can still make this right. Just- focus on this for now. She reluctantly turned back to the folder, continuing to read.

Subject number: #003

Coat color: Light gray

Mane color: Indigo

Cutie-mark: Three blue diamonds

Occupation(s): Seamstress, H.O.O.F member, Singer for the Pony Tones(currently defunct)

Residence: Ponyville

Subject note(s): Lovely mare. Seems to give her trust easily enough if you're kind to her. Perhaps even offering her a few incents and an update on her younger sibling.

Twilight quickly went down to the next entry, ready to push the thought of her out of her mind.

Subject name: Nova

Subject number: #004

Coat color: Dark blue

Mane color: Black

Cutie-mark: A circle of five small stars, with a large, imploding star in the center.

Occupation: Scholar/Student

Residence: Canterlot

Subject note(s): Shows deep sympathy and care for his fellow subjects(Subject #001 excluded), perhaps to our advantage. Offer an update on his elder sister or simply get to know him to gain his trust(poor stallion's a bit naive). Caution is advised, though if he isn't afraid, you do not have anything to fear from him.

That's the one they're so interested in. She noted. I guess someone like him would be useful here, perhaps in assisting the doctor... but it's not important right now. Twilight turned to the next page.

Previous Cycles

Note: These are test subjects who are currently staff. Because of this, details about their appearances have been moved to the staff files. Please go to the next two pages if you'd like full experiment reports on the other subjects who did not join, or contact Dr. Lost Legacy for the subjects' staff files.

Twilight glanced down to the first test subject, a prompt wave of guilt washing over her.

Subject name: Fluttershy

Subject number: #214

Last updated: Year 2 of the project

Year 2? Twilight's memory had become fuzzy ever since she had returned to Equestria. She couldn't really explain why. It's year 10 now... she's been here almost as long as we have.

"They're all here, just generosity is missing."

"I know." Twilight acknowledged.

"You might not like what you see."

"I know." She repeated, her voice taking a saddened tone.

The Nightmares remained quiet for a moment. "Very well, you may read."

They didn't need to tell Twilight twice.

Occupation: Animal caretaker, Singer for the Pony Tones(currently defunct)

Residence: Ponyville, the edge of the Everfree Forest

Subject note(s): Poor mare was terrified half to death. She fainted when I told her where she was and what was going to happen, had to send in Nurse Cura to assure she was still breathing. I may have to update the policy on being completely transparent about the subjects' situation for their own safety. Regardless, she seems like a nice mare, though she is a devil if you threaten her friends or animals. No complaints or questions during the first and second experiments, and she's been mostly cooperative. Just bringing her pet bunny to the test site gained her trust, though the little creature put up quite a struggle with the agent.

Current role: On-site medical staff.

Hm. Suits her. Wonder if she has Angel Bunny hiding in there somewhere. Twilight noted. Surely Rarity's in good hooves.

Subject name: Applejack

Subject number: #024

Last updated: Year 3 of the project

Occupation: Farmer

Residence: Sweet Apple Acres

Subject note(s): Such a resilient mare! I don't think I've ever seen anypony take that many lashes before giving in! Her pain tolerance is unusually high, even if she's got calluses about every place I could imagine. Regardless, she's a very resilient, strong mare, along with the mental fortitude to resist almost any test or trick to bend her morals. Caution is advised when dealing with her.

Current role: Subject questioner.

"I... I remember." Twilight barely managed not to visibly shiver. She could see her dear friend being hurt and injured in various ways. Some were gruesome, others were simple, yet most were psychological. It played out in her head in near-perfect detail. Her friend being harmed- no, tortured into submission. From a defiant, unruly mare to a tamed servant. "Why do I remember?"

"Why shouldn't you? We spent over a year getting her to join us."

"Then why can't I remember Fluttershy?"

"Simple; she broke once she saw it was us. She couldn't bear the thought of you returning to finally claim our toll."

"I don't understand..." Twilight was so confused. I-I- I can't believe that we would do this.

"You will, in due time." Midnight Sparkle's words helped soothed Twilight's mind. I can trust them. I have to.

Subject name: Pinkie Pie

Subject number: #340

Last updated: Year 4 of the project

Occupation: Baker

Residence: Sugarcube Corner

Subject note(s): Very odd mare... Treated her first experiment as a joke. At least, up until she ended up getting shocked for an extended period of time. After that, she seemed to just sulk around, not eating and barely speaking. Seems to be brought on by stress or sadness. Just play one of her silly games or offer her sweets to gain her trust.

Current role: Subject interrogation specialist.

Twilight squeezed her eye shut. The thought and image of the Pinkie being shocked into submission too much for her to bear. "Why..."

"Why what?"

"Why do we have to hurt them?" She glanced up, though Midnight Sparkle was nowhere to be seen. "Why- Why can't we just use a mind-control spell?"

"The amount of concentration and magic it would take would be impossible to maintain. Even we have limits, dear friend."

Twilight turned back down. "A hypnosis spell?"

"Hm... perhaps, but it can be broken more easily. The enchantment- our way is the only way. Silent, easy to use, and efficient."

Twilight remained silent. "I guess so..." She muttered quietly. It did make sense, in whatever twisted logic they used.

It's the only way.

"We're glad you agreed. Continue."

Subject name: Rainbow Dash

Subject number: #100

Last updated: Year 6 of the project

Occupation: Wonderbolts member, Ponyville Weather Patrol(former)

Residence(s): Cloudsdale, Ponyville

Subject note(s): Interesting subject. Yields more than her fellow subjects. She lets her pride get the best of her most of the time, mostly to a fault by refusing to be the first to give in. Though, she seemed to be humbled when P. showed up during an experiment to restrain her. Her encounters with fellow Elements of Harmony produce the most results. For some(AJ and P), she spews swears and insults at them, describing them as 'traitorous' and 'treacherous', yet she tears would be running down her face while speaking. My guess? She feels betrayed by her friends. Being the Element of Loyalty, she must expect at least some of that loyalty in return. For others(Subject #214, for example), however, she would simply weep. Regardless, it does give me some food for thought, not to mention results!

Current role: Subject reconnaissance/recruitment

Twilight turned away, flashes of blood and the sounds of screams running through her head. "I-I dunno if I can handle anymore..."

"You may stop if you wish, but there's only one more entry left. We promise you'll remember nothing bad about the last entry." Midnight Sparkle said with a small tinge of anger in her voice.

Twilight nodded reluctantly. I need to see who all she's taken. One more won't kill me.

Subject name: Starlight Glimmer

Twilight's eye widened. She turned up to the form. "Starlight too?! I told you I didn't want you to-" "We didn't. Finish reading it."

Subject number: #400

Last updated: Year 7 of the project

~~Residence(s): Our Town(former), Ponyville(former)~~see bottom of the page

~~Occupation: Major of Our Town(former), Leader of the Elements of Harmony, Princess Celestia's pupil~~

~~Subject note(s): N/A~~
~~Current role: N/A~~

Note: Subject is currently missing. Current residence, occupation, and status are unknown.

"Missing?" She questioned. Midnight Sparkle appeared in front of the desk, her eyebrow furled and a heated frown on her face. "Legacy made a mistake when they were about to bring her to us. They didn't put the magic nullifier on her horn." She pointed to the small object she was talking about, sitting in the corner of their desk. "As soon as she saw us she used a teleportation spell and we haven't seen her since."

"So you didn't hurt her?"

"We never even spoke to her." She relaxed her face, turning glancing back down to Twi. "You should be caught up with everything we've done by now. What do you think?"

"I... you did everything." Twilight was astonished. "Yes, everything you've requested. A new home, someplace to study, and your 'friends' are even here." A small grin spread across her face. "The only pony we'll need to worry about is Starlight."

"Y-Yeah. I-I just... never actually expected this."

"You're not upset, are you?"

Twilight didn't know how to respond. She had spent years on the moons, her heartbroken and her mind slowly degrading. Her hope had died up there, along with the love and warmth she had once felt for them. She had thought she had become a fallen princess, forgotten and just waiting for her legacy to be swept away by the sands of time.

Yet, at the same time, what she had seen and heard earlier that day... everything Rarity and Applejack had said... it made her think that maybe her friendships could be salvaged. Their words had given her something she had long since forgotten: hope. Hope that she could feel the warmth of a loving hug, hope that she could see a smile on a friend's face, hope that she could spend a Hearths Warming with someone she loved.

I can't just turn back now. She told herself. I'm too deep into this project- I can't just pull out now. It'd be a decade of hard work wasted...

But I could get plenty more back if I just stop now.

"Twilight,"

Twilight looked back up at Midnight Sparkle. "We asked you a question, friend. Are you upset about the progress we've made?"

"Honestly..." She looked upwards. "I-I think we should stop."

"Stop?" She questioned, slightly frustrated. "We cannot stop, not this far into it."

"I know, but I don't think I can handle this anymore."

"Why?"

"The things they said to us... I want to see if they're real," Twilight said, standing up to meet with her eyes, a fire filling her stomach. "I- I want to see my family and friends again."

"Your friends are already here, and your family-" "My real friends, my real family. They aren't the ponies I knew at all."

"They were lying, Twilight. Once again, you've fallen for their lies."

"Why would they lie? We could've killed them if we wanted."

"To save their skin, dear friend. They would've said anything to save themselves, even if it was at your expense."

"I don't believe you," Twilight said calmly. "I can't. Not until I see it for myself."

Midnight Sparkle pursed her lips with a sigh. "We really wish we didn't have to do this, Twilight." She stepped to the side of the table, putting a gentle hoof on her right shoulder. "Come, let's go. We shall have to prove their deceptions to you, once again." The pair's horns both brightened, one's magic darker than the other.

A flash of light blinded Twilight. She opened her eyes a few seconds later, only to realize that the pair had appeared right outside of Ponyville. She could see that Ponyville towards the left, only having changed a bit, a few new buildings on the outskirts, but otherwise, it was the same. To the right was the Castle of Friendship, still, the same as the day she left it. A smile stretched across her face. "We're-"

"Right where the statue should be."

Her smile disappeared almost immediately, turning around to look for it. There was a foundation laid for it, but it had obviously been some time, the stone cracked and caked in dirt.

"Now, if ponies really remembered you, don't you think they'd have done it by now?" Midnight Sparkle circled around her slowly. "I mean, come on, friend. Who'd remember you after your little incident on the moon? Aside from us, I doubt anypony would that wasn't looking to deceive."

She felt her eyes stinging, shaking her head. "N-No- why should I b-believe you?! I don't need some stupid statue f-for people to remember me!"

"But you do." Midnight stopped in front of Twilight. "We've known you long enough. We see how selfish you are. How much you love the attention of others, and giving others attention. We've seen what wonders you've done without it, that's quite evident, isn't it?" She stepped closer to her. Tears flowed freely from Twilight's eye, each word feeling like a punch to her heart. "The whole facility, staff, equipment, and soon, leadership. What compels you to give that up so easily? A few meager moments with those so-called friends?"

"I-I..." Her hooves shook for a moment, almost losing her balance. "And what kind of pony would you be to turn your back on the one thing that has always treated you fairly? That's kept your self-destructive behaviors in check, that kept you alive while you were knocking on death's door, that nursed you back to health and brought you back home? You aren't that selfish to do that your truest friend, the only one who would ever actually care for you, would you?"

"No! Never!" Twilight shot her head back up.

"You were just about to." Midnight Sparkle pointed out with a sigh. "Perhaps it's time we finally gave up... there's no fixing something already so broken." She turned around, beginning to walk away.

"N-No!"

Twilight fell to her knees, hugging her hind hooves in desperation. "P-Please don't leave me alone again!"

"Why shouldn't we?" She looked back down to the alicorn. "Perhaps you aren't worth our time."

"I-I will be, I-I promise! I'll b-be better, I'll n-never doubt your word, I'll l-let you do whatever you want to the Elements, b-but please, don't leave me alone!" She begged and pled with the figure, her body trembling and shaking. "I-I can't be alone... n-not again..."

A moment of silence passed between the two. "... Fine. We won't accept any disobedience from now on, is this clear?"

"Y-Yes..." Twilight nodded, standing up with shaking hooves. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou..."

The space around the pair seemed to drain towards Midnight, the magic of her spell fading away. She took a step towards Twilight.

"Don't worry. We won't ever abandon you again." Midnight Sparkle's physical appearance disappeared. A moment of silence passed before they took a shaken breath.

"T... Thank you."