Chapter 5 - Distracting Ideals

Twilight's wings twitched as she leaned back in her throne, absorbing what she had just been told. Twilight had been awoken in the early morning by Rainbow Dash whom informed her that there was a stallion at the gates demanding an audience. As it was apparently very urgent Twilight dragged herself out of bed at three o'clock in the morning, made herself swiftly presentable, and came down into the throne room. It was there that she met Solid Stone, a very distraught father.

“Milady,” Solid Stone greeted, removing his hat and bowing his head. He was an older stallion, grey coat, brown mane and moustache. He was very clearly upset, as there was evidence of recent crying in his tired eyes. “I apologize for disturbin you at such an hour.”

“No matter, for my people I am always awake,” Twilight said, trying to sound as dignified as she could while fighting back a yawn. “Though I trust your reasoning is sound?”

“It is, ma'am,” Solid Stone said, his voice breaking a tad. “It's... my boy, Sand Stone... we looked everywhere but there's nary a trace of him...”

“Where was he last he was seen?” Rainbow Dash asked softly.

“He was with his friends, out late like they usually are, he left their house well enough but somewhere along the path he went missin,” Solid Stone choked back a sob. “We found his hoofprints near the edge of the Everfree, but they stopped there, no other trace.”

“Does he usually walk by the Everfree Forrest?” Twilight asked gently.

“He does, never thought anything of it, forest usually ain't dangerous till you go in deep enough,” Solid Stone looked up at Twilight. “I know you have a lot to do, and maybe I'm askin too much, but he's my only son... I can't lose him.”

Twilight stepped down from her throne and approached Solid Stone, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

“I will do all in my power to find him,” Twilight said. “My Captain here shall organize a full investigation into the disappearance of your son.”

“We'll find him, sir,” Rainbow Dash affirmed, she gestured to one of the guards whom approached Solid Stone.

“Right this way sir, we just need to ask you a few questions to get started,” the guard said.

“Of course, of course, t-thank you milady, bless you,” Solid Stone said as he was led away.

“What do you think?” Twilight asked, turning to Rainbow Dash once Solid Stone left.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“I simply find it rather odd that in the midst of all this the son of a prominent miner goes missing.”

“Could it be a coincident?”

“At this risk of sounding cliche, I must say I don't believe in coincidences,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “Whether these events are correlated remains to be seen.”

“Well, I think you have other things to worry about, let me handle the investigation,” Rainbow said.

“Indeed,” Twilight blinked and glanced out a window, it was still dark outside. “What time is it anyway?”

“Three in the morning,” Rainbow said.

“Right, well there's no going back to bed, might as well use the time,” Twilight started walking back towards her chambers with Rainbow following. “Don't suppose you have any good news for me?”

“Well after I settled the protest yesterday I did a little digging,” Rainbow Dash explained. “On this farmers union, it's exactly as it sounds, they registered as a legal workers union around twenty years ago and have grown since then, only...”

“Only?” Twilight asked.

“Only unlike most workers unions, they received a Rite of Privilege,” Rainbow Dash said.

“A Rite of Privilege? But only the Imperial Parliament has ever been granted the rite, that means that this Union...”

“...Has almost as much authority as parliament, yes,” Rainbow Dash said. “Except the Union's power extends only in this province rather than all of Equestria, but it does mean that their actions, lobbying tax laws, organizing protests, so on, it's all legal.”

“That is a problem... wait,” Twilight stopped as she came to a realization. “Parliament is granted it's authority by the crown, if this Union is simply a more local version than that means their authority stems from the local lord, from me... do they have a speaker?”

“They do, a mister Swift Scribe, but... what are you saying?”

“I'm saying that if they received the Rite of Privilege then their mere existence is by my grace alone, they answer to me,” Twilight explained.

“So why don't you simply order them to comply?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“No, no, that would only provoke retaliation... hm, no, I shall summon my speaker here and... whom is the most prominent member? Do they have a prime minister equivalent?”

“No, but Burnt Oak has been the loudest voice, I will extend an invitation to him,” Rainbow said.

“Good, and go wake Honey Cream and tell her to meet me in my office,” Twilight said, turning around and heading down a different corridor into what was previously her study, but now was her office. It was modest size with a single desk, several filing cabinets which were organized by date and alphabet. Twilight sat down and lit a nearby candle with a flick of her horn, she then immediately went about writing a letter. She was just about finishing it when there was a knock at the door and Honey Cream walked in.

“You called?” Honey Cream yawned.

“Yes, I want this letter delivered to our friend from the Foal Free Press,” Twilight said. “Make sure to stress that he is to do his own investigation into the disappearance and to stick to facts, I don't want an opinion piece.”

“Oh yes, ze little rainbow mentioned ze poor boy,” Honey Cream said, taking the letter and then giving Twilight a scroll. “This appeared quite literally in a puff of smoke.”

“Ah, I know whom sent this, thank you,” Twilight said, taking the scroll. Honey Cream promptly left and Twilight unfurled the scroll and began to read.

Dear Twilight,

Before you worry things are going great here in the Dragonlads, I'm learning a lot from Ember and most of the other Dragons have come around to at least tolerating me. I heard about your appointment as a noble lady, never would have expected that! No doubt your loving all the paperwork especially since I'm not around to do it for you. Ha!

Just remember to keep a level head, I know you, sometimes when things don't go your way you try and force them to. I've lost count on the amount of times I've had to reign you in, you can't control everything, and that's not a bad thing. They should make me a noble, I'd never bother anyone!

Hope you're well.

Your friend,
Spike

Ponyville Town Hall

It was inevitable that a gathering would be called, rarely was the whole Union called to meet but clearly the matters before them warranted it. Made up of over three hundred members, mostly landowners and farmers but also a fair few merchants and business representatives.

Swift Scribe was their speaker. Elected five years ago he was a graduate of the Equestrian Imperial School of Law. He was a tall and mildly overweight unicorn with a bookish look about him, brown goatee and ashen coat. Boorish amber eyes behind thick glasses. The Union had elected him based mostly on his ability to navigate them through many a legal loophole and technicality.

“Silence! Silence upon this house!” Swift called out in a loud but unimpressive voice. “I welcome you all to this conference in which we have two items on the agenda. The first shall be the arrival of our noble, Lady Twilight, and her announcement of changes to local tax policies. Mister Burnt Oak, you have been granted ten minutes to speak, you may do so now.”

“Thank you kindly, mister speaker,” Burnt Oak said as he stood. “I thank ya'll for coming down here for this meeting, I know you're busy as I am-”

“Or we would be if you weren't such a lazy old fuck!” Someone yelled.

“Ah shut yer fuckin trap,” Burnt Oak called back as the crowd laughed. Burnt Oak couldn't help but chuckle a bit too.

“Anyway, ya'll heard why we're here, it's well known now what Lady Twilight intends to do with her newfound position. Raising the tax on us like this will hurt our livelihoods, hurt our children's future, and no doubt invite bigwigs from all over to try and muscle in on our land,” Burnt Oak said to a chorus of agreements. “But... I've been thinkin' a lot lately about this, and I think we reacted to violently, hear me out, we didn't give that lass a chance did we? Just went straight to yellin and hollerin at her. I don't think that's fair, and if yer the honest working folk I know then neither do you. So, I say, before we do anything we give the lass a chance and we talk to her, we negotiate. But we make clear that we the people will not just be walked over by her. We the people have the power her, we represent the will of the city and our voices are loud. So loud she'll have to listen.”

There were murmurs of agreements. It was a start. But then everyone's attention was drawn to the entrance where a stallion rather unceremoniously burst in, he carried a letter.

“What interruption is this?” Swift Scribe said, annoyed. “Interrupting and disrupting this gathering is an affront and attack upon this house and the people!”

“Most begging your pardon, honourable speaker,” the messenger said, bowing. “But the most noble Lady Twilight of House Sparkle demands the presence of you, mister speaker, and one representative of this house.”

There was silence and murmuring as they all absorbed the information. Swift Scribe bit his lip as he briefly tried to remember if any obscure law gave him the right to deny such a summons. Apparently not.

“Very well,” he said. “Whom amongst you shall accompany me?”

“I shall,” Burnt Oak said immediately. “If this house would here confirm me as their representative?”

“Aye!” the crowd called.

Oathtree Castle

Twilight has the servants make tea. Today she was dressed and styled humbly, her hair brushed and styled in it's usual fashion, she wore a light purple tunic with long flowing sleeves along with a black skirt. Calmly Twilight poured herself a cup of tea, added the milk, and then no less than four spoonfuls of sugar which she stirred in. The drink was a sweet nectar when it passed her lips. There came a knock on the door.

“Enter,” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash entered, saluting.

“Swift Scribe here as you commanded milady, and mister Burnt Oak has come as a representative of the union,” Rainbow said.

“Good, let them in,” Twilight said, placing down her teacup and composing herself. Rainbow Dash opened the door and Swift Scribe entered followed quickly by Burnt Oak, both of whom looked very appreciative. They bowed their heads when they stepped close to Twilight.

“Gentlemen,” Twilight greeted. “Thank you for coming so prudently, please sit, have some tea, we have much to discuss.”

And they did sit, both opposite of Twilight as she magically poured them both tea. The silence was deafening, lessened only by the sound of the teas sloshing into the cups. A tension hung between them like a bow string pulled back to full draw but not yet released. Twilight broke the silence.

“We here obviously differ in what we believe is best for this city, and for the people,” Twilight said. “It's clear to me that many amongst the citizenry share a similar thought towards my announced plan yesterday evening, would you agree mister Oak?”

“That sounds correct to my ears, milady,” Burnt Oak said neutrally. He didn't touch his tea.

“Right, and if you will humour me further, what is the shared sentiment amongst your constituencies regarding the aforementioned plan?” Twilight asked in a very direct manner.

“Folk's don't want to pay more taxes,” Burnt Oak said simply. “They don't want their livelihood affected, they don't want to work day in and day out just to give up most of their hard earnings to... well you, milady.”

“I see,” Twilight said, leaning back. “Mister Oak, do you know where taxes go? What they are used for?”

“...Taxes go to you ma'am, and their used to pay for things ya'll need like... extra guards and roads, the like.”

“You are partially right, but lets expand upon your answer shall we? Yes taxes do go to me, or rather, they go to the crown. A portion of those taxes is, yes, used to fund the military. The military that I'm sure you must know, protects you and your children from the threats of the everyday. Whether that be a savage beast from the Everfree or full foreign invasion by an enemy state. Yet that is nit all, no, these funds are also used to maintain the healthcare system, a system which keeps you and your children healthy. Yes, these funds also go towards infrastructure such as roads and bridges, these same roads and bridges which you sir depend upon to transport your goods and make a profit,” Twilight said with great diction and purpose. Burnt Oak said nothing.

“Where you ever educated in formal economics, mister Oak?” Twilight continued.

“No milady.”

“Did you receive any degree of any kind?”

“No milady”

“May I ask what manner of formal education you did receive?”

“...None, milady,” Burnt Oak said, he looked down at the table rather than meet Twilight's eyes. “My daddy never thought much of school, just taught me how to chop wood and plant trees and the like. We were so busy with working we didn't have time to send me to school.”

“Than your father offered to a great disservice. I'm very sorry,” Twilight said, softening her tone. She really did feel sorry for the poor stallion, forced to chop wood instead of going to school. An uneducated life was no way to live in her opinion. “But you see mister Oak, I have a degree in economics, most of my young adult life was in study. I was tutored by not only the best minds in Equestria, but groomed to rule by Princess Celestia herself, though I didn't know it at the time. What I'm trying to tell you is that when I say that what I'm doing is for the benefit of everyone I know what I'm talking about. So when you and the other members of this union, whom I suspect may be in a similar educational situation as yourself, organize a formal protest and actively undermine my authority. Well, you can see how that can be frustrating, yes?”

Burnt Oak said nothing. He appeared to be giving Twilight's words some great thought. After Twilight was sure her message was sunk in she looked over at Swift Scribe whom had been quietly observing with an anxious look on his face.

“My speaker, mister Swift Scribe was it?” Twilight asked kindly.

“Y-yes, milady!” Swift Scribe stuttered.

“May I ask where you studied law?”

“Oh! the Equestrian Imperial School of Law, milady.”

“Ah! Good old E.I.S.L! You studied under Professor Sealed Scroll then?”

“Yes milady, a very good teacher, very good indeed.”

“That he is, but please mister speaker, tell me, what are the powers of the noble lord?” Twilight asked, leaning forward.

“The powers of... oh...” Swift Scribe glanced at Burnt Oak whom merely frowned. “The, uh, powers of the noble lord include the maintenance of a local armed force, levving local taxes, maintaining a local budget, enacting local laws as long as they do not directly contradict Imperial Law, and-”

“-Yes, that will do, thank you mister Speaker,” Twilight said, cutting him off. She looked back at Burnt Oak whom was nearly scowling at her. “As you can see, mister Oak, not only do I have the authority to enact these changes but also I have the education and training necessary to make the best and most informed decision. All I am asking of you, mister Oak, is that you give me the trust and the respect that my position deserves, and in turn, I shall work with you to assure any changes I enact are as painless as possible.”

Silence fell one again, Twilight even helped herself to a sip of her highly sweetened tea. She could see Burnt Oak was thinking the words over, she had confidence in her argument. After all her logic was sound and clearly Burnt Oak hadn't considered all the factors before this conversation. Not his fault as it was now clear to Twilight education had not been handled overly well by Ivory Scroll, she made a mental not to look into fixing that as well.

“Milady Twilight,” Burnt Oak spoke up. “I only have one question.”

“Go on,” Twilight encouraged.

“Do you really think you're so much better than us?” Burnt Oak asked simply.

“Excuse me?” Twilight asked, astounded. “I never suggested-”

“You just sat here and spouted at me about how oh so much better yer education is, how smart ya'll are, and how stupid you think I am,” Burnt Oak scowled. “Did you call me here only to offer me insult?”

“Mister Oak! I did not intend to insult you, I was merely making a point that I have many qualification which make me equipped-”

“-save it,” Burnt Oak said. “See, it's this attitude that I'm tired off. It's not just unicorns either, it's anyone who's born to a well off family, who get's to go to a good school. You lot always talk down to us, act like we don't matter, say our ways and our beliefs are backwards and are wrong. I'm sick of it, frankly, I'm sick of being punished 'cause of who I am, and I won't just sit here while you walk all over me.”

“Mister Oak,” Twilight said, trying to keep calm but she could already feel the frustration mounting. “You need to listen to me, this isn't a personal attack on you nor am I some aristotelian tyrant. All I am trying to do is stimulate the economy, it's completely unfair to lump all that burden onto the minority.”

“Why?” Burnt Oak asked. “Shouldn't a city, a country, be run in a way that benefits the majority?”

“That's a very broad statement, it simply doesn't apply here. Let me try explaining it to you agai-”

“-Because you think I'm a dumb farmer, right?” Burnt Oak growled. “What you need to understand is that I do understand what yer sayin, I just disagree. But you can't accept that, in your mind anyone who disagrees with you must be some idiot whom ain't worth listenin to.”

“That isn't true,” Twilight said firmly. She had a headache now, and she was clenching her jaw in a most painful way. Why did he not understand? She had explained it as simply as she could. Ugh why did they have to send such a dense and stubborn representative to her? Surely not the entire union could be like this? Then Twilight remembered the other stallion in the room, Swift Scribe, yes, he was educated and he knew Burnt Oak well enough. Perhaps he could bridge the gap!

“Mister Swift Scribe,” Twilight said. “You've heard what I have to say, perhaps you can assist me in helping Mister Burnt Oak understand why these changes must be enacted.”

“I... would very much like help you, milady,” Swift scribe said, glancing between twilight and Burnt Oak. “But... I do believe my associate here understands your position, but as he said he differs in opinion. And if I am to be an honest stallion, I do to.”

Now Twilight was truly astonished, so much she actually leaned back. How? How could such an educated unicorn deny simple and straightforward economics? It made no logical sense! Yet... yes! The union must have him in their fold. Some manner of deal perhaps? Yes of course! But if that was true Twilight had to reconsider her tact. For now she knew they had a very learned lawman on their side. She must retreat for now and consolidate her position. They have won this small skirmish, yes, but Twilight now knew much more about her opponent.

“I see that your mind will not be changed in a day,' Twilight said, feinting defeat with an accepting tone. “But nor will mine, I bid you think upon what I've said today and reconsider your position.”

“I say the same unto you, milady,” Burnt Oak said, he gave a bow and left. Swift Scribe struggled to follow his purposeful step. Just after they left Rainbow Dash slipped back in to find Twilight rubbing her temples and groaning.

“Whiskey?” Rainbow asked.

“Whiskey,” Twilight conformed. “And invite Rarity over, I need someone intelligent to talk to after that.”

Later That Evening

“My my, quite the stubborn lot aren't they?” Rarity commented, sipping at her wine.

“You don't know the half of it,” Twilight said, swirling her whiskey in the glass absentmindedly before taking a knock from it. They sat on the highest floor of Twilight's castle, on the balcony where they lounged on chairs. A small table sat between them holding a bottle of wine, two bottles of whiskey, a bowl of candied fruits, and a chessboard. They were mid-game.

“Perhaps it's an ideology of sorts?” Rarity suggested, she moved her bishop forward. An obvious decoy so she could flank with her knight.

“You think?” Twilight asked. She took Rarity's knight with a pawn.

“Yes, it always happens in these parts of the countries, where the crown's authority isn't as ever present as it is elsewhere,” Rarity explained. She moved her bishop forward. Clever, the knight had been the decoy, not the bishop, and now Twilight had left a gap in her lines.

“If you're right, and I believe you are, than I'm dealing with ideologues,” Twilight said. She considered utilizing her own knight to take the bishop but that would leave it exposed. No, she moved another pawn forward to be taken. “And simply talking to them and trying to convince them may not be a viable option, hm.”

“A battle of wits has begun between you and them it seems, and their apparent ideology gives them resolve,” Rarity said. She took Twilight's pawn with her bishop which moved it in range of another one of Twilight's pawns. “Which begs the question, and please sate my curiosity, what is your ideology darling?”

“My ideology huh? Well forgive me if I say I don't subscribe to the idea of an ideology, they're limited,” Twilight said. She took Rarity's bishop, putting an end to the attack. “But, obviously I have beliefs. For example in the monarchy, in the crowns, in the noble lords. It's a good system and a maintainable one.”

“And why is that would you say? Pretend I am some anarchal brute,” Rarity said. She moved her rook forward, straight through the gap Twilight had made by moving her pawns and took out Twilight's knight. In one move Rarity had breached Twilight's lines and gotten a step away from her king. Twilight mentally chastised herself for not foreseeing the ploy.

“Hm, I would say that what better leader can one produce than one born, bred, raised, and taught specifically to do just that? A monarch or lord either comes from a long line of experienced and tested leaders or has demonstrated the qualities of such. Unlike any democratic system which panders to the sensibilities of the majority, rather than acting on knowledge or experience. But it goes beyond that, for when the common citizen thinks upon the legacy of their kings and queens, their lords, the crowns they bear and the divine authority they wield. It taps into something greater than themselves, something ancient, going back a thousand years or longer. A history that speaks of long summers of peace and of bloodlines that run into the very bones of the land. It's something they can look up to, an ideal, the essence of nobility is to give the people that mysticism, that near heavenly grace only they can look upon it's flesh and say it's name,” Twilight blinked and realized she had gone on a bit of a tangent. She chuckled. “Perhaps I'm more passionate about the topic than I realized.”

“Be ashamed not, darling, you are most captivating and awe-inspiring when you speak of such things,” Rarity said giving Twilight a look of approval. “But it's your move.”

“Ah! Yes,” Twilight said, she reconsidered her situation upon the battlefield. She moved her rook to take out Rarity's thus ending the infiltration of her lines. “But back on topic, I need to consider my next move... regarding the Union that is.”

“Yes, that is a rather tough situation,” Rarity said. She moved forward her remaining bishop, exploiting the gap in Twilight's lines once more. Putting Twilight's king within range of her bishop. “Check.”

“I can't just march in and arrest them all, no that would start a riot, a lot of blood would be spilled, too much,” Twilight said. Her rook couldn't get the bishop, nor her pawns or remaining knight. Seeing no other option Twilight reluctantly moved her king and took Rarity's bishop with it. This left her very exposed. This may have been her last mistake.

“I understand that darling, it seems you must find another way,” Rarity said, she moved a pawn forward. “Although, you say you cannot arrest them all and this is true, but from what some little birds tell me this union is held together mostly by key figures. Arrest them, or discredit them, and they may fall apart. Take their king as it were.”

“Cut the snakes head, hm...” Twilight said thoughtfully. She considered Rarity's move, a seemingly pointless move yet why waste the turn when her king was so exposed? Was she being careful? No, she had been bold enough in her attacks so far. Twilight moved her king back to his spot just to be safe. “But how can I target these individuals without inciting a strong reaction?”

“Distraction and misdirection, darling, you must tread the land of technicality and vagueness,” Rarity suggested, she moved up another pawn to join the other.

“Perhaps, but first I need to identify these individuals,” Twilight said. Her suspicions were correct, this must be another attack, she moved her knight forward to intercept.

“Well you know one already, Burnt Oak, but he is not alone,” Rarity said. Suddenly she moved forward her remaining rook and once again breached twilight lines. Through the gap that she had forgotten to close because she was focused on Rarity's feint attack on the opposite flank!

“Indeed...” Twilight said distractedly. She scrambled for any way to take the rook, but no, no piece was in a position to intercept it. Not even her queen, her k night would've been able to do it, but rarity had drawn it away! Clever girl. Accepting her loss Twilight toppled her own king. “That's checkmate, congratulations, it's been a while since I've had an opponent who could beat me.”

“May I offer some friendly advice?” Rarity asked as she carefully placed the board and the pieces to the side.

“Please do.”

"You are too easily distracted, or more accurately too single minded,” Rarity said softly. “When confronted with a problem, an attack, you immediately wish to respond to it. However in this you neglect your weak spots, your flanks, and leave yourself exposed. Perhaps this is why you make schedules so meticulously? Planning out every event one after the other allows you to focus on each item individually, yet such good planning doesn't work when you cannot predict you opponent's moves does it?”

“I suppose you're right,” Twilight said thoughtfully.

“For example, right now you are thinking about how to deal with the union, and yet...” Rarity's voice softened to a purr as she leaned forward and began to walk over the small table with movements that were almost cat-like, her half-lidded eyes capturing Twilight's in their gaze. “And yet you are so easily distracted”

Rarity's warm wine-tinted breath washed over Twilight, causing her face to flush with heat. They were so close together and Rarity's gaze was unwavering. She was certainly right about one thing, Twilight couldn't think of anything else in that moment.

“Rarity...” Twilight said softly, leaning forward but she was stopped by another noise.

“Ahem.”

Twilight nearly jumped out of her seat as her face flushed bright red and the snapped her head to the side to see Rainbow Dash standing there wearing her usual expression bar a crease in her brow. Rarity has a much less violent reaction to Rainbow's appearance as she simply looked at her, remaining in her position.

“Rainbow darling, you look lovely as always,” Rarity said casually.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Rainbow said with clipped words, sparing Rarity only a glance whom winked. “But I wanted to inform you that I'll be gone for the afternoon, I have... errands.”

“Errands?” Twilight asked curiously. “What sort?”

“It's... personal,” Rainbow said carefully.

“Oh let the dear go, no harm in it,” Rarity chirped as she leaned back into her chair. Giving Twilight space to breath.

“Well, alright then,” Twilight said. “Just be back soon, in case I need you.”

“Will do milady,” Rainbow saluted and gave Rarity one last look before leaving.

“Hm, I think someone's jealous,” Rarity tittered.

Lower Ponyville

A dirt path led from the very edge of the more rural edges of the city and towards the Everfree Forrest. Rainbow Dash's hooves crunched in the gravel and dirt as she walked, every step seemed heavier, seemed harder to take. Had it really been three years since she had been here? It seemed like longer. A small part of her begged to turn back, Rainbow was not prone to cowardice and yet this venture seemed to draw that measure. Rainbow sucked in a sharp breath as it came into view; a small humble cottage surrounded by a lush garden-like plain with a sparkling river running through it. Already Rainbow could see a few animals wondering around, several birds were roosting on the roof, a fox bounded past her.

Rainbow saw her when she came around to the front of the cottage. She hadn't really changed much, maybe gotten a a tad taller but everything from her long flowing mane to her yellow fur was still the same. Rainbow felt her throat tighten in fear, was it really right of her to come back to this place. She froze just outside the gate, Fluttershy was turned away from her, she was feeding some chickens. Rainbow considered fleeing before she was noticed but before she could move one of Fluttershy's dogs came around a corner and spotted Rainbow, immediately it began to growl and bear it's teeth at her.

“What's the matter boy? What do you-” Fluttershy turned around and her eyed widened in fear at the sight of Rainbow Dash, instinctively she took a step away from her. “W-what are you doing here?”

“Fluttershy...” Rainbow said softly, she tried to step closer but the dog barked and Fluttershy took another step away. “I'm... I'm back to living here, Ponyville I mean, I'm working for Twilight. I'm sure you've heard all about it...”

“What do you want with me?” Fluttershy's voice was shaking.

“I... I just want to...” Rainbow felt tears sting her eyes. “I d-didn't mean to do that, I don't know why. Please, I would never hurt you, I just don't know why... why I did that, please I-”

“You should go,” Fluttershy said, she wouldn't look at Rainbow Dash. “Please.”

Rainbow Dash was crying now, streams of tears running down her cheeks. More out of self pity than anything else, and that only made her feel worse. She swiftly wiped the tears away.

“I'm sorry,” Rainbow croaked before taking flight and soaring away.

Author's Note

Hey look you get a longer chapter for waiting. That deserves a comment.