Disclaimer: I do not own, or claim rights to any of the characters or plot references from My Little Pony, or Daredevil. All rights belong to Hasbro and Marvel, respectively.

"It's all over, creep! Come out of here quietly, and give that back! Doesn't have to get ugly, you know!"

"Afraid you're too late! It's already started!" The tall, shady Unicorn chuckled as he levitated the stolen case up to his face, and began to open it.

"Oh, no you don't!" The Pegasus darted directly towards him, her bright blue coat colliding with his dark crimson. The two wrestled for the object without hesitation, sharing a grimace between themselves. Her wings gave her an edge over him, but his lime-glowing horn helped in gaining the better grip. He then sent a shocking bang that gave him the full advantage. It sent the mare airborne, and caused her to smash onto the stone wall that surrounded them. With a grunt, she slid limply onto the rocky ground. "Ooh! Ow..."

Just then, the heat and fumes began to pick up from all around them, as the smoldering fire from below rose even higher. It were as though the volcanic crypt they were in had been responding to this rise in tension and pressure.

"No doubt, it may seem a more suitable piece for a lovely mare, such as yourself," he chuckled again at the sprawled pony before him, "But I believe by wearing this, I can finally achieve what others before me had miserably failed to do: destroy the Elements of Harmony. Let's start with Loyalty, shall we?"

"No, stop!" A shriek came with the sudden force that knocked the box and its contents out of his beaming magic. However, his impatience fueled his fury, the ash now blasting all around flew more wildly, and he swung his reared back and neck sharply to shake his assailant off. Bam! "Ah!"

Crashing onto the floor, and skidding towards the edge, the young Pegasus felt the wind knocked out of her.

"Fluttershy!" The other mare was prompted to call back towards her friend, shakily rising from her fallen position, across the fiery chamber from that of the other two.

"It appears that instead, Kindness will take the first blow," muttered the stallion with a grin. The box floated up from the ground, and towards him once again, and he opened the lock to view what lied within.

"Didn't you hear what I said, creep," grunted the blue Pegasus, who huffed angrily through her snout, "No. You. Don't!"

Jumping off her hind legs, she whizzed with all her might and momentum to intervene. In doing so, she knocked the pony off the ground, and sent him flailing over her friend, off the precipice. She then saw the artifact flying out of its case, then vanished out of sight before she could even go after it. "Oh, no! The Ali-"

"Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy's scream took her focus away from what was lost, and down into the molten chasm, where the yellow Pegasus pointed.

"Oh, man," she muttered warily, upon seeing what she had done. "Not cool."

That Try Mares' Souls

~ Part I ~

Ee-inginginginginging. After the sudden sonic blast that struck him out of nowhere, he took his time to regain consciousness, and let the bells from ringing all around him. He allowed deep gusts of air enter into the nostrils and out of his lips. Slowly, and gently, he strove to rise up from the warm, earthen path he was lying on. However, his senses failed to prepare him for what he was about to encounter. When he fully recovered, striving to regain his bearings, the man was horribly shocked by the surroundings he took in.

To say that he was paralyzed and dumbstruck by what was all around him would be a gross understatement. He could tell, right away, he was no longer in Manhattan. But it was what he found himself in that was most troubling.

The open air, completely lacking of any fumes or exhaust, was fresh, light, and all-around pleasing to the nose. He could even taste it. The beaming warmth of sunlight refracted off of the rugged, yet even road that was nothing at all like concrete or asphalt. No hint of tar, or artificial pavement of any kind. He could make out the distant chirping that would have resonated better had he been around trees and tall buildings, as before in Central Park.

But it was something else. Something that was emanating from all around that took him greatly by surprise. Underneath the earth, and inside everything that he could detect, was a massive wave of energy. It vibrated into his very core, outlining an image in his mind of what lied before him. The clarity was beyond compare. This included the pillars beside him, which functioned as an arching entrance to the grand city beyond. He could not even describe how intense and organic this energy seemed to be. It exceeded that of modern-day electrical currents, generators, and gas heaters. All forms of artificial power in Manhattan were nothing compared to this. He was no longer in a world on fire. At least, not the kind he had grown used to. The closest he could describe it was a bolt of lightning, only ever-constant. Alive.

Letting this entire situation soak in, as seconds became minutes, he finally became aware of his own form. He had collapsed onto his hind quarters in shock, and felt something attached to him brush against the ground. His ears, now pointed and moved to the top of his head, kept turning, flicking and twitching in response to his constant use of them. A thin, but well-insulated coat seemed to have encompassed his skin, in place of his office clothes. Reaching to touch his face was a fingerless limb he had lifted. Instead of a hand was a singularly dense stump. When it made contact, he could feel his mouth and nose had elongated into a snout and muzzle.

It was then that he heard a voice coming his way, shaking him from his stupor. But there were no sounds he could pick up to indicate steps. Only the repetitive brush of wind and shifts in the air current was all he could sense, as he would whenever a bird flew by.

"Great. Just great. All, totally peachy! Just what the hay am I supposed to do, now?"

The scratchy voice that moaned nearer to him had a pitch indicating a female was on approach, with something of a tomboy demeanor. Clearly upset, she was complaining to herself, repeatedly about what she was supposed to do and how to get herself out of whatever situation she was caught in.

He picked up his weapon and cane, now tall like a shepherd's staff, along with his tinted lenses. Placing the latter on, he was grateful that the bridge was somehow able to adjust and fit onto his new snout. Deciding to strike a conversation with the stranger, he began, "Um, excuse me. Do you mind helping me? Think I've lost my sense of direction. Where am I?"

"Don't they usually tell you where the train stops," she groaned back. Although she had stopped, he could still sense the motioning of wings, only now as though in hover.

"Well..." he sputtered, acknowledging a set of tracks from behind. "I'm afraid I was hit really hard with something, then somehow found myself here. Could you please tell me where I am now?"

"Yeah, sure I guess. You're at the Crystal Empire, home of the Crystal Ponies and their leaders Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart, their foal." Having her voice and his own echo between the gemlike pillars helped gain a mental image of what he was encountering: an equine-like creature, reared back in midair, who crossed her forelegs as would a pair of arms.

By keeping himself collected by this discovery, he spoke further, "Oh, well thank you, miss. I appreciate that. Guess I'm further from home than I would've liked."

"No problem."

"Um, forgive me for being pry. But is, uh, something wrong?"

"You bet there's something wrong, pal," she exploded in reply, "Basically I've been grounded from the Wonderbolts, the most awesome, amazing fliers in all of Equestria, who I dreamed to be a part of my whole life, and everypony on the street's looking at me like I'm some crazy psychopath, and on top of that, I can't seem to find anypony that's willing to help me deal with the stupid-head that got me in this mess, in the first place!"

"Again, this may be none of my business, but you mind telling me what sort of mess you're in?"

"Why're you so interested?"

"Just," he shrugged passively, "thought I'd lend an ear to someone in need of it."

"Well, gee. Thanks, pal. I guess talking about my problems might be worth your time and bits. But that doesn't really help me in actually, like, doing something about it, you know! S-sorry." She then turned to a low, bitter tone. "Didn't mean to yell at you like that. Guess I should apologize for doing that to my friends too, huh?"

"Don't worry about that, for now. Later, when you see them. Anything I can do to help," he said out of instinct, though unsure of what he could offer, given his own situation.

"Nah. Not unless you can point me to somepony that wants to take a crack at the nastiest mare I've ever met in some sort of courtroom."

"Wow, is...is she that unbearable?"

"Heh. I'm sugarcoating it, pal. Councilpony Cinch is the meanest pony ever! Of all time!"

Snigger. "Cinch?"

"Yeah. Abacus Cinch. Why? What's so funny?"

"Nothing. It's nothing. Just thinking how much I'd like to take a shot at her." He knew exactly what sort of jokes Foggy would have had in store here.

"Wait. You saying you're a lawyer too?"

"Yeah. Very well trained, I should think."

"You-you really want to help me out?"

"Well, so long as you're game, suppose I am too."

"Wow! Really?! This day went from really awful to totally awesome! Um, you really think you can, though? I-I mean, see what you can do?"

"I'm might not be familiar with...Crystal Empire laws and statutes, but I'm sure to pick it up readily."

"Yeah, I'm sure Twilight can hook you up with some books for that!"

"So long as I have the right source material to compensate, that'd be fine."

"Compensate for what, exactly? And what's up with the long stick and red shades you got there?"

"Well, let me put it to you this way. What color are you?"

"Uh, hello! Rainbow. Dash? Element of Loyalty? Oh yeah, right. I haven't told you who I am yet. But still, seriously? Are you like, color blind, or something?"

"Something. Though, more like everything."

"Oh, wow. Sorry. Didn't mean to-"

"It's alright. No harm done. In fact, I kind of got a kick out of your response."

"He-heh. You're alright, bud. Now that I think about it. You haven't really looked at me all the way, this whole time. Should've figured."

"So, you have someplace for us to get started?"

"Ha! Do I? I've got a super-sweet room up at the palace, like all my other friends. We're all tight with Cadence and Shining. You know, being the Elements, and all."

"Elements?"

"Yeah, you know. Elements of Harmony? Rainbow Dash? Twilight Sparkle? Applejack? Pinkie Pie? Rarity?"

"Sounds like I've got a lot of news to catch up on."

"Yeee-ah, guess so. Come on, I'll take you there to meet them."

Grateful for the use of his hooves to still hold onto his cane, he found himself guided by Miss Dash down the road towards the city, and the square, all entirely made of crystals and gemstones. Along the way, he was definitely sure of the vast amount of energy that emitted through the female's voice, conduct and position, most especially where he surmised her wings were flapping, as well as her flank section for some reason. Despite how impossible all this seemed, his objective nature as an attorney kept him from becoming a Doubting Thomas to what was clearly happening all around him.

But it was not just his highly enhanced senses that confirmed this reality simply as is. It was also the simple fact that this was all beyond his wildest imagination, which already spoke volumes. No way could he have dreamt any of this. He may not fully understand what was actually happening, but he is fully aware that it was. Miss Dash's responses, especially, were beyond disbelief. Despite anticipating her question of his blindness, as well as her providential need of a counselor, her own words, delivery, and character could not have been an invention of his. She was her own, independent being.

Led by the apparent Pegasus into the magnificent urban setting, he picked up on the colossal structure located at its center. It reminded him briefly of the Eiffel Tower he once saw in a book during his youth, but seeing no clear connection between Paris and this Crystal Empire made him cast that note aside. What actually caught his full attention, however, was an object at the base of the gemlike palace. It emanated a different level of energy from the hovering mare beside him, as it was somehow able to reach the innermost depths of his being, and connect itself to every other life form nearby, the crystalline houses, and even the road itself. He could practically hear its own heartbeat, sending forth such peaceful resonance into him.

"How long do you think she's been gone," asked Spike, who looked out from the window.

"About half an hour," said Twilight, "Hopefully she was able to let off some steam, from all the stress she's been under lately."

"Indeed. Having to find out somepony pressed charges against her, while also learning the full nature of her prosecution, without anypony able, or even willing to take her case, due to said circumstances. It must all be overwhelming to the poor dear. Surely we would have already helped this battle of hers to be half over, by now."

"Ain't that the truth, Rarity. I still can't understand why Twi, or even Cadence or Shining can help. All this, here legal jargon stuff's just aching my head."

"It has to do with the need for an unbiased system. The defense team, prosecution, jury, and the judge," Shining Armor spoke. "can't ever be connected to either side of the case, so that nopony's judgement leans on one side more than the other."

"Which is why," added Cadence, "in this case, neither Shining nor I can be the appointed judge, our role by default. Because of our personal ties to Rainbow Dash. It's automatically labeled a conflict of interest."

"Don't nopony trust you to make an honest decision about this?"

"Personal and emotional ties to one side can have even the slightest effect on the whole trial, Applejack," evenly stated the lavender Princess. "Despite anypony's best intentions. At least, that's what the Crystal Codex has stated."

"Exactly," nodded her sister-in-law, standing beside her brother, "Which is exactly what we must uphold, as Princess…"

"...and Prince."

"And basically everypony's afraid to defend Rainbow Dash because of that mean, nasty, super-duper councilpony that is working on trying to put Rainbow Dash in jail, who is the meanest, nastiest, hardest pony you would ever meet in any trial place, because nopony has ever beaten her, and that's why everypony's so afraid of her. She's basically a tall, mean, Unicorn version of Rainbow Dash, because she's very, very, very, very good at winning, and she really, really, really, really hates losing."

"Still can't believe nopony wants to help her. And that we can't."

"We know, Spike," Twilight offered her hoof to comfort the little Dragon, "But all we can really do is support and be there for her as best we can, and hope everything will work out for the best."

"And we'll be there to help in all we can too, Twilie. But right now, Cadence and I need to carry on with other tasks for today."

"The first being to check on Flurry, and see how well Sunburst and Starlight are doing with her."

"Of course, we won't be keeping you two any longer. And thanks for all you've done for us, already. And I'm sure Rainbow Dash feels the same way."

"Quite right," Rarity added, "Despite her recent outburst, she's more than grateful for all your help."

"We'll see you at supper, everypony."

"Good day."

"Yep. See y'all soon."

As they opened the door, however, Shining Armor and Cadence caught sight of the Pegasus in question, standing with a golden Earth Pony of brown-red mane and tail, short whiskers, and red, tinted glasses, carrying a red staff of sorts. Their friend was having her head held low, in slight bereavement.

"Hey, guys. Look, I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier. Just want you all to know I'm glad to know you've got my back, no matter what."

"Well, sure thing, Sugarcube. No need to fret about it, no more."

"Indeed. Bygones be bygones. Forgive and forget, darling."

"We just wish there was something we could do to really, really help," sharply spoke Pinkie.

"Just having you as morale is good enough for me," the chromatic Pegasus said, then perked up as she said, "Plus, I think I found somepony who can help."

"Really," beamed Twilight, "He said he was willing to...um, does he know about...whom he's facing?"

"Relax. I told him all about Cinch, and he's still game. He even got a laugh out of hearing her name, for some reason."

"Because it won't be a cinch," he teasingly said, in a baritone voice. But then evenly added, "All the same, I'm still a stranger to this region. Given how Crystal Empire codes of law are outside my jurisdiction, so to speak, I could definitely do with some assistance."

"Oh, would you like to get a thorough briefing on the Crystal Codex?"

"So long as I have...somepony to help walk me through it."

"Well that's really great news to hear. I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, and I'll be happy to..." Extending her hoof, she saw the stallion bow his head cordially, then reach out with his own limb. Twilight then saw it stop before it could reach her, which puzzled her at first.

"Oh, right. Yeah. He's, uh..." At Rainbow Dash's paused statement, they all realized his visual impairment.

"Well, don't have everypony shake my hoof at once," he spoke with smirked amusement.

"S-sorry. I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle." She took it, and continued, "Element of Magic, and Princess of Friendship."

"A pleasure to meet you, your Highness."

"You can just...call me Twilight, if you want."

"Not all that comfortable with your position?"

"Just hearing ponies addressing me by my title, is all. I'll explain later."

"Sure."

"I'm Applejack. Element o' Honesty. Nice to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise, ma'am."

"Pinkamena Dianne Pie! Element of Laughter! But Pinkie Pie, or Pinkie, for short! Nice to meet you, Mister Blind-Pony-Lawyer!"

"Same to you." Her address to him brought a wider grin onto his countenance, much to her squeaking delight.

"Rarity, darling. Generosity. Charmed, truly."

"Thank you, Miss Rarity. A pleasure to meet you also."

"Whoa! Hey! Where's Fluttershy? Oh, there she is...uh, Fluttershy?"

At Dash's enquiry, the soft, yellow Pegasus in the corner turned to face the others, finally making herself seen. "Sorry, Rainbow Dash. I just...just...have a lot on my mind still."

"You're thinking about what happened again, aren't you?"

"Eep. Um, yes."

"Well, take it easy, okay Fluttershy? That's all over now. And with this guy's help, we can really put it all behind us. Hey! I just realized something. I never got your name either, pal."

As all turned back to the Earth Pony for his response, he pursed his lips as he offered a mildly hesitant one.

"Daredevil."

"Oh-kay...guessing there's a story to go with that."

"You've no idea," he smirked back at Rainbow.

"Explains your Cutie Mark, though."

"I'm sorry?"

"Your Cutie Mark," Twilight repeated for him. "The mark on your flank to show your most prominent talent, as well as your calling in the world. You...never knew about it?"

"Your parents never said anything about that," added Dash.

"Yeah. Yes, of course. Just...what about it?"

"It shows a double-D in red," the studious Alicorn replied matter-of-factly, "The way they cross together certainly makes for a trademark sort of icon, as would someone with a certain profession or practice, like an attorney."

"Or maybe a superhero," Spike proclaimed excitedly, much to everypony's bemusement but Pinkie's.

"I think you need to take another break from those comic books, Spike."

"Or maybe even a blind circus performer," Pinkie then added. "Like a blind acrobat, or a blind knife thrower, or maybe a super blind knife-throwing acrobat! That rides a unicycle! On a balancing cable!"

"Well, with years of training, practice and experience, I might be able to pull that off," said Daredevil, amused. "And who's this Spike I'm hearing"

"Spike the Dragon," he announced with huffed pride, as he marched towards the blind pony. "I may be a baby Dragon now, but even still, I'm proclaimed as the Great and Glorious-"

"He's very, well known here in the Crystal Empire," Twilight cut in with a chuckle, "Helped save the Crystal Ponies here a couple of times. So he's greatly exonerated as their hero."

"Quite the accomplishments. And I'm sure they're only the beginning of whatever greatness lies ahead of you. Right, Spike?"

"Yeah, right!" Seeing his confidence boosted even higher with that remark, Twilight sent a smile Daredevil's way.

"Well it's very good to meet you, Counselor Daredevil," said the pink Alicorn, as she and her husband approached him, "Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire. And Princess of Love."

"Right."

"And Prince Shining Armor."

"Of course."

"Sorry to leave you on short notice, but we need to check on our little filly right now."

"Among other things."

"Of course, your Majesties," he nodded in their direction, after shaking their hooves with a wide smile. "We need to get started here, ourselves. Good to meet you also."

"Spike. Get my paper and quill ready. We've got a lot of work to do."

"On it!"

They strolled down the hallway of the cool stones that warmly brightened the castle's interior. With Twilight guiding Daredevil up front, and her satchel carrying the Codex they scanned through the evening previous, they approached the conference room. Skipping behind them was Pinkie Pie, along with the other Elements trekking onward. With Spike being carried by Fluttershy, who was one of the most reluctant members for this meeting, Rainbow Dash took the tail end of the troupe, half-wanting to dart out of there, the first chance she had.

"You sure you've got everything we need," Daredevil asked Twilight.

"Yep," she chirped back, "All our notes are right here. I even made a copy in Bridle with my new Bridle alphabet, slate and stylus for you."

"Thank you. Sounds like you've been waiting for the right opportunity to use them."

"Are you kidding me?! I've been wanting a chance to put these to good use, ever since my Mom and Dad got them for my birthday last year! I've always wanted to find time using it for my personal library, but this is a good start also! For legal purposes! I should get Cadence and Shining to get the Codex transcripted, right after this!"

"Good to know you take it wherever you go, too."

"Even if it's still an extra weight to pack and carry."

"Anyhoof," Twilight stated, ignoring Spike, "Just prepare yourself in meeting Councilpony Cinch. Don't let her trick you into thinking she's a nice trot through Canterlot."

"Yeah," Dash hissed from behind. "She's totally brutal."

"A very mean, scary, tough meanie if I ever met one."

"Not the most gracious of ponies, I must say."

"Yup. She ain't, no pushover by any stretch o' the imagination."

"Duly noted."

"So, you ready." At his silent nod, Twilight Sparkle lit the doors with her bright, crimson aura, then advanced with Daredevil by her hoof, and the others directly behind.

"Councilpony Abacus Cinch, good morning."

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," came the flat reply, from a light blue Unicorn with magenta eyes, and mane of various shades of lavender. "I see you've brought with you somepony to represent the Accused."

"Daredevil," he announced, offering his hoof, "And I'd prefer if my client be called Defendant."

"I see."

"As for the Prosecutor, I have yet to be introduced. I'd like to ask if the pony in question-"

"My client, Limelight, is unavailable for this conference, and most likely for the trial also."

"Of course." He then lowered his hoof. "I simply would like to ask if his health is any better."

"Fortunately, he's made a steady recovery from his fall. Wouldn't be the case, had he not used a force field on himself, at the last instant. This would otherwise be an equicide trial, pressed by the Crystal Guard."

"Are you kidding me," sharply snapped Rainbow Dash, "I nearly-"

"I'm glad to hear of it. As do we all. Will he take any visitors?"

"So long as the Accused-"

"Defendant."

"Does not make an appearance, which might prompt a provocation by...either parties."

"Agreed."

"What!?"

"I ask that my client please refrain from commenting, until after the conference."

"Huff! Fine."

Walking off to take her seat, Cinch waited for the others to follow suit. Placing her forehooves under her chin, and levitating her half-rounded spectacles higher up her snout, she initiated the proceedings.

"As I'm sure you are aware, this trial must be conducted by ponies with the utmost objective stance towards this case, without any deep affiliations to either the Prosecutor or the Accused."

"Defendant."

"As such, I ask that you please show me all credentials concerning your law firm. So as to confirm your lack of affiliation."

"That, I'm afraid is not possible, Councilpony Cinch," he plainly stated.

"Oh?"

"I have just arrived here to the Empire, and have just started my own practice."

"No references? Internships, or understudy?"

"They're...old-fashioned ideas, in my opinion."

"Education?"

"I'm expecting my certificate in the mail, as soon as I get a new address."

"Quite. This should be interesting. Is your previous residency anywhere near Ponyville?"

"No. I traveled from...Manehatten. And I understand my client, Miss Dash, has made only one visit to that major metropolis, so far."

"Only if you count-"

"Miss Dash." "Ugh, alright. Fine."

"Now, I'm curious to know what the Prosecutor was doing in the Crystal Empire's jurisdiction, given he's not of Crystal origin?"

"Mister Limelight is under the employ of certain Crystal Ponies here in the Empire. Here are his credentials, to show my own lack of connections to him."

After receiving the documents, Daredevil slid them over to Twilight, as Cinch continued. "Now, I hope you are aware of the nomination process for appointed judges in this hearing, given both Prince and Princess don't qualify for that power granted to them by the Codex, at this time. Since you are here, Princess Twilight, with some...uncredited pony that's simply stepped in to represent the Accused on such short notice-"

"Defendant. And yes, we have a nomination picked."

"Do you?"

"The returned Starswirl the Bearded," spoke the lavender Alicorn, "who has more than gladly accepted the nomination, given how well familiar he has always been with the Crystal Codex!"

"After your recent endeavors with him, concerning the Pony of Shadows, and your idol no less, Princess Twilight, I hardly see him as-"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle is not my client, Councilpony Cinch. Miss Rainbow Dash is. As such, they shared minimal interactions with each other, since they met. If any, at all. Therefore, no personal connections shared between them. Besides which, I understand Starswirl is a known legend and icon idolized by many Unicorns. Possibly including yourself, and your client."

After a brief pause was held, the Unicorn mare continued, "There still seems to be a slight prejudice involved in this nomination, considering Starswirl's reputation-"

"Which should not be an issue for either parties involved with this case. It's the jury, the members of which are randomly selected to participate, most of whom would be of Crystal citizenship, at least. It'll be up to them to select the judge based on both your nomination and mine, regardless of reputation. Especially considering whom he or she is filling in. I also see a need for somepony to at least have some level of respect for my client, given her position, so as to fully understand the gravity of this trial."

"As for my nomination," she quickly recovered, "Amethyst Maresbury, Head of the Crystal Library. The most educated citizen of the Crystal Empire, as well as the most efficient in maintaining order."

"Who, like all others, is readily familiar with my client by reputation, as much as Starswirl?"

"Quite. Then I see no further need for this conference to carry on any longer."

"Except for one thing."

"Which is?"

"The Defendant has brought up in her statement a missing artifact. Did the Prosecutor ever mention something of that nature in his?"

"That statement is evidence, and therefore will be made available to all parties, when the judge is selected. And I'm sure that's only part of her statement?"

"Yes."

"Then I see no need for a quid pro quo, given that this case involves the life of a pony threatened by another. Not some misplaced trinket."

"Yeah, 'cause I was the one-"

"Fair enough. Councilpony Cinch, good day. And we wish you the best."

"I'm sorry about my outburst. I knew that you needed to be the one to announce our pick. I was just too excited about Starswirl, that I..."

"Don't worry about it," he smiled, assuring Twilight. "So long as we maintain focus on the current task ahead of us, that's all that matters. Am I right, Miss Dash?"

"Yeah, yeah. Sure. 'M sorry too."

"I'd say that's just exactly what you did back there, pilgrim. Hoo-ee! Ain't never heard anything so head-spinning, before. Like a wagon wheel being chased by timberwolves. You sure know your stuff."

"Indeed. That Manehatten Academy education most surely paid off, darling."

"I know, right? I mean, she came up all 'Grrr.' And then you were all like, Bam! Then she was all like, 'Grrrrrrrrr.' And then you were all boom! Bam! Pow!"

"Yeah, you sure went hoof-to-hoof with her in the ring. Just what was that all about, anyway? With the Alicorn Amulet you were asking for?"

"Just looking for any signs of where the Prosecution stands, Miss Dash."

"Well sadly, that didn't seem to bear any fruit, dear."

"Actually, Miss Rarity, I might've uncovered something. I asked about an artifact, something generic, ranging from a tool, carving or spinning top."

"I love spinning tops!"

"She answered with the term 'trinket,' narrowing it down to a piece of jewelry, good-luck charm, or precious stone."

"Like the Amulet," concluded Twilight.

"Okay," muttered Rainbow, "so what's that supposed to mean?"

"Probably nothing," he shrugged, "or maybe her client is able to collaborate with your side of the matter. At least, in that regard."

"So he might actually believe he has due cause to litigate against you, Rainbow Dash."

"Meaning we might have our work cut out for us, yes Princess Twilight."

"Brilliant!"

"Indeed, Twilight. Simply marvelous thinking skills, if I may say so, Daredevil."

"Thanks, Miss Rarity."

"Simply Rarity would suffice."

"All the same, I doubt Cinch would allow for a slip-up like that, given her reputation. It's sure to have been deliberate. Her way of saying she still has the advantage."

"Then I recon that at least counts in knowing to keep our ears to the ground, and eyes peeled with that 'n, right?"

"Exactly. Now, if any of you wouldn't mind directing me to the nearest facilities."

"Oh, I can guide you there, if you want."

"Thanks, Twilight, but I'll manage. Just point me in the right direction, and however many turns I need to take."

"Oh, r-right. Of course. Sorry."

"Don't worry. Just wanting to help. Thanks."

He forcefully threw his glasses onto the floor, making him grateful he was much closer to the ground than he once was. But that was just it. He was no longer a five-foot, ten-inch, bipedal primate with fingers and toes. After keeping himself occupied with what he knew and did best for nearly a day, he could no longer ignore the fact that he was gone from his own world. The place where he was born and raised, where he had fought, bled, loved and befriended. That has all gone away, now.

Call it Divine Providence, or Retribution. It did not matter. What did was that he seemed to accomplish exactly what Stick wanted of him: cutting himself from all ties to humanity. And for what? This mystically childish, insane world of talking equines and mythical creatures?

Panting violently with inner turmoil and outrage, he made his way to the nearest basin. Picking up the running water that has cupped into his hooves, he rigorously washed and rubbed his face. He then filled his hooves with more of the cool, wet substance, repeating the process numerously, slamming onto the sink a couple of times after. He did not relent on his furious method of doing so, until his aggravated thoughts and flurried emotions were suddenly interrupted by the squeak of the opening door.

Sniffing harshly through his snout, he quietly heard the armored stallion clink-clank and clip-clop his way to one of the compartments available. He could sense the stiffening of movement, indicating the obvious guardspony had a slight hint of disturbance from seeing him in this state.

"Good morning," he huffed instinctively, without turning.

"I sure hope so." Picking up his cane from the wall, and craning his neck in search for his spectacles, he began to take deep breaths. Using his other hoof to place the glasses back on, he waved the staff with the other, and headed for the doorway.

Walking down the oddly warm, purely-laden crystal hall, he sharply detected the sound of steps ahead of him, delivered in perhaps a somber manner. The breathing seemed also light and truly silent for the immediate listener, and judging by the mental image he received from the steps' vibrations, the figure's head was downcast, suggesting that the individual was very discouraged, much like the second Pegasus from the troupe he met also.

"Miss Fluttershy," he called out. By how the mare stiffened, he startled her. So he tried again, when she turned her head in response. "Is that you, Miss Fluttershy?"

"Oh, yes. Um, hello, Counselor...Daredevil." Waving his staff before him, he made his way towards the halted pony.

"Thought I recognized those soft steps. Hope I didn't startle you."

"No, no. I was just deep in thought, um...again."

"Where're you headed, if I may ask?"

"Oh, there's a local farmer that has some sheep that need taken care of. He's short-hoofed, so I offered to help him. You know, while I was here."

"Very thoughtful of you."

"You recognized my hoofsteps?"

"Yes, well you see, I found ways to hear and recognize certain cues from each one of you. Miss Dash's flapping wings. Miss Pie's...spring in her step. And so on."

"Oh."

"Um, forgive me if I'm making you repeat yourself. But, what's your...Element, again?"

"Oh, I never did say, did I? It's, um, Kindness."

"A suitable title for a gentle pony. That is, at least by the sound of your voice."

"Um, thanks." Sensing the heat emitting from her facial area, he decided to move on with another subject.

"Ahem. Mind if I speak with you briefly, on your way out?"

"I-I-I don't think so. What about?"

"It's about this case," he said evenly, as he synchronized his movement with her steps. "From what I heard and can understand, you witnessed what happened involving Miss Dash and Mister Limestone."

"Um, I think it was Limelight. But, yes, I did."

"Right. Well, first of all, I want you to know that what you've experienced, and clearly still are, I went through exactly the same."

"You-you did?"

"I was eleven, at the time. Felt like everything I knew and loved was twisted and turned in ways I could never dream of. Not even in my worst nightmares. Til after that moment."

"Um, m-may I ask...what...what that was?"

"My...my, um, Dad...he was, um...was taken from me."

"Oh, my! I'm so sorry!"

"Was a long time ago, but I...I-I still hear the shot," he gulped, "Woke me up. Could tell his face was getting cold, when I touched it."

"I'm so, very sorry!" At this point, both already decided to sit on their haunches, well after stopping. He knew he had to make his point across, before hurting the tear-stricken, whimpering mare even further.

"It-it shaped me to...to who I am now. A-and in many ways, not for the better. But, there was one way, at least, that it did."

"W-what's that?"

"I learned how to be stronger. How to overcome my pain and fears, and channel all that energy I had in anger for the greater good. I honored my Dad's wish to learn how to fight with my head, instead of...with my hooves. Fighting for justice to those considered weak, boneless, and were without a voice of their own. As I once was."

"Why a-are you telling me...a-all this?"

"I'm sorry for troubling you further by telling you these things, Miss Fluttershy," he began, as he rose alongside her, heading for the main doors, "But I truly believe you can, and will become stronger from this also. Not to give in to that fear of reliving that memory, and think about how you can help your friend, who needs you the most. To testify. To tell, in your own words what happened. From what I can tell, you and your friends are all very good, kind, caring and full of virtue and strength. Especially together, it seems. And after this hard, trying time, you will all become even stronger than before."

As they walked past the doors, opened by a pair of guards on opposite sides, he stopped to let Fluttershy pass him. Warily, she strolled onward, then turned her neck towards his direction, with a slight uplift. "Thank you, um, Counselor Daredevil."

"Don't mention it, Miss Fluttershy. Just want to make sure we all do our part."

"Yes. I-I think I'll be ready to answer any questions you have. That is, once I'm done helping with the sheep."

"Sure. Some outdoor activity's good to help clear and sort our thoughts, or so I've heard. Heh. Take as much time as needed. I'll be using the Castle Library with Princess Twilight a bit more today. So you know where to find me."

After she shared a brief chuckle with him for his remark and bade him good day, the young Pegasus moved down the polished pathway. She now stepped with graceful firmness, despite her somewhat lean figure.

He felt relieved and rejuvenated in knowing he was able to help someone else cope with a problem, once again. As he turned back indoors to his intended destination, however, he picked up on the sound of a second set of hooves. He squinted, and listened with deep focus. They started to walk a good distance, before they trailed directly behind her.

The sun had already set, and she was starting to worry about how late it had become. She was greatly surprised by how much time flew by, but she knew she had to help with one of the sheep that seemed to be seriously ill. But she was glad for the time spent in helping the farmer, and the poor creature. That, along with the stroll she has gained from this day, had aided her in dealing with that emotional torment she recently suffered from. This also made her grateful for that pony to help her the way he did.

So, the late-approaching hours of night did not bother her so much. Just knew the others might be concerned for her, now. And the city and palace were well lit, just down the road. Thus, the outskirts of town did not seem too much of a fright for her, despite the sole lamppost that she was passing.

But she then noticed a shady, large stallion straightening himself, after leaning on it. It puzzled, and disturbed her slightly. But she strove to carry on, and simply greeted the stranger as she passed. However, she became very unnerved by his immediate turn to follow her. She could practically feel his eyes making daggers in her direction.

So as not to cause any sudden alarm, she casually began to open up her wings, and pick up speed and distance from him. But Fluttershy suddenly felt her tail held in a strong vice, before being roughly pulled back down. "Eep!" Smack! "Oof!"

"Listen here, Element hoarder," she heard him growl into her ear, terrifying her much more than before. "And you better listen good. Try saying anything in this coming court-fest, and you and your precious, cute little friends are going to pay. You got tha- Ah!"

Whack! Smack! Crrrinch! "Ow, hey! Wha- oaf! Oof! Stop, please!"

She had felt her long, rosy tail being released all of the sudden, before she heard sounds of violent impact and screaming. Curious more than afraid now, Fluttershy turned her neck to see what was happening behind her. Horrified by the display, she fully turned about, and saw a cloaked figure holding her attacker in a headlock, and twisting his front hoof from behind.

"Oh, for Celestia's sake, please stop!"

"Who are you?" Hearing that low, baritone voice threw her off slightly, for she could have sworn that sounded familiar, but more menacing.

"Nopony! Nopony! I'm just a stud doing what he's told! Ah-hah!" She could hear the twisted ligament grinding and popping evermore slightly, as it moved higher up his spine. This prompted her to flatten her ears with a cringe.

"Who sent you? Who's your employer?"

"Nguh-huh! By Luna, Cinch!" His screaming nearly made Fluttershy freeze completely still at his agony. What she noticed, however, made her move forward slightly. "It's Cinch! So please, just let me-ah-Haaaaah!"

The two, red sticks on some chord that were wrapped around his cloak reminded her of a single staff of the exact color.

"Lie to me again, this snaps in two."

"Oh, Celestia please, no!"

"Whom do you work for?" The voice, the delivery, albeit more sadistic, the red rods on his withers that were clearly connected by some sort of cable. She was then spurred on to confront this terrifying being that helped her.

"Stop what you're doing, right now, Mister!" Seeing his head jolt sharply from under the hood told her she got him to listen. But he did not loosen his grip.

"Ah-huh!"

Staring down at him from above, Fluttershy knew she had no need to face him directly to recognize the golden coat beneath that cloak. Hovering directly behind, she firmly, though gently scolded him.

"I know he scared me, and almost tried to hurt me, but that's no way to treat anypony! That's exactly what got my friend into trouble! Is that the way to honor your Dad's wish?"

The fact he remained frozen stiff told her he had been paying attention to her, most fully.

"Try touching her again," he muttered, "You will live to regret it." Whack!

At that, he sent the poor stallion straight into the ground, prompting stars to circle over the unconscious head.

"Call the Guards," he then addressed her, only slightly turning his own muzzle at her direction. "Make sure they question him. He's hiding something."

"How do you..." Instead of speaking further, she watched him storm off, taking steps off the main road, and out of range of the lamppost. Gradually, she saw him fade into the darkness beyond.

"Fluttershy!" Then she heard her pink friend whoosh in, then tightly embrace her, "Oh, Fluttershy, you're okay! We were getting so, so worried, because I just got a doozy from my Pinkie Sense about you, and if I got a doozy about you, then that means there might be something wrong! So I told Twilight to bring some Guards with her and the others on their way over, while I went ahead, just in case! But it looks like you're okie-dokie, so no worries there. So who's this guy sleeping on the road, anyway? Where'd he come from? Does he like parties? Or maybe just needs a bed? Who is he, anyway? Oops! Did I just ask that question, already? Silly me!"

...to be continued.

Author's Note

Bridle is Equestria's equivalent to Braille.

Synonyms for "primate" on Word 2013 are as follows: archbishop, bishop, prelate, cardinal, monkey, ape, mandrill, chimpanzee. Who knew? :P

Now for all of you wondering, I'm trying to integrate certain elements of the Netflix series, alongside the comics. So, feel free to offer any input of what you might want to see in Daredevil's background, or potential confrontations. Take care, and God Bless.