Friendship by Fire

The silence bounced off the skyward arches as though it were a breath. Stone-cold pillars hardly shook at the hustling traffic outside, and the subway trains beneath. The endless stretch of oak pews in need of a new finish would meet the cane, as he passed. He took his place near the curtained cove to stand, awaiting his turn. In this moment of recollection, he could only focus his senses on the singular coffin that stood before the altar. The contents inside held no degree of warmth and energy, as it once did. When her soul resided there. Now, only the embalming chemicals escaped through the wooden case. He could only hope for the resurrection to come in the end, as he often heard recited in the Creed. Unlike Elektra’s experience.

Hearing the curtain whoosh open, and the occupant departing from there, he stepped forward. The man reached for the rings of that hanging cloth to enclose himself, before taking his seat on the chair of similar varnish as the pews. Next, he rested his cane to the side, and raised three fingers to touch his forehead, chest, and shoulders, left and right. Clasping his hands together to interlock, he shakily breathed his opening prayer.

“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been eight days since my last confession. Once again, I’ve wandered from the straight and narrow. There were times I hardly spoke to my Mom, out of anger and spite. I was ruthless and brash towards my best friend, along with my ex-girlfriend, though unwittingly drugged. And just recently, I…I’ve lost someone very dear to me. Again. This is the third time one’s been taken, the second by one man’s hands. I looked for him, wanting so desperately to…to end him. Twice, I had him. Twice, he slipped away. But in the process, I regressed further. Letting the devil out on any who knew where I could find him. And another man, who planned the whole thing, he…he wanted me to end him also. But then I realized how easy it was, and let him be. Only to have him take his own life, when I probably could’ve done something about it. Then I…I’ve been pondering similar courses of action. Before another great friend, and powerful ally comforted me.”

After a moment of silence, Lantom spoke, “Remember the seven deadly sins. How pride is the root of the other six, and love’s true opposite. Hatred is only a twisted form of love, when you will the good of one, instead of another. You must strive for both, as our Savior gave His life, suffered and died for all us sinners. But pride, pride is when the devil twists and feeds that emotion of self-worth. To raise oneself onto a podium, above all others. False sense of worth, and no humility. That triggers greed, lust, envy, gluttony, sloth and wrath to venture into our souls. Then comes hatred, though spontaneous at times. That includes excessive pride in our free will, and decide it’s within our right to end ourselves when we wish.

As for your constant battle with your friends and loved ones, they suffer your loss also, for it becomes their loss. As He has suffered for us, and with us also. Take comfort in knowing we’re never alone in our lifelong purge for virtue and love, striving to receive that heavenly grace in the seven Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. To give us the seven capital virtues of humility, generosity, chastity, meekness, temperance, diligence, and most importantly, brotherly love.

Remember to treat others how you wish to be treated also. ‘Love your neighbor, as yourself.’ To 'love those who hate you, for if you only love those who love you, what reward is there?' And as it also says in Scripture, He ‘sees not as man sees.’ He sees your heart, Matthew, and knows your soul. Let Him in, so He may help. He’s always capable of helping us. He just waits for our call to invite Him fully.”

“Even if that heart’s badly damaged?”

“Especially when that heart’s badly damaged.”

Taking a deep, somber breath, he recited his Act of Contrition. He then raised his hoof to his forehead, barrel, and shoulders, left and right, then kissed the medal crucifix. After reflecting on those final words of meditation, Daredevil set down his rosary on the side table, and tilted his head towards the upcoming visitors. The jagged horn of one was lowered in deep thought as well.

Capitol 7ins

“Hi,” said Starlight as she approached.

“Good afternoon, Starlight. Lieutenant.”

Fizzlepop nodded mildly at his greeting, then Starlight spoke on, “We just wanted to check up on you. See how you’re doing.”

“Better, thanks,” he smiled in her direction. “Miss Do and her daughter just came over to say goodbye. Wanted an earlier train after some fun at the Festival.”

Seeing the nicely decorated basket full of muffins and get-well card, the bright purple Unicorn nodded, “Nice. Pinkie thought a ‘See-you-around’ party would be a good way to send you off too. Though, it’s a pretty quiet one, compared to all the others she’s made.”

“That mare really likes to throw parties,” muttered Fizzlepop in smirk.

“Always hear her wanting to throw one special for me for sometime,” he chuckled back, “But at this rate, she might have to come all the way up to the Empire to make that happen.”

“And she would, believe me,” said Starlight, “If I know her, she’s got the train ticket and blueprints set for that already.”

“Then I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“So, uh,” she stated, rubbing her hoof against her neck, “Before the nurses get you ready for us to go, I think you two could do with a little talking. I mean, I know I did, when starting things fresh with Twilight and the others. Be back in a minute.”

The violet mare turned to watch Starlight make her exit from the sick bay, her hoofsteps echoing throughout the vacant chamber. As the doors shut with a pom, she turned back to face the blank stare of those bedridden eyes. Nothing was said for what seemed an eternity, as Daredevil’s even demeanor remained still and patient. No tension seemed to emanate from him, yet she still felt uncomfortable about this.

“If it’s any consolation,” he began, “You could view this as practice with your old friends. I know I could’ve used some of that, myself.”

Huffing another smirk at his remark, she said, “That’s partly why I’m here. I’m also…wondering what else can be done.”

“I’ve been in that position before. In some ways, still am.”

“Because you’re still struggling to live by that example of perfect friendship from your homeworld, right?”

“Yeah, exactly right.”

As she raised her hoof, she said, “Then how’s this, for starters? Fizzlepop Berrytwist.”

Lifting his own to meet hers, he spoke in kind, “Matt Murdock.”

He spun it around, and around. Rolling it back, and forth from his left paw to the right. First came the time he watched Daredevil’s memories and nightmares, then stopped watching. Then came that very short moment he saw that knocked out Storm Creature, before Twilight kept him from seeing any more. He knew Fluttershy was a wreck after watching the whole dream sequence, then having to deal with that also. So much so that Rarity had to go outside with her, the same as Twilight with him. Now, all that he seemed up to doing today was glumly playing with the pit from Daredevil’s small sack. To and fro. Going, and stopping. Making it go round, and round, and round.

“Ooh-ooh! Okay, they’re coming!” Pinkie’s whispered exclamation from the doors brought him out his dim daze. Instead, now the small Dragon swiftly tucked the pit away. Then he watched the doors with anxiety, even more so than the others.

“Hi, everypony,” lightly chuckled Starlight, as Spike watched her blue magic push the wheelchair before her. “Sorry if we’re a little late. The nurses just had to be sure he’s as comfy as possible.”

“If they hadn’t already,” the seated stallion smirked, his red shades reflecting the sunlight as he turned towards those greeting him. “Good afternoon, everyone.”

“And a good afternoon it is,” Luna spoke, “We’re glad you could make it, Counselor. And in such better spirits.”

“Yes,” nodded Celestia, “my sister speaks for us all how good it is to know your health’s improved. Physically, and emotionally.”

“Guessing Cadence could tell how genuine I acted, when she visited also.”

“Only to some extent,” the pink Alicorn smiled back, “You're behavior on the outside reflects how calm you are inside, especially after another good rest.”

“Thanks. Is everything set for tomorrow?"

"Just about. Except for this last, private event in the Festival for us."

"And the Dos made it to the station alright?"

"Yes. With our last efforts in helping Ditzy in her personal crisis. The rest is up to her, now."

"Glad to hear it. Look, before we get started, I…I have something I’d like to say.”

“Well of course, darling,” Rarity was the first to speak up, “Tell us what’s on your mind.”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash, “That’s what we’re all here for.”

After heaving a deep breath, he began, “With everything that’s happened lately, I can’t thank any of you enough for your time and energy to…to take in all that you have. I know I had been cryptic, and cautiously deceptive of my origins, abilities, and activities. And I hope you could forgive me for that. As for the rest, I…” swallowing his pride, he opened up, “I’m aware I'm not the most comfortable, or pleasant individual you’ll ever meet. Given my violent history, both done to me and by me, there’s a whole lot to take in and accept. So…So forgive me, also, for bringing this darkness onto all of you. As I have with friends before you. And I hope to make amends as best I can.” Ziiiip-squeaze. “Oof.”

“Duh! Of course we forgive you, silly,” Pinkie beamed brightly, as she embraced her chair-bound friend. “What’s there to forgive anyway? You let us get to see what’s been your problems, and trusted us. Then the whole being cryptic thing was just your way of getting to know us better, before doing what you promised.”

“Yeah, bud,” the blue Pegasus nodded, “And you’ve got nothing to worry about us. Hay! We were saved by Starlight, Trixie and Discord from Changelings that took us and put us in green, cocoon-things to feed off our love for each other. And before that, we got all our magic sucked out of us by a giant centaur. And recently, we got to fight some creepy misty, shadowy, giant evil pony. So a stud in freaky black armor, giving some jerk a beating’s just icing on the cake.”

“While that whole backstory there takes it,” added Applejack, “But it ain’t nothin’ to fret on, no more. Glad to know you trusted us with it, and ‘specially Luna. Op’ning up like that sure ain’t no hayride.”

“You’re with friends here,” warmly spoke Twilight, reaching her hoof to his shoulder, “And we’ll always remain that way for you, no matter what. Especially after everything you’ve done for us, including my sister-in-law and niece.”

Raising his hoof from his split staff on his lap, he gently touched against that familial gesture.

“Just did what’s expected of any friend,” he smiled back. “Since that’s what makes-”

“-life worth living.” At her and Cadence’s joining with his words, Twilight smiled even more brightly.

“And a Foalton Sheen reference, at that! Which makes me wonder, is there a similar individual from your world?”

With that, almost everypony ventured towards him and Starlight’s position, as Fizzlepop softly smiled at the heartwarming reception. But just then, Spike saw her take a look at him, then towards a more reserved Fluttershy, as both remained seated.

He could only guess what might still be bothering her. Maybe the same thing that was getting at him. Sure, they all had gone through very bad things since Twilight and the others became the Elements of Harmony. Marching into the Everfree Forest more than once, Discord turning them against each other, Chrysalis and Tirek, his visits through altered, and terrible times with Twilight, nearly falling when apologizing to Thorax. And even more recently, with the Pony of Shadows. And now that Storm King. He still remembered falling after the Crystal Heart, while that terrifying face of Sombra went straight at him. But this, this seemed to be bothering him even more still. And he just could not figure out why, right now.

Sitting down on the train to Ponyville, she enwrapped her sleeping daughter tenderly with her wing. She knew very well how much of a scare it had been these past few days for them both, and most especially Dinky. So now, to have this smooth, quiet, and uneventful train ride, away from the Equestrian capitol and back home, they both have the perfect chance to rest and recover.

After she watched her little filly snuggly fall asleep, she went for her bag with her other wing to see if she could find something inside to read. But the second she opened and searched through it, she noticed an envelope with her name on it. Not recognizing the hoofwriting, Ditzy decided to open and see what she might find. Once she removed the folded letter inside, she lifted a flap to read its contents.

Dear Ditzy,

Before you decide to stop and find the nearest Unicorn to incinerate this, I ask that you please read further. With my cousin Cadence here to aid me, I make this solemn vow to set things right. Having to state that sentence made me swallow more pride than I thought possible. It’s bitterly disgusting, yet I must carry on. As I’m writing this, a notice to visit my parents has been sent post haste. When I meet them tonight, with Cadence’s help before leaving tomorrow, I will inform them of our concealed relationship and brief marriage from them, out of fear of their disapproval. I’m confident they will not find the news to their liking, but I will tell them I’ll renounce my ties to them, and the club my family has participated in for generations, if they choose not to accept their grandfilly and her mother. It’s time I took courage and stood up for the family I never knew existed, for I kept it in the shadows. Nevermind, all that was even far more horrid to the tongue.

But please know that I genuinely wanted to love you, when I proposed. Only, I succumbed to my fears and insecurities from the pressure of my elevated, and heavily bloated social status by my parents. After you left, I felt I had nothing left to retreat to, except to fully immerse myself in that. But also know, Cadence being a witness alongside Miss Rarity, I’ve never truly caught my eye on anypony else. To be most perfectly sincere, I could never keep you from returning to the forefront of my heart. Wherever I turn, I see you. That same timid, overly modest mare who crashed into me at that street corner. It was a strange encounter that shook me to my core, for I never, in my life, encountered such an honest, and earnest, individual until then.

I’m well aware such flattery won't regain any favor from you, nor should it. And I know how that special eye of yours helps you read between the lines, as it always did. But no matter how much you saw, you still hoped for the best in me. That is, until I failed you far, too many times. Especially last night, when your life was in great peril, and all I could do was stand frightfully aside, and watch some other stallion come to your aid when needed the most.

At any rate, when my parents most likely will refuse my ultimatum, I expect to deliver on it, and much to their surprise I imagine. Then, and only then, will I seek your pardon and clemency, and a second chance to right every wrong I’ve made. And hopefully, with your permission, to come visit Dinky. The last thing I wish for now is finding I spoiled every chance granted to me in providing her with a father.

Should you accept my official apology and complete proposition when I send them, my mailing address will be at the Clive Stable-Lentils Hotel, room 987, after moving my affairs away from my family’s estate. When you receive them, take all the time needed to decide.

In earnest,

Vlad

The same hoofwriting on the envelope did not conceal the phrases she recognized to be his, so she understood why he started with that first sentence. And it seemed Princess Cadence was doing more than writing this letter as he dictated. For him to accept responsibility, and admit his own faults, and starting to settle matters, and then ask for a second chance in being a part of her and Dinky’s life. If not for the notion, and writing to show that the Princess of Love interceded in this matter, she would have thought this was too good to be true. In fact, she still thought so.

But then she remembered, when she was being held so violently by that cruel monster last night. She remembered seeing her daughter go after him to help. Afraid of the danger, she then saw the filly enveloped in that golden hue she had inherited, and then taken behind that white hoof to be safe. She knew he did not fail her then, but instead did what she would have wanted most in this life. Seeing her little Dinky in the safe hooves of somepony who could look after her. She remembered Cadence visiting Daredevil too, and gave her and Dinky a reassuring talk when they left for the station.

“Oh, now this is simply marvelous,” Rarity exclaimed, as she levitated a bottle of dark, dark red liquid, “Capitol Zins. The finest beverage in all of Canterlot. Most excellent choice, Pinkie Pie, if I do say so.”

“I just picked it out because I liked that funny-looking word on the bottle. Zin! It’s a got a kind of uppity-zippitiy-do-dah feel in the mouth, when I say it.”

Rainbow Dash tilted her head in wonder. “Why? The hay’s it even mean, anyway?”

“It’s a play on words,” answered Twilight, “It’s the abbreviated form of zinfandel, a black grape that grows in Vanhoover, while also referring to the word that means something you desire and like, interested in, or craving for.”

“And if you find yourself in Canterlot,” finished the white mare, “This would be the capital means of quenching such. A capital drink to have, in the capitol of Equestria. Especially during the summer.”

Applejack chuckled in response, “Well, I’m bettin’ it ain’t got nothin’ on Sweet Apple Acre cider during the fall harvest, fermented’r not.”

“Oh no, Applejack,” said Rarity, “Like the cider, fermented bottles are for evening consumption and enjoyment, while this juice is simply for a nice luncheon of sandwiches.”

“No hurt in tryin’ it still, I reckon.”

“And I made the most amazing, super-duper PB&Js for lunch!” Instantly the ecstatic mare brought forth trays of cut delicacies brought to the table. As the ponies marveled at the sudden display before them, a royal courier approached Fizzlepop with a vase of flowers and note.

While the liquid was being poured, the violet Unicorn decided to place the flowers onto the table, before opening the envelope for its contents. Everypony started to help themselves to the halved pieces of bread, peanut butter and jelly. Spike and Fluttershy simply fiddled with their sole halves in a somber fashion. Only the four Alicorns and Crystal Pony seemed to notice them, but Daredevil then picked up on the rising tension from another.

Once the glasses were filled to their respective owners, a blurred motion of a blue hoof took hold of one first.

“First off,” began the Pegasus owner of that hoof, “I think it’s totally awesome how more friends we got to make and know more about. So I just think it’d be cool to say that this should first be to Murdock and Berrytwist. That they become even more awesome and cooler, while we help them sort out whatever messes they deal with in the future.”

“Here, here,” chanted Rarity, as she and the others raised their cups.

He hardly smiled while raising his own, for Fizzlepop hardly acknowledged what was being said, never leaving her shocked gaze from the paper statically held by her magic.

“Stop!” Dash and Pinkie had their muzzles up to their glasses, when everyone else was startled and turned to her exclamation.

“What’s wrong, Fizzle,” asked Pinkie, “Didn’t you like what Rainbow Dash said?”

“What does the note say,” he asked also, prompting the others to realize what frightened the mare.

She read aloud, “To Miss Fizzlepop Berrytwist, formerly known as Lieutenant Tempest Shadow: You first allowed your pride to cloud your judgment, believing you were more worthy of healing and closure than all others, and seeking such at their expense. Your lust for the power from our kind, wise, and caring Princesses as a means for that came with your greed. That envious desire ruined the joys found in all your fellow ponies. Lazy in your search for a better way, you justified your hunger by siding with the most vicious rage and havoc that ever threatened Equestria throughout the millennium, most recent attacks and dangers included.

Therefore, it’s with a heavy heart to inform you of the punishment for such crimes against the crowns, and all ponykind. Before you lies the challenge you must face. It ends when you decide who must perish, as you once tried to do. You have until sunset to find the poison, or else another catastrophe awaits Canterlot. Then you’ll find out if you were right, or not.”

“So the bottle was poisoned,” shakily breathed Fluttershy, as everypony set their cups back onto the table.

“Sister,” Luna spoke, “I’ll fetch for the courier who delivered that message. Also to have that vase and envelope analysed for DNA and arcane traces.”

“Cadence and I will send the guards to investigate any suspicious activity in Canterlot,” Celestia replied, “as well as survey that hideout found by Murdock and Mistmane more thoroughly. But we must have them do so without causing a mass panic.”

“Bluebood and I are heading to the northern district this evening,” said the pink Alicorn, “I’ll have Guards dressed as bystanders while looking for any threats. We should start where the last of the Festival's happening.”

“I’ll get my laboratory kit from my room that Spike packed for me, just in ca- SPIKE!”

Chug-og. Chug-og. Chug-og. All gasped in total shock at the sight, as the small Dragon rushed to drink every glass that was filled. Clockwise, he diligently started with his own, then Twilight’s, Cadence’s, and so on, until he finished with Fluttershy's. He had moved more slowly around the table as he progressed, because of how upset his stomach was getting.

“Spike,” squeaked a tearing Twilight, “Spike, why’d you-?” BELCH! Fwoooosh!

As the green pillar of flames finally settled, he sat back down, rubbed his gut and gasped, “Whoo! Sorry. Guess it wasn’t as easy as I thought.”

“Just what in tarnation were you thinkin’, sugarcube!”

“I looked at one of those books Twilight had, during that whole Dragon migration thing,” he grumbled, “I remembered reading how we’re not just known for tough scales that can’t burn from lava, but also-” burp, “Also got a tough immune system for every known poison in Equestria.”

“But which volume was that,” the lavender mare asked in nervous haste, “I’m sure I would’ve remembered reading that!”

“Dragon Diet & Digestion."

"I nearly spent my preparation time that day wondering where it went!"

"Sorry, Twi,” he replied, “Forgot to return it 'til after the migration.”

“But you were all freaked out, when you had to dive into that volcano,” Rainbow Dash countered.

“Because I knew what would happen,” the hatchling grimaced at the memory, “Belly flop on what felt like pavement. Red, hot pavement.”

“And you never tried to stop him,” Twilight then turned sharply towards the blind stallion.

Daredevil shrugged, “He whispered that I should trust him. And his vitals and other functions are still the same, indigestion aside. Foggy would be proud, by the way."

"Really," the green and purple reptile gleamed, "You think so?"

"Know so. Practically tasting it off my palate.”

“He-heh,” chuckled Spike sheepishly, “Sorry.”

“But with that crisis settled,” Rarity jumped in, “and so bravely done I might add, all we have left to do is find the source. Where’d you say you purchased the bottle, Pinkie?”

“Oh, I just grabbed the first unopened bottle I saw from one of the massively huge refrigerators in one of the kitchens.”

“You’re positive it hadn’t been opened yet,” Twilight asked, while Celestia, Luna and Cadence teleported to conduct their parts of the investigation.

“Yep! It made a funny hissing and psh-ing sound when I got it off the seal.”

“It might’ve been laced at the bottom before being filled and packaged,” the sole Alicorn in the room pondered. “The local establishment that produced it might have an employee who’s with that conspiracy.”

“You think those nut-cases who stole the Amulet and took Discord are behind this,” asked the blue Pegasus in hover, “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“I agree,” nodded Daredevil. He then shifted in his wheelchair towards the half-emptied bottle before the Princess. “They’re convinced the Elements of Harmony don’t take enough action in battling Equestria’s enemies, and in recovery efforts. That much is true, but would they really want to go so far as making a former adversary choose between one of the Elements and the populace they claim to be helping?”

“Okay, then maybe the cups themselves were laced with liquid poison from somepony on the inside, and dried before Pinkie got them.” But then, Twilight conceded, "But the culprit also claimed to seek justice for the Princesses, in poisoning their cups also. A very illogical course of action, unlike what we’ve seen from them, so far.”

“The cups came from my room, in my secret, special juice-party case that I packed. Good thing too, since most of my other things got used on the Storm Creatures. My room was unlocked, but that case has an even more special secret, special code on the lock.”

“Is it your birthday,” Dash hoarsely deadpanned.

“No, silly! It’s the day I became the Elements with all of you! Oops,” she spoke in whisper, “I just told my secret code. Aw, now I got to go and change it.”

“But even if anything had been laced,” the gold-yellow stallion added, “I would’ve picked up on it. Unless the poison were odorless. And tasteless, since I didn’t pick up anything strange from Spike’s...outburst.”

“Right,” Dash remarked, “Nothing strange about smelling a baby Dragon’s breathe after a fiery belch of poisoned grape juice. And that wouldn’t really be brave if he knew he’d be okay, Rarity.”

“He still took a chance, however low that may have been. It may have also been something of unknown origins, instead of Equ- I-I mean, he still jumped at the opportunity to help us. Isn’t that right, Spike? Spike? Darling?”

Turning to look at his chair, everypony saw him curl up under the tablecloth he pulled over himself, snoring with steam jetting from his snout. ZZZZZzzzzz. Hiss.

“Too much to eat or drink, and too quickly still makes him drowsy,” whispered Twilight, now relieved after his lack of response, especially towards Rarity. “Phew.”

“My point is,” said Daredevil, “we have no way of knowing, for sure, if anything’s been poisoned right now.”

“Which is why I’m taking these glasses with me to our room, after putting Spike down for his nap. I have a laboratory kit, with a macro-spectrometer in place. That way, we can tell which one, if not all, have been poisoned, and with what. Now I need to confirm this, but judging by your supposition and observations, it might be the powdered form of reinocane. It dissolves instantly in liquids. Can’t smell it, or taste it.”

With Twilight levitating the bottle and cups, and Spike sleeping on her back, Starlight trotted behind to push the stallion’s wheelchair again. The rest of the ponies trailed after them, Fizzlepop taking the tail end. The lavender mare’s crimson aura encompassed the doorway also, allowing for them all to enter. Placing the slumbering Dragon in the smaller bed, she enwrapped him with the sheets and blankets. With that, they made their way to her adjacent section, closing that door behind them. But then she approached the chair-bound stallion in a whispered outburst.

“How could you have let him take a risk, like that?!”

“Twilight,” warily spoke Starlight.

“He asked for my trust, and I complied,” he evenly, and lowly replied. “I kept track of his bodily functions vigilantly, just in case.”

“And then what? Expecting something to happen, and nopony would know how to help?”

“I knew you’d be well familiar with poisons and their effects, given your position and recent events. And since you brought a portable lab, I was also under the impression you’re prepared for practically anything. Most likely some antidote. All I’d have to do was give you the symptoms.”

“So that’s it? You’re decision to let my number one assistant, and B.A.L.B.F.F., take a dangerous gambit was based solely on assumptions?!”

“Twilight.”

“I don’t assume anything about my friends! I trust them.”

“Like when you trusted us with Sergeant Dis, last night?! Or like you trusted Franklin with your secret, when meeting him?! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take some samples for study.”

Before the Alicorn could reach for the case, however, the Crystal stallion spoke on from behind her. “Both were errors of judgment on my part. The latter was based on juvenile fear of dejection. And the former, impulsive rage. I realize I’m no saint, least not 'til after my passing. And last night wasn’t the first time I’ve regressed so low. Most likely won’t be the last. But that’s just something I have to live with, like everything else.”

Hearing the pain in those restrained words made everypony exhale deeply, and slightly tensed by their firm acceptance.

“Maybe you don’t have to.” All turning to see the source of that meek voice, Fluttershy shuffled back slightly. “Um, what I mean is, if you let us in to help you, even though you make the same bad choices again, then maybe you won’t have to worry about that so much.”

At that, they heard Daredevil heave a deep sigh and mutter, “A stranger, and you invited me. The least of my brethren. Guess it’s about time I stopped being a stranger to all of you.”

“Well,” said the lavender mare, regaining focus, “with Spike now resting, I think we should discuss further about what we’re up against.”

“Um,” said Fizzlepop, “We know that the note and flowers were meant for me, and that somepony knows about my past.”

“That’s because I shared with other ponies how much trouble you went through, then helped us get out of more trouble by making yourself turn to stone, and how you became a really good friend with us after we brought you back,” chirped the pink Earth Pony, who then sheepishly shrugged. “Sorry.”

“Well, as soon as I finish using my instruments to determine the correct plant being used, I might be able to narrow down our search to a few floral & herb shops in Canterlot.”

“But whatever poison was used, reinocane or otherwise,” said Daredevil, “They were able to slip it past security, undetected. And they gave her ‘til sundown to decide which one. How much time’s left?”

“Twelve minutes and forty-three, forty-two seconds,” was the Alicorn’s response, after checking a floating pocket watch.

“What else is happening at that time,” the Crystal Pony asked.

“This isn’t the Summer Sun Celebration," she answered, "and that’s just for the following sunrise. Only the Friendship Festival’s still going on outside, but even that’s been reduced in attendance at this time of day.”

“Which means there couldn’t have been anything planned for a threat there. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have demanded that sort of attention from the Princesses.”

“Unless it was meant to be a way of distracting us. Diverting our attention away from what’s really happening.”

“If that be the case, why spend all that energy to try and poison one particular, if not all thirteen cups for one pony to decide from?”

“It does sound like quite the hassle to orchestrate a lethally exaggerated form of Rushinian roulette.”

“I’m sure I’ll get the details on that later. But back to the point made earlier, how do we know if they were poisoned to begin with? I highly doubt security could be waning, especially after such an attack.”

“Paranoia mixed with little sleep for a few Royal Guards might answer that. But I see your point. Somepony risking to bring such a deadly concoction through the simplest means of transportation, through a heavily guarded Palace, into the kitchen, where somepony like Pinkie-”

“That’s me!”

“-will go to that particular fridge, out of the many different galleys and cafeterias in the Palace, in that one spot where it’d be the first one Pinkie would see and use. Even though it’s probable, that’s far too much planning made for something so spontaneous and on short notice.”

“So, why? Why go through all that trouble?”

“Because they wouldn't have, and didn't!Shh. Sorry.”

“Okay, anypony else getting their heads spinning from all this?” Upon Rainbow Dash’s remark, the other spectators shared nods and various levels of sympathy in response.

“Supposing Twilight was correct,” Daredevil elaborated, “in thinking that those who stole the Amulet and abducted Discord are behind this.”

“The note was meant to be a way of distracting us, and focusing on something else, like another threat against us and other ponies. The best way to do that is through Fizzlepop Berrytwist, because of how easy it’d be to shift the blame and focus onto her. And if you were to distract somepony with an empty threat, that means-” DING!

Reaching for the printed results from her machine, Twilight levitated it in front of her. “It means that nopony’s cup was poisoned, or even the bottle.” Poof-bling!

“Twilight! Everypony,” exclaimed Luna after her entrance, “The juice was not poisoned!”

"Luna, shh! Spike's sleeping!

“And we just found that out, Luna,” said Rainbow, “Like, just now. Before you-”

“It's the vase!”

“Wait, the flowers,” asked Starlight, then followed by Fizzlepop.

“I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

“The water inside contained traces of reinocane, and the flowers drank from that! You have until sunset to decide which of us to eat a flower from the poisoned vase!”

“Well, that’s easy,” huffed the blue Pegasus, “Just wake Spike back up.”

“No.” All then shifted their focus onto the chair-bound Crystal Pony, who held a grin beneath his red lenses. “I have a better idea.”

It was time. Dusk had just lit the horizon of plains below the Royal Palace and its capitol. Specks of stars began to blink to life over the hues of dark blue, then purple, orange, and some remaining yellow. Such a spectacle entered with a breath of fresh, evening air into the dining room. Where the vase now sat. Ck-reeeeeiiiiiiiiiik.

The movement of a silhouetted cloak drifted towards the table where the flowers stood. Slowly raising a hoof beneath the cloak’s shadow towards them, it shifted from one to the other in count.

“All thirteen are there.” The voice stiffened the hoof to a quiver, as the pony turned to face the unexpected company.

“Zinnias,” the voice continued, from the furthest corner where no more light could touch. “A simple, yet impressive selection, but I prefer violets myself. You were right, though.” Fzzzz-crackle-pop. The teal veins of electricity were alight from its stubby source, which beheld a dark purple snout sneering on. “I would find out if I was right, or not. Only you planned for me to be wrong, whatever choice I’d make.”

Quickly, the hooded pony darted back to the door used for entry. Only to see the Regents of Day and Night escorted by Guards there. Skidding to the side, a retreat was made to the nearest window, where hovering Pegasi, and the Crystal Princess watched. With one final, desperate leap, a mad dash for the remaining door was met with a light purple Unicorn igniting her own blue aura, alongside the Elements and orange Pegasus Captain.

“Surrender, pony,” announced Princess Celestia, “Remove your cloak, and lay down whatever weapons you have. Identify yourself. Your Princesses command you.”

“We suspected somepony would come back to find what the results were,” Twilight stated, “since there was no other way of informing Fizzlepop’s aggressors what decision was made.”

“We set up the ruse that somepony among us was being admitted for intensive treatment,” added Luna. “Now tell us who you are, and whom you follow.”

“I-I don’t follow anypony,” stammered a stallion’s voice from under the hood, “That is, I only did what was asked of me. To make the delivery, and return to find out what flower was missing past sundown. I don’t know who made the request, I swear.”

“Lieutenant,” sternly spoke Captain Sentry, though in slight shock. “Lieutenant, is that you?”

Fluttering her eyes open to the sudden jolt, the little filly caught a glimpse of a departing pony in their stopped train.

“Zecora,” she asked, “Miss Zecora, is that-”

“Shh,” a soft voice was followed by a hoof to her muzzle, “Now’s no time to waste good sleep. Rest now, dear Dinky, with dreams soft and deep.”

Watching the blurred tan of Zecora’s cloak brush against the seats, she felt her eyes shut once more into slumber, and her Mom lift her up between those grey, secure wings.

"What's this," he asked upon seeing the bottle of dark red liquid through the cell bars.

"A peace offering," said the stallion, "For the night I viciously attacked you."

"And for my cruelty towards you, as your senior officer," the mare joined, placing it into the cell. "Our humble apologies come with it."

"Ha," he chuckled beneath the casts and bandages, "I remember what you told me, pony. How you were my moment of reckoning, after I asked what you were. I never felt so afraid, since my first meeting with my King. And you, Lieutenant. Just showing everyone who questioned you their place? You both did nothing I wouldn't have done. You even tempt me with a poisoned bottle, to put me out of my misery."

"Whether or not you doubt the sincerity of our offer is up to you," spoke the stallion, while holding the mare back. "Just know we wish you the best, from now on. And that you have a steady rest and recovery. Goodnight, Sergeant."

As the violet Unicorn used her static aura to push the wheelchair by the gold stallion's head-tilt, they heard a bellow from behind.

"Storm King. That's Storm King, to you! My respect to my enemies doesn't mean I'll tolerate impunity from you, miserable, little ponies! EVER! We'll meet again, ponies! You'll see! YOU'LL SEE!"

“Oh, boy,” he moaned from under his insulated covers, then squirmed on the comfortable mattress beneath him. “What a nap.”

“More like a nice, long sleep.” The low, even voice of a stallion was heard over him, as the young Dragon squinted the lids of reptilian pupils to open. He gradually saw the smiling snout of a gold-yellow pony, with red sunglasses resting upon it.

“Wha-What happened?”

“They caught him. Last night. The pony who sent the vase of flowers with the note. The vase was actually poisoned, not the juice. Seems you were more in need of rest, than anyone expected. With everything that’s happened lately, and given your age, that’s understandable.”

“Who,” Spike muttered, rubbing his eyes, “Who was it?”

“A Pegasus lieutenant, who claimed he was acting by anonymous instructions,” answered Daredevil, “Lance Alot. He also claimed that he was bribed in doing so, unaware until the scrambling security. Received funds to repair any damaged home in Canterlot he chose. He sent them to Twilight’s parents, for sheltering him and other ponies during the attack. The same amount he specified was found in their account this morning, supporting that. No threat was delivered after sundown. It was all a diversion.”

“For what?”

“The conspirators under Horizon Rider and Midnight Sky left that hideout Mistmane and I found. It was empty, by the time Celestia went back to examine it. Most likely they teleported out of the building, and took a train out of Canterlot with other visiting ponies for the Festival. No idea which train they took, if not more. Notices have been sent to be on the lookout for ponies matching Miss Sky and Miss Zecora’s descriptions also.”

“You…You really think she’d do it, though? I mean, that Zecora would do something like that?”

“I’ve never met her,” the stallion shook his head, “but from what I can tell of your friend, there’s a great deal of questions that need answered. Since she’s such an expert in plants, potions and herbs.”

“But it’s not her,” Spike nearly shouted, “It can’t be her! She’s such a good pony, and a great friend! No…Nopony would do something like that. Nopony would do something very, very bad, if…if they’re really good...right?”

Seeing the pursed lips from Daredevil’s muzzle, and hitched breath from the snout, Spike wondered what the stallion was going to say to that.

“Is this about what you saw the other night, also?”

“Wha-I-I-Well, uh, I…what?”

“Spike,” he gently stated, resting a hoof onto the bed, “I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like for you to see someone you knew and trusted to act so harshly, the way I did to Sergeant Dis. It must really hurt to know that someone that does some good things, does some very bad things too.”

“I just…I don’t understand,” he quivered back, “In those comic books I read, and what Twilight and the others do, they always do the right thing. The heroes they…they always do good things for others. Always win, and never lose! Sure, they got problems and stuff, but they never went and did something bad because of those problems. And you did stuff that are really heroic and cool! But also stuff that I’ve seen and read only bad guys do. I-I mean, did you really like doing that to him? Yeah, he did some really bad stuff, but…but you’re not like him, are you?”

“I don’t want to be,” he said plainly, “But at the spur of the moment, I feel this urge and desire to go after someone who does those things, like the one who took away my Dad. At first, it…it does feel good to me. Satisfying and addictive, even. To inflict my own punishment on guys like that. But then I realize…how low and cruel it was. How I’ve become like them. And especially now, knowing how much that hurt you too. And for that, I’m truly, heartily sorry.”

“So…what does that make you?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure. Somewhere in between. In truth, that’s where so many reside. Some more than others, including our friends. They make some choices they regret during their regular lives like everyone else, I’m sure. But the important thing is how they learn, grow, and move forward from that. Take a new chance to be better. Like what I hope I’m doing also.”

“But what about me? I don’t know who my parents were, like how you didn’t know your Mom. I’m an orphan, just like you. Does that mean I’ll grow up like that, too?”

“Were. You were an orphan, once. Not anymore. A new family found you, and took you as one of their own. The man I wanted to be family for me rejected me, and taught me how I didn’t need a couple strangers to give me some sense of worth.”

“But…was he right?”

“In a way, yes. I found my own purpose by using the skills he taught me to control and channel. But at the same time, I felt I was better off without anyone in my personal life, and vice versa. Cutting all my ties to those dearest to me, I did exactly what my Mom did after I was born, and when she was my caretaker. I became like him, wandered off, and repeated the sins of my parents. But you? You’ve got everything needed to be something far more than I can ever hope to be. And from what I’ve heard in the Empire, you already are.”

“You…” sniffling with tears flowing freely, Spike asked, “You really think so?”

“Know so.” Leaping up to wrap his scaly arms around the blind stallion, Spike never felt better.

“Thanks, Daredev- I mean, Matt. And, I forgive you.”

“You’re welcome, Spike. And, thank you.”

“You know,” he added, after departing from the embrace and drying his eyes, “Shining and Cadence were right about you. You can make for another great brother.”

“Well, for starters,” huffed Matt sheepishly, “even if that’s informal, that’s got to be decided by your whole family. Especially your current, legal guardian.”

“Where is Twilight, anyway? And everypony else?”

“For the past two minutes, just outside the door. Been waiting for the right time to come in.”

“Sheesh,” grunted a tearied blue Pegasus, bashful at being discovered, “Really need to get used to that.”

“Feeling’s mutual, darling.” The white Unicorn barely held firm.

The other mares came in with similar demeanors, most especially Twilight, as they all made their entrance.

"I'm sorry for bringing up your past like that," she offered, "I was just so flustered, I didn't realize how bothered I was about Spike's feelings lately."

"You were right though. I should've cleared his idea with you first. Especially since I didn't know it, myself."

"Forgive me?"

"Yes. And I hope you do the same for me." Reaching for the chair-bound pony, Twilight joined in another hug with Spike, as did Cadence, then everypony else.

"Yes, I do. And I think Spike, Cadence and Shining are on to something."

"And Velvet and Nightlight would be more than thrilled," joined Cadence, "After they heard about you saving their grandfilly also, they said they would've taken you in in a heartbeat."

"That is, of course," Twilight stated with hesitation, "if you'd like to consider us as such. Your home, away from home. Until we find a way to get you back."

With those words, departing from the excessively large group hug, Matthew shook his head in mirth. "With that kind of offer, how can I refuse? Best, adopted, sister friends, forever?"

"You bet, B.A.B.B.F.F.!"

"Welcome to the family, Mattie," cheered Cadence, as they all tearfully made another deep and tender embrace.

"Best, avocado, big, brother friend, forever," said Spike, prompting greater joy across the room.