Angel Wings, Broken Rainbows

(A/N: The main story and these side stories telling of Shining Armor's investigation do not occur at the same points in time. Treat them as separate but interconnected storylines. Just to clarify.)

Shining Armor slowly approached the hut deep within the Everfree.

"Wow.....I wonder if she chose this place or if the princess stuck her here on purpose. I know I'd be mad."

He pushed open the makeshift door and looked around, taking in the vials of different chemicals and the ornate tribal artifacts.

"At my door I wonder who, comes to see me out of the blue!"

Shining Armor could not help but chuckle.

"Hehe, Zecora, I'm alone. You can drop the act."

"Oh thank Celestia! You have no idea how hard it is rhyming every bucking sentence!"

"I've adopted my fair share of alternate personas before. How's this one treating you?"

"I think of it as an extended vacation."

"Certainly looks like a vacation. Nice place. If you want.....I could talk to the princess about a better location."

"You have the wrong idea Armor. I asked for this.....I retired five years ago. After that spell I took when we infiltrated Al Coltone's headquarters, I left."

"You know.....I always meant to thank you. If you hadn't protected me then, I wouldn't have gotten a shot at the big guy. I just didn't know where you were. Every time I asked the princess, all she told me is that you were safe. I believed her but....." Shining Armor lowered his head, hoping to quell the tears that threatened to fall at this bittersweet reunion.

"Its okay Armor. I was done, but I knew you weren't yet. Princess Luna visits often, now that she's back. Its been fun getting to know the true founder of the organization. She's told me many things, even about her 'niece', the sister whose real relation has to be hidden. Mi Amore Cadenza."

"My wife, yes. We are expecting a little foal soon. A colt."

"I heard. You two are happy?"

"Very happy. This is actually my last mission. I have to protect my family. This job is too risky for a father."

"I am happy for you."

"Zecora..... I want you to know that you are my first love. There is nothing that will ever change that, but as much as it pains to say, especially after all this time, you aren't my true love."

".....I know. I think I always did." Zecora walked over and placed a small, chaste kiss on her former lover's lips. A simple farewell to bitter feelings. She raised a hoof and wiped at her slightly moistened eyes, "so why now did the princess choose to tell you where I am? It couldn't be simply out of nostalgia for days long past."

"Unfortunately no. I have to find a certain stallion, but even my strongest tracking spells are useless on him."

"Does that mean.....is he back?"

"He is. He's tried it again. And this time, we think he succeeded."

"I understand. You need me to craft you a stronger spell."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to drag you back into this world, but you are the best."

"If it means finally stopping this monster, I will gladly lend my hoof. I'll need something of his essence."

Shining Armor magically produced a small vial from his saddlebag.