“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go little darlin’
We’re dancin’, and we belong here...”

*** *** ***

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Resident Dossier Found
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Name: Glitter [REDACTED] Punch
Race: Earth Pony
DOB:[REDACTED]
Clearance: Blue Level
Occupation: Chief of Stable Security Department
Prior Offenses: Error![DATA CORRUPT]
Status:[REDACTED]

Notes
Relationship with subject: Friendly
Highlighted engagements regarding subject: Mingling, debating, fighting, dancing, shooting, drinking, Poker...
Highlighted emotion(s) expressed toward subject: Regret, Frustration, Loyalty, Envy, Love... [Emotional Relationship: Inconclusive]

[Beginning Playback Sequence...]

oooOOOooo

"Hey colt!"

Ms. Torch finally ended class for the day as all the fillies and colts my age filed out of the classroom and into the halls of stable 17. I smiled at a cute giggle from a filly I’d been seeing for the past year, blushing wildly after she’d caught me staring for the second time today.

Diamond Blossom and I met after the orphanage transferred both of us to stable 17’s magical training room, which was just a nice way of saying, ‘stay in here so you don’t annoy anypony while throwing stuff around in your magic’. She wasn’t exactly the most social of fillies... especially since it took her almost five minutes just to get one sentence out. I guess when you’re desperate to get ahead, sharing your lunch with the colt who stole the teacher’s textbook to get out of that day’s lecture couldn’t have been the worst idea in the world. Her, my best friend Aqua and I have been friends ever since. Though, I couldn’t lie, Diamond was different... she felt special. This, however, isn’t that... no... that voice.

Everypony in the hallway froze, turning towards me as they surrounded us in the usual curious manner of foals our age.

"Huh?" My ears perked at the angry high-pitched shout from behind me. I looked over my flank to see the face to match the anger as a charcoal colored filly stood, legs spread, chest puffed out, glaring sourly at me. I raised my eyebrow over the rims of my glasses. "What do you want?"

She growled under her breath as she huffed, blowing her pink mane out of her eyes. "I want what you stole, you thief!"

Everypony around us began to murmur at her claim as they looked between the two of us.

My eyes widened in surprise as I winced from the unwanted attention. "W-what?" I stuttered, shooting her that innocent smile I'd learned to show for all the grown-ups in the stable. "Who, me? C'mon, I wouldn't steal an--"

"No! I saw you!" She shouted back, mirroring my steps. “The toy wagon! You stole it from my friend when you bumped into her!”

What!? How the hay, did she..? I looked from side to side at our classmates’ collective whispering and judgmental stares as if they were all working together to reach inside me and pull out my guilt for everypony to see. Oh, hay in a hoofbasket! Did she have accuse me of that in front of everypony!? Stupid filly! My eyes narrowed behind the giant lenses of my glasses as I stood my ground, defiantly stomping my hoof in front of her. “Oh yeah!?” I shouted, childishly.

Now, the exact meaning of this common exchange of debate is very relevant in the process of arguing your side of things.

“Yeah!” She countered.

“Says who!?”

“Says me!”

“Oh yeah!?”

Yeah!”

I furrowed my brow and tilted my head, taking in her rather boyish attitude and appearance for a filly. Bingo! I thought, the perfect way to get out of this accusation coming to me with a devious smirk. “Well, why don’t you prove it? Fillyfooler!”

Everypony around us gasped, their attention suddenly transitioning to the utter mortified embarrassment of the now blushing tomboy filly. “W-what!?” She squeaked, before returning her angry glare, more fiery than ever. “What did you just call me!?”

“You heard me!” I closed the gap between us, a cocky grin plastered on my coltish face. “Is that friend of yours really just ‘a friend’? I’ll bet that’s why you’re getting her stupid toy back, so she can give you a big wet kiss!” I caught a glance at Aqua Wave’s eyes widening in shock, before drifting to the floor awkwardly while she stood next to Diamond.

Huh... why did Awk’ turn all red when I said that?

“Ch-Cha-Char-Charger! Tha-That wasn’t v-v-very n-ni-...”

“Not now Diamond!” I yelled back at my stuttering friend as I made a competitive effort to not break eye contact with the aggressive filly in front of me. I watched as she only grew more angry and emotional by the second. “I double dare you to prove me wrong!” I jeered, all but celebrating the reversal of her accusation, backing her into a corner.

“Y-YOU--!” She growled, now trying to hold back tears as I laughed at her. “You’re lying! You’re just a stupid liar!”

“Oh yeah!?” I countered back.

“Yeah!”

“Well, I double dog-- No... Double DIAMOND Dog dare you to prove it!” I waved my hoof across the crowd of young ponies still standing around us. “I dare you to kiss any one of us colts!”

At this point, I wasn’t even sure if this was still part of defending myself from the fact that I had actually stolen the toy wagon from her friend, that dark shaded filly who she’d always hang around with. But it evolved into something I enjoyed just the same.

Her ears drooped, staring at me in horror as uncomfortable jaws fell in shock all around us.

I laughed at her expense, feeling myself swell with pride. “C’mon chicken!”

“Are... are you kidding!?” She forced a nervous laugh, trying to deflect my taunt as she blew her bangs out of her eyes again. “Kiss you stupid colts!? That’s gross!”

“That’s cause you’re just a carpet munching fillyfooler!”

“THAT’S IT!” She screamed, lowering her head and scraping the floor with her hoof as if she were about to charge at me like an angry bull. Ha! What does she think she’s do--oookay… I’ve never seen anypony that angry before! The tide suddenly turned on me as I realized that I might have pushed her just a bit too far. I returned to taking several steps back from her as she glared at me from her threatening stance. She was so angry that steam could have been blowing from her nostrils every time she huffed or snorted. “I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR FLANK!!!”

I could almost feel the shockwaves of her shout, the force making me trip over my own hooves. I fell back on my haunches, the fillies and colts around us beginning to grow in excitement. Uh oh... what did I just get myself into?

“C’mon Sparks!”
“Yeah Spark Charger! Get’er!”
“Teach that colt a lesson, Glitter!”
“Oh gosh... They’re gonna fight, aren’t they Diamond? Oh, why did Sparky have to say those things!?”
“W-w-we gotta s-stop them, Aqua! Ch-Ch-Char-Charger! I d-d-dunno a-ab-...”
“FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!”

A fight!? No no no! That is not what I wanted! I turned back towards her, nervously watching every angry stomp she took towards me. Wait a minute... I looked between the bridge of my nose, remembering what rested atop it to magnify my eye sight. Yes! I thought, There’s no way anypony would hit a foal with a handicap! Thank the pony god of extreme nearsightedness for big nerdy glasses! My smugness returned, once again regaining my confidence. Besides, she’s just a filly. It’d be an unfair fight. I mean, what’s she going to do? Throw plastic tea cups at me? I crossed my forelegs and gave her a doubtful look, watching confidently as she got right up in face to glare at me. I rolled my eyes with a smirk. “Oh c’mon, you’re just a filly. I don’t want to hur--”

WHACK!

Everypony gasped as I fell backwards, the unexpected force of the filly’s forehoof striking my left eye, landing me flat on my back. I winced in pain, imediately trying to open it, already feeling the area beginning to swell. I was barely able to notice that she had punched the glass completely out of the left lens of my glasses, while splintering a nice crack in the right. She... hit me? She’d actually... Why, I oughta..! I stood back up with a growl, confronting her again after I'd adjusted what was left of my glasses, one of the rims snapping off as I did so. “Y-you--!” I stammered. “You’d hit a colt with glasses!?” The outrage for this filly not only to hit me, but to stomp all over my building ego and internal logic, made my voice seethe with anger. “You’re gonna pay for that!”

She stuck her tongue out, just as cocksure as I was, even while watching my foreleg wind back. “Ooo…” She taunted, “What happened to not wanting to hurt a fil--?”

WHACK!

Her eyes widened, back pedaling in surprise. A pattern of red dots began to appear on the collar of her Stable jacket. Beads of blood were rolling down from her nostril, the area turning purple where my forehoof had struck her. “Y-you--!” She whimpered and hissed at the sting, looking down at the blood that she wiped away on her hoof. “You’d actually hit a filly!?”

A defiant smirk formed under my black eye and busted pair of glasses... only to disappear, when instead of breaking down to cry like I’d expect her to, she only seemed to grow more angry and determined to fight. “U-uh... Heh...” I laughed nervously. “Should we call it square then?”

She growled before scraping her forehoof against the floor again. This time, she really did charge straight at me like a bull.

Thank Celestia she’s an Earth Pony or else I would have been impaled-- and I should probably start running now!!! “AAAAHHHH!” I yelled in horror as I turned on my hooves and bolted through the crowd to get away.

“Oh no you don’t!” I heard her jeer, galloping after me at full speed. Seriously!? What is the matter with this filly!?

Our classmates continued to cry for our blood as I galloped away for my life, unable to see the sign above, pointing to where I was headed.

Little did I know what the storage level looked like until that day...

*** *** ***

“I said stand still!”

I ducked my head as yet another one of her rear hooves came flying in my direction. “No!” I countered in defiance.

The filly growled, rearing up to applebuck me again. “This is all your fault!”

“Eep!” I let out a foalish squeal, her rear hooves just barely missing my horn. My poor eyes squinted, trying to see her next move through the splintered lenses of my glasses. I saw her rear up again in triples as I tried to pivot around her. “My fault!? You’re the one who chased me down here! This is all your fault!”

She let out another growl as the sound of hoof against metal echoed around the room. “Well... Y-you got us lost!” She countered.

She finally paused her assault to glare at me as I scrambled back to my hooves in front of a wooden box, about the same size as me. “Did not!” I yelled back.

“Did too!”

“Oh yeah!?”

“Yeah!” With that she reared up again.

Uh oh! “Yikes!” I dove back to the floor, not a second before her rear hooves hit the box that I was standing in front of. It splintered and broke in two from the impact. I stared wide-eyed between her and the ruptured crate. At least I’m pretty sure it was ruptured. Honestly, it was hard to tell if she really broke it or if my busted glasses just made it look that way. I was still impressed all the same. “O-oh crap, you’re strong...” I murmured, partly due to the realization that my head could have been what split in two instead of the crate.

She paused, apparently taking my surprised statement as a compliment, and blushed, looking back at the busted crate. “You... you really think--?” She stopped herself to growl and shake her head. “Shut up!” She screamed, beginning to chase me around the room again.

We were on the storage level, which meant we were under every other level of the stable. Nopony ever comes down here, not too often at least. Even storage workers rarely leave the main warehouse. So, even if I were to A: Survive getting my face bucked inside-out, and B: NOT be blind as a bat with a pair of pulverized glasses, I don’t even think I’d be able to find my way back to the orphanage, let alone out of storage. It’s like a maze down here.

In a last ditch attempt to try and out maneuver the hoof-bucking-crazed filly, I made a sharp turn and skidded in front of a jungle of loose wires dangling from the ceiling, before sliding underneath and crashing into a box of old pots and pans. I grunted, the kitchenware falling on top of me and clattering to the floor around where I laid. The ear shattering racket would have made me cringe, if I wasn’t already wincing in preparation for the filly about to stomp my head into the floor. I waited, ears back, teeth ground, eyes clenched shut, waiting for the inevitable. I waited for it... and waited... and waited...

“H-hey..!”

My ears perked at the unexpected sound of... panic.

“S-stuck... Stuck. Stuck! I’m stuck!!!”

I peeked my one good eye open to see the tough charcoal filly helplessly tangled up in the loose wiring, her forehoof extended outward as if the mess of wires saved me from her final hardened-hooved strike. My breath shuddered, not allowing me to grasp relief as I watched her struggle, only making the wires' grip around her tighten like tentacles around prey.

She screamed and grunted, finally beginning to cry tears. Two wires were wrapped around her front hooves while another two lifted her rear leg off the ground. One rather thick wire roped around her belly, forcing her to dangle while preventing her from touching the floor with her one free rear hoof.

I gulped, not sure if I should sigh with relief, laugh at her expense, or cry along with her. Instead, I quickly turned towards the door and began to trot away. I’d better tell Ms. Torch about this. They can send somepony down here, and then--

“No no no! Come back!” She cried after me, still struggling and flailing her legs against the strength of stable-tec steel wires. “Don’t leave me! Please! Come back! Don’t leave me here! Come back! Come back! Come back!”

I stopped dead in my tracks. My jaw clenched, feeling every one of her cries for help make deep penetrations into my soul.

“P-please! I-I... I don’t wanna be alone! Don't leave me alone!!!”

She... She was hitting me... She was attacking me! Trying to hurt me! Accused me of stealing in front of everypony! And now she wants me to help her!? Why should I!? She doesn’t deserve my help! She..! She...

My ears flattened against my mane, my head hanging with a heavy sigh. Sorry, dad...

*zzzzzZZZZZTTtttzzzz!*

“Eep!” She let out a feminine squeak as she collapsed to the floor, the wires falling like noodles around her, smoldering from the sudden beam of magical heat. The filly hesitantly opened her big ruby eyes before staring up at me, seeing my horn smolder along with the wires with...

What is that? Despair? Shock? Fear? Or... anger?

She slowly stood up, glaring at me. I whimpered, instantly back pedaling away from her sudden lunge toward me with both of her forehooves. O-oh crap! Dad was right! I shouldn’t have helped her! Why do I even help anypony at all!? I winced as I tried to shrink away from the coming punch to my--

“Oh my gosh! Thank you!”

Both of my eyes, even my black eye, shot wide open in surprise as the earth pony filly’s forelegs wrapped around me in a tight hug.

Oh... Thankfulness... Oh, you can’t blame me! It’s not like I see that expression very often...

My cheeks burned red hot, feeling her muzzle find the tender crevice of my neck, knocking my glasses off of one ear to dangle sideways on my face. My own forehoof moved around her head to pet her rather short mane. “W-well uh... heh... You know I... I couldn’t just leave you like that...” I chuckled nervously. “Those cables looked pretty scary...”

I couldn’t help but smile at the giggle I got out of her with that. “They... they were...” She pulled away from our embrace, wiping a few tears away with her forehoof before extending it in front of me. “My name is Glitter Punch.”

I nodded, something about the sudden friendliness of the filly making my heart melt, a warm smile spreading across my face. “I’m Spark Charger.” I replied, happily bumping her hoof with my own, before giving a reluctant sigh. “For what it’s worth, I... I’m sorry for calling you a carpet munching fillyfooler.” I winced, genuinely hoping she’d accept my apology.

Her thankful smile wavered, but she nodded, awkwardly grimacing with a sigh of her own. “I-it’s okay... I... I get it.” She shrugged, “I guess I do look kinda butch... and I’m not real pretty like the rest of--”

“Whoa, what?!” I held my hoof up in protest. “What do you mean? I... I think you’re pretty.” No sooner did the words leave my mouth, that we both adorned ferocious blushes. Glitter remained silent, a bit shocked by my words, before she looked away in embarrassment, attempting to hide her red face with a hoof.

Oh! Stupid! Why did I say that!?

She looked back at me with a goofy grin, before her eyes locked onto the wreck dangling off of my face. She gave a regretful sigh and frowned. “And I am... REALLY sorry for breaking your glasses.”

I looked cross-eyed at the pathetic heap of my glasses before rolling my eyes and shaking them off my face. “I...” I couldn’t help but let a hearty chuckle escape my lungs. “I hated these glasses anyway.” We once again shared a moment of giggling, before I finally sighed, scratching the back of my mane with a hoof. “But, I won’t be able to see without them... So, I’m probably not going to be much help finding a way out of here. We’re... we’re really lost, aren't we...”

She shrugged, leaning against me with a sigh of relief. We both sat back on our haunches, just staring into the emptiness of the dark hallway. “I don’t care about that... I... I just don’t want to be by myself. I hate being alone, Spark.” I can’t believe she went from hating me to... well, being so nice. Oh no... I know what I have to do... and I REALLY don’t want to do it... Her ears perked at the sound of my magical genesis again, just as a small toy red wagon rolled up between us.

I made sure to look way, not daring to look her in the eyes as I gave what I stole from her friend back to her. It... It was the right thing to do... but now, she’s just going to go back to hating me. Heh... maybe my cutiemark will be getting others to hate me. I just need to tear down a few more ponies, and I’d bet I’ll get it in no time. I could almost feel her angry gaze burning a hole in the back of my head. Well... I guess I better get back to running away from her before she bucks me in the head. I was ready to push away from her coming anger... But, instead, my soul just about melted from the burn in my cheeks as I felt the filly’s lips press against my face. Wait... what!? I turned to her in disbelief.

She... She kissed me! C’mon dude! Do something! Say something! Anything!

“W-woa-- h-huh... t-thanks...”

Nice going Charger...

She blushed as she took the toy in her hooves. “You’re good, Spark.”

“Y-yeah? Oh!” I looked up, knowing it futile to see the blurred image of my smoldering horn. “You mean... I’m good at magic?” I couldn’t help but smirk around my blush. “Yeah, I’m... well, Sister Cross and Father Star told me I can’t use that kind of magic, but I--”

“No, no.” She said, interrupting. “I-I mean, yeah, that was pretty cool, but I mean you are good. You’re a good colt. A good pony.” She giggled. “You’re not so bad after all...”

Huh... I hope she doesn't go spreading that around...

“Platinum Braid is gonna be so happy when she gets this back.” She pocketed the toy inside her jacket before gasping with an idea, turning to me with a wide grin. “Oh! You should totally come and hang out with us some time!” She gave me a smirk, before nudging my shoulder with a hoof. “And don’t worry... I won’t tell her that you stole her wagon.”

I gave a hesitant nod, feeling the intensity of my father’s words begin to fade away as we leaned back against each other. “Sounds fun!” I smiled, “Oh! And you should meet my friends too! You know Aqua Wave and Diamond Blossom, right?”

oooOOOooo

*** *** ***

oooOOOooo

“Hey Sparky!”

“Hmm...” I groaned into my forelegs, barely hearing the voice beside me.

“Spark! Spark Charger!” The voice suddenly turned to a pair of hooves nudging my shoulder back and forth.

“H-huh?” My ears perked, quickly lifting my head off the table in a panic, a rope of drool snapping away from my mouth. “Oh, crap! I-it wasn’t me! It was Angel Mist! She’s the one!” I blurted out trepidly, the blurry image of a pony filling my vision. Only after contemplating a dash off the other end of the diner booth, did my eyes finally adjust to reveal the sad smile of a familiar young charcoal mare. “Oh... It’s just you, Glits...” I said with a sigh of relief.

Glitter instantly frowned at the nickname, though continued to hold her concerned look for me. “Sparky... are you okay? What are you doing in here by yourself? Why aren’t you with Diamond?”

I actually hadn’t noticed that I was by myself. I scanned the room around me, finally seeing that everypony, even orange level Diner ponies, had left the room. Probably long since after I had buried my head in my forelegs, hoping that time would just pass over the day as fast as possible. “Y-yeah... ahem Yeah!” I tried to shake my head back into focus. “Of course I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be? Just uh... just lost track of time, is all.”

She tilted her head in pity. “But... the dance?”

“Oh...” I let out a sad sigh, shaking my head. “...Right. That...” I forced myself to shrug insincerely, while showing off my best confident smile. “Well, I... I never asked her. But, it’s no big deal. You know me, I’ve got more important things to worry about than that stupid dance. I was too busy to go anyway. Way too busy. Really busy. Just..." I caught the sad look she was giving me, her pitiful gaze penetrating right through my act. I sighed again, this time in defeat as I glared down at the red padded booth between my hooves, knowing that I looked nothing short of pathetic. "...just really... really... really..."

Stupid! I just felt REALLY stupid! Diamond and I were really good friends, and I think I love-- Grrr! I was so close! She was right there in front of me! Why couldn't I ask her to this stupid Stable Ball!? It's the last one we could have gone to, until we're too old. Sure, there’s the Stable Gala... but that’s only for ponies who have high clearance to attend, and... -sigh- that'll never be me... But, no! Instead, I decided that vandalizing a rations dispenser for a free snack was a better use of my time! All because I--! B-because--

“I chickened out...” I sighed, feeling nothing but sorrow and anguish for myself as I let the malt-glass-for-two slowly melt in front of me on the table.

Glitter gasped. "O-oh... Gosh, Spark, I'm sorry..." She awkwardly rubbed her leg with her opposing hoof above her Pip-Buck. "Can... can I sit with you?"

I gave her another shrug as though to tell her I didn't care.

I was expecting her to sit across the table from me, but instead, my eyes widened sheepishly as she hopped up on my side of the padded booth, sitting flank to flank next to me. She met my sad gaze before suddenly catching me off guard. My breath came to a halt, her warm body leaning in to give me a comforting hug. "Oh, c'mon Sparks, cheer up!"

I immediately grew tense from her touch, her forelegs wrapping around me tightly as she nuzzled my cheek. My face was already red, but I definitely felt it burn as I felt her tail swish against my back. I sighed, finally giving in to her embrace, and relaxed in her welcoming hooves.

Years had passed since the day she chased me down to the storage level where we became good friends. One of the few that I actually had. Since then, we had both gotten our cutiemarks, finished most of our schooling, and pretty soon will start our first jobs. We were excited to hear that Kahn had begun his work in the research department a couple years back. Well... I was at least. That’s where they kept all the restricted spell books; something I’ve been fascinated about since I was a foal. I mean, what else would you expect from a unicorn who’s been restricted from learning any new spells?

I got my cutiemark in a maintenance sector, which meant I was exempt from taking the CAT test. It was straight to the maintenance level for me. Glitter’s future was looking a bit brighter, however, as her CAT let the labor department know that she was Security level material, just like her dad. Heh... Now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure he was less than appreciative of his daughter hanging out with punks like me all the time.

I’d grown into a young stallion -well, maybe not officially off the colt age yet- ready to work for the stable, yet still the conniving little rebel from the orphanage. The orphanage that I’ll be leaving for a tight-spaced brown level living quarters’ dorm. Well, at least Aqua Wave will be joining in on that particular fun in a year or two. Glitter on the other hoof, she’d grown into a beautiful young mare, her mane finally a bit longer to do away with her tomboy filly look, but still much stronger and athletic than most ponies her age.

I couldn’t help but give a soft smile, just letting the tough hugger try to cheer me up. Sure, I’m not much of the hugging type, but even I had to admit, it was working for the moment. “Thanks...” I said, my smile reluctant to stay shape. It only lasted another minute, before it dropped back to a disappointed frown. “But... This was my last chance to ask Diamond to the dance. And I blew it...”

Her sad smile returned, looking me in the eye with those big beautiful ruby ones of hers. “Hey, don’t feel bad.” She suddenly gave her own disappointed look, her eyes drifting between her hooves. “I uh... I wanted to go to the dance too. I mean, just look how happy Angel Mist was when Kahn asked her. I would have gone in a heartbeat, but...” She sighed, “Nopony ever asked me...”

My ears perked, not believing that I'd heard her right. The sad look on her face told it all, though. My jaw just about hit the floor, absolutely shocked. “What!? But... How could they not!?” I asked, a bit outraged. “You’re like.... the coolest filly in the stable!”

She shrugged, letting her eyes flutter shut as she gave another sigh, this one heavy with regret. Well that’s just... that’s just crazy! I thought, beginning to wonder who she'd hoped would ask her. Kahn was obviously head over hooves for Angle Mist, so she couldn’t have been expecting him. There weren’t a whole lot of other stallions her age that were available... none who were in her league at least. The fillyfooler thing was just a bad joke... I think... So, that only left--

Before I could ask, she suddenly shook her head, instantly pulling herself out of her own self-pity. I wish I was as good as that as she was... She looked back up at me curiously, before I saw her lips tug themselves back into her signature smirk. “Say, why don’t we put on some music to cheer us up?” She suggested, gently placing her forehoof over my own, nodding gleefully toward the diner’s jukebox. “We don’t need that stupid dance! We can have our own right here!”

I raised my eyebrow in disbelief. “We-- what?” I gawked.

She rolled her eyes, suddenly grabbing my forehoof with her own. “Oh, c’mon Sparky! It’ll be fun!”

Before I could argue, she pulled me out of the booth with a strong tug, and led me to the jukebox. “Woah! Glitter, wait a second...” I protested, pulling my hoof back from her. She gave me a slightly hurt look, her eyes wide as saucers as they glistened in the dim lighting of the diner. Gyah! Don’t look at me like that! I could only give a heavy sigh and try not to feel too guilty. “You-- Uh...” Her hopeful eyes just about penetrated through to my soul as I struggled to avoid her pleading gaze.

What is she doing!? We've never... danced before. Not... dance dance anyway. If Diamond saw us like that, all my hopes of ever asking her to be my special somepony are probably gone. But... Celestia, I don't know if it was because of her look, or if I just really wanted to be happy with a friend right now, but I only lasted so much longer before I caved.

“You... have a song in mind?” I asked, with a sheepish grin.

She just about gave me the most exited look I’d ever see come from the filly. “Sure do! Just a sec!” She turned with haste to the jukebox, her hooves hoisting her up so she could view the record selections. She slowly began to sway her hips, softly humming the tune of the song she was hoping to find, while the various records spun behind the glass in front of her.

I felt myself fall into a deep blush, not able to help but swipe a sinful stare under her swishing tail. I instantly regretted it, having to tear my eyes away just as she looked back over her shoulder, like she somehow felt my gaze burning a hole right through her flanks. Damnit, Spark! You perverted idiot! She’s your friend for Luna’s sake! Her own face began to turn red with a gasp, her bashful awareness only sending me into a deeper tint of red. I gave an awkward laugh as I scratched the back of my mane, trying my best to keep contact with her eyes, and less so with anything below them. “U-uh... heh... just uh... yeah...” I quickly shut my trap before any other embarrassing mumbles of guilt spilled from my lips. She gave a cute snort, and giggled at my pathetic response. That confirms it... she caught me red hoofed.

Oh, I can already tell that I’m never going to hear the end of this one.

She dropped her hooves back to the floor and trotted over to me. Finally, the needle in the jukebox began to graze over the record she’d chosen for us to dance to, the nostalgic sound of the scratching disk filling the room.

A sudden surge of pale embarrassment shot through me, twisting my stomach in a knot. “I uh... I don’t actually know how to dance.” I admitted, trying not to look too ashamed. Though... I kind of was. I honestly was just hoping that Diamond and I would have just stood around and talked to each other, while laughing at how bad other ponies danced... probably just more wishful thinking on my part.

Glitter gave me a skeptical glare before her expression melted, and she lost herself in a shameless laugh. “Neither--!” She snorted again through her laughter. “Neither do I, Sparks!”

Now, that... that got the first genuine and cheerful smile out of me in a long time. “Okay...” I nodded, “What do we have to lose?” With a bit of hesitation, and just as much nervousness, I took the filly’s hoof in my own, turning my smile into a grateful grin, just for her to blush at my gentlecolt antics. After I’d felt my heart skip a beat at her rather alluring gaze, the orchestra of brass, wood, percussion and strings began to play a slow dance tempo. Her other hoof draped over my shoulder, while I placed my other hoof under at her side. We both leaned into each others’ chests so we could balance on our rear hooves, then began to slowly step back and forth and side to side to the music.

It’s all forgotten now, the trouble and the pain. Forgotten every word I said.
Forgotten every tear you shed
We’re still in love...

My eyes stayed drawn to the floor, so to make it look as if I were watching where to place my armature steps. And I really was... though, the main reason was to avoid making any kind of awkward eye contact. It wouldn’t be until I snuck a quick peek that I’d realize she was giving the same complexed look, staring down at our rear hooves, blushing madly.

Has... has she always been this cute?

It’s all forgiven now. We’re back in Lover’s Lane, and though we wandered from our way...
The corner’s turned and we can say...
We’re still in love...

“Hey, you’re pretty good...” I chuckled, giving her a teasing look. The song slowly died before the next record flipped and began to spin, this one much faster in pace. “I’m starting to think you’re just trying to lower my expectations.”

She finally looked up at me in gracious surprise, before letting herself fall back into that sly smirk of hers. “Oh, you hush, you sweet talker~” We began to move a bit faster to keep up with the new tempo, now kicking our rear hooves as we swung each other back and forth. I even gave an armature attempt at twirling her around in front of me, before pulling her back into my hooves. She gave me a gasp after completing the dance move. “Oh, and you’re telling me that you aren’t lowering mine?” We both laughed at that as our hooves continued to stomp to the music.

I had to say... I hadn’t expected this day to end the way it did, and maybe I was still a bit disappointed in the result... but, right now, dancing with her, I hardly could even remember why I was sad anymore. I was having a blast!

We let each other go for the next songs, facing each other as we stomped our forehooves to the beat, going into some very humiliating freestyle dances. Glitter swayed her hips, and kicked her hooves, and shook her tail, and spun in circles. I just hopped on my hooves, sometimes doing a shuffle from side to side... and maybe a spin or two as well. To be honest, I just enjoyed how happy we both were. I don’t think anything could have brought down our wild grins as, for the moment, everything seemed bright and colorful instead of dull and grey.

Something felt... wrong about that... But, who cares!?

As the final record flipped, we paused, both of us starting to look tired. I lost track of how many songs we had danced the night away to. We panted, both looking rather flushed from the exercise. We might just have called it a night right there, maybe sit together and talk, while we shared the rest of the malt I’d ordered, but refused to touch, before the last song began to play, making both of us perk right back up. Rock rhythm music, beginning with guitars, a bass and a drum kit, finally started to play through the jukebox.

Okay, now, this is going to be one crazy dance. Well, maybe it couldn’t hurt to... Oh, screw it, let’s go!

Well, come on let’s go, let’s go, let’s go little darlin’
And tell me that you’ll never leave me,
Come on, come on let’s go-a
Again, again, and again.

We both went back to our ridiculous moves, as if to taunt each other to do something crazier than the other. I took her up on that challenge, a devious grin spreading across my muzzle. My horn let magic flow through it in excitement, reaching out with my magic and wrapping it around Glitter's forehooves.

Well, now, swing me, swing me all the way down there
Come on, let’s go little darlin’
Let’s go, let’s go again, once more.

"Huh? Sparky!" She gasped, as my magic began to tug her sideways. "What are you-- Oh gosh!” Her body was suddenly lifted off the ground as I began to swing her around me in a circle. “Oh wow! WHOOOOOO!!!" She hollered and laughed with excitement, spinning myself in place to match her speed. I snickered as her body was stretched flat, her rear legs being pulled behind her by gravity.

Well, I love you so, dear
And I’ll never let you go
Come on baby, so
Oh, pretty baby-a
I love you so!

“Oh my gosh, Spark, stop!” She continued to laugh as I spun her around me. “You’re gonna make me sick!” We both giggled at that as I slowed my swinging, minding her warning, and bringing her back to the floor in front of me. She wobbled a bit on her hooves before falling forward into mine. She let out a cute squeak as I caught her, holding her up with my hooves at her side, just above her waist, tilting her back. Meanwhile her forelegs once again draped over my shoulders, allowing her to gaze up at me affectionately. My grin slowly melted as I basked in her gaze, blushing uncontrollably as she did the same, only for her tongue to suddenly stick out and playfully lick the tip of my muzzle, giving me her own devious smile.

My heart exploded...

Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go little sweetheart
And then we can always be together
Come on, come on let’s go again...

My mane stood on end, feeling myself turn pale as blood rushed to my head... as well as other places. I felt my limbs grow weak, Glitter’s body now feeling a lot heavier in my hooves, until her weight finally pulled me forward without warning, and we both tumbled to the floor. “W-woah!” We both yelped in chorus.

“Sparky-yyy!” She whined, pulling herself up, only to instantly turn around and playfully jump on my back before I could fully recover myself. I let out an annoyed groan as she forced me back down on my stomach, feeling her forehoof tussle my mane as she giggled. “You dropped me, you dork!”

I rolled my eyes with a smirk, pushing her sideways until I rolled both of us over, landing myself on top of her this time. The room was filled with us laughing at each other’s foalishness.

Celestia, I’m glad Glitter’s my friend. I’m never gonna let her go.

oooOOOooo

*** *** ***

oooOOOooo

“Out we go, ass-wipe!” My magic quickly wrapped around the greasy unicorn stallion, hoisting him out of his seat and dragging him across the game room. His legs went limp after my hoof had met the end of his muzzle in a harsh strike. Blood gushed from his nostrils as we made our way towards the door, earning a significant amount of alarming gasps from the other stable ponies at the bar and cards tables. But they paid us little mind after the initial outburst.

After all, if this wasn’t a regular occurrence here, I’d be out of a job.

My aura swung him out the door and into the hallway, landing him on his ass. “And stay out!” I snarled. His last defense was to roll over and pout at me. I caught his look, only for me to threaten him further, aggressively pointing my hoof at him. “If I catch you cheating on Executive Rail Shot’s time again, I’m gonna break your horn off! You want that, grime licker!?” He whimpered and shuddered like a crying filly, finally shaking his head ‘no’. “Alright... well, what are you waiting for then? Don’t you have toasters to repair or something? Get back to maintenance where you belong. Don’t come back.”

He finally stood up, wobbling on his hooves a bit, before limping off down the hall, holding his busted nose with his hoof. Damn hippies think they can come up here while their department is threatening to overthrow everypony in high colored clearance. Celestia, what is the world coming to? I slowly realized that my horn was still glowing red. My magic was still burning with frustration, even after I had finished the telekinesis spell.

Seriously!? A simple telekinesis spell!? I swear, everyday it’s getting harder to control. I already had to fill two jars this week! And what about next week!? Don’t get me wrong, work is good and all, but... Damnit! If ponies like that keep getting on my nerves, one of these days I’m gonna blow a fuse.

Just before I was about to trot back inside to get another jar, I froze upon hearing the familiar young and raspy voice of a mare. “Well, well, well...” My ears perked, hearing her voice followed by an amused laugh. “He should have known better than to try to swindle a swindler.”

Something left my throat that was a little too close to a squeak as I quickly extinguished my magical build up before she saw me. Looks like I’ll have to find time to release later... I stifled a pained grunt before closing my eyes. Regardless of the abrupt headache, however, a genuine chuckle was able to leave my throat, shaking my head and matching her amused voice. “Sorry Officer... is there a problem here?”

I could almost feel her eyes roll as she trotted up behind me. “Only if you make it a problem.” She giggled. I finally turned around to see the security mare herself, casually standing in front of me with a heartwarming smile. I only realized that it had to have been a lot longer since the last time I had seen her, because for the first time ever, she actually had to slightly tilt her head upward to meet my happily surprised gaze. “It’s good to see you again, Spark...”

Before I knew it, the rough and tough charcoal mare draped a foreleg around my neck and brought me into a brief hug. I replied with a warm chuckle, hugging her back, warmly. "Hey, it's good to see you too, Glitter."

It really had been a while since we talked. It was hard to stay in touch with friends when we all had new work to do. I obviously had my wife, Diamond Blossom, to keep me company, and Aqua and I made sure to have breakfast or lunch together often. Angel Mist sometimes came over to share a drink with Diamond once in a while, but Kahn... well, after a lucky aptitude cycle during the gaming mandate, he was a junior executive now on the Stable Council. Our ring leader didn’t really have much room in his schedule to spend time with us anymore. We never blamed him for that of course, but I think we all couldn’t help but feel a little... lost without him. Then there was Glitter and Platinum. Security ponies... Glitter, an experienced mare who had passed the security CAT exam, and Platinum -as of last week- only a new recruit after Overmare Hearts had proclaimed a new draft to once again fight off the Maintenance riots. I, on the other hoof, was a Pink Clearance pony, working in the Gaming and Entertainment department. Technically draft age, but... Well, the Administration department wouldn’t mind just one little discrepancy in my file. Especially if they knew not to mind it. My work was a bit more under the table than most ponies would have suspected.

Most ponies... seasoned security officers like Glitter Punch, however...

“Sparks...” She said as we trotted through the game room. I was about to guide her to the bar for a drink, expecting that we’d catch each other up on our lives since the last aptitude cycle. She was a bourbon mare if I remembered right. But she stopped in her tracks and nudged my flank. “Hold up a sec...” My ears perked, looking back at her over my rump. I arched my brow in concern, seeing her suddenly start biting her lip with an anxious look. “We need to talk... in private.” She darted her eyes from side to side before leaning closer to whisper. “You know... about our deal...”

“Ah... Right...” I said with a sigh, “Do you want more aptitude credits, because I can get you--”

“SSSSHHHHH!” She hissed, practically shoving her hoof into my mouth to shut me up. “Not here! Private! Private, Sparks!”

I rolled my eyes and nodded to a backdoor in the corner of the room. “Alright, fine... Follow me.” I led her through the door to a small office space where Rail Shot usually conducted quick business. It was isolated from the rest of the room and was obviously soundproof. We both sat down at a table across from each other as I levitated my pipe and matches from my pocket. “So...” I began again as I put the stem of my cob between my teeth and struck a match. “What’s up?” My magic brought the flame to the top of the chimney, allowing me to fill my lungs with the soothing feeling of--

“I want you to accept the draft...”

My eyes widened in surprise. “What!?” I sputtered, coughing up smoke from my lungs as my pipe's tobacco and ash blasted the mare in front of me, prompting her to cough as well. She waved her hoof between us in an attempt to blow it away. My tongue moved the cob to the corner of my mouth, my eyes watering, looking at her in disbelief. “That’s-- -cough- that’s a joke, right?”

She shook her head with a sigh. “Spark... We’re the same age... I know you. You’re more than capable enough to join the Security Force, if--”

“Glitter, we had a deal!” My brow furrowed in anger. “Rail Shot agreed to pay you aptitude credits, and in return, you look the other way and keep Chief Sense off my back.” I gave a frustrated shrug. “Sense is a bastard, but if he’s telling you to crack down on ponies like me, then the Overmare can tell him to back off. She knows I’m working for Rail Shot! Now, obviously Rail doesn’t want to owe Hearts anymore favors, but if we have to go over your head to get my exemption--!”

“This isn’t about Chief Sense!” She barked, slamming her hoof on the table. “It’s about... It’s about us!”

“Us..?” I forced an amused chuckle, shaking my head. “What? Is war getting too lonely for you?” I snarked, “What about your new partner? I mean, I'm probably a better kisser than Platinum, but--”

“Damnit, Spark!” She snarled, giving a warning huff as she slammed both of her hooves on the table this time, making it tilt towards her... which was an impressive feat of her strength, considering that the table was made out of pure steel. “I swear, if you even think about calling me a fillyfooler…”

"Hey, would you lighten up?" I defensively raised my forehooves with a chuckle. "C’mon, you know me. I'm just messing with you." My magic put a fresh cut of tobacco in my pipe and struck another match to finally light it again. “Besides...” I smirked before my aura waved the match out. “If I know you, you’re too prideful to stay in the closet.”

She gave me an annoyed look, swallowing whatever words she'd been preparing to threaten me with before giving another sigh, replacing her outrage with desperation. “...Look, I didn’t mean just us us... I meant the entire stable us. Chief Sense appointed me to recruit every able pony into security to fight, and that includes you! He says the stable’s survival may rely on that, and I absolutely believe him. I’ve been up there, and I’ve seen it! The Overmare wouldn’t have anypony know this, but we’re getting our flanks handed to us. The rebels have never had so much... drive as they do now! And it doesn’t help that half of high colored clearance supports them. It... It doesn’t look good Sparks. They’ve almost taken a third of the stable! If things don’t turn around for us soon... we might end up having to concede to their demands. And nothing good will come of that! We need all the help we can get...”

I paused, taking a moment to absorb what exactly she was telling me. Security... is losing. It’s never come to that before, so... that’s probably bad news. “Well, I... I didn’t know it was that bad up there, but...” I shook myself back to reality and gave her a shrug. “What does that have to do with me? You know, you're my friend, and I want to help you out and all, but you can’t actually think that one pony can make a difference here.”

“But you can and you will! I know you will, Spark!” She sighed, “You’re young and strong, and we both know you can handle yourself in a fight. In fact, I made sure of that!” Her hoof suddenly gestured to the doorway. “I mean, hay, by the look of that stallion’s nose earlier, I bet you even used a move that I taught you myself!” Technically true... though the brass-hoof was probably what helped the short jab knock his muzzle into next week. “Plus, you were in maintenance before! You know their strengths and weaknesses.” She continued.

Of course, she would have no idea that Rail Shot and Overmare Hearts had figured the same thing about me, when they offered me a little extra rations for some... pre-riot subversion in maintenance, usually involving a sly entrance and a greasy escape. Or vice versa. I got a bonus for obstructing some degenerate protests. How could I say ‘no’ to that? But that was in the past, before the riots officially started to get out of hoof. Plus, it wasn’t like I was in any immediate danger. One upside to being a rations handler instead of a gun handler. But now, Glitter is actually expecting me to join the rank and file ponies in uniform, who charge head on into the fight. She can’t seriously think that I’d agree to that...

She met my eyes with a pleading gaze. “The point is, Spark... we could really use a pony like you. If we could just get a little more help pushing these rebels back, we could turn this mess around. Because, if we don’t... There may not be a Pink level clearance for you to stay in anyway.”

Well... That certainly is a hard argument to counter. This is quickly turning into an offer I can’t refuse, if I ever heard of one. I mean... what would happen if security actually lost to those maintenance hippies? Damnit! After all the years it took me to get my hoof into high clearance, those moronic entitled pinko bastards are threatening to take it all away from me! And Glitter knows that I’d do almost anything to keep that from happening. Well, one thing is for sure, Rail Shot is gonna be pissed!

I watched her lower her gaze to her forehooves as she fumbled with them over the table. “Look, if I have to give you back those aptitude credits to tell you how serious I am...”

“No...” I sighed, shaking my head. “You don’t have to do that... You keep those for whatever you wanted them for, and... I’ll think about it, okay? Now, I don’t know about you...” I sneered, puffing more smoke into the air. “But, I could use a drink to quell my coming heart attack.”

And I was serious... The thought of fighting those anarchists must have tripled my heart rate. No matter what the Overmare’s broadcasts told us... Everypony knew the bastards have been ruthless this season...

I forced a chuckle in an attempt to melt her concerned look. “You look like you could use one too. How about a bourbon to get your mind off of all this riot crap? I’m buying.”

That amused smirk of hers returned to her muzzle as she rolled her eyes. “Right...” She cantered in front of me to the door, allowing my eyes to catch those swaying hips with every step. It was almost as if she was purposefully exaggerating her movements to-- “So, you’re totally not just buying me one to raise my tail another inch?” Ouch! C’mon, she knows I’d never-... W-well, I wouldn’t try it with her while she’s-... Uh oh... I could almost hear a little Diamond Blossom pony begin to warn me about my vows in my head. Hey, I’m trying my best here, sweetheart! Glitter slowly looked back at me over her rump, her smirk turning from amused to a near evil as she teased me with a swish of her disheveled pink tail. Heh... I knew she’d never let me live that down~

I may be a married stallion... But, I think I might have just sold my soul to the security department...

oooOOOooo

*** *** ***

oooOOOooo

“Alright, hypothetical situation. Okay? Let’s say I’m your Grandmother, and I invite you over for tea, but you're surprised when I give you a pistol and order you to kill another stable resident.” The stallion pointed to one of the mares sitting behind the table. “Inspector Crisp will represent the other stable resident. Now, you have ten seconds to decide. What do you do?”

My ears perked as I heard Toffee begin to count down from ten, while the young security mare began to freeze up and panic, swept up in the situation, with absolutely no idea of what she should do. She just sat there looking blankly at Inspector Apple, her eyes as big as saucers. “U-uh... Oh gosh, um...” She stuttered. “I... I will, uh...” This obviously wasn’t what she was prepared for.

“Seven seconds Officer Fizzle!” Wooley slowly moved in on the young mare, who in turn slowly backed away.

“U-uh...” With nowhere else to go, she backed against the wall, completely paralyzed. “I-I... I’d listen to my grandmother!” She exclaimed, trying to sound confident in her decision, only for her to look between Wooley and Toffee in absolute terror. “B-but... Wait! Isn’t killing somepony wrong?”

“5, 4...”

The stallion huffed at her question. “For Luna’s sake, don’t ask questions, do something!”

“3, 2, 1...”

“Bang!”

Everpony’s eyes suddenly turned to me as I lowered my pistol’s aim from Toffee’s head, only to watch me holster it just as quickly as I drew it. Officer Fizzle gave me a worried look as I trotted passed her into the room. “You’ll find that you’ll go far in this business if you just obey your elders...” I sneered as I trotted around the table.

Inside the board room were a hoofful of ponies, seated at the long, plain conference table in front of me. I immediately recognized Inspector Wooley Apple, a stallion I more often had disagreements with than encounters, and Inspector Toffee Crisp. Wooley was startled by my sudden appearance, especially with a gun pointed at the other Inspector’s head, but eventually frowned at me with a glare as I cantered in.

Meanwhile, Toffee was kicked back in her chair behind the table. “I’m kinda surprised to see you here, Sparky.” She smirked, “Don’t tell me you got tired of working inspections and interrogations?”

I rolled my eyes. “Other way around, Toff. I’m afraid inspections and interrogations got tired of me...”

“You mean the Overmare finally got tired of your crap and tossed you out?”

“Temporarily...” I admitted, before giving her a smug look. “She’s probably just jealous of my growing popularity.”

She chuckled at that. “Sure... You’re about as popular as a radroach infestation, Spark.”

Wooley grumbled to himself before giving a disappointed sigh and turned back to the security mare. “Uh... that will be all, Officer Fizzle...”

“O-oh...” She gave a hopeful smile. “Did... did I pass?”

Toffee awkwardly cleared her throat. “We’ll, uh... We’ll notify you when we’ve concluded the results.” Her voice held little promise.

Fizzle gave a giddy grin and a nod regardless. “Okay! Wow, I can’t wait!” She can’t even see doubt when it’s right in front of her... who in their right mind let this mare get this far? The door hissed closed behind her after she naïvely pranced out with excitement. Yeah... I can already tell this is gonna be a long day...

“You’re late, Inspector...” Wooley sighed as he looked down at his Pip-Buck. “The Overmare told you to be here forty-five minutes ago. Do you have any idea how many officers we have to test?”

I rolled my eyes as I watched him trot back around the table where the rest of us sat. “Well... if we have any more candidates like Officer Fizzle, we should be able to get through them pretty fast...” I shook my head with disgruntled huff. “How in the name of Celestia did we get a mare like that to qualify for Security Chief?”

Toffee shrugged, “Most of these ponies just got the aptitude credits through the gaming mandate. We didn’t have a lot of time to set up a CAT exam after Chief Sense passed...”

Wooley nodded as his hooves began flipping through his notes. “We pick the top Earth Pony to fill his vacancy before the end of the day. The Overmare wants them sworn in by tomorrow morning.”

My ear flickered at what the fellow loyalty inspector had just said, replaying it in my head as I mouthed the concerning term. “Wait...” I said, a bit baffled as I furrowed my brow. “Top Earth Pony? You’ve got to be kidding!”

Ahem!

My ears perked as another stallion, one who I hadn’t noticed had been sitting across the table this whole time, cleared his throat. “Is there something you wish to share, Inspector Charger?”

My eyebrows raised in surprise as I turned towards him. “Oh...” I found myself smirking in amusement at the sight of the older buck. “Kahn... I didn’t see you sitting there.”

He rolled his eyes. “It’s good to see you too, Spark.”

Of course he’d be here. Of all the Execs that the Overmare could choose to monitor these oral examinations, she chose the pony closest to her. I’m sure it was somehow Angel’s doing for why the executive council decided to transfer me to the board in the first place. Anything to keep me from carrying out my inspections. She always voiced her concern and disapproval for my actions ever since I became a loyalty inspector, but after what had happened, I’ve suspected she doesn’t so much as find me untrustworthy as she does hate my guts. And I’d be naïve to think that some of my other ‘friends’ don’t feel the same about me.

“So?” Kahn gestured to me with his hoof. “Say what’s on your mind, Charger.”

I looked down to the folders of candidates with a shrug. “Well, I’m just a bit confused is all...” My horn glowed as I picked up the pile of dossiers in my magic. “I mean, everypony knows that it’s tradition for the chief of security to be a Unicorn...” I spread the candidates’ files out across the table as my brow remained furrowed in confusion. “Yet, as Inspector Apple said, we’re only interviewing Earth Ponies for the vacancy.”

“Damnit, Charger!” Wooley growled, “It’s not that big a deal!”

“No, no... It's alright.” Kahn said in a cool manner. “The Inspector has the right to be curious... I was skeptical about it myself at first, but Overmare Mist had a very convincing argument.”

I rolled my eyes. “I'm sure she did...”

He arched his brow at that. “I don’t need to remind you, Inspector, that it’s your duty to enforce your own loyalty to the Overmare's intentions. And right now, it’s her intention to not let things like tradition get in the way of conducting business in Stable 17.”

“Her intentions... I see...” I slowly nodded, trying my best to process his reasoning as my forehead wrinkled in thought and forced a smile. “And just uh... just how does she figure to do that, Mr. Kahn?”

He shared a look with our other colleagues before tilting his head at me. “Well...” He replied briskly after clearing his throat, “As you know, Overmare Mist has made it clear that she believes the harsher, unequal treatment of the lower clearances, and the lack of change in that regard, is the reason for why the maintenance department continues to riot. And, since Earth Ponies struggle with the use of cards more than Unicorns during the gaming mandate, a majority are unable to win enough aptitude credits to promote. So... for one thing, she wants to show them that we can break tradition by giving an Earth Pony the position of Security Chief.”

My ass! If those ponies wanted a better clearance, they should have studied harder for their CAT exam! That department's filled with a bunch of entitled degenerates if you ask me! And I should know... I used to be one. Now our pinko Overmare is practically bending over backwards to appease them. Sooner or later, we’ll be at the point where we might as well have just lost the riots and gave in to their demands. Everything we fought for! Down the Goddamn toilet! She’s going to doom us all...

I had to bite my tongue, and hard, feeling the excess rage make its way up my face, thankfully stopping to twitch my eye instead of lighting my horn. It took all the fiber in my being to turn my disapproving frown into a sneer. “And I suppose if an Earth Pony becomes Overmare, she could suddenly use magic to keep our apple orchards alive? Hell, better yet, stallions can run for Overmare now?” I asked, making my doubt abundantly clear to everypony.

“The Overmare doesn't have to be the one to keep our orchards alive, that's still just tradition, and the job can be given to an appointed Unicorn who can.” Kahn shrugged me off, then chuckled. “And, you never know, Spark. Loyalty Inspector isn’t too far off from Overstallion.”

“Neither is Executive...” I grumbled.

“Well!” Toffee suddenly squeaked in an attempt to break the heavy cloud of tension between us. “We can uh... table this conversation for now, can’t we? As Wooley said, we’ve got a lot of candidates to judge, and we need a unanimous vote before the end of the day.”

Wooley gave her a nod after glaring skeptically between Kahn and me. “Right...” He cleared his throat before shouting through the door. “Next applicant please!”

I nickered, the door in front of us hissing open again. I heard the next pony trot in, my magic pulling my reading glasses out of my pocket, and resting them on my muzzle to magnify the mare’s file for me. I blinked, staring in disbelief as I read the name on the page over and over. I shook my head, feeling the urge to remove my glasses and wipe the lenses on my stable jacket. But there was no smudge... and no matter how narrow my eyes squinted, I could still clearly read the name. “Kahn... This uh...” I chuckled in amusement, before looking up to see who the pony really was. “This says that her name is--”

“Glitter Punch!” Kahn greeted the mare in excitement. “It’s good to see you!”

My smirk evaporated into jaw-dropping concern as my eyes widened to saucers. “Oh shit...” I muttered, once again earning every eye in the room to narrow on me, including Glitter’s.

I could tell by her surprised look, that she obviously expected just as much to see me on the examination board as I was to see her in front of the examination board. The mare who got me to join security... That’s when it hit me. Like everypony else, she’s using her aptitude credits to show that she meets the qualifications for Chief of Security... the only thing is, that I knew she didn’t purchase all those credits with her mandate winnings. Ironic... If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t even be here. I watched her awkwardly acknowledge me before the others finally called her back to attention.

"Officer Punch?" Wooley asked, reading over her file.

"Yes... -ahem!- Yes sir!" She shook herself back into focus, only giving me a gloomy nod before turning back to the others.

The stallion continued, “As you know, this is the final stage in your examination, where we will be judging you on your knowledge of both the rules of Stable 17 and how you would go about enforcing them as Chief of Security. We want to see how fast and accurate you can answer these questions to simulate a... stressful environment. So, we can start with--”

“Uh, hold it one sec!” Kahn suddenly raised his hoof above the table after bombarding me with one constant icy stare. One which I had been trying my best to ignore ever since Glitter entered the room. “Sorry, but uh... I’d like to have a word with Inspector Charger in private, if that’s okay with everypony.” He flashed the two other inspectors with that charming smile of his as he stood up to trot toward me. Though they must have missed the reassuring wink he gave to Glitter as he passed her. “Go ahead and continue with your questions. We’ll be back in a bit.”

“Alright, Kahn.” Wooley sighed, “But make it quick, or else this’ll take all night.”

I gave Kahn a skeptical frown but knew better than to protest an Exec when he nods for me to follow him to the next room.

He sighed as Wooley and Toffee returned to their questioning. “Alright, Sparks...” He raised his eyebrow with a stern glare. “What will it take?”

“What?” My brow instinctively furrowed in confusion, shaking my head with a shrug. “What will what take?”

“The way you looked at her when she came in.” He narrowed his eyes as if he were about to use them to drill right into my mind. “You’re going to find some way to embarrass her, aren’t you? Find some excuse to fail her. I’m asking what it’ll take to judge her fairly. Because you and I both know this ‘respect our traditions’ crap is complete horse apples coming from you!”

My eye twitched at his accusation. “That’s ridiculous! It just so happens, Kahn, that I believe it’s more important to stick with traditions that haven’t failed, versus risking our way of life for the purpose of looking stylish in front of a bunch of good for nothing commie criminals!”

“Damnit, Spark! Times have changed!” He hissed, “We’re not going to look at the Maintenance department as second-class ponies in this stable anymore! Angel is going to set new standards for the Executive council and future Overmares to follow.”

I scoffed at that as I looked away. “Oh, well isn't that marvelous... There’s not going to be any future for anypony if this keeps up. You can't seriously think that this isn't a risk, Kahn!”

"I understand the risks, Spark... I do..." He sighed, "Fine, you want me to say it? Yes! I think Angel has a different vision of what the Stable should look like, and I'm just as much skeptical of it as you are. But when it comes to our friends..." He stomped his hoof in front of me as he seethed. “You can pretend what this is about all you want... We both know the real reason why you’re gonna fail Glitter. So, I’ll ask again, what will it take?”

“Oh, come on, Kahn...” I rolled my eyes in defense. “I never said I was going to fail Glitter over this! What makes you think I’d do that!? Just because of what happened between us!?”

His face dropped into a deadpan. “Sparky... Please...”

“Oh, here we go...” I nickered. “Can’t trust ole’ Swindlin’ Sparkhorn, is that it!?”

He shook his head with a sigh. “Spark... You can’t blame us for thinking that... After what happened to Overmare Hearts...”

I huffed in outrage, feeling my blood run cold and my jaw clench tight. “You think that I’d screw all of you over in a heartbeat, because of how Diamond and I handled the Thorn Petals incident! HA!!! Well, maybe there's a reason to fail her after all! Because why should I help my friends, when--!? -HRRG!!!-” Pain suddenly shot up through my head as a strained plume of raw magical energy erupted from the base of my horn. Kahn’s eyes shot wide open as I fell back on my haunches, growling in pain. “...WHEN THE PONIES THAT I KNEW ALL MY LIFE DON’T FUCKING TRUST ME!!!?” I slammed my forehooves against my throbbing head, pushing my glasses off my face as I hissed through my teeth. “...Gyah! Fuck!”

It hurt... everything hurt. Some friends that I have...

I peeked an eye open to see a clear glass jar, floating in white magic in front of me. Behind it was the pitiful gaze of the grey unicorn, while a burning red glow reflected back at me off the glass. I gulped, silently grabbing the jar in my hooves. A sharp growl grated my voice, my ears folding back as my magic began to surge through my horn. All the pain, all the rage, all the frustration... it all slowly began to fade away. After what felt like an eternity, I finally sighed with relief, opening my eyes to see the jar, no longer clear and glassy, but filled with a dark glowing red fog. “...sorry.” I hissed.

“How long?”

My ears perked at the question, looking up to see Kahn's forehoof extended out to me. Still out of breath, I grabbed it with my own hoof, and he pulled me back to my hooves. “Not since... you know... When it happened...”

“Spark...” He gave me that fatherly look of concern I had learned to roll my eyes at. “...That was months ago! Are you telling me that you’ve been--”

“Yeah, yeah...” I gave one more sigh after catching my breath. “Just shut up and give me a sec...” My horn glowed again, putting the jar away in my saddlebag before pulling out my pipe... and my new lighter. I clenched my teeth around the stem, packing the chamber with a cut of tobacco and quickly lit it to calm myself down. A few silent seconds passed, letting sweet nicotine flood my senses with every soothing puff of smoke, effectively capping whatever remained of my magical outburst. Finally, I shook myself back into focus. “Alright, I’m cool...”

He tilted his head with a skeptical look. “You sure? You know, you can take the day off if--"

"No, no..." I shook my head. “You're right. Glitter is my-- she’s our friend...” I felt a soft smile form across my muzzle. “Nothing but reasonable questions from me. I promise.”

He looked me over one last time before nodding. “Alright Spark... You know if you want us to trust you, this will be a good test. Despite whatever you think of me or Angel now, you’re still our friend. And believe me when I say that we still want to trust you... Now c’mon, I’ll bet it’s just about your turn on the board.” He nodded back to the examination room as I followed his trot back through the door.

Reasonable questions...

“...so, you’ve been on the force for quite a long time. Ever since you passed the security CAT... You’ve got quite a good record on you.” Toffee was just about wrapping up her questioning as Kahn and I rejoined them back at the table. “And uh... What can you tell us about your time during the riots?”

Glitter shared a look with me, knowing we were the only two ponies in the room who had served. I returned her look with a shrug. “I uh...” She cleared her throat. I couldn’t blame her for hesitating... it’s not exactly easy to talk about. Even now, I still don’t like to talk about it. “I did what I had to... we all did. To protect the stable... to protect ponies.” I did my best to hide a groan at that cliché response as I draped my foreleg over my eyes.

“Sparky?”

My ear flickered at Toffee calling my name. “What?” I groaned without removing my foreleg from my face. I could almost feel Kahn’s disapproving gaze returning. Trust is nice, but revenge? ...Sorry, Kahn.

“It’s your turn to question Officer Punch.”

I sighed, my hoof falling back to the table as I watched Glitter’s confidence begin to drain with every second we stared at each other. Her complexed expression looked as if she was trying to think of all the ‘gotchya’ questions that I’d ask her. “Questions, huh..?” I raised my brow with a teasing smirk. “What’s your favorite color?”

She instantly opened her mouth to speak without a second between us. “Code 2219!” Every eye in the room, including Glitter’s and my own, shot wide open at her response, before we all tilted our heads in confusion. “I-I mean... uh...” She blushed, shrinking sheepishly between her shoulders, the pink bangs of her mane hanging over her face in embarrassment. “...red.” She finally said before an embarrassed chuckle. Somepony is certainly overthinking this...

“Damnit, Sprarkhorn!” Kahn growled.

Wooley shook his head. “Please, Charger, can you take this seriously?”

I rolled my eyes with my own chuckle. “Sorry sorry… You know me, just having some fun, alright?” Glitter gave me a pleading look, as if to tell me to go easy. I could only give a devious smile as my magic lifted my glasses back over my face, before standing up behind the table, and levitating her file alongside me. “You know... before you came in here Officer Punch, we were having a conversation about the traditions here in Stable 17.” I trotted around the table to lean against it in front of her. “Unicorns... or, more specifically, Unicorn stallions, traditionally hold the position of Security Chief, neither of which you are, and--”

“B-BUT--!" Glitter stammered as if needing to correct me before I made a judgement. “That’s nowhere in the Stable-Ops manual! It’s not a rule! It’s...” Her eyes widened in fear as her ears drooped, realizing she had spoken out of turn. “...S-sorry inspectors... I just--”

“No, no, no...” I grinned, “You’re right. It’s not in the rules.” I shared a glance with Kahn, still glaring at me as if he knew I was plotting something. “In fact, uh... I was just about to say that perhaps what Stable-Tec doesn’t know won’t hurt them when it comes to things like tradition, and if we can find a way to benefit, maybe it wouldn't hurt to give it a go either.”

Wooley gave an impatient sigh. “Just what are you getting at, Charger? Do you have a question or not?”

I opened her file with a knowing smirk. “Officer Punch, you know if we make you Security Chief under the Overmare’s new guidelines, you’ll be in charge of the entire security department, with many new restrictions on your officers? A lot tighter ones than the last Overmare’s administration had.”

Glitter nodded, “Yes... That’s how I understand it.”

I narrowed my eyes, “Well then, Glitter, maybe you’ll tell us all here about how you’d proceed with enforcing code 1104.”

She paused, shifting her weight uncomfortably as I watched her charcoal coat practically turn white. “...Bribery.” She gulped.

“That’s right. Bribery.” I tried my best to hide my smugness as I continued, “Technically it’s been on the rule book for quite some time now, but... hasn’t been as thoroughly enforced as it will under Overmare Mist’s anti-corruption campaign. Oh! I got it...” I placed a hoof over my chest. “How about a hypothetical situation? I’m a pink level floor boss.” I nodded to the other end of the table. “...and Kahn over there is a Security officer. I go over and proposition that if he makes sure my draft number isn’t pulled, I’ll give him a decent increase in Aptitude credits from the gaming mandate.” I arched my brow at her, “Let’s say it’s enough to... oh, I don’t know, apply for Security Chief. Now, you find out what this officer has done. What do you do with him?”

Kahn shot me a warning glare, only to slowly turn his curiosity towards Glitter’s hesitant response. She awkwardly cleared her throat, adjusting the weight on her hooves again, no doubt attempting to reclaim her confidence. But even the other inspectors had to notice the beads of sweat running down her face. She took a small breath. “He uh... ahem! He’d be stripped of his position and... sentenced to lock-up, depending on the severity of the result.”

“Good...” I looked back over my shoulder at my colleagues. “She knows her bribery, that’s for damn sure.” I whistled and clicked my tongue around the cob in my teeth. “I’d hate to have anypony accuse me of bribery. Whew! Could ruin a pony’s career.” I caught her nervously biting her bottom lip as I turned back to her. “Alright... now, how about a code 9902?”

This time... her eyes shot wide open in shock, her jaw dropping as her cheeks blushed to a dark crimson. “W-what!?” She squeaked. “I swear, I’ve never--!” She suddenly cut herself short, slapping her forehoof over her mouth with a dying squeak.

“That’s enough, Sparky!” Kahn growled, slamming his hooves on the table.

“I’m sorry...” I spun around to sneer at him. “Is that not a reasonable question? All I want to know is what she’d do if some mare came up to her with some flattering compliments and a wink and a nudge.” I shrugged, my voice rising intensely with every word. “Or maybe, what she’d do if a friend of hers really isn’t just ‘a friend’, which is why she’s probably getting that stupid toy back--!” I froze, swallowing the rest of my words as my brain caught up with my mouth.

Glitter looked absolutely horrified by my rant, stepping back until her rump hit the door. “S-Sparky...” She winced, looking as if the walls were closing in around her. I was halfway expecting her to bolt out the door like a crying filly. To do anything to escape our judgement... but I should have known better coming from Glitter. She finally knitted her eyebrows with an angry scowl. “Stop!”

At this point, I wasn’t even sure if this was still part of my original plan... all I knew is that it evolved into something I knew I’d regret doing. But I knew I had to do it.

Glitter Punch, she’s my... well, I want to call her my friend, even after the Thorn Petals incident. But, that wasn’t why I was doing this. I wouldn’t want to give Kahn the pleasure of knowing I broke my promise over that anyway. If I’m being honest, Glitter deserves this job more than anypony… but this isn’t about her either. It’s about the Overmare endangering the stable, by destroying the ways of Stable-Tec that have kept everything under control all these years. Kept everything safe...

Now, Kahn might be right in saying I wouldn't have cared about that before... But he doesn't know what I saw during the riots. What we had to do. So, when Angel Mist starts restricting me! My department! From doing its job to keep ponies in line!? This is my only way to throw the book at her... -sigh- Sorry Glitter.

I tilted my head with a condescending sneer and a puff of smoke from my pipe. “You want me to stop? Oh, come on, you’ve been on the force for years! You should know that hippies, hoodlums and anarchists aren’t going to stop just because you tell them to!” My horn suddenly glowed again. Everypony in the room gasped as my magic levitated my forty-five out of its holster and pointed it right at her head. “They’re going to do this!” I yelled as I felt the air from her lungs hit me in the face. “So, what are you going to do now Officer Punch!? What are you going to do when they say, ‘DOWN WITH THE OVERMARE’!? DOWN WITH SECURITY CHIEF PUNCH!!!”

I hadn’t expected the reaction I got... though I should have at least expected a similar result as her hooves wrapped around the gun with near lightning speed and ripped it from my aura, making my magic implode.

I blinked in bewilderment... which I probably should not have done when I stepped towards her to grab it back. “Hey, what the--!?”

WHACK!

“GLITTER!” Kahn scolded as I back pedaled from the unexpected force of the mare’s forehoof.

I bumped into the edge of the table before finally losing balance and falling sideways. I winced, nearly choking on my pipe in utter shock before spitting it out to gasp for breath, the ash of cake from the chamber spilling across the floor. My left eye already felt the horseshoe-shaped area around it beginning to swell. I was barely able to notice that she had punched the glass completely out of the left lens of my new reading glasses, while splintering a nice crack in the right. She... hit me? She’d actually hit... a loyalty inspector..? “G-Glitter... I cough ...I was just--”

Her lip began to quiver before hiding her face behind her bangs again. She suddenly reared up, and before anypony could say anything, she bucked the control panel on the door like it was the trunk of an orchard tree. The panel sparked and crunched from the force of her strong rear legs, falling completely off the wall, but not before opening the door for her. I could have sworn I heard her sniffle before she galloped out in embarrassment, her pink mane and tail flapping in her wake.

Ah crap...

*** *** ***

We would go through the rest of the day rather quickly, to Inspector Apple’s pleasant surprise. I think it was because we already knew we didn’t have a lot of choice on who to finally vote for. Even I knew I didn’t have a choice. I had asked Kahn if I could deliver the verdict, and to my surprise, he agreed to it with only a small amount of convincing. So, I made my way to the security wing living quarters with the results in tow.

Knock Knock Knock Knock

“One minute...” The tired and raspy voice of the mare came through the door as her hoof steps trotted closer, the door sliding open once she activated the panel. “Sorry, I just had something in my-- Oh...”

I smiled down at the charcoal mare, trying not to stare for too long at the dampened fur around her cheeks. “Hey, Glitter, I wanted to--”

“FUCK YOU!” She screamed.

My face froze, the spit from her outburst splashing against my puffy black eye. “I... uh... wasn’t going to say that, but if you want to--" Tartarus burned harshly in her eyes, my words only fanning the flames. "...aaaand now I wish I was dead.”

She looked on at me in disgust before reaching for the door panel. “Goodnight, Spark.”

“No, Glitter! Wait, wait, wait, wait! OOF!!!” I tried to gallop inside, but she closed the door before I could make it all the way in. There was a mechanical whine in the doorframe, followed by a surprised yelp as the door slid closed right on top of my back, effectively pinning me to the floor, spreading my legs outwards in four directions like a pathetic radroach being squashed. I gave a frustrated groan as half my body laid flat on her floor, while my other half stuck out into the hallway. I looked up at her, probably for the first time since we were foals, only to see her face as sour as it was when we first met. “Hrrg! ...I just wanna talk!”

“WHY!?” She seethed, “So you can call me a fillyfooler some more!? Or accuse me of bribery!?” She stomped her hoof in front of me. “If you’d risk your own hide just to humiliate me in front of everypony! To... LITERALLY ruin my chances at becoming Chief of Security... something my dad always dreamed of... -SOMETHING I’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF!!!- then that tells me a lot about what we are, Sparks!” She growled, no longer able to hold back her tears. “You... YOU--! ASSHOLE!!!”

“Glitter, I-- Hrrg! I-- Can’t... breathe...” A very concerning wheezing sound escaped my lungs as I clawed at her floor with my hooves, my body practically being crushed under the force of the door’s weight. Son of a bitch, these doors are strong!

She rolled her eyes before her forehoof hit the control panel again, prompting the door to finally release its pressure and a coughing fit to erupt through my throat. “You are un-fucking-believable, you know that?” She shook her head and sniffled into her hoof, more tears falling down her face. “What could you possibly have to say that is worth anymore of my time?” She shuddered, the hurt and regret in her voice penetrating me like a bullet to the... lung. “Because whatever it is... it’s the last that I ever want to hear from you!”

“You--” I grabbed my chest with my hoof, finally standing up. “You-- -cough cough- …” I fell back on my haunches as my horn glowed again, levitating the documented results of one ‘Glitter Punch’ between us. “...you passed.”

It took her a moment to absorb my words, only to shake her head in disbelief. “W-what!? What do you mean!?”

I half wheezed half chuckled as I pointed to the blue ‘approved’ stamp over her name. “...congrats, ‘Chief Punch’”

She slowly... and very hesitantly took the document into her forehooves as if the paper would evaporate into a dream if she didn’t handle it gently. I watched her eyes travel back and forth across the page, reading over the stamp and the acceptance letter that came with it. At first, I was afraid she might think of it as some sick joke that I pulled to mess with her one last time, but eventually, though her eyes were still wide with bewilderment, I could see a glimmer of excitement start to light inside of her. “I... I passed?” She asked, not even believing her own words. “I... I PASSED! I ACTUALLY PASSED!!!” A big genuine smile spread across her muzzle, the last of her tears dripping to the floor.

I finally caught my breath again, before giving her a reassuring grin. “Of course you did, you idiot.” I laughed. “I mean... I'd have been more worried about... oh, I don't know... violating a code 1717 for assaulting a loyalty inspector? Or maybe the bill for my reading glasses...” I said, half mumbling the parts that Kahn begged me not to bring up.

While her smile slowly faded to a confused grimace, the sheer happiness in her expression didn’t seem like it could possibly leave. “But... but that means that you--”

I nodded. “You needed a unanimous vote... and you got all of them... including mine.”

She knitted her brow, baffled beyond all belief. “Then... why the hay did you--!?”

“Because...” I sighed, my eyes drifting to the floor. “Because I thought if I could show Angel Mist that I’d be willing to sink you of all ponies... -‘the perfect candidate for security chief’- You know, she knew that you were practically a shoe-in... and believe me, she never would have broken tradition if it weren’t for you throwing your hat in. So, I thought I could call her bluff on this... ‘lack of change’ crap if she got somepony completely incompetent as security chief.”

I shrugged, “Maybe... she might start thinking that the way we used to do things is the only way to do things...” I made sure to keep my head down, not daring to look her in the eyes as I gave my excuse. “But uh... I couldn’t go through with it after we watched how you handled my last question, and... I’m sorry, Glitter.” I could almost feel her angry gaze burning a hole in front of my head. I was just about ready to silently slip away, just in case she decided to close the door on top of me again... But, instead, my eyes widened with surprise after feeling the warm fur of the mare's cheek brush against my neck. “H-huh?” I pulled away from her nuzzling in disbelief to see that heartwarming smile of hers. “W-wow... heh... and here I thought I was gonna leave with one more black eye than what I came in with.”

She shook her head with an amused sigh. “I know you, Spark... and you may be a complete idiotic jackass...” She giggled, prompting me to role my eyes before she continued, “...but, you always do the right thing in the end. Because you really are good, Spark. You’re a good pony.” My surprised look evaporated as she suddenly stuck her tongue out and playfully licked the tip of my muzzle, giving me that devious smile of hers that I’ve learned to appreciate. “You shouldn’t beat yourself up over the idiotic jackass part... at least not too much.” I couldn’t help but bask in her alluring gaze. We stood there for a moment, just grinning at each other with mad blushes.

A thought crossed my mind in that moment, gently brushing her bangs aside with my hoof to give me full view of those soft beautiful ruby eyes of hers. “Well... shouldn’t we be celebrating your promotion then?”

She finally broke our gaze, giving a shockingly cute whinny of excitement as she reared up and pedaled her forehooves in the air. “Bourbon! No... Champaign! Oh! I think I’ve got a bottle in the kitchen!” She was about to prance toward her fridge before my horn glowed again, and caught her forehoof in my magic. “Huh?” She tilted her head back at me. “What’s the matter?”

I was silent at first... still unsure if I wanted to do this... but the words escaped my lips before my mind could reel them in. “You uh... You got any good... songs to play for us?”

She gave me a playful smirk before trotting around toward her jukebox. “I might~” Her tail brushed my chin like pink silk as she passed me. “So long as you still got the dance moves~”

oooOOOooo

*** *** ***

oooOOOooo

Knock Knock Knock Knock

“Spark Charger!”

Knock Knock Knock Knock

“Spark! Listen to me, asshole! I know you’re home! You open this door RIGHT now!”

The entire room of my living quarters suite glowed a dark illuminant red, and it wasn’t just because of my tunnel vision. My hooves began stumbling over themselves toward the door. I was trying my hardest not to drown myself while trotting to greet the rather abrasive guest. The bottle of scotch held against my lips in my unchecked magic worked flawlessly against that particular plight. Another round of loud knocks rang my ears like a hammer to the head, pulling another groan from my hoarse voice. “…just… just go away, Glitter…”

I must have slurred my speech without realizing it, based on the response she gave. “Have you been drinking again!? Goddessdamn you, Spark! What is the matter with you!?” I heard her hoof stomp from behind the door. “First, DB comes running into my office, crying about all those horrible things you said to her! And not only that! Her face was bruised! You—! You actually--!? How could you, Spark!? This isn’t you! You’re—!” She suddenly cut herself off with a sigh, as if to use the pause to recollect her thoughts. “Look… I know that what happened to Angel has got us all on edge. But that’s no excuse for... FOR THIS! And--! And you even yelled at Aqua Wave! You’ve never yelled at Aqua! She’s your best frie--!”

The door suddenly slid open between us, my hoof finally hitting the panel to greet the Chief herself. I was expecting the usual sour look I’d get from her after I’d done something to piss her off to this degree, but instead, I only got an owl-eyed blink, her hooves stepping back cautiously from where I stood in the doorway.

Her eyes locked on the burning red glow of my horn, fizzling and crackling, the shadows around us flickering in and out of being, as if cast by an unstable faulty light. “S-spark… Your… Your horn is—"

“Am I--? -hrrg!-” I winced, reaching a hoof to the stabbing pain below my horn. “Am I under arrest?” I swear I could have felt the heat from my anger burn my throat, though that was probably from shredding my vocal cords earlier at Aqua… and Diamond.

She quickly regained her composure, trotting forward with an embittered glare until her forehoof was able to poke my chest with enough aggression to make my ribcage sore. “You should be! Celestia knows I should cuff you right now on domestic abuse charges… let alone assaulting the next Overmare of the fucking stable!!!”

There was a pregnant silence between us, finally stopping her hostile chest pokes. I shook my head after a moment, raising an eyebrow. “…but?”

Her anger eventually melted with a sigh, turning her head to avoid my gaze. “…know me that well, huh?”

I shrugged, “It’s my job, Glitter. I know everypony well…” My horn flared up again. I hissed and snorted, eliciting another look of concern from Glitter until it finally died down. I gasped for breath, taking a minute to adjust, before looking back up at her. “I’ll see you at the funeral… So long as I’m still invited, I guess…”

“Well, yeah… Of course you ar—” Something registered in her mind, swiftly darting her eyes to narrow on mine. “You… You didn’t have anything to do, with--? Oh goddesses… Please tell me this wasn’t you!”

I closed my eyes as gently as I could. Even with all the pain, a small smile couldn’t help but appear on my muzzle. “Okay… ‘this wasn’t me.’” I sighed, leaning my head against the door frame. “Is… is that what everypony thinks of me? That I had… ‘something’ to do with this?” I opened my eyes. “Is that what you think?”

“I… I don’t know what to think anymore, Sparks… I don’t even know who you are anymore. You’re… You’re not that sweet colt I met in storage, anymore!” I caught the tears pooling under her eyes, her lip quivering as if to try and keep herself from crying. “It’s like… It’s like you pushed us all away! Not just from you, but… FROM ALL OF US!!! It was you! Ever since—’

“WHAT!?” I snarled, my horn threatening to flare up again… but I didn’t care. “Ever since what, Glitter!? Ever since Angel Mist? The outsider? Or before that!? Since Overmare Hearts? Or Rail Shot? Or maybe Chief Sense? Or how about Ivy Locks, huh? Executive Slide? Supervisor Style? Or… OR— Va— VA--… VAPOR MORNING!!?” My whole body had begun to quake, my unchecked aura igniting my horn again with rage.

She recoiled, looking stunned as she searched for a response. “Spark, I… I don’t-- I-I was just--” Her face suddenly reversed back; her eyes determined to burn holes through my forehead. She snorted and shook her head. “Kahn was right about you… We’re not the ones who changed, Spark… Maybe… maybe it’d be better if you just stayed home tonight… at least until we figure out what the fuck happened between you and DB…” She turned, only to give me one last glare of disgust over her rump. “…She’s in medical right now… And no… it’s not because of the bruise…”

“Huh?” I squinted, watching her trot away, her hoof steps silent and almost solemn, while I stood there, only now alone and confused. “What do you mean!?” I called, but she didn’t stop or so much as turn her head. Her ears simply folded back as she trotted out of sight. I could hear her sniffle... sounding regretful, maybe... but she never showed me any tears. “Hey! Glitter! Why would she be in medical, if--?”

A final whisper reached my ears. “…sorry, Spark…”

The words hit me, and immediately knocked my mind into the harsh reality of what she meant. My heart sank, my eyes widened, and my legs collapsed, futile alarms ringing in my head.

She couldn’t… She… SHE WOULDN’T!!! I… I LOST CONTROL, IS ALL! IT WASN’T LIKE I’D MEANT TO!!! I LOVE HER!!! I-I… I LOVE--…

I wanted to run. I wanted to burst into medical screaming. Begging! But all I did was catch my face and tearful eyes in my forehooves and weep. In my heart… I think I knew it was too late. All because I lost control…

“Diamond… N-no…”

oooOOOooo

[Playback Sequence Terminated]

*** *** ***

Three days after collapse.

Okay, staying alive? A definite work in progress. Dying of thirst and hunger? I’ve got that squared away for now. Glitter was able to save up a decent pile of food from the diner’s freezer. Unfortunately, after three days, not much was left but a few artificial apples and carrots. Now to figure out the apparent blunt trauma to my body, the stable power supply, and oh yeah, the insane ponies running around with guns wanting to eat us. Those are my current problems right now, but give it time, I’m sure there’s something like a zombie pony waiting around the next corner or something. In the meantime, my nosebleed finally ceased, and I was all too anxious to remove the pathetic TP stuffed up my nostrils.

“C’mon.” Glitter whispered back to me as I followed her through the halls.

I never thought of her as the ‘sneaking around’ type. I guess surviving three days of endless hunting could teach you a few things. I wonder what else she’s learned.

We'd made our way back to the opposite stairwell, ascending to the same floor of the medbay, but this time on the other side of the stable. This was the security wing. This was Glitter’s floor. And probably the most well-guarded part of the stable. Crazy Maintenance bastards were everywhere. We couldn't dare leave the shadows or speak above a whisper. Luckily the Stable was still nice and dark thanks to the lack of power, but we didn’t want to take any chances too early. So, as soon as Glitter saw a patrol passing by, she pushed me into a broom closet, one just big enough for two ponies to hide in... so long as we stood on our rear hooves, muzzle to muzzle.

“...this is cozy.” I whispered, smirking down at her as she replied with a disgruntled huff to my face.

She kept her body pressed against mine, having to blow a strand of her mane out of her eyes, so she could raise her brow at me. “You know, out of all the mares I’m sure you’ve lured into closets just like this one, I never thought my standards would drop this low for me to be in their same position...” She sneered, feeling her forehoof pat a familiar spot on my neck. "And it looks like I'm not even the first of the week..."

I laughed internally as I puffed the air back into her face. “I think you're forgetting the day we drowned our sorrows after Ivy’s funeral... and I also remember a certain night after you'd been appointed Chief~"

She rolled her eyes, trying to hide her flustered grin with a disgusted groan. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Inspector, because the only thing I remember is you telling me, ‘We were just tired, Glitter! I swear, nothing happened! I’m married after all!’"

I nickered at her inaccurate mockery of me. “Whatever... honestly, we were both pretty drunk that night, so I don’t even remember either. You’re probably right though...” I tried to hide my dubious tease with a shrug. “You were always a little too butch for me anyway, sweetheart.”

She snorted as she closed the gap between us, pressing the tip of her muzzle to mine with a devious smirk. “Well, you were always too much of an asshole for me... sweetheart.”

Of course, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think she was an attractive mare. A disheveled pink mane, a smooth charcoal coat, beautiful ruby eyes, and an athletic body. How could I have said no to her? But that was some years ago. Today, right now, the memory of her leaving me to die in an elevator practically incinerated any other memory involving her. Practically... maybe the thought wasn’t all that bad. Still, I had no intention of trying to replicate that anytime soon.

I finally pushed her away from our rather flirtatious embrace and opened the door after the sound of the hoof beats faded into the distance. I could almost feel her eyes roll behind me as she huffed in disappointment. Sorry Glitter, but I’m not falling for that anymore. We both quietly trotted back into the hall, before I looked back over my rump to see her pouting behind me. She froze upon looking up to see my eyebrow raise. “Something wrong?” I asked, quietly.

She sighed, following behind me as we crept along the shadows of the wall. “I don’t know...” She whispered, her flustered gaze awkwardly watching her hoofsteps. “It’s just... well, I just can’t help but feel that you’ve changed, Spark. A lot... It’s like I don’t even recognize you anymore. You know, you weren’t always an asshole. You used to be so fun to be around when you were a colt... You know, as long as we weren't fighting each other. Now it feels like the last few years, half the time we’re at each other’s throats...”

I glared back at her for a moment, trying my best to avoid the more insulting parts of her words. “So, what’s your point? I grew up, and so did you. So did everypony, for the most part... Mistakes were made and we drifted apart. That’s part of life, isn’t it?”

She shrugged. “I guess, but... my point is, Sparky...” She suddenly hung her head with another sigh, only to look up at me through her bangs. “We’re, uh... we’re still friends, right?”

I paused, hearing the sudden emotional shift in her words.

Was... was she serious? That’s what she’s worried about!?

I sighed, just looking back at a mare that I once did call my friend. But that was before the time we’d spend apart... the time before Diamond became Overmare. I decided to answer her with a shrug. “We’re working together now, aren’t we? Just like old times...”

She looked a bit saddened by my lack of an answer... obviously disappointed by the idea of what I actually thought about us. Her ears drooped as she looked back at the floor, nodding her head in silence.

I might have been saddened myself by that broken-hearted look of hers, but she knew as well as I why we were distant. Why all of our old friends were so distant. Even Aqua and I, though closer than anypony else, we still felt a fog between us.

So... why do I feel like I'd just lost something if I'd never cared for it?

"Do you trust me, Glitter?"

She looked at me as if I were back on the board of personnel, only this time asking if she was worthy of friendship instead of Chief of Security. "O-of... Of course I do! I've always--"

"Glitter..." I turned on her with as much seriousness as I could manage while glaring down our muzzles. "Look me in the eye... and tell me you still trust me."

"I-I... I still--" She stammered, her mouth moving with words she wanted to say... but couldn't. She diverted her gaze after she failed to answer a second time, looking small and even more hurt... but understanding.

"That's... -sigh- that's what I thought." I said quietly, starting to walk towards the next room, until suddenly feeling her gaze rise back up behind me. Then she blurted...

“Do you still trust... me, Spark?”

I paused, looking over my shoulder at her, not angry or sad or teasing... just calm and genuine. "I guess I do still trust you the same..." Her ears snapped up, her eyes actually filling with hope for the moment. But the more she looked at me, the more the light faded in her expression, before finally being crushed, "...cause I've never trusted anypony, Glitter. Anypony." And just like that, I turned away and limped forward so I wouldn't see her crumble... almost afraid I'd never hear her hoofsteps following behind me again after that. I guess I'd understand if I didn't. Hell, everypony who's abandoned me yet has given reason to, whether good or not, and I'd probably deserve it again now. But if I knew Glitter Punch...

I gave a small smile after hearing the hesitant clip clop of her hooves in my wake. I felt half relieved... but the other half was... well, something new... or at least something so old it was hard to recognize.

New Companion Available: Glitter Punch - Glitter has lots of experience when it comes to fighting off mean ponies, all while caring for her friends, so long as they stay on her good side. Glitter will gain a confidence boost to fight harder alongside you for Good Karma actions.

Author's Note

Hello wastelanders! You probably noticed that this chapter was primarily made up of flashbacks. I understand the risk of telling the story that way, however I'd like to know what you all think. I will say that chapters like these will be rare and only on a pattern occasion. While in normal chapters, I'll dedicate maybe 1000 words to a flashback if it is necessary to do so to reveal Sparky's backstory in an effective way.

Lemme know what you guys think! Thanks!