Treasure of the Sunken Queen

"Look at what you two have done to Trixie's stage! It's ruined!" Trixie exclaims in anguish.

Somberly, she investigates the severe amount of damage that was done to her carriage. Wood is scratched, scrapped and snapped; the gears will no longer turn properly, and she cannot get anything to reform back its original shape. Observing the damage is like looking over a crushed dream, and unable to put the pieces back together. Her heart sinks, but it appears that Maple and Maverick have priorities of their own that have nothing to do with Trixie's livelihood.

"Maverick, are we being followed?" Maple asks as they both scan the skies for any signs of the royal guards.

"I'm not seein' anything, you?" Maverick asks.

"Nothing. We need to seize this window of opportunity before they find us. Who knows how many more they'll send after us?"

"Can we focus on the damage you two have caused?!" Trixie fumes. "It'll take Trixie weeks to fix all this!"

"Why fix it when you can buy yourself a bigger and better carriage? Or better yet, hire the best craftspony around to repair it! With the treasure we're sure to find, you'll be able to do that and so much more!"

"Trixie demands to see proof this treasure exists!" Trixie's horn glows as her anger intensifies.

"Oh, it exists," Maverick assures. "Show her the map."

Maple reaches into her shirt, and bites her bottom lip as her eyes widen from shock. She looks to Maverick, unsure of how to phrase her response in a way he'll be understanding of. Then as Maverick looks back at her, he prays that she isn't going to tell him what he thinks she's planning on saying.

"Maple . . . where's the map?" He asks.

"I think that one guard still has it," she mutters reluctantly.

"Ha! Good one."

"No, I'm serious."

"Please, don't be."

"I wish I wasn't."

"Oh, how convenient," says Trixie. "Now this mystical map of yours is gone the moment Trixie inquires to see proof of this treasure."

"Trixie, this is not as it seems!"

"Maple, we need to get that map back!" Maverick urges. "If Vermouth gets it back there's no way we'll be able to steal it a second time. He'll be keeping a closer eye on it than ever before!"

"We can't just turn around and face them--we'll be outnumbered! Vermouth's ship has probably already reached Equestria, and those guards might be wanting to. . ." Maple's face beams as an idea hatches in her mind. "Wait. They might do as they said and take them in for questioning like they were going to do with us, you think?"

"Well, I don't see why not. If they do, it won't be for long. Vermouth's a sly talker, and once he finds out that guard has the map, he'll find a way to get it from him."

"Then we haven't much time to waste. Trixie, where is your princess' castle?"

Trixie points passed them, and they turn to see the castle that's nestled into the mountainside. An altitude so high that the clouds caress the pointed rooftops. Looking up at the ornate structure makes the blood flow to their heads, and are also overtaken by the sheer beauty of the castle. Coupled with the waterfall pouring down the mountain, it truly is a sight to behold. However, from where they're standing, the castle is miles away. A hike and climb that could take several hours to complete on hoof; time that they simply do not have to spend.

"Well . . . you're a unicorn," says Maple. "Don't you know any spells that could get us there quickly?"

"Trixie's knowledge of spells doesn't go that deep unfortunately," says Trixie.

"What kind of unicorn are you then?" Maverick scoffs.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is the kind of unicorn that will silence you for good if you continue to patronize her!" she yells.

"Shh! We need to keep a low profile! We don't need any of those guards to find out where we are."

"Stop right there!" The sergeant orders as she breaks through a bundle of tree branches, landing a safe distance away.

"Spoke too soon, Maple," Maverick comments.

"I'm not here to fight; I'm here to talk."

The guard removes her golden helmet, and places it on the ground. Her blonde mane is freed up and droops passed her shoulders. Her eyes are pink, and her fur is sky-blue. Without her helmet, she appears much more innocent and trustworthy, instilling an uncertain feeling in the three of them.

"My name is Blue Jay," she continues. "Sergeant of the Royal Guard. May I have your names?"

"Yeah right. What makes you any different than the other tin cans, huh?"

"They aren't even silver, they're gold. Tin cans aren't gold you fool," Trixie corrects.

"You got something better?!"

"Trixie is certain she could come up with something much better than that!"

"Settle down!" Blue Jay orders, silencing the two of them as they glare at one another. "Your names and your business, now." Realizing the guard is losing her patience, Maple stands between Trixie and Maverick.

"Let me handle this," Maple whispers.

"By all means, go ahead," says Maverick.

"Trixie, we need to set sail as quickly as possible after we get back our map. Can you find us a ship?"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie won't be finding you two anything until she sees this map."

"Oh, but you were willing to help us escape those guards without seeing the map?" Maverick questions in an accusing tone.

"Trixie didn't do it for 'you'. No pony laughs at The Great and Powerful Trixie, no pony!"

"Either way, the Royal Guard will be after you just as much as us!" Maple informs Trixie.

"Not unless Trixie turns the two of you in, and clears her name."

Trixie's horn glows, and she positions herself ready to attack at any moment. Maverick and Maple step back, fearful and surprised.

"Well, this was unexpected," Maverick comments.

"Trixie, wait, please--!" Maple pleads.

"What's going on over there? If I don't start hearing some names and explanations then I'll have no choice but to take you in by force," says Blue Jay.

"Umm . . . okay, okay. Trixie, you want proof? Then we'll get you the proof, but you need to let us know if you're able to secure us a ship, or not."

"Of course Trixie can get herself a boat; there's no doubts about that."

"Perfect. Then when Maverick and I retrieve the map, where can we find you?"

"If you're serious, you'll meet Trixie on the beaten path near the outskirts of this forest, about a mile or so from this spot in that direction," Trixie points her hoof down the road ahead. "There'll be a great maple tree, the tallest in the forest. Meet me there, show me the map, and Trixie will take you to a boat."

"Deal."

"Okay, but how are we going to get to the castle and back in time?" Maverick asks.

"Easy. Trixie's going to turn us in."

"She is?"

"I am?" Trixie asks bafflingly.

"That's right. There doesn't seem to be any other way to get there in a timely manner, and no matter what, we're not setting sail without that map. Just make it look real, alright?"

"Alright, that's enough chatter!" Blue Jay shouts over their whispering. "I've given you enough warnings. Now, the three of you are coming with--"

A flash of light momentarily blinds Blue Jay. She hurriedly rubs her eyes to clear her vision, and as the blurriness of the world subsides, she finds Maple and Maverick on their backs with Trixie standing triumphantly over them.

"Sergeant," Trixie begins. "You must take these two away. They're criminals who've been using Trixie as a way to escape!"

"Why you--!" Maple growls. "When we get our hooves on you, you'll wish you'd never done this!"

"Well, her hooves, my paws," Maverick politely corrects, to which Maple looks to him with displeasure. "What? Just saying."

"Umm, I'm afraid neither of you will be doing anything of the sort!"

Blue Jay jumps in, chaining the both of them in iron cuffs that had been hanging from Blue Jay's side. She forces them to stand up as they fight against her, tugging and thrashing angrily.

"Don't either of you make any attempts to escape, because I will catch you, and you'll just end up making this harder on yourselves, got it?"

Blue Jay pulls a horn out from a satchel tied around her waist. She raises it up and blows into the smaller end, filling the forest with a loud and deep tune that even disturbs a flock of birds hiding amongst the trees. Rabbits, squirrels and other forest wildlife run and scurry into bushes and other such hiding places. Even Maverick, Maple and Trixie cover their ears due to the intensity of the sound, but Blue Jay simply stashes the horn back into her satchel without showing any reaction.

"Trixie, is it?"

"Well, The Great and Powerful Trixie to be precise," says Trixie with a grin.

"Oh, I've heard about you."

"Trixie isn't surprised. Word travels fast once her presence is known."

"Everypony in Canterlot's talking about the incident down at Ponyville. I'm happy nopony was hurt. Thank goodness Twilight was there to sort things out; who knows how things could've ended had she not been there?"

"Yes, of course. Thank goodness for that," Trixie says in a condescending tone. "Just out of curiosity, what else are they saying?"

"Well, probably nothing you'd like to hear."

"I'll have you know, whatever it is they're saying about me, it isn't true!"

"I believe you. It wouldn't surprise me if the truth has been stretched, if not just a little."

"Then please, indulge Trixie with what is being said."

"They say that you were afraid, and hid when the creature arrived--which I don't blame you for if you did. I feel most of us would have too given the circumstances."

Trixie had primed herself, ready to deny whatever Blue Jay had to say, but somehow cannot bring herself to do it. As the words leave Blue Jay's lips, Trixie can almost see the exact memory of that day play out in her head. She can even feel her stomach twisting as she recounts the feelings she had during that time. She's unable to stand up for herself, as she can't help but acknowledge the possibility that these rumors just may have some truth to them.

"What else do they say?" Trixie asks.

"Are you certain you'd like to know?"

"Just go on."

"Very well. Everypony is calling you a fraud and a liar. That you weaved nothing more than a fantastical fable, and you don't deserve the title you've given yourself."

Trixie, indefinitely furious over this news, is still having difficulty denying any of it. Her words are caught in her throat, and attempts to shrug it off by fixing her mane and adjusting her hat. She regrets her previous thoughts of giving such rumors any consideration that they might be true, reassuring herself that it's lies; all of it. Swallowing her anger, she manages to keep her head cool as she holds her chin up. Just then, gusts of wind slowly start to creep in, blowing their manes about wildly. Two royal guards pulling a golden carriage descend from the sky, landing just a few meters away. The two pegasus guards release themselves from their harnesses, and approach Blue Jay.

"What's the word?" one of them inquires.

"These two are the ones that were aboard the ship that washed up on shore. They and a few of our own got into a scuffle, and would've gotten away if it weren't for Trixie here."

"Is that right?"

"She says they were using her to escape, and I guess this was her only opportunity to turn these two in."

"Well, it's a good thing you were here." Each guard grabs hold of both Maple and Maverick, shoving them toward the carriage. "Alright you two, we're going to have a meeting with the princess."

"Oh good, will there be tea?" Maverick asks before he is violently pushed by the guard leading him.

"Can you just shut your mouth?" Maple asks. "We don't need to make this situation any worse."

"If I were you I'd take her advice, cat," the guard mocks.

"You know, I'm really starting to hate that," says Maverick.

"Well, you better start liking it, cat, because at the end of the day, that's all you really are. A little, lost cat who thinks he's tough. I've dealt with plenty like you, and you'll crack just like the rest of them do when put under pressure."

The guard opens the door to the carriage, and shoves Maverick inside. With his paws cuffed and chained, he's unable to catch himself as he embarrassingly trips and lands awkwardly on the cushioning inside. He angrily whips around hisses at the guard, showing off his teeth as his slit pupils constrict much like an agitated animal in the wild. The guards laugh as they also toss Maple into the carriage, and lock them both inside.

"Will you be joining us, Sergeant?"

"You go on ahead," Blue Jay instructs. "I'll follow behind."

"As you wish." The guards hook themselves back into their tuggers, and take off with the carriage back into the sky.

"Thank you for your help today, Trixie."

"Well, what's an upstanding Equestrian to do other than the right thing?" says Trixie.

"Normally, I'd be taking you in as well for questioning given that you're a witness and participant in this whole mess, but I'm going to let you go on your way since we've got our hooves on the real troublemakers here."

"How generous of you. Trixie certainly will not take your kindness for granted."

"I would hope not."

Blue Jay looks to Trixie in an almost accusing manner, observing her body language and facial expression for any signs of suspicious mannerisms. Instead of finding anything of the sort, Trixie only stands up straight without a hint of restlessness, and a cheery smile on her face. Blue Jay grabs her helmet she placed on the ground, and affixes it back over her head.

"Maybe today is the start of a new beginning for you. Who knows where it can lead from here?"

"You're right. There's no telling what Trixie can accomplish after what's happened today."

"Precisely. Keep it up, because you know what they say about those who do good things?"

"No, what do they say?"

"That eventually, a good thing is bound to cross their path sooner or later."

"Huh . . . that sounds like a good philosophy. Thank you."

Blue Jay then nods to Trixie in understanding, "Take care, Trixie."

Blue Jay spreads her wings, and takes off following the carriage carrying Maple and Maverick that is now a far distance away. Trixie watches her soar into the sky, then turns her gaze to the leaves falling down from the trees that Blue Jay disturbed during her takeoff.

"If those two retrieve that map of theirs, this 'good thing' might come sooner than expected." Trixie grins as she returns to her broken down carriage, strapping herself to the harness and lugging it down the forest path.

Inside the golden carriage being pulled by the royal guards, Maverick has made himself comfortable on the velvet seating inside. Whereas Maple cannot seem to be still as she restlessly taps her hooves together.

"I don't know about you, but I like her," says Maverick as he crosses his legs and leans back. "Can we keep her?"

"I agree she may prove to be a valuable asset on our journey, but I am a bit worried," says Maple.

"What's got your mane in a bunch?"

"The legend is too vague. It says that only a unicorn can reveal the path, but it doesn't say how."

"So, what's your point? We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

"Trixie said she's not too well-versed in spells. What if we need somepony who is?"

"Well, it's not like it says the unicorn 'must' be a master of the craft. It just says we need one, so we got one." Maverick sighs and closes his eyes for a quick rest. "Just keep calm. We need to get a hold of that map first."

"Right. We just need a plan."

"Are you saying you don't have one?"

"No, not really."

Maverick chuckles, "Great, this'll be fun. By the way, I've got no shots left. So, whatever plan you come up with, it had better be a quiet one."

Once their carriage lands, the door is violently yanked open by the guards, and the sunlight beams directly into Maple and Maverick's eyes. Forcibly they are pulled out from the carriage, and the guards shove them forward toward the dreadful, yet elegant sight before them. They follow a clean and flawless concrete path, guards posted at nearly every corner. The aroma of fresh, crystal clear water permeates the air as they are surrounded by ponds and spurting water fountains on either side of the path. The fountains are concrete sculptures of angelic ponies frozen in majestic poses, spewing the water from their mouths. Blue Jay catches up to them, walking alongside Maple.

"A few words of advice," Blue Jay begins. "Don't give any smack-talk, tell the truth, don't try to trot away, and the princesses might show you some generosity with your sentence."

"Listen, Blue Jay?" says Maple.

"Yes?"

"I'm begging you. Please, try and understand what I say."

"I'm listening."

"If you care at all about the fate of your kingdom, you'll help us."

"Believe me, I've put my life on the line for Equestria's safety. Whether or not I care about its fate should go without saying, and if I were you, I'd save this speech for the princess."

"There is a treasure, buried somewhere far beneath the ocean. Known only as 'The Treasure of the Sunken Queen'."

"Oh, sounds dangerous," says Blue Jay in a sarcastic manner. "This wouldn't happen to be some tall tale you've invented this very moment, would it? For if it is, you might want to rethink you're cheesy prologue."

"This legend is very real! Centuries ago, a mare who ruled the sea had everything she could ever dream of. She and her ship were once the most feared things on the waters. They conquered opposing vessels, villages, towns and eventually entire islands."

"She doesn't sound too friendly, hmm?"

"I don't think you understand, she murdered anypony that opposed her."

Instantly, Blue Jay and the guards all come to a complete stop. Confused, Maple and Maverick look to the guards who appear to be in utter shock. Blue Jay stands before Maple, nearly touching nose to nose.

"Let me make this perfectly clear, we do not speak of such things here in Equestria."

"What do you mean?"

"We do not speak of the disgusting act you just described! You know the word I speak of, so do not make me have to clarify any further!"

"Sheesh," says Maverick. "You ponies live under a rock or something? Or have you not flown too far from your perfect, little nest? Huh, Blue Jay?"

Maverick chuckles at his own pun, and is thrusted to the ground by Blue Jay in a fit of rage. He grunts as she presses her hoof against his throat, gritting her teeth as she glares into his eyes.

"What you call living under a rock, I call living in a world of peace and harmony. Have you ever wondered what living in a small, cold cell would be like? Because I can certainly make that happen."

"Now you listen here," Maverick somewhat struggles to speak with Blue Jay's hoof still crushing his windpipe. "I've seen more of these 'disgusting acts' than you can probably count, and if you wanna keep this world of yours as perfect as can be, then you'll listen to what Maple has to tell you. Otherwise, I can assure you all that and more will come to your kingdom here."

"And please enlighten me as to why I should believe anything you scum have to say?"

"I could care less if you believe us or not; that's up to you, so go on ahead and lock us up."

"Maverick!" Maple gasps.

"No, please, just get on with it. I want you to. Then when your precious kingdom collapses, I want to be there to watch it happen."

Blue Jay presses harder on Maverick's throat in anger, until she deliberates the matter in her head for just a moment. She can feel a strange and sudden conflict grow in her mind, forcing her to let go of Maverick and turn to the other guards.

"You two, get this cat out of my sight. I think I've heard enough out of him," Blue Jay orders.

"And the mare?" one of the guards inquires.

"Leave her with me."

"Understood," the guard affirms, grabbing hold of Maverick as they all head toward the castle.

"Where are they taking him?" Maple asks.

"To the throne room to meet with our princesses. You'll join him soon enough, but I'd like to take a moment to hear what you have to say."

"Really? You will?"

"But don't think I've given you my trust. Let's just say I find your story somewhat interesting, so I suggest you use your time wisely."

"Y-Yes, of course."

"Now, follow me to my quarters. We can talk privately there."

As Maple follow Blue Jay toward the castle, they veer off and head into a wide, open courtyard filled with mares and stallions sparring with practice weapons. Large, wooden targets are set up for a lineup of archers to send their arrows into, and they all have already clearly seen years of wear. All of the ponies halt their practice at the sight of Blue Jay, and stand with their chests puffed.

"As you were!"

Blue Jay's order then allows them all to proceed with their training, impressing Maple with how obediant the soldiers are. She had never seen such behavior before out on the sea, as she has only grown accustomed to disorder and disobedience. Maple continues to follow Blue Jay to a building with several doors, each one marked with a golden plaque enscribed with the names of high-ranking officers. They enter the room with Blue Jay's plaque, and Maple's attention is instatnly grabbed by a glass case holding a set of armor, along with a rapier-like sword.

"Like it? It's all my equipment from the Great Changeling Invasion."

"Changeling?"

"That's right. Are you familiar with the changeling kin?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Ah, well then you are most fortunate. Those vile creatures are somewhat similar to us, but they are more insect than pony, you see? Their queen infiltrated our castle, disguised. As a result, she and her entire hive subdued our princesses, and had it not been for the courageous acts of all the brave ponies that day, this would be a very different kingdom."

"So, why keep it all in this case?"

"As a reminder. You see the scratches and scrapes in the armor? The scorch marks from changeling magic? As soldiers, we take pride in the damage. Before, it was just a suit of armor. Now, it tells a story."

Blue Jay takes a seat at her desk as Maple looks over the armor, noticing every dent and scratch that Blue Jay had mentioned. However, she also notices something peculiar. Etched into the gold plating is the word, 'Elytra'. Intrigued, she turns to Blue Jay.

"What does 'Elytra' mean?"

"That? Oh, it's the name of somepony I met during that time. I had her etch her name into my armor as a permanent reminder."

"Who was she?"

"If you wouldn't mind, I'd rather not get into the details. Instead, let's move on to the more pressing matter, your story."

Further into the castle, Maverick is helplessly pushed, shoved and ordered to walk faster by the guards behind him. The crimson carpet continues on toward a pair of large, double-doors. The tiled floor is so clean and flawless that Maverick can clearly see his reflection in it.

"Face forward, cat," a guard orders.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," he says, reluctantly obeying his order.

Lines of finely sculpted, cement columns stand on opposite ends of the hall, and between every other pair, a beautiful, stained-glass window depicting a scene of pony history. "Well, ain't this a pretty-pretty castle you got here? If we could just have some signs up that say 'hugs and kisses for everyone' I think this place will really feel complete."

"Quiet, cat."

"Sheesh, can't look down, can't speak; this place really ain't no fun, now is it?"

Two guards pull open the two large, double doors to reveal the throne room. Maverick is shoved inside, and the doors slam behind him. Up ahead, he looks in awe at the two regal mares sitting in their tall, golden seats. They look down at him with disgust and distrust, but they aren't the only ones staring him down. Standing one opposite sides of the princesses are two royal guards. One possesses a set of royal-purple armor, decorated with golden lining and a blue crest running vertically down the center of his helmet. The distinct color gives Maverick the feeling that this stallion may be a high, if not the highest, ranking officer in the Royal Guard. Across from him, is a face all too familiar to Maverick, as he locks eyes with Brass Plate who responds with a dirty look of his own. Maverick then acknowledges the other ponies in the room, and is in shock to see Captain Vermouth and his crew here as well. Anxiety quickly builds up inside him, as his heart begins to pound relentlessly. Vermouth looks to him not with disgust, but with mischievous pleasure as a smile spreads across his face.

"This ain't good," he mumbles to himself, fearing the worst has yet to come.

"Maverick, my friend!" Vermouth cheerfully greets. "I am so happy to see you."

"Ah, Vermouth. Why am I 'not' so happy to see you?"

"Because you've been caught with you tail between your legs, and you're going to give back what is rightfully mine."

"Am I? Huh, and who says it belongs to you?"

"Well, why don't you see for yourself? These two, kind princesses will see to it that justice is served."

"We would like to give you a chance to speak on your own behalf," says Princess Celestia.

"We believe there are two sides to every story," Princess Luna elaborates, "and after what we've been told by Captain Vermouth and his crew, we will now allow you tell your side."

"Oh great, what web of lies did he weave for you all?" Maverick asks whilst glaring directly at Vermouth. The two double doors behind Maverick burst open, and a group of mares rush into the throne room.

"Your highness!" a violet, unicorn mare exclaims. "I'm sorry we took a bit longer than usual, but we're here now! What's the emergency?" one of them urgently inquires.

Princess Celestia stands from her seat, "Twilight, I am glad you and your friends were able to finally arrive."

"What's goin' on here?" a rainbow-haired pegasus asks, "and who's the cat?"

"He is apparently one of the two sailors who washed up on our beach in a wrecked ship," Princess Celestia informs.

"According to this sea captain, Vermouth, he has stolen something precious to him."

"What was it?" Twilight asks.

"A map that belonged to a relative of his that is . . . no longer with us. He says the map leads to her belongings, and is searching for them so that he may finally find closure for his loss."

"What a load of droch," Maverick scoffs.

"Quiet!" Celestia demands. "You will speak when spoken to, and keep your outbursts to yourself. As the accused, it might do you some good to watch what you say. Do we understand each other?"

Maverick puts on a fake smile, "Of course, my apologies."

"Now, normally I'd have Sergeant Blue Jay here to help settle this feud, as she's proven to be an excellent prosecutor for the truth, but I've been told that she is currently preoccupied with another matter. Thus, instead of intervening her duties, I'm going to ask that you, Twilight, take her place for the time being."

"M-Me?" Twilight asks nervously.

"Yes, It would be the perfect experience for you. Not only that, but I feel you would be perfect to have present during matters such as these. After all you've done for us so far, I find it fair to say that you can be a good judge of character."

Twilight sighs from the weight of the task she's just been given, "Alright, if you have faith in me, then I'm willing to give it a try."

"Wonderful. Then, you may begin when ready."

"You can do this, Twilight," one of the mares, wearing a brown, wide-brimmed hat encourages.

"Yeah, just get the truth outta this guy. That's all!" The rainbow-haired pegasus instructs.

"Thanks, girls," Twilight says as she steps away from her group to then stand before Maverick. She tries to give him a smile; a nervous smile, but a smile nonetheless. To which he responds with a roll of his eyes, and a soft chuckle.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm not here to cause any trouble," Maverick assures.

"I hope not, but we're going to get to the bottom of all this. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Maverick. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Say, you're a unicorn too?"

"That's right. Why is that so surprising?"

"It's just that I can't quite say I've ever seen one until today. After what happened all those years ago, I'd thought the unicorns were gone for good."

"What do you mean? What happened?"

"Oh, it's just a sea story. Probably just a myth for all I know. So, there must be more of you here, huh?"

"There are a lot of us unicorns here in Equestria, along with pegasi and earth ponies. We're all united here, and each of us are treated equal no matter who or what we are."

"Sounds like you've got a happy-go-lucky place to live here. I guess Blue Jay meant what she said about harmony and all that nonsense."

"Did you say, Blue Jay?" Brass Plate asks from across the room.

"What's the matter, hard of hearing? I suppose it makes sense after how badly you got beat, eh?"

Maverick's amusement in his own retort is short-lived as he is punched in his side by one of the guards beside him, causing him to kneel down to the floor in pain as he chokes on his laughter.

"Enough!" Celestia shouts. "If this hearing is nothing but a joke to you, then we can end this now and simply find you guilty. Would you prefer that outcome?"

Maverick gets back to his paws, clearing his throat, "What I meant to say was, yes, I did say Blue Jay. She's the one that brought me here."

"Just you?" Brass Plate asks.

"Umm, well--"

"The mare is with Blue Jay, sir," one of the guards informs.

"Pfft. Tattle-tale."

"I see. Your Majesty, if I may, I'd like to meet up with Blue Jay and see if she is ready to bring her in for the hearing."

"You may," says Celestia. "Please, do not take long."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Brass Plate canters passed Maverick and out the double doors, leaving Maverick with a sick feeling in his stomach. He can feel the clock ticking. He fears that once Brass Plate discovers Maple is with Blue Jay, then she'll end up in this same room with him, and their chances of escape just might be completely diminished. Everything they've worked for will have gone to waste, but he tries to hold on to a glimmer of faith that Maple will come through with something. It wouldn't be the first time she's gotten them out of sticky situations, and Maverick finds comfort in remembering this.

"Twilight, you may continue," says Celestia.

"Yes, Princess Celestia," says Twilight. "Now, let's get back to the subject at hoof. You did steal a precious object from this stallion, right?"

"I might have, yes," says Maverick.

"Care to explain why?"

"Whew, now there's no easy answer to that, sweetheart. If you want to know, I'd have to start from the beginning."

"If it'll help shed some light on your actions; then go right ahead, and take your time."

Back in Blue Jay's quarters, Maple is being probed by Blue Jay to elaborate on her story from before. Maple takes a moment to gather her thoughts, as Blue Jay too is distracted by the memory brought back by the mention of the name scratched into her set of armor.

"Now, Maple, this is your time to tell me your story," says Blue Jay. "If I were you, I'd use my time wisely."

"I understand," Maple agrees and nods.

"And just know that if you're planning on lying, I will be able to tell within an instant. I've been through more interrogations than you can imagine, so please don't take me for a fool."

"I wouldn't dream of it. What I'm about to tell you is the honest truth."

"Well, then whenever you're ready."