Justice, Integrity, and Service

Senior Special Agent Twilight Sparkle frowned as she read the report for the umpteenth time. The frown on her face deepened every time she read it. “Honestly, what was the Princess thinking,” she asked aloud. “Ponyville? It’d be much safer to hold the celebration… well, anywhere else! Except maybe Detrot…”

There was a soft knocking at the door. “Hey, Twi? Bon Bon wants to see you.”

Twilight dropped the paper from her magic, stretching. “Thanks, Spike, send her in.”

Soon, the creme colored mare trotted in, still wearing her suit coat from the conference. “Hey, Twi.”

“Hey, Bon! Great job with those statements, you might have changed some minds out there.”

Bon Bon laughed. “I doubt it. You know how those press ponies are.”

“I guess I do,” replied Twilight with a knowing smile. “What can I do for you?”

“I just wanted to thank you for getting the task force approved so quickly.”

Twilight nodded. “Of course, it really wasn’t that big of a deal. Being Celestia’s student has its benefits I suppose.”

Bon Bon raised an eyebrow at that, but Twilight continued before she could ask.

“But I really should be thanking you. I don’t know how I didn’t think of this sooner. Think of the options! We can form task forces with the Royal Guards, the Secret Service… Oh, and I think the Marshal’s Office is in dire need of new equipment.”

“They need a lot of things,” Bon Bon confessed, “more than we can give them.”

Twilight gave a sad sigh. “I know. I’ve felt bad about that whole mess from all those years ago, but I guess life got in the way. This job really does take a lot out of you.” She leaned forwards. “But did you do the report?”

Bon Bon nodded, sliding a folder across the desk. “Here it is. Everything that happened, as they told it.” She hesitated before letting go. “This isn’t going public, right?”

“Of course not,” Twilight agreed. “I’ll be the only one who reads it. And maybe the Princess too.”

Bon Bon raised an eyebrow again but didn’t say anything. She nodded and let go of the folder. Twilight grabbed it in her magic and slid it into one of her saddlebags tucked away under her desk.

“But really, you did a great job. I think you helped them heal too, and you made new friends!”

The mare rolled her eyes. “I guess so. Hey, Lyra and I were going to get some drinks after this. Did you want to come?”

“Sorry, I’m needed in Ponyville tomorrow. I have to monitor security for the upcoming festival.”

“You think something’s going to happen?”

Twilight shook her head. “Probably not, but it always pays to be careful. But if something does happen, you guys will be the first ponies I call.”

Bon Bon nodded and stood. She turned to leave the office. ‘What’s the worst that could happen,’ she thought to herself. ‘Nightmare Moon returning?’ She laughed at the thought.

The stars above Canterlot shone as brightly as they usually did, but it felt dimmer to Daring. She sighed, her eyes skimming the constellations high above her. She stood on the balcony of their rented hotel room, looking out at the streets below and the skies above. She lay her forehooves over the balcony and gave a wistful sigh.

The door behind her slid open. She ventured a glance behind her to see Braeburn step out, not wearing a vest, hat, or jacket. He nodded at her, moving next to her.

“Stars aren’t as bright out here,” she said aloud.

Braeburn copied her position, slinging his forehooves over the railing. “Reckon not.”

They fell silent for another second. “Well, what do you think? About everything?”

“I dunno, Darin’. I dunno. Is it wrong to say that things might change?”

She laughed. “Things are always changing, Braeburn.”

“Right. But are they gettin’ better?”

She didn’t answer, but he didn’t expect her to.

“Well, there’s always more work to do,” Braeburn said.

“Nopony said we’re the ones who have to do it,” Daring retorted.

He shrugged. “But here we are.”

Daring draped her right wing over Braeburn’s back. “Yeah. Here we are.”

Braeburn smiled and leaned his head against Daring’s neck. He closed his eyes and sighed again. “If it gets worse, or even if it gets better, at least we’re here.”

“Ah, shut up you big lug,” Daring replied. “Let’s just enjoy tonight while it lasts.”

“Amen to that.”

The two fell silent as they breathed in the night, as feelings and memories flew around them. And they stood, with a bond formed by years and years, by the best of times and the worst of times, by emotions and pride, unwavering and unbroken.