Reflection

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Introduction
Chapter 4
Epilogue

Chapter 1

Reflection

Chapter 1

Four years earlier

The stallion walked the rustic streets of Ponyville. Residents were up and about this morning, a few stopping to wave at their friends or buy from the many shops. None gave him any regard.

Why should they? The stallion thought. I'm just a face among the crowd.

He always had been. For years he lived on these very streets, never asking for food from the same pony twice. Ponies tend to remember those who beg. Especially when they have black fur, white hair, and no cutie mark.

Luckily, with enough caution, ponies would only remember him if they thought hard enough. There was always a certain risk though. He couldn't risk having friends. They'd only pester him with questions, or regard him as a failure when they found out he was homeless.

The Earth Pony waited patiently in line at an apple stand. A filly with a big pink bow in her mane was doing her best to advertise the fruit. "C'mon y'all! There aint no other apples as tasty as ours! Put 'em in pies, fritters, and even cheese! I know it sounds weird, but trust me on that!"

As the filly displayed her product, a mare collected the bits that customers payed her. The mare tossed them into a chest, then hooved over the fruit. The stallion could've sworn he saw a Diamond Dog drool as it took a bite from the apple it purchased.

Wait...Diamond Dog? The stallion rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. The hound was still there, wagging his tail happily as he returned to a hole by a tree. It jumped down and covered the hole back up.

While the Treaty of Four didn't disallow Diamond Dogs from interacting with the ponies above their tunnels, relations were uneasy between the two races. He didn't blame the dogs for what they did, but he knew that wasn't the case with so many ponies.

War, he thought. No good comes out of it. No matter how noble the cause, you're killing needlessly.

True, he had hid during The Fires; but had returned to see the utter devastation that was left. He realized then, that violence was never going to be an answer to problems. He is, indeed, a pacifist.

"Next customer!" The mare hollered, breaking his thoughts. The stallion blinked, seeing the huge gap between him and the salespony. With an embarrassed smile, he took his place, glad his black fur hid his blush.

"Howdy," the orange mare said. "What can I get you today?"

"Just one Gala apple please," the black pony replied in his soft baritone. "It should be all I need for now."

"Alrighty then. That'll be two bits." The mare searched for her customer's apple, while he desperately looked for the money he didn't have. "You know, I don't think I've seen you here before. You new to Ponyville?"

"No ma'am. I've been here my whole life."

"Huh. You'd think I'd recognize you, seeing how there's not too many other folks with your fur color."

"I'm just a face in the crowd ma'am."

"Seems like it. Anyway, here's your apple." She set the fruit down, and the stallion sighed.

"I'm sorry, but there's no way I can pay you for that."

"Come again?"

"I don't have any bits on me right now. I'm sorry. If you want, I'd gladly work for-"

"Keep it."

"What?"

"Keep it. We grow plenty more over at the farm."

"Oh...thank you. Really."

The mare smiled. "No problem sugar-cube."

"Thank you. I owe you one."

The smile on her face seemed to falter. "Go on now, don't want to hold back that line behind you."

The stallion nodded, leaving with the apple in his mouth. With food out of the way, he could relax in the fall air. He eventually found himself in front of Ponyville's library. The red door had the open sign mounted on it.

Well, he thought. I always did like to read outside. Maybe that mare'll let me get a free book.

With a heavy sigh, he quietly stepped inside. He was surprised on how...homely the library felt. It was as if the librarian lived here. He browsed the shelves, wondering where the mare could be. He perked his ears at the hoofsteps sounding through the tree.

He quickly hid behind a bookcase as the hoofsteps grew closer. "I can't do this by myself," a voice said. "I need someone who can run library when I'm gone."

"That's why you have me," another replied. "I'm your number one assistant, remember?"

"Yes, but you're asleep when there's so much work to do at night. Owloycious can only do so much. I need another pony to help me, especially since...the war. I can't deal with that extra stress at night."

"Well, I guess I'll just get a help wanted sign up in the win-"

"I'd like to help," the stallion interupted, entering the two's sight. They screamed, backing away. "No wait! I didn't mean to scare you!"

"Kinda hard not to, sneaking up on us like that," the baby dragon said. "Don't you know it's rude to eavesdrop?"

"Well, I uh...yes. Yes I do. But you mentioned job, so I couldn't help but overhear. I can leave if you want."

"Yeah, you should leave."

"Spike be nice," the Unicorn scolded. "We need somepony's help, and he's willing to help us."

"He broke into our house."

"Wait," the stallion said. "You two live here?"

"Mmhm," the mare replied. "We've been here for two years. I thought everypony in Ponyville knew that?"

"Well...I don't get out too much. I knew you worked here, but..."

"Shy?"

"Not really, just cautious. I try not to scare people in general."

The dragon huffed outwardly. "Well, you're doing a lousy job."

"Spike," the mare shouted. "That's enough! Either you shut your mouth or you're not getting your allowance this month!"

The dragon clamped his mouth tight.

"So," the stallion said. "You mentioned a job?"

"Yes," she replied. "I need an assistant, someone to help run the library. It's just the basics, cataloging books, keeping things clean, that sort of thing."

"Alright. I'll take the job. When do you want me to start?"

"Today if you can." The stallion nodded. "Great! Follow me, I'll show you around."

The ponies left, leaving the dragon muttering under his breath as he put books away. The mare showed him the various rooms of the library, and he was surprised that the tree was in fact a home.

They took a seat in a study. "Oh my gosh," the mare said. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Nice to meet you miss Sparkle," the stallion replied.

"Just Twilight is fine."

"Alright."

"So, aren't you going to tell me your name?"

"I...I can't."

She frowned, tilting her head. "Why not?" The stallion was silent. "You're not a criminal are you?" No reply. Twilight leaned forward in her seat. "Hey, you can trust me. I'll be your friend."

The black pony shook his head. "Too risky."

"Risky?"

"For me. I can't risk having friends."

"Why?"

The stallion closed his eyes. Too many questions. "Because...they'd be made fun of and my heart would ache."

Twilight quietly looked at him in concern. The two sat in silence for what seemed lime hours. Finally, he continued. "I'm homeless. I'm a failure. I never knew my parents and I lived on the streets, sleeping in trees."

He paused, tears beginning to form. "I don't even have a cutie mark... It's too risky because I'd let any friends down. I'd be abandoned the moment they knew..."

He put a hoof over his eyes, sniffling. Twilight laid a hoof on his free one. He looked over, surprised to see her eyes beginning to fill.

"I don't think you're a failure. I don't care if you're homeless. I don't care if ponies will scorn me. All I care about is my friend's well being."

"Really?"

"Really. There's a spare room in the basement. You can live here if you want."

"But won't that look weird? A stallion living with you?"

"Not with you being my assistant."

"Twilight...why are you doing this for me? We just met."

"This is what friends do and you need one. I want to be your friend."

"Thank you Twilight...for being my friend."

"You don't need to thank me."

The two sat quietly once more. "Twilight," the stallion said. "I want to tell you my name. My name is Blackjack."

Chapter 2

Reflection
Chapter Two

"So that's it?" Delta asked. "That's how your life as we know it began?"

Blackjack took a shaky breath, nodding. "That's it. What else do you want to know?"

"Let's talk about your cutie mark," AR said. "It's bound to give us more information!"

"Alright...what about it?"

"What does it symbolize?

"I'm musically talented."

"Mr. Blackjack," Delta growled. "A recollection on how you got your cutie mark would be most helpful.

"Alright, where should I start?"

"A day or two before you get your mark."

'-'

Two years ago

It gets wild sometimes whenever Twilight left Blackjack and Spike in the library to have some time with her friends. She'd come home to books scattered around, shelves toppled, and a bipedal stallion giving a young dragon a noogie.

After a rigorous scolding and threats to kick both out of the tree, Twilight made Blackjack and Spike come to an agreement to never mess up the library again. However, that didn't stop the dragon from upholding his childish antics.

"Spike!" Blackjack yelled, chasing the teenage dragon down the library stairs. "Give me back my journal!"

The dragon spread his wings and flew to the top of a bookshelf, landing softly. He held Blackjack's journal in his claws and opened it. "Huh?" Spike asked. "There's nothing but music notes in here."

"Exactly," Blackjack glared. "I've been writing songs all month! Now give it back!"

Spike tossed the stallion his journal, swishing his tail on the bookshelf. "Why would you want to write songs BJ? The last I checked you still don't have your..." He stopped, seeing the stallions hurt look.

"Sorry Blackjack."

"It's okay. Maybe I'm just destined not to have any talents." He opened his journal, sighing. "You know, I even came up with lyrics for this one. It's called Winter Joy."

"That sounds like a good one BJ, can I hear it?"

"Spike, I don't have a talent in singing."

"Neither do a lot of ponies, but they can still sing. C'mon Blackjack!"

The stallion sighed, then sang his song.

"There's a season which I hold so dear, I'm jolly whenever it is near. Even though I enjoy the Summer sun, I only love one season. Winter. Oh Winter!"

"When the Pegasi put the clouds in the sky, everypony heads out to see the snowballs fly. When I'm ever caught in the middle, they can't help but giggle at poor snow covered me. Can you see why I love that season? It's called...Winter. Oh Winter!"

"But when it's time to go inside, I always stay behind. Just to see the snow fall down on a moon-lit night. Then when I go back to my house so cold, there's one thing that will never get old. It's a wonderful thing called... Hot chocolate. Hot chocolate!"

"There's a season which I hold so dear, I'm jolly whenever it is near. Even though I enjoy the Summer sun, I only love one season. Winter. Oh Winter. That's my Winter joy."

"Hot chocolate?" Spike snickered. "That wouldn't have to do with the Cutie Mark Crusaders making you into a snow pony would it?"

"Shh! I thought we'd never speak of it again!"

Spike glided down to Blackjack, still laughing. When he calmed down, he patted the stallion on the back. "That's actually a really good song. I'm surprised you could read the words with all that spit on the pages."

"I make it a habit to write with hands. I haven't slobbered on a page yet."

"At any rate, we need to put some sound this song. Let's head over to Blues' Music Shop and borrow a piano."

"Let's not."

Spike frowned. "I thought you're over with being shy?"

"Not shy, just cautious."

"Not this again! Blackjack, you're not homeless anymore, remember?"

"Yeah, I remember. But I'm cautious now because I'm a grown stallion with a blank flank."

"You have nothing to worry about BJ. Besides, I have a feeling that this could be your special talent."

'-'

"Welcome to my store," a blue Earth pony smiled. "I've got all the instruments you can imagine."

Blackjack examined the shop while Spike made a deal with Blues. The stallion wasn't kidding about what he had. There were cymbals, trumpets, flutes, kazoos, guitars, even a few lutes were in the shop.

Spike joined his friend. "I got a piano over in the practice room. I'll meet you there."

"Alright, I'll be there in a minute." Spike left, and something caught Blackjack's eye. In a display case was a violin. The most beautiful one he ever saw. It was a lovely mahogany, with a glossy finish.

The bow was similar, but there was something unique about it. Instead of the traditional white that the string was colored, it was black as night.

"You like it?" Blackjack turned to see Blues' smiling face. "It's a beauty, that's for certain."

"No kidding. Whoever made it put a lot of time into it."

"I wish I knew who did make that violin, because they deserve a medal. But I'm pretty sure who owned it." The stallion took out a key and opened the case, taking out the instrument.

"I found this a few days after Shadowblaze's execution. I was with the soldiers in his war camp, seeing if there was anything of value. It was inside a chest, all by itself. As you can see, this can catch a high price just for its beauty alone."

"How much is it?" Blackjack asked.

"Twenty bits."

Blackjack's eyes widened. "That cheap? It's worth about two thousand!"

"That's what I thought too. But, I'm pretty sure I know who the owner was. Take a look." The blue pony pointed to an F-hole, and Blackjack peeked through. Inside was Shadowblaze's mark and a name. Hearth Fire.

"Okay, ignore that last price. That violin's worth two million."

"Wrong again pal. You see, there's two reasons why this violin's so cheap. One, I'm not going to make this more expensive than the lives he took and two, I'm making it as worthless as he was."

"That sounds reasonable. Twenty bits it is."

"You're going to buy it?"

"Yes sir. Even though I might not play it, it would look nice in my room."

Blackjack hooved Blues the money, and the stallion gave him the instrument, bow, rosin, and a free case. He thanked the blue pony and found Spike playing a lively tune inside the practice room.

"What's that you have there BJ?" Spike asked, taking a break.

"Hearth Fire. Shadowblaze's violin."

Spike stared at the stallion, then broke into laughter. He stopped when he saw the mark inside of the violin. "Sweet rubies..."

"Yeah, I know."

"Uh, how does it sound?"

The stallion smiled, rosining up the bow. "Let's find out."

Spike showed the stallion how to tune the strings, and how to hold the bow. Not wanting to get any spit on the work of art, Blackjack became bipedal and held the instrument under his arm.

Spike put his friend's journal on the piano's music stand, opening it up to Winter. "You do know how to read music, right BJ?"

"The library has a whole section on the subject."

"Oh yeah." The dragon cracked his knuckles and put his fingers on the piano keys. Blackjack raised the violin to his chin, resting the bow on a a string. With the tap of a hoof and foot, the duo played the song.

When they finished, Spike looked at Blackjack curiously. "I didn't know you played violin."

"I don't. I only know what the notes are. I've never even held a violin before now."

"Well that's weird. Maybe you're just a fast learner."

"Maybe."

'-'

The two went home in high spirits. They both knew that Blackjack had a talent in music, they just had to find out if it was the key to getting his cutie mark.

"Where have you two been?" Twilight asked as they walked into the library. "I've been worried sick!"

"We were just playing some music," Blackjack replied. "I think Spike and I have something special going on."

Twilight tilted her head in curiosity. "You play music?"

"Just started today. I think this might be my special talent, if I practice."

"Practice?" Spike asked. "You don't need practice! You should've seen him Twilight! I don't think even Applejack can play a violin like that."

"That's an interesting idea," Twilight said. "Blackjack, you two could compete for the title of the best violin player in Ponyville. I remember Pinkie Pie saying something about a music festival in a few days. You should enter."

"We'll see," the stallion replied.

'-'

One week later

Blackjack walked through the fair grounds, carrying his violin in its case. Today he would find out if it wasn't luck that gave him his talent. He found the stage in the center of the grounds; several ponies were seated, enjoying the performance of a local band.

Blackjack smiled at the sound of the music. It was one of the few things that made the normally stone-faced stallion truly smile. The song ended and Blackjack gave a respectful stomp of hooves. The Mayor stepped onstage as the band packed up and tapped a microphone.

"Fillies and gentlecolts," she announced. "It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the twenty-third annual Equestrian Music Festival."

The audience gave a round of applause, the Mayor raising a hoof for silence. "This year, Ponyville has the privilege of hosting this event, and I understand that we have a few aspiring musicians looking to show their talent to you all today."

"So without further ado, please welcome Ponyville's own Applejack and Blackjack to the stage."

With another roar of hooves, Blackjack stepped onto the stage. The orange mare was right across from him, tipping her hat in greeting. He gave his signature half-grin and waved back. They both bowed at the audience, then shook hooves as the applause ended.

"Well," Applejack said into a microphone. "It looks like we have a crowd here."

"Yep," Blackjack replied. "I hope they're ready for a show."

"Sure they are! Why else would they be here?"

"Corn on the cob?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "You and your corn obsession."

The audience laughed as the stallion's blush shone through his fur. "AJ, can we get this contest going? Please?"

"Alright corn-colt, get your fiddle."

"I prefer calling it a violin."

The ponies got their instruments out of their cases; the two held magnificent pieces of craftsmanship in their hooves. Tightening their bowstrings and quickly stroking the hairs with rosin, the two ponies were ready to begin.

"Mares first," Blackjack said. "Good luck."

"You're a real gentlecolt BJ," the mare replied. "I wonder if you'll still be when I beat you."

Blackjack smiled and set his instrument down. "Alright Miss Apple, show us what you can do."

"Gladly." Applejack stepped to the center stage, holding her instrument in hoof. "I think everypony out here knows the Earthen Harvest."

The audience smiled in anticipation. Applejack raised her violin to her chin and stuck the bow in her teeth. Then, she played. It was a lively song; the rustic quality of Earth Pony music soon had the audience clapping and stomping to the beat.

Blackjack couldn't help but dance along as his friend went on. His hooves moved along the planks quickly, lively. He would've been surprised at his skill in dancing, but was too caught up in the music to care. With a final pull of the bow, Applejack finished her song and took a bow.

The thunder of hooves bid the orange mare farewell as she stepped away from the spotlight. "So," she said casually to Blackjack, putting her fiddle in its case. "How do you like them apples?"

"Soup for the soul," Blackjack replied, loud enough for the audience to hear. "It felt good going down, and I think I speak for everypony in the audience by saying that?"

The stallion wrapped a foreleg around his friend, who had her hat pulled down shyly over her face. Blackjack grabbed a microphone so he could be heard above the roar of applause. "Fillies and gentlecolts, the fabulous Applejack Apple!"

The applause grew ever louder as Applejack reluctantly took another bow. She walked back to Blackjack, hugging him tightly as the clapping continued. She lifted up her hat, and Blackjack could see tears in her eyes.

"I've never been so embarrased and happy in my life," she said into his ear. "Thank you BJ. Thank you."

The ponies stopped hugging as the audience quieted down. Applejack punched the stallion in the shoulder playfully. "I like corn on the cob as much as anypony," she said loudly, walking back to her case. "But honestly, you have some issues boy!"

The audience laughed again at the blushing stallion. Blackjack walked to a microphone and sighed shakily into it. Another bit of laughter. Blackjack grinned. "Says the mare who salivates whenever the 'A-word' is mentioned."

"And what would that be?" The mare rolled her eyes.

Blackjack grinned ear-to-ear, replying in a perfect impression of Big Mac. "Apples."

There was more laughter as the black stallion was playfully hit repeatedly by Applejack. She quit and grabbed her own microphone. "The Comedy Fair was two months ago in Manehatten," she scolded. "This is the Music Festival, so get on with the music corn-colt!"

With one last bit of laughter, Blackjack retrieved his violin as Applejack returned to her spot behind the stallion. "Unless a Unicorn's planning on reading my mind," he said. "Nopony in the audience is going to know the song I'm about to play. I don't even know. We'll just see what happens."

Blackjack readied his instrument, taking deep breaths. He could feel the excitement in his chest. His heart boomed melodically, the double thump adding more and more excitement until he felt he would burst. Calm. Calm is what he needed. Breath in. Breath out.

He closed his eyes, just focusing on breathing. He didn't feel the bow move when it did, but he heard it. The long, sad sound echoed throughout the festival grounds. More notes, woven together without thought followed in beautiful harmony.

Any festivities outside of the performance area stopped. The sound of the slow, sad music demanded to be heard. Blackjack slowly added another note and stopped. He opened his eyes and noticed the strings of his violin were the slightest color of gold.

He smiled. Then he played a much faster paced song. It sounded sorrowful, but it was quick, even lively. It was like Pinkie Pie being in charge of an orchestra. Lively in tempo, but rich and hypnotic in sound.

Finally, the stallion ended his song with a few rapid strokes of the bow. The next thing he heard was like standing in front of a stampede. The applause. He bowed and found Spike in the audience, pointing at the stallion wildly.

Confused, Blackjack examined himself. My mane's fine, he thought. My fur's the same color, my cutie mark is unique as usual, my tail is not on fire, I have n-

Blackjack looked at his flank. It was no longer bare. A Treble Cleft with a violin bow crossing over it now covered his flank. I have a cutie mark. Blackjack showed the audience his discovery. The thunder grew with the requests of an encore.

The stallion looked at his violin, a grin on his face. Shadowblaze was a monster, but he knew quality when he saw it. "I'm guessing you guys want an encore?" He asked into a microphone.

A few cheers answered his question. "I'll give you one, but I need a partner. Applejack, what do you say we give these ponies a show?"

The mare was at his side in a heartbeat. "Do you know Lord of The Dance?" Applejack asked.

"Only in name, but that shouldn't be a problem. Shall we?" The two ponies raised their bows. The twenty-third Equestrian Music Festival would be one to remember.

Chapter 3

Reflection

Chapter Three

"Interesting," Delta said as he took a note. "So you had never played violin before?"

"Yes sir," Blackjack replied. "I know that sounds weird, but similar things have happened. Just look around, there's plenty of stories like mine involving cutie marks."

"That may be true, but something about yours seems a bit...strange. Did you say the strings glowed?"

"Yeah. I'm still trying to figure out if Shadowblaze enchanted it. It hasn't done that since then."

"I still can't believe that guy played music," AR said. "That's the last thing you'd expect from a demon."

"AR," Delta warned. "Let's get back on topic. Blackjack, how many times did you play violin these previous years?"

"Just once a day, except on holidays it never seemed to end. Why?"

Delta wrote another note. "I was just wondering. You're sure it never glowed again?"

"Yes."

"I see...AR, stop the tape, we're done for today." The Pegasus did so as Delta went to the wall intercomm. "Officer Clover, would you escort this stallion to his cell?"

"Yes sir."

"Cell?" Blackjack asked in alarm. "I thought I would be kept at home! You know I'm innocent Delta!"

The pegasus sighed as the door opened. "I do, for now. Until AR and I can fit everything together and present evidence, you need to be in custody." He waved a hoof and the officer made Blackjack stand.

"Don't worry though," AR said softly as the stallion went out of sight. "You'll be out in no time. Count on it."

'-'

Twilight literaly jumped to answer the phone. Please be him, she thought. Please oh please! "Hello?" She said.

"Twilight?" Blackjack asked.

"Thank goodness! Are you okay BJ? Everyone in town is worried sick!"

"I'm alright Twi, just a little nervous. Jail's not too homely if you ask me."

"What?!? I thought you would be put under house arrest?"

"I did too, but the police were just trying to calm us down. I'll be out soon though, I have two P.I.'s trying to prove my innocence."

"Private investigators? Who hired them?"

"The police."

"They want to help you?"

"Yeah, I mean they were hired to find out the truth about me. To see if my record's clean or not, which as everypony knows, it is."

"Why would the police hire two P.I.'s then?"

Blacjack didn't reply. "BJ?"

"...I don't have a record. I don't have any papers, I.D., or even a birth certificate. I don't even exist."

Twilight gasped. "That can't be right! There has to be something!"

"There isn't. That's why they were hired, to find out who I am."

"You're getting a trial right?"

"Yeah, at least...give me a few more minutes will you?"

"What?"

"Sorry, I'm running out of time. I'll get a trial, don't worry...alright! Let me say goodbye! Twilight, I have to go."

"Goodbye..."

"Bye, I l-"

The call ended suddenly and Twilight put her head in her hooves. What am I going to do? She thought. Blackjack would never do something like this!

But Shadowblaze would, another part of her said. Twilight shook her head furiously. Don't think like that! He's gone! Blackjack hates violence! Doesn't he....?

A knock on the door broke her thoughts. She began to rise from the couch when Spike loudly announced, "I'll get it Twilight!" She sat back down and managed a small smile. Spike came back into the living room. "There's somepony here to see you."

Twilight's smile turned to a frown as two stallions entered next to Spike. "You must be Miss Sparkle," the purple one said. "I must say, I've heard much about you."

"Who are you two?" Twilight asked.

"Oh yes! Forgive our rudeness ma'am," the other one said. "I'm AR and he's my partner, Delta. We're Private Investigators."

"We're here to ask you a few questions," Delta continued. "May we sit?"

"Yes," Twilight nodded. "Spike, would you get these gentlecolts some refreshments?"

The dragon left wordlessly as the stallions sat down across from Twilight. "Now," Delta said. "Miss Sparkle, you are aware of the murder of Prince Blueblood, correct?"

"Yes," the unicorn replied. "Who did it though is something I don't know."

"Has Princess Celestia told you why Blackjack was arrested?" AR asked.

Twilight shook her head as Spike wheeled in a cart of tea and snacks. Both stallions took a cup of tea, AR dropping several sugar cubes into his. "Well," AR continued. "You're not going to like this. He has been ranked number one in the list of Equestria's Most Wanted, as well as being accused of the murder."

"What?!?" Twilight shouted, a beam of magic shooting out of her horn in suprise. The beam scorched part of the ceiling, leaving a smoking black mark. "That can't be possible!"

"He's not a murderer!" Spike added.

"Son," Delta said. "Please exit this area, we're in an interview at the moment."

"The name is Spike, and if you don't mind, I'm trying to comfort my friend at the moment." The dragon laid down next to Twilight, wrapping his tail around her protectively.

"Let's get back on track," Delta continued. "Now, AR and I have been hired to find out why Blackjack would murder the prince and to investigate his history. But, we were not forbidden to prove him innocent."

"Why would you need proof?" Twilight asked. "He has papers and he's not a violent pony."

"Violent ponies don't always murder either. As for the papers, he has none."

"Yes he does. He had to register at the mayor's office as a resident of Ponyville. He brought them with him."

The stallions looked at each other. Delta quickly wrote in his pad. "That's news to us," AR said. "Thank you."

"Next question," Delta said. "How long have you known Blackjack?"

"Just four years," the mare replied. "But we're close."

"How close?"

"Close enough, I suppose. I let him stay here didn't I?"

"He told me that was an act of compassion."

"He needed my help and I was willing to get him back on his hooves until he could provide for himself."

"It didn't happen that way though did it?" AR asked. "Why?"

"I didn't want him to be alone again."

"We also had too much fun together," Spike said.

Delta sipped his tea, eyeing Spike. "This one's for you. What do you know about his violin?"

"Shadowblaze used to own it, uhm, the bow hair's black, and it's in great condition."

"What about the strings? Are they magic?"

"I think so, I mean they glowed during the Music Festival."

"What happened when they glowed? Did it sound different or did something catch on fire?"

"It did sound a lot prettier when the strings glowed, peaceful even. I felt calm, like all my problems were gone."

Delta wrote in his pad. "Thank you. Last question. Did you see anything unusual at the Gala?"

"Other than a dead Blueblood and guards taking Blackjack away? No. Everything was...perfect."

The stallions rose and thanked Twilight. "We'll get to the bottom of this," AR said. "Don't worry."

'-'

Blackjack sat on his cot inside the cell. Solitary confinement, he was told. Because he was too dangerous. Dangerous? He thought. I'm a pacifist. He pulled at the scratchy orange jumpsuit he was forced to wear. But this suit could make me dangerous.

"Package," an officer said, sliding a small box through the gate. "Try not to get too excited."

Blackjack retrieved it and sat back down. A note was taped on top and he read it.

Blackjack,

I found this on the palace floor and thought you'd want to have it back. The police checked it sure enough, but as you see, it got through. Try not to lose it again buddy, especially what's inside.

Stay strong,

Big Macintosh

Blackjack opened the box and pulled out a locket. He smiled slightly, opening it. Inside was several pictures of his friends and a few with him. On one side of the clasp was a picture of Twilight that was taken the night of the Gala. A ring was on that picture and Blackjack picked it up.

"Thanks Mac," he said with teary eyes. He put the ring back and closed the locket, putting it around his neck. "I'll be out soon." The black stallion laid down and let sleep slowly take him.

'-'

"I decree," Celestia shouted above the frenzied crowd. "That Blackjack The Fiddler is to be executed for his crimes against Equestria and the Crown!"

Chains wrapped around the stallion's body and the courtroom went dark. He could not move and breathing was hard. He heard a gunshot and collasped.

'-'

Blackjack woke up, his breathing heavy. It was just a dream, he thought. I'm not going to die. AR and Delta won't let me down.

Chapter 5

Reflection

Chapter Five

"Best friends huh?" Delta asked as he wrote a few notes down. "That seems like an understatement."

"Well after he took that bullet for me, I couldn't quite place where that stallion stood in my life," Big Macintosh replied. He took a swig of cider, thinking. "I guess you could say he's a brother now," he continued. "That's how close we are."

"That sounds about right," Applejack said. "Blackjack's been a good friend to us over the years."

"That stallion sure knows his way with a fiddle," Grannie Smith added. "He and my oldest grandchildren always went to the town center to play a song every Saturday afternoon."

"I don't care why BJ's in jail," Applebloom said. "He's a good pony and y'all need to get him out. He helped me and my friends get our cutie marks!"

"Did he now?" AR asked. "Well, call your friends and get them over here!"

"You rang?" A voice asked. The group turned around, seeing two fillies and a colt standing outside the window. "We'd be willing to tell you about Blackjack," the orange filly continued.

"Then by all means, come in," Delta said. "The more we know about him, the better."

"Applebloom," Applejack chided. "I told you they can't come over."

"I didn't invite them," the filly replied. "Besides, if it gets BJ out faster, I say let them in!" She helped the trio into the house, hugging each of them.

"Y'all hungry?" Big Macintosh asked, rising to turn on the stove. "I can make a few more meals if you'd like."

"No thank you," the painted colt replied. "We've already eaten."

The red stallion nodded, sitting back down. "So Applebloom, are you 'gon introduce your friends?"

"Oh right," she replied. "AR, Delta, these are my friends, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Pipsqueak. I've known these three since we were foals and they're the best friends I could ask for. Except for Pipsqueak, he's more of a...uh..."

"Colt-friend," Pipsqueak said, helping her out. "With a little thanks to Blackjack, I might add."

"So you two are with the police?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Or are you with the government?"

"Yes and no," Delta replied. "We're working with the police to investigate Blackjack and we are also working with the government to provide information on who he is and what he's been doing."

"We're private investigators," AR added. "So we were hired for this case."

"Really?" Scootaloo asked. "Who's your client?"

"Our client prefers to remain anonymous. But they apparently have some sort of tie to Blackjack."

"Back to business," Delta said. "Would you children tell us how Blackjack helped you earn your cutie marks?"

"Sure thing Delta," Applebloom replied. "Who'd you like hear from first?"

"Whoever thinks their story will help."

All four of the foals raised their hands. "Fine," Delta groaned. "Scootaloo, why not?"

"Yeah!" Scootaloo shouted in excitement. "Alright, so, Blackjack had basically just got his job with Twilight..."

'-'

Four years ago

"Let's review," Twilight said, showing Blackjack around the Golden Oaks Library once more. "What are the rules for book check-outs and returns?"

"No more than three books may be checked-out per pony," the black stallion replied. "Each book checked-out can be loaned for two weeks and after that, they will be fined thirty-five pieces for every day it is late."

"Good! Our policy for damaged books is what?"

"You break it, you buy it. Can't get much clearer than that can you?"

"No," Twilight giggled. "Not really! Very good, you're a fast learner!"

"Well, this is my first job. I don't want to make any mistakes."

Blackjack had been working for Twilight for about three hours now, except he hadn't actually sat down and done his job quite yet, but he was grateful that the mare was kind enough and patient enough to teach him what his job required.

The clock struck twelve, ringing its bell cheerfully. "Time for a lunch break," Twilight said. "Come on, Spike should have our food ready by now."

"Wait a minute," Blackjack replied. "I just started working for you and haven't even started doing my job, now I hear it's time for my lunch break?"

"Well, you had to go through my constant talking, so I bet you worked up an appetite."

"Yeah, you're right. Listening to you for three hours is exhausting." He laughed as Twilight hit him playfully. They made their way to the dining room, the smell of food cooking making Blackjack's stomach growl uncontrollably.

"How's it coming Spike?" Twilight asked as she and Blackjack sat down.

"Great," the dragon replied from inside the kitchen. "The food will be right out Twilight!"

"Thanks Spike!"

"So Twilight," Blackjack said. "Of all places to live, why here?"

"Well," she replied. "It's a long story."

"Great! The longer, the better."

Twilight smiled. "Princess Celestia arranged for me to stay here to make preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration two years ago."

"I get the feeling that she didn't assign you for just that."

"You are very observant, Blackjack. You're right though, the princess had also sent me here to make some friends."

"You needed friends?"

"Yes. Back in Canterlot, I was always so busy with my studies and thought having friends was a waste of time."

"Well, isn't Spike your friend?"

Twilight nodded. "Of course he is! It's just, I've always considered him like he was my little brother, that's all. What about you? Am I really the first friend you've ever had?"

"Hopefully not the last either," Blackjack replied, grinning slightly. "Like I told you, I've lived on the streets my whole life. Ponies don't usually smile and wave at me when I'm camped out in front of a trash can. Unless someone found the goodness in their heart, I would sometimes go without a meal for several days."

"Today's different though obviously," he continued. "Especially this morning. A mare selling apples let me have one, even though I couldn't pay her back."

"Orange fur?" Twilight asked. Yellow mane, hat?"

"That's her. You sound like you know her."

"I do actually. Applejack's one of my closest friends. I'll introduce you to her later."

Spike walked out of the kitchen, food in hand. "Here you go Twi," he said as he set the food down on the table. "I made you some spaghetti, nothing special."

"I never had that before," Blackjack said. "Is it good?"

"I dunno, try it."

"Spike!" Twilight scolded. "Whether you like it or not, Blackjack is my friend and employee. Tolerate him at the very least!"

"Yeah yeah." He went back into the kitchen to sulk.

"What's his problem?" Blackjack asked.

"I really don't know," the unicorn replied. "I'm sorry. Spike's usually very friendly and trusting of ponies. The fact that he's not like that now-"

"-Is because I snuck up on you and admitted to be homeless."

"What? No, no, no. I'm sure that isn't it."

"Alright, we'll figure out how our scaly friend ticks later. Let's eat!"

The two began to eat their meal, Twilight suddenly screaming and chugging down a glass of water."Spike!"she yelled.

"What is it?" Spike asked, coming out of the kitchen.

"Did you mix up the tomato sauce with the hot sauce again?!?"

"Apparently."

"Did you do that to make Blackjack look bad? Because if you did, you're-"

"-Hang on Twilight," Blackjack interrupted. "It was just a prank that went wrong. I probably would've responded the same way."

"That's what's weird, Spike replied. "I put hot sauce on your spaghetti too..."

Blackjack raised an eyebrow and took another bite of spaghetti. "Huh. I thought I tasted a little kick in it. You used a pretty weak sauce then."

"Really? I put in a sauce I got from the Crystal Empire. From what the stallion told me, it's one of the hottest sauces in the Empire."

"If this is the best they have to offer, you won't find me in that country." The stallion finished eating and patted the baby dragon on his head. "Thanks for the food Spike, you're a great cook."

Blackjack went to the front desk and started to work. The bell rang as a magenta mare entered the library. "Oh," she said, surprised to see the stallion behind the desk. "I was expecting to see Twilight."

"She's eating lunch," Blackjack replied shyly. "I can get her if you want."

"Oh no, that's alright! I can wait."

Blackjack nodded and returned to his work, sorting through various checklists. "Out of curiosity," the magenta mare said. "What are you doing behind that desk?"

"Working."

"You work here?"

"Yes ma'am."

"I'm sorry! I thought you were doing something you shouldn't. I'm Cheerilee."

"Nice to meet you Ms. Cheerilee. I'm Blackjack."

"How long have you been working here?"

"Well, I was hired almost four hours ago. I've only been working for five minutes."

"Oh dear! I suppose you wouldn't know about the field-trip then?"

"Field-trip?"

The library door opened again, several foals trotting inside. "Is that still happening?" Cheerilee asked.

"Uh," Blackjack said, slack-jawed. "Sure! So, what do you want to do? I could give a tour, tell a story, er..."

"I think a story would be nice."

"Alright...wait here."

The stallion began looking for a book that school-foals would enjoy. He pushed a few books away from their shelf, pausing to see a horse-shoe attached to the wall. Curious, Blackjack pressed it, a secret compartment opening. He pulled out the book inside.

"I think I found one we'll enjoy," he said as he returned to the foals. "If you guys would follow me, I'll start reading." Blackjack led Cheerilee and her students to the children's section, sitting down in a large chair.

"Alright kids," Cheerilee said. "Quiet down. Mr. Blackjack looks ready to read to us."

The black stallion smiled as they settled down. "Let's see what I have for you today...Oh! Legends of Equestria..."

'-'

"-That is why volcanoes are so blistering hot," Blackjack finished. "The magma fueled by his rage." He closed the book to see the foals looking at him in shock. "Now can anypony guess who this legend was about?"

Several foals raised their hooves and Blackjack called on an orange filly. "Discord," she said.

"Discord was imprisoned in stone remember," a white filly said. "It was about Nightmare Moon!"

"Nightmare Moon is a mare dummy," a filly with a pink bow said. The three began to argue among themselves, Cheerilee breaking them apart.

"I would know better than anypony who the legend's about," a painted colt said to Blackjack. "His mind-controlled mutts gave me the scars to prove it."

"Alright," Blackjack replied. "Who was it?"

"Shadowblaze."

"You're right. I'm sorry for reading this to you."

"Eh, it's no big deal. He's dead now."

"Well, I think that's all the time we have," Cheerilee said. "Everypony thank Mr. Blackjack for reading those legends to us."

The school-foals left with the mare, excluding the three fillies and the colt. "Hey mister," the orange one said. "We couldn't help but notice your flank."

"Why?" Blackjack asked. "Is it dirty?"

"No, but it is blank."

"Ours are too," the colt added. "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders and we think you could help us get our marks and we could help you get yours."

"Well that's sweet kids," Blackjack replied, heading for the front desk. "But I've tried just about everything to get my mark, but as you can see, I haven't been very successful."

"That's why we want to help," the Unicorn said. "I get the feeling that you've never let somepony help you discover your special talent. Am I right?"

"Yeah. Okay, I'll help you kids, it's the least I can do. Besides, I think you four have a lot of ideas about where to start."

'-'

Present day

"I honestly don't see what this has to do with your cutie mark kid," Delta said. "Get to the point already."

"I'm getting there," Scootaloo replied. "Look, I thought it would help knowing when and where we met the guy. Anyway, the cool thing is, Blackjack helped us get our marks the same year! So really, you got to take the time to hear this..."

'-'

One year ago

"You alright up there?" Blackjack asked, calling up to Scootaloo.

"Yep," the filly replied. "How's your chest doing?"

"It'll be sore in the morning, but I'm used to it. I need to stretch it out anyway."

The two were rockclimbing in the mountain near Ponyville, trying to see if this would earn the filly her mark. They reached a ledge big enough to rest on and sat down. Blackjack massaged the right side of his chest, Scootaloo looking at him with concern.

"Are you sure you're okay?" She asked. "We can go back down if you want."

"I'm fine Scoot," the black stallion replied. "I can go for a little longer. Besides, I don't think either of us are ready to go back down just yet. I mean, look at that view!"

Blackjack stood and walked to the edge of the ledge, the wind blowing through his mane. "It must be something, flying through the air with your own wings."

"Yeah," Scootaloo said sadly. "Something."

"Oh, don't be like that. You're just one step away from taking off."

"All I can do is hover, Blackjack. That's all I've been able to do for four years. I'll never fly."

"Not with that attitude you won't. C'mon, I'll teach you."

Scootaloo burst out laughing. "You! Teach me how to fly? Yeah right! What would you know about flying?"

"Quite a bit, actually. The library has an entire section dedicated to the principles of flight. Besides, I'm willing to help you learn, even if I won't be doing any flying."

"Well...okay. I guess it's worth a try."

"That's the spirit!"

'-'

"The wind's coming at you from the port side!" Blackjack shouted. "Keep straight!"

Blackjack had spent three hours teaching Scootaloo how to fly so far, her body anchored by a rope secured on the mountain. The filly turned hard against the gale, the feathers on her wings making all the difference.

"Good," Blackjack continued. "Alright, time to land. Take it nice and easy."

Scootaloo landed, her hooves clacking against the rocky ground. "Well," she said. "I've got gliding down. But I'm not sure if I can start flying today."

"Nonsense! You've gotten this far, why stop now?"

"I..."

Scootaloo?"

The filly looked down in embarrassment. "I...I can't."

"What's wrong Scoot?"

"There's...there's several reasons why I can't fly and I...well..."

Blackjack walked up to nuzzle her gently. She nuzzled back, trying to keep herself from crying. "It's alright Scoot," the black stallion whispered. "I'm here. You can trust me."

"I know...BJ...I was born with a disability in my wings. They're too small to get me airborn...that's why I've only been able to hover in short bursts for all these years..."

Blackjack closed his eyes, his head lowered as he thought. With a sigh, he said, "Scootaloo, I need you to look me in the eye." The filly broke out of their embrace and began to walk away.

"Scootaloo," Blackjack said. "Please."

The Pegasus reluctantly turned to face him. "There's nothing you can say," she sobbed. "There's nothing you can do to get my wings working. I'm going to be flightless and a blank flank for the rest of my life! I've tried just about everything to fly and get my mark, but as you can see, I haven't been very successful."

"That's why we want to help,"Blackjack replied. "As Sweetie Belle said. That's why I want to help. I want to help, because you and your friends kept me going. To not give up. To wait for the right moment. For my destiny to be made clear."

"You may have given up on yourself, but I haven't given up on you one bit. Those doctors said you'll never get off the ground and look at what you're doing! You can hover and glide, even if your wings are 'too small.' The only pony keeping you from taking off and finding your destiny, is you."

"So don't say you'll never fly," he continued. "Because if you do, you never will and you will regret that decision for the rest of your life. I believe in you, Scootaloo. You can fly. I know you can."

Scootaloo dried her tears and looked out on the horizon. She let the cool mountain air pass through her mane; it reassured her, comforted her. The filly looked at the black stallion one more time. He nodded at her and smiled warmly.

She took a deep breath and sighed as she spread her wings. Scootaloo flapped once, twice, three times. She flew. Higher, higher she went, until Blackjack lost sight of her in the clouds. Then, with her wings roaring like an airship engine, Scootaloo dived down.

"Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhhooooooo!!!"

Blackjack gave a thankful prayer as the filly streaked across the sky, doing corkscrews, loopdy-loops, and other tricks that would make Rainbow Dash proud. Scootaloo slowed down and landed next to her friend, jumping into his warm embrace.

"You did it!" Blackjack exclaimed. "You did it! I knew you could, Scoot!"

"Thanks for proving me wrong," Scootaloo laughed. "Thank you, Blackjack..."

Blackjack smiled and then pointed at the filly's flank. She broke out of the hug and looked at her newly marked side. Purple and pink lightning bolt streaked diagonally across her flank, a white wing at its starting point.

"My talent," she said. "Is flying..." Scootaloo smiled and began to cry joyfully. Blackjack hugged her again.

"Thanks BJ," Scootaloo said. "Thank you..."

"No problem Scoot," he replied. "I'll always try to help."

Chapter 6

Reflection

Chapter Six

"That was so beautiful," AR blubbered, tears streaming down his face. "She...she...she can fly!" The Pegasus grabbed another wad of tissues from Applejack, who was doing her best to keep dry under his torrential tears.

"Calm down AR," Delta said as he wrote. "You'll get my pages wet. Now, I'm afraid we don't have much more time, so you kids are going to give us the short version."

They did. Applebloom got her mark from bucking the orchard with Blackjack. Big Mac was injured and Applejack was out sick. The two worked all through the night, Applebloom getting her mark when she planted a new sapling.

Sweetie Belle got hers when Blackjack needed help writing a song to perform at a Hearth's Warming concert. Thankful, the stallion gave her the opportunity to sing in his place, earning her mark.

Pipsqueak got his by sailing in a small boat with Blackjack. A fierce storm hit and the stallion gave the colt the courage he needed to sail them to safely, receiving his mark.

Delta wrote furiously, keeping pace with their stories. When they were done, the two stallions rose, thanked them for sharing their stories and food, and exited the house.

'-'

The crowd of ponies looked on in shocked silence. Several of the stallion's friends looked at him apologetically. Others could not bear to look at him. All were crying.

"Do you have any last words?" Princess Celestia asked.

Blackjack looked at the sea of ponies as a tear slid down his face. He smiled slightly and said, "Thank you...for everything." He closed his eyes, ready for the end. The noose was tied around his neck and he fell through the trapdoor.

His hooves touched solid ground. "What?" He asked himself. "How am I not dead?"

"Because this is a dream," a voice replied.

Blackjack looked around for its source, but to no avail. Curious, he reached out, and the air rippled at his touch. "A dream?"

"A nightmare, actually. I have taken notice of them. You have a powerful fear indeed."

"What do you know about my fear?"

"I will answer that when the time is right."

'-'

Blackjack woke to the sound of his food sliding under the door. He approached the door sleepily, stumbling as he knocked on the door. "Guard," he mumbled. "Guard?"

No answer, of course. He went about calling for a guard for a while, about to give up, when a stern voice replied, "What do you want prisoner?"

"Somepony to talk to. Please, if you can find any goodness in your heart, talk to me. You're the only hope I have of not going crazy in here. Please?"

The guard was silent for an agonizing moment. Then, the bolt on the door unlatched and an orange Pegasus walked inside. "I think I can spare a few minutes," he said with a softer tone as he closed the door. "You just want to talk huh? I'm guessing you don't want to discuss your situation right now, right?"

"Yeah, that would be nice. What's your name?"

"Private Flash Sentry. I'd shake your hoof, but I'm breaking conduct already.

"I understand. How long have you been in the Royal Guard?"

"About a week actually. You're my first assignment."

"Well," Blackjack said, smiling sincerely. "I hope I'm not the last."

"Private!" Another guard yelled. "Private, come help me with this prisoner!"

"Yes sir!" Flash replied, running out the door and locking it. He paused for a second and said to Blackjack, "If it's any consolation...I think you're innocent."

"Take care of yourself," Blackjack replied. "I hope I'll talk to you again someday."

'-'

"This just doesn't add up," Delta said as he looked out the office window. "How in the hay can this stallion be guilty?"

The duo were back in their office in Manehatten, going over their notes and recordings again and again."There isn't a single testimony we have that even considers him guilty."

"Then he's not," AR replied. "We've interviewed everypony in Ponyville and they all say he's innocent."

"This case can't be dictated by testimonies alone, AR. Unless we find some hard evidence, his life is over."

AR nodded and played a tape again. He paused it, cocking his head to the side. He rewound it and played it again. "Hm."

"What?"

"You remember how Rainbow Dash claimed that Blackjack didn't have any enemies?"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I think I just found one."

He played the tape again and paused it after a name was mentioned. Black Ice. Delta flipped through his notes, looking for the name. It appeared fairly often.

"Wait a minute," Delta said. "Didn't Ponyville's Mayor say something about Black Ice?"

"Yeah! She said his name just before finding Blackjack's file!"

Delta dialed the Ponyville Police Department. "Hello? This is Delta. I need to know if Black Ice is still in custody. When did he get out? Alright...what about his pal, uh...Dusty? What about Dusty? Well, where can we find him? Alright, thank you. Goodbye."

Delta hung up, rubbing his eyes. "Black Ice was taken off parole about a month ago. Nopony's heard or seen him since."

"Ponyfeathers," AR replied. "How about Dusty?"

"Same story, but he's in Cloudsdale. The police say he's working in a weather factory."

"Who in their right mind would hire an ex-convict?"

"You know Cloudsdale, always wanting more workers."

'-'

"I'm not going to lie," AR said as the duo entered Cloudsdale. "I've missed the fluffy white streets."

"You can frolic after the trial," Delta replied. "Let's focus on the job."

The two stallions walked through the city, knowing exactly where they needed to go. After a few minutes, they arrived at the factory. "Identification please," a security guard said just outside the entrance.

The duo showed him their badges and he raised the gate, waving them through. They entered through the factory's front doors, a receptionist grinning at them.

"Welcome to Cloudsdale International Weather," she said cheerfully. "How may I help you today?"

"We need to speak to your C.E.O." Delta replied.

"I'm sorry, but that's not possible. Mr. Storm is not accepting any meetings at the moment."

"Tell him he has to." Delta flashed his badge at the mare.

Her eyes widened and she pressed a button on her headset. "Excuse me, Mr. Storm? There are two gentlecolts here to see you...yes, I told them, but they're authorities. Yes sir. Right away."

"Mr. Storm will see you now," she said to the stallions. "Take these visitor passes please. His office is on the thirtieth floor."

AR and Delta took the passes and clipped them to their jackets. "Thank you, miss?" AR asked.

"Wind. Abigail Wind."

The duo nodded, then stepped inside the elevator. "I have a bad feeling," Delta said, pressing the button. "As soon as we finish, we need to speak with Blackjack."

"You're right," AR replied. "We need to hear his side of the story."

They arrived at the thirtieth floor. The duo walked down the hall, knocking on a door with a plaque in bold letters that read:

T. STORM

C.E.O

"Come in," a stallion said inside. AR and Delta stepped in, the sour smell of the white stallion's cigar welcoming them. "Good afternoon-" AR said.

"Is it?" The stallion asked. "Company's thousands of bits in debt, workers are complaining about the grade of toilet paper, a stallion fell into the rainbow vats, two doughnut-eating haystacks are here to speak with me, and now I'm down to my last cigar."

"Mr. Storm," Delta said. "We happen to be those 'two doughnut-eating haystacks.'" He flashed his badge, Mr. Storm taking a quick glance and taking his cigar out of his mouth.

"Well make it quick," he replied. "I'm a busy stallion."

"We need to talk to you about one of your employees: Dusty Wind."

"Wind? Oh, yes, Dusty! Hard worker, that stallion. Remindes me of when I was working the machines. What do you want with him?"

"Are you aware that Dusty has a criminal record?" AR asked.

Mr. Storm put his cigar back in his mouth and shrugged. "So the colt's got a few bad marks; what do I care? C.I.W. needs all the workers it can get for the weather demands, and Dusty's one of the best."

"Even if that worker was arrested for attempted murder?" Delta asked, taking Dusty's file out of his coat and tossing it at the stallion.

Mr. Storm's mouth hung open, the cigar falling out. "Wha-where did you find this?!?"

"We have connections. This file will give a bad name to your company if word comes out."

"You can't prove anything! I'll call my lawyer!"

"Oh? What do you think about this then?" Delta took out another file and continued, "Mr. Thunder Storm, fined for forgery, tax evasion, and fraud. Not very reflective of an 'honest' business stallion, I would think."

"Just who do you think you are?!?"

"A private investigator. We will talk to Dusty, understand?"

Thunder Storm sat speechless for a moment, then picked up his phone. "Dusty? Get in here, I want to talk to you!"

Five minutes passed and Dusty Wind burst through the door. "Came here as fast as I-"

"Dusty, you're fired!"

"I-what?!?"

"You heard me! Don't bother cleaning out your workspace, we'll have somepony else do that."

"But, Mr. Storm, I'm a good worker, you know that!"

"Good worker? No worker of mine is going to clock in after spending time in the slammer for attempted murder!"

"What?!? How did you-"

"Calm down son," Delta said, flashing his badge. "Private investigators, you're coming with us."

"Private investigators? What in Tartarus is going on here?!?"

"AR, cuff him."

He did so, Dusty cursing up a storm at the three of them. "You won't get away with this! Do you hear me, Thunder?"

"Sir," AR said as he and Delta took him out of the office. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court."

They went into the elevator, riding it down to the lobby. The receptionist spewed her coffee out of her mouth upon the sight of the three. "Dusty! What on earth is going on?!?"

"Mr. Wind is coming to answer a few questions," Delta replied. "Carry on."

"Abigale!" Thunder Storm shouted on his intercom. "You're fired! Pack your things!"

"I'm what?!?"

'-'

"What in Tartarus do you want?" Dusty asked, his chains rattling as he pointed at the duo.

"Answers," Delta replied. "That is, if you have any."

"Answers? To what?"

Delta stood and paced the small interrogation room they were in. "First item: where's your boss, Black Ice?"

"Don't know."

Delta slammed his forehoof on the table. "Where is he?!?"

"Like I said, I don't know. Even if I did, why would I tell you?"

"Because if you don't, I can fully authorize the termination of your parental rights. Your daughter will forget about you."

"You wouldn't dare!"

Delta smiled. "Try me. Where is Black Ice?"

"I really wish I knew."

"Let me tell you something, Mr. Wind: my employer is paying very good money to find evidence of a stallion's innocence. If you help me, you can go home with your wife and kid. If not, you will spend the next twenty years in prison. Now, where is Black Ice?"

"I don't know. But, I do know where he was."

"And where, was that?"

"The Grand Galloping Gala."

Chapter 7

Reflection

Chapter Seven

Blackjack paced his cell, trying to find something to entertain himself with. It had been a week since his interrogation with AR and Delta, and he hadn't been out of his cell since. His fur was matted and putrid from a lack of bathing, and he was miserable.

"Solitary confinement," he said to himself with a chuckle. "If I had a bit for every time I walked around this cage, I'd be rich!"

He paused as his lunch was slid underneath the hatch to the cell. Blackjack walked over to it and began to eat. He stopped, realizing that his lunch was a plate of spaghetti. He shook his head.

It's just a coincidence, the stallion told himself. Nothing more.

Blackjack took another bite and savored the taste. He tasted a slight kick and he looked at the pasta in fear. Great! Now my mind's playing tricks on me!

He pushed the plate aside, his eyes falling on a rolled piece of paper hidden beneath it. Curious, he picked it up, black chalk falling out of its side. Blackjack picked the chalk up and read the paper.

Had a small bottle of the Crystal Empire's hottest sauce in my bags; thought you'd like something to change the flavor of the spaghetti. That chalk should work on the walls of your cell, so feel free to do what you want with it. I'm getting transfered to the Crystal Empire tomorrow, so I guess this is goodbye. I wish you all the luck in the world, and I'll keep you in my prayers.

With all due respect,

Private Flash Sentry, Equestrian Royal Guard.

P.S. found out that your trial's in three days.

Blackjack smiled, feeling his eyes water. He had made a friend in the most unlikely way. He put the chalk and Flash's letter in the pockets of his orange jumpsuit, then began to eat his meal happily. Coincidence or not, this really lightens my spirit.

After he finished the meal, he stood and took out the chalk. He looked at the blank white walls of his cell, inspiration taking hold. He started by drawing a treble clef, adding five lines next to it. Then, he began to write. A song began to take shape; the chalk a blur in his quick hands.

He paused, admiring his latest composition. He felt that it was missing something, then, he had it! Lyrics! The stallion thought. Blackjack continued to work, the words of the song appearing like magic on the wall. When he had finished, he smiled proudly. Then, dropping the chalk, Blackjack began to sing the new song.

"There once was a colt nopony knew; he slept in trees and was homeless too. But that all changed one bright sunny day, for the apple was given and he didn't have to pay. A Golden Oak, a golden heart; the Magic didn't let him fall apart.

"Don't look back, don't be afraid! Cause if you do, you'll find only pain! Keep your eyes focused on tomorrow; cause when you do, you'll depart this land of sorrow. The road is long, I know; just promise me you'll never let me go. Thank you for this wonderful time; I'll keep this promise locked inside.

"With four golden years were memories made; many friends who stuck with him through blood, sweat, and pain. But all things good shall come to an end; at the Gala the Prince's blood is shed.

"Don't look back, don't be afraid! Cause if you do, you'll only find pain! Keep your eyes focused on tomorrow; cause when you do, you'll depart from this land of sorrow. The road is long, I know; just promise me you'll never let me go. Thank you for this wonderful time; I'll keep this promise locked inside.

"Two Pegasi and a guard for a friend; they help him mend. But will they find the reason this all began? Time is running out with its cruel, unyielding hands.

There was a knock on his door, and it opened. A Royal Guard entered the cell, cuffs in hand. "You're coming with me," he said. "AR and Delta have a few more questions for you."

Blackjack let the guard cuff him and take him down to an interrogation room. He sat down in a chair, the guard leaving. "Hello Blackjack," Delta said. "Good to see you again."

"Same here," Blackjack replied. "So, what else do you need to know?"

"That can wait. For now, we have something important to tell you."

"We found Dusty," AR said. "He's given us information that could get you out by the time the trial's over."

"Wait, Dusty?" Blackjack asked. "As in, the Dusty that tried to kill Mac and I?"

"Yes. You're not going to believe this, but after he was arrested that night you were shot, he's changed. We brought him in from a weather factory in Cloudsdale."

"Unfortunately," Delta said with a sigh. "We went there under the assumption that he was still working for Black Ice. That assumption cost both Dusty and his wife their jobs."

"He has a wife?" Blackjack asked. "You're right, I don't believe it."

"Hear us out, Blackjack. Dusty told us that Black Ice was at the Gala."

"What?!?"

"Blackjack, if what Dusty said is true, then it will be instrumental in your release. That is, if you can prove it."

"What do you mean?"

"Blackjack, it's time for you to tell us what happened at the Gala."

Blackjack was silent for a moment. "Alright," he said, shaking his head. "Where do you want me to begin?"

"The day you were making preparations."

'-'

One week, one day ago...

"C'mon Spike!" Blackjack exclaimed. "We need to get the library spotless before Twilight gets back from Rarity's!"

"I'm cleaning as fast as I can BJ," Spike replied as he mopped the floor. "Take it easy, will ya?"

"Sorry Spike. I just can't believe I got invited to the Grand Galloping Gala!"

It had been a week since he and his friends had recieved their invitations in the mail. Blackjack had read and re-read the letter so many times that he knew it by heart. Even now it was going through his head.

Blackjack the Fiddler,

You are cordially invited to this year's Grand Galloping Gala. I have heard great things about you and your skill as a musician, so I request that you would play with the band that will be at the Gala for a song or two. I cannot express how eager I am to hear you play.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia

Blackjack put another book away just as Twilight walked through the Golden Oak's front door. "Blackjack, Spike," she said. "I'm back."

"Welcome home Twilight," Blackjack replied, climbing down from the ladder. "Did you get your dress from Rarity?"

"Right here!" Twilight levitated the dress next to her, which was sealed inside a cover. "Wow! Did you two clean up?"

"Yes ma'am! We figured that you might have a lot of preparations to make for tomorrow, so we cleaned up for you."

"Aw, thank you, BJ." She hugged him, Spike chuckling at Blackjack.

The phone rang, Spike answering it. "Hello? Oh, hi Rarity. No, Blackjack's a little busy right now. Alright, I'll tell him. Bye. Rarity wants you over at her place, BJ."

"Alright," Blackjack replied. "Spike, help out Twilight with anything else she needs." The stallion began to walk out the door, then turned to the dragon. "And Spike, not a word."

"My lips are sealed, Pinkie Pie promise." Spike did the motions and Blackjack nodded, leaving the library.

Blackjack strolled down the streets of Ponyville, waving at several ponies with his forehoof as he passed by and wishing them a good afternoon. The black stallion smiled as he heard his fellow citizens quietly discussing the plans he had for the Gala.

"Hey Blackjack," Roseluck said with a smile. "Would you like a daisy?"

"Sure!" Blackjack replied. "Thanks, Roseluck!"

"Oh, it's the least I could do after you helped me pick out an entire supply of flowers. Here you go!" The mare tossed the flower at him, and Blackjack caught it in his teeth and ate it.

"Good luck tomorrow night, BJ!" Roseluck exclaimed as he walked away.

Blackjack arrived at Rarity's boutique, the door chiming as he walked in. "Oh Blackjack, darling!" Rarity exclaimed, walking up to him. She was wearing her glasses, her tape measurer hanging loosely on her neck. "I was wondering when you would arrive!"

"Good to see you too," Blackjack replied, hugging her with his forehooves. "How are you, Rarity?"

"Absolutely ecstatic! I mean, we are guests at the Grand Galloping Gala! Speaking of which, what in Equestria are you wearing?"

"Casual clothes, why?"

"No no no! This simply will not do! Come along dear, I'll put you in something a little more proper."

Before he knew it, Blackjack was behind a vanity screen, a tuxedo hanging next to him. He undressed then put the suit on; he walked out from behind the screen when he was dressed.

"Oh marvelous!" Rarity exclaimed, clapping her hooves. "That red vest really brings out your eyes, Blackjack!"

"Wow," the stallion replied, looking at himself through a mirror. "This looks amazing! Thank you, Rarity!" Blackjack hugged her, and she laughed.

"Oh my! No no, thank you! Your white suit wouldn't be this way without your big plan! Now run along, you have more preparations to do."

"Alright. See you tomorrow, Rarity!"

Blackjack walked out of her boutique, beginning to whistle merrily. He felt the urge to sing from happiness, and he did so, walking down Ponyville's streets.

"Hello everypony! I just wanted to say: I'm happy that I could help you all with anything each day-a-ay! It didn't matter how, I'm telling you, that's true. Cause helping out my friends is just a pleasure to do!

"But now I need your help this very day. I've got a plan to propose tomorrow, and all I really need is your help for a while, so I can propose tomorrow night!"

Blackjack now had a crowd following him through town, interested in his song. Blackjack found himself in the marketplace, Gold Karat waving him over. "Thanks for all the help," he sang. "Please, Blackjack, take this ring. Don't think about paying up, it's a gift to you from me!"

Blackjack smiled and put the ring in the locket that hung around his neck. He suddenly found himself being dragged to the Apple family's stand. "Now if you're kind of worried," Big Mac sang, his hoof around his friend. "An' that she might say no-"

"We'll work real hard and do our best," Applejack cut in. "To help you both to come around!"

"Cause you've been a great friend Blackjack," Applebloom added. "Help'n me to get my Cutie Mark, that's what you did!"

Rainbow Dash flew down and gave Blackjack a noogie. "We'll be with you until the bitter end-"

"But that day isn't near!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, throwing confetti.

Fluttershy then took the stallion aside, looking at him sincerely. "It's true, you came here scared and lonely. But that's now in the past, and your friends will be there to help you win that lucky mare's hoof!"

"You have made us all very happy," Rarity said, pinning a rose to Blackjack's suit coat. "For that were oh so thankful! You've helped us out, now it's our turn to help you out!"

"I really am so happy," Blackjack replied, turning to the crowd. "Thank you all for helping me! I gave some help, I get your help, that's just amazing to me! Thank you all for helping me, me, me! Tell me what I did to be deserving; I'm at a loss of words from all you're doing for me! You all just made my day-ay!"

"Come on everypony," the residents of Ponyville began to sing. "Help out BJ! Let's all help him out like he had helped us! Go see if we can help him out, so he can propose tomorrow!"

They began to continue this for a while, Ivory Scroll, the Mayor of Ponyville walking up to Blackjack with a paper and pen. Blackjack beamed, seeing that it was a wedding license. He signed his name and asked, "Can you keep this until she says yes?"

The Mayor nodded, taking the license away. The town cheered, Pinkie Pie firing her Party Cannon. The town disbanded, many ponies pausing to wish Blackjack luck. He bade them farewell and went back to the library.

'-'

The Next Day...

Blackjack tied the final knot on his bowtie, and straightened it until it was level. He then put on his locket and triple-checked that the ring was inside of it. Satisfied, Blackjack put Hearth Fire in its case and left his room. The stallion left the library, and put his violin on the top of a carriage that Twilight had made from an apple a few minutes ago.

"Howdy BJ," Big Mac said, joining his friend. "Nice suit, little buddy!"

"Hey Mac," Blackjack replied. "You look pretty fancy there yourself. Never would've imagined a farm-colt like you wearing a tuxedo."

"Well, I am going to the Gala with Fluttershy. Besides, I'm tagging along to make sure you don't screw up on your proposal."

Blackjack crossed his arms. "Since when did you know anything about proposing?"

The stallion's cheeks turned an even brighter shade of red as he rubbed his neck. "Fluttershy made me watch an episode of Needle In A Haystack once."

Blackjack laughed, turning to see Spike exit the library, followed by the six mares. Blackjack blinked, admiring the way that the setting sun reflected off of Twilight's light blue dress. "Hi guys," she said. "Are you two ready to go?"

"Yes ma'am," Big Mac replied, elbowing Blackjack out of his daze. "Spike, do you mind helping the fillies in while we hitch ourselves to the carriage?"

"Not at all," Spike replied. He opened the door, and the mares took their seats inside the carriage.

"You got the ring?" Big Mac asked Blackjack in a whisper.

"Right here," the black stallion replied, tapping his locket. "Unconventional, I know, but that's the plan. Mac...do you think that she'll say yes?"

"Eeyup. In fact, I don't see why she wouldn't accept your hoof in marriage."

Blackjack smiled. "Thanks bud."

"Hey," the stallion replied as he tousled Blackjack's mane. "What're friends for?"

The two hitched themselves to the carriage after becoming quadruple, Spike climbing up to the driver's seat. "Alright everypony! Next stop: The Grand Galloping Gala!" The teenage dragon flicked the reins, and the two stallions trotted off, pulling the carriage behind them.

'-'

"Big Mac," Spike said. "Blackjack, may I be the first to say: welcome to Canterlot!"

Blackjack smiled at the sight of Equestria's capital city, the castle standing proudly above all the other buildings. The two stallions brought the carriage into the castle courtyard, and Blackjack unhitched to help the six mares out when they were stopped at the front of the castle entrance.

"Thank you dear," Rarity said, grabbing the black stallion's hand on her way out. "Well girls, it seems that we are here once again."

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash replied. "Hopefully tonight won't be like last time."

"Why would it be?" Pinkie Pie asked. "After all, Blackjack's going to-" she stopped herself, clamping her hands over her mouth.

"Perform for the Princesses," Blackjack finished for her, grinning his half grin. "Hey Mac, do you need any help parking the carriage?"

"Nope," he replied. "I've got it. You just enjoy yourself, I'll catch up."

Blackjack nodded, retrieving his violin from the luggage rack. "Alright bud." Blackjack, Spike, and the six mares then walked together into the castle. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia stood at the top of a grand staircase, and the group of friends waited in line to greet them.

"Twilight," Princess Celestia said with a smile. "Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Spike; it is so good to see you all!"

"Indeed," Princess Luna said in agreement. "We hope you enjoy the festivities."

"Now where is your friend, Twilight?" Celestia asked. "Was he unable to come?"

"I'm here m'lady," Blackjack said. He stepped out from behind the six mares and bowed nervously. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesties."

"The honor is mine. I eagerly await your performance."

"Thank you, Princess!"

Celestia nodded, and the group of friends went into the party. "So this is the Grand Galloping Gala," Blackjack remarked. "It's everything I've imagined."

"That's great," Twilight replied. "Where would you like to start?"

"Pictures!" Rarity exclaimed, a photographer raising their camera. "Come, come everyone, let's do a group photo and then some headshots!"

The pictures were taken, and Blackjack put a copy of each in his locket.

"Well, I think I should get acquainted with the orchestra," he said. "I'll catch up with you guys later."

Blackjack left his friends and headed towards the stage, a mare approaching him when he had arrived. "Good evening," she said in a thick Canterlot accent. "Are you Blackjack The Fiddler?"

"Yes ma'am," Blackjack replied, shaking her hand. "Who are you?"

"You can call me Octavia, Mister Blackjack."

"Octavia? As in: the cellist?"

"Quite right."

"I absolutely love your symphonies! It's a pleasure meeting you!"

The mare smiled. "No no, it is a pleasure to meet you. The Fiddler! You are performing tonight, correct?"

"Yes ma'am! I have to admit, I'm really nervous about tonight."

"Oh I get it, you've got the jitters because you're performing for the Princesses. A little tip: just pretend that you're playing for somepony you care about."

"I'll keep that in mind. It was nice meeting you, Octavia, and thank you."

"Of course! Good luck, Fiddler."

The mare left, and Blackjack began to set up. He opened Hearth Fire's case, and began to tune the instrument. Satisfied, Blackjack rosined his bow and made a few quick strokes across the strings.

"Fillies and gentlecolts," a stallion said onstage. "May I have your attention, please?"

The guests of the gala paused to listen to the stallion. "We shall continue the music momentarily. For now, on behalf of the Royal Family, I welcome you to the Grand Galloping Gala."

The ponies applauded, and the stallion continued. "We have a very special guest among us tonight. Many of you may have heard of this gentlecolt, and many of you have not. It is with great pleasure that I introduce Ponyville's own: Blackjack the Fiddler."

The ponies applauded again, and Blackjack entered to center stage, violin in hand. "Thank you," he said. "Now, before I begin, I need to extend my gratitude to Princess Celestia. It is by her invitation that I am able to be here tonight. So, My Lady, I thank you." Blackjack bowed to her, and she smiled happily from her seat near the stage.

"Now," Blackjack continued. "I dedicate this song to my friends, who have become my family in the most unlikely way, and to everyone who died or lost a loved one during the war four years ago. I call this song: Hope."

Blackjack put Hearth Fire to his chin, and raised the bow to its strings. He began to play, and a quiet, mournful song took its place. When the stallion finished, tears were in nearly everypony's eyes, including Princess Celestia's. Blackjack then exited the stage and packed up his violin, leaving the ponies to reflect.

"Fiddler," a pony said once he reached a balcony outside.

Blackjack turned to see Princess Luna standing before him. "Princess," he replied with a bow. "I am honored."

"Please, there is no need for formalities. We are out of sight from other ponies. Your friends have told me of your plans tonight; I wish to give you my blessing."

"Y-your blessing?" Blackjack asked. "I-I...thank you, Princess Luna!"

The princess smiled. "Twilight Sparkle is a good mare, and I believe you are a fit choice for her. Be warned: if you are to ever mistreat her, I will personally file for your arrest. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I promise you that I will never bring any harm to her."

"Good. Now, I believe the festivities have resumed. Go, I believe you have a dance waiting for you."

Blackjack bowed, then re-entered the palace. He found his friends inside the ballroom, and stood by Big Macintosh. "Hey Mac," he said. "Did you dance with Fluttershy yet?"

"Eeyup," the red stallion replied. "Now it's your turn, BJ."

"What do you mean?"

"Twilight's sitting alone off to the side. You'd better hurry, 'an ask her to dance; some other stallions are starting to take notice that she doesn't have a partner."

"Thanks Mac." Blackjack clapped his friend's shoulder, and made his way towards Twilight. "Hey," he said as he came close to her.

"Hey," Twilight replied. "Great job on that song! You moved us all close to tears!"

"Well, I try to express myself in my music. Shadowblaze's war left a lasting effect on everypony. So, uh, Twilight...may I have this dance?"

He offered his hand, and the mare cautiously took it. "I don't know how."

Blackjack grinned. "I'll teach you."

The two then walked hand in hand to the dance floor. "Now," Blackjack said, gently putting his hand on her back. "Just follow my lead, okay?"

Twilight blushed slightly. "Okay."

The two ponies began to dance, Blackjack finding himself staring into Twilight's eyes. One...two...and three...four. One...two...and three...four. Blackjack no longer noticed the crowd of ponies dancing along side them. The music had softened to the song of his own heart.

One...two...three...and twirl...and one...

Blackjack began to recall his fond memories of the mare. The time when they exchanged presents during Hearth's Warming. The dark time when she stood over his wounded body at Fluttershy's cottage. The night when she fell asleep at her desk once more, Blackjack carrying her off to bed. But most of all, Blackjack remembered how Twilight became his very first friend.

One...two...three...and dip...

Blackjack suddenly found himself standing over Twilight, their eyes locked on to each other. He pulled her up and ignored the crowd of ponies that watched them. "Come with me," Blackjack whispered."

He led her upstairs as the music resumed, and out on to a balcony. The two ponies leaned against the railing hand in hand, watching the stars twinkle in the night.

"Is something on your mind, BJ?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah," he replied. "I wanted to show you something."

The black stallion unclipped his locket from his neck, and gave it to her. Twilight opened it, and stared curiously at the pictures inside. "Blackjack, are these all of your favorite memories?"

He nodded, then blushed slightly as she turned to the picture of her. "Twilight," he said. "You are my favorite memory, and I never want to forget you."

The mare smiled. "We've had some pretty memorable memories, haven't we?" Blackjack took his locket back.

"I want to make more."

"What do you mean?"

"Twilight, I want to make a new memory with you for the rest of my life. So...what I'm trying to say is...Twilight Sparkle, will you-?"

That was when he heard the scream. Blackjack ran off to investigate, dropping his locket in his haste. He leaned over the railing, and looked down to see a stallion's body sprawled out on the floor below. Princess Celestia stood over it in shock, then looked to see Blackjack.

She yelled in a fury, "Arrest him!"

Chapter 8

Reflection

Chapter Eight

"I see," Delta said. "Is there anything else?"

"No," Blackjack replied. "That's everything."

"You never even saw anypony suspicious?" AR asked.

"Did you?"

The Pegasus shook his head. "Thank you for your time, Blackjack. We have a bit of work to do."

'-'

Three days later...

"All rise," the Captain said. "Presenting their Royal Highnesses, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia."

The audience of ponies all stood as the Alicorn Sisters entered the court. Blackjack looked away as Celestia's eyes shot daggers at him. The princesses took their seats, and the gathered ponies followed suit.

"This court is now in session," Celestia said. "Blackjack the Fiddler, you are charged with the murder of Prince Blueblood. How do you plead?"

"Not guilty," Blackjack replied. "Your Majesty."

"Very well. AR and Delta, you may proceed."

"Thank you m'lady," Delta replied with a bow. He and AR went to stand in the witness stand. "Your Majesties, fillies and gentlecolts of the jury, as many of you know, AR and I were tasked with both discovering this stallion's past, and proving him innocent in court.

"Because this is not the standard Equestrian trial, Princess Celestia is serving as the proscecutor, as well as the judge. Also, as AR and I were hired to prove Blackjack innocent, I shall serve as his lawyer. AR will only be allowed to speak when called to the stand. However, as we do not want biased viewpoints on the facts, a jury has been put in place."

The audience nodded in understanding, AR going to sit beside Blackjack. Delta stepped down from the stand, and said, "I call my first witness to the stand. Spike the Dragon."

Spike stood from his seat, then sat in the witness stand. "Mister Dragon," Delta continued. "Would you tell us what you saw on the night of the murder?"

"Uh, yeah," Spike replied. "Let's see...Blackjack was upstairs with Twilight at the time. I was giving a few Crystal Ponies my autograph, when I looked to see Prince Blueblood fall over the railing."

"Did you see how the prince fell?"

"No...just blood everywhere."

"I see. Would you describe Blackjack as a dangerous pony?"

"No. Blackjack would rather negotiate than fight."

"Mr. Dragon," Delta said as he retrieved Blackjack's violin. "Because you were present during the purchase, can you clarify that this is indeed the violin belonging to The Fiddler?"

"I can, and I do."

"Your Majesty, I have no further questions for this witness."

Celestia nodded. "You may present your next witness."

Delta called AR to the stand. "AR, would you please describe the scene of the crime to the jury?"

"From what the Canterlot Police Department has gathered," he replied. "It is currently believed that Prince Blueblood was pushed over the railing. However, due to an incompetent analyst's lack of observation, I found the bow of a violin lodged inside of the Prince's chest."

There was a murmur stirring in the audience from this news. "Mr. AR," Celestia said. "Are you certain that it was indeed a bow you found?"

"Yes, Princess Celestia. I remember its hairs being covered in rosin."

"I see. Thank you, AR. You may call your next witness to the stand, Delta."

Many more witnesses were called, each one telling the same story: Blackjack was innocent. That is, until Dusty was called. "Please state your name and occupation for the court," Delta said.

"Dusty Wind," Dusty replied. "Formerly an engineer for Cloudsdale International Weather, no thanks to you and your partner."

"That is irrelevant. You were a former member of the Black Death gang, correct?"

"Correct."

"So, Mister Wind, can you provide an input to your former partner in crime's recent activity?"

'-'

Black Ice knew he had this in the bag. The idiot, Blackjack, was upstairs talking sweet nothings to that geek. He could see his target just above him. The mule was all by himself. Perfect. He climbed the stairs, and grabbed the stallion by his coat.

"Hello friend," Black Ice said. "Time to die!"

He stabbed the stallion with a bow he found, and pushed him over the railing.

'-'

"So," Celestia said. "You mean to tell me that you knew Blueblood was going to be murdered? And yet, you do nothing about it?"

"Listen Princess," Dusty replied. "I didn't know where that sick mule was until after he killed Blueblood! All I know is that The Fiddler was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Guards, get this stallion out of my sight!"

Two Royal Guards took him away, Dusty screaming bloody murder the whole way. "Delta," Celestia continued after a short pause. "Do you have any further witnesses?"

"No, Princess," Delta replied. "Would you like the defendant called to the stand?"

"Yes. I want to hear his testimony."

Blackjack obliged, and told the court everything he had told AR and Delta. Celestia looked thoughtful for a moment.

"So...the violin in your possession once belonged to my brother?"

"Yes Princess," Blackjack replied.

"I see...Delta, do you have the murder weapon with you?"

"Yes Your Highness," Delta replied, presenting the bow. "As you can see, it is broken from the impact as the victim fell. The hairs are heavily coated with rosin, and the wood is mahogany."

"Do you have any results to a DNA scan of the hairs?"

"Yes, m'lady." He gave her the results, and she nodded.

"I see...Court will take a five minute recess as the jury decides their verdict."

'-'

"Don't worry Blackjack," AR said. "We're winning Celestia over, I can tell!"

"I'm not so sure," Blackjack replied. "Did you notice how she didn't announce what the DNA results were?"

"I did," Delta said, rubbing his chin. "It's troublesome, but the results are clear. The bow does not belong to you."

'-'

"Fillies and gentlecolts of the jury," Celestia said. "Have you made your verdict?"

A stallion from the jury stood. "Yes Princess," he replied. "Due to the testimonies we have heard from the defendant's friends, as well as the testimony from Dusty Wind, we have decided that Blackjack the Fiddler was the framed scapegoat of an act of revenge by one Black Ice. Therefore, the jury's verdict is: not guilty!"

The audience of ponies, mostly consisting of Ponyville residents, cheered uproariously. Blackjack's friends came down and embraced him, AR and Delta joining in and shaking hands for a job well done.

"Excuse me." The celebration was cut short by Celestia, who wore a solemn frown. "I'm sorry, truely I am, but during the recess...I have read and reread the results many times over, but they are what they are. The bowstrings match with the hairs of my brother."

There was an uproar among the court. "I object!" Delta shouted. "Princess, I've seen the results with my own eyes! The hairs do not belong to Shadowblaze!"

"Are you calling me a liar? Fine. Here, read it yourself!"

She levitated the results to him, and Delta read it. His heart stopped. "It...it's true."

"Sister!" Luna shouted, grabbing Celestia. "Please! You know that this stallion is innocent! He was framed by another!"

"I'm sorry," she replied. "But my judgement stands. Blackjack the Fiddler, I have found you guilty for crimes against Equestria and the Crown. I hereby exile you from this nation."

The entire court was in a frenzy, several Royal Guards pushing the ponies away from Blackjack, and keeping the audience from swarming.

'-'

"So this is it then?" Delta asked. "After all we've been through, we failed to prove you innocent?"

"No," Blackjack replied, putting his locket on. "You proved I was innocent, and you trusted me to the end. For that, I thank you."

Blackjack shook their hooves, and the two Pegasi left without another word. Two Royal Guards escorted him out of his room in the Golden Oak Library, and led him to a carriage in the outskirts of Ponyville. Several citizens said their goodbyes as he passed, while others were too sad to say a word.

When Blackjack arrived at the carriage, his friends were there to meet him. "Howdy BJ," Big Mac said sadly. "You take care, little buddy."

There once was a colt nopony knew...

"You're an honest stallion," Applejack added, her hat low over her eyes. "I hope you know that."

He slept in trees and was homeless too...

"You were always so selfless," Rarity said through bitter tears. "I hope that never changes."

But that all changed one bright sunny day...

"You always stood by your friend's sides," Rainbow Dash said, her voice cracking. "You're loyal."

For the apple was given and he didn't have to pay...

"You always knew how to cheer ponies up," Pinkie Pie said with a sad chuckle. "And you always made me laugh."

A Golden Oak, a golden heart...

"You were so gentle and kind," Fluttershy said, sobbing. "Don't you ever stop that."

The Magic never let him fall apart...

The Cutie Mark Crusaders each gave him a hug.

Spike embraced him.

Zecora gave him a white cloak.

Blackjack hugged and thanked them all for being his friends.

With four golden years were memories made; many friends who stuck with him through blood, sweat, and pain. But all things good shall come to an end; at the Gala the Prince's blood is shed...

Then, they all left. Except Twilight. She stood silent, tears slowly leaving wet streaks across her face. Blackjack felt his own tears begin to fall as he gently embraced her.

"Here," he said, taking off his locket. "I want you to have it."

"I can't," she replied, gently putting it back on him. "You need to remember all the good memories. Can you promise me that?"

"I...I promise."

The two friends broke from their embrace, and Blackjack boarded the carriage.

Don't look back, don't be afraid! Cause if you do, you'll find only pain! Keep your eyes focused on tomorrow; cause when you do, you'll depart this land of sorrow. The road is long, I know; just promise me you'll never let me go. Thank you for this wonderful time; I'll keep this promise locked inside...

"Goodbye Twilight..."

Blackjack's guards began to move the carriage away, and the stallion began to become further and further away.

"Goodbye Blackjack," Twilight said, tears streaming down her face. "I...I love you too."

Introduction

Reflection
Introduction

Two stallions walked through the dimly lit hallway. The police ponies acknowledged them with a respectful nod. They stopped behind a metal door, and a stallion pulled out a set of keys. He unlocked the door, and the duo stepped inside.

The room was lit even less than the hall. A single light bulb hung from the ceiling, illuminating the center of the room. A stallion sat hoof-cuffed in a chair, his head resting in his front hooves on the table. He looked up as the two stallions took a seat next to him.

He took in the newcomers features. The stallion on his right was an off white Pegasus, and his bright blue eyes seemed to smile. The other, was a purple Pegasus. His muzzle was set in a frown, and he looked at the hoof-cuffed pony in contempt.

"Who are you two?" The stallion asked. "Where's Twilight? Please tell me she's okay!"

"Miss Sparkle is fine," the left stallion replied. "This is my partner AR, and I'm Delta. We're freelance detectives, and we've been hired to get the truth out of you."

"I don't know what happened at the Gala that would get me arrested. I'm innocent!"

"I believe you."

"What? Why?"

"Because I saw what happened. You didn't do anything wrong. Not even before then."

"It's true," AR said. "You don't have a file full of paperwork."

"But if the Police, and the Princesses know I'm clean," the stallion frowned. "Why would Celestia throw me in jail?

"It's because you don't have a file!" AR grinned, and Delta sighed.

"AR's right. You don't have a file. No school letters, no I.D. not even a birth certificate!"

"What!" The stallion gasped. "That can't be right, I lived in Ponyville my whole life! Surely you've asked my neighbors!"

"I'm sorry sir, but you simply don't exist."

"Your neighbors told the Police," AR continued. "That you suddenly showed up one day, four years ago."

"That's why we were hired. Not just for this 'crime' Celestia arrested you for at the Gala, but to find out everything about you."

Delta leaned over the table, and looked the teary eyed stallion in the eyes. "Who are you? Who are you really?"

"Where do you want me to begin?" The stallion asked.

"Go back to four years ago," AR said. "Preferably when you started working at Ponyville's library."

"Alright...wait is that a tape recorder?"

"Yes," Delta said. "This will let us listen to your story again, to look for contradictions. Protocol and that stuff."

"Take all the time you need," AR added. "There's no rush, especially concerning a story like yours."

"I'll keep that in mind," the stallion replied. "I'm just nervous, that's all."

"If you're innocent," Delta stated. "You don't have a reason to be. Like I said though, I believe you are."

"Thanks. I'm ready to talk now."

Delta nodded at AR, and the Pegasus hit the record button.

Chapter 4

Reflection

Chapter Four

"We're going to let him down?" AR asked. The duo were at a local café in Canterlot, discussing their current case. "I mean, we come all the way from Manehatten to have another unsuccessful case? We made a promise Delta!"

"You made a promise," the purple pegasus replied. "I don't like it either, but unless we can find his files to prove that he's not a terrorist, our case runs on the word of civilians. You and I both know Princess Celestia will condemn him unless we also prove that he didn't murder Blueblood."

AR put his head in his hooves and groaned. "Why do our last cases seem so much easier right now?"

"Maybe because we know this stallion's innocent? There aren't any eyewitnesses that we know of and Blackjack wasn't anywhere near Blueblood when he fell. Something else is happening here...let's take a trip to the castle. Maybe we'll find more evidence there."

'-'

"Well he doesn't look any different," AR said, pointing at Blueblood's corpse. "Sprawled out on his stomach with a few broken bones. Dead as usual."

"Right," Delta replied. "But because he was pushed? I don't know. What's this powder around him?"

"Rosin," an analylist replied. "From a bow."

"The prince never played though."

"Yes, but as you know, the murderer was a violinist. After a long night of playing, he was bound to be covered in the rosin and by the looks of things, rubbed some off when he pushed the prince."

"Actually," AR said. "I don't think he was pushed." The stallion rolled the corpse over, a viollin bow sticking out of its chest. "Rather, he was stabbed with the killer's own bow."

"You didn't see this before?" Delta asked.

"N-no," the analylist replied. "His suit was covering it up."

"And yet you did not notice the blood on said suit?"

"I-I thought his bones had torn through his skin!"

"You're doing alot of thinking and not enough observing, aren't you? Take the bow back to your lab and get a DNA match on the hairs. If I'm right, this will be the key to our client's fate."

The analyist carefully took the bow out of the body and walked out in shame. "Step two," AR said. "Find his papers."

"That's where the hard part is," Delta replied. "Miss Sparkle claimed that Blackjack had papers. But we looked through our own database and there's nothing about him, not even a name. Let's head back to Ponyville and check town hall for anything."

'-'

"Certainly," Mayor Mare said. "I have the documents you're looking for." The three sat in the mayor's office, the mare going through various file cabinets. "Now let's see...Berry Punch...Blackberry Tart...Black Ice...aha! Here we are, Blackjack." She passed the file to the investigators, opening the folder.

"Blackjack the fiddler?" Delta asked. "What's his last name?"

"He doesn't have one," the mayor replied. "I thought you would know that sir."

"We're pretty much in the dark about this guy," AR said. "All we know is that he's been accused of the murder of Prince Blueblood."

"Everyone in Ponyville knows that. We're not too happy about it either. Heaven above! I honestly can't believe that Blackjack murdered! He's not a violent pony."

"That's why Delta and I are here. This file may be the only way we can prove Blackjack innocent. Provided it contains what we need, of course."

"I believe it does. Here's his birth certificate, document of citizenship, and a wedding license he had me keep until the lucky mare said yes."

"Wedding license?" Delta asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. I think he said he was going to propose at the gala..."

Delta took a note and examined each document closely with AR. The birth certificate stated that he was twenty-five and was born in Appleoosa hospital, but the text was faded at some points and they could not read who his parents were.

The document of citizenship was dated correctly. The document was signed four years ago. The wedding license was recent and only needed one more signature to be complete.

"Is there anything else?" AR asked.

"No," the mayor replied. "Unfortunatly, this is all I have. You may have to check with your superiors-"

"They don't have anything," Delta said. "This is all new for us, besides his name being on the most wanted list."

"That's why he was arrested?"

"Along with being accused of murder."

"Hmm...well gentlecolts, I can assure you one thing."

"What would that be?"

"Even if you cannot find any solid evidence, know this: almost everyone in Ponyville either knows Blackjack or knows somepony who does. I assure you, if you ever need more than his friend's testimonies, the entire town will be willing to speak up."

"That's very kind of you, but I doubt a jury from Canterlot would be willing to bend to all those claims, even if they're true."

"There needs to be documented proof of his background," AR added. "Even if we find it...Celestia makes the final judgement. I don't think she'll condemn him, but if after seeing her face at the gala..."

"Well it wouldn't hurt to try," the mayor said. "Please, ask around town. You'll see what I'm talking about. You might want to stop by Sweet Apple Acres first."

"The place where that wonderful cider comes from?!?" AR asked excitedly.

"Yes. It's just outside of Ponyville. The Apple family lives there and they know Blackjack very well, especially Big Macintosh. He's the stallion's best friend."

"To Big Macintosh it is then," Delta said. "Thank you Mayor Mare."

"Of course! If you need anything else, please let me know!"

'-'

"So," AR said, plucking an apple from a tree. "Why do you think they call him Big Macintosh?"

"We'll find out soon enough," Delta replied. "Here comes somepony."

A teenage filly with a pink bow in her mane walked down the dirt path towards them. "Y'all lost?" She asked. "'Cause this here's private property."

"Our appologies," Delta said, showing his badge. "My name's Delta and he's my partner AR. We're private investigators. We need to ask the Apples a few questions."

"Why? We've never done anything 'gainst the law."

"You're an Apple?"

"'Course I am! Can't ya see the appleblossom on my flank?"

"Look kid-"

"The name's Applebloom."

"You get that additude from a local teenage dragon?!?"

"So what if I do?"

"Delta!" AR shouted, shoving his apple into the stallion's mouth. "Let me handle this okay?" Delta looked at him with steely eyes. AR bent over to become eye level with Applebloom.

"Look," he said. "I think you know why we're here. Now, don't say Blackjack's innocent-"

"But he is!"

"Shh...I know. We think he is too, but we need evidece. That's why we're here, because your family knows him so well, you can tell us about him and testify at the trial if needed. Now, may we come inside?"

She nodded her head, wiping away a tear. A bell rang and Applebloom smiled. "Y'all came just in time for lunch too. C'mon!"

The filly led them along the path, Delta eating the apple. "Well you're good with kids," he said. "Lucky you.

"That's because I'm sensitve," AR replied. "I also know when to quit."

Delta rolled his eyes. "Look who's talking."

They arrived at the house's front porch, Applebloom looking the Pegasi over. "Y'all don't have guns on you right?"

"Not presently," Delta replied. "Why?"

"No guns at the table, Grannie Smith's rule." She opened the door and shouted, "Hey y'all, can you get two more plates? We've got company!"

"I told you that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo can't come over AB," a voice shouted back. "Tell 'em to go home!"

"This 'aint Sweetie and Scoot sis! I don't even know where they live!"

"Then why in tarnation did you bring strangers to the farm?!?"

"I didn't! The coppers just walked in!"

"Even more reason not to let them in! Listen here officers, we 'aint done nothing 'gainst the law, so scram!"

"Then I guess your friend will have you to thank for whatever happens," Delta calmly replied. "Not something pleasant, I imagine."

The shutters next to the door opened and three Earth Ponies stood with guns pointed at the stallions. "No guns at the table huh?" Delta asked. Applebloom giggled nervously.

"Now listen here," an orange mare said coldly. "You've got five seconds to give us a good reason why you're here or we'll shoot."

"Eeyup!" A red stallion exclaimed.

"Your time starts now," an elderly mare said as she cocked her pistol.

"Tell them AR," Delta said.

"We're here on behalf of Blackjack the Fiddler," the off-white stallion quickly said, showing his badge.

The three ponies stared slack-jawed. "Soup's on!" The green mare shouted, closing the shutters.

"They seem nice," AR half-joked. "Is your family always this hospitible?"

"I'm sorry," Applebloom replied. "Everypony in town's a bit wound tight since Blackjack got arrested."

"It's alright kid," Delta said. "We're used to this kind of treatment."

"C'mon in y'all," the orange mare said, standing in the doorway. "There's a meal waiting for you."

"Thank you!" AR replied, dashing inside.

Delta and Applebloom followed him in, the mare leading them to the table. "Sorry about that," the orange mare appoligized, setting two extra spots at the table. "The entire town's gone a bit crazy since, well, you know why."

"We understand," AR said. "We're starting to get a little crazy because of what happened too."

"Whatcha mean?"

"It's hard to make sense of what we have," Delta replied, he and AR sitting. "We were told that you are friends with our client. Is that true?"

"Eeyup," the red stallion said as he dished up plates. "'Specially me 'an BJ. We're closer than two seeds in an apple."

"You must be Big Macintosh."

"Eeyup. Y'all met Applebloom already. That's my sister Applejack and this is Grannie Smith."

"I'm Delta and this is my partner AR. Would you mind answering a few questions for us concerning Blackjack?"

Big Macintosh nodded, setting the table. He sat down along with his family and asked, "What'd y'all like to know?"

"How long have you known Blackjack?"

"Oh...'bout two 'an a half years now. I met 'im here at 'th farm when he was helping AJ buck apples."

"Could you both tell us about it?"

"Sure," Applejack said. "BJ and I were just finishing up..."

'-'

Two and a half years ago

Blackjack bucked once more, the apples all falling into a basket. "You know what AJ?" He asked, wiping his brow. "Sometimes I wish I didn't have black fur."

"And here I thought you were used to the sun," the mare giggled. "With living outside all your life, you ought to enjoy this kind of thing! Heck, yer just as country as me!"

"It doesn't make me any cooler in the sun though!" Blackjack chuckled, changing into his bipedal form and putting the heavy basket in one of the carts. "Now I might be country, but that doesn't mean I always use the grammar or stop complaining. Be glad your fur isn't as dark Applejack. You won't die of heatstroke."

"Be glad you have black fur BJ, 'cause y'all won't die of frostbite."

The two hitched themselves to their wagons and walked up the path to the barn. They grabbed a bottle of water out of an ice chest and drank their fill, Blackjack pouring the rest on his neck and torso after unhitching himself.

"Save some for later," Applejack laughed. "Or you'll die of thirst."

"I'd rather die thirsty than cool," he replied, helping her unhitch. "Besides, I told y'all 'bout my fur situation didn't I?"

"You also said you don't talk country."

"Hey, I don't see Twilight or Rarity around trying to make me speak grammaticly correct. I like loosen my tounge 'round here."

"Speaking of loosening," a voice shouted. The two looked up to see a red stallion hanging upside down by a rope caught on his hoof in the hay loft. "Y'all think you can get me down b'fore the blood in my leg is cut off?"

"Hang on big brother," Applejack shouted. "We're coming!" The two ran inside the barn and climbed the ladder to the hay loft. Together, they heaved the large stallion up and untied the rope.

"Thanks," he said. "I was starting to get dizzy."

"How'd you fall out anyway?" Applejack asked. "You're alot carefuller than that."

"I was cleaning up 'th hay when I stepped on a nail. I hopped backward a bit too far and fell out. Good thing one of the pullies had a rope on 'th ground and caught my leg huh?"

"Yep, sure is. Good thing we were close too."

"Is the nail stuck in your hoof?" Blackjack asked.

"Nope," the stallion replied. "You one 'o 'th farm-hooves? Never seen y'all before."

"Oh that's right," Applejack said. "Y'all havn't met b'fore have ya? Blackjack, this is my older brother Big Macintosh. 'Course we just call him Big Mac or Mac. This is Blackjack, a friend 'o mine. He offered to help out since one of the worker's out sick."

"Howdy," Blackjack grinned, shaking Big Mac's hand. "I can see why you're called big. How much do you lift on a daily basis?"

"Oh, 'bout two-hundred pounds. Yer not too little either are ya? Almost as big as me."

"Well, when you're lifting up boxes full of books and playing violin, it tends to add up."

"A fiddler huh? Oh yeah! I saw you and AJ at the Music Festival together. Pretty impressive, 'specialy since you beat my sis. I'm not too shabby at guitar m'self."

"Really? We'll have to do a jam session some time."

"Alright boys," Applejack said. "Three things. One: Blackjack won by just a little bit. Two: we need to get back to work and three: y'all are still shaking hands."

The stallions looked at their hands and quickly released each other's grasp. "Well this is awkward," Blackjack said.

"Eeyup," Big Mac replied. "I think all that needs to be done is painting 'th fence and plowing the Northern field. You can help me plow, Blackjack, 'an AJ-"

"Yeah yeah," the mare interrupted. "I'll be painting as usual. Try not to have too much fun without me boys."

'-'

"Y'all doing alright?" Big Mac asked.

"This is harder than it looks," Blackjack grunted, trying to plow at the other stallion's pace. "You've been doing this since you were a colt? You've got a strong will, I'll give you that."

"It's hard work, sure enough. But yer doing pretty good for a rookie."

"Thanks Mac. Is it alright if I call you that?"

The large stallion grinned. "Eeyup! All of my friends call me that. 'Course I like to call them a few nicknames m'self. That alright BJ?"

"We must be friends then, because we're saying each other's nicknames. That was almost as fast as when I became friends with Twilight."

"How is she anyway? It's been a long time since I've seen her. Don't get a chance to go out and enjoy m'self that often, with all this work."

"We should go to a bar sometime, whenever you're free. But yeah, she's doing good. She's busy as ever, I'll tell you that. That mare just loves taking advantage of having a stallion to lift all the heavy things."

"That's right. Y'all said you worked at the library."

"I live there too. She was kind enough to let me in when I was out on the streets."

Big Mac stopped plowing and looked at Blackjack curiously. "Ya live with her?"

"Yeah," Blackjack stopped, wondering about his friend's tone. "I havn't stolen from her if that's what you're saying."

"No, that 'aint it. Y'all aren't sharing a bedare ya?"

"No! I sleep in the basement Mac, gosh! Why'd you ask?"

"Just wondering. Wanted to know if y'all are taking advantage of living with a mare. Otherwise I'd have to tan yer hide."

"Now listen, I'd never do that to her, or any mare. I don't think she likes me like that anyway."

"I didn't mean to insult you, just trying to keep my friends safe."

"Aren't we all? No it's alright Mac, I understand."

The two continued plowing in silence for a while and were on their way back when the farm-stallion asked, "But you'd like to have her as a filly-friend?"

"Well, yeah," Blackjack replied. "But like I said, I don't think she likes me the way I like her."

"Ask her out then. It 'aint that hard."

"W-what?" Blackjack stuttered.

"Yeah, ask the filly on a date. You said you'd like to."

"W-well let me t-tell you something Mac! It might be surprising, but I'm shy!"

"Same here, I don't say much in public. But that don't stop me from talking to ponies."

"Really? Have you ever asked a mare on a date before?"

Big Mac smiled sheepishly. "Nope. Tell you 'th truth, I'm at the same predicament with a mare I like."

"Exactly. We're both hopeless. Now come on and help me plow this field!"

'-'

"Interesting," Delta said, taking a note. "So that's how you two became friends?"

"Eeyup," Big Mac replied. "Got closer ever since. We've proved it several times over too."

"Did you ever see Blackjack physically harm someone?"

"Just once, but that was in defence of me 'an Fluttershy, my filly-friend. He didn't do anything permanent and he tried to reason with them. They threw the first punch."

"Tell us about it if you would."

'-'

One year ago

"Well look who got some free time!" Blackjack laughed, hugging Big Mac. "Fancy meeting you here! What did you do, have Applebloom do everything that was left?"

"Eeyup," the stallion replied, taking a swig of cider. "Tricked a few of the workers into doing my chores too."

The two were in a local club enjoying themselves. Music was playing loudly and several ponies were dancing along to it. "Well look who it is," Blackjack said, pointing at a trio of mares that had just walked in. "Hey AJ!" Blackjack said. "Fluttershy, Dash. What're y'all doing out?"

"Well I for one am here to say Mac's in trouble," Applejack said. "Rainbow Dash wants to have a good time, as usual, and we convinced Fluttershy to come because she's never been here before."

"Who's taking care of the animals then?"

"Spike is," Fluttershy replied. "He's getting good at it too."

"Well it's nice to see you guys," Rainbow Dash yawned. "If you need me, I'll be partying."

The Pegasus flew off, the other mares following her. Blackjack snapped his fingers, bringing Big Mac back to reality. "What?" Mac asked.

"Don't pretend you don't know," Blackjack replied. "I saw the way you looked at Fluttershy. She'd a good love interest for you buddy."

"Cut it out BJ," the farm-stallion blushed, pushing his friend slightly. "Or we'll start talking about your love interest."

"C'mon Mac, I'm teasing you. Besides, I'm serious. Ask her to dance with you."

"Nope."

"Mac, she's sitting all alone. I think a few stallions are noticing too."

"Alright fine! But I'm blaming you if she says no."

"Get going!" Blackjack took his friend's drink and pushed him forward. Big Macintosh nervously walked towards the table Fluttershy was sitting at, trying to act casual. "C'mon Mac," Blackjack whispered. "Ask her to dance."

Blackjack noticed the mare's head nod and he jumped excitedly as the two danced. "Ada boy Mac!" He took a swig of cider, chuckling at the rediculously sized stallion trying to keep up with the much smaller mare.

"Well lookie there," Applejack laughed, joining Blackjack and clapping him on the shoulder. "I suppose you convinced him to be the stallion he is?"

"Mule's more like it, AJ. But with enough of a push, you can see the results. Woah! Okay then!"

"What?"

"I'm pretty sure Fluttershy just goosed Mac."

"Excuse me," the orange mare took a swig of cider. "Say that again." She began chugging her glass.

"I'm pretty sure Fluttershy just goosed Mac."

Applejack spewed her drink out. "That's what I thought you said. Well, seems like she wanted my brother even more than I thought."

"She wanted him? Looks like they'll both be happy in that case."

The red stallion and yellow mare stopped dancing and headed over to their friends, hand in hand. "Well BJ," Mac said. "I guess I've got you to thank for this."

"Yep," the stallion replied, smiling. "Are you guys done dancing?"

"Eeyup. I'm 'gon take Fluttershy home."

"Oh c'mon guys, have a drink, stay a while. The night's still young."

"I really need to go. Spike needs to go home," Fluttershy said. "Um, where's Rainbow Dash?"

A stallion flew over their heads, crashing into a table. They looked the way he had come from, seeing Rainbow Dash hovering clumsilly in the air.

"I warned you," she slurred. "Don't mess with me!" She took a long drink and crashed on to a table.

"You guys go ahead," Blackjack grinned. "AJ and I'll see if we can't get Dash sober enough to go home."

Big Macintosh nodded, taking the mare out of the club. Blackjack and his cow-pony friend attempted to get Rainbow Dash on her hooves, but to no avail. "Looks like we'll be carrying her," Applejack said. "C'mon BJ, let's take her home." Together, they picked the mumbling mare up and dragged her out.

'-'

Big Macintosh and Fluttershy walked hand in hand through Ponyville's lamp-lit streets. "So you've been taking care of animals for how long now?" Big Mac asked.

"Eight years," Fluttershy replied. "At least here, in Ponyville. I've been caring for animals ever since I got my cutie mark."

"How 'bout that...if it's not too personal, how did you get yer mark?"

"Well, Rainbow Dash was about to race these colts who were being mean to me. When I waved the flag, the wind pushed me off the clouds and I was saved by butterflys. They set me down on the ground and I was able to convince the animals that I wasn't scary. That's how I got my cutie mark."

"Huh. That's not what I figured."

"What do you mean?"

The red stallion chuckled. "I knew you were great at talking to animals, but those butterflys on yer flank made me think. My pa once told me butterflys were always out looking for flowers prettier than they had just landed on. That's how I thought you got yer mark...because animals, especially butterflys...think you're-"

"Well isn't that cute," a voice slurred voice said. "Big Red's got a filly-friend." A black stallion emerged from the shadows along with a blue Earth Pony and a brown Unicorn.

"Blackjack?" Big Mac asked.

"The librarian?" The stallion laughed, punching Mac in the gut. The farm-pony collapsed, the wind being knocked out of him. "The fiddler? Sorry big guy, he's not around." The stallion snapped his fingers and his two goons picked Big Mac up and held him in place.

"The name's Black Ice numbskull! Heard of me?" He lit a cigarette, blowing the thick smoke in Big Mac's face.

"Can't...say...I have," the stallion coughed. "You look like a Smokey."

"Ohhh!" The black stallion laughed, his goons joining in. "Red's got jokes! I've got a joke for you, big guy...what's black, blue, and red all over? Well, here's the punch line!" He punched Big Mac in the jaw and twice in the gut again. The stallions holding him let go and the black one kicked him in the stomach.

"Stop it!" Fluttershy yelled. "Please stop!"

Black Ice snapped his fingers and the other two picked Mac up again. He turned around, smiling. "Well hello there babe," he said, fixing his jacket. "What's a filly like you doing with a chump like him?"

"I-I-I...He was taking me home."

"Really? Well, how 'bout you forget the big guy and we'll go back to my place," he leaned in close to the mare, putting his arm on the wall. "How's that sound?"

All Fluttershy could do was wimper. "Or we could do this here and now," the stallion continued. "What do you think boys?" His goons laughed.

"No! You leave us alone and go back to the bar you came out of," Fluttershy was using The Stare now, glaring at the stallions. "It's stallions like you that cause so much pain to others!"

"Ooh feisty," Black Ice said. "Tell you what, we'll let Red go if you and I have a bit of time together. Deal?"

"No deal!"

"Babe," the stallion whispered, putting the flat of a switch blade on her cheek. "I don't think you've got much of a choice." He grabbed her, laying his lips on her throat.

"Black...jack," Big Mac wheezed.

"I told you I'm not that pushover, you numbskull!"

"But I am," Blackjack said, coming into the light. "There's streangth in being a pacifist pal. Would you mind explaining why you're beating my best friend and assaulting a former General of Equestria?"

The other black stallion put his knife to Fluttershy's throat. "I don't see any medals on her," he said. "Besides, what're you 'gonna do, call the police?"

"Not yet," Applejack said, joining Blackjack. "I'm going to make this a family matter." Her eyes were feiry and her body was tense, ready for a fight. "You picked on the wrong family, you drunk colt!"

"Red here isn't in any position to help and I doubt our 'General' here can. Besides, there's three of us and only two of you."

"Guess again," Rainbow Dash said, hovering in the air. "The orange mare and I also happen to be former Generals ourselves."

"Ice," the brown stallion said. "That's the mare that hit Dusty!"

"So she is," the stallion replied. "Alright boys and girls, if you take one more step, I might get nervous." He brought his knife closer to Fluttershy. "Get the picture?"

Blackjack raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure hurting her is a good choice?"

"You trying to mess with my head fiddler?"

"No, I just want you to consider the consequences. First, you're already going to be charged with assault, so that's at least a year in prison. Secondly, you're going to be charged with murder or attempted murder if that knife cuts my friend's jugular. That can be life sentence or execution."

"And your point is?"

"You can only be charged if we tell the police."

"You're right..."

"Yo Ice," a stallion said. "These ponies giving you trouble?"

"Dusty! Took you long enough."

"I got knocked out by the babe with the rainbow-colored mane. I was also telling the rest of the boys about it." Two Diamond Dogs grabbed Applejack from behind and two Griffons did the same to Rainbow Dash.

Black Ice began to laugh. "That's my boy! So fiddler, looks like you're all alone. That's too bad. Dusty! Take care of him for me."

"You got it Ice," the grey Pegasus replied, cracking his knuckles. He got into a fighting stance, advancing towards Blackjack. "Let's see what you got book worm."

"Can't we talk about this?" Blackjack asked, ducking under a right hook. "I'm not going to fight you."

"Then that means more fun for me!" Dusty's fist landed on Blackjack's left eye and he punched left and right, on his face and body. The stallion drove Blackjack to the wall, beating him senseless. He drove his fist into Blackjack's gut repeatedly and the black stallion fell to the ground. He turned around, smiling.

Blackjack spit on him. Dusty whirled around, touching his neck and examining the bloodied spit. "That's a death sentence pal," he snarled. "You're going down!" One of the Griffons yelled in pain as Rainbow Dash bit him. She freed herself from the other one and swooped down at the Pegasus, tackling him.

Applejack stomped her hooves down on her captor's paws and helped Blackjack sit up. "Thanks," he said, trying to stand. "I'm alright...I think."

"Stay down BJ," she replied. "You need to rest. We'll take care of these thugs."

"Get them!" Black Ice yelled. His goons begain to fight; the ones holding Big Mac were knocked out however, because he had slipped out of their grip and knocked their heads together. He helped Applejack with the two Diamond Dogs, the mare jumping up and kicking one of the mutts' snout with a sickening crack.

"A little help here," Rainbow Dash yelled. Dusty and the two Griffons were chasing her through the air and she was doing her best to keep them away from the wounded Blackjack and Big Mac. "Get your rope AJ!"

"You got it RD!" Applejack shouted. She untied the rope from her belt loop and knotted it, forming a lasso. "Two hog-tied Griffons coming up," she continued, twirling her lasso. "Just keep 'em still for me!"

"I'm trying!" She hovered in the air, the two Griffons darting towards her. "Now Applejack!" She dropped down and the orange mare's lasso roped around the goons, smacking them into each other. They fell like dead weight and Applejack tied them together.

Big Mac kept the Diamond dogs away from Blackjack, changing to his pony form and bucking a dog in the chest. He flew backwards onto the Griffons, the three knocked out cold. The other dog dug his fangs into the stallion's forleg and shook him like a rag doll. Mac cried in pain, kicking the mutt repeatedly.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack jumped onto the dog's back, forcing his mouth open. He turned around, finding the two mares frowning at him. He smiled sheepishly and together, the ponies kncoked him out.

"Just like old times," Rainbow said, clapping her friend on the shoulder. "Don't you think?"

"Yep," Applejack replied. "Except we were armed then."

"Girls," Big Mac interrupted. "I'm bleeding over here."

Applejack pulled a bandana out of her pocket and tied it around her brother's leg. "Alright you good for nothing stallion," she said, turning to face Black Ice. "Let Fluttershy go right now!"

"Hmm," he replied. "Let me think...no! Dusty!"

The stallion landed next to him. "Yeah?" Dusty asked.

"Take my knife and run Red through would ya?" He gave his goon the blade and the Pegasus smiled.

"You'll have to get through us first!" Rainbow yelled, getting in a fighting stance. Applejack did the same.

"No," Blackjack said. He shakilly got to his hooves and stood protectively inbetween Dusty and the mares. "This is my fight."

"So the fiddler decides to fight," Dusty laughed. "I giving up your pacifism so early?"

"No. I am a pacifist because I have seen what fighting can do to ponies. I do not wish to fight you, but I will defend myself and my friends from harm." He got into a fighting stance and he narrowed his eyes, focusing.

Dusty frowned and the two began to circle. Dusty thrust the knife at Blackjack, who moved out of the way. While the Pegasus was vulnerable, Blackjack grabbed his arm and punched his wrist, making Dusty drop the knife. Blackjack kicked it out of the way and ducked under a right hook.

As he came back up, Blackjack delivered an uppercut to the stallion's jaw. Dusty backed up and massaged his jaw, looking at the black stallion with hate. He charged, throwing punches at Blackjack. He took a few, then countered with a body shot. Blackjack drove Dusty back, breaking hia nose with a quick jab.

The black stallion punched left, right, and ducked under another punch. He rose up, jabbed twice and delivered another uppercut. Dusty fell back, knocked out. Blackjack turned around and gasped. Black Ice cocked his pistol, pointing it at Big Mac.

"Nice knowing you Red," he grinned. "Rest in peace!"

He fired. Blackjack fell in front of his friend. "Blackjack!" Big Mac yelled, checking on the stallion. He looked at Black Ice in hate, trembeling in anger. "Why you son of a mule!" He rose and advanced towards the stallion, changing into his bipedal form.

Fluttershy bit her captor and flipped him over. He landed hard on his back and the mare punched him, knocking him out. "That's why I'm a General," she said. "Sorry about that." She ran to Big Macintosh and hugged him. "Are you okay?"

"We're fine," the stallion replied. "But we need to take Blackjack to the hospital."

Epilogue

Reflection

Epilogue

"You've done well," she said. "You switched the results just as I told you."

"No problem," Black Ice replied. "It was the least I could do after that son of a mule locked me in the slammer!"

"Quite. And what of Blueblood?"

"I'm here," the analyst replied, entering the room. He ended his spell, and Prince Blueblood smiled at her. "Quite the performance if I do say so myself!"

"Yes. Black Ice, your payment shall be delivered shortly. Blueblood, I am sending you to a private estate; nopony must know of this conspiracy."

"Of course, Mistress. I am here to serve."

Black Ice and Blueblood left, and she smiled. "You put up quite the struggle, Highness. But do not worry, I shall not harm anypony...yet! Come, we have work to do."