Oh the things we've seen

by I have won

Rating: mature
Tags: Suicide / Self Harm, Violence, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Profanity, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Main 6, Romance, Princess Luna, Drama, Original Character, Trixie
Length: 41707

After a little bit of magical interference, four humans are brought to the magical wonderland known as Equestria, bringing with them strife. (The New Order: Last Days of Europe crossover)

After a tragic fallout, four humans find themselves in Equestria, with bad blood and ideological differences stopping true peace between them.

Story One of Three in the Revelations story.

Please note: this story is revolving around suicide. Be warned.

Not much to say, other than I plan on it being rather sad, not formal, and not at all romantic, but plans change. Also, first story, so please correct my grammar where you see fit.

I have no real schedule for uploads, but I'll try to let you know in the authors notes.

Published 2020-09-29 21:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-11-03 00:03:45 UTC

Chapter 1

"Oh dear," Celestia says in a wavy voice, not entirely sure what had just happened. Never before had she seen ponies teleported by accident. "Sister, did you cast the spell at a neighborhood on accident?"

About a half dozen guards have formed up between the royals and arrivals. A quick glance past the stallions shows another half dozen on the other side.

"I thought not, although a new village near the dragons sounds interesting…" Luna gives a grin like Twilight would give. "I must find out!" Luna, already imagining probing their minds, imagined what information they have, only waiting to share.

"Or we could have a nice conversation with my ponies…" Celestia says, able to stabilize her voice. That sounds leagues better.Luna looks hurt for a moment, and then sighs in defeat.

"...Only if they can be our ponies." Luna mumbles after a few seconds. Celestia's nod gives her a small smile.

"I'm sorry... ponies?" The black one asks. His face has a look of shock, as if he thought they were something else. How foolish.

"What else would you be, a dragon?" Celestia smiles, turning towards the group. The black one freezes up, eyes full of conflict. Turning to the foal, Celestia says "Now, let's start. Did you say this stallion is a soldier?"

"Y-yes, the man is a soldier..." he says, clearly nervous. His ey s glimmer with a spark of hope. The voice sounds like that of a foal, but there is some odd, unspoken message behind it. Celestia was used to affection from foals, but this was something else entirely. Never before has she been adored.

Hmm, Celestia thinks. Odd dialect, as well. I suppose that shall be looked into. "Is he your father?" She asks aloud. Twilight has a new assignment.

"N-n-no…" The colt returns to his fearful form, not able to repress it any longer.

Celestia furrows her brows. Luna takes a step forwards. "Then why were you with this stallion? Was he taking you home?" she asks, interest piqued. The foal looks hurt by the question, yet toughens up quickly.

"B-because he took me away..." The look of pain.does not go unnoticed as Celestia can only imagine the pain the poor thing had gone through.

Princess Luna gasps, and Celestia takes in a sharp breath. "Care to explain?" she asks, turning towards his foalnapper with an angry glare.

"Are you real?" He asks back, voice fearful. The stallion was sat up, stiff as a board. His eyes tell a similar story to that of his voice. Good, the bastard deserves to be fearful of my wrath.

"Answer the charge or I will rip out your intestines myself!" Luna shouts, powering up her horn. The insolent little-

"Ok! Ok! Geez…" he says. Luna turns off her horn. "We... we found him in Russia," he says, quieter. His eyes flash with pain. He looks as if something is eating away at him. As if he's guilty of a horrendous crime. Bastard probably is.

"We? Are these two involved in this terror as well?" Luna asks. The green one just laughs, and the black one is awoken from his stupor.

The grey-flanked one spits, disgracing the diarchs. "No, I would never take in scum like him," he lets out, looking disgusted by the foal. "How dare you think I'd stoop that low!" The foal starts quivering. "Why, he'd probably be used best as food for the ho-"

"You piece of shit! Stop shouting at the kid!" The green one says, pulling the kid close to him. The grey one snorts and rolls his eyes, turning his head away.

Celestia quickly turns on her horn, snatching the kid. "You do not get to foalnap this one and then claim they scare the 'kid'," she says, Royal Voice in full throttle. "Rather, he will stay with me and Luna until-"

"Guess we were all wrong about God, huh?" the green one says, snapping a smile to the other stallions. What?! He dares interrupt me?!

The grey one gives a chuckle, eyes looking strained, and the black one suddenly gains a new sense of shock. At least he was moving, and not dead. "But Himmler sa-"

"Himmler was a fucking idiot! All he did was enslave and murder, like you! Nazi fuck," The last part was added quietly, yet spitefully. The green stallion starts to shake a little. Keep it together. Can't fall apart now.

"Better than the Jews! Heil Himmler, die Reichfurher SS und-"

"SHUT!" Luna roars. The stallions all look up, shocked by the outburst. "We and our sister will watch thy foal, and thee three shall be dealt with soon! Guards, throw them away!" The guards nod and drag the three off, receiving no resistance. "Separate cells!" she shouts. Both she and Celestia walk down the hallway. "We don't want another Trixie incident, do we…"

"Indeed, Luna," Celestia says, looking at the hole in the roof from three days prior. "I can't believe no one saw through that disguise…"

"The past is done," Luna says firmly, voice full of conviction. "Now, we should not forget that foal again. Why, he must hurt so badly, being ta-" Luna stops once she turns and sees no foal.

"Celestia? We may have a problem,"

"Wha-" Celestia says. Upon seeing no colt, she turns even paler than usual. "Oh my. We must go!" The sisters race to where the foal last was, Celestia activating her enhanced senses.

A maid to the left, a guard to the right… aha! Celestia thinks. Wait, why is he going towards the stallions? "Sister! Follow the guards!" Not wanting to pass out, Celestia turns off her magic enhancement. It is rather tiring, after all.

Puzzled, Luna shakes her head and turns with her sister. They run past many rooms: some servant quarters, a kitchen, a lavatory… Soon enough, they catch sight of the guards.

"STOP!" Luna shouts in her Royal Voice. The troop halts, the prisoners being surprised by the disruption. "WHERE IS THY FOAL?"

The lead guard for the patrol, Shining, spoke up: "M'ladies, I believe you passed hi- You! Get away from the prisoners!" Something catches his attention mid-way through the explanation. As the sisters turn their heads, they note the foal rubbing up against the green one.

"Well, is this Stockholm's Syndrome?" Celestia asks, approaching the pair. "You need not lie; I can always use Luna to get the truth,"

"You need the moon god horsonified to find out what I did?" the green one asks with a snort. Suddenly, he lets out a sharp bark. The action catches everyone else off guard. "Fuckin' Jerries are the one's you should be watchin'," He sighs. "The little shits, Goering, Himmler, save me daddy Hitler..." As he says this, he hugs the foal tightly. The foal hugs back, and they look... not happy, but peaceful, even for just a split second.

"We are not horses," Luna declares angrily. "Guards, drag them to the cells," Luna commands. "We shall inspect them toni-"

"No!" The foal suddenly cries. "Not Good too!" Tears start to form in his eyes as he imagines his only link to sanity being torn away.

"Good? What sort of name is that?" Celestia mutters to herself. "Very well," she says normally. "Would you like to go down with him?"

"Yes!" At this point the foal was nearly bawling, holding tighter to the stallion than ever.

"Guards, put the green one and the foal in the cells we keep for mates," Luna says, though she is clearly upset at the development. "My visit shall not change,"

"Very well. Guards, march!" Shining cries, prompting immediate movement from the unit. Being split apart, the foal and green one stay near each other.

Later that day…

"Hey Cady!" Shining Armor calls out, popping off his helmet. Damn that feels good.

"Hey Shiney," Cadence steps out of their kitchen with a big shirt on, barely covering her pregnant belly. She wanted to watch the servants cook for a reason Shining still doesn't understand. "How was work?"

"Rough. We finally did some guarding at least," he says.

"I'm sorry. Dinner's almost ready. It's salmon," she says teasingly, knowing that Shining could not resist the sacred fish.

"Thanks," Shining purred, armor finally off. "I'm going to take a quick shower, ok?"

"Ok," she says, going back to watching the cooks. She needs to know how to feed their child, after all, and how better to learn than watching experts?

Ten minutes later

"So, you said you did some guarding today. Isn't that bad?" Cadence looks confused, taking a bite of her salad. "That means my family's in danger!" She stands up, slamming the table.

"No, merely a failed spell," Shining says while taking a bite of salmon. Cadence slowly sits down. "Four stallions, all earth ponies, one a foal, popped on in the palace. Pretty sure the three were foalnappers,"

"I'm not so sure," Cadence says analyticaly. "If my love power says anything right… when was this?"

"About three. Why?"

"I got a huge magic spike at 2:57… I need to come with you to work tomorrow," Cadence looks deep in thought. Shining knew better than to ask about it. Last time that happened...

Shining shivers. "Ok hun," he says, still holding back the memories.

"Also, I need some new books from Twilight. I finished my current ones,"

"Well, I'm going over the weekend for anti-armor exercises. Want to tag along for the trip?" Shining says, hoping that she wouldn't be mad at the one day warning.

"Sure, why not? We need some more cider, and Pinkie must have something new ready to bake," Shining was silently hoof bumping himself. He got off the hook! The couple continued eating in silence for a few seconds. "Also, more than a day's warning is nice," Cadence comments slyly.

Shining sighs internally. "I would, but you know the captain," he says. "That damned mare can never make up her mind,"

Author's Note

Celestia

Bottom Text

Chapter 2

Author's Note

Note: when I write, capitals mean multiple voices, and bold means louder.

Also, sorry bout the late upload. Life's a bitch, but I have a few more chapters I just need to edit.

Chapter 2

"There, the stars have been switched," Celestia says, satisfied. The daily ritual is still a source of satisfaction for her. After all, she had done it alone for a Millenium, so feeling her sister beside her is comforting.

"Well, let's get this over with, shall we? It is time, after all," Luna says, looking determinedly towards the door. Her pose suggests that she is ready to delve deep into their minds. In all honesty, however, she is… uncertain. The stallion seemed sure he was right. If so, then what happened to the foal…?

"Yes, I suppose it is," Celestia says, sighing. She has been dreading this all day. She is not a big fan of these new ponies, and had her own thoughts on the green one. Idiot

"Onwards!"

In the cells

"Wake, yee slumbering criminal," Celestia says, entering the green one's cell. Her presence causes his eyes to snap open, wide with fear. He sits up quickly, looking confused, and reaches to his mane, as if trying to get something. When he finds nothing, he grows more confused, until he appears to remember the day.

Sighing, he merely says "Moon bitch and Sun bitch. That right," He stands up and says "Get it over wo-"

"What did thee just call thou, Princess and handler of thy Moon and night!?" Luna exclaims in a rage. The insolent bastard!

"Well, I'm fucked or not based on my memories, right?" He asks, sounding as if he is trying to reason something out.

"Correct," a much calmer, yet still angry, Celestia says.

"Then that will explain it," he says, forming a pitifully small smile. "Do it,"

"Sleep," Luna says authoritatively.

Nothing happens for several seconds. "What, you think that would wo-" he falls down, fast asleep.

"Now, what are you hiding?" Luna asks, moving in for the kill.

(Note: in my head cannon, Luna can take more than just one memory and view as she wishes, ie she can take a year of memories and store it for later)
MEMORY WORLD

"There was blood upon the risers, there were brains upon the chute
Intestines were a danglin' from his paratrooper suit
He was a mess, they picked him up and poured him from his boots
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE!"

The famous Cadence was sung by a good 80% of the Foreign Legion, specifically the LBJ Legion. They seemed happy to have another chance at the nazi bastards. However, the other 40 troops were silent, merely reflecting. It brought back bad memories for many; others did so out of respect.

"GORY, GORY WHAT A HELL OF A WAY TO DIE!
GORY, GORY WHAT A HELL OF A WAY TO DIE!
GORY, GORY WHAT A HELL OF A WAY TO DIE!
HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE!"

At this point, the troop had started to quiet down. They were approaching the front, after all. They could tell from the shell holes.

And the noises. The AKs used by Russian rear guards and German G3s, reserved for the front, had certain sounds to them, each different from an M4.

"Alright, our goal is the armor," the lieutenant said, causing the legion to shut up. "The ruskies got Jerry's meat sacks; we gotta get those Panzers,"

The troop nodded and silently split up into their 5-man fire teams. Rusky stayed with James, as usual, and they all moved off to the ambush positions.

Soon enough, an armor column was moving up. This had a Ratte IV in it. James was supposed to breach that with his new "fuck-you" charges. He primed said charges: one for the hatch, one for the gun, and two per track gets it done.

The panzers halted in the middle of the road. A captain nervously exited the Ratte, holding a bundle of maps. As he was closing the top, however, a crack sounded, and he fell over with a hole in his head.

James took this moment to run up to the Ratte as his comrades disabled the Panzers, the sounds of whooshing rockets everywhere. The Ratte, if possible, was to be captured; Patton IIIs were better than Panzer XIIs, however.

Climbing up the Ratte, James prepped a gas grenade and tossed it into the hatch. Fumbling with his mask, he manages to put it on before entering the tank, now filled with nerve gas. Four Germans laid knocked out; one Hauptmann, one SS officer, and two privates. He shot the privates and dragged the others out, leaving them with the MPs.

"We got ourselves some armor support for a week!" James shouted to the now cheering group. Rattes were worth much money, but the influence it carried was worth more to the soldiers. After all, armor meant air support, and air support meant victory.

However, they didn't have that air right now. A Stuka VII flew overhead. The thing was silent, yet still killed 42 men, including the LT, in seconds. The bombs and silent machine gun statacoos racked through the American ranks, sending bodies flying and soldiers dancing.

All in all, not bad. Shouting, the legion scrambled into the nearby plains, heading for God knows where. James was heading towards a village, with the MPs and Rusky trailing behind.

The stuka just wanted to blow up the Ratte; once that was done, it flew home, the pilots ready for a good meal. However, the Legion still scattered. This would be bad for James, as he didn't see the trap until it was too late; both MPs were blasted by mines, their corpses being non existant. The traps were Russian based off of the crudeness in which it was set up. Friendly fire. Great!

"Shit!" James cried, looking to the prisoners. "I gotta drag these two now…" Thankfully, the Legion had the new POW carts; not very humane, yet efficient. They made James' job a lot easier.

Grunting, James pushed the cart towards the village. Sometime during the half hour walk, the Jerries woke up, so they had to march, taking some strain off of James.

Eventually, they reached the village. James sat down, sighing, and untied the POWs. They marched to the middle of the square and stood there, resolutely at first, but quickly looked behind James in awe.

"Why shouldn't I shoot you? Hm?" James asked. The Hauptmann pointed behind James. Still holding his gun out, James looked behind him. And wished he hadn't.

All kids knew what an atom bomb did. It was part of school, after all. However, knowing and knowing are different. The mushroom was big, bigger than... anything. The shockwave was felt where they were, miles away.

(Insert Prologue)

"REAL" WORLD

Luna takes a step back, gasping and visibly in shock. Her breath becomes rapid and shallow as she struggles go maintain her composture. Failing, she promptly collapses and starts to shed tears for the lost souls.

"Luna? What's wrong?" Celestia quickly asks, hurrying to her sister's side.

"The… the…" Luna says, not sure what to say. The...

"Ok, that was a bad example," Green says nonchalantly. "Take a look about 9 years earlier, or even better, probe the SS guy - the black one," He looks unshaken by the violence and casual waste of life. As if he was made of it.

"What is 'Africa'? The 'SS'? More important, are you really-" Celestia begins, sounding like a certain student.

"S… Sister?" Luna asks, shaky in voice and body. Her wrecked form lay there, utterly spent.

"Yes, dear?" Celestia says, ignoring the stallion and getting down, sheltering Luna with her wing.

"Thank you for... not killing our ponies," Luna says, finding some stability. However, reflecting causes her to immediately break, shedding even more tears.

"What do you mean?" Celestia asks, moving to hug Luna.

"I- I-"

"You guys don't have Nazis," Green says casually. "We did. It was war or…" he shudders. "... worse," His eyes betray him for a moment, showing something deep to Celestia, but she could not quite pin what it is.

"What could be worse than... than… that..." Luna once again breaks down, face shining from the stream of tears. Celestia is clearly concerned. Her sister was supposed to be the cruel one; after all, she was surely hardened after… her banishment. She held her tighter, not sure what to do.

"Try Java, 1966," the Stallion says. "Now that was bad, like that, but a lot more of us, a lot less of them, and-"

"Shut!" Celestia shouts. He quickly quiets. "I know not what thee have seen, but it is clearly something I do not want to,"

Luna just sat there, crying. The stallion continued, getting angry: "Well, those Indonesians didn't get to choose. Those Japs were… were…" A get comes to his eye. "You can skip past that, I suppose,"

Celestia picked her sister up (assisted with magic, of course) and carried her to their room, locking the door behind them.

Many guards were flustered by the display. The Solar Guards were shocked, yet recovered quickly. After all, they were professionals. However, the Night Guard took the worst hit. Part of the oath they took is that they would always feel like Luna in her presence, to better serve her. So her mere presence made more than one cry. One passed out. One unlucky thestral tried to commit suicide before being saved by a (shocked) Celestial Pegasus. Those two would find happiness together, even if the road was rocky.

Eventually, the sisters get back to their room, Celestia shutting the door behind them. Luna had passed out during the ride, so Celestia merely hugs her sister, worried by her state and health. She herself is somewhat tired, so she tries to sleep with Luna like their mom used to.

Some time later

"Sister, you must lower the moon," Celestia says urgently.

"But-"

"Luna. We can talk after you lower the moon and I raise the sun. Ok?"

"I- Ok,"

"Ok," Celestia says. "On three. One, two, three!" The sisters perform their morning routine perfectly - excluding Luna's slight hurry.

"Luna, I need to tell my court that I can not attend today. Will you be fine?" Celestia asks.

"Please come back soon," Luna says. She looked scared and defeated at the same time. "I don't want to be alone,"

"Ok. I will be back within fifteen minutes," Celestia promises, hurrying. She forgets about teleportation, it would seem.

At court, 3 minutes later

"Attention, court," Celestia says, as per usual. As per usual, all stand up. "Court is dismissed due to… unforeseen consequences." she settles on after a moment. "That is all,"

All except for one reporter stand there, dumbfounded. The reporter jumps up and eagerly asks "Does this involve the lack of Luna's presence?" This mare was eager for a good impression, having just landed a job.

"As I have said," Celestia says "...unforeseen consequences. Good day," she quickly departs.

Among the crowd was Cadence, however, and she was worried. After sending a note to Spike to inform Twilight that she and her friends were needed at Canterlot, she remembered to send another note to her husband, merely stating that something was wrong at Canterlot, and she had to stay. She then got up and teleported to where she thought her aunt might be, based off her walking patterns

And she was right. Too right, in fact. Thankfully, the spells failsafe placed her a foot above Celestia, so she fell on rather than clipped into her. Both have out an oof as they fell into a heap.

"My dear Cadenza," Celestia says after they pick themselves up, addressing her formally. That was bad; Celestia only did that to hide something. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Her eyes were conflicted

"Is Luna ok?" Cadence says, throwing out a guess. "Does this involve what Shining told me about? I hope nothing bad happened," Cadence sounds anxious, with good reason.

"Let me explain as we walk back home," Celestia says, sounding conflicted. And with good reason.

5 minutes later

Luna was a failure. She knew it. Her sister knew it. Why else would she be gone so long? She had said 15 minutes, but Luna could only wait 8, she decided, and it had been 10. After all, Celestia could have teleported. Sobbing at this point, Luna pulled the knife back, ready to take her worthless life out of the equation she was a failure and should die and so she pulled the knife back and was ready to die and then she thrust and-

"Luna!" Celestia says in a loud voice, ripping the knife away with magic. "What happened to not wanting to end it?" Celestia shouts. Cadence stared, dumbfounded as one of her aunt's, a pillar of stability to her, tried to end her own life.

"I can't take it," Luna is still sobbing. "It hurts so bad,"

"Is it related to..." Celestia is choking up by now, tears threatening to overwhelm her.

"That just exposed the weakness again," Luna collapses onto the floor, sobbing her heart out. Celestia moves to comfort her.

"It's not a weakness; it's good you feel bad about that,"

Cadence finally snaps out of it. "Is this… recurring?" She asks to Celestia, who nods sadly. "Oh my… I need a minute…"

"Exactly! She sees how worthless I am how little I matter how dumb I am how-"

"Luna," Celestia manages. "Re- remember what I told you to do," Celestia pleads. Luna merely looks up to her.

"I know, but it's so hard, because I think I am," by now, Luna had run out of water for tears, yet kept up the motions. Cadence moved in to join the sisters, providing her support. The three nestled together, snuggling up to the center. Luna slowly stopped the sobbing.

After a minute, a purple flash appears. A sunken Luna, surprised Celestia, and scared Cadence all look up to a Twilight yet to open her eyes.

"Sorry for the disturbance! Just need to find a princess!" Twilight shouts obliviously, remembering when she appeared in the lavoratory.

"Twi…" Celestia says, finally having recovered enough to sound semi stable. Twilight turns around, surprised.

"Oh good, your all… wha…" Twilight stares, dumbfounded at a ball of princesses, one broken, one defeated, and one ashamed. "Is this… who… what…"

"See, I am worthless," Luna whispers to Celestia. "Even Twi thinks so…"

Just then, the other five elements open the door, wearing an expression similar to Twilight.

Chapter 3

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 4

Hans wakes up suddenly, breathing hard. Panicking and feeling a presence, he reaches for his luger. After a split second and a lack of the familiar pistol grip, he remembers the last few days, and sighs. Oh, Goering, you idiot… his head jumps up when he hears voices in the hall.

"Sister, you don't have to do this," Celestia says, nearly pleading to her sister. After all, what was the point in it if Luna was lost again?

"I just need to get the memories now and then review them later. I'll be fine, sis," Luna's voice sounds immaculate, stone solid. Even if she was scared.

Hmm, Hans thinks. They seem like… Jews! That explains the magic they possess! Remembering his training on dealing with subhumans, his lips quickly form a snarl as the door opens.

Luna steps forward first. "We are here to collect your memories," Luna says, promptly gathering enough energy to start the process. "Now sleep,"

"Filthy Jews! I'll kill you, rape you, set you alight, gas yo-" he falls asleep, just like Green had. His dreams were troubled, to say the least.

"Oh my…" Celestia shudders. "Do come out if you need to sis,"

"I'm just gathering the memories," Luna says, exasperatedly. She hated being treated like a child, at least in public. "Relax," This does little to calm Celestia.

"Ok," Luna falls into her dream syphoning state, floating up to Celestia's height. So, about 6 inches. After a minute, she floats back down, still looking well. "Sister, are you fine?" Celestia asks, worried.

"The filthy whore of a Jew took my memories! I will burn you at the cross!" Grey shouts viscously, thrusting himself forward against the chains. The sisters merely turn around.

"Yes, sister. Let us move," Luna says, apparently unaffected by his savagery. The sisters walk into the hall and move on to Black's cell. As soon as they enter the room, Black awakens.

"Sieg Heil, herr Kamera- ach…" He starts out happy, excited almost, then ends angrily. "Go on, be a filthy Jew. You'll see what I do to Jews," As he says this, his eyes gleam with sadistic joy.

"We shall, and then we shall judge you," Luna says, sending Black to sleep. "Now sleep,"

A laugh. "That doesn't work, moon Je-" Once he slumps down, Luna takes a sudden, fearful step back. "Sister, I…" She looks up to Celestia, eyes full of fear.

"What is it?" Celestia walks over to her sister's side, nuzzling her. "Is something wrong?"

"I can feel the hate from his dreams…"

"Luny, we can view it together," Celestia says assuringly.

"Sis… not that name. Never that name," Luna's eyes tear up as she whispers the last part. Celestia winces, then nods, heading to a corner to sit. Can't believe I forgot that. Luna activates the spell, eyes still watering.

After a few minutes, causing Celestia worry, Luna finishes her spell, touching down looking shocked and scared. "I… he… " She starts crying an ocean of tears. Celestia quickly runs over to her, attempting to comfort her.

"I have mastered the mind, filthy Jew," Black says triumphantly, sneering down at Luna. "And you were unprepared, no matter the strength you possess!"

"I… sis, he... isn't nice," Luna promptly shudders and her legs stop responding, tears still rolling. "Sis, could you take me back?"

"Sure," Celestia picks her up, equally scared by the black one and worried for her sister. As she walks out, she hears the thing shout

"I will kill you all! Heil Himmler!"

MINUTES LATER

"Luna, wake up," Celestia says. Luna groans, looking irritated, and then freezes up. Celestia tries to shock her awake. "Luny…"

"No!!!" Luna screams. So much for that plan. "Not her!!! Stop it! Stop it she's dead sh's dead I'm not but I should be I'm awful I-" Luna breaks into tears, attempting to hug her sister.

"Luna… we've been over this. You are not Nightmare moon," Celestia says firmly, returning the hug. Luna merely squeezes harder.

"Then tell me," she says hurriedly. "Tell me why I enjoyed watching him shoot those foals, shoot them, laugh at the corpses, make the parents bury them, leave the grave open, shoot the parents, make them fall in the grave, burn the bodies. I enjoyed it!" Luna starts in a shouting voice, but eventually starts screaming.

Cadence bursts open the door. Looking to Celestia, who could probably respond. "Auntie, what's wrong?!? I heard screaming, so I-"

"Luna was… caught unprepared by one of the intruders capabilties," Celestia says calmly. Yet, if you look closely enough, you can see the terror in her eyes. "He showed my poor sister a memory and…" she sighs. "Luna is blaming herself for the feelings he passed on,"

"You don't know that but I know I am nightmare moon I laughed watching those foals die I-"

"Aunt… do you hear yourself?!?" Cadence is shaking whilst approaching the diarch. "What happened to 'Miss Luny'? The-"

"Cadence!" Celestia snaps. The princess in question stops, fearfully watching her aunt. "You… you didn't know. I'm sorry for snapping," Celestia says, repressing her shame.

"Of course no one knows only you know I killed those fillies burned them cut them poisoned them beat them rape the-"

A crash is heard as a window blows open. "Sorry I'm late got carried away with a snack what happened I heard screaming!" Dash says, out of breath. Once she recovered physically, she started to process this scene mentally. "Wait… did I hear you say that you… raped… ponies?" Dash says, and as she realised what she heard, getting angrier and angrier. "Why?!? What made you do it?!? I have a sister! If she got raped I'd-"

"Dash, that is enough," Celestia says.

"What do you mean?!? She's a filly fooler!!!" Dash raged, angrier than ever before.

"No, Luna isn't, but Nightmare moon was,"

"But I am Nightmare Celly I am her I am a filly fooler I punched them choked them fucked them killed them…" she stopped sobbing, sitting still for a second before loudly declaring "I should go now!!!"

Luna quickly releases her hug and dashes for the nearest window. Once outside, she starts plunging straight down, tears flying behind her. Everyone else was still catching up with how fast she had been moving. Muttering to herself, she says "This is best now I die ponies rejoice I am gone and happy and-"

A purple force brings her the remaining thirty feet gently. "Luna… what happened?!?" Twilight asks, scared and shocked. "Did someone throw you? Or was it…" Twilight's eyes open wide in shock. She had seen how fast Luna had been going.

Luna decides that Twilight could kill her. "I raped fillies I fucked them choked them killed l them kill me please I beg thee kill me!!!" Luna was screaming at the end, tears rolling down her cheeks as she shakes the purple princess.

"Luna, you are not Nightmare," Celestia says, floating down gently, tailed by her niece. "I neglected you, and you paid the price. I am sorry for that,"

"Celly, I… thank you for the help," Luna collapses into her sister, sobbing.

"There there, you're fine," Celestia says, tearing up in shame herself.

Twilight interrupts the scene. "Nightmare was that bad? I mean, I thought it was a revenge for neglect, not" she shivers "that," Twilight gains a thoughtful look.

Cadence, knowing Twilight, can tell she is about to probe further, and so decides to interrupt her. "Well, how would ponies accept her? Often, they think she's the same as Nightmare," she argues.

"I… touche," The group of royalty walks towards and hugs the sobbing diarch, hoping for a brighter tomorrow.

Author's Note

This felt rushed, but any more than 5 edits us excessive, so feel free to point out any wrong doings.

Chapter 5

"Come on, you little shit!" a guard snarls, full of anger. "Get up, you're being tried!"

James opens his eyes, standing up and stretching. He acts compliant, though he wants to run so badly. "All right then. Bastards," The last part was quite.

After getting out of the cell, he and Rusky get pushed through the hallways, receiving looks of anger and sorrow, respectively, from the servants. James hated the stares. It reminded him too much of coming back from South Africa. That sheer hatred... A minute of walking passes before they reach the trial room, James preparing himself for more magic and Rusky just wanting to go home. To his parents.

Upon entering the courtroom, James is brought to a stand. It is like any other courtroom, a human courtroom, one in the good ol' US of A (bitter internal laugh). The only difference is that there is a big Royal Court, in white letters, at the top of an arch, under which sits three seats. In one is Celestia, one Luna, and one Cadence.

There are plenty of spectators, most whispering at what they were seeing in this surprise court case. James shudders, thinking of what they thought he could - no, would - do. The spectators are… uncertain. These ponies are unfamiliar, after all, and seeing a kid was always a bad sign. Especially when the royals were involved.

Friedrich and Hans are in their respective places, James notes, one sneering and one indifferent. Each has two guards, just like James and Rusky. The two are given seats next to each other, whether out of courtesy or a need to save space.

"Now that all of those who are to be tried are here," Cadence announces in her rare Royal Voice™, "Let the trial begin!"

The talking stops, shortly replaced by Luna's voice. "I would like to present some... background before we begin,"

"Certainly," the lead juror says exasperatedly as the rest of the jury gets ready for another one of Luna's thirty minute stories.

"About three days ago, these four were teleported to the castle after a strange spell. Curious, I decided to view their dreams that night and search their memories. My first piece is this song," the jury is pleasantly shocked at the brevity, yet that is overridden by interest in this case.

Luna summons the song (Blood on the Risers) for the jury to hear. Upon its conclusion, she merely says (to a very confused jury) "That is the first part of this memory. Let me project it for you all to see,"

After putting up the scene of how James and Co were teleported, Luna starts to tear up. She moves to hold her sister's hoof, and they sit there for the good ten minutes it plays. By the time it is torn down, Luna has reformed herself, ready to continue. The audience probably wouldn't have noticed if she was crying, however; they looked to be in shock.

"This is their world," she says to the speechless crowd. "I have decided to not put charges up against person #1, the green one,"

At hearing this, both James and Rusky jump with joy. They were safe in the Goddesses' eyes, and that meant they could live happily. Well, safely, anyways. Well...

"Unfortunately, I can not say the same for the other two," Luna says, voice laced with disdain. "This is evidence to use against number two - the gray one - on the charges of three murders and breaking the Geneighva Pact,"

DREAM WORLD

"So, what do we have here?" Hans asks, moving on the three Amerikan prisoners. They were chained up in their filthy chamber, and Hans was in a good mood today. In fact, he might even reward them, if they were compliant. They might like food, after all.

"So, are you ready to talk?" He asks as he opens the cell door

"Go to hell, nazi," the corporal said, spitting. The other two just stared at him, looking dead. The torture was effective, after all.

Suddenly souring, the German smiles evilly. "Is that so? Well, save me a seat, Jew," he says. With the tap of a button, he activates the shower head, which pours in a stream of mustard gas. Leaving, he whistles to the three screams. "Oh darling, you would love my job,"

REAL WORLD

"Moving on to the black one, with charges of- of- just watch," Luna was about to start crying, and she knew it, so she quickly poured out the next memory before collapsing into her chair.

DREAM WORLD

"So, start digging!" Friedrich shouts with anger. "Don't stop until we say!" He cocks his Luger, causing the sixty adults to move quickly.

The line of kids was at least thirty bodies long, but those were Jews. They didn't matter. He reloads his G2A4 and watches as the adults dig and cry. Every now and then, one of the twelve officers would shoot one, only increasing the pile.

"Ok! Enough! Bury the children!" he shouts. "Then report for a meal!" However, they were to have no meal. As soon as the last kid was dumped, the guards shoot the remaining fourty-five adults, filling up the hole. "Trithen!" he snaps, calling to his loyal French. "Bury them, and you'll get their food," The unit works happily, following the usual extermination schedule. After all, better this than dying in a mine or in the factories, right?

At least, that's what they told themselves.

REAL WORLD

The dream window popped down, showing two princesses to a truly silenced audience. "Any objections?" Celestia asks, turning to the two accused.

"Yes! Those Jews you showed… they were being cleansed. I was doing them a service,"

"How is killing them a service!?!?" Cadence shouts in anger, slamming her hooves

"This way, the obedient ones got to be happy in Valhalla," he smiles that same damn smile he wore during the carnage.

Celestia buries her rage. "The jury shall decide your fate," She says, clearly hiding her rage. The jury leaves for not even a minute. "Guilty on all charges, your honors,"

"I sentence the grey one to psychiatric training for further investigation and the black one to the death penalty," Celestia says, slamming her gavel. She was not cruel, and the grey one had potential… she hoped.

The audience quietly departs, leaving the princesses alone. "My mom, that was awful," Celestia says.

Cadence shoots her a look. "We still have normal court… I think I'll fill for Luna today,"

AN HOUR LATER

Celestia yawns. It was a quick court session today, if tiring, but she knew that she needed to get back, and quick. After all, if Luna had-

No no, she chastises herself. Happy thoughts.

"Oh, hey, sunny," a voice came from her left flank. She turns her head to find an embarrassed Green. "Umm… thanks for helping me… outta that… and sorry bout… your daughter, is she?"

"Sister, little one," Celestia says, smiling. "She has a… troubled backstory,"

"Oh, like what? I have worse, I'd bet," he jokes. Celestia is certain that she can beat him, even after seeing the horrors.

"Well, she went evil and tried to turn the world into an eternal night,"

The man merely laughs, though it's not quite right. "That's evil here? That sounds like her thing. Was she underappreciated?" Celestia nods, hanging her head in shame. "Man, we really lucked out here, didn't we?" His head perks up, and he turns to call out "You can come out, Rus,"

The foal from the trial came from around the corner. "H-hello…?" He sounds so sweet, so innocent. Celestia had not heard his voice before, so she was immediately assuming a matriarchal role.

"Why hello, my little pony," Celestia says warmly. "How are you today?"

"S-sad," he says, sniffling.

"And why would that be?"

"Because mommy and daddy should be here…"

"Oh, I'm sorry little one, but they wanted you to be happy here, with us," Celestia says.

"So, wait… there's more than one heaven? And this is one of them?" Green asks, looking as if he had discovered the meaning of life. That is obviously 42.

"Is that like Valhaylah?" (Vall-Hay-La)

"Yeah, but it's said Valhallah," (Vall-Hall-A)

"Maybe where you come from. However, I can confirm that Equestria is not 'heaven'," As she says this, she can see that Green looks… torn. As if he wanted it to be.

"So… wait… this is normal life?" He starts to tear up. "No fear? No hate? No… no bias, either?"

"Well, extremists exist, but not here, I assure you of that much,"

"Oh my God," he whispers, falling on his plot. "I- I can be me!" He shouts, jumping with glee.

"Why, whatever do you mean?"

Green just sighs. "Earth was a… fucked up place," Celestia nods, guessing Earth is his home world. "Even in the 'Land of the free', there was heavy racism, sexism, and... anti-gayness, for lack of a better term,"

"Well, all three tribes and more are welcomed here," Celestia assures him.

"I mean, even in the LBJ legion, the 'most progressive', they had a white straight male only policy. I filled only two of those boxes," he continues his monologue.

"Now, before we continue, I must ask: what is the difference between 'white' and everything else?"

"Skin color," Green says flatly. Celestia blinks for a second, looking utterly shocked.

"Nothing biological?"

"No matter what the bastards say, nothing but skin color," Green says, nodding firmly. The tears have stopped coming by now, even if there was still one on his cheek.

"At least here, they wanted to preserve their flying abilities…" Celestia shakes herself. "I would love to stay and chat, but Luna needs me. Would you like to walk back to the castle with me?"

"Why not? We can talk on the way back,"

TEN MINUTES LATER

"So then the doc said, 'und zat's how I lost my medical license!' We all burst out laughing our asses off, then shot him. It was an all Texan regiment, after all," Green chuckles heartily. "Poor bastard,"

Celestia shivers. "Charming. Well, here we are, I suppose I should check on my-"

As she is opening the door, Celestia is suddenly knocked to the ground by a flying book.

"Attention! All guards to their stations!" she hears a magic assisted Shining shout. Books shatter through all of the windows.

"That's… not normal, is it?" Green asks, rightly worried. After a shake of a head, Green says "Good. My head is nice,"

Celestia can hear guards running, but not why. However, Twilight's scream causes her to jump up and dash inside, not needing a reason.

Left alone with his thoughts, Green walked in, head slumped, singing "Has a man ever fought for a holier cause than freedom their flag and equal laws," he recites his mantra. Thinking of how he could be him for once. Oh the joys. He laughs bitterly as he walks himself out.

INSIDE

"No! Give me that!" Twilight shouts, tearing up. She didn't know how much damage an ink quill could do, but she didn't want to know. At least, not this way. Trapped to the floor, she couldn't do much. Her friends could only watch as they were, restricted by magic, even though they wanted to help.

"Let's see what I can do to you," Luna says, laughing evilly. She wielded the pen like a dagger, and stabs Twilight's shoulder. Twilight shrieks in pain, writhing on the ground. Ink hurts bad, a good portion of her mind notes.

Luna pulls the pen out, then immediately backs away, suddenly looking fearful. "Oh my… what... did I…"

"You fucking bitch!" Dash shouts. "I'm going to get you and rip your throat out!" Dash flies towards Luna, who just sits down and gives up. Upon impact, she is sent sprawling to the floor, at least ten feet away. Screaming in fury, Dash dashes forward and pummels her still body. All Luna does is let out a tear.

"You don't have to be so rough," Fluttershy says to Dash.

"Yes! I! DO!" Dash screams, building up her intensity and beating her wings to fight against anyone trying to stop her. After all, she was loyalty, and if that meant beating the crap out of a princess, then she was up for that.

No matter how much, no amount of willpower can help against an Alicorn's magic, however. When dash feels herself being pulled away, she just shouts "Lemme at her!!!" at the top of her lungs.

"Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty…," Celestia says, disappointed.

Immediately, Dash stops punching and gets calmer. "The bitch! She just up and stabbed Twi!!!" she complains.

"I'm fine," Twilight says, walking up to Dash. "And that was very over reactive, Dash," The last part was stern.

Celestia was ignoring them at this point, however. Approaching Luna, she kept telling herself that Luna was an Alicorn. She would live. However, the bloody mane and cut flank said otherwise.

"Go," Celestia says quietly.

"Sorry, what was that?" Twilight asks, having not heard her former teacher.

"Go!" Celestia - no, Daybreaker - snarls. For a split second, Celestia had transformed. That split second of rage and fury was enough to send the Elements packing, however. Turning back to her sister, Celestia says "L-Luna? I'm going to take us to our room now. I'll have to walk, however," A tear falls from her face.

Luna did nothing but let out a tear. She could do nothing. She had hurt her first friend. On purpose. Worthwhile my plot.

"O-ok, I'm going to put y-you on my back now," Celestia hoists Luna up, and just as a few days before, started walking back to her room. "Why?" She whispers, too quiet for anyone to hear.

However, on this walk, guards couldn't help but stare at the broken duo, especially due to the call to arms. The solar guards watched them, wherever they went. They were clearly displeased, seeing Celestia walk.The servants dropped what they were carrying.

The thestrals were in much more trouble. A few passed out. One just flew away, crying. A familiar one just shattered, assuming a position like Luna, falling in a heap. She would not be helped until later that night. It was rather like before.

Not that either Alicorn noticed. One was essentially unconscious and one was stuck in her head. They had a lot of patch work to do, it would seem.

Author's Note

Hmm. Woke.

Felt a bit rushed, but so did the last one, and that seemed to do well. So enjoy a midnight chapter. I will be reading a subchapter soon, either later tonight or tomorrow.

Chapter 5.5

Dash runs out of the building with her friends, but when they stop, she keeps going, tearing up. She doesn't stop when they shout after her. She has seriously fucked up. She had seen Luna. Even a foal could tell she was hurt, and then to have Loyalty betray her… Thinking to use her wings, Dash accelerates to near-rainboom speeds.

After a few minutes of going in circles, constantly berating herself, Dash decides to land. Not caring where, she starts to glide, not realizing she is above the Everfree until a tree scratches her wings.

Dash falls to the floor with a shout. Once she lands/crashes, she sighs, bitter that she was going through this. I'm too awesome for this shit! She pounds the ground a few times in frustration. Deciding that her spot would be safe enough, she eventually decides to rest until she feels better. More awesome and less… blegh. After all, she needs some alone time. She deserves some alone time.

THREE HOURS LATER

James was walking through the forest, as he did when he could not get sleep. Back home, that is. It was so magical and beautiful here, in the wild, helping him calm down more than once. Unless he was in a jungle. Then he hid.

Those weren't at home or here, though. Sighing, he trudges along. He knew it was dangerous to be out here, but they thought it was dangerous. He thought it was a cake walk.

Reminded of his time in South Africa, he decided to sing a little song, maybe a bit too loud.

FIFTY FEET AWAY

Dash stirred, hearing something approaching. Yawning, she perks her ears as a familiar voice starts an unfamiliar tune:

(https://youtu.be/oyIGFckkRWU, great song)

"There's a yellow rose in Texas,
That I am going to see.
No other fellow knows her,
No other only me.
She cried so when I left her,
It liked to break my heart.
And if I ever find her,
We never more shall part."

The voice was a stallion's. It sounded familiar, but some words - 'Texas', 'girl' - were not. Getting up, Dash starts to walk towards it, entranced. She wants some comfort right now, and maybe she could restart with whoever this was. Be loyal for once. She smiled weakly at the thought. You can do it, you're awesome enough!

James keeps on singing and remembering; South Africa, Ryan, his dog… good times. If only, that stupid... His thoughts getting darker, he switches focus back to the song.

"She's the sweetest rose of colour,
This soldier ever knew.
Here eyes were bright as diamonds,
They sparkled like the dew.
You may talk about your dear Miss Mae
Or sing of Rosa Lee.
But the yellow rose of texas
Is the only girl for me."

At this point, Dash can see the strange Earth pony. He looks familiar, Dash thinks. Oh! The trial! She wonders what he's doing out here. The jury had pardoned him. Luna had… The thought of Luna brought her close to tears, however. Stupid element. Making me cry.

James felt tears coming. Ryan had been the only guy for him. He had been the only boy for him. Had been. He sighed a defeated sigh.

"Where the Rio Grande is flowing,
And the starry skies are bright.
She walks along the river,
On the starry summer night.
She thinks if I remember
When we parted long ago.
I'd promise to come back again
And never leave her so."

Dash is about to step forward, but something catches her hoof. She remains quiet, pulling it off with her teeth. Damn! I can't let him get away! She hurries up, and let's out a squeal of joy. Wow, he didn't notice...

James feels the tears coming up. What had I done wrong? I guess I was broken, but still...

"Oh now I'm going to find her,
For my heart is full of woe.
We'll sing the songs together,
Which we sang so long ago.
We'll play the banjo gayly
As we play the songs yore.
And the yellow rose of Texas
Shall be mine fore… ever... more…"

At the end, James was breaking up. Plopping to the ground, he finally let a tear shed. Not one more, he vowed.

"Is that the end?!? That was great!" Dash shouts, trotting out of a bush. She hoped she looked happy. James looked up, startled, and started to cry more.

"Wh… who are you?" His voice sounds weak.

"Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty!" Dash triumphantly says. "You're the stallion from the court trial, right?"

"Oh, that? I suppose I am," That evidence used was damning. Do not think about your friends! he demanded in his head. It had the opposite effect. Damn it.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Dash winces, seeing she had done something wrong. He started to cry more, almost making a river. "Hey… wanna go home?"

"That would be nice," he says, only then realizing that he had no house, only that damned cell.

"... Where is it?"

He laughs. "My house… not here. Not anymore,"

"Oh…" She looks as if she feels bad. "I have a spare room in my town house,"

"That… you'd trust me?" As James says this, he looks up, still crying.

"Of course. My frie… my heart says I should, and it hasn't been wrong yet,"

"Thank you," he muttered, noticing the stammer. You got good at that in the army.

"What, is something wrong? Well, did I do something wrong?" Dash corrects herself, wincing at the mistake. Of course you did, you-

"Last time I did this… didn't turn out well for the host. So thank you," James gathers his stuff and stuffs it in his pack.

"Well, what happened?" Dash says, suddenly fearful. She didn't want to get hurt.

"Nazis," he says, grunting as he gets up.

"What're those?"

"Let me tell you a little story…"

Author's Note

A bit late, but this didn't feel right. Here is the final version. Chapter 6 us being done rn.

Chapter 6

Celestia dumps her sister on the bed, then fixes her awkward sprawl. Sighing, she turns off their alarms and slips into bed herself. The sun was taken care of right after day court, and Luna had done her half then. However, she can not do that now, and probably not for a while. And that is ok.

Celestia tells herself that she is going to sleep. However, she merely stays up, watching her sister. Luna is awake, but unresponsive; just like in the hospital, those few years ago. Unable to think straight, she starts crying her heart out. No one told her that Luna would try to jump once she got back. Or the week after.

No one said it would be that hard to have her back.

At some point - Celestia didn't know, she had the room locked magically and the curtains shut - Luna awoke to her big sister. Not as in her eyes opened, but her mind was working again. Luna looks up, eyes full of sorrow and pain.

"Sister… am I… forgiven?"

"Yes, Luna, you are,"

Then they both sit there, warmed by the other mare. Eventually, Luna steals both herself and her sister into her realm.

? LATER

Celestia awakens to a scream from a corner in the room. Bolting up, she notices her sister has gone in the corner and… she…

"Luna!" Celestia shouts, eyes full of tears. "What is this?!?"

"I was gonna… hang myself,"

"Then why the knife!?"

"To do this…" As Luna let her sister see her little 'Wings of Horror', she heard silence for a few seconds. "Look, I-"

A tight hug wraps around Luna. "Am well loved and deserve to live my life." Celestia firmly whispers. "Could you please say that to me?" Luna nods, letting a tear hit the floor.

"I am well l-loved and d-deserve to - I can't keep lying!"

"Then finish the statement, Luna,"

"No. Not yet," Luna looks fearfully at Celestia. "That would be… bad. I couldn't stand myself then,"

"Ok," Celestia sighs, defeated. Luna feels worse. "Just please tell me the next time you have a plan, sister?"

"Ok, I can do that," The diarchs return to bed, both a little less stressed.

?? LATER

The two sisters woke to… well, each other. Celestia turns to Luna, watching her wake up.

"Isn't it time for the sun by now?" Luna asks.

"Maybe, but we won't move until you finish telling me everything and we both feel much better,"

On the outside, the elements - minus Dash - had gathered, trying to get in. Twilight was working on it, but that would take time. Days, experts said. However, it was Twilight...

"But without the moon, I'm useless," Luna cries out. She buries herself into Celestia's shoulder.

"Let it out," Celestia mutters. Luna starts crying much harder, almost sobbing. They lay there for thirty minutes like that. Luna stops tearing twenty minutes in, and spends ten minutes hugging her sister tight.

"And what about your ponies?" Luna sniffles.

"Our," Celestia fixes her sentence.

"Our," Luna amends, "ponies? And the sun?"

"Luna, your health is more important than the day,"

"But what about them? Aren't they important, or must they suffer because I am weak?" She sighs. "Stupid good for nothing princess…"

"Hey, stop that," Celestia admonishes. "You're not weak, just sensitive, as usual," Celestia pulls Luna closer, hugging her tighter. "Plus, you have a convoluted past. I'm sure most ponies forgive you,"

"But you make them suffer because I can't mare up," Luna weeps out. "And I can't stand that!"

Suddenly, the door opens.

"I'm in!" Twilight shouts from outside. Luna tries to hide in the bed, weeping quieter, yet harder. Celestia sits up, yawning.

Twilight walks through the door. "My my, it's been two days, teach," Twilight says teasingly.

Celestia sighs. "It has? Give me three more," She looks strained, both physically and mentally.

"Now, you can't solve this without help, even if you are a Goddess," Twilight waves to her friends as she walks further in.

Luna suddenly bursts out of the bed. "Leave me alone or I will do to you what I did to those foals, Twilight Sparkle!" She tears up and tries to hide again Idiot her friends out now all of Equestria will call you a foal fiddler you i-

Rarity walks in, wide-eyed. "What did you do, Luna?"

"Nothing," Celestia says, quickly drowned out by Luna's rant.

Leaping up, Luna starts: "I raped them ok I raped them like the little shit I was I raped them till they died I raped them after that I raped two at once I- I-"

"Luna," Celestia says as if it was a warning. "That was Nightmare Moon," Luna melts into her sister, sobbing and shaking. Please don't kill me please don't kill me please don't.

That did not stop Rarity and Fluttershy from fainting, or Pinkie from saying "That's not news, why is everyone fainting?"

"You don't count, Pinkie," Celestia says. She was fully aware that Discord had more than one way of meddling in her affairs.

"Ah well," Pinkie eats another cupcake from her magically appearing box.

Twilight wakes the two fainted elements up as Applejack starts talking to Luna. "So, hol' up a Celestial damned minute… y'all are telling me that she still blames herself fer Nightmare Moon?"

"But of course I am Nightmare Moon I am her I was the one who raped those foals I burned the houses I killed ponies I almost killed my sister but I wanted her to kill me why can't you or me or anybody kill me ok there now you know my life story whoopee now end the story!" Luna begs. She starts to shiver uncontrollably. If she didn't know better, Twilight would say she was having a seizure.

"Sister," Celestia says through tears. Now crying, Luna turns to look at her. "Don't say that. Ever,"

"Bu-"

"Sister, I may have contemplated suicide many times whilst you were gone, but I stuck through it for you," Luna looks shocked at Celestia's confession. "I love you, Luna, and seeing you like this, makes me think that that's not such a… bad idea…"

"I…" Luna hides under her sister. Feeling stupid. Stupid like an idiot. Like her.

Twilight shooed the other elements away: "Go on, girls, I'll be out in a minute," After they left and a sound proofing spell was put up, Twilight hopped up onto the bed. "Should I get your niece…" she whispers to Celestia.

"That would be nice," Celestia whispers back. Twilight hops down and heads to the door.

Just as Twilight is about to leave, Luna blurts out "Come back please don't leave don't go,"

Twilight smiles weakly. "No problem, I'm just getting Cadence," Seeing Luna sated, a purple flash takes Twilight away.

CRYSTAL PALACE

All throughout the house, everyone is asleep; from the new flurry heart to the old bedside wreath.

(Flurry Heart's birth was very sudden; Cadence supposedly had a month left, yet Flurry Heart came out fine. This was put on the fact that she was an Alicorn, who have been acknowledged to develop quicker than normal)

However, that changed when Twilight uses her teleport and crashes on the dining room table. Hearing this, Shining jumps up, grabs a blade, and runs to the dining room.

Flipping the light on, Shining stares, dumbfounded, at the scene before him. "Um… Twi? You ok?"

"Hey Shining! Is Cadence awake?" Twilight shakes the dust from her impact off.

"I am now. What is it?" Cadence asks, yawning, from the doorway.

"Luna needs us…"

Cadence springs to action, kissing Shining goodbye as she leaves. Looking up, as if to the moon, she says "Fear not, auntie, I'm coming…" A bright purple flash consumes the two mares as they leave for Canterlot.

Utterly confused, Shining hurries to Flurry's room when he hears crying. Note to self: what the fuck.

CANTERLOT CASTLE

"Why did she leave why why why I'm scared sister," Luna says, still tightly held in Celestia's embrace. Even at this point, Luna was still crying, even if it was a small stream.

"She was going to get Cadence, Luna,"

"But why why why I'm scared sis I-"

Just that moment, a bright purple flash appears in front of the bed. Twilight and Cadence stumble out into the room.

"Still not the best with teleporting," Twilight winced.

"So, what's the pro-" Cadence says before seeing her two aunts.

"See sis I told you they all hated me she said I'm a problem and I am I'm your problem sis I need help," Luna makes out through tears.

"Auntie…" Cadence sighs. "I thought that you were better,"

"Better?" Luna snaps up, a crazy look in her eyes as she leans towards Cadence. Celestia starts to rise, worried. "Better?!? I don't deserve better! You know that! You know what I've done. You all do! Yet you toy with me to make me suffer even more!!!" Luna is roaring at the end.

"Sis…" Celestia says. "She is ignorant, that's all,"

Luna leans back and sighs. "You're right. I'm so sorry. I just need to shut up…" Luna starts to bury herself in her sheets before Twilight stops her

"No, that is not what you want to do," Twilight says. "You need to tell us how you feel, Luna,"

"I feel like a pile of shit. Worthless. All I've ever done is cause pain and misery. There! Is that what you wanted to hear?! Because you have! Now leave me be I just want mom I just want mom…" Luna starts to whisper as she curls into a ball.

Celestia adopts a protective position around her sister, providing warmth and comfort. "Luna, you may feel that way, but you don't really believe that, do you?"

"But I do I do it hurts please make it stop why can't someone help me with my nightmares..."

Cadence approaches. "Luna, please stop beating yourself up. We all love you, and you matter to us so much…"

"Yeah!" Twilight picks up. "You're so awesome, Luna! Why wouldn't someone love you?"

"Why would I?" an all too familiar voice calls from the doorway.

Author's Note

Hmm. Cliffhangers.

I'll try getting up #7 tonight, but I still have 6.5, so...

Chapter 6.5

Rainbow is nervous. She doesn't truly know what this stallion is capable of, after all. Her lessons say to trust, but her guts scream to her that she would get hurt. Her heart states that she would deserve it, and her head is just tired, so it isn't much of a competition in the end. Whatever's easiest.

James seems to be doing better, too. Well, he is barely together in all honesty, but he wears a face. He wants to be polite, after all. Be nice to your hosts, his mother always said.

Eventually they encounter Dash's ground house. James immediately tries to enter. "Hey, you gotta let me unlock it," Dash mutters. James steps back and lets her as he takes a look at his surroundings, weary. Trees there, hill there, river the-

Then he remembered what peace was like.

No more looking over his shoulder. No more worrying for Werewulven, or for snipers. And yet he still did. Habits die hard.

"Hey, you changed your mind or….?" James realizes he had been standing there, looking around for what could have been a minute. Numb, he apologizes and heads inside. Now to lock down the fort.

The first sign Rainbow gets of his current state is when he immediately locks, bolts, and jams the door. Making a joke, she asks "What, expecting a robbery?"

"No, Jerry," he casually adds. He is too tired to truthfully think out his answers or actions, so he just says the truth.

"Jerry…?"

"Yeah. Kraut bastards paraded their 'righteous cause' for all to see," Looking satisfied with the structural support, he stands up and nods. "Alright. Window time," He suddenly picks up two wood boards and a hammer, moving towards a window, when Dash stops him.

"Hey! Stop it! Buy your own windows!" Dash flies in front of James.

"But the Were… vul…"

"Were what now? Are you talking about about werewolfs?" Dash lets out a laugh. "Those don't exist, silly, they can't hurt yo-"

"Oh, but they already have,"

"...um, wadda you mean?"

"I mean those stupid nazi shits ARE REAL!!!" James screams, causing Dash to cower. "Ask any of my friends, Ryan, Luke, Carter…" he breaks down into tears, collapsing in his materials (thankfully in containers).

"Is this something from… over there?" Dash asks quietly. James nods bitterly and punches the wall, breaking the drywall.

"FUCK!!!" He curls up into a ball. "Why me…"

Dash isn't sure what to do. So, being the tactful and honest mare she is, she merely asks "Can I do anything, or should I-"

"You could… um…" He cringes. "comecloseandcuddleprettyplease?" He sounds as if he switched with Pinkie for a second, talking a mile a minute.

"Um… I mean…"

"Oh, who was I kidding. I'm sorry for bother-"

"It's fine, just… unexpected…" At this news, James sighs in relief. The sound makes Dash happy, and then she remembers why she is the Element of Loyalty. Assuming the spot nature tells her too (she is a mare), she walks over and snuggles her back into James' chest. Looking back, she then thinks to ask "Is this fine?"

"Uh-huh," Dash turns back around, closes her eyes, and makes a checklist of what she had to do tomorrow. It sure was busy. Apologize to Luna, talk to to Twi, get some-

A soft mutter broke her thought process. "Everything is gonna be fine," James mutters in his sleep as he hugs her tighter. "I have a friend now," Dash can feel her heart break before she almost passes out.

Author's Note

Hint: Read the .5s to understand what the fuck is happening. They usually run parallel.

Chapter 7

To a chorus of gasps (cliche), Friedrich walks through the doorway. "You punished me for doing nothing wrong. These people," He spits the word. "The weren't real people. All of them, kids and adults both, were impure, and I was merely serving my Vaterland…"

Twilight asks "Why aren't you in jail?"

"Well, it was rather easy. The guards were fools, thinking I would 'reform' into some judeo bolshevik," The stallion smiles pleasantly. "But even the captain of your guard fell quick enough,"

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO SHINING!?!?" Cadence screams in rage. Never had she been so thoroughly angry before. It was as if she had become the rage, gaining a Daybreaker of her own.

"Just like the other 3, slit his throat," He wears a sadistic smile now. "Or did I cut his head off? Stab his eyes and spit on the corpse? I don't know, it was so ea-"

Friedreich disappears in a blast of pink light. Cadence's horn flares and seems as if it is about to shatter from the exertion; however, the blast works, the horn rallies and holds, and soon enough, Fredrich is non-existent.

"Shiney!" Cadence screams, tears flying, running into the hallway. "Where are you?!?!"

The grey stallion appears at the door. "Eh, is zis a bad time?" He had escaped too. After all, it was an opportunity for… something. He didn't know, but he and James had had a talk, and he needed peace.

"I mean…" Celestia says. "Just fuck off, please," The grey one obliges, happy to be alive, as Twilight leaves the room, chasing Cadence. Partly in fear and partly in worry.

Cadence kept running, tears not stopping as she continued to scream her throat raw. Many a guard and servant fled to hide from the rampaging mare, making her way to the dungeon.

Once she arrives, she sees three dead guards and a dying captain. His flank is cut open, intestines starting to spill. Screaming in rage and frustration, Cadence approaches her only love: "NOOOOOOO!"

"C-Cadence…" Shining manages, smiling. "Please... d-dont cry… for me…" He passes out. Or dies. It's hard to tell.

Cadence suddenly gets an idea. Teleporting to the library, she rushes to the dark arts section, immediately finding a restoration book. Yadda yadda I might die yadda yadda warnings yadda yadda found it!

Teleporting back, Cadence immediately casts the spell. Shining's wounds start to close up, his eyes gaining life again. At a decelerated rate, Cadence slowly loses strength and magic capabilities. Eventually, when Shining looks weak, but otherwise fine, Cadence stops, collapsing from exhaustion.

"Cadence?!?" Shining asks. "Are you ok?!? Please be ok," He feels guilty that she has sacrificed so much for him...

Twilight comes around the corner. "Wha-" she inhales sharply. Chewing her lip and seeing the book on the floor, she recalls her lessons. "How long was she using that spell?"

"Twenty-ish seconds, why?!? Tell me she'll be fine, Twi,"

"She'll live," Twi says, causing Shining to jump with glee. "But she will always be weaker, as far as I know. Same with you,"

"Wha… why… I…" Shining tears up and starts sobbing. "Give her back her power, Twi," Twilight lets him rest his head on her lap,like a mother would to a foal.

"I can't. It's yours," Twilight says, petting him to comfort him. The spell required that the owner willingly gave it to a consenting party. "At least you'll both live," Shining wept harder, and doesn't stop until he passes out.

When the guards thought it safe to come out again, hours later, they found three dead kinsmen, a passed out princess, and two sleeping siblings. So, every other Tuesday with Cadence.

Author's Note

Ok, I got it out. Another short one, but this felt... Right, I suppose.

Chapter 8

A DAY LATER

"Alright, you two take care, I have a library to run," Twilight waves goodbye to her brother and sister-in-law as she teleports out.

They are both crying, but at least they could talk to each other. An hour ago, they would break into tears, either at the bad thoughts, in Cadence's case, or the pain Shining thought he had caused.

As she lands properly this time, Twilight appears in her bedroom, giving out a small whoop. Walking downstairs, she waves good morning to Spike. "Hello there,"

"General Kepone," Spike responds.

"Sorry… what?"

"Ya know, it's a Star Mares reference! You sure don't read actually interesting books,"

Twilight chuckles. "I like Magic. It is interesting to me,"

Spike mutters something about bad taste. "Well, there's some lunch left over if you want it. I made omelettes,"

"For lunch?"

"Brunch,"

"Thank you Spike," Twilight gives him a warm smile as she heads to the kitchen.

A few minutes later, she has her lunch and sat down at the table. The omelette wasn't too large, maybe 4 inches long. Eating viscously, she attracts a stare from Spike. "Uh… I'll go heat up another one…"

"Could you make it two?" Twilight manages through a mouth of eggs, cheese and mushrooms. Spike nods. "Thank you!"

Twilight was still eating ten minutes later. This would be normal, but she was also eating at least thrice as fast as she should be able to.

"I'm stuffed," she suddenly announces, leaning back.

"That was… a third of the omelettes…"

"Didn't make too many then,"

"I made thirty and ate three,"

Twilight blushes. "Oh my…" She gets up suddenly, heading towards the stairs. "Well, I need to use the mare's room. I shall be out shortly,"

"I'll clean up… mom…"

SEVEN HOURS LATER

"Let's continue this pleasant chat about whether laser guns could be real after closing time. Mk?" Twilight says through her teeth. This has taken two hours, and it was dark out now. She still had a book or twelve to put away.

"Yes, I think we will," Spike's voice gas a fake politeness to it.

"Excellent. I now have a book or twelve to put away. No, just one book," As Twilight gets up, a sudden knock comes at the door. "Come in!" Twilight shouts.

The door opens, and a mare comes stumbling in. "Welcome to the Pony… ville… what are you doing here?"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie has decided she needs help," Trixie says. She takes a seat. "Walking was hurting, so Trixie came to the nearest hospitable place… Trixie is allowed here, right?" The last part was in a quieter voice.

"Why of course. Just give me some warning next time, ok?"

"Oh… Trixie should leave then, and not be under hoof," Looking down, she attempts to leave before Twilight blocks her.

"Trixie, what do you mean?" Twilight was paranoid after Luna had her… attempts.

"Trixie is sorry for wasting your time on a life worth so little. She just wants to leave," Trixie says in a defeated tone, so unusual for her.

"What do you mean? You're worth so much!" Twilight asks, reflecting on Luna's aforementioned… attempt.

"Trixie is sorry that you feel that way, but Trixie was never worth much. All she needed was someone to show her that," A tear comes to Trixie's eye.

"Trixie… who did this?!?" She had been gone a mere week. Sure it was Chrysalis who stole her, but…

Twilight's eyes narrow. "You aren't the real Trixie," Twilight says.

Trixie sighs, and casts her Rabbit-outta-a-hat-outta-a-book-outta-a-window trick™. Twilight stands there, shocked, realizing that it is Trixie.

"Trixie is sorry… she shall go now, and not waste your time with her pitiful, worthless presence," As Trixie walks, sobs wrack her body. She had just lost her last chance. So, what now…

Trixie freezes upon feeling a warm embrace and the cold splashes of tears. "Trixie, never say that again! Do you understand me!? Never!"

"But Trixie knows it's true. She is worthless. After all, mom said so, and she understands me..."

"Trixie… I can help you, but please stop this self-deprecation! You are great and powerful!" Twilight starts to choke up. "You have friends and a meaning!"

"Trixie can tell Twilight is a friend, but who else? The rainbow one, the seamstress, and the apple one hate her. The caregiver politely told her to fuck off, and the jumpy one said something about covinience to someone! And then they ran her off!" Trixie starts crying herself. "And the dragon sided with the seamstress, so he's an enemy of Trixie! Ask him if I should stay,"

"Spike, we are going to have a talk now," Twilight grits out through tears. "Give me a few minutes, Trixie. I'll be right back, and Spike can apologize,"

Twilight guided Spike up the stairs. As soon as Trixie was out of earshot, she started. "Why?"

"Well, uh, erm…"

Twilight sighs. "Rarity?"

Spike nods, ashamed. "Also, she was pretty stuck up,"

"Spike…" Twilight groans. "What happened?"

"Well… Dash told Trixie she hated her, AJ concurred, Rarity was mad about her gems, I sided with Rarity, the CMCs joined in, and then I didn't see Fluttershy or Pinkie,"

"Hm…" Twilight stood still, thinking. "I know! Before you can read a comic, you must write me a report on this here book," Twilight whips a Geography book out of nowhere. "Explain the geopolitics of Griffons, in an essay. 25 pages minimum,"

Spike sigh. "Yes, mom…" he heads for his room. Twilight, satisfied, heads downstairs back to Trixie.

"Ok, well, now that that is done with, how are you Tri-" Twilight notices the note on the desk.

Dear Twilight,

Trixie has caused trouble. If you want to laugh at her, go to the Ghastly Gorge.

Please excuse my use of your materials,
Trixie.

"Trixie!" Twilight screams as she starts her teleport.

GHASTLY GORGE

"Well, Trixie had a nice ride, much nicer than she ever deserved," Trixie lets out a whimper. "She is such a bad mare…" Steeling herself for the jump, she stands at the edge.

Suddenly, she hears a sharp snap and then feels herself being restrained with magic. "What is this?" She struggles futilely.

"It's your friend, Trixie…" Twilight says through a son.

"Trixie is not friends with royalty, merely a servant! Now let her jump!"

At this point, Twilight could hug Trixie. "Never!" She shouts, bringing her close and teleporting them back home.

PV LIBRARY

They appear on Twilight's bed. "Now, we are going to sleep in the same bed. That way, you can't escape," Twilight encases the room. "There we go. Very easy to maintain,"

"But that's an even worse obtrusion!" Trixie says. "Trixie would be awful if she did that!"

"It's not bad, Trixie. I want to have you close," Trixie sighs in response. The two mares climb under the sheets and pull it over themselves. Twilight never lets go of her hug, holding Trixie tight. Trixie never stops feeling bad, even crying at some points. Eventually, Luna claims them.

ABOUT TEN HOURS LATER

"Come on Trixie, wake up," Twilight says while yawning. She shakes Trixie, who groans as she opens her eyes.

"Twilight… let it be known that Trixie thanks you, for being so kind, even though she's so-"

"Hey now, no more negative thoughts. Let's go talk to my friends, ok?" Twilight whispers reassuringly. Nodding through tears, Trixie lets herself be taken by the bright flash.

Author's Note

Time: 3am pst.
Me: U P L O A D

Longer chapters soon, I believe. Much better writing, anyways.

Chapter 9

What a beautiful morning! Rarity gets out of the shower, wrapping a towel around herself. It really is a beautiful morning. The sun shines bright, the clouds look stunning-

A knock sounds at her door. Rarity, who has yet to turn over the open sign, calls out "Welcome to Rarity's Boutique, the- oh, hello Twilight!"

"Hey," Twilight walks up as Trixie hides right outside, trembling. "Do you remember Trixie?"

The question causes a flicker of surprise in Rarity's eyes. "Yes, that poor mare," She shakes her head. "I felt so bad when she left. It was as if-"

"Really? Because I have heard something different," At Twilight's signal, Trixie comes around the corner.

"Hi," Trixie says ashamedly, tears still rolling down her cheeks. "Trixie doesn't think you're wrong…"

"So, what did you do, and why?!" Twilight asks, face a mask of rage. "What did she do to you?!"

"I-" Rarity begins, only to be saved by Trixie.

"No, Trixie knows that they were right. After all, Trixie is a worthless-"

"Trixie, please stop doing that," Twilight says, replacing the rage with pain as she looks towards her. "You need to stop it! It hurts me, hurts you, hurts everyone else..." Turning back to Rarity, she looks madder than Tartarus. "See what you have done?!"

Rarity sighs. "How was I supposed to know this would happen? Trixie was being mean to Sweetie, so I had to-"

"Now, I've been told about that," Twilight remembers hearing how the CMCs had acted, and quaked with anger.

"I… ok. I made an extravagant mess out of nothing. I admit I have messed up, and I am truly sorry. Could I do anything for you?" At this, Trixie looks back up to her.

"You could… tell her that she's worth something, like you know she is," Trixie says, though she didn't think she was worth a bit.

Rarity walks over to Trixie, closely watched by Twilight. "Look, I… I said some bad things in the heat of the moment. In all honesty, I was jealous of you. You had so much potential, while I can only make clothes. I love it, don't get me wrong, but if I ever get tired if it… if you got tired of magic, you could do anything else!"

"...Th-thanks," Trixie manages as the stream of tears starts to subside. Twilight moves in to hug her.

"See? They envy you!"

"She might, b-but the rainbow one…"

"Aw, don't worry, we can 'talk' to her,"

CLOUDSDALE

Dash stretches, yawning. Work is tiring; managing ponies… her spine shivered. She wanted to find a cloud and sleep; however, she really has to get home soon-

"Rainbow Dash!" Startled, Dash looks up to see an angry Twilight. Lots of ponies turned at hearing the angry princess. "Does the name TRIXIE remind you of anything?!"

"Yeah, that ma-"

"Well, say sorry!" Trixie walks out from behind Twilight.

"H-hey…"

"...Twi-"

"NOW!" The princess had a look of sheer anger on her face. Dash took a step back.

"Trixie…" A quick look of pain and regret crosses Dash's face. "I honestly have more importan-"

"WHAT?!?! YOU LITTLE SHIT!" Twilight starts charging her horn. "WHEN I'M DONE WITH YOU, I'LL-" She stops ranting when Trixie nudges her.

"Hey, s-she is right, you know…" Trixie whispers. "L-look what a mess T-trixie caused…" Twilight sees the crowd which had gathered around.

"No, and I'll prove it to you!" At this point, Dash is long gone. Twilight walks into the weather factory and immediately has Dash's job taken away, and has them inform her that she would need to talk to Twilight to get it back.

APPLE FAMILY FARMS

Applejack continues her bucking, working on her third row. Not bad, for a mere half hour of work. Satisfied, she decides she needs a break, and, stopping, moves to take a swing of water-

-And gets an angry Twilight. "Why, is somethin' wro-" Applejack starts.

"You better be better than Dash. Do you remember Trixie?!"

"Yeah, that mare-"

"Is here now!" Trixie comes around a tree.

"H-hey…" Trixie had stopped crying, all emotions having been replaced with an emotionless void. Her eyes show it to the world.

A look of regret flashes Applejack's face upon looking into the eyes. "Oh ma… Trixeh, ahm sorry 'bout what we did to ya. Ah knew you were hidin' somethin', but ah didn't know what, so ah assumed the worst. Please, is there somethin' ah can do ta help ya?"

"...h-hug Trixie…" Trixie says, barely loud enough to be heard.

Applejack moves forward, offering a hug. Trixie remains where she is. "Ahm sorry, Trixie. Yah clearly mean so much. After all, Twi gas taken an interest in ya, and that alone says a lot about ya,"

Trixie finally cries as she leaps forward into Applejack's arms. She stays there for a good fifteen minutes, sobbing her heart out. Eventually, she pulls away. "Trixie thanks you…"

"No problem! Let me know when ya need somethin'!" Applejack waves Trixie and Twilight bye as the two teleport. "Now, to make up for lost time.. " There went her lead on Big Mac. She sighs, realizing she just lost 20 bits.

FLUTTERSHY'S COTTAGE

"And there is your food, Angel!" Fluttershy walks to her couch, laying down as if to sleep. "Mm, I want to-"

"Tell me what the hell you did to Trixie?!"

"Twilight! Hello-" The question registers. "There. I…I said goodbye, I think…"

"Bullshit!" Twilight's shout causes Fluttershy to jump up. "She has said that you told her to fuck off!"

"Twi-" Fluttershy looks so scared she'd admit to anything. Seeing this, Trixie intervenes.

"Trixie… may have lied to you," Trixie pipes up.

"What…" Twilight turns to the blue mare. "Why?" She asks, a little too intensely.

Trixie shrinks back some. "B-because otherwise you w-wouldn't help, and T-trixie needs help r-right now,"

"Trixie," Twilight says. "I would always help you. You are a friend. Even if you accidentally killed Celestia I would help you,"

Fluttershy bumps in. "I c-could have helped too. I'm sure all of us would help you!"

"Not Dash, apparently…"

"What do you mean?"

"Dash c-called Trixie unimportant, which T-trixie knows is tru-" Trixie starts.

"You mean which Dash totally made up,"

"N-no, Trixie kno-"

Twilight stops her with a tight hug, causing Trixie to let out a surprised yelp. "Right now, I'm going to hug you until you feel better. Is that clear?"

"Y-yes…" Trixie starts to tear up again.

"Um… could I join? If I'm not a bother," Fluttershy asks. She felt bad, and this was a start at feeling better.

"Trixie… would enjoy that," Fluttershy comes around behind Trixie, and she wraps her arms around her comfortingly.

The group sits there in a hug, letting time whittle away. Eventually, they break apart and move to Fluttershy's couch, turning on the tv. At some point, Pinkie walks by.

"Who wants cupcakes!" She seems oblivious to the mood she had ruined.

"Trixie wants one," At this, a box was flung Trixie's way. "Huh…?" She asks, catching it. "I can't…"

"Well, share that ok?! I need to make more!" Pinkie scampers off. Twilight and Fluttershy move to take one, but Trixie starts to panic.

"Um… uh… hnn-"

"Trixie, what's wrong?" Twilight asks, noticing her friend's state.

"Trixie can't afford this…"

Twilight laughs. "They're good, but Pinkie charges 10 bits a box!"

"Trixie knows…" Twilight then takes a moment to truly look the mare over, and she gasps. Her mane was a mess, her clothes are very dirty, her ribs were showing… Trixie's not taking care of herself! Why?! Wait a minute…

"Well, I'm sure Pinkie will cover it," Fluttershy offers, oblivious to Trixie's state.

"Fluttershy, take a look at Trixie," Twilight asks quietly. Fluttershy obliges, dropping her cupcake as she gasps in surprise.

"Oh my! What happened?!"

"W-well… Trixie's not a thief, so… she wouldn't steal…"

"Trixie!" Twilight shouts, causing the other mares to jump. "Did you plan to continue like that?! You have friends right here!"

"Trixie's sorry. She didn't want to be a bother, so-"

"Saving a life isn't a bother!" Twilight looks angry. "I- I-" The anger drops with a sigh. "It's ok, you're fine now…"

Trixie would be crying, but she had run out of energy. Laying down, she let the tears stream as she starts to sleep, finally knowing that she has a safe future.

Author's Note

I'm not sure how much I like this. It's a needed chapter, I suppose, and I do want to write more, so...

Anyways, mood

Chapter 10

Dash stretches out, waking up with a yawn. It was rather early, after all. A glance over her shoulder lets her see that James was in the same position as last night, wide awake. "Good morning, James. How'd ya sleep?"

"I slept," James offers.

"Is that unusual?" A grimace conforms Dash's fears. "Well… how about breakfast?" Dash had made 'food' last night and left it heated, in the microwave. It looked like charcakes, scrambled… plants and pieces of flesh, in all honesty.

"Is that food, or is it Jack?" James quips dryly. He immediately winces as a memory comes up, one he'd rather not have.

"Jack?" The confusion is evident on Dash's face. She wasn't there, after all,

"Yeah. Day after we buried him, the chefs gave us a 'meat surprise'. Jack wasn't in his grave, either,"

Dash falls on her plot. "So… wha… oh..."

James laughs at Dash, or at least towards her. "Turns out they had him sent home in a coffin, but it's an old joke,"

"So, you guys joked about eating your friends?" Dash looked sick.

James laughs. "Oh, that wasn' the worst part. We also talked about how 'the recruiters 'n' the politicians were probably sleepin' with ou-'"

A loud series of knocks sound at the door. James reaches for his pistol and, finding nothing, picks up a knife and silently slinks into a hallway.

Dash sighs. "Come on in!" Looking to James, she says "It's just my friends…"

"Oh, yeah…" He puts the knife in his pocket. "Habits,"

"Now Dash, what was yesterday about?" Twilight asks inquisitively.

"Well…" Dash looks to James anxiously, who takes it as a symbol to attack. Just like boot camp. A grin replaces his straight lips.

Rounding the corner, James shouts, rushes forwards and shoves Twilight to the ground. Surprised, Twilight offers no resistance as he presses the knife to her neck. "Ha! Got 'em!" Looking down, a sudden realization shows on his face. "Oh… uh…" Shit, ain't she royalty?!

"Dash… who is this?!" Twilight barks.

"Remember the trial?" Dash asks apologetically. Twilight nods, still furious. "Who does this guy remind you of?"

"Why…" Twilight's face dances as she recalls his face. "...hey, are you the one who Celestia pardoned?"

"Maybe. Is that the sun one?"

"Yes," Turning to Dash, Twilight says 'Trixie still needs an apology, Loyalty," The way she talks leaves no room for disagreement.

Dash starts to stutter. "I… wha… ple…"

"Please what?"

"Don't call me Loyalty," Dash begs, a tear rolling down her face. Twilight, not expecting this, stands there. "I haven't earned it. All I did was fuck up and then fuck up some more,"

"Trixie knows you didn't fuck up with your assessment of her…" Trixie rounds the corner, smiling sadly. "In fact, you were dead right!" She lets out a crazy laugh. "Get it?! I should be dead!"

Twilight narrows her eyes at Dash. "Dash… what did you tell her?"

"I told her she was worthless! Ok?! I was jealous that she would shove us out, so I helped drive her off!"

"Well… I…" Twilight struggled to find a response. "So, you're telling me that causing a mare to go suicidal was worth a mere friendship?!?" Her face was one of rage.

"I'd do it for some food," James butts in. All three mares turn towards him, shocked. He shrugs. "Maybe a mag," He gets the same stares. Looking down, he mutters "Well, better than for nothing…"

"How about not at all?!?" Twilight sighs, turning to Dash. "Dash… if you said sorry and told me you were housing this stallion, we could have been fine! Now all of the girls think you're bad!"

Pinkie comes bouncing in the door. "Hello! Who wants to come to my 'Welcome James' party?!"

"Not me," James says, thoughtful. "Last party I was at was… not fun."

Pinkie looked taken aback. "A bad party?! This one needs to be twice as good then!!!"

"Pinkie, you do know where he's from, right?" Dash asks.

"Yeah, but the author was looking stumped, so I wanted to help him!"

"Author…?" James and Trixie begin.

"Don't ask," Twilight says. "When is this party?"

"Right now!"

"Some warning would have been nice," James stands up and sighs. "Fine,"

ROAD

"Hey," James elbows Trixie, getting her attention. "How fast can we get out of this mess?"

"Well, Trixie isn't sure…"

"What type of magic do you do? Fire? Dark, like necromancy?"

"Illusionary, actually,"

A big grin appears on James' face. "Ok, let me tell you what to do when I say go…"

This story does not have graphic sex. Therefore, no direct description of this night can be given. Note that it involved mares, stallions, illusions, and much disgust.

MORNING AFTER

Twilight was still very… unnerved… by James' imagination. He had made Trixie make some… suggestive… illusions. One photo invoking… her… and the Royal Guard. One she… totally… didn't want. Not at all.

"H-hey, Twi…" Trixie says. She looks very upset by what she had done last night. "Are you… mad?" A tear comes to her eye.

Twilight had been mad, but that melted at the sorry state of Trixie. "Why, no. You're clearly sorry. It's James that I'm mad at,"

"Really? Y-you don't hate Trixie?!" Trixie huhs Twilight as hard as she could. "Oh thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!" Some more tears trickle down her face.

Twilight hugs her back. "No problem, Trix,"

Trixie suddenly let's go of Twilight. "No…" she whispers. "No!" she says. "No!" She screams. "Leave Trixie alone!" She runs into a corner, furiously emptying a cabinet.

"Trixie, what's wrong?!"

"You know exactly what, 'Twilight'," Trixie sneers. With that, Trixie hops into the cabinet and closes it behind her.

"No I don't! Did I say something wrong?!" Twilight starts to pound at the cabinet.

Trixie starts sobbing, making Twilight syop. "Trixie knows you're Chrysalis. Stop hunting me!"

"Oh…" Twilight feels like a plothole. "Trixie… how do I prove it's me?"

"Trixie or your other friends?!" Trixie sounds delusional.

"What do you mean?"

"Would you save Trixie or your other friends?!"

"Wha… Trixie…"

"Answer the question or Trixie will slit her fucking throat!!!" A clatter confirms Twilight's suspicions. "Trixie will NOT go through that again!"

"I… I couldn't choose, Trixie…" Twilight freezes, realizing what she might have done. A tear streams down her face.

The cabinet opens, and Trixie stumbles out with a knife in her hoof. "Trixie is happy that the real Twilight is here," she mutters.

Twilight takes the knife away and hugs Trixie as a knock sounds at the door. "Hey Twi… everything all right?" Dash calls out. "Is Trixie-"

"Trixie's fine!" An annoyed Trixie calls out.

"Fuck you, Dash," Twilight calls out resignedly, charging up her horn.

CANTERLOT

"Let the court begin!" Celestia announces. The attending ponies take a seat. "Now, first order of business-"

"Is the changeling kidnapping of an Equestrian citizen!" Celestia looks up, shocked, to see Twilight and Trixie standing there. Twilight was mad, while Trixie showed no emotion as she stared down.

"Twilight. This is my court session!" Celestia says. Then what Twilight says registers in her mind. "Wait… what?!"

"Trixie was kidnapped last week at the palace, and was tortured at a hive for a week. On day eight, she showed in my library, much like… you know who," Twilight looks down with the last few words. Celestia grows even more furious.

"Court adjourned!" As everypony left, mostly grumbling about delaying plans, Celestia approaches the other princess. "I will deal with this myself. Go to Cadence's palace, Twilight. She might need help,"

"Wait. Won't you ne-" Twilight blinks and sees that Celestia had already left, a trail of white behind her. She powers up her horn again. "Hang on, Trixie. You'll be fine," The mare snaps out of her trance at her name.

CRYSTAL PALACE

"Hey, Shiny, how's she doing?" Cadence whispers as she enters Flurry's room. Shining stands there, grinning as he watches Flurry. She seems to be sleeping quite well, but you could never be sure.

After the… incident, the two were reduced to figureheads for the time being. They would get their power back eventually, it was discovered, but that could be years…

"Yeah… let's get back to Luna now," The diarch had been sent with a letter, still sleeping, five minutes earlier as Shining was putting Flurry to sleep. As the couple leave their daughter, they lock the door, turning to see Twilight come down the hallway.

"Hey bro! Hey Cady!" Twilight nuzzles both of them. "Celestia sent me,"

"What happened?" Cadence frowns. With two other princesses here, that was likely bad news.

"W-well, Trixie was k-kidnapped by the Changelings," a trembling Trixie says as she reveals herself. Immediately the Amores rush to her.

"Oh my! Are you ok?"

"Y-yes, Trixie i-"

"No she is not," Twilight says firmly. "They made her think that she is worthless. I presented her case to… my step-aunt, I guess… and then she told us to come here,"

Shining sighs. "She gave us Luna, too,"

Trixie brightens at that. "L-luna's here?" She dashes into the next room. "L-luna!" She runs forward, face full of joy.

"Trixie… is that really you?!? I thought you had died!" The Amores and Twilight round the corner to see the two embracing on the couch Luna had been sleeping on. "Well, what happened?" Luna asks after they release their hug.

"Trixie almost died… twice… and then almost killed herself… twice..." The joy is gone, being replaced with shame.

"Aw, don't feel bad. You needed a good friend, and someone eventually got to you," Luna says. "I'm just sorry I couldn't be there, with the… well, you know,"

"W-well, Twilight is quite nice," Trixie admits. "She helped Trixie feel better… and saved her life…"

"Speak of the devil! How are you… step-step-niece?" The family tree is quite odd, but Twilight demanded they work through it, to everyone's detriment.

"I'm worried about you still. You seem to be doing better,"

I never will be better. Three will always be a burning void where there should be joy, but I can manage it, and even suppress it some times. It's how I have to live, so I deal with it. The sudden mentally transmitted outburst shocks Twilight. "I'm well. Anyways, how have you been?"

"Quite well, it seems", Cadence says, giggling. Shining puts two and two together, and then snorts.

"No way… you're serious?!" Cadence nods, and the two fall down laughing. "I… ok!" A snort. "I thought she had standards…"

"What?" Twilight seems anxious. "Wait… am I in love?!" Twilight could connect numbers.

Cadence giggles again.

"Great," Twilight mutters.

Luna looks thoughtful. "I… hm," She shrugs. "Dreams are my domain, so I suppose I'll see you later,"

FIVE HOURS LATER

"Thanks for the meal!" Twilight says as she and Trixie leave. Trixie looks better, but no one could truly tell.

"No problem! Take care, you two…" Cadence winks, then walks off.

"How weird… let's go home, shall we?" Trixie nods, smiling for once. The two disappear in a flash of purple.

Cadence sighs as she turns back around. It was a surprise to learn about her ste-sister's… interests.

Luna starts to whimper on the couch, catching Cadence's attention. "What's wrong?" Cadence asks as she moves closer.

"Luna doesn't know… she just wants her sister back…"

"Aw, don't be sad. Celestia will be back soon!" Cadence looks confused as she fully processes what was said. "Also, why did you refer to yourself in the third person?"

"Well… Luna found from Trixie that it makes it easier to hide pain if you talk in third person…"

"You can't hide it! You have so many ponies willing to help! Just let us know, ok?"

"Luna… will,"

Cadence sighs. "Better than nothing, I suppo-"

"Yet again, Luna is proven a burden,"

"I didn't mean that!" Cadence's eyes grow wide with shock.

"Well, Luna heard that… also, I can't use third person anymore. Too much work. But that means that I'm more me. And I'm bad," Luna starts to hyperventilate. "And no one loves me! They all hate me! I'm-"

"Sorry I couldn't be here sooner," Celestia says, having teleported in. "Had to have a… oh sister," Celestia moves to Luna's side. "I'm sorry,"

"Don't be. I don't deserve-"

"To be alone," Celestia says firmly as she hugs her sister. She looks apologetically to Cadence. "I'm sorry for the trouble, Cadence…"

"It was nothing. We were already watching Flurry, so..."

"Thank you," Celestia turns to her sister, talking quietly: "Wanna go home?"

"Y-yeah…"

"Ok" With a flash, the Mi Amore's were alone. "So… about Twi…"

"I don't dictate her life, so whatever I say doesn't matter,"

"No, your opinion, not approval!"

"Oh! Well…"

CANTERLOT

The mares appear in bed, thanks to the large magic skill of Celestia. "Hey, Luna, wanna talk?"

"I… sure,"

"What happened?"

"Well, I was fine, but then when Twilight left I started missing you, so I broke down and thought it was a good idea to use third person and then you came and I'm just a burden," Luna sobs.

"Hey hey hey, no one thinks that!" Celestia hugs her sister. "I will always think that you are worth the moon,"

Luna lets out a weak laugh. "Is that why you trapped me there…?"

"No, I was a fool and trapped NM there, thinking that you could come back. Luna… what can I do for you?"

"Make me do something worthwhile? No, then I'd fuck up and you'd hate me and then I would die and no one would care!" Luna sobs harder into Celestia's shoulder.

"Oh Luna, you're so wrong…"

"See?! I can't even get that right!"

"Here here, we can talk tomorrow,"

Through Equestria, all heard the weepings of Luna. Having nightmares put her in no place to dispell other's nightmares. This night was therefore plagued by nightmares, and would forever be remembered with fear by everyone who was alive.

Except for the two humans. They were overjoyed.

Author's Note

Writing ahead five chapters is a blessing and a curse.

On one hand, I can tweak the older content. On the other, I want to get this done with during the edit phase.

Chapter 11

Twilight yawns. A new day, a new book to read. She had a book on physics next on her queue, related to her latest read on how pegasi-

"Uh, hey! Where's the faid station?!" James calls out, worried. "This 'un might be dead," He pokes the fainted mare on his back

Twilight gasps, running outside. Wasn't that James' voice? Did that mean that the others would be here too?!

"I had no hand in this! I swear!" A new voice calls out. It sounds familiar... "Well, an unintentional hand, but…" Of course! The grey one!

Twilight sees James and the 'thing' outside her library. The thing held Dash on his back, and they came from the direction of Dash's house, so…

"Wait! Aren't you supposed to be locked up?!" Twilight asks, pointing a hoof at Hans.

Both stallions turn to Twilight. "Na, he's good," James casually comments. "Anywa-"

"What do you mean?!" Twilight shouts. "He did all of… that!"

"I mean- hey, this one might be dying! I don't think she's breathing!" James points a hoof at Dash, worry taking over. Twilight teleports them to the hospital with a spark of her horn. "Many thanks. Now, I meant-"

"Uhoh! Dash doesn't look fine!" A worried Pinkie says. "Hey, I should get the others for a party! A 'Please-start-breathing-Dash' party!" With that, Pinkie ran off, calling for her friends.

"Huh… anyways, as I wa-"

"Save it for all of us," Twilight snaps. By now, nurses had taken Dash to a room and started to check for vitals. James and Hans take a seat, James opening another bottle as Hans looks worried.

The three didn't wait long. One by one, the other elements came in. Rarity was first, being closest to the hospital.

"Oh my! What ha-". She begins frantically.

"Wait a minute," Twilight says angrily. Rarity, taken aback, retreats a step, then takes a place at Twilight's side. "These two will explain when AJ, Flutters and Pinkie are here,"

"My word," Rarity mutters. "The two from the trial?"

"Indeed,"

Not quite 3 minutes later, Fluttershy comes stumbling in, tears streaming down her face. "R-rainbow?!" She asks frantically. "Where are you?!"

"In a room, dear," Rarity says, moving to comfort her. "She'll be fi-"

"D-dashie can't leave!" Fluttershy sinks into her friend, not caring who knows her feelings for once.

"She'll be fine," Rarity murmurs. The two take seats as they sit down. About ten minutes later, Fluttershy has cleaned up her act as Applejack and Pinkie come in.

"Now, what in the Celestiah damned Tartarus happened to Dash?" Applejack asks. Twilight gives her a glare, immediately silencing her.

"Now, James," Twilight introduces James to the 4 elements. "And… this thing… will tell us, won't you?" The group looks expectantly.

"Ok, so I had trouble sleeping last night, right?" A worried look from Twilight. "Well, I did. And who do I stumble upon but Hans?! Why, he even has a pack of the booze we doughs love!" James starts.

"Ja, that is some go-" Hans starts.

"Quiet!" Twilight snarls, making Hans lean back.

"Oi, don't go being all bitchy to Hans. It ain't his fault," James protests.

"What?" Twilight asks, confused. "You saw what he did! You were the one there!"

"Yeah, and so?" James takes another swig. "I also know that humans have a reason to take a life. Fuckin Goebbels and his propaganda…"

"The propa-whatnow?" Applejack asks, mirrored by three other elements.

"Propaganda… that does make sense," Twilight says. Turning to her friends, she says "Essentially brainwashing foals into beliefs you want them to hold,"

"Ja. My blood family was anti-Hitler, and I looked down on them for that. God… Now, though, now that I've seen what I have been told… it makes me not so happy,"

"Ok, nice backstory, but when did you hurt Dashie?!" Fluttershy demands, surprising her friends.

"Oh, that 'un? She got a few sips of my 'magohol'." A chuckle. "How'da like the name?"

"What is that?" Twilight asks, curious. It was new information, and everyone seemed fine, so...

"Alcoholic liquid, ideally vodka, with a little teeny eensy little bit of coke," James smiles. "Fuckin good, too,"

"So…" Twilight asks, not knowing what coke is.

"Coke is, well, rather strong, mind altering drug… you see-?" Hans sighs at being interrupted yet again.

"30% alcohol, 60% low-alch vodka - only thing that's good for - and 10% coke!" James shouts triumphantly. "Man, I love new bodies!"

"So… Dash-"

"Took a few swigs of his drink," Hans says. "Then, she promptly passed out or died! We don't know which!" The two stallions break out in laughter. "Quite frankly, I must sa-"

"How are you taking this so lightly?!?!" Fluttershy nearly shrieks. The stallions, and the other ponies present, got deathly quiet for a moment. "Well?!"

"Eh, you see-"

"Because I saw friends get cut down by machine guns," James' voice replaces the void, though the cold and emotionless voice isn't much better. "Often multiple good friends a minute. Artillery tore 'em to pieces, tanks ran 'em over, poor conscripts and fucking SS bastards shot 'em… I couldn't freeze each time one died. Not if I like my head on my body!" Tears start rolling down James' cheeks. "So, I'm sorry, miss 'oh no a friend got hurt', that I liked my fucking life!" Regaining his composure, James turns away from the group.

"...he is right, although I wouldn't have been quite as blunt…" Hans winces. "I hate planes…"

"AJ?! Tell me that they're lying!" Fluttershy begged, tears streaming from her eyes. Poor things...

"I wouldn't be honest if I did…" Apejack says, shaken.

Fluttershy passes out, making a loud bang. Twilight picks her up. "Well… that was-"

"Something new, yet it had to be brought to your attention, no?" Hans says reassuringly.

"Yeah, I suppose…"

A doctor walks up to the group. "Now that… that is over, I am pleased to inform you that Rainbow Dash will live…"

"See? Nothing ba-" James starts.

"...but she might be mentally handicapped,"

"Ah… huh. That's good,"

"What?" Rarity shouts. "That… excuse me darling, but what are you saying?!"

"She isn't dead," Hans butts in. "Plus, you have magic, no?"

"It's… not that simple," Twilight adds.

"Meh, what happened happened, and it sure as hell ain't happening again, so we're all fine," James finishes his bottle. "Damn, I wonder if the regular version has this effect. Well have to see, eh?" The stallions get up in synch. "Well, g'night y'all,"

"I…" James and Hans are already gone. "Well, we'll see Dash tomorrow," The four conscious mares leave slowly, debates raging in their heads. It was a long night for them.

MORNING AFTER, 10 AM

Twilight and Trixie approach the building. "Oh, Trixie doesn't want Dash dead, even if Dash wanted her gone…"

"Hey, I'm here to see Dash, ok? You can stay behind if you wish," Shaking her head, Trixie follows Twilight inside.

"...Yeah, that doc wasn't very good, even at savin our lives." Twilight looks surprised that the stallions are already there, and look as if they have been for a while. "Don't know why we kept 'im. God, I hate hangovers,"

"God? Who's that?" Twilight asks, suddenly in study mode. Pressing further and moving closer she asks "Is God like Celestia? Is he a figurehead? Is he-"

"Oi, please shut up," James groans. Twilight looks taken aback. "Head hurt. I'm gonna go puke now,"

"Hey," Hans says, causing James to look up. "Go hit Yankee, hear me?" Maybe the wrong choice of words… No matter his internal dialogue, a grin plasters his face. Soon enough, both stallions are laughing, then wincing. "Oh shit, that hurts…"

"Yeah igottagopukenowbye!" James runs down the hallway.

"...Trixie does not like these two," Trixie adds.

"Eh, what can I say that hasn't been said, voodoo blue child." Hans sighs. "Or is it blue voodoo child? I'm not sure, and my head hu-" he stops talking upon seeing a visibly down Trixie. "Oh, problem with your magic, huh? I hate magicians. Last one I knew killed my fa-"

"Will you shut up?!" Twilight shouts, anger washing over her in a wave. "She's clearly troubled! Stop being an asshole!"

"...She'll get over it," Hans states, stealing a drink from James' bottle.

"T-trixie knows he's right, Twilight," Trixie starts. "Trixie is a wo-" a bright flash of purple meant Trixie was gone, placed with the Mi Amores.

"Ok, you shit," Twilight seethes. "I want to know why?! You can see she's clearly-"

"Weak? That's all depression is," Hans says, sneering. "That's wha-"

"Aaaaaaaand propaganda!" James adds in, having a clearer stomach. "Mental condition, buddy! Not something you can shrug off unless you get lobotomized,"

"I really messed up, eh?" Hans sighs. "... I hate Hitler,"

"Welcome to the US of A, buddy,"

"Well, purple voodoo pony, I need to apo-" A slap cuts Hans off. "Ow," he winces.

"Don't call it voodoo, it's magic!" Twilight shouts in anger.

"...Ya know, Otto wanted to be a magician,"

James winces. "Oh, I see… do call it magic though,"

"Otto ended up doing voodoo. I've connected the two, so I'm sorry if I appear inconsiderate," James looks relieved.

"I… uh, why must you have a good reason to forgive you?! I must go now," Twilight leaves in a purple flash.

"Uhh… so, wanna tell me more about your education?" The two stallions spend the remaining time before visitors are allowed in discussing Germany's education. "Really? Deutchesphysics? Fuckin idiots,"

Author's Note

Oof. Crack.

Pressure is a very bad thing. Cracking while cracked from crack is even worse. Especially when on a crack with a crack in a crack house.

Chapter 12

"I must thank you again for helping Luna whilst I run court," Celestia says as she sets down her glass on the table. It is quite a nice table, as they had decided to upgrade after Twilight wrecked the last one.

"Don't worry; we are family, and family never lets you down," Cadence responds, smiling warmly. She sets her own glass down as she moves to fill it.

"Well…" an awkward second passes as memories of the thousand years flicker. Celestia's eyes flicker in pain. "Anyways, I must leave now," As Celestia finishes, a sobbing Trixie crashes into the table, apparently not noticing the change in scenery.

"-rthless piece of shit and Trixie doesn't like living or the pain the- oh..." Trixie shudders, then rights herself.

"Well then…" Celestia starts.

"S-sorry for taking your time," Trixie seems not to care that she was teleported. "You can kill her now…" Celestia looks shocked at the suggestion. Kill my ponies?!

Luna comes walking in from the living room. "It is you Trixie! Come here!" The blue mare gets up, visibly relieved, and the two embrace. "So… sounds bad…" Luna says, pulling away.

"Yeah… some random stallion called Trixie a 'stupid voodoo child', whatever that means…" Trixie leans into Luna

"Well, you don't do voodoo; even I know that much,"

"Um, sister… how do you know this… Trixie?" Celestia asks, confused.

"Well, Trixie and I were - are - in similar straits, so I contacted her," Luna admits. "It was fairly ea-"

Just then, Twilight touches down in the same place Trixie had. "Hey Trixie, you ok?!"

"I'm… here," Trixie replies mellowly. She looks down, towards the floor. "Not that that changes anything…" Seeing Trixie and Luna, Twilight moves to join the hug; it is an effective solution to friendship problems, after all.

"Aw, come on, you matter to all of us. Why, without you here, I'd be… not happy, that's for sure," Twilight says, not wanting to tell a lie. Even if it was a half-truth...

Cadence decides to bump in. "Twilight… do promise me you won't let Trixie go," Upon receiving a quizzical look, she grins.

"Um, yeah, ok…"

"Unless Trixie is a burden," Trixie herself butts in, getting a tighter hug from Twilight.

"Well, good thing that will never happen…" For a few minutes, the three mares hugged in the middle of the dining room which used to have a table. Eventually, Cadence moves to leave the room.

"I want to go make dinner… with Shining," she adds, staring at him. Sighing, Shining submits, and the two head to the kitchen. Once safe, Cadence starts whispering her plan to Shining, who only grins.

THIRTY MINUTES LATER

"Dinner's done!" A shout comes from the kitchen as Cadence comes out with a plate of fish.

"Ok…" Trixie still seems scared by most of the princesses, so she huddles close to Twilight. She is pretty warm, and safe, and… Upon seeing the sight, Cadence's face lights up.

"Oh! So you figured it out on your own…" Cadence begins, grinning.

"...figured what out?" Twilight asks. Though she may be oblivious, she could connect signs when she knew what to look for. What she found was… unsettling. "Wait a minute… are you telling me-"

"Well, uh," Cadence breaks into a nervous sweat, having unknowingly skipped over the most important part of a relationship. "Uhm… Oh, what the hell. Yes, it is true that Trixie loves you,"

"I… wait, I've read something about taking advantage of a-" Twilight starts, desperately trying to find a way out.

"You forget I only detect true love, Twi," Cadence grins.

"Oh…" Twilight sits down. Well, more of slams down, causing her to wince. Luna lets out a short laugh, attracting a steely glare from her step-niece.

"What? It was sort of funny," Cadence rips her gaze away as she settles a sorrowful look on Twilight and Trixie.

"Well… that explains my feelings,"

"And Trixie's, she supposes..."

"Wait… are you telling me that-"

"Yes… Trixie supposes she loves you, Twilight Sparkle,"

At this, Twilight wears a genuine smile. The mere sight makes Trixie happy. "Well… this does seem… rather sudden, but I can make it!" Trixie moves to hug Twilight, who gladly accepts.

"Erm…" Shining coughs. Blushing, the two mares split apart and look at him. "Dinner's still warm right now, and there will always be time after dinner for… uh…"

"Well, Trixie is hungry. She just hopes you have better cooking than Twilight," Trixie smiles, getting another laugh from Luna.

"Hey! I'm not that bad!" Twilight protests, yet grins back.

"What part of a pancake could move?"

"..."

"Exactly," Trixie puts on a bigger smile. "Ooh, maybe Trixie can actually eat this food…"

The whole room, minus Trixie, is staring at Twilight. "You do know cooking is reading with extra steps, right…?" Shining offers.

"I'm sorry I'm imaginative and forgot how to properly work an oven," The estranged family sits at the table, laughing. Laughing through the pain. Laughing for someone else's sake. Laughing because everyone else was. Most importantly, it was all genuine laughter, a thing a certain mare had never experienced.

Author's Note

Short and sweet.

This one took a toll to write tbh. The next few are a ride, though, so get ready...

Chapter 13

James and Hans are finally allowed into Dash's room after what feels like hours. She looks a little wasted, but I bet she could become a regular drinker. The two stallions stand there, awkwardly. A nod later, they take a seat and watch.

After an hour, the other elements enter (-Twilight), and they decide to take a seat. The two groups stare uncomfortably. Both decide it best to look away.

Maybe twenty minutes later, a groan comes from the bed. The mares rush towards the noise as the stallions grin. "Looks like she'll jump some more, eh?" James adds quietly.

"Yes…" Hans frowns. "Why is, er, was your song about jumping and dying, anyways?" he asks. "Seems demoralizationizing… wait…"

"Insensitivedizationizinger," James adds. "Was that a word? Insunsotivudizationizonger. Insa-"

"Enough," Hans winces. "My head hurts already without this language shit…"

By now, Dash has woken up. She looks around, holding a hoof over her head. "Ugh… why am I…?"

"Dashie!" Fluttershy shouts, hugging Dash tight. Dash starts to hyperventilate. Noticing this, Fluttershy takes a step back, causing Dash to calm down. "Oh, sorry…"

"Well, ya here cause those two stallions," Applejack indicates to James and Hans, who wave, "gave you a drink of some pretty bad stuff,"

"Nah, I think... I stole it," Dash coughs. Looking to the two stallions, she asks "Got any… more?" The three grin.

"Ya know it!" The other four mares look like they'll have a heart attack.

"What… Dashie… why?!" Fluttershy asks, audibally hurt.

"It's a joke..." Dash manages. "Also, I do... feel much... better,"

"How's your head?" Hans asks.

"...we don't talk... about that," the three laugh, all stopping with a wince and a hoof to their heads. "Ah, yeah… I… ugh,"

"Eh, we'll have some more ready Sunday, I hope," Five days is optimistic, but Hans is optimistic. Plus, with some magic...

"Alright, now... could I get... some sl-" Dash passes out during her sentence.

"Huh, that's… new," James says.

FOUR HOURS LATER

"Yeah. That doc was an asshole. Wasn't even good, either. Fuckin' idiot. Anyways, we shot him the next day," James takes another drink from his third bottle this night. "Oh, don't you get me started on the gi-"

"Um…" Hans catches James' attention and points to the mares. "You may have broke them,"

After seeing Dash, the group had gone to the library to talk. Pinkie had immediately drunk three bottles of booze and fell asleep, surprising everyone. She missed most of the stories, though, so she was bound to be disappointed. Applejack, try as she might, could barely stomach one drink. She needs more for the totally PG-13 stories, however, so she has some cider if her own. She didn't need it now that she was slumped over, asleep

Rarity had her own wine, and seemed to be rather drunk herself; she is a lady of class, no matter what the passed out form of her said. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, didn't have a drink, and being sober for this was good nightmare material. As a result, she had curled herself up into a ball, shivering. And it's only 4. These… these… monsters!

"Ah well. You still with us, yellow one?" James asks, slurred. Fluttershy continued shaking. Alert, James started looking for signs of shock. "Uh… problem, I think,"

"Hm?" Fluttershy snaps as her head darts up. "Oh I'll be fine around you two things I'll be fine around two monsters what could go wrong?!?!" Fluttershy huddles further inwards. Whispering, she says "pleasedonthurtmepleasedonthurtmepleasedo-"

"Boo!" Hans lunges forwards. Screaming, Fluttershy faints. "Beautiful!"

"James…" James looks disappointed.

"Huh? Ah yes… well… erm…"

"You got her," The stallions chuckle, not wanting to risk a headache. "Well, I wanna sleep this piece of shit off, but it's only what, 4:30? 5?"

"I couldn't agree more," Hans says, holding a hoof to his forehead.

"So… what are your plans? For the future?" James now had a philosophical tone. He had never thought his own out, and now is a good time to start as any.

"Well, I suppose I want a job of some sort, ideally not of killing,"

"Yeah, me too. But the thing is I hate farmin'," James complains. "But since we're stupid earth ponies…"

"Well…" Hans has a thought. "I'm sure that this place has a military which could use advisors on some of our gear…"

"Or you could be a historian," Twilight calls from the stairs. Both stallions turn, startled.

"Ey, it's purple princess pony!" James says. "How're you?"

"I'm fine," Twilight takes a seat in the lounge. "Onto the offer. Think about it. We know nothing of your history. You could teach us so much! Both of you!"

"Well, you see," Hans starts sheepishly. "I'm a junker…"

"Oh? Those guys were… meh," James comments. "I took a few history classes. Ok, a lot. Ok it's my major,"

"Perfect! We can start tomorrow!" Twilight says happily.

James' eyes widen as the gravity of the situation hits him. "Umm… an interview? Well shit, goodbye hopes for humanity"

"Now come on, it can't be that bad,"

"..."

"Point taken," Twilight sighs. "Well, it's still good to know,"

"Aye, I'd drink ta that!" At this, James and Hans clink glasses. "For humanity!" A drink. "For history!" Another drink. "For… um…"

"For whatever the hell we did to end up here!" Both stallions finish their drinks, chuckling.

Twilight stares at the 2. "What does that mean on your world…?" She takes a step back.

"We were cheering. Why? Is there a problem?" Hans asks, looking curious.

"That's a way to signal… less than dignified wants here, such as… um… rape,"

"Ey, just like college days!" Both stallions roar with laughter, attempting to high five. When they collide, James shouts "Shit!" as he pulls his hand away, Hans copying him. Twilight, losing her fear, has a pad and pen out.

"Interesting… I still don't know about human anatomy…" She pens down Clapping different human - friendship?

"Junker education! Huzzah!" The two stallions finish drinking and start to clean up. "Well… we start tomorrow, correct? What time"

"Hopefully eight," Twilight says, glaring towards Spike's room.

"Alright, imma need help getting these o- oh, they're gone," James shrugs, seeing no other ponies. "See ya!" Both stallions leave, both looking as if they hadn't drunk a thing.

Twilight sighs, yet wears a smile. She had thought of those two stallions in some... less than dignified positions. "Ok, Trixie, I hope you're ready for some stress relief…"

Yet again. Not porn. Be gone horny from this story.

Author's Note

So... funny mare isn't r'arded.

More Panik to come, don't worry.

Chapter 14

James wakes up, feeling fine. Laying there, he thinks about everything. His life, where he is now. Another day, another… huh, I guess that dead Jerry doesn't apply anymore. James only then realizes how much he has learned about how life should be lived. He sighs. We got shit to do, that's right.

Yawning, he rolls out of bed and double checks his room for his knife, his helmet, and his pack. As per usual, all was ready to go. As per usual, he doesn't touch it. It is… not a reminder, but a reassurance. He likes it.

Moving to the bathroom, he decides a quick shower is in order. After a few minutes of furious scrubbing under warm water- what a feeling - he steps out, satisfied, and leaves to continue his routine.

He walks down the hall to Hans' room. The warm lightfrom the sun makes him feel comfortable. Dash is a wealthy mare if she can afford this house and a mansion. He knocks on the door to Hans' room, and shouts: "Get up you fat arse cunt, or I-"

"Yeah yeah," Hans grumbles, opening the door. "Nice to see you too, yankee," His hair - no, mane - is disheveled. His eyes look tired, but the spring in his step as he gets his cap says otherwise. "So, what is your plan for today?"

"We have a job now, so get cleaned up," Hans' eyes immediately light up as he nods, retreating to get a change of clothes and towel.

"I'll be quicker this time!" He offers.

"Yeah, sure!" James calls out. Chuckling, James moves to make breakfast. The Junker often spends twenty minutes in there doing God knows, so James can easily make some eggs and bacon for the pair. How odd that no one sold any bacon. James had to kill a pig himself, poor pig… About 10 minutes later, he takes the eggs off the stove as Hans comes walking out. "Just on time, eh?" James passes a plate loaded with food. "Couldn't have been faster?"

"Well, I couldn't work, now could I?" Hans chuckles. He takes his plate and starts to eat his bacon.

"Well, I can hope," The two settle down to eat, continuing to tell stories of their past: dreams, friends, enemies… They both need it, and knowing that they are not alone is comforting. They really shared quite a bit of backstory, even if it was with slight details changing: brother/sister, location, etc...

"Well, I hate to be a bugger, but we ought to get goin'," James says, picking up their plates.

"Yes. I will admit that biology was not my strong suit, but I shall try," Hans says, slightly worried.

"Right on," Setting the dishes on the counter, James finishes cleaning as Hans double checks the map. A minute later, they leave for the library.

The two set off down the dirt road, an uneasy silence reining. The trees in this forest brought up bad memories... James wants to talk and break the silence, but something feels off with Hans. "So…" he starts. Silence reigns for a full minute, until they reach town.

"What? That's it?" A snort. "And just when I thought you weren't mute," Hans points left, cutting James off.

"Well, we're talking, right?" James says. "Those trees were… unsettling,"

"I… fair enough," Hans looks sorrowful, surely remembering his own guerilla campaigns. The two trot on, lost in thought, for a good ten minutes

"Hey, the library!" Stepping forward, James knocks on the door. "You have the map, and yet I find it!"

"I-"

"Come on in!" The doors swing open. "Welcome to- oh, hello!" Twilight had a happy look on her face, albeit a bit creepy. "Here to start, huh?"

"Yessir," James says, taking off his pack. Twilight indicates their interview area with a hoof.

"Alright! Let me grab my notes! Hans, you'll be with Spike, and James with me," Twilight finally finds her notebook. "Aha! Here we go. Follow me!" The stallions part with a shrug and head to their assigned stations.

The two take a seat at an inconspicuous table, surrounded with bookshelves on all but one side. It seems to be in the history section, based on the biographies and studies.

"So, James, when did your country unify?" Twilight begins.

"Unify…?" James is clearly confused.

"Yeah! Your three tribe-" Twilight realizes the problem: she can't slap her world into his. "Oh wait… start from the top,"

"Ok, but you asked," James says, thinking hard. After ten seconds, Twilight interrupts him.

"Hey, yo-" Twilight pokes James.

"At some point, there was nothing. Nil. Nadda. Then, nothing became something. How?" A shrug catches Twilight by surprise. "I don't know. However, the things expand, eventually becoming the universe…"

James talks about Earth's creation, the first land life, dinosaurs, and more. Theories, mostly. Eventually, he gets past the Ice Age, and keeps on going; mammoths, saber tooths, how they affected human development.

The talking was very one sided, but Twilight kept her full attention to the conversation. However, enough is enough, even for her.

"So, onto the actual human history. You reme-"

"Uh, hey, could I have lunch now?" Twilight asks, annoyed. James looks at a clock, and nods sheepishly as he reads 2:07. He had promised her a lunch at noon, after all. "Thanks," The sarcasm drips heavily in her voice.

"Yeah, no problem," Twililght's right ear twitches. "Speak of the devil, I'm pretty hungry too…"

"We have plenty of leftover sandwiches if you want one," Twilight offers.

James raises a brow. "What kind?" He has a hopeful look in his eyes. Damn, ham sounds good.

"Daffodil, of course," She rolls her eyes. "The best kind,"

James' face falls. "No meat? Damn," James pulls out a stick of jerky from the box he has in his pack.

Twilight stops moving, horrified. "Why would you want meat?! And... is that meat?!"

"Hey, I like a normal diet," James says, offended. "I'm not vegan," He was getting pissed at this mare's behavior.

"Yes, bu- oh, that's right," Twilight sighs. "Well, ponies shouldn't eat meat…"

James' face falls. "What,"

"Well, we aren't meant to proce-"

"I've already eaten, um, I don't know, maybe half a pig?" He sighs contently.

"What's a pig?" James proceeds to draw a pig using his fantastic art skills. "Why does it have spikes…?" James puts a palm to his face.

"That's a nose… hey Hans!" James calls out

"Yes?"

"Draw a pig!"

"Very well!" Five minutes later, a perfect pig had been drawn. Twilight promptly started gagging. "What, did I do something wrong?"

"Ponies usually don't eat meat. Dietary, I assume, although veganism wouldn't be far fetched, with ponies like the yellow one..."

"Oh my… we shall have to eat it ourselves, eh?" He sighs. "And now I need a new snack for the surprise party!" The last part was a whisper.

"What now?" James asks, interested. "A party?"

"I said, now we can teach those farmers something!" Almost gave it away!

"Ah, we could… or we could spare them trauma and do it ourselves…" James suggests.

"Fair enough," Hans sighs. "Though that mea-"

"You eat those?!" Twilight shrieks, having regained her sense of being.

"Yes! Now stop screeching before I pop a cap in your head!"

"Pop a what now?" Twilight asks, still nervous. "Do you mean eat me?!"

"No, but I'll shoot you, you wank!" A heavy silence falls over the group.

Hans starts laughing. Hard. Probably a harmful amount. But he didn't care. "You just… called the… princess… a wank?!" He snorts, able to control himself. "Even I know what that means," James grows deathly pale.

"Um…" James frowns. "Sorry…?"

"What's 'wank' mean?" Twilight asks, suddenly curious. And furious. Hans cracks up again at the sight.

"Erm…" James shifts away.

"He just… said you're… a wanker!" Hans slams the table. "Hehe…"

"What's it mean, though?!"

"He suggests… that you'd… jack off… comedy gold!" Hans finally got his laughter down. He starts clapping. "Oh, lovely!"

"What's that mean?!" Twilight advances a step, forcing James back one.

"Why… what does this world call masturbating?" Hans manages, still wheezing.

"Clopping, why do you… you didn't…" Twilight snarls.

"As I said, comedy gold!" Hans continues laughing.

James, deciding he's fucked anyways, manages to let out a large string of loosely related insults, some too inappropriate to add here.

After a minute, Hans could breathe; it took him three to stop laughing.

"Well?! What is it this time?!" Twilight snaps. "Piece by piece!"

"He just… well, let's see… do you have a brother?"

"Yes,"

"Well, now it appears you fuck him and your dad." Twililght's face drops into an expression of shock.. "Hmm, then he called you a 'vegan arsed bloody piped jerry', no? So know, you're a German with a bloody cock and hate meat. On-"

"I… what?" Twilight says, snarling.

"Well… don't take it personally. I've called my mom worse," James adds proudly. For some reason.

Twililght's eyes open wide. "Why?"

"Because I know you well enough to know you won't go runnin' off," He ponders for a moment. "Well, I forgot that ponies take it so literal… we'd be siblings in all but blood back home, so we'd call each other some awful things. All in good fun, though,"

"So… you suggested I had a bloody cock because you trust me?"

"...maybe,"

A laugh from Hans. "Americans! Love it!"

"Well… I mean…" In a whisper, Twilight adds "I do have magic, and I can, erm, do that…" She recieves two hard stares. "What? I-"

"Ithinkweshouldgetbacktohistoryyesstoneagetime!" James says hurriedly, shoving Twilight along.

"Well… see you soon, I suppose," Hans calls out to the pair. "Bloody cock," he whispers. "You're going to get us killed,"

ROUGHLY FIVE

"So, let me get this straight… about 500 years just dissapeared?!" A gasping Twilight asks. What?! How?!

"Well… yeah, no one wrote it down…" James replies sheepishly.

"Oh my… ok, you may continue. But first, who are 'muslims' and 'christians'?"

"Oh boy fuckin joy toy bibly coy roy so-" James grows a hateful look in his eyes.

"Umm…" Twilight prods him.

"Sorry, touchy subject," He sighs. "So, Jesus Christ was…"

AN HOUR LATER

"And so, this Goering ended your world?" A nod. "Fascinating… well, that is all the time we have today,"

"Ok. We'll go in depth tomorrow. So, ya have dinner plans?"

A blush from Twilight. "I thought you knew I-"

"Already ate? Huh, I see," James then remembers what dates were. He lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head. "Wait wait wait… you know I'm gay, right?"

Twilight blushes harder. "No…"

James laughs heartily. "Ok, so what if we had dinner as friends?"

"I have plans with Trixie and my friends…"

"And I'm not your friend?" A quick grin from James.

"Well, it was supposed to be… private…"

James stops moving for a second. "...Ok. Well, I guess I better get changed. Don't want to get my suit dirty, huh?" A low chuckle emits from his throat. Twilight feels bad, knowing what's about to happen.

As James moves down the hall to flip on the lights on, a certain Pink party pony gets the switch before him. "Surprise!" the five non-Twilight elements and Spike shout.

Instantly acting, James grabs Pinkie and gets behind her, moving to snap her neck. "Hey James, what are you-" A crack sounds out as Pinkie slumps down, unconscious. Or dead.

The celebration stops. The Ponies stare, minus Hans, who is shaking his head. A balloon floats bye lazily. James takes a step back, says "Oh, sorry," and grabs a drink. "Scared me,"

"Wha- bu- go-" Applejack starts.

"You little shit!" Dash seethes. "Wha…"

"What? She's gone. We'll be fine," James casually adds. He takes a drink of his bottle. "That's some good shit,"

"How can you call yourself a pony?!"

"I don't, I'm human," Taking a plate, James gets a slice of cake. "Do get her a bed, though," He comments, shoveling cake in his mouth. "Fuh, thas goo,"

"Why, so you can stare at her?!"

"Wha? o, I' o per! 'ust wa her o be omorale when she ges up,"

"I- woah woah woah. What,"

James lets out a laugh. "Wha, fough we 'ille on ona?" A swallow. "Not when we got the chance for a prisoner," he replies. "Damn, good cake,"

"I- huh?!?!" Dash falls on her plot, utterly confused.

"Dash, they were a species of war," Twilight adds. "Him especially. I'm sure he was trained to do that, and not think twice," Twilight adds soothingly. "It's like… flying!"

"I…" Dash puts her hoofs to her head. "Ok!"

"Also, if we wanted to, you'd all be dead," Hans comments, getting his own slice of cake.

"What do you mean? Trixie has magic!" A proud Trixie declares. She stands there, tall and proud, ready to face anything.

A smile. "And I, my friend, have a… what's it called? Kolibri, specifically made for use without fingers. My father was a Great War vet, so…"

Almost anything. "What's a Kolibri? Trixie demands to know!" She says this with slightly less confidence. Trixie, if it's a-

"Watch," Hans pulls it out from under his old hat (minus the nazi symbols; his rank was his pride) and casually shoots every ballon in the room. When finished, a tap causes the Kolibri to reload. The ponies stare, awestruck at this device. He held it in a hoof, after all.

"Pretty good. Fuck, where's my-" James starts, looking for his M1911. Not that he can use it.

Trixie felt herself freeze. Move! "Um… Trixie must… head upstairs!" Trixie gallops up the stairs, full speed ahead. Her hat falls off of her head as she scrambles to gain speed.

"I…" Twilight sighs, saddened and worried by Trixie's absence. "Will learn more tomorrow," Galloping off, Twilight runs upstairs. I hope she's ok...

"So…" Rarity says awkwardly. "Would you mind showing us how this works?" She receives multiple odd stares. "What? It seems nice,"

"Certainly, Miss…?" Hans replies questioningly.

"Rarity," Rarity says, blushing. He called me miss Rarity! The joy!

"So, to start-" Hans is cut off by glass breaking and a violent scream. "Give me a minute, madam," Hans says without thinking, making Rarity blush further. What a gentlecolt!

"Uh… that's the blue horned one, right?" James is guessing which mare is screaming. "Tricky? Trucky? Trizzy? Trixie!" James shoots up an arm, then immediately brings it down. "Well damn… that gun fucked her up, didn't it..." He sighs.

"I suppose so. That does not mean, however…" Hans turns to Rarity, tipping his hat. "…that I shall not show you how to shoot,"

"W-why, thank you…"

"No problem,"

At this point, Trixie ran downstairs, chased by Twilight. "Let Trixie go!"

"But I love you!"

"If you loved Trixie, you'd let her leave!"

Seeing a chance, James lunges forwards and grabs Trixie. "Hey hey he-"

Trixie screams in sheer terror. She attempts to pivot, but gets caught anyways. "NOOOOOOOOOO!" Struggling away, she keeps screaming, flailing wildly. Once Twilight reaches them, Trixie remembers she can buck James, causing him to release her, grunting. Seeing a chance, Trixie dashes into Twilight, who stumbles a little. Her screams finally calm into quiet whimpers. Twilight holds her tight as the two head upstairs, Trixie sobbing into Twililght's shoulder.

"Huh… hey Hans," James asks, holding his shoulder with a hoof.

"Yes?"

"Got any spare coke? I want to offer these fine ponies a... special drink. And I want some too," The two go into the back room, grinning, to make possibly the last batch of magichol as the four sit, dumbfounded. "I hate memories,"

"Um… no party?" Dash says, puzzled. She recieves a hard glare from Fluttershy.

KITCHEN

"So, who wants a shot?" James calls out to the ponies and the dragon. The ponies nod nervously as Spike sighs, shaking his head as he heads to his room.

"Ok! Hey, another bottle in case one pulls a Dash, yeah?" James shouts the first word as Hans sets up. "How long this time?" He watches a nearby clock.

"I'd say… four minutes," Hans starts mixing the ingredients.

"Four minutes!" James calls. Applejack nods weakly, still dumbfounded.

"Ok… that here… this there… shake that…" Rarity walks in the room. "Hello, milady," Hans says, not paying attention. Rarity giggles, getting his attention. "Oh, you like the milady bit, hm?"

"I should go-" Rarity starts, blushing.

"Now come on, milady, it's nothing shocking. You do deserve the title,,"

"Well…" Another giggle, then a sigh. "My friends have taken this rougher. It would be… uncouth to abandon them," Rarity leaves with a wistful smile.

"Ey, someone scored a hit!" James immediately comments, earning a blush. Raising a brow, he says "Oh?"

"Well, Miss Rarity is a… mare of class. Also… that day was… day zero," Hans swallows painfully. He is referring to the day he would get home, finally done with his four year draft.

James winces. "I'm sorry," he says. "To think I was ready for another twenty years of that…"

"Well, at least I wasn't engaged," Hans says dismissively.

"So, you want a strong start?" A nod. "Well… wish you luck," James sighs, setting his helm down.

Hans chuckles. "Just think about it… A month ago, we'd have paid fifty marks to kill each other. Now, you're wishing me luck in romance,"

"Huh… yes I am," James thinks, grinning. "Ya know this says something about human nature…"

Hans raises a brow. "Really?"

James laughs. "Nah. Fuck off, cunt,"

"How polite," he comments dryly. Just then, he checks the pot. "Oh, call the girls! Drinks are done!"

"Oh shit!" Preparing his voice, James shouts "Drinks are done!"

Hans fills four shot glasses and puts them on a tray. As James serves the ponies, Hans brings out two bottles for the stallions.

"Ok, here's the first shot," James says. "But be careful. Last time, when Dash had that full drink…"

"Yeah yeah, whatever," Dash pouts.

"So… this much should be safe?" Fluttershy asks nervously.

James shrugs. "I have no fucking clue, I'm not a pony expert,"

"Well, bottoms up! Yee-" Applejack slams half of her drink down. "-Hoh!… ah… Dashie washie, ya warent so weak, now were ya," Applejack giggles.

Fluttershy takes a hesitant sip. "Oh my, that's strong…"

Rarity takes an eager sip. "Quite… potent,"

Dash follows Applejack's example. "Yere newt so bad yerself, Appiewappie, even if yew are drinken"

"Cheers!" The stallions clink bottles and take a drink. As in, Hans mimics Rarity's controlled sips and James slams down half of the bottle. "Fuck, that's hard!"

The ponies seem to not notice the gesture, however. "Ey! Yah take that back-" Applejack shouts at Dash before she slams down the other half of the mixture. "Or I'll… mumumumu…" Applejack yawns as she falls out of her chair. She looks up and yawns, settling down into a ball on the floor. "Mumumumu…" She falls asleep.

"Oh yeee," Dash finishes her concoction. "Imma… imma… imma hug ye to deeth, then imma rape ye sexe bodee…" Dash manages to hug Applejack, but then falls asleep. James stares, eyebrow raised. "Um…"

"Eh… they'll be fine," Hans says, finding a steady heartbeat in each of them. "Maybe a bit too hungover, but…"

"Oh hic my, this is some strong stuff," Rarity says, looking at Hans with pursed lips. "Mm, that feels very warm and comfy…" She falls out of her chair, giggling.

Hans sighs. "Well, I must treat lady Rarity to bed, it would appear. I shall see you shortly,"

Tipping his hat, Hans shoulders an eager Rarity, bringing her to a guest room. "Ohohooh,"

"So… how're you holdin' up there?" James asks Fluttershy. She bits her bottom lip nervously.

"Um… a little tipsy," she squeaks.

"Well, your friend did that, so I'd say your fi-" James starts.

"Oh give me that," Fluttershy snatches James' bottle, drinking it all in one gulp.

James feels his eyes widen. "Uh… wha…" A tense minute passes as Fluttershy stares James down. "So, you're a heavy drinker I take?" He grabs another two bottles, passing one to Fluttershy

"Yep. Dash can be a real pain in the plot," The mare accepts the bottle eagerly. "Oooh yeah…"

A snort. "Sounds about right,"

"So… what do you want to do?"

"Well, let's see… I'm a stallion… alone with a drunk mare…" seeing a look of horror, James stops, laughing. "Relax, I'm not an asshole,"

"Well… even the best of people can be rapists,"

"Oh? Experience?"

"Stories,"

"Well, that's good,"

"It sure is," Fluttershy sighs. She gains her trademark blush. Shuffling her hooves, she looks up, rather nervous. "Ya know… I wasn't, uh… turned off by your talk…"

Eyes widening, James manages a "Uh huh wha?" He sputters part of his drink.

"Well… I'm rather pent up, you see…"

Hans was met with quite a sight upon leaving Rarity. He joins in, and eventually the three stop to talk and drink. Drink away the pain and sorrow. Drink away the memories. Drink away the world.

And the night. None of them got more than an hour of sleep.

TWILIGHT'S ROOM, POINT OF DISSENTION

Trixie is still crying desperately as Twilight sets her down. "Listen… Trixie-"

"Has something she should talk about, but doesn't have too yet," Twilight moves in to hug her marefriend. Trixie gladly accepts it, her shaking somewhat subsiding.

"Well… Trixie's going too anyways," She starts to breathe in and out slowly.

Twilight tucks the two ponies in with magic. "Whatever it is, you're safe with me,"

Trixie cuddles closer to her marefriend, forgetting her worries for a second. The two sit there in silence for a full minute. Eventually, Trixie looks up.

"Trixie had a… subpar family…" Looking up, scared of being despised, she merely saw Twilight's caring gaze. Her breathing calms a little. "Trixie's brother wasn't mean while he was around, but he ignored her. Probably smart of him…"

Twilight stops herself from interrupting to correct the self deprecating comment as she wipes away part of Trixie's tears. "You're safe here,"

"So… Trixie's mother was neglectful at best, nearly a... s-slave driver at worst. Yes. She would b-beat Trixie for nothing," Trixie's painful confessions cause Twilight to feel a deep rage in her very soul. Why?! She's so perfect! "B-but Trixie's d… paternal parent was worst," Trixie now starts crying harder.

"O-often… he w-would… beat Trixie. Tell her that she's a worthless good-for-nothing talentless roach," Trixie huddles further inwards as Twilight becomes a spirit of anger and pain, holding Trixie tighter. "Th-that was on a good day." Trixie takes a minute to calm down, her tears threatening to drown her.

"On a m-mediocre day, he would use any object, anything, on Trixie… " Trixie pulls down her cape to reveal several deep red welts. "And he scarred her…" Twilight gasps as she hugs the shaking mare tighter.

"B-but on the b-bad nights… he wou…" Trixie has to stop for a moment. "...he would… rape Trixie," Trixie is pressed deep into Twilight as she whispers her woes. She stops crying, too afraid to do anything but breath. Her body shook with each sob. Twilight quivers with rage as she experiences an epiphany. Trixie is broken. It's obvious now, yet…

At this moment, a burning fire of anger was born in Twilight. "Twi… you there?" She understood why Trixie was scared of seemingly little things. "T-twi?" She understood why some stallions would claim a murder was in revenge for a rape. "N-no…" Because at that moment, she wanted to rip Trixie's family in half and tear them into pieces. "N-no!" She wanted to burn them alive. She wanted to-

"T-twilight?! Twilight, d-don't leave Trixie!" Trixie screans. "Please!" The mare breaks down further, pressing her face into Twililght's chest. "I need you here!"

"Trixie… where is your family?"

"Dead…"

"Good," Twililght's rage is partially replaced with sorrow.

"He… he had a gun, like the one that stallion used…"

"It's ok, Trixie. I understa-"

"H-he would hold it to Trixie's head, and say… bad things," Twilight felt her rage returning. "T-trixie had to… let him fuck her like a toy, or he would shoot... Trixie was the Weak and Powerless," Trixie starts sobbing into Twililght's shoulder again. "It's all been fake! My power, my greatness, my… me! I'm fake!" Trixie continues to sob.

"Trixie, is there something I can do to help?" Twilight quietly asks, petting her marefriend.

"Never leave me! Never ever ever ever leave me!" Trixie leaves the embrace and wraps up into a ball, shivering as Twilight wraps around her to the best she can. The two lay there, finding comfort in each other until they fall prey to Luna's realm. "Thank you," Trixie falls into a fitful sleep, comforted by Twililght's presence.

Author's Note

Writing this felt like stabbing myself. Repeatedly. Not that I know what that feels like, but man...

If you ever think about trying suicide, think about this: you can always do something to help others. That's what kept me going for a while. Suicide hotline (us): 1-800-233-8255

Chapter 15

"Oh yeah? I'm pretty sure Hitler was worse than that Dixie," James says, slightly slurred. His voice sounds light.

Dash wakes up, groggy. She hears that voice and her not functioning mind dusts off the start button. Jaemis? Jeimas! Stumbling over to the restroom, she empties her stomach into the toilet. Thank God, a small portion of her brain says.

"Hitler didn't hide behind a fake democracy!" Hans shouts angrily. He has a hoof to his forehead and is chewing on some jerky.

The two stallions made quite the dynamic duo. A third voice could be heard, but it was much quieter, as if it was not near the two. "Oh, my head," Twiwi? Dash thinks. No, that was… uh... Wawite! Dash giggles. Wawite!

"Hitler's Reich was the Weimar but with marshall law, ya know?" James says. "So, you were a 'democracy,"

Dash stumbles past Applejack's sleeping form, accidentally tripping over her. Abblewab! Giggling more, Dash hits the ground, sliding towards the couch.

"I… fuck off," Two laughs came from the kitchen. "That should be illegal,"

Dash notices a shape on the couch as she gets on her four hooves. Fwuttersy! Dash falls again, gets back up, and walks towards the mare, prodding her with a hoof. "Fwuttersy wakey! Wakey!" A giggle. "Wakey wakey!" Fluttershy groans, causing Dash to pout. "Fwuttersy! Wakey!" This time it is a demand. Fluttershy rolls over, waking up.

"Yes, Dashie?"

"Fwuttersy!" Dash takes Fluttershy by surprise with a hug. Giggling, Dash slips, causing her lead to land a bit too far south. Which only shocks Fluttershy further. Rarity takes that moment to enter.

"Oh my, dears… anyone could see you!" The drunken Rarity giggles. "If that's part of the fun, don't let me stop you…"

Dash jumps up, running towards Rarity. "Wawiwe!" Rarity takes a step back, causing Dash to miss her jump and hit her head on the floor.. "Ow… huh?"

"Are you… normal again?"

"Whaddamean,"

"I mean you just called me 'Wawiwe'," Rarity giggles again.

Dash freezes. "Um…" She clutches her head. "Aw, son of a bitch, that hurts!"

Applejack scoots over. "Ahee!" She embraced Dash, who smacks her. Feeling, Applejack falls on her plot. She groans, only now feeling her headache in full force. "Ow, tha' sure as hell hur's,"

"So, looks like two ponies just woke up," James calls out.

"Tha' drink 'as one hell o' a kick!"

Fluttershy sighs. "I'm glad I didn't have too much…"

"What?! Ya had, like, two bottles!" James shouts, laughing merrily. "And then three more after we di-" A slap sounds from the kitchen. "Ow, bitch!"

The mares freeze up. "Uh… did I hear him right?" Dash asks Fluttershy nervously. "Five bottles of that?*

Fluttershy suddenly wears a snarl. "Yes! I was tired of your stupid shit, Dash!" A shocked gasp comes from two mares; Rarity merely giggles again. "'Watch me do this!', watch me do that!'. You know what, I wanted a night of relief, which I got, so-"

"Um, 'scuse me Shy, but wha' was that James fella talkin' abou' doin'?"

Fluttershy freezes. "Us!" A laugh, then another slap sound from the kitchen. "Ow, son of a bitch!" James calls out again.

"Uh…" Fluttershy starts sweating nervously. Well shit.

"You… what now?" Dash asks, shocked. "I-"

A drunken James stumbles in, slurring his words. "She needed help, we provided! Ya know, shome great friends y'all are! Shine ya couldn't even shee there wass a-" James is yanked back. "Ok ok I'll stop!" He shouts, laughing.

"Uh…" Fluttershy sits there, her nerves fleeing her. Where did my bravery go?!

"Next time let me know!" Dash exclaims happily. Fluttershy looks up, confused. "Well, a friend in need is a friend in need, no? Even if it is slightly dirty,"

James scrambles into the room. "Bitch! I'll fuckin' kill you!" He shouts, grinning, into the kitchen.

"I'd like to see you try, peasant," Hans mocks.

"See you shall!" James charges back in, immediately being thrown out of the room. "Fine, fine, you win… I have my own stache of drinks, anyways…"

Rarity stands up, blushing. "I will go… check on those two," Turning around, she giggles and leaves the other three mares be. A portal is heard, followed by a quick shout and another giggle.

"So, Dash," Applejack begins awkwardly. "About that offer…"

CRYSTAL EMPIRE

"G'day!" Luna shouts merrily as Celestia walks by.

"Good morning, si- wait, what?!" Celestia runs to her sister's door. They were still in the Crystal Palace, so she trips once or twice. "Luna, are you ok?! You sound weird!"

"Oi, ya blimey! I just said g'day, no need to trip yourself up in a billybong," Luna sounds exasperated, though her eyes betray her pleasing feelings.

"What are you doing?" Celestia sounds worried.

"My imitation of an… Australian," Luna answers proudly. "Twilight dreamed about it… for maybe five minutes…" Luna's brows furrow in worry. "How well did she sleep?"

"Not too well, but I don't mind," Twilight says, yawning, as she recovers from silently teleporting behind Celestia. "Trixie needed help, so I had to do something about it,"

"Do you need our help?" Celestia asks, suddenly worried for their health. "If Blueblood was bo-"

"T-trixie had a… not so nice childhood," Trixie says shamefully. "So she wanted to spend time with her family…" She scrapes the ground nervously.

"Do they live here?" Luna says.

"Trixie knows you live here! Silly princess…"

"I'm sorry, but what," Celestia blinks.

Trixie turns to Twilight, sighing. "See, Trixie told you this wouldn't work! Let's just go home, and-"

"You're welcomed Trixie, don't get me wrong," At this, Trixie turns back to Celestia, eyes wide and brimming with tears. "'Twas just sudden,"

"I told you, Trixie! The princesses are nice!" Twilight says, beaming with pride.

"Yeah… well… but… yeah," Trixie says defeatedly. Twilight moves to her side.

"A little bit of warning would have been nice is all," Luna says. "What if we had plans for something?"

Trixie freezes. She stops breathing, closes her eyes and stands still. "Um… Trixie? Are you fine?" Luna seems worried. "I mean, if you-"

Trixie crashes into Twilight, hiding in her mane. Twilight is taken by surprise, but lets her stay. "PleasepleasepleasepleasepleaedontletthemhurtTrixie…" Trixie whispers to TwilightTwilight strokes her mane comfortingly, waiting while the diarchs stare.

"The princesses are not like your father, Trixie," she whispers. "You could punch them and they wouldn't lift a hoof,"

"Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease…"

"Twilight… what exactly happened?" Celestia asks, worry clear to see.

"That's Trixie's story, so I-"

"It's fine, Twi…" Twilight looks down to stare quizzically at Trixie.

"You sure?"

"Yeah…"

Twilight nuzzles her. "Ok…" Five minutes later, the diarchs have been caught up. Celestia looked distraught, worried for her family. as Luna sat there, numb. I did this. I was like this. FUCK!!!

"So, yes… do be gentle, please?"

"I…" Celestia and Twilight turn to look at Luna. "Oh… Well, I can say I feel like shit…" The room turns quiet for a few seconds as Trixie unburrows her head, a tear sliding down her cheek.

Thankfully, Cadence and Shining enter the room, Flurry playing with her father's horn. "Hello there… what happened here?" Cadence senses the tension and quickly changes from happy to worried.

Celestia sighs and brings the couple - minus child - and explains the situation in a nearby room. That means Twilight is left alone with Flurry and two mares, both questioning their right to live. What could go wrong?

Just that moment, Rarity and the stallions join her. "My, that was quite the spell…" It helps when you can't feel much of anything… Rarity pants and turns to view what scene she had disturbed. "Oh… hello…"

Trixie whimpers again, pressing closer to Twilight. Pleasepleaseplease no this isn't real they are fake Trixie is imagining ple-

"Uh… hey," James says shyly. "How've y'all been?"

"I've been much better," Luna admits. Looking towards a window, her eyes flash as she says "I'll get some fresh air real quick… yeah…"

A firm hoof stops her movement. "Nope," James shoves her down easily, stunning Luna as he holds her down. "I know that look,"

"W-why is the meaning of this?! I am Luna! Princess of the night!" Her roars sound quite loud in the fairly small room.

"All I see is a suicidal mare,"

"I could have you executed for looking at me!" Luna looks doubtful of her conviction.

"Yep,"

"Then why…"

"Because ya need help,"

"Wha-"

"You were about to throw yourself out of the window," Hans interjects.

"I… yes,"

"Point made,"

"I can get free, you know!"

A snort. "Not likely. I have my knife, a koli, and I will do anything to keep you put,"

"Koli…?"

"Gun. Kills people - or ponies - fast," At James' explanation, Trixie tears up again.

"Can I see it?" Luna's eyes gleam as she speaks.

"No,"

"I will buck you off!"

"I will mount you and ride you 'till we drop from exhaustion,"

The room freezes. Everyone stares at him, minus Trixie, shocked by the threat. "What? I said I'd mount her, then I-"

"'Mount'... differs here," Hans intervenes. "Quite a bit,"

"How so?" James seems worried. Good, maybe we won't die.

"You just threatened to rape a princess, James…"

The other princesses enter the room. "What?!" Celestia roars. "You can-"

"Oi oi oi! In my language, I threatened to pin her, not rape her!" He shudders. "Absolutely revolting! I would never rape anyone! Hans is way more likely-" A slap. "Yeah, I deserved that," He lets out a chuckle.

Twilight feels an odd, empty space at her neck. "Hm?" Looking down, she sees Trixie had bolted from the room, leaving the door swinging. Fuck! She scrambles into the hall, barely seeing Trixie's cape.

"Trixie!" Twilight calls. "Trixie!" A thud comes from the nearby stairs as Trixie runs up it. Twilight sprints up, still trailing Trixie. She watches as Trixie turns into a room and locks the door. "Trixie, I'm coming in!" she shouts, panicked

"No! Stay away!" Concentrating her magic, Twilight manages to break the physical lock, but the magical one takes more work. Struggling, she finds the flaw after a few seconds, and breaks down the door-

As Trixie plunges the knife into her stomach. Twilight watches in horror as Trixie collapses, intestines spilling out onto the cold tile.. "NO!!!" Twilight shrieks. Rushing to Trixie's side, she starts to apply medical magic, yet messes it up in her hurry. "Why?!" She struggles to see through the torrent of tears

"T-" A bloody cough. "Trixie doesn't wa-" A groan. "want to drag… the pretty mare… down…" A weak smile follows. "It's for… the best…"

Celestia comes barging in. "Wha- Trixie!" Celestia sounds angry. "Why?!" She properly applies medical magic. "Give me a minute and you'll be better,"

Celestia starts to carefully apply the first healing spell as Twilight weeps. "Trixie… I love you!" She holds on to Trixie's hoof.

"L-loved," Trixie corrects, smiler growing weaker. "Loved her,"

"No! I-" Twilight stops talking as she gathers herself. "Trixie, I will be getting you help, whether you want it or not. We will get through this, ok?" Her voice sounds firm.

Trixie's eyes widen in fear. "B-but… the-" A cough rattles her body. "I don't… feel too… good…"

"The spell is finished," Celestia says somberly. "All we can do is wait,"

"Wait - the spell Cadence used!" Twilight feels hope soar through her body. "If I can get that, I-"

"No," Celestia says firmly, shutting down Twililght's magic.

"Wha-"

"I said no,"

"Why?"

"There's a 50% chance you'll both die,"

"I…" Twilight sighs. "Ok… but only if Trixie has better chances as-is,"

"She does,"

"Ok," Twilight finally breaks down now that everything was set. "Why?" Trixie's unconscious form does not respond to the whisper. "Was I not good enough?"

James and Hans stumble into the doorway. "Hey, wha… ah," James shrugs. "Well, I'm gonna go report this to the others, then grab a drink. Beer of course. I don't dri-"

"FUCK YOU!" Twilight feels the rage take over as she slams him against the wall. The stallion stumbles, surprised, but soon enough has a helmet and knife ready.

"Ya wanna dance? I bet $50," He sounds ready to fight. "On me,"

"FUCK YOU!" Twilight tries to slam him again, but feels a ring around her horn. "Wha-"

James tackles Twilight. As skilled as she is in magic, her physical fighting leaves much desired. James slits her wrists with two quick flicks as he places another ring on Celestia's horn. "Whew, that wa-"

Hans crashes into him and the two wrestle for control of the knife. Hans misses an uppercut as he dodges a thrust. A gleaming knife blade is grabbed from above as the two continue their deadly dance.

Soon enough, Hans gets a hold of James's helmet and smashes it inwards. As James stumbles, Hans slams his head into the wall, rendering him unconscious. Celestia continues watching in awe. "I…" she starts.

"No problem," Hans says. He sighs. "Now I need a drink," He leaves for the bedroom he came from.

"C-celestia?" Twilight asks, worried and pained. "Why did he do that?"

"You slammed him inno e all" Celestia says, voice muffled as she takes Twililght's ring off. Twilight returns the gesture with magic. "Even so, he attacked royalty…"

Luna, Cadence, and Shining run in. "Wha- oh my," Cadence moves to Trixie's side. Confirming she was alive, she moved to James. Rather than checking for life, she eyes him with disgust, prodding him.

James opens his eyes. "Oi, what the fuck?!" Springing up, he slams into Cadence as he gets intercepted by Shining, ending up squished between the two. He ducks, causing them to hit each other, and flicks up his backup knife. "Let's go, bi-" He suddenly feels restrained, unable to move.. "Really? You have to win a 4v1 with magic?"

"I charge you with assaulting Royalty!" Celestia declares.

"Fuck you!" The response stuns the room. "I was in self defense, and I merely incapacitated my targets!" He glares at Twilight. "Unlike someone,"

"Yes, but you attacked Roy-"

"What is this, Earth?!" he spits. "No! Twilight was going to kill me!"

"Now, Twilight wo-"

James shuts her up with a glare. "That was the gaze of a murderer. Now, I'm willing to drop charges if you let me go,"

"What cha-"

James points to his helmet camera as he pops out a tape. "Video proof. I'll keep it, thank you," The tape lands in his pocket.

Celestia sighs as she releases her hold. "Thank you! God!" He groans. "That was pretty fucked up, ya know that?!"

"You wanted to celebrate her marefriend potentia-" Celestia remembers who she's talking to "l death…"

"Potential, ya fuckin' idiot! God, I'm sorry I forgot if my culture doesn't transfer here!" He starts to leave the room. "I'm goin' back to Hans, I wanna get drunk now,"

Hans and Rarity were found in a… compromising position, and James traded his shoulder camera tape to get some more beer. He came back to another... compromising position between three mares, and although he forgot his boot camera, he at least got to participate.

Fuck, he wanted a beer.

Author's Note

*Confusion noises*

Feels a bit meh too me. Wadda y'all think?

Chapter 17

"So… what now?" James asks as the teleport is finished. He is surprised, no doubt, but he hides it well. "There's more of us?"

"Yes," Celestia confirms, worried. "Follow me," As the three, including Hans, walk into the bedroom, they find Luna huddled in a corner as a brown Earth Pony (Ivan) does some Russian Dancing™.

"So, we have two Russians?" James asks. "That sounds awful. Ones good, but Twi-"

"And who might you be?" The blue Earth Pony (Tommy) asks back. His eyes hold a good amount of suspicion. I don't like this…

"James. US Army. Hooah!" He throws a hoof into the air. "Though that's not exactly appreciated here…" His hoof hits the ground.

"Tommy," He seems relieved. "Her Majesty's Royal Air Force. Not this one, mind you. Who's the friend?" He nods to Hans, who looks pale.

"Well… promise you'll hear me out?" James asks hesitantly.

Tommy looks suspicious. "Maybe…"

"I have a knife and koli," James threatens lightheartedly.

"Sure! I'll sit here and do absolutely nothing!" Tommy keeps his hooves in his lap as he sits down.

"Hans here was a nazi but he's one of those Germans who grew up on Propoganda and never saw behind the scenes.

"Pleasure to meet you," Hans says, extending a hand. He receives a slap in return. "Yes, I suppose I do deserve that…"

"German?!" Ivan shouts, worried. "But… this is heaven, no?!"

James sighs. "Keep in mind that this guy grew up being told that we were beneath him, and he has seemed better," He concentrates hard. What's that name…

"So he's a Jemmy?" Tommy asks.

"Right, that's what they're called…" He shakes his head. It's been that long…

"So, who're the sun 'n' moon ladies?" Tommy asks. "Seemed to be in charge,"

"Celestia and Luna respectively. They are literal goddesses, too, so…"

"Thoughtful. But why she scared of Russian Dancing™?" Ivan asks, smirking.

"She has been in a bad boat. Apparently she was a bit of a devil at one point, so it's weighed down on her," Hans adds. He is still uncomfortable, but knows that time will heal best.

"Speak of the devil, got a drink or two? I'm bloody thirsty," Tommy looks hopeful. "Ivan said we needed to lose weight,"

"Wine, beer, vodka, or a personal favorite of mine?" James asks. "I am judging,"

Tommy grins. "I'll 'ave a beer, please,"

"Vodka," Ivan answers. "And not because I Russian. I like vodka," He looks wistful. "Good times…"

"As you wish, I obey," Hans bows before leaving. Well… I'm fucked, aren't I?

"Bit of a cookoo, ain't he?" Tommy asks.

"He's polite, I'll give 'im that much,"

Just then, Celestia approaches the group. "So, I trust you will be better than the other one was…"

"Woah… she's tall," Tommy says. "Just how I-"

Ivan slaps him. "Is no good to do that. Diplomacy work, da? No be you,"

"Yeah, yeah… bitch…" He rubs his cheek. "Sorry, gut reaction,"

"Well, I welcome you to Equestria!" Celestia flourishes her wings. "I hope you have a wonderful life here! Now if you'll excuse me…" Celestia teleports herself and her sister away.

"…Is there war?" Ivan asks, finally approaching the unapproachable question. Tommy looks desperate to know as well.

"I'm back!" Hans brings in a vodka and three beers, handing them out. "Enjoy!"

"Thanks. To your question, no. No war," James confirms.

"Bloody hell. That sounds great," Tommy sighs. "Get to live again…"

"Took me a while to get used to, and I'm not fully recovered. Probably never will… but it's not something I regret," James answers firmly. "Fucking fascists!"

"Aye, three cheers to that!" The group clinks glasses as Twilight walks in.

"Why… you can't clone, can you?" Twilight frowns. "That would be… inconvenient,"

"Oi, who's purple pus-" Ivan slaps Tommy again. "Ah! Bitch! Sorry, who's purple pony?" He smiles sheepishly, receiving a hard stare from Ivan.

"I am a princess," Twilight says, huffing. "Princess of Friendship,"

"Pff, you sure as hell aren't my Royal," Tommy takes a drink. "Mm, fuck…"

Twilight narrows her eyes. "Is this one a problem?" she asks the other three.

"Nyet," Ivan reassures. "Just… new and confusion. Confused," he corrects.

"Unuh…" Turning to James, she asks "Where's Celestia?"

"She teleported somewhere," He shrugs and swigs. "I don't really know, nor do I much care,"

"Ok," Twilight charges her horn hastily. "Have a good time," she says, departing.

Hans slaps Tommy. "Really? Purple pussy?! I thought James was bad…"

????

Celestia and Luna appear in their room. Luna stays huddled in a corner. Celestia slowly walks up to her. "Hey… what happened?"

"They…" Luna lets out a strangled breath. A tear slowly forms in her eye. "They…" Celestia embraces her. They stay like that for a half minute. "Sister?" Luna asks, voice less shaky.

"Hmm?" Celestia brushes a strand of her mane away.

"I love you," Luna whispers, head hanging down. "And yes, still more than a sister should," She smiles.

"I know," Celestia and Luna nuzzle each other. They hold the pose for a few seconds before being rudely interrupted.

"I'm sorry…" The diarchs turn their heads, panicked, to see a shocked Twilight behind them. "I mean… what?"

"Um…" Celestia breaks into a nervous sweat. "Well… you see…"

"We aren't actual sisters…" Luna bumps in. "It's a good facade. Someone didn't want this getting out, so…"

"We both know that they burned gays back then!"

"Yes, but what about when that was illegal?"

"I do need support," Celestia argues.

"Hol up," Twilight breathes in and out slowly. "So, you two aren't sister, but lovers?"

"Correct,"

"I…" Twilight feels her world crashing down. "Huh?!"

"Well, I may have been adopted by Celly's family, and it just… happened from there," Luna gives Celestia a kiss, causing her marefriend to blush..

Dash comes out of nowhere. "Fuck! Wrong button!" She sighs, and turns to view the rest of the room. "Hey, gu… what the fuck,"

Celestia panics. "Stay!" She casts a shield spell around Dash.

Dash rams the shield as she tries to fly away. "Hey, what the-"

"Dash!" Twilight sounds stern. "You will sit here or I will personally rip your jugular out!" Not knowing what a jugnbar is, Dash sits down. "Excellent,"

Luna sighs. "So Dash, we aren't sisters…"

"Uh… ok, I'm sorry, but I thought you said you weren't sisters," The half joke does not work.

"I did,"

Dash stares questioningly.. "Ok, but then why keep it a secret?!"

"You…" All three royalty sigh. "They used to burn gays, Dash," Twilight says.

"What? Why?!"

"It was a conservative society," Celestia adds. "I changed it as soon as I could, but it was still opposed at that point," Sighing, she releases Dash's shield. "Now, this cannot leave this room, ok?"

"Too late! All of Ponyville knows!" Pinkie catches all of the mares of guard. Coming through the window, she adds "Plus I invited them all to a party in three days! Yay!"

Luna hangs her head and cries. "Why does it have to be this way?! What did I do?!" She buries her head into Celestia's muzzle, holding back tears.

Celestia shushes the elements away, forcibly removing Pinkie. "It's because you can take it,"

"Yeah but, what if I-"

Celestia wraps her in a tight hug. "You want to cuddle? Fine with me!" She levitates them into the bed. "Lun, please don't cry. It hurts to watch you beat yourself up,"

"...Can we go to sleep please?" Luna asks hesitantly. Celestia nods and they fall asleep together, holding on to each other tight.

Author's Note

So, no incest.

It really seems odd how tolerant the diarchs are of each other in the show, so I thought 'What if they aren't sisters?' My brother... I love him, but I'd probably punch him before I hugged him. Just my thought process.

Chapter 18

Starlight sighs. I hate trains; she thinks sourly. Too noisy and cramped. She levitates her coffee to her lips and takes a deep drink. Nice and warm. And long. So long. Even if this one is more like a tram. Especially if this one is more like a tram. Her experiences with trams are… subpar, to say the least.

The countryside flew by, and for once it started looking different. Well, as different as grass and tress can be. An excited Starlight knows that means she is close to Ponyville. She gathers her camera and notes, making sure to properly hide the AK and ski mask. Can't let those get out. She pops open her pill bottle and downs the remaining three capsules of joy. "Ahh…" Her headache flies away as she sighs blissfully.

Manhattan is an exhausting place. It is dirty, smelly, and cramped. But that is where here… 'family' choose to live, so that is where she travels every now and then. Heh, if only.

The train starts to slow to a halt. Starlight gets out of her seat and pushes past two stallions to get to the door. One gives her a dirty glare, but she ignores it. I could send him cowering if I wanted! She cringes at the internal dialogue.

The station only has a few ponies, as per usual. As the train slows, Starlight hops out and walks off, even though she just broke at least three rules. They won't catch me. At least that's what she tells herself. And if they do… her fake tooth is feeling extra bulgy today, the cyanide having just been swapped out.

The town looks eerie in the dark. It looked much better when she left a month ago; it was noon then. Starlight trots on through the town; past Sugarcube Corner, various houses, a few shops… she reaches the doors to the Crystal Palace, knocking on them.

She receives no answer. Hm… Testing the lock causes the door to lazily swing aside. Feeling her nerves build, Starlight creeps inside, putting on her mask. This isn't right. Twilight knows I return today.

She hears four stallions from the kitchen. What?! Is Twilight being robbed?! She hurries a bit too quickly and hits a bookshelf with her leg. "Ow!" She stumbles to the side.

The voices from the kitchen stop. Before she knows it, the lights are on, and a stallion peers at her from the kitchen. "Company!" He shouts with an unusual accent.

"Stop, thieves, or I'll-" Starlight gets pushed from her left flank. "Wha?!" This is supposed to be my time off! "Twilight!" Starlight screams. "Help!" She struggles desperately. Not like this!

One stallion takes her pack off as the one that hit her pins her down, eyeing her greedily. "Eh, this bitch looks bloody-" Another stallion slaps him. "Oh, come on! Fine, I'll stop!" He shoots a dirty glare at the other stallion.

No matter how much she squirms, Starlight is stuck. "Twi-" she screams before getting slapped. A tear starts to form as she prepares to be violated.

"I have ears! Sheesh!" The stallion stops for a second. "Wait, why do you want Twilight down here?!"

"What the he- Oh shit!" Twilight groans. "It's already today?! I'm sorry, Star!"

After receiving a glare from Twilight, the stallion on top of Starlight stallion lets her go. "Yeah, yeah. Do be careful though eh?" With a chuckle, he heads over to his friends. "Ooh, nice,"

"Where you deploy?" The first stallion asks.

"Hm?" Starlight asks. She breaks into a sweat as she sees him holding the AK.

"Is AK-74, nyet? Where you fight?" He asks again. He smiles warmly. "If not want to talk, is ok…"

Twilight freezes. "She's… not a soldier…" She struggles to understand what she is watching.

"Ah. Ivan take gun then," Ivan stops to look at the stock, pondering. "If no soldier, then why fifty scratches?"

Starlight freezes colder than Twilight, not even breathing. Oh fuck.

"Star…?" Twilight asks questioningly.

"Uh…" Starlight sighs in frustration, putting a hoof to her temple. "Just please know I didn't want to do any of this, ok?"

"What are yo-"

"Why do you think that I'm away whenever there's a bombing, or a kidnapping?" Starlight slumps into a chair, tears starting to flow.

"Coincidence. Why?"

"It's not! I did that subway in the news last week! I bombed that village in the mountains a year ago! And I… I participated in 9/12!"

Twilight lets out a horrified gasp. "But... why?!" The hurt in her voice is clear. 9/12 was a horrific bombing, killing at least a thousand ponies. Her eyes filling with tears, Twilight asks "Why?!"

"You know the Twilight Orphanage? A thousand foals living in there?!" A nod. "They have that place rigged to blow when I don't comply!" A tear splashes against the floor. "Fuck me!" She slams the table, cracking wood.

Trixie comes down the stairs. "Star…?"

"Don't come close!" Starlight warns. Trixie backs away hesitantly, turning to round the corner. "Fuck…"

"So, you're a terrorist?" James asks, rolling a zero for charisma.

"Well spotted, fuckface! As if the AK and my ski mask don't make it obvious!"

"Terrorism isn't always bad," James says to a surprised Starlight. And Twilight. "It depends on who you are terrorizing,"

"Anyone! Anywhere! I don't know why, but they want me to cause chaos!" She punches a bookshelf. "How could that be good?!"

"Had Twilight told you about nazis yet?" Hans asks.

"No…"

"Well, I'd bomb 'em and laugh," James says. "Twice, actually. With a really big bomb. Ok, a nuke,"

"Point is, you have a reason," Hans says, sympathizing. "A good one. Now, tell us more about this organization that forced your hand… er, hoof…,"

"I…" Starlight takes a deep breath. "Ok. Some far-right group, they want chaos. They call themselves the 'UNSMP', or 'United National Socialist Mare's Party,"

"Well shit," Tommy says. "Bloody buggers got here too, eh?"

"Da. Is… concerning," Ivan takes a swig of vodka. "Blyat,"

"They seem rather authoritarian, but they don't discriminate against any groups. They just want power, I think,"

All four humans sigh in relief. "Thought we were buggered for a second there,"

"A-anyways, they bomb buildings, blow up trams… shoot up towns… burn… schools…" Starlight realizes what she has been doing. "I guess I do too, huh?" A dark chuckle. "You know what? Kill me now. It'll save the executioner's time,"

James moves forward and puts a hoof on her shoulder. "Ya know…" He retracts the hoof. "Sorry, unstable footing. As I was saying, we don't blame you," A pair of tear filled eyes look up at him. She's pretty. Uh, hold on… "You have a legitimate reasoning, and I'm sure purple princess power here will have a cop squad on the scene tomorrow,"

"Cops are…?" Twilight asks, intrigued.

"Police,"

"Those are…?"

James frowns. "Law enforcement,"

"Ok," Twilight heads to Spike's room. "Hey! Send this to Celestia! Now, we can save lives!" She scrambles into the next room.

"Well…" James turns back to Starlight. "Point is, you're gonna be fine. Don't beat yourself up about it,"

"But you don't understand! I killed ponies!"

"…We need to have a talk tomorrow if Twilight withheld that much,"

AN HOUR LATER

Starlight gnaws at her pillow. She is currently stuck in a nightmare. Just like most nights, her prominent role in 9/12 was tonight's subject.

DREAM WORLD

It is all vivid, those poor firefighters lined against the wall… she lines up her sights. Her gaze settles on the one with an eyepatch. His one eye looks full of fear. He shakes, looking as if he was about to run. She squeezes the trigger, watching the splash of blood.

A few minutes later, she heard the foal cry out in joy from her hiding spot around the corner. "Daddy? Daddy! Come out Daddy!" A giggle. "Stop playing Daddy! I wanna go home! Daddy?" The foal's voice starts shaking. "Daddy, get up!"

"Hey, wha- oh my," Another firefighter arrived in the scene. "Come on kid, we'll get your Dad soon,"

"But Daddy! Come on!" A whine. "Daddy! Come back! No! Let me see my-"

REAL WORLD

Starlight wakes up, screaming. She quickly quiets herself and tries to bury her face in her pillow. It doesn't keep the memories out, however, as she numbs herself to the pain.

After a minute, the door creaks open. Starlight looks up, tears flowing freely, as James gets on the bed. "Hey, move over. I need space too," Starlight scotches over.

"What are you gonna do to me?" Starlight whispers, barely being heard. Is he gonna…

"I'm gonna stay here and wake you up if you get troubled," James smiles warmly.

"But you need sleep, right?"

"I can last a day," James says dismissively. "Plus, you need help, and I ain't gonna let ya scream again,"

"I…" Starlight sigh, wiping away her final tears. "Okay,"

A tense minute passes as the two adjust to having an extra pony. Eventually, Starlight shyly says "Hey… I wouldn't mind it if we… um… had to touch…"

"Very nice, but no nee-"

"Please cuddle me," Starlight slips out. Her cheeks are bright red as James smiles. "I'm sorry, I"

"Sure," He slides under the sheets and wraps two hooves around Starlight. "Like this?" She's so cute… oi, what the fuck!

"Yeah, just like that…" Starlight nuzzles him. So cuddly. She wraps her own hooves around him. A tense minute passes as they lay in each other's arms. "I want to know… why?"

"Hm?" James waits for her to answer.

"I mean… why… did you just… accept me?"

"Well, why not?" James smiles softly.

"I'm a terrorist. A monster. I killed fifty ponies. I-" Starlight starts to hyperventilate.

"Saved a thousand kids - no, foals," James corrects himself. "That justifies it to me,"

"Yes, but… how do I live with this?" Starlight sounds apprehensive. Mm, so warm…

"You make some friends and buckle down,"

"But.. how would you know?!" She lets a tear slip free.

"I'll answer tomorrow, now sleep,"

"Fine," Starlight sighs and snuggles closer. James looks at her, heart warming. So adorable… ok we need to talk. Eventually Starlight relents to the demanding of Luna's realm. However, this time she felt warm and safe. No matter what was thrown her way, she would withstand with a smile.

Author's Note

Yes, UNSMP is based on the NSDAP (Nationalist Socialist Deutches Arbeit Party, or Nazi party).

Twilight: vibes
Me: Today on Bottom gear: Pony edition, the Diarchs are secret lovers, Starlight Glimmer is a far right terrorist, and there are three (+) ponies in Equestria ready to die! (Warning: budget does not exceed ¥23)

Chapter 19

Luna wakes up in a nervous sweat. She groans, and as her senses come back to her, she feels stuck, pinned by a leg. Trying to get up, she struggles against the fur. Desperately looking around to find her assailant, she sighs, fears calmed when her eyes set on Celestia. Her lover is still holding their tight embrace from the night before. With a smile, Luna, still on autopilot, says "Wake up, sis…"

Celestia flicks her right wing, flapping it open above the pair. The way the sun shines against her only highlights her beauty in Luna's eyes. "You don't… h" A yawn. "...Have to call me that, considering Ponyville knows about us," The Diarch sounds somber. "Which means Rarity knows, which means…" Her lips fall, forming a frown.

"Wake up, Celly…" Luna lets out a small sigh as she smiles. "That sounds much better," She nuzzles into Celestia's mane, who merely groans in response. Mmm, si warm. "Oh, if only-"

"Uh… ahem," A stallion coughs in the doorway. Panicked, Luna struggles to get up. Once she gets on her front hooves, leaning up, she sees James looking in through a crack in the door. His eyes are full of worry. "Y'all, uh, know that, umm, incest's sorta… bad for the gene pools, right?" He scratches the floor. Really? Lecturing royalty? New… not really a low. But really?

"We aren't sisters. Go away," Celestia says, not looking up. She brings Luna back into their hug, against Luna's wishes to appear dignified. "Hmnh…"

Luna starts to tear up in fear. Oh mom they'll hate us like I hate me they-

"Oh, uh... 'kay then. I'll lock the door," He gently locks them in the room, then continues his way down the hall. The sun shines in his face, filtered through the windows. Odd thing to hide from us all, but they were what, a hundred? Probably wouldn't be accepted back then, if Earth's anything to go by… "Hey you!" James nods to a nearby guard, who straightens up. The shiny armor makes a little clink as he does so. "How old is Celestia?"

"Technically born since time immemorium, physically over 1000 years ago sir!" The cadet mentally rolls his eyes at the easy question whilst preparing for worse. I hate these random checks. Stupid Shi-

"'kay, thanks," The guard was used to random checks, so a legitimate question startled the guard. He immediately relaxed, calm once again.

"Glad to be of service!" Idiot.

"Yeah yeah, of service my ass…" Damn, oldies in there! He moves into his assigned room; he hated it here, but Twilight wanted the stallions, and Starlight, out of the library for fuck knows why, so here he is.

With a sigh, he departs to find Starlight, his original objective still incomplete. "Hey Starlight! Where are ya?!" The halls amplify his voice as he trots along.

DIARCHS

As soon as the door shuts, Luna lets herself cry, fear spilling out. Stupid weak worthless wrong idiot… Luna was still under the presumption that loving mares made her wrong.

Celestia wraps a warm wing around her. She looks at her love, eyes full of worry. "Hey, don't cry… hawt's wrong?"

"I… what… what are they going to do to us?!" Luna starts having a panic attack. Her breaths quicken as she tenses up, pouring herself out. "They'll hate us, won't they?! They'll hurt us and-"

"I banned that, remember?" Luna had been concerned about their relationship when she got back; even being shown openly gay ponies in all sorts of positions did nothing to help.

"Ok, but they'll still hate us!" Luna starts to shake, tears threatening to spill. "Stupid nobles! And that won't be fair on you…" She flinches as she feels her mane pet. Stupi-

"Luny, you know I want this just as much as you," Celestia hugs her lover tight. "I'd abdicate to stay with you, and that is not a joke,"

"But that wouldn't be fair on you!" Luna, being held too tight to shake, starts shedding tears. "And then you'd hate me, and I deserve to be hated, so I wouldn't feel bad…" Luna weeps into her marefriend's fur. The couple lay there as Luna lets her fears spill. After a minute, she looks up, eyes teary and full of thanks. "Why…?"

"Why what?" Celestia frowns. Her right hoof pets Luna's mane, straightening it. She looks messy, poor thing...

"Why do you stay with me?" Luna tightens her own hug, embracing Celestia. "I'm… just a burden on you…"

"Luny… it's because I love you," Celestia holds up her marefriend's chin with a hoof. "Hey, it'll all be fine," She gives Luna a quick kiss on the cheek, attempting to calm her down.

It does not work. "But… I'm broken…" Luna lets the sobs wrack her body as she cries once again. I'm so weak and dumb an-

"Then I'll have to fix you," Celestia grins, causing Luna to choke on her tears.

"I…" Luna hugs Celestia as tight as she can. "Thank you thank you thank you…" Celestia barely hears the whisper as she wraps the two in her wings.

"No problem," The two maintain their hug for quite a while, lying in peace. However, someone eventually comes a knocking.

OUTSIDE

"Oi, what's in 'ere?" Tommy asks his 'guide'.

"This is the Diarch chambers," Twilight replies, audibally annoyed. "It's on your map,"

"Da. There is also sign," Ivan points to the sign above the door. He adds "Not bright," nodding at Tommy with a chuckle.

"You could've just read it," Twilight adds, giving a grin. A lot like Dash, isn't he? Stupid and unobservant.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Let's just go," Tommy looks pissed, as if something set him off. Which it has.

"You missed a sign. No big deal," Ivan winces, realizing what he has done. Way to go, you-

"I said let's go!" Tommy's angry voice causes Twilight to jump back a step.

"Ok, sheesh…" Twilight takes a tentative step forwards, making up the lost ground. "Hey, you o-"

Tommy stamps his hoof on the ground hard. "Fuck you!" A tear comes to his eye as he gallops off. Stupid nazis. Stupid school. Stupid Earth. He turns a corner, running past surprised guards. After some more aimless running, he finds his room and slams the door behind him.

"Fuck!" Great job, now they know something's wrong. Tommy sighs, slinking to his bed. Slamming himself down, he picks up his canteen and takes a drink. A knock sounds at the door. "What?!" His mouth forms a snarl as he shouts.

"Woah, bad time?" James pushes open the door slightly, peeking through a crack. Peeping Tom… wait no, that'd be Tommy. He chuckles at his own joke.

"Oh, hey…" Tommy sighs and hangs his head. He waves a hoof in James' direction.

"Everything alright?" James shuffles through the door, gently shutting it behind him.

"Sure, sure…" Tommy takes another drink.

James takes a seat next to the blue pony, close enough to touch if they wanted. "Now, that's a lie. What's wrong?"

Tommy sighs. Well fuck. He picks up the nearest book. "What's this say?" He points to the title.

"'Daring Do and the Temple of Doom'. Why?"

"The picture makes sense…"

James snorts. "Could've just read the title,"

"You can," Tommy's voice is bitter, full of hatred.

"… Ah," James puts a hoof to his neck as he sheepishly continues. "I forgot how good America is, even with its flaws… Anyways, what was with the breakdown?"

"Purple princess power pony mocked me for missing a sign," Tommy sighs again. "I hate the fucking Germans," He finishes his canteen. "And I need some more water, too,"

"I hope I do not count?" Both stallions look to see Hans enter, bottle in hand. "I saw the door shut, so I figured I should make myself… available, if nothing else," He gives the two a knowing look.

"No, I suppose you don't count," Tommy accepts the water and fills his canteen. "Stupid teachers…"

"Ya know that they have schools here," James informs Tommy. "Why it's on the- signs,"

"Yeah, harharhar, mock me some more because the fucking nazis said I shouldn't learn to fuckin' read!" Tommy punches the bed as a tear runs down his cheek, lips snarled. "Fuckin' hell…"

A shocked gasp attracts three looks. Twilight stands in the doorway. "What… heresy did I just witness?!" She looks genuinely frightened of Tommy.

"Fuck off! Go taunt someone else!" Tommy throws the canteen at Twilight, who deftly avoids it. It hits the ground and rolls into the hall.

She gives him an ashamed look. "I'm sorry. I just… wow. I… have some work," She turns around and starts walking off, but stops at the door. "Uh… if you want help, I'm a teacher…"

"Noted," Tommy sneers. Sighing, Twilight walks off. "Now I'm goin to take a shower and you bloody wanks won't stop me," He heads into the bathroom and locks the door.

"Eh, mebe we should go…" Hans nods, silently agreeing with James, as they shuffle out of the room.

Author's Note

Pog

Story/arc 1 is shutting down soon. Decided to make three arcs. This one is mainly introduction, so... long intro.

Most of this arc is done, but I still have a bit to write.

Chapter 20

Shining gives Starlight a shocked look. "I'm sorry… you… what?!" He slams a hoof on the table, armor clinking. About three minutes ago, the mare walked into his office. The admissions are enough to make him believe that he needs to talk with Twilight.

"Exactly!" Starlight gives an exaggerated sigh. Thrusting her hooves forwards, she demands "Now, lock me up!"

Shining charges up his horn, grabbing two pairs of hoofcuffs. "Starlight Glimmer, you are under arrest for Terrorism!" He fastens the cuffs onto Starlight, one pair of cuffs per pair of legs. The magic restrainer required that he used his mouth, however. As he gets on top of Starlight to put on the magic restrainer, Cadence walks in through the door, smile on her face.

"Honey, I'm-" She drops the bags, which had been full of plates to replace the ones Flurry had broke. "What. The. Fuck!?"

Shining finishes putting the restrainer on, then tears back, quickly getting off of Starlight. Starlight sighs in response, finally feeling punished. "Ok ok ok. So, you see-"

"I'm a terrorist," Starlight blurts out.

Cadence would have dropped the bag again had she picked it up. "I'm sorry… what did you say!?" Cadence's nostrils flare up as she feels the rage overwhelm her.

Shining nods vigorously."That's what I thought! So I had to imprison her! Thus the restrainer and cuffs!" He exhales, releasing tension in his muscles. "I promise I'm loyal to you, honey," Walking up to his wife, Shining nuzzles her. "Otherwise I'd be du-,"

Twilight comes through the open door. "Starlight! There you are! Come on we- oh," Twilight looks to her brother, her gaze giving off a feeling of exasperation. "Let her go,"

"What?!" Shining looks mortified. He advances a step. "She's a terrorist, Twi!"

Twilight turns to Starlight, causing the mare to cringe. "Explain to these two why,"

Starlight sighs. Looking sheepishly at the ground, she confesses "I may have had… external motives…" Shining's right brow perks up. "Such as the Twilight Orphanage…"

Cadence frowns, eyes full of suspicion. "How is that a moti-"

"It's… currently rigged to blow…"

Shining sucks in air through his teeth. Eyes filling with urgency, he runs out into the hall, barking orders. "Tail! Tooth! On me!" Three thundering sets of hooves sound through the hallway as the trio leaves, off to assemble a strike team.

Twilight lets Starlight out of the restraint, hoofcuffs already settled. "There we go! You still need to talk with the others, however,"

"I know, it's just…" Starlight lets out a defeated sigh. Her voice is bitter, making it sound as if she is trying to hide her true feelings. "What could have been done there that's worse than… this?"

"Many a things…" Cadence shudders, remembering some of their conversations. "Go talk to the… others. My orders,"

"Bu-"

"Now," Cadence's voice leaves no room for argument. The two other mares teleport out of the room as Cadence stares out of the window wistfully. "Come back safely my dear,"

ACROSS THE CASTLE

"Bloody hell, where is th- oomph!"

Tommy gets flattened as Twililght's spell lands slightly off course. Dusting herself off, Twilight looks at the other three stallions in the room. "Now, you four will talk to Starlight here. I must… study for the contest this weekend," Smooth. "Any questions?"

"Na, we got it from 'ere," James says, frowning. "Though you didn't have to crush To-" Pop. "Ok then, pleasant. Now lets get the talkin' over with, yeah?"

Starlight pouts, still laying on the floor. "Whatever,"

Just down the hallway, Twilight appears with Trixie. The two get in an ideal position to hear the conversation. "Hey, you sure about this?"

"Trixie… must find out," Shuddering, Trixie nuzzles her marefriend. "It is important,"

Twilight lays a wing on her marefriend's back. "Ok. I'll be right here," Trixie presses an ear to the wall as she listens in in the talk.

"I know that you all know of my crimes. Now what could you have done which was worse?" Starlight sits up. "Not much, I be-"

"What does a tree in the forest make you think of?" James' eyes are filled with a roaring hatred, causing Starlight to twitch in fear. This is happening now, might as well go all out.

"Um… a nice walk in the park?" Starlight smiles as she thinks of her foalhood. Good times...

James lets out a bitter bark as his head roars back, once again making Starlight twitch. "To me…" he resumes his stare of pure anger. "Flame. Burning bodies. Destroyed villages,"

By the way he talks, he stares, Starlight can tell that this is not a joke. She gasps in shock. "Wha… ho-"

Hans leans back. "When anyone even mentions magic, my dead friends come back," He takes a deep drink of his vodka. "That's good, I must say. How do you think it feels to live here? Every moment, I see magic. Every moment, I am reminded of him… and I just have to suck it up!" He slams his hoof, causing Starlight to jump back. Her right ear twitches in fear. "Because they don't know how to deal with men like us! Killing civilians was a pastime in the Heer!"

He sighs, head hanging down to hide his tears. "We would kill up to a hundred a day, and don't get me started on the POWs…"

"I…"

Tommy has a turn to speak his mind. "At least those two bloody bastards had an EDU. They didn't teach us Brits how to read!" Tommy is a much more visual speaker, arms shifting around as he speaks. "So I got to watch as my fuck up got a hundred men killed!" Tommy reclines in his seat. "Fuckin' hell… Nazis shot me pa when I was three," A tear comes to his eye. "'Enemy of the people', they said," His hoof slams down as his eyes flood with fury. "He was tryin' to get me 'n' me mum bloody bread!" With a frustrated shout, he punches the wall, leaving a noticable sent.

"..."

Ivan leans forward. "The burning you feel? Is shame. Do not burn," He hangs his head down.

"Bu-" Starlight protests.

"You had fifty kill, nyet?" A nod. "On bad day, my team - sniper - would only get five. You know why?" Now, his head snapped up. His eyes had more hate than James, more sorrow than Hans, and more fury than Tommy. Starlight instinctively recoils in fear. "When I… I unsure, ten? They took father to battle. He was home, in casket, not two month later," A comforting hoof from Tommy rests on his shoulder. "Mother hide us when Germans march into our town. They… burned her alive,"

"I serve in Red Army for Final Trial. Land was… ruins. Towns burnt. People gassed, in graves. The worst, though," Ivan hangs his head again, this time to hide his tears. "Twenty girls. None over fifteen. All bodies desecrated, used by German," He snarls as he raises his head, a tear trailing down his left cheek. "That was when we start to hate German,"

"We would get report of hundred German soldiers dead, and laugh. Because they deserve it. They laugh when they burnt mother! They laugh when they shot father!
So we shoot them in homes, from holes, in air! And we laugh as they run!" He sighs, rage spent as his snarl drops. "And so we fight until Germans dead. But German never truly die, so we fight…"

Starlight was backed up against a door at that point. Each time Ivan had shouted she took a step or two back "I…" A tear rolls down her cheek. "How do you keep it together?"

James walks over and hugs her. "Barely,"

"Why…?"

"'cause otherwise we hurt others, and that ain't ok," James pats Starlight on the back with a hoof. "Aye, it'll be alright,"

Starlight sobs into his shoulder. His warm, soft, shoulder. "How?" she whispers. "How do you forgive me, when you saw… that?!"

"Well, ya didn't do shit, did ya?" James' grin only causes Starlight to break down further. "So that wou'n't be fair, would it?"

Starlight lets go of her grief, cries intensifying. "But…"

"I don't blame ya. Neither do the other three. Right y'all?" James turns his head to receive a wink from Tommy as he leaves. The others had already exited, discussing where to get some food. "Well…" Fuckin hell.

Now he notices that Starlight has stopped crying. Looking down, he sees her laying her head on his shoulder, asleep. "Oh, uh…" He awkwardly walks over to the nearby bed, trying not to drop her. Eventually, he reaches the bed and pulls the sheets back, gently tucking Starlight in. She looks so peaceful. Her breaths speed up as James lets go of her. "Mnngm…"

With a sigh, James slides in next to her. "Come 'ere, you'll be fine," Starlight stops whimpering when James wraps her in a hug. Geez, needy. And sexy. What the- I mean, you're not wrong... With a sigh, James pulls the sheets up as he prepares to make up for lost sleep. Who knows, maybe she'll help me-

Snores reverberate through the room as the two ponies lay there, finally getting some decent sleep. Both wear a little smile, feeling warmer than what their heart could ever hope to achieve.

Author's Note

Not pog

So before I get shouted at for talking downs, this is based on a personal experience. Except in my world, I was Tommy, it was a talk about how painful life is, and the two did the thing afterwards. You know, the secs.

Story two will feature sex, so prepare for that in a while.

Chapter 21

Luna and Celestia lay in bed. The lovers hold each other close, not wanting to lose each other's warmth. A peaceful feeling fills the air. However, it is broken when Cadence comes knocking at their door. "Celestia, Luna… we need to talk," Her voice sounds firm as she starts to unlock the door, magic hard at work. "Open the door or I will,"

"Mhm," Celestia unlocks the door for her, horn slightly glowing. Cadence comes in with a worried look on her face. Luna reflexively hides under the sheets, cowering in fear. Celestia shuts and locks the door behind Cadence again, this time adding a soundproofing spell. "Wha-i-it?" I swear if it's abou-

"I have trustworthy sources that say that you…" Cadence's voice gets lower as she leans closer. "Aren't sisters," Luna continues her cowering under the sheets.

"Mhm," Celestia leans up, waking her mind up. "Wha abou i?"

Cadence looks distraught. "Why didn't you tell me?! I mean-"

"Wait…" Luna pops up from the bed. Teary eyed, she looks utterly shocked. "You… don't care?"

"Of course not! You know me better than that, Luna! However I do want to know about stuff like this," She sighs, walking next to Luna's side of the bed. "I thought you trusted me!"

"I do," Celestia comments. "However, Luna was uncomfortable, so…" She hugs the moon goddess tighter. "I couldn't break her trust, could I?"

"Hey! I didn't know how everyone would react," Luna sounds hurt. "Don't blame me…" Still ashamed, she buries her face in Celestia's mane. Letting out a giggle, she comments "T-this is nice, though. M-maybe we should have done it sooner,"

A crash comes through the colored window, causing Cadence to look up in shock and Luna to look up in fear. Dash stumbles as she hits the floor. Flustered, she rushes to the window, shouting "Yeah, whatever! 20 bits you owe me! Stupid bolts…" Turning around, she freezes. "Oh, uh… how do you all do?"

Celestia turns over, pissed that she had to break her warm hug. "Oh fuck off," She picks up and throws Dash out with her magic. A few seconds late, when she sees that Dash is safe, she fixes the window, magically binding and soundproofing it. Turning back around, she attempts to resume her embrace. "There we- Luna?!"

The door lazily swings shut as Luna gallops through the halls. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK! Many guards stare at the sight, yet none break rank. Eventually, she passes by the entrance to the abandoned section of the castle. She turns hard, heading towards the old ceremony room from before the Diarchs could move the moon and sun. The sacrificial bowl beckons her.

Slamming and locking the door behind her, Luna slowly approaches the ceremonial knife across the room. Tears drop from her face as she trembles. Idiot. Worthless. Nothing. Dead weight. The walk feels as if it takes a million years.

Eventually, Luna gets close enough to pick up the knife. Doing this, she puts one hoof over the bowl. Making a small cut at the base, she winces. A drop of blood comes out. Stop wasting space. She deepens the cut, letting blood flow freely. Make Celestia's life easier. Face emotionless, she watches as her leg is split open, a cut going halfway down the length of her hoof. Not that she can see it through the blood. Just do it. Luna presses the knife down harder, and-

The doors burst open and a panicked voice cries "Celestia! We found her!" A guard rushes at Luna, but gets violently thrown back. Thump. The guard mare falls unconscious by the sheer impact. Continuing to deepen the cut, Luna watches as the bowl steadily fills. Something useful for once. Thank Fau-

A familiar gasp comes from the door. "Luna!" Celestia screams. "Stop!" Celestia's superior magic lets her easily rip the knife out of Luna's control. In response, Luna stands there, watching her almost sawed off hoof continue to fill the bowl. Couldn't even suicide right. Idiot.

Celestia runs over to Luna. "Why?!" She chokes on her tears, hugging Luna tightly. Her magic starts rapidly repairing her lover's hoof.

Luna holds her emotionless stare, as if she hasn't processed what she just did. "I'm just a burden,"

"No you're not! I love you so much," Celestia is barely able to whisper the last part through her sobs. With a determined look in her eyes, she looks up. "How… how do I help you?"

"Let me do thi-"

"No!" Celestia holds Luna tighter, eyes still full of tears. By now, Luna was wet all over her back from the sheer quantity of tears. "How do I help you love yourself?"

Luna's cold monotone holds. "I'm not worth loving…"

"Yes you are! Don't ever say that!" Voice filled with anger, Celestia hugs her lover even tighter. Whispering, she starts to repeat "I love you. You are worth loving. I love you. You are worth loving. I lo-"

Cadence enters the room, floating out the unconscious guard and locking the door. With a strangled gasp, she sees the overflowing bowl. "Luna…"

"I said I'm not worth loving!" Luna lets out with a snarl.

Sobbing, Celestia holds her closer. "Yes you are! You mean everything to me, Luna! I wish you could see how great you are!" She buries her face in Luna's mane. "You're so great…"

"I'm not great! I'm just a worthless idiot who caused you to cry because you put your trust in me!" Luna fails to shake her lover off. "Let me finish!"

Cadence approaches the two, teary eyed. "You may not be my aunt, or blood related at all, but I love you too,"

"Shut up!" Luna snarls. "You all hate me!" She picks up the knife again, but is promptly intercepted by Celestia.

Cadence sighs as she brings up a mirror. "See this?" Two cutie marks share a pulsing bond, sometimes weak, sometimes strong. However, it is always there. "This is normal love, between two ponies. Killing one will cause the other untold grief. This," The marks change to Cadence's and Shining's. The wave grows stronger and pulses more, and even duplicates. "This is my love, with Shining. If he dies… let's not talk that,"

"This," The chart changes to a Sun and a Moon. The marks are surrounded by wavy lines in every direction, always connecting to the other symbol. "This is your love. Removing one will completely and utterly destroy the other. I'm surprised you two lasted a thousand years, in all honesty,"

Celestia lets out a weak sob. "Then why is she trying to kill herself?"

"Because I'm dragging you down," Luna says quietly. She nestles her head into Celestia's shoulder. "At least, I think I am,"

Celestia embraces her life's love. "Killing yourself is the only way you could drag me down,"

Luna crashes into Celestia, tears coming from nowhere. "B-b-but-"

Celestia presses a hoof to Luna's lips. "Shh, i-it'll be alright," The Diarchs share a hug, each crying uncontrollably. Cadence quietly exits and orders the guards to do something else.

LATER THAT DAY, TWILIGHT'S PALACE

Starlight and James approach the main room. Hans had somehow acquired a stereo set, and had set up a DJ booth at some point. He is playing some Russian music they had found in Ivan's pack. Cadets of some guards school, I think Ivan said. The pair round the corner to find Ivan in the middle of some Russian Dancing™, Tommy and Hans cheering along.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!" The sound of many voices, real and recorded, fills the air. The song of the guards school roars through the room. "Ey James, how'd it go? Have a," Tommy gives a sly grin as he elbows his friend. "Bloody good time?"

"We got some sleep," James understands what Tommy is saying, but doesn't fall for it.

Tommy's face visibly falls. "What is this place, a land of bloody virgins?" With a frown, Tommy hands James a drink. "Next songs boutta come up. Somehow the German found Mother Dear in my pack. I didn't know I had, to be honest,"

"Not a very… dancy song, eh?" James chuckles.

"No, but it's better than the songs they have here. Speaking of Hans…" Tommy motions to the booth. "...who's that?"

Rarity had found a way to sneak in, and is talking to Hans. Hans is making some… very wild gestures, and Rarity is nodding along at the right times.

"A little… love interest, let's say,"

Tommy smiles. "My type o guy! Though not necessarily my type o gal,"

"Well the junker has title and rank. Hell, he was offered a high command spot in the Equestrian army!"

Tommy's eyes go wide. "No way. Really? I bet he didn't accept, though," Tommy takes a swig of his magichol. "I bloody wouldn't,"

"Oh, he totally did. He is quite a genius, and said he wanted to use his skills for good,"

By now, Hans is holding a hoof out to a blushing Rarity. "Ooh, do ya think…" Rarity nods, and the two exit the building hoof in hoof. "Ey, that's my type o lad right there!"

Starlight remembers she can talk, and chooses to do so. "That's… news,"

James' eyes brighten. "Oh, I think Starry here might be… like us," Starlight giggles at her nickname. "And apparently likes nicknames,"

Starlight blushes. "Sorry, it's just… no one's cared enough to give me a nickname before,"

Ivan walks over, bottle of vodka in hand. "Hans leave with girl. And do not give nickname, American,"

James chuckles. "No worries there. Anyways, I do think Starlight is… fully suicidal, even if she doesn't think so,"

Starlight's eyes open wide, mimicking Tommy's earlier expression. "I… what? Bu-"

"C'mon! Begging to be arrested, knowing you'd be given a death sentence?" James sighs. "Can't blame ya tho,"

"Da. We… mostly feel same,"

Tommy feels the need to talk. "Hans over there… what, ya said seventeen attempts? Damn, a lot of rope,"

"Yeah," Starlight lets out a horrified gasp as James speaks. "Seventeen sounds right,"

"What… I thought you guys were ok…"

The three stallions exchange a look, and then burst out into laughter. "I… ha… wha… na…" After a full minute or two, they finally manage to control themselves.

"Ok?! We'll never be bloody ok!" Tommy chuckles as he speaks. "Why, what makes you think that we would be bloody ok?!"

"Well, you gave off that feeling…"

James snorts. "We ain't gonna be ok in a hundred years. However, we have learned when to hide it and when to let go," He taps his forehead. "That's key,"

Starlight sighs defeatedly. "But why? Why do all of this?"

"'Cause we sure as hell ain't gonna off ourselves, not when we have friends," James gives a sigh. "Even if it so.etimes builds up…"

"Ok… that… makes sense…"

James offers a warm smile. "Don't worry bout it, you'll be presentable in no time,"

"Wait," Starlight looks up, confused. "I thought I was gonna be ok…" You don't deserve it!

"Nyet. You is ok. No will be ok," Ivan finishes his second drink, a bottle of magichol. "Is good,"

"Thanks, mixed it myself," James turns back to Starlight with a sigh. "You probably won't ever forgive yourself, but I sure as hell do," He takes a drink of his own. "Alcohol helps with that,"

Starlight lets out a choked sob. "B-but how could you forgive me? I killed fifty innocent ponies!"

"Easy. You be you," James considers his choices. "You never… harmed ponies just to hurt them, did you?"

"No…" Starlight admits. You still hurt them!

"Then you're fine on my book," James drapes a leg over Starlight, who gratefully nuzzles him in return. "And in theirs," With a nod, he indicates to the other two stallions. Tommy offers a hoof as if to hoofbump; at Starlight's stare, he sets his hoof down, sheepishly smiling.

"I… ok, that's a lot to take in," Starlight breathes in and out, calming herself down.

"Well don't worry, I'll be here for you," Tommy and Ivan quietly leave the two in their hug(?), choosing to go and drink rather than watch their friend fall for a girl.

Mare. It's a mare here.

Author's Note

Poggers.

So there's three more chapters in this arc, with two bare bones and one planned. After that, rewrite time.

Chapter 22

"But come on," Apple Bloom loudly protests, holding open the door. "I don't think that we'll get a mark for checking empty basements," The CMCs are checking the basement under Pinkie's shop, on Scootaloo's insistence.

"I told you, it's treasure hunting!" Scootaloo's eyes gleam with excitement. She shuts the door behind the trio, continuing with "We could find… uh… a seventh element of harmony!"

"Ya huh…" Bloom looks at Scootaloo with an eyebrow raised. "How can ah be sure ya ain't just lookin for somethin?" With a nudge to her friend, she mutters "Wastin' mah time,"

"Hey, what's the worst that can happen?" Sweetie Belle asks. Charging her horn, the projected ball of white light lights up the basement. It has nothing in it, completely devoid of anything.

Scootaloo mumbles something quickly, under her breath. "Wha's tha? Didn't quite catcha there," Hmm…

"Oh, uh… I said 'Damn it!'" Scootaloo lets out a nervous laugh. "Yep, that's what I said!" Sweat droplets start to form at her forehead.

"Ok…" Sweetie puts a leg around the other CMCs. "I think we need to talk about your… choices, Scoots,"

Scootaloo starts to panic, on edge. "Uh… whaddayoumeanididntdosomethingwrongright?!"

"Scoot, ya tried foragin, stealin, scavengin, sneakin, n now this. They seem sorta… connected, if ah say so mahself," Apple Bloom frowns. "Is somethin' goin on?"

"I…" Scootaloo's eyes start jumping. "Uh… Want to know how to survive in the wilderness!"

"What's stealing have to do with that?" Sweetie's words are laced with concern. Something's wrong here…

"Uh…" Scootaloo breaks their hug and bursts through the door, heading for her house. The other CMCs call out, but she ignores them, running as fast as her legs let her. I can't let them know, I promised Mommy!

After a few minutes, Scootaloo hits the edge of town. The wind blows through the trees, cooling her down. Calmed, she starts walking the rest of the way. I wonder what I'm doing for dinner now… The filly spends a good ten minutes contemplating her choices.

Eventually, she finds her house. Two stories and run down, Scootaloo is glad that the other crusaders never see it. The windows are covered in filth, showing signs of neglect. The creaky door sits slightly ajar, open a crack. The latch had broken a few weeks ago. Oh boy, did she get a beating then.

Opening the door, Scootaloo calls out "Ma? Pa? I'm home!" Her wings fidget as she stands still and waits for a reply; she has to be polite, of course.

Her father answers her with a shout. "Shut up, I'm working!" Failing to avoid his fury, Scootaloo gets hit in the leg by a flying plate. Better than some days, at least…

"Sorry," she whispers. Limping, she heads up to her room. With a sigh, she shuts the door and sets her pack down. She picks up her water bottle, and takes a long drink. Damn, I need to fill this soon. Groaning, the filly pulls out her homework folder, packed to the brim with paper. Deciding to start on math, she takes out the proper paper for today's lesson.

Now, let's see… 2 x 3! That makes a funny shape! Answering the question by drawing the two where the bottom leads into the three, Scootaloo adds another mark and sighs contently. I'm so awesome! With a giggle, she continues with her work. 6 - 7…

In thirty minutes, she had a shape for each of the twenty four questions. "There!" Her whisper is quiet, but full of energy. She pulls out her Ponish work, ready to write about some person named 'Shakesapple'. Shakesapple is a happy little colt who loves to si-

A knock sounds at the door downstairs. Excited, Scootaloo limps to the top of the stairs. Usually knocks mean pizza! Mm, pizza sounds great! She looks down, hungrily awaiting the pizza stallion's treasures.

Her father answers the door. However, there are two angry normal stallions and no pizza stallion. Aren't those the ones that Dash likes?

"So… what the bloody hell happened here?" Tommy lays his eyes on what remains of the plate, or just glass shards. Bloody hazard, innit!

"What do you mean?" Strob was a tough father, but he was meaner to other ponies. He snarls, eyes full of anger. "Who the hell are you?"

Hans nods to his chest, showing the Equestrian royalty symbol. "We are here on orders from Princess… the purple one," He shoves his way inside. "We are here to search your property on charges o-"

"Well, royalty have no damn effect in my house!" Strob pulls a hoof back, ready to punch, but finds himself pinned on the ground. Struggling, he moves his legs around, only to find them stuck in place. "Hey, what the-"

"Got the bugger!" Tommy pulls out two pairs of hoofcuffs and a gag, quickly applying them to the knocked down stallion. "There, that'll do! Imma check, this floor, ey?" Tommy moves into Strob's workplace, shuffling papers about.

"Copy. I'll take upstairs," Hans moves to head up the stairs, but pauses when he sees Scootaloo standing at the top. "Why, hello, little one,"

Scootaloo bounces down a step, then winces. My leg! "Hey, you're friends with Dash, right?"

"The rainbow one? Yes," Hans quickly approaches the filly and guides her down. "We have some questions for you, miss…?"

"Scootaloo!"

"Ok. First off, where is your mom?" Hans starts to write things in his mental notebook.

"At work!"

"Where does she work?"

"Something called a… whorsehouse, I think!" Although Hans does not know exactly what that is, he can guess.

Frowning, Hans continues the interview. "I see. Is this," He indicates to Strob. "Your dad?"

"Yeah! He does some writing stuff!"

"Interesting. Now, why are you limping?"

Scootaloo freezes. "Daddy said I shouldn't talk about that…"

"Scootaloo, you have to answer truthfully!"

"Ok…" Scootallo, hangs her head, uncomfortable. "Daddy threw a plate at me,"

"Well… that explains the glass,"

Tommy walks in, stuffing paperwork in his bag. "Fucker must run a mafia. Oh, hey kid,"

"Who're you?" Scootaloo's eyes fill with suspicion.

"I'm here to help,"

Scootaloo's eyes narrow down to slits. "Help like Daddy's friends?"

"Help like this fine stallion," Tommy points a hoof at Hans, who leaves to clear the upstairs of any evidence. Drawing closer, Tommy asks "So, how did his friends help you?"

"They… didn't help, not really," Scootaloo remembers the many long and painful nights she had with them.

"Well, what'd they do?" Tommy starts to feel pissed at the stallion on the floor. Almost worse than back home!

"I… don't wanna talk about it…"

"Hey, don't be scared, I'm here to help," Tommy illustrates the point by hugging the filly. "Now, what did they do?"

"They… touched me where it felt uncomfortable," Scootaloo shifts her stance. "It hurt a lot…"

"Do you mind showing me where?" As Tommy fears, Scootaloo indicates to her private parts. With a shout of fury, Tommy releases the hug and kicks Strob, getting a grunt of pain in response.

"Hey, don't kick Daddy!" Scootaloo runs at Tommy and holds onto his rear left leg. "I won't let you!"

"Scootaloo…" Tommy looks up as Hans comes down the stairs. Holding up her homework, he asks "What's this?"

"My homework! I can do it by myself!" Scootaloo forgets about her father for the moment and walks over to Hans. "See? This is the two, the x, and the three! This one's the-"

"Hans…" Hans and Tommy share a glance. Seeing Tommy poke the stallion's pride is all Hans needed to know to understand what was happening.

"Well Scootaloo, we'll…" Hans considers his options. "We'll take you to the library, ok?" Seems like the best deal.

"But I wanna-"

"Scootaloo, I will drag you kicking and screaming if need be. It is not safe here," Hans puts in the filly's pack and guides her out of the house.

"But Daddy-"

"Won't hurt you again," Tommy sneers, picking up the gagged stallion with a grunt. "I'll make bloody sure of that,"

With a slam of the door, the trio leave the house, heavy hearted and bearing bad news.

Author's Note

Yo les go.

Only one more very controversial chapter, and then I put an interlude and do some re-writing.

Chapter 23

"So, wait… she up and left us?!" James slams the table. He feels - justifiably - furious with the mare. "Does she know what we saw back home?!" James sinks into his chair, feeling distraught. "The little bitch!"

"Yes and no. If I'm being honest, her enlistment took me by surprise," Twilight takes a sip of her tea. It provides little comfort. "I mean-"

"Surprise is understatement!" Ivan shouts. "She can die! She too happy to lose! She…" Ivan turns away to hide his tears. "She remind me of sister,"

Twilight walks over and hugs the stallion, guessing what happened to his sister. "Hey, she'll be fine," I doubt that.

"I mean…" James takes a deep breath. "So, I finish dinner with Ivan here. We come back, all happy and dandy. Now, you're telling me that Pinkie Pie - the party mare, always spreading joy - enlisted in the volunteer corps," James says this in a cold and calculated tone to avoid a break down of his own.

"Yep," Twilight nods for added emphasis, releasing Ivan to hug James. "Artillery. Something about her party cannon being needed,"

"You said Aquilea, right?" James gives a dark chuckle, shaking his head. "It'll be over soon,"

"Why's that?" Twilight asks, full of worry.

Ivan understands James and finishes the joke. "French no fight: only run," The two stallions laugh, though it is full of pain.

Twilight, however, does not sense the hurt in them. "You… she might fucking die, and you laugh?!"

"Eh, us four lived, no?" James suddenly stops laughing. "Ok, serious question here. What is the most recent war invention?"

"The… machine gun, I think. Why?"

James shouts in anger, punching a hole through the table. The loud crack causes Twilight to flinch and take a step back. Ivan merely hugs Twilight, burying his anger. "We all miss her,"

"Why, what's so-" Twilight begins.

"70 percent casualty rate! 70 percent of soldiers were shot or wounded in The Great War! It was as high as 98 in some cases!" James punches a second hole through the scrap wood, ignoring the splinters in his hoof. "Best case, she comes home broken. Fuck me…"

Dash comes through a window, wings unfurled as she slows to a stop. "Whew, that was fun! What'd I mi-"

"Pinkie is fucking dead! Gone! Some fucker convinced her to sign up for the volunteers! If we're lucky, she'll come home broken, a shadow of her current self!" James wraps his arms around the stunned Pegasus, openly crying. His tears mix with Dash's sweat, further soaking her mane. "Fuck,"

Dash remembers the limited view she had seen: aka propaganda posters. "Wait, what? It's suppose-"

"It not fun," Ivan protests. "It never fun! Mangled body, bloody scream, cries for mom - not fun!" Seething, he lets go of Twilight. "I finish job if French no succeed…" He kicks the scrap wood, only further making a mess of the room.

"Woah woah woah," Dash hugs James back, sensing that he needs it. "That's… a lot to take in," Heh, glad I took a day to decide.

"She not get that chance! Where is she?!" Ivan's demand surprises Twilight, but she quickly recovers.

"On a train to-"

James breaks out into a sad song, having recovered his voice. "There was blood upon the risers, there were brains upon the chute… Intestines were a danglin' from her paratrooper suit…"

At this point, Ivan joins in. The tune was familiar, even for a Russian in the RAF. "She was a mess they picked her up and poured her from her boots And she ain't gonna jump no more! Gory, gory what a helluva way to die-e Gory, gory what a helluva-"

"Ok, enough of that," Twilight stops the morose song. Shuffling some books, she says "Let's… not think about that, yes? Something else, something-"

"How about a bloody tragedy?" Tommy stumbles through the door and dumps Strob on the ground. The stallion groans in pain, still gagged. "Fuckin ass right here. Bloody dyke, I'd bet,"

James flinches, hurt by the insult so commonly thrown his way. "Don't call me that,"

"Oh, uh…" Tommy sheepishly smiles. "Sorry. But this bastard can burn in hell after we get our turn with him,"

Hans and Scootaloo enter through the door. The filly seems to be stunned, and the stallion holds an emotionless gaze. "Of course, he means after a legal trial,"

"No, I meant my turn,"

Dash hurries to Scootaloo. "Hey, you ok Squirt?" The two enter a hug for a split second, acting like sisters. "You don't look ok…"

"I thought I was, but-"

"The limp is the result of a plate that her father had thrown at her," Hans casually comments. Everyone who is not Scootaloo, Tommy, or Hans pales. Papers stop flipping. "By the way, does anyone know a therapist? I'll take five appointments, one for each of us,"

"Squirt… is he right?" Dash snarls at the stallion as he leaves.

"Yeah, but I interrupted Daddy,"

A stunned Twilight and stoick Hans walk out to discuss court procedures, bringing Strob with them.

"Squirt…" Dash resumes their hug. Scootaloo just stands there, still confused at what had been done wrong. "That isn't ok,"

"Oh, you should check her bloody schoolwork, too," Tommy hands over Scootaloo's report cards and homework. "It's… I know it's wrong, but not how. Now I want a drink," The other three stallions give the two some space.

Dash gasps upon seeing the cards. Letting go of her fan, she sets the work down in front of the two. "F-? What is a…" Dash fails to comprehend Scootaloo's math. "...that?!"

"That's math, silly! See, the two is here, the x is-"

Dash tears up as she grabs Scootaloo in a hug. "I… I'm so so sorry Squirt! I wish I knew about this,"

"Wait… is that not how you're supposed to do it?" The genuine confusion on Scootaloo's face breaks Dash's heart.

The two hold their hug for a few more seconds. Eventually, Dash pulls back to continue asking questions, eyes still wet. "Hey… wanna live with me and Twi for a bit?"

"Yeah! That sounds awesome!" Scootaloo smiles, jumping up and down with excitement.

"Ok! You hungry?" It is about dinner time.

"Yeah, let me go get some food!" Scootaloo heads out of the door, happily skipping towards town. Let's see… what did I decide to do? Oh yeah, fish!

"Squirt, where ya going?" Dash flies over to the oblivious Scootaloo. The filly squeals with glee. Dash is gonna help me get dinner!

"To get dinner, duh! Me and Sweetie and Bloom learned about foraging and gathering and fishing and- oomph!"

Dash once again snatches Scootaloo where she stands. "You mean… your parents never made food?" Another tear comes to her eye as she holds the filly in her arms. Legs.

"They did, but that's for them! Now let me get food!" Scootaloo struggles against her captor, even though she knows that it's in vain.

"Squirt…" Dash mulls over the food Twilight has. "What do you like to eat? If you could have one food, what would it be?"

"Pizza! I really like the cheese!" Scootaloo looks down again. "But I can't buy one, and Daddy's…"

"Hey, don't worry. I'll get one," At this point, Dash sets Scootaloo down outside the castle. The two walk inside, Scootaloo thankful for the warmth.

"Really?! Thank you thank you thank you!" Scootaloo nuzzles her idol, who only sheds a tear in response. "This is gonna be the best dinner ever!"

Dash, crying too much to talk, sets a wing on Scootaloo. "Hey, why are you crying? You're Rainbow Dash!"

"I… Squirt, I'm such a bad sister!" With a sob, she holds the filly tight with her wings. After a deft, unexplainable manoeuver, Scootaloo ends up on on her back. Dash soars off, flying towards Ponyville. And cheese pizza.

"Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!"

LATER

Scootaloo takes three slices of the cheese pizza and plops them on her plate. It's not paper! Happy, she skips along to the stairs, only stopping when she realizes she has no bedroom. Or bed.

"Uh… Dash?"

"Yeah Squirt?" Dash is filling out her own plate with two slices, not feeling that hungry. What, did I order wrong?

"Where's my room?" Scootaloo looks utterly lost, not knowing what to do.

"We gotta eat first," Dash takes a seat and pats the seat next to her. The cushion feels nice and inviting, only making Dash sleepier. Wonderbolts training is exhausting, and after last night…

Scootaloo's eyes widen. "You mean we can eat together?! Yes!" The overjoyed Scootaloo runs to the table and jumps into the designated seat. Setting her plate down, she starts to eat her food.

Holding back another sob, Dash merely takes a bite of her food. Still eyeing Scootaloo, she watches as the vacuum inhales half a slice. Staring back, Scootaloo seems to be shoving it in as fast as possible.

Dash swallows her first bite. "Hey, Squirt…"

Scootaloo quickly swallows her own food. "Yeah?"

"You don't have to eat it so fast…" That can't be healthy.

"Yes I do!" Scootaloo returns to shredding her plate, now looking panicked.

"Scoots… no one's going to steal it…"

Scootaloo finishes her first slice. "Really?! Thank you!" Scootaloo wraps herself around Dash in a warm hug. "Best. Sister. Ever!"

Dash lets a tear slip through her cracking wall. "Squirt… you cou… could've… died there,"

"No, I know how to fish and find food, remember?" Silly Dash!

"When did you last go to the doctor? Dentist?" Dash fears the answer her fan can give her.

"Daddy said those are a waste of money! He wasn't gonna waste money on me!" Scootaloo takes another note of pizza. "Plusy the school does some check ups!"

Dash feels her mental wall crashing down. Tears freely flowing, she holds her informal sister tighter. Idiot! "Tomorrow… we're gonna go to the doctor… and get you checked, ok?"

"I don't wanna go!" Despite the protests, Scootaloo holds her position in the hug.

"Too bad. You need to," I'm having a word with her parents!

Twilight and Hans come back in. The two look wasted and completely sober, respectively. "Hey Dash," Twilight calls out.

"Where's your spare room?"

"Upstair n the left, whyyyyyy?" Twilight stops talking when her eyes fill with fear. "Gotta go, third room!" Thundering off, she plans to go empty her stomach of everything she ever ate..

With a sigh, Dash says "Come on, Squirt, let's get you to bed,"

"I don't wanna go to bed,"

Dash sighs. "Squirt-"

Scootaloo yelps. "Sorry! I-i'll go to bed! Just don't hit me!"

Dash once again lets tears flow from her eyes. "Squirt… I… I… can't hit you,"

"But Daddy did! And Daddy said that's what good parents do!" The filly's red flanks suddenly made much more sense.

"Let's just… go to bed… ok?" I can't deal with this shit...

"Yeah!" The two pegasi leave Hans alone in the kitchen.

His stomach rumbling, Hans approaches the box. "Well… I guess a few slices couldn't hurt…" Hans takes the remaining three slices from the pizza box and finds a clean plate. Taking a seat, he stares off into space. Maybe all of this is real… maybe it's not a bad dream… maybe-

"Darling, you in there?" Rarity's voice calls from the front door.

"Yes, milady," As expected, Hans receives a giggle. "Give me a moment to clean up and I shall be with you,"

"That is fine, but do hurry," Hans moves to the 'sink' and stamps the button to start the water. Rinsing his greasy hooves, he soaps them down, killing 99% of all germs!

With a chuckle, Hans grabs his pack as he moves outside to meet Rarity. "Here, milady,"

"Thank you. Now, shall we depart for my place?" Rarity's tone has a hint of sultry intentions.

Hans understands the implications. "Only if you wish, madam," The two walk off, tails entwined, in order to spend a night in each other's arms.

Author's Note

WW1 time

Yes, Aquilea is from Equestria at War. God tier mod, btw. This is the last real chapter.

Prologue

"In the bunker! NOW!"

James usually doesn't shout, but this was an exception. Positioning his M16, he corralls the two Germans and the Russian kid in the bunker. The Germans, defeated, walk in compliantly while the Russian hovers near James. His M16 shouldered, he brings the door closed behind them.

Glancing up, James reads Comrade Yazov Watches Us, in big black lettering. The spoken of Comrade brought nothing but misery in James' mind. His experiences in Siberia say the same thing. The resistance was quite brutally put down, and there was quite the resistance.

The concrete bunker is quite plain and boring. No decorations line the walls, not a single personal item. A speaker system constantly poured out propoganda: The Germans have died! Hail Comrade Yazov!, followed by some Russian music James doesn't know. All in all, it looks cheap and efficient. Combined with the multi-layered consoles, it reminds him of Indonesia. Shuddering, he follows the kid into the console room, threatening the Germans.

"You! What's your name?" James shouts in German at the first German. He looks to be an officer, based on the medals and ribbons. He found the bastard in a burned out Panzer in the spotter's seat, further confirming his suspicions.

"You know German. Gutt. Maybe we can ta-"

"Answer me, or I'll shoot," James is no stranger to brutality, having fought everywhere from Africa to Indonesia to Russia. This war is not like what his comic books promised. "Also, what is your rank? I might be able to make some money,"

"Very well. My name is Hans. I am Herr Oberleutenant in the great German army. Pleasure to meet you…" Hans extends a dirty hand, still looking remarkably eloquent through the filth. Clearly a Prussian.

"James. And this is not a pleasure," James sneers. Hans quickly lowers his hand under the withering glare he receives. "You're still a Nazi. Now, you," he says, gesturing towards Jerry #2. This one was in all black. Found guarding prisoners, this one was knocked unconscious and dragged back to their lines. He looked Burgundian, but a man could hope... "What's your name?"

"Friedrich, ready to die for the Reichfurher!" Friedrich quickly pulls out a Hitler salute, long since referencing to Himmler only.

"Damn, Goering really got Himmler's support? Good God," he whispers. He shudders, thinking of what Huttig did down on Africa. Speaking normally, he says "Well it doesn't matter now that Goering nuked us, does it?" he asks inquisitively, testing the Nazi's response.

"Yes! There always is hope for the Aryan race! My life for the race! For Himmler!" Friedrich shouts patriotically, still holding the salute. The kid begins to tremble in fear. Found in a bombed house crying about a week ago, this kid reminded the Internationale 21st Brigade why President Johnson sent them. To protect the innocent from gas and worse.

"Shut up, you're scaring the kid!" James shouts. Friedrich quickly drops his arm, still looking defiant. "You'll be fine with me, ok buddy?" He silently adds to the kid, grasping the kid's hand with his free one. It seems to work, as the kid nods and turns up, suddenly looking scared.

Looking up, James sees that the Germans choose this moment to attack, quickly dashing for the M16. James manages to wound the SS man before he pops out the rifle magazine, relinquishing ownership of the rifle.

You can say many things of Goering. However, you have to say that Goering's drugs do their trick, and the bullet seems to be ineffective. Quick with a knife, James moves the kid behind him, slowly backing up. I might die, but this kid sure as hell won't. He grips the knife tighter, ready for an attack.

This dance continues, the Germans moving forward just as much as James moves backwards. Fear in Hans' eyes quickly made James look towards the SS man, but then Hans smiles, preparing an attack-

The kid cries out in pain, suddenly tripping over a desk. Holding his head, he falls down a level. James scoots forward a little bit, and as the kid attempts to right himself, he accidentally presses a button on the console.

The big circle at the back of the room suddenly flares up. Never turning from the Germans, James can only guess based on sound, but it sounds like what he imagined a portal would sound like when he was a kid. The Germans, able to see it, drop their combat stance. Hans drops his jaw as the sound quickly increases in volume, overpowering the speakers.

"Himmler and his Occult were right!" Friedrich shouts, quickly pulling a salute. "Heil Himmler! For the SS! For the-" he is cut out by the sound noise, but James can clearly see the rant continue. This man is devoted to Himmler alright.

James, feeling a tug, only now turns to see that it is a portal. Just as shocked as Hans, he drops the knife as the tugging feeling intensifies.

Only now does he notice that the kid is gone. Quickly turning around, he hears a heart-wrenching scream, and turns to watch as the kid is sucked into the portal legs first. No! Kid! Not knowing what else to do, he calls out to the child. "Kid!"

By now, pencils and pens are flying in as well. The portal is pulling in James with a strong pull, and he almost can't stand at this point.

Hey Ma, am I coming to see you? James thinks, tearing up. It was only three weeks ago that cancer had claimed her after all. And James never attended her funeral, already off in Russia. Is this your punishment, God? I saved people. I can't let these people die...

With a cry of his own, James finally submits, travelling head-first into the portal.

It feels peaceful, was James' first thought. Am I going to see Mom soon? Tears threatened to choke him. That's how it ends? Sobbing now, James felt another sharp pull.

Meanwhile, in Equestria

"Come on, sister! You can do it!" Celestia cries excitedly, watching the portal grow.

With a triumphant shout, Luna stabilizes the portal. Cheering, Celestia runs forward to hug her sister. "You are good at magic, you se-"

Suddenly, four ponies popped out of the portal, a colt and three stallions. The colt is a dirty brown, with green eyes, a black mane, and no mark. One Stallion was a dirty green, with blue eyes, a brown mane, and a star as his mark. The second stallion was gray and had blue eyes, a blond mane, and a water tank as his mark. The final stallion was a pure black, with blue eyes, a blond mane, and two lightning bolts as a cutie mark.

As soon as the gained consciousness, they stated at each other and themselves. Their gazes are filled with hatred as they stare each other down. Throughout the showdown, only one noise is made.

"I'm scared kind man..."

Author's Note

As the description says, first story. Recommendations welcome, and I might rewrite it.

Chapter 16

Celestia yawns. She prods a Luna currently dreamwalking. "Come on sis, time to rotate our bodies!" She takes a moment to think about the phrasing. "Our celestial bodies! Wait…"

"Yeah yeah," Luna says, grumbling. Even a week after that day, she is acting down. She suddenly moves her hooves to her ears as Celestia pulls back a curtain. "Hngh…"

"Oh come on! Don't be so dramatic!" Noticing that something is off, Celestia approaches her cowering sister. "Luna?" She taps the diarch.

"Stop shouting!" Luna hisses. She presses harder with her hooves, chin on the bed. "Hngh!"

"I'm ta-"

"STOP!" Luna's hooves were pulling on her ears. "Stop it stop itstopitstopitstopit-" Luna screams as her alarm goes off. She starts pulling on her ears as if trying to rip them off as Celestia slams the off button.

"What's wrong?!" Celestia whispers, deeply concerned.

"I… don't know!" Luna's rear legs lose any energy as she collapses. Her ears have little lines of blood at the base. "I… I… why?" She looks up at her sister, hoping for an answer.

Celestia shakes her head as she pulls Luna's hooves away from her ears.. "I don't know," Celestia whispers. "Can I…" She indicates to her sister's head, asking permission to check it.

"Yes yes yes make it sto-" Another scream causes Celestia to jump back. "That bird!" Luna puts her hooves halfway up before Celestia pulls gem down.

Celestia initiates her mind reading spell. "Ok, I'm going in," she whispers. She casts the spell as both sisters fall asleep.

LUNA'S MIND

Celestia has not… seen something like this before. It is a rot eating at Luna's mind, rewriting her brain. Multiple neural pathways were… wrong. Of most importance, it has rewired her hearing for some reason, causing everything to be louder. Much louder.

It is a simple fix, however; a flick of her horn, and the rot dissipates. Going further into the brain, Celestia magically removes the last few spots of resistance, sweeping the entire brain. Satisfied, she smiles contently as she leaves her sister's mind.

REAL WORLD

"Are you better, Luna?" Celestia whispers. The diarch looks better, but looks are… deceiving.

"Huh? Speak up!" Luna snaps. Celestia takes a step back.

"Sorry…" Celestia says, hurt. She turns to walk to the door, looking down, before Luna grabs her. Magically, of course.

"Don't you hear them?! You have to talk louder!" Luna shouts. She starts grinning. "Where are they?!"

"Um… what 'them'?" Celestia notices her sister's shaking, causing her to be suspicious of… this.

"Them! What? Don't you hear the voices too?!" Luna has a crazed look in her eyes. She starts vibrating

"N-no…"

"Well, they want me to hurt you… to cut you up… to fuck you like I fucked those foals… and I'm not against it all…" Luna grins. She is now shaking as hard as Pinkie could.

"S-sister… bad joke…" Celestia feels scared. What was that thing?

"W-wait…" Luna gets a torn look in her eyes. "Did you get rid of it?" At this point, Luna's shaking slows a bit.

"The rot in there? Yes, i-"

"You idiot!" Luna shouts, taking Celestia by surprise. "Tantabus blocked the voices!" At this point, Luna was breaking the laws of physics.

Celestia gets an idea. "I'm going back in!" she shouts. Before Luna can protest, she is put to sleep as Celestia enters her mind once again.

LUNA'S MIND

Celestia enters the familiar void of transition. Only this time, this was Luna's thoughts. Luna is curled up, alone, in a dark… room isn't right, but that's what best describes the empty room. Celestia approaches her sister, who is rocking back and forth. "Luna?" She hurries forth to her sister's side. "What's going on?"

"Sister… I don't want to hurt you…" A tear travels down Luna's face as she slowly stops rocking. "You might want to leave…"

"Nonsense, I-"

She wants to hurt you! Celestia jumps, looking around. What?! A voice gas talked from the encroaching blackness. "Sister-"

Get her first, Luna! Luna rises slowly. "I think I will…" The smile on her face reminds Celestia of Nightmare Moon, so full of evil…

Celestia starts begging, hoping to get through to Luna. I can't go a thousand years more! "Sister, this isn't you!"

Liar! "Liar!" Luna and the voice shout it at the same time. "This is me, the real me!" Her wings fold out in a show of glory and dominance.

"I'm not lying to you! It is!" Celestia motions to the dark, about where the voice is coming from. "Why would I hurt you?!" Her eyes fill with tears. Does she think I'd do that…?

Power… "That… doesn't sound like my sister…" Luna slowly girls her wings, eyes conflicted.

"That's because I'm not like that! Fight it!" Celestia feels pained by the look on Luna's face and her admission that she though Celestia would do that, but she knows that this is necessary to stick through. "I believe in you!" Even if you don't believe in me…

Don't let her manipulate you! Luna looks up and shouts "You're the manipulator!" Closing her eyes, Luna fights back the darkness. The room slowly lights up, Luna losing the crazed look in her eyes. "Fuck you!"

"Yes! Go Luna!" Celestia cheers. Go Luna…

Damnit! Nightmare Moon shall be back agai- The darkness dissipates completely. "Sister… I did it!" Luna hugs her sister. "Celly…? What's wro-" Celestia brings them to the real world.

REAL WORLD

"I did something!" Luna jumps with joy, truly looking proud. Her horn starts glowing furiously, a dark ball of energy forming at the tip. Based off of her prancing, she doesn't seem tonotice.

"Luna! Your horn!" All thoughts of a conversation are paused as Celestia notices the dark orb. Luna stops jumping and sits still, suddenly fearful.

"Sister! This is like when I summoned the… humans!" she warns. "I… don't know what will happen!" Her eyes tear up. But I… did something… and now-

As she finishes her thought, the dark orb nearly explodes. Two stallions pop out of the resulting energy. Both crash with a thud, groaning.

"Cor blimey, what in the Queen's…" A look at Celestia causes the stallion to blink. "Damnit Ivan, I just wanted to bloody live! Why'd you hit the 'faster' button?!" He groans. "At least we're in heaven, eh? Didn't expect a horse…"

"Hey, no put kill switch next to live switch, da?" Ivan looks up. "Also, why are you horse?" The look on his face confirms Celestia's fears.

"Pony," she corrects. Not that it matters; they are ponies no matter what these ones think.

Both stallions look up, confused. "You can talk, eh?" He chuckles. "Well, can you-" Ivan slaps him. "Ah! Ok!"

Celestia sighs. "If you'll excuse me, I have a message to send…"

Author's Note

Down to 2 unedited chapters! Alright!

I thought this would be a good plot move. Not sure of the reaction it'll get, but whatevah. It'll all make sense eventually.

Interlude

Dear Celestia,

These past two months have been difficult. From the appearance of the humans, to falling for Trixie, to learning about you… my life has been turned upside down.

However, I managed to persevere using friendship. All six of us bearers are friends with the new arrivals. Trixie and I have connected on entirely new levels. And the humans have made amends, where they were willing to kill each other when they arrived.

However, there is one matter of utter importance. I believe that you know of Scootaloo. Recently, she has been found…

Her family…

I…

Her father has been arrested for abuse, and her mother remains unfound. Her father threw a plate at her when for no reason. Her mother… the verdict is pending there.

The worst offence in my mind is her education. For math, she drew symbols! For example, 2 plus 2 would become a fish with a line through its tail! It is terrible what some stallions do!

As of now, the trial is set for next Wednesday. I hope to see you before then,
-Twilight Sparkle, your former student

Dear Twilight,

I will be back in a month.

-Celestia

Dear Celestia,

What? Where are you going? Who is to be in charge? I must know more!

Sincerely,
-Twilight Sparkle

With a sigh, Twilight sends the letter through Spike. After a few seconds, a piece of crumpled paper appears. Twilight snatches it out of the air and stares at it.

"What's it say?" Trixie slumps on top of her marefriend. "Let me see!"

"It says 'you'," Twilight starts to freak out. "What?! I don't know what to do! I'll fail, and the-"

"Calm down, Twilie!" Twilight smiles at the pet name. "You'll be fine! In fact, maybe even better!"

Spike gives his two bits. "I… does that mean I'm in charge of the library for a month?"

Twilight sighs. "Yes, I am afraid so,"

"Awesome! I ca-"

"You can not put comic books everywhere,"

Spike slumps down. "Whatever," he mutters, getting up to walk off.

Twilight starts to feel overwhelmed by all of the expectations. "I mean… I'll just be in charge of a bigger library, right?"

"Yeah," Trixie reasons. With a giggle, she says "Let's do that later though. Right now…" Trixie grabs Twilight's right ear with her teeth, lightly gnawing at it. "...I anna afe fuh,"