Sins of an Equestrian Empire: An Unexpected Journey

Chapter 9 - Manehattan City of Lights, Parties and Elements of Harmony

A bright sun rose over the peaceful landscape of Manehattan a city built on the success of trade with its key location important to all within the Equestrian Empire, a city not as big as Stalliongrad but still held a unique style of living similar to Canterlot. Many believed during the great uprising over the old monarchy that Manehattan would rebel or at least support its current hierarchy. The overall result was a silent dismissal at the end of Celestia's Rule by the Lord Mayor of the town Lord Ironhoof. The aftermath was a silent change of loyalties conforming Manehattan into the Empire. The city was founded on peaceful tendencies and as such it would remain for ages past. Even to this day traditions and monuments held by the city are still held regardless of the monarchy or the imperial rule being held there and as such the city now prepares openly to celebrate the summer sun celebrations in honor of another year of a successful grand harvest honoring everyponies work in the field. In truth only few remember the true meaning of the summer celebrations originally supposed to be in honor of the Princess Celestia raising and lowering it for all to enjoy but after each year less remember its meaning, replacing it with its new false tradition.

A bright light suddenly appeared within the old darkened monastery just outside the outskirts of the city revealing three ponies all set upon visiting as did many others that fateful day. All three began brushing themselves off as the yellow unicorn with the fiery red mane began speaking to the other two.

“Well it seems like we made it…somewhere at least let’s hope this ruin of a place is somewhere near Manehattan.” Speed said confident that Twilight brought them to the right place.

Speed began making her way out towards the only source of light within the pitch black room slowly walking over to the light seeping through the cracks of the two rusted bronze doors that stood before her. With a flick of her horn the doors creaked open slowly letting sunlight fully enter the old monastery around them revealing cobwebs, dusty floors and in the back two ponies covering their eyes from the sudden entry of light suddenly stinging their eyes.

Steel rubbed his eyes trying to at least focus on pinpointing exactly where Speed was before beginning to speak “Woah easy on the light show some of us have bein up all night.”

“Yeah Speed I like the sun as much as any pony but not that much at once.” Twilight said agreeing with the chestnut earth pony.

Speed seemed to ignore both of them arguing all of a sudden as she took in the landscape that was shown all around her, the sound of the trees swaying in the wind along with the birds chirping preparing for the remainder of the summer for the inevitable winter months coming soon, to her it seemed Equestria had not changed one bit since she last saw it in full bloom. She began stepping out into the sunlight now fully taking in the atmosphere as she saw that she was at least someplace peaceful even if it was an old graveyard of sorts.

It seemed mesmerizing all of a sudden as Speed looked around fully seeing tombstones in all directions as they were smack bang in the middle of it all. The forest surrounded the old monastery luckily hiding their presence for the time being. She tried to find at least some sort of direction that would lead to an exit until Speed saw a gap in the trees a sight of massive city off in the distance with smoke slowly seeping from multiple houses deep in the city streets. At last civilization was founded for the time being. The yellow unicorn ran back inside to begin converging with Twilight and Steel.

“Good news, first of all it looks like where in a graveyard.” Speed said excited about telling them.

Both Twilight and Steel looked at one another slightly confused over this new found fact.

“Surely graveyards are not places to be happy about anything else?.” Steel asked confused over all of this.

Speed thought about what she just said and realized about the mix up, she smirked at the thought of it and began correcting herself. “Right sorry, where in a graveyard but the good news is that it looks like we are at the right place, this must be the old Manehattan graveyard.”

Twilight and Steel where delighted as they left the old monastery now taking in what Speed had found, good news at last had come to all three they made it to Manehattan.

All three looked around the graveyard taking fully in what had to be given; the overall result Twilight saw was sorrow. Names of ponies long forgotten lay out in all directions many of which neither Twilight knew or even heard of. Speed began leading the way towards the exit with Steel following in close pursuit.

Twilight gathered her thoughts as she started putting one hoof in front of the other heading in the same direction as Speed. The cobbled stones beneath their hooves where old and worn similar to the ones that Twilight felt back in the Everfree forest with Lighting, she looked at some of the graves as she started to pick up the pace wanting to leave at once fearing that the names of her friends laid on one of these endless slabs of rock her pace turned from walking to a near enough gallop catching up to Speed who was quickly approaching the exit until the yellow unicorn suddenly stopped in front of one particular tombstone. Twilight slowed down now next to the Speed as she finally saw what had to be revealed, her throat becoming dry as she did not want to see its contents whether it be friend or foe.

Speed raised her front hoof moving aside the moss that covered the tombstone and read out loud at what it contained revealing it to all. “Lunamoon…where does that name sound familiar. If I remember right, Twilight and Lunamoon are two words that click but where?” the yellow unicorn looked up at Twilight waiting for a response the only look she received was a look of sorrow and pain.

Twilight broke her silence before talking out loud “Trixie Lunamoon, a performer who came to Ponyville, I was partially responsible for what happened to her, she did return shortly after but that is for another time, Speed is the first name Trixie by any chance?” Twilight walked to the other side of Speed now fully seeing for herself. The first name was different from what Twilight had expected taking a look herself before briefly walking away towards the exit.

Speed looked back at Twilight and then at the tombstone reading the first name out loud Here lies the performer Nixie Lunamoon, a pony who wished nothing better than performing for one and all. Will be missed by friends and loved ones especially her sons and daughters wherever they maybe.

Twilight made her way to the exit thinking about what she had just saw and wondered what Trixie got up to in her absence, her only thoughts that went to her was the joy of settling down with a family whether this pony was Trixie’s daughter or at least her granddaughter was for another time, still she moved on peacefully it seemed. Speed and Steel caught up to Twilight not wanting to interrupt her encase if the past brought up any unpleasant memories being in this assortment of past ponies, all three were now on the verge of leaving the monastery onto the dirt road that lead out of the small forest.

The tall trees blanketed the summer sky only letting the smallest of light through its dense foliage. It was eerily quiet due to all three not talking about what occurred. Steel decided to break the silence approaching Twilight concerned about what she had seen ever since the time in Canterlot the past had brought up unpleasant feelings inside of her.

“Say Twi, that Nixie Lunamoon, you ever knew her seemed like some sort of important pony to you?.” Steel making idle talk to pass the time trying to get Twilight to at least open up.

The overall response was silence as Twilight began thinking on what to say it all seemed pointless in comparison but to her it was important as she begun to speak. “No Steel I never knew Nixie but to me she was a relative to Trixie Lunamoon a pony I used to know, think about it Steel, ponies you used to know carrying on their lives, living peacefully and yet you are suddenly separated from them forced to live in the still in the shadows as everypony you knew progressed onward as you just stood there stuck in time for three hundred years as they went on with their lives, tell me Steel have you lived that I do not think any of you have ?” Twilight sounded desperate for answers as every word seemed harder to say as she confessed her undying heart to the simple earth pony.

Steel backed away confused but slightly understanding what she had to say not wanting to reveal his back story to anypony except Speed who already knew, the thought of just being separated from everypony around you separated and not missed watching as they progressed onwards not acknowledging you in the slightest seemed a faith worst then death. Speed overheard everything what Twilight had to say and stopped as she two remembered what it was like being torn from your life all because of royal business but to Speed it all seemed as similar as she spoke towards the other two.

“Woah wait for a second Twilight, do not think for a second choices like these come by without any reason or without consequence.” The yellow unicorn said feeling suddenly wanting to help bear the burden to Twilights response.

The purple unicorn turned around brashly nearly in tears as she began speaking back to the defiant unicorn “And how would you know the feeling of being torn away from your very lifestyle, being separated from your friends and loved ones?”

Speed was taken in by all of this as she now listened fully to what Twilight had to say, she finally began to talk back not wanting to reveal her own personal heartache as well “I understand what is happening to you more then you know. You of all ponies where unfortunately torn away from your life we all know, I choose it to be taken away for the greater good. The secrets I had to keep from loved ones especially accomplishes, please Twilight do not think for a second you are alone in any of this.” The yellow unicorn seemed calm but still felt bitter over the memories of her family now up and gone.

Twilight was shocked on what the yellow unicorn had to say,  she wanted to at least say something but nothing came up to her, she remained silent and carried on along the dirt road towards Manehattan. Steel looked on towards Speed knowing full well each pony had literally left behind their old life for nothing of any worth. He looked as the yellow unicorn passed him by now fully taking in the new found truth about her past life, a pony who gave away everything in the namesake of an old forgotten monarchy hoping to possibly save the world even if the odds were heavily stacked against him. Speed brushed it all off slightly ashamed at her sudden outburst as she considered joined with Twilight to put matters straight.

Speed finally caught up to Twilight feeling slightly embarrassed about what was exchanged as she finally gathered the courage to speak to her “Look Twilight, I’m sorry it was not in my right to argue back there.” As Speed began speaking Twilights pace started going from fast to slow as she wanted to hear what the young unicorn had to say “In truth I never wanted to become Celestia’s personnel student the only reason I ever did it was to be able to learn the same way you did, everypony talked about how strong and confident you where, I just hoped I could be like that, even in the toughest moments I would think of what would Twilight do and yet it seemed you would give me the right choice even if it was the hardest of the two.”

Twilight seemed suddenly caught up in what this sudden admirer had to say sudden feelings of rage and sorrow over her constant loss was replaced by something she had not felt in a long time a feeling of pride or at least commitment that her studies had at least reached somepony even in a world gone crazy and that was worth fighting for.

“Why are you telling me this? “Twilight began to speak right after being interrupted again by Speed.

“I do not know it kind of feels like the right time to have it all open, in times like these you got to fight for your friendship, I learned that from you.” Twilight thought on what Speed had to say looking back at the common earth pony before thinking on what had to be said next “Even look at Steel I can guarantee Twilight he is more complicated then he looks even though he can seem carefree at times he knows full well the loss of his family, he has fought against everything and is still standing strong.” Speed finished talking as she went up ahead past Twilight now exiting the small forest.

The forest went silent again as Twilight began reflecting on what she had just learned and saw how much hope she must have placed in the other two. Speed always looked up to her as she never met her once seeming to be fully committed to seeing all of this through, Steel on the other hand saw something in Twilight for which she did not know but was certain for whatever reason it was for the greater good, she took solace in this knowing full well friends where around her new ones that would stick by her and support her no matter what in the coming days or months. She waited for Steel to catch up her now looking positive once again forgetting her past troubles as they made their way over the last hill leaving the forest into the clear lush green lands.

Speed was galloping up ahead as excited as ever to see the city that lay over the landscape clearer then she last saw it beside the old monastery. She let out a brief gasp as she saw something to be held in shier magnificence as she said out loud to the other two.

“Manehattan we finally made it.” Speed said looking proudly at their imminent destination looking back as the other two had finally made it. Both Twilight and Steel looked at the city with its massive river separating the city in two, they had at last found a place to rest and find the next element of harmony.

The road was short to the front city gates as they descended down from the forest heading towards the city, off in the distance dozens of ponies where coming to and from the city gates most likely preparing for an upcoming event as such. Manehattan had always been a city on the far edge of the Empire and as such had ways of governing itself separately without worrying about any protest from the capital, the city had always thrived on business and the Empire was happy with those allowing small imports from other kingdoms and cities. The thick stone walls that surrounded the city encircled both sides of the river it was built to withstand any attack from the land sea or even air in the event the griffin Empire chose to attack in the old days, if an attack happened suddenly Manehattan would be left to defend until Canterlot or Stalliongrad came to aid. In the history of the city if had never fallen to any foreign rule.

The three ponies had now left the small dirt road that led to the old monastery and proceeded towards cobbled stone roads that went straight to the city and off into the rest to Equestria. Carriages, hoof-drawn carts proceeded directly passed them in a hurry eager to setup before the night for it seemed an event was drawing near.

Twilight looked as each passer dashed by slightly eager to know what was going on “What is all the rush it seems everypony wants to get into the city quickly.”

Steel began to think on what Twilight had to say getting closer and closer to the city gates “Oh yeah it is that time of the year again the summer sun celebration, the city is going to be full of ponies should be fun was looking forward to some rest though.”

“I think Steel is right Twilight, I’m basically exhausted from the trip back and forth from Canterlot, Spark Chaser can wait she is not going anywhere.” Speed started yawning realizing all of a sudden how exhausted she was from not resting once since she was freed from stone.

Twilight responded with a similar fashion to Speed all three needed to rest once they made their way into the city, they proceeded past the massive black wooden iron doors each embedded the princess of the day and night still after all these years they finally made their way into the city and saw nothing but overcrowded ponies. Houses stretched on in endless directions many had their windows open shining yellow sun banners bearing Celestia’s mark, warehouses where open selling their goods for any hungry pony. The three slowly made their way to the town center along the way stages were setup and small time performers already entertaining passers-by, music littered the streets as violins; guitars and music brightened the hearts of any who crossed them. After carefully navigating through a sea of brightly coloured Pegasus, unicorns and other common ponies they finally made their way to the closest tavern seeing it slowly filling with cider thirsty townsfolk. Steel made his way inside allowing the other two to wait in the crowded street. After a brief wait outside the earth pony returned brandishing a smile as in his right hoof was the key to a room for the night.

“First let’s just say one thing guys; you do not want to know what I paid to get this.” Steel said dangling the key in front of them.

“I will not complain waiting three hundred years for a feather bed cannot wait.” Speed said rubbing her eyes walking into the tavern alongside Steel.

“You and me both” Twilight said to herself making her way inside to the upstairs room eager to rest for at least till nightfall.

All three finally get some rest upstairs in one of the rented rooms. Tonight the city would be alight with fire, dancing and cheap exquisite cider running through the streets.

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“Brother do I really have to do it?, on all nights such as this the summer sun celebrations” the white Pegasus begun speaking “Guard duty of all sorts I have only being here like a few months and already I’m exhausted from all this training.” Spark protested to her brother wanting to at least have time to herself even if the city was overcrowded.

Fleetforth her brother was captain of the city guard preparing himself for the events that would transpire tonight, one of the busiest times in the city alone.  He walked over to his personal quarters while Spark was protesting as he began preparing to don his chest plate armour as well as ready his sword, his job tonight was providing security for the elite of Manehattan.

“I really do not see the problem here sis I have made sure that you only have to do your guard shifts near the celebrations so even if you are on work you can still see the shows, do you know how many of the other guards would kill for that kind of treatment and on top of that all the guards shifts get swapped later in the night, giving you time to enjoy the rest of the party.” Fleetforth said fixing his collar making sure it was just level, dressing the part was important he saw letting all know of his role and position.

“I know bro.” Spark said looking at her uniform as it was folded on the bed carefully laid out before her “I’m really grateful for what you have done to me in these past few months, taking me in and sorting out any quarrels between mother and farther, I’m still receiving letters telling me to thank you for offering to take me in.” she said fixing her white mane and wings getting ready to get dressed.

“You know I would do anything for you sis, when I heard what happened to you back in Cloudsdale what you did to that instructor, I’m just glad you did not get kicked out of Academy or worse.” Fleetforth chuckled as he began to do the finishing touches on his uniform sheeting his sword.

She listened carefully what her brother had to say remembering what happened that day as she stepped in defending an unarmed student from the violent fencing instructor a secret she never told Fleetforth “Yeah bro cause of you I’m still a peacekeeper, what can I say I do not know what came over me.” Spark laughed it away trying to not worry her brother as the white Pegasus was nearly finished being fully dressed and ready to bear this dull guard shift.

As soon as Spark finished speaking she turned around to proceed directly downstairs away from her room towards the front door of their house, it was a simple accommodation at best placed within the middle class society of Manehattan. Spark felt more of a guest staying with Fleetforth since it was his house partially given to him by the Lord of the city for years of loyal service along with his promotion. She waited downstairs for her brother to get ready eager to go out and see the glistening lights and fireworks right down in the town center rather than seeing them through a plain glass window. Spark looked out at the window as the sun was starting to set over the city painting the landscape a warm orange glow, it was a sign that her shift was nearly starting.

After a short time Fleetforth made his way downstairs fully dressed in the same armour as Spark but his one was lined with a red and gold insignia on his chestplate along with a fancier helmed hoplite helmet being worn. The plume on top of the helmet was a bright red displaying his rank while Spark’s only had a calm blue more simple.

“As usual bro, you always take your role seriously.” Spark said sarcastically.

Fleet raised an eyebrow looking slightly annoyed towards her sister’s comment “Hah its good having you here sis.” He laughed with Spark joining in soon after. “Now if we do not leave soon we are both gonna be late.”

As they both left the house Spark took a breath of fresh air as she looked down into the city from the middle district towards the market section of the town, dozens of ponies walking back and forth, some observing the spectacles as each one more amazing then the next. She was interrupted as her brother crept on her tapping her on the shoulder.

“It is alright sis and do not worry I have stationed you as close to the spectacle as you can get just remember to pay attention to your work and it will be over in no time you will have the rest of the party to yourself.” Fleet said confidentially to his little sister trying to at least cheer her up.

Spark did not look at her brother seeming to be more fixed on the performances down in the center of the city she always saw herself never suited for a militaristic lifestyle and always preferred the peaceful life in Cloudsdale, unfortunately that was not possible for her.

She took a deep breath before looking back towards her brother “Well I’m off I guess, you have fun by the way guarding all the elite ponies of Manehattan.” Spark said trying to stay positive.

“Actually you are gonna have more fun than I ever will, those posh ponies do not know the meaning of fun, you go and enjoy yourself Spark.” Fleet said giving a wave as he made his way to the upper district.

Spark could only wave as she took to the sky showing off her glossy white wings “I will brother for both of us.” She muttered taking to the sky over the festivities.

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Night had finally reached the city as Twilight was slowly awaken from her slumber with a loud bang outside the darkened room above the tavern where they slept, the room came alive with colours of red green and blue, fireworks launched themselves all over the city. She squinted her eyes covering them from the light spectacle that at random times lit the room constantly.

Twilight slowly made her way out of bed leaving its comforting warmth as she slowly preceded towards the only source of light the two windows that saw down into the city streets opening them to observe the scenery some more.

The second she opened the plain glass windows the entire noise of the city streets leapt into the room awaking both Speed and Steel from their slumber. Both looked at Twilight standing next to the window out into the city streets possibly looking out at the passers-by or a performance down in the town center. Speed climbed out of bed making her way towards the bathroom to fix up her red mane as it was all messy and let down. Steel just yawned as he made his way towards Twilight all three leaving the beds unmade.

Steel rubbed his eyes as he begun to speak his mane still untidy as usual “Well that was the best night’s sleep I have had in a long time.”

Twilight no longer looked down at the city full of lights speaking back to Steel “I think it is time we start getting out there looking for Spark.” After saying she closed the window letting silence once again surround the room.

Speed came back into the room fully cleaned and tidied up from her sleep, her mane properly let down and her coat brushed clean “I agree Twilight the sooner we find Spark the quicker we can make our way to the next town, should not stay in one place for too long.”

All three agreed, each preparing to gather their belongings Steel locked the door behind them making their way down the spiral staircase down into the tavern. The entire bottom floor was full of ponies of all kinds straight from Ponyville, Trottingham and some from Glascow. Twilight and the others made their way past the entire crowds and wooden tables filled with large wooden tankards of ale, cider and other alcoholic drinks. Each had little room to breathe or even personal space until they made their way outside into the dark festival lit streets.

All three looked around as the city had changed drastically since they last left it when they first entered the tavern earlier that day, the stalls where all filled with barrels of cider from all corners of Equestria each wanting their customers to try some. Food was not an uncommon sight as apple treats and cake stalls every ten feet offering something different over their competitor. Peacekeepers still walked the streets making their presence known still brandishing the old armour of Celestia’s reign with a different insignia showing allegiance. All three became clueless on a place to start looking, they stood their thinking until a giant smoke and firework display shot out within the town center, Twilight and Speed looked at each other agreeing at least that was a venue to at least check out.

After navigating through crowds on the busy streets they finally got to see what the commotion was all about a massive round stage decorated the entire center all being covering with bright vibrant colours all among the entire wooden framework, to the unexpected pony it looked very much like a carousel from a distance surrounded entirely by ponies. Twilight and the others watched from a distance as it seemed a show was about to begin. The entire town center went dark all of a sudden making everypony fall silent, the sudden darkness began causing a commotion as all of a sudden everypony was caught off guard as a loud bang with a volley of fireworks fired illuminating the sky as all the lights suddenly became bright once again.

A loud commanding voice echoed in all directions coming from the carousel “Welcome citizens of Manehattan and all across the Empire” a voice that sounded almost familiar as Twilight began to take more notice keeping her eye fixed on the stage.

Steel left to find one of the many stalls to at least gather drinks for the long night ahead leaving Twilight and Speed to watch the spectacle that unfolded. The voice became louder suddenly as the talking continued “watch and be amazed as we all three of us perform acts of death defying feats before you tonight” it seemed almost as if it was leading up to an amazing entrance “I give you the Great and Power Trixies.” The second those words where said another dash of fireworks leapt forward into the night sky showing the outline of three ponies two unicorns and one Pegasus.

Twilight became suddenly amazed and perplexed by what she just heard The Great and Powerful Trixie’s “Wow even three hundred years in the future and she still finds a way to constantly come back again into my life.” She muttered to herself.

The three blue ponies made their way on stage in full view each dressed with a cape and pointed hat. Each was based off Trixie’s clothes but with slight colour and design, the blue Pegasus wore cape decorated with stars with the two unicorns showing off the sun and the moon. All three looked confident in front of their cheering crowds almost boasting just like the original Trixie did as the show finally started.

The two unicorns walked to the front of the stage ready to speak to the masses “For our first trick our adoring Pegasus sister will take to the skies above you lovely townsfolk, but not before being launched with a massive volley of fireworks around her, she will then take flight risking her own life for you all.”

The blue Pegasus stepped forward taking off her cape as she prepared for the event standing next to a few dozen fireworks being set alight by magic all pointed towards her, she stood confident looking at her own demise.

“You ready sister.” said one of the unicorns lighting final firework with her horn.

Her response was a silent nod as her wings took full form getting ready to fly. The crowd fell silent as the sound of the fizzing from the light found its way to the fireworks setting them all off. The Pegasus responded by taking to the sky as the fireworks began chasing her seeming to be guided by magic, the second blue unicorn seemed to be the one in control of the entire spectacle instantly detonating one of the larger fireworks letting all know that they were in fact really. The Pegasus dashed and dived past the hail of flying death almost taunting them in some spectacle. As she flew over the hundreds of ponies the screaming wail of the event was heard by all, some ponies covering their ears over all the noise. Finally the Pegasus met up above the carousel flying still with her upper front hooves up in the air letting the fireworks hit her in all directions exploding all at once in a bright light leaving no room for escape. The explosion blinded everyone who gazed at it. After the noise died down the blue Pegasus was nowhere to be seen, it all seemed like she did not make the escape in time the crowd was still silent guessing what would happen next. It was not too soon as the Pegasus appeared again flying over the crowds circling them in a victorious pose, the entire street lit up with cheers and applause at the entertainment before them as the Pegasus landed back to earth standing beside her two sisters taking a bow to the entire crowd.

Twilights and Speeds mouths dropped at the entire event before them, the real Trixie could never pull off magic tricks on this caliber nor afford this many pyrotechnics. Steel returned with three tankards of cider one for him and two for the others, each took a drink before talking about what they just saw.

“That was awesome.” Speed said her eyes fixed on the blue Pegasus “Tricks like that do not happen overnight.”

“You can say that, magic like that is very rare even in Equestria controlling magic with teleportation and concealing it from other ponies not easy especially in front of an entire crowd.” Twilight knew the magic’s tricks but admired the technicality of it while taking a swig from her drink.

The performance continued for quite some time into the night tricks, impersonations and assistants from the crowd, each act after the other held the crowd in awe even if some were partially drunk anyway. As the event was wrapping once and for all, the blue ponies made their way onstage for the final send off.

Each took a bow before speaking to the crowd one last time “Thank you citizens of Equestria for being such a great audience, this is the final send off for us but be assured you will see us again next year.”

They all looked at one another with the Pegasus pony standing between them, with a silent nod all three had vanished a second after they left a last spectacle of fireworks launched into the sky. After the fireworks stopped a hail of cheers and cries where heard all across the town center, the crowd loved them and wanted that to be known all across the city.

Steel took a swig of cider before speaking out loud to himself “Bah magic does not seem so hard.” He took another sip of cider before looking around at the faces of Speed and Twilight each looking slightly annoyed with his empty statement.

“Oh right sorry… ehh the show was pretty good though.” The earth pony looked slightly embarrassed trying to change the subject slightly.

They all looked around as the crowds of gathering ponies started to disperse slowly as if to get another drink or to find a different venue of interest it seemed like another one show here was not to be started for some time. They left their drinks and starting walking at a steady pace.

“Well Spark is not here anyway, let’s just hurry on to the next venue and start looking.” Speed ushered the others to at least get a move on even if finding Spark seemed slim.

All three followed the crowds to wherever they were going in this maze of a city, as they all walked no pony could see in front of them. Twilight began looking up into the night sky all decorated with stars each one lighting the way, within the city sky lanterns each decorated with the mark of Celestia’s Sun rose intot he night sky and off towards over the horizon. If not for a moment Twilight could have sworn she was still back in her Equestria enjoying this with her other five friends. She continued walking in a daze next to Speed who saw that Twilight was busy thinking in quite solace; she did not want to disturb her fearing another incident repeating again like the one back in the monastery. A few minutes later they arrived at their destination in the city which seemed to be the center of the entertainment district full of tables and barrels of cider.

The center of the entertainment area looked to be more of a distillery then a venue tables laid out in continuous rows some filled will ponies laughing dancing and singing not giving a care in the world only the tables in the far reaches were left empty. Steel looked around noticing that many of the ponies here were off duty peacekeepers finished from their shifts earlier in the day.

“Twi look at this, peacekeepers an by the looks of it a few dozen it seems, if Spark is anywhere she sure damn hell is here holed up at one of these tables.” Steel waved his hoof all across the area illustrating his point.

Speed took a look at her pack and took out the page that contained Sparks name on it and began studying it over some more, the only thing she could get out of it was basically just that she was a peacekeeper Pegasus stationed here. It all seemed to mention no notice of look or let alone mane colour to single her out from the few dozen Pegasus guards stationed there off duty. She folded the page putting it back in her bag before speaking.

“No matter what we have to find her, spread out we need to get some sort of mention of her here, start asking if need be.” Speed said sounding adamant to not fail over something as simple as this.

All three agreed searching this massive venue for any mention of Spark, Twilight began checking over at where the barrels where all stacked asking at all mentioning to the ponies there that she was at least a friend of Spark, Speed searched at the endless row of tables walking around the peacekeepers keeping her ear open for any mention of the Pegasus’s name. Steel checked with the venue owners for any such information relating to new peacekeepers in town lying about one of them would be her cousin as such. The search took to at least an hour each returning empty hoofed with looks of disappointment, Spark was not here. All three gathered to an empty table to at least rest and consider their next set of options of finding one pony among hundreds of peacekeepers. Steel was parched from speaking to random ponies after another as he went to fetch more cider for himself and the two unicorns, the night was just over half done at this rate.

Steel returned shortly after with three more drinks of cider,he sat down and quietly started drinking away thinking on what to do. Out of nowhere bells rang out all among the city endlessly ringing alerting everypony in the city about an upcoming event. Twilight looked around seeing the small ensuing chaos that was about to happen, the guards sitting down sprung back to action instantly knocking over there tankards of cider and ale equipping themselves ready for an imminent event incoming. They all donned their helmets charging away from the venue into the city. Speed and Twilight looked around startled by what was happening; all the ponies around them seemed to be oblivious to what was happening not batting an eye.

“What is going on Steel, has something wrong happened?” Twilight asked confused over what happened so fast.

Speed asked as well nearly knocking over her drink “We should get out of here something sounds wrong.”

Steel sat silent at the table drinking away, he set it down after sometime before speaking “Easy there ladies, it is nothing to be afraid of, it’ just Manehattan’s way of telling the guard shifts are changing all across the city.” He said calmly resting both Speed and Twilights nerves.

Both sat down slightly embarrassed with their sudden conclusion of any imaginary danger. All of a sudden a few dozen guards entered the venue all thirsty from their recent shift. All sat down where the guards were originally left being replaced tired ponies. They all called over one of the maids around the area ushering them to fetch cider and food for all, laughing now eager to enjoy the rest of the night. Twilight and the others sat their silently eager to listen for any mention of Spark. After the guards begun to have more drinks then they could handle a small argument broke out between a Pegasus and two other guards, attention was drawn all around the area towards this both ponies now shouting in disagreement.

“I’m sick and tired, Spark all the special treatment you have received you know as well as everypony that we were meant to have your shift tonight, we for one are sick and tired how your brother treats a reckless pony such as you.” The guard pony said holding his drink pointing his hoof straight at the white Pegasus.

Twilight and the others slowly made their way towards this interested in what they had learned overhearing the earth pony shouting. His friends began joining in slandering the Pegasus and her brother.

“You have been nothing but a pain to us ever since you came here months ago; we are all tired how your bastard brother treats a drop out such as you.” The orange unicorn interrupted his friend venting his opinions towards Spark and her brother.

The white Pegasus took a silent sip of her drink ignoring both ponies hazing her after her shift ended. She finished drinking stood up slowly from the table. Everypony looked at how she was going to handle these two peacekeepers as she walked over and stood before the orange unicorn sitting down. All of a sudden she quickly punched the off duty guard causing the table and its contents to spill over the floor. The unicorn quickly got up lunging towards Spark both being held back by the other peacekeepers.

Both wanted to duke it out in front of everyone both exchanging words as they seemed to calm down before being let go walking away.

“No one talks like that about my brother, especially some low grade guard such as you.” Spark said her teeth gritting at the unicorn guard.

“Your brother’s days of making you his favourite pet will be over soon mark my words.” His final remarks rung in Sparks’s ears as the rest of the guards around them left leaving Spark all alone without any other ponies to talk too. She silently lowered her head letting out a sigh as she walked down to grab one of the drinks from an empty table and sat down. The crowds no longer watched as they all dispersed away from them not wanting to be involved anymore as one of the maids begun cleaning up the mess that Spark caused on impulse.

Speed looked at Twilight and Steel remarking on what happened whispering that the white Pegasus was the pony they were looking for. “That is her right over there what should we do, go over and talk to her?”

“We should she seems upset at least, plus she is alone I’m going over.” Twilight grabbed her drinking walking over towards the lone white Pegasus. Steel and Speed soon followed after her. As they reached the empty table they could see clearly the lonely white pony sitting still her head lowered facing her drink with her helmet set beside her, at most she seemed like the loneliest pony at the festival.

Twilight gathered up the courage to speak to Spark “Um.. Excuse me your names Spark are you not?” she asked carefully not wanting to cause another incident like earlier.

The white Pegasus was still looking down towards her drink not acknowledging Twilight in the slightest, she sniffled before speaking finally “Whatever the cost I did I will pay for the drinks okay, leave me be.” She spoke in a low depressed tone.

Twilight quickly corrected herself before speaking again “Oh I’m not here for that I’m just wondering if you are okay, it is not every day a pony gets in a fight like that especially when outnumbered.”

Speed and Steel made their way over towards Twilight all sitting down beside the lone pony at least trying to keep her company.

Spark looked up at the three that had joined her looking at the two unicorns and the one earth pony “Ehh what are you guys doing, it is not usual to sit at a table with a peacekeeper you fellas usually hate us or stay out of our way.”

All three where stuck on what to say to the questionable Pegasus, they all wanted to say something like you are the element of harmony leave this town and join us, but that would at most seem comical or worse scare away Spark. Silence struck the table before Steel came to the rescue.

“Well truth be told, all three of us are outta town, I come from Ponyville and both of them are from Trottingham and Glascow.” Steel continued before being interrupted.

“And that has something importance because?” Spark said not caring what they had to say.

Speed and Twilight where getting nervous on where this was heading, starting a conversation with lies usually ended badly. Steel continued hoping something good would come out of all of this.

“Well on the way in that orange unicorn heckled my two new friends here, nearly wanted to knock him six ways to Canterlot. Glad to see he got what came to him taught I would buy that pony a drink at least. Plus it is a party we are all strangers here so I say let’s drink till that is any different.” Steels lie seemed convincing if a little stupid.

Spark looked interested all of a sudden being a show off was her thing and ponies telling her about it seemed to be a positive mood swing for her.

“Alright Ponyville fella, you got yourself a deal.” The white Pegasus ushered one of the maids over for four more giant tankards of ale “Oh and I want the special one for the guards get none of this swill.” Spark at least seemed to cheer up now wanting to enjoy the festivities.

“Since we are all randomer’s here let’s start with names since you seem to know mine.” Spark said looking at all three.

“Well that is Speed Reader; our talkative earth pony friend here is Steel Steedly and finally I’m Purple Prancer.” Twilight talked still giving her fake name for her own safety. Speed looked slightly confused by Twilights new name but brushed it off as nothing strange.

After some small talk the drinks arrived, much different from the ones the citizens of Manehattan get, these drinks where much taller and in a wider tankard with different cider that tasted more smooth if not more rich then the usually ones they tasted tonight. Each said cheers clanking their drinks together before taking a big mouthful of this new cider, it was indeed stronger as it seemed to warm them up from the cold night air that surrounded them.

After multiple drinks into the night each pony began to loosen up at least forgetting all troubles that happened earlier that day or in fact the past few weeks. Music was still playing which lightened the hearts of eveypony around them.

“So Spark how long have you bein in Manehattan seems like you have bein here a long time.” Speed said slightly tipsy from the strong cider drinks she was not used too.

“Oh only like a couple of months, I have bein staying with my brother captain of the guard love him I do but honestly I do not know where I would be without him.” Spark laughed it off taking another drink, Twilight could see somewhere in this white Pegasus the feeling of the relationship she shared with her brother back in old Equestria.

“Captain of the Guard, sounds like a good lifestyle Spark I’m jealous.” Steel finished off his forth drink looking at the Pegasus lowering her head at that notion.

“Somethin wrong Spark?, do not mind Steel he likes to kid around.” Twilight leaned in on Spark comforting her at least.

Spark looked down at the reflection of herself from the bottom of her drink before speaking again “You would think that but honestly guys, I hate it here I never wanted to be a peacekeeper and the worst part is I cannot leave without ruining my brothers reputation.”

Silence took the table each not wanting to break it first. Out of nowhere Spark laughed all of a sudden “Hah I’m joking really but first another round to go and make it snappy.” She said to the waitress passing by she smiled but only to hide the truth to the others.

“To go?, heading home it is late we should head back to the tavern anyways.” Speed said preparing herself to leave the table.

Spark interrupted them before speaking cutting into what Speed was saying “Woah you are stayin at the Dashing Prance down at the other end of the city?” she said seeming excited hoping it was.

“Yes it is Spark; we are stayin there for at least a night or two.” Twilight said getting another free drink off the waitress.

Spark smiled at the ideas that went across her head thinking of something else to make the night more awesome “I know the owner we should head there I’m certain he would help accommodate yeah’s easier and he owes me for some favours my brother did for him a while back.”

All four seemed happy with all of this as they took their drinks back to the tavern with them, the streets where less crowded now and more easily walk able back to the tavern from the venue they were at. Throughout the city only some of the performances were still being played and the fireworks stopped as most ponies were heading back to their local taverns or homes. The night was almost over as they finally made it back to the Dashing Prance Tavern. All four walked in seeing the inside still slightly busy still, inside the barkeep was at the back cleaning as he turned around seeing Spark and the others he walked over giving the white Pegasus a hug as he began speaking.

“Spark Chaser what brings a random pony such as you all the way down here to my dingy old place?” The bartender said jokingly as he talked.

“It is nice to see you two barkeep. Listen can you do anything to help me and friends stayin here tonight?” Spark said pointing towards Twilight and the others.

“Of course Spark anything, I remember the times your brother saved my ass plenty of times consider my way of thanking him.” He began walking over behind the bar grabbing a bottle of wine and an extra key to another room.

He began walking over to Spark handing over both of them “Here you go consider it my way of saying thanks and I forgot to welcome you to Manehattan by the way sorry about that.”

“Thanks barkeep you are a good friend.” Spark returning the hug in return as all four made their way upstairs.

The room that was given to them was much bigger then they slept in with the beds being much bigger and seemed more comfortable. Spark ran and jumped on the first one she saw still clenching the bottle of wine she held. They all made their way in with Speed closing the door behind her. Twilight grabbed the bottle and four glasses that laid on the table beside them as she opened the bottle with her magic she poured the contents giving a glass to each. All four once more raised their glasses with Spark toasting them all at once.

“To new found friends my they never end.” Spark raised her glass with everypony standing around her.

They cheered hear hear as they drank to that notion into the night. After sometime the bottle was empty rolling on the floor above it four passed out tired ponies slept on their comfy feather beds. It was Sparks’s first festival in Manehattan and definitely one she would not forget.

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Back at home Fleetforth returned back from his night shift escorting around important dignitaries and other ponies who is cared about money rather than the celebrations down in the city. He sat down exhausted from his ordeal setting aside his gear until there came a knock on the door.  He grunted slightly making his way downstairs answering the door to another fellow peacekeeper.

“What is it soldier, it is bein a long night and sleep is the next thing on my mind.” He said trying to look up to avoid falling asleep from exhaustion.

“Sorry to disturb you sir but there has being a breakin at the docks warehouse. They got away but we did manage to find the pony behind it all, one of the smugglers boats is still docked and we have the pony in custody.” The unicorn peacekeeper said sternly towards his superior.

“Ugh very well lead on I will follow soon after.” He walked over gathering his sword and helmet once again, this night was not yet over.

Fleetforth prepared to make the journey out into the town yet again not knowing what exactly was going to happen or whether Spark was at home sound asleep.

In truth the captain of the city guard’s role was never left unfinished.