Chapters

Prelude
Act I - Sometimes I feel like a fool
Act II - They are ready to kill
Act III - Doctor, doctor
Act IV - Shadow on the wall
Act V - Celestia's Letter

Prelude
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The Fugitive

Prelude

A steady clatter echoed off the walls of the spacious corridor. Very soon, its source appeared from around the corner - a group of small creatures that looked like horses. Actually, they were horses, but miniature - ponies, of all races and colors, with neat, somewhat implacably feline-like muzzles.

And, in spite of the fact that in this place it was ordered to observe silence, the walking noise with the hubbub of a dozen voices.

''Uncle Stawn, when will I see my sister?'' asked the filly, barely reaching the knees of the stallion striding in front in a beautiful protective suit of turquoise shade.

''Very soon. She's a hard worker - all day deep in business'' the Colt replied with a good-natured laugh.

''Oh, I would rather...we meet so rarely! Sister, probably already forgot me...''

''Don't say that, Flamy. She's trying for you. And besides, you think Hilney doesn't miss you? Believe me, very much even.''

''Well...probably yes'' a slight thoughtfulness instantly gave way to a sincere foal's delight ''I will tell her so many interesting things! I'll also give her an elephant.''

''Did you make it yourself?'' the stallion grunted in surprise, looking at the plush toy that appeared in the teeth of the filly.

''Ugumph!''

''How lovel...maybe your special mark is related to embroidery?''

The girl giggled and hid the present in her purse hanging from her belt.

A heavy sigh was heard from behind.

''Is it possible that at least sometimes they should not be given days off?..''

''Mia, there are different jobs. Do you remember how long we got here? Now imagine that they will have to plow the same path every seven days. Don't be so sad! Rejoice that you will see your hubby for once.''

''It's easy for you to say, my divorced friend...''

''And I do not regret anything! But is it possible to leave a friend alone in such an unusual place?''

“No need to say” the third voice turned on. “The place is truly original. It could not even have occurred to me that something like this could exist and, moreover, that it would even be useful...''

''Mr. Drake, you are an adult stallion...''

''No, I will ask - I, of course, understand. But in such quantity that it took to build a whole complex?..''

''You just haven't seen them at all, so you are surprised.''

''And this means that the institution works as it should.''

The skewbald pegasus, walking side by side with the well-equipped stallion, coughed, unobtrusively attracting the attention of him.

''Are you sure the administration approved the visit?'' she whispered to the guard.

''Otherwise they would not have got here. Stay calm'' Stawn nodded in the affirmative.

''Try to calm down here'' she sighed, stepping aside.

The corridor had many branches. But the procession continued its path in a straight line, not stopping for a second and not satisfying the sometimes arising curiosity of the ''excursionists''. The same did not get tired of looking around, studying incomprehensible the inscriptions on the door plates and throwing surprised glances at the spacious underground halls, which in all their glory appeared before them through the glass of the passageways connecting the sectors. Life was in full swing below: whole rows of strange machines sparkled with myriads of echoing lights, doors that rose with a touch of a hoof opened and closed, letting in and out figures in white coats and black bulletproof vests walking at different levels. In fact, the complex was so similar that very soon everything around them mixed into a single mess of snow-white corridors, turns and doors that merged with the walls.

The only thing that dispelled the melancholy was the bright light of lamps built right into the ceiling, which looked like glowing square slabs. Despite the continuity of the light chain, occasionally its individual fragments began to flicker ghostly, soon returning to normal. The baby didn't like these moments - there was something eerie in them, creeping through to yeast in her legs. However, when the atmosphere began to press, she thought about the long-awaited meeting and her heart immediately lightened.

Finally, at the next bend, one of the doors blocked the way for the group. The broken partition froze tightly in a half-raised state, emitting a disgusting creaking ringing. A lone technician was busy at the console attached to the mechanism (or rather, right in it), an indistinct muttering overlapping with flashes of a obscene language.

''Nightmare tear you, dog daughter! Run, kick!'' the device remained indifferent to the kick.

''Sweet Celestia...'' the middle-aged mare in round glasses turned pale, while her lean, well-built and obviously accustomed to such vocabulary friend quietly giggled at each next tirade.

Stawn grimaced and tapped on the shoulder of an enthusiastic colleague. He turned around. Then he looked at the crowd.

''Is this a new party?'' he chuckled sarcastically.

''Rather, a caring public. How long are you going to mess around?''

''Enough to die'' the engineer answered, returning to work. ''This hayloft mare demanded alimony. If you know what I mean.''

''What's happening?'' the pegasus came up.

''Problems'' her colleague sighed ''We'll have to lead them around the office...''

''Well, I do not!'' in the blink of an eye the filly was furious ''Not only is this visit itself extremely doubtful - so you still want to let strangers into the closed sectors?!''

''But Laina...''

''Just try to stick in there - I will report to the authorities in an instant. I, unlike some, still value my work'' snorted the guard with a menacing look.

''Always you with your statutes...okay, take them to the nearest rest room. I'll see what i can do.''

''And try to cope within an hour. I don't want to sit here all night'' a woman in a blue uniform stood in front of the crowd, attracting the bewildered glances of the latter ''We have technical problems - we will have to wait them out. Do not worry, very soon you will see your loved ones...now - follow me.''

''Well?..'' Stown followed the group with a glance and returned to the console.

''Bull shit'' the technician chuckled ''But the bull shit fixable. Do you know anything about electronics?''

''There is some.''

''Well. Pass the wrench here, and then check the second pair section for complete wiring. Got it? Well then, get to work...''

Stown yawned and plunged into the wondrous mechanism spawned by the creative genius of his superiors. The guard's eyes slid over the chaotic interior of the console as he saw something. And they could not take their eyes off.

The baby walked in the tail, clutching the elephant to her chest. This place was cool from the start. But now it got really cold. Casting a mild glance at the couple at the console, they hurried after the others.

''A drop can give birth to an ocean. So spill it.''

The stallion's mind grew dim. The expression on his face was devoid of all emotion. The hoof, with cold-blooded indifference, drew the blade from the scabbard hanging from his belt. The technician needed another tool.

''Stawn, I need...what are you...STAAWN?!

White shroud. Infrequent glare of bright light. And two voices that cannot subside.

''...not a tenant, definitely. Doc was not used to making erroneous predictions.''

''I disagree with him. We've had worse patients...cut aortas and veins, gouged eyes, cut off wings and sawed off horns - I've already seen everything. Discord take it, one even pretended to be an alicorn. At the same time being a unicorn. Don't ask where the wings came from. And then - even such people were cured. Well, or at least it became much easier for them to live. This, in comparison, is a real dandelion.''

''The same to me, compared. If Doc had eaten his bread in vain, he would clearly not have been assigned to manage our booth. And it controls somehow! Either he will give practical advice, then it will help to sew on crippled limbs...''

''Did he sew your brains too?''

''Hey, I would not get personal.''

''I'll go over. You have to think with your own head. How are you different from patients?''

''I can't have a similar opinion with the authorities?''

''Maybe. But now it's more like a public suck.''

''How are you...''

''Shut up already, idiots.''

A tired voice escaped of its own accord from the man on the hard couch.

''Look. Our hero woke up.''

The veil began to dissipate little by little. And the clearer the soulful face of the stallion looking at him became, the more he wanted to return to oblivion.

''Mhmm...'' The easy movement of the front leg immediately ran into the constraining weight. The patient tried another. The same effect. He could not even tear off an unpleasant surface by a millimeter ''Belts. Clever. Obviously not your idea.''

''It hurts he is mobile. Look, no matter how you break free'' the one on the right added sarcastically. His snout was nicer. But not much.

''Lie down. Rest. You obviously deserve...'' acquired an earthly pony of dirty brown color ''You should have put a muzzle on it. In vain, the doc stands on ceremony with them'' yes, the color of his coat definitely suited him.

''Put on yourself, moron...'' the gaze of the lying person rested on the ceiling that was slowly riding above him ''Where are we going?''

''Where you will get some help''

''I didn't ask for help''

''No one asked you''

''So where are we going?''

''Where to go''

''To your mother, or what?''

''Listen, inject him with that bloody shit! Celestia is my judge, if this bastard doesn't shut up - I will allow myself to forget the oath!'' the couch shook palpably. The one who was lying down sighed wearily. And then he shuddered from a prick of a sharp pain in his side. Unbearable weakness began to cloud his mind again.

''Bi-i-i-itche-e-es...'' only managed to stretch out the one who returned into the darkness.

Act I - Sometimes I feel like a fool
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The Fugitive

Act I - Sometimes I feel like a fool

An unpleasant push returned the pensive little girl to the real world. Patting her eyes, she found herself among a multitude of unfamiliar figures, slowly walking in the same direction as her.

The chill devoured the frail legs, gradually spreading over the entire tiny body. Having shaken herself off like a dog, the filly decided to keep her red-haired aunt in uniform, chatting at ease with another guard.

''Damn, this light will drive me crazy'' the attendant grimaced ''What strength should the closure be if the whole complex is pounding from it?''

''You saw what kind of 'specialists' work here. In general, it is amazing how this labyrinth of a schizophrenic has not yet collapsed on our heads.''

''Then a schizophrenic with an extremely poor imagination...and this is not typical of them'' the stallion laughed.

''Well, there are exceptions. Hooves is a distinctive person...''

Both laughter echoed off the walls.

Just to be drowned out by the booming rumble.

The crowd stirred, looking around in bewilderment. Single screams were heard. The hum was replaced by the noise of frightened voices, many of which turned into alarmed whispers.

''Calm down...but calm down, you! SILENCE TO ALL! the stallion snapped back. The voices died down altogether ''It's gas. Ordinary gas flowing through pipes - there is nothing to spread panic from scratch. Are you afraid of every rustle?''

''Didn't guess''

The stallion turned his muzzle back. Something was staring at him, grinning playfully.

Gentle hooves with a death grip squeezed his neck, not giving even a chance to come to his senses ''And how did such a pitiful, self-confident prankster dare to think that I would just let him doubt MY powers?''

A pungent smell pierced the air. The stench of burnt flesh, which before our eyes began to peel off from the face that was hammered in a heart-rending scream, and a nasty porridge of skin and blood to crawl over the melting body, forming a puddle under the rapidly exposed bones. The blow crumbled the skeleton to dust.

The hum returned in a cannonade of voices throbbing in agony.

When the grip of icy horror released the beholders, the figure disintegrated into flocks of predatory squealing bats - swiftly rushing in their direction. Not understanding and unable to understand what had happened, everyone rushed away. In the insanely flickering light, the persecuting creatures surrounded the not fast enough, tearing them to pieces alive. Those who had not yet fallen into the sharp fangs ran without turning around, trying with the last bit of strength to save their lives.

As it turned out soon, only two of them succeeded.

Suddenly, they found themselves in the middle of a completely empty, sterile clean corridor. Surrounded by silence. And it reigned until a stately stallion in blue armor came around the corner.

''Stawn? Holy sisters, you are alive!'' not remembering herself with joy exclaimed the piebald guard. The baby, hitherto clinging to her, threw herself on the neck of the one who had approached.

Only a moment later, the pegasus noticed the stained blade in his teeth.

Steel slashed through the air, crashing to the floor with a clang as the guard flew into the wall. Jumping back, the brave guard threw the sword aside, with a sweep hitting her colleague's face, twisted with malice.

''Flamy, run!''

''B-but...'' discouragedly babbled the little girl who rolled to the side and barely got to her feet.

''That's an order!'' the red-haired barked in a tone that did not tolerate objections, bending over from the sharp blow of the opponent. Stown threw the filly off him, trying to get hold of the blade again. Flapping her wings, she regained balance and made another dash straight into the back of the distraught stallion.

The baby obeyed, running forward. The fighters disappeared from sight, but their shadows remained on the walls. Those hysterically rushed from side to side - none could take over. Suddenly, a long appendage pierced the second shadow through. There is only one left.

She didn't remember what happened next.

A lonely silhouette appeared against a black background. Amber eyes flashed like flames. The pinkish filly rose to her hind legs and began to perform an exotic dance. The curls of her golden mane whirled in a whirlwind along with the body twirled in pirouettes - vicious in its ideality, getting closer and closer to the impudent, frozen in amazement.

''Who are you?..'' he muttered in bewilderment when the stranger had already crossed all permissible boundaries.

In the next pirouette, the fluffy tail seductively tickled his chest, and the hooves that fell on his shoulders gently pulled his reddened muzzle to the shamelessly smiling snout.

''So far - just a figment of your sick imagination'' she whispered sweetly ''But very soon...'' a heavy, warm breath caressed his neck ''I will become much more real than you can imagine. And we will do great things.''

''Business?..''

''Wake up'' the filly pulled back, leaving only her face visible. Her voice became hushed ''Come on! Wake up!''

Then she disappeared. And then the light returned, with which a new face came. A middle-aged green-haired unicorn, with a pronounced anxiety in completely unremarkable blue eyes, stood opposite him, fearfully covering her pretty mouth with her hoof.

''Oh, sorry, I thought...really, what nonsense'' she sighed with relief ''The orderlies are sometimes very rude. I yelled at them so much for these tranquilizers...I hope you're feeling better already?'' The nurse raised her eyebrows. The patient said nothing. He studied the room, fortunately, the vertical position of the couch or whatever it was, allowed.

Tiny operating system. White walls, white floor, white ceiling - all tiles are white as the butt of one famous mare. Motley scatterings of flasks, tweezers and saws on the shelves of cabinets equipped with wheels. Judging by the slightly chaotic passing of the latter and the scattering of fragments lying on the floor. Mother Teresa knows how to scream. To the right is a small table, piled high with some papers. On the papers are a pair of syringes. Just half a meter from him. But this is already a mistake...a big mistake.

''Sir?..''

''It can't be bad in the company of such a charming lady'' he finally replied, grinning wryly. The flirtation worked flawlessly. The nurse's muzzle flushed. She looked away, embarrassed. A long lack of love by itself reflected on the face, far from youthful ''However, it would be much easier for me to enjoy her beauty if I did not pinch these belts on my upper legs in such a shameless way'' the patient remarked painfully.

The filly looked thoughtfully at the man chained to the wall. She had no doubts that belts arranged in a similar way and tightened in a similar situation could pinch. Doubts arose when looking at what they were holding down. Maybe this beige, almost cream-colored stallion with a soldier's haircut of jet-black hair seems quite adequate and even to some extent...cute, but do not forget that he is a patient. After all, wouldn't you just shackle him? It would be much wiser to wait for the head physician - Mr. Hooves, that mysterious ''Doc'' as one of the degenerates she had driven out with reverence and trepidation called him.

On the other hand, to look at the suffering of the patient, and especially to do it as a doctor, who, in theory, should prevent these torments - the torment is no less than hardened skin, rubbing sweaty flesh through and through. But even in spite of this, do not forget - she hasn't been a young graduate student for a long time. Moreover, such a decision looks overly frivolous even for her. But suffering...damn it, why did she get a cutie mark not with flowers, not with butterflies, and not even with the notorious dusty books? Why is it the red cross that decorates her croup?..

She hesitated visibly. What could not be said about him.

''Grrr...'' the prisoner reached forward, writhing a grimace of sincere pain. Yes, so convincing that the unicorn gave a little back from surprise, not for a second taking her from the constrained even more frightened gaze.

''Please be patient! Mmmmr Hooves should be here any minute...'' she muttered.

''It will be much easier for Mr. Hooves to talk to me if my speech is at least similar to speech! And not to the groans of a dying manticore'' hissed the patient struggling with the unbearable heaviness of being.

The nurse finally broke down. After all, nothing terrible will happen if she looses the fasteners a little? In addition, in the event of force majeure, the unicorn will have a clear advantage over the earth pony. The main thing is to keep a sufficient distance to be able to loosen the belts and not get a hoof in the face. Resolved.

''Okey, okey! But I warn you - if the tricks start, blame yourself. Lean back and try to relax'' the filly entered a pose, tilting her head forward. A soft greenish glow enveloped her horn, soon covering the upper straps of a simple ring-shaped design.

He was just waiting for that. Barely sensing a loosening of the grip, the patient rushed forward, throwing off the fetters that were released from the fasteners and immediately leaning towards the table, almost instantly magnetizing one of the syringes to the hoof. The unicorn did not even have time to scream, as a sharp needle flew in her direction.

The filly's eyes widened. She swayed. And then lavender hair scattered on the floor from under the cap that had come off. A sad gaze rested on the syringe thrust into the very heart, ominously towered over the still warm body. He felt no remorse. Only a little regretted.

Without much difficulty, he detached the lower legs of the earth-grabber and jumped to the cold floor. Pulling the numb limbs, he yawned long and as if nothing had happened, stepped over the corpse, not forgetting to grab a doctor's saw on the way. He headed straight for the closed door, pulling the handle of that door towards himself. Didn’t give in. He pulled away from himself. Didn’t give in again.

''Yes, I can see you are still magicians...'' turned to the lock built into the door. Its design immediately seemed somewhat strange. Exactly in the center was a large groove, gradually tapering to the size of a small dot. At the same time, on the sides of this gutter there were recesses twisting into the depths, just like...and then it dawned on him. The gaze returned to the body lying behind, slowly crawling onto the horn. He would like to see this key. However, he was already looking.

Without wasting time on unnecessary hesitation, the patient walked around the nurse and lifted her by the education protruding from his head, taking the saw to the side with his right hoof and sharply hitting her on the main dignity of the unicorn.

The corpse let out a shrill cry. The saw fell to the table with a clang, and the patient staggered back toward the cupboards. Behind the wall came the sound of hooves.

''This whore isn't dead?!'' he could only exclaim, staring at the convulsing nurse. It seems that a sharp blow to such a powerful magical vehicle caused an equally sharp rush of adrenaline in the blood, starting the heart. Or he simply does not know how to throw.

In a matter of seconds, regaining his composure, the well-dressed genius strategist without further hesitation grabbed the nurse by the mane and pulled this wriggling something to the blocked passage. Then he grabbed the skull with his hooves and thrust the horn of that into the keyhole. Someone started banging on the door.

''Hilney? Are you all right there?!''

The patient swore foully, throwing the crumpled lady on the floor, and fell against the door wall, preparing the saw for the attack.

''Hilney! Tear you Tartar!'' the door threatened to fly off its hinges.

''Mel, what's going on here?'' came a voice nearby.

''Oh, Mr. Hooves! It's good that you came. I heard a scream from the operating room! There's a new nurse looking after your maniac...''

''Alone?..'' with amazing speed the restrained voice grew into an indignant scream ''What idiot thought of leaving them alone?!''

''I don’t know, sir...I was just passing by''

''Leave unnecessary conversations! You two - open the door. You are urgently on the guard post. Let them draw everyone here! ALL!''

The doors shook with unprecedented force and clang. Someone was clearly knocking out the lock. And he obviously won't last long.

The patient evened his breathing and took a tighter grip on the weapon of sophisticated murder. An instant later, the door swung open with an eerie crash. An imposing-looking guard in blue burst into the room, swooping in as a nurse flooding the floor as he walked.

''Hilney, my mother mare!'' he bent over the horsie ''Yes, she has a seizure!''

''Rghypvapyvariyavryap...abyr...abyr-roll!''

Next came an intelligent-looking unicorn in a medical gown and with round glasses on madly darting from side to side eyes.

''Damn it...'' he immediately glanced towards the disconnected procedure device. Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine, a natural reaction to the pop behind him.

''Wanted to see me, doc?'' someone said with a dirty grin.

The next moment, a bright flash illuminated the room, and the last thing that the guard, blinded by her, saw for a moment, was a mustang rushing at him, bringing a saw with shiny sharpened blades over the victim. And the blades stabbed into her neck, cutting through the aorta like a knife cuts through butter. A fountain of crimson blood hit the stallion's muzzle in distorted rage, immediately hitting his opponent's legs and ripping out the saw from the shredded flesh. The rest was dealt with by nature.

''DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR HEAD IS A RARE RAT?!'' he barked, intercepting the saw and turning to the colleague of the murdered standing at the newly opened door.

''S-stay there, where you stand!'' stuttering mumbled pegasus, shaken by gagging.

''And if I don’t stand?''

''Then ... then-a-a-AAAAAA!'' the door had grown right in front of psychopath. But he was not going to give up.

''Better run while you can run. Perhaps this way you will prolong your miserable life at least a little'' came from the operating room with amazing calmness. Pegasus swallowed. How to be? He will not keep him here for a long time - the lock is knocked out, and the pegasus clearly does not have enough strength to hold this earthly one on one handle. Run? But what about the rest? How will colleagues look at him later? Like a coward. And what the hell is this...

To the psychopath's ears came the vile crunch and thud of the collapsed body. And then a lingering creak.

She was standing there. The same pinkish fur, the same strange mane and the same mysterious shine of amber eyes.

''In life, you are even more beautiful...''

''And you are still the same freak''

The filly smiled slyly, pulling an utterly strange object from the belt around her waist, and tossed it to the stallion.

''Have you ever met something like this?''

''This is the first time I see it'' the patient admitted without hiding a slight bewilderment, having caught an unknown thing. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be something like a hoof attachment, on the sides of which there were fixing plates going in the opposite direction, and several small wide trunks protruded from the front.

''Never mind, you will still have plenty of opportunities to appreciate this baby''

At some point, he came out of the stupor caused by the unexpected appearance of a new acquaintance, starting to rely on his head, and not the movement under his own bottom.

''Maybe even now you will bother to explain to me what is happening here?''

''Everything has its time. Plus, now we have bigger problems...''

The deafening roar of sirens rang out over their heads.

''And if you don’t want to aggravate them even more, I advise you to run after me'' she turned around and wanted to lean forward, as she stopped, throwing a painfully pressing question behind her back.

''By the way, do you even remember your name?''

''Heh. I don't...''

The filly chuckled.

''In that case, I will call you The Fugitive'' the stranger threw in a laughing tone and disappeared behind the turn of the corridor that opened ahead.

''You know'' the Fugitive said after her ''Sometimes I feel like a fool. And this is an extremely pleasant feeling''

Act II - They are ready to kill
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The Fugitive

Act II - They are ready to kill

The words, or rather the stream of hysterical screams of the orderly who burst into the security post, became not just a complete, but also an extremely unpleasant surprise for the security guards who had just played solitaire. Cursing mercilessly, they hastily grabbed the rubber truncheons leaning against the walls and rushed after the intruder, sincerely regretting that he was leading, and not scrambling from them.

The only remaining unicorn in the room was a unicorn sitting in a comfortable chair, a hoof on a pull-out plate on the table in front of him, causing it to illuminate with bright lights, the glow of which was highlighted by six illuminated screens above them. The key points of the complex were displayed on those. Putting a cigar out of his pocket between his teeth and striking it with a lighter, the caretaker released a lingering cloud of smoke, immediately after starting to magically affect the barely noticeable panels on the sides of the screens themselves. Pictures on them changed with feverish speed. Until that time, until on the central right did not seem to gallop along the deserted corridor of the earthworms. The unicorn pulled up a luxurious mustache and pulled up a microphone that came out from the side.

''All operatives. Sector B-5. They are unarmed, but they are ready to kill...''

''Where are we?'' barely keeping up with the supernaturally fast filly threw the Fugitive.

''Power unit. Entrance doors and cell doors are monitored from it. If we turn off the electricity, we will create total chaos, and we will blame ourselves on the sly.''

''So, you propose to release all these psychos...'' the stallion squeezed out through heavy breathing ''Out?''

''I doubt that after those two you are at least embarrassed by something.''

''And that's true...and that's true. Oh yeah...you...didn’t introduce yourself''

''Oh, are you interested in my name?'' giggled filly not at all tired from a two-minute run ''Call me simply - Mistress''

'You are fucking kidding...''

''Ugh, how rude. Weren't you taught manners at all? - the runner winced ''Okay, since this is so important - Dust. Angel Dust''

''Well, what a name'' the runner whistled right after another convulsive sigh.

''A name, as a name...oh-oh, it looks like we have guests!''

A crowd of angry guards was already rushing towards them.

The filly pushed him, pointing to the two side passages ahead. The crowd and the couple were separated from them by a few meters.

''Then it's up to you! Run to the right - I will delay them!''

''Will you hold up? You? How?!''

''Women have their secrets...''

Having neither the desire nor the opportunity to argue, the stallion tensed and jerked with his last strength. As soon as he reached the turn, he collided face-to-face with a policeman who was swinging at him, immediately stepping aside and immediately hitting the filth with his hind legs on the ribs. There was a crunch that he had already heard, immediately followed by a cry pierced with sincere pain, accompanied by the crash of falling armor. The fugitive without looking back rushed into the passage that opened in front of him, upon a cursory examination it turned out to be an exact copy of the previous one. What he saw next jarred him. This is a dead end. Behind him, there was a quickened gallop of hooves clad in heavy metal.

And then the stallion remembered the nozzle, as it turned out, capable of being drawn into itself. Working on the principle of a switch knife, not too light, but not too heavy, it did not restrain movement at all, making it the ideal murder weapon. Although he had no idea how this thing worked. I had to learn on the go.

Finally exhausted, he turned sharply and threw the hoof covered by the device forward. The muzzles of the barrels, protruding with a loud click, rushed towards the policemen rushing at him. They realized their mistake too late.

A burst of machine-gun fire shot through the air, riddling the body of the nearest pursuer. Streams of scarlet ooze poured from the torn chest, along with a heart-rending scream, began to beat from the neck that exploded with disgusting stuffing. The first fell forward, smashing the remains of his face on the bloody floor. The second did not manage to stand much longer. A moment later, his brains knocked out of a punctured skull were already decorating the corridor behind the body that had collapsed near the rubble.

The Fugitive blew away a light smoke that hung over the satiated weapon.

Finally, taking a deep breath, he took hold of the barely visible protrusion on the drum placed in the center, opening the magazine cleanly shot. Perfectly. It's easy to find this unknown garbage somewhere, but as we give extra cartridges, we are not in business. Yeah, well. Now with this thing, except that the muzzle is crumbled - however, not the worst alternative. With a quick movement, the gunner pulled the machine gun back and put the hoof on the floor.

''I don’t believe in my life that she didn’t know about this fucking dead end'' he turned to the bare wall, almost intuitively taking his gaze to the right and lowering it down.

Lattice. Has there always been a lattice? Ha, at least it's here now. This girl is a devil...hmm, and when did it get so quiet? So quiet.

After looking at the blood-soaked deserted corridor for the last time and making sure that it would remain deserted, the somewhat puzzled Fugitive grabbed the edges of the barrier and, to his deepest surprise, without any difficulty, uncovered the tunnel immersed in darkness. In height, it was from the average foal, while the width allowed an adult stallion to climb there without any difficulty. And where could he go?

The caretaker had already been desperately trying for several minutes to restore clarity to the wrongly obscured screen. Cursing what the light was on the donkeys who created this misunderstanding, the unicorn unsuccessfully moved the panels and levers, each time getting the same result - the absence of such. However, very soon it became the least of his concerns.

Like a virus, interference began to capture the rest of the monitors. One by one, the screens plunged into a jumble of randomly glittering particles, emitting a disgusting, hissing ringing. The unicorn pulled away from the console.

''What the hell...'' from what he saw the cigar fell out of his teeth.

Just as suddenly, as the screens went out of order, the screens began to clear up. However, the caretaker saw not the intricacies of corridors and rooms. The filly, bared in a sinister smile, looked at him from all devices, with one glance awakening a wild, uncontrollable fear.

''Mister, do you know that prying is not good?'' came out at the same time female, male and somehow not at all amenable to description of the voice.

''Oh-hu-a-ana...'' the caretaker bleated frightenedly.

''Your behavior is striking in its tactlessness'' suddenly for himself the unicorn realized that he did not feel his own body. When only a faint moan came out of his half-open mouth, he realized that the tongue was no longer subject to him ''It seems that someone will have to punish''

The unicorn's head slammed into the console. Darkened in his eyes. The pain echoed in my temples with a pulsating shock. Suddenly the head was thrown back. And hit again.

You are very. They behaved very badly.

The pain got worse. The world is stronger to see double. And again.

''It's a pity that you have to take such measures...''

There was a crackling sound. His horn snapped. The pain became unbearable. He had to scream. But he had no mouth.

''Unfortunately, there is no other way out''

With each blow, he banged his head faster and faster against the console, desperately watching it stain with his own blood. The only thing left for him was to dream of an early end to the flour. But she didn’t think it was coming to an end.

Time after time, without pity or compassion for oneself.

''However, I hope you learn today's lesson''

The head, crumbled into minced meat, rolled under the table, dragging the limp body behind it. The enemy lost his ears and eyes. But he only had to lose his mind.

He did not know how long he had been crawling along this pipe. He heard distant cries, the clatter of hooves and the omnipresent howl of sirens. But here they seemed such insignificant and distant details that they should not have been given any importance at all. It was worth giving to the stiffness that was beginning to get on the nerves, which he tried with great difficulty to ignore. By this time, the idea of climbing here had already completely disliked him. And therefore, as soon as a faint scarlet light dawned ahead, the Fugitive rushed forward with redoubled strength, reaching the same unfortunate side grill. Little, if anything, could be seen behind her. The room is almost completely immersed in darkness, illuminated only by a dimly burning lamp that outlines the silhouette of a massive door with its light. Exactly like someone squatting against her.

With a dull clang, an iron hoof slammed against the grate. For the third or fourth time, the grating fell down with a crash, and the exhausted Fugitive fell out after him, making a deft roll near the floor, which, fortunately, was not too far away. Already at the moment of the first blow, some kind of fuss began at the door. When the patient, who had jumped on his hind legs, rushed forward, he collided with a white man from the horror of an earthly scent, who, when he appeared, was striving with all his might to become one with the door. From the dirty brown fur alone, he recognized an old acquaintance.

''You?!'' came from his side.

There was a click. Terrified to death, the orderly felt the cold steel touch his throat.

''W-what is this?..'' the stallion squeezed out of himself in a stuttering tone.

''I don’t know myself. But believe me - it kills.''

''You...you won't p-p-use that?..''

''It depends on how useful you are. And now to the questions. Why didn't you evacuate?''

''Azur and I have almost...reached emergency exit. But then...then...''

''Then what?!'' a dangerous-looking acquaintance perceptibly shook the orderly. From behind the latter there was a screeching sound, immediately followed by a drawn-out, almost bestial roar. The fugitive felt his charge shaking with fear.

''D-d-don't know...but this is something...completely abnormal...''

''Let me guess, your brother in mind is scratching towards us?''

''Merciful Celestia...they're behind!''

He had already noticed how yellow lights began to light up in the darkness of the rest of the room, which grew more and more every second. Distorted silhouettes with growls and groans rose from the ground, staggering towards them. But he also noticed something else, which almost instantly gave him some thought.

''You have a problem place. And the fuck is it just you got a job here?''

''S-do something with them!"

''I don’t think so''

''W-what?! You're going to kill us!''

''Maybe''

Pale, peeling muzzles appeared in the light. Rotten flesh hung in disgusting clothes from the withered, bony bodies of creatures slowly moving in their direction, grinning predatory rows of razor-sharp fangs and emitting a lingering, animal howl.

''WHAT DO YOU WANT, SICK BASTARD?!''

''It's simple. Your life in exchange for a path to the power unit''

''Rrr...on the hooves''

The hoof, but already made of iron, crashed into the retractable plate to the right of the cutter. A bright light hit from under the rushing up partitions, which opened the windows previously hidden behind them, which in turn made it possible to see not only the neighboring corridor, but also the skinless face of Azur, who decayedly hammered into the glass with his snow-white skull.

''SIDE!'' the Fugitive barked a second before one of the creatures actually rushed in his direction.

The glass shattered with a deafening clink. The dead fell on top of each other, tossing and turning helplessly on the ground. Still alive, but hardly more lively than the last ones, they jumped out after them, and from all their hooves they rushed off, no one knows where, but no one knows why.

A few minutes later, they had already changed their canter to measured, but no less strenuous walking. The mumbling orderly clattered in front of him, while the patient held hostage walked behind, unsuccessfully trying to find meaning in the construction of this mad maze. They walked in silence, still moving away from a slight shock caused not so much by the fact of what they saw, so much by their own salvation from what they saw.

''Remember, if I have the slightest suspicion...'' the Fugitive finally dispersed the silence.

''I remember, I remember...and why the power unit worries you more...them?'' his own helplessness infuriated the orderly. But fear told her to shut up.

''When I’m there, you’ll know. Oh yeah, is it still far away?''

''Lucky for you - we are already there.''

''I’m lucky all day'' the patient chuckled, looking at the circular arch, behind which was a spacious hall with rows of sparkling lightning generators, fenced off from the central and only passage by a high grating. The passage itself led up by stairs to a small platform, the view behind which abruptly dropped off somewhere down.

''Am I free?'' with obvious hope in a slightly hoarse voice, the mud stallion threw to the companion.

''Not''

''How not?!''

''Nobody said that you can leave''

The muzzle, brown with caked blood, flashed ominously in another burst of beating energies. The orderly turned pale.

''So...'' he stumbled back ''Is this the end? Here and now?''

''You were wrong again. This is just the beginning'' the Fugitive pointed the muzzle at the stallion ''Forward. Cut off the electricity supply''

''You collapsed from an oak tree or just a suicide?..Without electricity there will be no light! Without light, there will be no turning back! Not only are these creatures wandering there, but they will also be supplemented by selected psychos from all over, her mother by the leg, Equestria!''

''You speak as if you are given a choice'' the mules looked inevitably and mercilessly at the poor fellow.

''Sick bastard...and then what? After all, we are in the same boat. Nobody escapes.''

''But this is a very big question. Enough talk! To the point.''

''In vain, in vain did the doc stand on ceremony with you...'' through tightly clenched teeth, the orderly who entered the arch hissed. Like an overseer, the Fugitive followed.

At a leisurely pace, they reached the extreme railing, climbed over the intricate interweaving of pipes that overlapped them, and found themselves on the very edge of the cliff, going into a humming and thundering abyss with constantly rotating mechanisms. Mud stood in front of the unit attached to one of the generators, opening the cover of that unit and peering at the control panel represented by the levers. No matter how he tried to find an excuse, he could not condemn so many to death. He had considered himself a dead man for a long time. If so, does this torment have any sense? If it's all over anyway? For me, but not for him. And how many more lives will this madman cut short? And they will all die because I was afraid to fight back?! So I became a weapon in his hooves ?! Not! I still have one more try. It is foolish to waste it on humble acceptance of fate.

A rare chaos reigned under the orderly's feet - bolts and gears were lying around, some tools clearly thrown in a hurry. Rebar pieces. With peripheral vision, he saw that the captive was somehow distracted, studying the abyss. That was where he belonged.

The Fugitive did not expect this blow. A steel blade pierced his body, making his throat shudder with a heart-rending scream. An iron hoof crunched into the orderly's rage-contorted face, tossing him against the pipes. Flying away, he tore out the rod from the Fugitive's body, forcing the scarlet goo to gush from the opened wound in fountains. Mad with pain, he rushed to the traitor.

''You are not capable of more?..'' the orderly hissed, spitting blood, when the hoof collided with a piece of reinforcement. He immediately kicked the patient's legs, knocking him to the ground and jumping up over the enemy. The bloody blade floated overhead, hitting immediately.

The Fugitive rolled to the side, knocking down the orderly already and grabbed the repair saw that fell under the hoof. Today has taught him to love saws. At the last moment, he dodged a rod flying in his direction, with a jerk ramming the enemy and chopping with blades from his shoulder. But instead of the neck, the spikes were cut through the pipe that appeared in its place. By inertia, he went down.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

The stream of steam escaping from the crevice hit the orderly who appeared behind him in the face, which, covering his muzzle with hooves, recoiled to the cliff. Using the moment, the Runaway leaned on the stallion, throwing him over the railing.

The abyss extinguished the heart-rending cry of the one who flew away towards the gears grinding everything and everything.

The fugitive leaned against the lever of the switch, a few moments later falling to his knees near the steps of the ascent. He was rapidly losing consciousness. A dim gaze passed along the darkened passage after the entire complex, already bursting with distorted creatures weaving along it. There was no doubt that they had been following their trail all this time. And finally, they reached their goal.

He knew he couldn't escape. He has lost too much blood. Therefore, when the eyes glowing in the darkness approached him, he remained in place, humbly bowing his head in anticipation of an unworthy but inevitable death.

Imagine his surprise when, instead of attacking, the zombie that appeared before him froze, expelling a roaring semblance of speech from his mouth.

Yoooou compleeeeeet YOURS miiisiion...SHE ordeeeered US! To taaake YOU!..OUTSIDE!

The stallion chuckled wryly.

''That's after all...a beast, kha!'' he broke into a convulsive cough.

''Oooon ME!'' the dead stallion put his side, as if inviting him to climb. Strange, but the Fugitive's eyes have already adapted to the darkness.

''Eh. And why am I still surprised?..'' he phlegmatically threw himself to himself, lying on the offspring with all the load of his pierced carcass. Oddly enough, the creature did not even budge, calmly stretched out to its full height and rushed back into the maze.

What was happening there could not be described in words. A cavalcade of mad laughter, hysterical crying and screams - endless and multi-tonal screams shook the complex like an earthquake. Dozens of silhouettes tossed about in pitch darkness, crushing, killing, or simply trying to escape from those who had recently been called to protect them.

He did not notice the chaos going on around him, rushing through the darkness on a rotting steed. Pain and echoes of thoughts occupied his mind, in no way creating a single, integral picture of himself. Everything that happened seemed to him some kind of feverish delirium, but every time he breathed in the scent of a galloping under him, he understood - all this is real.

Only one stood out against the changing background. The one that whirled in the midst of madness in an inexorable dance, enjoying every moment he generated.

A bright light dawned ahead. Gradually, light filled everything around.

The Fugitive stood at the edge of the cliff. Thunder shook the heavens, huge waves crashed against the tusks of black rocks and whirlwinds swirled over the seething water. The vast, storm-ridden ocean opened before him in all its terrifying grandeur.

This hostile, alien to everything ordered element was his ally. He knew this without knowing anything.

A whirlpool began to form on the changeable canvas. With each passing second, the funnel became wider and wider, eventually reaching an impressive size.

''Run, the one who will always run'' the wind sang over his head.

And he ran, dashing into the roaring abyss. And after him rushed:

''You are free! Free once again!''

Act III - Doctor, doctor
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The Fugitive

Act III - Doctor, doctor

Dr. Hooves has always been an ambitious stallion - even during those moments of his incredibly long life, when he did not walk on four legs at all. He has achieved a lot and seen a lot. His knowledge was many times higher than the knowledge of the greatest sages of this world and, to be honest, they were not at all shy about being ahead of their time. But what he saw by one fact of his existence proved that all his experience is nothing more than dust.

She was the animated embodiment of a wild, uncomprehending force, before which he, with all his feigned importance, seemed only a pitiful puppy. And this could not but frighten.

''Meters...sensors...even light! Everything, absolutely everything!..'' the honored scientist muttered nervously under his breath, turning his own office upside down. In the very center of a small room by the standards of the complex, a filigree even circle of burnt linoleum was blackened ''Damn it...where are these unfortunate scribbles?!''

An even more miserable table took a desperate blow from the hoof. His crates flew forward with a strained creak, making the dock almost squeal with pleasure.

''Aha-ha-ha! Here they are, my dear ones! My darlings! he burst out laughing no less nervously, shoving papers into the pockets of his robe as quickly as possible''

A few moments later Hooves from all hooves rushed into a special room, known only to him, just designed for such, a little out of control situations. The whole degree of the perfect discovery could not fit in my head.

His plans were interrupted by an extremely disgusting scene, which the scientist was not lucky enough to witness around the next turn. The crowd of guards beat each other with wild frenzy, not disdaining to use their own teeth. The armor, so lovingly made for them by the best gunsmiths in Canterlot, by the time the customer arrived, it looked like rubbish unsuitable even for scrapping. The naked bodies of the madmen were full of numerous glimpses of torn skin, mixed with the remains of bloody wool randomly scattered between them. The hooves were breaking their legs. The clubs shattered the ribs. Foam gushed in a fierce stream from mouths bared in mad grimaces, exuding animal whinnying and roaring from themselves. The picture was completed by the unhealthy glow of visibly yellowed eyes.

She stood behind them. The same filly he had seen a few hours ago. Something strange lurked in this nurse from the very beginning - the instinct and wearable devices never let Hooves down ... but he had too much to do. Now everything fell into place. These annoying noises, now and then covered the cameras all day. Sparks ejected from computers. Power outages. Finally, the maddened magical locators, which he met everywhere while jogging.

Having barely escaped death, he was from her at an extended hoof's distance. And she just smirked insidiously, with a wave of her stopping the carnage and turning the slaves towards Khuvs.

''Food is served, boys. Bring me his head''

It took Officer Little a few seconds to comprehend what had happened, during which something that flew into the examination room managed not only to take a liking to a bulky machine called a ''computer'', but also made this strange thing work. The latter especially strongly struck the stallion, who was forced to crumble the skull of the mechanic assigned to the apparatus - until recently, the only one who understood at least something in this new-born misunderstanding.

''Mr. Hooves, praise to the sisters - you are saved!''

''Entrance, block this discord entrance!'' muttered the scientist who was busy with the control panel.

''Stawn's group is stuck in the lower sectors!'' the stallion began to turn the steel valve, blocking the only passage with a dense barrier ''As I understand from the radio, several civilians are with them. Why were they allowed here...''

''You will have to forget about the group''

''What? But this thing can open and close doors in any part of the complex!''

''Energy is running out, - without taking off his focused gaze, - It is enough for only one action''

''Sir, I don't understand you...'' the guard approached the console ''What prevents us from spending it on them?''

''This is absolutely pointless. Even if the passages are open, they will somehow meet with your defective colleagues. As regrettable as it was for me to state this, the survivors simply have no chance of salvation''

There was a noise of interference from somewhere, immediately followed by intermittent voices.

''Everyone... hears... we're... trapped...''

Heart-rending screams were heard in the background.

''Do not hold back...''

An ominous rumble and the last, shrill.

''HELP!''

The connection was interrupted. Little swallowed, looking worriedly at Hooves.

''How is it so ... we didn’t even try. It is our duty to protect them...''

The doctor turned and met the stallion's gaze.

''Think Little, what is more important for the country - a few lives or the lives of millions? Understand that we are facing a threat never seen before. This is a forced, inevitable sacrifice. But by sacrificing them, we will save everyone else''

He knew he was lying. I knew that the device was self-powered. But he didn’t want to waste a single extra minute in this damned place.

''What are you going to do?..''

''Transfer myself to Canterlot and inform the princesses of the incident'' Hooves returned to the device, hammering in the final commands and stepping back, observing the result ''This is the best I can do for Equestria''

The guard exclaimed in surprise. Before his eyes, the wall behind the panel parted to the sides, revealing a spacious and completely empty domed room, in the very center of which there was a pedestal entwined with upward wires.

''One of my greatest inventions. Teleport. A machine that is able, with the help of magic condensing in any pony, to move anytning to anywhere like a unicorn''

"Is it somehow connected to this thing in your forehead?"

''Directly. The only difference between them is that this ''horn'' is a portable prototype. Together, they should give a truly impressive result''

A great hiss was heard behind those who were contemplating. Beams of orange light shot out from under the steel screen. Sparks rained down on the floor in fountains. No matter how imposing the obstacle seemed, it was obvious that it could not delay the breaking ones for long.

''That's it. Goodbye, Little...'' without turning around the scientist went to the pedestal.

''Goodbye, doctor'' notes of undisguised irony were heard in the stallion's voice.

But Hooves ignored them. Standing on the dais with closed eyes and turning his face to the exit, he focused his thoughts on the desired place. A dazzling radiance enveloped his horn. Lightning struck the wires. The convex circle surrounding the pedestal began to rotate slowly, spinning faster and faster with each passing moment. The flash consumed the false unicorn, who saw his sight a second before the point of no return.

A predatory gleam stood in the narrow slits of his bloodshot eyes.

''So this is what you are, Doctor Hooves...to admit, I expected more from you''

The insane flow of changeable energies has already replaced absolutely everything. But he could not forget that look.

''However, you will still play your part in this game''

When the world cleared up, he found himself standing in the middle of a huge hall, decorated with luxurious stained-glass windows, leading to two thrones, only one of which was occupied. A figure, woven from pure light, it seemed, rose above the crowd of parted subjects, heading towards him with a dignified step.

The rays breaking through the mosaics of the windows played in her hair fluttering in the invisible wind, dazzling with shimmering colors, which only emphasized the snow-white wool bound with gold. The head of the walker was crowned with a pointed diadem, in the center of which a flawless amethyst shone.

The legs knocked themselves down. The velvet carpet was covered with charred fragments of a wonderful device that fell from under the mane of a stallion hanging over the ground, frozen in the lowest bow that he could make.

The greatest living and living. Ruler of Equestria. The one that raises the sun.

Celestia.

''Stand up, Hooves''

Although the aura of warmth and calmness surrounded the princess, her voice was as cold as ice. The majestic face burned with anger so righteous that it was even afraid to be near - not like talking face to face. The stallion obeyed the order.

''Princess, I arrived here so quickly on...''

''Silence''

The voice immediately refused him.

''You let me down. Let us all down'' despite the absence of even a hint of rage, pronounced cut like blades ''Do you remember your words? I remember them clearly. You have sworn that the project you lead is not a threat. You lied, because I am already being told of numerous casualties. You assured that you could keep the unfortunates entrusted to you under control - you guaranteed their recovery. And where are they now?'' with each uttered word the doctor's heart squeezed harder and harder ''Finally, you promised that the fruits of the project will lead to prosperity. But all I see is chaos. I know that the most dangerous threat he generated has found freedom...so tell me, Hooves. Why, having come here, you dare to count on my grace?

A lump stuck to his throat.

''I-I-I can explain...''

''I don’t need your explanation. You have already earned the highest possible punishment for your atrocities''

The stallion's face turned white. The lump began to crush unbearably, blocking all access to oxygen.

''How...but I just wanted...''

''Hooves, also known as The Doctor. I deprive you of all titles and titles, sentencing you to death by hanging. Execute the sentence at dawn. Guards!''

A detachment of pegasus in golden armor surrounded him on all sides.

''Take away''

And they grabbed him, dragging him out of the hall under the condemning and alarmed looks of the whispering crowd.

''Unheard of!''

''Horrible...''

''The first execution in the last 200 years...''

''What kind of pony does one have to be to receive such a sentence?..''

''And I also considered him a well-mannered and trustworthy stallion!''

''Shh, you shouldn't talk about this in front of the princess...''

But Celestia did not care about the hubbub of the servants. Without changing either grace or dignity, the mare walked towards her chambers, meeting with a gloomy gaze a shadow that appeared from the side.

''Is your decision justified?'' walking beside she said.

''Leave me, Luna...'' the princess turned away, hiding behind the heavy doors.

Act IV - Shadow on the wall
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The Fugitive

Act IV - Shadow on the wall

A soft silvery light shone through the bars of a tiny window just below the ceiling. He fell on the cobblestones, cracked with time and dampness, which paved the floor of a dark chamber somewhere in the depths of the capital's dungeons. A lonely shadow reflected in the light. Abandoned and forgotten by everyone, like an unnecessary disc in the sky.

The shadow was silent. But in her soul a hurricane was raging.

''She didn't even listen...threw me out like a lousy dog. Me - one of my most valuable confidants! The one who was responsible for so many discoveries. Discoveries, each of which was made for the good of the country...its subjects...itself. And what is the princess's reward? Execution?! Doom to death is a gratitude worthy of a cursed genius! And most importantly for what?! For trying to warn, not let the threat do more harm than it has already done! There are no wars without victims. Even if you have to fight over time. Who will now explain this to Her Highness... ''

Minutes dragged on like hours. The hours seemed like days. And the night never thought would end. But the shadow didn’t want to see the dawn. She knew that her death would come with the first rays.

Silence was the only companion of the doomed. It is viscous and anxious. Sometimes it seemed to the latter that being in it was part of the punishment. Over time, he began to consider it part of the main one.

Long ago, his gaze froze on a lonely strip of moonlight - the only thing he could catch on to in this damned place. And even though the prisoner looked thoughtlessly, completely lost in his thoughts, the strange changes were so noticeable that they instantly returned him to the real world.

Something appeared against a silvery background. At first it grew dim, giving way to darkness. Then, darkness began to take shape. It didn’t take the prisoner even a moment to figure out who was in his vision.

''Princess Luna, I...'' by inertia, he tried to fall in a bow, but immediately ran into the chaining chain.

''Not worth it, Hooves. You are far from the throne room''

He knew he was going crazy. But curiosity tormented his tortured mind. How far can this surprisingly realistic hallucination come in?

"Why...did you honor me with your visit?" taking what is happening for granted and deciding to relax, the scientist settled down more comfortably against the wall.

''To get to the truth. My sister can be harsh in her decisions - especially when it comes to the lives of her subjects'' Luna passed by, giving in full admire her slowly swaying mane, woven from the stars themselves ''Perhaps she was in a hurry with you'' the ruler of the night peered into window slits ''I want to know everything you know about what happened''

''I beg your pardon for my insolence...but what do you expect to hear? Over the past hours, you probably already learned even more about the incident than I did'' he didn't really want to grovel in front of his own sick mind. However, the vision was surprisingly persistent.

''This is true. But that is the testimony of the scouts. There is only one living witness at the moment.''

''And at dawn this mortal world will be rid of him'' the stallion sighed.

''If you haven't figured it out yet, it is possible that Celestia will change her mind.''

''Knowing our beloved ruler - hardly. However, I still have no choice. The blame for everything was a case - either my own carelessness, or a fatal coincidence of circumstances. The former probably makes me feel guilty. The second one...be that as it may, I happened to make, perhaps, the greatest of my discoveries. From a philosophical point of view, this is a very beautiful career ending...''

''And what is it?'' Luna looked at the silent scientist with a thoughtful look of her turquoise eyes. He was weak in psychoanalysis. But he knew for sure that if this really was a vision, then it reflected his most secret desires.

''Something has returned from a time when the laws of matter and reality meant absolutely nothing.''

''Are you saying that what happened is related to the recent release of Discord?''

''Maybe. Although one should not exclude the option of some...mmm...echo of his previous rule.''

''The few monsters are the only ones known to us. But none of them are capable of such destruction.''

''Oh no, don't even compare them. The being opposed to you has intelligence. Perverted and sadistic mind of a maniac. Believe me, I happened to be convinced of this from personal experience.''

''Is this really all that I remember to you?''

Doc winced. He shook his head and looked around. The moon came closer.

''What does this creature look like?''

''The filly…yes. An ordinary earth pony. S-strange, isn't it?''

''Everything is fine?'' the princess looked at the prisoner with slight bewilderment.

''Y-yes...sorry, the head is playing naughty, he-he-e-''

''I can be naughty too. If you know what I mean…''

The moon receded. The changes on the face of the prisoner alarmed even her - a thousand-year-old alicorn, who beheld nightmares that mere mortals never dreamed of. The night princess herself has already felt a certain incorrectness of reality around. The session was definitely worth interrupting. Straight. Now.

Doc opened his eyes to find himself lying on the cold floor. Rising from that ... rising? The scientist did not feel the constraining weight on his own legs. It was inspiring. But the enthusiasm vanished like a hoof, as soon as he saw the shadow on the wall. Someone else's shadow.

The silhouette, hidden in the night, stood a couple of steps from him, not giving a single sign of life.

''And when did my camera become a tourist attraction?'' the scientist chuckled timidly, approaching the uninvited guest in the madness of newfound freedom.

The guest turned out to be a female earthpony.

''And not a year has passed since we met again.''

The silhouette came to life before our eyes, by the very fact of its existence, forcing the scientist to regret that he was even born into the world.

''Leave me...evil spirit!'' Hooves recoiled in fright, but the bushy tail had already wrapped around his lower back. She stood behind.

''How rude...'' perfect in their depravity legs hung around his neck ''Aren't you glad to see me?''

"W-what do you want from me?!"

The pleasant grip was gone. Before he could blink an eye, he met the floor again.

''Why are you so, doctor. You behave like an unreasonable child...'' the same legs were in front of his face ''I came to help you.''

Hooves expected to hear anything but these words.

''I would rather believe that the shifter queen rules the country than that a creature like you wants to help!'' the scientist flared up, jumping up on his hooves and reproachfully pointing one of them at the cunningly grinning earth pony ''And besides...you are just another illusion! Spawn of my aching head!''

The filly burst into pure girlish laughter.

''This cowardly oneiromancer Luna is used to hiding behind illusions. I am real. And my words are real - in contrast to the blatant lie that this crowned whore has poured into your ears.''

''How dare you...''

''Give up these games. You perfectly understand what I'm talking about'' cut off the filly, whose grin grew into a predatory grin ''She is no better than her sister. You are a tool for them. The only difference is that for one it has completely fallen into disrepair, while the other wants to squeeze out all the remnants of the benefit from you. They don't care about your fate. All the same, she is alone and you will meet her as soon as the rays of the sunrise touch these walls.''

The latter especially jarred Hooves, forcing him to cast an involuntary glance upward. Even if the night still ruled over the world, this rule could not last long. However, he was not going to give in, like a bachelor in defense of the diploma defending his convictions.

''I know the sisters much better than you think, monster. Everyone makes mistakes, and even they are no exception. The moon is one of those who keep their words. If she does not believe in my guilt, then she will make every effort to prove her to Celestia.''

''So why did she leave you alone with me?''

''Because… because…'' Hooves' voice trembled. And it's true, how does IT differ from execution?

''Understand, they do not appreciate you. They do not recognize your merits. Consumable material, no more. However, like all their subjects...

''Lies… all of them are blatant lies!'' unexpectedly for himself, the scientist broke into a cry.

His only answer was laughter. A caustic laugh, devoid of any pity for the unfortunate genius, deceived by fate itself.

''Truth. Bitter truth. Only by realizing it will you become truly free'' like a cat, the stranger bypassed the one gripped by doubts, not giving him a chance to escape the deadly grip of her words.

''No… they cannot… I don’t believe it… I will never believe it…''

''I see your true potential. Great knowledge is hidden in this head. Oh, how would they help the world if you had at least a chance to apply them in practice...''

''I had a chance...''

''And what did he lead you to? A fair ending?''

''Not…''

''But why? After all, you did everything so that the result justified all the hopes put into it.''

''A mistake… some fatal accident.''

''Accidents are not accidental. You know who is to blame for everything. Who didn’t give a word to say.''

The animal fear that had previously reigned in his heart was gradually replaced by righteous anger. It was unbearable for Khuvs to admit the fact that deep down he agreed with the words of the temptress. There is no accidental error. From the beginning, the problem was in the system. Vicious, rotten to its very foundations. In the one where the words of one dominate the words of all - regardless of what is said.

''Unite with me, Hooves. And you can change this world.''

''But why do you need it?..'' the doctor whispered hoarsely.

''We are birds of the same flight and we have one account. I understand you like no one else - after all, I myself knew the whole true essence of the sisters.''

''Madness...they have an army of many thousands on their side, and they themselves are immortal deities!''

''But on our strengths that existed long before them. Your mind will turn them into deadly weapons.''

Flashes of bright flame lit up the dungeon, surrounding the arguing duo with a wall of raging fire. Hidden in darkness, the figure of a stranger flickered ominously among the madness of the elements, as if being its revived incarnation.

''Retribution, so long waiting in the wings - will come true. Together, we will take revenge.''

Lights played in the eyes of the devoted champion of harmony. He saw no other way. He realized.

''They'll pay. For all.''

My dear student!

More and more often the news of your success in comprehending the teachings of friendship reaches me. It is gratifying to see how you grow before our eyes, becoming wiser with each lesson learned. However, the reason for this letter is different. A new threat has challenged Equestria - with its arrival the greatest challenge we have ever faced. Therefore, I ask you - not as a mentor, but as a friend - to preserve the bonds of friendship between the Elements at any cost. The time has come when any quarrel and any conflict is the worst of our enemies.

I understand that with my letter I will cause bewilderment in you, which will inevitably lead to many questions. Be patient and warn your friends. We will meet soon.

Celestia

Act V - Celestia's Letter
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The Fugitive

Act V - Celestia's Letter

It was a beautiful sunny day. The luminary, which had not yet reached its zenith, slowly crawled across the blue sky, throwing its rays onto the green crowns of a dense forest, preventing the light from penetrating below - where the cover, beautiful from a bird's eye view, turned into a gloomy thicket, in which twisted trees intertwined with branches into an impassable labyrinth. fraught with many unknown dangers. However, this fact did not in the least prevent one person from jumping along the old path.

There is a girl who live alone,
In land of dusk and dawn,
Where nature leads the game...

A fluffy pink tail touched an equally fluffy bush. Blue eyes followed the flock of disturbed birds with interest. The whistling lips spread into a carefree smile.

...and clouds are drive insane.

The freshness of the forest invigorated and charged the walking one with enthusiasm. And although she shivered slightly from the cold familiar to this place, the fire of poetry with every second flared up more and more in her soul.

Her life is like a silent storm,
Her dreams are burning road to home,
And nothing she can do,
Will help her to live through.

Strange shadows wandered between the tree trunks, inexorably following the lonely traveler. Numerous pairs of yellow eyes did not take their expectant gazes from her. But the filly did not pay even a fraction of her attention to them. They did not even dare to try to approach her.

She's the prinсess of the night,
Rising in the sunsets light,
Dancing in a shadow,
Acting like a child.

No friends the girl has got...
No friends she want...
No shame and no regret,
Only desire to forget.

The land of noice and greed,
Where she isn’t need,
And hoofs beats the ground,
Turning round and round.

Hooves rattled on a log thrown over a small stream, soon jumping back to the ground, rustling their way through the dense grass.

She's the prinсess of the night,
Rising in the sunsets light,
Dancing in a shadow,
Acting like a child.

Overcame the fear,
Get back to real,
Look at the friendships light,
Which turn off the night.

Another turn brought the wanderer to the edge, almost immediately turning into spacious meadows. After enjoying the views, she followed the slowly flowing water, soon stopping not far from a lonely house on a hill.

Be friend of mine,
Forget the sunsets shine,
And run away,
Like last days of may.

Something heavy fell on the dragon's head. Groping his clawed paw on the floor, he came across an impressive-looking primer. I saw double in my eyes, but even without a clear picture it was clear that the book was teaching Old Equestrian. The experience made itself felt. The lizard looked up, meeting the eyes of the guilty-looking purple unicorn.

''Oh, Spike, I'm sorry...'' she giggled, magic pulling the tolmud out of the assistant's palm ''You didn't hurt yourself much?''

''I'm used to pain'' the spiked one answered with pronounced indifference ''Do you want some fry oats?''

''Um...yes, it would be nice'' the head, already buried in the book, disappeared behind the ledge.

''Your horse mother...'' hissed the assistant trudging into the kitchen, lightly scratching the aching back of his head ''Someday this stump will finish me off. Although, what is there to be surprised - my fate is written only in libraries to live''

Spike always had a lousy mood in the morning. Such is his dragon essence. However, this did not at all affect the degree of roasting of the oats so beloved by the hostess. Stop. The hostess? No, no...a mentor. Business partner. An older sister, finally. Yes, this is definitely better.

Ten minutes later, the filly and the cold-blooded were sitting at the same table, sweetly devouring what most artiodactyls considered junk food, and what they themselves perceived as jewelry.

''How was the night?'' without looking up from the book asked the unicorn.

''As always'' the spiked one squeezed out of himself, biting another emerald with a crunch ''Mmm ... and what did you just find in it? All morning you can't take your eyes off.''

After a moment, he regretted such a careless question.

''This is the memoir of Rockwin the Good-natured - one of the strongest wizards of his time! While still a foal, he managed to stop an entire army, the speaker squeaked with pleasure ''Can you guess with what?''

''I think the sudden offer of the phoenix. Or the big dipper. Or dropped something on their heads. Unicorns love this business'' the best assistant muttered, realizing the uselessness of resistance.

''No no and one more time no! He touched them''

Spike choked.

''W-what? ..''

''And the fact that Rokvin was nicknamed Good-natured for a reason. For almost a century of his life, he did not take away not a single life - a great achievement for those wild times. So that's it. When the army of earth ponies broke into his hometown, the baby accidentally caught the eye of their leader. He was so mesmerized by the cute foal that in a matter of seconds he changed his mind about fighting and turned the army back. And the cunning townspeople also imposed indemnities on them - but this is already lyrics...''

The dragon whistled. Reluctantly. But with a bit of interest.

''What does not happen in the world...''

''Uh-huh. By the way, we're running out of food. Could you go to the market?''

''No, I have plenty of other things to do, - cold-blooded drawled through a yawn ''Go yourself''

''Spi-i-i-ke?'' in the voice of the unicorn was heard a barely noticeable note of threat.

''I will be back in time for lunch'' the front door slammed shut behind the protege.

As soon as the fresh air hit him in the nose, his soul somehow felt better. And besides, the view of a spacious meadow with neat houses scattered around it, from the pipes, which lazily drifted smoke, could not help but cheer up. More precisely, he could, but with very gloomy personalities. And Spike, for all his difficult nature, was definitely not one of those.

With a brisk gait, he stepped out from under the canopy of a massive oak tree, going around it and honoring it along the cobbled city street. The market was a leisurely five minute walk. Despite a rather early hour on the way, every now and then came across in a hurry somewhere about inevitably inevitably healthy with a cool head. He reciprocated.

The market was full of visitors. The chaos of unpretentious counters with multi-colored flooring, offering customers goods for any occasion in a matter of seconds, turned the head of the young assistant - his will and not a single crumbs would remain on the food counters (as well as displaying jewelry). But obligations and the realization of the inevitable death from absorbing so many sweets put pressure on the poor lizard, forcing him to strictly follow the list.

When all the prices had been bargained for and all the provisions had been bought, Spike was in no hurry to return home. Someone occupied all his thoughts. Whistling an uncomplicated melody, the dragon turned exactly the opposite direction from the library.

A beautiful snow-white filly stood right there - at the foot of her majestic palace, which bore the proud name of the Carousel Boutique. Her azure mane, even if it was disheveled by the morning bustle, did not lose one iota of its enchanting beauty. The eyes, as always, sparkled like the three diamonds depicted on the bewitching rump of the Queen of Ponyville. Its queens.

“Don’t be cool, Sweety! ..” the queen hissed, trying to throw the books into the backpack on the back of her naughty sister. It spun like a whirligig, unable to keep in place.

''Faster! I'll be late for school!''

''Do you think they will appreciate your zeal without textbooks?''

Finally, the clasp finished the designer's efforts and the young filly, with a foal squeal, ran down the country road, raising columns of dust and sand.

Shaking her head disapprovingly, the muse was about to return to the boutique, but then she caught sight of one person shyly shifting from foot to foot.

''Ah, good morning Spike!'' she smiled affably.

''H-hello, R-rarity ...'' the dragon mumbled, blushing like a tomato, - I came to see you ...

''Oh, my Spike-wiki ...'' sang the flattered beauty, involuntarily playing with luxurious eyelashes, - Sorry, I would gladly chat with you, but work does not wait. Imagine if you got an order from some sultry person and everything would be fine, only this person is of a completely atypical size.

''Yeah-ah-ah-ah ...'' without taking his eyes off his beloved, the cold-blooded one stretched out.

''Okay, it was nice to meet you ... Spike? Are you okay?''

The convulsions that gripped the dragon indicated otherwise.

An instant later, there was a clap-like sound, and a column of green flame erupted from the raptor's mouth opening. The tightly bound scroll fell to the ground. Spike leaned forward, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he tried to catch his breath.

''Uh, ahem, I'm sorry ...'' only the cold-blooded could give out, - I'm really, really very embarrassed ...

''Give up this nonsense!'' the unicorn was indignant, - Run to Twilight. Celestia never writes over trifles.

''Yes, it looks like you're right ... once again - I'm sorry'' the disgraced dragon stammered, grabbing the letter and hastily retreating from the eyes of the worried filly. In order to distract himself from the sudden surging thoughts, he hastily opened the manuscript. After reading it, it accelerated several times.

''Hey, sugar, is it too late for sleep?''

The body, sprawled on a cloud, yawned lazily, smacking its lips.

''Nope''

''You seem to have promised something to someone''

''Mmm ...'' stretched out the body, staring at the clouds above, - And something can not wait?

''Nope''

''Seriously? Maybe we'd better relax a little?''

''Yeah, as soon as we finish picking apples''

''Uff ... did I really sign up for this?''

''The Element of Honesty is unlikely to lie''

''Well, now you have all the trump cards on your hooves ...'' the body stretched, cracked its neck, but fell through the cloud, smoothly falling to the ground in the guise of a rainbow-maned blue pegasi, frowning with displeasure at the nose, - Be wrong with these promises, there is no freedom with them!

“If you don’t want to do them, don’t hand them right and left. Folk wisdom'' the orange earthling with a leather hat over golden hair and a spikelet in his mouth laughed ''Well, are you ready?''

''From birth'' in the voice of the pegasi was heard an undisguised passion.

A dark purple mane with a glimpse of bright purple flickered among the apple bushes. Sitting astride a galloping unicorn, the dragon kept its gaze fixed on the dangerously swaying fruit. As soon as they entered the Apple domain, a strange thought struck him.

''If you think about it, apples are no different from books. That those that will fall on your head ... and what if, instead of apples, books grow on the trees?''

The raptor's eye twitched nervously.

Powerful hooves hit the tree trunk, which showered the ground with fruit hail.

The shadow rushing between the crowns threw off the rest. Then the filly began to throw apples into wicker baskets, of which a dozen had already accumulated. The appearance of an inseparable couple came as a complete surprise to them.

''Hey-oh, Twilight! Where are you persecuting?''

''Yes to you she'' Spike jumped from the roommate.

''Another nasty threat to Equestria?'' without a doubt, the pegasus got into a fighting pose.

''You guessed it. Only this time, it seems, the situation is a little more complicated'' Twilight gave her friends a thoughtful look.

''Well, don't be too tired. What happened then?'' the farmer pricked up her ears.

“The point is, I ... I don’t know. The letter did not give any answers - only warned us to stick to each other like never before''

There was an awkward silence.

“And Celestia? ..” Rainbowmane finally shattered him.

''Will come soon. Until then, the others must be warned''

''Rarity is busy right now. I don't think it's worth making her nervous yet'' the dragon inserted his kopeck.

''Pinky went to get the ingredients for the new pie ...''

"By the way, has anyone seen Fluttershy?"

Tear-filled turquoise eyes gazed at her from the darkness.

''Blood ... why is there so much b-blood on me? ..''

The silhouette in front of the floor mirror shuddered with a fit of crying.

''That can not be true...''

The shine of amber was reflected in the glass.

''IT'S NOT ME!''

A deafening ringing echoed from the invisible walls.