Author's Note

"I see it in your eyes..."

Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 3)

Twilight led the group through the main hall of the hospital. The electric lights alone were a sight to behold. They soon realized Celestia had been correct. The technology in this world was leagues above their own. Twilight was curious to say the least, but they couldn't afford to slow down now: not until the children were safe. They were soon faced with the first patient care facility.

"I'll look inside," Twilight voiced, "We need to be discreet from here on out. Keep your distance and run if things get sticky. This isn't like back home. Everyone's lives are on the line now."

The others nodded in unison.

Twilight pulled herself to the window using the wall for leverage. She cast an illumination spell, cutting through the darkness with a modest beam. She found nothing but an empty bed, along with a few strands of medical equipment.

"This room's empty."

"What now?" Rainbow questioned.

"We'd better fill in princess Luna."

Twilight summoned Luna's presence for the second time that evening.

"This place is a hospital for human children. I detected a strong evil presence shortly before we stepped inside. Their offspring are already in grave danger."

"Remember Equestria's code. Protect those who cannot protect themselves."

"Already ahead of you."

Twilight ended the transmission.

"Nifty." A feminine voice called out. It didn't belong to them. The entire party circled on instinct. Six humans stood firm mere feet away. They weren't as broad as ponies, but they compensated for their slim builds with height.

"Stay back!" Twilight yelled.

One of the humans was a young woman with long, raven black hair naturally extending past her eyes. Her voice revealed her as the one who had startled the group.

"Relax. We're not gonna hurt ya."

"You're lying! You're trying to deceive us so we'll lower our guard! I can see your weapons!"

"We came here for the same reason you did. Our weapons are for self-defense."

"Why should I trust you after everything your species has done!?"

"So I was right...You do feel the same..."

"What are you talking about!? Answer me!"

"Listen, it's pretty obvious you don't trust us, and probably for good reason. Just give us a chance to prove we're on your side."

"How!?"

The mysterious girl held one palm in front of her. With her other hand, she reached into her coat pocket, pulling a small, rectangular object from its confines.

"Do you know what this is?"

Twilight shook her head, not taking her eyes off the young woman.

"It's a pocket knife my brother gave me when I was fourteen. If you check it, you won't find a single trace of blood. This item has never contributed to the oppression of the weak. If I have anything to say about it, it never will be."

The girl knelt down. She slid the knife over to her equine counterpart. Twilight levitated it, pulling it through the barrier.

"Tell me how to open it."

"Press the silver circle at the top."

Twilight did as she was instructed. She extracted the blade from its handle. It was a reflective, polished shade of silver. The tip curled inward at the edge. Serrated teeth protruded from the middle layer. The Alicorn employed her sense of smell to determine its use for herself.

"She's telling the truth."

"Believe me now?"

"Tell us what's going on. There's something here, isn't there?"

"More like a lot of somethings."

"What are they?"

"I can't be a hundred percent sure, though I have an idea..."

Twilight lowered the shield separating the two groups.

"I'll trust you for the time being, but I'm warning you: any sudden moves and you'll be in for a world of hurt beyond your wildest nightmares."

"We hear you loud and clear."

"What's your name?"

"...Maria...Maria Drake..."