Iron and Blood: From Ash to Dust

Chapters

CHAPTER 1- Trouble Making Filly
CHAPTER 2 - The Breaking Point
CHAPTER 3 - As Normal As Can Be
CHAPTER 4 - Fight Hard For Little Sorrows
CHAPTER 5 - Same Shit, Different Day
CHAPTER 6 - Do Me A Favor
CHAPTER 7 - New Arrivals

CHAPTER 1- Trouble Making Filly

Rainbow Dash looked out over the market square. She studied the shops that surrounded the large fountain made of white marble. Four statues of two naked pegasus mares and two naked pegasus stallions held up the fountain’s third tier. The water pouring from the tiers cascaded onto a globe carved from lapis lazuli.

Rainbow Dash scanned the shops closest to her, intently eyeing the items they were selling. Seeing a stall selling loaves of bread and pastries at the end of the market, she smiled as she read its sign.

Letting out a hum, Rainbow Dash ducked behind the building she was hiding behind and rummaged through her saddle bag. Pulling out a cloth sack, she poured its contents into her right hand and counted the bronze coins. “Eight Knicks!” She squealed as she clutched them to her chest. Humming a tune, she put the coins in her pocket and threw her saddlebag over her shoulders as she made her way over to the stall.

A pastry chef stood behind her stall. Her head was in her hand as she looked out over the crowd with dull eyes. As the Cloudsdale locals called it, the fountain of discovery was a great place to set up shop, a place with heavy pedestrian traffic, but today seemed slow for some reason…. Frustration was what she felt.

She sighed as she looked around at the multitude of pegasi mulling about. A filly with pale grayish-cerulean fur and a prism-colored mane and tail caught her attention. She turned her gaze to the filly and smiled. ‘A customer….’ But her smile faded the longer she stared at the filly’s appearance.

The filly’s appearance, for one, was a tattered one. Her prism-colored mane was short and unkept. The yellow dress she wore was tatted around the skirt. The black cotton jacket she wore was too big for her frame. Her wings looked unpreened and unarranged. Clearly, her mother or father cared little for her appearance, or the filly cared little herself. “A low-life….” The mare grumbled.

Finally getting to the stall, Rainbow Dash smiled. “Hello….” She said in a raspy voice. Her eyes were drawn to the pastries on display. The mare raised her brow at the filly. Feeling her gaze, the filly blushed. “Uh….” She mumbled. “Hello Ma’am, how are you this evening?”

The mare smiled a little. “Hello, Dear.” She was amused by her manners. “I’m good. How are you?” She decided to entertain her.

“I’m good, ma’am.” Rainbow Dash looked at the mare’s items she was selling. “Can I have a loaf of wheat bread and two strawberry tarts?” She pointed at the items.

The mare pulled out a large paper bag and placed the loaf and tarts within it. “Are you able to pay for these, little one?”

“I sure can, see!” Rainbow Dash held out the correct number of coins. “I’ve been saving up enough for your stall. Your pastries always looked yummy!”

The mare hummed as she counted the coins. “You’re short.” She looked at Rainbow Dash with a dull stare.

She felt her heart skip a beat. “WHAT?”

The mare let out a tired sigh. “Yep, you’re short by two knicks.” She hummed to herself as she took the items out of the paper bag.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth. “No, I’m not!” She stomped her right hoof against the cobblestone.

The mare gave the filly a dull stare as she rolled her eyes. “Yes, you are. For pegasi like you.” She smirked. “There’s a tax.”

Rainbow Dash’s anger faltered slightly. “Pegasi like me?”

“Are you that dense, sweetie?” The mare huffed. “Just look at you. You’re filthy!”

“So!” Rainbow Dash huffed.

“And your wings.” The mare pointed at her wings. “Spread them!” Rainbow Dash nervously bit her lower lip. The mare hardened her glare until she spread her wings. The mare looked them over. “And they’re small for your size.” She put the items Rainbow Dash requested back where they belonged. “Cripples like you don’t deserve to shop in Upper Cloudsdale.”

Anger flooded over Rainbow Dash. “I’m not a cripple!” She flapped her wings. “I’m the best flyer in my neighborhood!”

The mare watched her wings with dull eyes. “Yes, yes you are.”

Rainbow Dash growled. “I want to buy them at the price listed!” She pointed at the sign. “You had the bread listed at two knicks and the tarts at four for two!”

The mare stared wide-eyed at the filly and her sign. “How can you read….” She growled. “Look! If you can’t prove you live in Upper-Cloudsdale, then leave my stall, or I’ll call the cops!” She shouted.

With every passing second, Rainbow Dash got angrier and angrier.

“STOP! THIEF!” A pair of Pegasin Union police officers, clad in black pants and long-sleeved polo shirts, yelled as they gave chase, flying at Rainbow Dash with billy clubs in hand.

Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulders as she flew. She shivered in fear as they neared. She gripped her saddle bag filled to the brim with loaves of bread and pastries close to her chest as she flew around and over pipes and crates littering the city's narrow alleyways.

“Stop in the name of the divine emperor!” One of the officers commanded.

Slipping into an alleyway, Rainbow Dash flew low to the ground. Rolling on her back, she kicked several garbage cans in the guards' direction in hopes of slowing them down. Seeing that she failed, Rainbow Dash squeaked as she righted herself and flapped her wings with all her might as she went down another alley on her left.

Feeling herself getting tired, Rainbow Dash looked for a large drain chute. Seeing one a few yards away, she flapped her wings hard a few more times and landed by the chute. Quickly she opened the chute’s large metal lid. Its henges squealed as it slammed against the cloud cobblestone with a dull poof.

Seeing their target getting away, the guards picked up speed. Rainbow Dash stood at the entrance and waited for the guards to get closer. Smirking at them, she gave them the middle finger before jumping into the chute.

Arriving at the chute, the guards looked down the pipe and watched the filly as she slid down it. “Shit! I’m not going down that!” The guard looked at his older comrade. “Samson, have any ideas?”

Samson focused his gaze on Rainbow Dash as she slid further down the chute. “Yeah, I do. Come on, Light Wing, let’s go!”

An elderly pegasus stallion sat on a worn rocking chair on the porch of his apartment. His eyes are closed as he chewed on the bit of his pipe. A waft of smoke exited his mouth as he sighed. ‘?’ He opened his eyes as he heard metallic drumming. He looked over at one of the large manhole ports along the foundation wall of Upper-Cloudsdale.

The manhole cover was thrown open as Rainbow Dash rolled out across the ground. The stallion stared at the filly as she stood up and got her bearings. “Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash turned around and gave the stallion a sheepish smile. “Oh, hey, Wind Breeze.”

The stallion held onto his pipe. “What the hell did you get yourself into this time, Dash?”

Rainbow Dash laughed. “Well, I…. I gotta go!” She took off down the street.

Puzzled by her manners, the stallion looked to his right and saw two imperial police officers flying towards him. They sped on past him as they chased after Rainbow Dash. Wind Breeze leaned forward in his chair as he watched them turn a corner down another alleyway. “That filly is going to get herself killed one day.”

Rainbow Dash felt tired. Her wings throbbed from all her flying and now her legs hurt as she ran for her life. She prayed that she was almost to her destination. Turning down another narrow street, she saw her hope just a stone's throw away. A pub near the center of a four-way intersection graced her vision.

“Gotcha!” A hand grabbed the back of her jacket, halting her momentum and sending her saddle back flying out of her hands. She coughed as her jacket choked her neck. “Well, lookie here! The brat has been caught!” Night Wing laughed as he gave her a shit-eating grin. Rainbow Dash squirmed in his grasp, trying to break his hold. “Where do you think you’re going….”

Rainbow Dash kicked him in his groin. He let her go and clutched his privates as he fell to his knees. Landing on her hooves, she turned around and punched him in the face for good measure. Seeing the other police officer approaching, Rainbow Dash grabbed her saddlebag and fled into the pub.

Catching up to his comrade, Samson grabbed him by the arm. “What the hell! Are you serious? She’s a filly! Get your ass up!” He dragged Night Wing along as they headed for the pub.

Steel Bit stood behind the bar of his pub, mindlessly washing glassware as he listened to the melodies his girlfriend was playing on the piano. His establishment's twenty or so patrons sat around their respective tables, drinking and gambling the night away.

The calm ambiance was killed as the doors violently swung open, smacking against the stucco-cloud wall with dull poofs. Rainbow Dash tumbled across the ground sending wispy bits of cloud into the air.

The music stopped as Steel Bit and the patrons stared at the filly in confusion. Quickly, Rainbow Dash bolted towards Steel Bit and hid behind the bar beside him. “What the?” Steel Bit questioned, but his thoughts were broken as the door opened again, revealing two very perturbed police officers.

“Oh….” He mumbled as he picked up a dirty glass mug and began cleaning it. The police officers slowly walked up to his bar. He could tell they worked up a sweat. A part of him felt pride. ‘Gave them a run for their money, did you Dash?’ He smiled at the officers as he set the glass down. “Hello, officers. What brings you to Lower-Cloudsdale?”

“Watch your tone, lowlife!” Night Wing spat as he leaned aggressively towards the grey-colored pegasus.

“Calm, Night Wing, you don’t want to start any trouble.” Samson placed a hand on the young stallion’s shoulder.

“Yes, we don’t want that to happen now, do we?” Steel Bit tilted his head and gave them a shit-eating grin.

Samson frowned as he leaned on the bar’s countertop. “We were chasing a filly. Looked to be about ten years old. Her mane and tail color was prism in nature. Cyan fur. Have you seen her?”

Steel bit shrugged as he placed his rag over his shoulder. “No, I can’t say that I have.” He leaned on the countertop. His free hand rustled Rainbow Dash’s mane. She giggled at his touch and tried desperately to muffle her joy.

Night Wing growled. “We saw her run into this establishment!” He slammed his hands against the bar’s countertop. Bits of cloud danced around his hands. Rainbow Dash shivered as she leaned against Steel Bit’s legs.

Steel Bit raised his brow at the officer's tone and sighed as he stood back up. “Like I said, I haven’t seen her.” He picked up another glass mug and began cleaning it. “But I did see the emperor. Saw him high as a kite. Was fucking a couple of hookers down by Maple Avenue.” He laughed, pointing the mug at the officers.

The patrons and Rainbow Dash laughed at his joke.

The police officers chewed on their cheeks. Samson leaned close to Steel Bit, letting out a drawn-out sigh. “Look, we know she’s here. Just tell us where she is. I doubt you want to go to prison.” He smiled. “Hey, I’ll give you a deal. Give her up, and we can give you a pass of sorts. One that will allow you to experience all Upper-Cloudsdale has to offer. You can eat the finest food, drink the finest drinks, even fuck the best prostitutes around.” He offered his hand to Steel Bit.

Steel Bit tapped his fingers against the rim of the mug. “Thanks, but not thanks.” He sat the glass down.

Samson frown. “You should’ve given her up, pal.”

“And you should leave.” Steel Bit smiled as a series of metallic clicks rang out. Frozen with fear, the officers looked over their shoulders and saw the patrons aiming pistols and revolvers at them. “I have an offer for you. Want to hear it?” The officers slowly turned to face Steel Bit, giving him pathetic nods. “You leave my pub, go back to the blight that is fucking Upper-Cloudsdale, and never come back! Understand?”

The guards nodded their heads as they slowly backed away from the bar and headed for the door. “Understood, sir, sorry we bothered you. We’ll look elsewhere.” Samson said as they left.

With the guards gone, the patrons holstered their weapons and looked at the bar. Steel Bit let out a held breath as he looked down at Rainbow Dash, giving him the most innocent puppy eyes she could give. He laughed and rolled his eyes. “The coast is clear, squirt.”

Rainbow Dash breathed a sigh of relief as she crawled out from under the bar. She sat her saddlebag on the countertop and let out a giggle. “You saved me again!”

“You need to stop doing that!” Lilly Drops, Steel Bit’s girlfriend, complained from her seat at the piano.

“Naw, I find it hilarious!” One of the patrons, a heavyset pegasus with an eye patch over his left eye, laughed. “That made my day, little one! Seeing those officers pissing their pants!” He laughed as he puffed on his cigar.

“Yes….” Steel Bit gave Rainbow Dash a smile as he rustled her mane. “Very hilarious.”

“Give the little one a drink!” Another pegasus called out. Others followed suit as they began cheering her on.

Rainbow Dash giggled as she flew up and landed on a stool by the bar. She smirked as she placed her hands on her hips. “A drink for me! Please?” She hummed a tune as she swung her tail side to side.

-Four Hours Later-

“I can’t believe you stole loaves of bread and pastries….” Steel Bit sighed as he swirled his small glass of whisky. “You’re moving up the ladder Dash. Soon you’ll be robbing a candy shop.” He said in mock sadness.

“Don’t tempt me.” Rainbow Dash took a gulp of her beer from the large mug in her hands. The foam around her upper lip gave her a mustache. Wiggling her lips side to side, she stuck them out and gave Steel Bit a funny look.

Steel Bit rolled his eyes as he walked to the back of the bar. “Shave it off, Dash.” He teased.

Rainbow Dash giggled as she licked it off. “So, how was your day?”

“Good.” Steel Bit rearranged some of the bottles around. “The drug run went well. Could’ve used you this morning.” He sipped some of his drink.

“Sorry….” Rainbow Dash mumbled. “Had a rough morning, is all….”

Steel Bit sighed as he looked over at Dash. “Everything alright?” Rainbow Dash shrugged her shoulders, and she stared at her mug. He only nodded and returned to his work. “I’m sure tomorrow will be better.”

Rainbow Dash silently nodded and finished her drink. Seeing that the cup was empty, she held it out. “Could I have another refill…. Please.” Steel Bit nodded as he filled the cup and handed it back to her. She smiled as she took a large gulp. Her eyes went wide as she pulled the cup from her lips. “Water! I wanted beer!”

“You already had two mugs.” Steel Bit said as he walked up to her and rustled her mane. “I can tell your speech is getting a little slow. If you had another, you’d be slurring your words.”

“I can handle it!” She huffed as she laid down on the bar’s countertop.

“An ten-year-old like yourself can’t, and besides, you need to be sober enough to get home.” Steel Bit walked up to the pub’s front doors and locked them.

Rainbow Dash stared up at the ceiling. Her body shivered at the thought of heading back home…. “Could I stay here with you and Lilly Drops? Like last time?”

Steel Bit stared at Rainbow Dash and studied her solemn mood. “Not tonight, squirt.” He walked up to her. “You have a home.” He smiled as he moved some of her mane from her eyes. “I’m sure your mother will be worried if you don’t show up.”

Rainbow Dash stared at the stallion and bit her tongue. “Yeah…” She sat up. “Worried.” She sighed as she opened her saddlebag. She pulled out a chocolate pastry and offered it to Steel Bit.

Steel Bit smiled as he took the treat. “Thanks….” She hugged him tightly. He looked down at the filly, unsure of what to do. Slowly he patted her on the back. Feeling like someone was staring at him, he looked over his shoulders and saw Lilly Drops standing on the stairs looking at them, giving him a smile. “Goodnight, squirt. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night.” Rainbow Dash grabbed her saddlebag and waved at Lilly Drops. “See you tomorrow.”

Lilly Drops waved. “See you later, Dash.”

As Rainbow Dash exited the pub through the back door, Steel Bit let out a sigh as he rubbed the back of his head. “How adorable.” He looked over at his girlfriend. “Adorable?” He asked.

Lilly Drops smiled as she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “She likes you.”

“I know that.” He sighed.

“And she looks up to you.” She added.

“I know.” He kissed her hands. “But she has a mother.”

“But not a father.” Lilly Drops scolded him. “And she looks at you like a father. Hell, you act like one to her.” She grumbled as she walked back up the stairs. “I act more like her mother!”

“But we’re not.” He huffed as he placed his hands on his hips. “I don’t even know if I can.” He whispered to himself before walking up the stairs.

After ascending the hill that led to her home, Rainbow Dashed walked up the steps of the home’s porch. Before she entered, she looked out over the cityscape of Lower-Cloudsdale. Dilapidated buildings dotted the mountainside which Cloudsdale anchored itself to.

Lower-Cloudsdale was a complex favela of shoddy-built homes. A mixture of cloud and non-cloud construction made it an eye sore for some and a stimulating cascade of colors for others. But in the end, it just showed how backward the Pegasan Union was.

Rainbow Dash looked up at the thick cloud layer that held Upper-Cloudsdale. It casted a depressing mood over the lower district. The never ending aura of a city falling apart.

Adjusting her saddle bag, Rainbow Dash walked into her home. Closing the door behind her, she saw that the kitchen light was left on. Hot coals burned gently in the iron furnace by the living room corner.

Feeling a chill run down her spine, Rainbow Dash sighed as she looked at the clutter littering the floor. Random knick-knacks, empty beer bottles, and a random assortment of trash laid before. She moaned as she stepped over the obstacles as she made her to the couch.

Seeing her mother sleeping soundly on the couch, she studied her and noticed that a beer bottle was resting on her mother's chest. Rainbow Dash grumbled as she leaned closer to her mother. She could smell the thick stench of hard liquor. She frowned as she scanned the coffee table and saw several bottles resting on its surface. She even saw a half-drunk bottle of bourbon.

Rainbow Dash bit her lip as she grabbed the bottle on her mother’s chest and placed it on the table. Letting out a huff, she wandered into her mother’s room and grabbed a blanket from her bed. She tossed the blanket over her mother and looked at her with dull eyes. Seeing the dark rings under her eyes and her thin mane that hugged around her cheeks, Rainbow bit her lower lip as she held back the urge to yell out in rage. “Goodnight, mommy….” She said through clenched teeth as she wandered into the kitchen.

Stepping up to the fridge, Rainbow Dash placed the bread and pastries in, grabbed a berry tart for herself and a bottle of dark beer, and walked into her room. Entering her room, Rainbow Dash tossed her saddlebag on the floor, dressed into her nightgown and jumped on her bed.

Taking a swig of her drink, Rainbow Dash opened her nightstand and took out a small box. She opened it and pulled out several black and white photos. Taking a bite of her tart, she skimmed through the photos. They’re of her and her mother. She smiled at the happy faces that stared back at her. Feeling her chest get heavy, she took another swig of her beer as she went through more photos.

CHAPTER 2 - The Breaking Point

Rainbow Dash sat on a stool by the stove, watching the percolator as it worked its magic. Her eyes felt like they would explode out of their sockets. She rubbed them and let out a tired huff as she glared at the percolator. “Hurry up!” She mumbled.

“Oh… What the hell….”

Rainbow Dash turned around and saw her mother, Windy Whistles, sit up from the couch. Her mother looked around the room as she rubbed her head. “What time is it?” Windy Whistle’s turned to look into the kitchen at the clock. However, her eyes are drawn to her daughter, who stared back at her with dull eyes. “What are you doing?” She asked as she stood up with a groan.

“Making coffee.” Rainbow Dash frowned. Her wings twitched at her mother’s tone. “Good morning, Mommy.” She forced a smile.

Her mother gave her a slight nod. ”Morning….” She walked up to her daughter and gave her a tired hug. “What’s on the menu?” She teased.

Rainbow Dash felt the tension fade as she pointed at the fridge. “I bought some pastries last night.”

Her mother hummed. “And how did you get the money to do so?” She playfully questioned as she opened the door.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she took the coffee off the stove. “I help Steel Bit.” She poured her mother and herself a cup. “And he pays me.”

Her mother’s mood soured as she picked up her cup. “Oh… Yeah, I forgot.” She walked up to the couch and sat back down.

Rainbow Dash's body shivered as she bit her tongue. She let out a troubled sigh as she grabbed her own pastry and coffee and walked up to the couch. She sat beside her mother and took a timid sip of her drink.

“Thanks for breakfast.” Windy Whistles said dully.

Rainbow Dash looked up at her mother and gave her a small smile. Her mother smiled, but only briefly as she returned to her meal.

Silence filled the room. An uncomfortable silence.

Rainbow Dash felt her brow begin to perspire as she nibbled on her pastry. “Um…” She shifted in her seat. “How long do you have to work today?”

Windy Whistles raised her brow as she looked down at her daughter. “Why do, you ask?”

Rainbow Dash tapped the rim of her cup. “I wanted to know if you would go to the lake with me after work?”

Windy Whistles bobbed her head as she pondered her daughter’s question. “We’ll see.” She stated, her voice dull as she pulled out a bottle of pain pills from the side table beside the couch. Scanning the bottles on the coffee table, she grabbed a bottle of bourbon and took three pills along with a large swig of liquor.

Rainbow Dash’s optimistic mood soured as she watched her mother pour some of the bourbon into her cup of coffee.

Her mother felt her gaze and glared at her. “What?” She watched her daughter’s magenta eyes dart side to side, clearly unable to say anything. “You have no right to lecture me! I know you drink! You take some of my bottles when I sleep, you brat!”

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth. “At least I don’t pop pills when I drink!” She sat up.

Her mother let out a growl. “Oh, look at you!” She spat. “You had to go and ruin breakfast by being all pissy!”

“It's not even eight o’clock!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she entered her room, slamming the door behind her.

“So, what!” Her mother took another swig of her bourbon. She kept her eyes on her daughter's room for several minutes before sighing as she slumped in her seat. “Fine, go sulk in your room…. You fucking brat….” Hearing the door open, she looked over the head of the couch and saw her daughter dressed in a simple red dress with a black cotton vest jacket and a black flat-cap. Seeing her saddlebag over her back, she glared at her daughter as she neared the door. “Where the hell are you going?”

“TO WORK!” Rainbow Dash spat as she grabbed the door’s handle.

“I told you a million times to stay away from that stallion!” Windy Whistles sat up and pointed a bottle at her daughter.

“And I thought I told you to stop whoring yourself!” Rainbow Dash growled back.

Her mother glared at her with raged-filled eyes. “I have to work two jobs to keep a fucking roof over our heads. How am I supposed to do that with one job?”

“I’m trying to help, so you don’t have to!” Rainbow Dash cried.

Her mother rubbed her eyes. “Don’t you start crying like a little baby bitch! You can help by cleaning up this fucking pigsty!”

Rainbow Dash felt a sharp stinging sensation run down her back as she opened the door. A strange mixture of emotions washed over her as she glared at her mother. “How about you start by throwing out your bottles!”

“Why, you little!” Her mother threw her bottle of bourbon at her daughter.

Rainbow Dash quickly bolted out the door and shut it. She heard the bottle shatter on the other side, followed by several expletives from her mother. Her chest felt heavy as she began to lose her composure. Swallowing her emotions, she shivered as she ran down the hill to the pub.

Steel Bit mulled over his bottles of beer and hard liquor lining the back wall of his bar. He counted them in his head, his right hand pointing at the bottles as he counted. Lilly Drops sat at the bar’s counter. She watched him as he worked with dull amusement as she laid her head in her arms. “She’s late.”

Steel Bit picked up a bottle and blew off some dust that clung to its surface. “I’m sure she’s almost here.” He laughed. “Knowing her, she slept in.” Hearing the bell over the door, they looked over their shoulders and saw the filly in question. “Speak of the devil. How are you doing this morning, squirt?”

Rainbow Dash shrugged her shoulders as she sat beside Lilly Drops. “Alright.” She mumbled.

Lilly Drops and Steel Bit looked at each other with concerned looks. “I love your outfit.” Lilly Drops commented. “It’s so you.” She smiled at the filly.

Rainbow Dash looked at the mare and smiled.

Seeing that her mood was improving, Steel Bit clapped his hands. “Well, since the gang is all here, let’s get to it!” He walked up the stairs to the second floor of his pub. Lilly Drops and Rainbow Dash looked at the stallion and giggled as they followed after him.

Lilly Drops sat around several large Poison Joke plants in a back room. She plucked some of their blue flowers and placed them on a bronze tray to dry under several bright white halogen bulbs. The heat coming off of them made her sweat as she worked. Wiping her brow, she sighed as she took out a cigarette from her pocket and lit it. Giving it several puffs, she sighed a happy sigh as she went back to work.

Steel Bit and Rainbow Dash were in another room adjacent to Lilly Drops. Steel Bit stood over a two-gallon pot resting on a gas stove. The pot contained a pound of plucked Poison Joke flowers soaking in a solution of water, honey, whisky, lemons, and their natural hallucinogenic properties.

Rainbow Dash sat in a chair at a table by the back wall, cutting and dividing twenty grams worth of marinated flowers into small burlap pouches.

“Damn…. I can’t wait to relax and smoke some.” Steel Bit sniffed the brew’s aroma.

“Sounds like you’re already getting high.” Lilly Drops teased.

“I want to get stoned, not high!” Steel Bit stated in mock sadness.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at the young couple’s playful bickering. She moved her lollypop to one side of her mouth as she tied a pouch.

Steel Bit looked over at Rainbow Dash and saw that she had already filled eighty pouches. “Hey, squirt?”

Rainbow Dash looked up from her work. “Yeah?”

“I think you have enough to start the run for today.” He looked at the flowers in the pot. “We’ll save these for tomorrow.” Rainbow Dash nodded as she set her saddlebag on her lap and began filling it with the tiny pouches. Steel Bit smirked at her eagerness as he lifted the ladle to his mouth to taste the brew. “Holy hell!” He coughed.

“Did he just lick the ladle?” Lilly Drops yelled.

“No!” Steel Bit choked.

“Yes!” Rainbow Dash sang as she exited the room, saddlebag full to the brim. Lilly Drops poked her head into the room and glared at Steel Bit. The stallion laughed nervously as he went back to stirring the pot.

Stepping out of the pub, Rainbow Dash put on her flat cap and made her way to her first destination on the list, walking through the narrow alleyways that made up the Popper Hollows sector of Lower-Cloudsdale. After a ten-minute stroll to the docks that ran alongside the river's edge, she walked up to a disheveled shack and knocked on its door. Muffled grunts echoed back. The door swung open, revealing an elderly stallion in his late sixties. He smiled as he laid eyes on Rainbow Dash. “Dash, how’s it been?”

She giggled at the stallion’s funny-sounding voice. “Good, just making the rounds.” She handed him a pouch.

The stallion laughed as he handed her several coins. “Be safe little filly.” He looked around. “There are dangerous ponies a-hoof.”

“You know I will!” Rainbow Dash gave the stallion a nod as she went to her next stop.

Entering the downtown district of Lower-Cloudsdale, Rainbow Dash flew six feet above the ground. Some pegasi looked up and watched her as she flew on past them. Some elderly pegasi grumbled disapproval of her for not obeying proper flight etiquette, but she didn't care.

Nearing her destination, she landed on the cobblestone road and looked up at the large sign above the building's double doors. ‘Soft Clouds and Little Homes.’ Staring at the home's cloud brick façade, Rainbow Dash sighed as she walked up to the gate, flew over the iron bars, and made her way to the back of the orphanage. Peaking around the corner, she saw three pegasus colts and two pegasus fillies playing at the far end of the playground near an inner corner of a neighboring building.

“Yo!” Rainbow Dash called out as she walked up to the children.

The group turned their attention to the prism-maned filly and waved to her. “Hey, Dash!” The older colt, about thirteen years old, waved as he held a rubber ball in his right arm. "How are you?

“Doing good.” Rainbow Dash placed her saddlebag on the ground as she sat on the swing next to the older filly of the group. “How are you guys doing?”

“Doing alright.” One of the younger colts said as he threw his ball at a basket that hung on the neighboring building.

“On your rounds, Dash?” The younger filly asked as she hung upside down on the monkey bars.

“Yeah….” She swung on the swing. “Still trying to beat your record, Sunny?”

Sunny hummed as she stuck out her tongue, using her leg strength to keep herself glued to the bars. However, her legs gave out, and she fell into the soft cloud surrounding the playground. Sunny emerged from the misty cloud and pounded it with her fists. “Darn!”

“Do you need our help again?’ The older colt asked.

Rainbow Dash smiled at the colt as she gave him a silly grin. “Yes, Hoops.” She tilted her head to the side. “Could you help me?” She gave him big puppy eyes.

The colt blushed as he looked elsewhere. “Y-Yeah, of course.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

Rainbow Dash smirked at his expression as she opened her saddlebag. She handed each of them ten pouches. “You know the drill. Make it quick and snappy and be back here by three.”

“Are we taking the same cut as last time?” A colt with yellow fur asked.

“Yes, Bolt. Same cut as last time.” Rainbow Dash stated as they made their way to the gate. Flying over the gate, they fist-bumped each other before going their separate ways.

The wispy wild clouds to the east that slowly drifted across the sky collided with the thicker foundational clouds of Upper-Cloudsdale. Rainbow Dash watched the calming scene above as she sat on a wooden bench.

She found herself in the heart of Lower-Cloudsdale’s industrial district. A mass of warehouses and smoke stacks as far as the eye could see

Biting into her hay sandwich, Rainbow Dash turned her attention from the sky to the pegasi mulling about. She watched a large group of construction workers building a new factory a few feet from her. She stared at them as they worked, amazed at how skilled they were and how fast they could build. The last time she was here, the foundation was barely laid.

To be honest, the overload of visual sensations overwhelmed her young mind. So much activity and noise caused her to fold her ears. How could anyone work in this environment for hours, she wondered. Then again, she was here to see someone she knew who worked at one of the factories in this polluted district.

Swallowing her bite, she opened her saddlebag. Seeing a single drug pouch, she hummed to herself as she gave herself a mental pat on the back. She beat her record. She finished in under two hours. She took another bite of her sandwich and placed the other half in her saddlebag. Throwing her bag over her back, she finished her sandwich and flapped her wings, taking off into the sky as she flew to her destination.

Landing a few feet from the factory, Rainbow Dash walked up to the large warehouse and knocked on the side door. The metal door opened, revealing a tired-looking mare in her mid-thirties. Her light blue mane is tied back, highlighting her round facial features. “Oh, hi, Rainbow.” The mare smiled at the filly. “Here to see your mother?”

Rainbow Dash could smell the distinct smell of cotton as it washed out the door. “Yeah…. I brought her lunch.” She held out the other half of her hay sandwich.

The mare gave her a sad look. “Sorry, sweetie, but your mother isn’t here.”

“What?” Rainbow Dash felt her mind spin with confusion.

The mare sighed. “Yeah, she only showed up and worked a few hours before leaving.” She looked out at the endless sea of factories that hugged the mountainside. “She left in quite a hurry. I don’t know why. Do you?”

Rainbow Dash’s mind stopped spinning as she thought of where her mother could be…. Her eyes narrowed as she put the sandwich back in her saddlebag. “Yeah…. I think I know where she could be….” She gave the mare a half-hearted smile.

Stepping out of a narrow alleyway that cut through several buildings haphazardly, one would assume whomever laid its stone was mad. Rainbow Dash found herself close to a small park with several willow trees beside a pond. This part of downtown would be a nice place to stay. But Rainbow Dash knew it wasn’t, especially after dark. A filly or colt who found themselves outside in this part of town at night would go missing or worse…. She shivered at that thought as she continued walking.

Two mares, one in her late forties and the other just barely eighteen, stood in front of an Italian Villa-like home. Both mares wore skimpy outfits that revealed enough to entice ponies of the opposite sex and maybe some of the same sex into their house of thrills.

The younger mare noticing Rainbow Dash approaching them, smiled. “Darla, it’s that filly.”

Darla looked at the bouncy young mare. “Wildfire, calm yourself! You’re going to scare away clients.” She sighed as she looked at Rainbow Dash. “What do you want?”

Rainbow Dash returned the mare’s glare. “Has my mother been by?”

The mares looked at each other with mixed emotions. Darla was calm as she mulled over her thoughts. On the other hand, Wildfire looked around nervously as she tried not to make eye contact with Rainbow Dash. “I think she’s been by. Wildfire, why don’t you alert the Mistress.” Darla looked at Rainbow Dash. “She would know if your mother showed up for work.”

Wildfire looked at her coworker. “You know the Mistress has a strange obsession with her.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms.

Darla rubbed her brow. “The Mistress is the only one who knows where we ladies go, so please let her know that the filly is looking for her mother!” She pointed at the building's entrance. Wildfire let out a small squeak as she ran into the building.

Walking past several doors, Wildfire stood in front of a set of double doors and knocked on them. “Come in, darling.” She opened one of the doors and stepped inside. Wildfire stared at a mare in her early fifties who sat at a grand oak desk at the back of the room. The two large windows cast her in an eerie silhouette.

“Mistress, Feather Gale?” Wildfire mumbled to herself.

“What is it, dear?” Her mistress looked up from her paperwork and eyed one of her best ‘ladies.’

Wildfire played with her dress’s skirt. “Well, mistress, you know that filly you’ve always liked. You know, Windy Whistle’s daughter?”

Feather Gale’s ears stood erect. “Yes?” She smiled. “Why do you ask?”

Wildfire wrapped her tail around her waist. “Well, she’s asking for her mother.”

Feather Gale hummed as she took a drink of her gin. “Well, bring her in.” Wildfire bowed as she exited the room. Leaning back in her chair Feather Gale laid her elbows on her desk and pressed her fingers together. Seeing Rainbow Dash peek her head into the room, she hummed and waved to her to enter. Rainbow Dash grabbed her tail as she timidly walked up to her desk. “What brings you to my establishment?” She offered the chair in front of her desk.

Rainbow Dash slowly sat in the chair. “Um…. Is my mother here?” She stared at the mare, studying her expression. She couldn’t get a read on the mare’s intentions.

Feather Gale kept her sly gaze fixated on her. “Ha. Yes…. Your mother.” She leaned in her chair and took a sip of her gin as she pulled out a datebook. “She did come in for work today. Worked a couple of clients.” Rainbow Dash frowned at her words. She ignored the filly’s glare and flipped through some pages. “Then she left around one-thirty to see a client in Upper-Cloudsdale.” She hummed as she smiled at Rainbow Dash. “I have to say she’s moving up the social ladder.”

“I didn’t know there were promotions for fucking?” Rainbow Dash spat.

Feather Gale frowned as she closed the datebook. “Darling, please,” She stood up and walked up to the filly. Her cane made a loud snap with each step she took. “You must understand, at least your mother is using her given….” She placed the end of her cane under Rainbow Dash’s chin. “Talents.” She ran the end of her cane against Rainbow Dash’s chest to her groin.

Rainbow Dash shivered at the feeling and pushed the cane away. “When will she be back?” She said with almost a cry in her voice.

“Dear, dear, dear…. Didn’t you listen to my words?” Feather Gale leaned on her cane as she hovered over Rainbow Dash with a menacing aura. She caressed the filly’s cheeks, then gently ran her fingers along her lips. “I have to say, little one.” She scratched Rainbow Dash behind the ears. Rainbow Dash squirmed under the embrace and tried to jump from the chair. Feather Gale grabbed her neck and held her against the chair. “I know when I see talent filly!” She smelled her mane. “I know that you’re wasting yours. Think of how popular you’d be if you used it? How rich you’d make us?”

Rainbow Dash shivered and began to cry. The mare’s presence was intimidating. Her mind swam with thoughts a filly of her age shouldn't be thinking of. Feather Gale sighed as she let go of her. “Look at you. You have a lot of work that needs to be done.”

Rainbow Dash jumped out of her seat and took a defensive stance. She glared at the mare. Her mind swam with mixed emotions as she slowly backed up towards the door. “Where's my mommy?” Her voice cracked.

Feather Gale sighed. “Dear, I just told you. She’s somewhere in Upper-Cloudsdale.” She stepped closer to the scared filly and placed her hand under her chin. “Why, if you miss your mommy so much, why don’t you turn it into a family business?”

Rainbow Dash growled as she pushed the mare’s hand away. Flipping the mare off, she ran out of her office and out of the brothel.

Feather Gale stared at the door as she leaned against her desk. “One day, you’ll know your place.” She grabbed her drink and finished it off.

Rainbow Dash dragged her hooves as she walked up to the pub. With a tired sigh, she placed her hand on the door. Pushing the door open, she stepped in, “Here’s the cash. Make sure the others know of….” Steel Bit stopped as he saw Rainbow Dash standing under the doorframe. “Hey, squirt.”

Rainbow Dash stared at Steel Bit and four other pegasus stallions who stood at the bar. One of the stallions smiled at her as he took the sack of coins. “We should get going.” He nodded his head at his comrades. “Looks like you got more important things to attend to.” He made his way to the exit. As he passed Rainbow Dash, he gave her a wink as he left.

Rainbow Dash raised her brow as she watched the stallions fade from view. “Who were they?”

Steel Bit sighed as he walked up to her. “Just some friends of mine.” He patted her on the head as they walked up to the bar.

“What did they want?” She asked as she placed her saddlebag on the bar’s countertop.

“Oh, they needed help with something.” Seeing the gears in her head-turning, he playfully flicked her snout. “I will tell you when it's time.” He gave her a wink. “It’s a secret.” Rainbow Dash didn’t like his answer but dropped her line of questioning as she laid her head in her arms. Steel Bit’s smile faded as he saw her mood sour. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m alright….” She lazily took out his cut of knicks.

He took the coins. “Is it your mother?” She nodded. “She’s prostituting herself again?” Again, she nodded. He bit his lip as he looked at the bottles lining the back wall of his bar. “Did you go there?”

Rainbow Dash shivered as she stared at the strands of fur on her arms. “Um….”

“Dash! How many times did I tell you not to go there!” Steel Bit huffed. “She could’ve kidnapped you!”

Rainbow Dash grumbled. “I was fine….” She fidgeted with her fingers. "And besides, I know she wouldn't kidnap me."

"How so?" He questioned.

"You'd kill her if she did." She stated flatly.

"True, but still," Steel Bit rubbed his brow. “that’s not the point.” Rainbow Dash moaned as she grabbed the last drug pouch from her saddlebag. She unwrapped it and put the bluish mash to her lips. “You shouldn’t be taking that.”

“So, you let me drink!” Rainbow Dash growled.

Steel Bit frowned at her tone. “Really, you criticize your mother for drinking at taking drugs?” He tilted his head. “What makes you different from her?”

“I can handle it!” She held up the hash to his face. “And this is natural!”

Steel Bit stared at her as she took the poison joke. “Why?”

Rainbow Dash raised her brow. “Why what?”

“Why don’t you hate Lilly or I for doing the same thing as your mother?”

Rainbow Dash stared off into space as she pondered his question. Sucking her contaminated saliva, she laid her head on her arms. “You’re nice…. Not mean like her.”

Steel Bit watched the sunset as it fell behind the horizon. The warm orange glow brought calm to his pub. “Why don’t you lay on my bed for a while. You can go home once the drug wears off.” He patted her on the head. “I’ll be getting the pub ready for tonight.”

Rainbow Dash nodded as she walked up the stairs.

He watched her ascend the stairs. Letting out a held breath, he walked to the back of his bar and poured himself and drink. “Oh, Dash…. What am I going to do with you?"

Getting to the top of the stairs, Rainbow Dash walked to the end of the hall and into a large room with a queen-sized bed, two nightstands, and a dresser. Stepping up to the bed, she saw Lilly Drops face down on the opposite side of the bed, snoring the day away.

Groaning, Rainbow Dash flopped on the bed. Crossing her legs, she placed her hands behind her head and stared at the ceiling fan as it spun slowly. She listened to its soft creaking. A perfect melody to be put to sleep. Feeling the drug entering her system, she closed her eyes and drifted off into a drugged-induced slumber.

Its eight o’clock by the time Rainbow Dash stepped onto her home’s porch. She groaned as she rubbed her head to rid it of its headache. She stepped inside and found the light was on in the kitchen. It was quiet as she walked up to the couch. Seeing that the couch was empty, she let out a little huff as she walked up to her mother’s bedroom door.

Putting an ear up to the door, she could hear soft feminine moans and masculine grunts. Her face reddened as anger flooded her mind. She glared at the door. Her eyes trembled as she squeezed her hands into a fist. Holding back the urge to scream, she pulled on her mane as she paced in front of the door. Snorting, she pounded on the door. “Mommy, I’m HOME!”

She heard murmuring and panicked shuffling as hoof steps walked up to the door. The door swung inward, revealing her mother. Her mother’s appearance was a disheveled mess. Her mane was wild. Her eyes were bloodshot with bags under them. Her neck was bruised, and her mannerisms were drunk. The right shoulder strap of her nightgown hung loosely off her shoulder.

Rainbow Dash bit her lip as she glared at her mother, but before she could scold her and the stallion that used her, the appearance of said stallion halted any actions she had planned.

The stallion’s figure was an imposing one. He was taller than Steel Bit, and his shoulders were broad. His pale greyish blue fur made him stand out in the dim light of her mother’s room. His bright yellow eyes stared back at her, piercing her soul. But it was the color of his mane that ultimately caused her to cower under his intense gaze.

The color of his mane was prism…. Like hers.

Rainbow Dash instinctively touched her mane, running her fingers through it. She moved her tail in front of her and stared at the bright variety of colors. She felt her knees go weak as she looked back at the stallion.

What were the odds?

The stallion smiled as he clipped his belt. “Damn Windy, I have to say she’s a smart one.” He looked at his lover with a smirk.

Windy Whistles looked back at the stallion, uncomfortable with the situation her daughter got her into. “Hey, sweetie, why don’t you head to bed? Mommy will be their shorty to….”

“NO!” Rainbow Dash yelled, her voice cracking. “Tell me now!” Tell me!” Tears fell from her eyes. “Is he my? My?”

“Father?” The stallion stated as he walked up to her. He noticed Windy Whistles’ lack of words and only saw her eyes glaring at her daughter with hate. Placing a hand to her lips, he gave Windy a stern glare. She cowered under his touch and looked down at her hooves in shame. He turned his attention to Rainbow Dash and smiled as he stood before her. “Yes, little one, I’m your father.”

Rainbow Dash felt her stomach twist itself into a knot as she stared up at the stallion. “What?” Her head spun as she tried to comprehend his words. “Why? Why?” He laid a finger on her lips. Rainbow Dash shivered under his touch.

He smiled as he ran his hand through her mane. “Damn, there’s no mistaking it. You got my mane.” He scratched her behind the ear. “One of a kind, little filly.” Rainbow Dash tried to fight the wave of conflicting emotions overwhelming her mind. Tears trickled down her face as she looked up at her father. “Got a lot of your mother in you too.” He studied her petite frame with a smile. Patting her on the head, he put on his jacket and walked to the door.

Scared, Rainbow Dash stumbled toward her father. “Where are you going?” Why did you leave?” He didn’t respond as he opened the door. “ANSWER ME!” She yelled at the top of her lungs.

The stallion stopped with the door halfway open. He looked back at her with a dull gaze.

“Why did you leave?” Rainbow Dash sobbed.

Her father gave her a smile. “I’m looking right at her.” Rainbow Dash felt her mind shatter as the world around her blurred. White noise filled her ears as she kept her wide eyes on the stallion. Her father shook his head at her trembling form. “Goodnight, you two. Who knows, we might cross paths again….”

Staring at the closed door, Rainbow Dash felt like she would collapse on the floor. She steadied herself as she placed her hands on her knees. Tears swelled her eyes as she stared at her hooves. Something caused her mind to snap. Letting out a cry, she ran her hands through her mane as she turned around and glared daggers at her mother.

Feeling her daughter's harsh gaze, Windy Whistles returned her daughter’s glare with one of her own. “What?” She spat with venom.

“What? Is that it?” Rainbow Dash moaned. “You said daddy died before I was born!” She stomped her hooves against the floor.

Windy Whistles grunted in frustration. “It was a lot easier to say he died than I don’t know. He left us because of you!” She stormed into the kitchen.

Rainbow Dash choked on her sobs. “That’s not true! Maybe it’s because you’re a drunk!”

“Bullshit!” Her mother spat. “I was going to be somepony! Mary, my way out of the class I was born into!” Tears came to her eyes. “Then you were born….” She hissed. “And he didn’t want kids. Left me to defend for myself!” She glared at her daughter. “With an ungrateful daughter!”

Rainbow Dash felt her stomach twist itself into a knot. “Mommy!” She began to sob uncontrollably. “I am grateful!”

“You’d be grateful if you’ve kept your mouth shut!” Windy Whistles spat. “I was this close to getting him back!”

Tears poured around Rainbow Dash’s eyes. “B-But why didn’t you tell me!”

Windy Whistles glared at her daughter as she went to get a glass of water. “Because it's none of your business.”

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth. “But he’s my dad!”

“I don’t fucking care!” Windy Whistles threw her glass at her daughter. “Just shut up, you brat!” Rainbow Dash dodged the glass bullet and hid behind the couch. Her trembling eyes stared at her mother. Her body told her to flee, but her young mind wanted to show her mother that she was deserving of her love.

What love remained.

Upset that she’d missed, Windy Whistles went up to the medicine cabinet over the sink and took out a needle filled with a strange orange-colored liquid. “It’s time to take your medicine, Dash…. It's way past your bedtime!”

Rainbow Dash recognized the liquid in the syringe. She remembered her mother giving it to her when she was younger. Oh, the terrible nightmares it caused. The painful spasms it inflected upon her small frame. Shaking in fear, she bolted to her bedroom.

Seeing her daughter fleeing to safety, Windy Whistles reached out and grabbed the back of her daughter’s jacket. “Stay still while mommy gives you your night-night medicine!” She held her in a one-arm chokehold.

Rainbow Dash struggled to breathe. Fear washed over her as she tried to break free from her mother’s haunting embrace. Feeling the needle piercing her skin, she panicked as she felt the drug enter her. Scared, she bit her mother’s arm, causing her to loosen her grip. Rainbow Dash threw her head back, hitting her mother’s snout.

Windy Whistles let go of her daughter as she grabbed her broken snout. “You little bitch!”

Rainbow Dash sat on her knees. Her mind throbbed as she stared at the floor. She felt her body’s temperature rise. Her pupils dilated, turning them into endless black orbs. Her wings twitched uncontrollably as she tried to crawl away from her mother. Her limbs felt like soggy noodles as she flopped about.

Blinking, Rainbow Dash’s world turned pitch black. She stared in awe as the items around her had bright white squiggly outlines. Muffled sounds echoed in her ears as she tried to find a spot that was safe from this horrid dream. But she soon found herself floating in the void. The objects of her home floated with her. Rainbow Dash looked at the scene with a goofy smile as she swung her limbs retardedly.

The feeling of nirvana faded, however. The air in Rainbow Dash’s lungs rushed out violently as she fell to the ground. The black void flickered back to reality for a split second. She shivered as she stared at a vast mass of eyes glaring at her. Its maw opened, revealing an endless abyss of razor-sharp teeth.

Screaming, Rainbow Dash tried to escape, but the monster grabbed her neck with its tentacles. Choking out her cries, Rainbow Dash clawed at the monster’s limbs. It screamed out in pain, letting her free. Her panicked stricken mind swam through its thoughts on what to do. Seeing a kitchen knife floating in the void, she lunged for it. The beast seeing her go for the weapon lunged after her.

Grabbing the knife, Rainbow Dash thrust it at the monster, scared that it would eat her. The beast screamed out in pain as the knife stabbed one of its eyes. Again, Rainbow Dash stabbed the monster and kept stabbing it until its screams stopped.

Feeling the monster’s warm white blood coating her body, Rainbow Dash dropped the knife and scooted away from its corpse. Finding a safe spot in the void, she curled into a fetal position and laid down.

Her mind was lost in a drugged-filled nightmare.

Rainbow Dash stared at a picture of her and her mother. She saw her youthful smile. She was five years old when the picture was taken. She stared at her mother’s smile, more like a dull smile, emotionless even. She felt her throat tighten. Could she have not seen it? Did her mother always hate her?

She swallowed hard as she ran her right hand across the cool hardwood floor. She felt a strange sensation on her fingertips. It felt like dried mud was caked on them. Confused, she put her hands to her face and saw a reddish-brown substance staining her pale grayish-cerulean fur.

She felt queasy at the sight of blood and became even more confused.

Rubbing the palms of her hands against her forehead to rid herself of the heavy haze lingering in her mind. She sat up, “Oh….” She braced herself against the wall near the front door. “Mommy?” She moaned as she looked around. “Mommy!” Her voice cracked as she stared at her mother lying face down in a pool of blood.

Shaking, Rainbow Dash crawled on all fours to her mother’s side. Staring into her mother’s lifeless eyes, she felt her stomach twist itself into a knot. Her limbs felt numb as she began to hyperventilate. “Mommy?” Rainbow Dash poked her mother’s shoulder. “Mommy?” Again, she poked her shoulder. “MOMMY?” She grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

Her mother stayed lifeless on the floor. Unmoving and uncaring.

Tears flooded Rainbow Dash’s vision. “MOMMY! MOMMY! MOMMY!” She sobbed as she shook her helplessly.

A pathetic sob escaped her lips. She sucked in phlegm and coughed as she backed away from her mother and looked down at her hands. She noticed that her dress and jacket were stained. She was stained with blood…. Her mother’s blood…. She felt sick. Her gag reflex overreacted, causing her to vomit.

Coughing from the bile in her mouth, she crawled away from the corpse and headed into her mother’s room. “S-she's not dead….” She moaned. “No…. no…. no…. no….” She dragged a blanket from her mother’s bed and laid it over the corpse.

Rainbow Dash looked down at her mother and stared into those hollowed eyes with crazed eyes. She’s in a fog…. A horrid fog. Sobbing to herself, she went to the fridge and placed the last pastry beside her mother. Shivering, she backed away from the corpse and bolted to the door. Steeping outside, the mixture of cold air washing over her fever-racked body caused her to vomit.

Unable to control her emotions, she ran to the only place she could think of where she felt safe.

Steel Bit laid on his back. His wings twitched in his sleep, and he snored what could only be described as a melody of sorts. If one found snoring to be enjoyable. Lilly Drops slept beside him. Her arms wrapped around his waist as she laid her face on his chest.

Muffled knocking entered Lilly Drops’ mind. “What?” Again, she heard the knocking. She grumbled as she groggily patted Steel bit on the head. “Steel….” Again, she heard more knocking. “Steel, somepony is at the door….” More knocking. She moaned as she looked down at the sleeping stallion. “Steel, wake the hell up!”

“G-ah!" He jumped with fright. “What?” He glared at her.

“Somepony's at the door.” She pointed at their bedroom door.

Steel Bit rubbed his head. “At this time of night?” He got up and made his way downstairs. Hearing more knocking, he cautiously walked up to the side door. “I’m coming….” He grabbed the bat by the door and held it behind him as he opened the door. “Do you know what time it is…. Squirt?” He stared at Rainbow Dash’s appearance in disbelief.

Rainbow Dash kept silent as she stared off into space. Her eyes and body trembled as she mumbled to herself.

Seeing blood covering her, Steel Bit dragged her inside and placed a hand behind her back as he guided her to the stairs. “What the hell happened to you?”

“What’s wrong?” Lilly Drops asked before she laid eyes on Rainbow Dash. “Oh my….” She placed a hand to her lips. “What happened?”

“I don’t know? She’s not saying anything!” Steel Bit huffed. “Can you bathe her, wash off that blood while I go over to Mrs. Silver Wind’s place, and borrow one of her daughter’s nightgowns.” Lilly drops nodded as she took Rainbow Dash upstairs. Steel Bit rubbed the back of his neck as he watched them ascend the stairs. Letting out a held breath, he ran out of his pub.

Rainbow Dash stood in the tub. The warm water fell over her, soaking her fur and warming her skin. Lilly Drops manipulated the showerhead aiming the stream of water onto the parts of the filly’s body that needed attention. Rainbow Dash stared at the red-tinted water running across her body, past her hooves, and down the drain. “I….” She felt her throat tighten. “I…. Killed her….”

Lilly Drops stared at her worryingly. Sitting on the tub's rim, she lifted the filly’s chin and looked into her eyes, studying her hurt expression. “What was that you said?”

Rainbow Dash's eyes trembled as she stared into Lilly’s blue eyes. “I…. I killed my mommy….”

“I’m back. Hopefully, this fits her…. What’s wrong?” Steel Bit looked at Lilly Drops and Rainbow Dash, studying their expressions.

“She said….”

“I KILLED MY MOMMY!” Rainbow Dash sobbed. Tears fell from her eyes. Her body shook violently as she wrapped her arms around her chest. “I killed her!” She cried as she fell on her rump. She tried wrapping her soaked tail around her for protection.

Steel Bit felt slightly uncomfortable as he knelt down beside the tub. Seeing Rainbow Dash’s bloodshot eyes, he put his concerns to the back of his mind as he ran his fingers through her mane. “Shhh…. It's okay. I’m here. Lilly’s here. Everything will be alright” Lilly Drops shut off the water and handed him a towel.

“I…. I saw my daddy! I saw him!” Rainbow Dash wrapped her arms around Steel Bit. “He hates me! That’s why he left!” Steel Bit and Lilly Drops looked at her with stunned eyes as they listened to her slightly incoherent ramblings. “I got angry… Then mommy got angry!” She sobbed. “Then…. Then she gave me medicine…. I hate taking it, but mommy likes it when I take it!” She tightened her grip. “I saw a horrible monster. A scary monster! And I killed it!” She coughed her sobs into his chest.

Steel Bit and Lilly Drops looked down at the sobbing filly with hurt in their hearts. They know of the drug she spoke off. It was a drug made on the cheap, one that gave its users the fix they needed, but at the cost of awful highs.

With a tired sigh, Steel Bit lifted Rainbow Dash out of the tub and quickly dried her off. Throwing on the nightgown, he carried her into their room, laid her on their bed, and fell back to sleep. Rainbow Dash’s sobs slowly faded as she drifted off to sleep in the comforting embrace of her friends.

CHAPTER 3 - As Normal As Can Be

“NO!” Rainbow Dash screamed as her body jerked itself awake.

“Dash?” Steel Bit rubbed his forehead as he looked down at the shivering filly. He placed a hand on her back as he rubbed the base of her wings. She broke down and began to sob.

“Is she alright?” Lilly Drops asked as she rubbed her eyes.

“No….” Steel Bit sighed. “She’s running a slight fever.” He removed his hand from her forehead. “It’s been two weeks! When will her nightmares end?” He ran his hand through her mane.

“I’m sorry….” Rainbow Dash cried through clinched teeth.

“Dash, it's alright.” Steel Bit ran his fingers through her mane. “I’m not mad at you…. Just worried about you.”

Rubbing her eyes, Lilly Drops picked up the key-wound clock on her nightstand and read the time. The clock’s arms displayed 5:12 am. She got out of bed and walked up to the dresser with a sigh. “I’ll take her for a walk.” She threw on a simple black dress and a white vest jacket. “It will do her some good to get some fresh air.” She put on a black cloche hat.

“You think it’s safe for her?” Steel Bit asked.

“I thought you said your friends took care of it.” Lilly Drops looked at him with a raised brow.

“They did….” He sighed. “But still keep a look out.”

She rolled her eyes. “The cops don’t care about us lowlifes…. What is their saying? ‘A dead lowlife is a blessing.’”

Steel looked out their bedroom door as he scratched Rainbow Dash behind her ears. “Yeah….” He looked down at Rainbow Dash and gave her a goofy smile. “Have a nice walk with Lilly. I’ll be busy cleaning the pub for tonight’s poker game, so I want you to be ready to put on your game face when you get back.” He rustled her mane.

“Okay….” She giggled half-heartedly.

Steel Bit smiled as he patted her on the head. Walking up to Lilly Drops, he kissed her before walking down the stairs. Humming a tune, Lilly Drops looked at Rainbow Dash. “So, are you ready?” She asked as she tossed her a dress. Rainbow Dash held up the white dress and studied it. “I got matching hats too.” Lilly Drops smiled as she held a similar one to hers. Rainbow Dash smiled as she nodded her head.

Stepping outside, the cool morning air washed over Lilly Drops and Rainbow Dash. The feathers on their wings fluffed, and their spines tingled. Buttoning up their jackets further, they smiled at each other and held hands as they made their way to the eastern part of the city.

Rainbow Dash stared at the shops and homes they passed as they walked. She watched several mares hanging clothes on drying lines from the favela’s rooftops. She saw four children sitting on their balcony as they played a game of cards. She looked at another balcony and saw a stallion sitting in a chair, drinking his beer and ignoring his wife’s screaming.

Her mood began to sour. Thoughts of her mother entered her mind. Her lower lip stuck out as she kept her eyes on the cobblestone road.

Feeling a weight on her arm, Lilly Drops looked back and saw that Rainbow Dash was dragging her hooves. She put her free hand in her jacket’s pocket with a sigh. “Come on, Dash.” She shook her hand. “I want to see that smile of yours.”

Rainbow Dash looked up at her. “Why?” She asked, dumbfounded.

“Because I’m taking you to one of my favorite shops.” She hummed a tune. “And the owner doesn’t like sad fillies.” She teased. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, but she picked up her pace. Lilly Drops hummed as she swung their arms. “And you need to keep this a secret between us.”

“Why?”

“Well, if Steel found out, he would get fat.” Lilly Drops smirked. Rainbow Dash giggled at her words. Lilly Drops felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Even though it was a small laugh she got out of her, it was a laugh, and it was progress nonetheless. Turning her attention back to the road, she saw their destination a few feet away. “Well, we’re here.”

Rainbow Dash saw a small humble cloud-constructed house nestled between two cloud-brick constructed, four-story buildings. Hanging above the door was a wooden sign of a coffee cup and a round-shaped hard candy.

Stepping inside, roasted coffee beans and freshly made candies assaulted their senses. Rainbow Dash shivered from the cascade of flavors she smelled.

“Good morning, Lilly.” A pegasus mare called out from behind the counter. “I see you finally brought the filly you’ve been talking about.” She smiled at Rainbow Dash. “How are you two doing this morning?”

Lilly Drops smiled as she offered Rainbow Dash a seat at the bar. “Doing okay, Golden Breeze.” She took a seat herself beside Rainbow Dash. “Just out for a morning stroll with Dashie.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at the nickname Lilly had given her.

Golden Breeze smiled at Rainbow Dash’s expression. “So….” Her smile faded. “How is she holding up?”

Lilly Drops looked at Rainbow Dash and saw her mood turn dull right before her eyes. “She doesn’t talk much….” She ran her fingers through the filly’s mane. “It's still a lot for her to take in.” She rubbed one of Rainbow Dash’s ears. “But we’re taking it day by day.”

Seeing the hurt in Rainbow Dash’s eyes, Golden Breeze hummed softly as she wandered up to the back of the bar. “Well, I think she deserves a special brew.”

Lilly Drops’ ears stood erect. “You mean…. You have those beans? How?” She leaned on the bar’s countertop with excitement. Rainbow Dash looked at her friend with a raised brow, her own curiosity getting the better of her.

Golden Breeze smiled. “My cousin and his ragtag of wannabee pirates happened to successfully raid a bat pony cargo ship heading for the southern Pegasin port towns.” She pulled out a cloth duffle bag containing the beans. “The upper class of pegasus society thought they could keep these all to themselves!” Lilly Drops, and Rainbow Dash smiled at her words.

With a hum, Golden Breeze poured the beans into a grinder. Cranking its handle, the metal teeth quickly turned them into a fine powder. Filling the cup with the right amount, she walked up to a French press and poured the powdered coffee in. Taking a pot of hot water off the gas stove, she poured it into the French press and let the coffee simmer for a few minutes.

Lilly Drops laid her head in her hands. She breathed in the aroma of the beans as Golden Breeze pressed down on the French-press’ plunger. She let out a giggle as she licked her lips. Rainbow Dash watched with wide eyes, her curious mind eager to taste this new experience.

Taking two cups out, Golden Breeze placed them in front of the duo, plopped caramel cubes into their cups, a bit of dark chocolate, and then poured the coffee. “Here you go, the special brew.” She pushed their cups closer to them. “So, tell me what you think?” She asked as she leaned on the counter.

They picked up their cups and put them to their lips. Lilly Drops slowly sipped her drink. A large smile adored her lips as she swallowed. “Damn…. Good like always.” She looked at Rainbow Dash. “You just going to stare at it or drink it?”

Rainbow Dash blushed as she took a sip. Her eyes go wide. The creamy, hazelnutty, toasted, chocolaty, and caramelly flavors assaulted her taste buds with sensory overload. “Woah….” Licking her lips, she took another sip, but this time even more than the last. She hummed as she swung her legs and wagged her tail.

Lilly Drops looked at her friend. “I think that did the trick?”

“I think so….” Golden Breeze looked out her door. “What is that?” She walked over to the door. Lilly Drops and Rainbow Dash looked at each other. Their ears swiveled to the source of the noise. Getting up themselves, they exited the shop and stood beside Golden Breeze.

“Brothers and sisters! Have we had enough with the oppression of our so-called divine emperor?” A stallion shouted out. A crowd of pegasi had gathered around to hear what he had to say. “He expects us to fight in this war alongside the wretched horned freaks of Unicorpia!” He stood on a crate to stand above the crowd. “Have you noticed our Emporer uses us lower classes to fight? He sends us like lambs to the slaughter! While the upper classes watch our sons bleed for a war we never wanted!”

Some in the crowd began to agree with his words.

“I say no more!” He shouted. “What are we fighting for? More land to spread our kind? Or more land to ship the unwanted out of the heart of our emperor’s failed empire!” He spat. “This is our homeland, not his alone!”

Lilly Drops placed a hand on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “We should get out of here before things get out of hand.” Rainbow Dash looked up and nodded.

Steel Bit stood by the back wall that housed his collection of liquor bottles. The cigar resting on his lips bopped as he whispered the counting of his inventory. Hearing the bell over the door ring, he looked over his shoulder, curious as to who would be entering his pub in the early morning. Seeing a pegasus mare in her early fifties, he frowned as he crossed his arms.

“Hello, Steel Bit.” The mare hummed as she walked up to the bar. Her cane made a loud snap with each step she took. “How are you this morning?” She asked as she sat at the bar.

Steel Bit let out a sigh. “I’m fine, Feather Gale….” He leaned on the countertop. “How are your whores doing?”

“They are referred to as ladies.” She scolded him. “They are higher class compared to the filth wandering the streets.” She looked over at the piano in the corner by the stairs.

“Yeah…. Keep telling yourself that.” He laughed. “So,” He frowned. “Why are you here?”

Feather Gale smiled. “I’m here to congratulate you on what a fine job you did.”

“A fine job?”

“Don’t play stupid, darling. I have to say burning down several buildings to cover up a murder is impressive.”

“How do you know that?” He frowned.

“Come now…. I keep track of my ladies who don’t live at the brothel.” She hummed as she pointed at a glass cup. “Gin, please.” She smirked. “On cloud ice.”

Steel Bit glared at her as he walked to the right side of the bar and stuck his hand into a small dark icy cloud. Pulling out four airy ice cubes, he dropped them in a glass cup and poured some gin over them. “Is that it?” She looked up and gave him a questioning hum. “You just came here to say a good job?”

Feather Gale smiled. “You’re a smart one, aren’t you?” She took a sip of her gin. “I also came by to see if Rainbow Dash was here.”

“Why?”

She let out a sigh. “She belongs to me now.” She gave him a sly smirk. “And I need you to hand her over.”

“Fuck that!” Steel Bit spat through clenched teeth.

Feather Gale frowned. “Darling, please, language.” She placed her elbows on the bar’s countertop and rested her head in her hands. “She is my harlot now since her mother is no longer working for me.”

“In your dreams.” Steel Bit crossed his arms. “She is not going with you, and there is nothing you can do about it.”

Feather Gale sipped her gin slowly. “Oh, on the contrary, my dear.” She pulled out a piece of paper. “It's in her mother’s contract.” She gave it to him. “Her mother put her down as collateral in case she’d quit or, you know, died before her contract was up.”

Steel Bit's eyes narrowed as he saw Rainbow Dash’s name listed as collateral, and her mother’s sloppy signature at the bottom of the page. He stared at Feather Gale who was giving him a shit-eating grin. “Like I said,” He crumpled the paper and threw it at her face. “Fuck no!”

She gritted her teeth as she picked up the wadded-up paper. “Well then….” She fixed the paper and folded it neatly. “Looks like we’ll be doing this the hard way.” She finished the last of her gin. “Looks like she’ll become another missing filly, joining the countless faces on the news boards….” A knife came down in front of her. She jumped back and stared at the stallion with wide eyes.

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you!” Steel Bit spat.

She glared at him. “You think you can protect her?” She laughed, putting a hand to her lips. “Darling, I know ponies. I have the knicks to manipulate anyone!” She rubbed her fingers together. “I always get what I want!”

Steel Bit gritted his teeth as he pulled out the knife from the countertop. “So do I!” He pointed the knife at her. Its tip was a few millimeters from her snout. “And all of them hate you!” He gave her a sly smirk. “Your days of extortion and child kidnapping burned many bridges, you bitch!” He brought the knife closer, causing her to lean back in her chair. “Don’t you lay a finger on Dash, or I’ll gut you! Understand?”

Feather Gale regained her composure and handed him her glass. “Oh, I understand, but you think you haven’t burned bridges?” She laughed. “You and your wannabe revolutionaries planning from the shadows. Upending the status quo.” She stood up and walked to the front door. “Now understand this! Rainbow Dash will belong to me one way or another!” She hissed as she stepped out into the streets.

Steel Bit gritted his teeth as he picked up a bottle of whiskey. He opened the bottle and took several large gulps before slamming the bottle on the countertop. “Bitch!”

Rainbow Dash and Lilly Drops sat on the edge of a fifteen-foot cliff, watching the waterfall across from them crashing into the lake below. The mist spraying from the waterfall’s epicenter reflected the sun’s light, casting a rainbow across half the lake’s surface. Rainbow Dash watched the rainbow shimmer as the mist moved through it.

Lilly Drops watched the waves crash onto the sandy-dirt beach. “So, this is your favorite spot?”

Rainbow Dash swallowed the candy she was chewing on. “Yeah.” She said as she kept her eyes on the rainbow.

“You hang out here with your friends from the orphanage?” Lilly Drops leaned back. Rainbow Dash nodded as she plopped another candy into her mouth. Lilly Drops hummed as she swung her legs over the cliff. “You, um, did you ever bring your mother here?”

Rainbow Dash felt her chest get heavy as she stared at her lap. “No….” Tears began to form around her eyes. “She never wanted to come.” Her tail wrapped itself around her. Her wings twitched from the frustration that was building up inside her.

Lilly Drops sighed as she looked at the rainbow. “Well, your mother missed out on a wonderful view.” She ran her fingers through Rainbow Dash’s mane. “I’m glad you brought me here.”

Rainbow Dash smiled. “Thanks…. I just wished mommy wanted to do things with me….”

“Well, you have me.” Lilly Drops stood up. “Do you want to go for a swim?”

Rainbow Dash looked up at the mare. “But we didn’t bring our swimsuits?”

“We have our underwear?” Lilly Drops laughed. “And I don’t see anyone else.” She gave her a smile. “I’ll race you. The last one in the lake is a rotten egg!” She jumped off the cliff and glided down to the lake.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash flew after her.

Landing on the lake’s beach, Rainbow Dash met up with Lilly Drops, who was undressing by a log. “Hurry up! You’re going to lose!” She ran to the water’s edge.

Rainbow Dash’s completive nature kicked in as she threw off her dress and gave chase. Her depressed mood leaving during this moment of joy. “You’re the one who’s going to lose!” She shouted as she entered the water.

Getting waist-deep in the lake, Lilly Drops turned around. “I win!” She splashed water at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash giggled as she jumped on Lilly Drops, pulling her underwater. “DASH!” Lilly Drops shouted before her head went under.

Coming up for air, Rainbow Dash’s mane covered her eyes. The multitude of colors that made up her mane mixed, creating a chaotic mess of hues.

Lilly Drops rose from the lake. Her long red mane covered her face minus her snout. Rainbow Dash tried to hold back her laughter, but she failed as she found Lilly’s new look amusing. “Come here you!” Lilly Drops laughed as she gave the filly a mischievous grin.

Rainbow Dash giggled like a mad man as she swam to safety to the cliffs near the waterfall. Lilly Drops followed close behind as she swam with long strokes. Getting to the staggered cliffside, Rainbow Dash lifted herself onto their shores and climbed up to the tallest part of the cliff that towered eight feet above the lake. “Watch me do this trick!”

“Watching!” Lilly Drops sat on a semi-submerged bolder.

Smirking, Rainbow Dash stepped back from the ledge and pressed her back against the cliff wall. Letting out a cheer, she ran full tilt and jumped. Thrusting forward, she began the first roll of her front flip. Making three complete revolutions, she dived into the water.

Lilly Drops cheered. “Very cool, Dash!” Her clapping slowed when the bubbles on the water’s surface simmered down until none appeared. “Dash?”

Rainbow Dash shivered from the calm current of water flowing around her. Opening her eyes, she saw the vast black abyss. Above her, the sun’s light shimmers above from the waves on the water’s surface. “?” An object in the water caught her eye. She squinted her eyes, making out the object’s features. Her body goes stiff as the object neared.

The object is a mare. Her short scarlet-orange mane floated around her face. Her eyes are closed, and her limbs are still as she floated up to her. Rainbow Dash felt her throat tighten as she stared at the mare’s blood-stained nightgown. Panic overtook her as the mare’s snout was inches from hers.

The mare’s eyes opened wide, revealing them to be crazed. “Dash!” The mare yelled, causing bubbles to exit her mouth. Rainbow Dash tried to swim away, but the mare grabbed her wrists. “DASH! WAKE UP!” The mare pulled her closer and grabbed her neck. “DASH! YOU HAVE TO GET UP!” The mare smiled menacingly as he saw Rainbow Dash struggling to breathe. “YOU NEED TO GET UP!”

CHAPTER 4 - Fight Hard For Little Sorrows

“RAINBOW DASH!”

A sixteen-year-old pegasus filly’s body jerked as she heard her name. She groaned as her eyes opened. Her mind slowly awakened from its cloudy haze. Pain, pain is all she felt as she sat up from the floor. She coughed several times and let out a moan. She looked at the specks of crimson soaking the coarse tan dirt surrounding her with teary eyes.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re awake!”

Confused, Rainbow Dash tilted her head back and saw a fifteen-year-old pegasus filly with grey-colored fur looking down at her with mismatched yellow eyes.

Another teenage pegasus filly appeared in her vision. Her bright blue eyes looked at Rainbow Dash with a wide-eyed expression. “I think she lost some of her brain?”

“Derpy? Lapis?” Rainbow Dash asked in confusion.

“Yes, it’s us. Hello sis!” Derpy smiled. Lapis waved as she giggled.

“And us.” An eighteen-year-old earth pony colt stated flatly. “Damn, he must’ve walloped you.” His short black colored mane bounced with his head movement.

“Quibble? Who hit me?” Rainbow Dash fought back the urge to puke.

“Look in front of you, and you’ll see the bastard!” Thunderlane, a black-furred pegasus teenage colt, yelled as he popped into vision.

“Get up! You’re about to lose!” Rumble, a ten-year-old pegasus colt, shouted atop Thunderlane’s shoulders. The feathers on his wings fluffed up as he pointed at something or someone in front of him.

Holding a hand to her head, Rainbow Dash sat up and looked in the direction Rumble was pointing. “Oh…. Now I remember….” In front of her, standing at the other end of the octagonal ring, was a tall human male. His jawline was narrow, and his shoulders were broad. He wore a greyish prison uniform like herself. She stared at him as he celebrated with his arms up, waving to the crowd.

“Oh! Looks like Nicholas celebrated too soon!” Rainbow Dash is up and ready to go!” An announcer shouted from a balcony overlooking the ring and the atrium it occupied. The crowd of earth ponies, pegasi, bat ponies, humans, foxes, tabby cats, and mixed races cheered loudly, stomping their feet, paws, and hooves against the concrete floor.

“I’m not ready at all….” Rainbow Dash huffed under her breath.

“I think you got this one, Dashie.” Quibble commented with a sly smirk.

“You’re an ass kisser, Quibble!” Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue.

“What… I can’t help it. You’re just too sexy.” He stuck out his tongue in return. She rolled her eyes, trying to hide her blush.

“Oh, by the way, if you didn’t hear it enough, you got this Dash!” Soft Paws, a white-furred tabby cat, gave her a thumbs up.

Rainbow Dash shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Very funny Soft Paws.”

Noticing the crowd’s mood changing, Nicholas stared at the prism-haired pegasus. “Damn, you’re a gluten for punishment, little girl!” His Scottish-like accent echoed out as he laughed.

Rainbow Dash huffed as she stood up. She gave the man a sly smirk as she wiped the dirt off her grey prison jumpsuit. “Someone’s acting all cocky!” She chuckled, putting her hands on her hips. “What’s the matter, trying to compensate for your small dick?”

Nicholas frowned. “My dick is big enough, sweetheart. Maybe you can give it a spin after I bash your brains in!”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “No, that’s alright. My colt-friend’s cock is all I need!” She pointed a thumb at Quibble. “Besides, I guarantee his dick is bigger than yours!”

Nicholas growled as he glared at Quibble. Quibble blushed as he ducked behind the chest-high wall of the octagon ring. “You little bitch!” Nicholas hissed as he ran towards Rainbow Dash.

Feeling some adrenaline kicking in, she juked to her left. Nicholas tried to slow himself down, but he slammed into the wall. Fighting the urge to puke from the top of the wall squishing his stomach, he slowly turned around to catch his breath. Rainbow Dash smiled at her handy work and hummed a tune as she playfully swung her hips side to side.

A lanky bat pony sat in the back of the announcer’s balcony, watching the fight with a slight grin. His cat-like eyes watched Rainbow Dash with eager amusement. Smoke lingered around his face as he chewed on his cigar.

Sitting on the floor beside the bat-pony was a seventeen-year-old pegasus filly. She played with the chain attached to her leather collar. Her amber-colored eyes trembled with anger as she stared at Rainbow Dash. Her lips slowly turned into a frown as she saw her land a few good blows on Nicholas.

Sitting on the bat pony’s right was a pegasus stallion. His amber eyes glared at the fight with mild interest. “You really think Rainbow Dash will win this fight, Kingpin?”

The bat pony gave a raspy huff at his question. “I know she will!” He coughed before taking another puff of his cigar. “She hasn’t disappointed me yet! Not since she had gotten training.” He growled as he munched on the end of his cigar. “Much to Jack’s disdain. But if he knows what’s best for cellblock seven, he’ll keep his mouth shut.” He looked at the pegasus. “Besides Chaser, I know talent when I see it!” He laughed. “Isn’t that right, Feather Gale?”

Feather Gale held a cup of prison brewed gin in her hands as she kept her orange colored eyes on the fight. “Yes, Kingpin…. We have a knack for finding talent.” She glared lustfully at Rainbow Dash with her only good eye.

The teenage pegasus filly stared at Feather Gale’s left eye. Its scarred, blind pupil glared at her, looking deep into her soul. Seeing the filly staring, Chaser gritted his teeth. “Lighting Dust, keep your eyes on the fight!” Lighting Dust shivered as she turned her attention back to the fight.

Rainbow Dash held her shoulder as she dodged Nicholas’s punches. She ran back towards the wall and jumped over him, pushing herself off the wall. Directly above Nicholas, she flapped her wings and kicked his shoulders with her legs. He slammed against the ground hard, kicking up dirt as he slid across the floor. She landed on the ground and rolled to soften her fall. She stood on her hooves and grasped her shoulder again as she stared at the stunned man.

Growling the pain away, Nicholas stood up from the ground and glared at the teen filly. Seeing his crazed look, Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue and shook her butt at him, causing her prism-colored tail to swing side to side. Nicholas smirked. “You’re such a tease!” He laughed as he ran at her full tilt.

Rainbow Dash smirked and ran towards him as well.

Nearing one another, Nicholas swung his right hand. Rainbow Dash jerked left, dodging the hit. She punched his sides and kicked his ankle, causing him to grab his left leg and hiss out his pain. Not letting this opportunity go to waste, she kicked his crotch. The tip of her hoof pinched his right testicle against his thigh. The pressure caused him to scream in pain as he fell to his knees, clenching his manhood.

Without hesitation, Rainbow Dash kicked his face with a roundhouse kick. Teeth flew out and skipped across the ground. Painfully recovering from the hit, he turned his gaze to her and glared at her with pain-filled eyes. “Fucking bitch….” He spat. Blood drooled out of his mouth, staining his face.

Frowning, Rainbow Dash front kicked his face with her right leg. Her hoof made contact with his jaw. Some of his remaining teeth collided with one another, and a loud snap sounded off as his head snapped back. He groaned out a pained gurgle as he fell backward to the ground.

Silence fell over the audience for several seconds before it erupted in a cascade of cheers and boos.

Kingpin smiled as he gave off a sly hiss. “I told you, Chaser. I know talent when I see it!” He looked at the other high-ranking prisoners around him and hissed. “Pay up!” Before leaving the balcony, several prisoners stood and placed metal food cards, cigarettes, drugs, and other assortments of knick-knacks at his hooves.

“She may be a filly with talents. But she’s also a stubborn hot head….” Feather Gale sipped her gin. “A stubborn hot head that made me a profit.….”

Enjoying the audience’s cheers. Rainbow Dash gave them a smile and waved her arms, encouraging them to get louder. “Whoo…. Ow….” Her adrenaline began to fade, allowing her brain to be aware of the pain her body was feeling. With her mind feeling light-headed, she leaned over and placed her hands on her knees.

Her friends jumped the wall and ran to her aid. “You alright?” Derpy asked as she placed her hands on Rainbow Dash’s shoulders.

“Is she dying?” Lapis asked with concern.

“She’s not dying,” Thunderlane replied as he placed Rumble on the ground.

“You don’t know that Thunderlane!” Lapis cried.

“I’m fine….” Rainbow Dash clutched her head. “Oh… Damn, I need a pain pill….” Lapis hugged her friend. “Lapis! OW!” The pegasus blushed as she ended the hug.

“Jack is going to be pissed when he sees you like this.” Quibble stated, supporting her against his shoulder.

“He’s just overprotective….” Rainbow Dash huffed as she laid an arm around his neck.

“You cheating bitch!” A human male shouted as he stormed up to her with his posse.

Rainbow Dash and her friends noticed that they were Nicholas' friends from cellblock eight. “I cheated?” Rainbow Dash asked mockingly as she glared at the pale human with a frown. Her friends glared at the opposing posse and took defensive stances.

“There is no way a sixteen-year-old filly could’ve beaten a thirty-year-old man!” The man spat, jabbing his finger against her chest. Rainbow Dash growled as she got in his face.

Quibble snarled. “I would watch it if I were you!” He flashed a shank from his prison outfit’s pocket.

The human laughed. “Isn’t that cute....” He pulled out a six-inch knife and held it over his head. The dark-skinned human on his left flashed his brass knuckles. The tabby cat on his right extended her claws. “I lost my cigs because of you, you winged freak!”

A shot rang out across the atrium.

“AH!” A bullet ricocheted off the man’s knife’s handle, severing two of his fingers. He dropped his weapon and held his hand close to his chest. Blood coated his mangled fingers as he yelled out his pain. His friends stared at his hand in horror as they backed away, hiding in the crowd.

Silence washed over the prisoners as they looked up at the catwalk.

Rainbow Dash and her friends eyed a nineteen-year-old pegasus colt guard with a light blue fur and a dark navy-blue mane and tail. His black uniform showed his authority as he aimed his rifle at the crowd. “Prisoners of Mourning Hollow Island!” He shouted. “The atrium will be shutting its doors! Head to your cellblocks now!” He lowered his rifle. “None shall be in the panopticon tonight! Have any complaints? Speak with your cellblock leaders!”

The prisoners mumbled to themselves as they headed back into the panopticon, the main central lobby of the prison that connected the ten cellblocks that made up Mourning Hollow Island Penitentiary. Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulders and saw the prison guard tip his hat at her. She nodded her head and walked into the central lobby.

“Fuck!” Rainbow Dash spat as she bit down on her pillow.

“Will you hold still!” A twenty-four-year-old earth pony hissed as he held her left shoulder. “You have a partial dislocation that needs to be fixed!” He pushed the joint back into place.

Rainbow Dash screamed into her pillow. “Oh… Doc, please give me some morphine to dull the pain!”

“No. You were knocked out. I need to make sure you’re sound of mind before I give you anything too powerful like that.” He pulled out a small bottle from a worn leather bag. “But you’re in luck. I scored this from some guards during the supply shipment last week.”

Rainbow Dash stared at the bottle of aspirin and took one pill from the bottle. “Thanks, Hooves.” She plopped the pill in her mouth and took a sip of water.

“That’s Doctor Hooves to you.” Hooves smirked at Rainbow Dash.

“Didn’t you say you were a nurse?” Quibble commented.

“Was going to medical school to become a doctor before The Pegasin Union and The Thestral Reich invaded the River Republic.” Hooves took out a cloth and poured a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto it. He began wiping some cuts on Rainbow Dash’s face with the wetted rag.

Rainbow Dash hissed a little as she stared at her hooves. “Do you hate our kind?”

Hooves looked at the filly with a raised brow. “You asked this before.” He laughed a little. “You know my answer.”

“But my government took you away from your family and friends.”

“They did the same to you.” Hooves stated flatly. “I’m sure you don’t have a soft spot for your government.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “And this prison….” She played with her fingers. Hooves only nodded as he continued with his task. Quibble stared at Rainbow Dash for a while before returning to his tattered notepad. Rainbow Dash looked up from her fidgeting and watched Quibble move his half-used pencil across the notepad. “What are you drawing?”

“Just the rain droplets on the window.” He pointed at the three-foot-high and one-foot-wide window above their desk.

Rainbow Dash stared at the window. The pitch black of night strongly contrasted with the yellow-hued ceiling lamps illuminating the droplets that clung to the glass’s surface. She watched as one of the droplets rolled down the glass to its demise.

“I’m here!” Derpy called out happily as she carried a tray of four mugs. “Who wants some of Whisker’s homemade brew!” She sang as her tail wagged side to side.

“I do!” Rainbow Dash sighed, extending her arms out like a begging child would do with their mother. Derpy giggled at her as she handed her a mug. Smelling the sweet aroma, Rainbow Dash let out a sigh as she took a large gulp. She felt the intense burn of the alcohol as it ran down her throat, warming her insides. “Thanks, sis, I needed this.”

Derpy smiled at her adopted sister. “Quibble? Do you want a cup?” She looked at Quibble, holding up a mug. Quibble turned around, took the mug, and raised it before taking a sip.

Derpy smiled as she looked at Hooves. “Hoovies? You want one?” Hooves nodded and grabbed a mug. He took a tiny sip and set it down on the nightstand beside the bed.

Derpy took the last mug and threw her head back, downing the whole drink in one fell swoop. She pulled the mug away and let out a satisfied sigh. Her crossed eyes straightened out their orientation like normal eyes should be. She let out a burp, and her eyes returned to their crossed-eyed state.

Rainbow Dash stared at her sister with wide eyes. “I still don’t know how, but you amaze me sometimes.” She laughed as everyone else joined her. Rainbow Dash’s laughing subsided as she stared into her cup. Seeing her hazy reflection, she stared at the black eye on the left side of her face and frowned. “Derpy?”

“Yes?” Derpy tilted her head, noticing her sister’s defeated posture.

“Has…. Uh, has Jack found out yet?” She looked at the grey-furred pegasus with worry coating her eyes.

Derpy chewed some of the strands of her canary-yellow mane. “No, not that I know of?”

“RAINBOW DASH!” A deep masculine voice echoed into their cell.

Everyone froze at the voice’s tone. “I-I take that as a yes.” Quibble looked out the cell’s door. Rainbow Dash shivered as she tightened her grip on her pillow and swallowed a lump in her throat.

With a nervous chuckle, Derpy backed out of the cell. “I’ll soften the blow.” She gave her sister a reassuring smile before darting out of the cell.

Shivering, Rainbow Dash stood up and walked up to the door. Quibble got up as well and followed after her. Stepping out of their cell, they leaned over the catwalk’s railing and looked into the crowded bowels of their cellblock for the man that called her name.

A chill ran up Rainbow Dash’s and Quibble’s spines as they spotted the man standing on the second-story catwalk. Jack was a tall human male, about six feet tall. His grey-colored eyes stared at them in anger, and his arms were crossed. His pinky finger on his right hand tapped his inner left elbow at a slow, menacing rhythm. Shaking Rainbow Dash and Quibble headed down the steps to meet their fate.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Jack yelled, placing his hands on his hips. Giving Rainbow Dash a stern glare.

“She wasn’t.” A fifteen-year-old female tabby cat stated flatly as she sat in a chair, twiddling away a stick. Rainbow Dash shot the cat a harsh glare.

“Coco, shut it!” Jack hissed. Coco sank into her chair, grumbling to herself.

“I….” Rainbow tried to speak as she saw an opportunity to do so.

“No! No words!” Jack shouted. “Just let me think for a second!” He huffed as he walked to the back of his cell and picked up a bottle of whiskey. Seeing Rainbow Dash shaking, Derpy placed a hand on her shoulders

“Jack, she was being careful!” Quibble stepped up to the man, trying to make himself look imposing.

Jack glared at the colt. The light above them cast the man’s features in shadow, making him look terrifying. “Careful? You think she was being careful?” He pointed at Rainbow Dash’s left eye. “Look at that black eye! She got that within a minute into the fight!”

“No, she got that several minutes into the fight!”

“Bullshit, I was there. Kept my distance, but I saw everything.” Jack shot Quibble down. “She was lucky.” He poured himself a cup of whisky and took a sip. “And she fought Nicolas! Hell, I know our relationship with cellblock eight was on the rocks, but this just seals the deal!”

“You know I had no choice!” Rainbow Dash growled. “I have to fight!” She stepped up to the human.

Jack frowned. “That’s a lie, and you know it!” He gave her a long sigh and took a rather long sip of his drink. “You have let the cheers and admiration get to your head.” He finally said. He looked Rainbow Dash over and studied her bruised body. “Damn….” He took another sip. “He would be disappointed, you know.”

“Don’t you ever talk about him!” Rainbow Dash snarled. Quibble, Derpy, and Coco cowered at her tone.

Jack smirked and hummed to himself as he walked up to her. “I will mention him whenever I damn well, please.” He tapped her forehead with an index finger. “Until you get it through your thick skull!” He gave a long sigh. “Just look at you. You look like a mess. What the hell would he say? Good job, Dash? Great way to run from your problems?” He took another sip. “I want you to take a break from fighting for a month.”

Rainbow Dash felt a chill run up her spine. “But…. But….” She clenched her hands into a fist.

Seeing her emotions boiling to the surface, he placed a hand under her chin. “Dash?”

She looked up with a frown. “Yeah?” Her eyes stared at him, full of tears.

“I promised him to protect you, and I aim to keep it.” He rubbed his thumb across her cheeks. “You should go say hi to her. Don’t leave her worrying.” Rainbow Dash nodded as she slowly exited Jack’s cell. Quibble and Derpy go to follow. “You two stay here. She needs to be by herself.” They looked back at the man with mixed emotions.

Rainbow Dash stood outside a cell on the third floor. Her body felt numb. Sweat clung to her fur as she stared at a mare lying on a mattress. A human boy with fox ears and a tail sat beside her running a wet rag across her brow. Letting out her held breath, she stepped into the cell. “Hello, Granger.”

The boy looked over at her. “Hello, Dash!” He looked at the mare. “She’s doing alright, she had one episode, but that’s about it.” He gave her a smile. “You taking over?” Rainbow Dash nodded. “Great! I’ll tell my sister you said hi!” Granger smiled before dashing out of the cell.

Alone, Rainbow Dash let out a sigh as she sat next to the mare. “Hey, Lilly Drops.” She took one of the mare’s hands and began stroking it.

Lilly Drops opened her eyes weakly and stared at the teen filly beside her. “Hey, Dashie….” She brought her hand up to Rainbow Dash’s face and rubbed her cheeks. “How’s my little filly doing?”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. “Alright.”

Lilly Drops squinted her eyes and studied her daughter’s appearance. “Why is your left eye all bruised up? And your lip?” A shiver ran down her spine as her pupils shrank. “Have you been fighting?”

Rainbow Dash cowered under the mare’s tone. “Yes….” She quickly pulled out a metal card from her breast pocket. “I won us a stack of food allowance cards. We can get the good stuff they serve in the panopticon!”

“Why are you still fighting for that retched stallion?” Lilly Drops hissed. Her voice faltered as she fought back a sob.

“We need to eat!” Rainbow Dash fought back her own emotions. “I can’t stand those ration bars they give out! And I barely get enough stuff when I sell drugs or work in the mines outside the prison walls to barter for!” She placed the food card in the mare’s hand. “This is yours! I have my own! It will last us three months….”

Lilly Drops threw the card against the wall. “No!” Her eyes go mad. “I don’t want you to fight! We can’t lose you!” She looked out her cell’s door. “Do I need to get Steel Bit in here to knock some sense into you?” She glared at Rainbow Dash. Dash stared at her mother with wide eyes. Growling at her lack of a response, she looked at the door once more. “Steel! Come here!”

Tears came to Rainbow Dash’s eyes. Fighting back a sob, she placed her hands on the mare’s shoulders. “Lilly Drops.

“Steel!” Lilly Drops shouted once again.

“Lilly! Please!” Panic began to overtake Rainbow Dash.

“STEEL! Why aren’t you coming!” Panic began to coat the mare’s voice.

“MOM!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

Lilly Drops stared at her daughter and saw the tears that clung to her eyes. A numbing sensation overcame her. Her limbs became weak as she collapsed into her daughter’s arms. “No…. NO!” She cried. Rainbow Dash braced herself against the wall as she sat on the floor, comforting her mother. Her voice was soft and shallow as she spoke calming words.

Quibble stood by the stairs that connected the rest of the catwalks. He stared into Jack’s cell and watched as he, Coco, and Derpy played a poker game. He leaned against the stair’s railing, his eyes never leaving Jack. He glared at the man as he laid down a card on the table. His smile. That smile of his caused Quibble to grind his teeth.

“Whatcha doing?”

Quibble broke from his thoughts as he looked to his left and saw a tan-skinned human fox halfling in her mid-teens staring at him with her bright green eyes. “Nothing much, Jacky. Just waiting for Dash.”

“Sounds exciting.” Jacky hummed playfully. “My brother told me that she arrived an hour early.” She jumped onto the railing and kicked her legs. “Very unlike her. What gives?”

“Jack told her to go early.” Quibble pulled out a cigarette and lit it. “He found out about the fight.” He took a drag.

“Yeah…. I heard she took a beating for the first few minutes of the fight.” Jacky hummed as she played with her tail. “Usually, she doesn’t let them get a hit on her. Was she okay?” Her fox ears folded back.

Quibble gave a long sigh. “I think she was having an episode. Daydreaming about something?”

Jacky looked down at her bare feet and wiggled her toes. “Like mother, like daughter.”

Quibble gave her a silent nod as he watched her toes. A part of him wondered what it would feel like to have toes. He looked down at his hooves and tapped them against the metal grating of the catwalk.

Seeing sky blue in her peripheral vision, Jacky looked up and saw Rainbow Dash approaching. ‘Whelp. I’ll let you go!” She gave Quibble a kiss on the cheek and ran off.

Quibble rubbed the spot where her lips touched and watched as his filly-friend neared. “You alright?” He asked.

Rainbow Dash looked at the earth pony with heavy eyes. “Sort of….” She took his cigarette from his lips and puffed on it.

“How’s she holding up?” He crossed his arms.

Rainbow Dash flicked some ash off the cigarette. “The usual.” She rested her head on his chest. Quibble sighed as he laid his arms on her back. His right hand rubbed the base of her wings. She gave him a pleased sigh and rubbed her forehead into his chest. The rough fabric of his prison uniform scratched her forehead.

After a minute passed, she lifted her head and planted a kiss on his lips. Their tongues fought for control for several seconds. Breaking the kiss, Quibble looked down at her with a sly smirk. “Wanna?”

She bit her lower lip. “Yeah…. I need it.”

-Two Hours Later-

Rainbow Dash laid against Quibble. Her arms wrapped around his neck as her bare chest pressed up against his back. She enjoyed the warmth of his body heat. Giggling to herself, she played with his right nipple and smelled his mane.

Quibble ignored her antics as he sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over a candle. He held a metal ladle over the candle’s flame, melting crystal ketamine. He swirled it around, trying to speed the process along.

Upset that he was ignoring her seductive advancements, Rainbow Dash looked out their window, watching the rain striking the glass. She listened to the drumming of the rain. Its melody relaxed her. Shivers danced across her body as she laid her head on Quibble’s back.

Humming a giddy tune, Quibble picked up a needle and expertly dipped it into the liquefied ketamine. Moving the plunger up, the plunger sucked up the drug into the needle’s barrel. Getting the desired amount, Quibble gently sat down the ladle and put out the candle’s flame. “You ready?” He asked.

Rainbow Dash stared at the needle as sweat rolled down her brow. “Y-Yes…” She held out her arm.

Quibble grabbed her cheeks and squished her lips together. “Did I say you could go first?” His tone was slightly stern as his blue-colored eyes stared into her magenta eyes. Rainbow Dash shivered as she looked away. “Thought so. You’ll get your turn after me.” He extended out his arm and searched for a vein. Sticking the needle in his arm, he injected some of the drug. Grunting from the slight discomfort, he pulled out the needle. “Your turn.”

Again, Rainbow Dash offered her arm.

Quibble smiled as he grabbed her arm. He jerked her forward and pressed his snout against hers. “You want some?” He teased.

“Yes… P-Please!”

Quibble squeezed her wrist tighter as he yanked on her arm. “Beg.” Rainbow Dash braced herself with her other arm as she gave a little squeak. “Beg!”

“P-Please I want it!” She gave him large puppy eyes. “You know I need it!”

“You sure?” He let out a little laugh.

“Please!” Rainbow Dash’s voice cracked.

“Junkie.” Quibble mocked as he injected the drug into her arm.

Rainbow Dash shivered as she felt the drug work through her body. She let out a little gasp as she rubbed where the needle entered. Quibble sat the needle on the nightstand and jumped on top of Rainbow Dash and stuck his tongue into her mouth.

Even though she enjoyed the taste of his tongue. Quibble was being a little rough for her liking. It almost scared her how rough he was being. Rainbow Dash let out a little moan as she placed her hands on his chest in an attempt to push him off. He growled as he grabbed her wrists and pinned them to the bed. “Don’t you fight back!” He moved her hands over her head and pinned them together with his left hand. He used his other hand to choke her.

Rainbow Dash struggled to breathe as she stared up at him. She shivered at his menacing-looking grin. He laughed at her as he stuck his penis inside of her. She stayed there, trapped under his embrace as he thrusted himself several times into her. “Look at you….” Quibble smiled sweetly. “All submissive.”

Rainbow Dash stared at him with drugged-out eyes. His words sounded choppy to her. Her world around her felt light and airy. She felt like she was drifting away on a cloud. “Shit!” Quibble hissed as he felt the drug take hold. He groaned as he rolled off of her and onto his back. Both of them stared at the ceiling of their cell. The minor cracks in the concrete began to move as their minds drifted off into unknown worlds of pure blissful, drugged, induced wonder.

A hazy figure of a pale pegasus mare in her late twenties appeared in Rainbow Dash’s vision. Her greyish-cornflower blue fur was glossy in the soft yellow light of the cell’s ceiling lamp. Her light scarlet mane highlighted her delicate facial features. But it was her milky hollowed eyes that sent shivers down Rainbow Dash’s spine. “Hello, sweetie.” The mare spoke, her voice sounding ghostly.

Dash kept her drugged eyes on the mare.

The mare smirked as she studied her appearance. “Just like your mother.”

Rainbow Dash glared at the mare. “I’m nothing like you….” She slurred.

The mare’s smile turned into a frown as she stepped closer to the bed. She glared at Quibble, watching his drugged-out eyes twitching back n’ forth. “Same taste in stallions.” She looked at Rainbow Dash once again. “You’re more like your mother. More than you think.”

Rainbow Dash tried to sit up. The punch meant for the mare flopped on the bed. Her body went limp, causing her to lean forward, her head resting in her lap.

“Pathetic.” The mare sighed.

“Y-You’re…. Pathetic….” Rainbow Dash slurred.

The mare shook her head as she laid Rainbow Dash’s head onto her pillow. Lifting the sheets to cover the teen’s nakedness, she smiled and ran her clammy fingers through her prism mane. “It’s time to go to bed, sweetie. You have a busy day tomorrow…. Very…. Busy.… Day.…”

CHAPTER 5 - Same Shit, Different Day

Rainbow Dash sat up in her bed. Her head spun, making her feel nauseous. She groaned as she held her head in her hands. Her wings twitched as she hissed out her breaths. Opening her eyes, she instantly shut them. She regretted opening them. The bright sunlight flooding into her room caused a headache to form.

Letting out a moan, she opened them again, looked down at her bed, and saw Quibble was still sleeping. Their bed sheet lay haphazardly over him, exposing his nakedness to her. She let out a small groan as she covered him up. Fighting back a yawn, she slipped out of bed and walked up to a tattered cedar hope chest and opened it. Finding a clean pair of underwear, she threw them on.

A cold breeze washed over her. Rainbow Dash crossed her arms and looked at her cell door as it opened. Derpy stood under the doorframe and smiled. “Good morning, Dash….” She noticed her sister’s bloodshot eyes and the slight bruising around her neck. Looking around the room, she saw a ladle beside a candlestick and a used needle on the nightstand.

Derpy’s jaw tightened as she glared at Quibble.

Rainbow Dash felt her chest get tight. “Derpy… He wasn’t that rough last night….” Derpy shot her a glare that sent a shiver down her spine. Rainbow Dash cowered as Derpy walked past her to the sink. “Derpy, please….” She said weakly. Another glare from Derpy caused her to shut up and lower her head.

Derpy grabbed a metal cup and filled it. She stormed up to Quibble, who was blissfully unaware of the angry teen filly before him. “Wake up!” She growled as she poured water on him.

Quibble jerked awake and jumped out of bed. “What the fuck?” He looked up and saw Derpy standing over him. He noticed her angry expression and sighed. “Look, I can explain….”

“Explain this!” Derpy threw the cup at his head.

“I wasn’t that rough!” He covered himself with the blanket from his bed.

“I call bullshit!” Derpy huffed as she walked up to Rainbow Dash and picked up an undershirt and her prison uniform. “Get dressed. We need to talk.”

Rainbow Dash shivered at her sister’s tone of voice. “Derpy, I’m okay….”

“Your neck says otherwise!” Derpy glared at Quibble. “And ketamine, you fucker!”

Quibble laid his head in his right hand. “It was a rough night last night….” He rubbed his head. “I thought it would help….”

“If you were craving a high, smoke something natural!” Derpy glared at him with her mismatched eyes.

Quibble glared right back at her. “Maybe you should try ketamine,” He chuckled. “It might help you see straight!” His eyes shrunk to the size of pin needles at realizing what he had just said. Derpy showed her teeth as she stepped up closer to him. “Derpy, I um….” She kicked him in the stomach and spat on him.

“Get dressed!” She barked at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash shivered as she got dressed. “Derpy, you don’t have to….”

Derpy placed her hand on Rainbow Dash’s lips. “Quiet!” She glared at Quibble. “Stay away from her until Jack says otherwise!” She grabbed Rainbow Dash’s hand and dragged her out of the cell.

Quibble placed his head in his hands. “Fuck….”

Rainbow Dash stared at her sister as they walked to the stairwell at the end of the catwalk. She saw her tense demeanor. She swallowed a lump. She rarely saw Derpy this mad. The last time she did…. She shivered as she pushed that thought behind her. “Derpy…. I’m fine.”

Derpy stopped as she turned around. “You’re fine?” She touched her sister’s neck and pulled back her fur to see her bruised skin. “This isn’t fine.”

Rainbow Dash pushed her hand away. “Come on, Derpy, you know Quibble, he would never hurt me!”

Derpy looked at her sister, studying her posture. “I know that….” She grabbed her hand and headed down the stairs. “But he needs to stop with the hardcore drugs and the rough sex!” As she walked down the stairs, she looked over the railing and saw Jack leaning on the catwalk railing by his cell. “After what you’ve been through…. After what we’ve been through, he knows better!”

Rainbow Dash hung her head and watched her hooves as she walked down the stairs. “I know….”

Derpy squeezed Rainbow Dash’s hand. “Just trying to watch out for my sister….” She let out a sigh as her wings twitched. “I know you love Quibble. I know he loves you, but he’s been acting a bit rough recently with you and us, and he needs to know not to do that.”

Rainbow Dash kept her head down as she walked with Derpy.

Derpy looked over her shoulder as she let out a sigh. Seeing Jack watching them approach, Derpy placed her left hand in her prison uniform’s pockets. “Good morning, Jack.”

“Good morning.” He looked at Rainbow Dash and noticed her disheveled appearance. “Good morning, Dash.”

“Morning….” She mumbled.

“Where’s Quibble?” He looked up at the third-story catwalk.

“Issues,” Derpy stated as she walked into his cell with Rainbow Dash.

Jack looked at the teen fillies and watched them sit at his table. Letting out a sigh, he walked into his cell and up to a table in the far corner with a camping stove and a coffee pot. “Coffee?”

“Yes.” They both stated.

Humming, he filled up three cups. Walking up to the table, he dished out the cups and took a seat in front of them. “How did the two of you sleep?”

“Good,” Derpy stated with a hum. Rainbow Dash just shrugged her shoulders as she put her cup of coffee to her lips.

Jack sighed as he finished his coffee. “Well, I’m glad you two got some rest because it will be a busy day.”

“How busy?” Rainbow Dash wondered.

“I need you and Derpy to collect dues from our cellblock residents.” Jack stood up and placed his cup in the sink. “I need to take them to Kingpin later today, so make it snappy.”

The teens nodded as they stood up. “What else?” Derpy asked.

“That’s it for me.” He looked at Dash and handed her a card. “It's your turn to work the mine today. You know what to do.” He looked at Derpy. “And it's your turn to work the greenhouse.” Both of them sighed as they exited Jack’s cell. “Remember.” They looked back at the man. “We have to do our part for the sake of the prison.” They nodded and left.

“I hate collecting dues.” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“It's better than working out there.” Derpy sighed. “The guards have free reign outside these walls.”

“True.” Rainbow Dash messed with the worn card in her hand. “But I like the wind blowing across my face when I walk to the mine.” She smiled. “And at least there is someone out there I can talk to.”

Derpy’s ears stood erect. “Him?” She raised her brow.

“What, Soarin is nice, he keeps the guards off of me, and I thank him for that.” Rainbow Dash blushed as she kept her eyes forward.

Derpy smiled as they walked. “Yeah, he is rather nice.” She wrapped an arm over her sister’s shoulders. “Are you sure there is anything else about him you like?”

Rainbow Dash blushed. “No, he’s just a friend like Thunderlane.” She put her hands in her prison outfit’s pockets. “I only love Quibble….”

Derpy sighed as she put her hands in her pockets. “Okay, just asking….” She looked forward. ‘He’d be better than him….’ She told herself as they walked down the stairs to the first floor. “How do you want to do this?”

Rainbow Dash could see her sister was upset, but she put it out of her mind as she looked to her left. “Let’s start here?” She patted her jumpsuit. “I don’t have a bag.”

“I do…. I had to collect dues last month.” Derpy smiled as she walked up to the first cell.

The pegasus mare on the other side noticed them approaching and grumbled. “Dues I take it?” She leaned on the bottom half of her double door.

“Yep.” Rainbow Dash took the bag from Derpy's hand and held it out. “How are you doing this morning, Mellow?”

“I could be better.” She looked over at her three children, who were no older than five, playing on the ground with wooden toys. “I just wish my blasted husband would stop wasting his money at cellblock five!” Her mood soured as she dropped four silver coins in the bag. “Stupid whores.”

Derpy and Rainbow Dash winced at her words. Their ears laid flat against their heads as they gave the mare sheepish smiles. The mare noticed their expression and softened her face at her realization. “I’m sorry….”

“It's fine.” Derpy smiled. “Um, have a great day….” She placed a hand on her sister’s shoulders as they walked to the next cell. “Are you alright?” She looked at Rainbow Dash, who was chewing her cheeks.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine, just remembered some bad memories, is all.” She wrapped her tail around herself. Her wings twitched as she picked up her pace.

Derpy sighed. “I forgot her husband was frequenting that cellblock….”

“Same.” Rainbow Dash sighed. Coming up to the next cell, she took a deep breath. “Come on, let’s get this done and over with.” Derpy nodded as she knocked on the cell’s door.

“TELL JACK HE CAN GO FUCK HIMSELF!” An angry earth pony slammed the door.

Derpy and Rainbow Dash stared at the door with wide eyes. Rainbow Dash blinked several times before an angry scowl adored her lips. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she saw Derpy shaking her head. “We’ll let Jack handle it.”

Rainbow Dash looked at the rather full bag and let out a sigh. “Fine…. It’s heavy anyways.” She tied the bag and tossed it over her shoulder. “I’ll race, yeah!”

Derpy flapped her wings and smirked. “You’re on!”

Flapping their wings they flew down to the second story. With great ease, they dodged clothes lines that stretched from catwalk to catwalk until landing on the second-story catwalk with soft thuds that caused its metal grate flooring to vibrate dull thunderous claps.

“I win!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“No! I won!’ Derpy huffed as they walked up to Jack’s cell.

“You would’ve if you had this bag weighing you down!” Rainbow Dash smirked and stuck out her tongue.

“You girls raced again?” Jack asked as he watched them enter his cell.

Rainbow Dash and Derpy looked over at Jack, sitting at his table with Coco on the other end. “Whatcha working on?”

Jack looked at the busted-up wooden box with wires and gears. “A clock I bartered for during last week’s shipment.” He looked at them. “How was the run?”

“Great!” Rainbow Dash tossed the bag on the floor.

“Shit, that’s a lot of money!” Coco’s eyes went wide as her tail fluffed up.

Jack hummed as he looked at them once more. “Who didn’t pay?”

“Asher from Cell 554,” Derpy stated bluntly.

“I’ll take care of it.” He could see Rainbow Dash had something on her mind by how she was fidgeting with her left wing. “Something wrong, Dash?”

Rainbow Dash shook her head, but her open mouth said otherwise. Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke. “Has Quibble been by?”

Jack nodded as he placed his head in his hands. “Yeah, I have him working with Sam upstairs on the Willow.” He looked at her. “You two keep your distance until the evening, understood?”

Rainbow Dash played with some of her primary feathers. “Understood….” She gave a halfhearted smile. “I’ll see you later on tonight.”

“See you as well.” Derpy gave a wave as she followed her sister out of the cell.

Coco tapped her fingers together. The mood in the room felt heavy. Jack could feel it and looked at the teen feline. “And that’s why I don’t let you date.”

“Why don’t you stop Dash?” Coco raised her brow.

Jack stroked his beard as he placed a delicate piece of the clock into place with a tweezer. “Because she’s stubborn.”

“I’m stubborn….” Coco’s whiskers stood stiff as she puckered her lips at Jack’s expression.

“Coco, don’t you start. Now pick up those tweezers and help.” Coco quickly picked them up and helped the man.

Rainbow Dash and Derpy stood in line for the only exit prisoners were allowed to use. It was a small set of double doors, guarded by two Mourning Hollow prison guards and two others checking to see if prisoners had the proper paperwork to exit.

“Damn…. This is taking forever!” Rainbow Dash sighed. "Feels like it's been an hour!"

“Looks like we’ll be home later than expected.” Derpy messed with her card.

“At least we’re almost there.” She saw the last few in the line exit through the doors. “Finally….”

“Do you have your card, prisoner?” One of the guards asked.

“Of course.” Rainbow Dash handed it over.

The guard looked at the card and saw her name, her prisoner I.D., and the job she was assigned to do. Looking back at her, he handed the card over. “Okay, you’re good to go next!” He saw Derpy and motioned for her to give him her card. She did so, and he looked it over. “The two misfits of Mourning Hollow.” He smirked. “Good luck out there.”

Derpy and Rainbow Dash nodded as they exited through the doors.

Stepping outside, a cold breeze washed over them. Their wings tightened up, and their feathers flexed as they made their way down the hilly landscape of the large island the prison called home. “Damn, I should’ve brought a jacket or something.” Rainbow Dash stuttered as she watched the wild waves crashing onto the rocky shore.

“Looks like a storm is rolling in!” Derpy shouted over the wind.

Rainbow Dash smacked her lips from the salt in the air as she squinted at the cloud-covered sky. Seeing the clouds rolling into themselves, she let out a sigh. “I just hope the rain stops on our way back….”

Hearing a cheerful shout, they looked to the sky and saw a pegasus prisoner flying into the air several yards away. She was cheering with a mad giggle as she flew out towards the sea.

“Oh, shit….” Derpy’s irises shrank as she and Rainbow Dash watched the mare fly in a drunken manner. A shot rang out across the island. Then several more, right after that. Red mist and several feathers puffed around the mare before she fell from the sky onto the rocky coast with a meaty thud.

Rainbow Dash looked towards one of six guard towers across the island and saw a guard aiming her rifle at the spot where the mare once was. “Damn….”

“Do you know who that was?”

“No…. And it’s a good thing we don’t….” Seeing the fork in the road, Rainbow Dash grabbed her sister and hugged her. “See you later.” Derpy tightened her hug before they broke it off and walked down their respected paths.

Nearing her destination, she stared at the metal shack that covered the entrance to the mine. She saw several guards standing around the shack, smoking and laughing the day away. She noticed one of the guards from her youth. She felt her stomach twist itself into a knot as she approached him.

Rainbow Dash grumbled as she put up the collar of her jumpsuit and lowered her head until her chin touched the base of her neck. The guard she recognized noticed her and smiled. “Lookie here, rainbow head is working the mines today!” Some of his fellow guards whistled as she approached.

Rainbow Dash glared at the stallion. “You know I’m underage.”

The guard smirked as he put a hand under her chin. She shivered at his touch. “You’re a prisoner, sweetheart. Out here, we can do whatever we want.” He stroked her chin.

“If you hurt me….”

“Hurt you?” The stallion smirked. “You know I’d never hurt you….” He lowered his head and got eye level with her. “You know I’m gentle.” He whispered in her ear. The feeling of his hot breath on her skin sent unpleasant chills down her spine.

“Look, I just want to get to work!” She showed him her card.

The guard snatched her hand and held it tight as he looked at the card. Rainbow Dash squeaked at the pressure on her wrist. “Oh, fancy that a card. But sweetie, my colts and I are guarding the shack, so there’s an extra step to enter for pieces of meat like you!” He smacked her butt, which caused her to kick his leg.

“Back off!” She growled.

The guard and his posse growled as they neared her.

“What the hell is going on here!” A nineteen-year-old pegasus stallion shouted as he brandished his weapon.

Rainbow Dash looked back and smiled at the older colt.

“Corporal, Soarin!” The guard saluted, “This prisoner was just causing trouble.”

“Causing trouble?” Soarin sighed as he walked up to them and grabbed her arm. “Were you causing trouble?” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “She says she wasn’t causing trouble?”

The guard hissed. “She’s obviously lying!”

Soarin looked down and saw she had a worker's pass. “All I see is she was trying to go to work.” He took the card and looked at it. “And five guards were getting in her way.”

The guard ground his teeth. “You little! You think you educated stuck-ups can tell us how to handle guard duties?”

Soarin gave the stallion a flat stare as he handed Rainbow Dash back her card. “Yes….” He showed off his rank. “I out rank you, Vector, and tell me? What will the warden think when I tell him that some of his guards prevented one of his prisoners from working and instead used her as their personal fuck toy!”

He frowned as he walked up to Vector and bashed him over the head with his rifle. “And what if Kingpin found out you hurt her! If you don’t know or have forgotten, you hollowed brain moron! He is her Godfather!” He knelt down and got in the stallion’s face. “And the warden can’t guarantee your safety once you enter that building.” He pointed at the massive prison in the distance.

Vector stared at the silhouetted behemoth and cowered. “I’m sorry I….”

“Get on your hooves! And do your job!” Soarin shouted as he grabbed Rainbow Dash’s arm. She looked back at the guards helping their comrade nurse his wound. Vector looked at her and showed his teeth as he sent daggers her way. She only smirked and stuck out her tongue as she entered the shack.

“Thanks for saving me!” Rainbow Dash breathed a sigh of relief as she followed Soarin to the front desk of the mineshaft.

“Call it perfect timing.” Soarin rubbed his brow. “I’m going to have paperwork tonight.”

“Sorry….” Rainbow Dash sighed as she stepped up to the desk to show her card. The guard on the other side nodded as he handed her a pickaxe and an oil lamp. “I wish I could give you my side of the story for your report.”

“Even if you could, they wouldn’t let you.” He grumbled as he walked with her to the elevator. “They see you as a lowlife after all.”

“Don’t remind me….” She sighed as she put the pickaxe on her shoulder. “That’s why the emperor sent me here, far away from his perfect empire.” She waited for the lift.

Soarin placed his hands behind his back. “You know I don’t agree with it.”

“I know….” She looked at him and studied his bright green eyes. “Thanks again for helping me.”

Soarin blushed. “Well, you are my friend.” He smiled at her. “Even though we met under less than favorable circumstances.”

The lift groaned as it came to a stop. The door opened, revealing a prisoner operating the controls. Seeing the two of them, the prisoner stared at them with wide eyes. “Um…. How many?”

“Just one.” Soarin helped her into the lift. “How long are you working for?”

“Six hours….” She saw him look at his wristwatch. “You’re going to wait for me?”

“I’ll be back, just in case.” He looked over his shoulder at the shack’s entrance. “Good luck, and don’t overdo it.” Before she could respond, the elevator doors closed.

“Damn, this is heavy!” Jack grumbled as he knocked on the door to a room on the sixth-floor catwalk above the panopticon’s ground floor. The door opened and revealed a pegasus stallion with amber-colored eyes, green-cyan fur, and a yellow mane and tail staring aback at Jack. “Hello, Chaser.”

“Hello, Jack.” He noticed the bag. “Have the dues?” Jack nodded. “Hand them over.”

“Not until I speak with Kingpin.” Jack gave the stallion a stern glare.

“Is that Jack?” Kingpin’s voice called out.

“Yes.” Chaser stated dully.

“Let him in!” Chaser stepped to the side and widened the door. “Jack is always allowed in, given our history.” Kingpin laughed as he smacked the cue ball. “How’s Dashie?” He frowned at his shot. “She didn’t come by to say hi to her Godfather?”

Jack sat the bag of coins down, but before he spoke, he looked over at the couch and saw Feather Gale sitting beside Lighting Dust. A cigarette rested on her lips as she brushed the filly’s mane. Feather Gale shot the man a stern glare. Jack ignored her as he walked up to Kingpin. “She had a rough night.”

Kingpin let out a sigh. “Well, I’ll send for her sometime this week to catch up. I would like to talk with her about some work I need her to do.”

“What kind of work?” Jack felt Lighting Dust sending daggers his way. He ignored the scantily clad teen and kept his eyes on the cue ball as Kingpin sent it flying towards the striped eleven ball.

“Oh, just some errands I need her to run for me at cellblock one and two.” He laughed. “You know she does more than just fight for me, Jack,” He stood up. “I hope your old age is not getting to you?”

“I do, Dusk.” Jack placed his hands on his hips.

“Frist name biases?” Kingpin smacked his cue stick on the ground as he walked up to Jack. “So it's this serious? What is it you need?”

“I want Dash to stop fighting for a month.” Jack frowned.

Kingpin bit his lower lip, showing off his fangs. “Jack, you know our arrangement. I can’t just do that.”

“Why not?”

Kingpin glanced over at Feather Gale, who looked away and kept to her work. “You know we made a deal! Myself, you, Steel Bit!”

“Don’t bring him into this!” Jack huffed.

Chaser, standing next to the door, arms crossed, stood up and stepped towards the man.

“It’s fine!” Kingpin held up a hand to stop him. “Look, trust me, when I see Dash take hits like that, it pains me, but you can’t deny she’s a fighter and loves it!”

“That’s my point.” Jack sighed. “She’s young and needs to spread them out, and she’s not doing that!” He frowned.

Kingpin let out a long sigh. His bat-like wings twitched as he stared at the man. The way humans looked was strange to him. Even after fourteen years in this hell hole, he always found their appearance peculiar. With their small nose and eyes. Their lack of fur on their bodies. Their tendency to be loud, but that could’ve been that most of them were pirates captured by the Pegasin Union’s navy.

“Fine, I’ll let her have a break from fighting….” He fidgeted with his cue stick. “But I want her working for me exclusively in three days, understood.”

Jack let out a sigh. “Fine by me.” He headed for the door. “You better keep your word, Dusk!”

Kingpin held up his arms. “I’ve been, haven’t I?” Jack nodded and left. Kingpin let out a held breath as he turned around and placed his hands on the billiard table.

“How I’m I going to get my dues?” Feather Gale asked, not looking up from her work. Lighting Dust felt the tug on her mane and let off a little squeak as she looked at her master.

Kingpin let out a sigh, “You’ll get your cut from the other jobs Dash will do for me.” He stood up and took a cigar out from his jacket’s pocket. “Don’t you worry.” He stepped up to her and stared at her with his cat-like eyes. “And don’t you dare do anything stupid. You’ll get your money!” Kingpin looked down at his slave and smiled. “She looks beautiful, by the way.”

Feather Gale smiled. “Always happy to make house calls, my dear.”

“So, how was the mine?” Soarin asked as he laid down in the grass near the rocky shores on the island's southern tip.

“Shit….” Rainbow Dash sighed as she wrapped her tail around her for some extra warmth.

“Exciting….” Soarin stared at the sky. The late afternoon sun was trying to break through the thick clouds. Feeling some of the sun’s rays, he let out a pleased hum. “I wish I wasn’t working this damned island.”

“You already getting tired of me?” Rainbow Dash teased, but a part of her worried about his answer.

“No, I just wish we were somewhere else.” His dark-navy-blue mane flapped with the wind. “This stupid war and the emperor’s moronic laws fucken suck!”

Rainbow Dash looked at the young stallion. She studied his posture and saw that it was in a state of calm. She pictured herself with him, Quibble, Derpy, and the rest of her friends on the mainland, freely exploring without a care in the world. A happier life. A happier life indeed. She got closer and laid her head against the side of his chest.

Soaring blushed as he felt her up against him. He was stunned and didn’t know what to do or say. “Um, Dash? If they catch us like this, we’re both fucked.”

Rainbow Dash's short burst of comfort washed away as she opened her eyes and sat up. “You think I don’t know that.” She played with a blade of grass. “Just thanking you for being a friend….” She gave him a smile. “You’re not like the other guards.”

“Because I was forced into becoming a cop.” He stood up and stretched his wings. “To help enforce the emperor’s increasingly unhinged laws.” He looked down at his lap. “Not what I wanted to do with my life.”

“Isn’t that the story of our lives?” Rainbow Dash looked down at her own lap.

Soarin hummed a response as he looked at his watch. “Looks like you need to get back. He stood up and offered her a hand. She blushed as she took his offer.

“When will I see you again?”

“Do you work out here again?”

“Not for another four days.” She placed her hands in her pockets.

“Then I’ll be inside mulling about doing stupid guard stuff.” He gave her a smirk as he led her to the prison. Rainbow Dash giggled as she playfully pushed him and walked by his side.

Entering her cell, Rainbow Dash saw Quibble lying on the top mattress of their bunk bed. “What are you doing up there?”

“In the dog house.” He grumbled as he swung his left leg off the edge of the bed.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she walked up to the bed. “You know I forgive you.” She ran her fingers through the sides of her mane. “We just took it a little too far last night.”

Quibble puffed out a sigh. “Derpy thinks I’m abusing you.”

“She’s just worried, is all.” Rainbow Dash placed her hand on his hoof. “I know you’d never hurt me.”

Quibble lifted his head up. His expression was flat, but his eyes held some guilt as he crawled up to the bedside and placed his hands on her cheeks. “Sorry.”

Rainbow Dash gave him a smirk. “Apology accepted.” She kissed him.

“So, any news?” Quibble asked. “I know you had to stop by Jack's before coming here?”

“Yeah….” She flopped on the bed.

Quibble jumped out of the top bunk and laid on the mattress with her. “What is it?”

“Well, it's official. I won’t be fighting for a month.” Rainbow Dash blew out a sigh.

“What’s the catch?” Quibble crossed his arms behind his back.

“I have to work for my Godfather for the next month.” Rainbow Dash felt a strange sensation wash over her as she thought about the bat pony.

“Shit!”

Jack sat at his table and watched the clock he'd fixed ticking away. Coco lay in the bed opposite his. Her fur stood on end as she dreamt the night away. Hearing her soft purrs, he smirked as he messed with the clock’s dials. “Jack?”

Looking over his shoulders, he saw a human female in her mid-thirties. Her hair was blonde, and her blue eyes showed she was a stern woman who was stubborn as all hell. “I have a message for you.” She held up a letter.

“Place it here, Donna.”

Donna placed the note next to him and gave a salute as she left.

Seeing that Coco was still fast asleep, he picked up the letter and opened it. As he began to read, his eyes narrowed. His lips turned into a scowl as he crumpled up the paper. “Those sons of bitches!” He hissed under his breath.

CHAPTER 6 - Do Me A Favor

Rainbow Dash sipped her coffee slowly as she stared into its black abyss. She sat around a large table in a cell converted into a restaurant. One of five restaurants in their cellblock.

Derpy and Quibble, who she sat in between, were sipping their own cups of coffee. Derpy looked calm as she hummed a soft tune to herself. Quibble, on the other hand, looked like his head would explode. “Gah, damn it….”

Derpy and Rainbow Dash looked at the colt. “What’s wrong?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Why did Coco call for a meeting this early?” He glared at the door. “And, of course, we’re the only ones on time!”

“She trusts us to get here on time. As for the others, she needs to gather them.” Derpy hummed.

Quibble groaned as he stared at her with tired eyes. Rainbow Dash looked at her boyfriend’s posture and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Everything will be fine. It’s just a meeting.”

Quibble sighed. “I hope so.” Hearing the cell door open, the trio looked up and saw their group of friends.

Coco looked over and waved. “I knew you’d be on time.” She looked at the others. “Take your seats while I order us some pancakes.”

Thunderlane, Lapis, Soft Paws, Jacky, and Thomas, took their seats at the table.

“How are you guys?” Rainbow Dash placed her head in her hands.

“Alright.” Thomas, a dark-skinned human boy, stated as he leaned back in his chair.

“So, is Coco in a good mood?” Derpy pondered.

“Um, sort of?” Thunderlane shrugged his shoulders.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU NEED TO CHECK?”

The group of friends looked over at the irate feline.

“Come on, Dale! The guards just had a supply run a few days ago, and I bartered a lot of good shit to get you what you needed!” Coco leaned on the counter.

“Calm, child!” Dale shouted as he stepped out of the backroom with a bag of flour. “You’re in luck. You can have your pancakes!” He laughed. His wife, an earth pony mare working the stove, gave a chuckle at the two.

Coco pouted as she rolled her eyes. “Thank you, Dale….” She looked over at her friends and saw them trying to hold their laughter. “Hilarious guys!” She walked up to her friends, took her seat beside Thomas, and faced Rainbow Dash. “I’m glad you’d showed up.” She smirked at the prism maned teen, her canines showing as she smiled.

“Did I have a choice?” Rainbow Dash picked up her cup of coffee and put it to her lips.

“Yeah, you didn’t have to.” Coco crossed her arms on the table. “But Jack would be a little upset.”

“Jack?” Quibble raised his brow. “What do you mean?”

“We’re in deep shit!” Coco hissed.

“So that’s why you’re grumpy.” Soft Paws hummed with a giggle. Seeing the harsh glare Coco gave him, his ears and whiskers drooped as he cowered in his seat.

“Why are we in deep shit?” Derpy asked.

Before Coco could answer, a large plate of pancakes was placed on the table. “You kids enjoy!” Dale laughed as he gave each of them a plate. “Anyone wants coffee?” The others raised their hands. “Coffee it is!”

Taking a pancake, Coco let out a sigh as she poured some syrup on it. “Do you guys remember Dash’s fight with Nicholas the other day?” She stared at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash returned her frown.

“Uh, yeah, it was badass….” Feeling the mood was stiff, Soft Paws lowered his head as he took a small bite of his pancake.

Coco let out a sigh. “Yeah, badass for our cellblock, but for cellblock eight, they’re fucking mad!” She took an aggressive bite of her meal. “Our relationship is now fully in the gutter!”

Lapis shivered. “Don’t tell us Jack has us on damage control?”

“He does,” Thomas stated as he took a sip of his coffee. “He wants us to send cellblock eight a care package of peace.”

Quibble felt his throat tighten. “We’ll have to double our morning's batch of willow!”

“Cellblock three is going to hate us,” Jacky mumbled as she nibbled on her piece of pancake.

“Jack has it under control.” Coco sighed, “And Sam knows already.” She stated, trying to calm the group. “He’s meeting with the cellblock counsel today.”

“How does Jack expect us to even enter cellblock eight?” Rainbow Dash rubbed her brow. “If they hate our guts?”

“He said you would know-how.” Coco gave Rainbow Dash a snarky smirk. “Work that charm of yours.” She hummed a giddy tune.

“Me?” Rainbow Dash felt her chest get heavy. “Why?”

“Because he believes it will bring down tension.” Coco huffed. “I have no clue how it will work, given what you did, but he thinks if you go, it will help!” She looked at Derpy. “And he wants you to tag along with her.”

Rainbow Dash stared at her half-eaten pancake. “SHIT!”

“Well, we wouldn’t be in this situation if you hadn’t fought Nickolas in the first place!” Coca growled, her anger caused her fur to stand on end. Rainbow Dash growled right back. Coco stopped herself as she saw the hurt in her friend’s eyes. “Dash….” Coco settled down. “I’m sorry, I’m just frustrated for my dad….”

Rainbow Dash’s eyebrows tightened as she let out a huff. “So am I!” She mumbled as she took a bite of her pancake.

Her friends sighed as they slowly returned to their meals, hoping the quiet would bring a sense of calm to the group.

Swallowing her bite, Rainbow Dash stared at her pancake soaking up the surrounding syrup. She let out a soft sigh and rested her head in her left hand. Hearing someone enter the restaurant, she turned her attention to the door and saw a pegasus stallion take his seat at a table by the door. His grey-colored fur and black mane made him stick out like a sore thumb. But most of all, it’s his eyes that caused her to shiver. His bright white eyes stared back at her lovingly, like a father would to their child.

“Dash?” Derpy noticed her friend staring off into space. “Are you alright?” Not getting a response, Derpy looked at Quibble and gave him a frown. The colt held up his hands and gave her a shrug. Rolling her eyes, she placed her hands on her shoulders. “Dash?”

Rainbow Dash broke from her mindless haze. “What?” She looked over at the others and saw their worried faces. Feeling her cheeks blush, she looked down at their meals and saw that they had already finished them. Embarrassed, she quickly downed her meal, but not before looking at the stallion once last time…. Confusion racked her brain as she saw he wasn’t sitting at the table.

Derpy felt her throat tighten as she saw her friend’s hands shaking. Concerned, she looked at their friends, asking for an answer to her woes. They all shrugged and gave her looks of confusion. “Dashie?” Again, Derpy placed her hands on her shoulders. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yep!” Rainbow Dash shoved the last bite of pancake in her mouth. “Let’s go!” She said through a full mouth as she left the restaurant. Nervously, her friends followed, concerned for her state of mind.

Rainbow Dash and Derpy walked along the fifth-floor catwalk towards the end of the cellblock. Nearing their destination, they entered a large corner cell. Within the cell are twenty children of varying ages and races working at two round oak tables, bagging white powder into small burlap pouches.

Off in the corner, a human female stood beside two children, one an earth pony filly and the other a human boy. The children stirred a white mixture simmering in large cast-iron pots.

“Yo, Sam!” Derpy shouted as she and Rainbow Dash neared the trio.

The human female turned around and stared at the two with her stern brown eyes. “Well, isn’t it Jack’s two little misfits?” She stepped up to them. “How are you guys?”

“We’re good.” Rainbow Dash replied.

Sam nodded. “That’s good.” She looked over at the crudely made vault in the lefthand corner of the room. “Here to pick up our ‘forgive us’ care package?”

“Yes.” Rainbow Dash placed her hands in her jumpsuit’s pockets.

“I hope this smooths things over.” Sam huffed as she tossed over the large duffle bag at Rainbow Dash’s and Derpy’s hooves.

“So do we.” Rainbow Dash and Derpy grabbed the bag and headed out of the room.

Walking out of their cellblock, Derpy and Rainbow Dash slowly made their way through the main floor of the panopticon. Above them on the fifth-floor catwalks are several pegasus guards watching the prisoners that mulled about on the main floor.

Rainbow Dash and Derpy weaved through the crowds that shopped at the many stalls that dotted the main lobby floor. Partaking in conversation with one another. Eating at restaurants along the panopticon’s wall. Playing and gambling with board games, and trading between the ten cellblocks.

Placing the duffle bag on the ground, Derpy wiped her brow. “You, okay?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Derpy nodded. “Yeah, just catching my breath.”

“Have you been exercising like I’ve been telling you?” Rainbow Dash raised her brow.

“Sort of….”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she looked around at the entrances to the other cellblocks.

She saw several police guards standing at the gates of cellblock one. Through the gate’s iron bars, she could see the lavish space the prisoners within lived. The concrete walls were painted a brilliant white. Even the polished concrete floor shined like a mirror.

Over by cellblock two, she saw several residents putting on puppet shows and or playing musical instruments. Derpy also looked over at cellblock two and smiled as she noticed a puppet show her mother would take her to see when she was younger.

Both Rainbow Dash and Derpy groaned as they looked over at cellblock three. Their disdain grew as they saw a teen female fox with orange-red fur standing outside her cellblock with a duffle bag in hand. She stood beside a bat-pony stallion with black fur and bright blue eyes. The bat-pony noticed them and showed them his teeth with a snarl. The fox also turned her attention to them, and her eyes went wide when she noticed their duffle bag.

“Looks like Rexy is more shocked than mad.” Derpy quipped.

“Wait for it….” Rexy’s expression soured. “There’s the Rexy we know and love.” Rainbow Dash teased as she grabbed her side of the duffle bag. Derpy rolled her eyes as she picked up her side and continued on their way. Nearing cellblock eight, they noticed a mare standing outside the cellblock’s gate.

“Hold it!” The mare spat as she noticed them approaching. “State your business!”

“We’re here to fix tensions.” Rainbow Dash replied with a dull tone as she opened the duffle bag to show the many pouches of willow.

The mare whistled and nodded her head at the gate. “Fifth floor back of the cellblock, they’re expecting you.”

Entering the room specified by the mare, Rainbow Dash and Derpy found themselves standing before a large oak table. A human male, an earth pony stallion, and a male fox sit around the table with Nicolas and one of his friends sitting on the left side of the table.

Nicholas stared at Rainbow Dash and glared daggers at her.

Rainbow Dash winced at his swollen face.

Derpy gave the leaders of cellblock eight a small wave. “Um…. Hi.”

Nicholas growled through swollen lips. “Bitch….”

“Nicolas, shut your mouth!” The feline hissed.

“You guys look like you’re in a peachy mood.” Rainbow Dash hummed a little tune.

“Already acting like a smart ass, are we?” The fox gave a smirk. “You’re in no position to be talking shit!”

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth as she and Derpy tossed the duffle on the table. “Let’s get this over with!” She spat. “Here’s your stupid gift!” She unzipped the bag.

Cellblock eight’s council members looked at the bag of drugs with wide eyes. Composing himself, the human let out a sigh as he leaned back in his chair. “Good, very good.” He took out a bag of coins.

Rainbow Dash raised her brow. “What’s that for?”

“It’s for you.” The human smiled. Nervously Rainbow Dash approached the man, but before she could grab the bag of coins, the human raised it over her head. “There is something I need you two to do for us.”

Rainbow Dash felt a little nauseous. “What?”

Derpy shivered. “What do you want us to do?”

The human gave a low, raspy hum. “We want to add one more thing to the deal.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes go wide. “Fuck no!” She gritted her teeth. “We aren’t doing that!” She took a protective stance in front of Derpy.

The fox rubbed his brow. “Not that you imbecile!” He sat up and walked up to them. “If Jack found out we forced you to have sex with us, he’ll have our heads!” He placed his hands on their shoulders. “Instead, we have a job for you two.”

“W-What type of job?” Derpy wondered.

“Oh, a simple one….” He scratched the back of their ears. “We have someone skipping out on paying their debts.”

“You want us to collect what’s due?” Rainbow Dash played with her tail.

“Yes, the feline replied. “But we’re not interested in money….” He ran a finger along his neck like a knife. “We want her dead.”

“Her?... Who’s the target?” Derpy and Rainbow Dash looked at one another with concern.

Rainbow Dash and Derpy stood a few feet away from cellblock five. Sweat coated Rainbow Dash’s body as she stared at the scantily clad females and males standing around the gate. One lonely red lightbulb hung above the gate, flickering haphazardly.

“Oh, shit!” Derpy hissed under her breath. “Don’t tell me we have to go in there?” She looked at her sister and saw that she was trembling. “Dashie, are you alright?”

“Wha….” Rainbow Dash whipped her head around to face Derpy. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she tried to speak. “Um…. I…. Fuck!” Her cries echoed off the walls of the panopticon. Several prisoners and guards looked over at her with confused stares.

“Dash! Keep your voice down!” Derpy grabbed her by the shoulders and sat her down at one of the many benches dotting the floor.

“Is this some sick joke?” Rainbow Dash spat. “Why would they send us here!”

“I…. I don’t know?” Derpy whined. “Just calm yourself, please!” She began to rub her back. “You know what happened last time.”

“I…. I can’t….” Rainbow Dash struggled to catch her breath.

“I know! I know!” Derpy tried to fight back her own tears.

“You can’t? What on earth do you mean by that, dearie?” A calm, soothing voice asked. Derpy and Rainbow Dash whipped their heads and saw Feather Gale standing behind them. Their hearts skipped a beat as she sat between them. “So, what are you two doing near my cellblock?”

Rainbow Dash felt herself go numb. Her voice was stuck as her mind raced a million miles a second. Derpy, however, kept her cool somewhat. “We, uh, can’t tell you?”

“Oh, what a shame. I would like to know…. But,” Feather Gale gave them a sly smirk. “Let me take a guess…. You’re here to try out some new merchandise? Or maybe you’ve got an itch that needs to be scratched? Or maybe, just maybe….” She laid her arms around their necks. Both fillies cowered under her embrace. “You finally saw the errors of your ways and want to….”

“NO!” Rainbow Dash shouted, pushing the mare away. She quickly stood up, brandished a shank, and pointed its tip at the mare’s face. Some prisoners nearby looked on. Some were concerned, while others hoped for a fight. The guards on the catwalks looked down at the scene with mild interest.

Derpy panicked and jumped to her sister’s side and grabbed her offending arm. “Dashie, please….” She whispered.

Feather Gale took a deep breath, gently pushed the blade to the side, and stood up. “You should listen to her, Dashie.” She placed her hand under Rainbow Dash’s chin. “You’re such a mess.” She scratched her chin. Rainbow Dash lost her resolve from the mare’s affection. “What did they do to you?”

Derpy growled at the mare. “Stop it!” She pulled her sister away from the mare.

Feather Gale looked at the crossed-eyed filly. “You were always stubborn.” She sighed as she stood up and leaned on her cane. “As you wish, Derpy….” She walked towards her cellblock. Before she got too far from the fillies, she gave them a sly smirk. “Just remember who you truly are and where you belong.” She stepped into the cellblock and faded into the darkness.

Derpy glared at the gate, but she broke her gaze as she felt Rainbow Dash go limp in her arms. “Dashie?” Her sister began to sob uncontrollably. “Shh… We need to get home….”

Getting to Rainbow Dash’s cell, Derpy helped her sister get to her bed. But before she had the chance to set her down, Rainbow Dash broke out into intense shakes and shivers. “Dash?” Derpy looked down in a panic. Rainbow Dash’s only response was choked, gurgling as her body jerked violently. Scared, Derpy gently laid her on the ground and bolted to the door. “JACK!”

“She should be okay….” Dr. Hooves sighed as he rummaged through his bag. “Give her this if she’s still disoriented.” He handed Jack a syringe with a white-colored liquid.

“Thanks….” Jack stared at the syringe.

Quibble laid by Rainbow Dash’s side. “Why would she have a seizure?” He growled. “I thought she got over them?” Her friends sat around her. Looks of concern coated their expressions.

“It’s my fault….” Coco growled. “I should’ve gone to confront them myself!”

“No one knew that they would demand that of her!” Soft Paws stated, giving her a glare.

“I think they did it as payback,” Jacky commented with a huff as she sat beside Derpy, looking down at her friend.

“Bastards!” Quibble hissed.

Jack looked at the teens and gave a low sigh. “Give her some room. She needs to rest.”

“But!” Derpy whined.

“But, nothing, now all of you get!” Jack demanded. “There’s still work to be done.” The teens piled out of the cell and down to the first floor.

“I take it you want me to sleep somewhere else tonight?” Quibble asked.

“No…” Jack replied. “She’ll need you tonight, besides….” He checked his watch. “It’s only four pm. I think she’ll be fine by nightfall.”

Quibble nodded and headed out. “Are you coming?” He asked as he stood in the doorway.

“No… I’ll stay here until she wakes up.”

Rainbow Dash gagged at the aftertaste of bile lingering in her mouth. With a groan, she woke up to a severe migraine that pulsed across her skull. She hissed as she rolled over, huffing as she got into a comfortable position.

“You’re awake.” Jack hummed softly.

Hearing his voice, she looked at the end of her bed and saw him sitting there, his back leaning against the wall. “Jack?”

“Hey, kiddo, you doing alright?” Jack took one of her hooves and rubbed it.

Rainbow Dash tried to sit up, but her limbs struggled to lift her. “Damn it….” She laid back down. “No…” She whined. “What happened?”

Jack let out a long breath. “You had a seizure about twelve minutes ago.” Rainbow Dash looked around in confusion. “Feels like a long time, huh?” She let out a huff. Silence filled the room as they sat staring at the wall directly in front of them. “Who was the pony or person they wanted dead?” Jack finally asked, breaking the silence. Rainbow Dash pulled her blanket closer to her chin, trying to hide from the world. “Dash?” He asked again. “Who is it?” She moaned. “Is it someone you know?”

Rainbow Dash felt tears roll down her face. “Yes…” Her eyes went wide as she saw three dark figures standing behind Jack. Their eyes were a bright white. She couldn’t make out their features and only saw their silhouettes.

“Dash? Are you ok?” Jack scooted closer to her, shaking her.

She kept her eyes on the figures as they stepped closer. Their features came into focus. Her spine shivered as her limbs went numb. The figures were a pegasus stallion, and pegasus mare who held a pegasus foal no more than a year old. “Mom… Steel.…” She stared at the infant with tear-stained eyes. “Juniper….”

Jack turned around and looked at the spot she was staring at. He saw nothing and stared at her with a dull expression. Looking at the syringe, he huffed as he stuck it in her arm. She squirmed at the sting, panicking as she felt the drug enter her bloodstream. But soon, a sense of calm overwhelmed her. Her mind’s wild thoughts faded away. He scooped her up and carried her out of her room with a sigh.

“Where… Are we… going?” She slurred.

“To be with your mother, Dash,” He replied softly.

Lilly Drops laid in her bed, reading a book. Candlelight flickered next to her, giving her cell a calm, inviting ambiance.

“Hello, Lilly.”

Lilly Drops looked up from her book and saw Jack standing in the doorway. A chill ran down her spine as she stared at her adopted daughter in his arms. “What happened?”

“It’s alright.” Jack calmed her woes. “She had a seizure.” He walked into the room.

“What caused her seizure?” Lilly Drops asked. She watched Jack set Rainbow Dash on her bed. She set her book down and pulled her daughter in an embrace.

“It’s my fault….”

Lilly Drops felt herself go numb. “What did you do?”

“I had her go to cellblock eight to help mend our relationship….” Jack leaned against the wall. “They told her she had to do a hit job for them.”

Lilly Drops frowned. “Who is it?”

“Berry Punch.” Jack sighed.

“Cellblock five!” Lilly Drops growled. “JACK, YOU SON OF A BITCH!”

“Lilly!” Jack grimaced, “How the hell was I supposed to know they’d do that?!”

“You’re part of the damned council!” Lilly Drops glared at him, her eyes full of tears. She let out a moan and looked down at Rainbow Dash. Her quivering hand stroking her mane.

Jack looked away and gave a long sigh. “I’ll make it right.”

“You better…” Lilly Drops whispered with a hiss, her gaze still on her daughter.

CHAPTER 7 - New Arrivals

Jack stood before the entrance to the Cellblock Council meeting room on the fifth floor above the main entrance of the prison. He eyed the metal door blocking his path to the other side. He studied the light coating of rust across its metal skin with a scowl.

“Uh, prisoner?”

“Jack….” Jack looked to his left and saw a pegasus guard. His dark-navy-blue uniform contrasted against his cream-colored fur and black mane and tail. “Are you gonna need my number?”

“No….” The guard huffed. “Just wondering if you’re just going to stand there all day?” The guard tightened his grip on his pump-action shotgun.

Jacks stared at the gun. “Just gathering my thoughts.” He placed his hand on the door’s handle.

The guard rolled his eyes. “Humans….” He muttered under his breath. His wings twitched as he turned his attention back to the lobby of the panopticon.

Staring at the guard for a couple of seconds, Jack shrugged his shoulders and stepped inside. Entering the room, he saw Kingpin sitting at the head of a large oak table. On Jack’s right was Feather Gale, and on his left were the leaders of cellblock eight.

Jack noticed Feather Gale’s smug look and gave her a frown as he stood over her. She disliked his attitude and returned his scowl.

“Hello, Jack!” Kingpin laughed, holding up his cigar. “As you can see, I brought the cellblock leaders you asked for.” He puffed on his cigar. “But for what reason, I don’t know?” Cigar smoke left his nostrils as his bat-like wings twitched. “I need to know the reason for this impromptu meeting? Especially at five o’clock in the morning!”

“Shut it!” He glared at Kingpin as he returned his attention to Feather Gale. “You sad, sad excuse of a mare!” He placed his hands on the table and leaned his face closer to hers, getting intimate. “You told them to send her to your cellblock! Didn’t you?”

Feather Gale kept her eyes on her drink. “And what if I did?”

“Did you not?” He slammed the table with his left hand. The leaders of cellblock eight cowered slightly while Kingpin kept his composure.

She sipped her gin and glared at the man. “Yes, yes, I did.”

Jack glared at the leaders of cellblock eight. His grey-colored eyes were sharp as a razor’s edge. They looked away from the man’s harsh stare. “Why did you want her to kill Berry Punch? You son of a bitch!” He sent his ire Feather Gale’s way.

Feather Gale laughed.

“What is it?”

“Berry Punch? Berry Punch!” Jack, you buffoon! It was just a ploy! You of all ponies… I mean, people should’ve known that?” She finished her cup of gin. “Berry Punch is doing a fine job fucking herself over. I don’t need Derpy or Rainbow Dash for that.” She let out a little giggle. “Just needed a reason for them to enter my block. But apparently, my plan failed. She clamed up before she even stepped a hoof in my block.” She clicked her tongue in a cooing manner. “Jack, I’m very disappointed. I raised her better than that….”

“You’ve done shit!” He shoved his face against hers. “You’ve done enough damage to her that it took nearly two years to get her to where she is today, along with Derpy!” He slammed his hand on the table once more. “And she almost relapsed back into the puppet you made her into!”

She slightly lowered her head as her ears folded against her head.

Kingpin looked at the two, but his stern eyes were mainly on Feather Gale. She cowered even further and tapped her finger on the rim of her empty cup. “Feather Gale?” He took a puff of his cigar. “What did I tell you?”

She looked at the bat pony. “Leave Rainbow Dash alone….”

“Precisely.” He looked at Jack. “And Jack?” Jack turned his eyes to the stallion. “You may house Rainbow Dash in your block, but I am her guardian. I own her.” He placed his fingers together. “I guess this fight she participated in got out of hand.” He looked at the beings in the room. “Let’s move past this. The last thing we need is this prison to return to the guards.” He put out his cigar. “We worked so hard to get this prison back to the way things were after the riot three years ago, and I aim to keep it that way.”

Jack, Feather Gale, and the leaders of cellblock eight nodded.

Kingpin let out a sigh. “Good….” He stood up. “Now that’s finished, don’t forget we are getting a new batch of prisoners today.” He laughed.

“What kind?” Jack asked.

“From what I’ve heard, war prisoners.” Kingpin put his hand on the door handle.

“War?” The human leader from cellblock eight asked. “The Pegasin Union is at war again?”

“Sounds like it.” Kingpin opened the door. “Now, don’t let your grudges get out of hand!” He shut the door behind him.

Rainbow Dash sat with her friends in the back corner of Dale’s restaurant. She crossed her arms as she laid her head on the table. She shivered as she stared at her hooves, watching herself scrape them across the smooth concrete floor. Her magenta eyes trembled, and her prism tail wagged back n’ forth.

Her friends studied her dull expression. Swallowing some of her watered-down orange juice, Derpy scooted closer to her sister. “Are you alright?”

Rainbow Dash stopped moving her hooves and lifted her head from the table. “No….” She rubbed her eyes as she leaned her head back. “Why did they want Berry Punch dead?” Tears fought to exit her eyes. “She’s a good pony!”

Derpy bit her lip as she ran her fingers through her canary-colored mane. “I don’t know, but I do know she would’ve wanted you to move on and stay strong.”

“Derpy!” Rainbow Dash huffed. “You of all ponies should care about this!” Tears poured down her face. “Berry Punch did so much of us!” She took a deep breath. “She did everything she could to protect us when we were in there….”

“Dash!” Derpy chastised. “Of course, I care, but we can do nothing about it without going back in there!” She placed her hand under Rainbow Dash’s chin and looked into her eyes. “And there is no way I’m ever letting myself or you back in that hellhole!”

“What the hell is going on in here?” Jack stood in the doorway and stared at the group of teens.

“She’s having another episode,” Coco stated.

Jack looked at Rainbow Dash and saw her shivering form. “Dash?” He walked up to her. He got on his knees and placed a hand on her shoulder. “What’s bothering you?”

Rainbow Dash looked at him with tired eyes. She studied the course hairs of his grey beard. The rough texture of his face, the dark rings under his eyes. His calming father-like aura. “Berry Punch….”

Jack sighed and patted her on the head. “You don’t need to worry about her.”

“What do you mean?” Derpy wondered.

“Feather Gale set the whole thing up. She doesn’t want her dead. She hoped you’d step into her cellblock, take her bait to make it easier for her goons to kidnap you two.” He glanced at the clock over the table.

Rainbow Dash felt a weight lift off her shoulders. “Thank goodness….” She let out a troubled sigh.

Jack looked at the teens with a smirk. “I want all of us to move on from what happened yesterday.”

“What?” Quibble growled. “They need to pay! Who said we need to move on? You?”

Jack glared at the earth pony colt. “No, not me, Kingpin.” He saw the colt cower a bit. “If you have complaints, talk to him.” He looked at the others. “Any other objections?” Seeing none of them responding, he let out a huff. “Then we are in agreement. Now let’s go. It’s a busy day.”

Exiting the restaurant, the group walked in silence as they made their way to the front gate of their cellblock.

“What are we doing today?” Lapis asked.

“You’re going to alert the cellblock and get it ready,” Jack stated flatly.

“Ready for what?” Soft Paws asked.

“For a batch of new prisoners, which are arriving today.” Jack stepped up to a group of prisoners acting as cellblock seven’s gate guards.

“Really?” Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up.

“Yes, really.” Jack smiled at Rainbow Dash. He looked at the group of prisoners. “I want you two to come with me.”

The two gate guards looked at Jack with wide eyes. “Understood. Where are we going?”

“To the main gates.” Jack made his way out of the cellblock.

“Can we come?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“No, I want to make this go by smoothly. Kingpin said it was first come, first serve during the last council meeting a few days ago….” Jack looked at the group of teens, but his attention was squarely on Rainbow Dash. “I want you to stay here and get things ready, understood.” The teens nodded their heads. Rainbow Dash looked down at the ground and let out a sigh. Jack smiled as he left the cellblock.

Rainbow Dash and her friends headed up to the fifth floor with a sigh. “Uh, Dash?” Quibble studied her demeanor. “Are you thinking about doing something you shouldn’t?”

“Yes!” She glared at her colt friend. “And you’re not going to stop me!” She crossed her arms.

“Why do you want to go out there?” Coco huffed. “Jack gave us orders.”

“Aren’t you curious about the new arrivals?” Rainbow Dash groaned.

“We’ll see them eventually.” Coco dully stated. “Besides, these past few days have been a rollercoaster for you, for all of us.” She placed a hand on her shoulder. “Lay low, will yah?”

Rainbow Dash stared at the feline’s eyes. “I…. I…. I’m sorry!” She bolted down the stairs and out of the cellblock.

“Rainbow, WAIT!” Derpy chased after her.

“Aw, shit!” Quibbled huffed. “We’ll be right back!” He apologized as he chased after them.

Coco let out a sigh and crossed her arms as she stared at the confused cellblock guards.

“What’s gotten into her lately?’ Thunderlane pondered, scratching his head,

“I have no clue?” Jacky crossed her arms.

Rainbow Dash, Derpy, and Quibble wormed their way through the dense crowds congregating around the main entrance, many eager to see the new arrivals, while a hopeful few looked for an opportunity to escape through the gates.

Such a hopeless dream it was.

Not getting a good view of the entrance, Rainbow Dash got onto a table and stood on her tippy hooves. “Do you see them?’ Derpy asked as she stood beside her sister.

“No, not yet.”

Quibble let out a heavy breath and rested his hands on his knees. “You know…. If Jack finds out, he’s gonna kill us!”

“If that was the case, we should’ve been dead long ago.” Rainbow Dash teased as she flicked her tail in his face.

He grumbled as he pushed her tail away. “That’s not the point!”

“You didn’t have to come!” Her wings flapped from her frustration.

Quibble frowned as he looked at Derpy. “What do you think?”

Derpy looked at the stallion. She took her sister’s hand. “I’m with her.”

“Of course….” Quibble let out a long sigh. “What do you expect to see?”

“I….” Hearing the siren go off, Rainbow Dash turned her attention to the main gates.

“Prisoners of Morning Hollow Island, we are opening the gates! A new batch of arrivals will be calling this place home! Make it a warm welcome!” A voice over the loudspeaker laughed. Rainbow Dash eagerly eyed the gate, waiting for a glimpse of the new faces as they entered the panopticon.

Jack and the two gate guards of his cellblock stood by a table laid out for him. He crossed his arms as he watched the gate slowly open. He could feel the ocean air as it rushed into the stuffy prison. It’s been a while since he worked the iron mine outside the prison walls. The smell of salty air was a rare sensation for him. Being a leader of a cellblock kept him from working outside jobs…. He breathed in the fresh air and let out a sigh…. Oh, the days of being a pirate entered his mind once more.

“Enjoying the breeze?”

Jack’s smile faded as he looked to his right and saw Feather Gale and four of her goons standing at the other table a few feet from him. “Yes… Yes, I am.”

“That’s good to hear.” Feather Gale hummed as she crossed her arms. “I have to say I’m quite excited. It will be nice to freshen up my inventory.”

Jack stared at the mare. He ground his teeth softly as he turned his attention back to task and saw the first batch of prisoners slowly walking through the gates, with their hands bound by chains.

Feather Gale smiled as she scanned the prisoners. Her eyes widen as she’s drawn to a pegasus filly, no more than eight years old. The filly timidly approached the tables as her rich purple eyes darted around, scanning her surroundings. The way the filly walked was alluring for Feather Gale. ‘So, innocent…. So, perfect.’ She looked at one of her goons. “I want that one.”

Her henchman nodded as he made his way up to the filly. Seeing the guard approaching, the filly shivered as she tried backing away. She tensed up as he grabbed her chained hands. The filly stared wide-eyed at Feather Gale as the henchman dragged her to the table.

Feather Gale’s smile enlarged as she looked at the filly’s appearance. The filly’s frame was petite for her age. Her eyes were large and expressive. Her wings were tiny for a pegasus of her age. Her greyish-purple mane and tail contrasted lovingly against her light-gamboge fur that highlighted her fair complexion.

“My, aren’t you adorable.” Feather Gale hummed. ‘I found my Rainbow Dash substitute.’ She kept staring…. ‘Almost.’ Seeing the filly’s confused and flustered expression, she gave her another smile. “Don’t be afraid, little one. Behind me are some nice gentlemen that will take you to your new home.”

The filly cowered at her tone and eyed the scrawny earth pony and human male behind the mare. They gave her creepy smiles as they stepped up and dragged her into the panopticon by her arms.

Feather Gale hummed as she looked over at Jack. “Looks like my first pick was a good one.”

“You’re a sick fuck!” Jack frowned.

Feather Gale rolled her eyes. “We can’t deny the animals that we are.” She giggled. “I’m just fulfilling a need, is all.” Jack kept his scowl on her for a few short seconds before turning his attention back to the mass of new prisoners.

“Want to go back?” Derpy asked, noticing her sister’s bored expression.

“No…” Rainbow Dash sighed.

“What were you expecting?” Quibble wondered.

Rainbow Dash stayed silent. She wondered the same. “I don’t know, I guess….” Her mouth hung agape as she eyed a pegasus filly no more than eight years old, being led by two males.

The longer she stared, the filly’s appearance slowly morphed. Her light-gamboge fur slowly turned into a light-cyan color. Her greyish-purple mane and tail color turned into a reddish-orange with purple ends. Her eyes, those rich purple eyes, looked directly at her. No, they were a rich crimson; those crimson eyes stared right back at her.

‘Juniper….’

Rainbow Dash blinked several times and rubbed her eyes, but the filly’s appearance morphed back to her original state when she looked at her. She felt a strong shiver throughout her body as she kept her eyes on the filly. Her wings twitched as old memories flooded her mind.

“Dash?”

Jerking, Rainbow Dash looked at her sister and Quibble and saw their worried eyes. “Yes?”

“Are you alright? It looked like you’ve seen a ghost?” Quibble asked as he placed a hand on her forehead. “Damn, you’re clammy!” He looked into her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Rainbow Dash tapped her fingers as she stared at the filly once more. Her blood ran cold as she saw the males were taking her to cellblock five. “Shit! Shit! Shit!” She took off running into the crowd.

“What the hell!” Quibble and Derpy gave chase. “What is she doing?”

“I have no idea!” Derpy yelled as she picked up her pace.

Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and took off into the air. Scanning for someone she desperately needed, she cursed under her breath until her eyes locked on the person she was looking for. Diving down to the ground, she ran like she'd never had before. Seeing him walking to the guard’s quarters, she picked up her pace, but she ran too fast to stop herself from crashing into him.

“What the hell, who ran into me…. Dash?” The young stallion looked down at the teen filly with a confused stare.

“Soarin!” Rainbow Dash fought to catch her breath. “I need your help!”

“Whoa, calm down….” Soarin saw Quibble and Derpy approaching. “What’s going on?”

Quibble stopped in his tracks and glared at the stallion. “I don’t fucking know!”

“Love the tone there, bud.” Soarin returned his glare.

“You’re shitting me?” Derpy glared at the two colts. “We’re focusing on Dashie and what’s gotten into her, not you two love birds!”

They stared at the crossed-eyed filly, dropped their charade, and looked at Rainbow Dash. “Are you alright?” Soarin asked.

“No….” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. “It’s a filly. She’s being taken to cellblock five!”

Soarin ran his hands through his navy-blue mane. “Dash, what do you want me to do about it?” He studied her wide eyes. “Wait a minute, isn’t she one of the newcomers?” Rainbow Dash nodded her head vigorously. “Dash….” He sighed. “It's first come, first serve.”

“Soarin, please!” Rainbow Dash grabbed onto his dark-navy-blue uniform. “I need to save her….” She felt her throat tighten up. “My little….” She whispered as she buried her face into his chest.

Soarin blushed as he looked at Quibble and Derpy with his hands up, unsure of what to do. “What’s gotten into her? She wasn’t like this a few days ago?”

Quibble glared at him. “Is that so?” Soarin glared right back.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” Derpy shot daggers at the two. “She’s been having some issues lately!” She barked at Soarin. “And she doesn’t need this dick measuring contest from you!” She sent her ire Quibble’s way.

Quibble backed off and lowered his head. “Fine….”

Derpy nodded as she turned her attention to her sister’s defeated demeanor. Seeing her lips were moving, she read them as she placed a hand on her sister’s back…. Her eyes went wide as she made out what she was saying.

“What is it?” Soarin asked.

“I know why she’s acting like this.”

“Then what is it?” Quibble huffed.

“I can’t explain right now!” Derpy gritted her teeth. “Soarin, you better help her, or so help me!” She got in his face.

Soarin let out a sigh. “Being friends with you is going to get me in trouble….” He let out a sigh. “I’ll help, but I swear, I hope you know what you’re doing?”

Hearing his words, Rainbow Dash let go of his uniform and stared directly into his green-colored eyes. “I know exactly what I am doing!”

“Then fine sounds good enough for me.” Soarin rubbed the back of his head. “Go to your cellblock. I’ll get some of my fellow guards to help. When I have her secured, I’ll bring her to you.”

“Thank you!” Rainbow Dash giggled as she kissed him on the cheek before running to her cellblock.

Derpy smirked at Soarin’s blushed face. Giggling, she gave him a wink and ran after her sister. Quibble glared at the stallion and gave him an ‘I’m watching you’ motion before following after the two.

Soaring felt a twinge of pain dance across his brow. He mulled over Quibble’s obvious threat and chewed his inner cheek. Shaking off his discomfort, he chalked it up to the young stallion being cocky and took off to his task.

“Where is he?” Rainbows Dash panicked as she paced around the gate to their cellblock.

“He’ll be here.” Derpy cooed to rid her sister’s worry.

“If he does.” Quibble grumbled. Derpy shot him a look. Quibble just rolled his eyes as he leaned against one of the pillars holding up the second-story catwalk. “What?” He groaned as Derpy kept glaring at him.

“Could you at least be somewhat supportive?” Derpy huffed.

“I am being supportive! I just hope this doesn’t start something that will get out of hand!”

“It won’t!” Rainbow Dash hissed. Feeling a shiver run down her spine, she dropped her scowl and sighed into her hands. “Quibble, I’m sorry, I’m just….”

“Hey, don’t worry.” Quibble’s ears laid flat against his head. “Whatever you saw in that filly, I’m right behind you, one-hundred percent.”

“Same.” Derpy smiled.

Rainbow Dash smiled at her friends and let out a heavy sigh. “Thanks….” Seeing two figures approaching, she ran up to the gates. Seeing Soarin and the filly, she giggled. “You made it, thank goodness!” She stared at the filly. “How did you?”

Soarin laughed as he pulled out a set of keys. “It was easy. Those two were not all there in the head.” He unlocked her cuffs and gently pushed her toward Rainbow Dash.

One of the gate guards stopped the filly. “Who is she?” He stared at Rainbow Dash. “Does Jack know of her?”

“She’s our newest member, and if you say anything about her to anyone, I will kick your teeth out!” Rainbow Dash spat. The guard cowered and backed away. Tearing her eyes from the gate guard, she looked down at the filly, who stared back at her with wide eyes. Realizing what she did, she blushed and got down to her eye level. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

The filly blinked before looking at Derpy and Quibble. Looking back at Rainbow Dash, she timidly stepped up to her and offered her hand.

“Looks like she trusts you?” Soarin crossed his arms.

“Looks like it.” Derpy smiled. The filly looked at her and returned the smile, be it, very shorty, before she hid behind her short bangs.

“Let’s go to our room before Jack gets back.” Quibble sighed as he headed up the stairs.

Rainbow Dash looked at Soarin. “Could you get her a jumpsuit?”

Soarin nodded. “I’ll see what I can do….” He blushed as Rainbow Dash gave him a hug.

With a giggle, Rainbow Dash grabbed the filly’s hand and guided her up the stairs. Derpy smiled at Soarin, “Thank you.” She hummed as she followed after her sister.

Soarin got control of his flustered emotions and waved goodbye. He slowly dropped his wave when he saw Quibble glaring at him from the third-story catwalk. He stared at the earth pony’s scowl and gave him one in return. Quibble bit his tongue, pushed himself from the catwalk’s railing, and disappeared. Clinching his hands, Soarin let out a sigh and left the cellblock.

The filly timidly peeked her head into the cell. She scanned the items within. A worn and tattered wooden table rested under the slit widow. To her left was a bunk bed. The bottom mattress had sheets that laid haphazardly on top of it. The top bunk was bare and void of extra comfort. Over on her right was a trunk containing extra clothes and jumpsuits as well as a sink.

Letting out a soft sigh, the filly walked up to the bed. Jumping on the mattress, she pushed herself against it, testing to see if it was to her liking. Rainbow Dash, Derpy, and Quibble looked on from the doorway, watching the curious filly.

“Why is she on our bed.” Quibble mumbled.

“She just checking things out.” Rainbow Dash replied as she fidgeted with her fingers.

“Where is she going to sleep?” He asked.

Rainbow Dash looked back at her boyfriend. “With us.” She looked back at the filly. “On the top bunk.”

“You have to be kidding me….” Quibble looked down and saw Rainbow Dash’s hand over his lips.

“I’ll be right back….” She stepped into her room and walked up to the filly.

Quibble rubbed his lips as he grumbled to himself. “She has to be kidding. She has to be?”

Derpy looked up at the colt and raised her brow. “Where will the filly sleep if not here?” Quibble grumbled as he leaned against the door.

“Filly? Sleep?” What are you two talking about…. Holy shit!” Coca’s mouth hung agape as she stared at the filly. “What is that?”

“A filly.” Derpy hummed as she gave the cat a smirk.

Coco’s whiskers twitched as she ran her hands over her face. “You…. You know what I meant. Who is she?”

“Not sure, but Rainbow Dash stole her from Feather Gale.”

“Wait! What?” Coco felt her chest get tight. “Didn’t Jack say it was first come, first serve?” Derpy nodded. “Oh, hell, does Jack know?” Derpy shook her head. Coco’s pupils shrank into slits as she tried to calm her breathing.

“I still don’t know what Dash sees in her?” Quibble let out a sigh.

“I do….”

Quibble looked at Derpy with a raised brow. “Then what is it?’

Derpy crossed her arms as she thought back on Rainbow Dash’s mannerisms in the panopticon. The way she clung to Soarin. ‘My little….’ She felt the back of her head tingle. ‘Could it be….’ She squeezed her lips as she rubbed her brow. “That filly reminds her of herself….”

Quibble looked back at the filly. “I guess….”

Seeing Rainbow Dash showing the filly several knick-knacks on her nightstand, Derpy smiled as she grabbed Quibble’s and Coco’s hands. “Let’s give them some space. It will be a good idea to alert the others so they’ll know not to spill the beans.” Quibble looked back at Rainbow Dash and the filly and sighed with a nod as he followed Derpy.

“This is a doll that I used to play with.” Rainbow Dash hummed as she gave the toy to the filly, unaware that her friends had left them alone.

The filly smiled as she picked up the doll. She grabbed its wings and moved them to simulate a flapping motion. Rainbow Dash smiled as she got into a more comfortable position on the floor. “What’s your name?”

The filly felt her cheeks get warm. “Um, Scootaloo.” She held the doll against her chest.

“Scootaloo.” She smiled. “That’s a cool name. My name is Rainbow Dash.”

“Thanks.” The filly giggled at Rainbow Dash’s playful smirk. “Your name is cool too….” The filly looked down at the doll. “Were you really rescuing me?”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Yeah, those bad guys were taking you to an awful place. It’s the only place in this prison you stay away from.” Scootaloo nodded her head to confirm she understood. “Where are you from?” Rainbow Dash smirked.

Scootaloo looked down at the doll. “I came from Wingthington….”

Rainbow Dash’s ears twitched. ‘She’s from the frosty swamp lands….’ She wrapped her prism tail around herself. She saw that the filly did the same. She felt her chest get light. ‘Copycat….’ She placed her hands on her knees. “Did Pegasin Union soldiers take you from your mommy?” Scootaloo shook her head. “From your daddy?” Again, she shook her head. Rainbow Dash gave the filly a knowing nod as she opened her nightstand dresser and pulled out a pin.

“What’s that?” Scootaloo asked.

“Oh, Soarin, that nice pegasus that saved you, he gave this to me.” She gave the pin to her. “It’s a thunderbolt with wings.” Scootaloo held the pin in her hands, gawking at the bright simmering silver and gold that made up its construction. “You like it?” The filly nodded. “That thing will remind you that you will have nothing to fear as long as you’re with me.”

“Really?” Scootaloo smiled.

“You bet, squirt….” Rainbow Dash’s happy expression faded as thoughts of Steel Bit entered her mind. ‘Squirt….’ She could still hear his deep voice in her mind.

Scootaloo tilted her head. “Are you alright?”

Rainbow Dash broke from her haze and looked at the filly. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Scootaloo looked at the doll resting by her side. “How long have you been here?”

Rainbow Dash played with her tail. “Six years.”

Scootaloo played with her own tail. “How did you end up in here?”

Rainbow Dash stared at the multicolored hairs of her tail. The sounds and smells of her world faded as her mind thought back to that time of her life…. Such an awful time….