On that day, seven years ago...

Six heroes not born to these lands would go on to save not only Equestria, but their own home world. The entire time during all the trials and executions, a painful reminder of the events grow heavy in the hearts of those who were deeply affected. If I recall what I was doing at the time, I was watching as a gathering of mournful souls weeping and calling out to the ones they held dearest to them. I remember the absurd number of wreathes decorating the streets, each representing a guard no longer present.

I was with Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle at the time. And they held me particularly close that day, especially Mr. Sparkle. He seemed quiet, but unusually cold in the eyes. Mrs. Sparkle couldn't help but to weep, weep for the mothers who had watched their young depart for their first few months on post at the castle. Sadly, none of those mothers had a body to mourn over, just a pair of tags with their cutie marks, an empty helmet, a folded flag, and a colorful photo of their deceased loved one in uniform. The chilling screams, the horrible howls, the broken siblings who pleaded to the photos of their deceased to return to them, the ever present question of 'why' never once left their lips.

The streets were clear, as the six humans quietly walked the Canterlot cobblestone roads. Behind them was a wagon filled with beautiful flowers, bouquets from their own world with cards of loss. While I'm sure the load of the cargo was not holding them back, the burden they issued themselves was nothing short of magnificent.

Leading the party was a human dressed in a specially made Equestrian dress uniform. He walked to each of the parents quietly, giving them the flowers their loved ones deserved to see in life. While a few cursed at him for the offering of his condolences, he slowly bowed in reverence to them. He walked close to us, favoring the emotionally distraught mother beside us calling for the name of her dear daughter who would never come home. The father screamed at him as he walked closer, but his hostility was made no louder than a mouse's travel.

The hulking figure, now standing at least seven feet tall, bore scars on every part of his body, including a hauntingly odd surgical scar that seemed to wrap the entirety of his neck. It looked fairly new. The human gave his flowers and bowed, he offered no words. I watched as the mother started to lunge herself at him, but the father held to her quickly. He looked at the eyes of the human who raised himself, quietly seeing something he identified. The human then started his walk back to the wagon for more flowers.

Following behind him was a shorter, but slightly older human male offering a card to the family. He gave a nod of respect and repeated the words he offered to all who was on the route. "Justice doesn't do enough for them. They deserved a better homegoing than this, but this is all we can do, for your sake. We are deeply sorry."

Mr. Sparkle's grip tightened on me as that statement was uttered. I never understood why his hoof dug so painfully deep into my shoulder back then. I just know his eyes were locked on the human who led the group of foreign heroes down the street.

Now that I think about it, there was never once a victory parade after that battle I dropped Nondis off, the human who led the quiet procession down the Canterlot cobblestone road. No confetti, no rejoicing, no ceremony, just a group of six element bearers who gave flowers instead of receiving them. The funny thing was that I was on the parade oversight committee at the time, even for my young age. I watched as Celestia started planning a route to celebrate the six humans, the ceremony where they were shown their stained glass window, the feast to be held in their honor. And they shut the idea down unanimously. Instead, they did this.

I always wondered why they were so quiet, why no one really talked about what they saved the world from.

...At least until now.

After the conversation with Sunburst, I get back to searching for Smolder. It doesn't take too long before I'm embraced from behind by the dragon, or rather punched in the shoulder by her. We exchange a quick greeting before she drags me off to the staff room to talk a little more.

In the staff room is also some of the other instructors on their lunchbreak. A few of the faces were some I've never seen before, others being very familiar over the years. So I know that I'm going to hear a few quips when I enter the room. Today is no different in that department.

Sweetie Belle finished with her first half of classes while I was in meeting with Starlight. "Well if it isn't Mr. Heartbreak." She especially loves to poke fun at the fact that I've been into her older sister for years, not once being successful. "Don't tell me you're here for some dirt on my sister again."

"No thanks, I've already said it a million times, I'm done with her."

What makes matters worse is how perceptive she is when it comes to me in particular. "Spike, the number one reason you're single isn't the fact that you're so busy. It's the fact that you're still attached to Rarity."

"I couldn't care less about what happens with her." I reply.

"Not even hearing about her fling with Thorax?" She teases, knowing that I felt a little sore about that topic.

Smolder finally interjects into the conversation. "Hey, ease up on him. It's not his fault he's stuck between a rock and a hard place."

"He has a hard place, alright!" Silverstream squawks as she enters the room behind us. She nuzzles under me for fun as she mocks me over my constantly stuffed schedule, as well as my sexual frustration. "Poor baby, all that hard work and no time to play. Kinda makes you a bit dull on life, huh?"

"Hey, chill." Smolder reiterates to the room. "He's here to hang out with us today."

"Aw, you sure you got time for that?" Sweetie asks. "I know some paperwork that Twilight definitely needs signing on, and you're probably going to have to spend the entire afternoon signing papers."

"If you're referring to the grant Headmare Starlight requested, I've already finished it." I state with a raised claw.

The white unicorn mare drops her head on the table in relief. "Finally! More music books to teach theory. I'm tired of having to teach these new methods of vocal exercise without being able to explain in detail what it all means. These kids are smart enough to be able to handle the new bits of information we're getting shipped in."

"Ooh, does that mean we get a new shipment of sexual education books for Ocellus to teach to the class?" Silverstream questions. "Oh, those poor boys are gonna hate the hour they have to spend in that class now."

"I'm sure they'll get used to it." Smolder answers dismissively before dividing her attention to me. "Now, I wanna get back to you and the month you spent over in the dragon lands."

"You mean the dragon lust situation?" Silverstream questioned rather loudly. "Like how do you get that far deep in the bad?"

I look to Smolder and give her a disapproving glance. "I thought this was a thing that was going to stay private."

"It was, until Twilight made mention of it to Headmare Starlight and counselor Trixie. And you know how Trixie loves to talk gossip." Sweetie informs me. "So how about it, did you do the thing?"

"Not while I was there." I answered quietly.

"So you did do it." Smolder says as she pulls out a drawer with her name on it, pulling out a few sapphires to snack on. "Okay, so how did you manage to sneak one under Ember's snout?"

"Look, can we keep things casual?" I ask.

"Seriously, Spike. Every creature talks about sex nowadays. We're all grown in here. Be real with us." Silverstream urges as she pulls a chair behind me, pulling my shoulders down to get me to sit. "So, let's get the elephant out the way, Ocellus told us she was taking some weekend trips to check in on you."

I immediately dropped my head, unable to keep a good poker face. Everyone in the room almost erupted in shock and awe while Smolder gave me another hit on the shoulder. "Heh, you cheated."

"I did not!" I exclaim in defense.

Silverstream clapped her paws together as she excitedly addressed me. "I know you probably don't wanna say much about it, but we checked out Ocellus' wings on the train ride back."

"Not to mention she wasn't even in the suite with us when we woke up. Gallus caught her while she was sneaking in, he had to get ready for the big ceremony later that day." Smolder adds. "So fess up, did you and Ocellus get it in on Saturday night?"

I can already feel my cheeks redden with embarrassment, I really don't want to answer that question. "Can we please talk about something else? I think that should be something I should keep to myself."

Sweetie jumps back into the fray, trying to play mediator between all of us. "Girls, let's take it down a peg. First, we're still in a school. Second, the students can hear us. And third, we don't kiss and tell with name drops." The mare sits herself and places both hooves together, her eyes starting to glow with a metaphorical gleam. "So we're not gonna say any names. But did you pay a special someone a visit on Saturday night?"

"What's the point in keeping out names when you already know who you're talking about?" I chide the trio.

Silverstream didn't seem to care about my statement, still forcing the issue. "Look, Ocellus said that she checked in with you during your dragon lust bout. And every time she came back, it was always a story to tell. Now she shows up on this train, her wings are glowing really bright, her eyes are shining even brighter, and she looks like flowers could start popping out of her head whenever we start talking about that night. So... whatcha do?"

Since she was trying to get details on me, I try to flip the conversation on her instead. "You know what, let's talk about Saturday night. So what was with you and Gallus? So are you like the power bottom between the two of you?"

"Old stuff." She replies bluntly. "Out with that and back to you with the news."

I shake my head as I grow even more adamant on not answering the question. Before they can force another word out of me, Ocellus walks into the office with a sigh from her lips and a small box lunch in tow. "These boys nowadays are so bad around the others. I might just have to keep these classes gender-segregated." She looks up to see me being pressed into a chair like I'm being interrogated. She takes another deep breath and turns to the door, walking out quietly as she whispers to the group. "I'll let you guys finish."

I holler back out to her. "Oh no, you put me in this situation! You get your ass back here!"

She swings the door wide open to chide me for my language. "Um, hello! School! Classes are in progress!"

Sweetie walk beside the changeling and drags her into the room as well. "You're so right. And we can't have classes without our teacher of the hour."

The changeling looks at me like I said something. "Spike, what did you say to them?"

"What did I say? How about you learn how to hide your wings next time." I argue back.

The changeling appears taken by my point. "You were the one who wanted to cuddle!" She snaps back. "I can't help the fact that changelings feed on cuddles!"

"You could've said no!"

"And miss out on free cuddles!? Have you been dropped on your head when you were a baby?"

"No, things were dropped on me. Thank you. But somehow through all the brain damage, I'm perfectly able to formulate where the blame lies in this situation."

"Well maybe you need to get your head checked!"

"Ah, young love already at a bloom." Silverstream hums sweetly in admiration.

"A dragon and a changeling, and I thought I was curious how an alicorn and a human were going to make it work." Sweetie Belle mutters.

Both Ocellus and I freeze at Sweetie's statement. "What do you mean by that!?" The both of us ask in unison.

"Duh, you two obviously did the do. Now we ask the main question. In or out?"

Ocellus' face flares red so much that she's turning into an apple without even transforming. Meanwhile I'm not as seasoned as her on picking up the mare's implications. "Uh, what do you mean by that?"

"Sunshine or rainy day? Fun out in the front yard or playtime inside? Dry season or monsoon?"

Sweetie Belle continues to throw out innuendos, and I'm starting to slowly catch on. I timidly respond to the mare. "Look, what does that have to do with anything?"

"Did you like your pie clean or creamy?" Silverstream finalizes, bypassing all the innuendos in favor of a direct question.

I turn away from the female creatures within the room, refusing to answer. But unfortunately I'm not the one who succumbs to peer pressure as easily. "Extra creamy." I turn back around, seeing Ocellus just now closing her mouth as she sighs in defeat. "Sorry, Spike. They always egg me into it."

Et tu, Ocellus? "Yeah, you probably don't know Ocellus that well, Spike." Smolder goes on to explain. "So let me clue you in on how she operates. If you give off enough innuendos, she'll pop like a cork."

"Speaking of corks, she says you pop off a lot, both in action and volume." Silverstream adds with a smirk.

I jump out of my seat, easily pulling Smolder up with me as she tried to keep me down. "What kind of volume you're talking about!?"

"Umm... yes." Sweetie answers.

"Oh my..." I flop back down into my seat, covering my face as I didn't want to face the group of girls in the room. "Ocellus, how much do you talk?"

"She knows what happens when she doesn't talk." Smolder says, not so much in a very threatening voice. But the look on the changeling's face indicates that she's not wanting to endure the punishment. The dragon gives her a playful wink. "Isn't that right?"

"Smolder, can we not right now?" She mutters.

Smolder snickers as her eyes narrow. "Last I checked, July's just around the corner, a month and some days now. I would hate for you to not get any sub-ins before getting assigned to the summer school shift. Can you imagine all those teenage boys who's struggling in their academics, all housed in one room, constantly emitting their teenage pheromones, throbbing and smacking the bottom of their desks? You, one of the only female teachers partially resistant to the sweet smell of the equine estrus season, trapped to endure the constantly growing puddles of young adolescent precum. You remember how last summer went, don't you?"

"PLEASE, DON'T LET ME DO THAT AGAIN!" She bows her head, begging fiercely to not be subjected to that fate.

"I'm sure you remember that bit of punishment, especially when you laded on Starlight's shit list for a whole year for turning into Sunburst to help out Trixie and her... feminine issues."

"I did my time, alright? I ain't going back to that!" Apparently last summer was so traumatic for her that she's planted her whole face into the carpet. I wonder what happened to her.

"Okay, ladies. That's enough."

Everyone turns to the owner of the voice, finally entering into the lounge for himself. Sandbar walks into the room with a comfort and confidence unlike what I originally pinned him to have back when he first enrolled. At least then I pinned him to be the quietly spiritful type with a can-do attitude. I guess being with Yona all these years made him more comfortable with himself and what all he can handle. So I shouldn't be surprised that he can command a presence when he enters a room. Hell, he's dating Yona, she's an enormous yak capable of causing earthquakes with every jump, and he asks her to be on top nearly all the time. Glory glory...

While he's familiar with everyone in the room, he's completely unbothered by the shenanigans taking place. "Hey, Spike. Got in trouble with the gossip brigade?"

"Yeah, it's not really fun to watch them bully Ocellus like this."

"Oh you're only saying that because you two are seeing each other." Sweetie announces.

"Really, you're seeing Ocellus?" He questions mildly. "Funny, I thought you and Smolder would've given it a try. You two seemed close."

I can see he's the mentally mature one of the group as well. "Well... it is kinda interesting."

"Well I hope you two work it out. Ocellus can be a bit needy, though she doesn't like to admit it."

"I thought you weren't going to jump in on this! C'mon!" The changeling screams.

"What, you are needy." He replies flatly. "A lot of the interactions you get, you complain that they aren't fulfilling enough. In a way you are needy of that attention. I just think it's cool that you finally might find that attention given to you for a change outside of the usual circle of friends." He looks to me and makes another comment. "Albeit that you didn't have to look too far outside for it."

I don't know if that was a joke or an unintended insult. I just know it could go either way.

"Sweetie, did Rarity ever tell you when she's coming back to Ponyville for her next regional event?" He questions the purple-pink maned mare.

"Your fiancée is literally the regional manager of the Ponyville branch. Why are you asking me instead of her?"

"You two literally hang out for Spa Sister Sunday, she flies you out on airship every Saturday night to some random city and you two unwind at the spa the next day, it happens every week."

"Well she'll be just north of us this Friday for the Friendship Summit up in Canterlot. She'll probably drag me up that way instead."

"Alright. I'll fill in the request to get Yona fitted for her gown later." On that note he walks out the room, ready to finally head over to his next class. But before disappearing down the hall, he pops his head back in to notify everyone in the room. "Oh yeah, first lunch period is over. Time for shift change."

All the girls in the room groan outside of Ocellus. Sweetie being the main complaining party. "Aw, it was just getting juicy."

A little after that exchange, I pay a visit to Sugarcube Corner for some snacks before setting out on train back home. Along the way back, I start to think of how funny it is that I actually see myself leaving from home more than I am going back. There was always something about Ponyville that struck me as a place I could stake my claim to. But unfortunately I have to face the reality that my first breath wasn't drawn there, my mental maturation didn't take place there, nor am I living there now. But the friends I've made in my life are there, all of my adventures, how I became who I am, it's all circling back to that not-so-small town that's becoming more of a suburban sprawl towards the foot of Canterlot.

Even as I manage to get back to the castle, it still doesn't feel quite like home. The food is great, the guards are nice, the maids know me by name, the senators in the parliament are mostly accepting of me. But it doesn't hit the same, it doesn't have the warmth I'm so used to having. All I feel is the cold floor, a sense of urgency, and the impending dread that comes with a shit-ton of paperwork. I live where I work, and that's the best way I can put it.

After a few long hours of catching up on some peace negotiations, property disputes, and trade agreements, I'm back in my room, wondering if I'm really happy staying here at times. Maybe it's just seeing the others interact with me and tease each other is what's making me feel so nostalgic.

Yeah, it's probably that.

I remember the old library, the hard oak wood floors, the warm colors of the relatively simple décor, the sounds of a gaggle of mares all laughing with one another over the simple stuff, arguing about what to do when saving the town for the nth time, the words that forever ring my ears...

Spike, take a letter.

Even when we changed addresses, the castle was a lot more cavernous but the warmth was still there. Then the first human came along, there was that whole situation. Everything revolving around the more recent appearances from more of their ilk, the conversations from them, their messing around and teasing one another, their arguments, their interactions with the others, and the talks of differences between worlds.

Then came the new kids on the block. They were a few years older than me, but at least they were in my age range. While I was staffed at the school during the time, I still felt like I was going to class right along with them. They have their moments where they do the same thing, banter, fuss, argue, and come together to save the world. And even at the moment where it seemed the most dire, I too was imbued with the elements' magic to assist in the big moment. It felt good to be apart of all of that, and today was a reminder of what all I was missing in my life.

I wonder...

♫With a taste of your lips, I'm on a riiiiide. Your toxic, I'm slipping under─♪

Seeing Ocellus' name pop up on the caller ID, I'm quick to swipe and answer her. "Hello?"

"Hey."

Her voice appears drained of any emotion. Seems like something's on her mind. "Hey, you sound tired."

"Long day. The girls let me have it after the dismissal bell." She says with a light giggle.

"They aren't teasing you too much, are they?"

"No. I'm fine with it, it's actually pretty fun at times."

She seems pretty lighthearted about the others getting on her case about us seeing each other. I guess her troubles might be stemming from somewhere else. "So what made your day long?"

"I guess you could say I had some pretty intense thoughts."

Uh oh. "Like?"

"Well... So some years ago, there were six humans that came and saved Equestria, right? Apparently we're supposed to be taking a field trip out to Canterlot on Friday for the new museum over there. You know, the one that has the eerie displays. I only read up on what all happened, pretty messed up stuff."

To think I was on the very end of that whole situation by giving something as simple as an air balloon ride. It's pretty creepy in hindsight. "Yeah, no kidding. I happen to know some of the survivors."

"It makes me wonder sometimes about them. Like how did they react to the museum?"

"Well one of the survivors went inside to see the image of her brother. The other just said 'Fuck it, I'd rather take my son for ice cream.' And since it was the opening ceremony, we had one of the heroes from that day swing by with her son. She took him inside to see what all happened. Though I'm sure she could probably point out a lot of things that weren't on display."

"Like what?" She asks.

"I dunno. I never went inside." I confess with a shrug.

"You know Princess Twilight, she was there too. How did she react?"

To be honest, I never really gauged her personal response to the museum. If anything I was still trying to make sure everything was running according to how she had it laid out in her agenda. "I'm sure she's tired of talking about it by now, almost as much as I'm tired of her talking about her ex-boyfriend."

She giggles once more. "Wow, he must've done her pretty bad."

"It's really on both of them. She let outside shit mess up her relationship. He left things alone with her to get with Celestia."

Ocellus groans in thought. "Yikes, him."

Oh yeah, I forgot she's not too open to humans. "Does he scare you?"

"Not that he should since he's not really like that anymore, but there's still the matter of two hundred of us changelings getting... you know."

"Oh yeah, the Ponyville invasion. Apparently they say he fought off fifty changelings by himself using a sword and a brick. I used to think that whole story was bullshit. But considering Rarity was a witness, and what all he ran into his first year of tenure, I guess I can say that's a thing he did."

The changeling continues to speak with a somber tone. "Yeah, just... You know he wiped out half of my siblings, right?"

"Yeah. And he wasn't too fond of the changelings then when Thorax wanted to negotiate a peace agreement."

"I was there, Spike. He scowled at us like something fierce. The only saving grace was that he had a changeling that he spared. But still, it was just the one. Like you couldn't spare any of the others?"

I think it's safe to say that she hasn't fully digested the humans' presence. Then again, I do understand why. "So do you feel like he doesn't deserve the praise he gets at times?"

"No, I get it, I'm not saying that at all." She admits. "I'm just wondering. If he makes shivers run down my spine, what made him not even want to show up for anything celebrating him and his fellow humans' victory in that regard? Was that situation so bad that every little thing triggers him about it?"

"I don't know everything, but I heard a lot happened to him. A lot about his case was left under top secret clearance, a level of clearance I don't have right now. And if you were at the trial hearing about it, Celestia forced a mandatory gag order on you as a prerequisite to keep your seat in the parliament. Twilight not only kept it active, but renewed it. Every time I ask about it, she changes the subject."

"I just wanted to know what we're getting into before I go there and see for myself how bad it was. Guess your knowledge is as good as mine."

I know that the museum has a disclaimer stationed outside of the entrance. I grow curious to see if it would affect her in some way. "Since it's supposed to be pretty bad, you think some of the things might trigger you too?"

"I don't know. But these permission slips I sent out to parents, most of them came back to me with a lot of complaints and objections to the trip, and of course without signatures. So there's only a few of the students going."

Figures that would happen. Not everyone in Ponyville wanted to keep tabs on that situation considering how controversial the criminal responsible turned out to be. They didn't want his name floating around for a cult following to develop either, so they just kept it confined to the city. Now it's circled back to the school. "So let's narrow it down, the situation with you and your trauma with the humans, the field trip coming up, and the fact that some parents confronted you over the trip is why your day was so long after I left?"

"Yup. That about sums it up." She confirms.

I can imagine how challenging a day like that would be on her. Maybe I could drop by and offer some encouragement. Who knows, maybe I could break the ice a little for Saturday too. "Do you need me to come along?"

There's a period of silence on her end before she speaks again. "Spike, can we level with each other for a bit?"

Probably more of those intrusive thoughts, but this time relating to me. "What's up?"

"Now this isn't in any way a gripe or complaint about you, it's just me being honest." She begins slowly. "I don't even know you all that well. Like I know of you, I see you every so often, and we talk every other time. I know I took advantage of you and got my rocks off, but in terms of using you for comfort... I don't know if I can do that."

"You don't trust me?"

"...It's not that I can't trust you." She staggers off.

"I mean we just started talking." I add.

"See!? That's the problem! Are we talking or are we just going through the motions of meeting up every Saturday for the intent of being fuck buddies? I don't know what this is!"

"I mean it's up to you. What do you want it to be?"

I hear her stammering to herself on the other line, seeming to be at conflict with herself over what she wants us to be. "I dunno. I guess I'm fine with what we have now."

"Sex and cuddles?" I answer in brutal honesty.

She sounds even more frustrated now that I said it out loud. "Do you have to boil it down so much?"

"I'm still a dragon, you know. By most accounts of my species, cuddles aren't even supposed to be an option on the menu."

"Well I'm glad you offer it on yours."

I trio of beeps sound on the speaker, I look back to my screen seeing Smolder's name pop up on the ID. I inform her of the call on the other line. "Hey, Smolder's on the other line for some reason."

"Oh." She says quietly. "Well I guess I'll talk to you later then."

"No, I can hold you real quick." I propose, not wanting her to rush herself off the call.

But it seems that she was already trying to get off the call with me. "It's fine. Just go on ahead."

"Ocellus─"

"Bye!"

Her call ends, leaving me with the option to pick up the incoming call or reject it. I don't have much time to think on it, answering to see what it was she was contacting me for. "Hello?"

"Spike! What's good?" She sounds just as cheerful and brash as she always is. It's almost as if the situation Ocellus talked about earlier didn't have any bearing on her.

"Just got off the line with Ocellus."

"Aw, you two are already chatting it up? I knew castle life makes you move fast, but damn." She jokes boisterously.

"It's not even like that!" I argue.

Her tone then takes a shift. "Whatever. Look, I just wanna know something. Like how serious are you with her?"

"We just started talking." I answer with some uncertainty.

"So what's that supposed to mean?" She pressures a little more.

"It means I haven't really had a chance to find out how serious this is gonna be."

"But you can go all the way with her?" She's really protective of her, as a friend should be.

"We both agreed that this is something we're doing right now. That's as much as I can tell you."

"So she didn't say anything else?"

"No, was she supposed to?"

The dragoness gives off a sigh on the other end. "I guess not."

"Okay, something's wrong." I ask, still a bit concerned.

"Nothing's wrong. I'm just checking in on what you're doing. Like I know you're my friend, but she's my friend too. I don't want her to get hurt, and I don't want you to just jump into anything with any set expectations."

It's pretty hard to have expectations when you don't even know where the starting line is. "Okay. So that means I'm doing good then."

A frustrated growl sounds from Smolder. "Just don't do anything stupid, Spike. Ocellus is as sensitive as she is freaky. Anything you say can and will probably be taken to heart."

"I'll keep that in mind." I nod to myself.

Her tone shifts again, back to a more relaxed approach. "So... what you got this Friday?"

"I dunno, I'll have to go back to my schedule."

"So we got this field trip to the new museum up there in Canterlot. You mind helping us with the group since we're going to be short-staffed? I know you can clear up time with Twilight since it's relative to her own damn school."

I wonder if it has anything to do with what Ocellus told me earlier. "Any reason for the staff shortage?"

"Lots of parents didn't want their kids going to it. Too sensitive and graphic, way too much trauma for a young mind to absorb. Stuff like that."

Yup, that about sums it up. "I mean I can try to clear up the schedule."

"I figured Ocellus would've asked you since she was on the phone with you, but it seems that she was preoccupied with her next date with you that she didn't even bother to ask you up on it."

Wait, was that the reason why she called me? Either way, I guess I'll actually get the opportunity to warm things up afterwards. I'll go into my Saturday already being satisfied. Maybe I'll actually go on a date with her instead of just being the primetime event. "No it's fine. I'll keep you posted. I may just take the time to do it anyways, I ain't got nothing better to do."

The dragoness sounds relieved. "Thanks, Spike. I knew I could count on you."

"Don't count on me too much, I might disappoint you one of these days." I joke lightly.

She chuckles in response. "I'm sure."

Two days passed since Smolder and Ocellus told me of the field trip they were taking. A lot of my time was spent going through a bunch of documents, fussing parties of various disputes, and even a few gripes from the dragon lands saying they haven't gotten their tunnel boring equipment. I didn't get in touch with Alex, but I got to his accountant... who's also his wife. She managed to oversee some of the trade deals in his place. It seems he's pretty busy with an overseas deal going on in a place called Dubai, which probably explains why we haven't been able to reach out to him directly. At least his wife is doing fine, and she's more than capable of running the trade without him. One less issue to go on about.

However, my confirmation of that detail to Ms. Blue didn't carry on without a few tempting offers of the immoral variety. I know she's not exactly my age, but she hasn't exactly turned me off of the idea of engaging in that kind of trade. In fact, I'm more worried that she might get me to buy in. And considering Melanie's warning to me, I shouldn't be entertaining any phone calls from her past nine at night like I have been. It's hard to stay professional when you're still gripping with the final stages of puberty going into adulthood, and it's even harder to not get aroused at the very compromising pictures she sends out on occasion.

I swear I need to not think with my dick sometimes. Especially on today.

Once I was finished with my preparations for Sunday, I inform Twilight that I'm soon to head towards the train station to meet up with the class coming in. She halts me for a moment to ask where the class is coming from. I inform her it's from her school down in Ponyville. Her ears perk up and her eyes widen at the opportunity to see more of her students. She has me wipe out most of her day save the evening meeting with the Friendship Summit, and tags along with me to the station.

The train rolls in just a minute ahead of schedule. Twilight takes note of the improvements in the train's arrival, contributing the improvement to the new rail system that they had installed for the Ponyville-Canterlot connection. She also strongly commends the tunnel boring operations that took place throughout the mountain, making the tunnels a lot safer and stable for future riders. She's also raving on and on about wanting a maglev train system installed throughout Equestria in about twenty years.

As she's raving on and on, she doesn't even notice the the fact that Ocellus and Smolder walked up to us. Smolder hi-fived me as we greeted one another. "Spike, you made it! Way to keep a word."

"Yeah, I didn't exactly come alone as you can see." I say as I point back to the rambling princess. "Forgive her, she's exhibiting some unusual levels of Twilight behavior."

"Smartass says what?" She grumbles before realizing she's surrounded by a bunch of younger teenage students trailing behind the two instructors I spoke with. She looks a little embarrassed from her briefly colorful language being displayed in front of the class, trying to play it off by greeting both Ocellus and Smolder. "Ah, ladies. Good seeing the both of you again."

"Your highness, it's always an honor." Ocellus replies with a bow.

"So how's the school been running?" Twilight asks casually.

"It's been great. How's it been going up here?" Smolder questions in kind.

"It's been... going." She says with a light smirk, not really telling how rough the schedule's been for both of us.

"You know you didn't have to come by today, we just asked Spike." Ocellus states while pointing at me.

"Well I would've let Spike lead the tour, but he never walked into the museum." She gives me an accusatory glance before speaking again. "Plus I know what all's there and what still needs correction."

"Always a history buff." I roll my eyes back at her.

"Well when you've been there for enough, you tend to want your information to be a little more precise." She rebutts before finally addressing the crowd of young teens. "Hello everycreature! It's an honor to meet each and every one of you on today. Since the lot of you were allowed by your parents and your own pursuit of knowledge, I will personally oversee your tour on today. And shortly after, we're gonna hit the castle and get you all the best food you've ever eaten before you head back home."

A young kirin girl raises her cloven hoof. "Your highness, will there ever be a tour of the human world?"

"Well, maybe later on, but not today. I'll gladly let you know if they become available."

I tap on Ocellus' shoulder and whisper down to her. "Ain't that place a mess right now?"

"Oh boy, let me tell you."

As we walked out of the Canterlot station, the young students marveled at some of the recent implementations that have been made on the streets of the city. It's not only a bustling hub of commercial and militaristic success, it's a good way of seeing some of the human architecture and infrastructure in play. We rode an electric trolley system where the carts were ran on rechargeable batteries along a guided rail. As we took our little ride, many of the students noted how much quieter it was than the train they rode in on.

The ride to the Corrotto district wasn't long at all. But along the way, all the young boys asked about Princess Twilight's search for a suitor. It was a most surprising subject to her, and an amusing one for me. Twilight always replied to them that she's not in a search for one at the current time, but maybe if there was a brave young guard looking to climb the ranks to reach her, she would reciprocate their affections and offer her hoof on a date. We all collectively read through that massive lie and laughed about it.

Twilight gave me a deathly glare for laughing.

At short last, we arrive at the foot of the museum. Ocellus and I glance to one another as we both recognize the personal significance of our being here together again. But this time our attitude isn't as carefree or nearly as horny. We have a group of kids completely ignorant to the experience they're about to have. And for those of us who recognize the seriousness of where we are and what it stands for, we're about to experience for the first time some of the darker accounts of Canterlot's history.

We enter the lobby, seeing what appeared to be a room filled with white lights. The stone pillars, some broken, some cracked more than others, towers above us on each side, guiding us forward. These were apparently the columns that once supported the weight of the ceiling, but were also replaced by a more modern construction of them comprised of reinforced concrete. The whole lobby appears to be a massive welcoming area with a intricate stained glass mural lit from below and covered by a thick layer of polycarbonate. The mural depicts six humans and nine ponies standing up to a great shadow that brought ruin and despair wherever it went.

Personally, I more so remember the bad smell that reached up to the air balloon I was piloting that day.

The room is far from empty, there are many who walk the lobby. Some with souvenirs, others with heaving friends and loved ones trying to gather themselves from the experience. The students start to grow concerned for what they'll soon partake. The wall ahead of look like a number of sealed ticket booths, a façade for where you'd actually go to start your journey. While many are curious of the appearance of the façade, Twilight guides us along the path to our left. We enter a craggy looking tunnel guiding us downward below the ground level. The lights are grafted into the floor, giving a most ominous feeling upon walking further.

At last we came to a room, within it sat two doors. One massive door to the left is a black gate adorned with gold trim. The other to the right is a red door with apparent claw marks digging into the surface. A voice sounds from all around us.

Long ago, there was a young, bright unicorn born of a noble family who once held lordship and rule over the district of Corrotto. He was an affluent unicorn who had a family surrounding him for most of his young life. But on the eve of the Equestrian Civil War, the citizens of the district grew upset with the corruption of the magistrate. As a result, the young unicorn watched upon his rescue as the crowd surrounded and liberated themselves from the corrupt magistrate. While his family was brought to justice, he was spared. This angered the young unicorn into researching a means for his vengeance. Centuries later, he grew into power, holding the largest collection of wealth that anyone could ever hope for, even amongst those of royal blood. And with that wealth, came a greed so profound that he could corrupt many of the leaders of parliament to hide his most hideous secrets.

Those secrets was some that no living family should ever wish to endure.

Smolder, who's largely unimpressed by the presentation, shrugged as she questioned aloud. "I wonder what this unicorn did that was so bad."

"He didn't do anything bad at all." Another voice chimes in from within our group.

Ocellus turns around to see a strange disheveled stallion standing in defiance of the exhibit. "What are you talking about, dude?"

"THIS DISPLAY IS A FARCE! IT'S A MOCKERY OF THE REAL CORROTTO, OF WHAT IT TRULY USED TO BE!"

While Twilight looked at him with indignation bright in her eyes, I facepalm and shake my head at his rant. "Are we seriously doing this right now?"

"CORROTTO USED TO BE A PLACE OF UNBRIDLED FREEDOM! IT USED TO BE A PLACE WHERE WE WERE TRUE TO OURSELVES AND OUR DESIRES! AND THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT VISION IS NOW THE ONE THEY CHOSE TO DEMONIZE FOR THEIR PROPAGANDA!"

Of course, while Twilight did agree to oversee the group, it did not come without proper security measures being taken. I flag over a command. "Guards." Using enchanted cloaks with invisibility spell runes on the seams, they discard their cover and approach me. Gallus, who is also among the detail, salutes me in greeting. "Deal." I point towards the ranting stallion as he continued his tirade.

"LOOK AROUND YOU! THE ABSENCE OF COLORS, THE FLOOD OF WHITE LIGHTS, THE GENTRIFICATION OF GROUNDS ONCE RAVING WITH CHEERS AND PRAISES OF THE TRUE CITIZENRY OF THE CITY, SILENCED AND PAINTED OVER! EVEN NOW, THE ROYAL FAMILY THAT MADE A MOCKERY OF THIS ONCE TRULY RESPECTED DISTRICT CONTINUES TO PARADE THEIR SELF-RIGHTEOUS CAMPAIGN, IGNORING THE TRUTH OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED HERE! LIVES WERE CHANGED FOR THE BETTER OF THOSE WHO SOUGHT IT! FREEDOM AND GLORY WAS CELEBRATED EVERY FRIDAY AND TUESDAY! RESTORE OUR CORROTTO! RESTORE OUR CORROTTO! RESTORE OUR CORROTTO!"

Gallus hears enough and approaches the raving stallion. "Okay you, come with us."

"SEE!? EVEN NOW THEY WANT TO HIDE THE TRUTH! THEY'RE THE ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BAD HERE! HONOR FOR THE DOC! RESTORE OUR CORROTTO!"

As he's getting towed away, Twilight sighs quietly as Smolder makes a joke. "Didn't think there were nut jobs on display too."

"That wasn't part of the tour." I inform her.

"Oh we know that." She giggles.

Ocellus looks after Twilight, seeing the princess visibly disturbed. "Princess?"

Twilight moves forward without skipping a beat. "We shall now continue with our tour."

The voiceover once again speaks out.

"On today, we will have guides issued to you through means of transient magic spheres to recreate the images, voices, and even personalities of each of our guides on today. One guide each will be assigned to a display. Questions may be asked and answered, but please limit your topics to that of them personally or the display they preside over, as answers are very limited at this time. We understand that the things you will see on display today will provoke a sense of unease, dread, depression, emotional distress, sadness, stress to those bearing offspring, and even post-traumatic-stress for any surviving family and friends. If you do not desire to endure such things, please approach the section to the left of the guide. (You may also skip the tour by clicking the icons in the brackets [►►] to highlight the skipping prompt and fast forward to the next section by pressing ctrl+f and pasting the prompt into the search bar.)

We shall now give you a minute to decide."

Sixty seconds for courtesy, at least they're offering the chance to not get too invested. Thank goodness, it's almost as though you have the option to go straight to the gift shop and keep your experience as fluffy as possible. I'm willing to bet if the school had properly conveyed that bit of information, there would be a lot more students here. Then again, I'm not gonna shoot down an easier chaperone job.

However, I do have concerns over one thing. "I guess now's a good time for you, Ocellus."

"I know I'm nervous about it, but I still want to see for myself what happened." She states with some nervousness in her voice.

"You sure?"

"I'm positive." She answers before the voiceover pops back up over the loudspeakers.

"To those who wish not to go on this tour, we respect the decision to protect your mental well-being and personal health. A guard will be more than happy to assist you on your way to the waiting area for the hall of heroes.

Those who remain, we humbly thank you for your patronage and bravery. We wish you a safe trip through our hallowed museum. For any further questions, please consult your physically present guide."

A series of lower pitched beeps indicate that our time is winding down. I circle back to Ocellus, making sure she's okay with going along. "Looks like the tour is starting. Last chance."

"I'm good, Spike."

I nod in admiration over her determination. "Okay then." A higher pitched beep sounds as I finish my response. No one in our group is daring to join with the other tourists who might be squeamish. They wave at the princess as she guides our group towards the direction of the right, watching as the large red doors open to introduce a darkened room,

"Those who are still on tour with us, please enter through the door to your right. Be wary to look down at the orange lights below to guide you along your path. It is also requested that all patrons walk in a single file line to best observe safety and comfort throughout the course of this interactive experience. We thank you for your willing cooperation."

We all do as instructed and follow Twilight along the way, moving in a single file line within the given guidelines of the rather dim orange lights. In doing so, we find ourselves in an almost pitch black hallway. Some of the students hold to each other just to know where they're going or who they're running into.

Smolder even makes a note of it. "Yikes, it's really dark in here."

Ocellus, among another two students' eyes glow perfectly in the dark as she makes an interesting point. "Uh... I take it that we changelings, since we're already adept at seeing things in the dark, aren't supposed to spoil what we're seeing ahead of us, right?"

"Already been taken into account. The glass is a special one-way mirror that will disallow changelings from seeing through them, even in total darkness." Twilight responds.

"Dang it." One of the students mutter to themselves just seconds before the voiceover sounds a warning.

Please stand clear, the door is closing.

Behind us, the large wooden door falls slowly to the ground as it slows even more just seconds before the light of the outside world is completely snuffed out. Along with it came a noise over the loudspeaker.

*errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr─CHUNG*

The orange lights that lit our path are extinguished. Only darkness remains. Ocellus grips my arm as she makes a mention of the obvious. "I don't think the doors were that big to be that loud."

"It ain't made of metal either." I point out as a conversation is simulated over the speakers, along with a number of sound effects to appear as though we're in the midst of a party walking along their way.

"Wow! This door is huge!"

"It's almost like a giant safe. I wonder what was in here."

"Doesn't smell all too great either."

"And it's so chilly in here. It feels like a freezer."

"No kidding."

"This place is huge."

"And it smells like that thing from earlier."

"You don't think we're gonna run into another one of those, do you?"

"We just saw them take that thing down. There's no way."

"Uh... girls... look up."

Slowly, the opaque glass that shelved us off is lifted. As that is happening, a rush of cold air hits our feet and hooves, we start to feel a chill in the room as the glass curtain begin to reveal a room with enormous hooks dangling from the ceiling. I squint as the room is so bright with a blue-tinted light. There are hooks everywhere from where we can see. At the other side of the room is a set of double doors, they apparently lead to the next part of the exhibit.

But before we get a chance to breeze through the unsettling display, a swirl of light from a magic aura begins to manifest before us into the shape of a guardsmare, namely our current captain. "Hey, isn't that the captain of the guard?" One of the young teens question as the figure starts to speak.

"Greetings guests. While I would say it is nice to meet you, I'm afraid our discovery has made any pleasantries obsolete. You see, we've stumbled upon a dark lab, a lab used for dark magic experiments. The test subjects: Your grandfathers, your grandmothers, your moms, your dads, your sisters and brothers, your friends, coworkers, lovers, neighbors, your kids, all of them... including you if you were of the less fortunate. But know that this display is but a tiny representation of what our eyes beheld on that fateful morning, the very same morning shortly after a harrowing battle.

This was the caust... before the final cost."

Smolder curled all of her fingers as she replied in a sarcastic manner. "Ooh, pretty dramatic."

Ocellus looks at the dragoness with a correcting glare before requesting context for her to understand a little more. "Guide, what's the purpose of these large hooks?"

"They are a memorandum. For each of these large hooks, they stand in place of approximately fifty more. And the thickness of the chains represent the age of those who were draped from them.

To answer a post question, none were alive."

Smolder immediately stop her taunting as she looks at a set of fairly thin chains collectively holding up a large hook higher in the rafters. She turns to Twilight and ask. "How thin are those chains?"

"Toddlers." Twilight answer coldly.

Smolder shook her head as she immediately went for the double doors. "Uh, I know we're in front of the kids, but hell no. I'm out. Next please!" However, she finds that the doors are locked tight. The hologram speaks to Smolder a warning.

"Those doors appear to be locked, and due to the previous bout here, they are frozen shut. I'm sure the captain had some genius plan to defeat the monster here, but it's left a frozen mess behind.

Perhaps we should wait for the locks to thaw before we proceed."

Smolder looks to Twilight, who looks back to the doors. "Well, you heard her. We wait."

After we wait for the doors of the exhibit to open, we are brought into a hallway where all the walls are seemingly made of glass and aluminum. They house grueling displays, some images that are upsetting such as a representative wax figure resting on a table appearing very much deceased. Other figures are suspended with their back toward the window, but their spine revealed. There's even a dolly in the hallway covered in a sheet, but the wax body on it appears to be that of a small foal. Some of the students begin to turn away from the painful images, including one display with a pair of human bodies laying on a number of tables without their heads. On the table between them, they were sat with their faces turned away. Ocellus looks at that particular display for only a moment before she hurries forward, starting to cry.

A sickness curls in my stomach.

We finally get to the end of the hall, where there's another set of double doors. They lead into a large elevator. We all enter inside and another message informs us to stand clear of the closing doors. The elevator starts to move, but slowly in descent. Meantime, a filly's voice appear on the loudspeaker singing the words 'Darling daddy's wasting away'. Smolder immediately clutches one of my arms, Ocellus already grasps at the other.

At last, our descent comes to a halt, and the doors of the elevator open to a large room that looks like an arena. Smolder darts out, only to hear a clanging noise with each step. She looks down to see the steel plated representations of the ponies who were taken. Her eyes expand as we all are forced to walk on the floor, constantly hearing the clatter of metal plates beneath each step. At the center of the room, there's at least one young filly who stands high above the rest of the representations. A voice rings from all around the cavernous room, calling us not to step on her 'dollies' unless we wished to join them.

There's nowhere you could run, no place to give reprieve from the faces we walk upon. And from what Twilight explains, it's an accurate reflection of just how vast the collection of bodies were, or rather the dolls the filly referred to. And towards the exiting doors, there appears to be a pair of tendrils rising from the ground, wearing some of the masks, but with hooves, horns, and wings misshapen to it's form.

We all walked through the massive doors, seeing a large hallway of newspaper headlines depicting a monster weaving through the streets of Canterlot, an enormous shadow haunting every dark alley, and even a photo of a large spiraling tentacle towering high over the city.

As we load into the elevator to take us back to the surface, all of us have something to say about what we saw and experienced. Smolder is haunted by disbelief. "...No way that was real."

"That was a nightmare! Did you see that thing!?" One of the students questions.

"No wonder most of the class didn't show up." Another mutters.

I check in on Ocellus, who looks like she's still going through a crying fit. "You hanging in there?"

"Why did they have that last display? That's so cruel!" She angrily directs her comment towards Twilight, who remains stoic for most of the tour.

"Yeah, not exactly a fun time walking across that room." I also bring up to her. "You sure that was a needed add-on?"

"If anything, I settled for the lesser option that was on the table. The parts we went through before was already rough enough to recreate." She replies.

"As creepy as it was, it was also pretty noisy." Smolder adds.

"It's a manifestation of the lives one has to walk over in order to achieve a terror of that magnitude. Believe me when I say it was the safer option... and the quieter one."

The fact that all of what we walked through was considered the 'quieter' option is absolutely maddening. "If that was the safe bet, then I can imagine the real thing was pretty terrifying."

The elevator closes it's doors, letting us have a moment to finally recover from what we all had to endure. When we reach back to the surface, a holographic figure stands before us with a warm smile and a bright demeanor.

"Ah! Greetings to all. I know many of you do not know me entirely, but to the few of you who do, I wish you greetings and well-wishes. I am Somber Spiral. I was a senator of the parliament at the time. Unfortunately, my demise came at the hoof of a cruel murderer who disposed of me and my family, all while blinding my youngest daughter. Things happen for the better though, my demise was not met without justice done for me and my family... as for many of us as well.

I'm sure at least one of you have managed to step on the representation of me, and to that I say 'Ow!' To the second one, I say nice hooficure. And to the third one, well... there's a spa nearby, take a breather, get a nice file-down for those things.

Okay, enough jokes. I just thought you would appreciate a little lightening of the mood. And in speaking of which, you've all done well to come this far. You're now in the Hall of the Fallen. While this is more so a memorial for those who know us, we also open ourselves for you to get to know a little about us. Of course, our answers are pretty limited unless you really and truly know us. But for all purposes for the sake of fun, lets see how many of us can you get to talking. You may strike up a conversation about similar interests! We're all here, it's not like we have anything better to do.

So in the words of this departed senator, the floor is all yours."

While many don't know it, he's the parent of one of the heroes of that day. I call out to him and ask a question about his family, namely a reference to his eldest daughter. "Hey, did you know you had a grandkid?"

"Your question is invalid, please try again."

Huh, I guess my wording was a little to vague for him. Ocellus questions me about the figure as the other students walk past us to interact with more of the deceased holograms. "Do you know this guy?"

"I heard of him. But I do know another senator around here." I say as I look on the walls, trying to poke around for a name I distinctively remember.

Smolder watches as I start to go to the section with the names starting in the letter D. From there I start working my way backwards. "You must know a lot of senators."

It doesn't take long before the name pops up. Senator Count DuMoneé. "Yup, his name is here too. Didn't think they'd add him, but I guess he does count as a victim because of what Mel said." I tap on the small orb next to his name, a magic aura swirls before us and he stands at his usual height. He responds in an uncaring voice while looking at his pocket watch, they at least have that detail of him down to a science.

"Hmm? Do I know you?"

"It's me, Spike." I answer.

"Oh, the dragon runt. Tell me, how's that adopted sister of yours doing."

I look over to her as she goes to one of the orbs to summon a figure. I answer him back. "Her majesty is doing just fine."

"Well that's unfortunate."

He rolls his eyes and disappears into the orb. Smolder doesn't seem impressed with his personality. "Wow, he's a whole hole of an asshole."

"Right on the DuMoneé." I joke as I turn to Twilight and check up on her, she's already moving on to another figure.

"It seems Princess Twilight knows some of the victims here." Ocellus points out.

"Oh yeah, I guess it would be that city council member who died, Blue's brother." I predict, only for a young purple unicorn stallion to show up. "Or maybe not."

We walk up beside her, watching as she interacts with the figure. "Thank you for guiding us through that place when you did. I wish I was there myself, I could've done more for you."

"It's alright, your highness. Doing right by the dearly departed is what I long for, even now as I'm among them. Just do your best to make sure they stay dignified."

"Oh yeah, certainly. It's just as you said, can't let the freezers do all the work." She lightly joked.

"Ah, a good one, your highness."

"Who's this guy?" I ask.

She's slightly startled but she's also quick to answer. "One of our informants. He died helping dad and Starlight in the investigation. His name was Guiding Light."

"What did he used to do?" Ocellus questions.

"Mortician." She answers bluntly.

Smolder writhes from the shudder running up her spine. "Creepy."

"He showed us the room, the one with the hooks." She briefly elaborates.

"Oh... mega creepy." Ocellus answers slowly.

"Yup... thousands." She whisper before the hologram cosigns with her with an eerie detail.

"Do yourself a favor. Don't look up."

Ocellus and Smolder both snag each other, shivering from the chill that ran through their bodies. "W-w-w-was that a p-p-planed response!?" The dragoness questions.

I'm left a bit unnerved by the chilling words of the hologram. "I now understand why you left me at the house as opposed to taking me with you." I say to Twilight.

"Yeah. You're welcome." She answers as she dismisses the figure and heads to the doors leading to the other part of the exhibit.

After everyone has their fun in trying to get some of the holograms to talk and converse, everyone gathers where the princess is and waits for the doors to unlock. But they don't unlock without a final word from the holographic guide into this portion of the tour.

"I hope all of you had a time talking to all of us here in the hall of the departed. But unfortunately it's time for you all to move back on to the world of the living. And you can't be anymore alive than the Hall of Heroes. Maybe you should talk to them, they have a lot of responses. You should give them a try!

And one more thing before you all go. Can you give them our most sincerest thanks? We wouldn't be at peace without them."

Several moments later... ►►

This entire tour was a major creep factor turned up to eleven. Some of those displays were pretty harrowing and disturbing, others were just downright sad to think about. My heart can only go out to the victims, as well as their families for not being aware up till the last moment.

But now we're almost back to where we started. It's a relief to finally be able to look at something a little more optimistic. I can bet that both Ocellus and Smolder are more than willing to agree. "Alright. Last leg of the exhibit." Ocellus calls out.

"Who's the guide on this one?" Smolder asks me.

"Beats me." I answer as the magic begin to swirl up one more time before the group. Suddenly there's a holographic figure of a mare... rather a stallion who could easily pass as a mare. He has an extremely bright smile and a lot of energy.

"Hey, hey, hey! I know I'm a little out of place, but I'm here! I'm fabulous! Get used to it! So you either made it here through the tour, or you took a shortcut. Don't wanna see all the nitty gritty stuff, I understand, it's a mess. This whole place used to be a mess. Hell, I make my own sister a mess every time she sees me!

As I said, I'm not quite in place, but for a good reason. For many who are here, they lived to tell their tale. As for me, I didn't quite make it out before the sunrise. But hey, that's the cost of fighting Umbra. Anyways, I'm Alabaster, Alabaster Charm. I'm sure you've seen my face plastered on the statue across the way in front of the stadium my sister and Alex aptly named after me. But hey, I'm... flattered.

Meantime, I know that the heroes here in these halls may have a lot of answers for some of your questions. Like how did they manage to overcome the odds? How did they beat the clock to save both their world and ours? Or even how they manage to become element bearers in the first place, humans as element bearers? Pretty wild stuff to think about, I know. But they aren't the only heroes here. My sister's situated next to me, sometimes she'll be here for real, sometimes she won't. And according to the roll call algorithm, she hasn't made it in today. So she's bound to be a lot happier than you'd see her out and about. There are also some you may see around here, familiar faces, all that other stuff. Pay them a visit too! They played their part after all!

Ocellus gawks at the feminine-looking stallion and tilts her head. "Wow, would not have put that voice to his face."

"He does look like a mare." I point out.

"That is a good question." Smolder says before she questions the hologram. "Sir, why do you look like a mare?"

"Because if I wasn't here, I'd be in some corrupt politicians' home, wrecking their family, and keeping the pictures as blackmail."

Ocellus appears confused and troubled by his response. "Don't you think it's kinda mean to do that to someone's husband?"

"Oh... you thought I kept pictures of the wives as blackmail? Actually its the husbands that called me to do what their wives couldn't.

Oop, did I say that part out loud?"

...The sass, the fucking sass. "Why are you like this?" I ask as Ocellus and Smolder both try not to burst out laughing.

"Well between me being me, and me being me to piss off my dad... I think I win out both ways! JACKPOT!"

Smolder recovers from her laughing fit, breathing heavily as she thumbs back at the hologram. "He's a crazy one. I kinda like this one."

"I love him!" Ocellus perks up with wings fluttering with enthusiasm.

"I see how him and Blue are related." I mutter as I think about some of her mannerisms.

"In speaking of which, who's his dad he's pissing off?" Smolder questions.

"You know that 'whole hole of an asshole' you talked about earlier?"

The changeling grimaces in thought. "Eugh, that's unfortunate."

"Try working with him." I answer in deadpan.

Wanting to push the envelope a little further, Smolder bounces the question towards the hologram. "Hey, tell me more about your dad."

"Really?... *scoff* ...That question is invalid, please never try that one again."

Smolder giggles as the personality of the hologram resonates with her. "That's an answer if I ever heard of one."

Meanwhile, not one of the students are even paying attention to the fun we just had with the ghostly figure. They're all busy crowding around the human figures conjured up, namely the leading figure of that group. "Figures." I mutter to myself.

"Well he is the one that everyone easily identifies. Wasn't he a whole hero before doing all this crazy stuff to get here?" Smolder questions.

"Yup." Ocellus answers quietly. "Hero to some, I guess."

The crowd of teens continued to barrage their questions towards the tall human figure standing in a heroic pose. "How did you beat the monster!?"

"Hard work, perseverance, and a few friends... mostly the friends part."

I purse my lips as I think to myself. I don't find him answering that question so lightly, if anything it appeared very much out of character for him. I walk over to Twilight and mumble to her. "So... think there's something off here? That wouldn't be his usual answer."

"Well do you want me to swap on the real him?" She asks, knowing that his personality would probably be a lot more reclusive towards the matter.

In hindsight, I guess this was one of those executive decisions made with a little creative liberty in mind. "Yeah, I think this version is a lot more lighthearted than the real one, considering the circumstances."

Some of the students still tried to probe him for questions of accountability. "What's the name of the one responsible?"

"He's a necro-terrorist, his name will always be forgotten."

"Is Umbra an evil organization?" A kirin student questioned.

"Umbra is the Latin word for shadow."

"I think this one's broken." A griffon girl said with a shrug before moving on to a different model.

While everyone started moving away, I sneakily grow a massive grin on my face as I pop an unexpected question he's unlikely to answer. "Hey, how was your first time with Twilight?"

"SPIKE!!!" Twilight shouts as she's about to conjure something sharp and pointy to shove down my throat. To both of our surprises, he answers the question.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle is a good mare. She's pretty, wonderful, enthusiastic about reading, and really headstrong in the instance of standing up for her friends. As far as lover... well, she's bound to make me blush at times. I truly do wish her the best, she deserves it."

Ocellus and Smolder look at the flustered princess before probing him for a few more intimate details. "Who else did you have your fun with?" Asks the dragoness.

"Sorry, but a gentleman never kisses and tell. It's disrespectful. I can tell you that all my partners have left me with a lasting impression, as well as a few tips to take into the future."

"Where did you run off to after your retirement?" She asks again.

"I'm currently happily betrothed to my beautiful wife in Silver Shoals. You can come on by, but try not to bring any of my old work back to me. I'm retired for a good reason."

I get a closer look at the hologram, noting a few glaring omissions. "Hey, where's all your scars?"

"My scars were removed for the purpose of this exhibit. I didn't want them to be a distraction. Besides, I wear them enough, can't I just have one image of me that still looks remotely good?"

Now that was the real him coming through.

While the students are going through some of the other heroes in the gallery, a lot of attention is being brought to an unlikely character, one who's cold and mysterious demeanor grabs at the young and impressionable teens' attention. "Hey guys, this one's a zebracorn!"

"No way! Gotta be an animation error!"

As the others gather around Kalimba's younger visage, I thought of the the ways she changed her appearance and approach. Visually, she's even a different pony. Her accent also sounds heavier than it would be now. "Did you really help save the world?" A young changeling questions the hologram.

"I played my part. I helped de captain with his work. A lot I cannot speak on, but our success is ever present."

"What is your name? And is your horn really real?" One of the students asks.

"Kalimba, Kalimba Mavembe. And my horn is very much a part of me."

Of course, some questions go back to the criminal so rarely mentioned. "What do you think of the bad guy?"

"He is not worthy to be spoken of."

Ocellus places a hoof on her throat as she tries to mimic the mare's voice. "My voice is so deep and rich, I wonder if I am from a different land far from here." Both Smolder and I stare back at her after her near-perfect immitation. "What? I really like her voice."

I folded my arms, not entirely admitting that I wasn't enticed by it's reappearance. "You are not the only one."

One of the students seems really perplexed over not knowing who it was that caused all this tragedy and insists further as to why the name of the monster has not been revealed so regularly. They inform Smolder why it seems unfair, and she pops the question for Kalimba to answer. "Hey, when one of us does something bad, the whole neighborhood knows about it. Cozy Glow nearly took all the magic in Equestria for herself and we know her, King Sombra tried to enslave all of Equestria and he's known for it, Tirek absorbed almost all the magic of Equestria for his own gain, Queen Chrysalis abducted ponies and fed on them till they died of malnourishment, Nightmare Moon tried to cover the world in eternal darkness, Discord tried to envelop the world in chaos. We know all of their names. So why is it when this individual does something terrible, they don't even get the infamy of having their name blasted all over the place?"

It's a well-articulated question, one that brings a lot of glances towards Twilight in the process of it's airing. But to our surprise, the hologram of the leading human steps out to speak.

"This was my idea exclusively. As to why, allow me to explain by giving you some information about my home world.

My home country especially, we remember such tragedies that happen to befall our own at the hands of as many as several conspirators, to even as few as the deranged lone wolves. Many of them have had their names sketched into the annuls of human history for their cruelty, their malice, their corruption, and especially their body count. Many I can identify by name because our culture has quietly grown from shaming them to unironically glorifying their achievements by the constant retelling of their stories, the listings of their victims and their methodology, all the way up to their motivations publicly being made known.

As some of you would be surprised to know, these individuals, mass murderers, tormentors, all of their ilk have cult followings. Some are simply idolized because of their looks, others are idolized for the hypothetical fictions of being the ones who could bring change to their ways all while throwing themselves in the midst of mortal danger. Finally, there are those who not only idolized what they've done, but also wish to improve upon it in their own way. As the saying goes, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. And to our misfortune, I recognize that this world could also just as easily follow in these trends.

For many surviving victims, it reopens wounds that should remain closed for the sake of healing. And if I were a victim, I would not want this to be repeated by an obscure fanatic who quietly worships violence. To give name to this monster is to give an epitaph to the very same individual who wished not to be called by their name in life. So we adhere to that part of their legacy by keeping them anonymous, an unmarked plot of land where even the ashes are burned and the grass fails to know the name of the one who fertilizes it's existence.

The intent is not to misinform you, but to leave no avenue for many who would wish to research their doings, their dealings, and most importantly their methods. There are some surviving supporters even to this day who will undoubtedly protest these issues. I wish to offer them no such recourse.

So to reinforce my prior edict. He's a necro-terrorist, his name will always be forgotten."

Author's Note

Well it's been a really long time since I've released a chapter. I apologize for the long wait for this one, especially with it not even being that long. But to my misfortune, I couldn't do much writing with so much going on IRL. I'll spoiler for those who don't really care to know about my personal struggles, but those who don't mind I'll try to abridge it.

Slew of rehearsals, sometimes twice a day, in the middle of the day, every single day of the week, casino engagements, music recording deadlines, my ceiling collapsing again, ac unit short-cycling and malfunctioning before a terrible cold snap, and a bevy of Christmas programs that had me more concerned about pooling the money for repairs. And then there's the matter of the mass shooting that happened in my city, on the street I was performing on just two blocks away, 20 minutes into the New Year. I had to comfort a guy who watched one of his friends get carted off to a hospital, so my mental wasn't all too great. But now that I'm sick from being out in the cold waiting for an uber, I have time to write again. Hence the chapter being released today.

So yeah, it's been a while and not much has come out from it. But I have drafted the next three chapters at least, so things should be moving forward to schedule for a short while before the Mardi-Gras crush next month. I will try to bring you guys a chapter per week for three weeks before rehearsals pick up and I'm back to grinding.

I apologize for not being frequent to message you all and hope you have a good 2023.