Author's Note

The idea of involving Flurry was inspired by Eltirions! Check him out.

I made myself somewhat sad making this chapter but I do hope it's not overdramatic. Some regrets came up with the direction I'm taking this story so some revisions are in order. A few choices were done that I may regret initiating, but I want to commit to them as a learning experience - at-least. As pretentious as it sounds, I hate myself for putting an innocent and lovable character such as Flurry into this kind of situation.

Chapter 12, Part Two - We're always with you, forever

The quiet cellar was interrupted by commotion.

"If you do not do as I demand, then you can consider my cooperation over. And I assure you..." Princess Cadence hissed with fury as she held the knife to her own throat with levitation. "You do not want my blood over your hooves...Colton."

Cipher sweated bullets as he tried to disarm Cadence, taking cautious steps towards her. "Ma'am, please, put that--"

"Not until Colton swears that he's going to follow my plan." Cadence simply said, pressing the tip close to her own jugular.

"Princess, I need you to listen!" Colton shouted. "We have no guarantee this is a safe idea! Flurry will be out of our reach for the foreseeable future! Chrysalis may be compromised; and whatever goes wrong is putting you and the entire Crystal Empire in its crosshairs! You need to reconsider!"

"I think you forgot my terms. I'm sure only one of you remembered them." Cadence turned to Cipher - who was the only one to express he understood her words from two days ago. "Go on. Recite them."

Cipher looked at her in the eyes, taking a moment to ensure he had it all down to a T. "...The moment I find out what to do - I won't merely ask you to save her. I will force you to."

Colton cursed under his breath and looked around the room...making eye contact with Queen Chrysalis, who was allowed to freely walk around the room - as long as the higher ranked members of Sunburst's mage company were observing her with horns always prepared to act. At the moment, Chrysalis sat on the table, and rose a brow as Colton looked at her.

"Don't look at me, rat." Chrysalis scoffed. "I don't care. This plan satisfies my wants and needs perfectly."

Colton turned back to Cadence, and sighed. "Fine; but we need you to help us with our mission. We have questions to answer, and intel we need as soon as possible."

Cadence put the dagger away, and nodded. "You'll have what you need. I'll gather a meeting of those who have the necessary info to help you. Just help me with this, first."

"...Where's Shining Armor? We may need hm." Plymouth observed.

"He'll return this evening." Cadence sighed sadly. "He has to show up to investigate Fort Cherish and try to throw off the trail so that it doesn't come back to us."

"But..." Chari whimpered softly. She ignored Chrysalis, especially after learning of the plan. "Shining...He...Won't be able to say goodbye to--"

"I...I know." Cadence closed her eyes, putting a hoof over them as they began to water. "...I feel so ashamed it all led to this - that he won't be able to...to see her one more time."

There was a pregnant silence in the room - until Cadence simply walked off to prepare, ushering her guards to help her pack Flurry's things. Sunburst stood there too, sadly looking to the side - in thought and in disbelief at what was going to happen. Cadence walked past, and they could only exchange sad smiles.

***

It was time. Sharp at noon - the transport was never late; Daybreaker's method was cold, but not cruel. It worked as agreed upon; Cadence would have the full 60 minutes. No more, but certainly no less.

The gate to the room opened.

A pink teenaged alicorn was allowed inside, escorted by a pair of Daybreaker's personal guards. Yet, they allowed them the privacy as they stood outside, while the girl went in. The dreadful sound of a timer being set was heard, before the doors closed.

Cadence stood in the center of the room - taking every second to admire the teenager her daughter had grown up into. She cherished every second - every second she was with her.

"Mom..." Flurry weakly smiled. She was fed, hydrated, and well-slept. On a physical level, she was healthy and fine, no signs of malnutrition or any abuse.

But mentally, she was drained - and her eyes would've been fully lifeless. Yet, upon seeing her mother, a sparkle returned to them. One that would last them an hour.

"...Flurry..." Cadence whispered, and stepped forward.

The two hugged, embracing each other tight - Cadence using magic to prevent tears from flowing down her face.

***

Cadence allocated half an hour to their chat. They discussed things but avoided the elephant in the room, avoiding any conversation about what was happening in Canterlot. It went more or less as always, they discussed recent news and events; Cadence struggled each month to do her best in order to make these talks educational for her child. But the half-hour was used up, and so she sighed. So that was it - the last conversation she would have with Flurry in a long time.

"...Flurry, dear." Cadence whispered, eyes glued to the clock for a moment. "...We need to talk."

"W-We're already doing so, mom." Flurry joked with a weak smile.

Cadence had smiled slightly - but for a fraction of a moment. She nodded to a crystal guard in the room, and he disappeared behind the door - only to reemerge with six creatures she hadn't quite recognized.

Colton immediately bowed; as did the others, albeit Gomer's and Plymouth's execution of it was flimsy. Yet, in the back, there was another, tall - dark figure...That didn't bow at all. The figure of one of the Crystal Empire's worst enemies.

Flurry's eyes opened wide with shock. "Mom!" She screamed. "Watch out! T-That's--"

Cadence was very glad the room was long sound-isolated in secret thanks to Sunburst's magic. She put an assuring hoof on Flurry's shoulder, and the teenager blinked up at her mother...then at Chrysalis. Why did they tolerate the presence of the changeling queen - right in the heart of the Crystal Empire?

"...Mom, what's...What's going on?"

Colton stepped forward. "Princess Flurry Heart - your highness." He did one more bow. "My name is Colton. Me and my team represent New Mareland. Your mother, my team, and queen Chrysalis have organized a plan to help you escape the Solar Empire."

Flurry looked in silence - and the reality dawned upon her. She gasped; life had returned to her eyes as she turned to her mother and held onto her, shaking her with excitement. "Mom!? W-We're getting out of here!? Yes! Okay! Where are we going? New Mareland? Aquileia? M-Maybe Revolutionary North Zebrica? You did say Posada offered asylum to anypony from Equus, right? Or we're going somewhere really far away? Y-You've mentioned Equestria and the Crystal Empire had good diplomatic ties with Kasa, a-and the Llamas! Right?" She said, eyes swelling with tears of joy and excitement, a smile beaming on her face.

And yet - seeing her mother look ever more sad...Something wasn't right. Her smile inched deeper into a frown. "Colton, please leave us. Your team too. Chrysalis stays."

Colton sighed - understanding that Cadence insisted on taking things into her own hooves. All tried to leave quickly and quietly - only Chari lingered to make eye contact with Flurry...the changeling's eyes full of sadness. Flurry hadn't yet understood why. The door closed, leaving the two alicorns and one changeling queen.

"It's...It's not so simple, Flurry." Cadence sighed. "First of all, you are going to the Meridiennes. This is the best choice at the moment, and I have contacts there who will protect you. It's the best option all circumstances considered."

Flurry regained her smile briefly. She heard of the island chain. Ex-Aquileian colony that, after Verany's revolution, was able to secure its own independence. A tropical paradise - where Aquileian music and fashion was paired with a tropical paradise and an easy, simple way of life. "Okay! That's good! I always wanted to go there! And--" Then, she stopped herself. "...Wait, heh, you mean...we, right? We are going to the Meridiennes?"

"..."

Flurry blinked. "M-Mom? We're going together, right? We're leaving the Solar Empire - you, me, and dad! Right?"

"Flurry..." Cadence sniffled. "You...You'll be sent alone. Chrysalis, she's...going to disguise as you and take your position in Daybreaker's court. Sunburst is ready to go with you - he'll protect you."

"...W-..." Flurry looked at her mother - frozen like a deer in headlights. Every single cell of her body was desperately hoping that she would process what she heard - and in the process, would be able to determine that she misheard her mother's words.

Yet, Cadence's words were too well-articulated.

"...W-What?" Flurry whispered, vision wetting.

"I..." Cadence sniffled once more. "It's the only way. I cannot leave the Crystal Empire, neither can Shining. But the best we can do...Is to make sure you're safe. To make sure you're far from Daybreaker - so that she can't hurt you...It's...It's the best way, it's...It's the only w--"

"Mom! Wait, wait...w-wait!" Flurry cried out, tears uncontrollably dripping down her cheeks. She tried to hard to wipe her eyes - for if this really was going to be goodbye, she could never forgive herself but being unable to clearly see her own mother. "W-W...W-wait, please! Not like this! A-any other way! Anything! I-...I can't do this! I can't live without you, and without dad! I-...I don't want to be alone...mom!"

Cadence shook terribly...She choked, and couldn't show that she was doing so. She was shuddering and whimpering, unable to hold strong. What could give her strength? How could she return hope to her daughter? Or at the very least, convince her? Was she really going to tell her daughter that she was going to be alone?

Chrysalis sighed. "I wish I didn't have to butt in, but fine." She stopped leaning against the wall and stepped forward. "Let me give you some perspective, you snotty brat. Your mother and I..." Spoke the toxic voice of the queen of hate. "We're polar opposites. And that's good - I can't, and won't imagine having anything in common with her, or anything to do with her. She's filth incarnate..."

Cadence was just about to scream at her, just about to express how much anger she felt for this being said now - and stopped. Something in Chrysalis's eyes...They were serious. Focused. It wasn't her usual wickedness. Something here was...real.

The queen continued. "There is one thing we do have in common, however. We both understand what it is to be a mother." She said. "Maybe...Maybe there's differences in the methods, in the contexts. Yet, there is one thing I can tell you right now. What your mother is doing - it's because she is doing her duty as a mother. You have no right to say no. Or rather; maybe you do..." Chrysalis narrowed her eyes at Flurry. "But if you screw this up now, if you do not let this plan happen, you are going ruin your mother. She is hardwired to worry for you. She will spend nights without sleep, maybe harming herself while Shining isn't aware. Maybe she'll decide to stroll up to Daybreaker and challenge her, only to get burnt to a crisp - like Sombra was."

Flurry twitched. She wanted to say something - to protest and express that her mother was much stronger than that...Yet, she knew what state her own mother was in. What state she herself was in.

Chrysalis chuckled. "Truth is, to me you're just a brat, and the product of the two ponies I hate so much, that I've developed an obsession over ruining their lives - before Daybreaker's arrival. Yet, no mother should have to suffer the sight of their own child in torment. I wouldn't even wish it upon the likes of Cadence. If you don't go, you'll ruin her life. If you go, you'll give her the peace of mind. And maybe you'll give me a chance to kill Daybreaker. Think, Flurry."

Cadence was unable but to gasp very quietly at the end of the monologue. She had nothing but utter disbelief at what Chrysalis just said; even worse was when she saw the reaction of Flurry.

Flurry was processing what she heard, and all she could do was gaze at her mother, knees buckling and threatening to collapse.

Cadence quickly stepped in, and allowed Flurry to fall into her hooves one last time.

It was their one last moment. Flurry held onto her mother hard, and sobbed. What pain it was; to not even have the chance to say a proper goodbye to her father. What was going to happen to her now? Where would she end up? Sure, all of this was temporary; yet it didn't sting any less.

Cadence smiled, stroking her daughter's mane. "Dear, this is for some time. When all of this is over...You're returning. I promise."

"Don't make promises, m-mom...p-...please..." Flurry sniffled, and closed her eyes.

"No." Cadence sternly yet softly said, running a hoof over Flurry's mane as she nuzzled her. "I promise. You're returning, sweetie."

Opening them to see her favorite childhood toy, Whammy the snail plush, levitated in-front of her. Cadence smiled warmly at her, past her own tears. She had an answer; not the best one - but one that would do for now. How to give hope to her daughter.

"He'll be there for you. And as long as he is, he'll be our eyes and ears. Keep him close, and let him remind you that you're never alone, Flurry Heart." She whispered.

Flurry allowed her own levitation to take the toy, and embrace it...She looked up at her mother, and gave a shaky, unsure nod...She was unable to contain her sorrow, her sobbing broken up by coughing and sniffling...The tears - damn them, why did they distort her mother's face so much? She kept wiping her eyes, again and again.

"Flurry..." Cadence did her best to smile. "Please, smile. It's how I want to remember you until we meet again..."

Flurry listened to her mother's request and felt her throat dry up. She tried to move her lips into a smile, and felt immense pain in her attempt to do so.

In the end, she was able to try her best. A big, and very ugly, unstable smile; which she was only able to create out of the feeling of immense pain. Her eyes were shut and coated in tears, and her pained grin was wavy and shaky...Yet, she was able to give the final gift to her mother.

And Cadence shed a tear of relief - leaning in for one final embrace. The two alicorns held each other - every second an eternity.

...

The sound of the clock's bell - the sound of dread and sorrow - washed through the castle.

Flurry hadn't realized that she was now standing next to another copy of herself - and as her mother pulled away, saw herself...Or rather, the changeling queen that was replacing her.

"Your mother won't say it, so I must." 'Flurry Heart' said as she adjusted her own appearance in the mirror. "Go."

Flurry looked at herself, and then at the suit-wearing member of the Floral Heart, who gave a nod to the little princess as he levitated her luggage and possessions. She looked up once more at her mother, and swallowed...

"It's okay, Flurry." Cadence smiled, putting a hoof on Flurry's heart, then on Whammy. "We're always with you. Forever. Please, never forget. Let him remind you. Go, sweetie. We'll see each other soon, I promise."

"..." Flurry sniffled - and mustered the only bravery she was able to at that moment. She gazed up at her mother...and nodded. "...I-I love you so much, mom..."

"I love you too, sweetie. So, so much. Your father loves you too. Goodbye, and please...Be safe."

"...G-Goodbye." Flurry whispered...and ran as she held onto Whammy...She ran, because she knew that the sound of her loud bawling would cause problems. At-least, she'd be able to cry as loud as she'd like down in the deep tunnels...And as the sound of her loud crying faded away, silence remained in the room.

Flurry Heart finished adjusting her looks, and smiled up at Cadence. "So, mom. I sure enjoyed our meet. Same time next month?" She said, smiling at her cutely as Solar guards began to open the gate to the chamber.

"...Be very careful with what you do while in that form; or else I will make you wish I had let you to die in Cherish. You are on thin ice as is." She whispered very quietly - and in an instant, her expression snapped to a warm, warm smile. "Same time next month, my precious Flurry."

Flurry Heart shivered from what she just heard and saw - but was able to give a small nod. "L-Love you, mom!" She nervously blurted out, before allowing the guards to guide her out of the room.

Cadence stood there with the words ringing through her ears...As the gate closed and she was left completely alone, she sat down on the floor, and curled up into a fetal position...Before shutting her eyes.

Her river had frozen. Her sun had set. The wings of her soul - torn asunder.

Princess Cadence was still alive, physically.

But in all other ways, the one that mattered; Princess Mi Amore Cadenza had died on that very day.

***

The armored cars and trucks surrounded the ruins. Barely any walls stood, but those that did had barely outlined the center; a massive crater, blown from all the way underground. There was barely anything left.

Shining Armor sighed as he looked at his pocket watch. He noted that it was time. Flurry must have already left. He wished he anticipated this - but he didn't account for the fact he could have been called upon to help investigate the breakout on the very day his daughter was to leave the country. He sighed softly...and looked up.

To be met face-to-face with a kindly smiling stallion. Shining froze, unsure how Lieutenant Major Inquisitor Gonelove had been able to sneak up right in-front of him.

"Shining." Gonelove spoke. "It's good to see you."

"L-Lieutenant Ma--"

"No need for ranks." The inquisitor smiled softly, and then frowned...He leaned in - uncomfortably close. Shining gulped softly, especially once Gonelove leaned in...and put a hoof on the unicorn's shoulder. "Hey, listen...it's Flurry's visit day today, isn't it...?"

"Y-Yes sir..." Shining sighed.

Gonelove frowned and sighed softly, patting him on the shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to be called in at this time. It's awful to be separate from your family. I hope that in the future, you will be able to be closer with them."

Shining could only nod nervously. "Thank you, sir...A-And, what about you - weren't you leading the invasion on Nova Griffonia...?"

Gonelove chuckled, shaking his hoof dismissively. "I completed my objectives and was in transit back to Canterlot. An emergency order had redirected my flight to investigate Fort Cherish's destruction. Either way, our troops will have that backwater wrapped up within the week. Their leadership's been severed - and who can expect the Griffons to put up a proper fight?"

"I see..." Shining softly said, thinking just what sorts of objectives could have been completed up north by someone like the inquisitor.

Gonelove moved away to look at the destroyed wall they were close to - then over at the destruction beyond it through a breach. He had to admit - the bomb truly did its job. It left behind almost nothing. Almost. The castle's walls and towers were ruined, but still stood in parts. Metallic and stone debris could still be found lying around - but otherwise, the smoldering heap of things was a soup of ash and devastation.

Gonelove however was very familiar with explosives. He looked at Shining. "There's more than one crater. The debris, the destruction...It doesn't make sense to come from just one explosion from the center." He said. "Revolts tend to be less destructive."

"What do you think, sir...?" Shining asked, pretending as best he could to appear that he too sought clues.

"The bomb..." Gonelove said. "It was to be primed in the situation that the prison was overrun. From the outside, or from the inside. Yet, no guards escaped. The prisoners must've blown it up to cover their tracks. Plus, I highly doubt the prisoners could have left without help. Not to mention, a VIP was taken from the prison. A VIP the prisoners would not have been aware of without outside intel."

"A...VIP?" Shining asked - attempting to look unaware to keep up appearances.

Gonelove smiled. "I am going to share classified information with you. Promise to take it with you to the grave."

Shining gulped - he only nodded, and Gonelove smiled at the sight of that.

"The VIP was Queen Chrysalis." Gonelove casually said.

Shining felt time freeze. He understood what this was; Gonelove was testing him. Testing him to see if he didn't seem naturally surprised or confused. It helped that Shining was able to play it off as genuine confusion, thanks to this train of thought.

"Queen...Chrysalis?" The captain asked. "But...What do you mean she was here? I-I mean, I thought Chrysalis was, well, in the Hives and--"

"A replacement." Gonelove laughed. "You don't think her majesty would let Chrysalis rule her hives - puppet or not? It's all smoke and mirrors to keep her changelings - and the ex-VOPS happy."

"W-Well." Shining coughed. "Who's replacing her?"

"I'd tell you..." Gonelove started.

"...But then you'd...have to kill me?"

"..." Gonelove grinned. "Love the wit. I see why Cadence married you. Heh. But, no. I'd tell you - but then...that would be no fun. I'm sure you'll figure it out sooner or later. Now...Here's the question. Who wanted to bring back Queen Chrysalis the most?"

Shining pondered over it - understanding that he was still being tested, one way or another. "Well, logically I'd assume it would be the changelings...But where would they get the external help? Or the intel?"

Gonelove paused, and nodded as he looked over one of the ruined walls, seeing the damages caused by shrapnel. "Exactly what I'm thinking. That's a good observation, Captain. However, it's not like the Sombrists had anything to muster up either..."

Shining gulped under his breath and froze - realizing he got a little too well into his role of being complacent. Gonelove stood up and turned to him, looking at Shining in the eyes.

"The old regime's Loyalists...Do you think they could've done this?"

"..."

Gonelove looked at Shining who was unable to answer, and shook his head. "No. Since the attackers utilized the cover of the blizzard caused by the destruction of the Crystal Heart, I'm sure it couldn't have been your old guard. After all, it would take for a real scumbag to do something like that." He smiled, and returned his attention to the debris once more.

Shining frowned. He hated that he couldn't say anything. Not because he had to keep his cover, but because he knew that Gonelove was right.

Gonelove stood up and stopped observing the debris. "I'll have to launch a bit of an investigation on your turf, I hope you don't mind?"

"N-No, not at all."

"Good." Gonelove smiled. "Nothing intrusive, of course. Just going to get a few facts straight, maybe see if any trace of activity can be spotted here and there. By the way..." Gonelove approached his armored car while he spoke to Shining. "I wanted to thank you for sacrificing your family life for our country."

Shining tensed up...He read books, watched movies - this was the exact kind of phrase that indicated something bad was about to happen. He watched Gonelove's horn. Was it going to activate? Was he going to pull out a pistol? No, it was worse...Gonelove smiled.

"I want to make it up to you, though. I know it's not going to bring back the time you lost with your daughter, but let's take our minds off of it. Shall we meet up on one of this week's evenings? We could visit a nice pub, or go out for some higher-class food. I'm buying. What do you say?"

Shining blinked, and unsurely nodded. "S-Sure, that sounds good."

"Great." Gonelove beamed, a big smile on his face. "See you around, Captain. Best of luck now." He said, and stepped inside of the armored car. The driver had driven off...

As Shining stood in the snow and ash, he looked at the destruction. He wondered if he'd ever see his own daughter again - would he survive that long?

He thought about his meeting with Gonelove. Was Gonelove inviting him out of a friendly courtesy? Was he maybe flirting? Or, perhaps more likely...Was he intent on interrogating him once more?

As Shining thought about the last hour, he realized that Gonelove had barely collected any evidence. Perhaps he came here to just interrogate Shining and gauge how honest he was.

Shining shivered - and he had been wearing very warm furs.

***

It had been a day - Shining Armor was able to return to the castle, and Cadence had calmed down. They were able to hold their end of the deal - and gathered the best they could. Those who had strategic and tactical insight were invited, officers and generals who pretended to be loyal to Daybreaker; but deep inside had pulled strings to further the loyalist cause.

They stood in the cellar, and Colton's team stood, listening to them present what they were able to.

"Take a look here." Said a loyalist officer, pointing at a map that was on the wall. "The east coast is home to another resistance movement. They've taken the liberty of calling themselves the Equestrian Liberation Front. We aren't well-connected enough to know how strong they are, but they've been able to do a fair bit of harm to the Solarists."

"You don't sound convinced on their claim to that name." Gomer noted.

"There's debates. Another resistance, known as The Free Equestrian Army, was spawned in central Equestria. It was formed by the four or so divisions that were posted in the region. They joined forces with the local Lunarist forces that were occupying the area - to fight a common foe. We're looking at an approximate ten-division-strong force."

"Ten divisions?" Plymouth whistled. "That's not a resistance, that's a small army."

"Yes, so it was."

"...Was?" Cipher squeaked.

"They were able to achieve good results and had nearly liberated a large portion of south-central Equestria, not far from the Thestrals' territory. However, at some point, we heard nothing from them. All we know is that their last notable operation involved someplace known as Vividvale."

"...Hey!" Cipher leaned in. "What did you say?"

"Vividvale...?"

"That's the caption on the picture of the explosion!" Cipher told Colton, who sat on the chair and continuously nodded his head.

Colton leaned in. "So it's somewhat connected. What do you know about Vividvale?"

"Nothing myself." The guard admitted in shame. "But what I can tell you is that the ELF has several FEA members who moved in to join them. I'm sure they might have the information you need."

"Then that's where we're going." Colton concluded. "Where can we make contact with them?"

"Divine. Close to Fillydelphia." Shining entered the conversation. "We sent an envoy there who never returned - maybe you can figure out what had happened...and hope for the best. We'll give you his info."

"Okay - then we got a direction..." Cipher sighed - tense at the fact they were close to some answers.

Shining sighed. "You're off to the ELF, then? It's a long ways, but we can help. We have a train network that goes from here and through Fillydelphia. We can get you fake documents done within the day, and fake tickets. We have the resources to make them as perfect as can get, and it'll be enough for you to make it."

"That would be good, thanks." Colton smiled. "...What will you do?"

Cadence, who distanced herself somewhat, stepped forward and sighed. "Depending how long this whole nightmare will continue, Chrysalis will feed us monthly information - maybe with the help of Corvus. We'll use it and, well...continue our work here as we have been since Daybreaker ascended."

"...Will you be okay?" Colton frowned as he listened to her.

"We have no choice but to go forward." The alicorn smiled. "Thank you for giving me a window to free Flurry. I assure you that the Floral Heart will do everything to help New Mareland's, and the SIB's operation."

With that, Colton's team was dismissed as they went to wait for the forgery of their documents and tickets. But before the team had left entirely, Chari stayed back.

"Yes?" Cadence looked at the changeling, tilting her head slightly.

"..." Chari looked her in the eyes, and sighed. "Stay strong, ma'am."

Cadence smiled softly. Chari took another moment, and left the room. Time would pass - and as preparations were ready, Colton's team would say goodbye to the Princess and the Captain; leaders of the Crystal Empire, and the masterminds of the Floral Heart's conspiracy.

At-least that's what Gonelove considered calling them if his suspicions were to align with the facts.

***

Watching the setting sun, Flurry sunk her wet eyes into Whammy...She stood at the port side, and watched as the land behind her disappeared.

The guard behind her frowned, gulping. Seeing this sight had torn at him too - for this was the daughter of their beloved monarch, the symbol and hope of their nation. Its heir. He was unsure what to say - and only stood to ensure that she was safe. The ship was a freight ship, with all the necessary methods to conceal Flurry in case of any inspections.

The guard heart footsteps behind him - the light-orange unicorn had stepped forward. Sunburst looked at the guard, and gave him a soft nod. The guard respectfully bowed, and walked aside. Flurry's ears perked up - she had an idea of what happened.

Sunburst stood by her side at the railing.

"...Sunburst?" Flurry whispered. "...When all of this is over, will I..."

"...Yes, Flurry?"

"Will I really be the same? Can I stay normal...?"

"..." Sunburst smiled, adjusting his glasses. "Nopony stays the same, Flurry. We change. For better or worse, that's the only thing we may influence."

Flurry looked at Whammy, and then at the disappearing land. She held onto him tighter. "What is life like where we're going...?" She asked.

"Warm." Sunburst spoke, having read about the islands intensively for the last days since Cadence shared the plan with him. "Tropical and pleasant. Warm and friendly creatures. I think there's nothing bad anyone can say about the Meridiennes."

"Just the one bad thing is that I won't be without mom and dad..." She sighed. "I'm...glad you're here though, Sunburst..."

The unicorn smiled warmly. "I was your Crystallier once. It's a lifetime duty - and I intend to take it seriously." He said, and frowned. "You...miss them now a lot, don't you?"

"So, so much..." She whispered. "It was bad in Canterlot - now it's worse..."

Sunburst looked at the horizon and sighed, leaning against the railing. "I miss someone too. A lot."

"...Who?"

Sunburst smiled. "A mare I caused a lot of pain once and made her go a little crazy. She's okay now. The last time I heard from her, she wrote letters how she was organizing a movement against Daybreaker with her marefriend. The Equestria Liberation Front, they called it."

"Have you..." Flurry paused. "...Had the chance to say goodbye?"

"...No, not at all." Sunburst sighed. "But that's because I'm just like you, Flurry. I fully intend to meet her again." He said, looking at the water and then, at the alicorn. "Let's go inside? Cadence asked to bring some of your old servants and tutors on board. They'd really like to see you."

"...Is my math tutor among them?" She nervously smiled.

"She couldn't make it on time. I'll take that role." He chuckled. "And, we'll make sure that whatever happens, we'll keep your spirits up. Just tell us what you'd like to do."

"You'll magically conjure up a five scoop sundae for me now?" The alicorn asked with a challenging twang to her tone.

"Perhaps not. I'm not sure how we'd make ice cream on a ship in the first place."

"Okay! Then I want a makeover party. You're the model."

"...So what scoops should they be?" Sunburst sighed, as they stepped through the door...As now, the Crystal Empire had become a distant, distant memory.

***

The whistle of the train had indicated that it was time to depart. It was an impressive machine designed to break through any obstacle formed by the cold wasteland. The team was not waved goodbye by neither Cadence nor Shining - but they were able to say their goodbyes in the castle. Now, it was all up to the Floral Heart from here on.

Inside the departing train, Chari sadly looked at the city in the distance. At the castle, looking so majestic and yet, with the context of it all, seeping with sadness. Cipher, who sat opposite of her, looked at her in wonder, noticing her thoughtful gaze. "...Chari?"

"Cadence..." She whispered. "Do you think she'll...be okay?"

"..." Cipher shook his head. "Not even an alicorn could live normally with grief like hers."

Chari turned to Cipher, looking him into the eyes. The train nudged and shook a little, momentum gently pushing Chari back to the wall, slightly. "After I lost contact with my father...It stung so much. Do you think it stings more for him than for me...? The parent suffers from separation more than the child?"

"...I do." Cipher sadly admitted. "But I can't explain why. It's easier to process when you were not familiar with your parents, nor who they were. Never knew mine, so I can't comment much."

"Oh...I'm...Sorry for your loss." Chari frowned - noticing that there was no sadness or hesitation in Cipher's words, thinking that perhaps he had been so emotionally disconnected and ruined.

"They're not dead." Cipher swiftly rectified however - with a rather monotone execution.

"A-Ah?"

Cipher sighed. "My parents were unable to support the family. They sold me off to the first pony - in this case - batpony who offered to pay. At the very least, it made sure my younger brother had something to eat."

"..." Chari quieted down. "What then?"

"Buyer was a Disciple." Cipher began. "Baltimare was pretty full of urban legends of cultist thestrals foalnapping foals, and they were true. They needed sacrifices."

"Sacrifices...?" Chari's eyes gently widened, and her muscles tensed.

"For Nightmare Moon, they sought those who had "life force that could connect to the stars" - something like that. It took them about half a year to determine if I was worth sacrificing, if I had any connection. If they hadn't found it, they'd kill me unceremoniously. But, they found a link, and attempted it. Put me on the altar and prepared to snuff me on it."

"Wait, how did you escape?"

"..." Cipher quieted down. "No. Idea." He flatly said. "I saw them plunge the dagger right into my throat, but...Everything went dark afterwards. Then I woke up to see that I was still on the altar, but...all those cultists, about a dozen or so - were reduced to bloody mush on the floor. I still don't know what happened, or how. I ran, and ended up being picked up by Aztlan mercs who were looking for lackeys. Bit of work here and there and, as you know, I immigrated to New Mareland. Military service, accolades, yatta yatta - SIB."

"...I'm sorry for bringing it up - all those things that happened..." Chari hid her gaze in shame - but Cipher leaned in.

"You can apologize by indulging me a bit. What about your dad? Is he really your...biological dad?"

"Geist is..." Chari chuckled. "Someone who doesn't act like a biological father. I don't think biological fathers are going to teach you advanced espionage and infiltration techniques..."

"Cool ones would." Cipher admitted.

"I think that's true. And he was-...is a cool dad. Either way..." Chari looked out the window as the wasteland now moved, only snow and ice in sight. "I believe he tried to prepare me to fight and face the world. But he would never admit I am his biological daughter, because if I did, then...Then I'd get attached. And he always lectured me how attachment can lead to disaster. I suppose when you're a high-ranking spymaster of the VOPS, you learn your loved ones are primary targets."

"He's wrong." Cipher bluntly said. "Attachment is the reason why you love. Attachment is what you strive for. Think of how Flurry and Cadence feel right now."

"I'd assume more horribly than we can imagine." Chari guessed.

"Yep." Cipher nodded. "But do you think this means they shouldn't have been attached to one another? Attachment implies tears of grief and sorrow - but at the root of these tears are the ones we love and cherish. It's painful - but do you really think creatures die without thinking of their loved ones? Once you die - it's the final important thing. To be surrounded by those you are attached to, and remembering the ones who were with you in the past."

...

"...C-Cipher..." Chari blinked at him, eyes wetting somewhat.

A knock came from the adjacent compartment, and shortly after, Gomer entered. "Hey!" He grunted. "I know we're gonna be in separate rooms to avoid the attention, but you don't gotta make me depressed on our way south! These walls are paper-damn-thin."

"Philosophy is a...cruel mistress?" Cipher blinked at Gomer. The griffon rolled his eyes, and gave a quick whistle. Plymouth, and then Umi, had entered the compartment. Raz had come in later, removing the plastic ear molds and eye contacts that disguised her as a regular pegasus rather than a thestral. She sat and immediately propped up her metallic legs on Cipher, who looked at her with a 'really?' glare. It was fortunate that the legs she was fitted were lightweight - designed for maximum sustainability and maintenance potential, at the cost of not having any extra features.

"Colton's where, exactly?" Chari rose a brow.

"Asleep. He's out cold and tired." Gomer giggled like a goblin. "Which meaaans, we can afford a little R&R." He said, producing several bottles of alcohol from under his jacket.

"Here goes Gomer..." Plymouth sighed, sitting between Umi and Chari. "I thought we were professionals. And I thought professionals had standards."

Gomer chuckled. "Be polite, be efficient...And have a plan to drink everything you see." He said, and began to pour the drinks into the cups that were on the table. "Whiskey, wine, sambuca, and reposado. Who's drinking what?"

Chari raised a hoof for wine, Cipher raised for sambuca. Plymouth had already levitated the reposado over, and Raz nudged Chari to pour her some wine too. Umfuni opted to share the sambuca with Cipher. Gomer was more than happy that he had monopoly on the whiskey.

"Where'd you get this anyway?" Raz asked, licking her lips at the delicious grape alcohol poured into her cup.

"High-class train service don't fuck around." Gomer grinned. "Now come on..." He wrapped a talon around Cipher. "I know sentimental convo is a vice - but tough shit. Life's shit, life's depressing - but we seven mother-fatherfuckers are surviving and spitting in the face of the world's greatest and more vile tyrant to ever exist. Let's drink to that?"

"Pft, sure." Cipher laughed, and quietly - the cups clinked as they toasted.

***

Cipher's night had been a blur. There was little memory of what had taken place, what games were played and what embarrassing facts were revealed. Cipher could barely remember Chari trying not to laugh at one of Gomer's stories to avoid waking the other compartments. Plymouth taking a shot through his nose and bleeding from it. Cipher also remembered the moment Raz drunkenly attempting to seduce one of the passengers, and Plymouth desperately trying to pull her away as he tried not to laugh at her pathetic drunken attempts at flirtation.

His memories ended as, in a separate compartment, he had embraced both Chari and Umi on a bunk bed; and all faded to black.