The Gentlecolts Club

Chapters

Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Thunderlane approached the weather factory and he knew he was already late. The morning conversation with Soarin distracted his concentration when he should have been flying with everything he had to make it on time for this shift. Today on the other hand, he would be anything but on time.

Thinking aloud, he sorted through ways to keep out of being detected. “How to get in…how to get in… I think if I came in from below and poked my head through a cloud, I bet nopony would notice me. If nopony notices, there’s nothing to explain!” His face lit up and he dove down hard under the cloud where nopony is usually seen. Continuing on, he looked up trying to figure out where to go next.

“Ugh, which area was I scheduled for today?” He said aloud. “Lightning bolt charging, fog generator, hailstone casting, it could be anything! Rainbow Dash has the list!” He paced under the cloud in nervous deliberation. Finally coming to a stop, he made use of all wits available to him.

“Well, if I worked on the raincloud maker yesterday it’s either a test run with the tornado centrifuge or the high wind fans. But, which is it?” He smacked his head with a hoof in frustration. “It’s got to be the fans. The generator is down for the next few days. I’m sure of it.”

Thunderlane flew directly underneath where the spare high wind fans sat in storage for repairs. Poking his head up through the clouds, he couldn’t see a pony in sight. With a wide grin he popped up through the cloud and landed softly on the floor.

“Yes! Nopony will know!” He said aloud and turned around. Just as he did so, Rainbow Dash is seen directly in front of him.

“So, Thunderlane. “ She said causing Thunderlane to back up in surprise. “You decided to come to work after all today.” Looking over at the wall, she studied the clock and pointed it to Thunderlane. “You’re also more than twenty minutes late.”

Quickly perking up, Thunderlane did his best to impress. “RD! Hey! What’s happening? How are things going at the factory? Any rain forecasted over the week?” He smiled quite sheepishly.

“Yes, things are going as usual.” She replied with dry wit. Her tone changed as she became more assertive. “Some changes are also happening too. Thunderlane, this is the fourth time you’ve been late just this week. If you aren’t here, we can’t get everything done as it is.” She placed a hoof over her face and shook her head. “This already looks bad for us, but now I have to suspend you from weather duties and report you to the Canterlot weather commission for further action.”

“Reported to Canterlot!?” Thunderlane shouted in shock. “You can’t do that! They’ll put me on extra duty! They’ll cut my bit pay in half!” Thunderlane fell to the ground, crawled over to RD and wrapped his hooves around her front leg. “Please! Anything but that!“ As continued, he sobbed and started to make a mess on her hoof.

With a groan and rolling her eyes, Rainbow Dash stepped back pulling her hoof out of the grasp of Thunderlane. “It’s something I HAVE to do. Besides, you’re already on the books for having missed work in the past. You’ve also missed out on a LOT of duties when we needed you the most. I already told you that last time was your last chance to shape up! What am I supposed to do? Just let it go?” She looked at him wide eyed with a hoof in the air.

Getting up, Thunderlane came up with an idea. “Wait!” he blurted. Looking around and tapping his head, he shouted out the first thing that came to mind. “What if…what if I could get you a night out with one of the Wonderbolts?” His eyes were wide and a smile is spread across his face.

Rainbow dash not expecting such a ridiculous response immediately burst out laughing. “You? Ha! You think you can get me a night out with one of the Wonderbolts?” She dropped to the ground and rolled around. “Oh in the name of Celestia, that the best one I’ve heard in a while!” Her loud laughter could be heard clear across the warehouse.

Thunderlane clearly irritated turned around and started toward the exit. “Well, fine then. Being that I’m on suspension and since you’re not interested, I’ll just leave and have to tell Soarin a filly turned him down…”

Rainbow dash in a half roll immediately got up and looked wide eyed at Thunderlane. “Wait a second! Did you….did you say Soarin!? The one rarely seen with a date!?” Her face lit up as she spoke in elation.

As smug as can be, Thunderlane looked back and nodded. “Yep. Just you and Soarin for a night out if you’re interested of course.” Turning on the charm, he stood up and started to imitate a dance twirling around in circles and jumping up into the air. “You and him can have a festive night out better then you can imagine!”

Rainbow dash thought for a moment and looked at Thunderlane with contempt. “How do I know you’re even telling the truth? You might just be stalling for time…” She looked at him closely with one eyebrow raised clearly questioning his honesty.

“No! Seriously! He’ll be back at my place tonight!’ He waved both hooves in front of him. “We can meet up and schedule a time for you two to go out! I’m dead serious! Even Rumble can prove it!”

The filly looked hard at the stallion deep in thought. Finaly she spoke chewing on her words. “Okay. I‘ll leave you out of the report to Canterlot, but you’re still on suspension for three days. You’re not getting out that easy.”

Thunderlane gave a big sigh of relief. “Rainbow, you wouldn’t believe what you’ve…”

The filly raised a hoof and pointed it at the Stallion. “Save it. If I find out you lied to me, I’ll bury you deeper than a Diamond Dog. Even Celestia herself won’t be able to save you. After all of the headaches you’ve caused me, I’m just trying to keep cool.“

The Stallion chuckled a nervous laugh. “Well, ah, great then! I’ll see you over at my place just before sunset then, right?”

The look on Rainbow Dash lightened up. “Your place sounds fine just to meet up. I may even be there a little sooner than that to see him.” A mild smile could be noticed as she was thinking about it.

“Great!” Thunderlane stated still trying to play off the problem. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to these fans…”

“Thunderlane.” Rainbow dash interrupted. “You’re supposed to be at the Tornado centrifuge. It was fixed this morning.”

“Oh, well uh…thanks. Off to work then!” he chimed as he trots out of the warehouse.

Once out of sight, Rainbow Dash lets out a squeal and trots around in a circle. “Oh my gosh! Soarin! A night with Soarin! Eeek! What will I wear? What will we do? So much to plan for!” She placed both hooves on her muzzle and squealed again.

Darting forward in a full gallop, she runs out of the warehouse thinking of the night ahead.

**************************************

Waking up, Soarin looked around in a daze. His head throbbed and the room was still spinning a bit. As if calling from a far away distance, a faint voice is heard that he can’t quite make out. From his position he could tell he was lying down on a bed. A flash of light passed over his eyes as the figure moved back and forth. Squinting hard, Soarin looked at the figure until it cleared up enough to determine that it was the Ponyville doctor wearing a white gown.

“Soarin?” The voice started. “Soarin can you hear me?” The figure called to him.

Waving a hoof in front of his snout, Soarin closed his eyes and turned his head trying to block the light. “Yes…” he croaked. “I can hear you just fine. It’s my head that hurts.” He let out a groan of pain. Looking around, he faced the doctor. “Where am I anyway?”

“Ponyville hospital. Obviously you’re here from the accident I’m afraid.” The doctor could now easily be seen and replied while looking intently at his head and placing the light back in his pocket. “It appears to be a rather nasty bump on your noggin by the look of it.”

“Accident?” Soarin looked confused at the doctor and lightly shook his head. “Wait, what accident?”

Picking up the clipboard at the foot of the bed, he is busily scribbling notes and paused for a moment with it in one hoof. While still holding the pencil in the other, the doctor looked at Soarin and then adjusted his glasses. “Sorry, I’m a bit busy today. There’s far too many things on the mind.” He sat down and continued on. “From what I’ve been told, your accident happened today while you were training at the Wonderbolt facility. A few ponies brought you in with your training leader…er…what’s her name…”

“Was it Spitfire?” Soarin interjected while tapping his head and wincing upon touching the knot.

“ Yes. Your direct supervisor…or…captain as you say brought you in with help from another Pegasi and informed us you had fallen from a stepladder while performing cleaning duties. You must have hit fairly hard into a wall or fixed object from what I can tell. Ladder falls are one of the most common and leading preventable accidents we see you know.”

“Yeah. I hit something alright.” Soarin grumbled while looking away from the doctor.

Looking back at the clipboard, the doctor continued with his note scribbling. ”Consider yourself rather lucky you weren’t more seriously hurt. Some ponies have been known to hit much harder objects on the way down. Especially Pegasi from what the records say.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” Soarin added.

“Anyway” The doctor added “You’re cleared on medical leave from duty for the next three days. The paperwork has already been sent to your command. Your work requirements are not to include flying and plenty of rest during your off time for the next week after that. Keep in mind that you will still need to report to your direct supervisor at roll call each day before you are relieved.”

Soarin quickly looked back at the doctor in shock. “Wait a minute, I’m grounded!? No flight duties at all!?” He raised hoof in protest, sat up, and his tone shifted to frustration. “But I have a performance to attend and I’m stuck in Ponyville! We’re already short for time between two events that are only a few days apart!” The room spun more heavily as his head throbbed again from the shouting and Soarin winced as a reaction. In pain and dizziness, hey lay back down.

“Like I said” The doctor nonchalantly continued. “You aren’t going to be on any flight duties with that bump you’ve taken. You can still travel from town to town by air, but you’ll have to restrict it as much as possible. No hot-dogging. My job is to keep you alive so you’re fit for duty when you return. For that, you must stay on the ground.” Making a few more notes on the board, the doctor tapped at the bottom of it. “Other than another few tests to run here for safety reasons, we can discharge you in a couple of hours. We’ll get you out as soon as possible.”

Soarin closed his eyes and spoke aloud trying to get the mild spinning to subside while his head throbbed. “Doc, I’ve seriously thought about a specialist because I need answers to some questions.”

The doctor looked at him closer. “Yes? What type of specialist?”

“I get scared in public. It’s a kind of scared that leaves me breathless, causes me to feel dizzy. I just can’t think and it’s driving me crazy.” He covered his eyes with a leg as the spinning subsided.

“Hmm, I think I know who may help.” Pulling a card from his coat poket, he placed on the bed for Soarin to see. Lifting his arm, the bedridden pony looked down to read the inscription.

“Doctor H?” Soarin asked. “Seems rather strange not to have a full name. Any particular reason?”

The doctor shook his head. “None I’m aware of, but his reputation is quite well known around here. If he doesn’t know what you’re looking for, perhaps he can help find someone who can.”

Placing the clipboard back on the foot of the bed, the medical pony tucked the pencil in his coat pocket. Heading over to the door and opening it, the doctor looked back and his face brightened up. “Look on the bright side. Being as busy as you Wonderbolts are, I’m sure you could use the rest and relaxation. Try to look forward to the time off.”

Before the doctor could walk out, Soarin called from his bed. “Doctor?”

Turning back around, the doctor again looked at Soarin. “Yes, what is it?”

Soarin taking a deep breath sighed heavily. “Is there any way to stay here for another day or two?”

With short laugh, the doctor raised an eyebrow. “Oh, don’t be silly. We can’t keep you here longer then needed. You act as if there’s something you’re trying to get away from.” With that he left and closed the door.

Looking up at the ceiling, Soarin blinked and stared wide eyed at the hundreds of holes that dotted the tiles while whispered to himself silently. “More then you know.”

**************************************

Down the road from Ponyville, the first recess bell of the schoolhouse started to ring. All of the young fillies and colts burst out of the rear exit door to play outside. Cheers and laugher erupted from all fillies and colts as they spread out across the courtyard.

“C’mon Snips!” The unicorn colt Snails looked back in and yelled while at the doorway. “Last one to the tether ball court is a slow-colt!”

Snails jumped down the stairs and started in a full gallop just as the shorter and squatter Snips jumped out of the door quickly running at full speed. “No fair! You made it out the door first!” He yelled trying to catch up.

Scootaloo came out of the door next talking behind her as she made it down the stairs. “So where to first guys? Jungle gym, sandbox, ball court, or the tree?”

Sweetie bell followed close behind with Applebloom. “”The tree isn’t quite like our treehouse, but it’s still fun to hang from.” Applebloom followed up. “Wait, I know! We’ll get a rope and tie you to a branch so you can fly in circles underneath!” Laughter started between the two.

“Ha, ha. Real funny.” Scootaloo retorted. “One of these days when I get up in the air, you won’t know what you’ll be missing in Cloudsdale.” She hung her head low close to the grass.

With a smile, Applebloom motioned to Sweetie bell move faster. Quickly both caught up and walked alongside Sootaloo. “Aww, we’re just joking.” She jested bumping into her with her shouder. “Someday, even Rainbow Dash will be jealous of you.”

Sticking her tongue between her lips and waving her hoof around in a circle, Scootaloo caught on and blew a raspberry. “Right! Pbhtt! ”

All three tumbled over giggling and laughing while rolling on the ground at the idea. Sweetie Bell looking over was the first to stop and gave Applebloom a tap as she looked over her. “Have a look. It seems like we have a guest.” She pointed a hoof in the direction.

Applebloom looking over noticed Rumble as he walked up from the sandbox looking to start a conversation. “Hey guys!” He stated dusting off his hooves. “You wouldn’t believe what I found out today!”

All three fillies got up and surround the young colt. “Heya Rumble!” Applebloom greeted. “Whats goin on today?”

Rumble, wide eyed and full of suspense started up slowly. “This morning you just WOULDN’T believe who I ran into! It was a total surprise! Had I knows I would have been ready with pictures and a picture to autograph and everything!”

“Go on Rumble…” Scootaloo said rolling her eyes.

”It was incredible to even see him there! I mean, so early in the morning! I got up and went to Thunderlanes room and it totally caught me off guard! I mean, I couldn’t help but stare and was like ‘WOW’ because you would never expect it!” Rumble carried on looking even more surprised.

“Rumble…” Sweetie Bell groaned clearly growing irritated.

Looking up and raising hoof he continued. “He was so big! He must have been three times bigger than me even! To look up and think he couldn’t be so large and be wrong is one thing but he is so big! I mean, to see him at the show was one thing, but to act-“

“Rumble!” Appleboom shouted. “Get on with it!”

With a blank face, Rumble took a deep breath and let it out . “Soarin the Wonderbolt was at my house!”

All across the yard heads turned as fillies and colts caught off guard turn around and talk is heard between them. One by one having heard the news, all of them walk over to Rumble and surround him.

“Is it true?” One voice says from the back. “No, not Soarin…” Another starts from the other direction.

Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo and Applebloom look around to see the whole courtyard surrounding them trying to hear more. Applebloom being the first to step forward, looked at Rumble in the eye.

“Rumble!” She gasped and continued on. “Was he really there? Swear on it.” Asking in amazement.

Rumble raised his head and closed his eyes. “On my word of Celestia guarding Equestia, I swear.”

Talk quickly burst out from all fillies and colts across the yard. Cherilee inside of the schoolhouse having heard how calm the schoolyard was and looking out of the doorway noticed the commotion. Curious of the situation, she walked out and approached the crowd.

Sorting through the group, she arrived at the center. Looking confused, she looked around at all fillies and colts. “Children, what in all Ponyville is happening here?”

Applebloom turned to her and pointed to Rumble. “Cherilee, he says Soarin the Wonderbolt was at his home last night.”

Looking over from the filly, she had seen the colt in the center of the crowd. “Well, let me see about this.” Cherilee spoke as she directed her attention to Rumble and moved on over.

Cherilee looking down on the group of fillies and colts stepped though to approach him. With a curious look, she and lay down face to face with him.

“Now Rumble, what is going on out here? Is something the matter?” She said as pleasant as can be with a kind smile.

“Teacher, it’s true! Honest! Thunderlane was there! Soarin promised a royal escort for Thunderlane to Cloudsdale!” Rumble asserted himself again.

Working their way forward from the crowd, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoons giggled with laughter. “Thunderlane? Your lazy brother? An escort even? Ha! I should have known he would have put you up to this. I heard he’s been late to work more times than anypony in Equestria can remember! He’d do anything to keep his rump out of trouble!” Silver spoons then chimed in. “How much did he pay you this time? Two bits or three? He may have even paid the same to dress up one of his friends in a Wonderbolt suit!” Together they laughed again.

Angrily, Rumble jumped toward the two asserting himself. “No! I really saw him! He was in my brother’s bedroom this morning sleeping on the floor!”

Snickers and a wave of laughter spread across the group as Diamond Tiara and Silver spoons couldn’t contain themselves rolling on the ground. Sweetie bell and Applebloom were the only two calm as can be while Scootaloo couldn’t help but let out a small giggle. With a quick glare from Applebloom, she composed herself and quieted down.

Cherilee looked down at the ground not quite knowing what to say. With a sorrowful face, she looked back at the small colt. “Rumble, it’s one thing to tell stories but I really wonder if it could have been your big brother that put you up to this. We weren’t there so we can’t say for sure. Wonderbolts have an awful lot to do and they’re very busy most of the time. I can’t say for sure one way or the other.”

Rumble feeling betrayed, looked up at Cherilee. His eyes welled up with tears ready to cry. “You don’t believe me? Do you?” Sniffling, he walked through the crowd over to a nearby tree.

Cherilee sighed and got back up. “Children, recess is over in a few minutes. Please put everything away and I’ll meet you inside the classroom. I have something to take care of.” With that, she walked over to the colt sobbing at the base of the tree to console him.

Applebloom took note as Cherilee sat down and held the sobbing colt. “Girls, as far as I know Rumble seemed pretty serious about it. It just doesn’t make sense for him tell a lie like that for any reason.”

Scootaloo piped up. “Did you hear that though? Soarin of all Wonderbolts sleeping on the floor of his brothers bedroom? You can’t seriously believe that.” With a look of disbelief and rolling her eyes, she let out a disconcerting hiss. “Pssh.”

“I know. That’s pretty tough even for me to believe.” Applebloom looked over to Sweetie Belle. “What do you think?”

Lifting a hoof and shrugging a shoulder she clearly couldn’t decide. “It’s a stretch, but what if it’s true? What can we do?”

As her face lit up, Applebloom spoke out whith charisma. “I know! We can track down Thunderlane and see if he meets up with Soarin again! I’ll bring a camera and we can prove it to Cherilee! It’ll clear rumble and we may even get a cutie mark! Whadda ya say Cutie Mark Crusaders?!”

With a cheer, all three let out hoots and hollers. Cherilee walking back over from the tree shouted out across the courtyard. “”Time is up children! Let’s all go back to class!” As she rounded up the stragglers, Applebloom waited as rumble slowly walked up while Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo went inside the schoolhouse.

“Rumble?” She started. “We’ll help prove you aren’t lying. Me, Scoots and Sweetie Bell that is.”

Forlorn and sniffling, Rumble looked up at her with soaked eyes. “R-really? You’d do that?” Applebloom nodded with a warm smile. “Of course Rumble. It’s what friends are for.”

Cheerilee came over to the pair and ushered them forward in an assuring tone. “Cmon you two. It’s time to go inside and you’re the last ones to go in.”

Rumble and Applebloom walked on over to the schoolhouse door. “Don’t worry Rumble. The Cutie Mark Crusaders are on the job!” With that, the trio went inside.

**************************************

In the center of a small study while sorting through books on a shelf, a light brown pony with a dark brown mane is standing on a short stepladder and looking at each one intently as he went along. “No, no, no…defiantly not…no…BAH! NO! It’s not here! Where IS it!” He tuned and shouted to the next room. “A book is missing here!”

“Which one?” A strangely higher pitched voice called back from the next room.

“The book on paranormal evidence detection! It’s part of the forensics texts! I know it was here yesterday!” The pony stepped down and made his way to the center of the room where he sat on a large pillow and shuffled through a dusty pileof books reading the cover one by one and sorting them. Deep in thought, he jumped when a loud knock rapped on the door. With a shake of his hed, he came back to his senses.

“My! A visitor!” He stood up from the pillow and trotted to the door. Opening it, he faced a rather strange character in what appeared to be a fedora, sunglasses and beard. The dark brown trenchcoat he was also wearing didn’t make things any easier in understanding his apparel.

“Ah, hello good sir. May I…er… help you?” He inquired still taking the image in. Looking around, the unknown character faced the host. “I’m here for your services if you’re available.“ The overdressed pony looked over him and pointed a light blue hoof over to the pillow near the fireplace. “May I have a seat?” The figure inquired.

Opening the door wide, the host continued on. “Yes! Please do come in and make yourself comfortable.” Having entered the room, the mystery guest turned and looked back. “May I ask your name, sir?”

The pony at the door smirked. “Please, just call me Doctor. It’s more professional that way.” He closed the door and quickly made it back over to his chair while his visitor took his time seating himself last.

“So! Mr…whom shall I call you?” the doctor inquired while lying down and placing one front hoof crossed over another.

Thinking for minute, the pony spoke out. “Just call me…Sailing. Sailing Jack. Alright?” Looking around briefly, he pulled up the jacket collar tightly around his neck. “I was also told that doctors have patient confidentiality rules. ”

“Okay…er…Jack.” The doctor gave him a peculiar look. “I’m sure there’s a very good reason you’re here. I can also promise anything said here won’t leave the room.” He lifted his hooves while still watching him and lightly tapped them together.

The doctor looking briefly over the shoulder of the mystery guest looked back and smiled without moving an inch. Sitting forward, the doctor looked intently into the glasses of the guest. “Well, I suppose we really should finish the introductions first then before moving on. I would like for you to meet…” The doctor motioned with a hoof at another character to come forward hidden in the shadows.

Curious, the mystery visitor turns around in the chair to come face to face by mere inches with a pony looking directly at him with crossed eyes. In shock and as a reaction, the beard and sunglasses fall off as he jerked back. The doctor looked to the filly and laughed. “...Derpy.”

“Hi!” she spoke with a charismatic charm. “Muffin?” She handed out a plate full of an assortment from blueberry to bran. One on the corner appeared to be half eaten.

“Oops! Mine!” Grabbing it, she pulls the plate back and starts chewing on it enthusiastically. She sits while continuing to snack.

Looking back at the pony in the chair, the doctor instantly recognized who he was minus the glasses and beard. Lifting both hooves in a charismatic welcome, he announced his thoughts. “Ah, so the rumors are true. Soarin does provide us a visit in Ponyville. As memory recalls, you don’t visit here often. What brings you to this neck of the woods?”

“Well, so much for Jack then.” As Soarin removed his hat and trenchcoat, the Doctor noticed the large knot on his head. Pointing it out, the Doctor interjected. “That looks rather nasty. Did that happen earlier?

Reaching up on top of his head, Soarin winced as he tapped it. “Unfortuantly yes. The medical doctor has taken me out of flight duties for three days due to the dizzy spells. It comes and goes but for now it’s doing better.”

“I imagine not being able to fly becomes a large problem for a pegasi.” The doctor inquired.

“Indeed.” Soarin calmly agreed as he moved on. “Anyhow, as most ponies do that come through your front door, I have a problem. Lets just say it was a recommendation from another pony and I’m looking for answers.”

The doctor lay down both hooves and leaned back. “This isn’t normally my line of work, but anything to help bring in a few extra bits tends to make life a little easier. I do what I can for all ponies when they come to my aid. I was inspired to do more when I first met Derpy here.” He pointed a hoof at her.

Hearing her name, she looked up quizzically from the plate with half of the muffins already gone and her face covered in crumbs. “Huh?’

His face brightening up, the doctor laughed. “How couldn’t you love her?” His kind eyes watched the pegasi as she continued to heartily with enthusiasm.

“Uh, right.” Soarin cleared his throat and with a serious tone continued with the doctor. “Doc, I really don’t know where to begin. Ever since I was young I worked hard to get to be where I am and now that I’ve done it, there are certain…problems that have arisen because of it.” With that, he paused.

Noticing the lapse, the doctor waved a hoof. “Please, continue if you can.”

Taking a deep breath Soarin about to speak, stalled looking over at Derpy still face deep into the plate of muffins. With a quizzical look, he looked back at the doctor. “Should she be here for this?”

The doctor chuckled and shook his head. “I wouldn’t worry at all. She doesn’t take much interest in my studies. It’s quite likely she won’t even recall you being here by bedtime tonight.” Tapping his hoof on the floor, the doctor continued with his interest in the pegasi. “Now let’s move on.”

Soarin chewed on his lower lip and looked around. “Doc, I just can’t take this tension. It’s these fillies and mares both between on and off duty. Some of my own team think I’m too distant because of...well…this issue whatever it is. I try to play it off and sometimes I have to hide if I can just to get back under control. It feels like it’s getting worse and nothing seems to help.”

Visibly thinking hard, the doctor threw out a question. “Does it happen when you perform in the air at all?”

“No!” Soarin blurted wide eyed. “That’s just it! Up there, I feel free as the birds They can’t touch me, hold me, grab me or squeeze me while I’m in the air. I feel like I can get away if I had to. It’s when I land on the ground and the crowd comes. It’s that…that…SWARM if you will.” “As he continued, his tone became more vocal and his hoof movements more excited. “Colts and stallions will shake a hoof or tell you how great you are, but it’s these mares that I just cant handle Doc. Something breaks down. At nights I have nightmares that they pull at me, at my hair and tear my suit apart trying get a piece of me! I feel buried as the group closes in on me! I can’t breathe Doctor. I just-“

“Here! Get him!” Derpy cut into the conversation with the last half eaten bran muffin on the tray offering it to Soarin.

“YAH! Stay away!” Leaping off the pillow, Soarin scrambled back in a panic. Visibly shaken and breathing heavily, he cowered into the nearest wall corner covering his head with a wing. With a blank face Derpy looked from Soarin to the muffin on the plate. Studying it closely with her offset eyes and poking it, she bit into it. Munching, she turned at the doctor. “Seems fine to me.” She mumbled with a mouthful of muffin.

The doctor having watched the situation unfold before him looked down at the floor and slowly tapped it with a hoof. After a brief moment, he looked up and waved over to the pegasi in the corner. “Soarin, come on back and have a seat. I think I see the trouble or at least part of it anyway.”

Slowly crawling out of the corner, Soarin lay back down on the cushion mildly trembling and his breathing still quite labored. In a calm tone, the doctor stretched his head forward to speak closer. “I can understand how this is a problem for you in your line of work. Statistically speaking, fillies and mares do indeed outnumber colts and stallions from what I’ve seen in some areas more so then others.”

Soarin covered his head with a hoof. “But doctor, what do I do! This is holding me back! I can’t take it anymore!” He lowered his head to the ground and beat on it with both hooves.

The doctor leaned back on his pillow. “From what I’ve seen just this far, I would have to lean towards a social anxiety disorder. It’s certainly not physical, but part of that wiring in your head is not right.” Getting up, he looked over on the shelf and ran a hoof down the line. Upon finidng a book, he pulls it off and begind leafing through it. “Paranoia, schizophrenia…ah. Here it is. Anxiety in its simplest sense is a state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties. Hmm…” Leafing through it he goes silent for a moment. Before long, the doctor closes the book and places it back on the shelf.

“Now Soarin…” the doctor returned to the pillow next to the fire. “This is a rather broad problem and I’ll need time to narrow down the exact causes of what triggers your problem.” Looking back over at Derpy, he rubbed his chin with a hoof. Thinking aloud, he spoke his mind. “I want to try something…”

The doctor motions at him to move. “Walk over to Derpy and stand next to her.” Looking over, Soarin slowly crept over and edged ever so slightly next to Derpy. “Now” The doctor continued. “Put a hoof over her.”

Soarin looked nervous. “What? You’re not serious!” As he took a step sideways away from her, Derpy looked at him with her offset eyes, smiled and just cocked her head. “Don’t worry, the doc knows what he’s doing.” The doctor nodded in agreement. “Have no fear, it’s just one pony and as I mentioned, quite harmless.” Unsure, Soarin looked at her and hesitantly but gradually lifted a hoof. Ever so gently, he placed it on the back of her neck. Initially breathing heavily and looking away, he calmed down in the stillness.

The doctor paused as he read his facial expressions. “So how do you feel Soarin?” He questioned.

“A little ill, but mostly calm for the time being.” He replied with a mildly nervous tone. “For the most part though, I’m doing OK.”

The doctor nodded. “Now Soarin, I’m going to have Derpy put hoof around your neck just as you have on hers. This will basically be the same as meeting a colt friend from an outing or family members even. Just as friends. Nothing more.” With that, the doctor gave a nod to Derpy.

“Yay! Friends!” She squealed as she grabbed his neck by the hoof. Visibly tensing up and swallowing hard, Soarin leaned away but kept his remaining hooves planted. Managing to keep composure, he let out a dull whine. “Are we done yet? I REALLY don’t enjoy this.”

“Nearly. Results appear just as I thought.” The doctor stated. “Now for this last part Soarin, I need you to keep perfectly still. Don’t move.” Turning around, the doctor made his way to a large trunk, opened it and brought out a pair of earmuffs. Bringing them back over, he placed them on the ground.

“Now Soarin, I want you to close your eyes and count to a hundred while you’re wearing these.” Picking up the earmuffs, he placed on the blue Pegasi’s head. Closing his eyes, Soren then could be seen visibly mouthing the numbes one by one.

“Now Derpy.” The doctor looked over to her. “Ever so quietly tell Soarin you think he’s cute.”

The grey filly nodded, turned to the colt and whipered as the doctor studied closely. “Soarin, I think you’re cute.” Still clearly counting, Soarin neither budged or moved an inch. His face lighting up, the doctor looked at Derpy. “Now tell him you love him, but quietly. I don’t want him to hear it.” Nodding at the doctor, she turned and did so. “Soarin, I love you.” Soarin still deaf to the world counted on.

“I knew it!” The doctor exclaimed slapping a hoof on the ground. Barely hearing the muffle, Soarin looked up at the pair. “What was that?”

“Nothing, nothing.” The Doctor removed the earmuffs while watching Soarin closely. “I think she said something about you having a good looking mane.”

Immediately Soarin unwrapped his hooves and jerked away from Derpy as if she had something contagious. Looking a bit sad, she shook her head at the doctor. “But I didn’t say that.”

“You certainly didn’t and we’re done for now.” Raising a hoof, he placed it vertical across his lips and winked at her as if to stay hushed. He quickly turned to Soarin thereafter. “I’m rather certain where we stand. We can have a seat back next to the fire.”

Both ponies walk over and lay down on their respective pillows. “Well, the good news is that I have a ballpark idea of where to start my friend.” The doctor stated. “I’ll need some time and when ready, I’ll send Derpy for you. I have some spare time here tonight and I want to get started immediately. When I have conclusion, I’ll need you return here later on. Will that suffice?”

With a heavy sigh of relief, Soarin closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. “You don’t know what this means to me doc, really.” With a light chuckle, the doctor nodded. “Glad to help my friend.”

As Soarin picked up his belongings, he thought to himself for a few seconds before turning to the doctor. “Perhaps it’s too early for any sort of remedy doc, but is there you can give me for at least for the short term to work with? Anything that helps ease the mind until later?” Soarin asked almost pleading.

The Doctor looking up tapped his chin with a hoof. “I have found that if this problem comes at you headlong, you must face it rather then run. Try to remember that you are in control and not the other way around.” The doctor then gave a mild shrug. “At least that’s how it has worked for me.”

Both ponies walked over to the entry door as Soarin started to redress himself in the disguise he arrived in. The Doctor placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Remember, you have a choice. You are in control.”

Soarin nodded. “Of course. Thank you doctor.”

As the pegasi walked out, the Doctor closed the door behind him, returned to the pillow and sat down while obviously deep in thought. Somewhat confused at his long pause without commentary, she walked over to him. “Is everything ok?” She asked.

“Derpy, we have work to do.” The doctor spoke in a serious tone. “Our friend Soarin will need our help and we’ll need to prepare. Assemble the gentlecolts. The meeting is late tonight, same place and time.”

“Right!” Doing an about face with two skips and a leap, she shot out of the nearest window, spread her wings, and took off into the afternoon sun.

Chapter 3

“I should have known. He’s already late again.” Rainbow Dash grumbled while looking up trying to guess the position of the sun and shading her eyes. Looking down, she continued on while kicking a hoof on the ground. “Ugh! I must be crazy. Of all ponies I choose to trust, why did it have to be Thunderlane? Anypony is more reliable than him! I must be crazy to believe Soarin would be here.”

She had already been at the house for a while and the initial glee waned to happiness and eventually curiosity. If it wasn’t for the chance to see Soarin, she would have left long ago. Looking back into the air, she could see a speck in the distance getting closer. By the deeply grey colored coat as it closed in she knew it was Thunderlane. Her heart jumped in excitement as she looked around him in the air for Soarin, but couldn’t see any sight of him anywhere.

Thunderlane came in low, flapped his wings and landed a few feet from her. Having seen her he trotted on over. “Heya Dash! Glad you could make it! So where Soarin?” He stated looking around.

Looking down from the sky, her heart sank as disappointment set in. Looking over, she replied to him in an irritated tone. “I thought he was with you. I’ve been waiting here for the last thirty minutes or so. Either he’s really late, or you’re hiding something.”

Thunderlane quickly thinking in reaction looked for a way out. “N-Now, just wait a minute. It’s not my fault he isn’t here yet. He must have been held up at work. Yeah! That’s it!” He stumbled looking for an answer. “You know how schedules for the Wonderbolts are! Pretty busy!” He put on the best smile he could.

“Uh-huh.” She muttered as she chewed on the edge of a hoof. Looking up, she peered at him with a raised eyebow. “So now what?

“Not to worry, I’ve got this! I’ll just let you in so you can get comfortable while I fly back over to the training facility to see how he’s doing! I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.” Thunderlane nonchalantly waved a hoof in gesture.

Rainbow Dash could clearly be seen growing angry. “I’ve already waited longer then I wanted to today. Now YOU’RE going to wait a second.” Dash started up walking ever closer to him. “I went out on limb for you not once but several times but this one takes the cake. I made good on my end and I hope for your sake you hold up yours. I still have everything on report ready to go if you don’t follow through on this.” She was nearly nose to nose with him barely an inch from his head.

Thunderlane backed up a step. “No! Seriously! I have it all taken care of. I know It’s been a hard day for both you and I and I wan’t to make this up to you!” He opened the door to the house, went inside and made his way to a nearby table where scribbled on a pad. “This details everything I promised to you and when he sees it he’ll take care you. The best, I promise!” Handing out the note, Dash took it slowly by her teeth, placed on the same table and read it.

Soarin buddy!

Take Dash out. Have fun!

Thunderlane

Rainbow Dash looked up at him half between disappointment and disgust. “That’s’ it?” She tapped on the note. “I would think you’d have a bit more to say then that.”

Raising a hoof and scratching his head, he scribbles a few revisions and gave it back. Dash took a second look at it.

Soarin buddy! GREAT buddy!

Take Dash out. Have fun! I’m begging! PRETTY, PRETTY PLEASE take Dash out for me.

We’ll talk later.

- Your old pal Thunderlane

She looked up at him rolled her eyes. “In all of Equestria I can only imagine that you would write something like this. I don’t know how you two even know one another.”

“What!?” He exclaimed looking confused. “It does the job, doesn’t it?”

She just glared at him while he tried to look as innocent as possible.

He started up again as he walked toward the door. “Anyway, either he comes here before I return and knows what to do or I come back with him. You can’t lose Dash!” Thunderlane gave a quick tap of his foot on the floor. “It’s all taken care of. If you also need anything like cider in the cellar or food in the kitchen, feel free to dig in. I stock a lot of good stuff.”

“Yeah, sure.” Dash yawned. “If I wasn’t already tired, I’d be inclined to think otherwise.” Crawling over onto a nearby couch, she sprawled out getting comfortable. “Alright, I need the rest and you need some time. That’s good enough for me.” Fluffing the pillow, she tucked in and drifted off to sleep.

Thunderlane opened a nearby drawer and brought out a bag of bits and a pamphlet for a restaurant. “This should over any expenses and this one of my favorite places to go so you’re all set.” Heading to the exit, he looked back as he gave an upbeat perspective. “ If I’m not back, you two have a great time, ok?”

Waving him off from the couch, he turned and walked out the door closing it behind him. Leaping into the air, he took flight and thoughts already raced through his head. “This is bad, bad, bad.” He repeated to himself. “I told him! We even talked about being back at my place! I’ve got to find him!”

Frantically thinking, Thunderlane quickly gained speed as he pushed himself hard trying to make his way to the Wonderbolt training grounds as fast he possibly could.

**************************************

In her office, the golden colored pony sat behind her desk with her head on her leg outstretched. Looking across at the other arm, she toyed with a pencil pushing it forward and pulling it back. Under the pencil lay the papers detailing the medical leave for Soarin which she stared at lazily with disdain.

From her office door a knock is heard. “Come in.” She called with a long drawn out sigh.

Entering through the door, a pony marched forward and stood at attention directly in front of her desk. “Lieutenant Fleetfoot reporting ma’am.” She stated with professionalism. Spitfire took a deep breath, sat up and calmly looked at her. “At ease. Status report.”

The pony relaxed and talked in a calmer tone. “Captain, scheduled training is finished for today and plans for next two events have been outlined in detail to the flight. The formation is prepared on the pad. Are there any further orders?”

Standing upright and looking stoic, she cleared her throat and looked directly at her. “No. Lets get this day over with.” Walking around the desk, Spitfire headed towards the door just as Fleetfoot ran at it and opened it for her. Once outside, Spitfire continued towards the drill pad just as Fleetfoot ran and stood at attention in front of the line of ponies.

Looking up and down the row, Spitfire walked up to Fleetfoot just as she saluted her and Spitfire saluted back. “All present and accounted minus one ma’am.” She stated calmly. With a nod from the Captain and a second salute from both, the Lieutenant turned around, ran to the end of the line and stood at attention.

“At ease Wonderbolts” She called as the flight relaxed. “As you may already know, one of our own has injured himself earlier today while on a personal detail. As a consequence, we will be short a pony for the next ten days.”

Commotion broke out along the line after the news was heard. Questions and remarks scattered along the line among the rabble and one sounded off louder than the rest. “Captain ma’am!” It came from the center.

Looking over, Spitifire saw the pony with an upright hoof in the air. She pointed at her and nodded. “Go ahead Wonderbolt, what is it?”

Lowering the hoof, the filly started up. “Second Lieutenant Divebomb ma’am. In regards to being in the parade after the performance at Canterlot, how will fill the empty spot when we participate? Won’t there be an empty slot?”

“Not a problem.” Spitfire replied. “Following the performance we’ll have a stand in during the parade to follow us in suit and flight goggles. Nopony will know the difference.”

Another hoof went into the air. The Captain pointed it out. “Go ahead.”

A red, fluffy haired stallion piped up. “Lieutenant Skyline ma’am. Do we have a plan for which pony will replace Soarin for the event in Manehatten? We’ve trained for the last three weeks and we only have a few days until the performance.”

“Of course.” She spoke aloud. “We’ll use Jumpstart for the first half of the show and Ripcord for the second. The crowd won’t notice the difference between the two ponies that look similar for both halves. Keep in mind that even though both of you will only have half more to do then double duty, you’ll have to train on top what you’ve already prepared for.”

With that, another hoof went up, then another, and another. With a look of concern and a voice of strain, Spitfire shook her head. “Everypony, please. It’s already late in the day and this has been trying for all of us. I don’t have all of the answers for all questions tonight, but let me think things over for tomorrow. I’ll have it then, I promise.”

With a nod to Fleetfoot, the pony ran out in front and saluted her. Saluting back, Spitfire turned and retreated to her office while Fleetfoot could be heard sounding off at the flight. As Spitfire made her way into her office, closed the door and looked out the window, the line of pones slowly scattered and the group could be seen making their way to the locker room. Sounds of concern, anger, and frustration are heard among the talk. Walking away from the binds, Spitfire made her way back to her desk and sat down.

Opening a drawer she rifled through it until she found an open envelope near the bottom. Pulling it out, she looked at the beautiful calligraphy that spelled her name on the front envelope. Pulling out the letter, she slowly unfolded it in front of her and reading it as the seconds passed. Her eyes slowly welled up and pain could be seen on her face. Tossing the note to one side, she slammed a hoof down on the desk breaking a pencil in half. “Why? Why do you do this to me Soarin?” she burbled as she buried her head in her arms and wept.

After a moment, the door to the office flew open suddenly and unexpectedly creating a bang as it hit the back wall. Thunderlane stomped in and made his way up to the desk just as Spitfire caught off guard had jumped and fumbled with the paperwork along with the letter on the desk. Straightening them and thinking quickly about the mess of her face, she grabbed the flight goggles on her head and placed them over her tear soaked eyes just as she tried to dry her nose on the sleeve of her flight suit.

“So! You’re the one they call Spitfire! Where is Soarin?!” He demanded while stomping over and pounding a hoof on the desk while breathing heavily. Appearing to be heavily stressed and fatigued, he spoke the words while trying to draw air between every few words. “I just flew faster than I ever have before just to get here and I find that nopony around seems to want to tell me what I need to find him right now!”

“How dare you barge in here unannounced young colt!” She snapped back with a crack in her voice and continuing to wipe her nose with a hoof. “I should have you locked up in the Canterlot dungeon!”

“That’s the problem!” He shouted in panic. “I will be if I don’t find him!” Looking around, he caught sight of the stack of papers on the desk and noticed his name at the top. Quickly scooping them up with a hoof, he rifled through them. Spitfire slow to react reached out and lunged on top trying to hide them. “Get off!” She shouted struggling to keep them away. “Those documents are private property!”

As the stallion tightened his grip on the papers from under her, he yanked hard scattering them everywhere in front of the desk. Landing with his rump on the floor, Spitfire looked all around reaching out trying to catch the papers one by one as they twisted through the air. Thunderlane meanwhile looked down and saw the strange letter on the floor. Picking it up, he started reading it.

Spitfire my love,

Every day I see you standing so proud before us, my heart throbs with pain as I struggle to contain my feelings for you. It tears me apart to hide my burning desire as I want so badly to be in your arms. Each night I dream someday to have my hooves around you and kiss you so deeply that to drown in your love is what I fly for, what I fight for, and what I would die for. Your golden mane as radiant as the sun, your eyes as topaz gemstones that sparkle, you alone are the most beautiful creature in all Equestria to me. Even for Celestia I cannot tear my attention away. For you and only you, I would give everything. My one, my only, my Spitfire.

Your greatest admirer,

Soarin

Having finished reading the letter, Thunderlane sat dumbstruck. “Sweet mother of Celestia. He wrote this?” Looking up from the ground, Spitfire still lay across the desk with several papers in her hooves and dropped them. With her flight goggles still on, tears filled the base until they leaked and ran down both sides of her cheeks. Pulling herself back off the desk, she sat on the ground behind it. Thunderlane stood up, walked around and sat beside her as she started to sob. Trying to reassure her, he sat close and gave her a rub on the back of her shoulder while speaking. “Spitfire, me and him a go way back. Things have been apart for a while, but recently he didn’t even tell me. I had no idea.”

“It’s been like this for the last few months me and Soarin.” She muttered while digging a hoof into the floor. “At first it was just the letter, but then the flowers and gifts came. I let him in and I couldn’t let go.”

As she raised her hooves and lifted off her goggles, a pouring of water streamed down the front of her suit. She looked at Thunderlane with the same soaked eyelashes from earlier. “To have a pony to hold me and love me with my job is something I searched for a long time. Each day I work hard and after the letter, I wanted it to be him so badly after being so lonely for so long. I couldn’t say anything for fear of losing my position with the Wonderbolts. Nopony can know. I just couldn’t say anything.”

Spitfire leaned over and slowly hugged Thunderlane. “Please, you can’t tell anypony. I don’t know what to do about this anymore.” Choking on the last sentence, she continued to cry on his shoulder.

From the corner of his eye from a window, something moved. Trying to lean up under the mare, he didn’t get far as it shifted away from view. Still taking in the current situation, he let it go.

Thunderlane leaned his head back until it tapped the wall with a light thud. He spoke aloud all he could think while still trying to understand what to do next.

“Oh boy.” He whispered as he closed his eyes.

**************************************

As Soarin arrived at the house of Thunderlane still dressed in his makeshift disguise, he stumbled a bit on his landing as the dizziness still didn’t fully wear off from earlier. Taking a moment to rest, he looked afar at the landscape and hills. The shadows grew long as the day was coming to a close as the sun was sat low on the horizon. “What a day.” He muttered looking around.

Taking a deep breath, he walked up the front door and gave it a double knock. Having a seat, he raised a hoof and touched the area under his hat around where he had hit his head. The knot still stung and sore to the touch and he poked it. Grumbling, he talked to himself. “Of all the rotten, dumb luck-“

The door cracked open and Rainbow Dash stuck her head out. Quickly noticing her, he pulled his hoof out and brought it over his head to pull down on the hat. Looking him over, she gave him a strange look. “Who are you?” she said quizzically.

Thinking from earlier, he replayed his role. “Ah, Sailing Jack ma’am. Is Thunderlane at home?” He spoke a in a mildly gruff voice and lowered the brim of the hat while pulling his hoof back under the overcoat. As she squinted at him thinking hard, the young mare still tried to figure out who the mystery subject was. “I don’t recall you being around these parts before.” She remarked. “How do I even know you’re telling the truth?”

Struggling for an answer, he offered what little he knew hoping for a break. “Well, I can tell you I talked with him this morning and I do believe he was late for work. I also know he’s not the most reliable pony, but he means well.”

“Bah, anypony knows that.” She nonchalantly replied. “Thunderlane isn’t in at the moment anyway. If you come back later, you might catch him when he returns.” As she started to close the door, Soarin stuck a hoof in the doorway and put his beard covered muzzle close to the door as he spoke. “Please. I really need to come inside. We spoke earlier when I sought his help. Just a moment to rest would help. That’s all.”

“Now you listen here mister…” she started as she looked down at the light blue hoof. Pausing for a moment, she stalled remembering that Soarin having a coat the exact same color. Looking up at his head in curiosity, she noticed the dark black mane under the hat that matched his color too. Drawing in an excited but muffled breath, her face lit up as she slowly opened the door. “Oh, oh yes! Now I remember. He said you’d be here…er…Jack.” A smile had grown on her face as the excitement built up.

Mildly nervous at the hasty change of mind, he replied in the same gruff tone. “Well, thank you. I just need to rest for a while.” Walking halfway into the room, he sat for a moment breathing deep trying to get the world to focus. He knew more time would be needed until things would return to normal and a good night’s rest would do the trick.

“Can I get you anything?” Dash called from the next room poking a head around the corner looking at Soarin with a gleeful grin. Looking up and blinking, he rubbed an eye with a knuckle. “Perhaps just a bit of cider if any is around.” As her expression changed to a devilish grin, she egged him on. “Just regular or the good stuff?”

After a day like today, a decent drink sounded rewarding to him. “If possible, I’m ready for Equestrias finest.” Biting her lip, Dash disappeared and called from the next room. “Coming right up!”

Looking over at the couch, Soarin climbed up and stretched himself out while draping the overcoat across his hindquarters. He rested his weary head down on a pillow just as Rainbow dash came back with a tankard in hoof placing it on the table. With a yawn, he nuzzled himself into the armrest.

Dash crawled up next to him on the couch. Holding her upper lip with her tongue, she snuck a hoof under the overcoat to pull it up. As she did so, Soarin groaned and stirred. She backed off as he opened an eye, saw the tankard and spoke with a yawn. “I just…..I just need a moment.” He nodded off again.

Seeing her chance, she ran a hoof under the overcoat again and lifted it ever so gently while looking underneath. In the waning evening light, the cutie mark thunderbolt with outstretched wings could be seen under the coat. Pulling her hoof out, she leaped up in elation as quietly as she could on the floor.

“Ohmigosh! It’s him, it’s him, it’s him!” She stifled a scream with both hooves over her mouth. Trotting around the table in front, she sat right in front of his head and gently placed a hoof on his nose.

Opening an eye, he stared face to face with Dash. Looking at him through the sunglasses, she whispered at him almost nose to nose. “Boop! I know who you are, Soarin!”

Soarin in shock stumbled up and did his best to gain footing on the couch, but the cushion underneath slipped out from under him beneath the table as Dash held up the note to his face and placed on his muzzle.

“We’re going out on a date! Me and Soarin!” She chimed running around. Still on a couch without a cushion, he sat up and placed the note on the table to read.

A feeling of disparagement filled him as he read through the text from his old friend. This was a day filled with nothing but bad news to beat everything before all and perhaps everything to come. Thunderlane just added the cherry on top.

Soarin placed his hooves on his face as Dash came side by side and leaned up against him. Growing uncomfortable and nervous, he scooted over as he picked up the cider. “We’re going to have the best time! I know it!” She exclaimed as Soarin took a nervous breath and drank the mug of cider in one long gulp. Looking back at the note, he grumbled as he put the mug back down. Shaking his head, he spoke on a forlorn tone. “When will this day ever end?”

As the two sat on the couch with Dash trying to snuggle near Soarin and him pushing her away, four small heads looked down at them from the top of the nearby stairwell. A snicker could be heard as the four pulled away and Soarin turned his head behind him. He looked around curiously unable to find the source. With a smile, Dash bit her lower lip looking at him. “Psst, I’m right here!” she whispered comically. Soarin glanced over and just rolled his eyes. At the top of the stairwell however, the group were hiding while watching the spectacle.

“Applebloom! You nearly blew it!” Sweetie Bell whispered to her in the waning light. Looking over at her, she whispered back. “I couldn’t help it! Look how cute those two are!” Looking around the corner, she held a hoof over mouth as she stifled another laugh.

Rumble sat the furthest back doing his best to stay away from the stairwell. “Guys, I know you want to get proof of this, but it’s getting late. I don’t want you all to get in trouble.” His expression easily showed his concern.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got this. We’ll have a picture and we can clear your name!” Sweetie bell whispered in high spirits to the colt.

Scootaloo sat nearby fumbling with a camera. “Guys! I didn’t check this before we left. Is there film in it?” While trying to push various buttons with it the wrong way around, the bulb faced her as it flashed.

Soarin looked around. “Did you see that?” He stated looking behind him. Dash edged in closer. “See what? Me?” With a groan and a new look of discontentment, he scooted over again and placed a pillow between himself and her.

“C’mon Scootaloo! Turn the flash off!” Sweetie Bell hissed at her as she looked around dazed from the bright light. Shaking her head and blinking, she fiddled with the blub then handed the camera over to Applebloom. “I think it’s ready.”

Applebloom snuck around the corner and focused the camera in close to get a good picture. Just as she was about to take a shot, Dash spoke out from the downstairs room.

“Soarin, take all that ridiculous stuff off!” The mare joked while poking a hoof at the beard. Pushing it away, he sighed mumbling a groggy reply. “Fine.”

Taking off the hat, sunglasses and beard, his black mane could be seen as he scruffed a hoof through it. Dash elated at the sight lunged at him wrapping her hooves around his neck. “I knew it was you!” She squealed. A surprised Soarin caught off guard didn’t have the time to react only being able to turn his head as Dash came at him full force.

Applebloom still focused on the two just as Dash jumped on Soarin pushed the button and the shutter clicked.

Soarin lay on the floor half dizzy and panicked with dash on top of him half on the couch and half off. Looking down at him she pulled herself in close muzzle to muzzle. Bringing a hoof up around the top of his head and wrapping it around his neck, she touched nose to nose as she lightly kissed it. She looked deep into his eyes as which were wide as could be and giggled lightly. “You are by far the most incredible stallion I have ever thought about.” She whispered still smiling and visibly biting her lower lip. Wrapping a hind leg around his, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she pulled herself closer and snuggled into his neck with kisses.

Soarin terrified at this point scrambled from beneath her and out of her grip across the floor fumbling backwards. Bumping into a table knocking over a lamp, he held up a hoof in protest. “Wait! Wait! I thought this was just a date!”

Dash got up looking at him smugly and walked toward him much like a shark swimming through the water. “The date can come later.” She calmly whispered as she lay down on the carpet and crawled up to him. “You and I on the other hand have lots of time to be close until then.” As she pulled herself close up between his legs and past his stomach, she nuzzled her nose into his belly and inhaled audibly as she nipped at his chest.

“Hey! Stop!” Soarin spat trying to pull himself away and get footing as he stood up backing into the nearest wall. He hyperventilated as he fought the spinning of the room by holding a hoof to his head and stuck out another as angry as can be at Dash. “I said STOP! Whatever was said between you and Thunderlane with this date, I’ll do it! BUT DON’T YOU TOUCH ME!” Soarin yelled.

Rolling over on her back and pouting, she beckoned at him with a hoof in the air. “Not even a belly rub?”

Shaking, Soarin crouched down on one leg leaning up against the wall while catching his breath. After a moment, he picked himself up and unsteadily walked around Dash to the couch picking up his attire and dressing himself. “I want to get this over with. Lets go.” He calls to her while mildy upset and opened the main entry door.

Dash slowly getting up and walking over, she follows him out the door as it closes behind them.

At the top of the stairs, Applebloom stared wide eyed and jaw hanging at what she had seen. Sweetie belle called to her in a whisper further up. “Hey! Did you get a picture?” She called.

Still stunned, Applebloom nodded and shook her head as if trying to come out of a trance. Looking up at the trio above, she blinked in astonishment. “If this doesn’t give us cutie marks, I don’t know what will.”

**************************************

Walking up to the door, Thunderlane lifted a hoof and pulled out the card from his mouth as given to him several minutes earlier from the hospital. Comparing the address to the door, he then slid it in between his ear and mane on his head then knocked on the door. While waiting, he heard muffled whispering and shuffling as something or someone was moving around. As all was quiet for a few seconds, hoofsteps are heard as they came nearer to the door.

With a turn of the latch and handle, the door slowly creaked just wide enough to see one eye and half a pony head through the narrow gap on the other side. “I’m closed for today.” The light brown pony inside calmly spoke. “I have time during regular hours tomorrow if you need to see me.”

Thunderlane edging closer to the door replied in a hurried tone. “Doctor H. I don’t believe we’ve met, but I need some critical information from you. I have to find a friend of mine Soarin in an awful hurry and if you-“

The pony perked up on hearing the name. “Wait. Soarin you say?”

Thunderlane nodded. “I’m just trying to find him if you-“

The door closed and the hoofsteps walked away. More movement and whispering is heard as he waited at the door. Taken aback from the sudden action, he had started to wonder if he had the right address as the steps came back. As the door opened a second time, it came wide open and the light brown pony provided an outstretched arm inside. “Do come inside Thunderlane.”

Walking in, a slow wave of suspicion came over him as he looked curiously at the Doctor. “Doctor H. I have little time and-“

Briefly looking back, the host closed his eyes and waved a hoof. “Please, just doctor. I only included the H to for the sake of the printing press. It had to have something more than just the word doctor.” Turning, he pointed to a pillow. “Please have a seat. We have much to discuss.”

Thunderlane tilted his head at him in confusion and frustration. “Look doc, doctor, quack, fraud or whatever you want to call yourself. I have a pony to find and I’ve already wasted too much time. Can we hurry this up?”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that for the moment.” The doctor grumbled in displeasure as he walked over to one pillow and lay down. He extended a hoof to the one next to him. “Now please sit.”

Thunderlane grunted and plopped on the pillow looking as stern as can be. “Can we move on with this now?”

Nodding, the host agreed. “Your friend Soarin I recall is a rather interesting case with his problem.”

Thunderlane interrupted. “Yeah, yeah. We talked about that this morning. Did he say where he was going? Anything at all?”

Hoof over mouth, the doctor thought methodically. “Well, that all depends. Where he is now depends on what you know if I’m correct on what he said.”

The pegasi paused in thought. “What do you mean? What did he say?”

“Sorry. Doctor patient confidentiality.” He replied.

Thunderlane pounded a hoof as his face contorted. “Come on! I don’t have time for games! Where is he!? I want answers right now!”

The doctor looked sullen, closed his eyes and nodded. “Alright Gentlecolts. Do it.”

Thunderlane reacted in confusion. “Wait, do wh-“

A bag suddenly flipped over his head and wrapped tight around his lower neck. What felt like a team of ponies scuffled in the dark holding him down by each leg and his head. One voice called out. “Use the chloroform!” Seconds later, a hoof came over his nose with a damp cloth and the fumes violating his nostrils. Thunderlane coughed and went limp as his consciousness faded to darkness.

Inside the mind of this unconscious pony, he found himself alone in the dark. Rumors spread around him as whispers while he stumbled to his feet and wandered around in a daze. An image of Rainbow Dash could be seen screaming at him. “You’re late again! To the Dungeon!” He backed away in horror running only to see another image face him. “How could you!? I love him!” Spitfire shouted down. Thunderlane turned and ran full blast dizzy and confused. As he looked around the image of Soarin lit up in front of him. “My old friend. What happened? What did you do to me?” Howling, Thunderlane darted in all directions. He flopped his head around as he fought off the images. Feeling the weight of his head move, he tried to stare at another only to find it as a source of light. The shape took on a clearer form of the light from the fire in the study as his head pounded in pain.

“Wake up!” A clear voice in the shadow of the flickering light called to him. He continued to give his head a mild shake. “Can he hear us?” another said.

“Hold on, let me take a look.” Thunderlane focused in on it as the other figure left. Another hoof came up to his head and pulling an eyelid downward. “Yes, he’s quite alright” it said again. The familiar voice sounded like the Doctor at a distance.

Thunderlane bobbed his head around as he looked down to see his dimly lit body and legs tied to a chair. Still in a heavy daze he called out. “Wh-what hav-have I done?” Wh-why ammm I her-here?”

One voice from the back called out. “WE ask the questions. YOU give us answers. Understand?”

Thunderlane trying to comply nodded his head. “Good” the voice said at a quieter level.

A hoof came up in the light and pulled his head in one direction allowing him to see one half of the face of the doctor. Looking at him, he spoke slowly. “Thunderlane? The effects will take a little time to wear off. You’ll be OK. We have several very important questions that we need you to answer.”

Thunderlane took a deep breath while closing his eyes. The spinning was winding down, but the headache remained. Coughing, he spoke. “Just…just ask.”

“First of all, why are you here?” A voice called out. With a couple of deep breaths, he replied wearily. “I have to find Soarin.”

“We know that already.” The voice replied. “We want to know why.”

Nodding he continued. “I…I set him up with a young mare on a date as part of a deal to get me out of hot water for being late to work and slacking too many times. I had to find him or the deal was off.”

“It’s interesting you would set up a date with a friend that has a fear of mares.” The doctor asked quizzically.

“I was only trying to help him be a little more comfortable around just one. I really had to get out of a bind and didn’t have any other option at the time either.” He hastily replied.

A dull groan could be heard in the background as the voice continued. “We’re wasting our time here.”

The doctor looked above Thunderlane in protest. “Hold on, there may be more. Let him tell his story if he can. This is seriously important.”

Gathering his thoughts, the pegasi gave out all he knew. “Last night, Soarin came to my house late looking for a place to stay. We just happen to be old friends that haven’t seen one another in a long time. I let him stay the night and when we went to work the next morning, I was late having lost track of time again. I made the deal with Rainbow Dash at work and at the end of the day when I was at home I had to track him down from the office of Spitfire to the hospital and now here. That’s it.”

One voice called out with a tone of interest. “Wait, did you hear that? He said from the training complex. Remember…” Another pony nearby interrupted him. “Shush! Don’t talk about it! Not now!”

The first voice answered. “I understand. That would make sense perhaps, but there’s nothing to tie it in. Is there anything further doctor?”

Nodding, the doctor agreed. “Thunderlane, we need to know as much as you can tell us about the training complex. What you saw, what happened while you were there and anything you can remember.”

Thunderlane started to sweat. “I saw…I saw…” Stalling, he tried to think how to work around his encounter with Spitfire. Looking around he spoke. “I just…asked where he was and she told me the ponyville hospital.”

Picking up on the lie, a mystery pony stomped out from the shadows and quickly placed a hoof under his chin raising it up. From what Thunderlane saw, the arm colored a deep red fur had scratches and light cuts. “He knows something!” The voice called out angrily. “Lemme knock it out of him!”

“No!” The doctor yelled looking away. “I will not have that brazen fighting here! Let me continue.” The hoof disappeared into the dark and the figure moved away with a gruff snort.

The doctor turned back to the captive pony in the dim light and he placed a hoof on this shoulder. “Thunderlane, I don’t want to say much, but I can tell you this. We have a serious problem and what you know may help us prevent a disaster. We only do this for our own protection and yours. Trust us and we will trust you.”

Thunderlane sighed heavily. Shaking his head fraught with emotion, he spoke out. “Those two love each other and I can’t figure it out. I went to the office of Spitfire looking for answers and initially I didn’t see it because she had her flight goggles on, but she wept for him. I found the note in the hospital paperwork on the desk when I grabbed it tying to find him and she fought me I think she didn’t expect me coming and didn’t have time to hide it. Soarin told me he’s terrified of the lady ponyfolk this morning, but his name was on that letter. I can’t figure it out.” Shaking his head, he looked down. “I’m so sorry Spitfire.”

The room went silent. The doctor stood and walked over next to the fire. Propping himself by the mantle, he brought up both hooves and tapped then together. Resting his chin on them, he nodded. “Yes. I see how it ties in.” Looking back at Thunderlane , he gave a sigh of relief. “Our friend here isn’t a threat. I’m certain of it now.”

A voice came out from the dark. “So doctor, what do you propose now?”

“I believe transparency is the best bet.” He replied with a warm smile and extended a hoof out to Thunderlane still tied in the chair. “Can one of you please untie our guest?”

The ropes around the dark grey pegasi went slack as the knot was undone behind him. Still weary, he slid out of the chair and onto the ground. He looked around barely making out the figures in the dark room. Still leaned up against the fireplace, the doctor spoke.

“Thunderlane, I present to you the Gentlecolts.” Four figures then emerged from the darkness into the light of the fire.

Chapter 4

Soarin looked at the menu reading off each item as he went through them. None of the offerings appealed to him. He didn’t even feel hungry. His head still ached from the fall earlier in the day.

“See anything good?” Rainbow dash called to him from the other side of the table. Looking at her from over the menu, she smiled and fluttered her eyes in the candlelight. “How about now?” Grumbling and furling his brow, he looked back down.

Making his decision, he closed the menu and placed on the table. As he looked over at Dash, she already had her menu closed. Out of mild curiosity, he piped up. “So, have you made up your mind?”

Her face lit up as she leaned over the table. “Oh I know what I wanted since this morning.” She cooed at him as she blew a kiss.

Soarin spoke as he turned his head and sighed looking around. “This is going to be a long night.” Spotting a waiter several tables down, he raised a hoof trying to get attention. As the server saw him, he swiftly came over notepad in hoof.

As he looked at Rainbow Dash, he brightened up. “Well! I see we have a lovely lady and a…” Looking at Soarin dressed in his attire, he stalled and appeared puzzled. “…erm, hmm. Begging your pardon sir, but isn’t it rather dark inside for sunglasses?”

“Eye problem. “ Soarin replied flatly. “Doctors orders.”

“Perhaps I should blow out the candles then sir?” The waiter asked curiously.

Soarin raised a hoof in protest. “No, no. We’re fine. I’m ready to order.”

The waiter readied the notepad pencil in mouth as Soarin started. “Small side of alfalfa greens mixed with dandelion flowers.” He then motioned to Dash.

“Small slice of cherry pie and extra whipped cream.” She replied with a fiendish smile.

“No main course for you tonight madam?” the waiter asked.

Dash snickered while pointing a hoof across the table at Soarin. “Oh no. I’m saving him for later.” Hearing her, Soarin groaned from the other side of the table.

Scribbling on the pad, the waiter spoke up again. “Anything to drink?”

“Just water.” Soarin started.

“Bottle of wine please.” Dash said gleefully.

With a look of discontent, Soarin leaned over to her. “Aren’t you a bit young for that?”

“Yup!” She answered enthusiastically. “It’s for you.” She could be heard giggling softly.

With a frustrated sigh, Soarin turned to the waiter. “Two glasses of water please. We’re done.” The waiter nodded and walked off to the back kitchen.

The joy had faded from Dash as she sat back pouting. “Aww. You’re not going to be any fun tonight, are you?” She spoke out in protest.

Soarin lowered his glasses as he looked at her directly with the deep green eyes of his. “Look, I have to be here because of something a friend did for me. If I owe a favor, I repay it in kind.” Lifting the glasses, he folded his hooves on the table while looking down. “In this case, I think he owes me two favors for just this one. You’re quite a handful you know.”

“Hey! I am not a burden.” Dash retorted. “Do you know long I’ve waited just to hang out with one of you guys? It’s hard enough just to see any of you on my time off! I mean your training and performance schedules are booked solid yet I have to take care of all of the weather patrol duties and discipline all the ponies that don’t do their jobs like Thunderlane.”

Soarin chuckled a bit. “Yeah. He was pretty much was always like that. He’s a good pony though.”

Dash brought up a hoof and dug it into the table. “Soarin, of all Wonderbolts you are the one I’ve thought about for a while. You are so much more than other ponies.” She spoke warmly as she leaned over to him. “You’re the hardest one to see after the shows. Nopony knows why you don’t stay around. So many ask for you, but you can’t be seen. Just to sit here this close to you is unheard of.” She reached over and touched his hoof with hers. “For once I can believe you’re real here with me now. Not just a ghost or a mirage. It’s almost magical as if it was meant to be.”

Nervously, Soarin pulled his hoof away. “I…I can’t. I just can’t get involved.” He lowered the brim of his hat to hide his face.

“Soarin.” Dash spoke softly. “Please let me in. What are you afraid of?”

Soarin looked up at her. “Dash, it’s…”

As he started, he noticed a pony in bright yellow and orange walk through the front door. Squinting in the low light, he saw her wander over to the bar. His heart skipped a beat. It was clearly Spitfire.

Soarin locked up. “No. No way. It can’t be.” He whispered. Just as he briefly lowered his glasses again, she looked around and locked eyes with him. Quickly raising his glasses he held motionless as the pony down the bar cocked her head continuing to stare.

“No!” Soarin hissed as he saw her slowly slide off the chair. Dash looking confused whispered back. “What is going on with you?”

Quickly sliding out of his seat, he moved around the table and sat on the cushion directly next to Dash pushing her over. Dash surprised, leaned in and smiled at him. “Wow! What a change of heart!”

Soarin leaned down and glanced around the bench at the bar. The gold colored pony continued to walk towards them.

Soarin sat up knowing he only had a few seconds until she would be there. Dash giggled covering her nose with a hoof. “Do you have something in mind Soarin?”

As he looked at her he paused for a brief second with his heart pounding hard and hooves shaking. He closed his eyes and thought of the Doctor and the words he said earlier. He whispered them aloud. “I’m not going to run, I am in control.” He drew a deep breath.

A surprised Dash closed in on him nose to nose. “You sure are.” She cooed.

From the corner of his eye as Spitfire was nearly next to him, Soarin trembling badly leaned in and kissed Dash stonefaced. Warmly accepting him, she wrapped her hooves around him pulling him in closer. Trying to be anywhere but there, he focused on flying high above the clouds free from the ground.

Spitfire looking at the back of the ponies in arms deliberated with herself raising a hoof as if to touch the individual on the back. Stalling for a second, she placed it back down still watching for a few more seconds and finally turned away in confusion heading back to the end of the bar she came in from.

Soarin shaking so badly at this point jerked back with a pop of the lips propping a hoof on the table and exhaling hard. Dash came in close rubbing noses with his with cheeks blushed red. “You are so incredible.” She said nuzzling into his neck as he turned wide eyed and breathing hard to see Spitfire make it to the end of the bar and sit on the stool glancing briefly back at where they sat.

Soarin had to catch his breath. “We’ve got to get out of here!” He panted.

Smiling happily and biting down on her lower lip again, she pushed him out of the seat. “Lets go!” Regaining focus, Soarin pulled on her hoof and started toward the back door running into a waiter.

Lowering his glasses, he looked at him intently. “Is there an exit back here!?”

“Well, you can get through the kitchen exit if…” the waiter started.

“That’ll do!” Soarin made his way through the back and forced his way through the kitchen doors past two ponies still cooking up on stoves. Still pulling Dash along, he made it through the rear exit door and jumped into the air clumsily. Dash followed suit climbing high alongside him.

“Where are we going?” Dash called as she followed him.

“I need to get back to Thunderlane’s house. I can’t stay here anymore.” He shouted going up.

“I bet you’re thinking of me aren’t you?” Dash called as she got in close and nuzzled her nose under his wing.” Soarin stumbled a bit trying to stay stable. “Don’t! I’m just trying to keep it together here!”

In a gleeful cheer, she let out a hoot. “So am I!”

Pausing for a moment, he thought to himself and understood where the intention went. With a long face, he groaned. “Oh brother.”

**************************************

Slowly peeking over a window sill into the living room, Derpy looked around for any sign of Soarin. She knew he could only be either at the house or the restaurant Thunderlane talked about. She banged her hooves on her head in angst not knowing if she should stay or go.

“Oh, what to do! What to do!” She muttered. Just as she thought of flying to the restaurant, voices could be heard approaching in the dark. With a muffled gasp, she pushed on the shutters and dove into an open window. She kept a head below the sill as the hoofsteps came closer.

“My, you were in an awful hurry to leave.” Rainbow dash could be heard talking in a comical tone. “You must have something on your mind, right?”

In a tired repose, Soarin was heard next. “I felt ill and I just had to get out of there. I’m ready to go inside and just relax.”

As the hoofsteps are came close to the house, Derpy snuck behind the couch as the pair came inside and the lights turned on. Sorain made a straight line for the couch, climbed into it and lay down as Dash came over and sat next to him. Looking down at his rear hoof, she traced a line on the couch leading up to it and eventually tapped it. Lifting a forehoof, he wove it back at her without looking. “Hooves OFF.” He mumbled.

“Aww, come ON.” Dash whined. “That wasn’t even a real date between us. I was hoping for at least a little more. Besides, you really left in impression back there.” She lifted the rear of his overcoat he had on and traced an outline of the thunderbolt on his back flank. With a snort, he sat up and placed a hoof an inch from her nose and looked quite angry.

“I have just about had enough of you tonight. Today has quite literally been the worst day of my life and I don’t know how much more I can take. I had to fulfill a deal made by a pony I haven’t seen in years for reasons he hasn’t even told me!” Soarin blurted.

Dash looked at him looking so manner of factly. “Oh I know why. He has been late or absent to weather patrol duties so many times the books can’t log them all. I’ve already covered for him to the point where he’s in so much hot water, if he so much as sneezes the wrong way, he’s on disciplinary review.”

Soarin looked at her aghast. “Wait. I had to go out with you because he can’t keep his schedule together?”

Smiling, she tapped him on the nose. “Yup!”

Fuming, Soarin stood up and paced the room. “He sold me out! I don’t believe him! Augh!” Stomping up and down, he lost his balance for a moment and leaned up against a wall having to take a deep breath as the room turned. As Dash got up and walked over to him, she helped to lift him up. As she did so, she pulled him a closer to her smiled as she cuddled him. Weakly he fought her, but tired and spent, all he could do was try to look away. Dash came in nuzzling into his neck and under his chin speaking softly. “Soarin, I need you just as much as you need me right now. We can be together here for tonight. Just you and me.” With that, she looked up, leaned in and kissed him softly letting out a dull hum.

As a surge of terror and fear overwhelmed him again as he pulled himself back from her hooves with what strength he had. As he looked behind him stepping backwards while hunched over against the wall, he choked as he thought how to stall her. “I…I have to go to the colts room. Badly.” Turning around, he made his way inside and locked the door. Derpy noticing the action from around the edge of the couch jumped back out the window she came in and worked her way around to the washroom window.

Soarin in the meantime turned on the sink faucet while removing the hat, sunglasses and beard he had worn for more then half of the day. Dipping his hooves under the running water, he splashed it on his face, rubbed it in and groaned. Looking up at himself in the mirror, he stared at the mess of a pony looking visibly drained, tired and tortured. “Look at you.” He muttered. “How are you going to get out of this one?”

As he heard the tap on the window he jumped mildly startled. “Psst!’ The shadow called. Walking over and undoing the latch, he opened the window. With a goofy smile, Derpy waved a hoof. “Hi!”

“Derpy! Shush!” Soarin whispered. “What are you doing here?”

“The doctor says he’s ready to see you. All of the Gentlecolts are there too!” She whispered back enthusiastically.

Thinking for a second, Soarin looked down at the attire on the ground. He looked back up at the mare and waved for her to come in as he backed up. “Come on in. I have an idea.”

Derpy squeezed in through the small window and sat awkwardly in the corner. “Now what?”

Soarin picked up the items on the floor with his teeth and placed them on her one at a time. Taking off the coat, he draped it over her. “Derpy, I have to go. I need a head start so dash can’t see me leave and catch up. Whatever you don’t tell her where I went. Okay?”

With a nod, Derpy saluted back in a humorously goofy manner.

Raising a hoof and nervously tapping on her back, he happily smiled at her. “Thanks friend.” As he started to climb out the window, a knock on the door is head. “Are you Okay Soarin?” Dash called from the other side.

“Be careful with her.” Soarin grumbled. “She can be a real hoofull.” Making it the rest of the way out, Soarin took a large chestful of crisp evening air and lept up trying to steady himself as he directed his way to the doctors house by the stars once again. It was harder for him now to stay awake then before, but the doctor had answers he wanted. He knew the trip was worth the effort.

The knocks on the door continued as Derpy turned to look at it with concern. “Soarin.” Dash called from the other side. “If you’re still feeling ill, let me in. I can take care of you. Come on.”

Derpy looked around still dressed in the attire. Flushing the toilet and running the sink, she quickly had an idea. Lifting the lid and making the clank as audible as possible, she made heaving sounds while trying to stick her head into the bowl without actually touching the water. “Erhnn!”

A minute passed by until Dash could be heard on the other side of the door. “Just let me know when you’re done. I really want to help if I can.”

Derpy rattled the toilet handle, flushed it again and gave a dull groan. “Mmmhrmm.” She tried to groan with hooves covering her mouth.

Dash could be heard on the other side moving away as Derpy sat on the toilet lid in thought. She bought Sorain time, but as far as how much remained to be seen.

**************************************

As the first few minutes passed, the house faded long into the distance behind him. The night was becoming colder and he left his attire behind him. Trying to continue thought the night, he carried on toward the doctors house. It would take work, but he knew for sure he wouldn’t stay behind with the advances by Rainbow Dash. Minutes felt like hours as he took his time breathing deep and focusing on the stars and lights that covered the sky and landscape.

As he came closer to the study where the doctor resided, Soarin spent of energy drifted off every few seconds as the sleep attacked him during his descent. Trying to stay awake, he bumped his head with a hoof and drew another deep breath. Looking around in the dim light, he saw the complex where he knew the doctor was. With crude judgment, he came down steep near the front entry landing hard into a grass knoll with a rather clumsy landing. Dirt raked his hooves as he came down on his right side dragging the soil across his body. Once on the ground he skidded to a stop leaving a short track in the earth. After a brief moment of breathing hard, he grit his teeth and pulled himself together slowly standing up. Outside of the complex, he walked slowly through the main entry with a wing lowered dragging the ground. As he did before on finding the address, he banged his hoof against the door as he lay down for just a moment. Tired, he scraped a hoof at the door without a response. He drew another long breath as he looked up without any change. The ground beneath him moved and standing was longer an option. No hoof steps, no light change, no shadows. Perhaps nopony was home he thought.

He lay flat at the doorstep. Sleep had overtaken him and the fatigue took over. His consciousness slipped. Time was no longer relevant. Lowering his head down on the cold ground, he closed his eyes.

As he faded out, voices could be heard as light from the door became brighter. He then felt many hooves shuffle under and pick him up. His body lifted as he moved. All he heard as he passed out was the words. “Carry him gently Gentlecolts.”

**************************************

Derpy ran the faucet again when the knock became louder this time on the bathroom door. “Sorain! You open this door right now!” Dash yelled.

Inside the restroom, she tried to run the faucet a second time and flushed the toilet. “That’s not going to work this time!” She called through the door. “If you don’t come out, I’m coming in! This door won’t stop me!”

Derpy touched the deadbolt on the door to indicate movement. As she gulped knowing that she couldn’t stall her any further, she undid the latch. The door handle instantly turned ad the door flew open with Dash on the other side. As she stepped in, she came in close to her still dressed in his attire. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I really wish you would tell me what is wrong. I’m just trying to make you feel comfortable you know.”

Lowering the brim of the hat, Derpy gave a mild nod.

“If you’ll let me, I’ll be very gentle with you tonight. Just don’t leave me alone.” Dash came in closer and ran her nose over the beard. Derpy caught off guard snickered as her nose was tickled.

Dash perked up at the laughter. “Feeling better I take it? You don’t know how much that means.” As Dash closed in, she couldn’t smell any sign of a foul odor. She suspected the illness was a fake.

“I don’t think you have any problems you troublemaker.” She said with contempt. “I think you were just stalling. Tonight you and I are alone and that’s all that matters.” With that she closed in and again kissed the bearded pony, but instantly she noticed a difference. The body smaller, the mouth smaller and the tongue hanging out was not that of the pony she held before.

Dash drew back astonished. With a quizzical look, she pulled up on the glasses and gasped wide eyed as she saw the crossed eyes of Derpy.

“You!” She reacted backing up. “What…what are you doing here!”

“Heya Dash!” She chuckled. “You’re a bit of a mooch pooch.” She said with a sheepish smile.

Instantly Dash looked fierce as she came eye to eye with her. “You’re not Soarin! Where is he!?”

Looking up with hoof in chin she shrugged. “Search me!”

“Ooh!” Dash bucked the wall leaving holes as she looked angrily at Derpy. “Where! I know you talked to him!”

A bit nervous, she said the first thing on her mind. “He said something about a doctor and…”

“Doctor!” Dash exclaimed. “Of course! The doctor from earlier today at the ponyville hospital! I can catch him there!” Before Derpy had a chance to continue, Dash jumped out a nearby window and took off into the night.

“But, but wait!” Derpy called to her as she disappeared. Looking out into the night, Dash was clearly long gone before she had a chance to stop her.

Sitting to herself in the living room, Derpy thought for moment then laughed to herself. In jest, she smiled and spoke out in the empty room.

“When what is done is meant to be, all one can say is C’est la Vie.”

Running headlong with a pirouette and a leap, she dove out the same window and started on her way back to the study.

**************************************

Soarin awoke to the doctor hunching over him while laying on the pillow next to the fire. Looking into his eyes by pulling a lower eyelid down and checking his pulse with an ear to his neck, he nodded to the darkness in agreement. “He appears to be just fine. It seems to be severe strain and fatigue. Earlier he explained that this has been a rather terrible day.” The doctor gave him a tap. “Lean up if you can, friend.”

Lifting himself from the pillow, Soarin strained to look around in the study. In the dim light his eyes focused in on the other four figures in the room close to a far wall on pillows with only the firelight to show their form. When looking at their faces, he couldn’t make them out as each had a large bag like hood with a mask to cover their faces and necks. The long dark coats they wore also hid their fur and cutie marks. The only distinguishable differences he could see was one pony with a protrusion in his mask indicating a horn. Another looked noticeably thinner and gaunt compared to the others.

In the silence, the pony on the far left spoke up. “Doctor, what do you propose to do now?”

“As we have done many times before Mr. Tan, I believe introductions are appropriate.” The Doctor replied. As he sat next to Soarin, the Doctor began to point each pony out one at a time.

“Over in the far corner there Soarin is our Mr. Tan. His primary purpose is simply to help out whenever funding is an issue. He knows other rather useful information when it comes to monetary information that really helps the club for both acquiring and dispersing funds when needed.” With a nod, the pony raised a hoof.

The doctor moved a hoof to the next pony. “To the left of his if you look is our Mr. Yellow. Predominantly responsible for supply issues of everything from perishable goods to weapons whether legal or illegal he can get them whenever and wherever you want.” With a mild nod, he tipped a hoof to his brow. “You name, I can get it.” He said with confidence.

The doctor continued. “Next to him you will see our conversationalist Mr. White. He has the connections to all of the highest influential ponies to the lowest forms of life around Equestria. If he doesn’t know them, he can and will find them through those that he knows or will find out about.” With a mild circling of a hoof, he gave a short bow with his head. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” The pony added.

The doctor pointed to the last pony in the corner. “Over there we have our Mr. Red. He’s not exactly the friendliest pony, but isn’t meant to be. If we need a strong hoof, he has the ties to other ponies from everything between raids to covert operations.” With a grunt, Red swung a hoof across himself and banged the wall next to him hard leaving a dent impressed of his hoof. A low maniacal chuckle could be heard from him.

The doctor looked angrily in his direction. “I really would appreciate if you didn’t do that. I pay rent and the repairs get expensive just to keep the landlord happy.”

Mr. Red groaned while waving a hoof in disapproval. “Bah.”

The doctor then turned to Soarin. “As for me, I am known as Mr. Brown when I must play the role for their clients. My job is to make everything for the club work as one. A think tank of a sort if you wish to call it as such.” The doctor waved his hoof across the room at the four ponies in front of him. “For those of us that have lives outside of the club, we have to hide who we are to safely keep our outside role protected. As for me unless you already know or haven’t yet figured it out, the main reason I’m not worried about revealing my own identity to you is that I have more than enough proof to destroy your career and your name around Equestria should you attempt to reveal mine. It’s not something I would like to do, but it provides a safeguard much better then masks in my opinion.” The Doctor gave a mild smile. “Besides, I prefer transparency when talking to clients. From what I gathered before I started this meeting, you obviously would do anything to spare your career.”

Soarin aghast spoke out. “But why would you do that!? It took me years to make it where I am!”

The doctor laughed lightly. “No, you misunderstand me. This is something I do to keep out of trouble from those out to entrap me. Much like protecting my king in a chess game, I can end the match should you try to bring me down at any moment. I have kept many secrets over the years in fact.” Leaning over to his side, he tapped on a tray out of view to Soarin. “How do you feel about a cup of tea for your nerves? It’s quite good.”

The visiable disbelief could easily be read on the face of Soarin. “But, what would you gain on ruining me? Why would you want to do anything to me when I only sought your help?” He replied.

The doctor lifted the teacup, sipped it lightly then set it down with a mild nod. “Yes, I suppose we could just get to the point then to clear things up.” Turning to Soarin, he looked at him with grave concern. “Recently we’ve picked up on indicators that a saboteur has plans to do great damage, but don’t know where, when or how. Only through clues have we been able to try and piece together what may be in store for us. It’s like flying blind with a dim light I’m afraid. Even with the resources we have, we can’t be sure what to do next. This is quite possibly one of the most difficult cases we have had to handle.”

Looking around the room at the different ponies, Soarin looked at the Doctor quite puzzled. “I just don’t understand. What exactly is going on here?”

The pony with the protrusion from his mask spoke up from the edge of the room. “We are the Gentlecolts Club. An organization that has been around for several decades and has a rather spotted history I’m afraid. Shall I give him the history lesson Doctor?”

Settling into the pillow on the floor the Doctor nodded. “I suppose so Mr. White. It can’t hurt the situation at all and there’s nothing you won’t mention that isn’t already printed at the library. We have plenty of time tonight.”

Mr. White slowly walked on over and sat in front of Soarin. “Decades ago when the club was first organized, it was originally an affluent society that predominantly dealt in the pleasuring of stallions in more ways and means then all of the texts and historians that are even aware of on the subject matter. This was a secretive operation that went undetected. They practiced old forms, new forms, alternative and forsaken forms of an erotic nature. The experiments into trying to break new ground were a common practice and they actually did research in seeking how to become more efficient at it. Being as small, selective and secretive as it was, the practice of hiding their faces and names was a core value so that if one was found from the club, they couldn’t provide the information of anypony else that was involved. Since they changed locations so often as well, the society survived for a long time until…” Mr. White stalled. The room became quiet.

Breaking the silence, Soarin spoke out. “Until what?”

“A whistleblower ended it all.” The masked pony spoke sullenly. “A single pony that craved the power to run the organization and wanted more for himself rose in power until the day he was judged by his peers to be too much of a risk to continue with the club. He became careless and endangered the group with his recklessness nearly exposing them all several times. Falling to the lowest possible position inside of the group, he received little to no respect although he was permitted to stay. One night as he convinced the group to meet at a new location, he had a trap planned by the royal celestial guards and the entire group was detained and faced Celestia herself. She ordered the entire group punished save for our whistleblower and the organization was disbanded. To this day any mention of the Gentlecolts club may or may not even be recognized since it has been so long since its demise. It’s far more likely to be associated with tall tales then actual truth. Most of the old books of inner history and the practices of theirs was destroyed or lost, the original members long passed and what little remains that you see in print I have just mentioned is all that remains. Did I leave anything out Doctor?”

The Doctor shook his head. “No. That’s about all of it as far as information on the outside has told.”

Soarin looked around at the ponies before him and spoke. “But if what you say is true, I thought the Gentlecolts club was gone? What is this and who are they?” He pointed to the four at the far wall.

The Doctor looked up at him with a growing smile. “That bit of history was current only until recently. A revival of sorts has taken hold.”

Leaning over out of view, the Doctor lifted an old book massive in size. As he brought into view, Soarin saw the beautifully adorned gold carvings on the cover showing ponies after ponies engaged in visibly lewd acts of various form. As the doctor held it up, he blew off the debris on top. “This…” The doctor spoke out as he ran a fur covered knuckle across the cover leaving a line thought the dust. “…is the last book that details the most intimate acts and most risqué information that detailed the inner workings of the club. This is the crème de la crème of their research. It’s quite an unusual text you know.”

Opening the cover slowly, he turned to a random page in the center of the book showing several ponies in specific alignment outlined with a list of ingredients and incantations. Soarin looked at it in curiosity. Just the pictures alone were enough to give him goosebumps as he stared at the images and his eyes grew wide as he read into the context. Understanding the operation of practice detailed within, he felt himself lock with what felt like this heart in his throat. Interest quickly turned into fear.

“Gods alive!” He choked as he quickly turned away. “Please, just close the book doc!”

Soarin heard as the Doctor closed the book and he slowly turned back. He looked at him almost crazily. “That…that sort of equine foolery isn’t normal! What is the point in having something that arcane?! Most everypony knows the practice of magic like that is banned everywhere in Equestria!”

The doctor softly talked with a mild repose as he leaned in to him. “Not only is this book designed to enhance your existing level of euphoria, it can also fix the problems for those that can’t enjoy or tolerate it at all.” With that, the doctor slowly pointed a hoof at Soarin with a serious look in his eye. “Specifically for a certain pony I know.”

Looking around as if searching for answer, he muttered as he chewed on his words as he said them. “I don’t have a problem. Ponies just don’t understand me.”

The doctor looked at him with eyebrows raised in question. “Really?” He then leaned his head to one side. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

Soarin could be seen growing angry as his temper flared. “In all my years I have never touched a mare! Every single one of them attacked me! Evey one! I didn’t do anything!” he shouted back.

“Ah.” The doctor calmly nodded. “Never touched a mare you say. That does help us to understand your situation a little more.”

“What is with you?!” Soarin yelled as he struggled to his feet. “I came here for help and you show me this book of forbidden magic and a bunch of unknown masked ponies. Some help you are Doc.” Soarin started to walk towards the door. “I’m going home.”

As he fought to work his way stumbling, Mr. Red came over and stood in front of him as his eyes could be seen through the mask. “We’re not done.” He warned.

“Get out of my way.” Soarin growled at him through his clenched teeth. All ponies watched as the gaunt pony immediately came forward and placed a hoof between them. He spoke aloud as he looked at the pony through his own mask. “Red, don’t you dare hurt him.” Turning to Soarin, he came closer as he whispered almost pleadingly. “Sit down. Red is just asking for this. I think you’ve had enough trouble for today.”

With a short pause as the three didn’t budge, he continued. “Understand that I do this help for the doctor and how helped me and for the sake of my family and business. Please.”

Soarin understood the serious tone coming from him. He was already tired and having the chance to keep it was from becoming worse was a change. Clearing his throat, Soarin took a step back. “Maybe the Doctor does have more to say.” He mumbled as he returned and sat on the pillow.

A low grumble could be heard from Mr. Red. “You got lucky.” He said as as he returned to his corner then looked over at the gaunt pony. “And you need to stay out of others affairs Mr. Yellow.”

Mr. Yellow let out a long sigh and gave an audible whisper. “Thank you. You’ve saved us all a lot of grief. That and more holes in the wall at a minimum.” He said before he returned over to his corner.

“Please make yourself comfortable.” The doctor spoke as if nothing happened. The light blue pegasi settled back onto the pillow where he was before and gave the doctor his full attention.

“There is much more to this story and this bit is by far the most important part. The story didn’t end with the disbanding of the Gentlecolts.” The doctor started up again. “Vengence and retribution can run quite deep when you have an organization that ran as long as this one has. Just as one pony brought it all down, another sought to find him and have him atone for his actions.” Leaning down, the doctor picked up his tea and took another sip. “I do have honey and some sweet cream if you’re still interested in a cup.”

Clearly more interested in the tale, Soarin waved a hoof. “No thanks. Please continue.”

“As luck would have it, our whistleblower sought only to benefit himself with the remaining resources that was out of the reach or unknown by the Celestial empire. He created many new problems by transferring his new organization of theft and extortion throughout all Equestria. Tales grew from abroad of cities and towns falling victim as calls for help reached Canterlot. In order to quell this new threat, the Princess attempted to search him out and stop his actions to no avail. As a last resort, Princess Celestia turned to the help of the Gentlecolts club members locked away in her dungeon for their crimes. A single pony volunteered to talk with her and it was none other than the club leader that denied the further involvement of the whistleblower before he was demoted within the ranks.

The Doctor placed the cup back down on the tray. “This one pony plead his case to Princess Celestia that his group meant no wrongdoing. He promised to her unconditionally that in exchange for their freedom and to save what few items he was allowed, he was mandated to serve the princess with his club as a task force without knowledge of the common pony to find and stop the raiders. The princess understood that having such a group with official ties to the empire would be looked down with contempt and mistrust. She had to inform them that if caught or captured, she would deny all association to them. It became a sort of secret service she would call upon for special duties. As the time wore on, the Gentlecolts knowing the tactics and the way this whistleblower thought were able to bring in each of the raiders in exchange for more and more of themselves for freedom. As an additional promise, they could no longer practice the forms of which the club was founded.”

The doctor again looked at the large book as he continued. “From what I know, the text ends that nearly all of the raiders were caught and brought to justice, but this unknown informant was able to escape. His group having been crushed and nothing left with to reorganize, he faded into obscurity. The Gentlecolts enjoyed a peaceable existence thereafter and continued to serve Celestia for several years thereafter, but unable to practice their mainstay their meetings became scattered and further apart in time as the group dwindled and intrest waned. Eventually they chose to disband rather than continue work for Celestia. As the years went by, they lost contact with one another until it simply faded away.”

The doctor ending with a pause raised a hoof in uncertainly. “After that, we know nothing more.”

“How do you know of this additional information?” Soarin asked.

The doctor tapped a hoof on the book. “Detailed notes have been kept in the back. Not only is this a manual of the club and it’s exploits, it became the journal for which the we learned of the search for the raiders by those that were freed to clear their names. Sadly they don’t include the information as to who they were in the book for fear of being tracked. Perhaps it is best that we don’t know who they were just as much as it is for us now.” The doctor placed the book on the ground. “Being that this isn’t common knowledge, it also proves how few of these actual texts survived.”

Soarin thought for a moment. “There is still one lingering question I haven’t yet understood Doctor. Why am I even involved in this?”

“Ah, now we finally arrive at the reason we’re here in the first place.” The doctor laughed heartily. “I imagine I’ve bored my cohorts to tears as they know all of this already. This certainly wound up taking longer then I believe we were all expecting.”

“It does give us something to reflect on Doctor.” Mr. Tan spoke out from his corner. “What we do is quite important even though few know of our activities. I can live with that.”

“It was only fair to let you steal the wind from my sails.” Mr. White followed up. “After all, you tell it better then I do.”

“This is all water under the bridge.” Mr. Red continued. “Can we move along already?”

The doctor briefly looked a Mr. Red with disappointment. “From what I’ve learned, he’s not one to request a personal opinion from should you ask.”

The doctor turned and directly spoke to Soarin. “Anyway, as you may or may not know you friend Thunderlane has provided us some useful information while you were out busy today. We now know that your captain from the Wonderbolts has a letter from you explaining your deepest love for her and what we-”

“A WHAT!?” Soarin shouted with surprise in reaction. “A letter!? From me!?” Soarin stumbed to his feet and walked over to the fire as he paced between it and the pillow while looking around and back at the doctor. “Of all things, it was a love letter!?”

Coming back to his pillow, he flopped down and hit the ground with a hoof clearly distraught. The doctor paused and eventually spoke a lingering question. “You didn’t write it, did you?”

“NO!” Soarin yelled and bringing his head up. “Of course I didn’t! I don’t want anything to do with her! Everything was fine for a long time until the last few months she kept pestering me and touching me and eventually tackling me leaving me with this lump on my head. Now it’s so obvious as to why she’s crazy for me.” He sighed as he lay his head on the pillow. “She was bad enough, but Rainbow Dash just made it all worse. If they find out about one another, I’m doomed. I can thank Thunderlane for that.”

“I know you didn’t write that letter. It just confirms my suspicions.” The doctor replied. “As for Rainbow Dash, that was a totally unexpected variable we now have to work with.” Standing up, he walked nearby the fire looking into the flames. After a moment, he looked back at Soarin. “What we suspect is our saboteur has intentionally written that letter for a strategic purpose. Something having to do with the Wonderbolts I imagine. I also suspect that whomever made it intended on one or both of you to be affected in some way to benefit that particular pony.“

“I’m fortunate she didn’t have me kicked out of the Wonderbolts already for that.” Soarin interjected. The doctor nodded in agreement. “But she accepted it. I think this pony also knew you had a problem and wouldn’t want to be with her. You could have complained to your higher ups, but didn’t. Either way it’s the perfect storm to create.” The doctor brought a hoof to his chin. “The question however is why. Why would a pony do such a thing?”

As the doctor paused to think for a moment, he simply shook his head. “I can’t think of anything else to go on. We can try asking Thunderlane some more. Maybe one of us missed something.” Looking up, pointed over to a door. “Mr. Red, would you be so kind as to bring him in?”

Soarin looked over to the masked pony as he went through the door and then looked back at the doctor. His expression changed to anger as he asked a question. “He’s here!?”

The doctor nodded before he spoke. “We didn’t expect him to come here, but when he did looking for you we had to keep him around until you came back. We’re trying to stop all variables from getting out of hand before we have control of the situation. With you and Thunderlane here, nopony knows where you two are and we must review a few things as well for your safety and ours.”

As the door opened, Thunderlane came in sleepily as he yawned having been removed from bed. “Guys, I already told you what-“ He paused mid sentence as he blinked to focus and saw Soarin. Between surprise and shock, he gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, hey Soarin! How did um…the date go?”

“YOU!” Soarin stood up and walked his way over to him. “After what you pulled I ought to tear your legs off and beat you with your own hooves! Do you know what you’ve put me through!?”

Thunderlane backed up as he prepared to defended himself. “Soarin, I was desperate! It was just a date! I mean, I thought it would do you good and all! I was just trying to help you with your problem by killing two birds with one stone, you know?” Thunderlane then perked up a bit. “Heck. I even ran into Spitfire and told her you would be there. I thought it would good to have her there to better my chances of being on the level with Dash, right?” He smiled looking for support.

The second soarin heard the last part, his look of fatigue, anger and shock all transformed to flat out rage. “RAUUGH!” He yelled bolting forward. As Soarin leapt at Thunderlane, Mr Red jumped in between and tackled him to the ground. Soarin flailing to get up struggled weakly then stopped. Mr. Red laughed coldly as he looked at him close. “Ready for round two, rabbit?” Thunderlane unable to react only watched in shock as the scene unfolded in front of him.

As Soarin still looked at Thunderlane angrily and teeth bared while breathing heavy, a moment of silence passed until he calmed down enough, looked up and answered the pony on top of him. “No. Can you get off me now?”

Mr. Red got up and pointed a hoof at both pegasi as he returned to his corner. “You two behave or I’ll start cracking skulls.” He clapped his hooves together hard before he sat down. Still visibly upset, Soarin glared at Thunderlane until the Doctor tapped a hoof to get his attention.

“Thank you Mr. Red.” The doctor said. “Would you two please have a seat? I’d like to finish things up tonight so the rest of the group may go.” Hearing this, Soarin quickly went over to his pillow and flopped down as Thunderlane slowly crept up and lay down with the doctor between them.

“Much appreciated doc.” Mr. Tan called from the corner. “I imagine you don’t have to say that twice for Mr. Red.” Mr. Red meanwhile visibly hit one of his front hooves with another as if pounding something together. “Not unless we have another fight.” He chided.

“So for you two my proposition is this.” The doctor explained to Soarin and Thunderlane. “For Soarin I am certain that one of the more powerful spells in this book can cure you of your ailment of being fearful around mares. For you Thunderlane we can take care of all your misgivings and wipe the slate clean with your poor job performance. In return we need the undivided cooperation and help from both of you on this matter at hand until we’re through. What do you say?”

Thunderlane immediately brightened up. “Really!? No kidding!?”

Mr. White nodded. “Yes indeed. Shouldn’t be too hard with a few contacts I know in Canterlot.”

“You got a deal doc!” Thunderlane happily responded as he quickly turned to Soarin. “Do you hear that? I’ll be in the clear from so many headaches with weather patrol duties! What about you?”

“I don’t know about the whole thing.” He said with repose. “Something looks fishy.” Quickly the doctor spoke up. “I won’t force you to do anything I wouldn’t. I also wouldn’t force anypony into something I need done. I ask this of you because I need your help.”

Soarin debated a moment then spoke his mind. “Well, I’ll need a place to stay. I’d rather make my decision tomorrow.” Immediately the doctor responded. “You may stay here tonight if you feel comfortable. There is a back bedroom where Thunderlane was earlier. You may stay too if you wish Thunderlane.” Thinking for a moment, he continued. “And no fights please. I may keep Mr. Red here if you do.” Speaking up, the masked red pony dryly responded. “I’m not playing babysitter doctor.”

Soarin looked at Thunderlane with an uncomfortable look, but took a deep breath and gave a quick nod. “Okay, no fights. I can promise that much.” Thunderlane on hearing this sighed in relief.

“I think that wraps everything up for tonight everyone.” The doctor calls around the room. “Once we have a plan of action and a direction to go, you will all be contacted for anything needed.

The doctor stood up and faced the four ponies as the four themselves evenly spaced themselves apart. With all five raising a hoof in succession, a resounding chant is heard from the group.

Though honor and pride with friends by our side

Our feats may all go unsung

But Celestia be praised with the greatness we’veraised

For the Gentlecolts Club will live on!

As each pony came forward to the doctor, they shook hooves and one by one they left through the main entry. Just as Mr. Yellow approached the doctor, he held up a hoof. “Hold on a moment.” He said as he picked up a note from next to his pillow and placed it between his ear and mane.

“That is a list ingredients I need for several spells. Some are fairly easy, but others a bit difficult. I know you can get it done.” He said.

Mr. Yellow nodded. “Right. Till next we meet.”

As the last pony left, the doctor faced both Thunderlane and Soarin. “Come now, I imagine you’re ready for some rest. Let’s get you two settled.”

Soarin smiled and responded with a weary tone in his voice. “Right now, I wouldn’t ask for anything more.”

Chapter 5

Applebloom ran as quickly as she could to the school on the old dirt road. In the early dawn hours, the light just made out the path leading from Apple acres to the schoolhouse. Not accustomed to getting up this early, she knew she’d have to make up the time if she wanted to get to the newsprint room before class. Looking down the familiar path, she saw the schoolhouse just up ahead. Judging by the time, she had a few minutes just before class to talk with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. As she arrived, she quickly bypassed the other colts and fillies in the courtyard. Heading inside, dropped her saddlebags and made her way into the celler. Looking around the empty print room, she saw the sign for the darkroom closet door. As she walked over to it, she gave it a light knock.

“Is it done yet?” Applebloom impatiently called at the door as she sat down outside. “Cmon, I want to see it!”

From inside, the voice of Scootaloo could be heard. “Hang on, just a few more minutes!” Pacing the floor, Applebloom thought about the night before and if the picture came out as expected. She only had time for one shot and if it didn’t show anything, Rumble would be disappointed. She felt as if everything hung on this moment.

From inside, whispers could be heard and Scootaloo could be heard as she shouted out. “Whoohoo!”

“Hurry up you guys! I wanna see it already!” Applebloom whined as she had her hooves up against the door scraping it. As the door opened, she fell inside to the ground with a splat.

As she lay on the darkroom floor, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood behind the gauntly built colt Featherweight as they passed the picture between one another. Looking it, the young colt stared wide eyed. “Wow. This will defiantly prove Rumble was right guys.”

“Me! Me! I’m next!” Applebloom shouted as she jumped to her feet. As she was handed the photo, her eyes grew at the colorful photo set in the dusk hours showing Rainbow Dash as she had her arms around a surprised Soarin facing one another on the couch. Applebloom first looked delighted, but then her expression changed to dissatisfaction. “The light was a bit low on this, but at least you can see everything.”

“Hey, you were the one that told me to turn the flash off. I think we’re fortunate that we can see anything.” Scootaloo said in her defense.

As Applebloom studied the picture closer, he face lit up again. “Hey guys! If you look in the background here, you can see a picture in the frame on the desk of Thunderlane. That settles it!” Her hoof pointed to a nearby desk in the frame and sure enough, a small but defined picture of Thunderlane in the long illumination of orange light could be seen.

“Do you think we can get this around before class?” Sweetie Belle questioned. Applebloom caught in thought spoke her mind. “Just maybe.”

Without warning, the schoolhouse bell could be heard above the house. Featherweight looked up at the clock in the room. “Uh oh.” He said as he pointed up to it and looked around at the fillies. “I think you’re gonna have to wait till first recess. You guys had better head upstairs quick.” Sweetie Belle groaned as Scootaloo looked at the clock in scorn. “Dang it!”

After the bell, Applebloom had a change of heart. “Hmm. Maybe not.”

Moving quickly, she ran over to the skinny colt and gave him a quick hug. “Featherweight, you’re the best.” He blushed as she turned with picture in mouth and ran out of the room and up the stairwell with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle close behind her.

As Featherweight finished cleaning up inside of the darkroom, he turned off the light and closed the door not noticing the shadow cast across the nearby window pane moving in the morning sun.

**************************************

Thunderlane turned in his bed as the morning light poked through his nearby window. Turning over left to right, it continued to bother him as he restlessly tried to escape it. Picking up his pillow, he pulled it over his head while his nose poked out off the side of the bed. As he tried to doze off again, a faint smell of what he thought was a cinnamon apple muffin wafted in the air. It slowly became stronger until he swore it hung right in front of him. A dull giggle could be heard. Reaching out slightly, his nose touched something. As he stuck out a tongue, it sure enough was a muffin. It tasted exactly as it smelled. The giggle became louder.

Lifting the pillow, he looked curiously to see Derpy wearing a chef’s hat waving the muffin in hoof and watching him while snickering.

“Good morning sleepyhead!” She said as she brought it over to a nearby table. “Have a seat! The doctor will be here shortly.” Soarin was already at the table chewing on one. With a smile, he nodded in approval. “I have to tell you Thunderlane, this mare knows muffins.”

To see Soarin in a better mood became a refreshing sight for Thunderlane. After his temper last night, he questioned if he should even be near him. Still he considered it best to tread lightly.

As he sat up, he shook his head around and yawned. Coming up off the bed, he stumbled to the table and the large plate obstructed from view while he was under the pillow. An assortment too large to count left him with just eating the one handed to him by Derpy earlier.

Derpy looked back and forth between the two. “Coffee? Morning greens? Anything you may be interested in?” Looking at her, Soarin gave a nod. “Tea does sound good for the morning.” Thunderlane followed up. “Good ‘ol OJ if you have it please.”

“Can do!” Derpy chimed as she darted out. A few seconds barely passed as the voice of the doctor could be heard in the next room. “Derpy! Slow down or-“

A crash is heard from afar in the house. “Oops, my bad!” She is heard saying.

Walking in, the doctor dressed in a decorative robe is carrying the book seen the night before in a bag as he carries it in mouth by the strap. Walking over to the breakfast table, he lays it down.

“One of these days that mare is going to be the death of me.” He sighed as he cleared a space on the table. Picking the book up, he lays it on down for both Thunderlane and Soarin to see.

Looking around the table, the doctor noticed Soarin visibly disturbed as he stared at the exterior of the book. Leaning over, he waved a hoof over the cover to break his concentration. Soarin blinking and looking up glanced back at the book and then at the doctor. “Sorry. That things just gives me the creeps.” He said with obvious concern on his face.

“This book will not hurt you unless somepony intentionally means to do so. The book is simply a tool.” The doctor replied. As he opened it, Soarin could be seen tensing up and scooting backwards in his chair in anticipation of something going wrong. Watching him, the doctor tapped on the table to get his attention and waved for him to come closer and pointed to the area next to him. He spoke out in a tone similar to that of a child being scolded. “Soarin, you will come here and have a seat. Nothing I’m going to show you is grotesque or erotic. This is important.”

Slowly, he came over and sat as the doctor requested still looking at the book in question. Thunderlane on the other hand had his nose next to the pages trying to flip a few up and see anything else in the book. As he managed to see in between the pages, his eyes grew wide. “Holy cow! A pony can do that?”

“Do you mind?” The doctor tapped his nose before he waved his head away. Looking back at Soarin, he beckoned him closer and pointed to a picture in the book of a pony spread eagle laying in the center of a circle. Becoming more curious, Soarin looked at it in question.

“Is that all? Just lay in a circle?” Soarin said trying to get a better view. Looking back at him with an eyebrow raised, the doctor simply shook his head.

“No. There’s no runes or incantations with this one, but it’ll still need some work. It’s simply a banishment ritual using a natural herbal reaction. You drink one part and the circle is supposed to pull the ailment out through a grounding reaction. I think the ingredients do more work than any magic. I prefer to start with the lowest form of treatment then and if needed work our way up with something stronger if it doesn’t work.”

“Is there time to give this a shot today? The sooner I can shake this problem the better.” Soarin looked intently at the picture in the book and read the list of herbs.

“Well, fortunately, this one seems rather simple. I think I may be able to find most of what is needed here locally.” He nodded in satisfaction as he leaned back. “We could be done by this morning.”

Soarin remembering his mandated check in schedule with the Wonderbolts crossed his mind. “Oh, drat.” He placed a hoof directly in the center of his head and flinched as he felt the sting of the still prominent knot from the day before. “I still have to check in with my captain back at the training facility each morning while I’m on medical leave.”

The doctor looked at him concerned. “That would be your captain Spitfire, correct?”

“The one and only. This will finally give me a chance to set things straight with her and tell her the letter is a forgery.” He said with relief.

The doctor leaned over across the table and placed a hoof directly in front of him on the table. His eyes locked in directly with his as his tone went deadly serious. “Sorain, whatever you do, you can’t tell her that. I mean it.”

Soarin immediately looked at him with disbelief. “But, this will finally get her off my back! I don’t have to worry about her anymore! Do you know how long this has haunted me?”

The eyebrows on the doctor rose as he still looked intently at him. “Yes, for you. But this threat we face will pick up on it and we will lose our only lead. For our chance to catch this threat, it is incredibly important that you don’t tell her or Dash of your involvement with this.”

Soarin leaned forward and placed his head in his hooves. “Oh dear Celestia. I can’t believe I have to deal with this again.” Thunderlane quickly followed up and he butt in. “Hey, I still have to talk to Dash today. Think I’m happy about that?”

Trying to get his mind off the subject, the Doctor changed subjects. “Last night you mentioned that you wanted to wait until this morning to make a decision. I’ll need an answer if you’re dedicated to being able to join our cause. An answer at the soonest possible time would be preferred.”

Soarin thought for a moment and raised both hooves as if losing hope. “Why not. A little bit of plant matter and lying in a circle can’t hurt. I still have two crazy mares out there that want to stow me away for their own.”

Just then Derpy came in spilling a dash of tea on the ground and a splash of orange juice fell on the floor. Looking behind him in surprise, the Doctor quickly looked upset. “Derpy! Slow down! There’s no fire here.”

Slowing to a halt, she blinked and nodded. Tip-toeing over to the table, she placed the platter down. Napkins are visibly soaked and a cup is overturned with tea and orange juice everywhere.

For a moment the doctor looked down then picked up a half empty cup and raised it to Soarin. “Welcome to the Gentlecolts club.”

Soarin looking down, picked up a chipped empty cup and tapped to that of the doctor. Thunderlane picked up his empty orange juice glass, looked at it in dismay and turned to Derpy. “Can I get another?”

Derpy turned and shot off toward the kitchen. “On the way!”

The doctor turned and shouted to Derpy as he quickly ran after her in the same direction “No, no Derpy! I’ll get it!”

**************************************

As the first recess bell rang, the fillies and colts of the classroom spilled out to the courtyard. Last out of the door and down the stairs was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoons noticing the others play as they sat back and watched.

“Ugh” Diamond Tiara grumbled as she around at the other youngsters active in the yard. “Look at them Silver. Acting like ruffians climbing trees and playing in the sandbox. Not very professional at all.” Silver spoons chimed in. “Well, what would you expect from lower class common ponies? Affluence and esteem?”

The two laughed as they started their cheer. “Rump, bump, sugarlump…”

“Hey!” Applebloom called angrily as she started towards them over from the yard. “I’ve got a word for both of you!”

“Oh, this should be good.” Diamond Tiara slowly chuckled while smiling rather smug. “You say have something you want to say to me?”

“Yeah! C’mon gals!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed close behind. As Applebloom walked up to her, she pointed at her accusingly. “Yesterday you had no right to laugh at Rumble and say he was making up stories about Soarin being at his house.” Sweetie Belle continued. “And don’t have any proof to say he wasn’t there!” Scootaloo followed up. “Yeah! That was just plain mean!”

Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes and groaned as a response. “Really now, are we back on that old subject? That was so yesterday.”

Applebloom stepped closer as she continued. “Well, we’re bringing it back and this time we have proof!” She turned to Sweetie Belle. “I left it in my saddlebags. Can you get it?”

She nodded as she sprinted through the yard, up the stairs and into the schoolhouse.

“Oh please.” The tiara wearing pony said. “Whatever plan you silly fillies have come up with is likely a fabrication.” Looking around, she noticed some of the schoolyard children circling around them curious to know what is going on. Feeling uneasy, she thought to downplay the situation.

“Everypony knows a Wonderbolt like Soarin has no business with Thunderlane. It’s as simple as that.” She nodded so matter of factly. Looking over at Silver Spoons, she nudged her for support. A bit surprised, Silver nodded in agreement. “Uh, yes. I can’t believe it either.”

Rumble walked up from the back of the growing crowd. “You can’t fake it this time you two.” He said. “I was there when we all saw them on the couch. The picture can prove it.”

Diamond Tiara blinked as her face turned to shock. “What? A picture?”

Sweetie Belle came back with the picture in mouth. Giving it to Applebloom, the little yell filly held it outstretched to both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoons to see. “You want your proof? There he is! Soarin at Thunderlane’s house!”

The pair barely had a glimpse of the picture before the crowd around them rushed in to see the photo. Both Silver Spoons and Diamond Tiara tried to fight them back. “Gah! Get away from me!” As the pair are shoved aside by colt and filly, both fall into the dirt out of the way of the crowd. One voice after another is heard as they all have a look. “It’s him!” One yelled. “Wow, it’s really true!” Another said in amazement. “Hey, that’s a picture of Thunderlane! I’ve been at his house!” Said another.

“Stop it! Stop it I say!” The tiara wearing pony angrily yelled as she stood up at the back. “That picture is a fake! They…they just did it make me look wrong!” Turning around she beckoned at Silver Spoons still lying on the ground after the stampede. “Ooh! Would you get up!”

Hearing the commotion, Cherilee quickly walked out from the schoolhouse. “Children! Children! What is going on here!” The first to run up to her is Diamond Tiara trying to look as hurt as possible through her anger. Cherilee could easily see the mixed emotion.

“Ms. Cherilee! Oh thank goodness you’re here! That nasty bunch made up that picture to make me and Silver Spoons look bad. They even pushed me down in the dirt. How could they!?” With a howl and a fake sob, she covered he face with a hoof from the teacher as if distraught and looked back at the Cutie Mark Crusaders in anger.

With a frustrated sigh, Cherilee walked over to the group. “Alright children, what’s going on here?” Applebloom still holding the photo handed it up to her. “Ms. Cherilee, this is the photo me and the Cutie Mark Crusaders took last night at Rumble’s house! This is the proof!” Looking down, Cherilee studied the photo closely. Following a brief moment, she nodded in agreement. “Well, if this is a fake, it’s the best one I’ve ever seen.”

Diamond Tiara quickly ran over to her and tugged at her leg still pouting. “But, but, you can’t believe them! Just think about it Ms. Cherilee!” Looking over at Silver Spoons, her face contorted in an angry grimace as she motioned with her head for support. Picking up on the message, she came over and tugged on the other leg. “Yes ms. Cherilee! It’s not right how they did this just to spite us!”

Cherilee brushed the pair off as she continued to examine the photograph. Again looking at the Crusaders, she questioned them. “Where did you three get this?”

“Through stealth and ninja skills!” Scootaloo piped up as she did a karate chop with a hoof. Pushing it down, Sweetie Belle followed up. “We went over to Rumble’s house and hid at the top of the stairs hoping he would come back.” Applebloom nodded. “We took the camera and once we could get a good picture, we took one and what you see there is the result!”

“Judging by the daylight, I’d you were there rather late in the day.” Cherilee added with a hint of curious suspicion. “Did you develop this as well?”

“No! We had Featherweight do it downstairs!” Scootaloo added. “You can look down there and see we didn’t use anything to change it!”

Cherilee continued to take a long hard look at the photo. Pausing, she finally nodded in agreement “If what you say is true, I have to believe it. I’ve been over to where Rumble lives and this is certainly his living room.” Looking down at Rumble, she leaned in and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Rumble, I want to say that you were certainly right all along.”

In admiration, a cheer broke out from the small group around the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Diamond Tiara looked in shock as her jaw dropped. Shaking it off, she went mad with anger and approached Cherilee. “No! They’re liars! Those three are liars! I bet they paid somepony to make fake pictures and you’re dumb enough to believe it!” She kicked a small rock and it skittered in the dirt bouncing off the hoof of Cherilee. Silver Spoons sensing the situation going bad backed away from her.

Cherilee turned around and faced her clearly irritated. “As for you young filly, I’m going to have a talk with your father at lunch about your behavior today.”

The expression of Diamond Tiara instantly changed from anger to fear in the matter of seconds. “What!? Wait! No, no, no, no! You can’t do that! No! Not daddy!” Running up to Cherilee, she groveled at her hoof. “Please! Don’t tell him! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it!”

As the young filly kept at her feet, Cherilee called out to the schoolyard. “Playtime is over children, lets all come back inside.”

As each filly and colt came up to give praise to the group, Applebloom called out to her friends. “Way to go Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Off a short distance away a cloaked character hid in the brush. Watching them intently, he cackled softly to himself. “Indeed. Excellent work Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

**************************************

All ponies stood proud in their suits as Fleetfoot in front of the formation counted the line. As she figured the tally, she turned completely around and faced captain Spitfire. Both ponies saluted one another and the report was given.

“Captain, all present minus one!” She shouted. Spitfire still looking face to face with her nodded, but immediately after noticed a figure fly in and join the line. Leaning over slightly, she noticed the light blue coat out of uniform. With a slight look of surprise, a smile lit up as she knew who it was.

Quickly looking back and compelling herself, she whispered closely to Fleetfoot. “You’ll need to count them again.”

Fleetfoot confused, turned around and noticed the light blue pony instantly. Correcting herself, she turned back and shouted out. “All present and accounted for!”

Spitfire nodded and both ponies saluted one another. Fleetfoot quickly turned around and joined the line at the end facing forward with the rest of the Wonderbolts.

Spitfire announced to the line. “Ladies and gentlecolts, this morning I’m going to skip the speech for today for medical leave processing. Announcements are the same as yesterday. You may continue your training when ready as Lieutenant Fleetfoot is in command.”

Fleetfoot ran to the front and both ponies again saluted. Spitfire walked away toward Soarin as the lieutenant in command shouted at the flight. “Wonderbolts away!”

Soarin drew a deep breath as he watched Spitfire walk over. The ponies beside him took off into the air as the captain came closer and as she sat in front of him, she remained quiet for a moment. Finally finding the words, she spoke aloud. “I…I’m sorry about yesterday.”

Looking around at the ground, he looked up at her. “Well, things happen. You didn’t do it on purpose.”

Spitfire cleared her throat and in a professional tone addressed him. “We need to take care of a few signatures. We should go to my office and-“

Soarin turned his head in reaction. “N-no. I’d rather not be in there.” Thinking, he tried to find an alternative. “If anything, we can work at the desk in the locker room. Other ponies will be in and out of there during the day.”

Spitfire sighed calmly. “Fine. We can do it there if needed.”

As Soarin watched her head over to her office, he walked over to the main complex side door and entered it leading to the locker room. The main entryway desk usually staffed by Fleetfoot sat empty as all Wonderbolts were currently out for training. He knew it wasn’t much better than her office, but it was a far better chance somepony would walk in that he knew she would be less likely to try something. At least it seemed good in theory.

Sitting at the desk, he heard the entrance door open and close. Looking up, he saw her as she came in with papers in mouth and placed them on the desk. Placing a pen on the desk next to them , she pointed to the dotted line at the bottom then flipped the next two pages to the same line on each.

“I’ll need you to sign these in triplicate that you understand your duties and what is required from you in the meantime and afterwards.” She said. As Soarin started to sign it, she held a hoof on top of his and slowly ran it down the top knuckle. “You’ll want to read it first…”

Pulling his hoof away, he answered with suspicion. “Okay…”

In the silence, Soarin read the terms of the medical conditions. After a moment, Spitfire broke the silence. “Soarin, you’d tell me if you were seeing somepony, wouldn’t you?” She asked.

Soarin tells her as honest can be. “I’m not seeing a mare. There’s no question about that.”

As he continued to read, she spoke again. “Crazy question, but it’s not some stallion…”

“Stop” He muttered still focused on the papers. “I’m not into that at all.”

As Soarin continued to read the document, he noticed Spitfire sit up and she walked over to the lockers. Running a hoof over the first one, she looked at the bottom. “Hmm, certainly dusty. I may have to run an inspection in here later on.” Moving towards the back, she could be heard scrutinizing one thing after another. “Water spots on the bench and stains on the carpet. I see…” From the back, she called out unexpectedly. “This bathroom is a mess! Have you seen this Soarin?”

Soarin placing the pen down on the desk leaned around it looking between the lockers in curiosity. Sitting up, he walked down the aisle until he came to the bathroom area. No sign of Spitifre could be seen.

“Back here! I found something that needs to be taken care of!” Spitfire could be heard as an echo all around.

“I don’t know what you’re doing Spitfire, but I don’t like it.” Soarin called out. “I just want to get these papers signed and be on my way. I can’t perform until later in the week. You know that.”

As he walked into a dark shower room, the light flipped on and Spitfire held out her right hoof blocking the only exit. Soarin quickly backed away to the far wall. Mixed in confusion and fear, he shook his head. “What in the green acres of Equestria are you doing!?” He said.

Standing against the wall, Spitfire raised her left hoof and reached up to the spigot behind her head on the wall still looking intently at Soarin. Turning on the water with a hoof behind her back, the spigot sprayed freely as her hair quickly fell heavy from the weight of the liquid. The water trickled down her head and soaked into her suit as her body became soaked. Still dressed in the uniform, she raised a hoof and found the zipper on the front. Pulling it down, the suit fell away from both sides of her chest as she stepped forward toward Soarin. From behind her, she pulled one arm and the other out from the sleeves. As the suit fell to the floor of the shower stall, she stepped out of it one hoof after another. Raising both hooves to her hair, she pulled them back through her mane. Lowering her head, she quickly flipped it upward and tossed her mane back causing a few soaked strands to hang in front of her eyes still staring with intent at Soarin. As she closed in on him, she whispered to him. “Can you please take care of this?”

Soaring grew terrified at the imposing sight. “Spitfire, I just came here to sign paperwork!” He yelled in his defense. As she came close to him, he lay his head flat against the wall. She leaned in, placed hooves on both sides of him, and reached in behind him with a hoof turning on the water. As both of them stood under the running spigot for a moment, Spitfire kneeled down and rested her chin on his chest. Closing her eyes under the running water, she rubbed her nose into the wet fur.

Soarin trying to keep his focus is hyperventilating. His mind is running wild as he closes his eyes. He speaks aloud trying to think of being elsewhere while trying to stay awake.

“I’m in control, I’m in control, I’m in control…”

“No, not this time.” Spitfire said as she stands to face him with an inch between them. “Right now, you’re mine.” She came in and kissed him rotating her head as she held tighter around his torso under the running water. As she lightly chewed on his lip, she whispered out. “Touch me Soarin. Feel for me as I feel for you.”

Soarin could feel as he went limp again. This time he fought hard and dove down under her arm jumping away out of the shower stall. Soaking wet, he shot down the isle. Sliding past the paperwork, he came back, signed all three and left through the complex door.

Spitfire sitting down in dismay in the shower room settled with her thoughts under the pouring water of the flowing faucet.

“This time. I was so sure it would be this time.” She mumbled to herself.

**************************************

“Of all the things I need to get done today, some mane brained, hoof headed, bucking donky of a pony has the gall to tell me I have to talk to the schoolhouse teacher. I really don’t have time for this today!” Filthy Rich yelled out loud as he walked along the road. “Quickjot, take a note!”

The smaller unicorn next to him looked back at his saddlebags and both a notepad and a pencil floated out in front of him as his horn glowed. “At the ready, sir.”

“For future reference, nopony is to interrupt my meeting unless it concerns extreme emergency, serious business deal changes or family matters. Period. You can write that in too.” He said with satisfaction.

The unicorn looked a bit confused. “Ah, sir. We’re heading to the schoolhouse because of your daughter.” He replied. “She seems to have run into a bit of trouble and the teacher would like a word with you at lunch.”

Filthy Rich looked at him in curiosity. “Really? I didn’t hear that part.” Quickly thinking, he continued. “Take another note!”

The unicorn sighed as he held the pencil to the pad. “Still ready sir.”

“I am to be informed why I am needed for the reasons aforementioned before I am interrupted in my meetings so I can judge if it happens to be a valid reason to go. If said reasons are unclear, the pony that needs my attention must fill out a request to see form and I’ll judge them case by case. Period.”

Quickjot scratched his head with the pencil eraser as he looked puzzled. “A request form to interrupt a meeting? Do we even have those?”

Filty thought for moment and continued. “Place an order for requisition forms for business interruptions.” Filthy nodded in satisfaction.

The unicorn shook his head as he sighed yet again. “As you say sir.”

As they neared the schoolhouse and it’s raucous children paying out in the side yard, Filthy looked at it curiously as he squinted. “Rather smallish wouldn’t you say Quickjot? I wonder if this teacher knows I deal in contractor business. Adding a room or two couldn’t hurt them or our pocketbook, wouldn’t you say?”

“Well, it is a rather small schoolhouse for a reason sir. I don’t think they would need to spend the bits for something they don’t need.” The unicorn replied. “Besides, Ponyville wouldn’t need much more then this as it is. If I recall, an old term goes ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’.” He stifled a mild laugh.

“Hmm. I suppose so.” Filthy mumbled as he continued to look the building over. “Still couldn’t hurt to have a word about it. Anyway, let’s see here what we have to deal with over whatever issue this is.”

Arriving on the steps, he knocked on the outside door. Cherilee opening it immediately noticed his and opened the door wide. “Ah, Mr. Filty. I’ve been expecting you. Would you please come in?”

Looking a bit smug, he nodded and entered the one room. As Quickjot tried to follow him, she held out a hoof in front of him. “Sorry, private family matters. Please understand.”

Just before the door had shut, the unicorn tried to get a glimpse in between the doorjamb calling inside. “Uh, sir!?”

Returning from the door, Cherilee came down the isle. As she passed Filthy she smiled and pointed her nose to small rug in front of her desk. “Please have a seat. I’ll bring your daughter in.”

As filthy came over and sat, Cherilee opened the door and looked down at the short stairwell where Diamond Tiara sat. “You can come in now young lady.” She said.

As she came in clearly angry, her expression changed the moment she looked at Filthy. “Daddy! Oh Daddy, daddy, daddy! It’s so good to see you!” Trotting over, she grabbed him by an arm and started to howl. “Oh daddy! They were horrible! They made up a story so me and Silver Spoons-“

Filthy held up a hoof. “Hold on. I’m here to see you teacher. I want to hear what she has to say.” Cherilee came back as she closed the door and sat behind her desk.

“But, but Daddy! You can’t believe them!” The little filly contested as she looked up with forlorn eyes.

As he looked down at her, he raised his eyebrows. “I’ll judge by what I hear and what I think. After all, that’s what I’m paid for.” He returned to looking at Cherilee . “Please go ahead ma’am.”

The teacher looked down at her desk to find the words then looked up. “Mr Rich, over the last two days I’ve had an altercation between your daughter and another three fillies while they were out in the courtyard during recess. Today, Diamond Tiara here literally insulted me and kicked gravel at me. This of course is not the sort of behavior we like to see at the schoolhouse.” She said.

“I see.” Filthy replied in a calm tone. As he looked down at Diamond Tiara, he asked her a question. “I suppose you have good reason for this?”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you!” She yelled. “Those three made up a photo if Soarin being at the house of Rumble with that filly Rainbow Dash all over him! It has to be a lie!”

Filthy Rich couldn’t believe the words he had just heard. His look at his daughter went from muted to seriously concerned. Looking back up at Cherilee, he returned to his professional demeanor. “Do you happen have this photo for me to see?”

“Well” Cherilee started. “I don’t actually have it. It belongs to one of the students.”

Trying to stay calm, he tried to press the issue. “I really need to see that photo if you can, ma’am.”

Cherilee looked at him a bit odd. With a nod, she agreed. “I suppose it can’t hurt, but the issue is more with your daughters behavior.”

Filthy searched for an answer. “If it’s a fake, I can understand her anger. If it’s true, then I can judge punishment accordingly. I believe that seems fair. This is only on top of what she has already done to you. I don’t like to leave out all of the details.” He felt good at the idea, but remained stoic on the outside as he waited for an answer.

“I can see how that would make sense.” Cherilee said getting up and walking to the door. As she opened it, she called out to the yard. “Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle! Applebloom! Come inside!”

The teacher came back over to the desk and sat back down. “If it helps any Mr. Rich, I have a development lab run by our journalists downstairs.”

He nodded as he looked towards the door and saw the trio of fillies enter. As they came over, Diamond Tiara pointed at them angrily. “Those three! They’re the ones out to get me! Teach them a lesson!”

Filthy looked down at his daughter in frustration and held a hoof between her and the trio. Looking much calmer, he turned to them as he spoke. “I’ve been told that you three have taken a picture of Soarin and Rainbow dash together. May I see this photo?”

Applebloom looked at Sweetie Belle for an answer. She just shrugged. As she turned to Scootaloo, she waved a hoof for her to come closer. As she did do, she whispered into her ear. Looking up at Cherilee, Applebloom slowly spoke.

“Um, teacher. Are we in trouble?” She asked cautiously. Diamond Tiara quickly interrupted. “My daddy is going to see that fake photo and you’re all in deep trouble. The worst kind imaginable!”

Filthy hissed at his daughter. “Shush, or I’ll ground you for a week!” Looking up at Cherilee, he shook his head. Smiling, she shook her head in succession. “No. Not at all. Mr. Rich here just wants to see the picture.”

“Well, ok then.” Appleboom said as she slowly walked over to her saddlebags near her desk. Pulling out the photo, she walked back and reached up to the top of the table placing it in view of both Filthy and Cherilee. As they looked intently at the photo, no obvious errors, no flaws, and no altercations could be detected . Nothing at all was seen out of place. It clearly had Rainbow dash and her arms around Soarin in a living room area showing pictures of both Thunderlane and Rumble in the background.

Filthy looked intently at the photo clearly concerned. Cherilee noticed and tried to lower head in hopes of him seeing her. “Mr. Rich? Are you OK?”

He looked up at her. “Yes! Yes, quite alright. Now that I’ve seen this, it makes all the difference.” He turned and faced the trio still nearby. “I need this photo and any negatives for it.” He said with conviction.

Applebloom nodded. “Sure. We don’t need it anymore. You can have it now that Rumble is proven to be speaking the truth. The negatives are downstairs.” Scootaloo also added her perspective. “ Rumble has always told it like it is! We set the record straight!”

Applebloom turned to Sweetie Belle. “Can you get the negatives from Feathreweight?” With a nod, she trotted to the nearby stairwell and headed on down to the lab.

Diamond Tiara continued her plea. “But daddy, are you even listening to me? You know I’m right, don’t you?” With a tired sight he looked down with scorn at her. “You young filly will have a long time to think about how you treat your teacher when you stay at home after school for the next week. Silver Spoons is also not to come over during that time.”

The little pink filly started to bawl as she heard the news. “NOOO! My social life is ruined! Ruined!” Still sobbing, she turned and looked over at the Cutie Mark Crusaders angrily.

Sweetie Belle came back running with Featherweight behind her. The colt yelled out in shock. “The negatives are missing! I just used them an hour or two ago!”

Cherilee looked at him confused. “But it’s not like you to lose something that quick. Are you sure?”

Featherweight replied still stunned. “I know! I couldn’t have lost them, I’m sure! I had them hanging up! Other then the window being open, nothing else was touched!”

Filthy felt something was afoul now, but he had to cut the trip short. “No matter.” He interrupted. “I can’t be late and must be getting back. I can have a look at them later when you find them.”

He looked to Cherilee. “I believe we’re done here, correct?” She looked back as she cleaned up a few things on her desk. “Well, other than those negatives, that’s all I have Mr. Rich. If something else comes up, I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you.” He replied. Leaning down at Diamond Tiara, he drew a breath and let out a long sigh. “As for you, l‘ll see you at home. Try to behave yourself.” Still quite angry, she remained quiet as she glared to each of the Crusaders.

Mr. Rich Picked up the photo, turned and left through the main entry door with the assistant unicorn waiting outside. Having seen him, he gets up and follows along. Filthy gives him the photo which he promptly stows in his bag.

“Quickjot, take a note.” He said. “Cancel all meetings for the next two hours.

With his mouth agape in surprise, he blurted out to filthy. “But I can’t do that! They’ve been waiting for two weeks to see you!”

“It can wait. I have to take care of something far more important. Don’t lose that photo I gave you.” Filthy said as he hurried down the dirt road.

Chapter 6

In the downstairs cellar, Thunderlane propped a leg hoof up on the table and leaned his chair back still chewing on a muffin in one hoof and turning the pages in the Gentlecolts manual with the other. As he looked down on the page, he let out a hoot. “Woo! Doc, you have to check this out!” He turned the book sideways and unfolded an inner page staring at it wide eyed. “Man, these guys knew what they were doing! I mean look at this art! It’s so…detailed” Thunderlane said slowly as he opened the page further. He took another bite of the muffin as he stared at it. “Yummy yum…”

The doctor busy grinding various herbs in a pestle at a nearby table wearily looked over his shoulder at him displeased. “I really wish you would be careful with that. It’s far more important for research then as some pleasure book.” Noticing the muffin he cursed under his breath, quickly walked over, picked it out of his hoof and placed it on the table. “I also want you your keep your hooves clean when touching the pages. I don’t need grease stains on the text.” He added. Reaching over on the table, he picked up a napkin and placed in his hoof.

“Ah you grumpy grump.” Thunderlane replied as he looked back at him as if without a care. Using the napkin, he wiped both hooves and threw it on the table. Turning back to the book, he closed the fold out and turned the page. As he looked at it, his face contorted in disgust as he tapped the page. “Aww, gross. That is just…yuck. I mean, who would cover themselves in that kind of mess?”

The doctor smirked as he looked at Thunderlane from the corner of his eye while still grinding the ingredients. “As I said, research.”

Derpy could be heard as she yelled from upstairs. “Doctor! Soarin is here! Should I let him go down there?!”

He yelled back still focused on his work at the table. “Yes! Send him in!”

Soarin still wet slowly worked his way down the stairwell as a drop or two of water fell on each step. Thunderlane looked up and laughed instantly. “Oh man! You ought to look at yourself. Did you fall in a lake?”

The doctor turned and looked at him curiously. Soarin breathing heavy took a moment to collect himself at the base of the stairs while holding the handrail. As he looked from one pony to the other, he spoke slowly. “The sooner I can handle this, the better.”

“I don’t even want to know.” The doctor spoke as he raised his head slightly and held an outstretched hoof. He then waved it towards himself. “Come on over and we can dry you off. I’m nearly ready.”

As Soarin neared the table, the doctor trotted over to the base of the stairwell and yelled up. “Throw down a towel Derpy!” Seconds later, a large lump of cloth landed at the base of the stairs. Picking it up with his mouth, the doctor dragged it over near the table and threw it over the soaked pony.

Pulling the cloth over his head, Soarin looked at the items on the table. “Alright, so what do we do doc?” He asked as he began to rub himself down.

Standing next to him, the doctor pointed at a bag on the table. “This here is draw powder. I’ll form the circle with this on the ground.” He then moved a hoof next to it. “This here is the dispersal liquid. You’ll have to drink this and once it absorbs through you, it’ll start a reaction once it comes near the draw powder hence you being inside the circle. Before it reacts, you have to think of the problem you have and as a result, it will neutralize and carry it away to the circle.” He then paused in thought. “Well, at least as far I can figure out.”

Soarin cocked his head as he realized how unsure the doctor was in trying this idea. “What do you mean by ‘as far as you can figure’?”

“You have to keep in mind these actual therapies are a hundred years old or more. It’s not as if I’ve tried any of them.” He replied. “I’m doing what I can to help you and this appears to be of minimal risk.”

Taking the towel off, he draped it over a chair nearby. The doctor turned around and addressed the other pony in the room. “Are you going to just sit there and goof off or help our friend here?”

Thunderlane is seen with an arm over his head, a hoof under his jaw and his head turned sideways as he looked up from the book to the doctor. Slowly he put his arm down. “Nah, don’t think I’d try that anyway.” He said as he closed the book and placed it back on the table.

The doctor picked up the bag he pointed to earlier and gave it to Thunderlane. “Take this and create a circle. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be close. Try not to botch this please.

Taking the bag, he opened it and sniffed it. With a gag, he turned away. “Blech! What’s in this anyway? Essence of skunk?”

“Just do it okay?” The doctor sighed. Thunderlane backing up turned slowly as he created a short line after another short line until he finished the circle in the center of the room.

The doctor held one bottle on the table as it sat next to another. “I hope you’re ready for this. As soon as I mix these, you have to drink it and lay in the circle for a few minutes until we get the reaction.”

“Let’s just get this over with.“ Soarin grumbled.

Picking up one bottle, he poured into the other. The light green fluid mixed with the red and it instantly turned pitch black. Slowly, it turned to an off color white. The Doctor motioned at Soarin. “Quick! Drink it now! The ingredients have mixed!”

Soarin picked up the bottle and took a sip. Gagging, he looked at the doctor. “But this stuff tastes…” The doctor quickly lifted the bottle from underneath. “You have to finish it quick!” Trying to keep up, Soarin emptied the flask as it dribbled around his mouth. Dropping it, he stepped back and coughed heavily.

“That was the worst mess I’ve ever tasted! Yuck!” He choked. Getting behind him, the doctor directed him to the circle. “Sit inside and stay put!” Walking into the circle, he lay down on his side. From outside of it, the doctor held both hooves up and motioned forward to Soarin from his head. “Now focus. I need you to focus on what it is that bothers you so much. Let it out.”

“Alright then.” He said as he looked down at the floor. As he lay there silent, the doctor spoke up again. “Well, tell me! Cmon!”

“Heck doc, can’t I just think about it for this to work?” Soarin balked.

“If you talk about it, it will work better. The more you think about it the higher chances we have of this doing the job. You can trust me and you can trust Thunderlane here.” The doctor continued.

Soarin looked over at Thunderlane as if he told a bad joke. Thunderlane looking back at him could visably be seen resenting the comment. “Hey! C’mon man! Really?”

Suddenly Soarin went wide eyed. He looked to the doctor. “Ah, I’m feeling kinda funny here and it’s getting awful warm.” The doctor yelled at him. “Do it! Do it now! You have to think of your ailment!”

Angrily he yelled back. “Fine! I’m tired of being scared, gun shy and locking up every time I have a lady pony touch me! I want to be in control of my emotions!”

Instantly the circle flared and a burst of smoke exploded around Soarin. Thick smoke quickly filled the room as all the ponies inside were surrounded with the thin ash. All three ponies coughed and waved hooves trying to see anything through as it moved. Once it started to clear, Thunderlane and the doctor could see one another, but Soarin was still lost in the mess of the center of the room.

Both worked their way forward until they saw a figure stand up. The doctor called out still hacking. “Soarin? Can you hear me?” The dust around them finally settled enough that the doctor could see Soarin coming forward. Instead of being light blue with a dark blue mane, he now appeared a medium grey with a charcoal mane. As he looked at the doctor he continued to choke on the dust as he spoke. “Ugh, that was not enjoyable. That stuff feels worse then it tastes.”

The doctor came close to him and ran a hoof over his coat. A thick amount of dust collected on the tip of his hoof and he left a line on Soarin showing his original coat color of light blue. “Well, at least this isn’t permanent. The dust really got into your coat since you’re still a bit wet.” He said. As the doctor looked at him face to face, he lightened up a bit. “Well, how do you feel?”

Soarin went quiet for a moment in thought until he spoke. “I’m not sure. I feel OK for the most part and nothing seems out of place. What next?“

The doctor raised a hoof to his chin in consideration. “We should take things esy to see if it worked. I don’t want this to fail before it’s had a chance to settle in. I suppose we can bring Derpy down and-“

Suddenly a loud banging can be heard on the entry door upstairs. The trio turned to the stairwell listening. After a brief moment, Derpy hollered down. “Doc! Rainbow Dash is here looking for Soarin or Thunderlane! What do-OOF!” A loud thud could be heard as something large hit the floor above them. “Ah, Doc! She’s already inside looking around! What do I do!?”

The doctor looked around the room as Soarin backed up a bit in shock. “Dash is here!? Doc what do I do! I can’t face her! Not yet!” Thunderlane placed both hooves on his head as he sat back down in the chair. “Heh, you’re worried? I think she’ll come after me first. There’s nowhere to hide down here.”

“Alright, alright…” Frantically the doctor looked around. He quickly looked at the coating of dust on the floor and then to the table. Looking at Soarin, he looked him over. “Yes...just maybe…” He muttered. Kneeling down, he scraped up a collection of dust and coated the area where Soarin was showing the blue line the doctor made. Quickly moving to the table, he picked up a small bag, dug a hoof inside and brought out a hoofull of white powder. Looking at Soarin, he dropped the bag back on the table, pointed to his face and spoke in a serious tone. “Don’t move and stay quiet.”

The doctor sidestepped over to Soarin’s hindquarters and lined up his hoof to his rear flank. With a quick blow, a white smattering of the powder left an impression. The doctor quickly moved over to the other side and did the same. Just as he finished, Rainbow Dash came storming down the stairs.

“Where is that no good, window diving, escape artist Soarin?” She said angrily. Looking around, she saw the doctor calmly sweeping the floor, a nervous pony she’d never seen before and Thunderlane sitting in a chair at the nearby table with hooves on his head.

“You!” She said as she walked over and sat next to the table. “I defiantly want a word with you!”

Thunderlane took his hooves off his head and faced her. “Alright, what is it.” He replied.

“I don’t know what you pulled or how you did it, but I had a talk with a representative at Canterlot and he told me your work record is as clear is a sunny day in Ponyville!“ She pounded a hoof on the table. “And yesterday that night out you promised me was a complete wash! We spent five minutes at the restaurant and then left! I ran around last night trying to track him down until I had to go home in time for work today. I’m on my lunch break right now just to get some answers!” She then squinted at him with suspicion. “Speaking of work, why aren’t you there?”

Thunderlane sighed as he looked up lazily. “I’m still on suspension. Remember?”

Rainbow Dash grumbled and went silent for the moment thinking to herself. Starting up, she banged the table again. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten our deal. I still want a night out or I go straight to the princess herself! I still have your record on my file!”

Thunderlane quickly gasped as he looked up to her then over to the doctor. Out of view from Rainbow Dash, the doctor looked back at him, held a hoof up and shook it wildly. He then held his hoof across his lips as if to stay quiet. Dash looking over her shoulder, looked at the doctor as he brought the hoof over his head and ruffled his mane. She then turned her attention over to the mystery pony quivering next to the doctor.

Walking over to the grey stallion, she looked deep at him with suspicion. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you around here before.” Looking around him, she noticed white puff mark on his rear flank.

She continued to look him over until the doctor stepped between them and announced himself. “Can I help you young lady?”

“I’m looking for Soarin and the hospital told me he came here after he was discharged yesterday. Have either of you seen him?” She asked.

“Soarin…Soarin…” The doctor tried to look as if recollecting something distant. “Not that I recollect. Isn’t he one of the Wonderbolts?” He asked inquisitively.

With a frustrated sigh, she turned to the unknown pony. “How about you? Have you seen him?”

Still shaking, Soarin blinked and opened his mouth as if to say something and watched as the doctor quickly jumped in between them. “Please excuse my patient here. He’s a been a mute pony his whole life and I’m doing my best to help his inability to talk.” Soarin looked back at her nodded with a mild smile as Rainbow Dash looked back and forth between the pair.

“Does he have a name?” Rainbow Dash asked still looking at the pony curiously. The doctor quickly glanced at his rear flank and turned back to her. “Fogbank. Yes, I recall his name is Fogbank.”

“So…Fogbank…have you seen him anywhere around?” She asked him again with an eyebrow raised. Soarin rolled his eyes and shook his head indicating that he did not.

“Ugh!” She yelled. Turning around and heading back over to Thunderlane, she leaned in close to him with both hooves on the table. “I know you have to know where he’s hiding out. I also know you’re up to something fishy at Canterlot, but I’ll let it go if he’s at my place tonight. The same time as last night when I waited for you. You tell him that or it’s curtains.” As she ran a hoof across her neck she heard a muffled squeal behind her. Turning around, the doctor looked around wild eyed and made face motions as if he was quite scared. “My goodness, Thunderlane! You had better get the news to him when you can!”

“You’d better believe it.” She said as she turned from the doctor back to Thunderlane at the table. She tapped a hoof on it as she looked at him intently. “Tonight.”

Stepping down from the table, she walked over to the stairs and made her way up. Derpy could be heard at the top as she opened the study door. “Thanks and come again!”

As the door shut, Soarin banged both hooves on his head and fell to the floor. “Oh dear Celestia, I just can’t handle this anymore! I’m going to be sick!”

“You think you have problems!? Thunderlane spouted sitting up from the table. “I just had my record cleared only to have her blackmail me!”

“You really need to calm yourself Sorain” The doctor said as he took a breath to calm down. He then looked over to Thunderlane. “Technically it’s not blackmail.” He added and paused. “All things considered, she’s keeping the original bargain. Unfortunately all three of us are now in the same boat. If she shows everything on you from her own file, it might expose the gentlecolts after the changes were made and you’re up the creek.” He reflected on the situation. “This is bad…”

The doctor kneeled down and had a closer look at Soarin. He shook his head with concern and sighed. “After all that work, I don’t think we made much progress in the way of helping Soarin.” Walking over to the book, he began leafing through it. “This is going to call for something stronger.”

Soarin still lay on the ground quite sullen. “I’d give anything for another pony to go in my place. Anything. I just can’t deal with those two anymore.” He whined.

Momentarily, the doctor continued to leaf through the book until a light bulb went off in his head. Looking back over at the table, he walked over and picked up a bag in the corner. Heading over to Soarin, he brushed a hoof across Soarin and blew the dust away revealing his original light blue coat. Opening the bag, he pulled out a small hoofull of light blue dust and sprinkled it on Soarin. Comparing his fur next to the dust, they appeared identical in color.

Thunderlane walked up next to him and looked down. “What are you up to doc?”

The doctor turned around and faced him. Dipping his hoof into the bag, he brought it out and ran a stripe down the forehead of Thunderlane. He smiled as he stared at it. “Yes. This just might work…”

Thunderlane was lost in understanding until the same idea clicked in his head. “Oh no, no, no, no! You’re crazy! She’ll be on to me for sure! She hates my guts!”

“A mane and tail extension…yellow contacts…yes…” the doctor spoke aloud.

“Are you even listening to me?” Thunderlane spoke in exasperation.

“All you have to do is talk to her at wherever you go. You don’t have to go home with her. Just take her out then tell her you’ll see her later. It’ll at least give us some time.” The doctor said as he made his way over to the stairs and looked back. “Right now, time is what we need. You also started this mess you know.” Walking up, he could be heard yelling as he moved away. “Derpy! I need you to fly over to Mr. Yellow! I have a list of needs here for you to take!”

Thunderlane lay down next to Soarin. He shook his head in disbelief. “This just couldn’t get any worse, could they?”

Stoic as can be, Soarin replied as a whisper. “None whatsoever.”

**************************************

“I’ve got them! I’ve got them!” The hooded pony yelled as she ran into the cave. Her long cape bounced and flapped as she ran at full speed while jumping over rocks and stones. She continued down the depths deep from the light of the mouth until she couldn’t see. Slowing to a crawl, she tried to make out any sign of light in the dark. “Boss? Are you in here?”

Taking a misstep, she stumbled to the ground. “Clumsy fool...” A voice sneered in the dark. A light blue glow started and became brighter as the illumination came from the horn of a black stallion before her. “Show me what you have.”

The pony picked herself up and pulled back her hood. The orange pony dug under her cape for a moment producing the small negatives. As they glowed the same blue hue, the larger unicorn brought them up one by one until he could see the one frame he was most interested in.

“I wanted the developed picture, not the negatives.” He said coldly. “The frame I want will have to be developed. That’s a waste of time.” The magic waned from the negatives as they dropped to the floor. Quickly, Swindle picked them up and placed them back in her coat pocket.

Swindle tried to state her case. “But, they had it upstairs at the schoolhouse! There was no way I-”

“When I say I want the picture, I expect results. Do I not?” The larger pony stated almost menacingly. Swindle trying to appease him continued. “Of course boss, but with this we can make more than one picture!”

“Idiot!” He said as he turned and yelled at her face. “I only need one!” Turning back around, he continued into the cave with Swindle close behind. As the pair continued to travel further into the cave, a large clearing opened up showing a small assortment of home furnishings. Random items on the far sides of the room could be seen in the blue light. In the center of the room a table is seen where the large pony walked towards. As he focused in on the five large candles on the candelabra placed in the center of it, they all ignited at once giving a much brighter light to the area around them. No longer hidden in the dark, the figure of another pony is revealed to be sitting in the far corner of the room. The disheveled looking turquoise pony with the scar on his cheek sat picking at a hoof with a dirk in his mouth at a nearby table. Flipping it up into the air, it landed blade point down into the table. “It’s about time you got back.” He said as he looked over at her.

Swindle walked over to her bed and pulled out the negatives she had in her pocket earlier. Holding each one up to the light of the candles, she giggled as she peered through them one at a time.

As the larger pony placed books from a table back onto a shelf, he noticed her action and came over curiously watching what she was up to.

The other pony in the corner shook his head and laughed as he watched her. With a strange look, he spoke. “Swindle, what are you doing?”

“These Cutie Mark Crusaders are a fun lot, Squander.” She said to him with a smile. Holding up another frame, she laughed. “This little one here took a photo of herself with the flash on.”

The larger pony came over and quickly swung a hoof across hers and knocked the frames out falling onto the floor. “Were you not listening earlier when I say we have to focus on the mission!? Stop goofing off!” He said angrily. Walking back to the shelf, he continued to place books back up. With the last one, he opened it and started reading a page.

Swindle picked the negatives up and placed them in her pocket. Looking over at the other pony, she spoke up. “How will we get them developed?”

“It wasn’t a problem until you grabbed the wrong item.” Squander chided as he leaned back and stretched a leg. “You’ll have to take them to Ponyville. We can’t have you seen in Canterlot.”

“Okay.” Swindle replied to him calmly. As she started to think, she turned to the large stallion. “I was also thinking Sceptre that-“

“I told you not to call me that!” Sceptre shouted at her. “My name is mired in history that most ponies don’t understand except in a history book. Someday, I’ll fix that all. I’ll force them if I have to.” He said as he turned back to look intently into the book in front of him.

After a calm moment, she started again. “Well boss, I was wondering what are we going to do about Spitfire and Soarin if the picture thing doesn’t work? I mean the letter didn’t work so what if the same happens with this?”

Sceptre stood up and walked over to Swindle. As he started to talk, he came in close to her. “This time won’t fail. After Spitfire sees the proof that her Soarin has been fooling around, she’ll go over the edge and his career is done. She will kick him out for certain. That will guarantee us room to move in for the ceremony. Then we strike when they least expect it.”

“Right, right…” Swindle said. As Sceptre moved back to the book, his horn glowed as the book levitated and he moved it to the center table of the room. A twisted smile could be seen on his face. “Vengence. Oh, I dreamed of sweet vengeance for my grandfather whom was stripped of his title by those how couldn’t grasp his true potential! For my grandfather I fight!” He said.

“Of course.” Swindle said calmly. “You’ve have talked about this for a long time. I know it means a lot to you.”

Hearing her, a look of boredom crossed the face of Squander as he muttered to himself and inspected his hoof. “Here we go again…”

“It means more to be then you know, Swindle.” He said almost growling. He turned to her and squinted in the dim light of the candles. “Years ago when I was much younger, I listened to my grandfather and how he was part of an old organization called the Gentlecolts. They were a powerful group that influenced many a mare and stallion alike. When he rose in power to control the deviant and unruly actions of the organization, they demoted him and had him conduct the most menial tasks they could find. He ran errands, provided busboy services, cleaned floors and the like just to stay with them. It was humiliating for him. In his revenge he blew their whole secretive lid off this group and took the bull by the horns once Celestia herself helped him. He had control of what was left for a while until that two timing Celestia double crossed him and hired the Gentlecolts to track him down like a wild dog! My grandfather had everything and they took it all away. He was lucky to escape with his life!”

He angrily raised a hoof and shook it as he yelled. “She is going to pay for her treachery!”

Sceptre turned back around and again looked at the book. “This book has the most powerful spells of any texts he collected when he still had control before Celestia came after him. He saved it for many, many years so that one day, someday I his grandson Sceptre would bring down a fist of revenge for him!”

Behind his back, Squander mimicked Sceptre in jest as he raised a hoof and crossed his eyes. He shook his head in disagreement as he continued to chew at the edge of the hoof he was inspecting.

Swindle spoke up again after he paused. “But, this was so long ago. Most ponies think this is just a bedtime story. Why do this now when nopony understands what good it will do?”

Angrily, he turned around and yelled back. “Celestia will atone for her actions! I’ve grown up hearing the stories from others and how shameful I must be to have come from such a failure! He was the only pony that ever respected me when I grew up through the years and taught me all of the magic he learned so that one day, I would be able to use it for what he wanted more then anything else in Equestria.” His appearance changed as his face twisted into deep thought and his horn again glowed blue illuminating his face. “Redemption.”

Turning back around, he continued to read the book leafing through pages with a hoof. “I have sought to find an appropriate spell to eliminate the presence of Celestia in these lands. I am not powerful enough to take her in single combat, but I can entrap her and banish her to another dimension she would be unable to return from. I would then reestablish the Gentlecolts Raiders as my grandfather did long ago and rule over Equestria as he had planned. This land will once again be under our control!”

“And I’ll be by your side when we take control, right?” Swindle said with hopeful consideration.

“Of course.” Sceptre said with a flat tone. “For your help you will be in my higher court.”

“We both will.” Squander added from his corner. Pulling the dirk back up with his mouth, he started to pick at his other hoof.

With a gleam in her eye, she stood up from the bed. “And things will get better. Finally.”

Grabbing a bag from a nearby table, she also picked up a small pouch and rattled the few bits within it. “I’ll get those negatives developed, you’ll see. I’ll earn my place.” She began to walk out of the cave and spoke as she left. “Soon for us, no more cold nights of living in caves, or eating unfresh greens or struggling to survive in the wilds any longer.” Her echos could be heard in the distance.

Squander spat the dirk onto the table and yelled into the cave. “And bring back some cider!”

Sceptre continued to read deep into the book with a cackle. “Yes soon. Soon Soarin and Princess Celestia won’t know what hit them until it is too late.”

**************************************

“You’re crazy if you think this is going to work.” Thunderlane stated as both Soarin and the doctor dusted him with the blue powder. Covering him head to hoof, his deep grey mane brightened up to the similar light hue of blue of Soarin. The doctor stood back and looked him over searching for spots he may have missed. “Sometimes crazy tends to work.” The doctor replied. “We don’t have time for any other options right now.”

Soarin turned to place his bag on the table, and picked up a pair grease pencils and a piece of tracing paper. As he walked over to the rear flank of Thunderlane, he placed the paper over his own cutie mark and copied the outline then held it up to the rear of Thunderlane as he started to trace the image. “I have to agree I’m with the doctor on this one.” Soarin added.

“You’re just doing this so you don’t have to deal with Rainbow Dash!” Thunderlane grumbled loudly.

“And you’re the one that got me into this mess with her!” He yelled back.

“Stop it! Both of you!” The Doctor interrupted. “We can’t have an argument right now between you two.” As both pegasi looked at each other irritated, they remained calm as Thunderlane brought up a hoof and studied it while Soarin continued to draw on his rear flank. A moment later Thunderlane let out a surprised yelp and menacingly looked back to Soarin. “Hey you! Watch it with that pencil or I’ll put a hoof in your face!”

“Well, stand still clumsy britches and I won’t.” Soarin grumbled back.

The doctor looked Thunderlane over and nodded in agreement. “Yes, I think that covers you top to bottom here. Let me see if these work as well.” Moving over to a nearby table, he picked up the mane wig and placed over the neck of Thunderlane. Pulling over both sides, it covered his shorter and thicker hair as the doctor used a brush to disperse it evenly. “Not bad, not bad…” He mumbled. Reaching back over to the table, the picked up the tail extention and wrapped it high above high up on his short tail.

“Watch it back there doc.” Thunderlane lowly growled through clenched teeth.

“Don’t think for one moment I enjoy this.” The doctor replied as he continued to secure the hair on. Again using the brush, he pulled the fake wig straight over his short tail. “I’m doing it for both Soarin and The Gentlecolts and you have an obligation to him. I’d think you owe him big after your little stunt.”

“He sure does.” Soarin said as he finished the coloring of his rear flank on one side and stood back. As he did so, he leaned in and tapped on the doctor. The doctor noticing him nodded and stood by his side looking at their dressed up pony. The pair looked him over as Thunderlane watched them.

“Well?” Thunderlane spoke as he continued to stand still in the center of the room.

“Well, it’s not perfect, but you’ll pass for a twin.” The doctor stated. Soarin nodded silently. Suddenly the doctor spoke up as he looked his eyes. “Oh, the contacts!” He said as he turned back to the table.

Picking up a small rubber bag with his mouth, he pulled it over a hoof. “Thunderlane, come over to the table here.” He said as picked up another and did the same with the other one. As Thunderlane approached the table, the doctor opened the cap on the first and turned it over in a hoof with water dribbling off the sides. Turning around, he faced the powder coated pony with the small blue cup like object. “I need you to lean your head down. Look straight at the ground.” The doctor stated.

As he did so, the doctor looked to the side of his head. “Keep your eye wide open and don’t move.” He said. While pulling one eyelid up, he deftly placed the contact on the eye of Thunderlane.

As both of them looked up, Thunderlane looked around. “Everything is blue doc. Is that normal?” The doctor waved a hoof to Soarin, and as the pony came over he compared the eye with the contact to that of Soarin. “It’s close.” He said looking back and forth at each pony. “Not perfect, but close.”

“It’s certainly green, doc.” Soarin said looking at Thunderlane. The doctor removed the cap from the second cap and turned around. “I don’t think anypony will know the difference unless it happens to be one of your friends or somepony that has known you for a while.” He motioned for Thunderlane to look at the floor again and quickly placed the lens in the other eye.

The doctor removed the rubber bags off his hooves and backed up as Thunderlane peered around. Quickly looking over at Soarin, he motioned for him to stand next to each another.

Thunderlane and Soarin stood side by side. As the doctor moved left and right, he nodded in agreement as a wide smile spread across his face. “Uncanny.” He said as he started to laugh. “This just might work.”

Upstairs Derpy called down. “Doctor! Mr. Tan is here! He has to see you urgently!”

As the doctor heard the news, his expression changed to shock. “What, now!?” He said in disbelief as he went over to the stairs. He turned back briefly to the cellar. “Just hold out here you two. This will only take a moment.” He continued as he went up.

As the doctor came to the top of the stairs, Derpy had just closed the door as Filty Rich approached him with an envelope. “I have to talk to you and Soarin! This is bad!” He said asthe doctor waved him back with a hoof and whispered to him with caution. “Ssh! Stay back! Soarin and Thunderlane are still down there!” He then called over to Derpy and continued to whisper. “Get a big towel, cape, pollow case with holes, anything! Quick!”

Derpy nodded and took off into the next room as Filthy opened the envelope and pulled out the photograph. Placing it on the table, he tapped it with a hoof and gave a nervous sigh as the doctor looked down at it. The doctor briefly thinking raised a hoof to his head as his jaw dropped in shock.

“Oh by Celestia and the heavens above…” He spoke as if he was doomed. “I can’t believe this.”

Derpy came back with a large bedsheet and a pillowcase with two holes in it. Filthy took it and pulled it over his head as the doctor threw the bedsheet over his body. He then spoke to Derpy. “Go downstairs and bring those two up here. We have to talk.” As requested, she trotted down the stairwell.

The doctor rubbed his face with a hoof as he looked at Mr. Tan. “Where did you get this?” He asked in confusion. The masked pony spoke with a hint of fear as the story unfolded.

“My daughter informed me when I went to the schoolhouse due to her less then desirable behavior. I learned this photo was taken by several of the youth there to help another young friend.”

As Soarin and Thunderlane arrived at the top stair, Mr. Tan looked between them and then at the doctor. “I…I didn’t know they’re twins.” He stated puzzled. Derpy quickly came back over and cocked her head as she looked at them. With a laugh, she pointed at the pair. “Yep! Two of a kind!”

Looking behind him, the doctor waved a hoof as if to disregard. “Don’t worry about it. It’s a long story best saved for another time.” he replied. “Please continue.”

The masked pony shook his head. “Whatever. The important thing here is that the negatives from this photo have been taken. I think it may have something to do with Soarin so I came here.”

Listening in, both Thunderlane and Soarin walked over to the table and looked at the photo. One pony let out a wail as he looked aghast at it. The other studied it close and looked up. “Who was in my house?” He stated.

As the two identical Soarins mired over the photo, Mr. Tan broke the short silence. “I don’t have long and must return. I wish you luck for us and for the Gentlecolts.” Turning to Derpy, he motioned for her to follow. “Please come with me to the hall so I may give you your sheets back.” Derpy quickly nodded.

The doctor looked back at the photo as Derpy and Mr. Tan left through the entryway door. He audibly cursed and followed up with a plan. “The next spell will have to wait until you can take care of things with Spitfire, Soarin. You have to get over to your Captain’s office before she gets that picture. For you Thunderlane, I only hope this doesn’t make it as far to Rainbow Dash before your get together tonight.”

Thunderlane scratched his head in confusion causing dust to fall on the photo. “I still can’t believe this was taken.” He said. Soarin just let out a low groan as he lay his head down on the table next to it.

“Thunderlane...” Soarin spoke with his head still down. “…we were wrong.”

“”Huh?” He looked at him oddly. “Wrong about what?”

“Remember when you said things couldn’t get any worse?” He said.

“Well, yes. What about it?” Thunderlane replied.

“Things got worse.” Soarin mumbled as he continued to softly groan on the table. “Ugh.”

**************************************

A well dressed pony of sizable statue walked down the long red carpet inside the Canterlot castle. As he approached the main throne room, he cleared his throat and raised his head. Two armor clad ponies quickly pushed the center doors open to the main court. From above him, an announcer called out. “Hear ye, hear ye, all welcome the head royal advisor of Canterlot!” A pair of horns trumpeted following the call for a few brief seconds.

Princess Celestia watched him from her throne as the pony walked up. As he removed his hat and crossed his chest with it, he bowed to her. She gave a nod and smiled to him. “Please continue my good pony.” She said.

He stood professionally and continued on. “Princess, as you requested I have news on several important points for the day tomorrow. First off, all events in Manehatten scheduled for that day will continue without delay.” He stated. “Work has completed on the Celestia 2 and can be lowered to the water for the ceremony. The Wonderbolts will arrive and perform following your speech then join you on the vessel afterwards for the feast with your head of staff. We have the course plotted for a simple two hour trip and return to the dock. We’re open to any changes you may have planned.”

“Hmm, It’ll be nice to go on a boat ride tomorrow.” Celestia said thoughtfully. “It’s a refreshing change of pace I look forward to. Please inform all of my local court they are invited if they would like to go.”

“Of course m’lady.” The advisor replied with a short bow. As he was about to continue, an armor clad pony ran up and whispered in his ear. Looking at him with the corner of his eye and mild nod, the advisor waved him off, cleared his throat and started up again.

“M’lady, There is one small addition that I have just been told of and wasn’t aware of until just now. I believe Fancy Pants has arrived and is awaiting your council should you chose to allow him in to your court. It appears he has something important to say about the commissioning tomorrow. Shall I let him in?” The advisor spoke.

She looked at him interested with raised eyebrows. “Fancy Pants you say? It’s uncommon for such a high class unicorn to request my attention on such short notice. If it’s deemed important, I shall. Please let him in.” The princess replied.

The doors to the main room opened again and dressed to impress, Fancy trotted down the red carpet and stopped next to the advisor. He then lay a hoof forward as he bowed crossing his head over the front knuckle. “Please rise Fancy Pants of Canterlot.” The princess said.

He stood up and to looked to her. “My princess, I have important news that regards the commissioning of the Celestia 2.” Fancy expressed his concern to the best of his ability. “I have a strong belief that you are in a great danger should you choose to partake in this ceremony at Manehatten tomorrow. I beg of you to delay the function until we can identity and stop the threat.”

The advisor next to him turned to his side and glared in amazement. “What!? Preposterous! This event has been scheduled for months and we have taken all of the nesseccary precautions to ensure the greatest level of safety for the princess!” He turned to her and continued. “M’lady, we have all of the appropriate security measures and guards posted so any possible threat will be halted before they make it to the ship. We will also have numerous forces aboard that any attack would be foolhardy!”

Fancy interrupted. “That may be, but we have no idea where the threat may lie. Part of the security forces might be in on the heist or the ship may be sunk. We still have to find the threat.”

The advisor laughed. “A simple fix for both hypothetical threats. We can inspect the hull before the ship is sent to the water and inspect each of the guards before they post on the ship. Is there anything else you would like to add?” He said almost amusingly.

Fancy Looked at him quite irritated. “My princess, I wouldn’t come to you if this wasn’t serious. All I ask is that you don’t go to that ceremony. We can always organize one later.”

The advisor shook his head is disapproval. “You don’t seem to understand good sir that many bits have been spent on the entire event. To cancel it would cost us a fortune that could not be repaid.” He turned to the princess. “I cannot support his claim without some sort of evidence m’laday. I only ask for him to prove a shred of it for us to even consider such a claim.”

“I understand.” The princess nodded. As she looked to Fancy Pants, she shook her head. “If this threat is as true as you say, I would certainly take it into consideration for rescheduling. Without anything substantial, I’m afraid trying to prove your case to the event organizers will prove unsuccessful.”

“I must add princess that Manehatten has also spent quite a lot of bits on this as much as Canterlot to happen. I imagine they would be quite angry at the loss and may place us in a poor light for future events.” The advisor chided as he gleamed at Fancy Pants. The white unicorn bared his teeth at him as he quickly composed himself and turned back to the princess.

“Neither bits or manehatten are as important as you are and Equestria would be in danger should anything happen to you m’laday. I bring this to you for your safety. As my duty to you, I warn you for your safety.” He pleaded.

“Gentlemen, enough.” She said as she outstretched a hoof. Lowering it she looked toward Fancy. I understand your concern, but is there anything you can tell me to prove your claim? Anything at all?”

Fancy closed his eyes as he lowered his head to the floor. With the information provided by the Gentlecolts, to mention their name would cause more problems then help the situation. The possibility of the Wonderbolts being involved, the possibility of harm, and the danger she was in. None of it could be proven for certain. At least not now he thought.

“M’lady, I…I cannot prove any of it.” He said begrudged.

“Ha!” The advisor yelled. “We’re wasting our time here. May we carry on?”

The princess nodded and looked over to the unicorn. “I’m sorry Fancy Pants, but this will need more for us to cancel the event, but thank you for your concern.” The princess said as she looked at him with a smile. “I’ll spend the time to hand select my guards and everypony that boards the ship. I promise safety will be a top priority.”

Mildly angry, Fancy Pants bowed to her and looked to the advisor. “You’re going to regret your decision.” He said before he turned away and trotted through the doors. As he continued down the hall he whispered to himself when nopony was around.

“The Gentlecolts will hear about this.”

Chapter 7

Thunderlane flew along in the late afternoon light leaving a light trail of blue dust behind him. As he looked behind himself and realized the mistake, he slowed just enough to stay aloft.

“This isn’t going to work, but nope. He just wouldn’t listen.” He said as he saw the house of Rainbow Dash in the distance. Flying in, he landed on her front doostep and sat quiet for a moment. He noticed that the powder on his coat dulled a bit, but it still had the same hue of blue from earlier.

He walked up to the front door and hesitated with his hoof an inch from her door. Bringing it down, he shook his head in denial. He really didn’t want to go in and face a mare bent on seducing him.

“We can make it an easy night.” He said trying to convince himself. “Maybe some dinner, a book to read, maybe a little fake foreplay…”

He cringed. “Okay, bad idea with a boss. I’ll just stick with dinner and tell a few fake flight stories and make up another date to promise her. A month sounds good.” He joked then sighed. “I bet she’ll be there too.”

Raising a hoof, he knocked on the door. As it opened he addressed himself. “Hello, I-“ Mid sentence, his expression changed from looking smug to shocked.

Rainbow Dash stood in front of him with a red velvet gown leaning against the door frame. As she smiled and bit a lip looking at him up and down, she opened the door wide. “Come on in you…”

“I, ah…” He started and then remembered to cough. Doing so, he continued. “I have laryngitis coming on. Nothing catching.” He whispered.

“It’s alright.” She said as she tilted her head and smiled. “I thought we’d stay at my place tonight for a little something to eat and then something for dessert.” She leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips. Thunderlane initially shocked quickly changed to a wide grin.

“Sounds good to me! What’s on the menu!” He whispered loudly.

*********************************

Soarin flew slowly to the training complex high over Equestra. He reflected on the last two days and how tired and sick he felt just from events that weren’t his fault. It was really getting to him.

“What did I do to deserve this? What!” He yelled into the air. With a rubbing of his face with both hooves he let out a strong growl before he yelled.

“Ahhhhhh!” He screamed teeth bared. With a heavy breath he blinked hard focusing in on the training complex in sight. Closing in, he landed on the drill pad. Nopony except the captain would be here at this hour he thought. Walking over to Spitfires office he knocked. As he waited, he didn’t hear a reply.

“Captain?” He said as he opened the door. “Hello?”

Opening the door wide, he looked around at the mess. A chair lay upturned on the floor. A desk lamp lay smashed on the ground. Even the desk had a letter opener blade stuck into the center of it.

“This…is not normal.” He said looking around. On the floor lay pieces of a photo. Picking up parts of it, he placed a few of them on the desk and with two pieces missing, he could tell it was himself.

Looking over on the desk, he noticed two empty envelopes both addressed to Spitfire. Looking closer, it appeared to be in his own handwriting.

“I know I didn’t write this.” He said. Looking inside both envelopes, he found them empty.

A light bulb went off in his head at that moment as he again looked at one envelope to the other. His curiosity transformed to fear.

“Oh no…Thunderlane!” He shouted. Quickly opening the door, he jumped out and took off into the air. “I’ve got to get there before she does!”

Trying to push himself hard and fly faster, he felt his heartbeat and his head tipped as the world turned. “Ah! Not now!” He yelled taking in a few deep breaths and slowing down. His focus returned to normal. “This cursed head of mine!” He grumbled as he blinked.

“I’m sorry Thunderlane” He said as he tried to figure out a plan. “I’m still on my way, friend.”

**************************************

Thunderlane sat back as he looked down at his empty plate. Stretching himself out, he hummed to himself with a smile. “Mmm, that was good.” He whispered. “I didn’t think you could sauté wheat grass, carrots, and shredded potato yet have it taste that good. A little heavy on the butter, but still excellent.”

“It’s just takeout.” Dash said with a smile. “I thought I’d try something a little different tonight.”

As she stood up, she came over to him from around the table. “I also have something new for a dessert. Tell me how you like it.” As she came close to him, she nuzzled his nose with hers and kissed him deeply with a soft moan. As she pulled back with a pop, he shook his head lightly and whispered. “Wow!”

When he looked at her muzzle, he noticed the dusting of blue. Looking over at the table, he quickly grabbed a napkin and rubbed her mouth with it smiling. “Ah, just a bit of sauce here.”

“Oh you.” Dash said as she got up. At the rear of her flank was a long smearing of blue across her red dress. In a panic, he quickly leaned over brushing it with a napkin in hoof trying to get the color off. Dash looked back at him with allure raising her eyebrows.

“Oh, you are frisky tonight aren’t you? I may have to cut dessert short for this.” She came back and locked lips with him again this time going to the floor. As she straddled him, she leaned up and reached behind herself, unzipped the red dress she wore, pulled it over her head and threw it to one side.

“Good to see you aren’t running away this time.” She giggled as she came down on him again.

Seconds later, a banging is heard on the front door. Leaning up, Dash looked at it in curiosity. “Who comes here at this hour?” She mumbled.

Thunderlane lay on the floor with a numb look of pleasure and an open smile on his face. “I don’t care…” He said as he lifted himself up and burrowed his nose deep into her light blue dust covered underside.

The door burst open as two rear yellow hooves kicked their way through. Spitfire did an about face and stomped into the room still dressed in her Wonderbolt attire. Smoke shot from her nostrils a she looked at the pair on the floor. Angry as a hornet, she screamed at them as she waved a hoof upward in gesture. “Get up! Both of you!”

Dash sat up first and stood in front of her. Thunderlane took his time standing as he pulled himself together. Spitfire unzipped her suit, pulled out the note and picture then threw them on the floor in front of them.

Spitfire pointed a hoof at Thunderlne. “You. You monster. How could you.” She said. Her face of anger trembled as her eyes welled up.

As he quickly glanced down at the picture and the note, he looked back up at her. “Wait, Spit-“ Thunderlane tried to talk.

“Shutup!” She yelled as the tears started to flow. “For three months I wanted you. I wanted to have you so badly I threw myself on you because I thought you loved me more then life itself.” Her hoof quivered as she continued. “You ran from me as if it was some kind of cruel joke and now this. You promise me your love and I find you with this filly?”

“Hey! I’m no filly you crackpot accuser!” Dash yelled back.

“I don’t care!” She hollered. “How could you do this to me!? After all the years we have worked together!? Why!? Why do you do this to me!?” She blurted as she struggled to contain herself.

Thunderlane sat dumbstruck. As he tried to think of an answer, Rainbow Dash leaned down, picked up the letter and read it. As her face changed to shock, she bared her teeth as she glared at Thunderlane. “Why you mare playing cheater! How dare you!” She said. As he turned to look at her, he could only manage to gasp as Dash quickly rotated around and gave it to him with booth rear hooves.

Thunderlane took the kick full force as he flew across the room and into a wall. Bouncing off, he hit the floor and lay there for a few seconds until he lifted himself and shook his head around. He groaned in pain as he pushed up. “Ow…”

“Serves you right!” Spitfire yelled. Walking over, she stood over him while she was breathing heavily. In a tone of disgust, she took another deep breath before she continued.

“First thing tomorrow morning, I’m submitting the paperwork to transfer you out of the Wonderbolts. I’m not going to have you serve under my command any longer.” Another tear ran down the side of her face as she wiped it away with a hoof. “I’m not going to let this happen to any other mare if I can within my power at the facility. You’ll be lucky to continue weather patrol once this gets out.”

As she took another anguished breath and closed her eyes, she turned around looking at Rainbow Dash.

“You can keep that pony player. I don’t want anything to do with him at all. Not anymore.” She said.

As Spitfire walked out the front door and left, Rainbow Dash came over and looked at the pony also disgusted. “You never said anything. I always figured you for a clean cut pony that had nothing to hide. How wrong I was.” She said shaking her head.

Thunderlane heaved once still looking down at the floor in pain. “I…” He started. “I didn’t plan on this.”

“Plan?” She said getting louder she yelled at him. “Plan!? What kind of plan is that!? Having two mares at once!? How did you think this would end!?”

As Thunderlane lifted his head to look at her, Rainbow dash instantly noticed that one eye was amber while the other green. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw opened as she looked at him closer in curiosity. “Wait…who are you? A spy of some kind?”

“What?” Thunderlane said surprised. Noticing the color of the room had returned to normal, he looked down to see the contact on the floor. He looked around briefly looking for an answer. “I…I always wear contacts!”

“Liar!” Rainbow dash said angrily. “Wonderbolts have prescription flight goggles! They don’t wear contacts!” As she looked around to the dress she wore earlier, a smattering of blue could be seen on it in patches. Picking it up, she scraped off the dust on the dress then noticed the same dust on herself.

Throwing the dress on the ground, her face twisted angrily as she reached over to the nearby table, pulled off a napkin and vigorously scrubbed at his back flank. In mere seconds, she could make out the real color beneath and the true cutie mark. The winged thunderbolt gave way to the grey storm cloud.

“Thunderlane!” She yelled backing up. “You! Of all ponies, you!”

“No! Wait!” He said as he stumbled trying to get up. “I can explain everything!”

“Oh I know exactly what’s going on! He isn’t stallion enough to face me so he sent you!” She yelled at him. “I knew this was a bad idea from the start!”

“Well, you are a little aggressive…” He muttered.

As she heard the remark, she got even angrier. “As for you, you’re done on weather patrol! I’ll be sending in a full report on your delinquent behavior and recommending the full punishment for it!”

“No!” Thunderlane begged. “No! You can’t do that to me! I was just trying to help! Honest! He put me up to this!” He groveled at her feet.

As she shook her head again, she looked down at him clearly repulsed as she grimaced. “And to think I kissed you. I kissed you and wanted…ugh…you.”

Thunderlane thought for a moment a tried to use the idea to his advantage. “So…ya want to give it another chance?” He softly spoke as he smiled and raised an eyebrow.

With rage quickly flaring up, she screamed at him. “GET OUT!”

As Thunderlane jumped up, he backed up as Dash yelled to his face. “Out! Out! Out!” As he walked in reverse, he left through the front door just as Dash slammed it on his face hitting his nose. Reeling back and rubbing it, the door opened again.

“And you tell Soarin I never want to see him again!” She yelled at him before she slammed her door for a second time.

Thunderlane still half stunned and mouth agape sat thunderstruck on the doorstep from what just happened.

After a few minutes, Soarin slowly flew up and landed next to him. “Oh good…” He said as he came up next him trying to catch his breath. “Before she gets here I have to tell you something.”

Thunderlane still in a trance, looked at him lazily. After several seconds passed, he replied. “Huh? What?”

“Spitfire! Someone gave her the picture!” Soarin said as he grabbed him by both shoulders and shook him. Thunderlane continued to look at him blankly for a few more seconds until he chuckled. Before long, the chuckle turned into a hysterical laughter as he returned the gesture and held Soarin by the shoulder with a hoof.

As Thunderlane snickered trying to contain himself, he nodded with a comical smile on his face. “She sure does!”

Soarin looked at him strangely. “Wait a second Thunderlane I don’t under-“ Thinking for a moment, a thought crossed his mind. “Oh, sweet mother.“ He whispered as his face changed to shock. “Don’t tell me she was already here. Please don’t.”

Thunderlane smiled childishly as he replied. “You know what I think? I think I’m ready for some cider. How about you?” He said without a care.

“Cider? Now?” Soarin looked back blankfaced and blinked.

“Yep! Come on, I’m buying. I’ll tell you everything over a bit of cider. I promise.” With a leap into the air, he did a barrel roll and hollered back. “C’mon! Lets get to Dohnut Joes before they close!”

With a mild sigh, Soarin was pretty sure of what already transpired. Shrugging, he agreed. “Why not? What’s to lose now?”

Jumping up, he slowly followed Thunderlane off into the night sky. As he caught up, Derpy peeked around the corner of the house watching them leave before she came out from the corner and followed them at a distance. “Oh, this doesn’t look good…” She said quietly.

**************************************

The doctor started intently at the page in the book as he ran a hoof down the text. Muttering the regents listed, he picked up a crooked twig and added it the large pestle and ground it in. As he ground the powder in the bowl to a fine dust, he tapped the mortar on the side and placed on the table. Holding up a puch, he poured it inside and shook the bag around. He placed the bag down on the table.

“Yes, that should do the trick” He said with satisfaction. Picking up a pocketwatch, he opened it to look at the time.

“Where are those two?” The Doctor said as he looked at the clock. “They were supposed to be back hours ago!”

Closing it, he placed it on the bench. As he returned his attention to the book, a loud knock is head from the top of the stairs. “”Hold on!’ He yelled going up. “I’ll be there in a moment!”

As he arrived at the top and walked over to the entryway door, he opened it a crack and looked through with one eye. A voice is heard in the dark hallway. “Mr. Brown, Mr. White is here to see you.”

“Hold on.” The doctor said as he closed the door, undid the latch and opened it wide. “Nopony else is here. Come on in.”

“It’s good to see you again doctor.” Fancy Pants remarked as he entered. “Unfortunately I bring bad news from Canterlot.”

“It seems to be a common problem around here.” The doctor said with a sigh. Dusting off both hooves, he held on out a hoof to the study. “Would you like a seat and some tea? Derpy isn’t here so I’ll have to do it myself.”

“No thank you good sir, I haven’t planned to stay long.” Fancy replied. “I approached the princess earlier trying to convince her the commissioning in Manehatten should be postponed. That devilish cur advisor insisted that she go being that I couldn’t supply sufficient proof to support the claim. The fool.” Fancy shook his head in disbelief.

“I didn’t think we would be able to get far on support without divulging the existence of the Gentlecolts.” The doctor said in agreement. “You’ve done what you can and it appears we’ll be alone in this effort.”

“If you have ideas, I’m open to them at this point.” Fancy suggested.

The doctor walked over to a nearby table and lay his chin on a knuckle in silence. A minute passed before he spoke again. “Of course.” He said looking up.

“Of course what?” Fancy said walking over.

“The ship, it’s so obvious.” The doctor stated confidently. “If you’re going to do something, why do it on land with so many ponies around?” He smacked a hoof on the table. “Whatever is going down has to be on that ship after it’s pulled away from the harbor.”

Fancy spoke up again in rebuttal. “Perhaps, but that ship is going to be crawling with guards. Even the top brass of the Equestrian defense forces will be present at the banquet. How could a threat get in there without being seen?”

The doctor shook his head. “I don’t know, but we need somepony aboard that ship.”

“I would trust only one.” Fancy said as he looked at the doctor serious as can be.

The doctor nodded. “I agree.” He said. After pausing, his face reflected a change to instant determination. “Red.”

Fancy gave a small nod of the head. “I’ll make the arrangements. I’ll see if I can get him inside of a crate through Mr. Yellow. We can only hope he can identify the threat before they strike.”

“Right. Keep me posted until you’re ready in case of last minute changes.” The doctor added. “If we have to go to a plan B, we need to-“

A knock on the main door is heard by both ponies. In the silence, the doctor waved off Fancy to the cellar whom stepped lightly as his hooves would not be heard. The doctor walked over to the door slowly and opened it peering outward. “Yes?”

“Doc! It’s Derpy! I know where they went, but I’ll need help!” She said.

Quickly opening the door, he ushered her inside. Fancy looked over the top step to see it was no more then the assistant pony that returned.

As Fancy came over the top step into the room, the doctor closed the door and approached her. “You say you’ve found them? Where?”

For a moment, the mare looked confused. “He said something about dohnut, dohnut something…” Her thought process could visibly be seen as stuck for the moment.

“Joes?” the doctor added in.

“Dohnut Joe! That’s what Thunderlane said!” She said emphatically.

“Ugh, it’s got to be Thunderlane this time.” The doctor said as he banged a hoof on his forehead. He looked to Fancy and pointed at him. “Did you bring your chariot?”

“Like always. Canterlot is a bit of a ride from here you know.” He said with a hint of pride.

“We’re going to need it. I promise to give it back after we return.” The doctor stated as he tapped Derpy. “You just lead the way.”

“Right!” Derpy touted as she gave a short hop. Before he left, the doctor had a brief thought and approached Fancy.

“If you know anything about magic, I have a circle of banishment spell I need you to trigger.” The doctor said. “I’d do it, but a lack of the horn is what troubles me.” He tapped himself on the head.

Fancy gave a short laugh. “Well, we’ll see what we can do.”

As he tipped his hoof to his head, the doctor opened the door wide as Derpy flew out with him close behind.

“Common magic.” Fancy said nearly sneering. “What does he take me for, a bookworm?” The unicorn laughed as he casually walked down to the cellar.

**************************************

“Derpy!” The Doctor shouted in the darkness behind all of the the pegasi in the chariot. “How much further!”

“Not far!” She yelled as he briefly scratched her head. “I think!”

As they approached the outskirts of Canterlot, Derpy pointed to a small spot of light on the ground.

“There! I saw them go down there!” She yelled.

The doctor raised a hoof to the two pegasi pulling the chariot. “Would you be so kind as to park behind it please.” With a viable nod from the pair, the chariot pulled into a alleyway next to the small building.

Derpy landed next to the doctor as he stepped out and walked around to the front with her close behind. After the pair stepped through the front door, Derpy dropped a jaw as the doctor groaned when he looked at Soarin and Thunderlane.

Soarin lay still on a cider soaked floor with an empty mug still in hoof. Thunderlane hooted and hollered as he tried to do a rather clumsy dance on a table with a pitcher on his head. “Woohoo!” He yelled stumbling as his hoof slid and he tumbled to the floor. The crowds of ponies around them at nearby tables were clearly bothered by the pair as the commotion continued.

The doctor briefly astounded, turned to Derpy. “Don’t say anything.” He whispered through clenched teeth as he tried to slowly to turn and walk out of the exit. Thunderlane stumbled to his hooves and noticed the doctor with the pitcher still on his head.

“Hey doctor! Come join the party! Woo!” He yelled as he pulled the pitcher off his head and banged it on a table looking behinf him to Joe. “Yo Joe! More cider!” He yelled as he hiccupped. Several ponies in the room tuned their attention to the Doctor and Derpy.

From behind the counter, Joe visibly angry yelled over to the doctor. “Hey! If you know these two, can you get them out of here? They’re hurting my business!”

Raising a hoof, the doctor nodded lowly and looked over to Derpy. “Help me carry these two out, would you?” He whispered. He looked around the room as he continued. “Not to worry, we have this handled. Please resume your business.”

Heading over to the pair, looks and glares from the other ponies in the room was followed by grumbling and whispers. As the doctor and Derpy made it to the table, they quickly picked up and pulled on both front hooves of Soarin while leaving out of the exit. Thunderlane stumbled along while hanging onto Derpy.

In the side alley, the doctor dragged Soarin up onto the chariot. Thunderlane continued to hoot and holler into the night picking up the pitcher on his head and turning it upwards attempting to sip from it.

“You idiot!” The doctor growled at him in the dark. “Get over here already!” Stumbling over to the chariot, he placed the mug back on his head and fell into the chariot flank first and lay his head back against the headboard.

“I don’t believe this. I really don’t.” The doctor said as he leaned forward. “Drivers, please take us back to my study.” With a nod, the pair pulled forward, spread their wings and take flight heading upward as the doctor steadied himself on the cart with one hoof and held onto both Soarin and Thunderlane with the other. Derpy followed close behind.

As the Chariot leveled out, Thunderlane yelled into the night sky and spread his wings. “It’s so beautiful! Wow! Those stars are so beautiful…” He said as he stumbled a bit.

“Beautiful or not, you keep your flank in the cart, you hear me?” The doctor angrily said.

“Yeah, yeah you old donkey lover you.” Thunderlane said with a hiccup.

The doctor stood there fuming. “This can’t be worth it. This really can’t be worth the work.” He said.

Thunderlane leaned over to him and snickered while he clumsily fought to hold on to the chariot. “Hey…hey doc. Guess what?”

The doctor turned his head and bit a lip. “I’m going to regret this but…fine. What. What is it?” He said nearly yelling.

“The world!” Thunderlane said as he raised both hooves in the air. “It’s going to end!”

“What?” The doctor looked at him crazily. “What on Celestrias green earth are you talking about?”

“Well…” He started as he pointed one hoof to himself. “One, My job on weather patrol is done because Rainbow Dash found out I was Thunderlane instead of Soarin.” His head bobbed as he looked down to Soarin and pointed to him with a hoof. “Two, Soarin is done with the Wonderbolts because Spitfire came over and told him she going to drop him for good.” He then backed up and pointed a hoof straight at the doctor. “And three, when Rainbow dash submits that paperwork and Canterlot finds out who hid the whole thing, you’re all done!” Thunderlane then chuckled and started to laugh.

As the doctor looked at him, his face morphed into udder terror and shock of what he realized. As he thought about what he said, he suddenly shook his head madly and looked at Thunderlane in fury.

“I can’t believe you two! I really can’t!” He started to rant. “Of all the useless, hopeless, downright, waste of space ponies I have ever met in my entire life, you two are the worst by far! How!? How could you two screw up this bad!?” The doctor placed his face in both hooves. “Oh gosh…it’s all done…all that work wasted…”

“Exactly!” Thunderlane said as he threw a hoof into the air. “Stick a fork in it, we’re all done!” He laughed hysterically raising both hooves then leaned forward over the dashboard and coughed.

“I can’t…I can’t deal with this right now…” The doctor said shaking his head as they continued to fly thought the air. He leaned forward and spoke to the pegasi pulling the chariot. “Drivers, please take me home. I have an awful lot to think about.” He said as they continued to soar through the night sky.

**************************************

Spitfire lay in her bed wrapped up in a fetal position tightly squeezing a pillow in her arms. Her eyes were red and dry from the tireless weeping she endured for the last half hour. The pain waned to where she was only numb now trying to tolerate what feelings lingered from earlier.

“Spitfire?” A voice outside her open window called. With a sniff, she crawled out of bed and walked up to the window. Looking out into the sky, she saw the figure of Rainbow Dash floating in the air under the moonlight.

“Can I come in?” She said. “I…I have to talk to you. I can’t sleep and I have to get something off my mind.” She said reluctantly.

With a smile and a sniff, Spitfire waved her in as she rubbed her face. “Yeah. Come on inside.”

Rainbow Dash came through the Window and landed on the floor. Spitfire went over to a nearby lantern, removed the cover off and gave it a light tap. The fireflies inside lept up and gave off a bright glow as the room lit up. As spitfire walked around the bed to the other side, she did the same as the first giving enough light to see around the room.

Dash came over from the window as sat next to the bed as she looked at the ground forlorn. Spitfire came over to her and gave her a rub on the back as she could be heard sniffing again.

“Hey, it’s ok.” She said as she wiped an eye with a knuckle. She sat down on the bed and patted it with a hoof. “Come up and have a seat. Talk to me.”

Rainbow Dash crawled up on the bed and sat next to her while still looking down and kicking a hoof on the floor.

“It hurts. Doesn’t it?” Rainbow Dash said quietly as she still looked at the floor.

Spitfire shuffled over and placed both arms around her as Dash leaned back and rested her head on her shoulder. As she reached around and held onto her, Dash started to choke and let out a soft cough as she buried her head into chest and sobbed.

“Shh, just let it out.” Spitfire hushed to her as she started to rock back and forth with her gently. Dash hugged her tight as she choked out into her chest. “How could he do this to me? I thought he loved me…” She said between the coughing as she wept.

Spitfire closed her eyes as her face reflected the pain. “I know. I know.” She said as she lowered her head and provided a nook for which Dash buried her head into. Bringing a wing around, she pulled her closer as she tried to hold on for the moment between them.

After several minutes, Dash pulled back and Spitfire let go. “Are you okay?” Spitfire said as she looked into her eyes. Dash nodded while dragging a knuckle across an eye and smiled. “Yeah, I got it.”

Spitfire wrapped an arm around her neck and pulled her close head to head. “I know it’s tough out there. It’s hard to find a good stallion these days.” She said as she nudged her. Dash laughed and smiled as she lightly pushed her away. “Oh, I imagine you have too many of them after you already.”

“Are you kidding?” Spitfire said as she poked her with a hoof and chuckled. “I can’t find one I like that makes the grade. Most haven’t got a hoof to stand on for me.”

Dash pointed a hoof at herself and gave a short chortle. “All I‘ve ever thought about are the Wonderbolts. For me I’ve dreamed about Soarin for as long as can remember.”

“That’s what I thought too for a while. Then one morning I got that letter I’d shown you.” Spitfire said opening a drawer. She pulled it out with both hooves and placed it on the lap of Rainbow Dash. “He was always a private pony and rather introverted I’d say. A few months ago I found this on my desk and since he never went out or talked with any mares, I thought it was the real thing. Few of the Wonderbolts know anything of his social life.”

Dash nodded as she placed the note back on the nearby dresser. “I have to tell you something.”

“What would that be?” She asked in curiosity.

“Tonight at my house when you walked in, that wasn’t Soarin.” Dash said calmly. “Thunderlane dressed up to look like him and took his place. I’m not sure why, but that’s what happened.”

Spitfire looked at her surprised. “No…Really?”

Dash nodded. “Yeah. I had only been with him the night before and I…I sort of couldn’t help myself.” She said smiling a bit. “I thought I’d at least try to snuggle up with him a bit.”

Spitfire laughed. “Don’t feel bad, I tried the same thing a couple of times too. I really couldn’t help myself when I saw him. Before tonight, I had no idea you were involved with him.” Pausing for a moment, she looked at Dash in wonder. “So he never came after you?”

Dash nodded. “He never touched me. Not by his choice anyway.” She looked botherd as she continued on. “Thunderlane promised a date with him and I thought I’d try to make a move, but he kept trying to dodge me. He got pretty angry even with just a little foreplay.”

Spitfire simply looked down at the floor in thought. As she looked back at Dash, she sounded quite serious. “We need to find out exactly what is going on here. Something doesn’t make sense for a pony to write a letter like that and avoid the both of us.”

“Did you want to do something tonight? As far as looking for him?” Dash asked.

Spitfire thought briefly. “No. I’ll talk to him tomorrow. He has to stop by for his medical leave check in.”

“He’s on medical leave? What for?” Dash asked inquisitivly.

“Well, the first time I tried to kiss him he fainted or passed out. I’m not exactly sure what happened. I couldn’t hold onto him and he fell hitting his head on my desk. I had to make up an excuse and have two other ponies come in to take him to the Ponyville hospital to avoid any questions locally. I had no idea what else to do at the time. I couldn’t let the upper command investiage if I had him go in locally.” She explained.

Spitfire then looked at Dash curiously. “You said that you had a deal with Thunderlane to get you a date with Soarin. How did you manage that?”

Dash waved a hoof as she replied. “That pony? He’s been slacking at work so bad that I told him I’d have to write him up to Canterlot after he was late again for work. Rather then suffer the consequences, he offered me a night with Soarin. I couldn’t help but take a shot at it…you know…” She replied with intrest in her tone.

Spitfire snickered as she poked an elbow at Dash . “I guess we both cornered the poor pony, didn’t we?”

Dash nodded. “Yeah, I don’t know if you can call him a lucky or an unlucky pony.”

The pair laughed as Spitfire got up and pulled back a beedsheet on her bed. She rubbed her head and yawned. “I’m going to get up early and find out what’s going on with Soarin tomorrow.” She smiled as she looked over and gave a nod to a vacant space on the floor. “If you wanted to crash here tonight, there’s a spot on the floor. I can give you a blanket if you want it.”

Dash nodded in agreement before she spoke. “I’ll do you one better. Lets go over to the doctor where I think he’s hiding and ask around tomorrow. I think our answers will start there.” Dash stood up and pulled the sheet down to the floor with her teeth and folded it before she lay down on top.

Spitfire pulled more of the sheets back and fluffed a pillow. “That sounds good. I want to get to the bottom of this.“ She said crawling into the bed.

Both mares called out to one another wishing a good night as a few moments passed until Dash talked in the dark.

“Psst! Spitfire!” Dash said with a whisper.

“Yeah?” Spitfire said back.

“Any vacancies in the Wonderbolts?” She whispered again with enthusiasm.

In the still of the night, a pause of calm lay heavy until Spitfire spoke. “We’ll see.”

In the quiet darkness, a squeal of glee is heard before the mares fell off to sleep.

Chapter 8

“Are we almost home?” Derpy said as she followed the doctor behind the chariot. “I’m getting tired.”

“We’re nearly there.” The doctor said as he continued to hold onto Soarin and Thunderlane.

Thunderlane leaned over to the doctor and looked closely at the doctor. “You didn’t have to come and get us you know.” He said as he poked the doctor. “Soarin and me could have flown back on our own without your help.” He stumbled a bit as he spoke.

“You? Fly back?” The doctor said as he looked at Thunderlane and laughed. “After the shape I found you two in I doubt you could have been able to crawl out of the bar if not for us.” He returned to looking forward and watching the drivers visibly irritated.

“Well, I don’t remember asking you for any favors.” He shot back as he hiccuped hanging onto the chariot.

The doctor looked back at him quite angrily. “For what I do, you’re rather ungrateful! Do you have any idea what I’ve already been through today?” He said as he pointed to himself. “I’ve bent over backwards for your friend Soarin to help cover up the mistakes you made!”

Thunderlane looked at him dead in the eye as expressionless as can be. Finally, he spoke giving a nod. “Do you know how much you sound like Rainbow Dash?”

“Just sit down. We’re nearly there” The doctor said pointing a hoof to the chariot floor.

Thunderlane slowly smiled as he looked at the doctor as he lt go of the chariot rail and stumbled backward to the rear edge. Looking at him over his shoulder, he questioned him rather puzzled. “Thunder, What do you think you’re doing?”

The dark greay pegasus gave a sloppy salute before he stood up, raised both arms out, tipped his head up and leaned backwards over the rear edge of the chariot in a swan dive.

Trying to take quick action, the doctor dove to the rear edge looking downward at the earthbound pony. He then quickly looked up at Derpy.

“Get him quick! He can’t fly in that state!” He yelled.

With a quick nod, Derpy banked hard and did a nose dive. Bringing her head down and tucking her wings in tight, she sped towards the pony as Thunderlane lazily flopped on the way down.

As she came close, Derpy grabbed onto the back of a surprised Thunderlane and spread her wings wide trying to pull him up. “What are you doing!?” He yelled trying to buck her loose. “Get off!”

Derpy yelled back as they continued to fall. “No! If you go down, I’m going down with you!” She yelled holding him tighter. Thunderlane looked back to the ground and screamed hard in anger as he spread his own wings as wide as hard as he could.

Being so close to the ground, the pair quickly leved out tearing flowers off of plant stems and one front hoof of Thunderlane skipped off a rock. Unable to gain enough altitude while decreasing their speed, Derpy looked into the night as a moonlit tower quickly came in on them.

“Windmill!” She yelled pulling in one direction. A pair of seconds later, she saw a large building in the way. “Barn!” She yelled pulling the other way. Thinking they were clear, she looked behind them only to look forward and only have enough time to yell ”Hay-!” as the pair collided into a large stack of straw.

Both Derpy and Thunderlane exploded throught it and tumbled hard as Thunderlane left a dirt track in the soft soil. Derpy somersaulted and skipped across the ground landin on her left side hard. As she lay on the ground, she spoke a painful whimper. “Bale.”

A brief moment passed until the doctor landed on the ground, hopped off the chariot and attended to Derpy first. As she struggled to stand, he wrapped a leg around hers and pulled her up to her hooves.

Derpy tried to take a step and quickly fell to the ground. The doctor noticing the injury leaned down and felt it carefully between a hoof and knuckle.

The light grey pegasi looked at him concerned. “Is it bad doctor?” Feeling around, he looked up to ther and shook his head. “No, but it’s certainly a bad sprain. You’ll have to keep off of it for a while.”

Thunderlane picked himself up and scraped the dirt from his dusted blue fur. He mumbled audibly as he came closer to the pair. “Well, that didn’t go as planned.”

The Doctor quickly turned to him angrily. “Plan!? You call that stunt a plan!? What did you have in mind, a quick death!?”

Thunderlane yelled back at him as he stumbled forward with a hoof pointed at himself. “I’ve done that dive hundred times and pull out of it just fine! I can do it blindfolded! Derpy here totally threw my timing off!” He yelled in defense to the doctor.

He calmed down a bit as he continued. “You thought I couldn’t fly like this and I aimed to prove you wrong.” He just glared over at him as he stood there.

The doctor momentarily glared back angrily before he calmed down and turned back to Derpy. Bringing a head under her arm, he picked her up and walked over to the chariot. As he did so, he pointed a hoof at the face of Thunderlane.

“If you think you can fly, then fine. Fly. You and derpy just traded spots on the chariot.” Gently loading her on, he then looked back at him directly. “I’ll allow you return to my study, but don’t expect a warm welcome.”

The doctor shook his head as he stepped onto the chariot and held onto both Derpy and Soarin. As he knocked on the chariot, he yelled to the night. “Drivers, head on!” It pulled away with the trio into the air leaving the pony alone on the night soil.

As she looked back at Thunderlane from a distance, she turned to the doctor. “Will he be okay?” she said concerned. Initially irritated, he looked at her and sighed as his demeanor clamed. “He’s not in the clearest state of mind right now. If anything, I just want him to think about what he did before he comes back.”

It had only taken a few minutes for the chariot to carry the three ponies to the study. Coming in close, the doctor landed the chariot and tapped on Derpy. “Stay here for moment. I’ll get Fancy to help us.” He said.

As the earth pony walked away, Derpy heard a weak groan from the chariot floor. Looking to Soarin, she leaned down and pushed him. In reaction, he moved a bit. “Oh my head…” He said as he weakly looked around then up to Derpy.

“Where am I?” Soarin whispered to her. Giving him a smile, she looked at him kindly as she told him. “The doctors study. I followed you and Thunderlane. Me and doc brought you both back.” Her smile faded as she continued. “The doctor is angry at Thunderlane from falling off the chariot on purpose.” She lifted a hoof. “I sprained it when we hit a haystack. I tried to help him.”

= Overextend wing on derpy?

“That sounds like him.” Soarin said as he tried to stand up. He held his head back again as he took a deep breath. “I should never have listened to him when he started to talk about cider.”

Soarin managed to get another hoof steady as Fancy and the Doctor arrived back from the study. Helping to pick him up from both sides, the doctor also picked up Derpy and the four slowly crawled into the study. Once in the main door, the doctor pointed at the pillow near the low fire still going. “Derpy, have a seat over there. I’ll attend to you soon. I promise.” As she nodded, the mare limped with three hooves to the nearby pillow and lay down. She visably winced as she lay flat on the floor tired from the flying done earlier.

The doctor and Fancy took Soarin downstairs where they carefully let him down next to the stairwell landing.

“Is this thing ready yet?” Fancy said as he looked at the intricate circle drawn into the mix of dust and dirt on the floor. “I’m not quite wure what I’m supposed to do here.”

“Hang on a moment” The doctor said as he grabbed a bag on a nearby table and begain pouring the dark green powder from the bag into the grooves on the floor. “I’ve been working on this all afternoon and it should be good to go once I’ve charged the circle here.”

“Charged?” Fancy looked at him quizzically. “How do you charge a spell?”

The doctor looked up at him from the floor in between the pouring. “With this, you have one of two options. You either do it with pure magic which the caster has to train for and comprehend though arcane power, or you substitute the electrical reaction by regants. You still have to have a magical spark to start it though.” He pointed to fancy with a hoof. “That’s where you come in.”

“So how do I do that? I don’t dabble in magic at all.” Fancy said with a hint of confusion.

As the doctor finished the pouring he stood up and pointed to a small pile of the powder at the base of the circle. “All you have to do is focus in on that small bit there and focus a spell on it. You can use anything like telekenesis, light force or whatever. It just has to have the magic to jumpstart it.”

Quickly stepping next to the unicorn, he whisperd in his ear. “Don’t say anything about the gentlecolts. I don’t have time to grab a sheet and throw it over you if he doen’t know who you are.” With a nod, he understood.

The doctor walked over to Soarin as he placed the powder back down on the nearby table. “Just hold on until I can get Soarin here into the circle.” As he reached underneath him, he lifted Soarin and pulled him forward. Soarin waking up lifted his head lazily and tried to focus in on the doctor.

“What…what are you doing doc.” He mumbled. The doctor stopped for a moment, picked up a hoof and brought it under his chin shaking it around. “Soarin my boy, you need to stay awake to the best of you ability. Can you hear me?” He tapped the side of his head and gave it a push. “Hello?”

Soarin shook his head a bit as he blinked and looked to the doctor. With a yawn he took a deep breath and opened his eyes wide. “Yeah…yeah. I’m up.”

“Good, good.” He said pointing down at the floor. “Do you see that circle? We need to get you into the center. Do not, and I repeat this, do not step on the circle.” He said as serious as can be. “If you break it, this won’t work or maybe worse.” The doctor quickly rubbed his head in thought. “In fact, I don’t know for sure what else may happen.”

“Well…you know what you’re doing doc. I trust you.” Soarin said with a weak smile and tired eyes.

The doctor smiled back. “Thanks. I wouldn’t let a pony down that I know I can help.” Pulling forward, the doctor watched where Soarin placed each of his hooves as they made their way to the center of the circle.

“Careful, careful…” He stated. Slowly as they baby stepped to the center, the doctor looked all around the pair and gave a quick nod to Soarin. “I think that’ll do it.” As he looked down and backed away, he gave a quick look to Soarin. “Remember, don’t move.”

Soarin gave a mild nod as he tried to focus on the doctor. “Ready when you are.”

As the doctor finished his careful exit of the circle, he looked at the floor as he did a quick walk around. Completing the inspection, he turned to Fancy standing next to him. “I’ve done eveything I can think of. Give it a go.” The doctor said with a hint of nervousness as he backed up a step.

Soarin stood weakly as his head drooped with fatigue. Fancy leaned down and pointed his head at the small pile of material the doctor pointed to earlier. As the magic surrounded it from the horn of Fancy, it quickly burst into a blue flame and followed the track along which the doctor had poured.

Into intricate circles, along curved turns in the tracks, and through each nook that zig-zagged around Soarin, the flame grew higher as it quickly encircled him. Once they surrounded him completely, it quickly died down and the floor below began to glow a bright white. The arcane power released an audible whir as it increased in intensity.

Soarin looking around quickly looked up at the doctor. “Uh doc, is this normal? This feels weird like before but a lot stronger!” He yelled over the noise a bit scared.

“Totally normal! It’s almost done! …I think!” The doctor yelled back.

Soarin looked even more concerned at him. “What do you mean you th-“

In mid question, the floor pulsed quickly and the room instantly lit up with a bright flash of light. All three ponies still standing in their place had an arm over their eyes to protect themselves. As Soarin brought his down, he noticed and the rest of his body also glowed the same white as the floor below him. Specks of light in the air floated down to the floor and slowly, the light faded until both Soarin and the floor went dark.

“That was different.” The doctor remarked as he blinked hard. “That was like staring into a camera flash bulb, eh Soarin?”

Fancy rubbed an eye as he looked around. “Please warn me for the future should you try that again doctor.” He said. “I may have to spend double at the beauty salon after that.”

Soarin looked at him odd as he came out of the burned out circle on the floor. “I’m not much for beauty treatments, but that by far has to be the most unusual experience I’ll ever remember.”

“More importantly is that we need to know if it worked.” The doctor spoke as he walked up to him. “How do you feel about a night out with Rainbow Dash or Spitfire?”

As Soarin heard him, he thought for a moment. Unwavered, he answered back calmly. “It doesn’t bother me at all I think.”

The doctor looked at him in curiosity. “Really? No fear? Not even if they spent the night with you snuggled up?”

“I…I don’t know.” Soarin said confused. “I don’t feel anything about it.”

“That’s progress!” The doctor let out a hoot. “I think we’ve made some progress! We’ll just take this a step at a time and see if has helped any, ok?”

Soarin started to reply. “Sounds fine to me doc. To start we can just-“

As a knock is heard at the front door, Derpy from upstairs loudly interrupted him before he could finish. “Doctor, Thunderlane is back! Should I let him down there!?” She yelled.

“Ugh, of all times to butt in…” The doctor said frustrated as he went over to the stairwell and yelled up. “Let him in. Tell him to come on down.”

As hooves are heard crossing the floor upstairs, they started to hit each stair as Thunderlane slowly descended to the cellar. As he came within view, the image of a half light blue and grey pony with one blue and one amber eye and a fake mane flopped half on one side of his head stumbling down the stairs is seen by everypony in the room. Thunderlane raised a hoof to his head and pulled the fake mane off and dropped on a nearby table as he stumbled past it to Soarin.

“So, did it work? The new spell?” Thunderlane said as he spoke to him trying to hold his balance.

“Think so, but I’m not quite sure yet.” He replied to him.

Thunderlane gave a slow nod as he pursed his lips in thought. “Good. Glad to hear something worked out.” He then turned to the doctor and walked over looking at him face to face.

“Doc.” He started and took a deep breath as he continued. “I’ve been a real pony flank tonight and you didn’t deserve that. I want to say I’m sorry and…….and I thank you for helping Soarin. I know you didn’t have to. You’re a better pony then I to have to deal with me.”

The doctor closed his eyes as he tipped his head to one side before he sighed. Turning around and furrowing his brow, he yelled up the stairwell. “Derpy! Lets see what we can do about cleaning up Thunderlane tonight!”

“Right doc!” She yelled back from the top of the stairs.

With a nod, the derelict pony gave a salute in kind. “Thanks doc, I appreciate that.” Thunderlane said as he walked over and sat in a corner.

Fancy came over to the doctor as he looked back from the stairwell. “I have to get back to Canterlot unless you have something else you need.”

“No, no. I thank you for everything you’ve done tonight. Take care and well wishing be with you.” The doctor said as Fancy sat near him. “I’ll talk to you tomorrw if anything else is needed.”

Fancy stood and started up the stairwell. “Right. For us.” He said as he looked back with a smile and disappeared out of view.

The doctor gave a smirk as he shook his head. “What a night indeed.” He muttered before he walked over to Soarin. As he came near, he motioned to the stairwell. “I would like to invite you and Thunderlane for a bit of tea tonight before bed. Care to join me? “

Soarin smiled as he heard him mention his name. “Sure, what else can on tonight?” Thunderlane did the same as he noticed pair looking at him. “Heck.” He said from the corner. “Tea sounds relaxing for once.” Thunderlane nodded as he smiled before he went up the stairs to clean himself up.

“I’ll tell you two everything about the day tomorrow. We’ll need to be as prepared for what lies ahead.” The doctor said heading to the stairwell with Soarin close behind.

**************************************

The morning of the ceremony in Manehatten at the docks went as smooth as possible. The promenade was spectacular, the speeches met with jubilee and the festival full of elation and glee. It spread through the town to the shore where many ponies watched as the ship pulled away including Soarin and Thunderlne standing near the doctor.

“Seems like a rather quiet day Doc” Thunderlane said watching the ship from afar. “So far nothing has happened. Think there’s still some sort of risk?”

As he looked to him, he nodded. “Well, I didn’t spend several hours on a train ride to just sit here. If nothing happens at all, it’ll make an easy day for me and I welcome it.”

Next to the doctor on his opposite side stood several ponies including Mr. Cake and his family. As the doctor noticed him, he leaned over and whispered into his ear.

“He’s onboard, right?” The doctor said quietly.

“Everything was taken care of. It’s up to him now” Mr. Cake said in his ear as the crowd around them talked loudly.

Aboard the ship in a crate, Mr. Red could felt the ship shift for the first time in hours. Slowly pushing the wall of the crate open, he slipped out of it in the darkness of the hold. In tight black wrappings all over him, Red stuck to the walls and quietly tip-toed from one shadow to the next as he made his way to the galley. Moving behind the guards to the shadows, he paused as he came near where Celestia and the high brass had their party.

Princess Celestia had already given her speech and the Wonderbolts performed flawlessly just a few hours before. Everypony stayed aboard the ship for a later performance for when the ship would return to the dock. Two of them in particular aboard the Celestia 2 however had different plans with another pony currently waiting on the large dinner table where the princess sat.

“Wait, what is the special?” An old sea captain said looking at the menu.

“Finely minced seaweed with four cheese sauce over pasta.” The Black unicorn said calmly as he stood next to him in the galley with notepad in hoof and a pencil in his mouth.

“Right, sounds good to me. Be off with ya, then.” The old captain said waving a hoof away.

The black unicorn quietly bared his teeth and turned away as he moved toward the next patron at the table. Looking toward the end of the room, he noticed two ponies one orange and the other turquoise coming upstairs from a stairwell from below still dressed in Wonderbolt costumes. As they came to the table, A nearby door guard blocked them.

“Halt! State your business!” He said standing tall before the table.

“Whoa!” One pony in the uniform said raising a hoof. “We’re just here to have a look before we go below again. We don’t get to see a party this large that often.” He stated with his flight goggles on. The mare in costume next to him continued. “Yeah! I mean look at this group! What a gathering!”

“The princess is not to be disturbed at this time. Please return below.” The guard said as he held a spear across them from the table.

The waiter noticed the two held up by the guard. As he skipped two ponies, slowly walked directly to the princess at the end of the table.

“Are you ready prepared to order anything special?” The waiter said edging closer to her.

“I’m sorry, but I believe these two fine ponies were in line before me.” She said curiously as she pointed a hoof to the two next to her.

“I’m afraid not my dear.” The unicorn said as he turned to the Wonderbolts at the other end of the table. Standing up, he raised a hoof and yelled at them from across the room. “Do it now!”

The pair in the Wonderbolt costumes bolted forward knocking down the guard and jumped up taking flight above the table. The black unicorn faced the princess as his horn glowed surrounding her with a blue light. As she briefly took action, she quickly froze in place unable to move surrounded by the light.

Red could hear the moving and stomping of hooves on the dining area he made progress towards. Opening a door, he looked inside to see two pegasi dive and kick at various ponies in the room while at the back a single unicorn pulled at the princess onto a carpet near a rear exit door.

Throwing the door wide and bursting in, Red ran across on the ground and forward at the nearest pegasi in the room. Pulling out a long rod holding it to his side, he jumped in the air and swung at the turquoise pony in the air one barely missing as the pegasi flew higher to avoid him. From behind him, the other pegasi in orange dove at him as Red rolled out of the way.

Red held steady looking around and noticing the few guards in the room lay on the floor unconscious and others held back in the corner out of fear. Squander and swindle stood on the ground at the ready on both sides of the room focused on Red at the ready. Red watched the pair with one in front and behind with rod in hoof.

“Swindle! Squander! Stop him!” The unicorn said as he opened the galley exit door and his horn glowed ever brighter. The carpet below him with the princess and himself on it lifted up and slowly pulled out the door.

Squander jumped up and dove at Red as he rolled away and the rod swung wide hitting him behind a leg causing him to lose his balance and careen into a wall. Approaching it at an angle, he galloped along the inside wall and turned to face Red again. Swindle gained speed and came in low and flat towards Red as the pony jumped into the air and landed on her taking the pair to the ground tumbling to a wall.

As Red held Swindle down, Squander came at him full speed and turned towards him rear hooves first. Red watching jumped out of the way at the last second and rolled across the floor. Turning around, he saw as Squander picked up Swindle and both pegasi became airborne again.

“Enough!” The black unicorn yelled as the carpet slowly left through the exit door with the princess and himself on it. “We leave now!”

Both pegasi turned and galloped to the exit leaving red behind. Having heard him, Red fought to catch up with rod still in hoof. As both Swindle and Squander shot out the exit following the carpet riders, Red brought out the rod before him and at the front of the ship used the rod the catapult himself off the bow and leap into the air reaching for the corner of the carpet hanging onto the edge.

“That doesn’t look normal.” Thunderlane said squinting in the distance. “Something seems to be floating in the air off the bow of the ship ther.” He said pointing a hoof.

The doctor and Soarin looked out into the distance trying to make out anything at so far away.

Red on the other hand fought to hold on. As he did so, he reached into a pocket and pulled out a smal rocket and stuck it into a fold of the cloth he wore. Sceptre looked down at the corner from atop the carpet and noticed the castaway.

He brought up a hoof to that of Red. “End of the line, you cur.” Sceptre said as he looked down at the pony menacingly. Red on the other end quickly lit a match and ignited the fuse on the rocket, pulled it from his clothes and threw it into the air just as the hoof of Sceptre came down on his.

As the rocket went up and Red went down, the ponies from the shore noticed the action. The flare Red ignited went upwards a short distance before it exploded in a red shower of sparks. A splash could be seen a pony hit the water.

“Something isn’t right.” The doctor said worried. “That’s Red’s signal flare.” He turned to Soarin and Thunderlane. “I need you two to head out there and see what’s going on.

“Can do. C’mon Thunderlane.” Soarin said as he took flight with Thunderlane close behind.

Watching from the water, Red raised a hoof and flagged them down from the water below. After a few minutes, the pair came close and flew down near him.

“We have to go that way!” He yelled pointing a hoof. “Give me lift!”

As Soarin and Thunderlane grabbed a hoof each, they lifted Red and took to the air after the carpet rider and company.

**************************************

As Soarin and Thunderlane carried Red through the air, two other ponies flew up alongside them from behind. Looking over the trio noticed it was Spitfire and Rainbow Dash.

Thunderlane yelled out into the air. “What are you two doing here?”

“We came out looking for answers from the doctor and Derpy told us where you two went. It seems you need a bit of help.” Spitfire yelled back. Dash noded in agreement. “We saw the signal flare and knew something had to be wrong from what Derpy explained to us.”

“We think some pony has the princess and is taking her a way, but we don’t know why.” Soarin yelled through the air.

“Lets hurry up already!” Dash followed up.

As the five ponies continued along, they noticed the two pegasi in Wonderbolt cosume escorting the black unicorn riding the carpet.

“There!” Spitfire was the first to see. “They have the princess!”

In the meantime, Swindle was the first of the three ahead to look back and notice the small group advancing on them. “Boss!” She said pointing a hoof behind her. “We have company!”

Sceptre looked back and cursed. “You two take care of them! I have to get back to the cave!”

Splitting off, Swindle and Squander reversed direction as they gained altitude and quickly dove down at the group.

Spitfire yelled out the group. “Me and tash can take care of these two! Get the princess to safety!” She yelled.

Soarin and Thunderlane continued on carrying Red as Dash and Spitfire started arial acrobatics with Swindle and Squander tryin to get the upper hoof and grab them while fighting in the air.

“I hope they know what they’re doing!” Soarin yelled as he fought to hang onto Red.

“Just don’t let go!” Red yelled trying not to look down.

In the distance the three watched as the carpet riding unicorn sped toward the ground and dove into the mouth of a cave.

“There! That must be the hideout!” Soarin yelled. Thunderlane nodded in agreement. “Yeah! Lets hurry up already!”

**************************************

Coming into the mouth of the cave, Soarin and Thunderlane gently lowered Red to the ground before the pair landed. Walking forward, the three came upon a bright blue glow coming from the depths. Continuing on, they looked around to see the room illuminated brightly by the glow as they took in the sight.

Princess Celestia stood frozen in the center of a large rune circle that rotated slowly below her. Red was the first to speak as he pointed a hoof. “There’s the princess! Quick, we have to help her!” He said.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you” A voice said in the darkness unseen.

A wicked cackle is heard all around them as they tried to see whom was speaking. “Who are you!” Soarin yelled. “Show yourself!”

From the darkness next to the princess, Sceptre stood out with the spellbook floating next to him and his horn glowing brightly. “Who am I?” He said inquisitivly. “I am Sceptre. Spellcaster and Grandson to Morning Star the leader of the Gentlecolts Raiders.

Soarin quickly spoke up. “You! Your grandfather was the whistleblower for the gentlecolts!”

“No!” Sceptre yelled. “He brought those snivling cowards to thair knees for what they did to him! Celestia gave him his power and she took it from him! I will restore the balance we once had!”

“But this was years ago! Long before our time!” Soarin explained. “To change things now doesn’t make sense!”

“It does to me!” Sceptre pointed to himself. “She is the only living remanant of those times and she took everything from my grandfather! She will pay!”

“Over my cold body she will.” Red said as he sprinted into a full gallop towards Sceptre. Looking at hm as he approached, the black unicorn brought the book up, read it briefly and waved a hoof as a pulse of energy fired forward striking Red and knocking him back. Trying to roll, he tumbled and bounced coming to a stop. He fought standing up as Soarin came over.

“Are you okay?” He asked. With a grunt, Red nodded. “My side and arm hurts, but nothing new.” Red pointed at the unicorn. “That spellcaster isn’t going to be easy to stop. He’s got that darned spellbook.”

“Fool!” Sceptre yelled from the center of the room. “Do you really think it could be that easy to stop me?” He laughed shortly before he laid a hoof on the frozen princess. “After I send the princess to next dimension, you three are next!”

Sceptre placed a hoof on the ground and pushed the circle on the ground. As it spun, it sped up slowly as the unicorn stepped back. As Soarin looked next to him, he noticed Thunderlane dissappeared.

“Thunderlane?” Soarin said as Red quickly tapped him on the shoulder and looked over behind Sceptre. Thunderlane crouched in the shadows stood directly behind Sceptre on the other side of the room.

Red again ran at Sceptre full charge. Looking at him comically he laughed as he brought the book up again. “Some ponies just don’t learn.”

This time, Thunderlane tackled Sceptre from behind and the spellbook went flying through the air. Just as the pair went to the ground, Red lifted both front hooves and grabbed the princess pulling her out of the circle. Still moving faster, it continued to spin speeding up and a vacuum started to pull eveything in. Thunderlane quickly ran over to a rock and held on as Red pushed himself and the princess up against a far wall.

Soarin ran over and picked up the spellbook that landed near him. As he looked to the other ponies, he yelled out. “What do I do!?”

Sceptre turned over and fought Thunderlane kicking upwards throwing him off. Standing up, he ran at Soarin in a full gallop. “Give me back that book!”

As scattered items flew in towards the center of the room, a vortex started to pull the ponies into the center. Soarin thinking quickly before Sceptre could get to him threw the book into the vortex.

“NO!” Sceptre yelled diving at the book in mid flight. As he and it were pulled in, a flash of light burst out as he screamed and his pitch became an echo going silent as the circle waned in power becoming dimmer slowing in speed. As the circle faded out and went dark, the whole room went black.

Heavy breathing is heard around the room for a moment as Soarin asked a question. “Is eveypony alright?” A dim light in the cave became brighter as the three ponies inside looked toward it.

From the horn of Celestia, the room flooded with light as she watched as the three came to her and kneeled in front. With a calm smile raised a hoof. “Please rise my ponies.”

From the mouth of the cave came in Rainbow Dash with Spitfire with Swindle and Squander tied to ropes as captives. Shortly behind them followed the Doctor, Mr. Cake, Filthy Rich, and Fancy Pants. Derpy hobbled in using three hooves from the rear.

“I see the whole party is here instead on the ship.” The Doctor said looking around. As they approached the princess, they bowed to her.

She raised a hoof again. “Also rise my ponies.”

Soarin looked to the doctor quizzically. “How did you know to arrive at the cave here?” He asked.

He pointed to Swindle as he replied. “We managed to get the information from her and Rainbow Dash came back to get us. We quickly made our way over once we knew where it was.” He then looked over to Thunderlane and Soarin. “We still have a few problems to work out now that we’re all here.”

“What would that be?” the princess said in question.

“Well, for one Thunderlane is in a bit of hot water at work. Is there any way to clear up his record?”

“Only if he comes to work on time.” The princess said with a smile. Thunderlane looked at her sheepishly. “Not to worry, I’ll spend the bits for an alarm clock.”

“And my friend Soarin here is afraid of losing his job.” He turned to Spitfire. “But I think you can take care of that.”

Spitfire nodded. “If I had known a certain scoundrel here on the end of this rope started this, nothing would have happened.” Swindle looked back at her and grumbled unhappily.

Soarin then looked to the doctor. “What about the Gentlecolts?” As the Doctor looked back at him surprised and wide eyes, he lifted a hoof as if to keep quiet.

The princess looked to the doctor with a hint of surprise. “Did he just say Gentlecolts? Is that what this was about?”

The doctor sighed as nodded nervously. “Yes my princess. I have restarted the existence of the Gentlecolts club to search for this threat. Now that we have succeeded, I suppose you’ll want us disbanded…” He added sounding disappointed.

“Actually” The princess continued. “I regret the loss of the group. They were the most dedicated and hardest working organization that served Equestra until it vanished. I certainly have a need of them.”

As she paused, she contemplated on a decision before she spoke again. “I propose a new contract to fix all problems here so long as one condition is met.”

The doctor gulped nervously. “And what would that be my princess?”

“To continue to serve Equestria as they have once before.” She replied. “Anything I have left in my possession that related to it I will provide to you for your resources. What do you say?” She said.

The doctor smiled widely as he bowed to her. “We will serve you to the ends of Equestria.”

With a nod, she looked around. “So be it. Let be known that ponies Soarin, Thunderlane, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Mr. Cake, Filthy Rich, Fancy Pants, Derpy, the Doctor and…” She looked curiously at the black robed red hoofed pony curiously. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“I’d rather not say.” Red replied in a concerned tone.

“Is there any way we could convince you otherwise?” She asked with a curious smile.

Red brought out a small stem of straw and placed it between the robes as he chewed on it. “Nope.”

The doctor waved a hoof. “I’m sorry, that’s just how he is. A bit secretive really.”

The princess laughed. “So be it as Mr. Red then. I announce to you all as the new organization of Gentlecolts from here forward. May the path forward be successful to you all.”

“How does tea for everyone back at my study sound!?” The doctor yelled. A resounding cheer went all around as every pony agreed. Derpy quickly piped up. “And muffins!” Everypony also laughed in agreement.

As the doctor smiled, he quickly thought for a second as he shot a look at Soarin. “Wait! One last thing has to be cleared up!”

“What’s that Doctor?” Thunderlane said looking at him.

The doctor went over to Spitfire and walked her over to Soarin then went to Rainbow dash and walked her over to Soarin. As he placed a hoof from each of them on Soarin, he looked at him curiously.

“Soarin, how do you feel?” The doctor asked.

Soarin looked at each pony on either side of him and he looked nervous as can be. “I’m a bit scared doctor.” He replied.

With a look of disappointment, the Doctor shook his head. “Oh not again…”

“No! It’s not that!” Soarin said as he looked back at the doctor happily. “I’m scared of the competition now!” Soarin said as he laughed and kissed Rainbow Dash and Spitfire on the cheek.

The End

Thank you for reading and carry on Fanfic readers and writers. : )

Chapter 9

“Seems like a rather quiet day Doc” Thunderlane said watching the ship from afar. “So far nothing has happened. Think there’s still some sort of risk?”

As he looked to him, he nodded. “Well, I didn’t spend several hours on a train ride to just sit here. If nothing happens at all, it’ll make an easy day for me and I welcome it.”

Next to the doctor on his opposite side stood several ponies including Mr. Cake and his family. As the doctor noticed him, he leaned over and whispered into his ear.

“He’s onboard, right?” The doctor said quietly.

“Everything was taken care of. It’s up to him now” Mr. Cake said in his ear as the crowd around them talked loudly.

On board still huddled in a crate, Mr. Red could feel the ship shift for the first time in hours. Slowly pushing the wall of the crate open, he slipped out of it in the darkness of the hold. In tight black wrappings all over him, Red stuck to the walls and quietly tip-toed from one shadow to the next as he made his way to the galley. Moving behind the guards to the shadows, he paused as he came near where Celestia and the high brass had their party.

“Wait, what is the special?” An old sea captain said looking at the menu.

“Finely minced seaweed with four cheese sauce over pasta.” The Black unicorn waiter said calmly as he stood next to him in the galley with notepad in hoof and a pencil in his mouth.

“Right, sounds good to me. Be off with ya, then.” The old captain said waving a hoof away.

“Halt! State your business!” He said standing tall before the table.

“The princess is not to be disturbed at this time. Please return below.” The guard said as he held a spear across them from the table.

The waiter noticed the two held up by the guard. Moving around two ponies, he slowly walked directly to the princess at the end of the table.

“Are you ready prepared to order anything special?” The waiter said edging closer to her.

“I’m sorry, but I believe these two fine ponies were in line before me.” She said curiously as she pointed a hoof to the two next to her.

“I’m afraid not my dear.” The unicorn said as he turned to the Wonderbolts at the other end of the table. Standing up, he raised a hoof and yelled at them from across the room. “Do it now!”

The pair in the Wonderbolt costumes bolted forward knocking down the guard and jumped up taking flight above the table. The black unicorn faced the princess as his horn glowed surrounding her with a blue light. As she briefly stepped back, she quickly froze in place unable to move surrounded by the light.