--Chapter 18: Prelude to a Sunday Evening--

SEVEN DAYS AGO

Twilight Sparkle had never been less excited to visit Canterlot.

A group of ponies galloped happily out of the train as soon as the doors opened. Twilight hadn’t been in time to catch the express from Ponyville, so her train made several stops along the way. There were ponies from small towns all over central Equestria arriving in Canterlot that afternoon, and they were all smiles and excitement.

Despite having nothing but her saddlebag with her, Twilight was one of the last ponies to get off the train. When she did, she found herself hesitating to step off unto the platform. She wasn’t quite sure why. She had taken this ride so many times before.

As she gingerly stepped unto the platform, she recognized the source of her trepidation: the ground felt different.
Twilight was a rational pony, and she knew this made no sense. The platform was the same as it had always been. But this did not change the fact that it simply did not feel right.

As she walked away from the train station and into the city, the sense of strangeness followed her at every step. The bevy of shops which lined the street by the train station looked the same as they always had, but Twilight felt as though there was something wrong. Had that store always been painted that color? Had the shopkeeper always been a Pegasus? She could have sworn he’d been a unicorn. Or had he been a donkey?

Then there was the magic shop down the road, where Twilight had spent countless hours as a foal. Madam Prism’s House of the Unseen had been where Twilight had purchased her very first spellbook. She’d saved her allowance for three months, only to discover that she had underestimated the asking price and did not even have half the required bits. The kindly old mare who ran the store had let her purchase the book anyway.

The shop had been one of Twilight’s favorite places in the world. As she walked past it, she saw Madam Prism sitting on the front stoop, enjoying a cup of tea like she always did at this time of day. She noticed Twilight and waved cheerfully to her.

Twilight jumped slightly in response. The gesture had frightened her.

Noticing the old mare’s puzzled expression, Twilight smiled and managed to wave back. She felt like she was greeting a stranger.

Twilight had grown up in Canterlot. Before coming to Ponyville, she had spent nearly every day of her life there. She could walk down its streets blindfolded, and find her way every time.

So why did it feel like she’d never been there before?

As she walked along the cobblestone streets, she was stopped in her tracks by a foal who crossed her path. The small filly was running with a sense of profound urgency.

Twilight’s blood turned to ice. What’s going on? Why is this foal running unsupervised? Is someone chasing her? Could it be some pony from that Circle? Should I do something?

“Got you!”

A grown mare teleported in front of the running filly. She came to a dead stop before colliding with her. Twilight gasped as the mare reached out toward the foal. Twilight raised a hoof and prepared to cry out.

“What did I tell you about running off, young lady?” the mare said as she ruffled the foal’s mane.

“I’m sorry, mom,” the foal said, giggling. Somehow it was only then that Twilight noticed that both ponies had identical coat colors.

The mare smiled, “It’s alright, but you really should be saving all that energy for hoofball practice! Come along, we’re already late…”

Twilight stood there with her mouth still open. Instead of crying out, she whispered.

“Stay close to your mother,” she said, knowing the foal could not hear her. “It’s a big, scary city out there.”

And there it was. As she spoke those words, Twilight realized exactly what was wrong. Canterlot, her hometown, had not changed. It was the same as it had ever been. Something else had changed instead.

She looked over at a nearby street sign. Underneath the street names was a small plaque, which could be found on every sign in Canterlot. It bore the name of the city, the year of its founding, and an image of Princess Celestia.

“Of course,” Twilight said with disgust. “This is her city.”

Twilight took a moment to appreciate the irony of her arriving here on a Sunday. Sunday was Celestia’s Day, and all the plaques in town bore her image exclusively. On the following day, which had once been called Moonday (the name had been corrupted to its present pronunciation with remarkable speed, roughly a thousand years earlier) the plaques would all magically change, so they bore only the image of Luna. This practice was as old as the city itself, and even during the millennium of her sister’s exile, Celestia had refused to change it.

On every other day, the plaques bore the crest of the city, a simple coat of arms with a sun/moon orb in the center. At the bottom of the crest could be found a short phrase, which, when translated from the old Equestrian, read:

“BALANCE IN ALL THINGS”

Even as a foal, Twilight had always wondered why it did not read “harmony” instead of “balance.”

She understood now.

*******

“The spell is prepared,” Fancypants said, putting his spellbook down. “Please step forward, Silver.”

Silver Spoon did as she was told. There was a strange halo of light around Fancy’s horn. She had never seen that sort of glow come from a unicorn.

Fancy muttered a few strange words, and then a beam of light shot from his horn and hit Silver in the chest. She felt a strange warmth expanding from the point of impact, until it encompassed her entire body. Within a few seconds, the warm feeling was gone.

Silver looked down at her hooves. “I don’t think it worked,” she said. “I look exactly the same.”

“That’s because you know who you are,” Fancy said. “The spell works on belief. You and I know you are Silver Spoon, so that’s who we see. But if someone didn’t know you were under a spell, they would see the form I have chosen for you. Look for yourself.”

A servant walked into Silver’s field of vision, carrying a small ornate mirror in her hoof. She held it up. Silver grimaced as she saw the image of a completely different pony staring back at her.

“There, you see? This way, when Sparkle arrives, we won’t need to explain the inconvenient fact that you aren’t dead. When she looks at you, she’ll see Gentle Step, my visiting niece,” Fancy said. Then he noticed Silver’s expression. “Is anything wrong?”

“It’s just so surprising to see someone else’s face in the mirror!” Silver replied. In reality, it wasn’t the fact that the face was different that bothered her, but the way it looked. The mirror showed an image of a filly who was roughly Silver’s age and height, but with a light gray coat and a wavy azure mane.

Sweet sun, Silver thought. He’s turned me into a female version of himself.

“Sadly, the spell can’t make you look like a unicorn, at least not convincingly. Giving you a false horn would create an abnormal shimmer in the illusion. A practiced magician like Miss Sparkle would see right through it. Now, remember,” Fancy said. “You need to conduct yourself with utmost refinement while Sparkle is here. She needs to believe that you’re genuinely my niece. I’m having a series of dresses laid out for you in your room. Wear whichever ones you like, but you are never to step outside your room without proper attire, understood?”

Silver sighed. She knew where this was going. “I understand,” she said.

“Now, as to table manners I think it’s best if you-“

Silver raised a hoof. “Sir Fancypants, please,” she said. “Representing a high-class family is my special talent, if you recall. If anypony can do this, it’s me.”

There was pride in her voice as she spoke. It surprised her.

Fancy smiled. “Of course, my dear. How rude of me to presume otherwise,” he said. “Now, I think it would be best if you busied yourself elsewhere. Miss Sparkle should be here shortly.”

“How do you know she doesn’t already have a place to sleep?” Silver asked.

“I know for a fact that she does not,” Fancy said. “I made certain of it.”

*******

“But I had a room reserved in advance!” Twilight shouted. She could feel the other ponies in the hotel lobby staring at her. She didn’t care.

“I’m sorry, Miss Sparkle,” the clerk replied, “But there’s no record of you reserving a room here. And I’m afraid we’re completely booked for the next several days.”

“This is ridiculous,” Twilight said. “I want to speak to the owner of this hotel!”

“That would be Sir Fancypants,” the clerk said, gesturing toward a portrait on the far wall. “But he’s a busy stallion. I could fetch the manager, if you like?”

“Fancypants,” Twilight said under her breath. “That name keeps coming up…”

“With all due respect, Miss Sparkle, aren’t you from this city? Don’t you have relatives you could stay with?”

“Yes, but I don’t want to get my family involved in the, um, important business I’m conducting here. It’s…highly sensitive.”

“On behalf of the Princess, eh?” the clerk said, smiling a bit. “I’ve read all about you and your friends, you know. You’re quite the local hero. I truly wish I could offer you a room, Miss Sparkle. But my hooves are tied.”

Twilight took a deep breath. “It’s okay,” she said. “I know you’re just doing your job. Thanks anyway.”

She turned and began to walk toward the large glass doors at the front of the hotel. Outside, an Earth Pony had been standing by the door for ten minutes, making occasional sideways glances in the direction of the door in order to check Twilight’s position. Upon seeing her walking toward the entrance, the pony walked into the hotel, trying to make what happened next look as natural as possible.

“Pardon me, miss!” the pony said, as he bumped into Twilight on her way out, with such force that he knocked the unicorn down. “Terribly clumsy of me!”

He reached down to help her up. “Hey! Aren’t you Twilight Sparkle?”

“Yes,” Twilight said, with more than a bit of annoyance in her voice. “I’m told I’m pretty famous these days.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t know about that. I never read the papers,” the pony said. “But my boss was raving about you just the other day. Said you were a real hero for helping that filly back in Ponyville. Sunny Bell or something?”

Twilight gasped. “WHAT? What do you know about Sweetie Belle? Do you know where she is?” Twilight said, scrambling to her hooves.

“Easy, easy!” the pony said. “I’m the night manager of this hotel, you see. My boss, Fancypants, is friends with Indigo Dream. She’d been going on about what a big help you were when she was in Ponyville.”

“Excuse me,” Twilight said. “I need to get going…”

“Can I shake your hoof, at least?” the pony asked. “The way you helped that filly after what her sister did to her is really something inspiring!”

Twilight smiled weakly as she extended her hoof. “Thanks. I…I tried my best to help her…”

“Well, my boss sure was impressed. He said if you were ever in town, he’d love to have you over for supper some night.” He clapped his front hooves together, feigning realization. “Come to think of it, have you eaten yet? I bet he’d be thrilled to meet you!”

Twilight looked back at the portrait of Fancypants, and recalled Sweetie’s note about Twist’s location.

“I think I’d like to meet him as well,” Twilight said. “Could you arrange an introduction?”

*******

Twilight had been quite young the first time she had walked through the halls of Canterlot’s royal palace. As she took in everything, from the golden sculptures to the beautiful murals and the massive, unending hallways, she felt certain that she would never behold a place of such splendor again.

She was reminded of that experience when she first entered Fancypants’ estate. She was not sure if her childhood assumption had been proven wrong or not.

Fancy’s mansion seemed almost like a response to the design style of Celestia’s home. In contrast to the white and gold motifs of the palace, Fancy’s abode was dominated by understated reds and browns. The lights were kept low, and the décor had a completely different philosophy to it. Celestia’s palace was filled with stunning works of art, all of which were commissioned especially for the palace. Many were integral parts of the palace itself; statues would be carved into the pillars and walls, and murals and stained glass windows dominated the corridors.

Fancy’s home was filled with beautiful works of art, but all of them seemed to have been acquired from somewhere else. Almost all of them were decades, if not centuries older than the house itself, and this was something almost any fairly educated visitor was bound to notice. It was as if Fancypants wanted his guests to know that this mansion was not the original home of its curiosities.

Fancy’s statement became clear to Twilight the longer she walked: he had built a monument to acquisition, to taking ownership of that which had once belonged to another. Why create art, the place was asking, if one can simply obtain it?

Twilight did not like this place. But she wasn’t sure that she disliked it any more than the royal palace. At least Fancy’s mansion was honest in its arrogance.

“Miss Sparkle!” Fancy said as he trotted into the main hall to greet his guest. “It is a singular honor to meet you, my dear. Indigo has told me so much about you!”

“Yes,” said Twilight, trying her best to maintain her smile as she reached out to shake Fancy’s hoof. “I’ve heard quite a lot about you, as well.”

SIX DAYS AGO

Dear Princess Luna,

I don’t know when, or if, I’ll be able to relay this letter to you. Perhaps never. But writing to your sister always helped me organize my thoughts in difficult times, so I’m going to try doing the same thing with you. Think of it as a snapshot of my efforts at this time. I’m guessing that if you ever do read this, it will be long after all this is resolved. I hope you’re reading it under happy circumstances.

Fancypants has offered to let me stay at his estate for as long as I’m in Canterlot. He kept saying how Indigo Dream had nothing but glowing praise for me after we “worked together” to get Rarity arrested. I’m not sure if she’s lying to him or if he’s lying to me, but I’ve decided to take him up on his offer.

I told Fancy that I was in town looking for Rarity. That’s true enough; I’m certainly keeping an eye out for her. But now that I know that she’s just one carrier of a much larger disease, I realize I can’t afford to make her my first priority.

Sweetie Belle’s note said that Twist is somewhere in this mansion. If she’s right, that would mean that Fancy is connected to this Circle you told me about. I know I told you not to go into specifics when you explained the Circle to me – it was just so painful to hear about it – but now I kind of regret not asking for more details. That’s okay, though. If Twist is here, I’ll find her. And that’s just the beginning.

Silver Spoon and Sweetie Belle will be next. I’ll save them somehow. And if it takes the rest of my life, I’ll expose this Circle and bring it crashing down on Celestia’s head.

I realize that this is much easier said than done.

I met Fancy’s niece today. Her name is Gentle Step. She’s very polite, with a practiced, cultured way about her. She’s an Earth Pony, which is pretty rare for one of Canterlot’s elite families. She keeps following me around the estate, too, always keeping her distance. I’m not sure if Fancy has sent her to spy on me or if she’s just being a curious foal.

I know that sounds paranoid, but you'd understand if you met this filly. There's something about her. It's hard to describe, but there's a strange falseness to everything she does. It's almost too perfect, too refined. It feels like an actress playing a part. I'm certain she has some sort of secret.

And if her uncle really is part of the Circle, then I shudder to think what it might be.

Then there’s my “guide” to the estate. While I’m here, Fancy has insisted I be attended by a stoic grey unicorn named Gaze. He never speaks, but he doesn’t really need to. His eyes do his talking for him. And he’s really not too keen on having me wander into certain parts of the mansion, like Fancy’s study and certain out-of-the-way corridors. Fancy says it’s “for my own safety.” I’m sure.

To avoid suspicion, I’ll be spending the daylight hours outside in Canterlot, trying to locate Rarity. In the evenings, I’ll do my best to try and shake Gaze and Gentle Step and try to get into those forbidden parts of the mansion.

I do intend to do all I can to find Rarity, but the truth is, a part of me hopes I never see her again. Just thinking of her hurts so much.

I wish I could hate her, Princess.

I wish it were as simple as that. I wish I could just throw away all those happy memories I have of her, and see her as just another enemy to defeat.

But I couldn’t do it when I faced her before, and I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to do it if I see her again.

I hope you’ll give me the courage to do what’s right when the time comes.

Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I hope you are free again soon.

Your faithful subject,
Twilight Sparkle

PS: After reading this, I'm fairly certain I know what you're thinking. Don't worry. I'll wait until the moment is right.

FIVE DAYS AGO

“It’s so painful to see you like this, sister.”

Celestia walked into the Sanctum just as her sun had reached its apex. She had done the same thing every day since she had imprisoned Luna.

She always found Luna in the same place: sitting in the center of the chamber, looking up at the false sky.

“Do you even realize what you have done?” Celestia said. “You’ve turned my beloved student against me. You’ve jeopardized centuries of hard work. You’ve put all of Equestria in danger.”

Luna continued looking up at the sky.

“Please…say something to me,” Celestia said.

Luna did not acknowledge her.

“Sister, you must understand: no one has suffered the way I have. To sit by and allow those monsters to harm generations of foals…do you think I haven’t had to hold myself back from stopping them countless times? Do you think I don’t still have nightmares about the things I’ve seen, the things I’ve let happen? Do you think I want things to be this way?”

And still, Luna looked at the sky.

“Luna, please…” Celestia said. “I told you why I’ve kept the balance for so long. I thought you understood. It’s to protect Equestria…and above all, to protect you…”

“I’m not worth it,” Luna said. She did not turn around.

“Sister…”

“Either let me out, or leave me alone,” Luna said.

Celestia hung her head, and slowly began to walk toward the doors.

“I love you, sister…” she said as she walked out of the chamber. “I hope someday you will understand.”

The massive doors closed on their own accord, and Luna was alone once more.

“I love you, too…” she said.

The sky shined a brilliant gold.

FOUR DAYS AGO

“Eat,” Rarity said, as she levitated a bowl of porridge in Diamond Tiara’s direction. The two of them sat on the floor of Rarity’s room in Triage’s mansion. Diamond had rarely left the room since her arrival in Canterlot.

The filly scowled at Rarity as she dug into her meal.

“Not even a thank you. How uncouth,” Rarity said. “Honestly, I don’t know why Silver Spoon put up with you. Her manners were always so much more refined.”

“That’s not funny,” Diamond said. “Quit talking like you knew her.”

“Oh, but I did, darling,” Rarity said. “And it’s thanks to her that you spent the other night locked safely away in my room while I galvanized half the Circle with talk of revolution. I could have told them where you were, after all. You would have made quite the little party favor.”

“Oh? Then why didn’t you? You obviously don’t like me, but you bring me food, let me sleep on the floor of your room, and keep me away from your…friends.”

“The latter isn’t much of a challenge,” Rarity said. “Hoity has no interest in you whatsoever. Thank your lucky stars you aren’t a colt. Triage has plenty of unsuspecting patients to keep her occupied. And I already told you that I don’t find you the least bit enticing.”

“I’ll try to get over my heartbreak,” Diamond said, rolling her eyes.

“That leaves Sapphire. She’s actually very interested in spending time with you. But I made it clear to her that the last thing we need is for our offering to Fancy to smell like a rancid commode.”

“Stop talking in riddles!” Diamond said. “All this nonsense about Fancy and offerings and circles…none of it makes any sense!”

“All you need to know,” Rarity said, “Is that in four days’ time, you will be called upon to assist me in a little production I’m putting together. All you need to do is stay quiet and obey any requests made of you by your elders. Do this for me, and I’ll let you see your friend again.”

“Stop lying!” Diamond said. “Stop trying to give me false hope! Just let me go home!”

“I keep telling you-“

“Do you know what I was going to do after I visited you in jail?” Diamond said. “I was going to visit her…her grave. I stayed away from it for so long. I think I was scared that if I saw it, then it would be real…all of it. And then I’d have to accept that she was really gone. I was so close to finally having the guts to do that! And then you show up, with your promises and your pretty lies and your-“

“I haven’t lied to you,” Rarity said. "The remains in that grave are false."

“WHY THE HELL SHOULD I BELIEVE YOU?” Diamond screamed. “You’re the most horrible pony I’ve ever met! Fine, so I was mean to your sister! I was just having fun! But the things you did to me that day…the way you touched me and made me bleed and…do you know how many months it was before I could face anyone? Do you know how long it took for the nightmares to go away?”

“Calm down, child, you’re making a fool of yours-“

“AND YOU KNOW WHAT?” Diamond cried. “I’d have let you do it again! Happily! I’d have let you do it to me as many times as you wanted, if you’d just left Silver alone!”

Diamond collapsed at the foot of the bed and began crying loudly. Her continuous sobs echoed through the hallway outside Rarity’s room.

“Go on, let it out,” Rarity said. “Just so long as it’s out of your system by Sunday.” She patted Diamond lightly on the back.

“DON’T YOU TOUCH ME, YOU…YOU UGLY MURDERER!” Diamond screamed. “You’re disgusting, and I hate you more tha-“

Diamond’s rant was cut short as Rarity slapped her across the cheek with her forehoof.

The filly’s rage instantly turned to fear. She scrambled to her hooves and staggered to the back of the room.

Rarity began to slowly advance toward her.

“No…stay away!” Diamond said. “Please don’t touch me!”

“Let’s get one thing straight, you little brat,” Rarity said. “I am not a murderer. And I have never lied to you. Silver Spoon is alive. And for some unfathomable reason, she cares for you. Almost as much as she cares for me. That is the only reason why I haven’t given you to Sapphire, to be defiled and humiliated like you deserve to be.”

“It’s not true…” Diamond whispered. “She would never care about someone like you...”

“Oh, but she does,” Rarity said. “I realized something during my imprisonment, you see. I saw one of my oldest and dearest friends turn her back on me, and tell me that she would kill me if she ever saw me again. Until that moment, I had never really understood what it meant to be alone.

“But when you walked into the interrogation room and began talking about Silver, I realized something. There was someone in my life who had displayed nothing but unwavering loyalty. Someone whose love for me transcended everything, even her own self-worth. That was Silver Spoon. She was the most devoted pony I have ever known, and I had taken her shamefully for granted.”

“She…” Diamond said. “She was devoted to me…”

“Times change, darling,” Rarity said. “And so, when I ascend to the leadership of the Circle, it will be with Silver Spoon groveling blissfully at my hooves, right where she belongs. I foolishly abandoned her some time ago, but I’m going to take her back. And as a token of my remorse, I’m going to let her see you again.”

Diamond Tiara said nothing. She looked away from Rarity, terrified of even considering the possibility that she might be telling the truth.

“And once you’ve had your little reunion, I’m going to let her decide your fate. You can go home, and never see her again, or you can stay with me, and see Silver Spoon every day. I’m willing to tolerate your presence for her sake.”

“This…” Diamond stammered. “This is just…impossible…”

“Yes, the prospect of Silver Spoon making a decision for you must feel quite backwards, I’d imagine,” Rarity said. “I suggest you get used to it, my dear. She is your better. She always was. During her previous time with me, I treated her as the lowest of the low. But once I rule the Circle, that position will be taken by you.”

“It’s all lies…” Diamond said softly. Her whole body was shaking. “She’s dead. It’s all lies…she’s dead…”

“Tell yourself whatever you like, darling. Just remember to play your part on Sunday,” Rarity said. “Now, Triage always has a hooficure specialist come by on Wednesdays, and a leader simply must look her best, so I’m off to meet with her.”

She walked toward the door to her room, opened it, then looked back at the still-cowering Diamond.

“Oh, just so we’re clear: you’re the only foal I’ve had any contact with since I was arrested. I could have had you any time I wanted to, yet I haven’t bothered to lay a hoof on you,” she said. “Keep that in mind the next time you think I’m the ugly one here.”

She closed the door, leaving Diamond alone. The filly waited until she couldn’t hear Rarity’s hoofbeats, then she put her front hooves together, and closed her eyes.

“Blessed Celestia,” the filly prayed. “Please let it be true…

“Please let my friend be alive…”

THREE DAYS AGO

Arcane words flowed like water from Aurora’s mouth. She had spoken them hundreds of times before. But for the first time, they made sense to her.

A shower of sparks from her horn seemed to confirm her hopes.

“I did it!” she said! “Twist! Peregrine! I think I figured out the spell!”

“SHHHH!” Peregine said. “If a guard hears us…”

“I know, I know, sorry…” Aurora said.

“Way to go, Aurora,” Twist whispered. “We’re halfway there.”

“More than halfway,” said Peregrine. “I’m going to do it tonight. I’m going to fly.”

The baths in the Gallery made a poor venue for flight training. They were too small to provide much runway, which was essential for young Pegasi who hadn’t learned to take off instantly yet. What’s more, the ground was slippery, making takeoffs awkward at best.

But the baths were the only place without any guards or sleeping foals. It was all they had.

“Okay,” Twist said. “I’ll lead you through your steps.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Peregrine said. “I’m the Pegasus here, not you.”

“That doesn’t matter!” Twist said. “I’ve seen young Pegasus ponies learn to fly and you haven’t! Juth because I don’t have wings doesn’t mean I can’t help! It’s like what Trotstan the Wise always sayth in the Wizards of Old Equestria books: ‘Knowledge is the greatest weapon!’”

“You are such a nerd,” Peregine said. Aurora rolled her eyes at him, though her slight smile implied silent agreement.

“Yeah, well this nerd’s going to get you out of here,” Twist said. “Step one! Standing posture!”

Peregrine grumbled as he stood up straight.

“Step two! Wings out!”

Peregrine complied.

“Step three! Start flapping!”

“We’ve done this a hundred times. It never works…” Peregrine said. Despite his complaints, he flapped his wings.

“You’ve just gotta practice!” Twist said. “Step four! Run!”

Peregrine broke into a gallop. Because of the small size of the room, he had to turn around in a circle in order to reach the needed speed, making takeoffs awkward.

“Okay, now the last step! Get to the right speed and then push off with your rear legth!”

Peregrine ran at full gallop until he neared the wall, then he turned, skidding awkwardly on the wet floor but maintaining his balance. He repeated this twice more, until he was moving fast enough to make an attempt at flight.

“Contact!” Twist whispered as Peregrine pushed off with his back legs.

The Pegasus’ takeoff looked more like an aborted hop, and he soon found himself face-first on the ground, skidding painfully across the floor until he collided with a wall.

“Oooh,” Aurora said. “That was a bad one.”

“No, it wasn’t! He was off the ground for like an entire two seconds that time! He’s getting better!”

“I think you’re seeing things, Twist,” Aurora said.

“No, she’s right!” Peregrine said “I’d be flying already if I just had some more damn runway!”

“Runway isn’t the issue,” Aurora said. “It’s experience. Most Pegasi your age have been flying for years. I bet it’s harder for your wings to get used to carrying you since you’re so much heavier than you would have been when you should have learned to-“

“Shut up!” Peregrine said. “It doesn’t matter how old I am! I can do this! Besides, who are you talk about age? You’re the oldest pony in the entire Gallery! If you think I’m going to stand here and get lectured by a used up old slut-“

“That’s ENOUGH!” Twist shouted.

The other two ponies froze.

“Okay, that HAS to have alerted the guards,” Aurora said.

“It’s fine. There’s no point training if you’re going to be like this. You two have to do this together or it won’t work, remember? You don't have to be best friends, but at least try to work together!” Twist said as she walked out of the baths. The other two followed.

“Well, why does she have to make it so hard, then?” Peregrine said, catching up to Twist. They spoke in whispers now.

“Why can’t she show me some damn respect?”

“Because you’ve never respected anyone in your entire life, you selfish jerk!” Twist shot back.

“Oh, that’s just bull! Now you’re just going to gang up on me? Why?” Peregrine said.

“Yeah, we are,” Aurora said. “Because it’s true. Twist doesn’t like you, and you know what, Peregrine?”

She turned and looked the blue Pegasus right in the eyes. “I don’t like you either. But I believe in you.”

With that, she turned away and continued walking.

“Wait, you do?” Peregrine said.

“Yeah,” Aurora said. “I believe you’re going to fly me up to that seal, and we’re going to break out of here. I believe it completely.”

“Oh, wow...thanks,” Peregrine said. “Um…why do you think I can do it?”

“Because if you don’t, then we’ll be stuck in this miserable pit for the rest of our lives,” Aurora said. “And it’ll be all your fault.”

Peregrine stopped walking as the two fillies continued on.

“Good night, Peregrine,” Aurora said.

Peregrine did not sleep that night.

TWO DAYS AGO

“You missed our last rendezvous, Twenty.”

“I’m sorry, your majesty. I was indisposed at the time. It’s the nature of the job.”

“Understandable. But do not let it happen again. I have reason to believe that the next few days will be of monumental importance.”

“Yes, I received your communique about Twilight Sparkle. I’m deeply sorry about your falling out, your majesty. I will, of course, keep an eye out for her.”

“But you haven’t seen her yet?”

“…no, highness. There has been no sign of her.”

“Strange. I know she arrived in Canterlot a few days ago, but I lost track of her shortly thereafter.”

“I’ll do my best to watch out for her, your majesty. Speaking of disappearances, is your sister ill? Luna seems to have vanished from public view in the last few days.”

“That is none of your concern! Stick to the topic at hand, Twenty.”

“Of course, your highness. My apologies. I have no significant Circle activity to report during the last few days.”

“Really? Nothing at all?”

“Nothing that I can discern, no. There was some commotion when Rarity escaped, but it seems to have calmed down since then.”

“And the Circle is taking no steps against her?”

“…No, your highness. They appear to be waiting to see what she will do before making any decisions.”

“I see. So Fancy is being patient. How…unlike him.”

“Perhaps recent events have taken their toll on him?”

“Perhaps. That will be all, Twenty. As always, I think you for your service to Equestria. Return to your post at once.”

“I shall, your highness. Thank you.”

Before the Princess left, Twenty had thought, just for a moment, that she might find fault with his report. He realized now that he has been selling himself short.

He had always been an excellent liar.

YESTERDAY

The dawn was nothing short of brilliant over the Crimson Mountains.

As the sun’s light crept across the earth, the entire landscape was slowly dyed a magnificent bright red.

No such sight existed anywhere in Equestria.

Two old, wise eyes watched the sun’s ascent across the horizon, just as they had thousands of times before. His ears, still as sharp as ever despite millennia of use, heard the distinctive sound of two scaly feet approaching.

“Good morning, Spike,” said Styngian.

“Good morning, sir,” Spike said.

Styngian sat at the base of a fairly large hill. Spike had made camp at the hill’s apex the night before.

By standing atop the hill, Spike was able to make eye contact with the old dragon, provided Styngian was sitting down.

“Her sun is still so beautiful,” Styngian said. “If nothing else, that has not changed.”

“You really don’t trust her, do you?” Spike said. “I mean, when I wrote back to Twilight I mentioned how you felt about Celestia, but I doubt it made much of a difference. Twilight’s really loyal to her.”

“Perhaps not,” Styngian said. “But I wished for your friend to know my thoughts none the less. Celestia is older than even me, but I have lived long enough to have known her when her reign was still young. I have seen her change over the centuries, from optimistic, to purposeful, to driven, to obsessive. After her sister rebelled, she spoke to me of such mad ideas, of a balance that she will go to any length to maintain…”

“But, with respect sir, even you’ve said that the balance could be real," Spike said.

“Yes, young one. But my objection lies in how ruthlessly she pursues it. I do not know the extent of her methods, but if my theory is correct…”

The old dragon rose to his feet, causing a small tremor on the ground below.

“Spike, you and I will depart for Equestria today.”

“What?” Spike said. “Did I do something wrong? You’re not dismissing me, are you? Come on, I was really getting the hang of things here! Is this why you asked me to go on this hike with you? I promise I can do better!”

“Calm yourself, young one,” Styngian said. “You have proven to be an outstanding student. No, we must return to Equestria fulfill a promise.”

“A promise?”

“Centuries ago, before the rebellion, Celestia’s sister helped me when I was in great need. I promised to repay the debt, and we devised a method by which she would alert me when the time came.

“Last night, the moon, upon reaching its apex in the sky, glowed with a blue halo. It was only for a brief moment, and anyone who was not looking out for the phenomenon would have easily missed it. That was the signal Princess Luna and I devised. I have been waiting to see it for over a thousand years.”

“What does it mean?” Spike said.

“It means something of great importance will occur very soon,” Styngian said. “It means she needs my help. So I will fly to Equestria, and you will come with me.”

“Will I get to see Twilight again?” Spike said excitedly.

Styngian smiled. “Once we have assisted the Princess, I shall fly you to Ponyville. I’m sure Twilight Sparkle will be thrilled so see how much you’ve advanced.”

“Alright! I can’t wait to see everyone!” Spike said, jumping in the air. “But gee, from this far out, it’ll be tomorrow night before we arrive.”

“The Princess knows this. She would not call unless the matter could wait until then,” Styngian said. “Now, before we depart, Spike, would you be so kind as to dig us up some breakfast? The mineral deposits on that hill are especially sumptuous.”

“Coming right up!” Spike said, as he began to dig.

“There’s a good lad,” said the old dragon. “One can’t save a kingdom on an empty stomach!”

TODAY

“Do you really think he can make it all the way up there?”

“He’s going to have to, Aurora. Unless I’ve loth count, we’ve run out of days. Thilver’s getting us out tonight.”

“If we’re ready.”

“Right. If we’re ready, we’ll be free tonight.”

*******

“You’re enjoying this a bit too much, Sapphire.”

“What, binding you up in chains so you look like you’re our prisoner? Now why in the world would I enjoy that?”

“You’re a riot, darling. Just try not to enjoy yourself too much. They’re not even real chains.”

“So long as they look real. And so long as your little pink brat is ready.”

“Oh, don’t you worry. Diamond Tiara may not realize it, but she’s been waiting for this evening for a long time.”

*******

“You know, my dear, some of the Circle members must think I’m an ignorant fool. They think I can’t tell that they secretly loathe me, that they waste their time dreaming up elaborate schemes with which to unseat me. Well, tonight should nip those right in the bud, eh? We’ll have a nice little show trial for our dear Rarity, after which my detractors will get to see exactly what happens to those who try to deny me what is rightfully mine. Should be a remarkable evening! Wouldn’t you agree, Silver?”

“Oh, yes, Sir Fancypants. Tonight will definitely be a night to remember.”

*******

“Tonight, you’re going to watch your sister die.”

Indigo Dream smiled as she lifted an unconscious Sweetie Belle unto her back. Then she called for her children.

“Are you ready, my dears? They can’t start without us, you know.”

Periwinkle emerged from the fitting room, wearing a frilly white dress.

“Vermillion’s still figuring out his bow tie. But then we should be all set!” she said. “You look excited, mom.”

“Oh, I am, dearest,” said Indigo. “I’m sorry you have to lose your puppy so soon, though.”

“It’s okay. I was already getting kind of bored with her. What’s going to happen to her again?”

“It’s more about what’s going to happen to Rarity. The last thing she’ll ever see will be the look on her sister’s face, as Sir Fancypants declares Sweetie Belle to be the property of the Circle,” Indigo said.

"Property of the Circle?" Periwinkle said. "Does that mean..."

“It's exactly as you suspect," Indigo said. "Rarity will spend her final moments learning that her sister is going to rot in the Gallery for the rest of her pitiful life."

*******

Fancypants stood on his balcony , staring out at the sunset. From inside, he could hear a clock chiming. He couldn't remember which one made that particular sound.

As if on cue, a servant entered. It was the pony Fancy had assigned to watch the door.

"Are we starting?" Fancy said with a smile.

"So it would seem, sir," the servant said. "Miss Rarity has arrived."

[NEXT: The Final Act Begins]

Author's Note

Author's notes for this chapter can be found here.