Blue

Chapters

Prologue: Tragedy in blue
Chapter one: The sinner and the fool
Interlude 1: Vinyl's story
Chapter two: The witness and the seeker of truth
Interlude 2: Night Mare
Chapter three (continued): ... and nightmare
Interlude 3: Shining Armor
Chapter four: Plans of the wicked, and the worried
Chapter five: Last dance of a lone wolf
Interlude 4: For whom the Belle tolls
Chapter six: Salvation?
Chapter seven: Choice
Interlude 5: Murder, most foul
Chapter eight: Past unforgiven
Interlude 6: Red Apple
Chapter nine: Past revisited
Interlude 7: The librarian
Chapter ten: When all hell broke loose
Chapter three: And then there were four
Part two up!

Prologue: Tragedy in blue

Rainbow Dash jolted awake. She did not open her eyes, however; the numbing pain she felt warned her that she was seriously injured this time. Forget about the aching hooves, the stinging chest, the pain in her wings would have been enough by itself. Surrounded by a stern cast, it immediately brought out the urge in Rainbow to scratch it, but she knew all too well that it is not possible. This was not her first time in a hospital, but it could race for the 'worst awakening' part already. She tried to remember the circumstances to her crashing—laying in a hospital bed automatically brings the premise of crashing believable—but was distracted by a small trickle of sweat slowly rolling down her muzzle. She raised a hoof to wipe it—that is, if she could. Something hard stopped her movement halfway. She opened her eyes, and stared at her hoof in disbelief. She was clad in chains. Like a criminal. Panic swept through her mind.

"Nonononono! This can't be real! This can't be happening!"

She realised that she yelled out loud, when an orange shadow, one she didn't notice so far, has moved from the corner of the room. The pegasus immediately recognised Applejack, and let out a sigh of relief as she drew closer.

"Boy, am I glad to see you! I was worried for a second—"

She could not continue, because she felt a sharp pain, as Applejack simply kicked her in the face. Fear grasped her, panic really kicked in, and she could only try to squirm her way out of the farmer's hooves, to no avail. The chains served their purpose perfectly, helding her tight. As if the continous beating wasn't enough, AJ let out a primal roar, one that chilled Rainbow to the bone, more than the confusion she felt for having her best friend hit her. It was a scream of rage and pain, over the borders of communication; it only served to relieve some of the orange pony's stress. Fortunately for Rainbow, the noise caused two guards to enter, and try to remove AJ from the room. For a fleeting moment, it seemed to Rainbow that she would shake them down like fleas, but in the end she lost the upper hand. Before she was completely overwhelmed, she leaned in as close as she could to the cyan pegasus, and simply bit her hoof. Rainbow let out a sharp cry of fear and pain; able to withhold her feelings of utter confusion back. The guards removed AJ, but a familiar figure entered the room. She nodded to the guardsponies, and they took the now quietly sobbing farmer with them. The newcomer, a lavender unicorn, turned to Rainbow, silently eyeing her.

"Twilight!" the blue mare cried, "What the hay is happening here?"

Twilight didn't reply. She lit up her horn, and levitated a newspaper from Celestia knows where, and held it in front of Rainbow. Her mind refused to produce sane thoughts as she saw the headlines.

MASS MURDER BY A CYAN CATASTROPHE!

"WHAT?!" Rainbow could not believe her eyes. She started reading the paragraph.

Yesterday, a sad tragedy unfolded in the peaceful town of Ponyville. During a charity show by our beloved Wonderbolts, a shameless, brutal killer has struck. Rainbow Dash, who became the newest addition to the team four years ago, also noted as being the 'Element of Loyalty', crashed into the audience during her performance. Not any part, fillies and gentlecolts, our little murderer aimed right for the hope of our future, the younglings of Ponyville. Witness testimonies give a clear picture of the horrible events.

When the alleged 'Element' reached the peak of her flight, she turned to the ground, diving headfirst towards the unsuspecting audience, which even cheered at her, expecting a last-minute stunt to be pulled off, not unlikely from the daredevil pegasus. Only two brave mares realised she was going in for the kill.

One of them was the heroic teacher, Cheerilee; in a heroic leap, she pushed most of the fillies surrounding her out of the harm's way; but that resulted in her being in the worst place imaginable: the place which Rainbow Dash targeted.

The other brave pony, Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic, personal protegé of Princess Celestia, had arrived to the scene when the madmare crashed into the ground. She created a shield around the crash site, from which strangely erupted a cascade of rainbows. They were like an explosion created by a hundred unicorns, she explained to us, created when the pegasus crashed with the ground at full speed, killing the teacher instantly. Five fillies also died, and three were taken to the hospital, gravely injured.

An interview with the captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire revealed that the speed achieved by the rainbow coloured catastrophe was only possible if she didn't even think of turning the other way, concentrating every fiber of her being into flying. The Wonderbolts took all responsibility for letting Rainbow Dash in their ranks, and now await the Princess' judgement.

Interview with the Royal Guard....

Twilight dropped the newspaper. Rainbow's head throbbed, threatening to explode. She felt tears welling up in her eyes.

"Who...?" she whispered, barely containing her voice. Twilight's voice was cold.

"Cheerilee. Silver Spoon. Archer. Twist." The unicorn's every word was like a stab to the heart for Rainbow. "Scootaloo."

"Oh no," thought Rainbow, "that must mean..."

"Applebloom." Twilight finished mercilessly.

The pegasus could not keep herself together anymore. She burst out in tears.

"Ahand the ohother threhee?" she sobbed.

"Diamond Tiara. Dinky Doo. Sweetie Belle."

Rainbow felt completely heartbroken. Her best friends view her as a criminal, and accuse her of killing fillies she was friends with for years. This can not be true, she would never do something so horrible! But the pain was here, and her friends seemed dead serious—did she really do it? Did she commit a crime, and now she can't remember the slightest about it? With every question her brain threatened to snap, giving in to this insanity.

Before she noticed, Twilight was already leaving. Rainbow wanted to tell her to stay, to hug her, to reassure her that it wasn't her—but she could not speak a word. As if noticing her predicament, Twilight turned back in the door.

"You know, I also talked to Spitfire. She told me that they noticed your strange flight pattern too, and immediately tried to catch you. They failed, of course. Because of your prized speed," she spat. "Congratulations, Rainbow Dash. You are the fastest flyer in Equestria."

Chapter one: The sinner and the fool

The events of the following day were a blur for Rainbow Dash. She could see ponies shoot a glance at her whenever the door to her room opened, which only happened when a doctor came to check up on her. He did not say a word to her, and somehow the pegasus felt that if it would've been up to him, she would have been kicked from here the moment she'd awakened. But Rainbow Dash was not all right. Not counting the shock and feelings of betrayal, she felt terribly alone. AJ and Twilight visited her, but she wished they didn't. Wondering what the others would say, she became even more depressed. Fluttershy would probably be too afraid to visit her, and Rainbow was not sure if Pinkie even knew what happened. Her lifestyle was like a bubble: she simply ignored the bad stuff happening, and tried to spread laughter, as her Element prompted. Rarity… she would probably murder her for hurting Sweetie.

That was the other thing bothering Rainbow. She would never, ever hurt her friends intentionally. Why did everypony believe she was evil? She gathered her courage, and asked the doctor when he entered her room the next time, while he was removing her cast. He shot him a disgusted glare, and stated only the following: "You're blue." , as if it was the ultimate answer. It left Rainbow utterly confused. Up until this time, she only received compliments to her mane from her friends, and (sadly), from stallions not awesome enough to be her coltfriend. Nopony told her that having a blue coat is a federal offense.

Some time later, the guards came for her. They silently unlocked her chains, and hoofcuffed the pegasus, leading her out of the hospital. The cold wind brushed her mane, a feeling she was thankful after being confined to a small room. She glanced around at the blank landscape, deliberately avoiding the carriage before her. Nothing seemed to be out of order. The trees stood where they always did, the river flowed vigorously, the birds were chirping, and Rainbow Dash was surrounded by a plethora of guard ponies. They urged her to enter the aforementioned carriage. She did not like it, not even a little bit. It reminded her when Princess Luna first came to town on Nightmare Night—however this one was like a fully closed box with wheels, the only contact with the outside world is a small window adorned with iron bars. The guards swiftly loaded her inside, and the carriage pulled away without a sound.

Upon arrival to their destination, Rainbow was blinded by the afternoon sunlight; the place of her confinement being nearly pitch-dark. When her sight cleared, she saw Twilight's brother, Shining Armor, trot towards her, surrounded by a few Royal Guards.

"S-Shining? What's going on?" she asked in a pleading tone.

"No talking, prisoner. You're going to Canterlot Prison." the stallion replied sternly. Despite the hostility in his voice, the captain's eyes transmitted a different message. She got the distant feeling that he is trying to tell her to stay put and not attract any attention. Deciding to comply with that, she hung her head, and let herself be escorted by them. She kept silent the whole journey, even when the houses slowly disappeared around them, making their way through the suburbs. The pegasus caught herself pacing up a rather steep hill.

She looked up, and saw a rather large, square building on top of said hill, with tall towers in every corner, containing spotlights. All in all, it was rather menacing to Rainbow, but she was a bit relieved that she didn't go to an actual dungeon, with chains and no sunlight. She still winced at the thought of meeting criminals, though.

As she pondered all of this, they arrived at the grey, metal gate. The guards saluted and left, only Shining remained. He gestured her to go inside, and Rainbow obeyed.

The first thing she saw inside was a burly, dark brown earth pony, with a bright yellow mane, and an iron-barred window for a cutie mark. He stepped towards Shining Armor.

"I'll take 'er from here."

Shining nodded, then gave a last glare to Rainbow that said "Don't do anything stupid", before he left. The cyan mare was left alone in a strange environment.

"Well, ya damned murderin' blue daugher-ova'-bitch," the earth pony's voice crackled, startilng Rainbow, "my name is Strong Walls, and ya better remember me, ya filthy blue, 'coz I'm the head warden here, and I know the tendencies of yer kind. Ya will stay here, until the Princess decides what to do with you. And don' even think that I'll go easy on ya fer that whole 'Element' shtick. Ya sinned, ya pile of rubbish, and now ya have to take the fall. Somepony take her away." he finished, turning to the wardens. One of them stepped forth.

"Sir," he asked, "which cell should we put her in?"

"I don't care," the director spat. "Let the damn criminals sort it out themselves. If she’s left out, like that other one, detain her, too."

The warden saluted, and took Rainbow to a room, where she was given a soap, a towel, and a uniform which she was instructed to put on. The warden had a gray coat and brown mane, his wings shifting around frequently in the uncomfortable warden's uniform. He did not seem to share other ponies' animosity towards Rainbow, and she risked the question eating at her.

"Why does everypony hate me 'cause I'm blue?"

The guard was surprised hearing her speak, but answered after a moment's thought. "Because everypony thinks being blue and being evil is the same."

"Why?" Rainbow asked dumbfounded.

"I don't know. It started in the countryside some time ago, and now it reached the capital. Now, we must be off."

The gray pegasus led her to the actual prison. She was pushed in, without a ceremony, to the various criminals spending their free time. Rainbow looked around. Some inmates were staring at her, some looked indifferent. Two mares from the former group stepped forward.

"Hey, new hay," one of them called.

"Y-yes?" the pegasus answered nervously.

"You in for murder?" the mare continued.

"Y-yes, how did you..."

"'Cause you're a goddamn blue," the other mare spat, interrupting her.

"What?" Rainbow asked confused. Has this 'colorism' spread through these isolated ponies, too?

"I'm saying that you're a blue murdering bastard," the other mare continued, "and even though we're thieves and drunkards who get into fights, we never ever tried to do something so evil like killing them!" Rainbow tried to protest, but the first mare's voice cut hers off.

"Girl, let's give her a warm welcome! And by warm, I mean thorough, and by welcome, I mean beating."

Rainbow looked at them, horrified. She just got out of hospital, there is no way she could take both of them on at once! The mares had drawn closer, and closer, raising their hooves... but then another voice came from behind them. It was a voice full of malice, and hidden threats, the type you dare not turn your back to, lest you find a knife in it.

"Oh Dumby and Plumpy..." the voice softly cooed, causing the two mares to drop their hooves and instantly turn around. "I am quite sure you only wanted to make way for Gobbles' dear cellmate, Spectrum. Right?" Spectrum? Rainbow was not called that before by anypony she could remember... but the voice was eerily familiar.

"We're not afraid of you!" shouted on of her assailants, labelled Plumpy.

"Oh," the third voice chuckled, dripping venom with her words, "do try Gobbles, please."

The two mares shifted nervously, finally deciding to run away spewing insults at both Rainbow and her savior. Giving a clear view at last, the pegasus watched dumbfoundedly as the owner of the voice closed in on her, limping heavily on her front right hoof. She looked at Rainbow with a maniacal stare, and a disturbing grin.

"How good to see you again, Spectrum," she said nonchalantly. Rainbow could not hold her surprise back anymore.

"TRIXIE?!"

Rainbow followed Trixie through the scores of ponies looking at them with distrust, the deep blue unicorn being faster than her limping should allow. She led the pegasus into a rather spacious cell, with six beds, a sink, a toilet, and surprisingly, a mirror with a chair in front. Trixie pointed to a bed. "That will be yours, Spectrum."

"I'm not Spectrum!" the cyan daredevil snapped.

"Oh, really." The unicorn shot a glare at her, still smiling. Rainbow felt herself intimidated by that gaze.

"...whatever..." she mumbled.

"Good little filly!" Trixie cooed. Rainbow looked around. All the beds were empty except one, which showed signs of being used. Why would Trixie get a whole cell to herself?

"Uh, is there nopony else here beside you?" Rainbow asked nervously.

Trixie let out a demented cackle. "Oh, Diamond Throat will be here shortly. Provided she gets out of detention today."

Detention? If a criminal needs to be isolated, he or she must have done something terrible. Rainbow could not imagine the sort of horrible monster the instabile showmare regarded so cheerfully. Suddenly, a loud thump could be heard. The unicorn brightened up.

"That must be Throat! Oh, the fun we will have!"

Rainbow felt even more nervous now. Being this close to a madmare, things could only go for the worse. Feared by hardened criminals in the prison? And this Throat fellow? 'Fun?' What do they plan to do to her? She heard two set of hooves, then one of them left. She prepared herself mentally.

"Spectrum!" Trixie was practically singing now. "Lookie-lookie, Diamond Throat is here!"

"That's not my name." a cooler, annoyed voice stated, as a white unicorn mare with spiky hair entered. "What's the big... Rainbow?!"

"Vinyl?!" Rainbow couldn't believe her eyes. What is this, a prison, or acquitance's reunion party? "How in Equestria did you end up in here?"

"Ooooh, story time! Gobbles is excited!" Trixie interrupted, giddy as a little filly on her birthday. She sat on her bed, clapping her hooves excitedly. "Sto-ry! Sto-ry! Sto-ry!"

"Why are you excited, you've already heard it." Vinyl shot a disapproving glare at the boincing unicorn. "Anyways, I can tell you, but I'm afraid there's not much you can make of it. You see..."

Interlude 1: Vinyl's story

I was trotting happily to Stillshade Clearing, a small glade in a thicket of pine trees. I was happy. A long-term dream of mine seemed to come true. You see, I managed to convince many musicians of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, to try out something new; mix our different types of music. I was giddy with anticipation. It promised to be the greatest moment in musical history: joining classical and the new sound, creating a new type of experience, that Equestria has never seen before. Musicians of my caliber were often looked down upon, those faithful to the old ways claiming it is but a bunch of random noises, and it’s only noticeable feature is it’s loudness. I guess the source of that prejudice would be Shrill Hex, whom us ’modern’ musicians would have excommunicated, given the chance: the stallion did his concerts literally with a load of junk: buzzsaws, grindstones, and even breakable windows were part of his resumé. It’s no wonder the ’classies’ think we’re talentless, he made bad name for us!... I think.

The dirt road was free of mud, thankfully. I had my worries, because rain was scheduled around these parts a few days ago. Why did we choose this location? Well, on my part, I can freely say that I wanted it to be a secret, the glade was relatively remote: not close enough to the city so it would be unlikely to be visited by wandering ponies, but close enough that some of the… whinier colleagues wouldn’t ditch it on account of being ’inaccessible’. Speaking of inaccessible, I noticed that some stands were already spread out, courtesy of the Opera Props Team (possibly). My stuff has also arrived, a gray van has been parked a little farther away, my prized mixing counter and other stuff already packed out. Even though it was managed by a different company, no delays were made. They even set up some of my loudspeakers, and connected it to the counter. I wanted to thank them for their swift and valuable work, but strangely none of the moving company's employee's seemed to be within sight.

My thoughts were interrupted when somepony called my name.

"Ah, Vinyl! You finally arrived!”

I turned around, only to be greeted by the greatest musician ever, the genius of any instrument that has strings, Octavia Fulminea. I gasped, but tried to answer her at the same time.

"Hagrmumph! Augh... I mean, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

She chuckled. Oh, Celestia, nice start, making myself look like a foal in front of my idol! Yes, she's been my idol for quite a long time: she achieved everything a musician could dream of. She had fame, talent, and even got the chance to record her own songs; a feat unheard of for many classical musicians. Nevertheless, she was just as good at playing true classics, like Moosezart's symphonies. A genius, with an incredibly charismatic personality, leader of the Orchestra at an amazing young age, respected by her teachers and colleagues both. Is it a wonder I admired her?

"Relax, Miss Vinyl." she said, giggling. "We're here to play music together. I'm looking forward to it." She motioned a hoof towards some other ponies, who were soliciting near the stands.

"Lyra, Noteworthy, Loud Trumpet and Clyde are already here. What do you say for a little... jamming session, as I believe you would call it?"

I was flattered beyond belief. When I approached her (in writing, we never actually met), she was eager to get this under roof, but she still is, even after the ridiculous amounts of preparation. This meant she was genuinely interested in playing music together, not just coerced into it by higher-ups or mentors. I could only nod, words escaping me; she smiled warmly, and took the seat nearest to my equipment, her cello already in tow. The others smiled, and waved at me, too. I flashed a smile back, and went to my mixer.

I immediately noticed that my settings were nonexistant, sliders were scattered all over the place. I got a bad feeling about it.

"Just a sec." I shouted, "Looks like somepony fiddled with my stuff."

I activated my magic, but at the same time, the mixer lit up, too. I stopped my magic, but it was glowing intensely now, and started to emit a strange noise. I glanced over the settings again. I suddenly realised they were set up in a very, very dangerous way. Normally those would be inaccessible, but it seemed like somepony rigged my equipment thoroughly. I panicked. Sound waves can hurt you, at a certain range and frequency.

"Stand back!" I yelled, "This could be--"

I was interrupted by a loud bang. Unimaginable pain filled my head. I heard a scream—was it mine? I don't know. Then I noticed something around my head. A faint bubble. It did not stop the pain, but instead of going-crazy bad, it switched back to paralysing. I passed out. When I woke up, guards were all over the place. I was cuffed, and some of them were busy pulverising my equipment. I looked around, only to see five lifeless bodies. The musicians of my hopes and dreams, whom I admired and looked up to, were no more.

And I was blamed for it.

Chapter two: The witness and the seeker of truth

Rainbow stared at Vinyl in disbelief.

"That's it?" she asked. "No trial? No proof? Seriously? Somepony tries to murder even you, and they didn't even look into it?"

"You didn't pay attention, Spectrum," Trixie chuckled. Rainbow found it less amusing. "She said 'a bubble around her head.' That should be a force-field thingamajig that made the sound non-lethal to her! And of course, Throat did it to have the perfect alibi! But the brave and smart guards of Equestria foiled her evil plan!"

"Did you really...?" Dash asked.

Vinyl waved a hoof dismissively. "Of course not. She's just restating the stuff I figured out yesterday, after I was brought here. Y'know, I was thinking out loud," she added, blushing. "I think you've figured it out by now, but she's a bit... broken. Something must've happened when she was brought in."

"Oh no, Gobbles is not broken!" Trixie replied. "She's merely...cracked! Yes, that is it. A few dents here and there, but nothing broke! Well, she is see-through in a place, though." she admitted.

"See-through?" Rainbow could not push the disturbing implications aside.

"Oh yes!" the showmare said, winking at her. "Gobbles did not accept the kind director's offer of being beaten only half to death, and tried to escape! So what could poor head warden have done? He staked Gobbles!"

"Staked?" The pegasus got goosebumps.

"Yes, yes. A brand new invention in criminal-catching technology! You shoot it at the escaping suspect, and they will not run away again. Ever."

She raised her front right hoof, the one she was limping on. Rainbow noticed that it was covered in a blue bandge, similar to the hue of the unicorn. Leaning closer, she noticed two red circles on it, on diagonally opposite sides. She shivered.

Whatever hit it, seemed to have left through Trixie's hoof.

Vinyl tried to change the subject. "So...uh, why are you in, dudette?"

The cyan mare explained her situation, leaving out Shining Armor's hidden signs. Trixie began to laugh.

"Wow, Spectrum, way to take rejection badly! So what, some of the audience didn't cheer loud enough, so you slaughter their little fillies? What a hero!"

Rainbow screamed, and jumped at the unicorn, pinning her to the wall. "You know nothing! NOTHING!"

Trixie smiled, then without a warning, she headbutted her. While the pegasus recoiled from it, she put two well-placed punches in her stomach, and one on her wings. Rainbow was now screaming from pain, but the onslaught didn't stop there, the showmare knocked her off her hooves, and stepped on her, placing a hoof on her neck. Trixie seemed awfully calm, while she spoke up softly, still smiling.

"And now, Spectrum, calm yourself, or there will be no good-night kisses." Rainbow struggled to get free, but the showmare held her down with frightening force.

"Both of you, stop!" Vinyl cried, her voice teetering on the edge of hysteria. "You start fighting when we should stick together?"

"With her?" Rainbow spat.

"Keep on annoying Gobbles, and she will give you back to Plumpy and Dumby!" the showmare threatened.

"We have to," Vinyl said quietly. "After all, we are all blue."

Rainbow blinked. "Huh?"

"Didn't you notice?" Vinyl asked, with a hint of sadness in her voice. "Those two when you arrived, the untrusting glances of the others, the mocking comments on your color? Everypony here despises blue ponies, even though they're criminals, too. Hell, I was took to detention, because nopony would let me in their cell, out of fear that I would hurt them!"

Trixie got off of Rainbow. "Gobbles told you that she would welcome you here."

"Uh, yeah, well I don't know you, pal."

"But you just said Gobbles is your pal!" Trixie argued.

"No, I mean... bah, forget it!"

The pegasus paid them no mind. She tried to grasp their reason. She couldn't. "Why?" she suddenly asked. "Why do they hate us for being blue? How did this start?"

"I don't know," Vinyl admitted. "But I suspect it has somehow been brought in with the wardens, and their demeanor somehow rubbed off on the inmates."

"You want to know why they hate you, Thoat? It's easy. They hate you, because you are terrible murderers!"

Rainbow looked at her angrily. "Then what did you do?"

Trixie chuckled. "Gobbles is charged with leading an Ursa Major into three settlements, completely wiping them out."

Rainbow looked at her with disgust. "You're more of a criminal I'll ever be."

"No-no, Spectrum. I'm exactly as guilty as you are," the unicorn corrected her patiently.

Their conversation was interrupted by four heavily armed wardens coming into their cell.

"You three, with us."

They were led through the prison block, to a place with a reinforced, old-looking door. Nearing it, Rainbow heard voices from inside. They seemed to be arguing.

"I do not care what customs you or your predecessors have kept here, chief warden. As the captain of the Royal Guard, it is my duty to gather any possible clues to a threat against Canterlot. Let that be enough for authority."

As the trio entered through the door, surrounded by the trigger-happy wardens, they arrived in a rather large room, only furnished with a desk and four chairs; also, they noticed the source of the voices. To Rainbow's great surprise, Shining Armor came back, for whatever purpose. The other was Strong Walls, looking very displeased. The captain turned to the pegasus. "Miss Dash, I believe there is somepony waiting outside, wanting to talk to you. While you oblige her wishes, I will conduct my interrogation here with Miss..."

"Vinyl Scratch," the DJ said, noticing his gaze.

"Right, Miss Scratch, and...?" Shining looked at Trixie expectantly.

"What?" Trixie returned his stare.

"What is your name, Miss?" Shining asked impatiently.

"Gobbles will never tell you her name, handsome devil, because Gobbles can keep it a secret." She paused, realising something. "Oh, dragon dung. Be a dear, Throat," she turned to Vinyl, "and murder them to death for Gobbles, will you? 'Xcept the white one. He has quite fine hindquarters."

Vinyl rolled her eyes at her mock-name, but smirked heavily by the time Trixie finished her monologue. Shining turned to Strong Walls, deciding to speed things up.

"Head warden, what is her name?"

"Trixie Lulamoon. Brought 'er in last week. The mare's bonkers."

"Gobbles is not Bonkers!" Trixie objected. "Gobbles is Gobbles! It has 100 percent more 'B' in it!"

Shining paid her no mind.

"Falling Feather, escort Miss Dash to her visitor. Everypony else, except the suspects, please leave the room. I need to take their testimony without outside influences."

"Now you want testimonies?" Rainbow thought, as she was led further away from her cell, through dimly lit, narrow corridors, into a small room, that had a wall separating it's halves. The wall was half glass, and it's lower half looked like it was made from bricks. Some chairs were set there, and the dividing wall itself was separated into smaller, cabin-like segments. Currently it was empty, save for one, where her visitor sat, waiting for her.

"Rarity?!" Rainbow's heart jumped with joy. Then she remembered Applejack's and Twilight's reaction, and she recalled Sweetie Belle was injured. "How is...?"

"She will survive." the unicorn replied. "Not unscatched, but unbroken. She's already awake. Rainbow, I need to talk to you."

The pegasus' ears drooped. "I'm so sorry, Rarity, I-"

"No, darling, " Rarity interrupted her, "I did not come here to blame you or expect an apology. I'm here about something on a much more... grandiose scale."

"But what?" Rainbow unintentionally leaned closer. Rarity glanced around, as if to ascertain they were truly alone.

"Rainbow, I know you're innocent."

The cyan mare gasped. She felt her heart fill with warmth, and wanted to hug the unicorn more than anything, even if it meant making herself eternally uncool in the eyes of every being in existence. She knew her friends would not abandon her! "How?" she finally managed to ask.

"As you very well know, I was in the crowd watching you. I was using my opera spyglass to see you better. Everypony was bedazzled by you talent, dear. But when you reached the highest point of your flight, I sensed something odd. Rainbow, I believe I felt a strong spell, that knocked you out, and took control of your unconscious body!"

The pegasus gasped. "But how could you tell?" Rarity sighed.

"After the changeling attack on Canterlot, I decided to study mind control, and similar spells. I felt responsible, not noticing anything of the whole ordeal! I take pride in my attention to detail, and I still ignored Twilight's suspicions. Since then, I decided to listen to my friends, and be wary for any kinds of impostors or those who would manipulate others. It was a terrible feeling, not noticing anything the whole time!"

"Notice? Rarity, Twilight didn't notice the fact they were changelings disguised as ponies! And she is Element of Magic!"

"Well, yes, dear, but detection is my speciality, you could say. The spell I use to find gems is practically a detection spell with a very specialized target. It was no problem learning the original spell. It's not widely used, because it just gives a lot of random impressions to the user if it is not modified to resonate with a certain target. For example, sensing magic from objects or ponies is quite possible with it. And that, darling, is exactly what I did back there."

"Wait, there's something I don't understand. Why didn't Twilight notice anything? Using that much magic, that she always does, she should've gotten at least a hunch!"

Rarity seemed embarassed. "Well, yes, this is the other reason I can't blame you; I feel partially responsible."

Rainbow gulped nervously. "Why?"

"You see," the unicorn replied, "Twilight was not there, because I asked her to get some refreshments earlier. If I only were less demanding, she would have been sitting there, watching you, and maybe catch you before you land, averting this whole horrible mess!"

"Rarity," the pegasus spoke, her voice full of unexpected warmth for her usual tomboyish behaviour, "nopony on the world could blame you. You couldn't have known, and I'm sure Twilight thinks so, too. She could have had to go to the little fillies' room, or anything. If anything, I'm to blame for being the murder weapon."

Rarity sniffed, then produced a small kerchief, wiping her tears. "Rainbow Dash, you are a most wonderful friend, and as Celestia is my witness, I'm going to get you out of here!"

"Great!... Sooo... am I free to go upon your testimony?"

"Not yet." The pristine white mare shook her head. "My testimony could indeed clear your name... if I can prove it true against a hundred eyewitnesses. For that end, I asked the help of the Princesses, and they are preparing the Ultimate Memory spell."

"Uh... I have no idea what that is." Rainbow admitted.

"It is a spell that will help me recall the whole scene, in a rather... lively manner. My memories will come alive, replaying the events contained within my memory; every little detail as I saw, heard, or felt it. It's called 'Ultimate' because it can even show tiny bits of information; even those you don't recall, or could not place at the time. For example, the source of the body-control spell could be identified, even though I only sensed that somepony from the general direction of the crowd cast it."

"That's... great news!" Rainbow said excitedly. "Rarity, there are no words... but thank you."

"Think nothing of it, dear. It's the least I could do after all this ordeal... somepony makes you a scapegoat! Bah!"

Rarity leaned back, revealing a small clock that was not visible for Rainbow until then, and glanced at it.

"Darling, I'm afraid I have to leave now, visiting hours'll be over soon. When you return to Shining Armor, tell him everything he wants to know, he is leading the investigation about these... strange murders; not to mention the increasing colorism in the country. Sadly, he can't do much about the latter, because he is a soldier, not a spy; he has no information. Trust him. Goodbye, Rainbow."

She raised a hoof to the glass, waited until Rainbow did the same, and left.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Shining Armor waited until everypony left the room, then gestured the two mares to take seats. They complied, and he sat down too, on the opposite side of the desk. In front of him, there were some dossiers, a notebook, a quill, and some ink.

"All right ladies, let's begin." He motioned a hoof towards Vinyl. "Please tell me what happened on the day of the murders, Miss Scratch."

Vinyl told him everything, not leaving a single impression out. The captain took some notes, but otherwise did not interrupt her. When she finished, he scratched his head.

"Who were the ponies who knew about this gathering?"

"Only the musicians involved, their staff, who moved their instruments, and the company that brought my equipment there."

"I see. I will now read the list of victims found on the scene. I do not expect to catch the murderer this way, but if he or she was present, we could get a lead. Tell me if somepony who should have been there, but is exempt from this list."

Vinyl nodded. "All right."

"Octavia Fulminea," Shining began, "Loud Trumpet, Clyde Orchestro, Noteworthy, Lyra Heartstrings. Also found at the scene two ponies in the Opera's uniform."

Tears fell from Vinyl'seyes, and she shook her head. "No, that's all. Nopony else was present." She paused. "Although, it was a bit suspicious to me that I didn't see a driver for the van parked there."

"Then let us examine further this shipping company. The van was unmarked, with no license plate. What was the company's name?"

"Foxy Boxes."

Shining blinked. "It is a quite... unusual name."

"I dunno, seemed right to me at the time."

"Whom did you speak with?"

"The manager, Tight Space."

Shining raised an eyebrow. "That is obviously a fake name."

"I didn't know, okay? I just assumed he can pack many things into tight spaces."

"He? So it was a male voice?"

"Yes." Vinyl confirmed. Shining wrote something down, and was lost deep in his thoughts. A minute later he looked at Vinyl, and smiled.

"Thank you, Miss Scratch, we will investigate these guys. Now, Miss..." he took a glance at his notes, "Lulamoon?"

No reaction.

"Miss Lulamoon?"

Still nothing.

"Um, Cap'n, I don't think she likes that name." interjected Vinyl.

"Really? Is there a reason?"

To his great surprise, the azure mare began to sing in a low tone, looking at the wall behind him.

"My name it means nothing, my fortune is less."

Shining cleared his throat. "Well, it doesn't really matter. It says here that you were a travelling showmare, correct?"

"I have dealt in mysteries, and trickery of life to entertain, looked into the abyss, called it by it's name."

"Miss... Trixie, do you realize you are charged with very serious crimes?"

"Destruction of the empty spaces is my one and only crime."

Shining Armor was getting impatient. Her singing started to get on his nerves.

"So you feel completely innocent, then?"

"I must have dreamed a thousand dreams, they're haunted by a million screams."

Is she going to play like that? He noticed that she seemed to sing something relevant to the questions. So, if she follows that pattern, he just has to decode her songs.

"Could you tell me what happened during the Ursa attacks?" he asked, looking at Trixie expectantly. The answer came quick and cold.

"No."

The stallion lost his composure. "I am trying to help you!"

"Help Gobbles by sating her burning desire. Give her a kiss." the mare replied, looking uninterested, even though she suggested it. Shining Armor frowned.

"I'm married. And I meant helping to clear your name by uncovering what happened."

"Then you are wasting your time." the bitter answer came.

"Tell me something! Anything! This says here that you sustained injury while being captured. How did that happen?"

Trixie, for the first time, looked at Shining Armor. A glint appeared in her eyes, and her voice became abnormally happy. A disturbing smile slowly crept up on her place.

"Oh, that is easy. During the chase, Strong Walls pleaded Gobbles at lengths, so that she would surrender quietly, reminding her many times the gentleness he was going to utilize if she obliged. But Gobbles did not listen to him, no, she went ahead and shot herself in the hoof with their capturing weapon! Then she proceeded to hit his hoof repeatedly with her muzzle, teeth and stomach."

Shining stared at Trixie. She returned his stare, without a blink. Her grin was more like a predator's toothy warning than a smile.

"He hurt you after you were already apprehended? Why didn't you tell somepony?"

The answer came with a dead look, coated with the purest of spleen. "Whom?"

Shining was about to ask something, when the door opened, and Rainbow entered. She shot him a warm smile. "I spoke with Rarity."

"I did, too. I will be protecting her tomorrow while she's going to testify. I hope we can sort this mess out."

"Can I ask something? What is all this discrimination against blue ponies?"

"It seems to originate from a certain booklet. Informants say it contains alleged proof that ponies with the color blue have some kind of... inborn tendency to commit crimes. I do not know how long have they been spreading around, but everypony agrees that they have been around for more than a month, and they are spread throughout the countryside secretly. Sadly, I have not been able to get my hooves on one of them, therefore we are fighting shadows." He sighed. "We're not a step closer to the one distributing them. Maybe your cases' reinvestigation will bring some evidence. I will not question you any further today. Your testimony would mean little at this point, because Miss Rarity's is more accurate, and contains everything you might've said."

Rainbow nodded. "Okay. Tell Cadence I said hi. And I know this stuff's crazy, but you can solve it, right?"

"I will, and yes, I won't betray your trust. It seems something big is going on, but I can't place my hoof on it yet. These three murder cases, in such short succession... my guts tell me that you are innocent. Even Trixie." He motioned towards the unmoving mare. "But I have absolutely no idea who would profit from it. Miss Rarity is the key here."

He looked at the clock. "I'm afraid I have to leave you now, but I promise to come back tomorrow. Your cases might be connected; maybe not the perpetrators, but the mastermind is the same, I'm convinced. I'd like to press further, but the city is a panicking mess. Colorism seems to have spread into our fair city too, I'm afraid. There might be an uprising, or an attack from outsiders, using the confusion to their advantage. I will leave now. Good night."

Vinyl and Rainbow said their their goodbyes, Trixie simply nodded. However, when Shining Armor was out of earshot, she started singing again, in a sad tone.

"He's searching for the answer now. It's something that he's managed to avoid, up till now. The convinction that he craves, he needs to find the answer sooner or later."

Rainbow looked at her, surprised.

"Why are you singing?"

"Because otherwise Gobbles would cry."

_______________________________________________________________________________

They were quickly hauled back to their cell. Vinyl looked upon a bedsheet, and sighed.

"It seems I'll stay here. Nopony would let me in anywhere else, anyway."

"Wonderful!" Trixie clapped. "Gobbles will take good care of you!"

"Can't say I'm looking forward to it." the DJ replied, less than enthuasistic.

They went to have a shower. Rainbow noticed that all the inmates they encountered there kept a large distance from Trixie, who didn't seem to care about anything in the world. Nevertheless, the showering passed without further ado.

"Back to your cells, motherbuckin' bastards!" a voice crackled from the speakers on the walls, presumably Strong Walls', "Curfew's on."

They trotted back to their cell, Rainbow and Vinyl immediately jumping on their bed, but Trixie sat before the mirror, combing her mane. She was clearly bad at it, maybe on the account of using her hooves, not her magic. To the tired pegasus, it seemed that with every stroke, her mane became more and more unkempt. Soon the showmare got tired of it, and put up a spare sheet on the cell door, blocking out most of the incoming lights. Then she made her way to Rainbow, and leaned over her. Rainbow's heart skipped a beat. Oh hay, this mare is going to do... things to her? She saw her silhouette closing in, pursing her lips... then she felt the unicorn give a peck on her face. She was dumbfounded.

"G'night, Spectrum." Trixie whispered, and left.

Rainbow heard a smooch coming from the direction of Vinyl. The DJ giggled, and wished good night too. Rainbow lightened up, and let her consciousness slowly fade away. Tomorrow, everything will be different.

Interlude 2: Night Mare

Princess Celestia restlessly paced in the throne room. The bright windows, the finely carved marble coloumns adorned with crystal pony symbols and sculptures, the soft, red carpet's touch usually soothed her. But not now. She was overwhelmed with the events happening in the near past. Rainbow Dash causing a large-scale catastrophe, reports of various crimes from the countryside, and now Shining Armor... Her thoughts wandered to Cadence, and felt tears well up in her eyes.

As if sensing her distraught, a dark blue shadow emerged softly behind her.

"Sister? Are you all right?"

Celestia swallowed her tears.

"No, Luna, I'm not all right. The country is eating itself. Ponies accuse their blue-colored brethren, crimes have been committed, of magnitude that this country has not seen centuries ago, and the nobles are at my door, demanding ridiculous decrees to be announced. And here I am, with the power to move the sun, or burn a whole village; a memory with many thousand years' knowledge, and I can't do a thing!"

Luna stepped beside her, and gently nuzzled the white alicorn, her whole person radiating care and affection for her sister. Celestia felt she needed her comfort as much as oxygen. Her sister's silent support shall soothe her fears and worries, showing that she's not alone. Not anymore.

"Let them in, Tia." Luna nudged her gently. "Hear them out, show that you care for them, but don't forget the pressing matters. We must act before the masses take judgement in their own hooves. That never proved to be... civilized."

Celestia smiled weakly at her sister.

"Thank you Lunny. And I'm sorry. Even though it's you who has not slept since yesterday, here I am, panicking like a filly, and relying on you for even the simplest of thinking."

Luna shared her smile.

"We could not be happier with our relation. Is that not clear?" she teased.

The elder alicorn playfully punched the younger's shoulder, and lit up her horn. Years of their service to the crown made it possible to create her own code language with the guards. This particular spell ordered them to let in her subjects. Sighing barely audible, she reminded herself that after she heard out the probably presumptous and prejudical petitions, she'd still have to deal with ponies taking judgement in their own hooves.

She paced back to her throne, motioning Luna to take her place. It was a hard battle with her sister, many debates and reasons brought up, but she finally managed to convince her to hold court beside her, on a same-sized throne. It has been set up only a few weeks ago. Strangely enough, her sister always insisted that her throne would be smaller. Celestia refused, knowing it would seem to ponies that she considered herself better than Luna.

The doors creaked open ("My, I've got to have somepony apply some oil to them!"), and a delegation of ponies entered. The one leading them was... Blueblood? No, that can't be. The stallion was unable to talk to anypony for more than a minute before alienating them. No, he must come first because he thinks he is more important than all of the others combined again.

Her assumptions seemed to prove correct, because the prince stepped forward, while the others stayed back. He came close to the throne, closer than the etiquette would prompt. His expression seemed dark, his mane was unkempt, and there were bags under his eyes. Celestia perked up. She has not seen him this... untidy since he was a foal. He bowed before them.

"Dearest Aunt. Princess Luna." the stallion nodded to her sister. It can't be helped. Luna was a stranger to Blueblood, there was never any chance for them to become closer. Frankly, neither of them tried that hard to meet the other. Celestia sighed.

"Welcome, dearest nephew. What is it you wish to discuss?"

The unicorn looked in her eye. She did not like it. It was like he was burdened with knowledge he'd rather forget—a look she often found on the face in the mirror.

"I came to clarify," he began, his voice strangely raspy, as if he shouted his normal tone away, "that I have absolutely nothing to do with the idea the others will present to you. I'd also like to point out, that I despise the very thought, and never wanted it to happen."

He looked at Luna, sadness overcoming his features, raising a hoof to touch her, but ultimately dropping it, and walking away. Celestia blinked. His nephew usually shouted loudly during court, interrupting speeches whenever he felt he should show his disapprovement. She eyed the leader of the group, who was now standing before her. His name was Golden Coin, a well-built earth pony with a yellow coat, orange mane and tail, and a shiny golden coin, reminding the princess of the currency in Saddle Arabia, as his cutie mark. He came from a long line of nobles, and was involved in politics since he was a colt. If he steps out, heads will roll, figuratively or literally.

"Our most benevolent Princess, the mares and stallions of the court have trusted me to present our urgent request to Your Majesty."

"Speak, Golden Coin. Tell me the wish of my council."

"With all respect to the crown, we request that you banish Princess Luna."

If there was a crowd, it surely would have began murmuring now. But since it was only the court and the princesses, there only was a deadly silence. Princess Celestia rolled her eyes. This again?

"I think we have discussed this at lengths, councilstallion Coin. Night Mare Moon is no longer—"

"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty." the stallion interrupted. "We do not wish that you banish her on account of her being Night Mare Moon, but that is indeed a part of it, yes."

"Then what is your reason?" Celestia asked, increasingly worried. Luna made no comment to this.

"We request her banishment because she is blue, therefore she is inherently evil."

Celestia was dumbstruck. Sure, there were rumors about this madness reaching Canterlot; threats and general distrust towards blue ponies, but this? Open, uncloaked colorism? In court, no less. She could consider this as high treason, put the whole council in jail for insulting Luna! Her gaze fell upon her sister. She saw not a speck of anger in her eyes, sadness rather.

"Your Majesty," the stallion continued, "the recent events have clearly shown all around our country that blues cannot be trusted. For our safety, please banish Princess Luna, so that her inevitable murderous rage would not harm Equestria."

Celestia's voice was as cold as ice. "Inevitable?! What proof do you have for this nonsense?"

The stallion did not seem the least bit fazed by her request. He produced a small book.

"These have been sent to all of the council members, Your Majesty. We investigated a bit, and it seems that they are distributed nationwide."

Celestia took the book. "By whom?"

"Everypony." Coin replied.

Celestia flipped the pages. They were full of a neat, unfamiliar hoofwriting. Waves of hate radiated from each spite-filled line. The unknown author made a very logical argument, citing historical facts and statistics, not leaving out the recent events that shocked Equestria. This book would surely bring chaos and disorder to any country, at least to it's blue residents. If this indeed was distributed nationwide...

Golden Coin, noticing that she finished skimming through the pages, cleared his throat. "Well? Are you convinced now, your majesty? Are you ready to protect the country, or should I bring up the two incidents where Princess Luna... failed to show up? The return of Discord and the changeling invasion?"

Celestia looked at him, not believing the whole situation. Individuals always came to her to ask for her sister's banishment, but the whole court?

"And you all just agreed to it? The whole council?"

"Well, most of us did, the few who did not, left. Oh, Prince Bl— I mean, Prince Redblood shouted the biggest amount of insults at us when we discussed the case. Thankfully, his stupid objections were overruled by the combined might of us reasonable court members. Quite interesting, if I may add, knowing that he himself changed his name to ensure he won't be disturbed because his former name."

Celestia stared at him. Anger built up in her. Why should she tolerate these insults to Luna any longer? In her long life, she was the closest to publicly execute somepony right then. Burning him alive would send a message to these arrogant, selfish—

"Dearest sister, if I may?" Luna spoke up softly, instantly filling Celestia with warmth and shame; shame for thinking such thoughts. Luna stepped forward.

"Our beloved subjects! The charges you claim are heavy, but your reasoning is wrong from the beginning. Nopony should be discriminated because of their age, looks, gender, weight or race. Your concerns are unneeded, for I would never hurt my precious ponies."

Celestia smiled. Luna's innocence should be shining as bright as the sun.

"However," Luna continued, "if my word is not enough for you, I understand. For a thousand years I have been nothing, but a shadow of myself, longing to expel daylight from Equestria. Sister," she said, turning to Celestia, her expression changing to serious. "bring forth the Elements of Harmony. The safety of our people demands that I am banished back to the moon. Even though I am innocent, only this will prove our confused ponies that I have nothing to do with this."

Celestia looked at her sister in disbelief. Luna seemed determined, and by Eternus' wisdom, there is nothing more stubborn than Luna when she had made up her mind, not even the whole donkey race combined together.

"I—"

"Do not worry, dearest sister." Luna smiled at her. "I do not blame anypony present for this. Adhere to your royal duties."

"If I might interrupt, we ordered the guards to retrieve the elements using the emergency retrieval method. They have already brought them here." Golden Coin said, pointing to a guardspony carrying a fine jewel box. Celestia, as in a trance used her magic to open it, and collect the jewelry inside— the Elements of Harmony. They started to float around her, whirling in a colorful dance, shining ever brighter. The ponies stepped back, only she and Luna stood near the throne. The dark alicorn nodded at her elder sister approvingly. The Elements began to glow.

Celestia could not take her eyes off her sister, who just smiled when the Elements finally emitted their trademark rainbow. As their magic enveloped her, she looked deep into Celestia's eyes, and formed four words with her mouth. "I love you, sister." The rainbow washed through her, making her fade away quickly, taking course through a window. In a moment, nothing remained where the Night Princess stood.

Celestia walked to the balcony, mustering all her self control not to drop her elegant, royal manner, and storm out the throne room. After what felt two eternities, she finally arrived outside, gazing at the sky. The sun was soon to be set anyway, her subjects will have to handle a longer night. She gathered her magic, and lowered the sun. Then, with mutilating dread, she proceeded to raise the moon. An all-too familiar figure adorned it's surface. Staring at it, she felt like a thousand years ago, the pain only stronger. This time, she shouldn't have been banished.

"Mylady." she heard the voice of the councilpony, "We should head back, to discuss the security measures used against blue scum."

A dangerous glint appeared in Celestia's eyes.

"Oh, I know what I'm going to do with them."

Chapter three (continued): ... and nightmare

Rainbow Dash ran for her life, a life she felt rapidly fading away. Her thoughts only focused on escape, not what comes after that. Bleeding heavily from her lost wings and ear, she wasn't sure if she could make it. She bolted through a barricade of vines, and arrived at a familiar place, lit by the moon adorned with Luna's visage. She panted heavily, each step bringing her closer to final exhaustion. With a final push, the pegasus stumbled inside the dreaded ruins, loudly collapsing near the entrance. Bright colors and intricate shapes flashed before her eyes. She knew she was dying.

The swirling vortex took a more familiar form. Rainbow laughed manically.

"So I'm seeing Luna's ghost now? I must be dead already."

"No, child, you are alive," the mirage answered, "but I have little to do beside hearing your last words. What fate has befallen you?"

"They got me... no, us. The others all fell, after we stopped to bury Trixie. The search parties caught us."

The image before her seemed sad. "If only I had known. Alas, I was here, in solistice, unaware of your plight. It is my fault."

Rainbow shook her head. "No, that's not true. We wasted too much time arguing before we tried to find a doctor for Trixie. It was all in vain. And it was all my fault."

"Fate is cruel, my little pony. I was here all along, meditating on the past, while your friends were dying because of injustice."

Rainbow groaned. The answer was here all along, with this mirage. She felt something stop inside her body. The pain became unbearable for a moment, then it all stopped, and Rainbow Dash passed away.

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"Rainbow! Wake up! Rainbow!" a desperate cry echoed. Her eyes popped open, and she shrieked loudly for the horrors she had seen. She saw Vinyl standing above her, looking at her with worried eyes, Trixie, glaring from the broken mirror she was sitting in front of, even Shining Armor perked up his head, looking somewhat determined and surprised, but infinitely sad, also.

Rainbow jumped out of her bed, and inspected her back. Two cyan-colored wings were flapping on her back. The number of wings on her back was two. She did not observe not two wings placed upon her shoulders. Still under the effect of her dream, she slowly walked behind Trixie. The unicorn turned to her, looking bored.

"What is it, Spectrum? Gobbles is busy."

Rainbow poked her. The unicorn blinked in surprise, but before she could react, the pegasus embreced her in a tight hug, sobbing loudly. Trixie froze for a second, but then returned the hug awkwardly.

"What's the matter, Spectrum?" she asked unusually soft, "Had a nightmare?"

The pegasus let go of her, sniffing. "I had a dream... you were dead. All of you. But Trixie, for your death, I somehow felt responsible. I couldn't save you."

Trixie shrugged. "Well, Gobbles is not immortal, so she will die sooner or later. Maybe sooner than she deserves."

Vinyl turned to Shining, who was rubbing his temples with his front hooves, and had a generally pained expression.

"Hey, uh, glad to see that you've regained your senses. Could you divulge us into what happened, too?"

"Wait, Vinyl." Rainbow objected. "You've seen how he was yesterday, we can't put him through that again!"

Shining Armor shook his head.

"I thank you for your concern, Miss Dash, but I think it is way due time somepony knows the truth... no matter how hard it is for me. I must be strong, for the sake of Equestria."

"Equestria? We're talking about you, not the country."

"I think you will realise this is about bigger things here, after I explained the events that occured."

"Hey, not to interrupt or anything, dude, but you don't hafta 'Miss' me all the time. Just call me Vinyl."

"Yeah, it's not like we haven't met before." added Rainbow.

"Well, all right." Shining got off the bed, stretching his legs. He froze when a thought entered his mind. "Please, before we start, could somepony explain how I got into bed? My memory is a bit blurry for the afternoon."

"Oh, that's easy, Trixie put you in there." Vinyl replied.

The Stallion turned to the azure unicorn. "Thank you."

"You can thank Gobbles by not kicking in your sleep. It's not very genlecoltly." She paused to think. "Or you can be the big spoon next time, Gobbles supposes."

The stallion blushed.

"You mean you've slept beside me?!"

Trixie turned to face him.

"Yes, Dented Shield, that happened. You just proved to Gobbles that you should not be loved for your quick thinking. Oh well, there is always horn size!"

The stallion eyed her in suspicion, ignoring the last part.

"Why do you call me that particular name?"

"Don't mind her, she does that. Nicknaming, I mean." Vinyl interjected. "What is important is that you finally tell us what the hay are you doing here!"

Shining's features showed incredible sorrow. "All right, it is time I tell you what happened yesterday. I have to warn you, however, I will only explain this once, because it pains me greatly just to think about it. It started yesterday morning..."

Interlude 3: Shining Armor

I woke up suddenly, to the sound of the guards marching in front of our mansion. I opened my eyes lazily, and was greeted by the sight of my beautiful wife curled up to me, breathing lightly, with a hint of a smile on her face. I felt incredibly happy just for being able to spend my free time with the pony I love, even in these troubled times. She suddenly perked up, noticing I was awake, and looked me directly in the eye.

"Good morning, Shiny." she purred.

I reached out, and welcomed her embrace a second later. I let myself forget about my worries in a deep kiss. I pulled away, too soon for my stirred senses.

"You were more eager than this last night." Cadence teased.

"Cadie, I'm soon off to escort the witness to questioning. Also, I'm incredibly worried about what might go wrong. If Rarity really knows even half of what she claims to know, we'll be hot on the tail of a criminal, who is trying to set the nation ablaze. Maybe if Rainbow Dash is let out, they will agree to investigate the DJ's case more thoroughly."

"And the third one? The unicorn who was abused by the warden?"

I sighed. "Honestly, I don't know. She has not told me anything usable. The only facts we know are that there were three small communities, not even worthy of the title of a village, that were found slaughtered by an Ursa Major. She was caught at the crime scene, where the director supposedly injured her severely. Nothing about the part she played in it."

"I believe in her innocence, Shiny." she said firmly.

"Then I will believe in her, too." I replied, snuggling closer.

"Weren't you worried about being late just a minute ago?" Cadence asked me playfully.

I sighed. "Yes, I was, and I still am, but that's not all to it. If Rarity is an important witness in this case, and if that fact somehow got out... she will need every protection she can get."

"Then let me help you guard her."

I furrowed my brow. "We have talked about this, Cadie. I'm not going to put you in such danger, no matter how close the pony is to you. I couldn't bear to see something happen to you."

"Let's look at this from an another perspective, then. Whom do you suspect to attack?"

"Chrysalis." I answered without a second thought.

"You see?" Cadence pointed out, "if it isChrysalis, you need me to defeat her. And if not... Is there a pony in the employment of the nobility that could penetrate your defensive spell?"

"No, there isn't." I puffed my chest with pride. "Nopony can break my shield. Still..."

I was interrupted by her hooves closing my lips.

"Shiny, don't worry. I want to help you protect her. Why are you worried, even? Your abilities were praised by all of your teachers."

"Because..." I sighed. "Because Rarity was teleported away yesterday, by Princess Celestia herself, to a place only she knows of. Today, I'm supposed to get a telepathic message from her any minute now, which will tell me where to go to get her, as it is impossible for the princesses to simply teleport her to the scene, because the truth spell requires their full attention to maintain. Casting a teleport spell could mess up the whole preparation. And an ambush can easily set up, based on my movement, or on the way back, while I'm escorting her to the court. We will move with a small guard battallion, who received training fit for elites."

While I was talking, she went to our dressing room, and made some infernal noises, whose existence I couldn't even begin to comprehend. When she finally came out, she was wearing a protective armor I had a craftspony specifically make for her. It offered the finest protection for somepony of her stature.

She struck a menacing pose. "How do I look?"

"Like a bloodthirsty kitten." I laughed. She smiled with me. I could tell the amount of her resolve, because she refused to even try on that armor before. As if to a cue, Rarity's location popped into my mind.

"Fancypants? Really?" I called out loud, without thinking.

"Why?" she asked. "He's as good as anypony else."

"Yeah," I replied sheepishly, "but with the unrest recently, and the animosity towards blue-colored ponies, he could be in grave danger."

"Shiny, relax. Nopony even knows that she's been staying there since yesterday."

I sighed. "I guess you're right. I'll get ready, the boys should be here soon."

I donned the signature armor of the Guard Captain, and not a moment too soon. The five elite guards have arrived, clad in heavy armor, styled heavily after ancient cavalry. I greeted them, and we took formation, Cadence in the middle; we began to head to Fancypants' manor, alert for any kind of danger.

Curiously, the streets were empty, a gift I was thankful for; would-be assasins could hide themselves away harder. We soon reached the Fancypants estate, a rather large, Trottingham style mansion standing in a spacious garden, with the unmistakeable bush labyrinth that usually signalled the owner is rich enough to buy them. Personally, I always found them useless. Why create a place for assailants to hide on your own volition?

Some of the Lunar Guard were already standing there. I suppose they were ordered to guard the place for the night, just in case. Their leader, Night Shade, an older, but surprisingly swift unicorn with dark, almost blackish brown coat and purple mane, with streams of grey in it, stepped forward. I let him cast his signature spell, which he used to identify me. You see, he is blind. But his special talent is perception, as his cutie mark represents: a magifying glass. He is the elite of the elite in night actions— the fact that in pitch black darkness he has an advantage made him a fearful fighter. That does not mean he was helpless against opponents who could see clearly; he had a nasty arsenal of tricks to temporarily blind his enemies.

"All right, Captain Shining Armor, the witness is ready to be escorted. She's located in the tea room at the present time." I wondered if he has fun like that, too: straight to the point.

"Lead the way, Liutenant." I replied, while signalling my ponies and Cadence to wait outside. When we stepped inside, I shot a friendly smile towards him. Even though I was younger, I was a captain, and him a lieutant. While others would take offense to it, he simply accepted the fact I was appointed without any normal means of advancement; in turn, I often listened to his advice and observations.

"So, how's your family?"

He looked concerned.

"We strongly suspect with my wife that our young foal might go blind soon. I would not be worried normally, because I became blind quite early, too, but the kid has not yet earned a cutie mark yet. It'd be a shame if he only inherited my blindness, and not the way I was able to overcome it."

I looked at him, surprised. "You're unusually talkative today."

He grunted. "Yeah, boy. I'm on the edge. This whole new 'blue represents evil' stuff is horseapples. Yet some stupid ponies still believe it."

"So you don't?"

He stopped, turning to me, and locking my eyes in his sightless gray gaze.

"Listen here, boy, when you feel, and not see most of the world outside, you realise there is no pattern. No rules. You could search for a lifetime, and you would still. Find. Nothing. Being good or bad is a personal choice... or for the insane, a personal fault."

"I'm glad you feel that way." I replied. "Sometimes I feel only Cadence supports me against this newfound prejudice."

Night Shade snorted.

"Boy, nothing I say here will reach anypony's ear. I have a strong feeling of justice, but I also have a family. I ain't going to express my opinions if it may hurt them."

I laughed. "Didn't expect you to. Family first."

He looked at me with a less grim expression.

"That reminds me, how's your father?"

My smile was replaced with a concerned expression.

"He was threatened a few times already. I think some noble is playing some scheme here, trying to get under my skin."

"Don't give in to them, boy. Nobles are a rotten bunch."

We arrived to a richly decorated door. I could swear it was made from platinum, the way it glimmered. Night Shade turned to me, and lowered his voice.

"This is where we part ways. My Night Guards are tired, so we will leave immediately. Don't let Chrysalis win this one."

I gasped, and lowered my voice, too. "You also think this is her work?"

"Not publicly. Luna be with you."

"Luna be with you." I repeated the ancient greeting of the Night Guard. He left silently and swiftly, making sure to evade the fancy carpet whereever he could. I knocked on the door, and entered, without waiting for a response. Three white unicorns sat around a tea-table, but the only stallion amongst them stood up.

"I say, Captain Sparkle, what a pleasant surprise!" a familiar voice greeted me. Fancypants stepped forward, and extended a hoof. Without a second thought, I shook it.

"It's nice to meet you too, Sir Fancypants. Pity that it's such a gruesome occassion."

"Yes, I can say that we are terribly concerned with these reports of unrest. Aren't we, darling?" he asked, turning to his wife, Fleur de Lys.

"I agree, this recent crime spree does not look promising."

I looked at Fleur with more interest. Was that dissatisfaction I saw in her eyes? Was she keeping her distance from her husband? I waved away my doubts. She has known him since ages, surely she won't give heed to these stupid rumors; she will stay beside him, like Cadie, who believes in me.

"Ready to go, Miss Belle?" I asked Twilie's friend.

"Yes, let us depart at once. And please, call me Rarity." she smiled. "Sweetie Belle is my sister. I don't use my last name."

I felt myself redden with shame. "M-my apologies."

She let out an elegant chuckle. "Let us go."

I waved goodbye to our hosts, and led Rarity to my troop. As soon as we stepped out of the mansion, they took formation. We joined them, and departed for Canterlot Court. Cadence and I were on the lead, nuzzle by nuzzle. Rarity followed suit, surrounded from both sides and her back with guards. I was incredibly tense. Maybe that was the reason I stopped when we were halfway there. The streets were empty, courtesy of Princess Celestia issuing a decree the day before yesterday; not a single soul could be seen on the streets. Despite that, every fiber of my being screamed danger.

"Formation!" I yelled. The guards immediately turned their backs to Rarity, readying their spears. I erected one of the strongest barriers I ever produced. Cadence strengthened my magic, pouring her power into me, while her eyes darted around, trying to notice anything amiss. Curiously, she did not have to look for long. Seven figures stepped out of an alleyway, all clad in black, leather-like outfits. One of them was clearly a griffon, the others looked like unicorns. The griffon immediately charged at us, but my shield fully absorbed his attack, causing him to stammer back nearly to the hoof of the others. His movement was strange, sometimes pausing in the middle of movement, as if he forced himself to remember how to move. One of my guards threw a spear at him, and surprisingly, he did not seem to do anything to evade it. The sharp metal pierced his chest, and he fell to the ground, unmoving.

It was only by this time that I realised the other assasins charged their horns during this interlude. My shield is strong, but if they can shoot it in unison... there was a slight chance my shield could have been cracked. Cadence seemed to think the same, because she poured even more of her magic into me, as if readying me for the clash of magics. I put full power up front.

Then, time seemed to slow for me. These 'assasins' charged themselves too long. Realization kicked in. I tried to turn around, but it was too late. I couldn't. Somehow, as I was concentrating on the black figures, something... unnatural entered my body. An alien magic, numbing my body, taking control of my powers. But it also did something else... It caused me to see through the eyes of the killer, too. I saw ourselves, and the deadly contraption before his eyes (her eyes?). Another wave of dominant magic, and I felt the back of my shield disperse. The guards were surprised at this, and I saw them panic through those twisted eyes. I wanted to scream, to tell them to get out of the way, to push them aside, but I couldn't. I watched helplessly, as the machine suddenly shot out about two dozens of sharp metal pieces. I could not close my eyes, and even if I somehow managed to, the killer kept a close watch on what happened. The blades pierced the guards' and Rarity's body, killing them instantly. I felt pain, but it only grazed my shoulder.

Time was still slow for me. It felt like an hour until the others died, and the blades reaching Cadence. Red mist filled my mind. Not Cadence! She can't be harmed, even if it's the last thing I do!

Somehow, I managed to shake off the force stopping my movement. Maybe it was indeed my love for Cadence, maybe the mysterious shadow had anticipated this. Whichever was the cause, I lunged for her, however while doing so, I completely dropped my shield. At that exact moment, one of the unicorns in black finally shot his magic. It hit me on the side, and I fell to the ground, now immobilized not by an outer force, but pain. I could only watch in terror, as Cadence was pierced by the remaining metal pieces, and collapsed lifelessly. I felt a piece of me die there.

As if to a cue, i felt the presence completely let go of me. Before his (her?) gaze faded away, however, I saw him (her?) incinerate his (her?) own infernal contraption with a storm of fire. Then, the connection faded, and I had no idea where that despicable creature disappeared to.

Refusing to accept reality, I fought against myself, declining to look at Cadence, and admit that she was indeed dead. I turned my attention to the unicorns, rather, whom have already closed in, surrounding their fallen griffon friend. Before I could get up, they blew themselves up. That is right, the remaining unicorns' energy was released in a large explosion, that tore them apart to little pieces. The sound of the explosion, and the sight of the bloody chunks was burned within my memory forever.

Not a minute later, we were surrounded by guards, ones I did not know. They were lead by a noble, who was unfamiliar to me, too. He was dark green, and rather slim-built, sporting an orange mane and a goatee. His cutie mark was not obstructed by his fancy vest: an open book.

One of the guards checked my battallion. "All dead." he exclaimed. "Except the captain."

"Guards, arrest him!" the noble cried.

I saw a hoof close in, and gave up my consciousness.

Chapter four: Plans of the wicked, and the worried

Shining Armor finished his story. The three mares sat near him, not saying a word. Two of them because they were quite struck with recent events, one seemingly not caring about anything. Finally, Vinyl spoke up.

"Sooo... What are the charges?"

"Neglection of duty, manipulating defense faculties to ensure the death of my companions, and destruction of evidence." The stallion's face was hard to read, as if he decided to strengthen himself, and concentrate only on others' problems, not his own ones.

"What?!" Rainbow yelled.

"They think I purposely let my shield dissipate, so the others would die."

"No, no, no, no,nonononononono,noooooooooooo!" Rainbow broke out in a scream. Tears fell from her eyes, and she collapsed on her bed. "I-I can't believe it! Cadence and Rarity... No!"

Her voice dissipated into loud sobs and cries, and she buried her face in her hooves.

"Shhh, it's all right." Vinyl said, gently caressing her back with a hoof, trying her best to comfort her. "Be strong, Rainbow." She turned to Shining. "What should we do now?"

"Gobbles is glad you asked, Throat!" the silent-till-now showmare interjected. She waited until she got all of their attention, then grinned manically. "Gobbles thinks our little merry group of destroyers should break out of this prison!"

"Yeah, right." Rainbow mumbled to herself, her tears slowly drying up, "You and what army?" She dropped her jaw when she saw Shining nod in agreement.

"I hate to say it, but she is right." he spoke softly. "Somepony, or someling is hurting our beloved. If we don't get out of here, they can freely continue their rampage, and blame a handily appearing blue pony for it. We need to prove our innocence, but we can hardly do that with that sadistic director constantly bothering us."

"Um, I think the expression you're looking for is 'crush to tiny pieces', not 'bother'. Besides, uh... whatsyourname, Shining?" Vinyl interjected. "Have you forgotten that Rainbow just broke her wings? Or the little fact that our horns have limiters?"

"Limiters?" Rainbow did not understand a word.

The DJ parted her mane, and showed the pegasus a dark ring at thebase of her horn. Shining did the same. "These suppress a unicorn's connection to magic. Until we can get these off, technically speaking, we're magic-free. Didn't you notice them until now?"

"Uh, I don't exactly go around looking at unicorns' horns all day, y'know." She furrowed her brow suddenly in suspicion. "Wait just a sec, Trixie does not have one of those!"

The two white unicorns stared at the showmare. She looked back at them blankly.

"What? Is there something on Gobbles' face?"

"Why don't you have one of those thingies on your horn?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh, so you don't check out others' horns, only Gobbles'? Should she feel flattered by your caring attention, Spectrum?" Rainbow recoiled a little, blushing.

"How, pray tell, did you manage to get rid of it?" interjected Shining in a menacing tone.

"Funny you should ask, Shield..." Trixie started.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Sturdy Spear neared the end of his wits. This new prisoner was captured an hour ago, completely exhausted, her hoof bleeding through her bandages since, and somehow, she still managed to slip out from her limiter the fifth time, and he couldn't figure out for his life why. If this continues, he could be in serious trouble.

Currently, only he was guarding the blue mare in the prison wagon, that has been outdated at least since a decade. The covering sheet was ragged, the whole thing creaked, and it just radiated splinters— he'd already gotten a few in his hoof. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary on her. Sparkling azure coat, eyes of a bewitching dark purple... she clearly does not fit around these parts. Still, it wouldn't be worthy of mention even, if only her hoofcuffs could keep her still, and no magic would come into the picture. But magic was there, because somehow she took that Celestia-damned bear to the settlements— and that would be a very powerful spell indeed. What the hay was he supposed to do with her? At least the unicorn did not move an inch, which was not surprising, considering her rickety state. Although she was found with an alarming lack of wounds, somehow her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she left drops of blood everywhere. Where did that blood come from?

The cart's dark cover flipped, and the head warden entered. Before the two of them could exchange a single word, the prisoner sprang up, her limiter flying away in a long arc from her, and cast a spell on Strong Walls. Or she would have, but all she could produce were sparks, and an audible fizzle. She kept trying and trying, while the director closed in their distance, smiling sadistically. He suddenly hit the engrossed unicorn on her crackling horn, and made her cry out in pain. As if that was not enough, he kicked her over and over again, with bloodlust clearly visible, until she curled up to a ball, sobbing. Only then he stopped.

"So, what do ya have ta say fer yerself, eh?" he asked her. The mare looked up, her eyes and expression anything, but clear.

"You messed up the tea party, Binky. You should be ashamed, not stuffing your mouth with cake." she said in a monotone voice. The head warden laughed.

"Now this 'un won't cause more trouble." He turned to the stray limiter. "How exactly is this crap not on her horn, huh, Spear?"

"Sir, somehow she gotten rid of it every time I put it on her. It has gone on six times now." the grey pegasus replied, hiding the animosity in his voice. Strong Walls paused to think.

"Doesn't matter. She couldn't shoot me here and now, so I guess her horn's not working properly anymore. Yer off the hook this time, guard."

"Thank you, Sir." the pegasus replied, keeping it professional, in case if others could overhear. "I will reapply the limiter now."

"Forget it, Spear. She can't cast spells, and will take it off again to spite us. Sadly, I can't chop her up to tiny little pieces, but that's fine. If ya wanna do any good, kick her sometimes, so she'll learn her place."

Spear watched the earth pony leave. He then poked out his head, and made sure he was gone. The mare was coughing, occassionally a trail of blood noticeably dripping from her mouth. The pegasus took out his canteen, and offered it to the mare. She eyed him suspiciously,but then her thirst finally overcame her caution, and nearly gulped down the whole ration in one sip. When she finished, he took it from her, and put it away. The mare finally spoke.

"Thank you."

He looked at her, hesitation in his eyes.

"You're a murderer. I should feel hatred towards you, nothing else. Not pity."

"Maybe;" the mare replied. "but then you would be the same as him: a heartless pony, freely abusing those whom nopony cares for."

Sturdy Spear shrugged. If only THAT would not be in Strong Walls' hoof, he would not have to obey him. But the time will come, when he will be able to expose the warden.

________________________________________________________________________________

"And you believe the time is right, warden Spear?"

Celestia was bored with his story. In the past day, many ponies came seeking her, claiming to have some dirt on their blue-colored neighbours, co-workers, or associates. Her plan will take a week to be fully operational, and then the blue problem will be solved. Mostly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. He has gone too far."

"And let me guess." Celestia let disgust show on her face, "he is an evil, evil blue pony, and you are doing your civic duty by telling on him."

"No, Your Majesty. He is not blue in any way, but a dangerous pony, who enjoys hurting others."

The princess perked up with more interest. "Then what, pray tell, kept you from turning him in?"

The warden looked ashamed.

“He... blackmailed me. If I didn't do what he ordered, he would expose his collected facts to the public."

Celestia mused on the 'collected facts' part, but decided to let it go.

“So, why rat on him now?"

The grey pegasus looked determined. "I don't care about consequences anymore, Your Majesty. I feel there are a lot of things burdening my conscience, but none of them more shameful what he made me do. It is better I stop it, and start atoning for them now."

"What did he make you do?"

"Stand guard while he 'punishes' the prisoners, keep quiet about it, and sometimes lie if an inmate really attacked him first."

"Did you participate in hurting them?"

The stallion made a grim face.

"Maybe it is hard to believe, but I have some honor left in me. I don't hurt others for the sake of causing pain, Your Majesty."

"Very well, Sturdy Spear. I shall grant your request, and accompany you to meet and expose him."

"If I may interject, Your Majesty, Strong Walls locks himself in his office for the night. I usually wake him up in the morning, when my shift starts."

Celestia raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know why he does that." said the stallion, anticipating her question. "Maybe to spite me with having to get up early. It doesn't really matter to me. I like sunrises."

"Warden Spear, are you flirting with me?"

The pegasus produced a blush more intense than if he was set on fire.

"N-no, Your Majesty, I-I just wanted to explain my reasons."

Celestia produced a slight smile, the first sign of her self shining through her cold demeanor.

"Relax, my little pony. I just teased you a little. Why is it important that he locks himself inside?"

"It might be easier to confront him when he's not fully awake yet, so he can't depose of any possible evidence."

Celestia sat thinking for a moment, then she looked deep into the warden's eyes.

"So be it, warden Spear. I hope this will be worth my time."

________________________________________________________________________________

"Awww, c'mon! This just means you can't use magic either." Rainbow whined. The showmare's story was hard to understand, because of her manner of speech, but two things were clear. One: she did not have a limiter. Two: she didn't have one, because she couldn't produce magic to take revenge on the pony she hated most.

Trixie walked to the mirror, picked up her brush, and gave it to Rainbow.

"Here, hold this."

The pegasus took the brush in her mouth. "Aih shill hon' geh ih'."

The blue unicor lit up her horn. Something flashed, and the top of the brush suddenly fell off, with a lock of rainbow-colored hair. The pegasus spat out the now useless brush in surprise. "What the hay?!" she snapped at Trixie. The unicorn smiled knowingly.

"This, Spectrum, is better than a key to the front door. Gobbles tested it, and it can even cut steel. Or some strong walls." she smirked.

"That should give us an edge!" Vinyl beamed. "I'd celebrate this with a bass solo mix, but I seem to lack my stuff."

"W-wait just a second!" stammered Shining, desperate to grab their attention. "It's too soon. We need a proper plan, and I admit, I'm not too usable in that aspect now. I'm confused, because suddenly I'm hated far and wide, and my wife is dead. Even with that, I can see that is not going to work by itself. We should wait a bit, and figure out a plan."

"Oh, sure, Dent." Trixie replied, "Wallow in your incompetence as the one who killed her still roams free."

"I don't suppose you could share it with us hmm?" Shining said with a hint of anger in his voice. "The identity of this murderer, I mean."

"Oh, but Gobbles can, Dent!" Trixie replied victoriously. "It must be the evil sorceress, Twilight Sparkle!"

Shining Armor was blistering with rage.

"She is my sister!"

"Bummer, dude." Vinyl interjected.

Trixie seemed to be shocked by this revelation.

"Fine family you've got there, Shield." she finally managed to groan.

Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, right, let's play the blame game. If you want old wounds brought into this, then I say you were the murderer, because you were a gigantic ASS a few years ago!"

"Oh yeah? And your mother is – "

"ENOUGH!" Shining bellowed. The two mares stopped arguing, and focused on him. "This takes us nowhere."

"Exactly!" Trixie replied. "On the other hoof, this corridor," she said, pointing a hoof outside, "could take us somewhere. To be precise, the director's office."

"Let me get this straight." Shining said, calming down a little. "You want us to get out of this cell, walk undetected to said corridor, and ignore the dozen or so guards on the way to the office?"

"No, Gobbles expects you to take out one, at most two guards for her, while the others are occupied with the riot."

Shining blinked.

"Riot? What riot?"

"Oh yes, Gobbles has not told you yet, has she? They will riot tonight because of the bad food and the hole in the wall. That reminds Gobbles, don't have lunch today. Gobbles might or might not have poured some lamp oil on the vegetables."

The ex-captain understood even less with that explanation.

"Hole in the wall?"

"Oh, nothing fancy, just a small explosive Gobbles put together. It's amazing, as if they don't know what a bomb is made of, they just leave stuff around, them guards! Anyway, it will explode tonight, a little while after the riot starts in the cafeteria."

"OK, I'll give it to you, I remember your fireworks." Rainbow said, ready for a word-fight. "But how do you know when it will explode?"

"Gobbles has to activate it. With her sparkly unicorn horn producing her magnificiently glamourtastic magic!"

"So, to sum it up: your plan is to go to the office, get the director as hostage, then what?"

"Well, if only you haven't been babbling that much, Gobbles would have already let you on the fine details."

"I'm listening." Shining gestured expectantly.

"First, our little group shall wait for Gobbles' Ultimate Diversion Strategy, GUDS for short, to initiate! Then, the Magically Inclined Gobbles will remove the obstacle that is the cell door. After that, our merry group will waltz into the chief warden's office, while you illustrious cellmates of Gobbles fend off the few present guards. Well, Gobbles could do that, too, but she suspects you'd rather they are alive, and in one piece. In the office, we strictly deny Strong Walls' right to a cup of coffee, and cause a bit of mayhem, get some seemingly important documents, and then, as the final glorious moment, we shall relocate ourselves to a more comfy place."

"Like, how?" Vinyl interjected. Trixie swung her hoof.

"Like, this! Do not worry Throat, there is a way, Gobbles just doesn't want you to blurt it out prematurely! Also, you might leave Gobbles here and escape if she told you!"

"I'd never!" Vinyl swore.

"Never leave Gobbles, or never escape?" asked Trixie sarcastically. "So... you in?"

"Isn't there any other choice?" Rainbow shrugged.

The showmare turned to her with a demeaning look, her voice radiating pity. "Sure, you could always stay here, Spectrum, and wait for Strong Walls to test out the flexibility of your bones."

Shining Armor, who listened to all of this without as much as a tingle of muscle, or a disapproving frown, spoke up.

"Could you leave us alone for a moment? We have to come to an agreement with each other before we answer you."

Trixie smiled victoriously.

"Of course, Shield. Gobbles will come back in five minutes."

Rainbow watched as Trixie marched out of the cell, holding her head high, as if she was a survivor of the deciding battle at Stalliongrad. When they were sure she was gone, the two mares immediately turned to Shining.

"So? Is it possible?"

The stallion was deep in thought.

"I do not know. My only problem is, that this plan does not assure an exit from this place; at least she does not tell us. Every fiber of my being shouts 'no' to the idea of such an act... but we do need to escape. The one blaming us is too smart to be outwitted if we are sitting ducks waiting for a miracle. We must escape, indeed."

"Uh, Shinin' don't mean to rain on your parade, or anything, but, uh, she's crazy! We shouldn't follow any plan that she thinks of in her deluded mind!"

Shining Armor slowly shook his head.

"No, I believe that part is the least of our concerns. Her insanity is the type that lets her have genuinely good ideas... when she is not having her fits. She seems to be delusional, but her skills with fireworks can not be forgotten; also, she proved that she really can cut through matter; if we can keep her in check, we might just escape."

"What about after then?" the pegasus asked.

"We'll have time to think about that if we're out. Now, the point which we escape from is more interesting , than the point we will escape to. We will escape. We simply have no other choice if we do not wish to be silenced."

"Glad you finally decided to be sensible, Dent!" a voice came from the outside, and Trixie stepped in. "Gobbles always knew you'd see the wisdom of listening to her."

The stallion glared at the smugly grinning unicorn.

"You were listening to us outside? No, wait, don't answer to that. We go, and that's final. In the office, there are bound to be keys for these limiters, and if your plan does not work out—"

"It will." Trixie replied flatly.

"—We can still figure out what to do then." The remaining two mares looked at each other, then back to the schemers.

"So, nightfall it is?" the DJ asked.

"Nightfall." Trixie confirmed. A playful, but creepy smile crept across her face. "Don't forget to bring your spare pack of kickass, Throat."

Chapter five: Last dance of a lone wolf

Night has fallen. To be precise, it was pretty late in the evening, because the inmates were scheduled for a late dinner. Trixie slipped between the lines of prisoners unnoticed, their attention diverted with their protests about the inedible food. The wardens took a defensive formation, and tried to reason with them first. This gave an edge for Trixie, for she was silent unlike the others, and was simply ignored in favor of those who already threatened to break into the kitchen. They should hurry, because soon the riot will be quelled. Probably.

She eyed the distance of the crowd and the hidden explosives. Perfect. Too far away to hurt them, but close enough for them to consider escaping. Grinning, she retreated silently from the mess hall, and once she was out, ran back to their cell at full speed. She looked at her co-conspirators, and grinned again.

"It begins."

A loud explosion could be heard. If there was chaos up until now, it paled in comparison. Rainbow saw guards rush past them, hurrying over to see what happened; however one of them noticed that they were in their cell, unlike any other prisoner in the vicinity. He immediately barged in to check up on them, but left the cell door open.

"What is going on here?"

Blue smoke enveloped the warden's neck, and some of the bars. The stallion recoiled with shock, but a grim voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Gobbles wouldn't fidget if she were you."

The smoke passed through one of the bars on two points, and a piece of it fell down, it's trajectory followed by the warden's horrified eyes.

"Wait!" Shining stepped forward. "Give us the keys, then we'll lock you in, and nopony has to get hurt."

The guardspony hurried to oblige, the keys were handed down immediately, and he stood in the middle of the cell, with a defeated expression on his face. Shining took the keys in his mouth.

"Perfect, now we'll—"

BANG!

Vinyl stood above the now unconscious warden, sporting a dented metal tray.

"What?" she asked. "He could've shouted!"

"Nice work, Throat." said Trixie reassuringly, while she tore apart the sheets with her magic to bound and gag the warden. They hurried out of the cell, and locked it with the key. Fortunately, not a single soul was in sight, but the sounds of skirmish echoed through the corridors, giving a bad feel about the whole ordeal. Trixie lead the group, her eyes constantly darting around to recognise any sign of danger, but to Rainbow's great relief, nopony stumbled upon them. The corridor was long, but strangely enough, once they passed through another metal gate, they only had to move forward, until they finally reached the director's office.

The showmare nodded, and Shining slammed into the door with full power, bursting through it in a blink. To their great surprise, the office was not empty; Strong Walls was inside, sipping something reeking of alcohol, which he dropped in shock when he saw them.

"Wha--?!" He couldn't finish his sentence, because the ex-captain slammed into him, using his momentum to tackle him, and finally pin him to the wall. He looked into the earth pony's eyes sternly.

"Where are the keys to the limiters?"

The brown pony spat.

"Ain't gonna tell ya, filthy blue. Ya can't hold me like this forever. And when ya bust out, I'm gonna go down on your sorry arse with a machete!"

Shining knew he was right: if they don't hurry up, the wardens will quickly overwhelm them. He looked around the room, but nothing seemed to contain a clue where to look for the sought freedom. The room had a desk filled with paperwork, a picture on the wall of Strong Walls when he became director, and three cupboards, containing books, trophies, and personal belongings of the earth pony. What are they supposed to do?

As if Trixie chose that moment to finally lose the rest of her sanity, she ducked beside one of the cupboards, and stuck a hoof under it. Rainbow was about to question her, but then the showmare brightened up, and produced a small package from there; a package which she put up against a wall which seemed to be the least decorated in the room. She turned to Rainbow and Vinyl, who were the closest to her.

"Be a dear, you two, and move away from this wall, would you? I hid this bomb here during one of my visits."

Rainbow obliged, pulling Vinyl along, but couldn't help herself, but ask.

"Why were you visiting here?"

"Oh, about that... I think you could answer that, couldn't you, Strongie?" She intoned the nickname with malice. The stallion was silent, but doubt crept upon his face. "Well, if you won't answer, I'll do it instead." She turned to Rainbow, her expression much darker than before, her crazy good mood all but gone. "I was here several times, because he wanted to beat me, to feel the power he had over me; and he couldn't really do that in front of everypony, could he? I guess I should be glad, 'cause if he tried to rape me, I'd have blown my cover, and used my magic."

Rainbow shuddered at the implications, but suddenly froze.

"Wait a second! You talk normally now!"

Trixie shot her a pitying look.

"No shit, Sherlock Hooves. Why would I pretend to be mad now, when I don't have to act like I'm no danger to him?" She let out a demented cackle. "The thought that I might be simulating, didn't even cross anypony's mind. That worked out perfectly for me, so far. Now, onwards to another topic. You might want to cover your ears, because the magic word to blow up my explosive is 'Luna'."

A small bang shook the room, leaving a two-pony sized hole in the wall. The very next moment, Trixie yanked Strong Walls from Shining Armor's grip with her magic, and swiped him through the wall, stopping above the cliffs outside—which seemed to be a twelve-story fall. The warden lost all of his previous calmness, his eyes widening so much that they threatened to pop out of his eyesockets. The showmare spoke silently, but with deadly determination.

"Now, I will count to three. I want to know where the limiters' keys are, or I'll throw you down. You know I'd do it. You know what you've done. One. Two. Three."

"In the safe!" Strong Walls screamed, absolutely horrified. "Behind the painting! The combination is 763!"

"Check it." Trixie commanded, not moving an inch.

Shining reached up to the painting, and clumsily shoved it away. There indeed was a safe behind it. He set the combination, and it opened without a sound. Casting a glance inside, he immediately noticed two slim keys among the various stuff inside. "They're here." he said, taking them, and immediately starting to unlock Vinyl's limiter. Trixie stared at Strong Walls with intense hatred. Rainbow stepped closer, but said nothing.

"Well, look at that. The pursuer of crime, the mighty Strong Walls, afraid from the thought of losing his life. You're nothing but a slime, who lives on pain and suffering of others. But I still tried to forgive you. Thought about the stuff you've done to hurt me, and tried to just forget it. I couldn't. But then again, what could I do right now? Nothing." She gave him a satisfied smile. "So I'll just let you go."

With that, she removed her magic, and let Strong Walls fall to his death. Rainbow immediately darted out of the hole, straining her wounded wings to reach the falling pony. Neglecting the pain in her back, she finally reached the warden, who passed out from the shock, and tried to pull him up. For a moment, they actually moved upwards, but then she felt her wings cramp, and an even more intense pain jolted through her body. "Oh, buck." she thought. Before she could fall though, she felt a violent gank, and felt herself being pulled back. In a few moments, she came muzzle-to muzzle with a furious Trixie, while Vinyl and Shining pulled up the still onconscious director. The showmare grabbed the pegasus.

"ARE YOU COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR RETARDED LITTLE MIND?!" Trixie shouted. "YOU RISK YOUR LIFE FOR THIS PIECE OF SHIT?!"

Rainbow narrowed her eyes, then headbutted the showmare, prompting her to let go, and fall on her back.

"Better to become a murderer like you, huh?" she spat.

Trixie slowly stood up. She carefully inspected her hoof, and shot a pitiful look to Rainbow.

"Yeah, a murderer. That I am." Ignoring everypony, she limped to the safe, ruffling through it's contents. Her search resulted in a dossier, and a small book. Flipping through the dossier, she simply hummed, then set it on fire and threw it into the waste basket, startling the other three. When she examined the book, however, an evil grin crawled on her face. She turned around and saw that the two white unicorns already tied and gagged Strong Walls. Shining turned to Trixie.

"What you just tried to do—" he began.

"Yeah, yeah, I've got a better idea." she interrupted. "We leave him, and go escape."

Shining blinked. "You... accepted it quite quickly."

Trixie ignored him.

"Get some saddlebags, and look for food. There's bound to be both here."

The four prisoners rummaged through the cupboards, but Trixie only took a few dossiers with the prison's logo, and put them in Vinyl's saddlebag, which she just found and equipped. Shining and Rainbow also found saddlebags, and one of them contained what they supposed to be the warden's late lunch (or early breakfast). Whatever the case, it was a start.

"Let's go!" Trixie hurried them. "Two doors to the left."

"What's there?" the pegasus asked, full of suspicion.

"Toilets. But what's more important, sewers. Now go! I'll lock the door."

Vinyl hurried out, and the ex-captain was forced to follow her. Rainbow, however stayed in the same place.

"I'm not going anywhere until you're out here, first."

Trixie chuckled.

"Relax, I'm not gonna throw him out. I've got a much better idea."

She placed the small book she found in a clearly visible spot on the table, and grabbed the pegasus with her magic while leaving the room. Once outside, she closed the door. She smirked to herself. Rainbow, on the other hoof, understood nothing.

"What was that?" she demanded.

"That was a little something that will cause our director a bit of a headache. I'd like to see the face of the first pony who sees this. Now, let's go, before anypony catches us!"

__________________________________________________________________________________

An hour later, just a bit after Celestia raised the sun, Sturdy Spear welcomed her near the prison's staff entrance. The alicorn came alone, motioning impatiently to the warden to lead the way. He complied, recoiling a bit mentally from the princess' cold demeanor. She seemed angry; angry at nopony in particular, but the world itself. Spear gulped, and sped up on the narrow corridors, briefly wondering why they didn't encounter anypony. Discarding that thought, it wasn't long before they reached Strong Walls' office. He knocked, fully expecting a groan in reply, but nothing happened. Glancing at the impatient princess, he decided to push the door. To his great surprise, it was unlocked. At that exact moment, two wardens appeared running from the other side of the corridor, shouting.

"Call the director! We finally managed to quell the riot!"

"Riot?" Celestia asked with raised eyebrows.

"Y-Your Majesty?!" the two wardens gasped, only noticing her now.

"Be at ease, my little ponies, and explain."

"Well, Your Majesty, last night we served lunch late, around midnight, because of some previous arrangements on behalf of our caterers. When we distributed the meals, the prisoners started complainin' about the food. Soon after that, one of our walls blew up, well, a part of it, and there was a large chaos. Thankfully, we could stop them, and nopony was hurt seriously."

"Interesting. Follow me."

The wardens saluted.

"At once, M'lady."

She went inside the office, ready for an attack. Her finely honed senses told her that something was amiss, even from outside. The scene inside was indeed something to worry about. All the cupboards were rummaged through, items were scattered throughout the room, the wall had an enormous hole in it, and the head warden was bound and gagged behind his desk. The two others rushed to help him, while Spear stared out of his skull. In the light of these events, the fact that Strong Walls is a sadistic powermonger will be overlooked in favor of his... 'effective' way of handling the uprising. Unless... wait, what was he doing tied up, and on top of it, here? Shouldn't he be out there, commanding the staff?

The princess strolled through the room, with an incredibly bored expression. She noticed a book just lying neatly on the director's desk, even though everything else was a mess. She took it, and flipped through the pages absent-mindedly. That look and her boredom soon disappeared, and she began reading the book with more interest, and disgust. Finally, when the warden was free, she hid it behind her back, only noticed by Spear.

"Yer Majesty!" the director shouted, "It's terrible! Those damn blues have escaped!"

"I'm afraid I need more information than that." Celestia replied coldly.

"The ex-guard capt'n, that annoyin' DJ, the flyin' terror, an' that bucking madpony!"

"Mind your language, Strong Walls!" the princess said, reprimanding him. "Is there anypony who can tell me what do those descriptions mean?"

"Your Majesty." Sturdy Spear stepped up. "He refers to the following, in order: Shining Armor, Vinyl Scratch, Rainbow Dash, and the last one is the one we already talked about, Trixie."

"Trixie? You haven't mentioned that before." Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Surely that is not her full name?"

"We only found a banner with her face and the words 'Great and Powerful Trixie' printed upon them. We have not encountered her name in any registry."

Strong Walls' gaze darted back and forth between the princess and the grey pegasus.

"Wait a minute! Why do ya ask him, Yer Majesty? He's juss' a backstabbin' git, not even worthy of hearin' out!"

"Really? But I believe he has told me some interesting facts."

"Don't lissen' to that lyin' colt-cuddler, Yer Majesty!" the director screamed, clearly afraid.

Celestia shot up an eyebrow. With Equestria's population being mostly female, stallions were usually very popular with the mares, although female homosexuality was not unheard of, or despised. Males, however, were not easily forgiven for being attracted to their own gender; most ponies took the role of founding a family very seriously, and argued that colt-cuddlers lessen the number of foals being born, by reducing the number of stallions that can impregnate a given female.

"While that is generally frowned upon, director, I can accept it." Celestia replied. "His charges are valid, and I'm beginning to think an investigation is in order, just as he requested."

"Yer Majesty," the brown stallion began slyly, "I question the credibility of this pony."

"On what account?"

"Him bein' a blue, and all." the director blurted out victoriously.

There was a long silence. The princess glanced at Sturdy Spear. He hung his head, but then raised it defiantly. "Yes. Yes, it's both true. I dye my mane brown. But it won't change the gravity of the situation."

"You do realise that I will be taking you into custody, don't you?" Celestia asked.

"Yes. I know. Still, I'll be happy to obey, if only to bring him to justice."

"Well, this is an interesting situation. You two, place him under arrest."

The other two wardens stepped from both sides to Sturdy Spear, surrounding him. The princess continued.

"Both of you expected to only care about the others' misdeeds, and in the end, no secrets remain. Now, in light of this, I could easily dismiss your claims, Sturdy Spear."

The director grinned triumphantly. Celestia looked at the pegasus, who gritted his teeth, resenting his inability to influence anything.

"But one would make a terrible mistake doing so. Strong Walls!" she said, turning to the head warden, whose smile melted from his face, "This pony accuses you of brutality, and hurting ponies for your own enjoyment and entertainment. How do you plead?"

"Innocent, M'lady." Strong Walls gruffed, recovering a little. "There is no proof to this lunatic's claims."

The room suddenly lost all it's warmth, and Spear could feel the room getting colder.

"I'd rather you don't dirty my sister's name any further, thank you very much." the alicorn hissed. " You are right though, his accusations would not stand on solid ground in any court..." She paused, revealing the small book she hidden before, levitating it in front of her. "If only you had been more careful in hiding your diary, Strong Walls."

The director's face distorted. He immediately recognised the book in question. He watched as she levitated it carefully on the desk, sitting down facing away from him, and taking it in her hooves.

"You have lead a very, very precise list here." she observed. "Did you enjoy recalling others' pain?"

The three wardens gazed at the director. Before they could react, he let out an inarticulate scream, and lunged for the alicorn, fully intent of getting his diary, to destroy the evidence. His trajectory soon changed, however, on account of a bright yellow glow, which enveloped him; first, it simply stopped him, then suddenly he was slammed into a cupboard. The director let out a sharp scream of pain, and did not move anymore. Celestia stood above the earth pony, who was now crying in pain, and gave him a cold stare.

"You torture my subjects, revel in their pain, prepare for each occassion in advance with joy, then you write it down, assault me, AND TRY TO GET AWAY WITH IT?!" She unconsciously switched to the Royal Canterlot Voice, but unlike her sister's, it was filled with threaths, and rage. "NINE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, THOU'D BEEN CUT DOWN BY ANYPONY WHO WITNESSED THY BLASPHEMY! THOU THINK THYSELF A GOD, WHO DECIDES WHO LIVES, DIES, OR GETS PUNISHMENT?!" Her menacing aura soon disappeared, and all that remained was a tired alicorn, with a sad voice. "But now, you will only be a high-security prisoner, with a professional therapist trying to help you recover your sanity, and be a valuable part of society again. Personally, I think you are beyond help."

She turned to the others, who were still frozen in shock. "Call a medic, and guard him. I'll take care of Sturdy Spear here, then I'll appoint a new director in a few days. Until then, everything, and I mean everything, must be reported to me. Understood?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the two wardens replied in unison.

"Now come, Sturdy Spear. Let us fly to your... new home."

__________________________________________________________________________________

"Bleargh! If we ever get out of here, I'll be known as Vinyl Stink!"

"If we get out of here, you'd better not be known, or you will be turned in for your bounty." Trixie replied.

"I got a bounty?" Vinyl asked dumbfoundedly.

"Escaping from prison automatically adds a 5000 bit bounty to any existing or new bounties one might have." Shining interjected.

"Neato! I'll be the infamous DJ PON-3! Think of the publicity!"

"Think of the lynch mob." Trixie groaned.

"Are we there yet?" Rainbow asked, annoyed.

"I think we're near. Shining, please check the streets through the ponyhole cover again."

"Okay." Shining got directly under the cover, then charged his horn. A single thread beamed up. Moments later, it disappeared. "We're at Horsatius Street."

Trixie was deep in thought.

"Do you think we can make it to the Opera House undetected?"

Shining briefly considered it.

"I think there is an alley close to it that has a sewer exit, so yes, I suppose."

"The Opera House? Why?" Vinyl asked.

"Because after your little forest trip, half of the musicians there are dead. The others are probably too terrified to perform." The blue unicorn turned to Shining Armor. "Am I wrong?"

The stallion shook his head. "No. The Opera has been closed for about a week now."

"Okay. I have a plan."

"Why should we listen to you?" Rainbow asked antagonistically.

"Do you have a better idea?" Trixie retorted. "Besides, I got you out of prison."

"Stop arguing, and let's hear your plan first." interrupted Shining.

"Well, if they kept the old routine, there is only a solitary guard near the entrance. We knock him or her out, and put him where they won't find him at first—somewhere outside."

"Why outside?" asked Vinyl. Trixie rewarded her with a toothy, evil grin.

"Because we will set the whole thing on fire."

"What? Why?"

"I'll tell you: we'll steal the body paint that the actors used; they will be helpful in hiding your identity. I mean, seriously, I don't think I've ever seen manes like you two's, and I travelled all around Equestria. We will also empty the safe in the director's room, so anypony who investigates will think it was simple robbery. Plus, if we find some bits, they should solve the problem of money, if we have to get supplies somewhere."

"I don't really like the idea of setting it to fire." Shining shivered.

"Then go back to Strong Walls, and tell him it was a mistake, and you'd like to be part of his magnificent prison again. Buildings can be rebuilt, Shining Armor, but you only have one life."

The stallion sighed. " Every fiber of my being shouts 'Stop!'... but I'll comply."

"Let's do this!" Vinyl beamed.

"But the guard must come to no harm!" Rainbow added.

"Sure, we'll knock him out gently!" the DJ laughed.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Infiltrating the Opera was a blur for Rainbow. Before she knew it, they were standing in the dimly lit storage room, full of various equipment; while the security pony was bound and gagged, lying unconscious outside in a dark alley. The costumes gave the place an eerie feel, with most of them being black; Rainbow supposed they preferred performing tragedy plays. She shrugged, wanting to get over with it as soon as possible, and leave this creepy storeroom. Trixie, on the other hoof, was in her element. Like a foal on her birthday, she ran around carrying pots and jars with her, filling them with paint of every colour imaginable, sometimes even stepping on her limping hoof, which she immediately regretted each time. Poking around, the pegasus found a backpack of sorts, which was promptly put on Shining, on account of it later being stuffed to the brim with the masquerading equipment.

"Hmm... paint, brushes, manecare... All right, this should be enough. Before I forget: Vinyl, check the guard's belongings, and if there is something usable, take it." She motioned to the stallion. "Both of you should head back to the sewers. Rainbow and I will pay a little visit to the office. There's no need for all of us to be there, and smaller groups attract less attention while retreating."

Shining nodded, and the two white unicorns took off. The pegasus followed the azure mare to a small room, which she supposed to be the office of the manager of the Opera. The showmare rummaged through the drawers, while Rainbow had found a small stash containing various drinks and some food.

"Hey, there're some supplies here!" she observed. Trixie looked up.

"Take every drink but the alcoholic ones! If you need to cross a place with no water, you shouldn't drink booze, it'd just dry you out. Rather," she said, an idea forming in her head, "spill it out around here, so it will be easier to start a fire."

The pegasus put away the food, and poured the bottles' contents around the room, save for two cartons of daffodil juice, and a large bottle of orange juice. She slipped these two in her saddlebags instead, and looked at Trixie expectantly. The unicorn already managed to open the safe, and was now checking the contents of a dossier that she found inside. Rainbow frowned.

"Do you really have to read every possible piece of paper that we find?"

Trixie looked up.

"Don't be so rash. It seems that the manager here held a lot of paperwork back. Namely the widows' and orphans' funding."

"Huh?"

"It means my dear pegasus, that the manager held back these requests for money by the victims' relatives, so the Opera won't have to pay them. Let's put these away, too."

Rainbow's bags were burdened further with the dossiers, and a sack of bits. She looked at the showmare questioningly. Trixie sat down on the manager's chair, and shot her a sad smile.

"Nothing left here. The only thing left for you is to go back to the others in the sewer. If you follow the waste flowing out of the city, you'll be at the base of the mountain in half a day or so. Once you decide where you will go, figuring out how to use the paint should be a cinch."

Rainbow tried to remember all of that, but then it dawned upon her.

"Wait a sec! You sound like you're not coming with us!" she chuckled nervously. Trixie slowly nodded.

"That is correct. You know, Rainbow, when you tried to save Strong Walls, and headbutted me, I had a kind of an epiphany. I realized that would it not be for you, I'd have thrown him down. I'd have murdered him in cold blood. And you know what? Seeing you, your innocence... made me think. It does not matter what we believe in, or what we think about ourselves... All that matters is one's actions. And from my actions, the conclusion is..." she took a deep breath. "That I'm a murderer, who is not even worthy to talk to ponies like you. I once longed for the admiration of the masses... I'm now terrified of the idea of being watched by a crowd." She looked deep into the pegasus' eyes, her eyes radiating sorrow, and...fear? "I'm slowly becoming what I loathed in my whole life. My family, my friends, they were right... darkness resides within me. So now, I'll purge the darkness...forever... through the only way I know. Goodbye, Rainbow Dash... I think given the chance, and the right time, we could have become friends... if only I hadn't screwed up everything."

The pegasus felt a tug on her body, and she was levitated out of the room. The door slammed shut, and the lock clicked into place. A few moments later, crackling could be heard. Rainbow shook her head and stood up. She wasn't sure before, but now she was certain. Trixie's eyes begged to her. They were the eyes of a pony who was completely alone, full of doubt for herself. She recognized it far too well, a shadow of a painful memory tinging inside her, from before she met Gilda. She shook off her sad thoughts, and grinned. "You're pretty stupid if you think Rainbow Dash lets anypony hanging." she thought. All of the unicorn's attempt to block her out are useless. She'll make her see that it's not the end. She is not the evil pony she believes herself to be!

She stepped back a few paces, and ran as fast as she could. She slammed into the door like a tank, busting it open, and tearing it from it's hinges. Trixie was still sitting in the chair, which was slowly surrounded by flames. Upon seeing Rainbow crash in, she lost her composure for a second, but then kicked the chair away, and snapped at the pegasus.

"Go the buck away! You're going to burn, too!"

"I'm not leaving you behind! C'mon!"

Trixie seemed to hesitate for a second, but gathered herself quickly, and shook her head.

"I told you Rainbow, I must not live. I only cause pain and suffering whereever I go. I hadn't realised that before, but I've gotten a harsh lesson about it. I don't deserve another chance."

The flames already enveloped most of the room, eating away the curtains and the carpet, making the temperature inside unbearable.

"The hay you don't!" shouted back Rainbow. "Look at me!"

She forced the unicorn to look into her eyes. She saw doubt, fear and a silent cry for help in Trixie's magenta iris. Her own reflected the fire raging around them.

"I don't hate you! Neither does Shining or Vinyl! Sure, you were taken by anger with Strong Walls, but you didn't hurt anypony else! This doesn't need to be the end!"

"B-but..." Trixie stammered.

"Would you please hurry the hay out here with me, or do I have to kick your flank out of the door? You should know; I'm Loyalty! I don't leave my friends in danger's way!"

"Friend..." the showmare mumbled. She suddenly looked up. "I... I'll trust you. But promise me, that at the first sign of me becoming a criminal...If I ever steer down from the right path..."

"I'll be there to knock you to your senses, okay? But come the holy buck out here before we're fried alive!" the pegasus shouted. She ran to the unicorn, and pushed her out of the hellhole the office became. Once they were out, Trixie got on her hooves, and they ran down the stairs together. A greedy trail of fire already caught up with them. Straining their muscles, they burst to the street, and just reached the ponyhole cover before the fire became visible from the outside, lighting up the city. Looking back, Rainbow shuddered at the thought of a pony burning alive. She pushed aside the cover, and motioned Trixie to move down. The unicorn stepped closer, but instead pulled the pegasus into a tight hug, tears falling from her eyes.

"Thank you!" she sobbed. "Nopony... has ever trusted me before."

She let go of Rainbow, and jumped into the hole, grabbing the ladder and sliding down all the way. "Damn, that was cool." Rainbow thought, before she followed the azure unicorn, replacing the cover as she descended into the canals. All that reminded anypony of their presence was their soft speech, which slowly faded into the sound of the fireponies arriving to the scene.

_________________________________________________________________________________

By the time they finally arrived at the base of the mountain Canterlot laid upon, dusk began to set in. The fading red rays of sunlight made the small forest they hid in (which was separated from the greater forest, that was supposedly an extension of the Everfree, only by a dirt patch containing a few sharp-looking rocks) look otherwordly. Advancing slowly in a terrain unknown by all of them, they made their way west. Shining and Vinyl argued about their destination, the former suggesting that they avoid any settlements, the latter claiming her parents would be glad to hide them. They were completely engrossed in their conversation, leading up front, while Rainbow and Trixie followed them from behind. The pegasus paid no mind to the two unicorn's bickering, instead, she watched the showmare stumble more and more with increasing worry.

"Guys, we should stop. Trixie can't keep up."

"Nonsense!" the azure unicorn wheezed, "I can carry on just fiiiiine..."

She finally tripped over a dried root, falling on her side. She cried out in pain, and slowly stood back up. The other unicorns stopped, their eyes filled with concern, and guilt for not noticing her state before.

"Nothing's wrong, it's just..." she noticed their unconvinced look. "All right, all right, fine. Be it that way." she shrugged, threatening to fall over even from a simple gesture as that, "There's a small clearing ahead, I can see it. We can stop there, it's just a hundred steps... or so."

The others finally turned away from her, and they made their way to the clearing. Rainbow noticed, that with each step, Trixie seemed paler and paler. Her features also seemed to.. vibrate, especially her side. When they finally reached the spot not covered by trees, the showmare staggered into the moonlight, and seemed to fight herself to even stand straight. Rainbow was about to force her to rest, if needed, when the unicorn suddenly started coughing up blood. She seemed to vibrate even more, and when she finally collapsed to the ground, smoke seemed to dissipate from her body, sparkles lighting up and fading away around her in quick succession. Rainbow hurried to her, and gasped at the sight unmasked before her eyes. Trixie's side was full with horrible, bleeding wounds, halfly covered by bloodied straps of torn bandage, that certainly wasn't present before.

"How did you get these?!"

Trixie collected her strength to look at herself. "Damn," she whispered with a weak smile, "I guess my illusion wore off."

Shining stepped beside her, and winced at her state. "How were you even able to walk?!"

"I just... ignored the...pain. I guess... they opened... sometime during... our escape." She was now technically fighting for each breath. Ruby-red drops of blood uglied the grass around her. "Stupid, I... know, but... I had to... not hold you back..."

"You did it. You got us out nearly by yourself. You didn't hold anypony back!" Rainbow felt her stomach churn. She had injuries in her life, but these... She realised the unicorn was dying, and to top it off, fever crawled in to her eyes, making them misty.

"Really?" Trixie asked. She was looking at Rainbow, but she did not saw her. "That makes me... feel better, Specs..." She groaned again in pain, and convulsed slightly. "If you... meet Blissful... again, tell her I said... sorry." She chuckled to herself. "I always... told you that I... wanted to go down... in applause. Now I'm... bleeding to death in... a nameless forest. The irony..."

Trixie felt her vision blur. She could see her old friends, Colorful Spectrum, Diamond Throat, and Light Shield no more. She wanted to tell them she was sorry, sorry for everything fifteen years ago. She tried to speak, but only incoherent groans escaped her mouth. The pain suddenly numbed, and Trixie fell into the darkness.

Interlude 4: For whom the Belle tolls

Half a day earlier...

"Please, don't get up! You are not properly healed yet!"

"Do you have any idea who I am? My father could fire you if I just say a single word! Now scram!"

The nurse looked disapprovingly at the dark pink mare, but left the room nevertheless. The earth pony's face had a triumphant look, as if driving away the nurse was her greatest achievement in life. This small hospital room was not fit for her... at least, that was what she would have thought a week ago. Now there was only confusion. Losing her... no, not friend, more like 'lackey'; has been harder to accept than she ever expected it to be. Even though Silver Spoon expressed her interest in leaving her and becoming a fashionista, or an art critic; even though the gray pony told her that she was tired of being her shadow, Diamond Tiara never wanted her to die for her... well, small betrayals are betrayals, too. She wanted to leave her against the Cutie Mark Cretins on her own!

Those three foolish mares... It was long since all three of them got their cutie mark, so their little skirmishes were about the ex-crusaders never finding a job (even though Tiara had none as well, because her father kept her supplied with money). Well, it was no surprise. Despite that they were teenagers, nearly reaching a mature pony's full size, they clung onto their childish dreams. Scootaloo followed in the footsteps of Rainbow Dash, trying to become a Wonderbolt... which is quite ironic, given the circumstances of her death. Applebloom was working on their farm, and part-time as a repairpony, and Sweetie Belle...

She glanced around the room. It was empty, save for five beds and corresponding drawers, but only two of them were occupied. Well, actually, three of them were occupied until this morning, but that wacky blonde, grey-coated pegasus with the wobbly eyes took Dinky away as soon as the doctors let her, claiming that the hospital is a 'danger-zone'. Tiara shrugged. What that mare does is her own business, but... Because Dinky was taken away, she was left alone with her.

Indeed, she occupied the other bed, half of her head covered in bandages, her white coat seemingly paler in comparison to her usual self. Curiously, her sister was missing this time, even though she barely left the room three days ago. But when she did leave, she never came back again... Tiara briefly wondered if she was held up, but then she tossed away the thought. Why should she care about a pony whom she never had a proper talk with? No, that's not right. She felt her conscience reprimand her. The unicorn lost her two friends, and wasn't even visited by her family, because they were far away, at least that is what she could tell from overheard tidbits.

Finally, she came to a decision. The noble Diamond Tiara will not kick this mare when she's so down. Instead, she will descend to her level, and bedazzle her with her amazing conversational skills. Oh yes.

She trotted to Sweetie's bed, and cleared her throat.

"Hey, uh, Sweetie Belle," she said.

The unicorn locked her gaze with Tiara's own. Her voice came out strange, raspy and deep, unlike her usual bright and high-pitched tone.

"Go away. I don't have time for your stupid bullying, as I am now."

The earth pony lost her cool. "I didn't come to pick a fight, you moron! I just wanted to say something nice, but I guess you're too stupid to notice!"

That seemed to at least surprise Sweetie.

"Nice? You? Are you a changeling? Because the Diamond Tiara I know would revel in my sorrow."

"Maybe your misfortunes, yes, but this is serious business." Tiara corrected. "We were in a life-or-death situation... and lived through it. At least, who counts."

"Who counts?! I lost two of my friends! And your precious Silver Spoon is dead, too!"

Sweetie Belle was boiling with rage. Diamond Tiara looked indifferent.

"For your information, she wasn't really my friend. But if it makes you feel better, I apologize."

The unicorn snorted.

"I'd prefer you died than them."

That seemed to hit a nerve. Nopony spoke to Tiara like that before; all snarky remarks from the three friends usually ended in them wishing she would leave them alone. Outright claiming that she should die? She couldn't handle that. In her sheltered life, she never encountered true hatred... and now, when she finally did, it frightened her. She slumped over to her bed, and stared at the ceiling blankly. Silence loomed over the two, until finally a doctor showed up. Unlike the one who was attending to their wounds, this pony was much more... gruff, so to speak. He seemed like a bouncer, rather than a genuine doctor. His cutie mark was covered by his white scrub, but his orange mane was rather attention-grabbing. Every single thread of hair seemed to point to a different direction; his whole appearance gave off an overworked look. He went to Sweetie's bed without hesitation, and addressed her surprisingly quiet, given his stature.

"Miss Belle, my name is Forward Word. I am responsible for communication between hospitals, and patient's relatives. I am afraid I have some very bad news."

The pink pony peeked at the petrified patient paling at the proclamation. She couldn't help, but get a foreboding feeling about the whole way he presented it.

"Just this day, we received a report from eastern Manehattan. I am afraid there have been a terrible accident..."

"No..." Sweetie whispered, barely audible.

"I regret to inform you that your parents have been involved in it, and suffered fatal injuries. They passed away this morning."

The unicorn broke out in tears; however, the doctor spoke up again.

"I am sorry, but there is another issue we must discuss. Your sister—"

"NO! NO,NO,NO,NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"—has been the victim of murder yesterday. My deepest condolences."

Diamond Tiara watched dumbfounded as the doctor backed out of the room. He just rubbed everything in Sweetie's face, and then simply left? Is the only thing he cares about getting the job done?

"Why would you care, hm?" a voice in her head asked. "You were always enemies with her, why would you care now?"

She wondered briefly about this. The answer came quick and clear.

"It is pointless to continue bickering any longer. Most of us are dead, and... she seems so vulnerable..."

She slowly stood up, and walked beside the crying unicorn. She hesitated for a second, but then extended her front hooves, and tried to embrace her. Sweetie resisted at first, but her resolve was quickly broken by the weight on her shoulders. She let herself be pulled into a hug; Tiara slowly caressed her back with her hoof, patting and rubbing it gently.

"I am sorry." she whispered, and this time, she meant it.

"What the bucking buck?! Get away from her, ya freak!"

Both mares recoiled from the sudden sound, quickly pulling out from their embrace, and looking at the entrance. A sturdy, brown earth pony mare arrived, with deep pink mane, and seeds as her cutie mark. She stormed between them, and faced Tiara antagonistically.

"Babs, wait!" Sweetie cried.

"Don' worry, Sweets, I got dis." She roared at the pink earth pony. "Don'cha dare hurt her!"

"I-I didn't..." Tiara stammered.

"Just stop it, both of you, please." the sad voice of the unicorn came. The other two immediately stopped their stand-off, and took places at the two sides of Sweetie's bed. Babs took her hoof in her own hooves.

"I'm sorry, Sweets. I heard what happened to your folks. I came as fast as I could."

"Thank you." The unicorn shot a smile through her tears. Tiara hesitantly took her other hoof, surprising both the others and herself.

"Listen... I know we haven't exactly been on best terms since ages, but... I'm willing to put it aside, I mean..." She exhaled, a bit irritated. "Look, all I'm saying is that I'm sorry too, and if you need me, I'll be here."

Sweetie slowly nodded, and squeezed both their hooves.

"For now, I just... I just feel like crying. Don't leave me all alone, please!"

The two earth ponies exchanged glances. They weren't exactly on friendly terms, but one look in each other's eyes estabilished a silent contract between them; they were going to help Sweetie overcome this. They silently sat beside the unicorn, consoling her through her pain.

What neither of the three noticed, was a tall figure watching them from the door. It was no surprise, because she cast an invisibility spell to hide her presence. It took her this much time to finally escape from her duties, and give Sweetie Belle a visit. She knew about her parents' accident, and immediately ordered local police forces to investigate. They found no signs of tampering, no magical residue, no hoofprints... it seemed like the unicorn just had incredibly bad luck, losing her parents the same time as her sister and her friends. Now, on the other hoof... It seems like she is in good hooves. Maybe she will come back later, if time allows.

Celestia slowly backed from the room, and sneaked around the hospital. Sure, her illusions were nothing like her little sister's... but to fool a bunch of whitecoats, they were enough.

"What kind of ruler is the one who keeps secrets from her subjects?" she thought bitterly. A sober, realistic part of her replied immediately.

"A living ruler."

She didn't feel satisfied with that response. She kept deep secrets from everypony, because she had to. Then she had to lie to everypony because of her secrets. And now, she can't trust a single soul in this world with Luna gone again. She felt that agreeing to her crazy request of banishing her made Celestia look like a puppet in the hands of the nobles, who started getting more and more arrogant, demanding various positions long since dissolved to be reinstated, and of course putting more and more pressure on her about 'ending' the blue problem.

Her plan was ready, and already in motion for that. A couple of days, maybe a week, and it will be finished. That is the only way. She wove to keep her subjets safe; so now she has to fulfill that oath; even with lies, deceit, and drastical means. Her reasons, however, will not be made public... so it will cause an uproar when she acts. No matter. That is the burden she accepted when she became a princess. Her decisions are her own, and the responsibilities are hers, too.

Finally leaving the gloomy hospital behind, she spread her wings, feeling the wind under them. Flapping them a few times, she ascended quickly, and flew away toward her chambers in Canterlot Castle. Whatever tomorrow brings, matters little now. She needs rest to be fully alert tomorrow, to try and make things right again.

Because no living soul can make sense of this mess, that is for sure.

Author's Note

Just threw this together today, it actually didn't exist in my script up until now. Have a chapter.

Chapter six: Salvation?

"Have you gone completely mad?!"

The voice of a stallion rang through the air. It was a deep, commanding voice, one that was used to getting what he wanted. Yet, now it trembled with rage, from the possibility of ignored for the first time—and by an important pony to him, no less.

"Mad? I think you don't understand, old geezer. I wish to have nothing to do with your silly ambitions, and worthless plans. I will live my own life!"

Her voice rang out clear and proud, completely surprising the stallion; he did not expect defiance, but silent acceptance.

He stood up from behind the desk he was sitting, and moved closer to her. He finally stopped in front of the great window, basking in the bright moonlight. His features became clearer; even though the ember in the hearth was still livid, it gave little light. She felt herself check out her father, searching for signs of weakness, that she would penetrate with her arguments.

Oh, no. Not this shit again.

Finally, she spoke up.

"Look, Dad, I really want to—"

"You really want to what?" interrupted her father. "Drag down our family name to the mud? Dishonor our clan?"

Dishonor our clan? C'mon old colt, this 'clan' you spoke of consisted of us and a cousin who was living in an orphanage...

Wait, wait, wait.

She tried to speak, but the blue stallion silenced her with a cold glance.

"I will not stand by idly, and watch my daughter, the only heir to our legacy, join a bunch of clowns!"

I distinctly remember that it was not this what I was thinking back then. Am I dreaming or what? Maybe... recreating my memory in a dream? Watching it unfold from a different perspective?

...

Well, that's dumb. I could have done with some rest, rather than this stupid memory.

She felt anger rise in her body, and her past self burst out fiercely.

"How dare you call them clowns?! They are respected performers who have been famous for their daring stunts and tricks! Every audience loves them!"

The stallion seemed unfazed.

"Yes, that is what I was talking about. Clowns. Satisfying the simplest desires of the masses: showing them something they aren't capable of. You have a far brighter future ahead of you, my daughter."

Bright indeed. A bright prison cell to rot in.

The stallion turned toward the landscape barely recognizable through the thick stained glass; it's purpose was less a spot to see outside than the decorations it contained. The canvas depicted the moment a black, horse-like creature defeated in a bright glow by an all-too-familiar white alicorn.

Why, hello there, Princess. Fancy meeting you here, in my past. Care for a cup of tea?

"You are destined to become her right-hoof mare, my child. We have patiently waited for her return for a long time, and when she finally does, we will welcome her as the rightful ruler of Equestria, and our mistress since our clan was founded!"

Oh yeah, how did that work out for you, pops? I know you ran into some... unforeseen consequences.

The stallion suddenly turned and looked into her eyes.

"Yes! It is true! We were burdened to wait for her, but we bore with it proudly! And now, we shall rise again in power by aiding her to reclaim her crown! We were burdened with this glorious purpose!"

The mare sat silently on the sofa, resting her head between her hooves.

You know, I always wondered, but wasn't that sofa made of leather? I mean, seriosly, when was the last time we fought in wars where we skinned our enemies?

She suddenly rose her head defiantly, returning the old stallion's glare.

"I have had enough of your self-righteous stuff!"

You tell him, girl! Also, never go to Canterlot. Ever.

... You don't listen, do you? Yeah, it would have been too easy if I could change my past.

"Rightful claim? True heir to the throne? Play your games as much as you like, Dad, I won't partake in it! You base all of your ploys on one supposed monster returning to the country! What is that, if not true stupidity?"

The stallions face distorted with anger.

"Stupidity? I will not stand this talk as long as you live under my roof!"

Oooh, this is my favourite part.

"Then I hereby renounce my name! I have no connection either to you, or this clan anymore!"

The stallion gasped.

"D-dear, don't be so hasty, we can..."

"No, Father, this is the end. I will not use your name again as long as you live. Maybe, when I meet a true friend, I will tell them who I am, and they will console me, instead of being terrified of my name, something that you'd wish for!"

The stallion gathered for a last jab.

"Friends? You mean like the ones who accused you?"

Uh-oh, here comes dumb.

She felt a sharp pain in her chest, faintly recalling the events that shook her view on the world, but then she collected herself.

"You are right."

The stallion brightened up.

"See, Dear? We can work this out—"

"You are right," she continued, "I do not need 'friends' like those fools. I can take on this world alone, without the company of worthless ponies. I will leave this house, and never come back. And I will become the greatest performer ever!"

She shot a last glance at her stunned father, running down the stairs, picking up a small pack she had prepared earlier, into the starry night.

Greatest performer, eh? No more of that, I'm afraid. Maybe the last day will be written off as a single good deed in your life, amongst the horrible ones that you've done... Now, it's time for—

.....try to....

What?

.....do it....

What in the—

WAKE UP!

"Come on, this has got to work!" a familiar voice mumbled with desperation. She opened her eyes. The moonlight shone upon her, comforting her with it's beautiful silvery glow. Other than that... a murky glow. Her sight was foggy, and she felt the metallic taste of blood on her tongue. Trying to get up, she realised it would be easier to try and tip Princess Celestia over.

"Where am I?" she heard her own voice.

"Great, she came to." A deep, shiveringly beautiful, but also strangely familiar voice could be heard. "Can you think?"

"No, currently I am making donuts in my head." she replied sarcastically. Funny, thinking was no problem, yet, she couldn't even raise her own head. "Is this some kind of hell?"

"No, but you gave us quite a fright. You would've died was it not for Rainbow and Shining here."

The comment gave her a sudden influx of energy, and she perked up, ignoring the pain of her body. She was not dead! She was not dead, but instead still laid upon the green grass of the clearing. Her side glowed with an unfamiliar, purplish magic.

"What... what did you do?" Trixie asked, her sight and thoughts finally clearing up.

"Don't be relieved too early, Trixie, we only postponed the inevitable if we don't find expert help soon."

"What. Did. You. Do." she demanded. Shining Armor sighed. His horn was glowing faintly. Perhaps maintaining a spell...?

"I've put up a shield around your injuries. Actually, it was all Rainbow's idea. She said: 'Hey can't you keep her blood away from the outside world?' So I made some small... well, barriers, technically, that act as your actual veins... but we need somepony to patch you up. I can't keep this up forever, and none of us knows any healing spells or medicine."

Trixie said nothing, trying to intake both their kindness, and the situation before them. What, indeed, could they do now?

"But, uh, guys," Vinyl interjected, "where could we take her? I mean, we're wanted criminals, not to mention even Princess Luna couldn't escape this colorist insanity."

"What the hay are you talking about?" Trixie asked, annoyed. Vinyl produced a newspaper. The front page was practically a screaming statement of things going from the worst to even worse.

NIGHT MARE MOON BANISHED AGAIN!

Trixie looked at the article with a blank expression.

"What."

"I... uh... salvaged this from that unlucky guard fella' back in the Opera. I just read it a moment ago, when, uh..." she stammered, clearly embarassed. "When I... um thought that if you're not dead I could check out the comics section for a well-needed laugh, but when I actually opened it this caught my eye."

"Whoa girl, slower there!" Trixie cooed. "You're speaking like you're getting paid to say it as soon as possible."

"Sorry, it's just... just... well, terrible!" the DJ burst out with a desperate look. "I mean, this says that Princess Celestia banished Princess Luna to the moon again! And not for any other reason, but that she is blue. We're doomed!" She pointed at the moon. "And as you can see, this is not a fluke, the pattern is there again."

"Bullcrap." Trixie interjected. Vinyl blinked.

"Whuh?"

"Before you start panicking for all it's worth, I assure you, there is nopony on the moon. I can feel it."

"How?" Shining demanded.

"I don't know." She pointed at her flank. "You see my cutie mark, or are you just checking out my ass?" she added ironically. "The truth is... somehow I always had a bit of a connection with the moon. When Luna returned from her banishment, or when she actually raised it herself after a thousand years... I felt it, but did not know at the time. Later, I learned about both, and I remember the tingling feeling from them. So when I say there is no princess on the moon, there is no princess on the moon." She sighed. "Pity that I just feel things about that rock up there; if I'd know where she is, we might have pleaded her to listen to us."

"No." a voice came, it's owner silent until now. "I-I think I know where the princess is."

All of them turned, and stared at Rainbow in surprise. "How so?" spoke Shining Armor finally.

"I know it's weird, but listen to me! Remember my nightmare? In it, you all died! I was left alone, somehow, and I felt that I screwed something up. Later, I saw what I thought to be the spectre of the princess, but if what you say is true, she is the real deal! She is in the Everfree right now, somewhere near the old palace ruins!"

"Rainbow," Shining began softly, careful not to upset her, "the past few days were hectic, and we are all tired. So we will calm down now, take a deep breath. I don't want another death burdening my conscience, so we'll take Trixie to a doctor, and—"

"I believe you." Trixie interrupted him. "Lead the way, Rainbow." She tried to stand up, and for a moment, it seemed she managed to do so; she collapsed a second later, however. The pegasus made up her mind.

"Vinyl, take my saddlebags." she said, dropping them to the ground. "I'll carry Trixie."

"What?! No! I can do just fine!" the azure mare protested.

"You can't even stand, Shining's concentrating on his shield, and no offense, but Vinyl is not strong enough to pick you up and carry you. There is no other choce!" Rainbow pointed out.

Trixie weighed what she just heard.

"So... you're saying that I'm fat?" Despite herself, she made no objections when the white mare helped her on Rainbow's back.

"Are you mad?" the stallion yelled annoyed. "We should take her to a doctor, not drag her around in a hostile envirovement!"

"Chill out, o protector of great cities." Trixie cooed. "Where would you take me? No doctor in his right mind would try to help a wanted criminal. And for the record: I'd rather die than play round two with Strong Walls."

Shining shook his head, but said nothing.

"To the Everfree!" Trixie shouted, and Rainbow bolted off, the two white unicorns following her.

________________________________________________________________________________

Rainbow was satisfied. Even though they entered from a different direction, she found the correct path that she treaded what seemed like a millenia ago. Add the fact that no crazed immortal deities were chasing them right now, and it summed up to a relatively short trip. To their great luck, no beasts were drawn to them by the scent of Trixie's blood.

Hours later, they stood at the entrance of the ruins, completely exhausted. The showmare seemed to have nodded of on the pegasus' back; her eyes closed, her breathing heavy. Rainbow shot a nervous glance at her, but when she saw her side move as she breathed, she eased up a little. When she took a step inside, she suddenly became unsure. What if her dream was really a fluke? What if there is a doctor who would help them, and she's just not thinking hard enough? What if every moment they spend here brings Trixie closer to death? Glancing at the others, she noticed them shifting around nervously. That's it, if they're so unsure, too then they should get the—

"Get yourselves together!" Trixie barked, now wide awake. "It's a spell, not your own thoughts!"

Her words seemed to have broken their trance; suddenly, the feeling of panic was gone, and they encountered no resistance when they entered the old throne room. The moonlight lit most of it, since the ceiling was nonexistent at this point in time. Rubble covered most of the once great audience hall, the only remaining identifiable object in the room an old stone throne in the middle. No princesses in sight.

"Now what?" Vinyl asked. Trixie flashed her a knowing, smug grin.

"Seeing as there aren't as many possibilities here, we will now see exactly how cheesy our princess is. Check the throne, I'd wager my horn there is a switch on it somewhere."

Vinyl started poking and prodding around, until she came upon a suspicious ornament. Pushing it, she recoiled as the throne slided away with a horrible rumble, revealing a spiralling staircase, leading to the heart of the ground.

"How did you know?" Shining asked Trixie. The mare rolled her eyes.

"Please, it's such a cliché." She glanced at the darkness at their hooves. "Well, the die is cast."

As if to a cue, smoke emerged from the gap, taking on horrible, unspeakable shapes. A bloodthirsty, echoing roar could be heard.

" WHO DARES ENTER THE – Shining Armor?!"

The smoke quickly dispersed, revealing a surprised Princess Luna in it's place.

"How in the wide, wide world of Equestria could you be here? You have been taken to prison!" She noticed the other three. "Rainbow Dash?! Have thee all broken out of prison?"

"No, we merely relocated the prison to this very location," Trixie said, with the slightest of twitches. The moon princess turned her attention to her, clearly annoyed.

"Who are you, you ungrateful whelp?"

"Name's Trixie, Princess. I might have a slight problem you could remedy for me."

"First you insult us, then you beg for our aid? You have some nerve, my little pony." The princess looked amused.

"Nonono." Trixie said. "An insult would be like this: Twilight Sparkle is ugly."

"She's not!" Shining Armor protested. Trixie waved her hoof.

"It was a figure of speech. Besides," she said with a playful grin., "commenting on your sister's beauty brings up some interesting questions."

"Princess, she's seriously injured." Rainbow interrupted, before they would continue. "Can you heal her?"

The alicorn stepped closer, her expression changing from confused to concerned. Casting a glance at the wounded unicorn, she shivered a little.

"It was a long time ago that I've seen such injuries as this. It makes one wonder just how spiteful your comments are when you have full command of your faculties." She sighed a little. "You are in luck, my little ponies. Sad as it is, I have wide knowledge of cuts, bruises and mangled bodies. Follow me, to bring her to a room where I might examine her further."

The ponies followed her down the staircase. Each and every step caused Trixie to bump onto the pegasus' back, causing her to wince in pain.

"Watch it! Are you enjoying this?" the unicorn asked in suspicion.

"They say that during the reign of King Sombra, stairs were a valid form of torture." Luna interjected in a chatting tone. It seemed to shut the showmare up.

Going deeper and deeper, it didn't become any darker, surprisingly. The walls were lit by crystals, protruding from it on a somewhat regular basis. Finally arriving at the bottom, an unbelieveable sight unfolded in front of Rainbow's eyes. A large room has been carved into the rock under the old castle. The place was designed to resemble the throne room in Canterlot Castle, although it gave off a different feeling. It looked rather like a living room with a throne, rather than a formal throne room with additional furnishing. The ceiling faded into darkness up high, except for a large, circular hole, allowing moonlight to shine even this deep down. Rainbow suspected enormous amounts of magic holding it in place. Looking around, she spotted a table with many chairs, able to accompany at least fifteen ponies. Even further there were other furnishings, which she couldn't see clearly fom her viewpoint.

"What... is this place?" she asked, positively dumbfounded.

"I wished to... create a place where my loyal Night Guard could gather, other than the one in Canterlot. It seemed fitting to put it here, where it would be undisturbed..." The moon princess sighed. "However, I never had the chance to actually show it to them... I just never had the time. So the only ones who know about this place are the ones who built it, and me."

Despite everything, the air was warm, recalling the last summer. Princess Luna waited for all of them to arrive, then crossed the room with energetic steps. A corridor sprung from the other side of the large throne room; she led the way through it to a smaller room, that had shades of dark red and brown; it only featured a single bed and a bedside table, however. The Princess seemed embarassed.

"This... is a kind of an inner joke for the Night Guard. I remembered seeing their mess hall decorated like a stable, so I asked the architect to model this recuperation room after... um..." She blushed furiously. "after a..." The amount of red in her cheeks threatened to overpower the blue present, making her look like the Princess of Volcanoes, rather. "... a den of hot love..." she finished meekly. Vinyl could be heard snorting from the back. Luna gathered herself.

"Anyway, please follow me, Rainbow Dash."

She opened a side door, and revealed a smaller, uncomparably more simple room containing a bed, a medicine case stacked with various phials, pills and potions; and finally, a table in the middle, carved from stone, reaching up about Rainbow's chest. Luna motioned towards it. The pegasus nodded, and slipped Trixie onto the table from her back, wincing a little when her body touched her aching wings. Her pained expression did not go unnoticed by the Princess; she gently ran her hoof over them.

"When we have time, I'd like to examine you, too. For now, please leave me with her. There is nothing any of you could do to help me, and I can see all of you are dead tired. Feel free to use any of the faculties here. Also, please tell Captain Sparkle to end his spell. It is not needed now."

Rainbow nodded, and left them, closing the door behind her, only to find herself face-to-face with two worried white unicorns.

"Well, she's in good hooves now. The Princess said that you can stop your magic now, Shining."

"The stallion relaxed a bit. His expression slowly changed from alert to fatigued. They made their way back to the main hall, where Vinyl shot more and more meaningful glances towards the back of the room. Rainbow followed her eyes, and saw two blue couches, with an awfully cheerful pink sun pattern. The pegasus raised the eyebrow.

"One day, I'm going to find out who in their right mind made this." Her comment made her remember her friend Rarity, and she nearly shed a tear. The only thing that stopped her, was the bittersweet thought that she would be proud of her for having better fashion sense than whoever that designed this particular piece of furniture was. Her thoughts were interrupted by Vinyl's loud yawn. The unicorn already curled up on one of the couches, raising her head a bit.

"I guess there is nothing to do right now, but wait. Sooo... Good night."

Chapter seven: Choice

Rainbow Dash dreamt. Swirls and shapes, twisting without becoming clear, flashed before her eyes. Impressions welled up, trying to get her attention. The possibilities, the things to see, dream after dream tried to show her their own realities, until all but two dissipated. Neither of them gave any ground to the other, determined to show their truth, even if they have to compete for their host's attention. They flashed before her eyes at the same time, prompting her to experience both of them; the ponies in them, however, were reduced to impressions and feelings in turn; no chance to identify them.

She was trotting down a corridor. Rainbow Dash was escorted by a number of guards down a dark corridor.

She reached a small door, distinguished by nothing of other such doors. The sign said 'Lord Regent'. She opened the door without a second thought, and barged in. The guards politely knocked, and waited for the door to be opened from the inside with magic. The room only contained a desk, and necessary furniture; paperwork stood in piles in a basket labelled 'out'; 'in', however, had only a few inside it. The room was richly adorned with gold; pictures and trophies on the wall, and cupboards were all sparkling with it; the whole place gave off a sickly clean feel. Clearly, whomever used this room spent most of their daily life here.

"Ah, Rainbow. You're finally here." a familiar voice registered, tiredness clearly pouring from it. "Hmm-hmm, what is this? First class criminal, Rainbow Dash, caught? Guards, leave the room." a voice said, full of malicious happiness.

Rainbow took a seat, and glared angrily at #@$%$&. The guards left the room, leaving the pegasus face-to-face with #Ł$ß$&, whose features she hardly saw. The only thing she knew that this was the Lord Regent, the most powerful pony in the country as it is right now.

"What's this crap about leaving the Wonderbolts?" she demanded in an angry tone. "So, you've been caught at last. I am pleased." the voice said, enjoying the cyan mare's nervous squirming. The burdened voice sighed. The owner of the voice started walking up and down. Rainbow felt a sudden urge to explain herself.

"Look, I'm going to be totally honest with you. There is nothing wrong with your skills, heck, you probably qualify more than anypony else in there, since your recovery. But... there is always the media. The press just doesn't like you; as you were a part of a great plot to expose a hidden, dangerous criminal who shook the very foundations we believed in... you are bad news to them. They don't trust you." "P-please, listen to me! I did nothing wrong! I was tricked! It-it's not my fault!"

"So what?" Rainbow asked angrily. "Was it not you who told the press just a week ago that they can, I quote, 'buck themselves with a sledgehammer'? You never cared for public opinion about you, and now you expect me to quit my dream because of some badmouthing?!" "Oh really? Tell me, why was it not your fault, Rainbow Dash?"

"No, Rainbow. I am unaffected by the media because of my position. You, on the other hoof..." she paused. "...Let's just say that Dust would encounter less trouble if she simply got rid of you. That is why... I came up with a solution," said the formless voice, stepping to the window. "As I've already said, we were tricked. When we tried to confront her about what she has done, she... she blew up, taking Shining and Vinyl with her. Then, some suspicious kooky noble entered, and started screaming that we did it." The regent smiled.

The pegasus eyed the shadow suspiciously. "What solution?" "You have proof of that? Alicide is the greatest crime known to ponykind."

"Do you remember when you told me about the night when you became the Element of Loyalty?" the shadow asked, not turning to face her, but gazing over the night lights of Canterlot. "I-I don't, but please hear me out!"

"Yeah, the ruins, the manticore, the brid—" She gasped. "You don't mean...?" The shadow cackled loudly. "You know what? I'll humour you. Who is the real criminal? Who ended a thousand year's reign?"

"Exactly," the shadow replied with a hint of satisfaction in it's voice. "I wish that you leave the Wonderbolts, and become the vice-captain of the newly formed Shadowbolts, whose job will be keeping peace across Equestria during the night." "T-thank you! The real criminal is the one who is also responsible for the murders during the chaotic years, I'm sure of it!"

"Huh, well, that sounds bet-- VICE CAPTAIN?!" The shadow's grin became wider. "I wonder what are you talking about? Those were all committed by blue ponies. The investigations are long since over."

"You're too rash. A captain bears the responsibility not only of themselves, but their subordinates' and their actions, too. I know you're hero material, but you will be more useful training recruits and flying on patrols than handling paperwork and legal mumbo-jumbo. I thought of somepony more suited for that task. Surely you won't object to Soarin?" "That's a lie! We found out that all of these murders point to the fact that they were staged!"

Rainbow blushed. "Um, no, not if you say it like that..." The shadow's smile disappeared. "Who?"

The voice's owner turned to Rainbow, and smiled. "Understand that I do not wish to keep you from the blue sky, I just wish that we avoid... issues, at least until we can work our way into the trust of the common pony again. That is all. I look forward to both of you doing your best. Say hi to your husband for me!" "I-I don't know. Maybe that one noble who found us, he's very suspicious."

"Will do." Rainbow Dash waved goodbye, and left the room. The dream faded away, leaving place to the other, which fully filled her mind. However, it did not become any clearer.

The shadow stepped closer, eyeing the pegasus. Suddenly, it laughed, and sat back behind it's desk.

"I was told your eyes were injured during this explosion, yes?"

"Yeah, that's true. Still, I would recognize that stupid noble anywhere!" she groaned. The shadow paused, and she got the feeling it was having fun at her expense.

"I find that hard to believe. After all, you can't even see my identity... if you would, you most certainly wouldn't try to speak your way out of it like you just did."

"W-what do you mean?!" she demanded.

"Why, I think not even you are as stupid to try and expose the killer... to themselves."

"W-WHAT? Y-You are..."

"Yes indeed. I was the one behind it. I manipulated a whole country to clean out filth like you! And you know what? I won. There is only one little thing before I can crown myself, if I wish to."

"T-that is?" she asked, shivering from both fear and the fact she couldn't see the shadow.

"I'll have to call the guards to clean up the corpse of the evil Rainbow Dash, who just attempted to take my life in desperation." the shadow stated, smiling gleefully. A quick burst of magic erupted from it's direction, hitting Rainbow in the chest, shatterig her body to pieces. The last thing the pegasus heard was the shadow uttering 'Goodbye'.

_________________________________________________________________________________

THUD!

'Ow.'

A sharp pain caused Rainbow to wake up completely. It seemed that during her nightmare, she fell off the couch, right onto her aching wings. She remained motionless for a while. Dreams again? Do they show the future, too? Why two of them at once?

Well, she can't answer these questions. She was not used to try and make sense of errant dreams, even if they meant something. If only she could see properly in her vision... objects and feelings were clear, other things, however... She couldn't identify the two shadows for her life, even if both seemed familiar somehow. Dream Rainbow recognized the murderous one, but awake, she had no idea who that could have been. She sighed. It can wait for later. Maybe they could make sense of a few things? Killing an alicorn... is it even possible?

She shook her head, and got back on her hooves, streching every nook and cranny of her body. Glancing around, she noticed nopony was in the room. Driven by curiosity, she trotted down the corridor, she realised a light was emanating from a side room, unlike yesterday. Entering it, she saw Shining Armor and Vinyl having breakfast.

"Heeeeeeeeeyyy, Rainbow! Check out all the food we found!" the DJ chirped happily.

"Nice, I guess. So this is..."

"The kitchen, yes." a calm, collected voice replied from behind the pegasus. She gasped in surprise, and turned to face her.

"P-princess Luna! Don't sneak up on me, please!"

The alicorn smiled, and gently nudged her in a playful way with her hoof. "Thou shalt not notice the night!" Turning to the others, her expression became a bit concerned. "I am glad that I bought these supplies; I didn't imagine the radical steps some of our own court would risk taking... Still, we are all here, and at least nopony will be suffering from hunger."

"Princess, what about Trixie?" Rainbow asked.

"She is awake. If you wish to see her, now is the time. I'm afraid we're not finished yet." She shot a meaningful glance towards the cyan mare, who felt a bit nervous for catching her attention.

Following her to the medical room, neither of them said a word. When they entered, they saw Trixie in the middle of the large love-bed. " So she's fine enough to sleep in a normal bed, I guess." Rainbow thought. The showmare looked up.

"Oh boy, circus has arrived in town."

"Y'know, you could be more grateful, we did save your life." Vinyl pointed out.

"Yeah, you're right!" Trixie's voice was dangerously sweet. "Why, considering that I only feel nauseous, am hurt all over, throb from every possible vein, am pursued throughout Equestria and am all alone, I should be dancing from joy on the streets of Canterlot! Of course I'm bucking morose!" she shouted from the top of her lungs. "I was disgraced, beaten, despised; and now, I see no chance, no way out of this. You should've just let me die. It'd have been better for everypony."

Vinyl snorted. "Don't get all emo on me!"

"What is done, is done, and cannot be unmade. Not even with the power of a god. Not even Discord could do it. Therefore, it is insignificant to talk about the past. We should focus on the times ahead of us."

Everypony stared at the moon princess; she was calm and collected, yet she seemed to radiate a strange anxiety from the inside. A moment later, however, that feeling disappeared.

"Well then, amaze me, Luna!" Trixie challenged her in a mocking tone. "Solve all my problems with your amazing alicorn powers!" She shook her head. "What could a broken defender, a songless musician, a pegasus who can't fly, and a unicorn who is incredibly weak do?"

Luna looked at her without a hint of anger.

"Fear and sorrow speaks from you, but that is nothing to be surprised of. Equestria has shown us a darker side... a side my sister and I had hoped it never existed." She went closer to the now alert unicorn, taking a curious look at her. "Incidentally, you should not underestimate the power I posess. I am by no means almighty, but I am quite capable." She raised a hoof to her lower lip, absent-mindedly fiddling with it. "That aside, I believe I never quite caught your full name."

"Full name?" Trixie snorted, "I seem to posess one of those, yes. However, I prefer to be called Trixie, if you will, Luna."

"That's enough! You should address her as 'Princess'!" Shining snapped.

"Oh, that is right, Mr. Protocol. Or should I say Captain Prince Mi Amore Shining 'Protocol' Armor Sparkle, the third?"

"Stop bickering," the moon princess said in a firm tone, catching their attention. "Although protocol is indeed useless in this place, he is free to adhere to it, if he finds it comforting. As for you... I have been called many names, and 'Luna' is actually one that I prefer. Make no mistake, however, I will not stop until I ascertain your origins—I need to know if you are to be trusted. But now, other things take priority. I am afraid your trials are not over, Trixie... neither are yours, Rainbow Dash."

The pegasus gulped upon hearing that, unsure of what Luna meant. The showmare looked indifferent, but when their eyes met, she winked at Rainbow. Unsure what to make of that, the pegasus was more confused than comforted, but still felt somewhat safer.

"I shall have a word with our two wounded over here. Please Captain, take Miss Scratch and do what you will, but leave this room. I realise we have much to talk about, but treating them comes first."

Shining nodded, and slowly walked out of the room, followed by Vinyl. Luna turned to Rainbow, gently tapping her wings, prompting the pegasus to wince or gasp for air fom time to time. Her gaze was full of concern.

"Rainbow Dash, it might be better if you follow me to the next room, so I can explain the situation in private. It's quite... delicate."

The cyan mare shook her head.

"I have nothing to hide about my well-being from her."

"Neither have I," added the showmare, grinning at Rainbow. Luna looked a bit surprised, but nodded in agreement nevertheless. Her face did not show any other emotion beside concern, her eyes, however, betrayed her loneliness. Rainbow felt a rush of gratitude and guilt; the alicorn undoubtedly missed her sister, the only pony that was important to her, yet she ignores her own insecurity, and helps them instead of being swallowed up in self-pity. Luna cleared her throat.

"Be it that way. I am afraid that while neither of you are in imminent danger, there are still issues need to be addressed, which might as well be just as important as a life-threatening injury. If we neglect them, there might be further damage. The decision to handle them, however, is yours. Two choices lay before both of you, with different results."

"Less talkey, more life changey," Trixie urged the princess.

"Rainbow Dash, as I'm sure you've noticed, your wing has healed incorrectly. The bones were joined together, and mended the wrong way. Your choices are the following: One, I heal your wing the way it is now, removing your pain, but limiting your ability to fly."

"Limiting?" Rainbow echoed, full of suspicion.

"If you choose it, you will not be able to use it for extended periods of time, nor will they be as fast as they were before. The chances of it succeeding are nearly 100%. The other choice is... I have to break your wing again, and put the pieces together correctly, then wait for them to mend again. If it succeeds, you will have full control of your faculties, and will be able to fly just as well as before, maybe even better."

"What is there to ask, then? Do it, Princess! I can take pain!" the pegasus boasted. The azure unicorn let out a disapproving snort, but otherwise stayed quiet. Luna shook her head.

"I am afraid it is not that simple. I must warn you that there is only a one in two chance that I succeed; if I don't... you will never be able to fly again. And even if I do, you will have to go through a long and painful rehabilitation."

Rainbow fell silent. Luna nodded again. "I will give you time to decide until I finish presenting the other case to Trixie. But do hurry; if you wait too long, it might become worse for the wear."

"Go on, shatter my dreams," Trixie said nonchalantly. "Oh, wait, I have none left."

"Your hoof is quite damaged as it is now. I do not know what pierced it—"

"Reality," said the showmare.

"—but it is one of the worst weapon wounds I've ever seen," continued the princess, ignoring her. "You too, have two options: One, I mend it in a way that it will look like just as it were; however, due to it being in a crucial place, choosing so will cause periodic pains, because I can't regrow flesh, and your nerves will hurt. Two: I opt to remove the pain completely, making sure it never hurts again. I can't restore it's former appearance if you choose this, though, and you will limp the rest of your life, although functionally speaking you might even be able to run as fast as you did before your injury. This is risky, however; if I fail... I might have to amputate your whole leg."

"So, let me get this straight. Either I choose to be in pain for the rest of my life, for a perfect posture, or risk losing my hoof, and remain a cripple in others' eyes, even though I will be able to run?"

"That is correct."

"Choice of the century," Trixie groaned. "What is there to think about? Pain does not matter to me anymore, and this is as pathetic as a pony can get. But... I'd rather limp the rest of my life and risk losing it, than to be distracted by pain at a crucial point. Do the second."

Luna nodded.

"As you wish. Have you come to a decision, Rainbow Dash?"

"I-I don't know. Losing my wings? Hell no!"

Trixie chuckled.

"So, you'd rather lose your hopes and dreams? Fly as any other, when you were once the fastest, just that you can fly at all?"

"What do you know about it?" the pegasus snapped.

"Flying? Not much," Trixie said silently. "Abandoned dreams I am familiar with. If you choose the easy way... you will blame yourself for the rest of your life for your cowardice. Accept the risky one. If it succeeds, you will be the best again. If it fails... I am prepared to face your rage... even if it only can sated by my death."

"Don't be dumb. Why would I want to kill you for giving bad advice? That's stupid. Besides, the choice is mine." Her eyes glinted with determination. "Princess, I'd like that you try and make my wing as good as it was again."

Luna did not answer, she was eyeing the two of them, deep in thought. Her eyes slowly scanned both mares, it was almost as if the sound of gears turning in her head were audible. Rainbow recognized her expression, from Twilight. It was just like her 'I-didn't-have-a-plan-until-now-but-I'm-making-one-right-now' look.

"Princess? Hello?"

The alicorn's concentration broke, and she smiled at them.

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about what to do after we're finished with our business here. Nevertheless, that comes first; I will go out and search for some required herbs; it shouldn't take too much time. Please wait patiently here."

Two pairs of magenta eyes followed the moon princess, as she left the room. Rainbow sat down on the edge of the bed, gathering her courage to talk to Trixie.

"Um, hey, Trixie..."

The showmare looked at her expectantly.

"You see... I... I had another of those dreams."

Rainbow told her dream to Trixie, who was listening intently and silently. When she finished, the azure mare was deep in thought.

"You know, Rainbow, I don't think we should ignore this. The only problem is that when we could identify the murderer, it would already be too late; most of us would be dead. Still, if this is true, ponies who rise in power are the most suspicious."

"True, but how do you suppose we get news like that here?"

Trixie hummed.

"Yeah, that's a problem we'll have to think about later. We can't do anything against the true culprit if you can't fly, and I can't walk."

"Well, at least you can cast magic!" Rainbow pouted. "I'm entirely useless like this."

"One, you're not useless. Your body strength is nothing to sneer at, even if we compare you to earth ponies, and that can be useful, too. Two, I can cast magic, but to what avail? The most I could do is cast telekinesis until they get bored with me."

"But... you did that cutting smoke thing! That was dangerous!" Rainbow protested. Trixie looked at her with sad eyes.

"Yes, that was my only offensive spell. And it would be useless in actual combat, because by the time I surround my enemies with it, I'm dead, no matter what technique they use."

"I—"

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Both mares shuddered at the sudden appearance of Luna, who was carrying some rose-coloured herbs with her. She gently placed them in a mortar that she produced from the inner room; she cast a spell on it, and the pestle moved on it's own accord while she turned her attention back to the pegasus.

"Rainbow Dash, I am going to treat your friend first, so when I'm working on your wing she can return resting here." Rainbow nodded, but Trixie softly spoke up.

"We're not friends. We never were." Her voice was full of sorrow rather than denial; as if she regretted this fact, instead of her usual snarky behaviour. The pegasus stepped beside her, and extended a hoof.

"True. So we'll be friends starting from now, OK?"

The wounded unicorn stared at her for a second, but then slowly took her hoof, and shook it. The smallest of smiles seemed to play on her features, but her eyes radiated gratitude instead of her usual guarded demeanor. Finally, she turned to the patiently waiting princess.

"Don't get your stars in a bundle, I'm ready. Let's get this over with."

Interlude 5: Murder, most foul

"They did WHAT?"

Celestia repeated her previous statement.

"Someone has killed Discord."

"Now wait juss' a minute! How in tarnation is that even possible?!" Applejack shouted. The four remaining Elements were called to a private meeting by none other but the sun princess herself. Twilight took an expectant stance, facing the Princess. Even so, her expression was horrified, and doubting. Fluttershy looked at nopony in particular; her eyes were red from crying; the others weren't sure if she even heard what just had been said. Pinkie Pie was heartfelt, her usual bouncy attitude nowhere to be seen, her mane looking less puffy than normal.

Applejack was missing her trademark hat; instead, she sported a blood-red headband, and donned a black uniform. A silvery badge hung on her chest, the initials 'C.C.F.' engraved upon them. She was giving Celestia a suspicious look. The Princess continued on.

"This morning, when I proceeded to raise the sun, I had a terrible premonition. I went to the garden, and there I saw... the beast's statue shattered to pieces."

"Intah pieces? Good riddance, ah reckon."

Celestia shook her head.

"No, I'm afraid it is not that simple. They only destroyed Discord's body, not his soul."

"That meaning exactly....?" Twilight asked with a worried expression.

"Meaning his spirit is free to roam Equestria, until he finds a new host; to whom he can bestow his powers upon. Considering this happened before... I have a pretty good grasp of the situation."

"Happened... before?" the lavender unicorn asked in disbelief.

"Yes, my faithful student." The alicorn's expression was as stern as it could be. "The rise and reign of Discord was so sudden, because... we never expected chaos to appear again. His predecessor, Anarchy, has fallen to our hoof; we thought Equestria would be free of chaos. Never have we been so wrong. In truth, Anarchy seeked a successor actively after his spirit was separated from his body;he simply refused to give in to us. Finally, he gave his powers to the draconequus, and passed away. You know what we did to Discord."

Celestia paused, looking out the great windows, directly at the sun.

"However," she continued. "he only managed to estabilish his legacy after several hundred years. I think it was partly because he was the type to consider every possibility, but mostly because only by that point in time has he gathered himself enough as a spirit to enact his plan. But! I believe that Discord, as a being that enjoyed living much more than Anarchy, will have a hard time coping with the thought of leaving this place for the Underworld. That is why I want you to focus on more pressing tasks."

"M-more pressing?" Fluttershy asked, her voice barely audible.

"Yes. I will now assign tasks to each of you, of great importance. Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student, I wish for you to become my right hoof pony; attend to council meetings, gather intelligence reports from our spies, and manage our funds. You will present all your decisions to me, for further approval. Can you handle it?"

"Yes, I think I can, Princess. I'll do my best."

"Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, I need you two to keep things together in Ponyville; reassure the citizens, and help them any way you can. Is that clear?"

"Y-yes." the two pink-maned mares muttered.

"Applejack, you have two major tasks ahead of you. One, you must continue your work as head of the Changeling Containment Force; however, there has been an aplicant for the position of vice-captain. I will send them to you, and you will accept them, as they will represent me. Two, you will have to temporarily act as Chief Warden of Canterlot Prison; you must ensure the previous director is locked up tight, investigate his misdeeds and cruelty. You are responsible for making sure nopony escapes again; but also that they are not mistreated. Their punishment has been decided, and wardens shall not have the authority to change it on a whim. You can appoint an appropiate director after you took care of these problems, whom you'll be responsible for. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, Ah do Princess." the farmpony answered with a grim look. "I have one question, though: who's after the escaped convicts?"

"That is none of your business. Dismissed."

Hoofsteps echoed in the room, finally dying down as they left the room. All, but one.

"Princess," the lavender unicorn began, "Whose responsibility is it to catch the escaped prisoners? And what exactly is your intention with blue ponies?"

Celestia did not move, her face would have made a statue pale in comparison.

"Have you not heard me? You are dismissed."

"But..."

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE! WE HATH ORDERED THOU TO LEAVE! OBEY AT ONCE, LEST THOU INCUR OUR WRATH!"

The Element of Magic gasped upon hearing her mentor using the Royal Canterlot Voice, and finally ran out of the room at full speed.

Celestia stared at the horizon, and let out a displeased sigh.

"What am I doing? Keeping this country from eating itself."

Chapter eight: Past unforgiven

"You can go in now."

Shining nodded, and trotted into Trixie's room, followed by Vinyl. The showmare was awake, albeit worn out. Her right foreleg was bandaged from hoof to shoulder. The door closed behind them, but Luna was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps she left for important tasks?

"How are you, mare?" the DJ asked.

"I'll live. It hurts like hell right now, but that's better than not having a hoof. Luna said that it succeeded, though, and the pain will go away in a few days."

"Great!"

Shining motioned towards the closed door leading to the examination room.

"And Rainbow?"

"She's fine, I guess. But, when she finished, Luna told me that she needs rest, and if you dare try to enter her room, I'll have to resort to extreme measures."

The stallion raised an eyebrow at that.

"Extreme measures?"

"Yeah, I'll stand up. Luna told me specifically not to stand up, as to lighten the weight on my hooves. So, if you try to enter, I'll get up, and blame it on you. Then you can explain it to her."

"Mare, I've never been scolded for makin ponies stand up!" Vinyl beamed. Trixie looked at her, deep in thought.

"Hey, can you do me a favour?" she asked, seeming concerned.

"Sure, what up, dudette?"

"Please, keep Luna company. I believe she said she was going out for some air, but won't leave the ruins. I think she's tired, and she'd be happy if a normal pony, like you spoke with her, or at least be near her without running away screaming."

" 'Kay," the white mare grinned. "Never took you for one being considerate."

"Yeah, me neither."

Vinyl waved to her, then charged out of the room, singing a silly tone about conquering caves. Shining looked at Trixie with a disapproving look.

"If you didn't want her around, you should just have outright said it."

He turned around, and was about to leave, when the mare's voice stopped her.

"Wait. Let's talk."

The stallion shot her a half-hearted smile.

"I was thinking about getting you some food. We already had lunch; you were in here for quite some time, so I figured..."

Trixie waved a hoof dissmissively.

"Luna gave me nutritients I need, so I'm fine, really." She looked him directly in his eyes. "The reason I sent her away—although the other part was true, too—is because I wish to speak with you. You just tossed all your problems aside. That's not healthy."

Shining's mood fell. He closed the door, sighed, and sat on the edge of the bed. He looked at the azure mare with a sense of purpose.

"Why should I worry about my own life and feelings, when there are others who need me?"

"Hmm, yes, I can see it as your personal motto," she said mockingly. " 'Show them no fear, show them no pain.' Bullcrap."

Shining Armor's expression was tired.

"Where are you going with this?"

"Stop faking. Stop acting like everything is fine with you, reasoning that others need you. We are safe, and you are not fine."

"I-I have no idea what you're going on about," he denied nervously. Sweat began to trickle down on his cheeks.

"Don't pretend that you are carved from stone, a soldier who can disregard his personal feelings. Don't you realize?
You've got nothing to prove to us, and you'll only end up hurting yourself more. Fine? Don't kid me. I haven't seen you shed a single tear, since you were imprisoned. What is that, if anything but wrong?"

"I-I....." The stallion was trembling now. His composure was only held together by the mightiest of efforts ever produced by his will. However, the pressure on him was so high, he was unable to speak. Trixie opened her mouth, and gave the final blow.

"She is dead." The stallion collapsed, his gates finally breached; tears falling like a river.

"C-Cadie..." he sniffed. Suddenly, he perked up, and looked at the mare through her tears with hatred. "I hope you're happy."

Trixie shot him a sad, pathetic look.

"Happy? No, can't say I am. I just knew that if you repressed it any longer, you'd go mad with grief. I have been there. I didn't wish to see you hurt, I just wanted you to face your sadness, and overcome it." She extended her healthy front leg, and shuffled closer to the stallion. "C'mere."

Shining looked at her, confusion in his gaze. Trixie rolled her eyes, and pulled the dumbfounded and weeping stallion in a hug. He resisted at first, but finally gave in, and buried his muzzle in her chest, crying rivers. Trixie produced a half-hearted, small, sad smile as she held him tight.

"Yes, like that. Cry, until you feel better. Don't hold it in."

The silvery moon slowly rose above the horizon as the injured showmare slowly descended into a heavy sleep to the diminishing sobs of the stallion.

________________________________________________________________________________

Rainbow woke with a splitting wingache. That's good, there is no wingache without wings. Her stomach grumbled. Yeah, she remembers now, Luna gave her something to eat after tending to her, but that wasn't enough to sate the hunger of an anorexic mouse.

She jumped on her hooves, silently giving thanks to no-one in particular that at least she's able to walk properly. Also, she didn't have one of those creepy dreams this time, so that should be a plus, too. She opened the door energetically, barging in to see Trixie.

"Hey, I'm – " She stammered, noticing the stallion sleeping in the mare's bed. "I'm on my way, then." she finished, surprisingly meek, ready to burst through the exit.

"Wait!" Trixie's voice was more of a hiss, than a whisper.

"What?"

"Help me a bit, please. I want to get some food, but I can't get up by myself."

Rainbow brightened up.

"So it wasn't just me!"

She stood beside the bed, and waited patiently until the unicorn wriggled herself from under the stallion's head, and finally leaned on her. Curiously enough, Shining didn't wake up. The duo cautiously wobbled out of the room, occassionally hopping in Trixie's case. As soon as the door closed behind them, the showmare snorted, eyeing herself critically.

"Aaaargh, last time I do favours. A word of advice, if you wish. If you ever decide for whatever reason to cover yourself in the bodily fluids of another pony, make sure you exclude drool and tears from the list."

Rainbow looked at her, obviously puzzled. Trixie pointed on her chest, where a damp patch of fur stood defiantly against the rest of her coat.

"Um, why was he crying? Were you that bad...?" the pegasus asked sheepishly. Trixie looked at her with a blank stare, but then did something completely unexpected: she laughed loudly from the bottom of her heart, for the first time since Rainbow met her.

"Oh, dammit, that's rich," she said, her eyes glinting merrily for a change. "Really, did you truly expect me to try and get laid as soon as I'm cured of life-threatening injuries? Besides, he just got widowed recently. I am not that much of a jerk."

"But then what happened?" asked Rainbow curiously. The unicorn shook her head.

"That is for him to disclose or keep a secret. If he's ready, I think he'll tell you."

"Meh. I'll ask him, then. I wonder..." she began, steering the topic, "how did the Princess escape from the moon?"

"Good question. I think we'll have to wait for Luna to appear and clear up a few things. Until then, breakfast, or whatever this time of the day calls for."

Entering the small kitchen, Vinyl was nowhere to be seen, earning some worryful thoughts from Rainbow. Seeing her expression, Trixie quickly caught on, and shook her head.

"I’m sure she’s with Luna. The princess does not seem like the type who would let anypony come to harm if she's got a say in it."

Rainbow chuckled.

"And you concluded that from a single glance?"

Trixie seemed unfazed.

"If you would have spent as much time as I did handling different ponies everyday, you'd have developed some degree of sense to their true personality."

Rainbow shrugged, and helped her sit down, then rummaged through the various boxes in the cupboards.

"Instant hay?! What the..."

Deciding they were too hungry to actually cook something, they simply set out the food they deemed edible, and started to chow down on them like a pack of hungry wolves. Even the unicorn set aside all sort of mannerisms, and despite being a unicorn, did not use her magic to help her eat.

They soon finished their meal, and cleaned up after themselves. Even though Trixie didn't move from her chair, she still moved the dishes into the sink, and washed them magically; all while Rainbow put away the now emptied boxes into an empty closet, to be emptied later. All of that, and still, nopony else was in sight. The pegasus found it strange.

"Hey, why do you think nopony is around? They didn't leave us, did they?"

Trixie wondered for a moment, but then she shook her head.

"I think it's safe to conclude by this point that Luna is out there, doing something no doubt important, and she probably took Vinyl with her. Still, can't imagine what they are doing, though."

"Maybe write a song?" Rainbow suggested. "That aside, Shining should be up by this time!"

"Well... he is a soldier... so he should be up already, except if he really exhausted himself with that spell he cast on me. Or, he's wallowing in his grief, which he could do someplace else, other than my bed."

At least, he could do something other than sleeping away his pain. I mean, is he even confronting his sadness, or was that whole scene in the bedroom useless? she thought.

"Why are you being so mean to him? He saved your life, and he acted nice, too, generally speaking."

The unicorn looked embarassed. "I...I don't really want to be mean to him, it's just... I can't help myself."

Rainbow furrowed her brow. "Do you dislike him because he is Twilight's brother?" she demanded.

The azure mare shook her head.

"No, I believe the actions and attitude of a pony does not depend on their family, but themselves. If I'd judge him upon my sore spot against his sister, I'd be no better than those who chase us. Besides, I don't dislike him, I just... I think I became untrusting through all these years – not to mention my upbringing—and treat him how I was told when I was little."

"Upbringing?" the pegasus asked, utterly confused. Trixie wrinkled her nose, and took on a superior tone.

"Do not forget my daughter, that as a member of our clan, you are always right! No matter whom you face, your opinion is the correct one, because we can not err! Now, would you like some pancakes?"

The multicolor mare stared in disbelief.

"That was..."

"My father, yes. And the pancake part, too. The way they treated me and the rest of the world was waaaay more complicated than they let on. Basically, I got nearly everything I wished for, and the rest of Equestria could go suck it up."

"Well, okay, I guess, but still, try to be a bit nicer to him."

"All right, I promise." She shot the pegasus a playful smile. "Might be easier now that I am not on the verge of dying."

Rainbow let out a pained groan.

"You have a strange sense of humour."

"There is a reason I didn't become a comedian, you know." Trixie said. Her expression became softer. "Hey, um, I know I didn't really thank you for–"

"There's no need," Rainbow said. "I just felt like it was the right thing to do."

They sat in silence for a while, deciding to explore the great hall a little. They stumbled out of the kitchen, through the corridor. The throne room was mysteriously lit, as always, yet the inspection of the throne itself turned up nothing mysterious to Rainbow's great disappointment. While it was beautifully carved, and seemed to be a part of the floor rather than a different stone altogether, there was nothing interesting about it. The only thing that broke the boring look of the place, and gave it a comfy feel at the same time, were the couches, cupboards, and bookcases in the back. Disregarding the table up front (they supposed this was designed as some sort of mess hall, too) they scanned the contents of the cupboards. Most of them were empty, save for a few rags, and cleaning supplies. Still, they wouldn't make displays for rags, right? Moving on to the bookshelves, Rainbow groaned in frustration for not being able to hover over to look at the top shelves. They both browsed the books they reached instead, occassionally reading their names out loud.

"Hmm... 'History of the Griffon Empire'... 'Geography of the Southern Continent'... 'Guidebooks of the Crystal Empire'... It looks like in this section are the informative books."

"Lessee... 'Stare Wars'... I wonder if Fluttershy read this?"

Trixie pulled closer.

"What's that? 'Wrath of Quan'? I remember that one. Seems like these are the fiction books... Should be interesting... provided you read."

"Hey! I can read! And I read read, too! I've read almost all of the Daring Do books!" Rainbow objected, seemingly hurt.

Trixie pondered for a moment, then took off a smaller book with her magic.

"Here. I think you'll like it."

Rainbow checked the title.

"Dr. Moo?! What's this, a coloring book?!"

"No, no, it's the first Con Mane book. It's a spy story."

The pegasus hesitated.

"Spy? Well... I guess it can't hurt to take a look, can it?"

The showmare took a book titled 'Magical Methodology,' and they retreated to one of the couches. The unicorn suddenly perked up.

"Wait, we'll need a blanket, because if we don't move for a long time..." She paused, slowly shaking her head. "Actually... no, we don't need one. Somehow, it's insulated here, even though I can't see any fire that would generate heat. Remind me to ask Luna about it when they get back."

Trixie positioned herself carefully, so her back would rest on the arms of the couch, and her sore hoof would absolutely not touch anything. Rainbow simply sat beside her, and indulged herself in the story.

_______________________________________________________________________________

When Luna and Vinyl arrived, the scene that greeted them was quite bizarre. Trixie slept on a couch, an open book near one of her hooves upside-down, with Rainbow's head resting on her blanket-covered flank. The pegasus was fast asleep, too, but the book she was reading has slipped from her hooves, and landed on the floor. In front of them, on an another couch, sat a fully alert stallion, sitting in a position which reminded the alicorn of a chieftain long dead, who swore revenge for his murdered son. Shaking these thoughts aside, she was about to speak, but Vinyl beat her to it.

"Goooood morning, Everfreeeeee!"

Surprisingly enough, nothing happened. The stallion looked disapprovingly at the DJ.

"Please refrain from shouting, Vinyl. They need the rest."

"Sorry, sorry," the mare said, offering a sheepish smile. "Still, how come they didn't hear me?"

"I put up a soundproof shield. I figured we might cause some noise, so it was a precaution... which proved to be useful, after all. When I woke up, they were already asleep. So I thought... let them rest, even for a little while. I took two blankets, and covered them. That is all that's in my power, anyway."

Luna musingly watched his sad features, causing him to shift around a bit uncomfortably. Shining got the impression she is planning something... but what? Ultimately, she turned away, and levitated a saddlebag from Vinyl's back to the table near her.

"Before we discuss where we were, there is another important topic to clear up. I was meaning to ask this earlier, but I decided a wounded pony always finds mercy in my care. Still, I am now very curious just who is this Trixie?"

"Sorry, I got nothing, Princess." Vinyl exclaimed with her usual bright smile, as if happy for being completely clueless. Shining, on the other hoof, tilted his head, his gesture betraying a hint of guilt.

"What I do know that she has met with Twilie before, and... well, I don't know the details, but seems like she holds a grudge against her. She herself stated so when she was pretending to be mad. I think her name came up with a few... border infringements, but I pass those reports onward to Border Defense." The alicorn hummed.

"I think there was an incident a few years ago, when somehow an Ursa appeared in Ponyville. If I remember it right, your sister's description in her letter matches Trixie's. If that's true, she was supposed to be forgiven officially, but never showed up. I wonder why?"

Shining scratched his head.

"Well, Your Majesty, I think that if you are sure she caused the Ursa incident, I might have some more information. You see, Twilie sent me a letter not long after the Saddle Arabian ambassadors visiting Ponyville, and wrote that 'the one that claimed to vanquish an Ursa' appeared again. Apparently, she was sporting some really powerful artifact, and spread havoc in the town... until the Elements stopped her somehow. Strangely though, Twilie didn't write anything about her, just the fact that she came, and left, abruptly. I found it strange that she went there and hurt ponies, and everypony just tosses this fact aside; now though, that I made the connection, I understand it even less. Why did she help us? Why does she act friendly towards Rainbow, if she hurt her in the past? Other than than that, I know one thing. The only official document that has her photo, too, was an old license for a cart. From that, we concluded that her name is Trixie Lulamoon."

The moon princess seemed to be taken aback, her coat paling noticeably.

"Lulamoon?"

"Um, yes?"

Luna stared at the sleeping unicorn, disbelief filling her features.It cannot be.

"Who is this mare?" she asked, biting her lip. She suddenly became as sharp as a blade, determination flaming in her eyes. "There are too many tales; all of which tell a different story: trickster, demon, murderer, martyr. Which is the real one? Since she does not disclose anything, she leaves me no choice. We will get to the bottom of this. Grab my hoof, you two."

A moment of darkness, that feels like a century. A blinding flash, piercing your closed eyes.

If this is how she visits every dream, I think I'll pass up on others, Vinyl Scratch thought. But at the same time, it was not Vinyl Scratch at all, who thought it, but Shining Armor. Still, the truth eludes us, because it was none other, than the princess of the night, who stated this.

Don't be afraid, we are in her body in her dream. That is why we can hear each other's thoughts, pointed out Princess Shining Scratch. And it was true, too; their eyes caught a glimpse of an azure blue muzzle before them; better yet, they started to grasp what Trixie's eyes saw. First, it was like heavy fog; something elusive and red filled her vision; but it cleared up rapidly, and they had her sight to use. Shining wished they didn't. In front of Trixie's eyes, a group of ponies danced seductively, all trying to get into the good graces of the Great and Admirable Trixie. The stallion felt his nonexistent face redden as he recognised the ponies: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Vinyl Scratch, himself, performing an elaborate pole dance of sorts, and for whatever reason, the alicorn sisters, Celestia and Luna.

I wish my dignity to be buried beside my honor, he thought, feeling completely humiliated. At the same time, Vinyl thought "My horn is not that small!" grumpily. Luna either had nothing to add, or was unfazed by sights like this. Suddenly, the ponies disappeared, and they were separated at last, somehow able to see each other in the pitch black. An eerie voice echoed through the void.

"Welcome, good guests! This was Sense of Humour, hoping that you had a good time with our opening act! A personality fragment will be dispatched for your viewing pleasures shortly!"

The darkness lit up, and suddenly they stood in a vast green field, the grass gently caressed by the invisible hands of the wind. The landscape looked idyllic, although if one really tried to look, they could notice a rather dark, gloomy castle in the distance; sharp edges and high towers making it look menacing. Luna, now herself again, shook her head.

"She's toying with us. Not many are those who notice me upon entering." She gazed at the castle, her features becoming stern. "But that castle... It's almost like as if it's..."

"... King Sombra's," Shining finished. Luna seemed concerned.

"We must immediately check it out. If it is some sort of residue left of Sombra's corruption spell, then it is our duty to help her." The other two nodded in agreement. Setting their destination, they started to gallop; however, Shining noted that they actually went faster then their hooves could take them. Perhaps a gesture of good will, speeding things up? They reached the castle in no time, and while it towered above them quite sternly, the pony-sized front entrance somehow took away any possibility of it being frightening. The door opened itself, and they entered.

The scene inside was so different, that Shining had to spend a minute just to figure out where they were. Drapes with the face of Trixie covering nearly every inch of the wooden interior, a makeshift throne made of a sofa, with a boastful blue unicorn sitting on top of it. She smiled, a grin full of satisfaction and malice, all while Rainbow Dash fanned her from the side, except that neither of them moved. The rest of the room was a blur, but there were definitely shadows that could be ponies around them. The moon princess paled again. Vinyl took notice of it.

"Say, if you continue like this, Princess, I think you'll become the new Princess of Snow, don't 'cha think?"

"Do you not see what I see?" the alicorn asked horrified. "Those blood-red eyes... that amulet!"

Indeed, Trixie was wearing a strangely familiar, red and grey amulet. It reminded the ex-captain of... No...

"If what I perceive is true, that must be a phylactery." Luna whispered.

"Filly-teary? Whuzzat?" Vinyl interjected. The alicorn swallowed, nervousness starting to show on her usually calm features.

"A phylactery. It is a powerful magical artifact that can store the creator's soul, should they die... And regenerate them, through any means necessary. If she came into possession of it..."

"...She might be slowly transforming into Sombra." Shining finished quietly. A sudden cackle startled the three intruders.

"Hah! As if!"

In front of their eyes, Trixie herself materialized... with some odd differences. Her mane was styled differently, she was dressed in posh clothing, and—Shining was glad the others did not hear him anymore—she even looked a bit... cute. She curtsied, and looked at them with a warm, but confident smile.

"Welcome! I am Vanity, but you may call me Pride for short. You have decided to come here—"

"Called it!" a voice interjected.

"Oh, shut up, Paranoia! You decided to come here, so now you will be rewarded with first-class memories!"

"Why pride?" the alicorn asked. The fragment-Trixie shot her a reassuring smile.

"All will become clear in time. For better understanding, you will hear thoughts, too. The memory will soon start. Watch it closely to the end. Until then, farewell."

The image disappeared, and the blur filling the room took on more solid shapes. It was now crystal clear: apart from the throne, a sewing machine and some buckets of apples were present; both of which accomodated a respective friend of Twilight. The scene suddenly sprung to life; Rainbow fanned Trixie with a grumpy expression, Rarity was making a banner similar to those hung upon the walls, and Applejack... Applejack looked really fed up, standing in one of the buckets.

"Sending the others away was a good idea. Ordering them around was too tiring, and to be honest, the pink one started to annoy me too much."

Was that Trixie's voice?

"Hmm, seems like she finished another one."

Rarity levitated a drapery adorned with the image of the showmare to a larger pile.

"Yes! Charming, as ever."

"Bask in our glory!"

Two of the three interlopers recognized that voice... and they wished they didn't.

"Sombra..." muttered Shining Armor.

"Still, the same design over and over? Should include something new."

"Skin them alive, and press a burning hot brand with your silhouette in their living flesh!" demanded the voice with a roar.

"I know! There should be a moon in the background!"

Shining blinked. Did she just disregard what the most powerful evil unicorn who ever lived, tried to make her do?

"Hmm, but that Applesauce is still not ready with my apple sauce facial. I wonder what takes her so long?"

"She needs motivation! Kill one of her friends, that should make her faster!" Sombra offered, his words envisioning him grinning, if he existed.

"Hmm... Motivation... I think I have one riiiight here."

With a red glow, and a plop, several feathers appeared near the orange pony; when she noticed them, her gaze jumped to the smiling unicorn. One of the feathers gently brushed her coat.

"Do I need to say anything at this point?"

The earth pony doubled her efforts. Trixie chuckled to herself.

"... Mine was a better idea," Sombra sounded hurt, strangely.

"Actually, this is boring... I hope somepony shows up to challenge me, I'm more interested in trying out this amulet's limits now."

BLOMF.

The castle disappeared with all it's inhabitants, leaving them out in the open field again.

"What goes 'blomf' anyway?" murmured Vinyl.

Shining shook his head, still hardly believing his senses.

"Princess, what the hay was that, pardon my language? Who was controlling whom there?"

"I-I have no idea," the alicorn said. A sudden tug on her mane caused her to look down.

"How did you get in here?" a young filly's voice echoed. It was a foal no older than Twilight was, when she was taken in by Celestia. The filly clearly represented Trixie, all of her features were present, albeit smaller, save her cutie mark.

"It is in my power to see the dreams of ponies," Luna replied. "I brought the others with me."

The filly nodded.

"So you do have abstract powers connected to the night."

"I always suspected it." another voice joined. She was another Trixie, but unlike the others, she kept her distance from them, as if afraid. A dull flash, and three other fragments appeared. One was Pride, the other grinned nonstop and wore a fake moustache... Humour, perhaps? The third one was very light, her coat was almost whitish blue. She turned to the intruders with a warm smile.

"In the name of Trixie, I welcome you to Trixie! Call me 'Thoughts That Keep You Equine', or Purity, for short. You've already met Pride, and this is Humour. The one in the back is Paranoia."

"So, have you figured out the reason for my appearance at the castle?" Pride asked with a playful smile. The princess looked at her, expression unchanged.

"Because you wished to tell us, that you take pride in the fact that you resisted Sombra's corruption." The fragment looked disappointed.

"Really, I expected better from a neigh-immortal alicorn. I was trying to point out the fact that my glorious personage would never accept foreign control; no matter it's power. You can't force me by controlling my mind, in simple terms. Moon, I am disappointed."

With a bang and a flash, three fragments disappeared, leaving only Paranoia and Purity behind. Luna stepped forward, bowing her head a little.

"I am sorry for our intrusion, but you left me no other choice. Still, I am impressed. Many take more time to notice my presence in their dreams."

"One? Maybe. Three? Not a chance," Paranoia replied coldly.

"Anyway," Purity interrupted, completely ignoring her, "since you're here and all... What do you say for a little game?"

"Game?" Shining Armor asked, full of suspicion.

"Yes. I will show each of you three exactly one thing that you are curious about. No tricks."

The fragment's horn glowed, and three doors appeared from nowhere, standing firmly on the groung, even though nothing supported their weight. Maybe it was on account of it being a dream world, the stallion did not know, nor cared. He began to wonder what he should inquire about. The whitish Trixie started speaking again.

"Come one! Come all! Come, and witness the greatest secrets of the mind of the Great, and Powerful Trixxxxxie!" She suddenly turned to Vinyl. "You wish to go first?"

The DJ gulped, and nodded. Purity stepped aside, and bowed, while pointing to one of the doors. The spiky-maned mare opened it, and stepped through it cautiosly. Nevertheless, as soon as she went through it, she found herself in a dark place, and the door slammed shut behind her. She nearly began panicking, but then a melody started playing, changing the threatening ambience to something similar to a late night music session. She recognized the song; of course she would, it was a quite popular band in Trottingham, who started playing together three years ago, and were producing song after song since. How did she know this? There wasn't a DJ gig where she didn't have to play at least one of their records from the beginning to the end. She started humming the tune, too, and began to feel somewhat more comfortable. As if in synch with her, the darkness began to lift up, revealing a table near her; a large serving of ice cream sitting on it's top.

The 'sky' also cleared up, making place for the moon and the stars, which in turn lit up the place. A bookcase appeared, crammed full of books. A comfy bed, wrapped in the finest sheets. And, for whatever strange reason, broccoli. The unicorn grinned. Ice cream and vegetables? Hay yes! She just knew she would be shown something out of the ordinary. Trixie sure holds surprises, for those who take wild guesses.

She felt that her question has been answered; the objects disappeared, and the room shifted into a landscape, however. A lightly steep hillside, in the middle of the night. Even though she did not take a single step, the world was moving around her. Glancing to her left, she noticed a cloaked Trixie running upwards said hill, breathing heavily, but having a smile across her face nonetheless. Finally reaching the top, she gazed over the plains below, and Vinyl followed her example. The view was breathtaking. The serenity seen from above gave the DJ a warm feeling inside.

The scene dissolved, and she found herself back in the meadow they were standing in; two doors remained, and her companions gave her expectant glances.

"Simple, honest, and curious. Really, just what I've expected," said Purity, smiling at the white mare. "You wished to know what my favourite things were? You got to see them. Next one, please!"

Shining stepped forward, and entered a door without hesitation. Likewise, it slammed shut behind him, too, and disappeared, leaving him in the dark.

"Interesting," a disembodied voice stated. "Straight to the point, eh? It seems small talk is not your style; let's get down to business then. What you want to know will be explained with these memories."

The darkness gave place for a small, dimly lit hearing room, separated into two by a barred wall. Two ponies sat in the prisoner's side: a dark brown pegasus mare, with orange mane, and a cream-colored earth pony stallion, with reddish mane. One of his hooves had bandages all over it. Both of them stared with hostility at the one sitting in front of them: a younger Trixie, wearing a confused look on her face, fighting to hold back her tears.

"Get out," the mare hissed.

"B-but..." Trixie struggled with words, but something distracted her too much to be able to say anything remotely coherent.

"Get. Out!" the pegasus pressed, raising her voice. It seemed to snap the unicorn out of it.

"Why? Why did you do it? Weren't we friends?" asked the showmare, on the very verge of crying. The brown mare snorted, clearly bemused.

"Hah! Get a life. You were useful to a point. But, as it turned out, you suck too much to be even copied. GET! OUT!" she bellowed.

The young unicorn couldn't take it anymore. She ran out of the room, sobbing loudly. Shining was beside her, convinced that this indeed was a memory, and not a fake. But then, who were those two? What did they do to be arrested, at such a young age, to boost? And last, but not least, what connection does Trixie have to all of this? His train of thought was thrown off it's rails by a voice calling out, full of worry.

"Oy! Bee! Stop!"

Trixie (apparently Bee,) hit her brakes, staring at the one calling out to her. Shining's first thought about that pony was the following: I never thought Trixie was friends with Rainbow's long-lost twin sister. That, of course, was not true, as he admitted to himself on the second glance. The mare standing in front of him was more like an inverted Rainbow Dash; her mane was dark blue, and her coat was the colours of the rainbow instead. Her cutie mark was visible, too, and itt differentiated her further from the cyan pegasus: it was a prism, breaking the light into colours. Not to mention the fact that she was a unicorn. She appeared to be the same age as Trixie, her horn slightly longer, though. She got closer to the sobbing filly, and put a hoof over her shoulder.

"You all right, Bee?"

"They... They said they always hated me...." she sniffed. "Please... not you, too!"

"Whaddya' mean, stupid? You did nothing wrong, you hear? Nothing! Seriously, it should be the other way around."

Trixie raised her head.

"....Specs? You don't mean..."

The multicolored unicorn seemed to be ashamed of herself.

"I'm sorry, Bee, but ... I helped them steal it from ya. I..."

Trixie looked at her, horrified.

"You were in, too?"

"N-no, I just told them stuff I saw while I was watching you, cause... well, they told me ya wanted to give them a too meager one originally. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

"N-no, that's fine, I'm not mad at you, or anything!" young Trixie desperately struggled to keep her voice; it threatened to dissappear over her poorly repressed feelings. 'Specs' slowly shook her head.

"Sorry, Bee, but that's not gonna work. I've betrayed ya... I did the worst thing a friend could do... therefore I fail as such. I should just leave your life, before I cause too much damage... Your father was right. I don't qualify to be considered an equal."

"Dad? Forget about what he said, just—"

"No, Bee, it's all right. Think about it. Because of my carelessness, I gave them a chance to humiliate you... which backfired for them horribly, to boost. I feel responsible for this rift... Not to mention that Throat left us, thinking she would be next to be thrown into a cauldron of humiliation... And I don't blame her for thinking like that a little bit. Sorry Bee, I... I royally screwed up. I singehoofedly destroyed a five-pony friendship. If I stay, I will just alienate you from everypony... If I go, it will hurt for a while, but... eventually, you'll overcome it. And maybe then... you will find somepony worthy of your friendship, unlike me. Sorry Bee... Goodbye."

In a flash, the colorful mare suddenly disappeared, leaving a sobbing wreck of a unicorn behind. The scene dissolved, and Shining found himself again in the darkness. He was utterly confused. Every fiber of his being demanded an explanation, yet remembering the young Trixie's sad face... his heart stirred with compassion. Before he could fully recover from his unexpected witnessings, the disembodied voice spoke up again. It was full of vitrous cooing, yet he could make something new out in it: sadness. Pain of reminiscence, and fear of loneliness.

"Did that answer your question? I think yes. But, you know what? I'll throw in a bonus. Hearth's Warming. Everypony loves Hearth's Warming."

The voice went silent, and another place came into existence. A small, comfy room with a fireplace that had a cozy fire in it, bookcases, couches, and a richly adorned Hearth's Warming tree. A young filly raced up and down from the large stack of presents under said tree, to two older ponies, whom Shining could only picture as her parents. One of them was a unicorn stallion; blue coat, dark green mane, and an elegant jacket. his expression was just as arrogant as it was confident; yet, when he looked at his daughter, his eyes radiated gentleness. The other pony, a pink coated earth pony mare with white mane smiled at the extatic filly, gesturing her to sit down. Trixie did so, and looked up at her with an expectant grin.

"Now, don't be too greedy, Trixie. Don't disappoint Luna, or she will not bring you presents if you misbehave!"

Trixie nodded vehemently, while her father shot a disapproving shot at his wife.

"What is this about? 'Trixie?' She has a proper name!"

The mare continued to smile.

"I think this much is forgiveable; since she is my daughter, I can give her a nickname if she likes it. Don't you agree?" she asked, winking at the stallion slyly, and flicking her tail just to slightly brush his nose. He blushed, and grunted something sounding like 'things I agree to...' under his breath.

The older mare pulled the filly into her embrace, and began singing an old Hearth's Warming Carol. Her daughter joined in, and her husband's frown all but disappeared, looking at the harmony between them.

The room faded into white; snow falling in tiny flakes, smearing an older Trixie's coat with damp patches. She paid no mind to it; her attention was focused on a pine tree she was sitting in front of, crudely made stars, moons, and other decorations hanging from it in a symbolic manner. This unicorn wore a purple cape, and stared with sorrow and regret in her eyes in contrast to her younger self. A few moments later, she sighed, and sang the same carol from the previous memory.

The scenery shifted again, keeping in constant motion; each time older, and in a different snowy forest; but it was clearly her, and she sang the same old carol every single time. The flashes finally stopped, arriving to a halt in a snowstorm, for a change. The air was heavy, cold, and vision was obstructed by the intense amounts of snow carried by the wind. The Trixie of this occassion sat before an unadorned tree, for a change. She was clutching something to her chest, while staring lifelessly in front of her. She was crying; the cold weather freezing her tears as soon as they rolled down her muzzle; drops of diamonds in a sea of azure.

Suddenly, she jumped up with an inarticulate scream, attacking the tree before her, flailing wildly, but causing little damage. Litting her horn up, she desperately tried to shoot bolts of raw energy everywhere, but the swirling snow sucked up the spells she shot. She finally collapsed on the snow, sobbing, and shouting incoherently.

Shining stood dumbfounded as his surroundings switched back to the field where the others awaited him. Purity nodded at him, but he barely registered it. This was not an answer; this only prompted more questions. Who were those ponies? Why did Trixie leave her family? And finally... what could have caused her to snap like that?

Purity, realising that he probably won't respond to anything at the moment, turned to the moon princess instead.

"Your turn. What do you wish to see?"

"I wish for the truth. Nothing else. Your antics do not amuse me."

Paranoia cackled.

"Can't fool you, eh?"

Purity faded into nothingness, and only the three intruders and 'Paranoia' remained in a bright, but strangely quiet field.

"Yes, you're right." Trixie spoke up. "There is nopony else in my mind, no different personalities, just me, Trixie." She glanced up at the alicorn with a serious expression. "Apart from the scene which greeted you when you entered, everything was true, though. My wishes, my feelings, my memories, all of them."

Another door appeared. This time, it was dark, as if made of coal, rather than wood. The azure unicorn pointed to it.

"You want the truth? Open it. No tricks, no hiding anything. Just what really happened three weeks ago."

Luna lit up her horn, and moved the handle. Just as it opened to the smallest of gaps, it disappeared, leaving only a frame behind which expanded rapidly through the landscape. Whereever it touched the ground, it changed. Moments later, they were standing in a moonlit meadow, overlooked by a burning, ruined town. Corpses littered the field, young and old, mares and stallions, brutally mangled and ripped to pieces. The smell of decay lingered in the air, mixing in with the suffocating scent of the smoke emanating from the fires. What was the most disturbing, though, was the fact that the ponies were not the only dead beings there. Patches of blue, night sky-like liquid, and similar chunks of different shaped furred, fleshy objects showed up here and there, suggesting at something really large... that was cut down to size, literally.

And in the middle of all this disturbing scenery... a lone, panting unicorn stood, her azure coat painted red with blood; her pristine mane covered in that blue liquid.

"So? Here is the truth. How do you like it?" Trixie asked.

The world suddenly shattered to pieces, and the intruding ponies fell into the void, with their host's last words ringing in their ears.

How do you like the truth?

Interlude 6: Red Apple

Clop. Clop. Clop.

Hoofsteps echo in the silent street, no pony daring to cross the way of this individual. He is determined; determined to carry out his orders, entrusted to him by no other than the Princess herself. He swore upon his long-forgotten honour to make sure the country is safe; for that, he has to leave the life he's been leading up until now. He will become the vice-captain of the Changeling Containment Force; also tasked with the capture of suspicious elements. The captain, Applejack... well, she might prove to be a problem. That is to be expected, however; the very reason he was asked to act as a commanding officer was to ensure that she doesn't break the laws to capture a certain pegasus, who caused her much grief.

Ponies freeze upon his arrival, but then they all salute, noticing his CFF insignia, not unlike their captain's. He nods, and asks about the situation.

"Sir! We have been ordered by Captain Apple to investigate every nook and cranny of this mansion! She believes that Fancypants aided the escaped prisoners!"

He slowly shakes his head. There it is already. If left unchecked, the mare could seriously spiral out of control. This assignment was more of a punishment to him, than a real, honorable task.

"Where is the suspect and the captain located?" he asks, making clear that he has little patience for small talk.

"The captain is in the upper floor, searching for incriminating evidence. Earl Fancypants is in... the 'Drinking Room', I believe, Sir."

He nods again, and takes off towards the room familiar to him.

__________________________________________________________________________________

When he entered the room, Fancypants was sitting in one of his extravagant armchairs, hugging a suspiciously brown bottle. A quick sniff in the air revealed to him that it was indeed the strongest whiskey to be ever brewn in Equestria. The unicorn adjusted his monocle, and looked at his visitor with a clouded, but somewhat jolly expression.

"My, my, Blueblood, it's nice to meet you here!"

"It's Redblood," he replied coldly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. What a terrible mistake I've made!" Fancypants was lacking the usual kindness in his voice; the prince was sure he was being sarcastic.

"What happened?"

"What happened? Oh, nothing important, you know, just the usual. A good friend killed, my life put on public display, wife leaving me... same old, same old."

"Fleur left you?" Redblood asked, true surprise in his voice. The blue-maned unicorn snorted.

"Yes. Apparently, the off chance that I might murder her in sleep, based on the fact that my mane is blue, was too much for her to handle. She handed in divorce papers yesterday morning, and... well, she renounced ownership of anything in this house, so the procedure was rather quick. But enough about me! How does life treat you, prince?"

Instead of answering, the other unicorn examined a small bottle rack on the wall.

"There are five empty bottles here," he observed.

"Oh yes, " Fancypants confirmed, "as you can imagine, I was rather preoccupied with... er... well, flooding my brain with alcohol."

Redblood stepped beside him, and gently yanked the bottle from his grip. Fancypants was about to grab it again, but his expression stopped him. For the first time since they have known each other, the prince seemed to actually notice others' situation besides his. He stood up, a bit wobbly, but straight, and slowly paced himself towards an exit. He stopped in the door.

"If you are looking for our dear Captain, she is in my study, no doubt expecting to find something world-shattering, something that proved I had a hoof in the events that transpired three days ago."

"If anything, I know you enough to not suspect you," Redblood replied. "While I had no real connection to that mare, I do know you would never fake a friendly smile to fool her. I know she was your friend."

Fancypants seemed baffled. He gathered himself, though, and offered a short, disheartened laugh.

"I believe your opinions would not be popular with Miss Applejack. Still... the truth needs to be found." He hesitated for a moment. "Behind the painting. The code is 546."

"Why—" the prince began, but the earl cut him short.

"I have nothing to hide. I believe she will not leave until she found something that is at least hidden. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I might have a minor case of alcohol poisoning. If anypony wishes to find me, I will be in the restrooms, probably vomiting."

__________________________________________________________________________________

Redblood braced himself, and knocked on the door to the study.

"Git in!" a voice barked.

He entered the small room, wearing a completely neutral, if bored expression. Applejack snorted as she realised just whom she encountered.

"Great. Ya came fer protestin' 'bout this search, am Ah right?"

He shook his head.

"Negative. I am here to be enlisted as your vice-captain."

The mare stared at him in disbelief.

"You?! A nitpicky, darned rude uptight git, who can't even get 'is hooves dirty?! Don't play with me, 'cause I ain't in a good mood, ya moron."

"The fact that I prefer not to be dirtied has nothing to do with my competence," the stallion replied calmly.

"Well then, amaze me!" Applejack taunted. "What skills ya might possibly have that I can put to good use?"

He lit up his horn, and suddenly, a sword slipped out from a hidden scabbard on his clothing. He took a fencing position, pointing the edge of the blade towards the captain.

"I may not look like it, but I've taken fencing lessons since I was small. And, according to my instructor, I am quite skilled with it."

"Maybe. But that makes ya no better than any other footpony!"

He levitated his sword back to it's hilt, and produced a piece of paper instead.

"If you will allow me... I have with me here the testimony of a certain Strong Walls, ex-director of Ponyville prison. He stated, amongst many other things, that the possible mastermind behind the escape may be an individual called Trixie Lulamoon."

"Trixie..."the orange mare spat.

"That is not all, however," the prince continued. "He also stated that aforementioned mare was heavily injured on her front right hoof. I also have a medical record from Rainbow Dash's last doctor, and he revealed, after a bit of pressuring, that he put the broken wing together the wrong way deliberately."

"Serves 'er right."

"I believe it's a bit harsh, don't you think?"

Applejack looked tired and sad, sad beyond belief.

"Harsh? I'll tell ya what's harsh: losing your little sister to a pony who was your best friend for years; and ya can't even giv'er the benefit o' doubt, 'cause there are too many witnesses there ta be fooled. Harsh is losing yer granma to a heart attack when she finds out what happened to yer sister. That is harsh, not some passing body pain."

The stallion stood silent for a moment.

"... I am sorry. I had no idea what happened to your grandmother."

Surprised with his empathic response, Applejack lost her stern expression. She looked lost, alone and vulnerable; and for the first time, a voice in Redblood's head told him that this pony needs not to be stopped, but understood. Recalling the emotions he felt when Princess Luna was injustly banished, he decided to actually try and help Applejack cope with the situation, rather just simply restrain her.

"What are ya standin' around, looking like a dumb dog?"

...Then again, it might be something he ultimately can't handle.

"I am awaiting orders."

"Well, uh... any news?"

"We have run test on the remains of the assasins. Apart from the griffon, we have identified the other ponies... strangely enough, they had no connection whatsoever to each other. The only common link we found was a café they all frequently visited, located in Canterlot Plaza. Night Shade agreed to lock down the place until you get there; his only request was for you to arrive before dusk."

Applejack looked at him, lost in thought.

"Ah guess ya did yer share of the work. Maybe y'all suited for this position after all?"

The stallion offered a brief smile.

"Thank you. One last thing: there is a safe behind a painting here. I have access to it's combination. Before we leave, we might need to inspect it."

The mare grinned.

"Finally! I can't wait ta see what he's hidin'!"

Chapter nine: Past revisited

Shining Armor slowly rose to his hooves. His head felt like he had been bludgeoned relentlessly with something. He noticed his two fellow 'intruders' stand right next to him; his concentration however, was disturbed slightly by the glare a certain blue mare gave them. She was fuming with anger, though still half-laying on her couch, with the sleeping Rainbow in tow.

"Had fun poking around in my head?!" she asked with venom.

"Forgive me, but I needed to know. I needed to know if you weren't the one behind this. I am sorry for causing you pain," Luna answered softly. The unicorn slowly exhaled, anger seemingly leaving her with that single breath; only sadness and tiredness stayed.

"Can't I ever leave my past behind?"

A sudden, loud snort startled them, signalling the only present prismatic pegasus waking from her slumber. Rainbow stretched her hooves, while still laying down, and half asleep. She slowly sat up, and rubbed her eyes, glancing back where her head was up to that point.

"Mornin'." She suppressed a yawn. "So, I guess I slept on your flank, eh? Sorry about that. It's soft, if that makes you feel any better."

Trixie's face was unreadable.

"Are you implying that I am fat again?"

Rainbow chuckled, but her smile faded away as she noticed the others, and their serious expression.

"What's with this mood? Did I miss something?"

Before any other could reply, Trixie snatched the reins of the conversation back to her.

"Oh, we were just playing a game of truth." Hearing that, the pegasus' ears perked up. "Do you have something you wish to ask me? I'll answer honestly."

Rainbow yawned again, and scratched her head.

"Well... Here's an important one. Don't cha think the Wonderbolts are awesome?"

The showmare blinked, then burst into laughter.

"Seriously Rainbow, you never disappoint. The others all pried around my personal life, yet you just come and ask a completely innocent question, even when presented the opportunity to explore the darkest recesses of my soul."

The pegasus contemplated on this.

"You have one of those?"

Trixie smiled, and suddenly pulled the surprised speedster into a gentle hug.

"Never change, Rainbow. Promise me this. Keep your faith and innocence intact; for they are both scarce to come by."

She slowly let go, sighing.

"Sadly, the same cannot be said about me. And to answer your question: I always respected them as fellow performers, but I always felt their peace-keeping skills could use some hustle and polishing." She looked slyly at the patient figure of the moon princess.

"You know what? You win. Might as well answer your questions; given there is a high chance we won't live through this. But first, I believe we haven't been properly introduced yet." Trixie got off the couch, wobbling a bit, yet still refusing Rainbow's help; she managed to stand up, performing a proper curtsy. "Pleased to meet you. My name is Beatrix Lunamoon, daughter of the Lunamoon clan."

The others' (save Luna's) expression couldn't have been more surprised if she brought proof that carrots are purple. Finally, Vinyl managed to shake off her sudden stupor.

"Lunamoon? As in Luna Lunamoon?" she asked with disbelief.

Trixie nodded.

"That is correct."

"Are-are you some kind of illegal love child?" the DJ asked again, eyeing suspiciously both the azure mare and the dark alicorn. Luna shook her head, the slightest of embarassments flushing her cheeks.

"No, I have never had affairs with my subjects. The true answer lies within the past, before the time of my banishment... with a certain stallion."

Trixie nodded again. By that time, she half-laid back on the couch, hooves hanging sideways. She made a circular motion with her horn, giving life to something illusionary that very well could have been the mark of her clan.

"Our origins start with 'the one blessed by the moon', the clan founder, Patrick Lunamoon. Family legends say he was bestowed his powers by you, Luna, and that you considered him your right-hoof pony. How much of that is true?"

The alicorn smiled.

"I considered him a true friend. He was strong, noble, and kind, yet there was an air of mischief around him. Back then, he was one of the few ponies to genuinely enjoy the night... That of course pleased me. I did not give him his power, however; he earned it himself. He underwent hard training, and performed a ritual to connect his kin to the moon. He succeeded in doing so. I merely pointed out the way, but one without a noble heart would never have obtained the moon's purity. The connection is hard to explain; let it be enough that it differs with each generation. One more thing about him: his true talent was planning. He single-hoofedly planned and organised the Night Guard. Their traditions still remain after so many years. I was deeply hurt by his passing... yet I cannot thank Eternus enough that he did not see me become the villain."

Trixie shrugged.

"Anyway, our family always considered ourselves connected to Luna, too, until her banisment. When that happened, though... suddenly, we were unwelcome guests in the courtroom. Ponies acted antagonistically towards us, suspecting we were planning to bring the nightmare back. My ancestor leading the clan at that time, Grigorij Lunamoon, stepped down from politics; thus preserving our wealth, if not our influence. Although hated countrywide for being firm believers in Luna, the clan quickly faded into obscurity. Even so, worshipping openly was too prominent; they kept their faith in Luna under our clan roof. Maybe it's because that very reason that our belief changed. Many years later, even we believed that Luna was nothing else but Nightmare Moon all along... so we thought we should be a cult that will serve her upon her return. Maybe this caused my parents' views to be distorted so."

"Dis...torted?" Rainbow asked worriedly.

Trixie conjured up an illusion. While the ponies were not familiar to the others, Shining recognised them as the ones he'd seen with her at the Hearth's Warming tree. The stallion wore an ever-frowning expression on his face, and was dressed quite posh. The mare, however, smiled gently at him, and the only thing separating her from a common pony was a silvery locket hanging around her neck. Trixie shifted their images a bit, so their sides became visible; the stallion had two swords crossed before the full moon as a cutie mark, and the mare had a branch with three buds as hers.

"These are my parents;" the showmare began, " heair of the clan, my father, Aleister Lunamoon, and my mother, Blossoming Bud. It's funny... They loved me more than anything in the world... they just showed it the wrong way. Dad was overprotective, often chasing away fillies and colts of my age. Mom was kind and gentle... but Discord forgive you if you just as much as touched a hair on my head. One of my earliest memories is her beating up a stallion twice her size for looking funny at me." She smiled, lost in sad reminiscence. "Yet, for all their love that they gave to me, we had our disagreements. They insisted I go to elite schools and take over leadership of the clan... for it was their firm belief that when Nightmare Moon returned, we would rise to power again, as a reward for supporting our Dark Mistress throughout the ages."

"But, uh... you lost me." Vinyl said, scratching her head. "Isn't the Princess good, or what?"

"I was indeed freed from my madness when I returned to this world after a millenia..." Luna confirmed, pausing slightly. "It did not happen without help, however, nor did it pass without leaving a mark. Rainbow Dash, do you remember my appearance from that fateful night?"

"Um... You had fangs, a helmet, weird snake-eyes—"

"I meant after you used the Elements on me." Luna interjected patiently.

"Oh? Well, you were small, I mean, really small compared to Princess Celestia. I think you were even shorter than me." she mused. Luna nodded, staring at the far corner of the throne room.

"Indeed. The reason behind that is simple; it took me some time to regain my powers. Until then, I spent most of my time hiding in that form, shielded by my sister, to protect me of those who did not believe the prodigal alicorn would ever return to the fold. It did not matter to me, for I understood perfectly how much fear and suffering I wrought... I could not, and can not blame them even today. On the bright side, " she smiled gently, "I had the chance to spend time with my sister after a thousand years... which shortened as soon as I took up my duties again."

"That brings me to my second point," Trixie continued as if nothing happened, startling the others a bit. "Some time later, when I heard about your return and redemption... I had a terrible premonition. I hurried back to my hometown... only to be greeted by gruesome news: my parents had committed suicide. I can only guess their reason... for on that day, our manor disappeared, too; their bodies were found in the plaza." Her voice was empty, her words disconcerting. "Our entire clan disappeared from the face of Equestria, and I had a family to bury. Best Hearth's Warming, ever."

"I had no idea I caused you so much grief, Trixie. Forgive me, if you can," Luna said softly. Trixie shook her head.

"It does not matter anymore. They chose their path, it was not you who forced them. But enough of that. What happened during my visits to Ponyville, you probably know from Twilight."

Rainbow and Luna nodded, while Vinyl and Shining looked uncertain. The stallion finally spoke up.

"Strange as it is, I haven't been told by Twilie of your visits. Perhaps you could elaborate?"

"As for my first appearance... ask Rainbow. I have enough of that incident. As for the second one..." She gazed deeply in his eyes, measuring his reaction. "...I went to get my revenge on your sister."

Shining glared angrily at the mare, feeling his temper slowly boiling.

"What reason could you have had?"

"Oh, I don't know," she replied sarcastically. "First, that damn bear destroyed my wagon; with every possession of mine in it. Second, she humiliated me in front of a large crowd—"

"Trixie, you kinda did that with us, too," Rainbow interrupted.

"Tell me, Rainbow, did I force you to challenge me? Did I let you gloat until the retaliation would cause the most amount of shame? No. I simply boasted, and you fell for it. The moment I was done, I forgot all about you. It was never about ponies, it was about the challenges themselves. They attracted the attention. But she... she waited for the moment when revealing my weak skills, and besting me would cause the most damage to my reputation! She only proved herself to be more than capable of handling the situation, after she let me utterly fail at every single thing I tried to drive away that bear."

"She would never do that!" Shining yelled, his rage exploding.

"Really? So me starving for half a month after that is okay because she didn't mean to?! It's fine that I became laughing stock of Equestria, and subsequently couldn't perform anywhere? Do you have any, any idea what it's like to forget about what you like and can do and work on a bucking rock farm?!"

"Oh boo hoo! You had to work once in your life for your money, so sorry for that!"

He instantly regretted those words. Knowing his tendencies to be overprotective towards his beloved (sometimes even against one of them in favor of the other), he quickly realized this outburst was just the product of not actually thinking, but reacting to insults with insults. Before he could say anything, though, Trixie spoke up in a cold tone, full of anger and pain.

"So you think that it's no big deal? Maybe that I deserved it? I deserved to be denied the chance to practice my special talent—which I suck at, by the way, so I can't even take pleasure in that—and work on a rock farm, doing heavy physical labour amongst ponies who looked at me funny if I as much as thought about using magic to crack open the damn rocks; not to mention I had to work there for two whole years to scrape together enough bits to buy a magical artifact, which I wanted to use for my performances. And if that's not enough, said trinket turned out to be containing an evil spirit that decided to eat away my soul, because he couldn't control me?! All while giving me incredible power, so I would have no inclinations to remove that amulet! Oh yes, a brief moment of triumph, before falling back to the position of Equestria's greatest fool!" She slowly calmed down, her voice turning from agitated to bitter and tired. "I was stopped by your sister before I disappeared completely; and for that, I am grateful. I sought vengeance when I felt my power, and yet it brought nothing but pain and disappointment... and not just to me, but everypony around me. When I finally left the town again, I decided to leave behind my past. I returned to my origins, performing actual tricks, not just humiliating ponies professionally. From that point on, I lived on small stage shows and odd jobs... until that fateful night, not long ago."

Silence loomed for a moment, only to be broken by Luna.

"Trixie, I am sorry about the whole ordeal you had to go through. If we were less complacent with my sister, we could have realised there could have been a phylactery."

"What is done, is done. There is no use thinking about 'what could have been'... for it already passed by us. The only thing that came out good from the whole ordeal is that Twilight hid it somewhere safe."

"Wow, dudette, so that's why you were in prison?"

"No. Didn't you pay attention? I roamed the country for years after that... Well, I guess I must tell you the truth... but I don't want to waste too many words on it. So, here is the short version. Three little towns were involved, too little to even show up on the map. It started pretty late in the evening; I set up my stage, and some ponies even gathered to watch me. The moment I stepped onstage, however, a raging roar shattered the sound of silence. Before my very eyes, an Ursa Major marched into town, lunging at ponies, tearing them apart, and destroying their homes. Fear paralyzed me. The monster's size... well, the Minor was nothing compared to it. The beast was so immense, and I was so small... but when it looked at me, I finally gathered enough of my willpower to run away. I lost it sometime later, but I dared not stop. Early next morning, I reached a different town. I stumbled through the outskirts, desperately trying to find somepony. Of course, it was deserted, no pony in sight. Finally, I came upon somepony resembling an authority figure. Before he could speak, I told him that an Ursa attacked the neighbouring town... then I passed out. When I came to, I was in a barn of some kind, laid on top of a bale of hay. Glancing around, I noticed the same stallion grinning cheerfully at me. I got a terrible feeling about the whole situation, so I questioned him about his actions..."

Trixie looked positvely disgusted with herself, and angry; angry beyond simple words.

"He only responded with incoherent ramblings. Can you believe it? I had a chance to avert the whole tragedy... and I picked a retard, who couldn't even speak, as my messenger. I hurried out in the open, the fool following me. I heard screams, so I immediately steered towards the direction they came from. A good minute passed, before we came across a square littered with bodies. I froze again... my mind refused to acknowledge what was happening. Somehow, the beast emerged from behind us, catching us completely by surprise. A quick smash, and the fool had become but a bloody pulp... which, ironically, was the final drop in the full glass to spill. It broke my stupor, and I turned to face the monster. I desperately tried every single spell in my arsenal on him... needless to say, to no avail. The monstrosity looked no worse for the wear when it decided to slap me with it's paw. I broke through a cart, and hit my head on something heavy... for the second time in two days, I passed out. When I woke up, a dead silence loomed over the ravaged settlement. All I saw were ponies mangled, slaughtered, ripped to pieces... not a single soul alive. It started to dawn on me that the beast let me live. Why? I couldn't fathom it. And, to be quite honest, I thought little of it once I saw it's tracks, leading away from this carnage. I could see an another town in the distance, realising I could warn them this time properly. So I ran... again." She shrugged, displaying a pitiful look.

"Little did I know that I would end up in a town that I visited before. A town, where I had humiliated ponies before with my little 'act'. Needless to say, I received... unkind treatment. It took quite some time to get them to believe me; the fact that the Ursa had not reached them even made me unsure if it really happened, or if I just hallucinated it. Finally, they begrudgingly believed me. I started to feel relieved when I saw them build some barricades, and ready themselves in a professional manner—but nothing happened. Hours passed, and no bear showed up. What little credit they gave me was gone. They started abandoning their posts. I desperately tried to stop them... they didn't listen. I myself nearly gave up, and thought I finally went mad, when a dreadfully familiar roar shattered my hopes. It showed up again. This time, however, a handful of ponies still remained vigilant, and held the line, until practically the whole town flocked out to fight it. It seemed like they could fend it off—but then something unexpected happened. One of the locals managed to land a deep cut on the beast. It... Well, I thought it was fierce and fearsome up until then. I couldn't have been more wrong. The roar that followed... was something unearthly. In retrospect, the pain probably broke whatever control the murderer had over it. Really, if you think about it, why would it attack everypony but leave me alive? Twice? The answer is simple: it was instructed to do so."

They all fell silent. Rainbow looked disbelievingly at the azure mare, and Luna was deep in thought. Vinyl looked sick. Shining was baffled; the mere thought that there was somepony vile enough to slaughter three towns for their dastardly purposes... was wrong, for lack of a more fitting word. He'd seen attackers, like skirmishes on the griffon border, spies, who sold out their country for riches, and even changeligs, who tried to invade Canterlot through him—but he never heard of a person who would willingly kill three settlements as collateral damage, without any real purpose. Luna finally broke the eerie silence.

"I... I never expected for someone to be able to do mind-control on such an advanced level... Our enemy is formidable indeed."

"Yeah, but, uh, dudette." Vinyl spoke up, suppressing the urge to throw up, "You, how'sh'd I say... still stand and breathe here. How'd you escape?"

Trixie looked sad. By now, she shed all her masks; the real Trixie was talking: one who didn't boast about her power, one who tried to show compassion for others from time to time... and one who nearly went insane from the pain and sorrow pushed upon her. She looked so vulnerable that all of them started to feel like they are just bullying her with this... 'cross-examination'.

"How did I survive? Dumb luck. Pure, dumb luck. The beast... erupted in rage, felling tens of ponies in one swipe. It finally slashed at me, too, that is how I got my wounds. It was... like hell. We were but little playthings to the monster. Ponies shred to pieces, homes destroyed, fires starting and spreading... I think I started to wager everything on one move. It was a really stupid idea. No matter what we tried, barely anything pierced it's thick hide and skin. So... what about it's insides? A fire burning it's your gut ought to distract it, I thought. So I gathered the last of my strength, and picked up a decently big burning log. I unleashed every little ounce of magic I possessed... and the log disappeared in a flash."

She lit up her horn, and the same scene they saw upon leaving her mind appeared, albeit on a smaller scale. A panting Trixie on the middle of a sea of corpses, and pieces of Ursha flesh. Rainbow's eyes widened.

"You did this?! Last time you weren't even able to take on a Minor, not to mention it was a friggin' Major now! How?!"

The pegasus was startled by the princess' calm voice.

"Ursas are creatures of magic; when fully matured, they become... instabile. Their insides contain highly flammable materials. It is of no surprise that it... disintegrated."

"It blew up. Say with me. Bleeeeew up."

"Still," Luna continued, ignoring her, "how were you able to teleport... well, the fire itself?"

"Rub it in, would you? I know I am royally bucked up when it comes to casting spells, but hey, I had no choice but to do it; besides, the fire was smaller than me, so it was easier to try and teleport it."

Luna shook her head.

"It does not work that way. Teleporting oneself is a spell that strong unicorns can learn. Some even extend it to others at the same time. But teleporting objects? It requires a different type of spell. Not many can do it."

"Huh. Maybe that's why I was never able to 'port myself, then. I was attuned to objects, eh? Go figure. Anyway, I was quite surprised, too. Several minutes later, I was still standing there, in shock. The end." She looked around, noticing their bewildered gazes. "Oh, all right. I'll show you with a memory-display spell, but I ain't watching it. It was more than enough living through it. So, I'll just start this, and go get some fresh air."

She huffed, and sprang to her hooves... well, more like struggled for long seconds to stand up, barely succeeding at that. She limped to the spiral stairs, and cast a quick spell before disappearing around the corner. Immediately, the projection came alive with various sounds—fires crackling eerily, Trixie panting, and... the sound of hooves? The image strengthened, and they could not see through it anymore. From a half-spared building, three ponies emerged. a mare, a filly and a little colt. The colt was a yellow earth pony, with an unkempt cream-coloured mane, the filly was a white unicorn, untainted by the smoke and ash, with green mane. Neither of them had a cutie mark yet. Their eyes frantically searched for something, and the filly froze as she discovered what she yearned to. She screamed as she ran over to an unmoving mare; lying in a pool of her own blood.

"Mommy!"

She desperately shook, poked, and nudged the corpse.

"Mommy! It's me! Please, wake up! I swear I will eat my cauliflowers, just p-please, get up!"

She began to wail loudly, grabbing the dead pony's hoof, gently nuzzling it. The colt stepped closer, embracing the filly while crying himself. Trixie looked at them in a daze while the mare cautiously approached her. She was red, with a neon green mane and potatoes for a cutie mark.

"Is... is it over?"

Trixie snorted.

"Over? The bear is dead. What brought it here... probably isn't, but I doubt they'd linger here. For the moment we are safe... if this can be considered safe. Are there any other survivors?"

The mare shook her head.

"N-no. Just me and these kids." Her eye lit up. "You... you saved us! You got rid of that terrible beast!" She noticed the showmare's wounds. "Are you in pain? What can I do to help you?"

Trixie contemplated silently, then raised her head to meet the other mare's eyes. She spoke quietly, but in a determined voice.

"You will take care of these two... recently orphaned. You will raise them as if they were your own flesh and blood. They need you, and you will care for them. It is the only way. You will take them far away from this place, and if anypony asks..." She paused, anger filling her voice, though not directed at the red earth pony. "You will tell them that Trixie Lulamoon, that putrid, despicable pile of thrash brought an Ursa Major into town, and wrought terror and destruction until the beast turned on her, and she was forced to kill it, too. You will tell them that you hate that upstart, pompous git, and you will punch me in the face if you meet me in public again. It is the only way to ensure the safety of you three. Now tell me where I can find some bandages, then scram before somepony finds you here."

The scene faded away, leaving them dumbfounded, until Rainbow broke the silence.

"Okay, what the HAY was that?!"

"I am afraid we... unauthorisedly entered her dreams to figure out if she is trustable. You see, Rainbow Dash..."

Shining Armor heard the voice slowly trail off as he climbed the stairs. Upon ascending from underneath the throne, he noticed Trixie sitting on a broken stone slab, bathing in the pale moonlight. It was strangely fitting. He trotted up to her, and sat on his haunches right beside her.

She glanced at him sideways, but did no gesture to welcome, or shoo him. They sat silently for a short while, neither of them satisfied with their past actions. Finally, the stallion spoke up.

"Trixie, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make fun of you earlier, it's just... I'm a little touchy about my family."

The mare sighed.

"Forget it, Shining, you are right, in a sense. Over the course of the last fifteen years, I acted as a superior jerk towards everypony. To top that off, I openly abused the three of you, even though you were just trying to help me. I am not a good pony, Shining."

"Look, I know I said things, but I didn't really mean them. Heck, half the stuff you've gone through could have made anypony else insane! You're not as bad as you picture yourself to be. You stopped the inmates of Canterlot Prison from hurting Rainbow, and you even charged in and got Strong Walls off my back, when I was helpless."

"Whom I later tried to kill in cold blood."

"But you didn't."

"That did not depend on me that's for sure."

"Still, you chose to catch Rainbow instead of having your revenge. And you helped us get camouflage from the Opera."

"Which I burned down."

"You fought your hardest against your injury, just to aid our escape."

"I still became a burden."

Shining glanced at her from the corner of his eye. She seemed to be really displeased with herself, not just wanting to keep the argument running. The stallion shook his head. The situation was absurd—him comforting a mare he barely knew, while both of them are on the run from the law, no less. On the other hoof, it was this mare who helped him realise that by dwelling on the past, he will only be ignorant of the future. He still missed Cadance, and it hurt when he thought about her—but no longer would he be overwhelmed by the feeling of guilt. His wife would be ashamed of him if he let somepony get hurt, because he was absorbed in self-pity for not being able to save her. Clearly, Trixie is hurt, not physically, but emotionally. She believes her... 'evilness' to be a given. Maybe the truth will be enough to open her eyes.

"All right, how about this? I will now say three facts that prove you are not without passion."

Trixie let out a short, bemused laugh.

"You are too good-natured for your own good. But go on anyway."

"You saved three ponies from the Ursa."

"Yeah, and let about three hundred die. Nice rate, don't you think?"

"You still managed to save lives, unlike me, who was even trained in combat, and was regarded as the best defensive shield-caster in a hundred years." His voice was bitter. "Furthermore, I couldn't even save my wife, a good friend, and my loyal troops. You risked your life, and saved three complete strangers."

Trixie looked ashamed.

"I ran away from the first two towns. I am not brave."

"I am sure you've already heard this, but bravery is not blindly charging in, or being strong. True courage was facing that monster, because of the small possibility that there were somepony still alive, worth saving. If that is not brave and noble, I don't know what is."

"...One."

"When I felt the most down, you caught on. You shocked me out of my stupor, and made me realise I can't be going around blaming myself what happened, and disregard everything else. I suppressed my emotions, and all it was good for to distract me. Yet, you helped me, pointed out that I need to face my sorrow, not hide it. While it still hurts, and I deeply miss Cadence, I will not deny my feelings anymore. I am not perfect. I am not stone-cold and emotionless to simply shrug it off when needed. I am a simple stallion, with all the consequences of a sad mistake."

Trixie hesitated.

"I... I knew what it's like to lose your beloved. You've seen it; I ran away from home, yet I couldn't bring myself to hate them for all their mistakes of judgement. I miss them so much... and I can't help, but think that maybe, just maybe if I was home, I could have convinced them to live on... even if their goddess was not as they wished her to be." A single tear rolled down her cheek.

The ponies sat quietly for a while. Finally, the showmare spoke up.

"Two."

"Last, but not least, you've shown you have a conscience."

Trixie smiled, softly and sadly.

"Now where in Equestria did you get that from?"

Shining looked at her with a serious expression.

"From Rainbow."

Trixie gasped, her surprise finally snapping her out of her neutral stance.

"S-she told you? But why?"

The stallion looked up to the stars before answering.

"Princess Luna did not give us a false sense of hope. She outright stated when she finished patching you up that you might die at any second. In case that it'd really happen, Rainbow wanted us to know that you regretted your actions. Vinyl suggested that you instinctively snap at everypony as some sort of defense mechanism, so you wouldn't get close to anypony."

"I...well..."

"Taking responsibility is something that proves that at the very least, you are trying to stay on the right path. The self-inflicted punishment you chose was a little off the scale, though."

"...I have something to confess concerning your sister. When she confronted me, and finally freed me from that damned amulet, I went back later to apologise. I... I was this close to revealing everything I told you today, to ask for her true forgiveness from the bottom of my heart... but something stopped me. It was her expression. An all-knowing, pitying look. I know now that it's probably not the case, but I felt that she looked down on me. I... I ran away, like I ran from all my problems, instead of going through with what I originally planned. That is the reason I didn't talk kindly about your sister."

"Don't worry. I'm sure that she told the others that you tried to say sorry. I can't think of a more violently loyal pegasus than Rainbow, and she didn't react to you too antagonistically when you met, correct?"

Trixie shifted around uncomfortably.

"I... may or may not have written some letters later, under a fake name, in which I mock her for nonexistent flaws."

The stallion shook his head disapprovingly, but he smirked a bit, too.

"That was uncalled for. Childish, even"

"I know, and I wouldn't do it, if I had the opportunity to do so again. I am not saying this because you're her brother. I'm not saying either that I am a better mare now, but at least I concur now that I was wrong. I neglected everypony... and you three made me realise I miss my old friends more than I thought. If given the chance, I'd chase after Specs—no matter how hard she tried to hide. Just like you are doing now, so stop it and come out, Luna!"

The stallion's heart nearly skipped a beat as in reply to Trixie's shout, a tall figure suddenly appeared behind them.

"I am impressed once again, Beatrix Lunamoon. You were able to sense me even when I hid myself, and deliberately kept my magic output low."

"Yeah, well, it was about as effective as hiding a burning torch between snowponies. You have too much power to not pick up on it... well, to be honest, if I didn't know you were here, I'd have thought a powerful unicorn is lurking nearby."

Shining's cheeks reddened with embarassement.

"...I didn't notice anything." he muttered.

"Hm. Let's face it, I am probably more paranoid than you are right now... Besides, I had to be able to sense magic at a low age, even perceiving the tiniest amount of it, because otherwise I couldn't tell if the leaf I was practicing my telekinesis on moved because of me, or just got swept away by the wind."

The ex-captain scratched his head.

"But you maintained an illusion to cover your wounds for weeks! You can't be bad at magic if you can pull that off!"

"That's... half-true. My magic is really weak... but I learned illusion spells from her..."

"Whom?"

"The one you saw in my memories, the one who is like the opposite of Rainbow; Spectral Prism, nicknamed Colorful Spectrum, or Specs. She was a master illusionist, second to none. All I know about illusions, I learned from her. That is the only reason I can use it adequately."

Luna broke her silence, stepping closer.

"I take it she was the one who taught you the basics of magic, too?"

Trixie looked surprised.

"No! Every member of the Lunamoon clan (well, unicorns) must discover the use of magic by themselves, as stated by Prin... It's bollocks, isn't it?"

"I never asked for such a feat. But then, you have taught yourself magic?!"

"Yeah, well, even though I generally suck, I did a good job there for a beginner, don't you think?"

Luna seemed distraught. The unicorns waited patiently, but then they realised she won't speak up anytime soon.

"So... How are things on your part? What about your family?" Trixie asked, only to end the uneasy silence.

Shining sighed.

"Mom refused to acknowledge any of this... foolishness. She believes firmly in dad and me... at least she believed before the assasination. I know they loved Cadence, too. Twilie... well, based on how she acted to Rainbow's assumed guilt, I'd say she's out of it. I could understand, though, she always believed in numbers and facts, since she was small. Sometimes I think she ignores her intuitions just a little too much. Someday, her naivety will make her commit a grave mistake..."

"And that very dragon fellow?"

"Spike? I suppose he feels down, too. I hadn't the chance to know him better."

There was an awkward silence until Luna finally spoke up.

"Beatrix..."

"Just call me Trixie, like everypony does." she interrupted. Luna nodded.

"Trixie, how do you feel about these three ponies? Please answer honestly."

The question caught Trixie off-guard. It took her a moment to regain her composure.

"Talk about unexpected... To be honest, I don't really know. I just... I just wish to return the kindness they gave me... even if I'm just a jerk."

The alicorn looked seriously at her for a moment.

"I believe I have a plan. It requires trust and cooperation, so I was hesitant to bring it up up until now. To put this plan into motion, however, I'll have to measure the extent of your abilities. All three of you. I must ask you to not divulge the details until everypony has been tried. I will now head inside, and begin immediately with Rainbow Dash and Vinyl Scratch. I'll send for you when it's your turn."

The unicorns watched the princess descend back underground. The azure mare then turned back to Shining.

"Don't think you're off the hook yet. You now know nearly everything about me, sooo... What was growing up like? Three, by the way."

Interlude 7: The librarian

An ugly day. Spike hated it from the bottom of his heart. Rain was falling, the temperature was low, and to top it off, he was alone. The usually warm and comfortable library looked gloomier than ever. Twilight left him in charge while she sorted out things in Canterlot—at least, that was the idea. Celestia called upon her superior organizing skills in order to oversee tasks that required focused attention—with the unrest, many new 'blue-related' problems popped up, and with the combined number of old and new petitions, the alicorn was being slowly overwhelmed. Hopefully, Twilight would be able to ease her burden.

Spike looked out of the window. He has been gradually getting taller over the past four years, but the murder of Rarity really induced a growth spurt. Dragons mature by greed normally; however the pain of losing his first love was a definite step towards becoming a grown-up. He now towered over most ponies, but was really slim at the same time; he relished the thought he didn't induce fear around himself. His thoughts wandered back to Rarity.

Rarity...

When he heard the news, he nearly died inside. Losing somepony so close to him... He wished he'd been taken away instead. Gradually, these thoughts faded away, leaving only sadness and grief behind. He knew that the one most devastated by the fashionista's death was not him, but Sweetie Belle. The universe seemed to play a cruel joke on her; not only she lost her best friends, then she lost her parents, and her sister got murdered. Spike visited her when she was released from the hospital, and back into Ponyville; when he saw her in Carousel Boutique, he quickly excused himself; he couldn't stand to see her scarred face. By a strange string of events, Babs Seed and Diamond Tiara moved in with her, determined to help her recovery in any way they can. He decided that their company was more than enough than a lousy dragon staying there, too, his presence only reminding the poor mare of her late sister. All in all, since they were nearly grown up by now, (Babs was about a year younger when Twilight came to Ponyville) they were left to do as they please. Inheriting both her parents' and her sister's house and money, she was pretty well-endorsed as of the moment. If she played her cards right, she wouldn't have to worry about sustenance until the end of her life.

Spike shook his head. All this reminiscence made him even more depressed than he already was. Maybe he should just close up the library, and write a letter to Twilight or the princesses—no. There is only one princess left. Cadence was dead, and Luna was banished. If the little tidbits he picked up when he visited Canterlot a week ago were true, Discord was destroyed, and Chrysalis was still at large, hiding somewhere until she can regain her strength. That made Celestia the single most powerful entity in Equestria. Some spread rumours that she intended to rule Equestria as it's sole monarch again. Spike didn't really believe these, but he could remember Luna as Nightmare Moon all too well; if power would corrupt the sun princess, she could be really nasty.

He waved that traitorous thought away. Celestia was like a mother to Twilight, and he can't disappoint the unicorn by accusing her mentor based on baseless conjuncture. He returned to reading the book that has been lying open on the desk he inherited from Twilight.

"Year 217, the day after the Summer Sun Celebration. My research into the matter of the existence of the mysterious 'Escalite', protector of ponies, traitor to dragonkind, has been approved by the princess herself. She seemed to realise that this enigmatic dragon could indeed be a powerful means of protecting our borders. Since the last sightings of the majestic beast, decades passed by the hundred; many think that it didn't even exist. My research shows, however, that it indeed aid us in our darkest hours; when the invading armies of Dramor, the lithe green dragon, last Dragon King of the First Era invaded our fair nation, it was Escalite who stepped into the fray, and single-clawedly slaughtered many of the best fighters the King had, including himself. Afterwards, the dragons were scattered, and never heard from again to this day as an empire. I believe that even if this dragon disappeared before our beloved princess was named ruler of our country, it has not faded away..."

Spike closed his eyes. The book was about a dragon who was ponykind's saviour—in a gruesome, but somewhat heroic way. Reading it was a stupid idea anyway. Why would it give him inspiration as to what to do with his life? He just wanted to be useful... Twilight is currently in a high position in the government, Applejack leads a militia-like organisation that deals with both fugitives and would-be changeling attackers, Pinkie and Fluttershy do their best to keep Ponyville united... What has he done? Nothing. Maybe it's time to close up shop before he decides to do something unnecessarily drastic. Sighing, he stepped towards the door to close it. Suddenly, it sprang open, revealing a slightly disturbed cream coloured mare. She looked at Spike, who stopped in the middle of raising his claw.

"Is this a bad time?"

"No, not at all, Bon Bon. What brings you here today?"

"Actually, I'm looking for a book on edible plants of Equestria. Would be nice if you've got a map, too."

"Just a second." Spike replied, tiptoeing his way to an upper shelf, which he reached if he stretched out real far. He picked up two books, and placed them on the counter.

"Here they are, 'Plants of Equestria', and 'Geography of the World'. How long would you like to borrow them?"

"Indefinitely." Bon Bon stated shortly. Spike scratched his head.

"I'm really not supposed to give them away. What if other ponies need those books?"

Bon Bon raised her head, and looked at him pleadingly.

"Please!" She glanced around, confirming nopony is in sight, then leaned closer. "Truth is... I am going to leave town. I need that book to survive in the wilds. I'm not sure where I can go... but I'll try with all my might to stay alive. Because Ponyville... changed. There is nothing left for me here."

Spike looked at Bon Bon, and remembered the good old days... days when said mare happily watched the antics of the six ponies who changed Equestria's fate... together with her sister, Lyra. Spike's eyes lit up with determination. Maybe he is not a hero like Twilight and her friends... but he'll be damned if he doesn't help a pony in need. He strode to a small wardrobe, and pulled out some saddlebags that looked like they were camouflaged. He put it on the desk beside the two guidebooks.

"Alright, I'll give you the books... also, take this. You'll need it if you really plan on leaving. It's a special 'camo' saddlebag that Rarity designed years ago... The others agreed it's easy to hide in the wilderness. I wish I could do something else..."

Bon Bon stopped him with a serious expression.

"Nothing more is necessary, Spike. I just wish for a chance to hide myself until this passes over. For I believe it will pass over. This farce can't be played on forever, not even by the smartest of ponies. The truth will surface... That is what keeps me going. I thank you, Spike. I know letting something go that belongs to our deceased beloved... hurts. Also, don't belittle yourself. Not many have the courage to assist us blue ponies... not even when they should be keeping their common sense. Take pride in your work, and provide a ray of light in the darkness of ignorance. Farewell."

Spike could only nod in response. He watched as the mare carefully tucked away the books in the saddlebag, which she promptly put on. She turned back to Spike with a sad, yet warm smile. Suddenly, she leaned forward, and gave a peck on the surprised dragon's cheek.

"May you always do what is right."

A moment later, she was gone. Spike reached up to where she kissed her, thoughts in a daze. He slowly let his claw sink back to his side. What was he thinking? Moping around won't do anything. There is only one thing to do.

He will write a letter to Princess Celestia.

Chapter ten: When all hell broke loose

"Follow me, please." Luna intoned, gesturing towards Vinyl. She obliged, ultimately ending up even farther down underground, through a complex series of corridors, corners, and stairwells. When she finally gave up keeping track, they finally arrived in front of a large steel door.

"This is the training room," Luna beckoned her. "Let us proceed in."

Vinyl gulped, but trotted after her nevertheless. To her surprise, she found something resembling a tropical jungle, undisturbed by the apparent lack of sunlight. She was quick to voice her concerns.

"Uh, Royal Dudette, how does this even work?"

"During planning, the Guard made it quite clear that they'd like the training room to represent a jungle, for their own purposes. It took a lot of consideration until I found the solution: sunlight-absorbing crystals, that disperse it during the night."

"So when there's dark outside, it's technically daytime down here?"

"Yes." Luna confirmed.

"Neat." Vinyl beamed. "So, what's first?"

The alicorn sat down opposite of her.

"Before we begin magical examination, you will answer a series of questions. Please, be honest. But first, I'd like to hear a good joke."

Vinyl blinked.

"Whuh?"

_________________________________________________________________________________

Spitfire looked over the Academy Grounds. The Royal Guard was leaving, escorting a number of blue ponies out of the premises. Right. Their fancy talk stuck to her mind like crushed bugs to hooves; in reality, they just revoked the blue ponies' memberships, and hauled them off as 'suspicious individuals'. Spitfire was barely able to convince them to leave Raindrops and Thunderlane alone, claiming that their mane colour was more of a mint green than teal. Even so, she had to personally ensure they are under constant supervision. Of course, there is always Soarin'. He had been out country for a while; in fact, he's been away long enough that he probably doesn't know about the colourism that spread throughout Equestria. If he comes back, completely oblivious of the danger he's in... The only thing in his favour is that he'd probably come straight to the Academy, and that would give Spitfire time to explain everything to him, and send him off into hiding.

The pegasus sighed. What seemed like a millenia ago she dated Soarin'... but they broke up soon after, realising they were simply not attracted to each other enough. They still remained close friends, and seeing as he was the vice-captain... Well, even if he refuses to go into hiding, it's unlikely he could keep his position. That doesn't matter now. She just hoped he would be back soon. There is only one little thing to take care of, first. As if aiming to complete that train of thought, loud knocking came from her door. She sighed again, mentally steeling herself for the upcoming conversation.

"Come in."

__________________________________________________________________________________

"Ugh, don't even get me started on those! Suffice to say, I heard they were outlawed in three kingdoms, one of them which is the Griffon Empire! The griffons! Outlawing a weapon! Fortunately, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna recognised it as a possible sign of threat, and prepared to guard against it, with proper precautions."

Shining Armor was in his element. He never expected Trixie to be interested in military politics, or tactics and strategy. Since most of his life was revolving around these, he was happy to prove himself competent at least in one field.

"I see." the azure mare replied. "Still, weird to think the nobles didn't protest."

"Oh, they protested all right. Especially Open Book. He claimed that if we don't utilise that weapon, we would be disadvantaged if an invading army came."

The clip-clop of hoofsteps interrupted their conversation, a white DJ emerging from the stairs not soon after. She was practically beaming with energy.

"Yo, Shiny dude." she poked the stallion verbally. "Princess is waitin' for you."

Shining nodded.

"Of course."

He trotted down under, Vinyl immediately taking his place beside Trixie. She measuringly glanced at the showmare. Said unicorn couldn't stand it.

"What?"

"Oh, hay, just look at you. Sitting in the moonlight, silvery mane twinkling ever so bright... Why are you so friggin' pretty? 'Specially 'cause I know you haven't been grooming for weeks, at least." She pouted. "Life ain't fair."

Trixie chuckled.

"That is your most pressing concern right now?"

"Meh. I'm just a bit pegged up, 'cause now I'm really interested what the Princess cooked up. Might be something crazy, though."

"To be honest, this whole situation is crazy. I find myself on the brink of death, used as a scapegoat to legalize colorism, and later I join up with the brother of the one I always looked at as a rival, one I wrong two times in the past, and..." She glanced at Vinyl. "Well, you. I admit, I don't even know what kind of music do you play. By the way, what kind of music do you play?"

"Well, dudette, I'm a 'new wave' type of mare. What I play is fresh in the sense that it uses instruments developed not long ago. Have you heard of matars?"

"Can't say I did."

"They are magically charged guitars, hence 'matar'. Dudette, you would not believe the sound they produce! I think there is great potential in matars, you just have to try 'em, y'know?"

Trixie hesitated.

"You wanted to try this with the others, when...?"

A shadow crossed Vinyl's eyes, but she nodded nevertheless. She collected herself in a second, though, and smiled at the azure mare.

"Tell you what, since you probably don't know the first thing about them, I'll tell you how awesome they were. Did you know that Octavia taught herself every instrument from bass to violin? Or that Lyra Heartstrings used to perform for the 'Myriad Musical', the most popular musical play in modern times?"

Trixie smiled back.

"No. Do tell."

_________________________________________________________________________________

Spitfire looked at the pony across her desk. Over the past few years, this pony has proven many times that she is reckless, has an inferiority complex, and generally talks back to her superiors. She was also a damn good flyer, at least as good to be named third best, first place going to Soarin', second to Rainbow Dash. Spitfire always considered herself a better organiser and trainer than flyer. She could still kick serious butt, if needed; she just knew when somepony was better than her. That also made her a very good coach.

Now her coach's instinct screamed at her to just kick this mare out in the open, appointing somepony else in her place. Her brain knew however, that is she actually went trough with that, it would be regrettable for both her and this pegasus. She sighed.

"I presume you know why I called you here, Lightning Dust?"

The mare in front of her smirked.

"Dunno. I'm finally getting a promotion, maybe?" She was rocking back and forth cockily on her chair, giving a 'just try to punish me!' look to Spitfire.

"As a matter of fact, yes." she confirmed, causing Lightning Dust to fall over. Standing up, she stared at the captain in disbelief.

"Really? You'll make me squad leader?" she asked, still unsure if this was a joke. "...Ma'am."

Spitfire shook her head.

"No. I am going to make you Vice Captain."

The world spun with Dust. Being Vice Captain of the Wonderbolts is a sure ticket to the heart of any action! That is exactly where she can shine!

"Oh yeah! You're not going to regret this, Spitfire—can I call you Spitfire? Would sound silly if the two leaders 'Madam'-ed each other, no? Anyway, I can assure you I'll perform waaay better than that fugitive So—"

Bam.

The unexpected blow sent Lightning Dust into the wall, immediately followed by Spitfire pinning her to it. Struggling in vain, she saw the other pegasus literally push her muzzle into hers.

"Listen here, you self-serving bastard. I had about enough of you and your stupid shenanigans. One word, one word from me, and you'll be hauled off to prison for everything you've done!"

"I-I didn't! There's no reason...!"

"Oh, no reason?" Spitfire intoned sarcastically. "Let's see... endangering civilians and teammates on several occassions, causing large amounts of property damage... I think there is enough here to start on." She released the disturbed pegasus, and sat back behind her desk. "Not to mention that you are of questionable colour."

"Wha...? You stated officially that I am mint green!"

"Yes. And I had to take responsibility for you staying here. If I ever decide you are more trouble than you're worth, you'll be immediately taken to jail... or to Azure City. I own your ass. Now sit down!"

Hanging her head dejectedly, Lightning Dust sat back on the chair which she hurriedly set straight again. Never in her life has she been more nervous. Her front legs shook a little when she raised them to form a defeated gesture.

"O-okay, I'll do whatever you want, just... just don't let those freaks come and take me! Please!"

Guilt panged through Spitfire's chest, but she suppresed it. She fought back the urge to reassure the heartbroken pegasus before her; but it was in that very pegasus' best interest that she is kept under control; if she would be taken, too... Spitfire knew that despite every reckless stunt she got herself into, Lightning Dust truly wishes to be a Wonderbolt, and a protector of peace. Or, in her own words, 'bucker of baddies'. She sighed.

"Look, kid I'm not out for blood. Just behave, and you might even have a better time at it than I do."

"W-what do you mean?" the supposedly mint-green pegasus asked, still intimidated a bit.

"Do you think I enjoy this? Do you think I was happy when our most revered, relatively new member turned out to be a mass-murderer? Do you think I was completely indifferent when they took our—my—teammates, just because they happened to be a hue that is looked down upon? Do you think I enjoy these new laws, no doubt nurtured and instated because our oh-so-great nobility?"

"I-well, no, but—"

"I think this whole concept is stupid. The fact that a few maniacs roam around the countryside does not seem like a valuable proof to me." She looked at Lightning Dust. "I guess you don't want to hear me ramble on, right? Of course not. Just... go out there, and this time, actually care about the others. You're in this together with them, and if they start to hate you... Celestia help you."

Dust raised her head.

"I understand."

She slowly dragged her hooves still numb from the shock, reaching the door in an uncharacteristically polite way. When she opened it, she heard Spitfire call out to her.

"Hey, Dust."

"Yes?" she asked, without turning back.

"Take care."

__________________________________________________________________________________

"So I'm up."

"Yes. We will begin with a short magical evaluation. Please shoot a few bolts of lightning at m—OW! Have you gone mad?!"

"Sorry," Trixie said defensively. "I thought you put up a shield already."

"Well, I didn't! Start shooting now!"

All of the unicorn's lightning-charged magical bolts dispersed harmlessly upon the force field Luna put around herself.

"Increase output!" Luna yelled. The sparks now pummeled her shield mercilessly, yet they seemed to have absolutely no effect.

"Change magic type!"

Fire and ice assaulted the alicorn, heating up then cooling the shield immediately. Were it not magical in it's nature, it surely would have shattered, at least from the constant temperature changes.

"Enough!"

Trixie immediately ceased her attacks, slumping back on her hindquarters.

"Damn, I'm out of shape," she wheezed.

"That alone is a major understatement. We need to continue, however. For the next part, you can ease your body's attrition, for you can do it even while sitting. I need to see your illusions."

"Izzat' all? Get ready to be amazed by my completely copied talents!" Trixie intoned sarcastically. She did, in fact, follow Luna's order, creating complex illusions at her beck and call.

"Interesting," the moon princess noted. "One final magical test: telekinesis."

Trixie picked and threw rock after rock, often requested to handle several of them at once, or in quick succession. Finally, Luna halted her.

"That is enough, Trixie. I shall now evaluate your skills." She paused. "By far, this was the worst performance I've seen from a sorcerer. Your arsenal is laughable, your power output is ridiculously low, and last, but not least, you take too much time to cast spells."

"Way to kick somepony who's down." murmured Trixie, clearly hurt.

"Your illusions, however, are top-notch. By your own explanation, it is because your friend taught you how to use them." She looked directly into the showmare's eyes. "Your telekinesis is also fairly good; these facts lead me to a simple conclusion: you are bad at magic because you were too vain to ask for help, and learned it the wrong way from the very beginning. I must admit, I've never met a pony whose fundamentals were so off... yet I believe that with a reasonable amount of work, we can correct your mistake, and make a decent spellcaster out of you."

"Cool. Will I be as strong as Twilight?"

Luna shook her head.

"In terms of sheer magical force, no. Still, a sorcerer's skill is not determined only by their intensity. Control is much more important. Now," she paused, taking a seat beside Trixie, "we shall commence the second part. I will ask you a series of questions. Please, answer honestly. I, however, will not use any kind of outside force to make you do so. You are free to lie, or refuse to answer if you'd like."

"What good would that do me?" Trixie asked sarcastically.

"Nothing indeed," Luna confirmed.

"It was a rhetorical question. Now, ask away!"

"Are you angry at your parents?"

"No."

"Do you care about the future of Equestria?"

"No," Trixie stated flatly. Luna was taken aback.

"But... the whole country...?"

"Right now? No, I couldn't care about the country itself. I'd really like to end this stupid colorism charade, though. But the future? I have neither the power, nor the correct judgement to alter it."

"Are you jealous of Twilight Sparkle's power?"

"Oh, yes."

"Are you jealous of sister and I's power?"

"Nope."

"If you could gain power from unorthodox methods again, would you do it?"

"No."

"Do you care about Rainbow Dash's, Shining Armor's and Vinyl Scratch's well-being?"

"...Yes."

"Do you care about my well-being?"

Trixie hesitated.

"I... don't know."

"Would you risk death if it means saving the aforementioned three?"

"Yes."

"I have no more questions. This will be the last test." Luna levitated a small piece of stone to Trixie, gesturing her to take it. "Clear your mind, and touch the rock."

Trixie complied; but at first, nothing happened. Slowly, the stone started to glow in a bluish colour.

"There is hesitation in your heart," Luna's voice came, the alicorn herself hidden somewhere. "You realised and regretted your mistakes, yet deep inside, you feel they can not be forgiven."

The light changed into a warm orange, and Trixie's mind began to fill with feelings, seemingly emanating from it. Kindness. Forgiveness. Acceptance. Her heart was gripped with uneasiness. She didn't belong there.

"Why must you push yourself on?" Luna continued. "Forget your past. Be more carefree. After all, you are a new mare now. You've atoned for your sins, now it's time for you to be simply happy."

The stone intensified even more, flashing pictures of unknown ponies, all smiling at the unicorn, cheering her on. Trixie hung her head.

"If I did that," she whispered slowly, "I wouldn't be myself anymore."

In an instant, everything disappeared, and the training room went dark. The alicorn slowly raised Trixie's head with her hoof.

"Questioning ourselves, our decisions is what makes us compassionate. If we ever assume that we are always correct, we have taken the first step towards decadence."

Trixie could only stare in awe. It was as if Luna shrank; this was not the face of a monarch, or a kind protector... it was the face of deep regret; one which Trixie knew too well.

"I understand your pain, Beatrix. There hasn't been a single day when I didn't curse my own foolishness that caused so much pain and suffering to the one pony I love most."

As if in a trance, Trixie extended her hooves, and pulled the surprised princess into a hug. Luna recoiled a little, but ultimately remained in her hold; a small stream of tears flowing down her face.

"You are afraid," Trixie observed, opting to caress Luna with one hoof. "You fear that your sister can not take this madness anymore. You fear that she will make the same mistake that you did."

She released the silently nodding alicorn, standing up, then bowing before her.

"I, Beatrix Lunamoon, hereby swear that I will do anything and everything in my power for the sole purpose of making sure you reunite with your sister, and never shall you need to leave her side ever again."

This time, it was Luna who surprised Trixie with a sincere, warm hug.

"Thank you," she whispered. "It means so much to me..."

About a minute passed before they could collect themselves, but after that, they managed to put on a face like nothing happened. Trixie smiled weakly.

"I guess we're not that different, after all."

"I believe so, too. Let us not keep the others waiting, however, for I promised to reveal my plan after these tests to the others. You have already figured it out, yes?"

"I... might have a slight idea... But I'm not sure."

"Then the sooner we discuss it, the better, right?" Luna said with a playful smile. Trixie smiled back, and they both took off for the throne room.

Lightning Dust dragged herself through the mess hall. Pegasi who looked at her could've noticed she's different from usual. No cocky attitude, no air of superiority—just a mare with her own problems. She noticed that only a few ponies were present; one table was occupied by those ponies she originally arrived to the Academy with. Blossomforth, Thunderlane and Raindrops. She stared at them in a daze. How long ago that was... when her only problem was proving herself. She slowly altered her path, and stepped beside their table.

"Mind if I sit here?"

The following groans could hardly be called acknowledging. They sounded more like annoyed grunts than anything. Not paying any attention to that, she sat down. She looked at the two Ponyvilleans. Of course. How could she be so stupid? They too are only here because of Spitfire. If somepony like Lightning Dust led the Wonderbolts... well, let's just say this table would be down to one pony. Forgetting to divert her gaze, Raindrops was getting uncomfortable. Thunderlane, when he noticed it, instantly snapped at Dust.

"Hey! What's your problem?"

"Hm? Oh."

Realising she had been staring, she quickly changed topic.

"I just wanted to ask... what is the first thing you think of when you see me?"

"Uh... not very nice?" Blossomforth suggested.

"Jerk," Thunderlane huffed.

"Showoff," Raindrops replied in an uninterested tone.

That is right, Lightning Dust. You're just that. A jerk, who's obsessed with being the best, and failing at that, too. Nopony notices your accomplisments, no matter what you do. You are doomed to failure.

Her own thoughts betrayed her. Unable to hold it longer, she broke out in tears, finally snapping under the pressure of both Spitfire's warning, and her teammate's opinions. The other three were startled by her sudden change of mood, and looked around uncomfortably. Every other pegasus deliberately ignored their table. Finally, Blossomforth extended a hoof, and patted Lightning Dust on the back.

"Um... cheer up?"

It had the opposite effect, causing the mint pegasus to cry even louder.

"I—Ihi aham uhu-seless!" she bawled. "Nohopony lihikes me, nopohony cahares what I do, I just... aaaaaah!"

The white pegasus patiently waited until her sobs dwindled, and cautiously patted her again.

"We don't think that you're useless, do we, guys?"

"Well, no..." Thunderlane conceded.

"No, not particularly." Raindrops added. Dust sniffed.

"Yeah, right. You don't need to sugarcoat it to me. Everypony hates me, and now even Spitfire chose me as Vice Captain 'cause she wants to keep an eye on me."

The others stared at her in disbelief.

"What?! You became Vice Captain?!" Thunderlane roared, causing Lightning Dust to start weeping again. Raindrops gave him a 'nice-job-idiot' look, and poked Dust.

"Hey."

"...?"

"Are you sorry for every nasty thing you've done to us?"

"Ye-hes."

Raindrops looked measuringly at her.

"You know what? I'm willing to give you a second chance. And I'm sure these guys would, too. I have only one condition."

"What is it?"

"Become a part of the team. Don't just rush in yourself; depend on, and help out others. That's all I ask."

Lightning Dust looked at her, too grateful to speak. Suddenly, an idea popped into her mind. Because she was a Wonderbolt fan since she was a little filly, she knew a few facts the others may not. She finally gave them a half-hearted smile.

"Thanks, guys... I think we can get on that right away."

"What do you mean?" Thunderlane asked in surprise.

"It is customary to arrange a personal team for every Captain and Vice Captain of the Wonderbolts, whom they usually work together with." She cleared her throat. "Would you guys become part of my team?"

She looked at them nervously, ultimately tipping the scale in her favour with it. Raindrops sighed.

"I know I'm going to regret this, but all right."

"Count me in, too!" Blossomforth chirped.

"All right, all right, I get it, I'm in." said Thunderlane in a grudgy voice.

"Oh thank you, thank you! What were you planning for today?"

Blossomfort looked at the jasmine-coated pegasus.

"Well, Raindrops memorised all of the formations and flight patterns, so we thought we might have a go at it."

"Great! I was always bad at formations, so I'll be in your expert care! See you at the course!" she yelled while already storming out the front door. The trio stared at her direction, too baffled to say anything. She sure overcame her depression quickly. Finally, Raindrops spoke up.

"What have we gotten ourselves into?"

_________________________________________________________________________________

The fugitives gathered around the dark alicorn, silently awaiting her announcement. Instead of doing just so, she pointed at the table, gesturing them to sit down. When they all complied, she took the seat of honor, and looked at each of the ponies present.On her left side, Trixie seemed to be tired; no signs of interest were discernable from her face. Shining Armor, on the other hoof, who was seated on the right side of her, alone, looked more nervous than his sister before a princess' visit. At Trixie's side, Rainbow was clearly filled to the brim with anticipation, wriggling around as if she sat upon pinpricks. Closing the line on the left, Vinyl made herself cosy, setting a cup of tea and a folded newspaper in front of her, which Luna remembered to be... liberated from a pony's mailbox during the time they spent together.

"My little ponies, we came to a deciding point in this sad conflict. Equestria is in turmoil, ponies are persecuted for their colour, and the capital has lost the captain of it's guard. While I cannot comprehend the reason why anyone would set this ordeal in motion, I can comprehend one thing: Equestria is in danger. Mostly from itself, but we must not forget the delicate balance that has been set over the centuries. The griffons might see my absence as something... signalling that my sister has weakened. Nevertheless, I am quite sure she can handle outside threats. What she can not arrange, however, is a replacement for the Elements of Harmony. Seeing as Rainbow Dash has proven herself to be loyal, through and through, there is no way a new replacement could take her place; her connection to her Element still exists."

She paused, knowing that which she had to say will hurt the pegasus.

"The same, however, cannot be said of your friends. I caught a brief glimpse of them before I was forced into hiding... and I am afraid these events have not been kind to them. Fluttershy is too scared to spread kindness; Pinkie Pie is trying to make ponies smile, but given the cirumstances, she mostly fails at it..."

"I have not mentioned the two most serious cases. Applejack... she might have completely lost her connection to her Element. In her rage upon the loss of her family members, she denounced Honesty... claiming that 'there is no truth, nor justice'. Although I understand that she is at her wit's end because of her family falling apart... It couldn't have come at a worse time."

"Finally, there is the case of your sister, Shining Armor."

The stallion looked at her, concentrating with every fiber of his being.

"I am hesitant to jump to conclusions... Yet, if what I saw is true, and if we add Rainbow Dash's story to it... She no longer considers you a friend, I am afraid."

Rainbow hung her head dejectedly. Trixie reached out, and patted her.

"Don't worry." she whispered. "We'll make everypony see that you're not a villain... that includes Twilight, too."

The pegasus shot her a half-hearted smile.

"All her magical prowess will be in vain," Luna continued, "for it is not magic that governs her Element; not in the classical sense. The Magic of Friendship was always about bonds; trust, believe, and help each other. Just as the bow is useless without an arrow, the Element of Magic needs friends to tap into Harmony... which is impossible for her, even if only temporarily. As long as you retain your element, and she does not trust you, however, she never can be an Element again."

"Wait a sec..." Vinyl said, catching up with her. "You don't mean..."

"I wish for you four to become the Elements of Harmony." said Luna, her gaze unwavering. Three of the present ponies were dumbfounded. The azure unicorn, on the other hoof, was thinking about something, rather than being surprised.

"Rainbow Dash, you never stopped being Loyalty, nor you ever will. For all your small flaws and mistakes, you have never ignored a friend in need; you have always believed in them, and helped them out any way you could. It is of no surprise you should continue to be this Element's bearer."

"Vinyl Scratch, you seem to have born with an innate joy, a joy you wish to share with Equestria through your music. None are left in Equestria to remember, but Laughter represents happiness... which is exactly why you have learned your craft; to bring something wonderful into the lives of ponies. You shall be named as Laughter."

"Shining Armor, all throughout your life, you have been a protector of ponies, later, a protector of the law. You made sure the citizens of Canterlot need not fear the dangers that lurk outside and inside the cities' limits. You upheld the law... and yet you hesitated when you were faced with the case of these three ponies. The law told you justice has been served. The law told you there was nothing to be done with them anymore, but let them serve their punishment. The law... has been wrong. You sought the truth, not the punishment. Even when nopony would believe them, you would still hear them out... hearing the voice of true justice. Therefore, your Element shall be Honesty."

"Beatrix Lunamoon. I have hesitated when I first saw you. You displayed nothing, but spite for the world that rejected you. Yet, a single pegasus was able to penetrate your shield of hatred, and set you off to a second start. I do not know the extent of your magical prowess, nor do I need to. You have something in you... something that might prove my faith in you to be not baseless. You have the potential to become the Element of Magic. Whether you succeed, or fail at it, however, has yet to be seen."

The table fell silent, ponies pondering their paths laid before them. Trixie shook her head.

"Are we really capable of doing just that? I thought the Elements are choosing their own bearers, based on what little mythology I've read about them."

"It is indeed a... how would you say, 'long shot', if we manage to get the jewels in our possession, and demonstrate that you are capable of using them... I believe that should clear my sister's doubt, at least. The Elements can not be held by evil, ever. And if you bear them..."

"We can not be the evil bastards they take us for." finished Rainbow. "Great. We've still got a killer on our hooves. I'd say we should get rid of him, before he goes on another killing spree."

"All right, I'm out of this conversation!" Vinyl exclaimed. "I'll be just reading my newspaper, thank you very much."

Doing as she told them, she flipped the newspaper over, reading the comics section first. The others entered what Rainbow would later call 'full debate mode'.

"I agree that it should be top priority," Shining objected, "but we haven't the slightest idea who is behind all this. It might not even be a stallion, or a pony."

"Are you suggesting an outside force?" Luna asked.

"Chrysalis. Manipulation? Turning ponies against each other? Sounds like her modus operandi."

"Still, a changeling would need somepony, whose place she'd take." the alicorn argued. "And you know best that security is so tight that no pony can enter the palace without being 'ling-checked'."

"You're missing a major point here." Trixie pointed out. "We are looking for a being with magical power enough to take control of an Ursa, knock out and then crash Rainbow into a crowd, amplify sounds to destructive levels, and last, but not least, penetrate the one shield said to be impenetrable by every single pony living in Canterlot. I think—"

Her argument was interrupted by Vinyl spitting out her tea in a great arc. Everypony looked at her.

"Sorry," she apologised, yet barely paying them any attention, "I just read something unbelieveable. Carry on."

"...Anyway, I think we should list the number of unicorns who have the greatest power in the country... or the most ambitious nobles."

"Nobles? Why?" Rainbow asked confused.

"Exactly because of your dream—no, your vision, Rainbow. Whomever that was, that you told me you've seen, he or she was in control. And it is not too far-fetched to think a wealthy noble hiring many unicorns; with their combined power, all this could have been carried out."

"Yeah, but what if it really was a single person?" Rainbow objected. "I mean, if by any chance, Discord has gone loose—"

"He didn't."

Everypony looked at Vinyl again, this time, however, they slowly began to feel mortified upon gazing at her visage. She was paler than usual; her white coat whitening further, something that none of them thought possible. She looked at the newspaper she held with a dreadful expression.

"This... This says Discord's been murdered. Stone body broken to pieces."

"Well... that is indeed disconcerting, but—"

"I'm not finished, Princess Dudette." Vinyl said, interrupting her. "I guess it's better if I read this out loud."

She put the newspaper in front of her, reading the main article to them. They wished she didn't. It was like a bad dream come true.

Yesterday, upon a shocking twist of events, our beloved Princess Celestia has announced the purpose of the city constructed outside Canterlot's borders. We learned earlier that it was built upon her command, with many construction workers working on it, night and day. The result is a fastly built, thick walled 'city', to where there is one way in... and no way out. The Princess already appointed a handful of highly-trained professionals to safeguard this fortress—it's purpose revealed to us in a quite shocking manner.

The newly built Azure City will serve as a gathering point for all blue-coloured ponies in Equestria—relocation is mandatory, not complying is punishable by the law. Her Highness stated that there will be special units dedicated to rounding up fugitive blues, and transporting them to the city. In three weeks, the Princess hopes to gather all blues, preventing any more bloodshed in the country.

Access to this city is restricted to maintenance personnel and guards—we ask our readers not to enter the premises of Azure City, for it is also punishable by law. Activists—"

"NO!" Luna shouted, losing control of her emotions. In her rage, she didn't notice she used the traditional Royal Canterlot Voice, terrifying Vinyl. "'TIS A LIE! OUR SISTER WOULD NEVER DO THAT! LIES! LIES! LIES!"

Breaking under the pressure of the news, she broke out in tears, slumping back on her seat, then burying her muzzle in her front hooves. The others stared in shock, not wanting to believe the sheer possiblity that this could happen. Finally, Rainbow spoke up.

"W-what happens to us now?"

To her surprise, Trixie answered her. In the most desperate voice the pegasus had ever heard from her, to boot.

"Now? Now we will live in a country where a small glimpse of our blue coat will give anypony a reason to chase us. We have no safe shelter in any town anymore. The darkest hour of Equestria... has not yet come."

END OF PART ONE

Author's Note

Well!
I'd say half-time, but I really have no idea if that will be the case. I chose to split the second part into a different story, because I plan on using a different narrative. When the next part passes moderation, I'll post the link here.

Chapter three: And then there were four

Rainbow woke early next morning. Well, early to her standards. When she slept in her own house, she usually stayed in bed until noon. Counting in her naps, it was a small miracle she had time for her aerial practice. She glanced around. The bedsheet from the cell door was gone, as was Trixie. The pegasus yawned, and got up. Stretching her muscles, she began to wonder about the current time. Fortunately, she only had to step out of the cell, and found a rather large clock, the time being around ten o' clock. Vinyl was still snoring loudly. Wanting company, Rainbow trotted back to her, and poked the unicorn.

"Mmmm... no, Mom, I don't need more asparagus..." she grunted.

"Vinyl, wake up!" Rainbow prodded her with more force.

"A'ight, a'ight, I'm up." Vinyl said, yawning. "What's the big deal?"

"I can't sleep. Do you think they'll let us out today?"

The unicorn walked to the sink, and turned on the tap. First she sprinkled a few drops of water on her muzzle, then, with a sudden movement, she held her head under the stream. She straightened up, stopping the water. Strangely enough, her mane did not seem to flatten despite being wet. She finally answered the eager pegasus.

"The hay knows, but since Trixie's not here, I reckon' going out would easily result in a lynch mob. What do you say for a word-chain game?"

"Sure!" replied Rainbow anxiously. She hated boredom, even more than not being able to fly.

They started playing, minutes, then an hour passing by. Deciding to take a break, they went to the cafeteria, grabbing their lunch quickly, and shoveling it in. They could feel the glances of everypony else, but ignored it, and hurried back to their cell. They got bored with playing the same thing over and over again, so they switched to the guessing game. Another hour has passed. Rainbow was about to suggest they go and find Trixie, when the speakers came to life, booming with a familiar, dreaded voice.

"Attention, prisoners! Get yer sorry arses out of our way, we've got another high-security sonnuvabitch coming through!"

Rainbow gulped. "High security? Sounds serious."

Vinyl shifted around nervously. "Maybe just a political refugee. Yeah, that's—" She stopped talking, because they could hear echoes of hoofsteps, gradually becoming louder.

"A'ight, here's the cell. Shove 'im in!" The voice was undoubtedly Strong Walls'. "Sturdy and Hoof, you stand guard here, and let no outsider come into this cell."

"Sir, I'm not sure—" one of them started, his voice identifying him to Rainbow as the one who led her around when she first arrived.

"Yer not paid ta think, but ta follow orders, numbskull. Now shut up, and guard."

"Yes, Sir," the third voice grumbled.

Rainbow gasped, as she saw a beaten white stallion, with soot and blood on his coat and mane was thrown in. She wanted to run to him, to make sure he's all right, but then she saw Strong Walls. The director was carrying a bat with him. She froze.

"Well, well, well." the head warden intoned mockingly. "The oh-so-mighty protector of peace. The stallion, who is better than anypony! Who could feel for those poor criminals—because he is one!" He spat. "Where's yer superiority now, captain?"

Captain? No, no, no, no... The laying stallion looked up. He did not look at anything or anypony in particular; there was no life in his eyes, as if the worst has already happened, and he didn't care anymore. Rainbow tried to scream when she recognised Shining Armor, she wanted to see if she could help him, but for once in her life, fear has paralyzed her.

"Let's see how ya like THIS!" Strong Walls shouted, and swung his bat. It hit Shining straight in the muzzle, causing him to fall over, blood flowing from his mouth. "WHERE'S. YER. CELESTIA-DAMNED.PRIDE.NOW?!" the furious director shouted. The ex-captain didn't react, even though he was hit again and again, with full force. The sight finally broke Rainbow's stupor.

"Stop!" she screamed, leaping between them, the shackles of fear replaced by the urge to protect the stallion. "Don't you—"

She couldn't continue, because the brown earth pony batted her in the stomach, depriving her of air. Before she could recover, another blow landed on her skull from the side, sending her across the cell, in front of the horrified Vinyl. The director paused for a moment, then smiled manically.

"Why don't I get rid of ya? Yer juss' trash anyway."

He raised the bat. Rainbow tried to dash out of the way, but her battered, still recovering body could take no more. As a last thought, she saw the bat swing downwards, it's tip getting bigger and bigger...

... and then spiralling out of control, and landing harmlessly on the floor, when a blue blur busted through the open cell door. The still dazed pegasus watched dumbstruck as the living unicorn bullet pierced the head warden's mouth with her horn. The stallion screamed in pain, and turned to his assailant. Trixie didn't waste a second, mercilessly pounding, kicking, and bucking the warden in a short succession. He started to look a bit like Shining, bleeding and battered. Rainbow finally understood why the other inmates were afraid of the showmare. Her eyes glinted with undiluted rage and hate, and her fighting style was without any style or mercy. The mare quickly degraded the earth pony from an executioner with a weapon, to a bloody pulp, barely standing on his hooves. He tried to save face, and subdue Trixie, but somehow, the showmare managed to overpower him at every possible turn. Finally, when she bit him on the haunch, he gave up, and shouted for the wardens. They immediately rushed in, one being the familiar grey pegasus that Rainbow met earlier; the other a white earth pony, who did not waste any time, and pounced the still biting showmare. She flew in a wide trajectory, slamming into the DJ, finally stopped by the wall.

"Idiots!" the head warden screamed, "Why did ya let her in?!"

"You told us not to let in outsiders, Sir." the white one said with a poker face.

"And she's no outsider, she lives in this cell, Sir!" pointed out the pegasus, poorly concealing his satisfaction felt upon seeing Strong Walls beaten. He switched to a more serious tone, formality disappearing from his voice.

"I think this is enough. If you can't even beat unarmed opponents who are seriously hurt, don't even dream about intimidating us again. I won't tolerate your games any longer."

Strong Walls gave him a broad smile, despite his injuries. "Go on. Disobey me. Run away. Do it, and I'll have that published before ya can say 'horseapples.'"

The grey stallion gave him a cold look. "That is the only thing why we haven't reported on you yet. But this brutality will end here."

The director narrowed his eyes. "We'll see. C'mon Hoof, treat this wound, will ya?"

Every warden left the room, except the grey pegasus. He looked at the mares with a pained expression, and whispered "Sorry." before heading out. The door was sealed shut.

Trixie spat out a tuft of hair, and turned to Rainbow.

"Spectrum, did you call him names again? Bad girl!"

The cyan pegasus took deep breaths. Her stomach churned up, both from the assault, and the chief warden's dripping malice. Her head hurt like hell, blood was dripping from her temple, and her brain threatened to explode, if she didn't get any answers. But where would she get any? Shining Armor is not exactly what you would call 'cooperative' right now. Actually, he wasn't exactly in what you'd call 'thinking condition.' She glanced at Vinyl, who was the least injured from all of them, and saw her rip up a sheet. The DJ moved to the sink, washed the rag in water, and created a makeshift bandage on Rainbow's now barely dripping wound.

"Thank you."

"No probs." Vinyl smiled meekly. "Y'know, I thought I left the beat in the outside world. Apparently, I was wrong."

Rainbow couldn't help, but give a half-hearted grin to the unicorn. The DJ sure knew how to make life look less dark.

Her head throbbing less and less, she turned her attention to the injured stallion—who was getting felt up thoroughly by Trixie, by the look of it. The pegasus felt anger boil inside her.

"What the hay are you doing?" she shouted.

"Why, Gobbles is just checking her potential harem candidate!" Trixie replied, "So far he only seems a bit out of it for Gobbles, and these bruises only add to his stallionly charm."

Rainbow nearly retorted with an acid-coated reply, but then she just shrugged. There's no arguing with a lunatic, and her shenanigans aside, if the pegasus understood Trixie's insane ramblings right, Shining is fine, at least in the sense that he had no deep wounds, or broken bones. However, something took away his way to live, and Rainbow dreaded to know what it was. Sure, his rapid devolving from captain of the Royal Guard, to a high-security prisoner must have had a reason. But the same reason has made him a catatonic wreck, shocked to the end, who wouldn't even react to intense pain. No, they will not get answers now, if ever.

Meanwhile, Trixie finished with her check-up, and somehow managed to slip the unconscious stallion on her back, then on a bed. She took a blanket, and wriggled her way to his backside, drawing the blanket over them. Rainbow looked at her, bemused.

"What are you doing?" she pressed.

"Gobbles is tired, Gobbles will sleep." the unicorn stated matter-of-factly.

"But he... and we... and—"

"Dudette, chill." Vinyl interrupted, " He needs rest, does he not?"

"Well, yeah, but—" started the pegasus.

"No buts, Rainbow. Go to sleep, too. What else could we do? Beside me, you all gotten beaten up badly, and even if you'd rather stay awake, you can't ask him a single question. Believe me, I'm just as confused as you are."

"B-but a mare sleeping next to a stallion—a married stallion...!" Rainbow objected.

Vinyl chuckled. "Relax, I don't think he will go down on her like a puppy on a bone."

"It's not him I'm worried about." Rainbow said darkly.

Both of them looked at Trixie, and somehow, the image of her raping him was quite... easy to imagine. Not to mention vivid. The subject of their stare looked up.

"Do you mind? Gobbles is no neighrophilly... Neighropilley... She does not have sex with the dead!"

"Um, he's alive." pointed out Vinyl.

"Not long if Gobbles would give him the awesome prize that is Gobbles."

"Well, you heard the mare. Nothing to be worried about here. So sleep." Vinyl chirped.

"...Fine." the pegasus grumbled.

She climbed on her bed, the thought of sleeping a good fourteen hours suddenly becoming more appealing. Used to having naps all the time, now she was tired. The pegasus glanced at her cellmates; Vinyl immediately fell asleep as soon as she pulled a blanket over her shoulders; Trixie cuddled tight to the now closed-eyed Shining.

She shrugged mentally, and sank onto her pillow, falling to a dark, restless sleep.

Part two up!

Part two is up! Those who are interested, feel free to follow the link!