"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.