Two Unicornsby I am MemorialChaptersThe Thing about the PastIs That You can Never Forget ItBesides, You Learn from the PastThe Thing about the Past~^~Two Years After the End of the War~^~ The recruits were whispering amongst themselves as their drill instructor came towards them. The pony was a mare, obviously crippled. She was missing her left eye and wing as well as using her remaining wing to steady herself as she lacked her right rear leg. Most of the recruits couldn't help but think it was a joke, even as the mare called them to attention. They didn't take her seriously until Princess Twilight and Princess Aon also came around the corner. "Oh, so your Princess require a proper attention stance, but your Drill Instructor doesn't?!" Scootaloo barked. Due to her better hearing in her left she heard one recruit mouth off. "That's beacause they aren't cripples." Scootaloo snapped her head around to face the recruit that dared call her out. "You, step out front, NOW! Staff Sergeant Pie, Gunnery Sergeant Pie, MCMAP gloves now!" Two other Drill Instructors ran forward, one to hoof Scootaloo a pair of gloves, the second pair to the recruit. Then Scoots dropped into a fight stance. "Come on, son!" The recruit didn't do a thing, looking at Scootaloo incredulously. "Reall-*CRACK**" The recruit didn't get a single word word, but instead fell back with a bleeding nose. At this Twilight stepped up. "Marine Corps rule eighty-eight, never underestimate your opponent." Then Aon stepped up, giving Twilight quick nuzzle. "And rule number one, don't fuck with the commandant of the Canterlot Marine Corps." ~^~^~^~ Aon was smiling widely. Scootaloo managed to get free of her recruits in time to attend the ball, and Luna, her and Twilight were enjoying themselves as they mingled amongst the ponies present. Aon specifically was trailing after one pony who she knew wasn't who she claimed to be. Once able to corner the mare, Aon did so. "Enjoying the party?" The mare jumped slightly before turning to face Aon. "Err, hello Princess." "Stow it , changeling. I respect that you fought against Nightmare with us, but I wish to know why you are here." Aon ordered. The mare froze before looking about. Once seeing she was clear, the changeling transformed to her true self, revealing the a alicorn-esque figure. "So, you figured out that Cadence was not the one to lead the northern assault." Aon just shrugged. "Cadence was far too sick when the battle started, and we only just got the Crystal Empire free of Sombra, so logically it wouldn't have made sense in any way. Finally this," Aon pointed to her makeshift horn, "some how lets me see you changelings for who you are. You have'nt caused any trouble, but you're the first I've ever seen at a fancy formal event." The large changeling appraised Aon shrewdly. "I am Queen Chrysalis...as for why I am here...I wished to see Luna again." Rather than get suspicious, the silvery mare gave Chrysalis the benefit of the doubt. "I heard there was a threat to her well being...and I'd missed her...." Aon nodded, noting a spark in Chrysalis' eyes, one that she had for Twilight. "Then go see her." The changeling queen kicked nervously at the ground and averted her eyes. "Let me guess, its been a while? I know for a fact as long as she knows you care, it should be enough." Aon assured with a kind smile. "I...but changelings are not well liked...." "I am." laughed Aon. "Come, I'll walk you up there. You can go say hi, and if anypony raises a hoof against you, I'll take care of it." Nodding slowly, Chrysalis went out on a limb, hoping Luna still felt the same way she had all those years ago. "Okay..." ~^~^~^~ Twilight and Luna were taking the time to talk amongst themselves when not bothered by some noble or another. Luna was dressed in an obsidian dress, Twilight in one coloured like byzantine. Twilight also had a amethyst jewelled patch over her right eye which she'd lost defeating Sombra. "Your dress is nice tonight but where is Aon?" Twilight laughed loudly. "Amongst the crowds, dressless. She can't stand formal attire and such." The two continued their chatting for a while longer when the crowds began to part and gasps arose. As Twilight stood to see what was happening, she was shocked to see her wife leading none other than Chrysalis up towards her and Luna. Aon was also making a point to glare at anypony who dared start to mouth off. Just as Twilight made to ask what was happening Luna stood and rushed forward, drawing Chrysalis into a hug. "Kit Kat!" shouted the alicorn joyously as she hugged the changleing. Chrysalis seemed to be in shock. "You...you missed me?" "Of course I did! Every night I missed the warmth of you against my side!" Luna smiled. Chrysalis just smiled uncertainly. "Does this mean..." "Mean what Kit Kat?" "That...even after all this time...are we still... together? It has been so long, and I...well I feared to come find you due to....After one jet black alicorn caused so much trouble, I feared I wouldn't be welcomed, and...that maybe you had moved on." the changeling admitted. Turning to Twilight and Aon, Luna looked from them to Chrysalis meaningfully, and the two unicorns nodded encouragingly. "It is okay Luna, Twilight and I can hold down the fort here." The alicorn smiled gratefully as she headed out to the gardens with the changeling queen. "So...what do you think of that?" Twilight asked giving Aon and questioning grin. "That...that was Luna finally getting something to go her way." ~^~^~^~ The assassin smiled slyly. Not only would he be killing the the mare that had caused the catastrophe of Nightmare Moon, but he would be getting the changeling queen too! As he watched eagerly as Chrysalis supped from the drink he noticed with some shock that the changeling retched and spat out the liquid. The assassin gave a gasp of surprise as the changeling first knocked the pitcher away, then turned to face him, hearing his gasp. Her horn lit up, and all the assassin knew was pain. ~^~^~^~ Talking amiably with each other, Scootaloo, flanked by Inky and Blinky, was relaying to Aon and Twilight how well the latest batch of recruits were fairing. "So aside from that first incident, they've shut up and done well. That first colt that challenged me has bucked up too. Turns out I'm his personal hero, so that's why he wouldn't take a swing at me. He just didn't recognize me because I have that fake leg and glass eye. Hate wearing them, but the pictures look great." Scoots laughed. Twilight nodded understandingly. "You'd be surprised how many ponies don't recognize me now due to my monocular vision. Or the stares I get..." "Only because you are beautiful." cooed Aon as she gave Twilight a quick kiss. As Scoots rolled her eyes and began to head out towards the crowd, Twilight turned to Aon, pain and regret in her dampening eye. "You still....I know you've told me to forget it, but two years ago, when you needed me the most...I...I wasn't there for you...why? Why are you always trying to help? Why when I left you to face Nightmare alone?" Throwing up a quick façade via magic, Aon turned to her wife and held her tight. "I told you it wasn't your fault." "I know...but ...I sent Applejack and Shining on that mission when they were caught...then Rarity...I should have kept a closer eye on her...I failed to properly check your ring...then Rainbow...Spike and Sweetie after that, followed by Pinkie and I...I never even saw the signs with her until...I couldn't save Bloom, or Shy, or Cadence...then I just hid while you got hurt..." Twilight began to shake from suppressed sobs as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I should have done something...but I just..." Aon wanted to roll her eyes, as it wasn't the first time this had come up, but she understood it. Instead she bopped Twilight on the nose and stood her up. "Come on, I know what fixes this. We're headed upstairs, and I'm going to rut the living daylights out of you. Once I'm done, I'm going to remind you that every single one of your friends is in a better place now and that they would be proud that you, Twilight Celestia-damned-mother-fucking Sparkle, held the cluster fuck that was Equestria together, then became its ruler. Once that's done, I'm going to rut you again because I know you'll want it, and then we're going to wake up, and I'm making waffles!" Despite her previous sombre mood, not even Twilight could keep her face straight as Aon exuberantly laid out her plans. "Fine, but only if you pull out the crop...I'm...curious." The blush forming on the lavender mare's cheeks could only be rivalled by the blood of the burst blood vessels in the eyes of the would be assassin as he was thrown through Aon's façade spell. Aon yelped, her baser instincts causing her to leap behind Twilight with a yelp whilst Twilight just stared coldly down at the stallion before casting her gaze up to find Chrysalis leaning heavily on Luna and Luna looking absolutely livid. "Assassin. Tried to poison me, instead Kit Kat drank first. Luckily it acts as a partial sedative for her, but the bastard poisoned my wine!" There are a few things that one pony should know when dealing with Luna, Twilight, and Aon. First is that Luna considers the latter two sisters, and they her. Next is that after what they had all lost, they were quick to anger when somepony threatened one of the three. Third is that Twilight and Aon can be downright cruel in their retribution, seen best as they had had Blueblood drawn until he broke in half and bled out. That being said, the assassin was now looking up into the eyes of two very angry mares. Realizing he was not likely to survive this encounter, and that his execution would be for all the ball to see, the assassin resorted to his final plan. He blew up. Setting off a unique charge that had been implanted into the pony, the assassin exploded, sending debris and shrapnel everywhere. Anypony close to him was thrown back and the room fell into chaos. ~^~^~^~ The ringing, oh Celestia the ringing. It was the worst thing for Aon. Not the spots that flickered in her vision, not the steadily rising headache, but the actual ringing in her ears. As she hefted herself up from the wreckage of one of the thrones she found that Twilight and Chrysalis were helping up Luna. Thank the stars for the wards on royalty, eh? Just then she realized that the wards were depleted to an obscene level. It was then that she looked around. The ringing no longer mattered. What she now saw was the worst part. The roof had partially collapsed and there were screaming ponies everywhere. Amongst the injured were many that didn't move at all. Aon had seen enough death to know that most of the still ponies would not be rising again. With a heavy heart, Aon moved to Twilight, Luna and Chrysalis before they began picking their way through the chaos, aiding everywhere they could. ~^~^~^~ It was supposed to be a good night. Her mum had never been happier, and her dad hadn't stopped smiling all night. They kept saying that it was 'her big day' and that even if the Princesses didn't know it, the ball was like a giant birthday present for her. It was supposed to be a good night, and she got to see Luna smiling as she had talked with the changeling. The filly admired Luna as she had brushed a wing against her, albeit by accident. Now though? Now it was all wrong, and the filly was sobbing fitfully while clinging to her mother. Her entire body hurt so so bad, but her mom wasn't moving, and she was so scared. Suddenly part of the roof shifted and nearly fell on her, and she let out a strangled yelp as it caught one of her hooves. Just as the second beam shifted and fell towards her a bright light filled her vision. When it cleared there before her stood Princess Aon. The Princess looked once to her mom, then to her, giving her a sad smile. Then the princess did something special. She reached out and hugged her, and then it felt like everything would be okay. Then she closed her eyes. ~^~^~^~ The Canterlot Marines were sifting through the wreckage, pulling out the bodies of the ponies that hadn't made it. A team of highly trained unicorns were working on finding evidence and Luna was standing with Chrysalis and Twilight as well as a diplomat of the dragons stood discussing matters. "-I understand that, but anger merely stirs fear Luna, and somepony obviously wants to call you out as Nightmare. Respond with sorrow and pain at the needless loss of life, and the ponies will always side with you, as you appear to care more for them than you do yourself." the draconian ambassador advised. Luna just rubbed a hoof on her temple as Chrysalis hugged her. "I get it, and your right. I'll make and announcement as soon as we get all th-" "Has anypony seen Aon? I haven't seen her since right after the explosion." Twilight asked suddenly. Everypony present began to look about, and it was only just as Luna was about to alert the guards did Aon finally come trotting out of the rubble, a motionless filly laying across her back. "Oh please....don't...don't tell me that the filly...please no..." stammered Twilight. "The filly is fine Twilight. I put her under so she wouldn't see anything more than what she'd already seen." Aon answered. "But her parents are dead." It was a blow to everyponys' gut. Despite surviving there were still things you never wanted to see. "I'm going to take her to our room, love, and let her sleep. I'll call in the royal physician as well." Twilight nodded and continued business. It was going to be a long, hard day. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud shivered slightly as she felt whatever was warm against her disappear. She was about to open her eyes drowsily and protest, but was quickly placated when she felt herself placed on something soft and comfy. She was just about to doze off again when she remembered a red flash and a bang and her mommy laying still and not waking up. Letting out a whimper, Rosebud felt tears begin to build up in her eyes. "There there, come now. I'm here, and you're okay, I promise." Opening her eyes, Rosebud found herself on a fancy bed, Princess Aon smiling sadly at her again. Knowing she was supposed to, Rosebud tried to bow, but remembered her mommy and daddy telling her what to do, and that mommy and daddy had been hurt, and she started to cry again. She felt Princess Aon hug her again and then climb up onto the bed. The Princess began to rock her gently and crooned a soft lullaby. Before she knew it, Rosebud had fallen asleep again. ~^~^~^~ Twilight had just entered her room and was about to crawl into bed next to her wife when she noticed that Aon was holding the filly from before protectively in her sleep. It reminded the lavender mare of a time that felt so, so long ago when her birth mother had done that, or all the times Celestia had done that same thing when she had nightmares. In that moment, Twilight couldn't help but think of what Celestia would do at that moment, and her answer struck her like a lightning bolt. Laying down next to Aon, Twilight resolved to speak to the mare about the filly in the morning. Is That You can Never Forget ItTwilight had just finished reading through the papers and forms explaining just who the filly was. She'd already discussed her wishes with Aon and now just had to explain the situation to the small filly when she woke. Twilight couldn't imagine it being too hard, after all she was just a filly. As Twilight continued watching the fiery haired filly, she began to worry, as she did not truly know what to say. That was about when Rosebud woke up. The filly cast her eyes about, as if unable to remember where she was. It didn't take long before she placed her gaze on Twilight, who smiled fondly at her. "Do you know where my mother is?" And that was it. After all that planning, after all that bluster, she was done in by a filly who wanted her mom. She couldn't do this... "Good morning sweetie!" Aon called as she trotted up behind Twilight and placed a comforting hoof on her back. "Your parents are so very proud of you. Did you know that you not only one of the smartest fillies I've met, but you personally wowed Princess Twilight here, and she's decided to make you her own personal student. After hearing that the only thing that could have described the cinnamon hued unicorn filly before them was amazed as she suddenly did remember that she was in front of Princess Twilight and Princess Aon. She was about to bow like her mother taught her but was stopped by Twilight who nuzzled her motherly. "It is quite okay young Rosebud, you do not ever have need to bow before Aon or I, nor do you have need to call us Princess." Twilight stated a bit seriously before taking on a mock huffy air that Rosebud knew was fake before grabbing a quill and tickling the filly's neck. "Because that is for stuffy boring adults, and we're all just fun fillies here, right?" Some hour and a half later Rosebud was smiling widely as she munched on some pancakes. It gave Twilight and Aon enough time for a quick talk. "Are you still sure you wish for this Twilight?I saw your face when I came in earlier, you were scared." "I didn't know how to handle her. For a moment I only saw the filly that raged against the judges when she found out her parents weren't coming back, but Rosebud...her mind has blocked it." Twilight explained. Aon just smiled. "Then that is better for her. We will raise her as our own, and if she ever asks, or should the oppurtunity present itself well, we can disclose the information about her real parents." Twilight gave Aon a loving nuzzle and a quick kiss before pulling back as an eager filly scampered up to them. "So....what do we get to learn today?" Twilight got an equally eager look on her face as her eye twinkled. "Did I ever tell you the definition of friendship?" ~^~^~^~ Three days later Rosebud had taken to practically attaching herself to either Twilight's or Aon's hip depending on who was busy. From what both mare's had gathered, she still believed her parents live in Manehatten. It was on of the many challenges they'd been facing lately. The main priority at the moment though, was Aon finding lunch as Rosebud tagged along. "So...magic is connected to a ponies life? Does that mean doing magic can kill ponies?" Rosebud gulped, crossing her eyes comically as she looked up at her horn. "I promise you, I will never allow you near a spell that could hurt you." Aon promised as they entered the dining hall. ~^~^~^~ Tears welled up in Twilight's eye as she felt the stinging pain, one of the few things that made her remember she was still alive, along the inside of her right foreleg. Looking down and the bloodstained letter opener, Twilight yearned for more...to just feel it all again. ~^~^~^~ "The plan was a fucking disaster. First off, the poison was fine, and nopony would have cared if Chrysalis had died, but the bomb?! Who the fuck authorized that? We are here to save Equestria from shit like that, not cause it! Now get out there, and no more slip ups!" the cowled figure roared. ~^~^~^~ Twilight had just ensured Rosebud was off to bed when Aon stopped her outside the door. Twilight could tell that it was something serious. "The nobles disapprove. I ran into a group of them, and many think it is a ruse, or we have ulterior motives. Then you have some of his old friends, angry that their 'pedigree' foals weren't picked. With the business with Luna going down...now this..." the mare trailed off mournfully. "I understand...its hard...some days giving up sounds do much easier, you know?" Twilight sighed, but quickly moved on. "I got a lead though, so if you want to help me with that? I'm headed out tonight." Aon simply nodded as they both made for their room to get their armour. ~^~^~^~ Three hooded ponies convened in a darkened room. "Sprigs, the two will be out tonight, it is the perfect time to strike against Luna!" "T'would be a fools plan, Luna is with Chrysalis." "Radar, Sprigs, shut up. The answer is simple. Take the foal, make the two try to get her back. When that goes down, it should cause enough panic to get a clear shot at Luna." "But...Scootaloo..and..." "Sprigs, Scootaloo won't be a problem." "If we get caught though, and Scootaloo finds out! We were told only Luna! You're nuts, this is crazy! This is-" Sprigs fell to the ground, hooves twitching at his slit throat. "Radar, we move soon." ~^~^~^~ Rosebud awoke with the need to relieve herself. It was still dark, but she had never been afraid of the dark. She wouldn't even need to fear the dark anyway, she was in the castle. Pushing the covers aside the filly lowered herself from the bed and started towards the lavatory. Once finished the filly trotted back out only to run into a large dark shape. Letting out a startled cry, Rosebud fell back as dark hooves wrapped around her. "It's okay young one, it is just I, Luna." Rosebud immediately calmed as she hugged the alicorn. "Lulu!" Luna blinked for a second, surprised that the filly called her 'Lulu' before it dawned on her the Twilight and Aon had probably told her to. "You mo...teachers, Twilight and Aon, told you to call me that, didn't they?" The cinnamon coloured filly scuffed a hoof on the floor looking down somewhat ashamed. "I'm sorry if I'm not s'posed to call you Lulu..." "It is fine young one, I just didn't expect it. In fact, I think I might have to pass a decree that everypony call me Lulu. I do have a question though, do you know where Aon and Twilight are?" Rosebud shook her head and Luna nodded. "Very well, I must go attend to business. Sweet dreams young one." "You too Lulu!" Rosebud called back as she shut her door. Turning around the filly bumped into another large black shape. "Lulu? Wait, who are yo-" The rest of Rosebud's words were cut off as she felt a cloth shoved into her nose as a foul smell filled her nostrils. Then it was dark. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud awoke in a comfy bed, but in what was obviously not her new room at the castle, nor the one at her own house. Getting up, the filly nosed around the relatively empty room before settling next to the door where she heard voices. "So...she is a filly, and neither of us have gotten laid in a while..." Rosebud cocked her head to the side. 'Then lie down silly.' "No! We can't touch her! You heard what she said. Nopony touches the filly, hell, she already got rid of the other two for foalnapping her!" The filly's eyes widened. Where they talking about her? Doing as Twilight had instructed, Rosebud looked at the facts. ~She was in a strange room. ~The guards talked about a foal being taken, she was the only foal around. ~They weren't allowed to do anything to her. She then took those facts and begin figuring out her limits just like Princess Aon taught. "Anyway, I'll take her food and drink in, boss is supposed to be headed up in a minute anyway." Rosebud ducked behind the door as it opened and the guard came in. "Alright runt, here's your fo...hey where are you?" Wrapping the platter the guard held in a cinnamon aura of magic, Rosebud gave it a hefty jerk and smashed it into the guards nose. The guard jerked back and fell and Rosebud made to dart out of the room when the second guard grabbed her. "Ah ah ah, you aren't going anywhere." Rosebud thrashed about but knew she couldn't get free from the second guard's magic, noting him as a unicorn. The first guard got up with a bloody nose and moved towards the suspended Rosebud menacingly when the filly cried out. "You can't touch me! You're boss said you couldn't!" The guard halted and glared at Rosebud angrily whilst the filly stuck her tongue out cheekily. "Why you little shi-" What the guard meant to say was halted as a blast of emerald green magic smashed into his face. Rosebud turned, expecting Aon, but instead was met with one of the most horrifying faces she'd ever seen. Regardless the pony saved her, so she needed to be nice. "Uhm...hi...thank you..." The pony, seemingly a mare, 'smiled'. It was hard to tell because her face was scarred terribly and burnt and completely furless. "It is no problem. I had ordered your safety after all, and I do not wish to have you hurt, as you are not my target." Rosebud looked towards, but not at, the mare inquisitively. "Who are you trying to hurt?" The mare's eyes got distant for a moment before hardening. "Luna is not as good a pony as you might think..." "But Twilight and Aon said that Lulu was nice? You aren't going to hurt them too, are you?" Rosebud asked worriedly. The disfigured mare's face tightened harshly. "You know those two lie, right?" "Huh?" "Well, there is this picture..." Rosebud took it and immediately her eyes grew wide as disbelief took precedence over her face. "No....no...mommy...daddy...No!" Rosebud dissolved into tears as she looked upon a picture of the graves of her parents. "Aon said that they let me be the princesses student...I want my mommy and daddy back." The disfigured mare just laughed cruelly. "I told you they lie. Do you even think they care?" Something about the question gave the filly pause. Did Aon or Twilight care? Again using the two Princess' advice, the filly, despite her grief, mulled things over before answering. "Yes." "But they didn't tell you your parents were dead." the disfigured mare dead panned, bringing a flash of pain to Rosebud's features. At this point Rosebud's lower lip was quivering, and tears were slowly but surely beginning to overflow from her eyes. "I know...but they tucked me in, and they made sure I brushed my teeth, and Aon reads me bedtime stories. That's like what mommy and daddy always did, so I think that they wanted to take care of me. Then I wouldn't be alone." The mare just stared at Rosebud angrily before slapping her hard. "You will never have family! Your are alone and nopony will ever love you! Welcome to the real world!" With that she stormed out, leaving Rosebud on the floor crying. ~^~^~^~ Scootaloo was jolted out of her focus as Twilight and Aon, followed by Luna and Chrysalis burst through the door. In seconds the mare found herself lifted into the air and slammed against the wall by Twilight while Aon tried to calm her down. "Twilight, please, there are better wyas to take care of t-" "Shut up! They took her to get to Luna, and then there was this letter! Scootaloo knows something!" As Twilight raged she practically shoved a letter down Scootaloo's throat. Got the filly. She's safe. Sorry Scoots, plan got messed up. Narrowing her eye Scootaloo growled angrily. "Well?" Twilight snapped, "Where is Rosebud?!" When Scootaloo didn't immediately answer Twilight began slamming the crippled mare into the wall repeatedly. "Where?! Where?! Where?!" Aon quickly smacked Twilight's horn, breaking her magic flow and causing Scootaloo to drop to the ground. At this point Twilight had collapsed. "I have to get her. Can't lose Rosebud, can't lose them, not again. I see them every night, I can't, I just can't..." the mare cried, devolving into sobs as she lay on the ground. As Scootaloo got to her hooves she noticed Luna and Chrysalis glaring at her. "I don't know where the filly is. I will, however, admit to making an attempt on your life Luna. I ordered the hits, but Rosebud was never meant to be captured. I will go quietly and without further violence." Luna looked shocked to the core, and Aon and Twilight weren't doing much better as guards came in and escorted the Commandant to the dungeons. Nopony noticed Inky or Blinky in the group, or when Scootaloo seemed to bump into one of them, and nopony noticed or cared when the Pie sisters slipped out of the castle later that night. ~^~^~^~ Aon waited until Twilight was asleep before enacting her magic. Running a scan all throughout her sleeping wife, Aon eventually concentrated her magic on one spot and pulled. What came out was a blob of dark black magic pulsating angrily. "You've been hurting my wife..." "Yes...but I never expected to be caught..." "Bitch." "Now now, slave, is that anyway to talk to your Queen?" Glaring angrily at the blob, but knowing releasing it was too dangerous, and that it had been hurting Twilight, Aon did the only thing she could. She took the dark magic into herself with a grimace. That night Aon dreamt of terrible things. Besides, You Learn from the Past"Enjoying the night so far? You know, I never revealed myself to Twilight, but if I realized you could have this much fun, well, my oh my what have I been missing out on?" "...Aon..." Oh, time for you to wake up slave....see you tonight! Hahahaha! Aon jolted awake and immediately threw up across the side of the bed, startling Twilight. "Ahh! Oh no, are you okay Aon?" The silvery mare thought about how terrible the night had been, then to how good Twilight looked this morning compared to other mornings and nodded. "M'fine, must've been something I ate..." Twilight seemed to accept the answer and skipped off towards the bathroom, humming merrily. 'Score one for you bitch, but score ten for me. Twilight is okay!' With that thought, Aon managed to find the willpower to pull herself from bed and walk into the bathroom as well, eager to clear her mind of the night's horrors. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud was carelessly drawing via stick in the dirt when the door opened and the disfigured pony stepped in. It was the fourth visit since the first, and Rosebud had taken to calling her Char(only in her head), short for charcoal. Yes, it was a nasty mean thing to say, but she'd hit her the first day they met, so Rosebud figured it made them even. The filly had realized she had a great grasp on wit, and was very good at a number of things. She could sing really well, she could draw really well, and she could make the ponies that bothered her storm out of the room really well. Char trotted over to her and looked down at the (masterfully) well drawn sanding etching. "And this would be?" Char asked, glaring down at an etching of two alicorns blasting another pony to oblivion via magic. "Well, since Twilight and Aon are taking care of me now, it is mommy and mommy saving me from a grumpy witch pony that foalnaps fillies." Rosebud declared with a sweet smile that she knew annoyed Char. "I even made a song for it, you want to hear?" "No!" Char snapped, "What makes you think that Twilight and Aon are coming for you anyway?!" "Because if they weren't, it wouldn't bother you." Char pulled back, but Rosebud had already scampered off a ways leaving the disfigured mare to swipe a hoof through her etching and storm out. As she went, Rosebud started singing the theme for an old play she liked about a goodly law pony. "In the eyes of a ranger, The unsuspecting stranger, had better know the truth of wrong from right. Cause the eyes of the ranger are upon you. And anything you do their gonna see..." Char was just happy when she could slam the door shut and walk away. ~^~^~^~ Inky and Blinky knew what they needed to do. Securing the magical inhibitor feild device, the two ponies set off for where they knew the two unicorns they had to find would be. ~^~^~^~ Aon had been suffering all morning. Rather than the more pleasant thought she usually had around Twilight, such as her soft lips, or the giggles she got when nibbling her ears, all she could think of was how easy it would be to snap her neck, or how to halt the mare's heart. It was starting to wear on Aon, and the mare had punched or kicked more than one wall to relieve her tension. 'What's to stop me from just ending my own life huh? And you with it?' I can move my essence to any other body in direct vicinity. If looks could immolate thing, the floor would have been incinerated. Instead she started trying to formulate a plan. It would have been easier if Twilight wasn't coming near her. "Hey love, how are you doing?" Kill her. "Uhm...are you okay? You know we're going to get Rosebud back right?" KILL HER! The pushing hurt. It felt like somepony was driving a knife into her skull, actually more akin to driving the mirror shard into her forehead, but still. "SHUT UP! Okay, do I look like I'm doing good?!" 'I'm sorry...' "Nothing is going right, nothing has been going right!" 'Please start walking away...' "So just...leave me alone!" Aon was now breathing heavily, but rather than having Twilight run off like she'd hoped, the mare tried to hug her. Throttle her! "NO! You don't get it Twilight! I'm done with you!" 'Please...please forgive me...' "You think this is love? I get it now..." 'This is the only way and I know it.' "No, you just wanted somepony to sleep with that it didn't feel like she was raping you, isn't that right? Its not dominating, so its good, and you can still get off." 'I'm so sorry.' "Essentially coping with unwanted sex by having wanted sex to make yourself have some self worth." Twilight jerked back, tears spilling from her eyes. Aon just did her best to keep her face straight as she turned to walk away. Once sure that Twilight wouldn't follow her, she teleported out of the castle before ducking down a alleyway sobbing, throwing trash against the building walls. Then she froze. 'You want me to kill? You want me to hurt ponies? Tell me where the ponies that took Rosebud are!' ~^~^~^~ Inky and Blinky moved stealthily through the halls. Already nine of the golden armoured guards were dead, and they were nearing their target. Blinky wrapper a hoof around the next guards head, holding his mouth shut as Inky used a dagger to rip a hole wide in his throat. Blinky dropped the guard and threw a knife towards the next guard, impacting in the guard's spine as Inky caught the first dropped guard. "Here're the keys Inks." "Alright, the door is here Blinks. They should be on the other side." Inky kicked the door open and Blinky darted in, only just missing taking a platter to the face as she did. Inky came in after, also just missing the backswing of the same platter. "You aren't allowed to touch me!" a filly growled from her perch on her bed. The two soldiers blinked for a moment before giving Rosebud smile. "Its Inky and Blinky, we're friends with Twilight and Aon!" Rosebud's face lit up immediately as she dropped the platter and smiled. "I knew they wouldn't leave me. Char said they would, because she says power make ponies hurt ponies, but I knew Twilight and Aon just wanted to be nice and take care of me!" Blinky readied her sword and took point as Inky lifted Rosebud up onto her back. Just as the three made to leave the disfigured pony slammed a wall of magic into the soldiers. Readying two swords, the disfigured mare made to dispatch Inky and Blinky when the entire complex shook from a massive explosion. Using the advantage of the mare being off balance Inky and Blinky pushed past the disfigured pony with Rosebud and ran. ~^~^~^~ There was nothing slowing down the enraged unicorn as she burned any walls or ponies that got in her path. Amethyst flames rippled over Aon's fur as she surrendered her will, if only temporarily, to the entity inside of her. As the carnage continued she felt every bad memory, every pain, every betrayal, rip through her mind, threatening to overwhelm her. Any attempts at regular thought settled into beliefs of death and chaos. As her fears and pains continued playing, the mare slowly descended into the depths of her mind, allowing the entity full control. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud was hefted up onto a stretcher despite her want to go to her room, but the medical ponies wouldn't let her. As she looked ahead she saw the Inky and Blinky being rushed ahead of her. As her gurney was being quickly pushed down the hall, she saw Twilight turn the corner and quickly gallop to the gurney's side. "Rosebud!" Twilight cried, nuzzling the filly in a manner she remembered Celestia used to do to comfort her. "I'm so happy you're safe!" "Hi Twilight! Where's Aon?" Twilight froze, a lump forming in her throat. "I know where she is!" Both Twilight and Rosebud looked up to see Scootaloo coming towards them. Then, from the shadows out stepped the disfigured mare. Scootaloo looked right at the scarred pony. "Sweetie Belle, tell them."
The Thing about the Past~^~Two Years After the End of the War~^~ The recruits were whispering amongst themselves as their drill instructor came towards them. The pony was a mare, obviously crippled. She was missing her left eye and wing as well as using her remaining wing to steady herself as she lacked her right rear leg. Most of the recruits couldn't help but think it was a joke, even as the mare called them to attention. They didn't take her seriously until Princess Twilight and Princess Aon also came around the corner. "Oh, so your Princess require a proper attention stance, but your Drill Instructor doesn't?!" Scootaloo barked. Due to her better hearing in her left she heard one recruit mouth off. "That's beacause they aren't cripples." Scootaloo snapped her head around to face the recruit that dared call her out. "You, step out front, NOW! Staff Sergeant Pie, Gunnery Sergeant Pie, MCMAP gloves now!" Two other Drill Instructors ran forward, one to hoof Scootaloo a pair of gloves, the second pair to the recruit. Then Scoots dropped into a fight stance. "Come on, son!" The recruit didn't do a thing, looking at Scootaloo incredulously. "Reall-*CRACK**" The recruit didn't get a single word word, but instead fell back with a bleeding nose. At this Twilight stepped up. "Marine Corps rule eighty-eight, never underestimate your opponent." Then Aon stepped up, giving Twilight quick nuzzle. "And rule number one, don't fuck with the commandant of the Canterlot Marine Corps." ~^~^~^~ Aon was smiling widely. Scootaloo managed to get free of her recruits in time to attend the ball, and Luna, her and Twilight were enjoying themselves as they mingled amongst the ponies present. Aon specifically was trailing after one pony who she knew wasn't who she claimed to be. Once able to corner the mare, Aon did so. "Enjoying the party?" The mare jumped slightly before turning to face Aon. "Err, hello Princess." "Stow it , changeling. I respect that you fought against Nightmare with us, but I wish to know why you are here." Aon ordered. The mare froze before looking about. Once seeing she was clear, the changeling transformed to her true self, revealing the a alicorn-esque figure. "So, you figured out that Cadence was not the one to lead the northern assault." Aon just shrugged. "Cadence was far too sick when the battle started, and we only just got the Crystal Empire free of Sombra, so logically it wouldn't have made sense in any way. Finally this," Aon pointed to her makeshift horn, "some how lets me see you changelings for who you are. You have'nt caused any trouble, but you're the first I've ever seen at a fancy formal event." The large changeling appraised Aon shrewdly. "I am Queen Chrysalis...as for why I am here...I wished to see Luna again." Rather than get suspicious, the silvery mare gave Chrysalis the benefit of the doubt. "I heard there was a threat to her well being...and I'd missed her...." Aon nodded, noting a spark in Chrysalis' eyes, one that she had for Twilight. "Then go see her." The changeling queen kicked nervously at the ground and averted her eyes. "Let me guess, its been a while? I know for a fact as long as she knows you care, it should be enough." Aon assured with a kind smile. "I...but changelings are not well liked...." "I am." laughed Aon. "Come, I'll walk you up there. You can go say hi, and if anypony raises a hoof against you, I'll take care of it." Nodding slowly, Chrysalis went out on a limb, hoping Luna still felt the same way she had all those years ago. "Okay..." ~^~^~^~ Twilight and Luna were taking the time to talk amongst themselves when not bothered by some noble or another. Luna was dressed in an obsidian dress, Twilight in one coloured like byzantine. Twilight also had a amethyst jewelled patch over her right eye which she'd lost defeating Sombra. "Your dress is nice tonight but where is Aon?" Twilight laughed loudly. "Amongst the crowds, dressless. She can't stand formal attire and such." The two continued their chatting for a while longer when the crowds began to part and gasps arose. As Twilight stood to see what was happening, she was shocked to see her wife leading none other than Chrysalis up towards her and Luna. Aon was also making a point to glare at anypony who dared start to mouth off. Just as Twilight made to ask what was happening Luna stood and rushed forward, drawing Chrysalis into a hug. "Kit Kat!" shouted the alicorn joyously as she hugged the changleing. Chrysalis seemed to be in shock. "You...you missed me?" "Of course I did! Every night I missed the warmth of you against my side!" Luna smiled. Chrysalis just smiled uncertainly. "Does this mean..." "Mean what Kit Kat?" "That...even after all this time...are we still... together? It has been so long, and I...well I feared to come find you due to....After one jet black alicorn caused so much trouble, I feared I wouldn't be welcomed, and...that maybe you had moved on." the changeling admitted. Turning to Twilight and Aon, Luna looked from them to Chrysalis meaningfully, and the two unicorns nodded encouragingly. "It is okay Luna, Twilight and I can hold down the fort here." The alicorn smiled gratefully as she headed out to the gardens with the changeling queen. "So...what do you think of that?" Twilight asked giving Aon and questioning grin. "That...that was Luna finally getting something to go her way." ~^~^~^~ The assassin smiled slyly. Not only would he be killing the the mare that had caused the catastrophe of Nightmare Moon, but he would be getting the changeling queen too! As he watched eagerly as Chrysalis supped from the drink he noticed with some shock that the changeling retched and spat out the liquid. The assassin gave a gasp of surprise as the changeling first knocked the pitcher away, then turned to face him, hearing his gasp. Her horn lit up, and all the assassin knew was pain. ~^~^~^~ Talking amiably with each other, Scootaloo, flanked by Inky and Blinky, was relaying to Aon and Twilight how well the latest batch of recruits were fairing. "So aside from that first incident, they've shut up and done well. That first colt that challenged me has bucked up too. Turns out I'm his personal hero, so that's why he wouldn't take a swing at me. He just didn't recognize me because I have that fake leg and glass eye. Hate wearing them, but the pictures look great." Scoots laughed. Twilight nodded understandingly. "You'd be surprised how many ponies don't recognize me now due to my monocular vision. Or the stares I get..." "Only because you are beautiful." cooed Aon as she gave Twilight a quick kiss. As Scoots rolled her eyes and began to head out towards the crowd, Twilight turned to Aon, pain and regret in her dampening eye. "You still....I know you've told me to forget it, but two years ago, when you needed me the most...I...I wasn't there for you...why? Why are you always trying to help? Why when I left you to face Nightmare alone?" Throwing up a quick façade via magic, Aon turned to her wife and held her tight. "I told you it wasn't your fault." "I know...but ...I sent Applejack and Shining on that mission when they were caught...then Rarity...I should have kept a closer eye on her...I failed to properly check your ring...then Rainbow...Spike and Sweetie after that, followed by Pinkie and I...I never even saw the signs with her until...I couldn't save Bloom, or Shy, or Cadence...then I just hid while you got hurt..." Twilight began to shake from suppressed sobs as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I should have done something...but I just..." Aon wanted to roll her eyes, as it wasn't the first time this had come up, but she understood it. Instead she bopped Twilight on the nose and stood her up. "Come on, I know what fixes this. We're headed upstairs, and I'm going to rut the living daylights out of you. Once I'm done, I'm going to remind you that every single one of your friends is in a better place now and that they would be proud that you, Twilight Celestia-damned-mother-fucking Sparkle, held the cluster fuck that was Equestria together, then became its ruler. Once that's done, I'm going to rut you again because I know you'll want it, and then we're going to wake up, and I'm making waffles!" Despite her previous sombre mood, not even Twilight could keep her face straight as Aon exuberantly laid out her plans. "Fine, but only if you pull out the crop...I'm...curious." The blush forming on the lavender mare's cheeks could only be rivalled by the blood of the burst blood vessels in the eyes of the would be assassin as he was thrown through Aon's façade spell. Aon yelped, her baser instincts causing her to leap behind Twilight with a yelp whilst Twilight just stared coldly down at the stallion before casting her gaze up to find Chrysalis leaning heavily on Luna and Luna looking absolutely livid. "Assassin. Tried to poison me, instead Kit Kat drank first. Luckily it acts as a partial sedative for her, but the bastard poisoned my wine!" There are a few things that one pony should know when dealing with Luna, Twilight, and Aon. First is that Luna considers the latter two sisters, and they her. Next is that after what they had all lost, they were quick to anger when somepony threatened one of the three. Third is that Twilight and Aon can be downright cruel in their retribution, seen best as they had had Blueblood drawn until he broke in half and bled out. That being said, the assassin was now looking up into the eyes of two very angry mares. Realizing he was not likely to survive this encounter, and that his execution would be for all the ball to see, the assassin resorted to his final plan. He blew up. Setting off a unique charge that had been implanted into the pony, the assassin exploded, sending debris and shrapnel everywhere. Anypony close to him was thrown back and the room fell into chaos. ~^~^~^~ The ringing, oh Celestia the ringing. It was the worst thing for Aon. Not the spots that flickered in her vision, not the steadily rising headache, but the actual ringing in her ears. As she hefted herself up from the wreckage of one of the thrones she found that Twilight and Chrysalis were helping up Luna. Thank the stars for the wards on royalty, eh? Just then she realized that the wards were depleted to an obscene level. It was then that she looked around. The ringing no longer mattered. What she now saw was the worst part. The roof had partially collapsed and there were screaming ponies everywhere. Amongst the injured were many that didn't move at all. Aon had seen enough death to know that most of the still ponies would not be rising again. With a heavy heart, Aon moved to Twilight, Luna and Chrysalis before they began picking their way through the chaos, aiding everywhere they could. ~^~^~^~ It was supposed to be a good night. Her mum had never been happier, and her dad hadn't stopped smiling all night. They kept saying that it was 'her big day' and that even if the Princesses didn't know it, the ball was like a giant birthday present for her. It was supposed to be a good night, and she got to see Luna smiling as she had talked with the changeling. The filly admired Luna as she had brushed a wing against her, albeit by accident. Now though? Now it was all wrong, and the filly was sobbing fitfully while clinging to her mother. Her entire body hurt so so bad, but her mom wasn't moving, and she was so scared. Suddenly part of the roof shifted and nearly fell on her, and she let out a strangled yelp as it caught one of her hooves. Just as the second beam shifted and fell towards her a bright light filled her vision. When it cleared there before her stood Princess Aon. The Princess looked once to her mom, then to her, giving her a sad smile. Then the princess did something special. She reached out and hugged her, and then it felt like everything would be okay. Then she closed her eyes. ~^~^~^~ The Canterlot Marines were sifting through the wreckage, pulling out the bodies of the ponies that hadn't made it. A team of highly trained unicorns were working on finding evidence and Luna was standing with Chrysalis and Twilight as well as a diplomat of the dragons stood discussing matters. "-I understand that, but anger merely stirs fear Luna, and somepony obviously wants to call you out as Nightmare. Respond with sorrow and pain at the needless loss of life, and the ponies will always side with you, as you appear to care more for them than you do yourself." the draconian ambassador advised. Luna just rubbed a hoof on her temple as Chrysalis hugged her. "I get it, and your right. I'll make and announcement as soon as we get all th-" "Has anypony seen Aon? I haven't seen her since right after the explosion." Twilight asked suddenly. Everypony present began to look about, and it was only just as Luna was about to alert the guards did Aon finally come trotting out of the rubble, a motionless filly laying across her back. "Oh please....don't...don't tell me that the filly...please no..." stammered Twilight. "The filly is fine Twilight. I put her under so she wouldn't see anything more than what she'd already seen." Aon answered. "But her parents are dead." It was a blow to everyponys' gut. Despite surviving there were still things you never wanted to see. "I'm going to take her to our room, love, and let her sleep. I'll call in the royal physician as well." Twilight nodded and continued business. It was going to be a long, hard day. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud shivered slightly as she felt whatever was warm against her disappear. She was about to open her eyes drowsily and protest, but was quickly placated when she felt herself placed on something soft and comfy. She was just about to doze off again when she remembered a red flash and a bang and her mommy laying still and not waking up. Letting out a whimper, Rosebud felt tears begin to build up in her eyes. "There there, come now. I'm here, and you're okay, I promise." Opening her eyes, Rosebud found herself on a fancy bed, Princess Aon smiling sadly at her again. Knowing she was supposed to, Rosebud tried to bow, but remembered her mommy and daddy telling her what to do, and that mommy and daddy had been hurt, and she started to cry again. She felt Princess Aon hug her again and then climb up onto the bed. The Princess began to rock her gently and crooned a soft lullaby. Before she knew it, Rosebud had fallen asleep again. ~^~^~^~ Twilight had just entered her room and was about to crawl into bed next to her wife when she noticed that Aon was holding the filly from before protectively in her sleep. It reminded the lavender mare of a time that felt so, so long ago when her birth mother had done that, or all the times Celestia had done that same thing when she had nightmares. In that moment, Twilight couldn't help but think of what Celestia would do at that moment, and her answer struck her like a lightning bolt. Laying down next to Aon, Twilight resolved to speak to the mare about the filly in the morning.
Is That You can Never Forget ItTwilight had just finished reading through the papers and forms explaining just who the filly was. She'd already discussed her wishes with Aon and now just had to explain the situation to the small filly when she woke. Twilight couldn't imagine it being too hard, after all she was just a filly. As Twilight continued watching the fiery haired filly, she began to worry, as she did not truly know what to say. That was about when Rosebud woke up. The filly cast her eyes about, as if unable to remember where she was. It didn't take long before she placed her gaze on Twilight, who smiled fondly at her. "Do you know where my mother is?" And that was it. After all that planning, after all that bluster, she was done in by a filly who wanted her mom. She couldn't do this... "Good morning sweetie!" Aon called as she trotted up behind Twilight and placed a comforting hoof on her back. "Your parents are so very proud of you. Did you know that you not only one of the smartest fillies I've met, but you personally wowed Princess Twilight here, and she's decided to make you her own personal student. After hearing that the only thing that could have described the cinnamon hued unicorn filly before them was amazed as she suddenly did remember that she was in front of Princess Twilight and Princess Aon. She was about to bow like her mother taught her but was stopped by Twilight who nuzzled her motherly. "It is quite okay young Rosebud, you do not ever have need to bow before Aon or I, nor do you have need to call us Princess." Twilight stated a bit seriously before taking on a mock huffy air that Rosebud knew was fake before grabbing a quill and tickling the filly's neck. "Because that is for stuffy boring adults, and we're all just fun fillies here, right?" Some hour and a half later Rosebud was smiling widely as she munched on some pancakes. It gave Twilight and Aon enough time for a quick talk. "Are you still sure you wish for this Twilight?I saw your face when I came in earlier, you were scared." "I didn't know how to handle her. For a moment I only saw the filly that raged against the judges when she found out her parents weren't coming back, but Rosebud...her mind has blocked it." Twilight explained. Aon just smiled. "Then that is better for her. We will raise her as our own, and if she ever asks, or should the oppurtunity present itself well, we can disclose the information about her real parents." Twilight gave Aon a loving nuzzle and a quick kiss before pulling back as an eager filly scampered up to them. "So....what do we get to learn today?" Twilight got an equally eager look on her face as her eye twinkled. "Did I ever tell you the definition of friendship?" ~^~^~^~ Three days later Rosebud had taken to practically attaching herself to either Twilight's or Aon's hip depending on who was busy. From what both mare's had gathered, she still believed her parents live in Manehatten. It was on of the many challenges they'd been facing lately. The main priority at the moment though, was Aon finding lunch as Rosebud tagged along. "So...magic is connected to a ponies life? Does that mean doing magic can kill ponies?" Rosebud gulped, crossing her eyes comically as she looked up at her horn. "I promise you, I will never allow you near a spell that could hurt you." Aon promised as they entered the dining hall. ~^~^~^~ Tears welled up in Twilight's eye as she felt the stinging pain, one of the few things that made her remember she was still alive, along the inside of her right foreleg. Looking down and the bloodstained letter opener, Twilight yearned for more...to just feel it all again. ~^~^~^~ "The plan was a fucking disaster. First off, the poison was fine, and nopony would have cared if Chrysalis had died, but the bomb?! Who the fuck authorized that? We are here to save Equestria from shit like that, not cause it! Now get out there, and no more slip ups!" the cowled figure roared. ~^~^~^~ Twilight had just ensured Rosebud was off to bed when Aon stopped her outside the door. Twilight could tell that it was something serious. "The nobles disapprove. I ran into a group of them, and many think it is a ruse, or we have ulterior motives. Then you have some of his old friends, angry that their 'pedigree' foals weren't picked. With the business with Luna going down...now this..." the mare trailed off mournfully. "I understand...its hard...some days giving up sounds do much easier, you know?" Twilight sighed, but quickly moved on. "I got a lead though, so if you want to help me with that? I'm headed out tonight." Aon simply nodded as they both made for their room to get their armour. ~^~^~^~ Three hooded ponies convened in a darkened room. "Sprigs, the two will be out tonight, it is the perfect time to strike against Luna!" "T'would be a fools plan, Luna is with Chrysalis." "Radar, Sprigs, shut up. The answer is simple. Take the foal, make the two try to get her back. When that goes down, it should cause enough panic to get a clear shot at Luna." "But...Scootaloo..and..." "Sprigs, Scootaloo won't be a problem." "If we get caught though, and Scootaloo finds out! We were told only Luna! You're nuts, this is crazy! This is-" Sprigs fell to the ground, hooves twitching at his slit throat. "Radar, we move soon." ~^~^~^~ Rosebud awoke with the need to relieve herself. It was still dark, but she had never been afraid of the dark. She wouldn't even need to fear the dark anyway, she was in the castle. Pushing the covers aside the filly lowered herself from the bed and started towards the lavatory. Once finished the filly trotted back out only to run into a large dark shape. Letting out a startled cry, Rosebud fell back as dark hooves wrapped around her. "It's okay young one, it is just I, Luna." Rosebud immediately calmed as she hugged the alicorn. "Lulu!" Luna blinked for a second, surprised that the filly called her 'Lulu' before it dawned on her the Twilight and Aon had probably told her to. "You mo...teachers, Twilight and Aon, told you to call me that, didn't they?" The cinnamon coloured filly scuffed a hoof on the floor looking down somewhat ashamed. "I'm sorry if I'm not s'posed to call you Lulu..." "It is fine young one, I just didn't expect it. In fact, I think I might have to pass a decree that everypony call me Lulu. I do have a question though, do you know where Aon and Twilight are?" Rosebud shook her head and Luna nodded. "Very well, I must go attend to business. Sweet dreams young one." "You too Lulu!" Rosebud called back as she shut her door. Turning around the filly bumped into another large black shape. "Lulu? Wait, who are yo-" The rest of Rosebud's words were cut off as she felt a cloth shoved into her nose as a foul smell filled her nostrils. Then it was dark. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud awoke in a comfy bed, but in what was obviously not her new room at the castle, nor the one at her own house. Getting up, the filly nosed around the relatively empty room before settling next to the door where she heard voices. "So...she is a filly, and neither of us have gotten laid in a while..." Rosebud cocked her head to the side. 'Then lie down silly.' "No! We can't touch her! You heard what she said. Nopony touches the filly, hell, she already got rid of the other two for foalnapping her!" The filly's eyes widened. Where they talking about her? Doing as Twilight had instructed, Rosebud looked at the facts. ~She was in a strange room. ~The guards talked about a foal being taken, she was the only foal around. ~They weren't allowed to do anything to her. She then took those facts and begin figuring out her limits just like Princess Aon taught. "Anyway, I'll take her food and drink in, boss is supposed to be headed up in a minute anyway." Rosebud ducked behind the door as it opened and the guard came in. "Alright runt, here's your fo...hey where are you?" Wrapping the platter the guard held in a cinnamon aura of magic, Rosebud gave it a hefty jerk and smashed it into the guards nose. The guard jerked back and fell and Rosebud made to dart out of the room when the second guard grabbed her. "Ah ah ah, you aren't going anywhere." Rosebud thrashed about but knew she couldn't get free from the second guard's magic, noting him as a unicorn. The first guard got up with a bloody nose and moved towards the suspended Rosebud menacingly when the filly cried out. "You can't touch me! You're boss said you couldn't!" The guard halted and glared at Rosebud angrily whilst the filly stuck her tongue out cheekily. "Why you little shi-" What the guard meant to say was halted as a blast of emerald green magic smashed into his face. Rosebud turned, expecting Aon, but instead was met with one of the most horrifying faces she'd ever seen. Regardless the pony saved her, so she needed to be nice. "Uhm...hi...thank you..." The pony, seemingly a mare, 'smiled'. It was hard to tell because her face was scarred terribly and burnt and completely furless. "It is no problem. I had ordered your safety after all, and I do not wish to have you hurt, as you are not my target." Rosebud looked towards, but not at, the mare inquisitively. "Who are you trying to hurt?" The mare's eyes got distant for a moment before hardening. "Luna is not as good a pony as you might think..." "But Twilight and Aon said that Lulu was nice? You aren't going to hurt them too, are you?" Rosebud asked worriedly. The disfigured mare's face tightened harshly. "You know those two lie, right?" "Huh?" "Well, there is this picture..." Rosebud took it and immediately her eyes grew wide as disbelief took precedence over her face. "No....no...mommy...daddy...No!" Rosebud dissolved into tears as she looked upon a picture of the graves of her parents. "Aon said that they let me be the princesses student...I want my mommy and daddy back." The disfigured mare just laughed cruelly. "I told you they lie. Do you even think they care?" Something about the question gave the filly pause. Did Aon or Twilight care? Again using the two Princess' advice, the filly, despite her grief, mulled things over before answering. "Yes." "But they didn't tell you your parents were dead." the disfigured mare dead panned, bringing a flash of pain to Rosebud's features. At this point Rosebud's lower lip was quivering, and tears were slowly but surely beginning to overflow from her eyes. "I know...but they tucked me in, and they made sure I brushed my teeth, and Aon reads me bedtime stories. That's like what mommy and daddy always did, so I think that they wanted to take care of me. Then I wouldn't be alone." The mare just stared at Rosebud angrily before slapping her hard. "You will never have family! Your are alone and nopony will ever love you! Welcome to the real world!" With that she stormed out, leaving Rosebud on the floor crying. ~^~^~^~ Scootaloo was jolted out of her focus as Twilight and Aon, followed by Luna and Chrysalis burst through the door. In seconds the mare found herself lifted into the air and slammed against the wall by Twilight while Aon tried to calm her down. "Twilight, please, there are better wyas to take care of t-" "Shut up! They took her to get to Luna, and then there was this letter! Scootaloo knows something!" As Twilight raged she practically shoved a letter down Scootaloo's throat. Got the filly. She's safe. Sorry Scoots, plan got messed up. Narrowing her eye Scootaloo growled angrily. "Well?" Twilight snapped, "Where is Rosebud?!" When Scootaloo didn't immediately answer Twilight began slamming the crippled mare into the wall repeatedly. "Where?! Where?! Where?!" Aon quickly smacked Twilight's horn, breaking her magic flow and causing Scootaloo to drop to the ground. At this point Twilight had collapsed. "I have to get her. Can't lose Rosebud, can't lose them, not again. I see them every night, I can't, I just can't..." the mare cried, devolving into sobs as she lay on the ground. As Scootaloo got to her hooves she noticed Luna and Chrysalis glaring at her. "I don't know where the filly is. I will, however, admit to making an attempt on your life Luna. I ordered the hits, but Rosebud was never meant to be captured. I will go quietly and without further violence." Luna looked shocked to the core, and Aon and Twilight weren't doing much better as guards came in and escorted the Commandant to the dungeons. Nopony noticed Inky or Blinky in the group, or when Scootaloo seemed to bump into one of them, and nopony noticed or cared when the Pie sisters slipped out of the castle later that night. ~^~^~^~ Aon waited until Twilight was asleep before enacting her magic. Running a scan all throughout her sleeping wife, Aon eventually concentrated her magic on one spot and pulled. What came out was a blob of dark black magic pulsating angrily. "You've been hurting my wife..." "Yes...but I never expected to be caught..." "Bitch." "Now now, slave, is that anyway to talk to your Queen?" Glaring angrily at the blob, but knowing releasing it was too dangerous, and that it had been hurting Twilight, Aon did the only thing she could. She took the dark magic into herself with a grimace. That night Aon dreamt of terrible things.
Besides, You Learn from the Past"Enjoying the night so far? You know, I never revealed myself to Twilight, but if I realized you could have this much fun, well, my oh my what have I been missing out on?" "...Aon..." Oh, time for you to wake up slave....see you tonight! Hahahaha! Aon jolted awake and immediately threw up across the side of the bed, startling Twilight. "Ahh! Oh no, are you okay Aon?" The silvery mare thought about how terrible the night had been, then to how good Twilight looked this morning compared to other mornings and nodded. "M'fine, must've been something I ate..." Twilight seemed to accept the answer and skipped off towards the bathroom, humming merrily. 'Score one for you bitch, but score ten for me. Twilight is okay!' With that thought, Aon managed to find the willpower to pull herself from bed and walk into the bathroom as well, eager to clear her mind of the night's horrors. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud was carelessly drawing via stick in the dirt when the door opened and the disfigured pony stepped in. It was the fourth visit since the first, and Rosebud had taken to calling her Char(only in her head), short for charcoal. Yes, it was a nasty mean thing to say, but she'd hit her the first day they met, so Rosebud figured it made them even. The filly had realized she had a great grasp on wit, and was very good at a number of things. She could sing really well, she could draw really well, and she could make the ponies that bothered her storm out of the room really well. Char trotted over to her and looked down at the (masterfully) well drawn sanding etching. "And this would be?" Char asked, glaring down at an etching of two alicorns blasting another pony to oblivion via magic. "Well, since Twilight and Aon are taking care of me now, it is mommy and mommy saving me from a grumpy witch pony that foalnaps fillies." Rosebud declared with a sweet smile that she knew annoyed Char. "I even made a song for it, you want to hear?" "No!" Char snapped, "What makes you think that Twilight and Aon are coming for you anyway?!" "Because if they weren't, it wouldn't bother you." Char pulled back, but Rosebud had already scampered off a ways leaving the disfigured mare to swipe a hoof through her etching and storm out. As she went, Rosebud started singing the theme for an old play she liked about a goodly law pony. "In the eyes of a ranger, The unsuspecting stranger, had better know the truth of wrong from right. Cause the eyes of the ranger are upon you. And anything you do their gonna see..." Char was just happy when she could slam the door shut and walk away. ~^~^~^~ Inky and Blinky knew what they needed to do. Securing the magical inhibitor feild device, the two ponies set off for where they knew the two unicorns they had to find would be. ~^~^~^~ Aon had been suffering all morning. Rather than the more pleasant thought she usually had around Twilight, such as her soft lips, or the giggles she got when nibbling her ears, all she could think of was how easy it would be to snap her neck, or how to halt the mare's heart. It was starting to wear on Aon, and the mare had punched or kicked more than one wall to relieve her tension. 'What's to stop me from just ending my own life huh? And you with it?' I can move my essence to any other body in direct vicinity. If looks could immolate thing, the floor would have been incinerated. Instead she started trying to formulate a plan. It would have been easier if Twilight wasn't coming near her. "Hey love, how are you doing?" Kill her. "Uhm...are you okay? You know we're going to get Rosebud back right?" KILL HER! The pushing hurt. It felt like somepony was driving a knife into her skull, actually more akin to driving the mirror shard into her forehead, but still. "SHUT UP! Okay, do I look like I'm doing good?!" 'I'm sorry...' "Nothing is going right, nothing has been going right!" 'Please start walking away...' "So just...leave me alone!" Aon was now breathing heavily, but rather than having Twilight run off like she'd hoped, the mare tried to hug her. Throttle her! "NO! You don't get it Twilight! I'm done with you!" 'Please...please forgive me...' "You think this is love? I get it now..." 'This is the only way and I know it.' "No, you just wanted somepony to sleep with that it didn't feel like she was raping you, isn't that right? Its not dominating, so its good, and you can still get off." 'I'm so sorry.' "Essentially coping with unwanted sex by having wanted sex to make yourself have some self worth." Twilight jerked back, tears spilling from her eyes. Aon just did her best to keep her face straight as she turned to walk away. Once sure that Twilight wouldn't follow her, she teleported out of the castle before ducking down a alleyway sobbing, throwing trash against the building walls. Then she froze. 'You want me to kill? You want me to hurt ponies? Tell me where the ponies that took Rosebud are!' ~^~^~^~ Inky and Blinky moved stealthily through the halls. Already nine of the golden armoured guards were dead, and they were nearing their target. Blinky wrapper a hoof around the next guards head, holding his mouth shut as Inky used a dagger to rip a hole wide in his throat. Blinky dropped the guard and threw a knife towards the next guard, impacting in the guard's spine as Inky caught the first dropped guard. "Here're the keys Inks." "Alright, the door is here Blinks. They should be on the other side." Inky kicked the door open and Blinky darted in, only just missing taking a platter to the face as she did. Inky came in after, also just missing the backswing of the same platter. "You aren't allowed to touch me!" a filly growled from her perch on her bed. The two soldiers blinked for a moment before giving Rosebud smile. "Its Inky and Blinky, we're friends with Twilight and Aon!" Rosebud's face lit up immediately as she dropped the platter and smiled. "I knew they wouldn't leave me. Char said they would, because she says power make ponies hurt ponies, but I knew Twilight and Aon just wanted to be nice and take care of me!" Blinky readied her sword and took point as Inky lifted Rosebud up onto her back. Just as the three made to leave the disfigured pony slammed a wall of magic into the soldiers. Readying two swords, the disfigured mare made to dispatch Inky and Blinky when the entire complex shook from a massive explosion. Using the advantage of the mare being off balance Inky and Blinky pushed past the disfigured pony with Rosebud and ran. ~^~^~^~ There was nothing slowing down the enraged unicorn as she burned any walls or ponies that got in her path. Amethyst flames rippled over Aon's fur as she surrendered her will, if only temporarily, to the entity inside of her. As the carnage continued she felt every bad memory, every pain, every betrayal, rip through her mind, threatening to overwhelm her. Any attempts at regular thought settled into beliefs of death and chaos. As her fears and pains continued playing, the mare slowly descended into the depths of her mind, allowing the entity full control. ~^~^~^~ Rosebud was hefted up onto a stretcher despite her want to go to her room, but the medical ponies wouldn't let her. As she looked ahead she saw the Inky and Blinky being rushed ahead of her. As her gurney was being quickly pushed down the hall, she saw Twilight turn the corner and quickly gallop to the gurney's side. "Rosebud!" Twilight cried, nuzzling the filly in a manner she remembered Celestia used to do to comfort her. "I'm so happy you're safe!" "Hi Twilight! Where's Aon?" Twilight froze, a lump forming in her throat. "I know where she is!" Both Twilight and Rosebud looked up to see Scootaloo coming towards them. Then, from the shadows out stepped the disfigured mare. Scootaloo looked right at the scarred pony. "Sweetie Belle, tell them."
